Increased Sitting Time Related to Inflammatory Markers and Metabolism
Researchers recently determined that increased sitting time is associated with increased inflammatory markers and suboptimal metabolic parameters in women. Adipose (fat) cells release hormones that regulate appetite and fat metabolism including leptin and adiponectin.
The subjects in this study included 505 adults with an average age of 59 years. To evaluate sitting time and physical activity, the subjects completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Researchers evaluated additional variables including:
- C-reactive protein (CRP)
- Interleukin-6
- Leptin
- Adiponectin
- Fasting insulin
- Fasting blood glucose
- Blood glucose after a two-hour glucose challenge test
The results showed that, in women, increased sitting time correlated to increases in the inflammatory markers CRP and interleukin-6. Also, increased sitting time was associated with imbalances in fasting insulin, leptin and the leptin/adiponectin ratio in women. The results remained significant even after adjusting the data to control for age, ethnicity, social deprivation, smoking and medication status, and total moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity.
The researchers concluded that total self-reported weekday sitting time was associated with biomarkers linked to markers of inflammation and suboptimal metabolic health in women, independent of physical activity.
Reference:
Yates T, Khunti K, Wilmot EG, Brady E, Webb D, Srinivasan B, Henson J, Talbot D, Davies MJ. Self-reported sitting time and markers of inflammation, insulin resistance, and adiposity. Am J Prev Med. 2012 Jan;42(1):1-7.