OBJECTIVETo study the expression changes of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-(alpha), interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1), and their correlation with obesity in 20 -50 years old population of phlegm-damp constitution (PDC) and of normal constitution (NC) using Luminex technique.

METHODSTotally 101 population were recruited from Health Examination Center of Puren Hospital from April to December 2011. Based on body mass index (BMI), the subjects were assigned to four groups, i.e., the obesity of PDC group (Group OBT, BMI > or = 24 kg/m2, 30 cases), the non-obesity of PDC group (Group NOBT, BMI < 24 kg/m2, 25 cases), the obesity of non-PDC group (Group OBNT, BMI > or = 24 kg/m2, 28 cases), the NC group (Group P, BMI < 24 kg/m2, 18 cases). The BMI and body fat percent (FAT%) were compared among the 4 groups. Serum levels of TNF-alpha, IL-6, CRP, and MCP-1 were measured with Luminex technique.

RESULTSBMI was significantly higher in Group OBT and Group OBNT than in Group NOBT and Group P (all P < 0.05). The FAT% was significantly higher in Group OBT and Group OBNT than in Group P (P < 0.01). The serum TNF-alpha level in Group OBT was higher than in Group P (P < 0.01). The serum CRP and MCP-1 levels were significantly higher in Group OBT, NOBT, and OBNT than in Group P (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The score for PDC was positively correlated with TNF-alpha, IL-6, and MCP-1 levels (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSAbnormal higher levels of inflammatory factors exist in 20 -50 years old population of PDC. Chronic inflammation exists in population of PDC and obesity people.