Detection of Insomnia and Its Relationship with Cognitive Impairment, Depression, and Quality of Life in Older Community-Dwelling Mexicans.

Sleep disturbances are one of the most frequent health problems in old age, among which insomnia stands out. It is characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, frequent awakenings, or waking up too early and not having restful sleep, which may be a risk factor for cognitive impairment and depression, affecting functionality and quality of life. Insomnia is a very complex multifactorial problem that requires a multi- and interdisciplinary approach. However, it is frequently not diagnosed in older community-dwelling people, increasing the risk of psychological, cognitive, and quality of life alterations. The aim was to detect insomnia and its relationship with cognitive impairment, depression, and quality of life in older community-dwelling Mexicans. An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out in 107 older adults from Mexico City. The following screening instruments were applied: Athens Insomnia Scale, Mini-Mental State Examination, Geriatric Depression Scale, WHO Quality of Life Questionnaire WHOQoL-Bref, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory. The frequency of insomnia detected was 57% and its relationship with cognitive impairment, depression, and low quality of life was 31% (OR = 2.5, 95% CI, 1.1-6.6. p < 0.05), 41% (OR = 7.3, 95% CI, 2.3-22.9, p < 0.001), and 59% (OR = 2.5, 95% CI, 1.1-5.4, p < 0.05), respectively. Our findings suggest that insomnia is a frequent clinical disorder that is not diagnosed and a significant risk factor for cognitive decline, depression, and poor quality of life.

Efectividad bactericida del diamino fluoruro de plata a diferente concentración sobre estreptococos cariogénicos en muestras de saliva y dentina de escolares: un estudio in vitro / Bactericidal effectveness of silver diamine fluoride in different concentrations on cariogenic Streptococcus in salivary and dentinal samples of schoolchildren: an in vitro study

La OMS y la FDI han publicado que entre el 60 y 90% de los escolares padecen caries. En nuestro país, el Sistema de Vigilancia Epidemiológica de Patologías Orales (SIVEPAB) 2012, reporta un 85% de caries a nivel nacional en población pediátrica. Los agentes anticariogénicos como el diamino y el fluoruro de plata son un tratamiento alentador, este agente puede actuar como bactericida o bacteriostático en función de su concentración y su capacidad para inhibir el crecimiento de estreptococos del grupo viridans, y por ende, de la caries. Problema: ¿Cuál es la efectividad bactericida del diamino fluoruro de plata (Saforide®) a diferente concentración sobre la microbiota cariogénica de escolares? Objetivo: Determinar la eficacia bactericida del diamino fluoruro de plata (DFP) a diferentes concentraciones en el crecimiento bacteriano de Streptococcus mitis, S. mutans y S. salivarius en muestras de saliva y dentina en escolares. Material y métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio experimental con una variable independiente, el efecto bactericida del diamino fluoruro de plata y se tomó el halo de inhibición como la dependiente. Se utilizaron medidas descriptivas como prueba de comparación y análisis de varianza usando post-hoc Tukey≠ con una confianza del 95%, y análisis de datos exploratorios. Resultados: Se analizaron 100 muestras, de las cuales 48.3% correspondió a S. mutans, 41.4% a S. salivarius y 10.3% a S. mitis, se obtuvo una mayor zona de inhibición para las tres bacterias al 38% mostrando una diferencia estadísticamente significativa 12% (p < 0.05). También se observó un efecto bacteriostático al 12%, no así para el 38%, donde se encontró un efecto bactericida Conclusión: Nuestros resultados sugieren que al 38% de la concentración hay un claro efecto bactericida en el grupo de estreptococos viridans y el 12% no se recomienda para la detención de caries debido al efecto bacteriostático (AU)

WHO and FDI have ruled that 60-90% of schoolchildren are affected by caries. In our country, the System of Epidemiological Surveillance of Oral Pathologies (SIVEPAB) (SIVEPAB) 2012. Report a rate of 85% of caries nationally in pediatric population. Anticariogenic diamino agents such as silver fluoride are an encouraging decrease in treatment for these high rates of tooth decay in our country, this agent can act as bactericidal or bacteriostatic based on their concentration and their ability to inhibit endogenous metalloproteinase (MMP-2, 8, 9). Problem: What will be the bactericidal effectiveness of silver diamine fluoride different concentration on cariogenic Streptococci saliva samples taken from school and dentin? Objective: Determine the bactericidal effectiveness Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) to different concentration on bacterial growth of Streptococcus mitis, S. mutans, and S. salivarius in saliva samples and dentin in school. Material and methods: An experimental study was conducted as an independent variable the bactericidal effect of silver diamine fluoride was taken as dependent inhibition halo. Descriptive measures were used as a comparison test and analysis of variance using Post-hoc Tukey with 95% confidence, and exploratory data analysis. Results: One hundred samples, of which 48.3% corresponded to S. mutans, 41.4% to S. salivarius and 10.3% to S. mitis, were analyzed, we obtained a larger zone of inhibition for all three organisms at 38% showing a statistically significant difference from 12% (p < 0.05). It was also observed that the 12% sample bacteriostatic effect, not to the concentration of 38% was found a bactericidal effect. Conclusion: Our results suggest that 38% concentration has a bactericidal effect on Streptococcus viridans group and 12% showed not recommended for the arrest or detention of dentine caries bacteriostatic effect (AU)

Control glucémico relacionado con la autoestima y depresión de adultos mayores con diabetes mellitus en la Ciudad de México / Glycemic control related to self-esteem and depression in older adults with diabetes mellitus in Mexico City

Resumen

Introducción: el envejecimiento por sí mismo constituye un factor de riesgo para la presencia de diabetes mellitus, ya que por sus complicaciones, alta mortalidad y cronicidad se afecta gradual y progresivamente el bienestar psicológico de quien la padece.

Objetivo: determinar la relación entre la autoestima baja y la depresión con el control glucémico de los adultos mayores de la Ciudad de México.

Metodología: estudio transversal analítico en 182 adultos mayores con diabetes mellitus. Se evaluaron parámetros antropométricos y bioquímicos, se aplicó la Escala de Autoestima de Rosemberg y la Escala de Depresión Geriátrica (GDS-Yesavage). El análisis fue con medidas de tendencia central, dispersión, chi cuadrada y t de Student; para calcular el riesgo se utilizó razón de momios con un intervalo de confianza al 95% (IC95%).

Resultados: se identificó autoestima alta en 36 y 19% (p < 0.01) y depresión en 34 y 56% (p = 0.004) de los adultos mayores con y sin control glucémico, respectivamente. Se encontró una asociación con la autoestima media y baja (razón de momios (RM) = 2.39, IC95% de 1.0-5.3 p = 0.01) y presencia de depresión (RM= 2.50, IC95% 1.34-4.67, p = 0.004).

Conclusión: los resultados sugieren una relación positiva de autoestima baja y depresión con el control glucémico de los adultos mayores diabéticos.

Abstract

Introduction: Aging by itself is a risk factor for the presence of diabetes mellitus, since the psychological well-being of the sufferer is gradually and progressively affected due to its complications, high mortality and chronicity.

Objective: To determine the relationship between low self-esteem and depression with glycemic control of older adults in Mexico City.

Methods: Analytical cross-sectional study in 182 older adults with diabetes mellitus. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters were evaluated; the Rosemberg Self-esteem Scale and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-Yesavage) were applied. For the analysis we used measures of central tendency, dispersion, chi-squared and Student's t; to calculate risk, it was used odds ratio [OR] with 95% confidence interval (95%CI).

Results: High self-esteem was identified in 36 and 19% (p < 0.01) and depression in 34 and 56% (p = 0.004) of older adults with and without glycemic control, respectively. It was found an association between average self-esteem and low self-esteem (OR = 2.39, 95%G 1.0-5.3, p = 0.01) and presence of depression (OR = 2.50,95%CI 1.34-4.67, p = 0.004).

Conclusion: These results suggest a positive relationship of low self-esteem and depression with the glycemic control of diabetic older adults.

Relationship between Social Support Networks and Physical Functioning in Older Community-Dwelling Mexicans.

Some studies have demonstrated the relationship between social support networks (SSNs) and health status. In this sense, it has been considered that physical and mental functioning is a key indicator of the health in the age people. The aim of this study was to determine the association between social support networks and physical functioning. A cross-sectional study was carried out including a convenience sample of 150 older community-dwelling Mexicans. We assessed the familial, extra-familial and institutional SSNs; social contacts; the activities of daily living (ADL); the instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs); and physical functioning task (PFT) performance among study participants. Of the 150 older subjects, 53 reported living alone (35%), 113 (75%) reported having few SSNs, and 37 (25%) reported having enough SSNs. Persons with few familial SSNs were at increased odds of demonstrating dependence in at least one of the ADL (OR = 3.25, 95% CI 1.06-9.92, p < 0.05). Likewise, persons with few institutional SSNs and few social contacts were at increased odds of demonstrating dependence in at least one of the IADL (OR = 6.96, 95% CI 1.57-30.7, p < 0.01; OR = 5.02, 95% CI 1.44-17.5, p < 0.01, respectively). We also observed that having few extra-familial SSNs and few social contacts were the main risk factors for PFT dependence, with ORs of 3.70 (95% CI 1.21-11.2, p < 0.05) and 3.85 (95% CI 1.10-13.5, p < 0.05), respectively. Our findings suggest that having few SSNs could be a significant risk factor for reduced physical functioning in older adults.

Relationship between social support networks and diabetes control and its impact on the quality of life in older community-dwelling Mexicans / Relación entre las redes de apoyo social con el control de la diabetes y su impacto sobre la calidad de vida en ancianos mejicanos que viven en la comunidad

Objective: To determine the relationship between social support networks and diabetes control and its impact on quality of life in older community-dwelling Mexicans. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on a convenience sample of 182 older diabetic people who were active participants in community self-care and mutual help groups in Mexico City for more than one year. All were independents and had medical diagnostics determining that they had diabetes without complications for one year or more. We measured biochemical and anthropometric parameters, social support networks for older people (SSN-Older) and perceived quality of life. Patients with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus had HbA1c (%) ≥ 8. Results: It was found that 65% (118/182) of the elderly diabetics in the study were controlled. We observed a significantly higher average score in the SSN-Older scale on the extra-familial support subscale in the controlled diabetic group compared with the uncontrolled group (57 ± 25 vs. 49 ± 30, p < 0.05). Additionally, the average satisfaction score, as observed from SSN-Older scale data, was significantly higher in the controlled diabetics group compared with the uncontrolled group (51 ± 21 vs. 42 ± 22, p = 0.01). Likewise, in the quality of life analysis, we observed that 81% of the controlled diabetics perceived a high quality of life compared with 19% of the uncontrolled group (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that social support networks, especially community self-help groups, represent a determining social capital for control of diabetes mellitus in older people in the community (AU)

Objetivo: determinar la relación entre las redes de apoyo social y control de la diabetes, y su impacto en la calidad de vida en adultos mayores mexicanos. Métodos: se llevó a cabo un estudio transversal en una muestra de 182 adultos mayores diabéticos que estaban participando en grupos comunitarios de autocuidado y ayuda mutua en la Ciudad de México durante más de un año. Todos eran independientes y tenían diagnóstico médico de diabetes mellitus sin complicaciones durante un año o más. Medimos parámetros bioquímicos, incluyendo hemoglobina glucosilada (HbA1c), y antropométricos, las redes de apoyo social para adultos mayores (RAS-mayores) y calidad de vida percibida. Se consideró como diabetes mellitus descontrolada cuando los pacientes tenían HbA1c (%) ≥ 8. Resultados: se encontró que el 65% (118/182) de los diabéticos participantes estaban controlados. Se observó una puntuación media significativamente mayor en la escala RAS-mayores en la subescala de apoyo social extra-familiar en el grupo de diabéticos controlados en comparación con el grupo de descontrolados (57 ± 25 vs. 49 ± 30, p < 0,05). Asimismo, la puntuación media de satisfacción de las redes de apoyo social fue significativamente mayor en el grupo de diabéticos controlados (51 ± 21 frente a 42 ± 22, p = 0,01). Del mismo modo, en el análisis de la calidad de vida, se observó que el 81% de los diabéticos controlados percibe una calidad de vida alta en comparación con el 19% del grupo de diabéticos descontrolados (p < 0,001). Conclusiones: nuestros resultados sugieren que las redes de apoyo social extra-familiar, en particular los grupos de autoayuda de la comunidad, representan un capital social relevante por el control de la diabetes mellitus de las personas mayores de la comunidad (AU)

Factores de riesgo asociados con el estado de ansiedad en niños de cuatro a seis años de edad que acuden por primera vez con el odontopediatra / Risk factors for anxiety in children aged four to six, attending a pediatric dental appointment for the first time

Determinar los principales factores de riesgo asociados con el estado de ansiedad en los niños de cuatro a seis años de edad que asisten a la Clínica Reforma (FES Zaragoza, UNAM) para su primera consulta con el odontopediatra. Diseño del estudio: Se realizó un estudio a 100 niños de cuatro a seis años de edad. Se aplicó un cuestionario a sus padres con el fin de determinar los principales factores de riesgo asociados con el estado de ansiedad que pudieran presentar los pacientes. Para evaluar el grado de ansiedad en los niños antes de la consulta se utilizó una escala visual análoga de rostros. El análisis de datos se realizó mediante el paquete estadístico SPSS versión 17.0. Resultados: El 44 por ciento de los pacientes evaluados presentó ansiedad. En la distribución por sexo, el 50 por ciento de los sujetos de sexo femenino mostró ansiedad, a diferencia de los de sexo masculino, donde sólo el 38.5 por ciento la manifestó. El 87.5 por cientode los hijos de aquellos padres que sintieron confianza al dejarlos pasar solos con el odontopediatra no presentó ansiedad (p < 0.001). Por otro lado, la escolaridad fue determinante, ya que el 86.4 por ciento de los niños de nivel preescolar presentó ansiedad (p < 0.0001). Asimismo, el 72.7 por ciento de los menores que no entendieron las explicaciones de sus padres de por qué asistían a la consulta también mostró ansiedad (p = 0.032), así como los que reaccionaron negativamente al separarse de sus padres (70.5 por ciento con [p < 0.0001] p = 0.0001). Finalmente, 70.5 por ciento de los menores que reportaron temor a las inyecciones presentaron ansiedad (p < 0.0001). Conclusiones: La prevalencia de ansiedad en la población de estudio fue de un 44 por ciento; los factores de riesgo asociados fueron: padres ansiosos, grado escolar del paciente, reacción negativa al separarse de los padres; temor hacia el personal de salud, a las inyecciones, al llegar a su cita y al reconocer la clínica

To determine the main risk factors associated with a state of anxiety before their first contact with pediatric dentistry in children between four and six years of age attending the Reforma Multidisci-plinary Clinic (FES Zaragoza, UNAM).study design: A study of 100 children aged between four and six years old was carried out. The parents of the children were given a questionnaire aimed at identify-ing the main risk factors associated with the state of anxiety that the patient might display. A visual analog scale of faces was used to assess the degree of anxiety in the children before their appointment. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 17.0. results: 44% of the patients assessed displayed anxiety. In terms of differences between the sexes, 50% of females presented anxiety, whilst 38.5% of the males did. Where parents felt confident enough to leave their children alone with the pediatric dentist, 87.5% of the patients showed no anxiety (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the child’s academic level played a major role, with 86.4% of preschool children feeling anxiety (p < 0.0001). Similarly, 72.7% of children who did not understand their parents’ explanations of why they were visiting the dentist also showed anxiety (p = 0.032), as did a significant proportion of those who reacted nega-tively to being separated from their parents (70.5%, with p < 0.0001). Finally, 70.5% of children who reported a fear of injections showed anxiety (p < 0.0001).conclusions: The prevalence of anxiety in the study population was 44%, and the risk factors were: anxious parents, the school grade of the patient, a negative reaction to being separated from their parents, a fear of health personnel, injections, fear when arriving at the appointment and recognizing the clinic.

Pyrimethamine induces oxidative stress in Plasmodium yoelii 17XL-infected mice: a novel immunomodulatory mechanism of action for an old antimalarial drug?

Pyrimethamine is an antimalarial drug that has also been used successfully to treat autoimmune diseases such as lymphoproliferative syndrome. In this work, the effect of pyrimethamine (PYR) on the production of free radicals in malaria-infected mice was studied to better understand the drug's immunomodulatory properties. BALB/c and CBA/Ca mice were infected with Plasmodium yoelii 17XL. Seven days after infection, mice were treated with PYR or vehicle and sacrificed 24h later. Treatment with PYR increased superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities in erythrocytes and the liver, augmented the levels of nitric oxide in the serum, and upregulated mRNA levels of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and iNOS in the spleen. In addition, PYR increased lipoperoxidation and protein carbonylation in infected mice. Our results indicate that P. yoelii 17XL reduces oxidative stress in infected cells, while PYR induces it, which is associated with increased parasite elimination. Thus, it is possible that oxidative stress generated by pyrimethamine is also involved in its immunomodulatory mechanism of action.

High dosage of ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol is not useful for diminishing oxidative stress and DNA damage in healthy elderly adults.

AIM: To determine the useful dosage of ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol against oxidative stress and DNA damage in the elderly. METHODS: A double-blind controlled clinical assay carried out in a sample of 66 healthy subjects divided into three age-paired random groups with 22 subjects in each group. Group A received placebo and group B was administered 500 mg of ascorbic acid and 400 IU of alpha-tocopherol, whereas group C received 1,000 mg of ascorbic acid and 400 IU of alpha-tocopherol for a 6-month period. The following measurements were performed before and after the 6-month treatment period: thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS); total antioxidant status (TAS); superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutation peroxidase (GPx) and DNA damage by comet assay. RESULTS: After 6 months, group B subjects exhibited an increase in SOD and GPx enzyme levels; however, this was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Likewise, TBARS and TAS concentrations remained unchanged (p > 0.05). In addition, in group C the decrease in TBARS and increase in SOD, GPx, and TAS were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Similarly, average DNA migration showed no significant differences with high-dosage ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that administration of 1,000 mg of ascorbic acid plus 400 IU of alpha-tocopherol for 6 months is not useful for diminishing oxidative stress and DNA damage in healthy elderly adults.

Aging-related oxidative stress in healthy humans.

Oxidative stress has been reported to increase with aging; however, the scientific evidence is controversial. We therefore aimed to analyze the relationship between aging and some markers of oxidative stress. A cross-sectional and comparative study was carried out in a sample of 249 healthy subjects: (i) 25-29 years (n = 22); (ii) 30-39 years (24); (iii) 40-49 years (30); (iv) 50-59 years (48); (v) 60-69 years (60), and (vi) >or= 70 years (65). We measured lipoperoxides and total antioxidant status in plasma and superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities in erythrocytes. There was an age-related increase in lipoperoxides, which was evident in the comparison of the group of 25-29 years (0.22 0.11 micromol/l) with the group of 60-69 years (0.38 +/- 0.18 micromol/l, p < 0.01) and >or= 70 years (0.42 +/- 0.19, p < 0.001). Conversely, the total antioxidant status showed an age-related decrease (25-29 years, 1.4 +/- 0.31 mmol/l vs 60-69 years, 1.1 +/- 0.21 and >or= 70 years, 1.1 +/- 0.22, p < 0.05 for each). In erythrocytes, glutathione peroxidase activity showed an age-related decrease (25-29 years, 7,966 +/- 1,813 UI/l vs 60-69 years, 6,193 +/- 2,235 and >or= 70 years, 6,547 +/- 2,307, p < 0.001 for each), whereas superoxide dismutase activity was similar in all age groups. Importantly, there was no age-related change in oxidative stress markers in subjects of < 60 years. These findings suggest that age of >or= 60 years may be associated with increased oxidative stress.

Is there a similarity between DNA damage in adults with chronic alcoholism and community-dwelling healthy older adults?

AIMS: Daily alcohol consumption and ageing have been linked with DNA damage, leading to the hypothesis that chronic alcoholism causes DNA damage similar to that which occurs with ageing. Likewise, it has been suggested that chronic alcoholism is the cause of accelerated or premature ageing. The objective of this study was to evaluate the frequency and magnitude of DNA damage among adults with chronic alcoholism and healthy older adults residing in Mexico City. METHODS: A cross-sectional and comparative study was carried out in a sample of 53 chronic alcoholics of 25-44 years of age (without alcohol ingestion in the past 30 days) without additional diseases, 26 healthy subjects >or=60 years of age, and 25 healthy adults of 25-44 years of age without alcohol addiction, all residents of Mexico City during the past 10 years. DNA damage was evaluated by single-cell gel electrophoresis technique (Comet assay). RESULTS: Our results showed a similar percentage of DNA damage between healthy elderly subjects and chronic alcoholics (62 vs 55%, P >0.05), although average DNA migration was greater in alcoholics than in the elderly (78.1 +/- 33.2 vs 58.6 +/- 26.2, P = 0.09). However, the percentage of subjects with more than six damaged cells was higher in the older adults subjects group than in the group chronic alcoholics (19 vs 35%, P = 0.16). CONCLUSIONS: Data suggest that DNA damage is not similar in young subjects with chronic alcoholism that which occurs with ageing.

Hyperleptinemia as a risk factor for high blood pressure in the elderly.

CONTEXT: Studies have demonstrated that high serum leptin levels are associated with aging. However, we do not know whether hyperleptinemia is a relevant risk factor for high blood pressure (HBP) in the elderly. OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between hyperleptinemia and HBP in the elderly. DESIGN: A comparative cross-sectional study was carried out in a convenience sample of 70 healthy elderly persons comprising 46 women (mean age, 67 +/- 5.8 years) and 24 men (mean age, 73 +/- 7.5 years), and a group of 91 elderly persons with HBP, comprising 62 women (mean age, 67 +/- 8.2 years) and 29 men (mean age, 70 +/- 0.3 years). We measured serum leptin levels through the radioimmunoassay method. RESULTS: The elderly subjects with HBP had significantly higher leptin levels than the healthy elderly subjects (P = .02). Furthermore, in female elderly subjects we observed a statistically significant correlation between systolic blood pressure and leptin (r = 0.37, P = .003), as well as systolic blood pressure and age (r = 0.29, P = .02), but not with diastolic blood pressure. In male elderly subjects, there was no correlation between leptin and systolic blood pressure or leptin and diastolic blood pressure. However, hyperleptinemia as risk factor for HBP was nearly 5 times higher in men than in women (men, odds ratio = 18.0, 95% confidence interval 3.2-100.9, P < .001 vs women, odds ratio = 3.33, 95% confidence interval 1.4-7.4, P = .003). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that hyperleptinemia was a significant risk factor for HBP elderly individuals, mainly in men.

Efficient antioxidant capacity against lipid peroxide levels in healthy elderly of Mexico City.

We evaluated antioxidant activity against lipid peroxide levels (LPO) in healthy elderly and adults of Mexico City in comparison with a population of a rural area. The study included free-living subjects: 38 adults aged <60 years and 129 older subjects aged > or = 60 years of urban Mexico City in addition to 37 adults aged <60 years and 88 older subjects aged > or = 60 years of rural area (Actopan, Hidalgo State, Mexico). LPO were observed as higher in adults and elderly of the urban area than among rural subjects (P<0.01), although LPO levels were similar in rural adults and elderly (P>0.05); conversely, in urban area levels were higher in the elderly than in adults (P<0.01). On the other hand, the superoxide dismutase in urban elderly was higher than that in rural elderly (P<0.05) but similar between urban adults and urban elderly (P>0.05). Total oxidant status in urban elderly was higher than that in rural elderly (P<0.01). Our findings allow us to conclude that the urban elderly (residents of Mexico City) have higher oxidative stress than the rural-dwelling elderly, though the urban elderly have efficient antioxidant capacity as a response to elevated LPO.

Antioxidant capacity in relationship to serum lipid peroxides levels in healthy elderly of Mexico City / Capacidad antioxidante en relación a niveles séricos de lipoperóxidos en ancianos sanos de la ciudad de México

The aging is one of the factors that cause decrease in the antioxidant capacity. Likewise, it has been proposed that subjects exposed permanently to air pollution develop deficient antioxidant capacity to oxidative stress (OxS). This study aimed to analyze the antioxidant capacity against elevated lipid peroxides in healthy elderly of Mexico City. 105 adults (44 ± 10.8 years) and 126 elderly subjects were studied (68 ± 7.1 years); residents of Mexico City (clinically healthy, non-smokers, non-vitamin supplement takers) who had lived in the city for >10 years. Plasma lipoperoxides (LPO), total antioxidant status (TAS), the activity of red blood cells superoxide dismutase (SOD), and plasma glutathione peroxidase (GPx), were studied in all subjects. LPO levels were found significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the elderly subjects in comparison with the adults; in addition, TAS and GPx were higher in adults than among the elderly people (p < 0.0001). Nevertheless, SOD was similar in both groups (p = 0.346). These findings reveal that the elderly residents of Mexico City have TAS and GPx lower than adults, and similar SD activity, probably due to the fact that these antioxidants are neutralizing the higher LPO levels of elderly people. Therefore, this mechanism could be considered as an efficient antioxidant capacity in the elderly, as response to high LPO levels, since the health status, mortality prevalence and life span life of the older people of Mexico City are similar or better than other cities of Mexican Republic.

Se ha propuesto que los sujetos expuestos permanentemente a la contaminación ambiental tienen una deficiente capacidad para contrarrestar el estrés oxidativo (EOx) y que el envejecimiento es un factor causante de dicha alteración. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la capacidad antioxidante contra el aumento de lipoperóxidos (LPO) en adultos mayores sanos de la ciudad de México. Se estudiaron 105 adultos residentes de la ciudad de México (44 ± 10,8 años) y 126 adultos mayores (68 ± 7,1 años) clínicamente sanos, no fumadores, sin ingesta de vitaminas antioxidantes, con residencia en esta ciudad por más 10 años. Se cuantificó a todos los sujetos los LPO plasmáticos, capacidad sérica antioxidante total (AT), actividad eritrocitaria de superóxido dismutasa (SOD) y plasmática de glutatión peroxidasa (GPx). Se encontró que los niveles de LPO fueron más altos en los adultos mayores comparados con los jóvenes (p < 0,05); asimismo, AT y GPx fueron mayores en los jóvenes (p < 0,0001). La SOD fue similar en ambos grupos (p = 0,346). Estos hallazgos revelan que los ancianos residentes de la ciudad de México tienen concentraciones más bajas de AT y GPx en comparación con los adultos y una actividad similar de la SOD, debido probablemente a que estos antioxidantes están neutralizando los niveles más altos de los LPO de los ancianos. Por lo tanto, este mecanismo podría ser considerado como una capacidad antioxidante eficiente en los ancianos como respuesta a los altos niveles de LPO, ya que el estado de salud, prevalencia de mortalidad y longevidad de los adultos mayores de la ciudad de México es similar o mejor al de los residentes de otros estados de la República Mexicana.