Concentrations of tumour necrosis factor-oc and its soluble receptors in the serum of teenagers with atherosclerosis risk factors: obesity or obesity combined with hypertension

摘要

Introduction: Obesity and hypertension are recognised risk factors for the development of atherosclerosis. It has not been proven whether their co-existence increases the synthesis of pro-inflammatory TNF-a and what the levels of soluble receptors of this cytokine (sTNF-R) are. This study is aimed to investigate whether there exists a relationship between TNF-a and sTNF-R concentrations in blood serum with the occurrence of obesity or obesity combined with primary hypertension in teenagers. Material and method: 68 persons, aged 9-17, including 32 persons with primary obesity (Group I) and 36 with primary obesity combined with primary hypertension (Group II). TNF-a (pg/mL) and sTNF-R (ng/mL) concentra tions were determined in serum samples using the ELISA method with sets of reagents manufactured by Bender Med Systems GmbH.