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. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.