[Lipid peroxidation in aged patients. Influence of an antioxidant combination (vitamin C-vitamin E-rutin)]

Lipoperoxidation has an important role in the normal processes of the cell-life. The induction is produced by oxygen-derived free radicals which attack the membrane phospholipids. Such an attack is modulated by an enzymatic protection system (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione transferase) and by a non-enzymatic one (vitamin C, vitamin E...). In various pathologic conditions, a dispoise takes place between radical attack and antiradical protection. The place taken by lipoperoxidation in the ageing process seems to be fundamental. We report here the results of a study carried out in aged and sick patients who were given an antioxidant medicamentous combination made from Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Rutin. Our results evidence that such a synergistic combination does modify both enzymatic protection system and lipoperoxidation, this latter showing a decrease under treatment.