Does obesity cause chronic inflammation? The association between complete blood parameters with body mass index and fasting glucose

Objective: This study aimed to determine the relationship of complete blood count (CBC) parameters and derivates with fasting blood sugar and the body mass index.

Methods: This was a prospective, observational clinical study. Hospitalized patients who received a physiotherapy program in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic between March and June 2016 were included. The age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), fasting blood glucose, erythrocyte sedimentation (ESR), C-reactive protein, and CBC parameters (leukocytes, platelets, neutrophil, lymphocytes, and monocytes) and red cell distribution width, platelet distribution width, neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet–lymphocyte ratio of the patients were recorded. The relationship between the BMI, fasting glucose, and CBC parameters and derivates were investigated. Patients were divided into groups based on BMI: BMI≤25 kg/m2, normal; BMI=26–30 kg/m2, overweight; and BMI>30 kg/m2, obese. A P value>0.005 was considered statistically significant.

Results: A significant difference in the lymphocyte count, ESR, and NLR values was observed among the three groups (P=0.011; P=0.021; P=0.04). A significant difference in NLR was found between groups 1 and 3 (P=0.04). Between groups 1 and 3, a significant difference in platelet count was noted (P=0.013). On dividing the patients into two groups: normal and overweight/obese, a significant difference in lymphocyte count, glucose, and ESR values was observed (P=0.038; P=0.05; P=0.013). The lymphocyte count, ESR, and glucose values were found to be higher in the overweight group. According to Spearman’s correlation analysis, the BMI and NLR values were found to be negatively correlated (P=0.029; r=.145); however, the lymphocyte count and ESR values were positively correlated (P=0.009; r=.173); (P=0.013; r=.182).

Conclusion: This study found a negative correlation between the NLR and BMI values and a lower NLR value in the obese group compared with the normal group. The overweight group showed a higher lymphocyte count, thereby confirming the positive correlation of lymphocyte count with BMI. A comprehensive clarification of the mechanisms underlying the relationship between obesity and inflammation may allow developing treatment strategies to reduce the negative effects of obesity.