The role of central oxidative stres in pathophysiology of metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a complex pathology associated with hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia, and caused by over ingestion and sedentary lifestyle results in abdominal obesity. Each metabolic disorders which contribute to pathophysiology of this disease are risk factors for development of atherosclerosis. Although there is a lot of study for clarify to pathophysiology of metabolic sendrom, in recent studies are focused on peripherally increased oxidative stress due to risk of imbalance in antioxidant/oxidant status.It?s well known that risk of hypertension and obesity increase with age and incidence of metabolic sendrom is higher in elderly. Central sympathetic activation play an important role in age related hypertension and obesity. A lot of evidence showed that oxidative stress is accompanied by this activation. However, the central mechanisms of age associated metabolic syndrome is not clear yet.The aim of the study is to investigate the role of central oxidative stress and effects of age in the pathophysiology of metabolic syndrome. For this purpose, we will measure and evaluate mRNA levels of oxidative stres markers (NADPH oxidase-17 subunits- p47, gp91, p22) and antioxidant enzymes (Cu-ZnSOD, MnSOD and catalase) in the hypotalamus and brainstem from rats with fructose-induced metabolic syndrome.Animals were seperated two groups randomly: young (4 months), old (24 months). One group rats were fed with standart rat chow and tap water (control), another group were fed with standart rat chow and awter including 20% fructose for 6 weeks. After the experimental protocol, rats were sacrified and hypothalamus tissues were isolated. The mRNA levels of NADPH subunits: gp91 phox, p22 phox and p47 phox; antioxidant enzymes: Cu-Zn SOD, Mn SOD and catalase; TH were measured by real-time PCR.In present study, we found that the blood pressures and hypothalamic TH levels of old rats are incresed. In addition hypothlamic NADPH oxidase associated mRNA levels (gp91 phox, p22 phox and p47 phox) increased with aging. The plasma glucose levels decreased with age while HDL levels increased. However TG levels did not change in old groups.These results suggest that central mechanisms might be mediate predisposition of metabolic syndrome in the elderly. Although in young rats peripheral mechanisms rather than central ones plays an important role in development of metabolic syndrome.