[Coronary angiography and change in antioxidative status]

In a prospective study in 53 patients with stable angina pectoris symptoms the antioxidant status (glutathione peroxidase, glutathione, superoxid dismutase, malondialdehyde and selenium in serum and whole blood) was determined before and 4 to 6 hours after coronary angiography. According to the results of the coronary angiography the patients were classified in a group with "severe" (n = 16) and another with "moderate" coronary alterations.

In both groups there was a significant reduction of selenium in serum and whole blood. The enzymes glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase as well as glutathione and malondialdehyde changed only slightly.

These results can be the cause of an increase of the formation of free radicals during coronary reperfusion (PTCA, implantation of stents in the group with "severe" coronary alterations) but could also be seen as a sign of formation of radicals by the method itself (in patients with "moderate" coronary alterations). Further investigations are indicated. Furthermore the amelioration of the antioxidant status of the organism by scavenger substances (vitamins A, B, C and selenium) should be discussed.