Systemic Inflammation Indices, Chemokines, and Metabolic Markers in Perimenopausal Women

Background: Menopause and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are linked to chronic low-grade inflammation. However, the role of chemokines and systemic inflammatory indices such as the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI) in perimenopausal women remains poorly understood. Methods: This cross-sectional study evaluated inflammatory markers, chemokines, and systemic indices in perimenopausal women recruited in Poland. Sociodemographic and health-related information was obtained using a custom questionnaire, along with anthropometric measurements and laboratory analyses. Results: A total of 230 women aged 44-65 years were included. Women with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m² had significantly higher IL-6 (median 4.9 vs. 2.3 pg/mL, p < 0.01) and CRP levels (3.8 vs. 1.6 mg/L, p < 0.05), as well as increased HOMA-IR (2.6 vs. 1.5, p < 0.01), compared with those with normal BMI. Positive correlations were found between SII and CXCL5 (r = 0.21, p = 0.01), and between SIRI and CXCL2 (r = 0.19, p = 0.02), CXCL5 (r = 0.23, p = 0.01), and CXCL9 (r = 0.24, p = 0.01). Conclusions: Excess body weight in perimenopausal women was associated with elevated IL-6, CRP, and insulin resistance, together with BMI-dependent correlations of chemokines with SII and SIRI. These findings highlight the potential of SII and SIRI as accessible screening tools for identifying women at risk of MetS. Future longitudinal studies are needed to confirm their predictive value and clinical applicability.