Role of oxidative stress biomarkers in cardiovascular diseases in Pakistani population
Submission: 01 November 2025 | Acceptance: 20 January 2026 | Publication: 09 April 2026
Rimsha Kanwal
Senior Demonstrator, Shahida Islam Medical and Dental College, Lodhran
ABSTRACT:
Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remained a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with an increasing burden observed in the Pakistani population. Oxidative stress had been identified as a key contributor in the pathogenesis of CVDs through endothelial dysfunction, lipid peroxidation, and inflammatory processes. Biomarkers of oxidative stress were considered valuable tools for understanding disease progression and risk stratification.
Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the role of oxidative stress biomarkers in patients with cardiovascular diseases in the Pakistani population.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, from March 2025 to February 2026. A total of 110 participants were enrolled, including diagnosed CVD patients and healthy controls. Blood samples were collected to measure oxidative stress biomarkers, including malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Statistical analysis was performed to compare biomarker levels between groups and assess their association with disease severity.
Results: The study found that levels of MDA were significantly elevated in patients with cardiovascular diseases compared to controls (p < 0.001), indicating increased lipid peroxidation. Conversely, antioxidant enzymes such as SOD and GPx were significantly reduced in CVD patients (p < 0.01). A strong correlation was observed between elevated oxidative stress markers and the severity of cardiovascular conditions, including hypertension and ischemic heart disease.
Conclusion: Oxidative stress biomarkers played a significant role in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases in the Pakistani population. Elevated oxidative markers and reduced antioxidant defenses were associated with disease presence and severity, suggesting their potential utility in early diagnosis and risk assessment.
Keywords: Oxidative stress, Cardiovascular diseases, Malondialdehyde, Superoxide dismutase, Glutathione peroxidase, Pakistan, Biomarkers.