INTRODUCTION: Production of endothelial nitric oxide declines with advancing age. On the other hand, ageing itself is associated with a mild degree of chronic inflammation. Besides, asymptomatic infectious and non-infectious inflammation is frequent in old age. All this may lead to an increased formation of nitric oxide via inducible nitric oxide synthase. The plasma levels of nitric oxide metabolites in older age groups are not known. The aim of our study was to determine the plasma levels of metabolites of nitric oxide (nitrite and nitrate) and to correlate them with the levels of inflammation markers in clinically healthy individuals aged over 80. METHODS: The plasma levels of nitrite/nitrate as well as erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and the levels of C-reactive protein and tumor necrosis factor alpha were determined in a group of 30 clinically healthy individuals aged over 80 years. Results were compared with those obtained in a control group. RESULTS: Nitrate levels were increased and the levels of inflammation markers were significantly higher compared with those in a control group. CONCLUSIONS: The levels of nitric oxide metabolites in elderly, clinically healthy individuals may be increased due to inflammation (Tab. 2, Fig. 1, Ref. 32). F

1st Department of Internal Medicine Thomayer Teaching Hospital and Postgraduate Medical School Prague Czech Republic