Evaluation of Oxidative Stress Markers’ Status in Obese Females Using Hormonal Contraceptives

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the variation in oxidative stress markers including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and malondialdehyde (MDA) and to correlate it with obesity in females using contraceptives.Methodology: Comparative cross sectional study was project of University of Lahore (UOL).conducted in collaboration with Basic Health Unit Mudkey (periphery of Kasur) from January to December 2013. The study population comprised of 51 married females of age ranged 25 to 40 years. The study was approved by the Research Ethical Committee of UOL. Thirty one females using either combined oral contraceptive pills (COC) or progestin injections were enrolled for a period of 9 months, while 20 females not using any type of contraceptives were recruited as a control group. Weight in kg and height in meter were estimated by the standard protocol. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated by the formula; weight in kg /height in m2. Subjects having BMI greater than 25kg/m2 were categorized as obese. Stress markers were estimated from blood samples. SOD was assayed by nitroblue tetrazolium method by spectrophotometer. Catalase and Glutathione levels were also determined using spectrophotometer. MDA levels were measured by Thiobarbitoric acid assay reaction. with MDA. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS20. Mean ± SD (standard deviation) was used for continuous variables; while frequency and percentages were used for estimation of categorical variables. Regression analysis was applied to elucidate association between obesity and the stress markers.Results: SOD and MDA levels were significantly higher in obese group as compared to non-obese group (p values = 0.02, 0.04). No significant differences was noted in obese and non- obese subjects with respect to catalase (p value= 0.35) and Glutathione (p value=0.9) concentrations. Regression analysis shows significant positive association of BMI with SOD (p value 0.006) and MDA (p value 0.000); however, catalase (p value 0.28) and Glutathione (p value 0.85) were not significantly associated with BMI.Conclusion: Oxidative stress in obese are due to higher MDA levels. SOD is positively associated with BMI; however catalase and glutathione are not affected by BMI.