Systemic oxidative stress associates with disease severity and outcome in patients with new-onset or worsening heart failure

Background Oxidative stress may be a key pathophysiological mediator in the development and progression of heart failure (HF). The role of serum-free thiol concentrations, as a marker of systemic oxidative stress, in HF remains largely unknown. Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate associations between serum-free thiol concentrations and disease severity and clinical outcome in patients with new-onset or worsening HF. Methods Serum-free thiol concentrations were determined by colorimetric detection in 3802 patients from the BIOlogy Study to TAilored Treatment in Chronic Heart Failure (BIOSTAT-CHF). Associations between free thiol concentrations and clinical characteristics and outcomes, including all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and a composite of HF hospitalization and all-cause mortality during a 2-years follow-up, were reported. Results Lower serum-free thiol concentrations were associated with more advanced HF, as indicated by worse NYHA class, higher plasma NT-proBNP ( P