Correlation analysis of age with endothelial function and oxidative stress in the healthy population

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the vascular endothelial function and oxidative stress level in the healthy population, and to provide evidence for preliminary nursing care regarding abnormal endothelial function in healthy people. Methods A total of 296 healthy people who had physical examination in Beijing Hospital from March to October 2016 were selected in this study using convenience sampling. The participants were divided into the youth group (30-44 years old) , middle-aged group (45-59 years old) and elderly group (60-79 years old) . The routine biochemical indexes, blood nitric oxide (NO) , blood endothelin (ET-1) , blood malondialdehyde (MDA) , blood superoxide dismutase (SOD) , and brachial artery flow mediated endothelium dependent vasodilatation function (FMEDD) were measured for the participants. Results There were significant differences in FMEDD, NO and SOD among different age groups (P<0.05) . The age was negatively correlated with fasting FMEDD, NO and SOD (r=-0.767 8, -0.465 2, -0.625 0; P<0.05) . However, a positive correlation was found between age and ET-1 and MDA (r= 0.112 6, 0.095 7; P<0.05) . Conclusions The vascular endothelial function and antioxidant stress index decrease with age in the healthy population. The decline of vascular endothelial function in the elderly over 60 years old should be concerned. The elderly people should strictly control their blood pressure, blood glucose, blood lipid and other risk factors for vascular endothelial function to prevent endothelial dysfunction in the early stage, especially in people who have no history of hypertension, diabetes, or hyperlipidemia. Key words: Age groups; Vascular endothelial function; Oxidative stress