The levels of circulating markers of atherosclerosis and inflammation in subjects with different degrees of body mass index: Soluble CD40 ligand and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein.

BACKGROUND

It is well demonstrated that obesity is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Recent studies have shown that obesity, insulin resistance and atherosclerosis are closely related phenomena in which low-grade inflammatory state and prothrombotic condition has pivotal roles. It has been shown that CD40-soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) interactions might constitute an important mediator for vascular inflammation. The aim of the present study was to assess sCD40L in relation to hs-CRP and cardiovascular risk factors in relation to body mass index (BMI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Serum sCD40L and hs-CRP concentrations were measured in 52 obese patients and 28 non-obese subjects by ELISA. Insulin resistance was calculated by homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). We divided the participants into three groups depending in their BMI levels (Group 1: BMI <25 kg/m(2), Group 2: BMI 30-34.9 kg/m(2), Group 3: BMI > or =35 kg/m(2)).

RESULTS

We determined that the mean sCD40L of group 3 was significantly higher than group 1 and group 2 (p<0.05, p<0.05, respectively). However, there was no significant correlation between plasma sCD40L levels and BMI. Plasma levels of hs-CRP were higher in obese group than the non-obese group (p<0.001). The levels of sCD40L were not significantly different between the two groups. The mean hs-CRP levels increased gradually in accordance with groups of BMI, there was a strong correlation between hs-CRP levels and BMI (r=0.724, p<0.001). There was no significant correlation between sCD40L and hs-CRP levels in all participants.

CONCLUSIONS

It is still a subject for debate whether sCD40L levels are increased or not in obesity. However, the results of this study showed that sCD40L is substantially increased in patients with severe obesity. In terms of causality, the relatively small sample size and cross-sectional design of this study are considered to be the limitation factors.