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Published on: February 25, 2016
Alterations in plasma nitric oxide during aging in humans
Pawan Kumar Maurya1, Syed Ibrahim Rizvi
1Department of Biochemistry, University of Allahabad, Allahabad 211002 India.
Plasma nitric oxide (NO) levels increase with age and correlate positively with antioxidant capacity. This suggests elevated NO may contribute to age-related oxidative stress.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Gerontology
- Oxidative Stress Research
Background:
- Nitric oxide (NO) is a signaling molecule, but can form toxic reactive species with superoxide radicals.
- These reactive species include peroxynitrite and hydroxyl radicals, contributing to cellular damage.
- Aging is associated with increased oxidative stress and altered redox balance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between plasma nitric oxide (NO) levels and human aging.
- To determine the correlation between plasma NO concentrations and total antioxidant capacity.
- To explore the potential role of NO in age-associated oxidative stress.
Main Methods:
- Plasma samples were collected from human subjects across different age groups.
- Nitric oxide (NO) levels in plasma were quantified.
- Total antioxidant capacity of the plasma was measured.
Main Results:
- A significant positive correlation was observed between plasma NO levels and chronological human age.
- Plasma NO levels demonstrated a positive correlation with the total antioxidant potential of the plasma.
- The study found a trend towards increased NO with advancing age.
Conclusions:
- Plasma nitric oxide levels increase with age in humans.
- Elevated plasma NO is associated with higher total antioxidant capacity.
- Increased nitric oxide may be a contributing factor to the development of oxidative stress during the aging process.
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