Paraoxonase 1 activity and level of antibodies directed against oxidized low density lipoproteins in a group of an elderly population in Poland – PolSenior study

• We assess PON1 activity and anti-ox LDL antibodies in a large group of elderly individuals in Poland.
• PON1 activity significantly decreased with advancing age and was lower in males than in females.
• PON1 activity decreased in persons with impaired cognition.
• PON1 activity was inversely related to levels of inflammation indicators.
• Anti-ox LDL antibodies level was significantly higher in the oldest subgroups of males.

The aim of this study was to assess two factors influencing the amount of oxidized LDL-paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activity and the level of anti-oxidized LDL antibodies (anti-ox LDL) in a large group of elderly individuals in Poland. The effects of cognitive status, hypertension and metabolic syndrome and of selected serum lipids and inflammation indicators on PON1 activity and anti-ox LDL level were also examined.The investigated population consisted of 3154 individuals aged 65 and more – participants of the population-based PolSenior project.PON1 arylesterase activity was determined spectrophotometrically, anti-ox-LDL antibodies using ELISA method.PON1 activity significantly decreased with advancing age, was lower in males than in females and decreased in persons with impaired cognition. Individuals with hypertension and high lipid levels showed higher PON1 activity. Lower PON1 activity was related to higher level of inflammation indicators – hsCRP and IL-6. The significant association of PON1 activity with age, HDL-C, LDL-C, sex and IL-6 was confirmed in multivariate analysis.Anti-ox LDL antibodies level was significantly higher in the two oldest subgroups of males. It was significantly lower in males than in females. It was decreased in persons with higher serum triglycerides. No relationship of anti-ox LDL level with cognition, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, inflammation indicators and serum lipid levels was observed. In some persons very high levels of anti-ox LDL were stated, most frequently in the oldest persons, particularly in men.ConclusionBoth investigated antioxidant factors – PON1 activity and anti-ox LDL level, could play an important role in aging.