Erythrocyte superoxide dismutase, serum total antioxidant status in advanced atherosclerotic Syrian men

ABSTRACT

Oxygen - derived free radicals are very important mediators of cell injury and apoptosis. They are involved in a wide variety of clinical disorders, for example such as atherosclerosis. In the present study, we measured a marker of blood antioxidant status [serum total antioxidant TAS] and red blood cells superoxide dismutase [RBC[s] - SOD], in 89 patients with advanced Coronary atherosclerosis and 65 apparently healthy, age - and smoking status-matched controls. Serum total antioxidant status and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase concentrations were significantly decreased in patient's group [P < 0.0005]. These results suggest an increase in free radicals generation and a simultaneous decrease in the production of antioxidants occur in atherosclerotic patients