Measurement of oxidized low-density lipoprotein and superoxide dismutase activity in patients with hypertension.

Background: Arterial hypertension is an important risk factor for coronary artery disease and cardiovascular-induced morbidity and mortality. It can cause end-organ damages such as cerebrovascular diseases, renal failure, and congestive heart failure. On the other hand, because of elevated blood pressure and rapid blood flow, there is an increase in oxidation and peroxidation reactions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of oxidized low-density lipoprotein and superoxide dismutase activity in sera of hypertensive patients.

Methods: In this case-control study, 70 hypertensive patients without any other important diseases such as congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy, liver disease, diabetes mellitus, renal disease, or thyroid disease were compared with 70 age-and gender-matched controls. The participants' age range was from 30 to 75 years. Measurement of oxidized low-density lipoprotein in serum was performed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The activity of superoxide dismutase in serum was measured by enzymatic colorimetry method.

Results: The patients' mean age+/-SD was 52.2+/-14 years. The controls' mean age+/-SD was 45+/-13 years. The level of superoxide dismutase activity in the patients' group was 100+/-27 U/mL, and in the controls' group was 105+/-11 U/mL. The level of oxidized low-density lipoprotein in the patients' group was 14+/-4 mu/L, and in controls it was 7.7+/-3 mu/L.

Conclusion: Data of this study demonstrated an elevation of oxidized low -density lipoprotein in hypertensive group that may be the result of oxidation processes. Superoxide dismutase activity was decreased in hypertensive patients, which can be the result of elevated oxidation reactions.