Antioxidative enzyme profiles in fighter pilots

Levels of serum lipids and antioxidative agents are known to be important in people at risk for heart disease, but less is known about these factors in clinically healthy populations such as pilots.

We measured the activities of red blood cell antioxidative enzymes, total antioxidative activity in serum (TAS), and lipid concentrations in 229 fighter pilots in the Polish Air Force. Measured variables included total cholesterol (T-CH), as well as its low-density and high-density lipid components (LDL-CH and HDL-CH, respectively). We then calculated the atherogenicity index (T-CH/HDL-CH). In addition, we measured the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and TAS.

The mean lipid concentrations in the group studied fell in the expected normal ranges. However, only 22.2% of pilots had normal or below-normal lipid levels, while the majority displayed some level of hyperlipidemia (40.6% mild, 30.4% moderate, 7.4% severe). The mean atherogenic index was > 5. The mean activities of SOD, GPx, and TAS exceeded the upper limits of normal. Individuals with T-CH > 7.7 mmol x L(-1) had low activities of SOD, GPx, and TAS. Presence of normal T-CH concentration did not exclude an abnormal atherogenicity index.

Normal T-CH concentration in a healthy population does not exclude a concomitant increase in LDL-CH and/or reduction in HDL-CH and an abnormal atherogenicity index. Those who provide medical support to pilots should emphasize the importance of a proper diet, physical activity, and use of hypolipemic drugs when indicated.