Key result
Class III obesity linked to ~8 ms lower SDNN vs Class II obesity.
Why the study?
The relationship between inflammatory markers and autonomic dysfunction in severe obesity remains inadequately explored.
Cross-Sectional (n=45)
No
Absolute Event Rate: 24.55% vs 32.52%
p-value: p=0.0013
In severe obesity, elevated systemic inflammation as measured by IL-6 correlates inversely with cardiac autonomic regulation (HRV), suggesting a combined mechanistic pathway for increased cardiometabolic risk.
May signal heightened risk in Class III obesity; hypothesis-generating and leaves causal inference open in observational data.
Background: Obesity is a major global health concern associated with chronic low-grade inflammation, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, and increased cardiovascular risk.Interleukin-6 (IL-6), a pro-inflammatory cytokine secreted by adipose tissue, plays a crucial role in obesity-related metabolic and cardiovascular abnormalities.Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is a non-invasive marker of autonomic nervous system activity and provides insight into cardiovascular regulation.The relationship between inflammatory markers and autonomic dysfunction in severe obesity remains inadequately explored.Objectives: To evaluate the correlation between serum IL-6 levels and HRV parameters in individuals with WHO Class II and Class III obesity and to assess the impact of obesity severity on inflammatory and autonomic function.Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted among adults with Class II obesity (BMI 35-<40 kg/m²) and Class III obesity (BMI ≥40 kg/m²) attending the outpatient and inpatient departments of a tertiary care teaching hospital.Anthropometric measurements, serum IL-6 levels, and HRV parameters were assessed.IL-6 was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).HRV analysis included time-domain parameters (SDNN, RMSSD, pNN50) and frequency-domain parameters (LF, HF, VLF, LF/HF ratio).Correlation and regression analyses were performed to evaluate associations among study variables.Results: BMI demonstrated a strong positive correlation with IL-6 (r = 0.725, p < 0.001) and a negative correlation with SDNN (r = -0.41).Class III obese individuals exhibited significantly higher IL-6 levels and lower SDNN values compared to Class II obese individuals, indicating greater inflammatory burden and autonomic dysfunction.IL-6 showed an inverse relationship with HRV indices, particularly SDNN, suggesting that increasing systemic inflammation is associated with reduced cardiac autonomic regulation.Frequency-domain parameters showed less consistent associations with obesity severity.Conclusion: Severe obesity is associated with elevated systemic inflammation and impaired autonomic function.Serum IL-6 levels correlate inversely with HRV, particularly SDNN, supporting the link between inflammatory activation and autonomic dysregulation.Combined assessment of IL-6 and HRV may serve as a useful approach for identifying obese individuals at increased cardiometabolic risk.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
A 2026 study conducted a cross-sectional in Class II and Class III Obesity (n=45). Class III obesity vs. Class II obesity was evaluated on Standard deviation of NN intervals (SDNN) (p=0.0013). Class III obesity was associated with significantly lower heart rate variability (SDNN 24.55 ms vs 32.52 ms) and higher systemic inflammation compared to Class II obesity.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: