Antioxidant enzymes activities in obese Tunisian children

Abstract

BackgroundThe oxidant stress, expected to increase in obese adults, has an important role in the pathogenesis of many diseases. It results when free radical formation is greatly increased or protective antioxidant mechanisms are compromised. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the antioxidant response to obesity-related stress in healthy children.MethodsA hundred and six healthy children (54 obese and 52 controls), aged 6–12 years old, participated in this study. The collected data included anthropometric measures, blood pressure, fasting glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides and enzymatic antioxidants (Superoxide dismutase: SOD, Catalase: CAT and Glutathione peroxidase: GPx).ResultsThe first step antioxidant response, estimated by the SOD activity, was significantly higher in obese children compared with normal-weight controls (p < 0.05). Mean activities of anti-radical GPx and CAT enzymes were not affected by the BMI increase. Although, total cholesterol levels were statistically higher in the obese group, there was no significant association with the SOD activity.ConclusionsThe obesity-related increase of the oxidant stress can be observed even in the childhood period. In addition to the complications of an increased BMI, obesity itself can be considered as an independent risk factor of free radical production resulting in an increased antioxidant response.

Association of Genetic Polymorphisms for Glutathione Peroxidase Genes with Obesity in Spanish Children

“…In addition, the fact that we measured GPX activity in erythrocytes may be hiding possible alterations of these enzymes in metabolically active sites such as adipose tissue. Indeed, in two previous studies no changes were observed between prepubertal obese and normal-weight children [12,36]. However, our findings about the correlation between GPX activity in erythrocytes and the studied phenotypes and biomarkers reveal a potential early connection between these phenomena.…”

A Longitudinal Study of the Antioxidant Barrier and Oxidative Stress in Morbidly Obese Patients after Bariatric Surgery. Does the Metabolic Syndrome Affect the Redox Homeostasis of Obese People?

“…These differences may be associated with the duration of obesity as well as the age of obese patients. It is suggested that the antioxidant systems are prompted in the early stage of the disease, whereas in long-term obesity, the source of antioxidants depletes and causes decreased activity of the antioxidant enzymes [34,36]. In our study, the activity of antioxidant enzymes did not differ significantly.…”

“…However, with respect to the antioxidant status and oxidative stress, there are some contradictions. Indeed, in obese patients, both increases and decreases in the antioxidant barrier are observed [33][34][35]. These differences may be associated with the duration of obesity as well as the age of obese patients.…”

Association of Changes in Body Composition with Changes in Systemic Oxidative Stress Following Weight Loss Program in Obese Adults Attending Obesity Clinic, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia

“…In other studies, dietinduced obesity increases cerebrocortical oxidative stress [50] and high fat diet-induced obesity also correlates with mitochondrial dysfunction and increases oxidative stress in skeletal muscle and liver of mice [51]. A recent study found SOD to be significantly and positively associated with BMI with the Pearson rank correlation: r = 0.3 (P = 0.04) and r = 0.15 (P = 0.036) respectively for boys and girls [52]. Despite the strong association between obesity and oxidative stress, none of the changes in body composition significantly correlated with the changes in systemic oxidative stress levels/activities in the present study.…”