Biomarkers of inflammation, endothelial dysfunction and insulin resistance in adults of Inner Mongolia, China

BACKGROUND: Low-grade chronic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction have been hypothesized to underlie the constellation of cardiometabolic risk factors, possibly by inducing insulin resistance. In the present study, we investigated associations between inflammation, endothelial dysfunction biomarkers and insulin resistance [measured by homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR)] in a large community population. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study among 2589 participants aged 20 years and older in Inner Mongolia, China. Overnight fasting blood samples were obtained to measure the plasma glucose, serum insulin and biomarkers including C-reactive protein (CRP), soluble inter-cellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin) and angiotensin II. RESULTS: Among the residents of Inner Mongolia, levels of C-reactive protein (7.58 versus 5.63), soluble E-selectin (20.69 versus 17.93) and angiotensin II (51.80 versus 48.00) were all significantly higher in individuals with a higher HOMA-IR than in those with lower HOMA-IR. Higher HOMA-IR was also positively and significantly (p < 0.05) associated with higher C-reactive protein (odds ratio 1.47, 95% confidence interval 1.19, 1.82), and higher soluble E-selectin (odds ratio 1.53, 95% confidence interval 1.24, 1.88), adjusted for multivariables. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated C-reactive protein and soluble E-selectin were associated with higher HOMA-IR among residents of Inner Mongolia. This study suggests that inflammation and endothelial dysfunction may relate to insulin resistance.