Metabolite profiling paradoxically reveals favorable levels of lipids, markers of oxidative stress and unsaturated fatty acids in a diabetes susceptible group of Middle Eastern immigrants

Mahmoud Al-Majdoub,Louise Bennet,Peter Spégel

doi:10.1007/s00592-019-01464-w

Mahmoud Al-Majdoub, Louise Bennet + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s00592-019-01464-w

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Abstract

AimsThe population of immigrants from the Middle East in Sweden show a higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) compared to native Swedes. The exact reason for this is unknown. Here, we have performed metabolite profiling to investigate these differences.MethodsMetabolite profiling was conducted in Iraqi immigrants (n = 93) and native Swedes (n = 77) using two complementary mass spectrometry-based platforms. Differences in metabolite levels were compared after adjustment for confounding anthropometric, diet and clinical variables.ResultsThe Iraqi immigrant population were more obese (44.1 vs 24.7%, p < 0.05), but had a lower prevalence of hypertension (32.3 vs 54.8%, p < 0.01) than the native Swedish population. We detected 140 metabolites, 26 of which showed different levels between populations (q < 0.05,) after adjustment for age, sex, BMI, T2D and use of metformin. Twenty-two metabolites remained significant after further adjustment for HOMA-IR, HOMA-beta or insulin sensitivity index. Levels of polyunsaturated acylcarnitines (14:2 and 18:2) and fatty acid (18:2) were higher, whereas those of saturated and monounsaturated acylcarnitines (14:0, 18:1, and 8:1), fatty acids (12:0, 14:0, 16:0, and 18:1), uremic solutes (urate and quinate) and ketone bodies (beta-hydroxybutyrate) were lower in Iraqi immigrants. Further, levels of phospholipids were generally lower in the Iraqi immigrant population.ConclusionsOur result suggests an overall beneficial lipid profile in Iraqi immigrants, despite a higher risk to develop T2D. Higher levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids may suggest differences in dietary pattern, which in turn may reduce the risk of hypertension.

Highlights

Studies have revealed an increased prevalence of metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes (T2D) in groups with low socioeconomic status [1], and certain ethnical minority and immigrant groups [2, 3]
Diabetes susceptibility differs between geographical locations and the corresponding immigrant population, suggesting factors other than genetic predisposition to contribute to the increased risk [3]
Differences in BMI, obesity, education, HDL, systolic blood pressure, hypertension and ASAT were independent of age and sex, with the latter variables independent of BMI (p < 0.05)

Summary

Introduction

Studies have revealed an increased prevalence of metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes (T2D) in groups with low socioeconomic status [1], and certain ethnical minority and immigrant groups [2, 3]. One of the largest immigrant groups in Sweden is residents born in Iraq (Statistics Sweden) This group, and others from the Middle East, have an about twofold higher prevalence of T2D as compared to native Swedes [4, 5]. Parts of this difference could be attributable to higher prevalence of obesity, a family history of diabetes, differences in lifestyle, and other unknown factors [6]. Some of the remaining effects have instead been attributed to the impact of socioeconomic status [10], and changes in dietary habits and physical activity [11]

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