Lipid peroxidation and evaluation of the effect of antioxidant vitamins in medical interns with daytime sleepiness

Abstract

Background: Daytime sleepiness refers to the propensity of falling asleep in a variety of situations, maybe due to insufficient sleep (major cause), or fragmented sleep. Objective: Measure lipid peroxidation and evaluate the effect of antioxidant vitamin intake in medicine interns with daytime sleepiness in Peruvian hospitals. Methods: Fluorometric assays were used to determine the concentration of Malondialdehyde, glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, and VLDL. We also evaluated ‎Body Mass Index and age. The values of these variables were compared between groups of sleepy (n=33) and normal interns (n=33). Then vitamin C and E were given, for 10 weeks, to 17 sleepy interns and the remaining sample (n=16) were considered the control group. Results: sleepy interns had more MDA than the non-sleepy group (greater lipid peroxidation) due to poor sleep. Vitamins C and E decrease MDA levels in sleepy inmates and levels of lipid peroxidation. These results were similar to those reported by other scientists. Conclusions: Drowsy interns have almost double of lipid peroxidation, compared to control. Vitamins C and E reduce the level of Malondialdehyde in inters with Daytime sleepiness.