Mitochondria of circulating white blood cells (WBC) and platelets sense oxidative stress during capillary passage and react by producing reactive oxygen species (ROS). Evidence indicates that congestive heart failure (CHF) is associated with oxidative stress; however, the role of WBC and platelets as mediators in CHF has not been investigated. In this paper the authors conducted an observational study to investigate the degree of oxidation in WBC and platelets in patients with CHF and healthy volunteers. Their data shows that in CHF, the proportion of WBC and platelets that are ROS positive is raised. The raised numbers of circulating ROS-positive WBC and platelets amplify oxidative stress in CHF.
- Alexander JJ IJsselmuiden
- René JP Musters
- Walter J Paulus
