Increase in the mediators of asthma in obesity and obesity with type 2 diabetes: Reduction with weight loss

Objective To determine whether the expression of key asthma related genes, IL-4, LIGHT, LTBR, MMP-9, CCR-2, and ADAM-33 in mononuclear cells and the plasma concentration of nitric oxide metabolites (NOM) and MMP-9 are increased in the obese, obese type 2 diabetics (T2DM) and in morbidly obese patients prior to and after gastric bypass surgery (RYGB). Design and Methods The expression of these genes in MNC and plasma concentrations of these indices was measured in healthy lean and in obese with and without T2DM and following RYGB in obese T2DM. Results The expression of IL-4, MMP-9, LIGHT and CCR-2 and plasma NOM concentrations was significantly higher in the obese subjects and in obese T2DM patients than in normal subjects. The expression of IL-4, LIGHT, MMP-9, and CCR-2 expression was related to BMI and HOMA-IR. The expression of IL-4, LIGHT, LTBR, ADAM-33, MMP-9, and CCR-2 fell after RYGB surgery as did plasma concentrations of MMP-9 and NOM. Conclusions Obesity with and without T2DM is associated with an increase in the expression of IL-4, LIGHT, MMP-9 and CCR-2; plasma NOM and MMP-9 concentrations are also increased. Following RYGB surgery and weight loss, the expression of these factors in MNC and plasma concentrations falls significantly.