INVESTIGATION OF ERYTHROCYTE-MEMBRANE LIPID-PEROXIDATION AND ANTIOXIDANT DEFENSE SYSTEMS OF PATIENTS WITH CORONARY-ARTERY DISEASE (CAD) DOCUMENTED BY ANGIOGRAPHY

In the present study, erythrocyte membrane lipid peroxidation, erythro cyte superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and s erum vitamin C levels of subjects with and without coronary artery dis ease (CAD) documented by coronary angiography have been determined. Pa tients consisted of 42 subjects (31 male, 11 female) aged between 41 a nd 77 years and controls consisted of 35 subjects (21 male, 14 female) aged between 40 and 69 years. Erythrocyte lipid peroxidation of the p atients was significantly higher (P < 0.005) whereas erythrocyte SOD, GSH-Px activities and serum vitamin C levels were lower than those of controls. Our results show significant alteration in erythrocyte membr anes and anti-oxidant status of patients with CAD. However, whether su ch alterations are a primary cause or consequence of CAD and whether t hese alterations can be used in the diagnosis and management of the di sease needs further investigation.