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Biomarkers and potential mechanisms of obesity-induced oxidant stress in humans

International Journal of Obesity volume 30, pages 400–418 (2006)Cite this article

Abstract

Objective:

Oxidative stress may be the unifying mechanism underlying the development of comorbidities in obesity. Evidence suggests that a clustering of sources of oxidative stress exists in obesity: hyperglycemia, hyperleptinemia, increased tissue lipid levels, inadequate antioxidant defenses, increased rates of free radical formation, enzymatic sources within the endothelium, and chronic inflammation.

Method:

This review provides a summary of the available evidence on systemic oxidative stress in humans and specific metabolic pathways by which obesity may elevate systemic oxidant stress. The authors suggest possible methods of reducing oxidative stress such as antioxidant supplementation, caloric restriction and/or physical activity and surgical intervention to combat free radicals and reduce adipose tissue.

Results:

Obesity is associated with oxidative stress and can be reduced with weight loss (regardless of exercise or surgery induced weight loss), caloric restriction or antioxidant rich diets.

Conclusion:

Oxidative stress levels are elevated in human obesity, and these levels are modifiable with various lifestyle modifications and surgical interventions.

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Acknowledgements

The preparation of this paper was supported, in part, by Grant Numbers T32-AT00052 and K30-AT-00060 from the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), and from the University of Virginia General Clinical Center Grant Number 5 M01 RR000847. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the NCCAM or the National Institutes of Health. We thank Elizabeth Tournquist, MA, and Jewel Holmberg for their editorial expertise in finalizing this paper.

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  1. The Center for the Study of Complementary and Alternative Therapies (CSCAT), University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA

    H K Vincent & A G Taylor

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Vincent, H., Taylor, A. Biomarkers and potential mechanisms of obesity-induced oxidant stress in humans. Int J Obes 30, 400–418 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijo.0803177

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