Serum levels of glutathione peroxidase 3 in overweight and obese subjects from central Mexico

Abstract

Background and aims: Overweight and obesity are considered complex entities in which there are alterations in the concentration of antioxidant enzymes. It has been reported that glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPx3), an extracellular enzyme involved in the reduction of both hydro- and lipoperoxides, shows changes both in gene expression and protein concentration in animal models for type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity, but the variability of GPx3 levels in different human populations and under different health conditions are currently unclear. We undertook this study to determine the GPx3 levels in overweight and obese subjects from central Mexico.

Methods: Biochemical profile (serum glucose, insulin and lipid profile) and GPx3 concentrations were determined in 28 healthy subjects (control) and 133 subjects who were overweight or obese (OW-OB).

Results: The OW-OB group had a higher concentration of triacylglycerides (TAG) compared with the control group (201.2 ± 88.7 vs. 100.3 ± 46.4 mg/dL, p <0.05) and the TAG/high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) index (5.6 ± 2.8 vs. 2.1 ± 1.2, p <0.05), whereas the concentration of HDL-C decreased (38.2 ± 8.7 vs. 50.1 ± 14.5 mg/dL, p <0.05). Serum GPx3 was significantly higher in the OW-OB group than in the control group (175.4 ± 25.4 vs. 143.5 ± 23.1 ng/dL). GPx3 concentration correlated with insulin sensitivity (IS) and the TAG/HDL-C index (Rho = -0.2336 and Rho = 0.2275) (p <0.01).

Conclusions: The TAG/HDL-C index and serum GPx3 concentration increased in the OW-OB group. In addition, GPx3 had a significant correlation with IS, weight, and the TAG/HDL-C index.