Interplay between obesity, low-grade inflammation, and hormonal biomarkers: A case-control study

Obesity is a complex metabolic disorder associated with chronic low-grade inflammation and significant hormonal imba l ances. The aim of the research presented here was to e xplore the interrelationship between obesity, inflammation, and hormonal biomarkers, focusing on how inflammatory mediators and hormonal alterations contribute to the development of metabolic and cardiovascular complications associated with obesity. This case-control study (Jan uary –Apr il 2024, Samarra, Iraq) included 55 obese women as subjects (BMI ≥30 kg/m², aged 24–55) and 35 healthy wo men (BMI 18.5–24.9) as controls. Participants with chronic diseases, pregnancy, or metabolic drugs were excluded. After ethical approval and consent were given , fasting blood (10 mL ) was collected for serum analysis of adipokines , inflammatory markers, insulin, ghrelin , and lipid profile using ELISA. Fas t ing glucose, HOMA-IR, QUICKI, and lipid parameters (LDL-C, VLDL-C) were calculated per standard protocols. The study revealed significant differences between the obese and control groups across all parameters. Obese participants had higher BMI, lipid profile (TC, TG, LDL-C, VLDL-C), and lower HDL-C. Fasting glucose, HbA1c, insulin, and HOMA-IR were elevated, while QUICKI decreased, indicating insulin resistance. There was increased adipokines ( asprosin , resistin , PAI-1) and inflamm a tory markers ( calprotectin , lipocalin-2) and reduced neuregulin-4 and ghrelin . All this confirms that there are strong relationships between obesity, dyslipidemia , inflammation, and hormonal imbalance. Chronic l ow grade inflammation and disrupted produ c tion of adipokines is strongly related with obesity, dyslipidemia , insulin resistance, and hormonal imbalance. Such alterations lead to metabolic dysfunction, elevated cardiovascular and diabetes risks, which means that early intervention and specific treatments help to restore homeostasis in metabolism.