Open AccessModerate obesity and endothelial dysfunction in humans: influence of gender and systemic inflammation
Author(s) -
Suboc Tisha Marie B.,
Dharmashankar Kodlipet,
Wang Jingli,
Ying Rong,
Couillard Allison B.,
Tanner Michael J.,
Widlansky Michael E.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
physiological reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.918
H-Index - 39
ISSN - 2051-817X
DOI - 10.1002/phy2.58
Subject(s) - endothelial dysfunction , medicine , body mass index , obesity , brachial artery , endocrinology , vasodilation , systemic inflammation , endothelium , reactive hyperemia , endothelial activation , insulin resistance , inflammation , blood pressure
Abstract Our objective was to determine whether moderate obesity (Body Mass Index [BMI] ≥ 30 kg/m²) is associated with impaired conduit and microvascular endothelial function, and whether men or women are more susceptible to impairment of endothelial function related to moderate obesity. Forty‐one middle aged, nondiabetic moderately obese ( BMI 34.7 ± 4.0 kg/m 2 ) and nonobese ( BMI 24.3 ± 2.6 kg/m 2 ) subjects of both sexes underwent noninvasive studies of endothelial function (brachial reactivity) and measurements of endothelial‐dependent vasodilation of gluteal subcutaneous arterioles to acetylcholine (Ach). Endothelium‐dependent vasodilation to Ach was decreased in the moderately obese compared with the nonobese ( P < 0.001). Stratified analysis based on sex showed impairment of arteriolar endothelial function in women BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2 ( P = 0.02), but not men. There was no difference between in vivo endothelial function flow‐mediated dilation ( FMD %) by BMI category. Sex‐specific analysis showed FMD % was lower in women with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2 compared to those with BMI < 30 kg/m 2 ( P = 0.02). No differences were seen in men based on BMI category ( P = 0.18). In women, high sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs CRP ) correlated with BMI (ρ = 0.68, P = 0.006). Moderate obesity is associated with impaired resistance arteriolar endothelial function. This is more prominent in women than men and is associated with systemic inflammation.