Elevated adenosine deaminase activity in overweightand obese Indian subjects

OBJECTIVE: To determine adenosine deaminase activity in overweight and obese Indian subjects. METHODS: This study comprised of 100 subjects. The body mass index (BMI) of subjects was calculated and adenosine deaminase activity was determined in their fasting blood sample. The study was divided into three groups depending upon BMI: Control (n = 40, BMI < 25 kg/m(2)), Overweight (n = 30, BMI 25-29.9 kg/m(2)) and Obese (n = 30, BMI ≥ 30 kg/m(2)). RESULTS: The serum adenosine deaminase activity was significantly increased in overweight and obese subjects and as well as in combined overweight and obese group as compared to control (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Adenosine, an endogenous anti-inflammatory metabolite, is increased in response to inflammation produced by adipose tissue in obesity. However, adenosine deaminase acts on adenosine to convert it into inosine, thereby increasing adenosine deaminase activity in overweight and obese Indian subjects.