Serum IL-17, obesity, and metabolic risk in Mexican young adults

BACKGROUND: Obesity and several inflammatory pathways contribute to the development of metabolic diseases. Some pro-inflammatory cytokines and other signal proteins produced in fat and liver appear to propagate inflammation systemically. IL-17 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine secreted by activated T-cells. Upon binding to its receptor, IL-17 activates a cascade of signals that include MAPK, NF-kB and other pro- inflammatory cytokines. The aim of this study was to determine if the IL-17 levels are associated with obesity and its metabolic comorbidities in young adults. METHODS: Cross-sectional study in the UP AMIGOS 2009 cohort. Anthropometric measurement and blood samples were collected. Fasting glucose, insulin, and serum lipid profile was measured by conventional methods. Serum IL-17 was determined by ELISA assay in 102 individuals with obesity and overweight also in 306 lean students (aged 18 to 26 years old. RESULTS: Higher levels of IL-17 were found in the group with obesity (34.99 pg/mL) when compared to lean subjects (26.57 pg/mL). In addition, a positive correlation between serum IL-17 and body mass index and waist circumference in the group with obesity were detected. CONCLUSIONS: Increased IL-17 levels in young individuals with obesity and overweight are associated with risk factors for developing chronic metabolic diseases