Study of nucleotide metabolism and its interrelation with pro-oxidant and antioxidant systems in people of different ages

Abstract

The interrelation of purine nucleotides with the antioxidant system in blood plasma and erythrocytes with respect to age, as well as the contribution of key enzymes of the purine decomposition to the formation of reactive oxygen species, were studied. Fifty conditionally healthy people aged 40–79 years (50 persons) were examined. All indicators of the pro-oxidant system of blood plasma were shown to increase with age. Statistically significant interrelations between the studied parameters in the blood plasma and age of the examined persons were found. Relationships between glutathione peroxidase and adenosine deaminase/xanthine oxidase, adenosine deaminase and xanthine oxidase were also demonstrated. A significant increase in the content of products of oxidative modification of proteins in plasma and erythrocytes was observed with aging. It was shown that key enzymes of antioxidant protection, i.e., superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, were reduced in blood plasma and erythrocytes with age. The results indicate that an imbalance in the antioxidant system occurs with age in blood plasma and erythrocytes, and this process contributes to the development of pathological conditions by increasing oxidative stress, which is especially pronounced with age.