Increased level of tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) on the skin of Japanese obese males: measured by quantitative skin blotting

Abstract

OBJECTIVE A state of chronic inflammation, characterized by an increased level of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), is often found in the obese population. The negative effects of elevated TNF-α are not limited to systemic metabolism. It also reportedly affects skin integrity. Recently, the relationship between obesity and skin fragility was reported; however, there has been little insight into how the level of TNF-α in the skin in situ is related to the severity of obesity. In this study, we aimed to measure the level of TNF-α on the skin and to find the relationship between obesity and the level of TNF-α detected on the skin. METHODSWe used a novel, non-invasive method called quantitative skin blotting.Fifty-nine healthy (but some were classified as being overweight or obese) Japanese males were enrolled as subjects. The levels of TNF-α detected on the abdominal and thigh skin along with the body composition were measured, followed by a correlation analysis. RESULTSSignificant positive correlations were found between the levels of TNF-α detected on the skin and the severity of obesity such as body mass index (BMI), body fat weight, and visceral fat rating. CONCLUSIONWe found that high levels of TNF-α were detected on the skin of Japanese obese males, which implied the higher TNF-α in the skin. The elevation of skin TNF-α may be one factor related to skin fragility that is often found in obese individuals.

Sampling the skin surface chemistry for diagnosis and prognosis

“…Four papers explored the associations of COL‐4, MMP‐2, fibronectin and TNF‐α levels present in populations at risk of developing skin tears 17,22–24 . Koyano et al and Ogai et al found a significant association between raised TNF‐α levels in individuals over 65 years and obese males, respectively 22,23 .…”

“…Four papers explored the associations of COL‐4, MMP‐2, fibronectin and TNF‐α levels present in populations at risk of developing skin tears 17,22–24 . Koyano et al and Ogai et al found a significant association between raised TNF‐α levels in individuals over 65 years and obese males, respectively 22,23 . Koyano et al later found no difference in TNF‐α levels nor significant changes of any blotted variables COL‐4 and MMP‐2 for skin tears using a multivariate model 24 .…”

“…There was a significant association of measured TNF-α levels with the severity of obesity measured by BMI, visceral fat rating, waist circumference, and body fat weight (p < 0.05). 21,23 3.4 | Wound blotting (non-intact skin)…”

“…TNF-α was the most commonly investigated biomarker for the skin's fragility and inflammation amongst obese patients. 21,23 Biomarkers have been associated with conceptual models of pressure injury development. However, further studies are warranted to investigate the role of the candidate markers IL-1α, VEGF-C, HSP90-α, VEGF-C…”

Global DNA Methylation Patterns and Gene Expression Associated with Obesity-Susceptibility in Offspring of Pregnant Sprague-Dawley Rats Exposed to BDE-47 and BDE-209

“…Not only is TNF-, a proinflammatory cytokine, important players in the state of insulin resistance observed during obesity, but adiponectin is also associated with insulin resistance, regulating both glucose and lipid metabolism [25]. Elevated TNF- mRNA expression was observed in adipose tissue from obese rodent models and that was found in obese individuals [26]. In present study, TNF- mRNA expression in exposed dams were gradually decreased from GD 14 to PND 4 according to different time point.…”