Enhanced oxidative stress in adipose tissue from diabetic mice, possible contribution of glycated albumin

• Oxidative stress biomarkers are measured in adipocytes from diabetic mice.
• Enhanced ROS, altered proteolytic and antioxidant activities in db/db adipocytes.
• Glycated albumin elicited oxidative stress in 3T3L1 adipocyte cell lines.

Although enhanced oxidative stress and proteotoxicity constitute major contributors to the pathogenesis of multiple diseases, there is limited understanding of its role in adipose tissue. Here, we aimed at evaluating oxidative stress biomarkers in adipocytes from diabetic/obese db/db mice. The current study revealed that reactive oxygen species production was upregulated in adipocytes, together with lipid peroxidation 4-hydroxynonenal accumulation, and altered proteolytic and antioxidant activities. In parallel, acute exposure of 3T3L1 adipocyte cell lines to glycated albumin (known to be enhanced with diabetes) also elicited intracellular free radical formation. Our data provide novel insights into redox and proteolytic homeostasis in adipocytes.