PLOS ONE · 11 authors, 6 centres
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This cohort study measured immune and inflammatory markers in 58 Black and White American patients six weeks after sleeve gastrectomy. The central result was that surgery significantly reduced key markers (IgG, CRP, TGFβ) in both groups, with Black Americans showing a greater reduction in IgG despite starting at higher levels.
This study analyzed plasma samples from 58 participants (24 Black Americans, 34 White Americans) before and six weeks after vertical sleeve gastrectomy to compare changes in immunoglobulin and inflammatory markers. The central results showed that IgG, CRP, and TGFβ were all significantly reduced at six weeks post-surgery. While Black Americans had significantly elevated pre-operative levels of IgG and CRP compared to White Americans, the reduction in IgG was more dramatic in Black Americans. CRP reduction was comparable between groups when controlling for starting levels. No changes were observed in IgA or IgM. The study's strengths include its real-world demographic representation, but it is limited by its small sample size, short six-week follow-up, and a lack of Black male participants. The findings suggest sleeve gastrectomy improves immune function markers in both groups, with potential for greater improvement in Black Americans due to higher baseline inflammation.
