Low serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in obese subjects with normal serum triglycerides: the role of insulin resistance and inflammatory cytokines

Background: The cause of obesity-related low HDLc in the absence of hypertriglyceridemia is not known. Subjects & Methods: A total of 32 subjects with a body mass index (BMI)(kg/m(2)) greater than 30 and normal serum triglycerides (< 150 mg/dl) were identified. Results: People with low HDLc (n = 16) compared to those with normal HDLc (n = 16) had higher BMI (37.53 +/- 4.54 vs. 33.99 +/- 3.65 kg/m(2), p < 0.021), higher body fat weight (42.59 +/- 9.51 vs. 34.76 +/- 8.7 kg, p < 0.023), and higher insulin resistance index (3.75 +/- 2.51 vs. 1.95 +/- 1.10, p < 0.013). Seven subjects with low HDLc and none of those with normal HDLc, had elevated serum tumor necrosis factor alpha and/or interleukin-6 (p < 0.010). Conclusions: Low HDLc levels can occur in obesity independently of elevated serum triglycerides and may be secondary to elevated serum levels of inflammatory cytokines.