Correlates of markers of oxidative status in the general population

Oxidative stress has been implicated in the etiology of many chronic diseas es, including cardiovascular disease. However, limited information exists o n the factors that may influence oxidative status in the general population . In a random sample of the population of two counties in western New York, levels of several markers of oxidative status (i.e., thiobarbituric acid-r eactive substances, erythrocyte glutathione, and glutathione peroxidase) we re determined. A total of 894 men and 903 women aged 35-79 years were inclu ded in the study (1996-1999). In addition, a number of sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics and cardiovascular disease risk factors were mea sured. Age, markers of glucose metabolism (e.g., plasma glucose level) and insulin resistance (e.g., serum triglycerides, high density lipoprotein cho lesterol, body mass index), and postmenopausal status in women were associa ted with increased oxidative stress and reduced antioxidant potentials. Oxi dative status and antioxidant potentials appear to be significantly associa ted with a number of major cardiovascular disease risk factors; most of the m are linked to abnormalities in glucose and insulin metabolism.