Profile of malondialdehyde (MDA) and catalase specific activity in plasma of elderly woman

Background: Malondialdehyde (MDA) is a marker of oxidative stress as an end product from the chain reaction of lipid peroxidation. In order to prevent oxidative stress, our body synthesizes catalase, an endogenous antioxidant enzyme that catalyzes hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into water and oxygen. Until now, the level of MDA and catalase in aging population were still varied and those level at different age in elderly population has not been yet reported. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyse the profile of MDA level and catalase specific activity in plasma of elderly women based on increasing age. Methods: This research used 60 healthy elderly women as the subjects living in Jakarta. The subjects were divided into 2 groups based on age category, the younger group (60 – 70 years old) and the older group (>70 years old). MDA and specific activity of catalase were analyzed in plasma using spectrophotometer. Results: MDA level in the younger group (60-70 years old) was slightly higher than MDA levels in the older group (>70 years old) but it was not significant. Moreover, specific activity of catalase in the younger group was significantly lower than the older group. Conclusions: There was no difference in MDA level of elderly woman between younger and older group. However, catalase specific activity significantly increased with increasing age. (Health Science Journal of Indonesia 2019;10(2):132-6)