Increased oxidative stress and alterations in the levels of some trace elements and minerals in obese/overweight subjects

Introduction: Reactive oxygen species are considered to be important intracellular signaling molecules. However, these molecules, together with obesity, are risk factors for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. This research attempts to explore the links among oxidative stress, trace elements, and obesity. Materials and methods: 160 male individuals were involved in this study. Six oxidative stress parameters were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits; glutathione, catalase, 8-iso-prostaglandin, malondialdehyde, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Trace elements were determined via flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Results: Significant differences in the levels of (calcium (p = 0.0097), magnesium (p = 0.0005), copper (p = 0.0015), zinc (p = 0.0187), glutathione (p = 0.0276), catalase (p = 0.0329), 8-iso-prostaglandin (p = 0.0330), malondialdehyde (p = 0.0127), and vitamin C (p = 0.0263)) among healthy, overweight, and obese groups. Furthermore, significant positive correlations were found between calcium, magnesium, and iron with most oxidative stress parameters. Conclusion: Oxidative stress is increased in obesity, and elevation in the levels of some trace elements increases oxidative stress. In addition, calcium, magnesium, and zinc are significantly decreased in populations with obesity, whereas serum copper was significantly increased in the obese group.