Assessment of endothelial function in Iranian healthy obese patients after bariatric surgery

Endothelial function plays a critical role in cardiovascular homeostasis. Morbid obesity is associated with an enhanced risk of atherosclerosis and chronic inflammation. Bariatric surgery (BS) is a promising method used recently for weight loss; however, the number of studies that have examined the effect of BS on endothelial function is limited. This study aimed to investigate the association between endothelial function evaluated by flow‑mediated dilation (FMD) and weight loss after BS.

This is a cross‑sectional study conducted in Isfahan, Iran, and included 40 healthy obese individuals who underwent BS as an intervention group and 40 healthy obese patients who did not undergo BS as a control group in a 6‑month follow‑up duration period. FMD as an indicator of endothelial function was evaluated in these participants. FMD <7.1% is considered abnormal.

There was no significant difference between control and BS groups in terms of age and body mass index (BMI) at baseline. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) of FMD in the BS group pre‑ and post‑intervention were 12.95 ± 6.90 and 37.65 ± 13.52 respectively and the mean ± SD of FMD in the control group were 15.88 ± 6.85 and 15.85 ± 5.83. The association between significant weight loss after BS and FMD was strongly significant (P < 0.001).

According to the results of this study, it can be concluded that BS has been effective in terms of improving the FMD as an indicator of endothelial function.