Obesity, Inflammation and Metabolic Disorders

Abstract

The incidence of obesity worldwide has increased drastically during recent decades. Currently, obesity is viewed as a pro-inflammatory state with a rise in inflammatory parameters such as C-reactive protein (CRP), nitric oxide (NO) along with the increase in the secretion of leptin. Evaluation of these parameters in lean and obese subjects might enable us to understand the link between obesity, BMI and inflammation. In this connection, we have estimated serum leptin, CRP, NO, serum triglycerides, cholesterol, and lipid profile in normal, underweight, overweight and obese subjects. Interestingly leptin level is found to be higher in obese and overweight subjects. A profound positive correlation has been observed between obesity, serum leptin and CRP suggesting a possible link between obesity, inflammation and metabolic syndrome.