The free oxygen radicals test (FORT) to assess circulating oxidative stress in patients with acute myocardial infarction

Background and aim: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in the pathogenesis of many diseases including cardiovascular diseases. Several methods have been developed for the direct or indirect measurement of oxygen free radical and its by-products. The current study was designed to validate the new free oxygen radicals test (FORT) and to investigate the potential relationships between ROS and clinical or biological factors in male patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Methods: We analysed FORT values in samples from 66 patients with AMI. Results: FORT values ranged from 324 to 1198 FORT units, with a median value of 581 (494-754) FORT units. In univariate analysis, FORT values were positively related only to LVEF <40% (p = 0.005), levels of CRP (r = 0.438, p < 0.001) and peak CK (r = 0.274, p = 0.028). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that CRP (p = 0.023), LVEF <40% (p < 0.001) and the presence of diabetes (p = 0.039) were independent predictors of serum FORT values. This statistical model can explain 45% of the variance in FORT values (R(2) = 0.45). Conclusions: The FORT is a simple tool to assess circulating ROS in routine clinical practice. Oxidative conditions such as inflammation and diabetes are the major determinants of FORT values in patients with AMI. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.