CIRCULATING IGFBP-2 LEVELS ARE INCREMENTALLY LINKED TO CORRELATES OF THE METABOLIC SYNDROME AND INDEPENDENTLY ASSOCIATED WITH VLDL TRIGLYCERIDES

Abstract

Objective: To assess whether plasma IGFBP-2 is independently associated with components of the lipoprotein-lipid profile and to suggest a cutoff value that could identify subjects with the features of the metabolic syndrome. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 379 Caucasian men from the general population and covering a wide range of BMI were recruited through the media. Subjects with type 2 diabetes, BMI values > 40 kg/m 2 , or taking medication targeting glucose or lipid metabolism or blood pressure were excluded. Anthropometric data were collected and plasma IGFBP-2 concentrations, glucose tolerance and an extensive plasma lipid profile were determined after an overnight fast. Results: Subjects with low IGFBP-2 levels were characterized by increased fat mass (p 221.5 ng/mL) did not meet the NCEP ATP III criteria for the clinical diagnosis of the metabolic syndrome. In addition, circulating IGFBP-2 levels were significantly associated with VLDL-TG (r ¼� 0.51, p < 0.0001) and HDL-C (r ¼� 0.27, p < 0.0001) levels. After adjustments, plasma IGFBP-2 was found to be independently associated with VLDL-TG levels but not with HDL-C concentrations. Conclusions: In our cohort, IGFBP-2 levels <221.5 ng/mL are incrementally associated with a detrimental plasma lipoprotein-lipid profile. After adjustment for covariates, IGFBP-2 remained independently associated with VLDL-TG but not HDL-C levels. This study supports further investigations in other populations and validation of IGFBP-2 as a biomarker of early dyslipidemia.