Elevated circulating regenerating islet-derived protein 4 levels in patients with metabolic syndrome and related to its key components.

Abstract

Regenerating islet-derived protein 4 (REG4) is a secretory protein that belongs to the C-type lectin superfamily. This study aims to explore the diagnostic value of REG4 as a potential biomarker for metabolic syndrome by analyzing the correlation between serum REG4 levels and metabolic syndrome. Serum REG4 levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Bioinformatics analysis was conducted to investigate REG4-related genes and metabolic signaling pathways. Serum REG4 levels were significantly elevated in MetS patients compared to healthy controls (439.7 vs. 422.6 ng/L, p < 0.01). In addition, circulating REG4 levels showed a positive correlation with AUGg, HbA1c, VAI, BMI, WHR, TG, TC, LDL-C, while being inversely correlated with HDL-C in the study population. Serum REG4 levels were positively correlated with MetS score. Multiple linear regression analysis identified HOMA-IR and LDL-C as independent factors affecting serum REG4 concentration. Interventional studies have shown that OGTT can significantly increase serum REG4 levels in healthy individuals, but significantly reduce REG4 levels in MetS patients. Bioinformatics analysis suggested that REG4 is linked to several metabolism-related genes and is enriched in various metabolism-related signaling pathways. REG4 may serve as a valuable biomarker and potential treatment target for insulin resistance (IR) and MetS. ChiCTR2000032878.