Aim: 

Oxidative stress and inflammation play an important role in the deleterious effect of ageing in the human cardiovascular system. In this study we tried to identify what of the variables associated to cardiovascular risk are better related with oxidative stress, in a wide range of age population.

Methods: 

The study population included essentially healthy subjects (n=160; age range: 18-84 years) living in the metropolitan area of Murcia (Spain). General blood biochemical variables, arterial blood pressure and anthropometrical data, as well as plasma concentration of the oxidative stress and inflammation markers, myeloperoxidase (MPO, EIA), C-reactive protein ultrasensitive (hsCRP; EIA), and malondialdehyde (MDA; HPLC) were measured. It was also collected information about personal habits of the subjects (smoking, alcohol and diet). Interactions between variables were calculated by correlation (Pearson or Spearman) and multiple regression analyses.

Results: 

CRP, MPO and MDA were associated to triglycerides and/or total cholesterol. Multiple regression tests indicated that body mass index was the most influential factor on the lipids variables.

Conclusion: 

To higher blood concentration of triglycerides and total cholesterol more oxidative stress and inflammation of human ageing cardiovascular system. Body mass index may be a good marker of this association.