Relationship between Certain Pro-inflammatory Biomarkers and Body Composition in a Group of Overweight Jordanian Students

Obesity is associated with chronic diseases; this relation is explained through the alternation of adipose tissue (AT) secretory function during obesity. The objectives of this study were to determine the circulatory levels of several pro-inflammatory biomarkers, including, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-) and high sensitivity-C reactive protein (hs-CRP) in a group of overweight (OWT) adults as compared to normal weight (NWT) adults, and to examine the association between serum pro-inflammatory biomarkers (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF- and hs-CRP) levels and adiposity using different assessment field tools of body composition; anthropometry and bioelectrical impedance analysis. This case-control study was conducted among 90 (45 OWT and 45 NWT) students studying at the University of Jordan aged between 18-25 years old. Body composition data were determined by field methods using anthropometry and bioelectrical impedance analysis. Serum levels of the selected pro inflammatory biomarkers were also determined. There was a significant difference in mean concentration of hs-CRP and IL-6 in OWT as compared to NWT participants (P<0.05). No significant differences were observed in the mean concentration of IL-1β and TNF- between the two groups. CRP was significantly associated with anthropometric parameters BMI (r=0.538, P<0.01), weight (r=0.445, P<0.01), waist circumference (r=0.440, P<0.01), waist-to-hip ratio (r=0.229, P<0.05), and percent fat mass (%FM) (r=0.266, P<0.05). Whereas, IL-6 was positively correlated with %FM and percent fat free mass (%FFM) in males (r=0.306, P<0.05) and negatively correlated with %FFM in females (r=-0.297, P<0.05). No significant association with any of obesity measurements were observed with IL-1β and TNF-α. In conclusion, progressive increase in body fat is responsible for the activation of the immune system even before reaching the obesity stage.