Protein oxidation in metabolic syndrome

Purpose: Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of the metabolic syndrome and in the progression of its complications. Carbonylated proteins are a stable marker of severe oxidative stress because damage to the protein structure is irreversible and may cause an inhibition of their enzymatic activity or an increased susceptibility to proteolysis. ere are few data regarding protein oxidation in metabolic syndrome, although elevated levels of carbonyl groups are o en detected in subjects with obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension or dyslipidemia, well-known components of the metaboic syndrome. In particular, obesity, insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus are frequently associated with increased protein carbonylation. A relationship between insulin resistance, protein oxidative stress and in ammation has also been suggested as well as protein oxidation products are correlated with overexpression of resistin, TNF-α and IL-6. Conclusion: erapeutic interventions based on lifestyle modi cations and pharmacological agents in order to correct all the main risk factors in uence oxidative stress and protein carbonylation.