Effects of exercise type and intensity on visfatin and the metabolic syndrome in obesity / Efectos del tipo de ejercicio y de la intensidad en la visfatina y el síndrome metabólico en la obesidad / Efeitos do tipo de exercício e da intensidade na visfatina e a síndrome metabólica na obesidade

ABSTRACT Objective: Visfatin may regulate a variety of physiological functions and it has great potential to significantly enhance our knowledge of the treatment of metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome (MS) refers to metabolic abnormalities, such as abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, high low-density cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes, and physical activity is an important factor for the management of MS. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of visfatin on MS and MS risk factors through differences in aerobic exercise intensity and exercise type based on the premise of the same amount of exercise (energy expenditure of 400 kcal per day). Method: Thirty two obese, middle-aged women were randomly assigned to exercise intensity groups VO2max 50% (MAE, n=8) and VO2max 80% (VAE, n=8) and to type of exercise groups VO2max 50% + TRX (MARE, n=8) and VO2max 80% + TRX (VARE, n=8). The exercise program was performed 5 times a week. The data was analyzed using two-way repeated measures ANOVA and post-hoc tests within groups with LSD. Results: Body weight (p<.01 and p<.001) and % body fat (p<.05 and p<.01) significantly decreased in all groups and visfatin only increased significantly after exercise in the VARE group (p<.05). TG, glucose, and waist circumstance (p<.05, p<.01, and p<.001) significantly decreased in all groups and HDL-C (p<.05) only increased significantly after exercise only in the MARE group. Conclusion: These results suggest that, in spite of differences in exercise intensity and exercise type, exercise is effective in improving obesity and MS risk factors, but further research is needed on the exact mechanisms of visfatin. Level of evidence I; Therapeutic Studies Investigating the Results of Treatment .

RESUMEN Objetivo: La visfatina puede regular diversas funciones fisiológicas y tiene gran potencial para mejorar significativamente nuestro conocimiento sobre el tratamiento del síndrome metabólico. El síndrome metabólico (SM) se refiere a anormalidades metabólicas, como obesidad abdominal, dislipidemia, colesterol de baja densidad elevado, hipertensión y diabetes, siendo la actividad física un factor importante para el manejo del SM. Siendo así, el objetivo de este estudio es investigar los efectos de la visfatina sobre los factores de riesgo de SM por medio de diferencias de la intensidad de ejercicios aeróbicos y del tipo de ejercicio, con base en la premisa de misma cantidad de ejercicio (gasto energético de 400 kcal por día). Método: Treinta y dos mujeres obesas de media edad fueron aleatoriamente designadas para grupos de intensidad de ejercicio con VO2máx de 50% (EAM, n = 8) y VO2máx de 80% (EAV, n = 8) y grupos con VO2máx de 50% + ERC (EARM, n = 8) y VO2máx de 80% + ERC (EARV, n = 8). El programa de ejercicios fue realizado cinco veces por semana. Los datos fueron analizados con ANOVA de dos vías con medidas repetidas y tests post-hoc en los grupos con DMS. Resultados: El peso corporal (p < 0,01 y p < 0,001) y porcentual de grasa corporal (p < 0,05 y p < 0,01) disminuyeron significativamente en todos los grupos y la visfatina sólo aumentó significativamente después del ejercicio en el grupo EARV (p < 0,05). Los triglicéridos, la glucosa y la circunferencia de la cintura (p < 0,05, p < 0,01 e p < 0,001) disminuyeron significativamente en todos los grupos y el HDL-C (p < 0,05) sólo aumentó significativamente después del ejercicio sólo en el grupo EARM. Conclusión: Esos resultados sugieren que, a pesar de las diferencias de intensidad y tipo de los ejercicios, los mismos son eficaces para mejorar la obesidad y los factores de riesgo del SM, por ende, son necesarias más investigaciones sobre los mecanismos exactos de la visfatina. Nivel de Evidencia I; Estudios terapéuticos - Investigación de los resultados del tratamiento .

RESUMO Objetivo: A visfatina pode regular diversas funções fisiológicas e tem grande potencial para aprimorar significativamente nosso conhecimento sobre o tratamento da síndrome metabólica. A síndrome metabólica (SM) refere-se a anormalidades metabólicas, como obesidade abdominal, dislipidemia, colesterol de baixa densidade elevado, hipertensão e diabetes, sendo a atividade física um fator importante para o manejo da SM. Assim sendo, o objetivo deste estudo é investigar os efeitos da visfatina sobre os fatores de risco de SM por meio de diferenças da intensidade de exercícios aeróbicos e do tipo de exercício, com base na premissa de mesma quantidade de exercício (gasto energético de 400 kcal por dia). Método: Trinta e duas mulheres obesas de meia-idade foram randomicamente designadas para grupos de intensidade de exercício com VO2máxde 50% (EAM, n = 8) e VO2máxde 80% (EAV, n = 8) e grupos com VO2máxde 50% + ERC (EARM, n = 8) e VO2máxde 80% + ERC (EARV, n = 8). O programa de exercícios foi realizado 5 vezes por semana. Os dados foram analisados com ANOVA de duas vias com medidas repetidas e testes post-hoc nos grupos com DMS. Resultados: O peso corporal (p < 0,01 e p < 0,001) e percentual de gordura corporal (p < 0,05 e p < 0,01) diminuíram significativamente em todos os grupos e a visfatina só aumentou significativamente depois do exercício no grupo EARV (p < 0,05). Triglicérides, glicose e circunferência da cintura (p < 0,05, p < 0,01 e p < 0,001) diminuíram significativamente em todos os grupos e o HDL-C (p < 0,05) só aumentou significativamente depois o exercício apenas no grupo EARM. Conclusão: Esses resultados sugerem que, apesar das diferenças de intensidade e tipo dos exercícios, eles são eficazes para melhorar a obesidade e os fatores de risco da SM, porém, são necessárias mais pesquisas sobre os mecanismos exatos da visfatina. Nível de Evidência I; Estudos terapêuticos - Investigação dos resultados do tratamento .

The relationship between of ACE I/D and the MTHFR C677T polymorphisms in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus in a population of Brazilian obese patients

ABSTRACT Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the frequencies of the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene insertion/deletion (I/D) and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene C677T polymorphisms in obese patients with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Subjects and methods These polymorphisms were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction in 125 patients with obesity, 47 (T2DM) and 78 (Control Group). Results No significant difference was found on comparing the T2DM and Control Groups in respect to the genotypic frequencies of the polymorphisms - (II: 13.3% vs. 12.0%; ID: 37.8% vs. 37.3; DD: 48.9% vs. 50.7%; CC: 36.2% vs. 39.0%; CT: 46.8% vs. 49.3%; TT: 17.0% vs. 11.7%), and alleles (I: 32.2% vs. 30.7%; D: 67.8% vs. 69.3%; C: 59.6% vs. 63.6%; T: 40.4% vs. 36.4%) and their synergisms in the pathophysiology of T2DM. On analyzing the T2DM Group, there were no significant differences in the presence of complications. In this population of Brazilian obese patients, no correlation was found between the ACE and MTHFR polymorphisms in the development of T2DM. Conclusion Analyzing only the group with diabetes, there was also no relationship between these polymorphisms and comorbidities.

Effects of energetic restriction diet on butyrylcholinesterase in obese women from southern Brazil - A longitudinal study

Objective Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activity has been associated with obesity, lipid concentrations, and CHE2 locus phenotypes. This, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of an energetic restriction diet intervention on anthropometrical and biochemical variables and on absolute and relative BChE activity in CHE2 C5+ and CHE2 C5- individuals. Subjects and methods One hundred eleven premenopausal obese women from Southern Brazil participated in an energetic restriction diet intervention (deficit of 2500 kJ/day) for 8 weeks. Their anthropometric and biochemical parameters were evaluated before and after the intervention. Plasma BChE activity was measured, and BChE bands in plasma and CHE2 locus phenotypes were detected by electrophoresis. Results The dietetic intervention decreased anthropometric and biochemical parameters as well as absolute BChE activity and relative activity of the G4 band. The CHE2 C5+ phenotype presented a different effect when compared with the CHE2 C5- phenotype. The CHE2 C5+ phenotype showed an effect in absolute BChE activity and in the relative activity of the G4 form, maintaining higher BChE activity regardless of the metabolic changes. Conclusion In our study, 8 weeks was not sufficient time to lower the body mass index to normal, but it was enough to significantly reduce the absolute BChE activity, which became similar to the levels in nonobese individuals. CHE2 C5+ individuals were resistant to the decrease in BChE activity compared to CHE2 C5- individuals. This shows that the diet did not affect the CHE2 and G4 fraction complex and that the products of the CHE2 locus in association with BChE have a role in energy metabolism, maintaining high levels of enzymatic activity even after dietary intervention.

Resistance training improves body composition and increases matrix metalloproteinase 2 activity in biceps and gastrocnemius muscles of diet-induced obese rats

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the influence of resistance training on body composition and matrix metalloproteinase 2 activity in skeletal muscles of rats fed a high-fat diet. METHODS: Thirty-two Wistar rats were divided into four experimental groups (n = 8/each) according to diet and exercise status: Control (standard diet), Obese Control (high-fat diet), Resistance Training (standard diet) and Obese Resistance Training (high-fat diet) groups. Animals were fed a high-fat diet for 12 weeks to promote excessive weight gain. Resistance Training groups performed 12 weeks of training periods after this period in a vertical ladder three times/week. Fat percentage, fat-free mass and fat mass were assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and matrix metalloproteinase 2 activity in biceps and gastrocnemius muscles was analyzed using zymography. RESULTS: Resistance training significantly reduced body and fat masses and fat percentages in both trained groups (p<0.05). The maximal carrying load between trained groups was not different, but relative force was higher in the Resistance Training group (p<0.05). Of note, increased matrix metalloproteinase 2 activity was noted in the tested muscles of both trained groups (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, altered body composition and muscle matrix metalloproteinase 2 activity promoted by excessive weight gain were positively modified by resistance training. .

Impact of metformin treatment and swimming exercise on visfatin levels in high-fat-induced obesity rats / Impacto do tratamento com metformina e da natação nos níveis de visfatina em ratos com obesidade induzida por dieta com alto teor de gordura

Objective : Visfatin is a recently discovered adipocytokine that contributes to glucose and obesity-related conditions. Until now, its responses to the insulin-sensitizing agent metformin and to exercise are largely unknown. We aim to investigate the impact of metformin treatment and/or swimming exercise on serum visfatin and visfatin levels in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), peri-renal adipose tissue (PAT) and skeletal muscle (SM) of high-fat-induced obesity rats. Materials and methods : Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a normal diet or a high-fat diet for 16 weeks to develop obesity model. The high-fat-induced obesity model rats were then randomized to metformin (MET), swimming exercise (SWI), or adjunctive therapy of metformin and swimming exercise (MAS), besides high-fat obesity control group and a normal control group, all with 10 rats per group. Zoometric and glycemic parameters, lipid profile, and serum visfatin levels were assessed at baseline and after 6 weeks of therapy. Visfatin levels in SAT, PAT and SM were determined by Western Blot. Results : Metformin and swimming exercise improved lipid profile, and increased insulin sensitivity and body weight reduction were observed. Both metformin and swimming exercise down-regulated visfatin levels in SAT and PAT, while the adjunctive therapy conferred greater benefits, but no changes of visfatin levels were observed in SM. Conclusion : Our results indicate that visfatin down-regulation in SAT and PAT may be one of the mechanisms by which metformin and swimming exercise inhibit obesity. .

Objetivo : A visfatina é uma adipocina recentemente descoberta que contribui com as condições relacionadas à glicose e à obesidade. Até hoje, pouco se sabe da sua resposta à metformina, um agente sensibilizador de insulina, e ao exercício. Nosso objetivo foi investigar o impacto do tratamento com metformina e/ou da natação sobre a visfatina no soro e no tecido adiposo subcutâneo (TAS), tecido adiposo perirrenal (TAP) e músculo esquelético (ME) em ratos com obesidade induzida por dieta com alto teor de gordura. Materiais e métodos : Ratos Sprague-Dawley foram alimentados com uma dieta normal ou com alto teor de gordura por 16 semanas para o desenvolvimento de um modelo de obesidade. Os ratos do modelo de obesidade foram, então, randomizados para a metformina, natação ou terapia de combinação com metformina e natação, além do grupo controle de obesidade induzida por alto teor de gordura e do grupo controle normal. Cada grupo apresentava 10 ratos. Parâmetros zoométricos e glicêmicos, perfil lipídico e níveis de visfatina sérica foram avaliados no momento inicial e após seis semanas de tratamento. Os níveis de visfatina em TAS, TAP e ME foram determinados por Western Blot. Resultados : A metformina e a natação melhoraram o perfil lipídico e aumentaram a sensibilidade à insulina, com redução do peso corporal. Tanto a metformina quanto a natação levaram à regulação para baixo dos níveis de visfatina no TAS e TAP, enquanto a terapia de combinação apresentou os maiores benefícios, mas não foram observadas alterações nos níveis de visfatina no ME. Conclusão : Nossos resultados indicam que a regulação para baixo da visfatina no TAS e TAP pode ser um dos mecanismos pelos quais a metformina ...

Atividade da butirilcolinesterase e fatores de risco cardiovascular em adolescentes obesos submetidos a um programa de exercícios físicos / Butyrylcholinesterase activity and cardiovascular risk factors in obese adolescents submitted to an exercise program

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito de 12 semanas de exercícios físicos em variáveis associadas a fatores de risco cardiovascular e na atividade da butirilcolinesterase (BChE) em adolescentes obesos. SUJEITOS E MÉTODOS: A amostra foi composta por 24 obesos e 51 eutróficos controles. Inicialmente e após 12 semanas foram avaliados: peso, estatura, IMC, circunferência abdominal (CA), percentual de gordura (%G), consumo máximo de oxigênio (VO2máx), pressão arterial sistólica (PAS) e diastólica (PAD), glicemia (GLI) e insulinemia (INS) basal e após 120 min, triacilglicerol (TG), colesterol total (CT), colesterol LDL, colesterol HDL e a atividade da BChE (kU/l). RESULTADOS: Após a intervenção, houve redução significativa no IMC, CA, %G, PAD, PAD, TG, GLI 120, INS, INS 120 min e na atividade da BChE. CONCLUSÃO: A redução da atividade da BChE, observada após a intervenção, foi acompanhada da redução de variáveis associadas a risco cardiovascular e à obesidade, indicando que a BChE pode ser utilizada como marcador secundário para os riscos associados à obesidade precoce.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of 12 weeks of physical exercise (PE) on cardiovascular risk factors and BChE activity in obese adolescents. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 24 obese adolescents and 51 normal weight controls. The following variables were measured in the initial stage and after 12 weeks: weight, height, BMI, waist circumference (WC), fat percentage (% F), maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure, glucose (GLY) and insulin (INS) at baseline and after 120 min, triacylglycerol (TG), total cholesterol (TC), LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and BChE activity (kU/l). RESULTS: After the intervention, there was significant reduction in BMI, WC, %F, TG, GLI 120, INS 120 min, and BChE activity. CONCLUSION: The reduction in BChE activity, observed after physical exercise, was accompanied by the reduction of the variables associated with cardiovascular risk and obesity, indicating that BChE can be used as a secondary marker for the risk associated with early onset obesity.

Adenosina deaminasa: su respuesta ante desequilibrios nutricionales / Adenosine deaminase in malnutrition

It has been previously shown that nutritional produces an increment in the activity of adenosine deaminase (ADA) in thymus, serum and other fluids in immunonocompromised patients. This study analyzed if ADA activity could be used as a biochemical indicator of nutritional status in populations at nutritional risk. Twenty six women with anorexia nervosa (AN) 14-32 years old, and 33 obese children (O) 5-13 years old were studied. ADA activity was determined as described by Giusty and Galante, comparing results with control subjects of the same age. The results (x +/- SD, expressed as IU/L) were AN: 25.7+8.2 and 21.0 +/- 4.6; and 0:27.1+9.1° and 23.0±5.6 in experimental and control individuals, respectively (p<0.02). These findings support the hypothesis that ADA activity in serum can be used as a functional indicator related to the defence mechanism in nutritional studies.

Se ha demostrado que el estrés nutricional provoca incremento en la actividad de adenosina deaminasa en timo de rata y además aumenta su actividad en el suero y otros fluidos biológicos de pacientes inmunocompro-metidos. En este estudio se analizó si la determinación de la actividad de ADA en suero podría considerarse parámetro bioquímico funcional en el seguimiento de poblaciones en riesgo nutricional. Se estudiaron mujeres con anorexia nerviosa (AN, 14-32 años) y niños obesos de ambos sexos (O, 5-13 años). La actividad de ADA se determinó por el método de Giusti y Galante. Los resultados se compararon con controles de igual edad. Los resultados (X +/- DE (UI/L)) fueron AN: 25.7 +/- 8.2 vs. 21.0 +/- 4.6 y O: 27.1 +/- 9.1vs. 23.0 +/- 5.6 (p<0.02). Estos hallazgos, avalarían la hipótesis surgida de estudios previos, de proponer la determinación de la actividad sérica de ADA, como un indicador funcional relacionado con los mecanismos de defensa en los estudios de nutrición.

Regiones polimórficas del gen 11ß-hidroxiesteroide deshidrogenasa tipo 1 (11ßHSD1) en hipertensión arterial esencial: Posible rol etiopatogénico / Possible pathogenetic role of 11ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11ßHSD1) gene polymorphisms in arterial hypertension

Background: Cortisol has been implicated in hypertension and lately reported to be regulated at the pre-receptor level by the 11ßHSD1 enzyme, which converts cortisone (E) to cortisol (F). Over expression ofthis enzyme in adipose tissue could determine an increase in available cortisol that interacts with the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) in renal, brain and heart tissue, leading to similar hypertensive effects as in 11ßHSD2 impaired patients. Severa! polymorphisms have been reported in HSDl IB 1 gene (CAI5, CAI9 and InsA83557), which could modify HSDl IB 1 gene expression or activity. Aun: To determine the distribution and prevalence of CAI5, CAI9 and InsA83557 in the HSDl IBl gene, and to correlate these results with biochemical parameters in cortisol/ ACTH (HPA) and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone (RAA) axis in patients with essential hypertension (EH). Patients and Methods: We studied 113 EHpatients (76 non-obese and 37 obese, with a body mass índex >30 kg/m²) and 30 normotensive adults (NT). In each patient, we measured serum levéis of E E, serum aldosterone (SA), plasma renin activity (PRA), adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), the urinary free cortisol/creatinine (UFF/Cr), F/ACTH and SA/PRA ratios. Each polymorphism was studied by PCR and 8 percent polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Statistical associations were evaluated by Pearson correlations and the genetic equilibñum by the Hardy-Weinberg (H-W) equation. Results: We found all three polymorphisms in the EH and the NT group, both in genetic equilibñum. In obese essential hypertensives, the CAI5polymorphism showed association with SA/PRA ratio (r =0.189, p =0.012) and F/ACTH (r =0.301, p 0.048); CA19 also showed correlation with F/ACTH in obese EH (r = 0.220, p 0.009). The InsA83557polymorphism correlated with UFF/Cr in both EH (r =0.206; p =0.03), and in obese EH (r =0.354; p =0.05). Conclusions: The CAI5 and CAI9 polymorphism correlated with changes in biochemical parameters...

Study of Cytochrome P450 2E1 and its allele Variants in Liver Injury of Nondiabetic, Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Obese Women

CYP2E1 enzyme is related to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) due to its ability for reactive oxygen species production, which can be influenced by polymorphisms in the gene. The aim of this study was to investigate hepatic levels, activity, and polymorphisms of the CYP2E1 gene to correlate it with clinical and histological features in 48 female obese NASH patients. Subjects were divided into three groups: (i) normal; (ii) steatosis; and (iii) steatohepatitis. CYP2E1 protein level was assayed in microsomes from liver biopsies, and in vivo chlorzoxazone hydroxylation was determined by HPLC. Genomic DNA was isolated for genotype analysis through PCR. The results showed that liver CYP2E1 content was significantly higher in the steatohepatitis (45 percent; p=0.024) and steatosis (22 percent; p=0.032) group compared with normal group. Chlorzoxazone hydroxylase activity showed significant enhancement in the steatohepatitis group (15 percent, p=0.027) compared with the normal group. c2 rare allele of RsallPstl polymorphisms but no C allele of Dral polymorphism was positively associated with CHZ hydroxylation, which in turn is correlated with liver CYP2E1 content (r=0.59; p=0.026). In conclusion, c2 allele is positively associated with liver injury in NASH. This allele may determine a higher transcriptional activity of the gene, with consequent enhancement in pro-oxidant activity of CYP2E1 thus affording liver toxicity.

Adipose tissue expression of 11beta-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 in cushing's syndrome and in obesity

Glucocorticoids have a major role in determining adipose tissue metabolism and distribution. 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11betaHSD1) is a NADPH-dependent enzyme highly expressed in the liver and adipose tissue. In most intact cells and tissues it functions as a reductase (to convert inactive cortisone to active cortisol). It has been hypothesized that tissue-specific deregulation of cortisol metabolism may be involved in the complex pathophysiology of the metabolic syndrome (MS) and obesity. Transgenic mice overexpressing 11betaHSD1 in adipose tissue develop obesity with all features of the MS, whereas 11betaHSD1-knockout mice are protected from both. The bulk of evidences points to an overexpression and increased activity of 11betaHSD1 also in human adipose tissue. However, 11betaHSD1 seems to adjust local cortisol concentrations independently of its plasma levels. In Cushing's syndrome, 11betaHSD1 is downregulated and may not be responsible for the abdominal fat depots; it also undergoes downregulation in response to weight loss in human obesity. The nonselective 11betaHSD1 inhibitor carbenoxolone improves insulin sensitivity in humans, and selective inhibitors enhance insulin action in diabetic mice liver, thereby lowering blood glucose. Thus, 11betaHSD1 is now emerging as a modulator of energy partitioning and a promising pharmacological target to treat the MS and diabetes.

Os glicocorticóides (GC) têm papel importante na determinação do metabolismo e da distribuição do tecido adiposo. A 11beta-hidroxisteróide desidrogenase tipo 1 (11betaHSD1) é uma enzima dependente de NADPH, altamente expressa nos tecidos hepático e adiposo. Em muitas células e tecidos intactos, ela funciona como redutase (convertendo cortisona em cortisol). Postula-se que uma desregulação tecido-específica do cortisol estaria envolvida na complexa fisiopatologia da síndrome metabólica (SM) e obesidade. Ratos que super-expressam 11betaHSD1 no tecido adiposo desenvolvem obesidade e todas as características da SM, enquanto ratos knockout para 11betaHSD1 são protegidos. Evidências apontam para uma super-expressão e aumento da atividade 11betaHSD1 também no tecido adiposo humano. Entretanto, a 11betaHSD1 parece ajustar a concentração local de cortisol independente da sua concentração sérica. Na síndrome de Cushing, a expressão da 11betaHSD1 é regulada para baixo, não devendo ser a causa dos depósitos de gordura visceral; em obesos, há também regulação para baixo em resposta à perda de peso. A carbenoxolona, um inibidor não seletivo da 11betaHSD1, melhora a sensibilidade insulínica em humanos e inibidores seletivos aumentam a sensibilidade insulínica hepática e melhoram o controle glicêmico em ratos diabéticos. Assim, a 11betaHSD1 está emergindo como um modulador da compartimentalização de energia e um alvo farmacológico promissor para o tratamento da SM e do diabetes.

relationship between serum total sialic acid levels and adenosine deaminase activity in obesity

To evaluate the relationship between serum adenosine deaminase [AD] activity and serum total sialic acid [TSA] levels in obese individuals. We performed this study at the Department of Chemistry, Division Biochemistry, Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University Arts and Science Faculty, Turkey from 2003 to 2004. Fifty obese subjects and 25 non-obese healthy controls were included in the study. The serum AD activity and TSA concentrations were measured by spectrophotometric methods. The AD activity [p<0.01] and TSA concentrations [p<0.001] were significantly higher in the sera of obese subjects than those of non-obese control subjects. But, there was no statistically significant difference in the serum TSA levels and AD activity of the obese subjects with metabolic syndrome properties compared with those without metabolic syndrome properties. A significant correlation between the serum TSA and AD was found in the obese subjects [p<0.05, r: 0.33]. Our findings suggest that there may be a closer interaction between the inflammatory events and obesity. However, our observations need to be confirmed by further studies to understand more regarding the underlying mechanisms

Erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes and blood pressure in relation to overweight and obese Thai in Bangkok.

The specific activities of antioxidant enzymes, [eg superoxide dismutases (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and catalase (CAT)], anthropometric measurements, including waist/hip ratio of 48 male and 167 female overweight persons (body mass index (BMI) > or = 25.0 kg/m2) compared with a 26 male and 80 female control group (BMI = 18.5-24.9 kg/m2) of Thai volunteers who attended the Out-patient Department, General Practice Section, Rajvithi Hospital, Bangkok, for a physical check-up during March-October, 1998, were investigated. There was a slightly significant difference between the median age of the sexes. The medians of height, weight, and waist/hip ratio in males were significantly higher than those in female overweight and obese subjects. The median of arm circumference (AC), mid arm muscle circumference (MAMC) in males was significantly higher than those in female overweight and obese subjects (p < 0.05). The prevalences of hypertension based on systolic and diastolic blood pressure of > or = 160/> or = 95 mmHg, were 8.3% and 37.5% for males and 5.4% and 18.6% for females, respectively. There was no significant difference between the median of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPX and CAT) between the sexes. No significant differences in the antioxidant enzymes in male overweight/obese persons and normal controls were presented, whereas antioxidant enzymes in female overweight/obese persons were statistically lower than in control females (p < 0.05). A significantly higher SOD, GPX, and CAT status was observed in normal subjects compared with overweight/obese subjects (p < 0.01). A higher prevalence of SOD < or = 2,866 U/gHb, GPX (< or = 15.96 U/gHb in females was found, compared with males. A high percentage of lower catalase (CAT < or = 19.2x10(4) IU/gHb) was found in both sexes (64.5% in males and 64.5% in females). In obese subjects (BMI > or = 30.0 kg/m2), there were significantly positive relationships between systolic and diastolic blood pressure, systolic blood pressure and waist/hip ratio, and SOD could be related to weight, BMI as well as GPX and CAT, whereas the opposite result was observed for age and SOD.