Year-end Sale % OFF 
Abstract
Aging is often accompanied by cognitive impairments and influenced by oxidative status and chemical imbalances. Thus, this study was conducted to examine whether age-related cognitive deficit is associated with oxidative damage, especially with inhibition of the enzyme delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase (ALA-D), as well as to verify the influence of some metals in the enzyme activity and cognitive performance. Blood ALA-D activity, essential (Fe, Zn, Cu, Se) and non-essential metals (Pb, Cd, Hg, As, Cr, Ni, V) were measured in 50 elderly and 20 healthy young subjects. Cognitive function was assessed by tests from Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease (CERAD) battery and other. The elderly group presented decreased ALA-D activity compared to the young group. The index of ALA-D reactivation was similar to both study groups, but negatively associated with metals. The mean levels of essential metals were within the reference values, while the most toxic metals were above them in both groups. Cognitive function impairments were observed in elderly group and were associated with decreased ALA-D activity, with lower levels of Se and higher levels of toxic metals (Hg and V). Results suggest that the reduced ALA-D activity in elderly can be an additional factor involved in cognitive decline, since its inhibition throughout life could lead to accumulation of the neurotoxic compound ALA. Toxic metals were found to contribute to cognitive decline and also to influence ALA-D reactivation.
Highlights
Age-related neurological conditions have been linked to oxidative stress, which appears to have an important role in the cognitive decline responsible for reducing the quality of life in elderly [1,2].Oxidative stress (OS) is defined as the imbalance between production of reactive species and antioxidant defenses [3]
Mean hemoglobin levels found in both study groups were within the reference range, which is 12.0–17.8 considering the minimum and maximum values for both genders and age groups [23], and no significant difference was found between the groups (p > 0.05)
The elderly group had lower aminolevulinate dehydratase (ALA-D) activity when compared to the young group (p < 0.01)
Summary
Age-related neurological conditions have been linked to oxidative stress, which appears to have an important role in the cognitive decline responsible for reducing the quality of life in elderly [1,2].Oxidative stress (OS) is defined as the imbalance between production of reactive species and antioxidant defenses [3]. The brain is especially vulnerable to oxidative stress because of its high oxygen consumption, high concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids that are highly susceptible to lipid peroxidation and low antioxidant levels compared to other organs, among other factors that can result in increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) [2,3,4]. These ROS are highly reactive and may damage biomolecules, which possibly leads to dysfunction or cell death [2,4]. Studies have reported that ALA-D activity may be decreased in chronic diseases associated with OS [4,11,12]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
