Association between Intrapancreatic Fat Deposition and the Leptin/Ghrelin Ratio in the Fasted and Postprandial States

Abstract

Background: The clinical relevance of excess intrapancreatic fat deposition (IPFD) is increasingly appreciated. Leptin and ghrelin are key players in the regulation of food intake, energy balance, and body fat mass. The aim was to investigate the associations of the leptin/ghrelin ratio and its components with IPFD. Methods: All participants underwent magnetic resonance imaging on a 3T scanner to quantify IPFD. Both fasting and postprandial blood samples were analyzed for leptin and acylated ghrelin. Linear regression analysis was conducted, accounting for visceral/subcutaneous fat volume ratio, glycated hemoglobin, and other covariates. Results: A total of 94 participants (32 women) with a median age of 56 (interquartile range 44–66) years were studied. Their median IPFD was 9.6% (interquartile range 8.8–10.4%). In the fasted state, the leptin/ghrelin ratio (β = 0.354; 95% confidence interval 0.044–0.663; p = 0.025, in the most adjusted model) and leptin (β = 0.040; 95% confidence interval 1.003–1.078; p = 0.035, in the most adjusted model) were significantly associated with IPFD. Ghrelin in the fasted state was not significantly associated with IPFD. In the postprandial state, the leptin/ghrelin ratio, leptin, and ghrelin were not significantly associated with IPFD. Conclusion: Fasting circulating levels of leptin are directly associated with IPFD. Purposely designed mechanistic studies are warranted to determine how high leptin may contribute to excess IPFD.