Glutathione Peroxidase-1 Activity, Atherosclerotic Burden, and Cardiovascular Prognosis

Recent findings suggest that erythrocyte intracellular glutathione peroxidase-1 (GPX-1) activity is related inversely to future cardiovascular events. The aim of this study is to evaluate the association of GPX-1 activity to extent of atherosclerosis, as well as its long-term prognosis in context with atherosclerotic burden. In a prospective study, we included 508 patients before coronary angiography. Atherosclerosis of carotid and leg arteries was documented using sonographic methods. Blood samples were drawn after an overnight fasting period, and GPX-1 activity was determined in washed erythrocytes. GPX-1 activity tended to decrease with increasing numbers of atherosclerotic vascular beds…