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Elevated atopy in healthy obese women
Victoria J Vieira1, Anne M Ronan, Mark R Windt
1Department of Animal and Nutritional Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824, USA.
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|September 13, 2005
Summary
Obesity in women is linked to a higher prevalence of atopy, indicated by specific immunoglobulin E (IgE). This study found fat mass to be a key predictor of this allergic response in women.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
- Obesity Research
Background:
- Allergic disorders, including asthma, have significantly increased in the US.
- Previous studies indicated body mass index correlates with atopy in women.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate atopy prevalence in obese versus nonobese women.
- Examine the relationship between atopy and fat mass, insulin resistance, and specific hormone levels.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 43 women (21 obese, 22 nonobese).
- Measured fat mass, specific immunoglobulin E (IgE), insulin resistance, and plasma levels of 17beta-estradiol and leptin.
Main Results:
- Obese women had a nearly threefold higher frequency of specific IgE compared to nonobese women.
- Higher levels of 17beta-estradiol, insulin resistance markers, and leptin were observed in obese women.
- Fat mass was the sole positive predictor of specific IgE.
Conclusions:
- Confirms a direct link between obesity and a T helper 2 (Th2) immune response in women.
- Suggests fat mass is a significant factor in developing atopy in women.