Increased neutrophil count in nascent metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND The alarming increase in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome globally demands serious attention. Recently, we reported increased cellular dysfunction of subcutaneous adipose tissue and monocytes contributing to the insulin resistance and increased inflammation in nascent metabolic syndrome. The major circulating leukocyte is the neutrophil (polymorphonuclear neutrophil, PMN). The aim of the study was to evaluate leukocyte levels in nascent metabolic syndrome uncomplicated by diabetes or cardiovascular disease (CVD). METHODS In this study, we compared nascent metabolic syndrome (n=63) versus control subjects (n=44). Fasting blood was collected for complete blood count, insulin, glucose, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and nitrotyrosine. RESULTS The white blood cell (WBC) and neutrophil counts were significantly increased in metabolic syndrome compared to controls following adjustment for age, gender, and adiposity. There were significant correlations between neutrophil counts with homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and hsCRP, (r=0.29, P=0.004 and r=0.35, P=0.0004, respectively). Similarly the correlations of WBC counts were significant with HOMA-IR and hsCRP (r=0.22, P=0.03 and r=0.31, P=0.0014, respectively). CONCLUSION These findings suggest that significantly elevated WBCs due to increased neutrophil counts in nascent metabolic syndrome could contribute to the increased risk for both diabetes and CVD.