Oxidative Stress and DNA Damages in Obesity

Obesity is a serious global epidemic and possesses a significant health threat to humans. Obesity rates have been steadily rising over the past 25 years. Obesity may induce oxidative stress, causing oxidative damage of DNA. The oxidative stress in terms of serum lipid peroxidase levels (MDA) are compared in obesity and age matched healthy controls. The aim of the present study was to determine the levels of oxidative burden that may be attributed to obesity and to determine the resulting DNA damage by CBMN assay. The study was performed in 62 obese individuals and 22 healthy control subjects. The study revealed that there is an increased level of LDL cholesterol as well as triglyceride in subjects with increased abdominal circumference. These subjects were observed with raised levels of MDA and increased frequency of micronuclei. Lifestyle modifications with proper diet and physical activities can reduce the risk factors that lead to obesity thereby reduces the resulting oxidative DNA damage. Good nutrition and regular physical activity should take place at all ages and stages of life.