Are the thiol/disulfide redox status and HDL cholesterol levels associated with pulmonary embolism?

- Thiols are organic compounds that have oxidant properties.
- Low plasma HDL-C levels are associated with coronary heart disease and pulmonary thromboembolism (PE).
- This prospective study is the first to demonstrate decreased levels of plasma thiols in patients with PE.
- Also, this study showed relationship between thiol/disulfide homeostasis and HDL-C parameters in patients in PE.
- Correlation analysis showed a significant positive correlation between HDL-C and plasma thiol pool in PE.
- This study showed that the oxidative/antioxidative balance shifted towards the oxidative side in PE.
- Abnormal thiol/disulfide status and lower HDL-C levels may be important factors in the pathogenesis of PE.
- Anti-oxidation protection and normal or higher of HDL-C levels may help to prevent PE.