ANTIOXIDANT STATUS IN ASYMPTOMATIC HYPERCHOLSTEROLEMIC SUBJECTS

Background: An imbalance between antioxidant and oxidant-generating systems leading to an oxidative stress has already been proposed in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. In the present study, the antioxi- dant status in asymptomatic hypercholesterolemic persons was compared with normocholesterolemics.Methodology: In this study, the antioxidant status in 30 asymptomatic hypercholesterolemic persons was determined and compared with 15 normocholesterolemic ones.Results: Hypercholesterolemics had significantly lower vitamin E, superoxide dismutase and glutathione levels as compared to normocholesterolemics. Serum lipid peroxidation product, malonaldehyde levels were significantly higher in Hypercholesterolemics.Conclusion: These observations demonstrate altered antioxidant status in asymptomatic hypercholester- olemic persons. Low vitamin E detected in hypercholesterolemics supports the hypothesis that vitamin E deficiency manifests in the early stage of atherosclerosis and might be the most sensitive parameter for this