Oxidative stress in ageing

Background: Ageing is characterized by a gradual decline in body functions and decreased ability to maintain homeostasis. The free radical theory of ageing proposed by Harman D states that ageing is a result of cumulative damage incurred by free radical reactions. Free radicals are highly reactive molecular species with unpaired electrons; generated in the body by several physiological processes. Prime target to free radical attack are the polyunsaturated fatty acids of cell membranes causing lipid peroxidation. The free radicals are neutralized by the exogenous and endogenous antioxidant systems. Oxidative stress occurs when large number of free radicals are produced or the antioxidant activity is impaired. The present study is focused to find out the role of oxidative stress in ageing.Methods: A cross sectional observational study was undertaken to assess the oxidative stress in ageing; by determining the levels of lipid peroxidation product- malondialdehyde (MDA), the antioxidants- superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ceruloplasmin in various age groups. 150 healthy subjects were selected randomly and categorised into three different age groups of 20-30 years, 40-59 years and 60-90 years; with 50 subjects in each group. Results were expressed as mean ± standard deviation.Results: a significant elevation in serum MDA level and a decline in SOD were observed in 40-59 years and 60-90 years age groups. However, an elevated ceruloplasmin level was found in the above age groups.Conclusions: Aforementioned observations are suggestive of an association between oxidative stress and the progression of ageing process