Role of tumor necrosis factor in the development of metabolic syndrome

Aim to study a relationship of the proinflammatory cytokine - alpha-tumor necrosis factor (alpha-TNF) to the values of carbohydrate and lipid metabolisms, lipid peroxidation, and hemorheology in patients with components of the metabolic syndrome (MS). Subjects and methods Eighty-seven patients (35 males and 52 females) aged 21 to 69 years were examined. Groups were formed depending on the number of components of MS and its existing complications. Physical examination was conducted; the values of lipid and carbohydrate metabolisms, lipid peroxidation, and hemorheology were estimated. The serum alpha-TNF levels were measured by enzyme immunoassay. The neural network technique was used to analyze the factor correlations of different types of MS. Results The estimation of a diversity of homeostatic parameters could ascertain the significance of the level of alpha-TNF in different types of MS. Its high level is associated with the elevated concentrations of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and apolipoprotein A1 (apoA1) in the presence of 1-2 risk factors for MS. In the individuals with 3 components of MS or more, as well as in the presence of its complications, the levels of alpha-TNF were closely related to those of LDL-C and apoA1, insulin resistance, and the changes in lipid peroxidation and hemostasis. Conclusion The early stage of MS is marked by the higher alpha-TNF level, its correlation with the changes in lipid metabolism and insulin concentrations. Alpha-TNF may be considered not only as an early marker of a systemic inflammatory reaction in the development of cardiovascular events, as well as a risk factor for MS.