Levels of antioxidant activity and oxidative stress in metabolic syndrome Puerto Rican participants (1138.9)

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is defined as a of cluster factors that increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The criteria for diagnosis for MetS include increased triglycerides, reduced HDL cholesterol levels, raised plasma glucose concentration, and body mass index > 30 kg/m2. In the Puerto Rican population the prevalence of MetS is estimated in approximately 43.3%. Some studies suggested that MetS is linked to higher levels of oxidative stress (OxS). However, there is no data available using OxS markers at Puerto Rican community. Our objective was to determine levels of oxidized lipids and the activity of antioxidant enzymes Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx) and lipid peroxidation. We further expect to evaluate if there is there exist an association between the obtained levels and the presence of MetS in a Puerto Rican population. We hypothesized GPx activity will be significantly lower in participants with MetS and that lipid peroxidation will be higher in these persons. Data was analyzed using Prism Graph Pad and SPSSv12.0 Softwares. Our preliminary results showed no significant differences in plasma lipid peroxidation (n=224; p=0.229) and GPx (n=70; p=0.163). This study is important because excessive accumulation of oxidative molecules may be prevented by ingesting antioxidant supplements and this may create awareness of the consequences of the MetS and the potential benefit of intaking antioxidants.