Associations of monocytes, neutrophil count, and C-reactive protein with maximal oxygen uptake in overweight women.
BACKGROUND
Increased aerobic capacity can reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease and mortality. Inflammation plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.


OBJECTIVE
This study was designed to elucidate whether aerobic capacity is associated with inflammatory status.


METHODS
The subjects included 90 overweight women [age, 51.5±10.7 yrs; body mass index (BMI), 28.1±2.5] with coronary risk factors who were outpatients at our institution. A multistage graded submaximal exercise stress test was performed on an electric bicycle ergometer to determine the estimated maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2) max).


RESULTS
Univariate regression analyses showed that monocyte, neutrophil counts, and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels were correlated with fasting triglycerides, fasting insulin, BMI, and waist circumference, while VO(2) max was negatively associated with monocyte and neutrophil counts, but not with hs-CRP. Stepwise multivariate regression analysis demonstrated a strong association of monocyte count with the fasting triglyceride and VO(2) max (r(2)=0.260, p<0.0001). Neutrophil count was also found to be associated with fasting triglyceride and fasting insulin (r(2)=0.114, p<0.0001), while hs-CRP was associated with fasting triglyceride and waist circumference (r(2)=0.151, p<0.0001).


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that VO(2) max is a sensitive factor that reflects the inflammatory status and might support cardiovascular protective effects of aerobic exercise in overweight women.
Michishita
Ryoma
R
Department of Cardiovascular and Renal Medicine, Saga University, Faculty of Medicine, 5-1-1 Nabeshima, Saga 849-8501, Japan.
Shono
Naoko
N
Inoue
Teruo
T
Tsuruta
Toshiyuki
T
Node
Koichi
K
D000332:Aerobiosis / Q000502:physiology*; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008875:Middle Aged; D009000:Monocytes / Q000166:cytology*; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000166:cytology*; D050177:Overweight / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D005082:Physical Exertion; D013312:Stress, Physiological
D002097:C-Reactive Protein