Elevated levels of oxidized low-density lipoprotein and of catalase activity in follicular fluid of obese women.

The intrafollicular levels of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) and of enzyme antioxidants might contribute to reproductive disorders in obese and infertile women. Relevant data are missing. Eighty-four patients were grouped according to obese versus non-obese status and whether they had polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The concentrations of oxLDL and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR) in the serum and follicular fluid were measured. Obese women with and without PCOS had significantly greater amounts of oxLDL in the follicular fluid as compared with non-obese women. The level of oxLDL in the follicular fluid was 1000 times lower than in serum. Obese women with and without PCOS had significantly higher catalase activity in the follicular fluid as compared with non-obese women. No differences were found for the SOD activity in the follicular fluid. The GPx and GR activities were up-regulated in obese patients without and with PCOS, yet not in respect to each serum and follicular fluid sample. We conclude that elevated levels of oxLDL in the follicular fluid of obese women are associated with higher catalase activity; both parameters are independent of PCOS. The levels of oxLDL and catalase activity appear to indicate different degrees of oxidative stress.