Plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), protein thiol groups (P-SH), reactive carbonyl derivatives (RCD), together with glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were determined in 120 CHF patients and 69 healthy controls. Increased lipid peroxidation (MDA) and oxidation of plasma proteins (RCD; P-SH) s well as downregulated GSH-Px activity were found in CHF patients compared with controls. Significant correlation was obtained only for RCD content and remodeling indices (LVEDV: r聽= 0.469, P聽= .008; LVESV: r聽= 0.452; P聽= .011). Cox regression analysis demonstrated only MDA (HR聽= 3.33; CI: 1.55-7.12; P聽= .002) as independent predictor of death, whereas SOD was associated with unstable angina pectoris (HR聽= 2.09; CI: 1.16-3.78; P聽= .011).
In the course of CHF progression, carbonyl stress is implicated in the LV remodeling. Malondialdehyde level might be a useful parameter for monitoring and planning management of CHF patients.