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Free radical activity and left ventricular function after thrombolysis for acute infarction
S W Davies1, K Ranjadayalan, D G Wickens
1Cardiac Department, London Chest Hospital.
British Heart Journal
|February 1, 1993
Summary
Free radicals contribute to reperfusion injury after heart attack treatment. Increased markers of free radical activity correlated with impaired left ventricular function in patients receiving thrombolysis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Biochemistry
- Free Radical Research
Background:
- Reperfusion injury is a significant concern following thrombolysis for acute myocardial infarction.
- Free radicals are implicated in the functional impairment of the left ventricle post-thrombolysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of free radical activity in reperfusion injury after thrombolysis for acute myocardial infarction.
- To correlate markers of free radical activity with left ventricular function and coronary patency.
Main Methods:
- Measured thiobarbituric acid reactive material (TBA-RM) and plasma total thiols in 72 acute myocardial infarction patients before and after streptokinase.
- Assessed coronary patency via arteriography and left ventricular function using ventriculography and QRS scoring.
Main Results:
- Patients with a patent infarct-related artery showed increased TBA-RM post-streptokinase, unlike those with an occluded artery (p < 0.01).
- Increased TBA-RM correlated with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (R = -0.41) and higher QRS scores (R = +0.38).
- Decreased plasma total thiols correlated with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (R = +0.39).
Conclusions:
- Reperfusion injury mediated by free radicals appears to be clinically significant in humans post-thrombolysis.
- These findings highlight the potential impact of oxidative stress on cardiac function recovery.