title: Visceral adiposity is associated with cytokines and decrease in lung function in women with persistent asthma.
abstract: Abdominal obesity is associated with a risk of cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome and decreased lung function. However, it is not known whether asthma control is influenced by the accumulation of adipose tissue in the various abdominal compartments.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To determine associations among abdominal adiposity distribution, asthma control, lung function and cytokines in women.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this cross-sectional study of asthmatic women, data on demographic variables, comorbid conditions, disease history, anthropometric and spirometric measurements were collected. Subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral (VAT) adipose tissues were measured by ultrasound, and the steatosis level was obtained. Asthma control was assessed according to Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) criteria. Atopy was defined on the basis of allergen-specific Immunoglobulin E and/or skin prick testing. Cytokine levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbant assays (ELISAs).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Eighty-three asthmatic women were included, 37% of whom had uncontrolled asthma. After controlling for variables, a negative association between asthma control and VAT and the VAT/SAT ratio was observed. VAT was negatively associated with respiratory parameters after controlling for explanatory variables. In an adjusted model, body mass index (BMI) and SAT were inversely associated with the adiponectin serum level and VAT was associated with the interleukin 6 level. In conclusion, visceral obesity was negatively associated with asthma control and lung function; and positively associated with increased levels of interleukin 6 in women. We hypothesize that women should be studied as a separate group, and we suggest further studies with a control group to know if the uncontrolled asthmatic group is directly affected by visceral adipose inflammatory markers.
authors.affiliation: Gaffrée and Guinle Hospital from Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO), HUGG, Medical, Rua Mariz e Barros, 775, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Electronic address: albertinacapelo@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: A V
authors.initials: AV
authors.lastname: Capelo
authors.affiliation: Fernandes Figueira Institute from FIOCRUZ, IFF, Education, Av. Rui Barbosa, 716, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 22250-020, Brazil.
authors.forename: V M
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: da Fonseca
authors.affiliation: Fernandes Figueira Institute from FIOCRUZ, IFF, Education, Av. Rui Barbosa, 716, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 22250-020, Brazil.
authors.forename: M V M
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Peixoto
authors.affiliation: Gaffrée and Guinle Hospital from Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO), HUGG, Medical, Rua Mariz e Barros, 775, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
authors.forename: S R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: de Carvalho
authors.affiliation: Gaffrée and Guinle Hospital from Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO), HUGG, Medical, Rua Mariz e Barros, 775, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Azevedo
authors.affiliation: Microbiology Institute from Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rua Rodolpho Paulo Roco, 255, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
authors.forename: M I G
authors.initials: MI
authors.lastname: Elsas
authors.affiliation: Microbiology Institute from Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rua Rodolpho Paulo Roco, 255, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Marques
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001249:Asthma / Q000097:blood / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D016207:Cytokines / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D050152:Intra-Abdominal Fat / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D014463:Ultrasonography; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D016207:Cytokines
keywords: Abdominal obesity; Asthma; Asthma control; Cytokines; Lung function; Woman