Aim: 

Oxidative stress has been reported to be increased during aging and in hypoxia. Low oxygen saturation has a key role in several age-related diseases such as COPD, stroke, ictus. Therefore, in this study, we analyze the relationship between aging, hypoxia and the activity of the antioxidant enzymes of erythrocytes.

Methods: 

We have collected blood samples from three experimental groups of volunteers. A group of healthy young persons (26,441 years average), and two groups of persons older than 75 years; one with oxygen saturation over 95% (no hypoxia group) and another one with oxygen saturation lower than 95% (hypoxia group). We determined the total antioxidant activity in erythrocytes and antioxidant defense by study of main antioxidant enzymes activities in the different groups.

Results: 

Hypoxia as variable as well as aging itself has produced important changes in antioxidant defense of these patients. We have observed an age-related decline in some of the antioxidant enzymes while the total antioxidant activity was maintained constant during aging. However, hypoxia produced important increase in glutathione reductase and superoxide dismutase activities.

Conclusion: 

These findings suggest that oxidative stress is an important factor to take into account in processes as hypoxia and aging since our results have shown alterations in antioxidant defense under both situations. Therefore, in elderly, where the hypoxia is a usual alteration, the antioxidant protection has to be strengthened.