Serum concentrations of cortisol, interleukin 6, leptin and adiponectin predict stress induced insulin resistance in acute inflammatory reactions
2008

Cortisol and Inflammatory Insulin Resistance

Sample size: 37 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Michael Lehrke, Uli C Broedl, Ingeborg M Biller-Friedmann, Michael Vogeser, Volkmar Henschel, Kirsten Nassau, Burkhard Göke, Erich Kilger, Klaus G Parhofer

Primary Institution: University of Munich

Hypothesis

What are the roles of different serum factors in predicting insulin resistance during acute inflammation?

Conclusion

Cortisol is the best predictor of inflammatory insulin resistance, followed by IL6, leptin, and adiponectin.

Supporting Evidence

  • Cortisol levels increased during surgery and were the strongest predictor of insulin resistance.
  • IL6, leptin, and adiponectin also predicted insulin resistance but to a lesser extent.
  • TNFα and resistin were found to have minor relevance in predicting insulin resistance.

Takeaway

When people have surgery, their bodies can become resistant to insulin, which helps control blood sugar. The study found that cortisol is the best indicator of this insulin resistance.

Methodology

Insulin resistance was measured in 37 non-diabetic patients undergoing cardiac surgery by assessing insulin requirements and serum levels of various factors over 48 hours.

Potential Biases

The study cannot rule out the influence of other mediators of insulin resistance.

Limitations

The study used an insulin glycaemic index, which is less precise than the gold standard insulin clamp method, and had a relatively small sample size.

Participant Demographics

{"age":"69 (60 to 74)","sex_distribution":{"male":23,"female":14},"body_mass_index":"27.1 (23.1 to 29.9)"}

Statistical Information

P-Value

<0.0001

Confidence Interval

0.43 to 0.71

Statistical Significance

p<0.0001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/cc7152

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