[The correlations between aging of the human body, oxidative stress and reduced efficiency of repair systems]. / Starzenie sie organizmu a stres oksydacyjny oraz zmniejszona sprawnosc systemów naprawczych.

The article presents an current knowledge overview about the importance of oxidative stress and reduced efficiency of repair processes during the aging process of the human body. Oxidative damage to cellular macromolecules (proteins, lipids, nucleic acids), are formed under the influence of reactive oxygen species (ROS). They are the part of important mechanism which is responsible for the process of aging and the development of many diseases. The most important effects result from DNA damage, due to the mutations formation, which can lead to the development of tumors. However, a well-functioning repair systems (i.a. homologous recombination) remove the damage and prevent harmful changes in the cells. Lipid peroxidation products also cause oxidative modification of nucleic acids (and proteins). Proteins and fats also have repair systems, but much simpler than those responsible for the repair of nucleic acids. Unfortunately, with increasing age, they are more weakened, which contributes to increase numbers of cell damage, and consequently development of diseases specific to old age: cancer, neurodegenerative diseases or atherosclerosis.

The influence of 9-day trekking in the Alps on the level of oxidative stress parameters and blood parameters in native lowlanders.

BACKGROUND: The stimuli acting on a person in a high mountain environment (such as hypobaric hypoxia with subsequent reoxygenation, physical exercise) can significantly increase oxidative stress, stimulate erythropoiesis, lead to changes in the blood count and participate in the development of altitude sickness. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to investigate changes in haematological parameters, indicators of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde - MDA) and antioxidant defences: catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and total antioxidant status (TAS) in the plasma of young, healthy people after a 9-day expedition in the Alps. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A total of 5 patients (4 men and 1 woman), members of the Wroclaw Mountaineering Club, aged 24-26 years. Collection of blood samples was carried out immediately before departure and 3 days after the end of exposure to high-altitude conditions. During the expedition, the subjects were exposed to heights: 2,050-4,165 m.a.s.l., and exercise associated with climbing. RESULTS: Trekking in the Alps neither caused significant changes in the parameters of red blood cells nor increased the level of oxidative stress parameters in plasma. CAT activity increased, the ratio of SOD / CAT decreased. There was also a decrease in the total number of leukocytes, mainly monocytes and basophils. CONCLUSIONS: 9-day exposure to high-altitude conditions is not a substantial burden for the organism of young, physically active people. The increase in antioxidant capacity is sufficient to stop oxidative processes, which are severe in these conditions, and to prevent the occurrence of significant oxidative stress. Discontinuation of exposure to allergens and dust pollution clears the airways, which is indicated by the reduction in the number of monocytes and basophils.