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Genetic contributions to plasma total antioxidant activity
X L Wang1, D L Rainwater, J F VandeBerg
1Department of Genetics, Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research, San Antonio, TX 78227-5301, USA. xwang@darwin.sfbr.org
Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology
|July 14, 2001
Summary
Genetic factors significantly influence total antioxidant status (TAS), a key indicator of redox homeostasis. Approximately 51% of TAS variation is heritable, with a stronger genetic effect observed in smokers.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
- Public Health
Background:
- Oxidative stress is implicated in diseases like atherosclerosis.
- Environmental factors affect redox metabolism, but genetic influences are less understood.
- Total antioxidant status (TAS) measures peroxyl-scavenging capacity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate genetic contributions to plasma total antioxidant status (TAS) variation.
- To investigate demographic and lifestyle interactions with TAS.
- To establish the heritability of TAS.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative genetic analysis in 1337 Mexican American family members.
- Assessment of plasma total antioxidant status (TAS).
- Statistical analysis of heritability and gene-environment interactions (smoking, age, sex).
Main Results:
- TAS levels were lower in women and declined with age in men.
- Heritability of TAS was estimated at approximately 51%.
- A significant gene-by-smoking interaction was found, with stronger genetic influence on TAS in smokers (83% vs. 49% in nonsmokers).
Conclusions:
- Plasma TAS is under significant genetic control, particularly in smokers.
- Genes influencing TAS variation are consistent across smokers and nonsmokers.
- Identifying genes regulating redox homeostasis could reveal predispositions to oxidative damage.