Elevated MCP-1, TNF-α, Monocyte Concentration, and Dyslipidemia in Obese Mexican-American Children

Authors

Whitney L. Breslin, University of Houston - MainFollow
Craig A. Johnston, Baylor College of Medicine
Kelley Strohacker, Brown University
Katie C. Carpenter, University of Houston
Tiffany R. Davidson, University of Houston
Jennette P. Moreno, Baylor College of Medicine
John P. Foreyt, Baylor College of Medicine
Brian K. McFarlin, University of Houston

Abstract

Background: Obesity is an independent risk factor for chronic disease. The prevalence of obesity is especially high among Mexican-American children. Peripheral blood monocytes contribute to systemic inflammation and may mediate the relationship between obesity and chronic disease. Obesity affects monocytes and the circulating levels of cytokines/chemokines that influence monocyte behavior. Purpose: investigate alterations in blood monocytes and plasma cytokines/chemokine levels among healthy weight (zBMI ≤ 85th percentile; N=66), overweight (zBMI=85^th-95^th percentile; N=23), and obese (zBMI ≥ 95th percentile; N=39) Mexican-American children. Methods: Blood samples were analyzed for total monocyte concentration, pro-inflammatory monocyte concentration, and classic monocyte concentration via flow cytometry. Serum MCP-1, Fractalkine, IL-8, and TNF-α were measured using a Milliplex MagPix assay. Serum cholesterol, HDL, triglycerides, and glucose were measured using an enzymatic reagent kit. Results: Total monocyte concentration (P=0.012), classic monocyte concentration (P=0.045), MCP-1 (P=0.015), and TNF- α (P=0.002) were significantly greater in obese children compared to heathly weight children. Also, overweight and obese children had elevated triglycerides (P=0.001) and reduced HDL (P=0.033) compared to healthy weight children. Conclusion: Elevations in circulating monocytes, MCP-1, and TNF-α have been implicated in the development of obesity-related chronic disease in adults. Childhood obesity alters monocytes and circulating chemokines, putting children at a greater risk of developing obesity-related chronic diseases in adulthood. Further characterization of early immune alterations in childhood obesity may provide additional clinical insight into the assessment of obesity-related disease risk.

Recommended Citation

Breslin, Whitney L.; Johnston, Craig A.; Strohacker, Kelley; Carpenter, Katie C.; Davidson, Tiffany R.; Moreno, Jennette P.; Foreyt, John P.; and McFarlin, Brian K. (2012) "Elevated MCP-1, TNF-α, Monocyte Concentration, and Dyslipidemia in Obese Mexican-American Children," International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 2: Iss. 4, Article 12.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol2/iss4/12