Related Experiment Videos
[The effect of changes in nutritional status induced by age on oxidative liver metabolism]
F Jorquera Plaza1, M J Cuevas González, M Pozuelo Manchón
1Sección de Digestivo del Complejo Hospitalario del Insalud de León, España.
Introduction:
The hepatic oxidative metabolism is essential for the biotransformation of a large number substances, among which are found many drugs which are commonly used in clinical practice. The nutritional status of individuals has been shown to be of influence on this function. Aging produces a deterioration of the hepatic oxidative metabolism, without the cause for this situation having been clarified. Also, aging modifies the body composition of the individuals. The objective of this study is to evaluate whether the modifications which arise in the nutritive status due to age, can alter the hepatic oxidative capacity.
Material And Methods:
165 elderly people of both sexes were studied, with an average age of 82 years, and 24 young people, with an average age of 29 years. All participants were subjected to a clinical questionnaire, along with an evaluation of anthropometric, biochemical, and immunological nutritive parameters. The study of the oxidative metabolism was conducted by evaluating the kinetics of antipyrine.
Results:
The elderly people showed a decrease in the antipyrine clearance rate (Ap Cl) (P < 0.001), and a lengthening of their life-span (P < 0.05) with respect to the younger people. There was a significant correlation in the elderly people, between the Ap Cl and age, weight, size, the distribution volume, and the muscular area of the arm. A multiple regression analysis showed a predictive value which was independent for age, the AST, the lymphocytes, and size.
Conclusion:
Elderly people have a marked depression of the hepatic oxidative metabolism. The factors which participate in their nutritional situation, are of influence on this function. It is necessary to keep all the above in mind when it comes to prescribing drugs which require this type of biotransformation, in order to avoid adverse effects or drug interactions.
Insights
Aging significantly impairs hepatic oxidative metabolism, affecting drug biotransformation. Nutritional status and body composition in older adults correlate with reduced antipyrine clearance, highlighting the need for personalized drug prescriptions.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Pharmacology
- Hepatology
Background:
- Hepatic oxidative metabolism is crucial for drug biotransformation.
- Nutritional status and aging impact hepatic function.
- Aging deteriorates hepatic oxidative metabolism, with unclear causes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate if age-related nutritional status changes affect hepatic oxidative capacity.
- To investigate the relationship between aging, nutritional status, and drug metabolism.
Main Methods:
- Studied 165 elderly (avg. 82 years) and 24 young (avg. 29 years) individuals.
- Assessed anthropometric, biochemical, and immunological nutritional parameters.
- Measured hepatic oxidative metabolism via antipyrine kinetics.
Main Results:
- Elderly individuals exhibited decreased antipyrine clearance rate (Ap Cl) and longer half-life.
- Significant correlations found between Ap Cl and age, weight, size, distribution volume, and arm muscle area in the elderly.
- Multiple regression identified age, AST, lymphocytes, and size as independent predictors of Ap Cl.
Conclusions:
- Elderly individuals show depressed hepatic oxidative metabolism.
- Nutritional factors influence hepatic oxidative function in aging.
- Consider these metabolic changes for safe drug prescription in the elderly to prevent adverse effects.