Reduced Serum Levels of Zinc and Superoxide Dismutase in Obese Individuals

Abstract

The oxidant-stress (OS) has an essential role to play in the pathogenesis and progression of many diseases. OS is the outcome when the level of free-radical-formation is increased or protective-antioxidant-mechanisms are compromised. Its value is expected to increase, although its emerging roles have not been conclusive in different studies. The objective of this study was to explore the level of zinc, copper, and antioxidant in response to obesity-related-stress by measuring superoxide-dismutase (SOD) levels as a key antioxidant-enzyme in 706 individuals with/without obesity. Anthropometric/biochemical parameters including total-cholesterol (TC), fasting-blood-glucose, high-density-lipoprotein (HDL), low-density-lipoprotein, and triglycerides were determined. The activity of SOD was measured followed by the measurement of Cu and Zn levels. Obese subjects had a significantly higher level of body mass index (BMI) and TC, while the level of HDL was lower in the obese group, as compared to the related values in control subjects. The level of Zn was significantly decreased in the obese group, while the level of Cu and Cu/Zn ratio increased. Additionally, we observed that the SOD level was less in obese subjects when compared to that in the non-obese subjects. In addition to the complications of high BMI, low level of Zn and SOD in obesity can be considered a risk factor, resulting in a reduced antioxidant response, supporting the need for identifying a suitable treatment option for this group.