Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: OxLDL-β2GPI complex has been suggested to play a role in the development of atherosclerosis and other inflammatory diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible association of circulating oxLDL-β2GPI with obesity-induced inflammatory state of adipose tissue and related comorbidities as metabolic syndrome development.
SUBJECTS/METHODS: Two cohorts of subjects were examined in the study. Cohort I: 36 women with wide range of BMI (17-48 kg/m(2)) and metabolic status (with or without metabolic syndrome (MS); Cohort II: 20 obese women undergoing a dietary intervention consisting of 1 month very low-calorie diet, and 5 months of weight-stabilization period.
Serum levels of oxLDL-β2GPI were measured by ELISA. Insulin sensitivity was evaluated by hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp and HOMA-IR. mRNA expression of macrophage markers was determined in both subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral (VAT) adipose tissue in Cohort I and in SAT in Cohort II.
RESULTS: Serum oxLDL- β2GPI levels were increased in obese subjects with MS compared to lean or obese without MS (obese with MS: 26.6+-5.0 vs lean: 15.17+-1.97, P<0.001; vs obese without MS: 16.36+-2.89, P<0.05). Serum oxLDL-β2GPI correlated with MS indices (glucose, HDL, TG, ureic acid) and with mRNA expression of macrophage markers in VAT.
Weight-reducing dietary intervention decreased serum oxLDL-β2GPI levels together with lipid parameters and the mRNA expression of inflammatory markers in SAT. CONCLUSION: OxLDL-β2GPI seems to be an important marker of visceral adipose tissue inflammation and possibly a factor contributing to insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome development in obese patients.