Effect of massive weight loss on inflammatory adipocytokines and the innate immune system in morbidly obese women.

BACKGROUND

Obesity may be regarded as a low-grade inflammatory state.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in pro-inflammatory adipocytokines and the innate immune system, cardiovascular risk, and insulin sensitivity after massive weight loss.

METHODS

This was a longitudinal study.

METHODS

The study was conducted at Catholic University, Rome.

METHODS

There were 10 normoglucose-tolerant obese women evaluated before and 36 months after bilio-pancreatic diversion (BPD). Glucose sensitivity (M value) was estimated using the euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp. Mannan-binding lectin (MBL), bactericidal/permeability increasing protein (BPI), alpha-defensins, soluble CD14 receptor (sCD14), C-reactive protein, adiponectin, leptin, visfatin, IL-6, and TNF-alpha were assayed.

RESULTS

After massive weight loss (53% of excess body weight), leptin (P

CONCLUSIONS

Surgically induced weight loss is capable of reversing low-grade inflammation, at least partially. The relationships between sCD14, MBL, BPI, and glucose sensitivity, and the role of TNF-alpha in obesity warrant further investigation.