D. Gackowski et al., Further evidence that oxidative stress may be a risk factor responsible for the development of atherosclerosis, FREE RAD B, 31(4), 2001, pp. 542-547
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.