Age-related changes on glucose transport and utilization of human erythrocytes:: Effect of oxidative stress

Background: Normal aging is associated with an impairment in glucose homeostasis, Methods: In order to investigate the effect of aging on glucose transport and utilization in erythrocytes, the transport and utilization of glucose were measured in erythrocytes from 10 young (mean age 26 +/- 3 years) and 10 elderly (mean age 70 +/- 7 years) healthy individuals. In addition, the glucose transport and utilization were also measured in the presence of cumene hydroperoxide (CumOOH), a toxic organic hydroperoxide that is known to induce oxidative stress. Results: The levels of glucose transport and utilization were significantly lower in the elderly group than the young group (p < 0.05). The glucose transport and utilization were not altered by CumOOH treatment in either young or elderly individuals. Conclusion: These results indicate an age-related decrease in the both glucose transport and utilization in erythrocytes.