The metabolic alterations associated with
obesity include
mineral dysregulation. Essential
trace elements are nutrients with a relevant function in a large number of cellular processes and multiple roles in the correct functioning of metabolic
enzymes.
Paraoxonase-1 (PON1) is an
antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
enzyme that is compromised in
obesity. In the present study, the potential alterations in
trace elements in morbidly obese women were assessed in relation to serum PON1 activity and concentration, as well as to other
obesity-related comorbidities such as
diabetes mellitus and
fatty liver. We recruited 41 morbidly obese women and 51 control individuals. The serum concentrations of 30 elements, PON1
paraoxonase and lactonase activities, and PON1 concentration were measured. We observed significant alterations in the levels of As, Ba, Cu, Ca, Fe, Mg, Na, Se, Sr, and Zn in obese women; some of them (As, Ca, Cr, Cu, Mg, and Se) being significantly correlated with serum PON1 values. The most relevant changes were observed in the concentrations of As, Sr and Mg, the last of which was also significantly associated with
diabetes mellitus. The current results raise the possibility that increased ingestion and/or storage of a number of
trace elements may be factors predisposing to
obesity-related comorbidities and metabolic alterations.