Abstract:

Atherosclerosis is the most common manifestation of cardiovascular disease. However the exact mechanisms that take place in its pathogenesis have not yet been completely understood. Free radicals and lipid peroxidation may play an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction also may be an aggravating factor in this process. Unfortunately all of the previous studies have focused on the atherosclerotic tissue. Our aim was to establish a relationship between the antioxidant enzymes and plasma nitrate as an index of whole-body, endogenous nitric oxide production in coronary heart disease and also the relationship between these parameters and the severity of coronary disease. Thirty-three male patients referred to the Department of Cardiology for coronary angiography were considered for this study. Fifteen healthy men matched with patients for approximate age were selected as a control group. Plasma nitrite, nitrate levels, erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activity were determined and serum lipid analysis was performed. Mean SOD and catalase activity in the patient group were significantly lower than in the controls (P

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