Lipid peroxidation and the antioxidant protection system in humans exposed to hypergravity of varying intensity

Abstract

The effects of +Gz acceleration (head–pelvis) of 3, 5, and 7g (rate of increase, 0.03 g/s) on the intensity of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and the state of the antioxidant protection system were assessed in 14 subjects 25–45 years of age. The content of lipid peroxidation products (diene conjugates, malonic dialdehyde, and Schiff bases) in the blood of the subjects was quantitated, and the status of the water-soluble (catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities and total antioxidant activity) and lipid (tocopherol concentration) components of the antioxidant protection system was assessed. Exposure to hypergravity of 3g was accompanied by a slight activation of LPO, and further increase in the load to 5g resulted in inhibition of LPO, whereas no statistically significant changes in any of the parameters investigated were recorded at a load of 7g. Induction of the passive mechanisms of biomembrane protection associated with changes in the phase status of the membrane appears to be the most plausible explanation for the phenomenon observed. Further research on the mechanisms of compensation and control of the intensity of free radical-mediated processes upon the impact of hypergravity seems necessary.