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Serum total antioxidant activity after myocardial infarction
N J Miller1, J D Johnston, C S Collis
1Division of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, United Medical School, Guy's Hospital, London, UK.
Annals of Clinical Biochemistry
|January 1, 1997
Summary
A declining antioxidant gap, the difference between total antioxidant activity and its components, indicates higher mortality risk following myocardial infarction. This finding aids in predicting patient outcomes after heart attacks.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Biochemistry
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Myocardial infarction (MI) poses a significant health risk.
- Assessing biochemical markers can aid in predicting MI outcomes.
- Total antioxidant activity (TAA) reflects the body's oxidative stress defense.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between serum antioxidant markers and mortality in myocardial infarction patients.
- To evaluate the clinical utility of the 'antioxidant gap' in predicting outcomes after MI.
Main Methods:
- Serum total antioxidant activity (TAA), albumin, and uric acid were measured in 56 MI patients.
- Patients were monitored for 2 days post-admission, with some receiving streptokinase.
- The 'antioxidant gap' was calculated as TAA minus the sum of albumin and uric acid activity.
Main Results:
- No significant changes in overall serum TAA were observed between admission and day 2 in either patient group.
- A notable decline in the 'antioxidant gap' was significantly associated with increased mortality.
- This suggests the 'antioxidant gap' is a sensitive indicator of prognosis post-MI.
Conclusions:
- The 'antioxidant gap' serves as a valuable prognostic marker in myocardial infarction.
- Monitoring this gap can help identify high-risk patients requiring closer medical attention.
- Further research should explore therapeutic interventions targeting the antioxidant system in MI.