Elevated serum monocyte chemoattractant protein-4 and chronic inflammation in overweight subjects

Obesity (Silver Spring). 2006 May;14(5):799-811. doi: 10.1038/oby.2006.93.

Abstract

Objective: Chronic inflammation observed in obesity has been reported to be implicated in the development of atherosclerosis. We screened candidate chemokines that link chronic inflammation and obesity.

Research methods and procedures: Japanese overweight (n = 39, BMI 28.7 +/- 0.65 kg/m(2)) and normal-weight (n = 24, BMI 22.3 +/- 0.45 kg/m(2)) subjects were enrolled. Using antibody-based protein microarray, spot intensities of monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-4, eotaxin, and eotaxin-2 correlated with anthropometric parameters. We further measured serum concentration of these chemokines and mRNA levels in adipose tissues obtained from volunteers.

Results: Serum MCP-4 levels showed positive correlation with BMI (r = 0.318, p = 0.014), waist (r = 0.316, p = 0.018), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) (r = 0.264, p = 0.049). Furthermore, MCP-4 correlated with homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (r = 0.392, p = 0.002), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) (r = 0.350, p = 0.006). In step-wise multiple regression analyses, hsCRP independently correlated with MCP-4 levels. The expression of MCP-4 mRNA in visceral adipose tissue positively correlates with BMI. Serum eotaxin levels correlate with BMI (r = 0.262, p = 0.045) and WHR (r = 0.383, p = 0.003). Serum eotaxin-2 levels correlated with BMI (r = 0.464, p < 0.001), waist (r = 0.333, p = 0.017), and WHR (r = 0.278, p = 0.048). However, eotaxin and eotaxin-2 levels did not show significant correlation with hsCRP.

Discussion: Serum levels of MCP-4, eotaxin, and eotaxin-2, which belong to CC chemokine family and share CC chemokine receptor 3, correlated with BMI. These chemokines, especially MCP-4, may be critical molecules that link obesity and chronic inflammation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Body Mass Index
  • Body Weight
  • C-Reactive Protein / metabolism
  • Chemokine CCL11
  • Chemokine CCL24
  • Chemokines, CC / blood
  • Chemokines, CC / genetics
  • Chemokines, CC / metabolism
  • Chronic Disease
  • Cluster Analysis
  • Cytokines / blood
  • Cytokines / genetics
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / statistics & numerical data
  • Gene Expression / genetics
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / blood*
  • Inflammation / etiology
  • Inflammation / pathology
  • Intra-Abdominal Fat / metabolism
  • Japan
  • Linear Models
  • Middle Aged
  • Monocyte Chemoattractant Proteins / blood*
  • Monocyte Chemoattractant Proteins / genetics
  • Monocyte Chemoattractant Proteins / metabolism
  • Obesity / blood*
  • Obesity / complications
  • Obesity / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Subcutaneous Fat / metabolism
  • Waist-Hip Ratio

Substances

  • CCL11 protein, human
  • CCL13 protein, human
  • CCL24 protein, human
  • Chemokine CCL11
  • Chemokine CCL24
  • Chemokines, CC
  • Cytokines
  • Monocyte Chemoattractant Proteins
  • RNA, Messenger
  • C-Reactive Protein