Advances in Gerontology · 2018
Melatonin and man aging in the European part of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation
By Kim LB, Putyatina AN, Russkih GS et al.
The analysis of 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (6-SMT) levels in working-age men (aged 19-69) who live in the European part of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation is presented. Their urine 6-SMT levels were similar to those of comparison group (residents of Western Siberia). The level of 6-SMT decreased with age and was the lowest in 40-49-year group. Age group 60-69 tended to demonstrate increasing 6-SMT levels. Thus, they were insignificantly different (p>0,05) compared to those of people under 29. We showed that alcohol influenced 6-SMT level. The level was lower in alcohol-consuming north men compared to non-consumers. Free testosterone level in plasma of northerners decreased with age. In 60-69-year group, the level was 50% of that in under-29-year group. Compared to controls, we observed the activation of lipid peroxidation that was not compensated by increased activity of glutathione reductase and plasma SH groups. Age-related decrease in the melatonin metabolite, as an endogenous antioxidant, was accompanied by a gradual accumulation of lipid peroxidation products and lower antioxidative protection mediated by SH groups.