Plasma pigment epithelium-derived factor is positively associated with obesity in Caucasian subjects, in particular with the visceral fat depot

Abstract

ObjectiveAdipose tissue releases factors (adipokines) that influence local, peripheral as well as central processes. In the present study, we determined the relationship between plasma concentration of a recently identified adipokine, pigment epithelium-derived factor (SERPINF1), and human obesity, particularly specific adipose tissue depots, and other features of the metabolic syndrome.MethodsWe examined the plasma concentration of SERPINF1, anthropometric parameters, abdominal s.c. and visceral adipose tissue, lipid, glucose, insulin, and alanine aminotransferase level in a non-diabetic general Caucasian population (n=59).ResultsPlasma SERPINF1 level in males (6.2±2.1 μg/ml) was higher than in females (3.1±1.4 μg/ml; P<0.001). Plasma SERPINF1 was positively correlated with age and all features of metabolic syndrome. However, in multiple linear regression analysis with adjustment for age and gender, only visceral fat thickness (β=0.361, P=0.010) and body mass index (β=0.288, P=0.008) were significant independent determinants of plasma SERPINF1 level, together with gender (β=−0.424, P<0.001).ConclusionsWe conclude that the plasma SERPINF1 level is strongly associated with body adiposity, in particular with the visceral fat depot in the non-diabetic general population. This association may (partly) explain the relationship between SERPINF1 and metabolic syndrome in this population.