Tumor necrosis factor–alpha in the development of insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

ABSTRACT

Obesity and Insulin resistance are very frequent disorders and are described as the dominant risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Recent research suggests that TNF-alpha, an adipocytokine plays a key role in the development of insulin resistance. Aim of the study was to estimate TNF-alpha levels and to investigate the association of TNF-alpha with the various factors associated with insulin resistance like Body mass index, Waist Hip Ratio, fasting insulin etc. A total of 100 subjects attending out patient department of General Medicine , Narayana Medical College , Nellore were selected for the study.50 patients were diagnosed as type-2 diabetics and 50 subjects were taken as normal healthy controls who attended for a general check-up. Anthropometric and biochemical measurements were analyzed. Serum Insulin and TNF-α were measured using chemiluminescence method and ELISA method respectively. Homeostasis model assessment score was used to gauge the level of insulin resistance. Our Results showed significant elevation in TNF-alpha levels in diabetic subjects and correlations between TNFalpha Body Mass Index and HOMAIR were significant. All correlations were stronger for females compared to males.