Glutathione defense system as a function of age

In order to determine the effects of age on the glutathione defense system against peroxides. Twenty four normal subjects are selected. Glutathione [GSH] in blood and erythrocytes, glutathione transferase [GST], glutathione reductase [GSR], total and selenium dependent glutathione peroxides [GSH-Px] and lipid peroxidation [MDA content] were measured. The results showed no sex difference in the parameters measured. GSH levels increased with age till age 20-30 then start to decrease. GSR and GSH-Px showed a similar pa tern of change at the old age groups. GST and MDA content were also increased with age. These results showed that GSH and its metabolism enzymes may serve as useful markers of biological aging