Association of serum ferritin levels with metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance in a Chinese population

Aims: Increased iron is associated with type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and high blood pressure. Therefore, serum ferritin may be a suitable biomarker to detect metabolic syndrome (MetS). We investigated the relationship between serum ferritin, and the prevalence of MetS and insulin resistance (IR). Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed 2,786 Chinese participants, aged 25-75 years. MetS was defined using the 2006 International Diabetes Federation guidelines. IR was assessed with homeostasis model assessment estimated IR (HOMA-IR). Regression analysis was used to estimate the association between serum ferritin and the prevalence of MetS and IR. Results: MetS prevalence within each serum ferritin quartile (Q1-4) was 31.7%, 37.1%, 43.6%, and 55.4%, respectively in men (P < 0.001), and 30.1%, 34.8%, 48.2%, and 66.9%, respectively in women (P < 0.001). Increased serum ferritin correlated with the number of MetS components (P < 0.001). The odds ratio for MetS in the ferritin Q4 group was 1.95 (1.39-2.73) for men and 1.66(1.12-2.47) for women, compared with Q1. Serum ferritin correlated positively with HOMA-IR in men (regression coefficient: 0.058, P = 0.009) and women (regression coefficient: 0.082, P = 0.001). Conclusion: MetS prevalence increased with elevated serum ferritin levels, and serum ferritin levels were independently associated with MetS and IR. (C) 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.