Increased Levels of Inflammation among Women with Enlarged Waist and Elevated Triglyceride Concentrations

Abstract

Background: We have evaluated the association between hypertriglyceridemic waist (HW) phenotype, markers of systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction in women. Methods and Results: Anthropometric and biochemical measurements were assessed in a cross-sectional study of 507 Iranian women aged 40–60 years. HW phenotype was defined as serum triacylglycerol (TG) concentration ≧150 mg/dl and a concurrent waist circumference ≧89 cm. Individuals with HW phenotype had higher anthropometric measures, were older and less physically active. After controlling for potential confounding variables, those with the HW phenotype had higher circulating levels of C-reactive protein (2.7 ± 2.3 vs. 1.3 ± 2.2 mg/l; p = 0.003), tumor necrosis factor-α (5.5 ± 2.1 vs. 2.9 ± 2.2 mg/l; p = 0.01), IL-6 (2.6 ± 1.5 vs. 1.1 ± 1.6 ng/l; p = 0.01) and E-selectin (62.4 ± 15.4 vs. 37.1 ± 16.9 ng/l; p = 0.001) compared with those with normal WC and normal serum TG levels. Further, adjustment for body mass index attenuated the associations, but all were still statistically significant. No significant difference was seen in circulating levels of serum amyloid A, secreted intercellular cell adhesion molecule 1 and secreted vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 comparing different phenotypes. Conclusion: This study provides evidence showing a positive association between HW phenotype and markers of systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction.