The Relationship between Oxidative Stress and Anxiety in a Healthy Older Population

ABSTRACT

Background/study context: F₂-Isoprostanes are putative markers of oxidative stress, one of the processes associated with biological senescence. Evidence exists for elevated F₂-Isoprostanes in chronic conditions including psychiatric disorders. Few studies have examined the relationship between oxidative stress and mood in older healthy samples, to establish the influence on mental health. Given current aging demographics in many nations, management of brain and mental health is crucial for longevity, chronic disease management, and quality of life.

Method: We investigated the relationship between F₂-Isoprostanes, a marker for oxidative stress, and anxiety and mood in 262 healthy adults aged 60–75 years, using baseline data from the Australian Research Council Longevity Intervention (ARCLI; ANZCTR12611000487910), a 12-month nutraceutical intervention study.

Results: Higher F2 levels significantly predicted increased Depression-dejection and Anger-hostility subscale scores from the Profile of Mood States (POMS). Fatigue-inertia subscale was predicted by increased Body Mass Index. Spielberger State-Trait Inventory (STAI) scores were significantly higher in females.

Conclusion: While the primary outcome data did not find a definitive relationship between F2 and total mood or general anxiety levels, the sub-scale data adds weight toward growing literature that biological processes such as oxidative stress are in part related to mood. This is a modifiable risk factor contributing to physical and mental wellbeing that are crucial to healthy aging.

KEYWORDS:

• F₂-Isoprostanes
• Oxidative Stress
• Aging
• Anxiety
• Mood

Acknowledgments

This baseline data was derived from the larger ARCLI trial. ARCLI was funded by the Australian Research Council, Horphag, Blackmores and Soho-Flordis. ARCLI also received generous donations from Swinburne Alumni including Doug Mitchell, and Roderic O’Connor.

Disclosures

J. Sarris has received either presentation honoraria, travel support, clinical trial grants, book royalties, or independent consultancy payments from: Integria Healthcare & MediHerb, Pfizer, Scius Health, Key Pharmaceuticals, Taki Mai, Fiji Kava, FIT-BioCeuticals, Blackmores, Soho-Flordis, Healthworld, HealthEd, HealthMasters, Kantar Consulting, Grunbiotics, Australian Natural Therapeutics Group, Research Reviews, Elsevier, Chaminade University, International Society for Affective Disorders, Complementary Medicines Australia, SPRIM, Terry White Chemists, ANS, Society for Medicinal Plant and Natural Product Research, Sanofi-Aventis, Omega-3 Centre, the National Health and Medical Research Council, CR Roper Fellowship

Additional information

Funding

JS is supported by an NHMRC Clinical Research Fellowship (APP1125000).