Associations between Dietary Antioxidant Intakes and Visceral Adipose Tissue Senescence in Obese Adults

Senescence is linked to increases in oxidative stress and free radicals, which can potentially damage DNA. Furthermore, obesity is known to exacerbate these factors. In contrast, antioxidants may postpone tissue aging, including adipose tissues, by fighting with free radicals. To investigate this link, this study was carried out to assess associations between dietary antioxidant intake and visceral adipose tissue aging in obese adults.

A case-control study was carried out at Shahada Tajrish Hospital, Tehran, Iran, with 20 candidates of bariatric surgery and 20 adults of normal weight. The study assessed activity of beta-galactosidase in visceral adipose tissues. Assessment of dietary antioxidants was carried out using food frequency questionnaires.

Study indicated significant adverse correlations of the daily consumption of vitamin C and selenium with beta-galactosidase activity in visceral fat tissues of case group (p = 0.039 and p = 0.028, respectively). In the control group, significant adverse relationships were observed between the daily intake of vitamin C (p = 0.001), lycopene (p = 0.027), selenium (p = 0.037) and magnesium (p = 0.002) and beta-galactosidase activity in visceral fat tissues. Moreover, individuals with high beta-galactosidase enzyme activity in visceral fat tissues had a significantly lower daily intake of vitamin E (p = 0.046), vitamin C (p < 0.001), lycopene (p = 0.030), selenium (p = 0.035) and magnesium (p = 0.01), compared to those with low beta-galactosidase enzyme activity in visceral fat tissues.

Consuming diets high in antioxidants has been linked to decreased cellular senescence in the visceral adipose tissues of obese adults. To further investigate this relationship, studies including a variety of senescence markers are recommended.