Enhanced Inflammatory Status in Patients with Simple Central Obesity in Absence of Metabolic Syndrome

Abstract

Introduction: Abdominal obesity is associated with cardiovascular risk factors. Metabolic Syndrome (MS) describes a constellation of metabolic abnormalities, including abdominal obesity. However, there is limited data on the comparison of inflammatory biomarkers in centrally obese subjects without MS. Aim: To examine the biomarkers of inflammation in subjects with MS, central obesity without MS, and normal controls. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving 501 subjects categorised into MS, central obesity without MS (COBXMS), and healthy controls (NC). Soluble biomarkers of inflammation {high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Soluble Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 (sICAM-1), Soluble Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) and soluble E-selectin} were measured. Results: MS had significant elevation in all biomarkers, while COBXMS had higher concentrations of all biomarkers except sVCAM-1 compared to NC. COBXMS had elevated hs-CRP, IL-6 and sICAM-1 comparable with MS. Obesity categories of subjects (MS, COBXMS or NC) were associated with quartiles of each biomarker concentration (p<0.001). Waist circumference was significantly correlated and associated with all biomarkers, and was the independent predictor for sICAM-1 and E-selectin after correcting for confounding factors. Conclusion: Centrally obese subjects without MS have elevated concentration of inflammatory biomarkers comparable to those with MS, suggesting the pivotal role of simple central obesity even in the absence of MS in inflammation and possible enhanced atherogenesis.

Keywords

• e-selectin
• inflammation
• svcam-1
• sicam-1