[Leuko-glycemic index as a marker of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction in overweight and obesity]

Overweight (OW) and obesity (OB) are major health problems both in Mexico and the world. Because of the chronic low-grade inflammatory state that characterizes OW and OB, they are considered as cardiovascular risk factors. The leuko-glycemic index (LGI) is a ratio used as a prognostic factor to predict complications in patients with vascular diseases.

To assess the utility of LGI index as an inflammatory and endothelial dysfunction marker in patients with OW and OB.

Comparative cross-sectional study in 124 patients of Family Medicine Unit 80 of Mexican Social Security Institute. Young adults aged between 18 - 50 years old, and BMI between 18.5 and 40 kg/m2, without diagnosis of chronic diseases, auto immunities or immunodeficiencies were included. Bioelectrical impedance (weight, height, BMI, % body fat, lean mass) and blood sample (blood count, glucose, lipid profile, inflammatory, endothelial dysfunction markers) were assessed. Patients were grouped according to their BMI: OB, OW and normal weight (NW).

LGI was found to be significantly elevated in OB and OW patients vs. NW. LGI correlated positively with inflammation and DE markers: IL-6, TNF-α, vWF. A value ≥ 405 was estimated with ROC curves as cut-off point for LGI to predict the likelihood of inflammation and ED in OW and OB patients.

ILG is relevant as a predictive marker of cardiovascular disease by reflecting inflammation and endothelial dysfunction in patients with OW and OB.