Evaluation of inflammatory markers in relation to serum level of adiponectin in obese asthmatic patients

Abstract

Context Obesity and asthma are major public health problems affecting large numbers of population across the world. Obesity induces some physiological and metabolic changes, which are associated with the development of asthma. Inflammation in adipose tissue could lead to airway inflammation causing asthma in the setting of obesity. Aim The aim of this study was to compare the serum level of adiponectin and inflammatory markers [tumor necrosis factor α and C-reactive protein (CRP)] in obese asthmatic patients versus nonobese asthmatic patients compared with a third control group of healthy individuals of the same age and sex. Settings and design The study included two patient groups, and a third one served as a control group. The study was carried out in the Pulmonology and Internal Medicine Departments and Outpatient Clinics in Alexandria Main University Hospital. Materials and methods Anthropometric measurements (BMI, waist circumference, and waist to hip ratio) were obtained. Serum adiponectin, tumor necrosis factor α, and CRP levels were measured. Routine laboratory investigations, lipid profile, and blood glucose tests were performed in all studied groups. Results The mean serum level of CRP was more elevated in the obese patients in comparison with the control group (P = 0.002) and was also elevated in the normal weight asthmatic patients in comparison with the control group (P < 0.001). The mean adiponectin serum level was significantly lower in obese asthmatic patients than in normal weight asthmatic patients, and significantly lower in nonobese asthmatic patients in comparison with controls (P < 0.001 for each). Conclusion Prevention of obesity may be the most beneficial therapy for the obesity–asthma phenotype, and modulating adiponectin may open a unique and innovative approach toward managing asthma.