Association of obesity with total leucocyte count in patients of metabolic syndrome

Abstract

White blood cells are a routine haematological parameter for the assessment of tissue damage, infection and many inflammatory conditions. Aim : To assess the association of total leucocyte count (TLC) with obesity in the patients of Metabolic Syndrome. Method : Waist circumference, as a criteria for obesity was used to compare the total leucocyte count in 30 controls and 30 patients aged 20 – 60 years. TLC was determined using automated Coulter (Diatron) by venepuncture . Results: In comparison with the controls, TLC was higher in patients and statistically significant difference (p<0.0001) was observed between the two groups. Conclusion: This finding could be attributed to proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL- 6) released from adipose cells, insulin resistance mediated increase in inflammatory markers, decrease in adiponectin and increase in leptin. Thus, TLC in obese patients of Metabolic syndrome can be used as a predictor for future complications in them.