Circulating glucagon is associated with inflammatory mediators in metabolically compromised subjects

BackgroundAcute phase mediators promote metabolic changes by modifying circulating hormones. However, there is virtually no data about the link between glucagon and inflammatory parameters in obesity-related chronic low-grade inflammation.Study designWe performed both cross-sectional and longitudinal (diet-induced weight loss) studies.MethodsCirculating glucagon concentrations (ELISA), parameters of glucose and lipid metabolism, interleukin 6 (IL6), and complement factor B (CFB) were analyzed in 316 subjects (250 men and 66 women). The effects of weight loss were investigated in an independent cohort of 20 subjects.ResultsCirculating glucagon significantly correlated with glucose (r=0.407, P