Lithium and zinc levels along with oxidative status in myocardial infarction: A case-control study

Abstract

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) and myocardial infarction (MI) are the most prevalent diseases globally. While several risk factors for MI are well assessed, the influence of trace elements on MI has not been thoroughly studied. This study aimed to evaluate lithium (Li) and zinc (Zn) levels in MI patients and healthy control and assess their relationship with oxidative stress (OS) parameters, such as nitric oxide (NO) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Methods: This case-control study was performed on 182 patients with MI and 83 healthy subjects at Shafa Hospital in Kerman, Iran. MI patients were divided into two groups based on the angiography results: those with coronary artery block above 50 % (CAB >50 %, n = 92) and those with coronary artery block below 50 % (CAB 50 % and CAB 50 % group. In the Zn levels evaluation, higher concentration was seen in the CAB >50 % group compared to the CAB 50 % (Li < 167 ng/mL), and Zn ≥ 1810 μg/mL increased disease severity. Conclusion: Our investigation revealed that Li had a protective effect against CAD by decreasing OS and increasing EF%. However, Zn at concentrations higher than 1810 μg/mL was found to be cytotoxic and increased the risk of MI through increased OS. Taken togather, it could be concluded that Li supplementation may decrease the risk of CAD.

Keywords

• Zinc
• Lithium
• Myocardial infarction
• Nitric oxide
• Oxidative stress