The Associations Between IL-18 Serum Levels and the Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Polish Men over the Age of 40 According to Other Selected Inflammatory Indices and Androgens: Comparison of NCEP with IDF Criteria

Background: The frequency of MS increases with age and augments the cardiovascular risk. The criteria for distinguishing MS constantly evolve. The aim of the study was to estimate the reciprocal links between low-grade inflammation, selected serum androgens and prevalence of MS, according to NCEP and IDF criteria, in Polish men over the age of 40.

Materials And Methods: A sample of 160 men was randomly selected from men at the age of 40, 50, 60 and 70, residing in the rural south-western region of Poland. IL-18 and CRP, transferrin, α (1)-antichymotrypsin, dehydroepiandrosterone and its sulfate as well as free-testosterone levels were evaluated.

Results: The prevalence of MS was 37.5% using NCEP criteria and 46.25% employing IDF indices. Patients with MS diagnosed according to criteria proposed by NCEP and IDF exhibit a similar hormonal and immunological profile. Age was positively correlated with CRP (r=0.231; p<0.0005), and α (1)-ACT (r=0.191 p<0.05) and negatively with transferrin (r=-0.27; p<0.001), but not with IL-18 plasma levels. Both adrenal androgens were negatively correlated with age: DHEA r=-0.489; p<0.001 and DHEAS: r=-0.553; p<0.001 respectively, in contrast to free-testosterone. People suffering from MS have shown a significantly higher level of IL-18 and CRP. The number of MS components identified (according to NCEP) is positively correlated only with IL-18 serum levels (r=0.226; p=0.043).

Conclusions: Inflammatory parameters were better than a deficit of androgens in identifying men suffering from MS. However, the best correlation with the number of MS components was revealed by IL-18 plasma levels.