Changes in IL-1β and Pancreatic Islet Function and Their Correlation Before and After Weight Loss in Obese Individuals.

PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate changes in interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and pancreatic function before and after weight loss in obese individuals undergoing lifestyle interventions, as well as the relationship between these two factors, thereby providing scientific evidence for the comprehensive management of obesity and related metabolic disorders.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

This observational study included 36 obese patients who completed a lifestyle intervention program, along with 18 healthy controls. Glucose metabolism parameters and IL-1β levels were measured at baseline and after intervention. Normally distributed variables were analyzed using independent or paired samples t-tests, while non-normally distributed variables were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Spearman correlation analysis was performed to assess bivariate relationships. Subsequently, multivariate linear regression models were employed to adjust for potential confounders and to evaluate the independent associations between ΔIL-1β and pancreatic function indices.

RESULTS

IL-1β levels were significantly correlated with both obesity indicators and insulin resistance parameters. Notably, after adjusting for confounding factors, changes in IL-1β levels (ΔIL-1β) showed significant independent associations with changes in the modified beta cell function index (ΔMBCI), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (ΔHOMA-IR), and Stumvoll metabolic clearance rate of glucose (ΔStumvoll MCR120).

CONCLUSION

The reduction in IL-1β levels is independently associated with improvements in pancreatic β-cell function and insulin resistance, suggesting a potential role of IL-1β in the metabolic benefits of weight loss. However, the study's small sample size limits the statistical power, warranting validation in larger cohorts.