Sex differences in IL-3, IL-4, and IL-7 correlation with cholesterol and triglyceride levels in African Americans with high HbA1c

Abstract

Abstract Background Nearly 30 million Americans have diabetes; majority are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Low grade inflammation is associated with T2D which influences a network of serum cytokines. IL-3, IL-4, and IL-7 play coordinated pathogenic roles in many inflammatory diseases including T2D and non-fatty liver disease. It has been previously reported high circulating glucose influences serum cytokine levels and cholesterol metabolism. However, further studies are needed to delineate the relationship between cytokine serum levels, cholesterol, and triglycerides metabolism. Methods A total of 232 serum samples were collected from African Americans: 161 women and 71 men. This group consists of 95 normal HbA1c and 106 high HbA1c participants. Most participants had a BMI > 30 (n=171). Cytokines were measured using multiplexing assays from Luminex X-MAP® technology. Results In the presence of high HbA1c, there is a trend increase in serum levels of IL-4 in both men and women. In women participants, IL-3 (R=−0.41, P=0.02) is inversely correlated to BMI, but not in men. IL-3 is positively correlated to VLDL cholesterol in women with normal HbA1c. HDL is positively correlated with IL-3 (R=0.20, P=0.04). VLDL is positively correlated with IL-4 (R=0.79, P=0.007), in men with normal HbA1c. Triglycerides were positively correlated to IL-4 (R=0.80, P=0.006) and IL-3 (R=0.56, P=0.05) in men with normal HbA1c. Conclusion The involvement of IL-3, IL-4, IL-7 are linked to cholesterol metabolism but are possibly regulated differently between sexes. The evidence of these correlations provides a basis of understanding that could be utilized to provide intervention to reduce the complications of T2D. Supported by NIH NIMHD U54MD012392