title: TNF-α system and lung function impairment in obesity.
abstract: A potential interaction between pulmonary function, abnormal adipose tissue activity, and systemic inflammation has been suggested. This study explores the relationship between circulating soluble TNF-α receptors (sTNF-R1 and sTNF-R2) and respiratory function parameters in obese subjects. Thirty-one non-diabetic morbidly obese women with a history of non-smoking and without prior cardiovascular or respiratory disease were prospectively recruited in the outpatient Obesity Unit of a referral center. Pulmonary function test included a forced spirometry, static pulmonary volume measurements, non-attended respiratory polygraphy, and arterial gas blood sampling. Circulating levels of sTNFR-R1, sTNF-R2, interleukine 6 and adiponectin were determined using ELISA. Statistical analysis included a multivariate regression analysis taking into account the potential confounders. sTNF-R1 positively correlated with BMI (r=0.571, p=0.001) and arterial carbon dioxide pressure (PaCO(2), r=0.381, p=0.038), but negatively with forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV(1), r=-0.437, p=0.012), maximum midexpiratory flow (FEF(25-75), r=-0.370, p=0.040) and forced vital capacity (FVC, r=-0.483, p=0.005). However, no correlation between sTNF-R2 and BMI and either pulmonary function tests or arterial blood samples was observed. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that sTNF-R1 independently predicted FEV(1) (beta=-0.437, p=0.012) and FVC (beta=-0.483, p=0.005). Thus, circulating levels of sTNF-R1, but not sTNF-R2, are related to reduced lung volumes and airflow limitation in morbidly obese patients prior to the development of a clinically recognized respiratory disease. Therefore, studies addressed to evaluating the potential beneficial effect of anti-TNF-α agents on pulmonary function tests in obese subjects seem warranted.
authors.affiliation: Endocrinology Department, CIBER de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain. alecube@vhebron.net
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lecube
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Sampol
authors.forename: X
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Muñoz
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ferrer
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hernández
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Simó
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha