Increased plasma thioredoxin in patients with acute myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS: Thioredoxin is an important biomarker for oxidative stress. We investigated whether thioredoxin levels were elevated in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and were associated with the results of coronary reperfusion. METHODS: The present study determined plasma thioredoxin levels in 51 patients with AMI, 30 patients with stable exertional angina (SEA), and 30 patients with chest pain syndrome (CPS). Plasma sampling was performed on admission, at 12 h, 1 week, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks in patients with AMI, and after admission in patients with SEA and CPS. RESULTS: Plasma thioredoxin levels on admission were higher in patients with AMI than in those with SEA and CPS. Plasma thioredoxin levels in patients with AMI were decreased in 12 h without further change thereafter. However, thioredoxin levels in patients with AMI remained higher than in those with SEA. In multivariate analysis, higher levels of thioredoxin on admission were a risk factor for failure in emergent reperfusion therapy in patients with AMI independent of other factors. CONCLUSION: Plasma thioredoxin levels are elevated in patients with AMI, and higher thioredoxin levels may predict subsequent failed coronary reperfusion therapy in patients with AMI.