The Effects of Combined Physical Exercise on Serum Redox Biomarkers and Leukocyte DNA Damage of Obese Women

Obesity is usually linked to oxidative stress, which can lead to damage to biomolecules. The combination of aerobic and strength exercises seems to induce health benefits in obese individuals, but little is known about the effects of combined physical exercise on redox homeostasis and DNA damage in this population. Thus, the aim of the current study was to determine the effects of 16 weeks of combined physical exercise on biomarkers of oxidative stress and DNA damage in obese women. 17 obese women underwent 16 weeks of a combined physical training program, 3 times per week. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters, serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase activity, plasma 8-isoprostane levels, and DNA and chromosomal damage were evaluated before and after physical training. Combined physical exercise training decreased body weight ( 83.2 ± 9.6 vs. 80.2 ± 9.6 kg), body mass index ( 33.8 ± 3.6 vs. 32.6 ± 3.7 kg·m-2), body fat ( 40.2 ± 2.6 vs. 39.0 ± 3.2 %), and waist circumference ( 99.3 ± 9.4 vs. 94.1 ± 8.8 cm), while the fat-free mass was augmented ( 59.9 ± 2.9 vs. 60.7 ± 3.1 kg). Moreover, blood glucose reduced ( 113.5 ± 29.6 vs. 107.3 ± 28.9 mg/dL) along with high-density lipoprotein ( 54.6 ± 18.1 vs. 59.0 ± 18.8 mg/dL), TSH ( 2.1 ± 1.1 vs. 2.6 ± 1.2 mIU/mL), and free T4 ( 0.9 ± 0.1 vs. 1.12 ± 0.2 ng/dL) increase after physical exercise training. Plasma 8-isoprostane levels ( 17.24 ± 7.9 vs. 29.11 ± 17.44 pg/mL) and DNA damage ( 34.16 ± 7.1 vs. 45.96 ± 5.8 % DNA in tail) were also higher after physical training. No changes were observed in chromosomal damage levels. These results suggest that 16 weeks of combined exercise training 3 times per week is effective in reducing body fat but also increases oxidative stress and DNA damage in obese women.