The correlation between oxidative stress level and intra-abdominal fat in obese males

This study aims to investigate the correlation between oxidative stress and intra-abdominal fat (IAF) in obese young and middle-aged males. The present study included 136 male examinees in the Examination Center of the First Hospital of Qinhuangdao from October 10, 2015 to December 10, 2015. Then, clinical data, oxidative stress indices (8-iso-prostaglandin F(2α) [8-iso-PGF(2α)], malondialdehyde [MDA], and superoxide dismutase [SOD]), and IAF area were recorded. All subjects were assigned into 3 groups according to body mass index (BMI): obese group (BMI ≥ 28 kg/m(2), 43 subjects), overweight group (24 ≤ BMI < 28 kg/m(2), 46 subjects), and control group (BMI < 24 kg/m(2), 47 subjects). Then, statistical analysis was performed. There were significant differences in IAF area, leptin, adiponectin, 8-iso-PGF(2α), MDA, SOD, fasting insulin (FINS), fasting blood glucose (FBG), and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) among these 3 groups (P < .05). Male subjects in the obese group had higher leptin, 8-iso-PGF(2α), MDA, FINS, and HOMA-IR levels, compared to subjects in the overweight and control groups. Furthermore, subjects in the overweight group had a larger IAF area and higher 8-iso-PGF(2α), MDA, and FBG levels, when compared to controls. In addition, SOD was significantly lower in the obese and overweight groups than in the control group. However, there were no statistical differences in age, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, lipids, and islet β-cell secretion function (homeostasis model assessment-β) among these 3 groups (P ≥ .05). Moreover, the IAF area was positively correlated to 8-iso-PGF(2α) and MDA, and negatively correlated to SOD. Oxidative stress is significantly associated with the IAF area in obese males, and abdominal obesity could increase oxidative stress level and insulin resistance.