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Aging and superoxide dismutase activity in cerebrospinal fluid
T Okabe1, K Hamaguchi, T Inafuku
1Department of Neurology, Shizuoka Red Cross Hospital, Japan.
Journal of the Neurological Sciences
|September 15, 1996
Summary
Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) increases with age, particularly after 50. This suggests elevated SOD production in the central nervous system (CNS) may combat accumulated oxidative stress in aging.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Aging Research
Background:
- The aging process in the central nervous system (CNS) involves accumulating oxidative stress.
- Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is a key antioxidant enzyme crucial for cellular defense against reactive oxygen species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) as a potential biomarker for CNS aging.
- To determine the relationship between age and SOD activity in the CSF.
Main Methods:
- Studied 61 healthy individuals (21-77 years old).
- Measured SOD activity in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) using a modified nitrite assay (Oyanagui method).
Main Results:
- CSF SOD activity showed a gradual increase with advancing age.
- Significantly higher SOD activity was observed in individuals over 50 years old compared to those in their 30s and 40s.
Conclusions:
- CSF SOD activity may serve as an indicator of the aging process in the CNS.
- Increased SOD production with age in the CNS could be a response to accumulated oxidative stress, particularly after the fifth decade.