The ageing process induces age-related involutionary changes and leads to increased occurrence of many diseases. One of the most important theories of ageing and development of many pathologies is the free radical theory, which assumes that ageing process leads to lost of oxidative balance.
The aim: of the research was to evaluate the degree of membrane lipid peroxidation, internal microviscosity, activity of membrane ATPase, both total and Na(+)K(+)-dependent, and markers of oxidative damage in erythrocyte membrane protein in elderly people.
Material: The examination was performed on 35 people. The examined group (15 persons, mean age 71,3) consisted of healthy elderly people. The reference group was formed with younger healthy people (20 persons, mean age 55).
Results: Erythrocyte membrane lipid peroxidation was found stronger in the group of elderly people. Erythrocyte internal microviscosity was significantly higher in the elderly. The activity of ATPase, both total and Na(+)K(+)-dependent, appeared remarkably greater in the group of younger people. Stronger membrane lipid damage was observed in older age group, which may be implied by lower--SH group concentration, and higher W/S parameter value.
Conclusion: The obtained results reveal that in elderly people the intensification of oxidative stress in the entire body occurs, which may be confirmed by structural and functional oxidative erythrocyte damage. This conclusion may be significant for pathogenesis of many diseases in this period of life.