Differences in body fat distribution and antioxidant status in Korean men with cardiovascular disease with or without diabetes

Background: Abnormal body fat distribution and reduced antioxidant status have been shown to be effective markers of risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the differences in body fat distribution and antioxidant status in healthy men (control subjects) and in men with CVD with or without diabetes. Design: An oral-glucose-tolerance test was performed and CVD patients were subdivided into groups according to the presence or absence of diabetes. Adipose tissue areas were calculated from computed tomography scans made at the L1 and L4 vertebrae. Fasting serum concentrations of lipids, testosterone, insulin-like growth factor I, antioxidants, and plasma homocysteine were determined. Results: There were no significant differences in mean age, body mass index (in kg/m²), or blood pressure between the groups. The visceral fat area at the L1 vertebra was nonsignificandy greater in CVD patients without diabetes than in control subjects, whereas it was significantly greater in CVD patients with diabetes than in control subjects at both the L1 and L4 vertebrae. Both groups of CVD patients had higher plasma concentrations of homocysteine and lower serum insulin-like growth factor I concentrations and superoxide dismutase activities than did control subjects. Serum β-carotene and lycopene concentrations were lowest in the CVD patients with diabetes. Conclusion: The concurrent presence of CVD and diabetes is associated with a greater negative effect on the risk factors typically associated with significant declines in health status.