Antioxidant status in Asymptomatic Hypercholsterolemic Subjects

Abstract

Background: An imbalance between antioxidant and oxidant-generating systems leading to an oxidative stress has already been proposed in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. In the present study, the antioxidant status in asymptomatic hypercholesterolemic persons was compared with normocholesterolemics.

Methodology: In this study, the antioxidant status in 30 asymptomatic hypercholesterolemic persons was determined and compared with 15 normocholesterolemic ones.

Results: Hypercholesterolemics had significantly lower vitamin E, superoxide dismutase and glutathione levels as compared to normocholesterolemics. Serum lipid peroxidation product, malonaldehyde levels were significantly higher in Hypercholesterolemics.

Conclusion: These observations demonstrate altered antioxidant status in asymptomatic hypercholesterolemic persons. Low vitamin E detected in hypercholesterolemics supports the hypothesis that vitamin E deficiency manifests in the early stage of atherosclerosis and might be the most sensitive parameter for this.