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Allopurinol does not increase free radical scavenging capacity during reperfusion in coronary artery bypass graft
M R Tarkka1, S Kaukinen, P Holm
1Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Tampere University Hospital, University of Tampere, Finland. matti.tarkka@tays.fi
Insights
Allopurinol did not improve antioxidant capacity in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients. While it altered metabolite levels, total peroxyl radical scavenging capacity (TRAP) decreased in both allopurinol and placebo groups.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Allopurinol is known to protect the heart from ischemic events during coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).
- Its protective effects are potentially linked to its antioxidant properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antioxidant effect of allopurinol in CABG patients.
- To measure plasma total peroxyl radical scavenging capacity (TRAP) after allopurinol administration.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind study involving 27 patients with stable angina.
- Patients were randomized into two groups: allopurinol (n=14) or placebo (n=13).
- Allopurinol (1g) was administered before cardiopulmonary bypass and cross-clamping.
Main Results:
- Plasma hypoxanthine and xanthine increased in the allopurinol group during reperfusion.
- Uric acid concentrations decreased in the allopurinol group.
- Total peroxyl radical scavenging capacity (TRAP) decreased in both groups throughout the study.
Conclusions:
- Allopurinol's effect on reducing free radical generation was not evident in TRAP values, likely due to decreased uric acid.
- The observed clinical benefits of allopurinol in CABG patients may stem from its direct oxygen free radical scavenging activity.
Objectives:
Allopurinol protects the heart against ischaemic events during coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), possibly because of its antioxidant properties. This double-blind study was designed to investigate whether allopurinol (1 g), given before cardiopulmonary bypass and prior to the opening of cross-clamping, has an antioxidant effect in CABG patients by measuring plasma total peroxyl radical scavenging capacity.
Design:
Twenty-seven patients with stabile angina were randomized into allopurinol (n = 14) or placebo (n = 13) groups.
Results:
During 10 min reperfusion, plasma hypoxanthine and xanthine concentrations increased only in the allopurinol group, whereas uric acid concentrations decreased. Total peroxyl radical scavenging capacity (TRAP) decreased from the initial value at all measuring points in both groups.
Conclusions:
The reducing effect of allopurinol on free radical generation cannot be seen in TRAP values, obviously because the uric acid concentration of plasma decreases markedly. The positive clinical effects of allopurinol in CABG patients may arise from its direct oxygen free radical scavenging function.
