Plasma 8-iso-prostaglandin F 2α , a marker of oxidative stress, is increased in patients with acute myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of atherogenesis. The aim of our study is to examine whether the plasma 8-iso-prostaglandin F(2alpha) level, a marker of oxidative stress, is elevated in patients with acute myocardial infarction. METHODS: Three groups of patients were enrolled: (1) patients with no or minimal coronary artery disease (CAD) (n = 15); (2) patients with stable CAD (n = 31); (3) patients with acute myocardial infarction (n = 13). RESULTS: Plasma 8-iso-prostaglandin F(2alpha) levels were significantly elevated (p < 0.001) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (290.7 +/- 73.9 pg/ml) as compared to patients with stable CAD (182.0+75.7 pg/ml) and patients with no significant CAD (118.9 +/- 85.5 pg/ml). This remained significant after correcting for coronary atherosclerosis risk factors, age, extent of atherosclerosis, and C-reactive protein (CRP) level. CONCLUSION: Plasma 8-iso-prostaglandin F(2alpha) levels are elevated in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Endogenous oxidative stress may contribute to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and its complications, namely myocardial infarction.