DNA damage in lymphocytes of elderly patients in relation with total antioxidant levels

• Published in: Mechanisms of ageing and development 1999-04, Vol.108 (1), p.9-23
• Main Authors: Mendoza-Nuñez, Vı́ctor Manuel, Retana-Ugalde, Raquel, Sánchez-Rodrı́guez, Martha A., Altamirano-Lozano, Mario A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Ageing; Ageing, cell death; Aging - genetics; Aging - immunology; Analysis of the immune response. Humoral and cellular immunity; Antioxidants; Antioxidants - metabolism; Biological and medical sciences; Cell physiology; Comet test; DNA Damage; Female; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Fundamental immunology; Humans; Immunobiology; Lymphocytes - metabolism; Male; Molecular and cellular biology; Organs and cells involved in the immune response
• ISSN: 0047-6374; 1872-6216
• DOI: 10.1016/S0047-6374(98)00153-5

DNA damage may occur as a result of an imbalance between the production and removal of free radicals, a process in which age plays an outstanding role. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between total antioxidants and DNA damage in a sample of old age people in Mexico City. The sample included a total of 88 subjects, 15 males and 69 females, with a mean age of 65.5 years old (range between 60 and 79 years old), all of whom had lived in Mexico City during the last 10 years and had been diagnosed as clinically healthy. Results showed that 52% of the subjects presented DNA damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes which was assessed through an alkaline unicellular electrophoresis procedure (Comet Test), regardless of total antioxidant serum levels quantified through a colorimetric method (Randox Kit). Higher non-damage occurrences were observed in subjects with low antioxidant levels, a difference that was statistically significant ( P