The employee's productivity in the health care sector in Poland and their impact on the treatment process of patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: Increasing the engagement of employees in the treatment process of patients may benefit a hospital and employee productivity and may result in better patient care and satisfaction with medical services. Given this, the first step in improving the quality of patient care is better availability of doctors for patients in a hospital ward. METHODS: The research for this paper was conducted in six health care units in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian province in Poland. The research assessed how the elements relating to employees' behavior and things characteristic to medical service influence patients' willingness to recommend a hospital. RESULTS: Patients' perception of services is linked with the behavior of medical employees and their engagement in the treatment process. CONCLUSION: Our research indicates that individual employee recognition and collective recognition of hospital employees as a whole were identified as the most important factors in employee engagement in the treatment process (employee productivity) and patients' satisfaction with medical service.

Health behaviors of patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus and their influence on the patients' satisfaction with life.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) carries with it a number of changes to the patient's lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle, health and preventive behaviors, as well as healthy nutrition habits play a key role in treating T2DM as well as limiting its complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The aim of this study was the analysis of the correlation of T2DM patients' health behaviors and their influence on the patients' quality of life. The study was performed on a group of 50 patients from the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship. In this study, the Health Behavior Inventory and the Satisfaction with Life Scale were used. The results were statistically analyzed. The study was approved by the ethics committee. RESULTS: The intensity of severity of health behavior and satisfaction with life of T2DM patients depends on the gender of the patient (P<0.05). The analysis of the patients' behaviors in four categories, proper eating habits (consuming vegetables, fruit, whole meal bread), health practices (daily physical activity, recreation, sleeping habits), preventive behaviors (including keeping to health recommendations), and positive mental attitude, showed substantial correlation of the Health Behavior Inventory and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The categorization of the prohealth behaviors shown by diabetics allowed us to measure the connection between the individual categories of satisfaction with life. Males with T2DM showed a higher satisfaction with life score than females with the same diagnosis. The analysis showed that patients with a higher intensity of health behaviors also had superior health behaviors. The resulting correlations prove a notable relationship.

Evaluation of Stress Intensity and Anxiety Level in Preoperative Period of Cardiac Patients.

INTRODUCTION: The stress related to patient's stay in a hospital increases when it is necessary to perform a surgery. Therefore, the study of the phenomenon of stress intensity in hospitalized patients has become an important issue for public health. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study was conducted in University Hospital No. 1 in the cardiosurgery clinic. The study involved 58 patients who were admitted as planned to the hospital. The study used a standardized questionnaire measuring intensity of the stress and also deepened interviews with patients about stress and anxiety felt before the surgery. RESULTS: The greater the patient's anxiety resulting from his state of health, the greater the intensity of stress in the preoperative period. This relationship is linear. The results of the study also made it possible to see intrapersonal factors (pain, illness, and suffering) and extrapersonal factors (anesthesia, surgery, and complications after surgery), which are causes of anxiety before surgery. CONCLUSION: The research showed high (negative) results of anxiety and stress associated with the disease, surgery, and complications after cardiac surgery. Active involvement in hospitalization elements, such as patient education before surgery, psychological support, and medical care organization taking into account patient's preferences, reduces the impact of stressors.

Functional assessment of geriatric patients in regard to health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

PURPOSE: The main aim of our research was to evaluate general health, functioning, and performance parameters, as well as care problems of Geriatric Clinic inpatients in relation to deficits in fulfilling needs. The assessment of health-related quality of life was also performed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The research subjects were patients attending the Clinic of Geriatrics: 149 women and 78 men; 227 persons in total. The research was carried out using a diagnostic poll method, with the application of the Activities of Daily Living questionnaire of assessment of daily efficiency on the basis of the Katz index, the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living questionnaire, the Care Dependency Scale used to measure the level of care dependency and human needs, and the Nottingham Health Profile scale. RESULTS: The results showed that the majority of respondents achieved high and medium levels of functional capability. The main problems associated with the fulfillment of needs were difficulties with the adoption of appropriate body posture, movement restrictions, and problems related to participating in unassisted leisure activities outside the home. The general deficit in fulfilling the needs of the patients was low. The most significant problems were related to sleep disorders, restrictions in freedom of movement, loss of vital energy, and ailments resulting in the observable presence of pain. CONCLUSION: Good daily functioning of elderly patients significantly depended on their intellectual and mental efficiency. Elderly patients require a comprehensive, holistic approach to a variety of problems that occur with aging.

Independence of elderly patients with arterial hypertension in fulfilling their needs, in the aspect of functional assessment and quality of life (QoL).

Functional efficiency is the ability to be independent in fulfilling the basic needs of everyday life. Independence in meeting these needs is important to maintain a good quality of life (QoL). Chronic diseases affecting elderly people may, to some extent, limit fulfilling numerous needs, however, the acquired ability to live with a disease enables such patients to cope well with their needs. The aim of the study was to evaluate in the examined patients the independence in meeting their bio-psycho-social needs in relation to functional efficiency and QoL. The study group was recruited among hospitalized patients in the Department and Clinic of Geriatrics, 91 women and 59 men, for a total of 150 people. The mean age of the study group was 73.4 years. The research was carried out using a diagnostic poll method with the application of The Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy questionnaire (FACIT-F version 4); Activities of Daily Living questionnaire (ADL) of assessment of daily efficiency on the basis of the Katz Scale; Care Dependency Scale questionnaire (CDS) used to measure the level of the care dependency and human needs. The results of CDS for the study group were running at high level and were dependent on the marital status and age. No impact of gender, place of residence, education, material situation and disease duration was revealed. Similarly, FACIT-F scores were higher for married patients than for widowed ones, and they were age-dependent. Most of CDS scores were at a high level, which means that the investigated patients were, to a limited extent, care-dependent in meeting their needs. In the majority of subjects, the level of daily activities was high, which proves an independent functioning. Results of CDS were dependent on FACIT-F scores in the study group.

Care Dependency Scale--psychometric testing of the Polish version.

The importance of this study lies in the availability of psychometrically sound assessment instruments, which are of critical importance for the study of patient's care dependency and the provision of care to these patients. The aim of this study was to identify the psychometric properties of the Care Dependency Scale (CDS) by analyzing data gathered in Poland. The Polish research instrument was a translation of the original Dutch CDS. Psychometric evaluations were carried out based on a convenience sample of 216 older patients. A high alpha coefficient of 0.98 was obtained. Subsequent inter-rater and test-retest reliability revealed Kappa values between 0.82-0.97 and 0.64-0.86, respectively. Factor analysis (principal component analysis) confirmed the one-factor model reported in earlier studies. The analysis of the scale showed that the instrument is promising to be used in elderly care in Poland. The Polish version of the CDS permits comparison with results from earlier studies using this instrument.

Melatonin improves oxidative stress parameters measured in the blood of elderly type 2 diabetic patients.

An elevated oxidative status in the aging organism may be involved in the development of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Melatonin, a potent antioxidant agent, is essential for glucose homeostasis and regulation. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of melatonin supplementation on the oxidative stress parameters in elderly NIDDM patients. The malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD-1) activity in erythrocytes, the level of nitrate/nitrite in plasma and morning melatonin concentration and oxidase activity of ceruloplasmin (Cp) in serum in 15 elderly NIDDM patients at baseline and after the 30 days of melatonin supplementation (5 mg daily) in comparison with levels in 15 healthy elderly volunteers were determined. A significant increase of MDA level and decrease of SOD-1 activity and melatonin concentration were observed in NIDDM patients. Cp oxidase activity and nitrate/nitrite level were similar in both examined groups. Melatonin administration in NIDDM patients resulted in a significant increase in the morning melatonin concentration and SOD-1 activity, and a reduction in the MDA level and Cp oxidase activity. Statistically significant alterations in nitrate/nitrite levels were not observed. These results indicate an improvement of antioxidative defense after melatonin supplementation in the NIDDM individuals and suggest melatonin supplementation as an additional treatment for the control of diabetic complications.

Functional assessment and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of elderly patients on the basis of the functional assessment of chronic illness therapy (FACIT)-F questionnaire.

Elderly patients represent a significant part of all the patients in various hospital wards. They also suffer from many diseases. Maintenance of their everyday independence, treatment, rehabilitation and improvement of their HRQOL is the main goal of geriatric care in the world, and also in Poland. Performing a comprehensive geriatric assessment for each elderly patient to identify their needs and problems is a standard procedure. The goal of this research was a functional assessment of the influence of social and clinical factors on HRQOL in elderly people. The aim of the study was to assess the influence of social and clinical factors on the functional state and HRQOL in elderly people. The study group was recruited among hospitalized patients in the Department and Clinic of Geriatrics, 64 women and 60 men, for a total of 124 people. The mean age of the study group was 72.1 years. The research was carried out using a diagnostic poll method with the application of FACIT-F questionnaire. The results of FACIT-F for the study group were running at an average level and were dependent on age, marital status, education level and duration of the illness. Correlations were found between the FACIT-F results and the following expectations of the patients: treatment, rehabilitation and information given about treatment, alleviating pain, referral to social care, organizing home care. Results of FACIT-F were dependent on activities of daily living (ADL) scores in the study group.

[Time dependent effect of melatonin administration on lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase activity and melatonin concentration in the elderly patients with essential arterial hypertension]. / Wplyw melatoniny na procesy peroksydacji lipidów, aktywnosc dysmutazy ponadtlenkowej oraz stezenie melatoniny u osób w podeszlym wieku z pierwotnym nadcisnieniem tetniczym w zaleznosci od czasu suplementacji.

Oxidative stress and melatonin (the pineal hormone) are involved in the pathogenesis of aging and aging-related diseases, including essential arterial hypertension. The aim of study was determination of time dependent effect of melatonin administration on malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, Cu, Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD-1) activity and melatonin concentration in the elderly patients with essential arterial hypertension. The study was carried out on 11 patients with essential arterial hypertension (NT group, average 76.7 +/- 10 years), who were treated with thiazide diuretic. The reference group (K) was constituted 13 people without the chronic diseases (average 76.9 +/- 8 years). In the groups NT and K melatonin (Melatonin 5mg, LEKAM) one hour before sleep was administrated. MDA concentration and SOD-1 activity was performed before beginning of experiment and after 15 and after 30 days of the melatonin administration. Melatonin concentration was determined before beginning of experiment and after 30 days of the melatonin administration. Venous blood was taken from the cubital vein at 08.00 am. Melatonin concentration was determined in serum, and MDA content and SOD-1 acitivity were determined in erythrocytes. In NT group in comparison to K group non-significant higher MDA concentration (0.293 +/- 0.03 and 0.286 +/- 0.03 micromol/g Hb, respectively), lower SOD-1 activity (2591 +/- 304.1 and 2630 +/- 301 U/g Hb, respectively) and lower melatonin concentration (7.65 +/- 4.6 and 8.36 +/- 4.7 pg/ml, respectively) were observed. After 15 days of melatonin administration lower MDA concentration and higher SOD-1 activity: in NT group (0.250 +/- 0.03, p < 0.01 and 2757 +/- 299, NS, respectively) and in K group (0.264 +/- 0.03, NS and 3065 +/- 529, p < 0.02, respectively) were measured. After 30 days of supplementation MDA concentration further decreased in NT group (0.247 +/- 0.03, NS) and in K group (0.240 +/- 0.03, p < 0.002). However, after 30 days of melatonin administration in comparison to the results of 15 days the statistically non-significant differences of SOD-1 activity, either in NT group (2680 +/- 332 U/g Hb) and in K group (3012 +/- 417 U/g Hb) were observed. After 30 days of supplementation melatonin concentration increased in NT group (19.57 +/- 11.7 pg/ml, p < 0.01) and in K group (19.33 +/- 17.8 pg/ml, p < 0.05). The results may indicate on the intensification of oxidative stress in elderly patients with essential arterial hypertension and on the beneficial antioxidant effect of melatonin, already after 15 days of supplementation. This results may have indicates on the therapeutic implications.

Evaluation of selected parameters of the antioxidative system in patients with type 2 diabetes in different periods of metabolic compensation.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to evaluate some selected parameters of the antioxidative system in patients with type 2 diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-one type 2 diabetes patients took part in the study (39 patients with metabolically balanced and 42 with metabolically unbalanced diabetes). The control group consisted of 30 healthy people. The total antioxidant capacity of plasma was measured fluorometrically using phycoerythrin. To calculate the low-molecular-weight antioxidant concentration in the plasma samples, the duration of Trolox activity as a function of its concentration in the sample was measured. The activity of antioxidative enzymes in red blood cells was determined using the Misra and Fridovich method and Beers and Sizer method. RESULTS: The total plasma antioxidant capacity and the low-molecular-weight antioxidant concentration in the group of patients with metabolically compensated type 2 diabetes were statistically significantly higher than in the group of patients with metabolically uncontrolled diabetes. The activity of antioxidative enzymes was found to be higher in the group of type 2 diabetes patients at the stage of metabolic balance. CONCLUSIONS: The obtained results confirm the thesis of glucose toxicity and intensification of oxidative stress in patients with diabetes.

[Evaluation of some selected structural and functional parameters of red blood cells as oxidative stress markers in elderly people with primary hypertension]. / Ocena wybranych parametrów strukturalnych i czynnosciowych krwinek czerwonych jako markerów stresu oksydacyjnego u osób w z pierwotnym nadcisnieniem tetniczym w podeszlym wieku.

UNLABELLED: The aim of the study was to evaluate the degree of membrane lipid peroxidation, internal microviscosity, activity of both total and Na+, K+ membrane ATP-ase and markers of oxidative damage of membrane protein in erythrocytes of elderly people with primary hypertension. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The examination was performed on 50 people. The first group (HA) consisted of 15 elderly people with primary hypertension (mean age 71, 3 years old). The reference groups were formed with healthy elderly people (K1) (15 people, mean age 72, 4 years old) and younger healthy people (K2) (20 people, mean age 55, 3 years old). RESULTS: Membrane lipid peroxidation of red blood cells was significantly increased in the group of elderly people with primary hypertension (HA). The lowest level of lipid peroxidation was observed in the (K2) normotensive group of younger people. Erythrocyte internal microviscosity was significantly higher in the group of healthy elderly people (K1) compared with the group of healthy younger people (K2). In HA group additional essential increase in microviscosity was observed in comparison with K1 and K2. The activity of both total and Na+, K+ membrane ATP-ase was significantly the highest in the group of younger people and the lowest in the group of elderly people with primary hypertension. In HA group increased damage of membrane protein was observed that was indicated by the reduced -SH group content and the increased value of W/S parameter in comparison with K1 and K2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: The obtained results indicate that in the elderly people with accompanying primary hypertension the whole-body oxidative stress is increased, which may be indicated by structural and functional oxidative damage of red blood cells. These observations may be significant in the pathogenesis of hypertension complications. This observation may be important in the pathogenesis of hypertension complications in this period of life.

Effects of perindopril and hydrochlorothiazide on selected indices of oxidative stress in the blood of elderly patients with essential hypertension.

1. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of hypotensive therapy with a diuretic (hydrochlorothiazide) and an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (perindopril) on selected oxidative stress parameters in the blood of elderly patients with essential hypertension. 2. Studies were performed in 45 elderly patients with essential hypertension at baseline and after the 45th day of perindopril (n = 25) or hydrochlorothiazide (n = 20) therapy, as well as in 25 young and 25 elderly normotensive subjects. The following parameters were measured: systolic and diastolic blood pressure, nitric oxide (NO), carbonyl groups and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations, as well as the activity of ceruloplasmin (Cp) oxidase, Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD-1) and catalase (CAT). 3. The activity of SOD-1 and NO levels were reduced with age. 4. Compared with elderly controls, hypertensive subjects showed increases in baseline MDA, carbonyl group concentrations and Cp oxidase activity and decreases in NO levels and SOD-1 and CAT activities. 5. Treatment with perindopril, but not hydrochlorothiazide, resulted in significant increases in SOD-1 and CAT activities and decreases in MDA concentration and Cp oxidase activity. Both therapies decreased the level of carbonyl groups and increased NO levels. 6. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor therapy has significant anti-oxidant effects that may be important in the treatment of elderly patients with essential hypertension.

Production of nitric oxide, lipid peroxidation and oxidase activity of ceruloplasmin in blood of elderly patients with primary hypertension. Effects of perindopril treatment.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: One of the factors playing a role in both the aging process and the etiopathogenesis of primary hypertension is oxidative stress. The purpose of this work was to estimate the production of nitric oxide (NO), oxidase activity of ceruloplasmin (Cp) and level of malondialdehyde (MDA), the end-product of lipid peroxidation in the blood of elderly patients with primary hypertension. The influence of treatment with the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor perindopril (P) on the above parameters was also ascertained. METHODS: The study was carried out on 37 patients (69-91 yrs) with primary hypertension, treated with perindopril for 6 weeks, and normotensive subjects who constituted the two control groups: 25 (65-96 yrs--K1) and 23 (22-41 yrs--K2). Cp oxidase activity in serum, MDA level expressed as the concentration of substances reacting to thiobarbituric acid in red blood cells, and production of NO (concentration of nitrite/nitrate in plasma) by the Griess reaction were all determined. RESULTS: In the group of patients with hypertension, Cp activity was significantly higher than that in the control groups (K1 and K2). MDA concentrations in the erythrocytes of patients with hypertension were significantly higher than in the control groups and hypertensive patients had a lower NO (nitrite/nitrate) levels in plasma when compared with controls. In patients with hypertension, after only 7 days of therapy a substantial decrease in Cp oxidative activity was found, although the lowest value was observed after 6 weeks of therapy. Nevertheless, significantly lower MDA was observed after 6 weeks of therapy, corresponding to the values obtained in controls (K1 and K2). After 6 weeks of perindopril therapy, NO (nitrite/nitrate) was statistically higher in comparison with the values obtained before therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Results confirm intensification of oxidative stress and disorders in the production of NO in elderly patients with primary hypertension, and indicate the beneficial antioxidant effect of P.

[The influence of Q10 coenzyme on structural and functional parameters of red blood cells in elderly people]. / Wplyw suplementacji koenzymu Q10 na wybrane parametry strukturalne i czynnosciowe krwinki czerwonej u osób w podeszlym wieku.

UNLABELLED: The free radical theory of aging assumes that aging process leads to lost of oxidative balance. Oxidative stress induces structural and functional changes in red blood cell. The Q10 coenzyme is known as a compound which may partially prevent those changes in erythrocytes, due to its antioxidative properties and the important role it plays in the cell. The content of the coenzyme in human body decreases with age. The aim of the research was to evaluate the degree of membrane lipid peroxidation, internal microviscosity, activity of membrane ATP-ase and oxidative damage markers of erythrocyte membrane protein in elderly people before and after Q10 coenzyme therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The examination was performed on 35 people. The examined group consisted of elderly people (older than 65 years old). The reference group was formed with people at the age between 51 and 59. In both groups the initial parameters of red blood cells were evaluated. In the elderly people the investigated parameters were also controlled after three and six weeks of Q10 coenzyme intake. RESULTS: The Q10 coenzyme supplementation in elderly people produced the increase in the -SH group contents and reduction of W/S parameter. After supplementation of Q 10 coenzyme the decrease of lipid peroxidation products and internal microviscosity of erythrocytes and increase of the activity of membrane ATP-ase (total and Na+,K+) were observed. CONCLUSION: The obtained results may indicate the intensification of oxidative stress in elderly and point to beneficial effect of supplementation-metabolic therapy with Q10 coenzyme on structural and functional parameters of red blood cells in elderly people.

[The total antioxidant capacity and low-molecular antioxidant concentration in plasma of type-2 diabetes patients with different stage of metabolic compensation and concomitant diabetic nephropathy]. / Calkowita zdolnosc antyoksydacyjna oraz stezenie antyoksydantów drobnoczasteczkowych w osoczu u chorych na cukrzyce typu 2. w róznym okresie wyrównania metabolicznego oraz z towarzyszaca nefropatia cukrzycowa.

UNLABELLED: The experimental and clinical researches suggest important role of advanced glycation end products (AGE) and oxidative stress in pathogenesis of diabetic angiopathy also including nephropathy. It is especially pointed at by the research done on inadequately controlled long-term diabetes. The aim of the study was to asses the total antioxidant capacity of plasma as well as the concentration of low-molecular antioxidants in plasma in diabetes type 2 patients in different stage of metabolic compensation and concomitant diabetic nephropathy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 91 diabetes type 2 patients took part in the research (31 patients with metabolic compensated diabetes, 14 patients with metabolically decompensated diabetes, 14 patients with incipient and 16 patients with overt nephropathy). The control group consisted of 40 healthy men. The total antioxidant capacity was fluorometrically marked by means of ficoerythryne. The concentration of low-molecular antioxidants in plasma was marked on the basis of the time of free radicals scavenging by means of Trolox (6-hydroxy-2, 5,7, 8-tetramethethylchroman-2-carboxylic acid) of known concentration. RESULTS: In patients with diabetes type 2 the total biggest antioxidant capacity was noted in metabolically compensated diabetes group and the total lowest antioxidant capacity was noted in diabetic patients with overt nephropathy. The highest mean concentration of low-molecular antioxidants was noted in metabolically compensated diabetes group and the lowest in diabetic patients with overt nephropathy. These differences were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: In patients with diabetic nephropathy with the development of the disease significant insufficiency of plasma antioxidant barrier is noted. Diminishing of the total antioxidant capacity and depletion of plasma antioxidants noted in diabetes type 2 patients, especially inadequately metabolically controlled may constitute the essential pathogenetic factor of vascular complication in diabetes.

[Evaluation of oxidative stress parameters in diabetes 2 patients in different stage of metabolic compensation]. / Ocena wybranych parametrów stresu oksydacyjnego u chorych na cukrzyce typu 2 wyrównanq i niewyrównana metabolicznie.

Etiopathogenesis of vascular complications in diabetes is complex and multifactorial. One of the factors that is connected both with chronic complications of diabetes and intensification of oxidative stress is long-term hyperglicaemia. It has been noted that control improvement of glicaemia delays and/or inhibits the development of further complications. The aim of the study was to evaluate selected parameters of oxidative stress in patients with metabolic compensated or decompensated diabetes by means of marking in red blood cells of the patients in question the activity of antioaxidative enzymes such as: superoxide dysmutase (SOD-1) and catalase (CAT) and concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA). 61 diabetic patients took part in the research, 31 of which met the criteria of metabolic compensation whereas 30 were metabolically decompensated. The reference group (K) consisted of 40 healthy men. The activity of SOD-1 was marked by Misra and Fridovich's method, the activity of CAT by Beers and Sizer's method and the concentration of MDA in red blood cells was indicated by Placer et al. The activity of evaluated antioxidative enzymes SOD-1 and CAT in the erythrocytes of diabetes type 2 patients was statistically lower as compared with the control group. The highest activity of SOD-1 and CAT was noted in metabolic decompensated diabetes type 2 group. The concentration of MDA in diabetes type 2 patients red blood cells was significantly higher as compared with the control group. Significantly higher concentration of MDA was noted in metabolically decompensated diabetic patients comparing to patients with proper metabolically compensated diabetes. The obtained results confirm the toxicity of glucose. Long-term hyperglicaemia through activation of different metabolic paths leads to the intensification of free radical processes and attenuation of antioxidative mechanisms.

The markers of oxidative stress and activity of the antioxidant system in the blood of elderly patients with essential arterial hypertension.

We estimated the nitrate/nitrite, carbonyl groups, reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations and Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD-1), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (cGSH-Px) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities in the blood of 17 normotensive young subjects (mean age 39+/-7.0 years), 21 normotensive elderly subjects (mean age 82+/-8.2 years) and 38 patients with essential arterial hypertension (mean age 73+/-8.0 years). Our examinations showed that hypertension in the elderly is associated with greater than normal levels of protein and lipid oxidation, decreased nitric oxide concentration and an imbalance in antioxidant status (decreased GSH concentration and SOD-1 activity). The increased activity of GST compensated the decreased activity of cGSH-Px in the blood of hypertensive patients. Our study confirms that the degree of oxidative stress in elderly patients intensifies, especially if said patients have associated essential arterial hypertension.