Abstract

BACKGROUND: Elevated body iron stores have been suggested to be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). We examined whether elevated plasma ferritin concentrations as indicator of iron stores, affect the oxidative stress markers in a reproductive age women population. METHOD: One hundred sixty, 20-45-year-old women were randomly selected. We investigated body iron stores by measuring the concentrations of plasma ferritin. Furthermore, we assessed oxidative stress markers by measuring the concentrations of plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and activities of erythrocyte cytoprotective enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) in a random sample of cardiovascular disease-free women in reproductive age. RESULTS: Subjects in the highest tertile of plasma ferritin presented the highest levels of plasma MDA (p<0.001) and CAT activity (P < 0.05). Furthermore, these Subjects presented the lowest levels of CuZn-SOD activity (P < 0.01). No significant associations were found between the tertile of plasma ferritin in GPX activity. Plasma ferritin was significantly directly associated with plasma MDA levels and inversely associated with CuZn-SOD activity. Using multiple regression, Plasma ferritin levels was positively correlated with MDA levels and inversely correlated with CuZn-SOD activity. CONCLUSION: Our findings revealed an association between body iron stores and oxidative stress markers linked to atherosclerosis process. The results emphasize that iron overload would elevate the risk of coronary artery disease by promoting the lipid peroxidation.