Dynamics of oxidative status in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

Abstract

Introduction : Studies have established oxidative disorders in persistent and permanent atrial fibrillation. Our aim was to investigate oxidative status still in the early hours of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) and monitor its changes after sinus rhythm (SR) restoration. Material and Methods : Levels of malondialdehyde and total glutathione were determined in plasma (Pl-MDA; Pl-GSH) and erythrocytes (Er-MDA; Er-GSH) together with erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity (GSH-Px) in 51 patients (59.84±1.6 years, 26 males). Markers were investigated upon hospital admission, 24 hours and 28 days after SR restoration. They were also determined in 52 healthy subjects (59.50±1.46 years, 26 males). Results : Mean AF duration prior to hospitalization was 8.14±0.76 hours. Upon admission, Pl-MDA and Er-MDA were significantly increased (p 0.05). Conclusion : Disorder of oxidative status is detected in the early hours of PAF, which persists after SR restoration. Oxidative balance is restored slowly with time. This specific dynamics of oxidative status is most likely related to AF clinical course, namely to its manifestation and recurrences.