Stress oxydant et vieillissement

Abstract

In aging, an increased production of mitochondrial oxygen reactive species, associated with decreased anti-oxidant defences results in an unbalanced pro/anti-oxidant equilibrium. This increased oxidative stress leads to an higher incidence of oxidative pathologies such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers or neurodegenerative diseases. Elderly people exhibit high levels of biological oxidative stress indices and a lowered anti-oxidant status. Deficiencies are worsened by institutionalisation, hospitalisation and pathologies. Supplementation trials, using combined anti-oxidants, vitamins, and trace-elements intakes, are beneficial especially in restoring immune functions. These interventional supplementations have to be considered as soon as a pathological event happens. © 2002 Éditions scientifiques et médicales Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.