PLASMA IRON IS ASSOCIATED WITH LIPID PEROXIDATION IN WOMEN

INTRODUCTION: It has been suggested that the risk of coronary heart disease increases with increase of body iron stores. Free iron catalyzes the generation of free radicals and free radicals promote the oxidation of lipids. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine the association of plasma iron and factors that could affect its levels (antioxidant enzymes), with the concentration of plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) as a marker of lipid peroxidation. METHODS: In this study, 160 women aged 20-45 years were randomly selected. A medical history was obtained for each subject prior to enrolment. We assessed lipid peroxidation and the activity of antioxidant enzymes by measuring the concentration of plasma MDA and the activities of erythrocyte copper zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZn- SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX). RESULTS: Our results show that those in the highest tertile of plasma iron were at least twice as likely to have higher plasma MDA levels. Among the factors affecting plasma iron levels, we found that the upper tertile of erythrocyte CuZn-SOD was inversely associated with higher plasma iron. No associations were found between the highest TIBC and MDA levels. There was no significant association between GPX and plasma iron. CONCLUSIONS: These findings support the concept that iron, as an important transition metal, might contribute to atherogenesis, along with the classic risk factors. A longitudinal study should confirm whether or not these MDA levels are connected to vascular disease and mortality.