Are the thiol/disulfide redox status and HDL cholesterol levels associated with pulmonary embolism?

Abstract

Background: Endothelial damage and dysfunction are risk factors for venous thromboembolism and are strongly associated with increased oxidative stress and inflammation. Objectives: The aim of this prospective case–control study is to evaluate relationship between dynamic thiol/disulfide homeostasis and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels in both patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) and healthy control. Methods: This study enrolled 45 patients newly diagnosed with PE and 39 healthy individuals. The diagnosis of PE was confirmed by spiral computed tomography. In both groups, the thiol/disulfide status and plasma HDL-C levels were evaluated. Results: There was no significant difference between the PE and control groups in age or gender (both p>0.05). The disulfide (SS) levels were similar between the two groups (p=0.340). The total thiol, native thiol (SH), and HDL-C levels were significantly lower (all p=0.001), and the SS/SH levels were significantly higher (p=0.009), in the PE group compared with the controls. We also evaluated the HDL-C and thiol/disulfide status parameters in the PE group. Correlation analysis showed a significant positive correlation between HDL-C and the native and total thiol measurements and a significant negative correlation between HDL-C and SH/SS. Conclusion: This study showed that the oxidative/antioxidative balance shifted towards the oxidative side in PE. Abnormal thiol/disulfide status and lower HDL-C levels may be important factors in the pathogenesis of PE.