Changes of superoxide dismutase and trace elements in different types of heart failures

AIM To investigate the changes of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and trace elements in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) or ischemic heart failure (IHF) before and after vitamin C treatment. METHODS Blood SOD and trace element levels were analyzed in 27 cases of emergence CHF and IHC subjects and the results were compared before and after vitamin C treatment. RESULTS No significant difference in serum SOD levels was observed between CHF and IHF. CHF group had much lower Se, Fe, and Cu in red blood cells compared to those in normal subjects (P<0.01). Plasma levels of Cu, Zn, Se had significant difference compared with those in normal subjects (P<0.05, P<0.01) before and after vitamin C treatment. In IHF group, Se, Fe, Cu levels of red blood cell were significant lower than those in normal subject (P<0.01) and significant difference was found in the plasma levels of Cu and Zu compared with those in normal subjects (P<0.01) before and after vitamin C treatment. Cu and Zu in red blood cell were significantly increased and decreased post-treatment (P<0.05). CONCLUSION SOD level can be maintained close to normal after vitamin C treatment in patients with CHF or IHF. Trace element supplement should be provided for disorder of SOD-related trace element in patients with serious heart failure.