Assessment of some Cytokines in Obese patients with Diabetic

Author(s): Samar A.Z, Mutashar.J.J
Date: 09/10/2026
doi: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8425890

Abstract

Background: Obesity and diabetes mellitus are closely interrelated metabolic disorders characterized by 
chronic low-grade inflammation mediated by pro-inflammatory cytokines. Cytokines such as tumor 
necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) play a crucial role in the development of insulin 
resistance and progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the 
levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in obese patients with and without diabetes and to investigate their association 
with HbA1c levels and lipid profile parameters. Methods: A case-control study was conducted including 
90 participants divided into three groups: 30 obese patients with diabetes, 30 obese patients without 
diabetes, and 30 healthy controls. Serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were measured using enzyme-linked 
immunosorbent assay (ELISA). HbA1c and lipid profile parameters were assessed using standard 
biochemical methods. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25 with ANOVA, chi
square, correlation analysis, and ROC curve analysis. Results: The findings demonstrated significantly 
elevated levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in both obese groups compared with healthy controls (P ≤ 0.001). 
HbA1c levels were significantly higher in obese patients with diabetes compared to other groups (P < 
0.001). Dyslipidemia was evident in obese individuals, with increased cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and 
VLDL levels, and decreased HDL levels compared with controls. ROC curve analysis indicated that TNF
α and IL-6 possess good diagnostic performance in distinguishing obese patients from healthy individuals, 
with AUC values of 0.869 and 0.847, respectively. Significant positive correlations were observed 
between HbA1c and TNF-α in obese patients, and between HbA1c and IL-6 in obese diabetic patients. 
Conclusion: The study confirms that elevated TNF-α and IL-6 levels are strongly associated with obesity 
and diabetes and may serve as valuable biomarkers for inflammation-related metabolic dysfunction. 

Download Full Text