Obesity-Associated Oxidative Stress: Strategies Finalized to Improve Redox State

International Journal of Molecular Sciences

Isabella Savini¹  Maria Valeria Catani²  Daniela Evangelista²  Valeria Gasperi² 

[1] Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy;

关键词: oxidative stress;    obesity;    cardiovascular disease;    cancer;    diet;    phytochemicals;    vitamins;    physical activity;   

DOI  :  10.3390/ijms140510497

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

Obesity represents a major risk factor for a plethora of severe diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and cancer. It is often accompanied by an increased risk of mortality and, in the case of non-fatal health problems, the quality of life is impaired because of associated conditions, including sleep apnea, respiratory problems, osteoarthritis, and infertility. Recent evidence suggests that oxidative stress may be the mechanistic link between obesity and related complications. In obese patients, antioxidant defenses are lower than normal weight counterparts and their levels inversely correlate with central adiposity; obesity is also characterized by enhanced levels of reactive oxygen or nitrogen species. Inadequacy of antioxidant defenses probably relies on different factors: obese individuals may have a lower intake of antioxidant- and phytochemical-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and legumes; otherwise, consumption of antioxidant nutrients is normal, but obese individuals may have an increased utilization of these molecules, likewise to that reported in diabetic patients and smokers. Also inadequate physical activity may account for a decreased antioxidant state. In this review, we describe current concepts in the meaning of obesity as a state of chronic oxidative stress and the potential interventions to improve redox balance.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2013 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland