A study of the oxidative stress indicators in elderly monkeys

INTRODUCTION: Under physiological conditions aerobic cells produce reactive species of oxygen. Cell survival depends on the equilibrium between the oxidation processes and the antioxidant defences. This interaction determines whether the cell suffers oxidation stress or not. Recent studies suggest that a reduced capacity for oxidation metabolism and proinflammatory states contribute to neurodegenerative changes related to age in humans. OBJECTIVE: To obtain information regarding the relation of TNF-mu to oxidation phenomena in nonhuman primates. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study we compare serum levels of the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) catalase (CAT), the levels of malonyldialdehyde (MDA) and tumor necrosis factor alpha TNF-alpha using spectrophotometric techniques in young and old nonhuman primates. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Our results suggest a relationship between the alterations in oxidation metabolism with the neurodegenerative changes which occur in monkeys.