INCREASE WITH AGE OF SERUM-LIPID PEROXIDES - IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PREVENTION OF ATHEROSCLEROSIS

There is considerable support for the concept that oxygen free radical s and related lipid peroxides play a key role in the pathogenesis of n ormal senescence and of age-related chronic degenerative diseases, inc luding atherosclerosis. This has led to a great deal of interest regar ding peroxidized LDL, which seems to be more atherogenic than LDL. In contrast, the relationship of total serum or plasma lipid peroxides (w hich also have a marked atherogenic action) with both aging and athero genesis are not well understood. In view of the above, we have determi ned the level of serum lipid peroxide (expressed as thiobarbituric aci d reactive substances) in a sample of 100 healthy men and women rangin g in age from 20 to 70 years. Our data show that there is an age relat ed increase in the concentration of lipid peroxide, with men showing h igher or about equal values than women until about 60 years, after whi ch age women show the higher values. Our data also suggest that in cer tain men and women, aging is linked to a decline in the competence of the oxyradical-detoxifying mechanisms, which results in increased seru m lipid peroxidation. Further research is needed to find out if loweri ng the serum peroxide levels of aging subjects by diet supplementation with antioxidants will decrease that risk. An adequate intake of anti oxidants seems especially indicated in post-menopausal women because o f their apparent greater sensitivity to age related oxygen stress. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.