Association between inflammatory biomarkers and adiposity in obese patients with heart failure and metabolic syndrome

Obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and metabolic syndrome (MS) are common in patients with heart failure (HF). Studies investigating the association between known biomarkers and adiposity in patient populations are limited. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between C-reactive protein (CRP) and leptin with adiposity in a sub-group of overweight/obese patients with HF, DM and/or MS. A total of 36 patients (mean age, 56.72±9.78 years; ranging between 27 and 76 years of age; 80.6% male; 52.8% Caucasian) were enrolled and their height, weight, waist circumference and body composition (e.g. percentage body fat and lean mass), as well as the levels of CRP and leptin, were assessed. The results demonstrated that there was a significant association between CRP and leptin, CRP and body mass index (BMI) and gender and percentage body fat (P<0.05, for all associations). Analysis of leptin and CRP levels revealed that patients in the highest BMI quartile (BMI, 40.3–61.2) had higher CRP levels (4.83 μg/ml vs. 3.03 μg/ml; P=0.033) and higher leptin levels (44.97 ng/ml vs. 24.64 ng/ml; P=0.042) compared with patients in the lower BMI quartile (BMI, 28.6–32.4). In conclusion, among obese patients with HF, DM and/or MS, an association between CRP and leptin was identified, providing further evidence that metabolic and inflammatory mechanisms are involved in these diseases. Future investigation to assess the potential impact of inflammation and adiposity, and the role of dietary interventions and weight loss on clinical outcomes in this population of chronically ill patients is warranted.