Abstract

Author(s): Ramírez Alvarado, María Matilde1,2; Sánchez Roitz, César �scar3

Introduction: The induction of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and E-selectin allows binding of circulating endothelial cells and is a first event being in atherogenesis. Adipose tissue produces proinflammatory molecules as IL-6 and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α that induce insulin resistance (RI) and the expression of adhesion molecules.

Objective: To determine the relationship between serum levels of adhesion molecules (sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, and sE-selectin) with RI, the β cell function, and CRP in obese women.

Methods: 19 normal weight control women (BMI 21,6 ± 1,8 kg/m2) and a group of 21 obese women (BMI 35,3 ± 5,3 kg/m2) were recruited. Levels of sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, sE-selectin, and CRP were measured in fasting. Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and Homeostasis model assessment of b-cell function (HOMA-β) were calculated. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters were measured in both groups.

Results: A positive correlation was observed between adhesion molecules and HOMA-IR (sICAM-1: r: 0,53, p: 0,01; sVCAM-1: r: 0,67, p: 0,0008; sE-selectin: r: 0,65, p: 0,0013) and HOMA-β (sICAM-1: r: 0,49, p: 0,026; sVCAM-1: r: 0,46, p: 0,037; sE-selectin: r: 0,30, p: 0,041) in obese women. Positive correlation was observed between fasting insulin and sICAM-1 (r: 0,54, p: 0,01), sVCAM-1 (r: 0,68, p: 0,0008) and sE-selectin (r: 0,62, p: 0,0029) in obese women. Positive correlation was observed between serum levels of CRP and sVCAM-1 (r: 0,49, p: 0,02) and sE-selectin (r: 0,45, p: 0,039) in obese women. These correlations were not observed in normal weight women.

Discussion: The results indicate that inflammation and increased levels of HOMA-IR and HOMA-β, promote endothelial activation in obese women, increasing risk of atherosclerosis.

Conclusions: Serum levels of adhesion molecules increase with increasing RI, the function of beta-cell, and serum CRP levels in obese women.