Fetuin-A in patients with metabolic syndrome

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome is a common disorder the prevalence of which is estimated to be about 20% in Polish adult population. Abdominal obesity and insulin resistance are important pathogenetic factors. Metabolic syndrome plays a role as a risk factor for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Fetuin-A is a multifunctional plasma glycoprotein. It is a physiological inhibitor of insulin receptor tyrosine kinase and thus associated with insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and an increased risk for type 2 diabetes. The study was conducted in 62 patients with metabolic syndrome (34F and 28M) aged 35-83. In 47 persons type 2 diabetes was a component of metabolic syndrome, 62% of diabetics had coronary artery disease as a macrovascular complication. Determinations of biochemical parameters and anthropometric measurements were performed in the studied group. We analysed a relationship between serum fetuin-A concentration and components of metabolic syndrome and total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HbA1C, BMI as well. Diabetics had lower fetuin-A concentrations than patients without diabetes (0.550 g/l vs 0.600 g/l). Fetuin-A levels in patients with diabetes and coronary artery disease were significantly lower (0.535 g/l) than in those without macrovascular complications (0.590 g/l) (Z=1.969; p=0.048). Furthermore the correlation between fetuin-A serum concentration and fasting plasma glucose, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides levels were observed. Patients with higher fasting glucose had lower fetuin-A levels. However, fetuin-A concentration was positive correlated with LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides levels. No association between fetuin-A and waist circumference, blood pressure, HDL-cholesterol, HbA1C and BMI were found. In summary, serum fetuin-A level has a correlation with some components of metabolic syndrome. We concluded that fetuin-A could be used not only as a marker, but also plays some role in pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and higher risk of cardiovascular disease.