Investigation of the possible relation of apelin, kynurenine and IL-4/IL-10/IL-12/ Tnf-α levels with clinical and metabolic parameters in obesity

Abstract

Purpose: Obesity is a medical condition caused by excess body fat that accumulates at a level that can have a detrimental impact on health. Altered glucose and lipid metabolism, low-grade chronic inflammation controbutes to the pathogenesis of obesity and obesity-related metabolic dysfunction. In our study, we purposed to specify the apelin, kynurenine, IL-4, IL-10, IL-12, TNF-α protein levels in obese individuals and healthy control groups, and to research the possible relationship between clinical parameters with the data to be obtained. Materials and methods: The levels of apelin, kynurenine, IL-4, IL-10, IL-12, TNF-α in serum/plasma samples were determined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Absorbance of the samples were measured on a microplate reader spectrophotometrically at a wavelength of 450 nm.Results: The levels of kynurenine, IL-4, and IL-12 in the serum were higher in control group than in obese patients (p=0.009, p=0.004, p=0.002, respectively). The levels of TNF- α, IL-10, and apelin did not differ substantially between the obese patients and the control group (p=0.277, p=0.711, p=0.472, respectively).Conclusion: Inflammation and altered immune response are two important components of obesity. They play a significant part in the emergence of obesity-related metabolic disorders. Alterations in adipokine levels may lead to the occurence and maintenance of insulin resistance and systemic inflammation in obesity. The results demonstrate that kynurenine, IL-4, and IL-12 have a complex role in obesity and can be used as therapeutic targets.