Inflammation In Young Adults Research Articles

Association of perinatal characteristics with biomarkers of stress and inflammation in young adults: An exploratory study

General peri- and postnatal characteristics may serve as markers linking pre- or early postnatal events to later health outcomes, which in turn are associated with altered stress- and immune system activity. Our exploratory study investigated whether A) the common perinatal measures “birth weight” and “birth mode” and B) the postnatal characteristics “breastfeeding” and “vaccination status” are associated with markers of stress systems – the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and autonomous nervous system (ANS) – and inflammation in healthy young adults (n = 68, females: 70.6 %, mean age: 24.21 years, SD = 4.38) exposed to psychosocial challenge, the ‘Trier Social Stress Test’ (TSST). Salivary cortisol, alpha-amylase (sAA) and plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6) were assessed before, during and after the TSST. Participants provided information on peri- and postnatal characteristics. Linear regressions were performed to determine whether peri-/postnatal variables predict basal and stress-response-related biomarker levels. Controlling for sex and sex hormone use as relevant confounders, we found a significant association between birth weight and cortisol recovery (p = 0.032), with higher birth weight predicting higher cortisol recovery values. There were no other significant associations between predictor and outcome variables. Our results show that, in healthy young adults of mixed gender, normal-ranged birth weight is related to the cortisol response to psychosocial stress, indicating a long-term association of this perinatal marker with HPA axis function. In contrast, birth weight was not associated with markers of the ANS stress response or inflammation in adulthood. Our results further suggest that the measures birth mode, duration of breastfeeding, and vaccination status at 4 months of age do not relate to markers of the inflammatory and stress systems in adulthood.

Effect of a 24-Week Concurrent Exercise Intervention on Neck Adiposity and Its Distribution in Young Adults: The ACTIBATE Randomized Controlled Trial.

Neck adipose tissue (NAT) accumulation and neck circumference are independent predictors of cardiometabolic risk (CMR) and low-grade chronic inflammation in young adults. The present study examines whether a 24-week concurrent exercise intervention can reduce NAT volume and neck circumference in young adults, and whether any changes in these variables are related to changes in body composition, CMR, and the inflammatory profile. Seventy-four participants (51 women, age 22 ± 2years) were included in the main analyses, after being randomly assigned to either a (a)control (n = 34), (b)moderate-intensity exercise (n = 19), or (c)vigorous-intensity exercise (n = 21) group. Participants in the exercise groups trained 3-4days/week (endurance + resistance exercise training). NAT volume and NAT distribution across different depots were estimated using computed tomography before and after the intervention. Anthropometric variables, body composition (determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), and CMR/inflammatory markers were also recorded. The exercise intervention did not reduce the total NAT volume, nor was NAT distribution affected (p > .05). However, it did reduce neck circumference in the vigorous-intensity exercise group compared with the moderate-intensity exercise and control groups (by 0.8 and 1cm, respectively, p ≤ .05). Changes in total NAT and neck circumference were positively, albeit weakly, related (adj. R2: .05-.21, all p ≤ .05) to changes in body weight and adiposity, leptin (only total NAT), and CMR (only neck circumference). Altogether 24weeks of concurrent exercise does not appear to reduce NAT accumulation in young adults, but may slightly reduce neck circumference in those who partake in vigorous exercise.

Relationships between intrauterine fetal growth trajectories and markers of adiposity and inflammation in young adults

BackgroundThere is now good evidence that events during gestation significantly influence the developmental well-being of an individual in later life. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between intrauterine growth trajectories determined by serial ultrasound and subsequent markers of adiposity and inflammation in the 27-year-old adult offspring from the Raine Study, an Australian longitudinal pregnancy cohort.MethodsUltrasound fetal biometric measurements including abdominal circumference (AC), femur length (FL), and head circumference (HC) from 1333 mother-fetal pairs (Gen1–Gen2) in the Raine Study were used to develop fetal growth trajectories using group-based trajectory modeling. Linear mixed modeling investigated the relationship between adult body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) of Gen2 at 20 (n = 485), 22 (n = 421) and 27 (n = 437) years and the fetal growth trajectory groups, adjusting for age, sex, adult lifestyle factors, and maternal factors during pregnancy.ResultsSeven AC, five FL and five HC growth trajectory groups were identified. Compared to the average-stable (reference) group, a lower adult BMI was observed in two falling AC trajectories: (β = −1.45 kg/m2, 95% CI: −2.43 to −0.46, P = 0.004) and (β = −1.01 kg/m2, 95% CI: −1.96 to −0.05, P = 0.038). Conversely, higher adult BMI (2.58 kg/m2, 95% CI: 0.98 to 4.18, P = 0.002) and hs-CRP (37%, 95% CI: 9–73%, P = 0.008) were observed in a rising FL trajectory compared to the reference group. A high-stable HC trajectory associated with 20% lower adult hs-CRP (95% CI: 5–33%, P = 0.011).ConclusionThis study highlights the importance of understanding causes of the unique patterns of intrauterine growth. Different fetal growth trajectories from early pregnancy associate with subsequent adult adiposity and inflammation, which predispose to the risk of diabetes and cardiometabolic disease.

Postoperative anti-inflammatory efficacy of 2% saline rinses and a herbal- mouthwash after non-surgical periodontal therapy for the management of periodontal inflammation in young adults with chlorhexidine allergy: A randomized controlled trial.

The present randomized controlled trial assessed the postoperative anti-inflammatory efficacy of 2% saline rinses (SR) and a herbal- mouthwash (HMW) after non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) for the management of periodontal inflammation in patients with chlorhexidine (CHX) allergy. Patients with periodontal inflammation with and without self-reported CHX allergy were included. All patients underwent non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT). Patients were randomly divided into three groups. In the SR and HMW groups, 2% SR and a HMW, respectively, were prescribed. In Group 3 (CHX-group), patients without CHX allergy were included and were prescribed 0.12% CHX. In all groups, plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (AL), and marginal bone loss were measured at baseline. Clinical periodontal parameters were re-assessed at 6-weeks' follow-up. p<0.01 were considered statistically significant. Thirteen, 12, and 12 patients were included in the SR, HMW, and CHX groups, respectively. At baseline, clinical and radiographic periodontal parameters were comparable in all groups. In all groups, PI (p<0.01), GI (p<0.01), and PD (p<0.01) were significantly higher at baseline than their respective values at 6weeks of follow-up. There was no significant difference in clinical AL at all time intervals in all groups. There was no significant correlation between periodontal parameters and age, gender, and daily toothbrushing/flossing in all groups. In young adults with self-reported CHX allergy, herbal mouthwashes and/or 2% SR are suitable post-operative prescriptions after NSPT.

Oral vitamin C restores endothelial function during acute inflammation in young and older adults.

Oxidative stress has been linked to reductions in vascular function during acute inflammation in young adults; however, the effect of acute inflammation on vascular function with aging is inconclusive. The aim of this study was to determine if oral antioxidant administration eliminates vascular dysfunction during acute inflammation in young and older adults. Brachial flow‐mediated dilation (FMD) and carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) were measured in nine young (3 male, 24 ± 4 yrs, 26.2 ± 4.9 kg/m2) and 16 older (13 male, 64 ± 5 yrs, 25.8 ± 3.2 kg/m2) adults before and 2‐h after oral consumption of 2 g of vitamin C. The vitamin C protocol was completed at rest and 24 h after acute inflammation was induced via the typhoid vaccine. Venous blood samples were taken to measure markers of inflammation and vitamin C. Both interleukin‐6 (Δ+0.7 ± 1.8 pg/ml) and C‐reactive protein (Δ+1.9 ± 3.1 mg/L) were increased at 24 h following the vaccine (p < 0.01). There was no change in FMD or PWV following vitamin C administration at rest (p > 0.05). FMD was lower in all groups during acute inflammation (Δ‐1.4 ± 1.9%, p < 0.01), with no changes in PWV (Δ‐0.0 ± 0.9 m/s, p > 0.05). Vitamin C restored FMD back to initial values in young and older adults during acute inflammation (Δ+1.0 ± 1.8%, p < 0.01) with no change in inflammatory markers or PWV (p > 0.05). In conclusion, oral vitamin C restored endothelial function during acute inflammation in young and older adults, with no effect on aortic stiffness. The effect of vitamin C on endothelial function did not appear to be due to reductions in inflammatory markers. The exact mechanisms should be further investigated.

Adverse childhood experiences and chronic inflammation in young adults

Adverse childhood experiences and chronic inflammation in young adults

Evaluation of periodontal indices in young adults submitted to chlorhexidine 0.12% mouthwash: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract Introduction Gingivitis is a gingival inflammation which can often be treated with oral hygiene such as brushing, flossing, and an antiseptic mouthwash. Objective The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to clinically evaluate the effectiveness of 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX) solution as an anti-inflammatory agent and for reducing the presence of plaque and inflammation in young adults. Material and method Thirty patients with gingivitis aged 18 to 30 years with a probing depth ≤ 3 mm and a minimum of 20 teeth in the whole mouth were selected and evaluated at baseline and 30 days after treatment. Periodontal clinical parameters were verified: plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S), Simplified Debris Index (DI-S), and Simplified Calculus Index (CI-S) Patients were then randomly allocated into two groups: CHX Group, received chlorhexidine 0.12% labeled as solution 1, and Placebo Group, received saline solution labeled as solution 2. Both groups were included in a hygiene program and received mouthwash. Result Statistically significant differences between CHX and Placebo groups were observed for the variables PI, GI, DI-S, CI-S, and OHI-S (p&lt;0.05 - Paired T Test) after 30 days. The CHX group presented improved GI compared to Placebo at 30 days. Chlorhexidine 0.12% was efficient in the control of periodontium inflammation. Conclusion It can be concluded that chlorhexidine as a mouthwash is efficient in improving periodontal indices in young adults, but it is still controversial whether age can influence GI and OHI-S.

Von Willebrand factor, its cleaving protease (ADAMTS13), and inflammation in young adults: The African-PREDICT study

BackgroundThe role of inflammation in the early development of vascular dysfunction remains complex. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) can cause an acute imbalance in the von Willebrand factor (vWF)-ADAMTS13 interaction, indicating a possible link between markers of haemostasis and low-grade inflammation. To better understand these inter-relationships in the early phases of disease development, we investigated whether vWF and ADAMTS13 associate with the pro-inflammatory markers, IL-6 and CRP in healthy young adults. We considered the role of blood types, sex and race on these relationships. MethodsIn healthy black and white men and women (n = 1113; 24 ± 5 years; no previous diagnosis or medication use for chronic diseases) we analysed von Willebrand factor antigen (vWFag), ADAMTS13, IL-6 and CRP, and grouped blood types as non-O (A, B and AB) and O. Covariates included socioeconomic status, age, estimated glomerular filtration rate, 24-hour systolic blood pressure, waist circumference, glucose, total cholesterol, platelet count, γ-glutamyl transferase and total energy expenditure. ResultsIn the total group, vWFag was highest in the third tertile of both IL-6 and CRP (p ≤ 0.014), while ADAMTS13 was lowest in the third compared to the first IL-6 tertile (p = 0.006). In multivariate regression, vWFag associated positively with IL-6 (Adj R2 = 0.169; β = 0.123; p = 0.001) and CRP (Adj R2 = 0.163; β=0.094; p = 0.019) in the total group, in the O blood group (all p ≤ 0.051) and white men (all p ≤ 0.035). ADAMTS13 associated negatively with IL-6 (Adj R2 = 0.053; β = −0.154; p = 0.015) and CRP (Adj R2 = 0.055; β = −0.177; p = 0.009), only in the O blood group. ConclusionsMarkers of haemostasis associated independently with low-grade inflammation in the O type blood group and white men. An interplay between the haemostatic and inflammatory systems may already exist in young healthy adults and is dependent on blood groups, sex and race. This extends our understanding on the role of inflammation in the early development of vascular dysfunction prior to cardiovascular compromise.

Cardiometabolic risk in young adults with depression and evidence of inflammation: A birth cohort study

BackgroundYoung adults with depression and evidence of inflammation may represent a high-risk group for cardiometabolic disorders, but studies of cardiometabolic risk in this population are scarce. We aimed to examine: (1) the prevalence of low-grade inflammation in young-adults with depression; (2) cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between cardiometabolic risk factors and depression with or without evidence of inflammation. MethodThe ALSPAC birth cohort participants were assessed for depression and serum high-sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (CRP) levels at age 18, alongside cardiometabolic measures (fasting insulin, fasting plasma glucose, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, smoking, alcohol intake) at age 18 years, and body mass index at ages 9, 13 and 18 years. Low-grade inflammation was defined as CRP>3 mg/L. Multinomial regression was used to examine associations of cardiometabolic markers with depression cases with and without evidence of inflammation. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to examine for interactions between depression, inflammation and cardiometabolic traits. ResultsOut of 2932 participants, 215 met ICD-10 criteria for depressive episode at age 18 years; 23 (10.7 %) had CRP>3 mg/L and 57 (26.5 %) had CRP 1−3 mg/L. Depressive episode with raised CRP (>3 mg/L) was associated with higher triglycerides (adjusted OR = 2.09; 95 % C.I., 1.35−3.24), higher BMI (adjusted OR = 1.13; 95 % C.I., 1.05−1.22) and insulin insensitivity (adjusted OR = 1.12; 95 % C.I., 1.01−1.26), and longitudinally with higher BMI at ages 9 (adjusted OR = 1.27; 95 % C.I., 1.10−1.48) and 13 (adjusted OR = 1.23; 95 % C.I., 1.09−1.38). There was evidence for interaction between BMI and CRP for the risk of depression at age 18 (adjusted OR for the interaction term = 1.56; 95 % C.I. 0.98–2.02) and between CRP and depressive symptoms for the risk of increased BMI at age 18 (adjusted β for the interaction term = 0.05; 95 % C.I. 0.00−0.12). ConclusionsA notable proportion of young adults with depression have evidence of inflammation. These individuals are at increased risk of cardiometabolic disorders. Management of cardiometabolic risk in depressed individuals with evidence of inflammation should form part of routine clinical practice.

Temperament traits moderate the relationship between Childhood Trauma and Interleukin 1β profile in young adults

Early life stressors, such as childhood trauma, have been associated to alterations in immune response that can last until adulthood. In this context, interleukin 1β (IL-1β) emerges as a pro-inflammatory cytokine with a pivotal role. Also, considering the temperament differences in stress susceptibility, and even immune dysfunction, studies investigating the complex interaction between these factors are scarce. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the moderating role of temperament traits in the relationship between childhood trauma and serum IL-1β levels. This cross-sectional study consisted of 325 individuals, men and women, aged 18-35, enrolled from a population-based study in the city of Pelotas, Southern Brazil. Our main results indicate that higher serum levels of IL-1β were associated with trauma severity (p < 0.01), and the variance of anger could explain 29% of IL-1β increase in individuals who suffered severe trauma (p < 0.05). The effect of anger was considerably stronger in men than in women (46% and 25%, respectively). Moreover, the variance of sensitivity also explained 15% of IL-1β increase (p < 0.05) as well as the variance of volition explained 11% of IL-1β decrease (p < 0.05) in individuals who suffered severe trauma in the general population. Our results indicate that emotional individual differences can moderate the impact of childhood trauma on low-grade inflammation in young adults.

The Acute Effect of a Walnut Intervention on Cognitive Performance , Brain Activation, and Serum Markers of Inflammation in Young Adults

The Acute Effect of a Walnut Intervention on Cognitive Performance , Brain Activation, and Serum Markers of Inflammation in Young Adults

Central and peripheral body fat distribution: Different associations with low-grade inflammation in young adults?

Background and aimsEvidence regarding the impact of regional body fat distribution on low-grade inflammation is limited. The current study examined the association of central and peripheral body fat distribution and low-grade inflammation levels in young adults, considering collinearity between variables. Methods and resultsA cross-sectional analysis of 809 adults (aged 27 years) was conducted as part of the EPITeen cohort, Porto, Portugal. Regional body fat was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan (DXA) and serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) was measured in a fasting blood sample. OLS (ordinary least squares) and LASSO (least absolute shrinkage and selection operator) regression models were fitted to estimate the association of trunk and peripheral fat with hsCRP, stratified by sex. Using OLS regression, trunk fat in females was positively associated with ln(hsCRP) (β1 = 0.064, 95% CI 0.018; 0.109). The effect of peripheral fat on ln(hsCRP) was shown not to be significantly different from trunk fat (β2 = −0.011, 95% CI −0.110; 0.089), but no statistically significant association was observed (β3 = 0.053, 95% CI −0.004; 0.110) between peripheral fat and ln(hsCRP). In males, trunk fat also showed a positive association with ln(hsCRP) (β1 = 0.104, 95% CI 0.055; 0.154), and the effect of peripheral fat on ln(hsCRP) was shown to be significantly different from trunk fat (β2 = −0.124, 95% CI −0.237;−0.011). However, the association between peripheral fat and ln(hsCRP) did not reach statistical significance (β3 = −0.020, 95% CI −0.086; 0.046). The results of OLS were confirmed by LASSO regression. ConclusionA higher fat deposited in the trunk was positively associated with hsCRP, whereas no statistically significant effect was observed for peripheral fat.

Sleep Duration Trajectories and Systemic Inflammation in Young Adults: Results From the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health).

This study examines the effects of short and long sleep duration patterns in young adults on the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), as well as the potential effect modification by sex. Using data from waves III (age 18-26) and IV (age 24-32) of the National Longitudinal study of adolescent to adult health, we examined the association between sleep trajectories in young adults, and the risk of elevated high sensitivity-CRP (hs-CRP), a marker of systemic inflammation. Short sleep trajectories were associated with significantly elevated log-transformed hs-CRP (coefficient = 0.11, p-value .03) and with significantly higher odds of having hs-CRP levels > 3 mg/L (OR = 1.86, 95% CI 1.29, 2.67). The association was modified by sex, with the association between short sleep duration and hs-CRP limited to males. Both the continuous (coefficient 0.117, p-value = .0362) and the categorized hs-CRP (OR = 2.21, 95% CI 1.48, 3.30) were significantly elevated with short sleep durations in males, whereas no significant associations were seen in females with short sleep durations. By contrast, log hs-CRP was significantly elevated in females with long sleep durations (coefficient = 0.232, p-value = .0296), with a nonsignificant increase in the odds of having hs-CRP levels greater than 3 mg/L (OR = 1.48, 95% CI 0.75, 2.93), whereas there were no associations with long sleep duration in males. Systemic inflammation, measured by an elevated level of hs-CRP, is seen with persistent short sleep duration in young adult men and persistent long sleep duration in young adult women.

Sex Differences in Associations Between Subjective Social Status and C-Reactive Protein in Young Adults.

In middle-aged and older samples, perceived subjective socioeconomic status (SSS) is a marker of social rank that is associated with elevated inflammation and cardiovascular disease risk independent of objective indicators of SES (oSES). Whether SSS is uniquely associated with elevated inflammation during young adulthood and whether these linkages differ by sex have not been studied using a nationally representative sample of young adults. Data came from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health. At Wave IV, young adults aged mostly 24 to 32 years reported their SSS, oSES, and a range of covariates of both SES and elevated inflammation. Trained fieldworkers assessed medication use, body mass index, and waist circumference, and also collected bloodspots from which high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) was assayed. The sample size for the present analyses was n = 13,236. Descriptive and bivariate analyses revealed a graded association between SSS and hs-CRP (b = -0.072, standard error [SE] = 0.011, p < .001): as SSS declined, mean levels of hs-CRP increased. When oSES indicators were taken into account, this association was no longer significant in women (b = -0.013, SE = 0.019, p = .514). In men, a small but significant SSS-hs-CRP association remained after adjusting for oSES indicators and additional potential confounders of this association in the final models (b = -0.034, SE = 0.011 p = .003; p < .001 for the sex by SSS interaction). SSS is independently associated with elevated inflammation in young adults. The associations were stronger in men than in women. These data suggest that subjective, global assessments of social rank might play a role in developing adverse health outcomes.

The interactive effects of nocturnal sleep and daytime naps in relation to serum C-reactive protein

Background and aimC-reactive protein (CRP) is a general marker of inflammation that has been differentially linked with sleep. Elevated CRP (ie, high inflammation) has been associated with either short/insufficient sleep duration or long sleep duration, both, or neither. Daytime napping has also been tied to increased and decreased inflammation. We attempted to unify these findings by examining the relationship between CRP and sleep duration in conjunction with napping in a healthy young adult cohort. ParticipantsParticipants were young adults (mean age = 29.05 years, n = 2147) from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) cohort, a nationally representative longitudinal sample. Methods/ResultsAnalysis of covariance (ANCOVA) tests examined whether self-reported sleep duration (short, medium, or long) and nap frequency (none-few days/week; most days/week; every day) interacted in relation to CRP. Standard covariates (ie, age, gender, race/ethnicity, body mass index, physical activity, depression, snoring, systolic blood pressure, clinical symptoms, and household income) were used. There was a linear increase in CRP with increased napping [contrast estimate = 0.265, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.045–0.485), P = 0.018]. There was also an interaction between sleep duration and napping frequency in relation to CRP (F4,2128 = 2.90, P = 0.021). Inflammation differed between nap groups within the long and short sleep groups. ConclusionsOur results suggest that increased napping is an independent predictor of inflammation in young adults. These results also provide evidence for interactive effects of inflammation, nocturnal sleep, and daytime naps. Our findings confirm that excess sleep, insufficient sleep, frequent napping, and infrequent napping can all be linked with elevated CRP, but these relationships depend on both nocturnal and daytime sleep patterns. These analyses will guide future work to more specifically examine sleep-inflammation processes and directionality.

Endodontic Infection and Endothelial Dysfunction Are Associated with Different Mechanisms in Men and Women

IntroductionTo investigate the potential link between apical periodontitis (AP) and cardiovascular (CV) function, inflammation markers, endothelial flow reserve (EFR), and levels of asymmetrical dimethylarginine (ADMA), the endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), were measured in young adults with AP aged 20–40 years of both sexes. MethodsForty men and 41 women (31 ± 5.71 years) free from periodontal disease, CV disease, and traditional CV risk factors were enrolled in the study. Twenty men and 21 women had AP; 40 healthy individuals matched for age, sex, and physical characteristics were also recruited as controls. All subjects underwent dental and complete physical examination, electrocardiography, conventional and tissue Doppler imaging echocardiography, and measurement of EFR. Interleukin (IL)-2, tumor necrosis factor alpha, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and ADMA were also assessed. Data were analyzed using the 2-tailed Student t test, the Pearson t test (or the Spearman t test for nonparametric variables), and multivariate linear regression analysis. ResultsEchocardiography excluded any morphologic and functional cardiac alteration in all the subjects studied. Patients with AP of both sexes showed a significant reduction in EFR (P < .05) and a significant increase in IL-2 (men: P < .01, women: P < .05), whereas ROS were increased significantly only in women (P < .05). ADMA levels were unchanged in women with AP, but they were significantly increased in men (P < .05). A significant direct correlation between ADMA and IL-2 (r = 0.67, P < .001) and an inverse correlation between ADMA and EFR (r = −0.42, P < .05) in men and a significant inverse correlation between ROS and EFR (r = −0.71, P < .01) in female patients were observed. ConclusionsThe presence of chronic inflammation in young adults with AP may cause early endothelial dysfunction documented by the reduced EFR. AP in men may influence the metabolism of NOS, whereas in women it appears to implicate a more direct detrimental mechanism. This difference is sex dependent and may be attributable to the protective action of estrogen in women.

Indices of adiposity as predictors of cardiometabolic risk and inflammation in young adults.

Studies investigating obesity and cardiometabolic risk have focused on 'at-risk' populations and methodological inconsistencies have produced equivocal findings. The present cross-sectional study investigated indices of body composition as predictors of cardiometabolic risk and their relationship with inflammation in apparently healthy young adults. A fasting blood sample was taken from consenting adults (160 males, 32 females, aged 18-40 years) for assessment of cardiometabolic risk markers (blood pressure, lipid profiles and insulin resistance) and inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, interleukin-10 and adiponectin). Together with anthropometry, fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) were determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. FM was expressed in absolute terms (kg), as well as relative to total body weight (%), height [FM index (FMI, kg m(-2) )] and FFM (FM : FFM,%). Although anthropometric indices were associated with most cardiometabolic risk markers, the strongest relationship was observed with FMI. Relative to having a low cardiometabolic risk (≤2 markers above clinically relevant cut-offs), each kg m(-2) increase in FMI, increased the likelihood of having an increased cardiometabolic risk by 29% (odds ratio = 1.29; 95% confidence interval = 1.12-1.49). Inflammatory markers were not associated with body composition or cardiometabolic risk. FMI was the strongest predictor of overall cardiometabolic risk but not inflammation per se. However, anthropometric indices, such as body mass index and waist-to-height ratio, remain valuable surrogate measures of adiposity in this group, particularly when risk markers are considered independently.

Sleep deprivation and divergent toll-like receptor-4 activation of cellular inflammation in aging.

Sleep disturbance and aging are associated with increases in inflammation, as well as increased risk of infectious disease. However, there is limited understanding of the role of sleep loss on age-related differences in immune responses. This study examines the effects of sleep deprivation on toll-like receptor activation of monocytic inflammation in younger compared to older adults. Community-dwelling adults (n = 70) who were categorized as younger (25-39 y old, n = 21) and older (60-84 y old, n = 49) participants, underwent a sleep laboratory-based experimental partial sleep deprivation (PSD) protocol including adaptation, an uninterrupted night of sleep, sleep deprivation (sleep restricted to 03:00-07:00), and recovery. Blood samples were obtained each morning to measure toll-like receptor-4 activation of monocyte intracellular production of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Partial sleep deprivation induced a significant increase in the production of IL-6 and/or TNF-α that persisted after a night of recovery sleep (F(2,121.2) = 3.8, P < 0.05). Age moderated the effects of sleep loss, such that younger adults had an increase in inflammatory cytokine production that was not present in older adults (F(2,121.2) = 4.0, P < 0.05). Older adults exhibit reduced toll-like receptor 4 stimulated cellular inflammation that, unlike in younger adults, is not activated after a night of partial sleep loss. Whereas sleep loss increases cellular inflammation in younger adults and may contribute to inflammatory disorders, blunted toll-like receptor activation in older adults may increase the risk of infectious disease seen with aging.

The contribution of childhood cardiorespiratory fitness and adiposity to inflammation in young adults.

Cardiorespiratory fitness and adiposity may influence cardiovascular risk through their effects on inflammation. The long-term effects of these modifiable factors on adult inflammation remain uncertain. The associations of childhood and adulthood cardiorespiratory fitness and adiposity with adult inflammation [C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen] were examined. 1,976 children examined in 1985 and re-examined as young adults in 2004-2006 were included. Cardiorespiratory fitness and adiposity were assessed at both waves. CRP and fibrinogen were measured at follow-up. Higher childhood fitness was associated with lower adult inflammation in both sexes. After adjusting for childhood adiposity, the association with CRP attenuated in males, but remained in females (average reduction of CRP 18.1% (95% CI 11.3-24.4%) per 1-SD increase in childhood fitness). Higher adult fitness, adjusting for childhood fitness (an increase in fitness from childhood to adulthood), was associated with lower adult CRP in females and lower fibrinogen in males. Higher childhood and adulthood adiposity (an increase in adiposity from childhood to adulthood) were associated with higher adult inflammation in both sexes. Prevention programs to increase fitness and reduce adiposity in childhood, and maintain a favorable fitness and weight into adulthood, may lead to reduction in adult systemic inflammation.

Area-level socioeconomic status, adiposity, physical activity, and inflammation in young adults, 2013.

IntroductionWe assessed the independent effects of socioeconomic status, sex, adiposity, and physical activity on C-reactive protein in young adults.MethodsDuring the fall semester of their first year, college students (n = 177; mean age, 18.1 y; 66.7% female; 65.5% white) were assessed for adiposity via dual x-ray absorptiometry, physical activity via accelerometer, and serum C-reactive protein. Area-level socioeconomic status was based on self-reported home zip code. Hierarchical linear modeling was used to assess the relationship of sex, adiposity, and physical activity on the dependent variable of C-reactive protein, with participants nested within geographic regions of similar socioeconomic characteristics.ResultsC-reactive protein was positively associated with adiposity and inversely associated with socioeconomic status (both P < .05). Area-level socioeconomic status explained 28.2% of the variance in C-reactive protein. Adiposity was significantly associated with C-reactive protein in the full model (P = .006); physical activity was not associated with C-reactive protein (P = .48), and area-level socioeconomic status approached significance (P = .05) within the age range of our analysis after accounting for the variance explained by adiposity.ConclusionThe significant positive association between adiposity and C-reactive protein suggests that young adults with higher adiposity have higher C-reactive protein levels after accounting for area-level socioeconomic status, sex, and physical activity.