Effect of antioxidants in the elderly

Abstract

Aging is associated with a decrease in antioxidant defence mechanisms and a decrease in dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and melatonin (MLT). We measured lipid profile, lipid peroxidation, and the functional responsiveness of immune cells, in supplemented healthy elderly and aged mice. Human subjects were randomly assigned to receive a daily placebo, 1.8 mg β-carotene or antioxidant nutrients, 800 IU vitamin E plus 500 mg vitamin C plus 30 mg β-carotene plus 70 mg glutathione for 6 months. Antioxidant nutrients decreased the amount of plasma melandialdehyde and increased IL-2 production after 4 months. Also we investigated the effect of DHEA (19 μg/day), MLT (50 μg/day), or both in aged (16 months) C57BL/6 female mice. DHEA, MLT, or DHEA plus MLT increased IL-2, IFN production and decreased IL-6 and IL-10 production. Antioxidant nutrients can decrease one parameter of lipid peroxidation and improve IL-2 production in the elderly. MLT and DHEA can enhance immune function in aged mice.