Effect of Homocysteine-Induced Oxidative Stress on Endothelial Function in Coronary Slow-Flow

Background and Objective: Coronary slow-flow (CSF) phenomenon is characterized by delayed opacification of vessels in a normal coronary angiogram, but its etiopathogenesis remains unclear. Plasma homocysteine (Hcy) level can severely disturb vascular endothelial function and may play a role in the pathogenesis of CSF. In our study, endothelial function in patients with CSF and their relationship with Hcy and oxidative stress parameters are investigated. Method: Forty-four patients with angiographically proven CSF and 44 cases with normal coronary flow pattern with similar risk profile were enrolled in the study. Coronary flow patterns of the cases are determined by Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) frame count method. Endothelium dependent flow mediated dilatation (FMD) and independent vasodilatation characteristics are evaluated by high frequency ultrasound over the brachial artery. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione (GSH) and reduction of oxidative material in the body and the end product of lipid peroxidation, malondialdehyde (MDA) are measured as oxidative stress markers in blood samples. Results: Plasma Hcy level (mu mol/l) of patients with CSF was found to be significantly higher than in controls (12.2 +/- 4.9 vs. 8.5 +/- 2.8, p = 0.0001). FMD was 7.87 +/- 2.0% in controls and 4.98 +/- 1.1% in patients with CSF (p = 0.0001). GSH was reduced in patients with CSF. SOD and MDA activity were found higher in patients with CSF than control subjects. Plasma Hcy level was significantly positively correlated with mean TIMI frame count and negatively correlated with FMD in correlation analysis (r = 0.58, p = 0.0001; r = -0.41, p = 0.022; respectively). Conclusion: The present findings allow us to conclude that patients with CSF have increased levels of Hcy and oxidative stress markers and impaired endothelial cell function. Copyright (C) 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel