Associations Between Serum TNF-α, IL-6, hs-CRP and GLMD in Obese Children and Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study

Purpose To explore the relationships between serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-6 (IL-6), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels and glucolipid metabolism disorders (GLMD) in obese children and adolescents.Patients and Methods In this cross-sectional study, 105 obese children and adolescents were selected for the detection of TNF-alpha, IL-6, hs-CRP, and glycolipid metabolism indicators. All participants were divided into elevated TNF-alpha group (>= 8.1 pg/mL; n=49) and normal TNF-alpha group (<8.1 pg/mL; n=56), elevated IL-6 group (>= 5.9 pg/mL; n=13) and normal IL-6 group (<5.9 pg/mL; n=92), elevated hs-CRP group (>= 3.0 mg/L; n=44) and normal hs-CRP group (<3.0 mg/L; n=61), respectively.Results Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in the elevated TNF-alpha group was higher than that in the normal TNF-alpha group (P=0.010). TNF-alpha was positively correlated with LDL-C (P=0.005). Fasting insulin (FINS) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in the elevated IL-6 group were higher than those in the normal IL-6 group (all for P <0.05), while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in the elevated IL-6 group was lower than that in the normal IL-6 group (P<0.001). IL-6 was positively correlated with FINS, 2-hour postprandial insulin, HOMA-IR and triglyceride (all for P <0.01), while was negatively correlated with HDL-C (P=0.006). Moreover, hs-CRP was positively correlated with FINS and HOMA-IR (all for P <0.05).Conclusion There may be correlations between serum TNF-alpha, IL-6, hs-CRP levels and GLMD in obese children and adolescents. Attention should be paid to monitoring serum inflammatory factors and preventing their elevation in obese children and adolescents, thus reducing the occurrence of GLMD.