CUT-OFF VALUES OF FAT DEPOTS TO PREDICT CAROTID ATHEROSCLEROTIC PLAQUES

Abstract

Objective: The main aim of study was to investigate the cut-off values subcutaneous (SF), visceral (VF), periaortic (PF), epicardial (EF) fat associated with carotid atherosclerosis in young adult with abdominal obesity (AO), or with metabolic syndrome (MS). Design and method: There were 132 adult 18–45 y.o. in the study. We formed 3 groups: health (n = 16, M - 43,8%, av.ag. 32 [27; 35]); AO plus 1 or less sing of MS (AO) (n = 46, men(M) – 37,0%, av.ag. 40 [34; 43]), and MS (n = 70, M – 81,4%, av.ag. 40[35; 44]). Height, weight, BMI, waist circumference, blood tests (fast glucose (FG) and glucose tolerance (GT), lipid profile, insulin were measured. MS was defined as AO (cut-off of > 80 cm in women (W) and > 94 cm in M) plus > 1 sign: HDL < 1,30(w)/1,04(m)mmol/l; triglycerides> 1,7mmol/l; FG> 5,6mmol/l; violation GT; BP> 140/90mmHg. SF, VF, PF, EF (range: -150 to -30 HU) was measured by computed tomography. We calculated ratio subcutaneous to visceral fat (RSV). Carotid plaque was defined by ultrasound as a focal structure that encroaches into the arterial lumen of at least 0.5 mm or 50% of the surrounding Intima-media thickness value or demonstrates a thickness> 1.5 mm. The number of ABPs in the carotid arteries was determined as the total number of all plaques in 6 segments - along both common carotid arteries (CCA), both bifurcations of the CCA, and both internal carotid arteries (ICA). Results: We found significant week relationship amount of carotid plaques with VF (r = 0,25, p < 0,01), PF (r = 0,24, p> 0,01), EF (r = 0,21 p> 0,05). We estimated cut-off levels of fat depots associated with carotid atherosclerosis (tab.1). Values of PF> = 7,8 cm3 was associated with an almost five-fold increase in the risk of having atherosclerotic plaques (p < 0.01). Values of VF> = 136,8 cm2 was associated with an almost 2.5-fold increase in the risk of having atherosclerotic plaques (p < 0.01). Values of EF> = 88,2 cm3 was associated with an 1.9-fold increase in the risk of having atherosclerotic plaques (p<0.01). Conclusions: Values of perivascular, visceral, epicardial fat depots may be considered as a markers of carotid atherosclerosis in young adults.