Erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes and selenium serum levels in an Andean population.

A preliminary study indicated that erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activities were enhanced in chronic hypoxaemic patients, in whom an increased oxidant stress could be present as a consequence of augmented haemoglobin autoxidation. We have now evaluated the behaviour of erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes and of their related trace metal serum levels in conditions of chronic hypobaric hypoxia in an Andean population living at high altitude (3800 m above sea level), and in a similar ethnic group living at sea level. The results indicate a significant reduction in erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity and a low serum level of selenium in the Andean population. Thus, in contrast to what happens in chronic hypoxaemic patients, this group of Andean subjects seems to be poorly protected against oxidant stress, probably as a consequence of selenium deficiency in the diet.