Increased Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Markers Contrasting with the Activation of the Cholinergic Anti-inflammatory Pathway in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a disorder that is closely associated with risk factors that increase the chance of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. We demonstrate the presence of inflammation and oxidative stress in patients with MetS through levels of antioxidants and oxidative and inflammatory markers, in order to determine influential variables in therapy.

Methods: In this study, lipid peroxidation, carbonylated protein content and enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants were evaluated in samples obtained from 30 patients with MetS and 30 control patients. In addition, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, C-reactive protein (CRP) and uric acid (UA) levels were determined to investigate the inflammatory process in patients with MetS.

Results: Our results demonstrated an increase in the levels of oxidative markers, such as substances reactive to thiobarbituric acid (TBARS) and carbonyl protein. In addition, a decrease in the defense of non-enzymatic antioxidants, such as levels of vitamin C and glutathione (GSH) in patients with MetS. As for inflammatory markers, CRP and UA were increased in patients with MetS. Finally, activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway was observed due to decreased AchE activity in patients with MetS.

Conclusion: The analyzes indicated oxidative stress, together with a reduction in the levels of antioxidant enzymes, corroborating the high consumption of these proteins. In addition, inflammation and activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway was observed by the AChE analysis. Thus, the activation of this pathway can be studied as a possible route to a potential therapy. In addition, the markers AChE, CRP and UA may be used as a focus for the treatment of MetS.