Comparison of hormonal, inflammatory, and oxidative stress markers in overweight or obese adolescents who practice judo and non-practitioners: a cross-sectional study

Abstract This study aimed to compare hormonal parameters, inflammatory mediators, and oxidative stress markers in overweight and obese adolescents, both judo practitioners and non-practitioners. In total, 34 adolescents, aged 10–14 years, with overweight or obesity were divided between a control group (CG) or a judo group (JG). Participants in the JG were all volunteers from judo academies, invited through contact with judo instructors, practitioners of the sport for at least 6 months. The CG consisted of students from a public school who did not practice judo, all residing in Uberaba-Brazil. The evaluations performed included measurements of body composition, inflammatory mediators (MCP-1, TNF-α, IL-6, and CRP), hormonal parameters (leptin and adiponectin), and oxidative stress mediators (AOPP, MDA, and GSH). Lean body mass (kg) was significantly higher in the JG compared to the CG. No significant differences between groups were observed in inflammatory mediators (MCP-1, TNF-α, IL-6, and CRP) or hormonal parameters (leptin and adiponectin). However, the judo group presented higher levels of GSH, with no differences in MDA and AOPP. In conclusion, adolescents with overweight or obesity who practice judo presented higher lean body mass and plasma concentration of GSH compared to the control group, with no differences observed in inflammatory or hormonal markers.