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Glutathione-related antioxidant defense system in elderly patients treated for hypertension

J Rybka1, D Kupczyk, K Kędziora-Kornatowska

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, L. Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Poland. joanna.rybka1@wp.pl

Cardiovascular Toxicology
|December 9, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Elderly hypertensive patients on medication show enhanced glutathione antioxidant defense, including higher glutathione (GSH) levels and glutathione reductase (GR) activity. This suggests a role for the glutathione system in blood pressure regulation and treatment effects.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Gerontology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine

Background:

  • Hypertension is a prevalent condition in the elderly.
  • Oxidative stress plays a role in hypertension.
  • The glutathione system is a key endogenous antioxidant defense mechanism.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the glutathione antioxidant defense system in elderly patients with hypertension undergoing treatment.
  • To compare glutathione levels and enzyme activities between hypertensive patients and healthy controls.

Main Methods:

  • Blood samples were collected from 18 hypertensive patients (over 60) on medication and 15 age/sex-matched controls.
  • Whole blood glutathione (GSH) concentration was measured.
  • Erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GPx-1), glutathione transferase (GST), and glutathione reductase (GR) activities were assessed.
  • Statistical analysis was performed using independent-samples t test.

Main Results:

  • Elderly hypertensive patients exhibited significantly higher mean GSH concentration (3.1 ± 0.29 mmol/L vs. 2.6 ± 0.25 mmol/L, P < 0.001).
  • Mean GR activity was significantly elevated in hypertensives (83.4 ± 15.25 U/g Hb vs. 64.2 ± 8.26 U/g Hb, P < 0.001).
  • Mean GST activity was also significantly higher in the hypertensive group (3.0 ± 0.60 mmol CDNB-GSH/mgHb/min vs. 2.6 ± 0.36 mmol CDNB-GSH/mgHb/min, P < 0.05).
  • No significant difference in GPx activity was found between groups.

Conclusions:

  • The glutathione antioxidant defense system is enhanced in elderly hypertensive patients receiving antihypertensive treatment.
  • This finding suggests a potential role for the glutathione system in blood pressure regulation.
  • Observed alterations in antioxidant status may be linked to the impact of antihypertensive medications on nitric oxide bioavailability.

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