Reduced Glutathione (GSH) in Infarcted Rats

Cardiovascular diseases are largely responsible for the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) can be considered as the most critical event. Overproduction of ROS results in a condition called oxidative stress. Reduced glutathione (GSH) is considered an important antioxidant in the protection of the myocardium. Thus, a reduction in those levels may compromise recovery after periods of ischemia. The aim of this study was to evaluate GSH levels in infarcted animals. Ten animals underwent anterior interventricular artery ligation surgery. After two weeks, the lesion was monitored with an echocardiogram apparatus. Results were compared with control animals, and they indicated that GSH concentration in animals undergoing surgery decreased significantly (p = 0.004). In conclusion, myocardial injury directly affected GSH levels, depleting the body's main antioxidant.