Effects of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status on peak flow in a population aged 59-71 years: the EVA study

Oxidative stress is implicated in age-related diseases and is a possible determinant in the loss of lung function. The aim of our study was to examine the association between blood indicators of oxidative metabolism and lung function in an old population. The relationships of three antioxidant indicators (selenium, total carotenoids and alpha-tocopherol) and of a marker of lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARs)) with age and height-adjusted PEF were assessed in 688 subjects aged 59-71 years (61% never smokers, 30% ex-smokers, 9% current smokers). Stratified analyses according to gender and smoking were performed. Gender, age, tobacco and alcohol consumption, educational level and body mass index were taken into account as potential confounders. Regarding antioxidant markers, PEF was significantly positively associated with total carotenoids in the whole group (P = 0.03), and with selenium among ex-smokers only (P = 0.008). Regarding lipid peroxidation, PEF was significantly negatively associated with TBARs in men only (P = 0.02). Consistent results were observed when analyzing quantitative values and quartiles of biological markers. Results are consistent with the hypothesis of the role of both oxidants and antioxidants on lung function in elderly. Research is needed to better understand the effect of former smoking in the surviving elderly subjects.