Influence of inflammation and adipocyte biochemical markers on the components of metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. This study investigated the correlation between adipocyte and inflammation biomarkers, and metabolic syndrome and its components. The study included 80 patients with normal body-mass index and 80 obese patients. The groups were assessed for serum values of adiponectin, leptin and highly sensitive C reactive protein (hsCRP), the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), as well as the influence of these biochemical markers on the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its components. Leptin, HOMA-IR and hsCRP had statistically significant (P<0.01) higher values in the group of obese subjects, while adiponectin had statistically significant (P<0.01) lower values. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 35% in the obese group and 5% in the normal weight group. Adiponectin and HOMA-IR were the variables significantly associated with metabolic syndrome (P<0.01), adiponectin/HOMA-IR ratio and leptin/adiponectin ratio were also associated with metabolic syndrome (P<0.01). No relationship was found between metabolic syndrome and hsCRP. Adiponectin and adiponectin/HOMA-IR were associated with all the components of metabolic syndrome and they can be useful to identify patients with high risk of diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease.