Evaluation of Oxidative Stress in Overweight Subjects With or Without Metabolic Syndrome

Although oxidative stress is considered the underlying mechanism by which dysfunctional metabolism occurs in obese subjects, there are few studies on oxidative stress in overweight subjects. The objective of this study was to verify the influence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) on oxidative stress and antioxidant defense in overweight subjects. There were 123 subjects (50 in the control group and 73 in the overweight group) chosen to participate in this cross‐sectional study. The control group included 50 healthy individuals with a BMI between 20 and 24.9 kg/m² and without MetS. The overweight group included 73 subjects with a BMI between 25 and 29.9 kg/m². Overweight subjects were divided into two groups: with MetS (29 subjects) and without MetS (44 subjects). Control group and overweight group subjects without MetS showed no differences in oxidative stress parameters and total antioxidant capacity (TRAP). Overweight subjects with MetS had higher hydroperoxide concentrations measured by chemiluminescence compared to the control group (P < 0.05), higher hydroperoxide and hydrogen peroxide concentrations determined by ferrous oxidation‐xylenol orange assay compared to overweight subjects without MetS (P < 0.001), and higher advanced oxidation protein product (AOPP) concentrations (P < 0.001) compared to the other groups. AOPP was directly correlated with uric acid concentrations. Overweight subjects with MetS had lower TRAP concentrations compared to the control group (P < 0.001). In conclusion, this study showed that overweight subjects with MetS, in contrast to overweight subjects without MetS, have a redox imbalance characterized by increased plasma oxidation and reduced antioxidant capacity.     

Genetic,Immune-Inflammatory,and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers as Predictors for Disability and Disease Progression in Multiple Sclerosis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the TNFβ NcoI polymorphism (rs909253) and immune-inflammatory, oxidative, and nitrosative stress (IO&NS) biomarkers as predictors of disease progression in multiple sclerosis (MS). We included 212 MS patients (150 female, 62 male, mean (±standard deviation (SD)) age?=?42.7?±?13.8 years) and 249 healthy controls (177 female, 72 male, 36.8?±?11 years). The disability was measured the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) in 2006 and 2011. We determined the TNFβ NcoI polymorphism and serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ, IL-4, IL-10, and IL-17, albumin, ferritin, and plasma levels of lipid hydroperoxides (CL-LOOH), carbonyl protein, advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs), nitric oxide metabolites (NOx), and total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter (TRAP). The mean EDSS (±SD) in 2006 was 1.62?±?2.01 and in 2011 3.16?±?2.29, and disease duration was 7.34?±?7.0 years. IL-10, TNF-α, IFN-γ, AOPP, and NOx levels were significantly higher and IL-4 lower in MS patients with a higher 2011 EDSS scores (≥3) as compared with those with EDSS?<?3. The actual increases in EDSS from 2006 to 2011 were positively associated with TNF-α and IFN-γ. Increased IFN-γ values were associated with higher pyramidal symptoms and increased IL-6 with sensitive symptoms. Increased carbonyl protein and IL-10 but lowered albumin levels predicted cerebellar symptoms. The TNFB1/B2 genotype decreased risk towards progression of pyramidal symptoms. Treatments with IFN-β and glatiramer acetate significantly reduced TNF-α but did not affect the other IO&NS biomarkers or disease progression. Taken together, IO&NS biomarkers and NcoI TNFβ genotypes predict high disability in MS and are associated with different aspects of disease progression. New drugs to treat MS should also target oxidative stress pathways.     

Trace Elements Associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Insulin Resistance

Biological Trace Element Research - Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease of multifactorial origin. Studies have shown that trace elements such as zinc and...