HORMONAL AN INFLAMMATORY BIOMARKERS IN A GROUP OF OVERWEIGHT AND OBESE WOMEN

Background and objectives: The aim of this study was to describe the hormonal and inflammatory status of a group of overweight/obese women. Patients and methods: The sample studied was a cross-sectional cohort of women > 18 years of age, BMI >= 25 < 40 kg/m(2), prior to starting a weight control program. Data collected were: demographic characteristics, blood pressure, anthropometric parameters, physical activity data, and biochemical, hormonal and inflammatory biomarkers. Results: The study involved 104 women with a mean age of 48.4 +/- 9 years and a BMI of 29.8 +/- 3.5 kg/m(2). Some 48% of the women studied were in menopause. Some 8.9% had hyperinsulinemia. The mean ghrelin value was 38.8 +/- 33.6 pg/ml; there was no correlation between ghrelin levels and anthropometric and biochemical variables. CRP, leptin, adiponectin, resistin, IL6, IL10, and PAI1 were 3.0 +/- 2.7 mg/dl, 36.3 +/- 19.5 ng/ml, 8.3 +/- 4.5 mg/ml, 24.3 +/- 23.2 ng/ml, 51.6 +/- 93.6 pg/ml, 10.0 +/- 34.2 pg/ml and 22.3 +/- 30.6 ng/ml, respectively. Obese patients had significantly higher mean values of resistin and PAI1 than those who were overweight. These levels correlated significantly with anthropometric and biochemical variables; however, the correlations were weak. Age, menopause or the regular practice of physical activity had no effect on mean values. Conclusions: The group of women studied had altered inflammatory biomarkers in relation to people of normal weight. The study shows the inflammatory status of overweight/obese individuals, and the values obtained may help to establish standard ranges for these markers.