Associations of monocytes, neutrophil count, and C-reactive protein with maximal oxygen uptake in overweight women

SummaryBackgroundIncreased aerobic capacity can reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease and mortality. Inflammation plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.AimsThis study was designed to elucidate whether aerobic capacity is associated with inflammatory status.MethodsThe subjects included 90 overweight women [age, 51.5 ± 10.7 yrs; body mass index (BMI), 28.1 ± 2.5] with coronary risk factors who were outpatients at our institution. A multistage graded submaximal exercise stress test was performed on an electric bicycle ergometer to determine the estimated maximal oxygen uptake (V˙O2 max).ResultsUnivariate regression analyses showed that monocyte, neutrophil counts, and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels were correlated with fasting triglycerides, fasting insulin, BMI, and waist circumference, while V˙O2 max was negatively associated with monocyte and neutrophil counts, but not with hs-CRP. Stepwise multivariate regression analysis demonstrated a strong association of monocyte count with the fasting triglyceride and V˙O2 max (r2 = 0.260, p < 0.0001). Neutrophil count was also found to be associated with fasting triglyceride and fasting insulin (r2 = 0.114, p < 0.0001), while hs-CRP was associated with fasting triglyceride and waist circumference (r2 = 0.151, p < 0.0001).ConclusionsThese results suggest that V˙O2 max is a sensitive factor that reflects the inflammatory status and might support cardiovascular protective effects of aerobic exercise in overweight women.