THE IMPACT OF BARIATRIC SURGERY ON OXIDATIVE STRESS IN OBESE PATIENTS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22551/ckde0y15Abstract
Given the increasing prevalence of obesity and its association with multiple systemic complications, exploring the biological mechanisms underlying this condition has become imperative. Oxidative stress is an important contributor to metabolic dysfunction and chronic inflammation. Bariatric surgery not only induces significant weight loss but may also modulate oxidative balance, offering potential benefits beyond weight reduction. Aim: To evaluate and compare the degree of oxidative stress (OS) in the serum of patients with morbid obesity before and after bariatric surgery (BS), in relation to non-obese control subjects. Materials and methods: In this longitudinal comparative study, we collected plasma samples from three groups. First, plasma was obtained from 21 patients with a BMI ≥ 40 kg/m² (age range: 21-65 years) to assess metabolites involved in oxidative stress (OS). We measured key OS biomarkers, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA), as well as total serum protein concentration, which provides additional insight into the systemic metabolic status. Second, plasma samples were collected from healthy individuals with a mean BMI of 22.1 ± 0.8 kg/m², serving as the control group. Three months after bariatric surgery, plasma samples were again collected from the obese patients who attended the follow-up visit, constituting the third group. Results: Three months after bariatric surgery, SOD levels showed a partial recovery (0.30 ± 0.04 U/mL), although they remained significantly lower compared to the control group. Regarding lipid peroxidation, a significant reduction in MDA levels was observed in the surgery group compared to the overweight group (p=0.0004), suggesting a beneficial effect of the surgical intervention on oxidative stress. Serum protein levels were significantly elevated in obese patients compared to controls and showed a marked decrease after bariatric surgery, reaching values similar to those of the control group (p<0.05). Conclusions: We have demonstrated the relationship between OS parameters and mediators in people with morbid obesity. Bariatric surgery improves the antioxidant profile and reduces oxidative stress and comorbidities.
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