Assessment of alpha1-antitrypsin and alpha2-macroglobulin levels in obese patients.

INTRODUCTION

Epidemiologic data show a higher frequency of thromboembolic incidents in obese individuals compared with normal weight subjects. Pro-inflammatory factors seem to play an important role in their development. It has not been fully explained so far how alpha1-antitrypsin (alpha1ATp) and alpha2-macroglobulin (alpha2MG) act in obese subjects. Both proteins participate directly and indirectly in regulation of inflammation, coagulation and fibrinolysis. Thus alterations in serum levels of these protease inhibitors may play an important role in the development of vascular incidents in obesity.

OBJECTIVES

To assess serum alpha1ATp and alpha2MG levels in obese patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study involved 16 subjects with obesity and metabolic syndrome and 14 obese subjects with no disturbances of glucose and lipid profile or arterial hypertension. 20 healthy volunteers served as the control group. Levels of alpha1ATp and alpha2MG were determined in all subjects using immunonephelometry.

RESULTS

No significant differences in alpha1ATp and alpha2MG levels between the patients and the control group were observed. Comparison of the tested parameters in the obese with metabolic syndrome and those without metabolic disturbances showed higher values of alpha1ATp levels in the former group. In this group positive correlations between alpha1ATp levels and fasting insulin levels were found.

CONCLUSIONS

Metabolic disturbances in obesity are associated with an elevated level of alpha1ATp, which might confirm its important role in the development of vascular incidents in obese patients. An increased risk of vascular pathological lesions in obesity is probably not associated with alpha2MG levels.