Fetuin-A levels in obesity: differences in relation to metabolic syndrome and correlation with clinical and laboratory variables

• Published in: Archives of medical science Vol. 8; no. 5; pp. 826 - 833
• Main Authors: Ismail, Nagwa Abdallah, Ragab, Shadia, El Dayem, Soha M Abd, Elbaky, Abeer Abd, Salah, Nehal, Hamed, Mona, Assal, Heba, Koura, Hala
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Poland Termedia Publishing House 09-11-2012
• Subjects: Clinical Research; metabolic syndrome; insulin resistance; obesity; fetuin A
• ISSN: 1734-1922; 1896-9151
• DOI: 10.5114/aoms.2012.31616

Fetuin-A is an important player in the enhancement of insulin resistance. There are very limited data available concerning the relationships between fetuin-A, weight status and features of the metabolic syndrome (Met S) in obese Egyptian subjects, and especially in children. The aim of the study was to evaluate fetuin-A serum level in subjects with obesity and its possible association with other laboratory and clinical variables.
A total of 140 obese subjects and 50 controls aged 10-40 years were recruited. Demographic, anthropometric and biochemical features were collected according to a standard protocol. Serum fetuin-A levels were measured using ELISA and the modified Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP-ATP III) criteria were adopted to diagnose Met S.
A higher level of serum fetuin-A was detected in obese subjects. Met S cases were also significantly associated with higher serum fetuin-A. Fetuin-A correlated significantly with BMI (r = 0.437), systolic (r = 0.228) and diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.295), waist circumference (r = 0.332), insulin resistance calculated by the homeostasis model (HOMA-IR) (r = 0.295) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (r = 0.362).
Fetuin-A levels were higher in adults and children with obesity and Met S. They were related to insulin resistance and to features of the Met S in cross-sectional analyses. Our study demonstrates a novel association between human fetuin-A and the Met S among obese subject. Therefore, fetuin-A might be a new promising link between obesity and its comorbidities.