Could Selected Adipokines/Cytokines Serve as Markers of Adipose Tissue Dysfunction?

Elevated levels of pro-inflammatory adipokines and cytokines increase the risk of developing metabolic disorders and diseases. The aim of this study was to conduct a comparative analysis of selected adipokines/cytokines in the blood serum of adults with obesity and normal body weight. The study also evaluated the correlation of these adipokines/cytokines with selected biochemical blood parameters. The study included 46 individuals with first- and second-degree obesity and 35 individuals with normal body weight. The participants underwent nutritional status assessments, biochemical tests, and evaluations of adipokine and cytokine concentrations in blood serum. The study found higher median CRP concentrations in women with obesity than in those with normal weight. This increase was statistically significant. The results also showed significantly higher IL-6 levels in the obesity group compared to the control group in both women and men. Resistin and MMP-2 were significantly different between women with obesity and women with normal body weight. Multiple regression results indicated that higher total fat content was significantly associated with higher serum CRP and IL-6 levels and lower adiponectin levels. Interleukin 6 was the strongest predictor of adipose tissue dysfunction in both women and men. Potential markers in women could also include resistin and MMP-2. The findings suggest that gender significantly influences the regulation of inflammatory factors.