Evaluation of the relationship of cytokines concentrations tumor necrosis factor‐alpha, interleukin‐6, and C‐reactive protein in obese diabetics and obese non‐diabetics: A comparative study

Abstract

AbstractObesity has been linked to a low‐grade inflammatory process in the white adipose tissue. Our study aims to detect the relationship between cytokine levels of tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and C‐reactive protein (CRP) in obese diabetics, compared to obese non‐diabetics, Iraqi individuals. Ninety Iraqi adults, 45 type 2 diabetic and 45 non‐diabetic obese, were selected as controls. Serum levels of TNF‐α, IL‐6, CRP, homeostatic model assessment for homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR), body fat, and body mass index (BMI) were measured. The concentration of TNF‐α, IL‐6, and CRP were significantly greater in the obese diabetics, compared to the obese non‐diabetics. BMI was significantly positively correlated with the concentration of TNF‐α, IL‐6, and CRP in the two groups. At the same time, HOMA‐IR was non‐significantly positively associated with them in obese diabetics. In contrast, the correlation was significantly positive between HOMA‐IR with TNF‐a, IL‐6, and CRP in the obese non‐diabetics group. Obese diabetics have more inflammation than obese non‐diabetics as evidenced by the former's higher levels of TNF‐α and IL‐6. Obesity‐related imbalances disrupt metabolic processes and increase CRP, TNF‐, and IL‐6 levels. Therefore, IR is promoted by the increase of cytokines.