Th1/Th2 cytokines profile in overweight/obese young adults and their correlation with airways inflammation

This study aims to compare the Th1/Th2 cytokines of subjects with general/abdominal obesity and non-obese individuals, and to correlate them with the biomarker of airways inflammation and different body compositions.

Eighty subjects were divided into 37 normal weight (BMI >25) and 43 overweight/obese groups (BMI ≥25). All participants were further categorised by waist circumference (WC) into an abdominal obesity group (n = 32) and a group without abdominal obesity (n = 48). Serum levels of Th1 cytokines (INF-γ, TNF-α, IL-2,) and Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13) were measured using a multiplex ELISA technique. The fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) was used as a biomarker for airways inflammation. Different body compositions were assessed using a bioelectrical body composition analyser.

Serum IL-5 and TNF-α were significantly increased in groups with general or abdominal obesity compared to control groups. IL-5 showed a significant positive correlation with FeNO. BMI and total fat percentage were positively correlated to IL-5 and TNF-α, whereas WC and visceral fat percentage were correlated with the levels of IL-5 and IL-4.

This study confirms the elevation of certain Th1 and Th2 cytokines in subjects with general and abdominal obesity. IL-5 was positively correlated with FeNO, which may link obesity to airways inflammation.