Age-related change of phosphatidylcholine hydroperoxide and phosphatidylethanolamine hydroperoxide levels in normal human red blood cells.

The age-related occurrence of phosphatidylcholine hydroperoxide (PCOOH) and phosphatidylethanolamine hydroperoxide (PEOOH) in normal human red blood cells (RBC) was confirmed by using chemiluminescence detection-high performances liquid chromatography (CL-HPLC). The concentration (mean +/- S.D.) for the healthy young adult (22-27 of age, n = 20) was 93 +/- 17 pmol PCOOH and 121 +/- 20 pmol PEOOH/ml packed RBC, while for the aged adult (56-92 of age, n = 20) the peroxide content was significantly higher, 162 +/- 52 pmol PCOOH and 186 +/- 40 pmol PEOOH/ml packed RBC. These results indicate that oxidative stress occurs constantly on RBC, even in normal humans, and that the susceptivity significantly increases with age.