There is considerable support for the concept that
oxygen free radicals and related
lipid peroxides play a key role in the pathogenesis of normal senescence and of age-related chronic degenerative diseases, including
atherosclerosis. This has led to a great deal of interest regarding peroxidized
LDL, which seems to be more atherogenic than
LDL. In contrast, the relationship of total serum or plasma
lipid peroxides (which also have a marked atherogenic action) with both aging and
atherogenesis are not well understood. In view of the above, we have determined the level of serum
lipid peroxide (expressed as
thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) in a sample of 100 healthy men and women ranging in age from 20 to 70 years. Our data show that there is an age related increase in the concentration of
lipid peroxide, with men showing higher or about equal values than women until about 60 years, after which age women show the higher values. Our data also suggest that in certain men and women, aging is linked to a decline in the competence of the oxyradical-detoxifying mechanisms, which results in increased serum lipid peroxidation. Further research is needed to find out if lowering the serum
peroxide levels of aging subjects by diet supplementation with
antioxidants will decrease that risk. An adequate intake of
antioxidants seems especially indicated in post-menopausal women because of their apparent greater sensitivity to age related
oxygen stress.