Relationship between the level of uric acid and oxidative stress in patients with chronic systolic heart failure

Abstract

Objective To study the relationship between the level of uric acid and oxidative stress in patients with chronic systolic heart failure (CSHF). Methods One hundred and nine hospitalized patients from June 2006 to March 2007 were selected. Based on organic heart disease and heart function, they were classified into two groups: CSHF group (81 cases) and control group (28 eases). According to NYHA heart function grade (Ⅱ, Ⅲ, Ⅳ), CSHF group was divided into three subgroups. The plasma concentration of GSH and GSSG was determined by using glutathione reduetase recycling method (GR-DTNB). Redox potential (Eh) was calculated using Nemst equation according to the concentration of reduced and oxidized glutathione. Results There was significant difference between control group and CSHF group in the level of uric acid [(310.54±99.92) μ mol/L vs (499.09±168.04) μ mol/L], P < 0.01. Uric acid had a negative correlation with LVEF (r=-0.247, P=0.026), and a positive correlation with LVED D (r=0.266, P=0.016). The concentration of uric acid had a negative correlation with GSH (r=-0.328,P=0.003), and a positive correlation with GSSG (r=0.244, P=0.028) and Eh (r=0.309, P=0.005). Conclusions The concentration of uric acid increases in CSHF patients and has a correlation with LVEF and LVEDD. It may be a supplementary marker to reflect heart function and the serious degree of CSHF. The concentration of uric acid has a negative correlation with GSH, and a positive correlation with GSSG and the value of Eh. It may be used as an indicator of oxidative stress concerning its metabolic pathway. Key words: Glutathione; Oxidation-reduction; Uric acid; Chronic systolic heart failure