Antioxidant Status in Adolescents of Small Siberian Ethnoses

Abstract

The components of the antioxidant defense (AOD) system were analyzed in 74 male and female adolescents representing small ethnic groups that inhabit the territory of Eastern Siberia. Our findings indicate a dependence of the antioxidant status indicators on gender and ethnic identity of test subjects. More adaptive variants of the AOD system’s functioning were found in Tofalar boys (elevated levels of fat-soluble vitamins, increased glutathione system activity), whereas Evenk boys were characterized by a decreased activity of antioxidant factors (low α-tocopherol and retinol supply, glutathione system imbalance), as compared both to girls and Tofalar boys. The changes revealed in this group were also supported by increased values of the oxidative stress index.