Factors Associated with Plasma Malondialdehyde Levels in People over 40 Years

Aging is a progressive process caused by a physiological decline in body functions. It is known that several factors can accelerate aging, namely age, lifestyle, oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and mitochondrial damage. Various pollutants such as cigarette smoke, motor vehicle fumes, industrial waste, and exposure to sunlight / ultraviolet light will form free radicals. Malondialdehyde (MDA) level is one of the indicators used to measure oxidative stress.  Increased MDA levels are found in various degenerative diseases. This study aims to determine plasma MDA levels in the age group of 40 years and over and factors that can affect plasma MDA levels. This study was a cross-sectional study by including 42 subjects. Data collection was carried out using a questionnaire to obtain subject demographic data and physical activity, as well as physical examinations complemented by laboratory examinations and MDA levels.  The mean age of the subjects was 52.7 years, and most of the 32 (76.2%) subjects were categorized as obese and had high activity. Pearson correlation test obtained body mass index statistically significantly correlated with plasma MDA levels with a value of p = 0.039, as well as physical activity statistically significantly correlated with a negative correlation, with a value of r = -0.26 and p = 0.043. Conclusion Body mass index and activity are significantly correlated with plasma MDA levels. Keywords: malondialdehyde, stress, oxidative, radicals