MARKERS OF OXIDATIVE STRESS IN FIT, HEALTH-CONSCIOUS ELDERLY PEOPLE LIVING IN THE PARIS AREA

Lipid peroxidation index and antioxidant indicators were assessed by b iochemical means in 193 healthy elderly volunteers (103 men and 90 wom en), ages 70-89 y and living freely in the Paris area. Lipid peroxidat ion index was in the same range as in young adults. Zinc, copper, and selenium levels were satisfactory and similar to those in young adults , though the range of copper values tended to be higher. Copper and se lenium levels were higher in elderly women than in men. However, for s elenium values this sex-related difference disappeared in elderly volu nteers > 75 y. Copper-zinc-Superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxi dase activities were similar to those in young adults, with no influen ce of sex or age. Vitamin E and total carotene, closely related to cho lesterol levels, were satisfactory. Our findings show that markers of oxidative stress are not influenced by old age when good health and nu tritional status are preserved, as in this selected population. (C) El sevier Science Inc. 1997.