[Effect of a high glucose load on serum concentrations of C-reactive protein and alpha1-antitrypsin in obese women]

Abstract

Obesity is associated with increased inflammation. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a proinflammatory molecule, and alpha1-antitrypsin is an inflammation-sensitive plasma protein. Proinflammatory process may be influenced by postprandial hyperglycemia.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of high-glucose load on postprandial circulating levels of PCR and alpha1-antitrypsin in obese women with normal glucose tolerance.

Design: A total of 15 obese women (age=34.4+/-4.3 years, BMI=35.5+/-5.3 kg/m2) and 15 lean controls women (age=33.9+/-2.9 years, BMI=21.8+/-1.9 kg/m2) were recruited for this study. After and overnight fast subjects underwent a 2 h-75 g oral glucose tolerance test. Preprandial and postprandial CRP and alpha1-antitrypsin were measured. Anthropometry and blood biochemical parameters were measured in both groups.

Results: The obese women had fasting serum PCR levels higher (P=or<0.001) than those of control women. There weren't differences in fasting serum alpha1-antitrypsin levels in obese group in comparison to lean control group (P=0.26). Serum PCR and alpha1-antitrypsin did not change postprandially (P=or>0.05 difference to fasting levels). Serum CRP levels was positively related to body mass index (BMI) in obese group. Serum alpha1-antitrypsin was not related to BMI in both groups.

Conclusion: A high glucose load is not associated with serum PCR and alpha1-antitrypsin levels increase. Serum alpha1-antitripsin levels are not increased in obese women. Serum PCR levels are increased in obese women, and are positively related to BMI.