Plasma Antioxidants and Lipid Peroxidation in Acute Myocardial Infarction and Thrombolysis

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the balance between prooxidative and protective mechanisms in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) throughout streptokinase (STK) therapy.Methods: Patients who presented to coronary care unit within 3 hours of infarction were followed. Blood was collected before, 2 and 24 hours post STK. Plasma lipid peroxidation was analyzed by a free radical generating system (AAPH) and malondialdehyde equivalents and conjugated dienes quantitated. Plasma vitamins A, E and β-carotene, were analyzed by HPLC. Patients’ results were compared with those from age-matched, healthy control subjects.Results: In 38 patients with AMI, baseline plasma antioxidant vitamin concentration was reduced compared with a healthy control group. Upon STK therapy, there was a significant drop in plasma vitamin E concentration. Successful reperfusion was followed by an increased plasma oxidizability. Plasma lipids were not significantly different in the AMI patients except for a l...