Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-α) in African Americans is associated with IL 1RA and LDL

Tuesday, October 25, 2011 — Poster Session II
Noon – 2:00 p.m.	Natcher Conference Center	NHGRI	EPID-13

Authors

• E Peprah
• A Bentley
• A Doumatey
• C Rotimi

Abstract

Tumor necrosis factor – α (TNF-α) an inflammatory maker is associated with inflammation but its role in obesity-induced low grade inflammation and insulin resistance (IR) has not been characterized in African Americans. We investigated the relationship between circulating TNF-α and measures of obesity, IR, glucose and other adipokines in a cohort of African Americans. Anthropometric and clinical measurements were collected from 661 African Americans enrolled in the Howard University Family Study (HUFS). Regression models were used to evaluate predictors of TNF-α adjusting for sex and age. Circulating TNF-α was significantly associated with Low density lipoprotein (LDL) (P = 0.005) and circulating cytokines interleukin 1RA (P <0.0001). HOMAIR was significantly associated with LDL (P = 0.05). TNF-α was also marginally associated with circulating IL 6 and IL 10. LDL was associated with HOMAIR and measures of obesity (body mass index, waist hip ratio, percent fat mass). These associations suggest that TNF-α could affect IR indirectly via other adipokines or altering the level of lipids including LDL resulting in IR. This complex pathway leading to IR, in response to TNF-α signaling needs further elucidation.

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