C-reactive protein is inversely and independently associated with maximal oxygen uptake in adolescents with obesity

Abstract

The purposes of this study were: 1) investigate whether different markers of infl ammation (CRP and TNF-alpha) are correlated to cardiorespiratory fi tness in adolescents with obesity; 2) examine the association of these variables when adjusted by parameters of body composition. Were selected 57 individuals, 34 girls and 23 boys, with 16.4±1.56 years and body mass index 36.0±4.3 kg/m². Anthropometric measurements (weight, height and abdominal circunference) and body composition (BMI, visceral fat, body fat) were assessment. Body composition was estimated by analyzer of tetrapolar bioelectrical impedance. Obesity was defi ned as BMI>95th percentile of the curve proposed by the Center for Diseases Control. Plasma TNF-alpha was measured by a quantitative two-site high-sensitivity enzyme immunoassay and CRP was measured by high-sensitivity
immunoturbidimetric assay. Graded maximal exercise testing was performed to obtain the maximum oxygen consumption (VO_2max) and velocity associated with the VO_2max (vVO_2max). Signifi cant correlations of CRP with VO_2max and vVO_2max were found (r=-0.40 and r=-0,36, respectively). No correlations were observed between TNF-alpha and VO_2max e vVO_2max. CRP was associated to the VO2max and vVO2max independently of measurements of body composition. The CRP was independently and inversely associated with direct measurement of VO_2max and the indirect variable of cardiorespiratory fitness vVO_2max, in obese adolescents, even after adjustments in body composition, a potential confounding factor. No association was found between TNF-alpha and the parameters of cardiorespiratory fitness.