Activated Oxygen Species in Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is defined by inability of the heart to provide adequate blood flow, oxygen, and nutrients to tissues and organs. There is now overwhelming evidence suggesting that oxygen-derived free radicals are involved in the pathogenesis of CHF. In vitro studies suggest that the highly toxic radical species damage sub-cellular membranes leading to the disruption in excitation-contractile coupling and eventually the dysfunction of the myocardium. In addition, these radicals destroy nitric oxide, a potent signaling molecule responsible for maintaining cardiovascular tone. Antioxidants hold great promise in minimizing the damage occurring as a result of the excessive generation of the free radicals during ischemia/reperfusion injury and CHF.