RESUMO
The aim of this study was to measure the plasma level of TNF-alpha in obese subjects in comparison with lean ones as well as to correlate its level with the serum insulin level. Thirty-five subjects with a wide range of values for the body mass index [BMI 18.5 +/- 63 kg/m2] were included in this study. The subjects were divided into two groups according to BMI. For all subjects, serum total cholesterol triglycerides, high density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL- C], low density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C], serum insulin and plasma level of TNF-alpha were assayed. All subjects had normal glucose tolerance as determined by WHO criteria. The study concluded that the plasma level of TNF-alpha was found elevated in obese subjects and this elevation was related to BMI and insulin resistance. So, TNF-alpha can be considered as a system regulating insulin action in obesity leading to insulin resistance with all its hazards in these patients