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Inflammation-sensitive plasma proteins are associated with future weight gain
Gunnar Engström1, Bo Hedblad, Lars Stavenow
1Department of Community Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden. gunnar.engstrom@smi.mas.lu.se
Diabetes
|July 29, 2003
Summary
Elevated inflammation-sensitive plasma proteins (ISPs) predict future weight gain in middle-aged men. This finding links inflammation to metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease risk.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Epidemiology
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Obesity and metabolic syndrome are linked to low-grade inflammation.
- The causal relationship between inflammation and weight gain requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if elevated inflammation-sensitive plasma proteins (ISPs) predict future weight gain in healthy middle-aged men.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 2,821 healthy men (38-50 years) with a mean follow-up of 6.1 years.
- Measured five ISPs (fibrinogen, orosomucoid, alpha1-antitrypsin, haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin).
- Assessed weight gain in relation to the number of ISPs in the top quartile, adjusting for confounding factors.
Main Results:
- Men with more elevated ISPs showed a higher proportion of significant weight gain.
- A trend (P=0.0005) was observed between the number of elevated ISPs and increased weight gain.
- The association remained significant after adjusting for baseline weight, physical activity, smoking, alcohol, and insulin resistance.
Conclusions:
- Elevated ISP levels are a significant predictor of future substantial weight gain in middle-aged men.
- This finding may elucidate the connection between inflammation, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease.