Association Between Parameters of Cortisol Metabolism, Biomarkers of Minerals (Zinc, Selenium, and Magnesium), and Insulin Resistance and Oxidative Stress in Women with Obesity

Biol Trace Elem Res. 2023 Dec;201(12):5677-5691. doi: 10.1007/s12011-023-03639-7. Epub 2023 Apr 11.

Abstract

This is a cross-sectional study with women divided into a group of those with obesity (n = 80) and a control group (n = 94). Statistical analysis was conducted using the SPSS program. There were high values of GPx and TBARS and reduced values of SOD in women with obesity compared to the control group. Obese women showed increased concentrations of cortisol in serum and urine as well as hypozincemia, hyposelenemia, and hypomagnesemia and increased urinary excretion of these minerals. There was a negative correlation between the cortisol/cortisone ratio and erythrocyte zinc and selenium concentrations and a significant positive correlation between GPx and SOD activity and erythrocyte and plasma concentrations of zinc and selenium. The results of the study suggest the influence of adiposity on the increase in cortisol concentrations and the role of this hormone in the compartmentalization of the minerals zinc, selenium, and magnesium. However, the association study does not allow identifying the impact of such action on the antioxidant defense system and insulin sensitivity.

Keywords: Cortisol; Insulin resistance; Magnesium; Obesity; Oxidative stress; Selenium; Zinc.

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydrocortisone / metabolism
  • Insulin Resistance*
  • Magnesium / metabolism
  • Obesity* / metabolism
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Selenium / metabolism
  • Superoxide Dismutase / metabolism
  • Trace Elements* / metabolism
  • Zinc / metabolism

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Hydrocortisone
  • Magnesium
  • Selenium
  • Superoxide Dismutase
  • Zinc
  • Trace Elements