Normal inflammatory marker levels do not exclude metabolic disturbances in young male team sport athletes

Chronic inflammation, even mild, associated with the activity of proinflammatory cytokines plays a significant role in the development of metabolic disorders, including insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. Although the relationships between these parameters are well documented in the general population, they remain incompletely understood in physically active individuals. The aim of this study was to assess the relationships between inflammatory markers and parameters of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, taking into account the body composition of young men participating in various team sports. In a group of 50 athletes, body composition was analyzed, glucose and insulin levels, lipid profile, CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α were measured, and the HOMA-IR insulin resistance index was calculated. Metabolic disorders related to parameters of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism were observed in some participants. No significant correlations were found between inflammatory cytokines and parameters of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. However, a positive correlation was observed between CRP concentration and body composition parameters. These results indicate that metabolic disorders may occur in young, physically active men despite normal levels of inflammatory markers. The lack of correlation between inflammatory markers and metabolic parameters suggests their limited usefulness in identifying early metabolic disorders in this population.