Markers of oxidative stress in fit, health-conscious elderly people living in the Paris area. The Research Group on Ageing (GERBAP)

Lipid peroxidation index and antioxidant indicators were assessed by biochemical means in 193 healthy elderly volunteers (103 men and 90 women), ages 70-89 y and living freely in the Paris area. Lipid peroxidation index was in the same range as in young adults. Zinc, copper, and selenium levels were satisfactory and similar to those in young adults, though the range of copper values tended to be higher. Copper and selenium levels were higher in elderly women than in men. However, for selenium values this sex-related difference disappeared in elderly volunteers > 75 y. Copper-zinc-superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities were similar to those in young adults, with no influence of sex or age. Vitamin E and total carotene, closely related to cholesterol levels, were satisfactory. Our findings show that markers of oxidative stress are not influenced by old age when good health and nutritional status are preserved, as in this selected population.

[Reference intervals and biological profile in a group of healthy elderly population in the Paris region]. / Intervalles de référence et profil biologique d'une population de sujets âgés "en bonne santé" habitant la région parisienne. (Group d'évaluation et de recherche des biologistes de l'APHP).

The superimposition of pathological processes on ageing-related metabolic changes makes the interpretation of laboratory data difficult in the elderly. Therefore, in order to establish reference values of anthropometric, hematological and biochemical variables, we have carefully selected fit, health-conscious elderly subjects on the basis of clinical and biological criteria. We observed a trend for a wider range of values than in young adults. For some variables, the values were shifted down (eg: albumin, vitamin D) or up (eg: glucose, urea, cholesterol, ferritin), as a result of slow metabolic changes or progressive functional decline of different organs. The high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D was worthy of note, particularly in women, suggesting a high risk of deficiency.

Extensive laboratory assessment of nutritional status in fit, health-conscious, elderly people living in the Paris area. Research Group on Aging.

OBJECTIVE: Nutritional status-related biological indexes were measured in fit, health-conscious elderly subjects in order to establish reference values for people over 70 years. SUBJECTS: 103 men and 90 women aged 70-89 years living freely in the Paris area volunteered to participate. METHODS: Nutritional status was assessed by anthropometric and biochemical methods. RESULTS: Serum protein and amino acid status was similar to that of young adults, with only 5.2% of the elderly subjects showing transthyretin concentrations < 0.20 g/L, as well as decreased essential amino acid levels. Iron status, assessed in terms of serum and erythrocyte ferritin levels, total iron binding capacity and erythrocyte protoporphyrin tended to be satisfactory, but iron depletion was detected in 8.8% of the subjects. Serum ferritin levels were elevated in 19.7% of the subjects. Folate and vitamin B12 status was satisfactory, while hypovitaminosis D was observed in 48.2% of cases. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that, in aging uncomplicated by disease, nutritional status is similar to that in younger adults, although the range of values tended to be wider, with a higher risk of certain nutrient deficiencies.

[Proteinuria after infusion of gelatin. Comparison of Plasmion and Haemaccel]. / Protéinurie après perfusion de gélatine. Comparaison entre Plasmion et Haemaccel.

Modified gelatin are said without deleterious effect on kidney, an important proteinuria as been seen however in surgical patients after gelatin perfusion. A study in 15 patients scheduled for abdominal surgery compared the renal effects of two modified gelatin: Plasmion (gr P) and Haemaccel (gr H) administered in a similar manner. In the two groups proteinuria appears as soon as perfusion begins with at the third hour a peak which may be as high as 6 g/l. In the same time low molecular weight proteinuria (less than 30 kdalton) appears. The beta 2 microglobulinuria (beta 2m) is significatively enhanced (p less than 0,001). Albuminuria is also enhanced but without statistic signification. Comparison between the two groups reveals that in gr P proteinuria is of the same importance, but delayed, with a significatively smaller elimination of beta 2m (1,8 mg/mmol creatininuria versus 8,6,p less than 0,001). Enzymuria increases in a variable fashion. Proteinuria is probably due to tubular reabsorption inhibition of filtered protein induced by gelatin, particularly by amino acids arginine and lysin which become free after gelatin hydrolysis. If this phenomenon is pathologic or not is unclear and gelatin cannot be said absolutely innocuous. However this phenomenon must be known when proteinuria specially beta 2m is to be interpreted.