Association of Peripheral Total and Differential Leukocyte Counts with Obesity-Related Complications in Young Adults

Abstract

Objective: Obesity has been demonstrated to be associated with elevated leukocytes in adults and children. This study assessed the associations between peripheral total and differential leukocyte counts and obesity-related complications in young adults. Methods: 12 obese (median age 21.5 (range 19-28) years, median BMI 35.7 (range 32.0-44.9) kg/m²) and 11 normal (median age 23 (range 18-27) years, median BMI 19.5 (range 18.1-21.7) kg/m²) adults were enrolled. Complete blood count and serum levels of liver enzymes, fasting blood glucose, insulin and lipids were measured, and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance was calculated. Fat mass was calculated using a bioimpedance analysis device, and ultrasonography was performed to measure fat thickness and to detect fatty change of the liver. Results: Total leukocyte and monocyte counts were significantly increased in obese young adults. Total leukocyte count was associated with liver enzyme levels, insulin resistance as well as visceral and subcutaneous fat thickness. Neutrophil count was associated with insulin resistance. Lymphocyte count was associated with serum liver enzymes, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia. Monocyte count was associated with serum liver enzyme, insulin resistance, visceral and subcutaneous fat thickness, body fat mass, and percentage body fat. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that chronic low-grade systemic inflammation is associated with obesity-related complications such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia in young adults.

White cell counts in relation to mortality in a general population of cohort study in the Netherlands: a mediating effect or not?

“…Moreover, obesity has been defined as a state of chronic low-grade inflammation in which leucocytes might be involved 36. Quite a few studies have observed increased WCC among subjects with overweight or obesity7 22 37 38 suggesting that leucocytes are involved in the development of obesity-related comorbidities. Stratified analysis by smoking status and joint effect analysis by smoking and BMI status showed apparent evidence for effect modification by smoking and BMI.…”

Regional Differences Between Perisynovial and Infrapatellar Adipose Tissue Depots and Their Response to Class II and Class III Obesity in Patients With Osteoarthritis

“…Leukocyte numbers increase with obesity, both in the circulation and in local adipose tissue depots, and are correlated with such proinflammatory diseases as type 2 DM (42) and liver steatosis (43). Our flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry data indicate that the frequency of hematopoietic cells was significantly higher in the synovium than in the IPFP from lean patients with OA, with a further increase in the number of CD451 cells being seen in those with obesity, suggesting a more proinflammatory profile of both tissues.…”

S100A8/A9 (Calprotectin), Interleukin-6, and C-Reactive Protein in Obesity and Diabetes before and after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery

“…The insulin resistance appears to be associated with low-grade chronic inflammation, originating from adipose tissue [1,2]. Obesity-associated chronic inflammation is characterized by an immense infiltration of macrophages in the adipose tissue [1] with secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin 6 (IL-6) [2,3], and of peripheral leukocytosis [4,5]. …”