Mesenteric fat thickness is an independent determinant of metabolic syndrome and identifies subjects with increased carotid intima-media thickness.
OBJECTIVE
Mesenteric fat, a reflection of visceral adiposity, may play an important role in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). In this study, we examined the independent relationship between mesenteric fat thickness and metabolic syndrome and defined its optimal cutoff value to identify high-risk subjects for metabolic syndrome and CVD.


METHODS
A total of 290 Chinese subjects had an ultrasound examination for measurements of thickness of mesenteric, preperitoneal, and subcutaneous fat as well as carotid intima-media thickness (IMT). Anthropometric measurements and metabolic risk profile were assessed by physical examination and blood taking.


RESULTS
Twenty (6.9%) subjects had metabolic syndrome according to the National Cholesterol Education Panel Adult Treatment Panel III criteria with Asian definitions for central obesity (waist circumference >80 cm in women and >90 cm in men). Mesenteric fat thickness had significant correlations (P < 0.05) with various metabolic variables. On multivariate regression, mesenteric fat thickness was an independent determinant of all components of metabolic syndrome after adjustment for age, sex, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, and other fat deposits. The odds ratio of metabolic syndrome was increased by 1.35 (95% CI 1.10-1.66)-fold for every 1-mm increase in mesenteric fat thickness. On receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis, mesenteric fat thickness of > or =10 mm was the optimal cutoff value to identify metabolic syndrome, with sensitivity of 70% and specificity of 75%. Subjects with mesenteric fat thickness > or =10 mm had higher carotid IMT than those with thickness <10 mm (0.73 +/- 0.19 vs. 0.64 +/- 0.16 mm, P = 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Mesenteric fat thickness was an independent determinant of metabolic syndrome and identified subjects with increased carotid IMT.
Liu
Kin Hung
KH
Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Organ Imaging, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong. tongyc@netvigator.com
Chan
Yu Leung
YL
Chan
Wing Bun
WB
Chan
Juliana Chung Ngor
JC
Chu
Chiu Wing Winnie
CW
D050153:Abdominal Fat / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D000328:Adult; D019540:Area Under Curve; D044466:Asian People; D015992:Body Mass Index; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008643:Mesentery / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D016017:Odds Ratio; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012737:Sex Factors; D014463:Ultrasonography