ABSTRACT

 

Apoptosis and aging are complementary and cooperative processes that reduce cell proliferation and promote resistance to tumor development. Cellular levels of oxidative stress increase during physiological aging and tend to induce apoptosis, thereby influencing cellular and tissue aging and life span. Aim of study: is to determine the relationship between   aging and apoptotic indices in the form of s-Fas and oxidant-antioxidant axis by determination of Nitric oxide (NO) and Lipid peroxide (LP). Also, the role of angiogenesis by determination of PD/ECGF (Thymidine phosphorylase) is another aim of the present work. Subjects and Methods: Fasting serum samples from 50 healthy individuals divided into five groups with age range between 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59 and 60-69 from those who proved to be in a normal state of health and free from any signs of chronic diseases. Serum levels of NO, LP and thymidine phosphorylase were measured by chemical methods, while s-Fas was assayed by ELIZA kit. Results: There were significant higher levels of serum NO, lipid peroxide, s-Fas and thymidine phosphorylase in older persons than in young ones, and a significant positive correlation between NO, lipid peroxide, s-Fas and thymidine phosphorylase when each was correlated with age. Conclusion: it could be concluded that oxidative stress, apoptosis and angiogenic factor increase with aging and may play an important role in its pathogenesis. The question remains whether they are the initial pathogenic events of aging or might be a consequence of it.