Further evidence that oxidative stress may be a risk factor responsible for the development of atherosclerosis

There are numerous data suggesting that oxidative stress may be involved in the development of atherosclerosis. Therefore, in the present study we mea sured the amount of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG), one of the typic al biomarkers of oxidative stress, in DNA isolated from lymphocytes of the patients and in the control group. Levels of antioxidant vitamins (A, C, an d E) and intracellular labile iron pool (LIP), which can influence oxidativ e stress, were also determined. Blood samples were obtained from a control group of 55 healthy persons and from 43 atherosclerotic patients. 8-OH-dG a nd the vitamin levels were measured by high-performance liquid chromatograp hy. Labile iron pool in lymphocytes was analyzed by fluorescent assay. The levels of 8-OH-dG and LIP were significantly higher and vitamin C concentra tion was significantly lower in the patient group than in the control group . The rest of the analyzed parameters do not significantly differ between t he groups. A lower concentration of vitamin C and higher levels of labile i ron pool in a group of atherosclerotic patients when compared with the cont rol group may lead to oxidative stress, which is manifested by a higher lev el of 8-OH-dG in blood lymphocytes. All these factors may create an environ ment that promotes the development of atherosclerosis. (C) 2001 Elsevier Sc ience Inc.