Risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with metabolic syndrome after revascularization: A meta-analysis of eighteen cohorts with 18,457 patients

The metabolic score for insulin resistance in the prediction of major adverse cardiovascular events in patients after coronary artery bypass surgery: a multicenter retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

The metabolic score for insulin resistance (METS-IR) is a simple, convenient, and reliable marker for resistance insulin (IR), which has been regarded as a predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cardiovascular events. However, few studies examined the relationship between METS-IR and prognosis after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). This study aimed to investigate the potential value of METS-IR as a prognostic indicator for the major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients after CABG.

METHOD

1100 CABG patients were enrolled in the study, including 760 men (69.1%) and 340 women (30.9%). The METS-IR was calculated as Ln [(2 × FPG (mg/dL) + fasting TG (mg/dL)] × BMI (kg/m²)/Ln [HDL-C (mg/dL)]. The primary endpoint of this study was the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including a composite of all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), coronary artery revascularization, and stroke.

RESULT

The following-up time of this study was 49-101 months (median, 70 months; interquartile range, 62-78 months). During the follow-up period, there were 243 MACEs (22.1%). The probability of cumulative incidence of MACE increased incrementally across the quartiles of METS-IR (log-rank test, p < 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated a hazard ratio (95% CI) of 1.97 (1.36-2.86) for MACE in quartile 4 compared with participants in quartile 1. The addition of the METS-IR to the model with fully adjusting variables significantly improved its predictive value [C-statistic increased from 0.702 to 0.720, p < 0.001, continuous net reclassification improvement (NRI) = 0.305, < 0.001, integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) = 0.021, p < 0.001].

CONCLUSION

METS-IR is an independent and favorable risk factor for predicting the occurrence of MACE and can be used as a simple and reliable indicator that can be used for risk stratification and early intervention in patients after CABG.

The synergistic effect of the triglyceride-glucose index and serum uric acid on the prediction of major adverse cardiovascular events after coronary artery bypass grafting: a multicenter retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Elevated serum uric acid (SUA) is regarded as a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases. Triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, a novel surrogate for insulin resistance (IR), has been proven to be an independent predictor for adverse cardiac events. However, no study has specifically focused on the interaction between the two metabolic risk factors. Whether combining the TyG index and SUA could achieve more accurate prognostic prediction in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) remains unknown.

METHODS

This was a multicenter, retrospective cohort study. A total of 1225 patients who underwent CABG were included in the final analysis. The patients were grouped based on the cut-off value of the TyG index and the sex-specific criteria of hyperuricemia (HUA). Cox regression analysis was conducted. The interaction between the TyG index and SUA was estimated using relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI), attributable proportion (AP), and synergy index (SI). The improvement of model performance yielded by the inclusion of the TyG index and SUA was examined by C-statistics, net reclassification improvement (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI). The goodness-of-fit of models was evaluated using the Akaike information criterion (AIC), Bayesian information criterion (BIC) and χ² likelihood ratio test.

RESULTS

During follow-up, 263 patients developed major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). The independent and joint associations of the TyG index and SUA with adverse events were significant. Patients with higher TyG index and HUA were at higher risk of MACE (Kaplan-Meier analysis: log-rank P < 0.001; Cox regression: HR = 4.10; 95% CI 2.80-6.00, P < 0.001). A significant synergistic interaction was found between the TyG index and SUA [RERI (95% CI): 1.83 (0.32-3.34), P = 0.017; AP (95% CI): 0.41 (0.17-0.66), P = 0.001; SI (95% CI): 2.13 (1.13-4.00), P = 0.019]. The addition of the TyG index and SUA yielded a significant improvement in prognostic prediction and model fit [change in C-statistic: 0.038, P < 0.001; continuous NRI (95% CI): 0.336 (0.201-0.471), P < 0.001; IDI (95% CI): 0.031 (0.019-0.044), P < 0.001; AIC: 3534.29; BIC: 3616.45; likelihood ratio test: P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The TyG index interacts synergistically with SUA to increase the risk of MACE in patients undergoing CABG, which emphasizes the need to use both measures concurrently when assessing cardiovascular risk.

Disse index and free fatty acids as markers of insulin resistance and their association with hospital outcomes of coronary bypass surgery in patients with different glycemic status

AIM: to analyze various indices of insulin resistance and plasma free fatty acid (FFA) levels, and their association with the preoperative status and in-hospital complications after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in normoglycemic patients and patients with carbohydrate metabolism disorders (CMD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 708 patients who underwent CABG. The glycemic status, preoperative parameters, the specifics of surgical intervention, in-hospital complications were analyzed. The patients were divided into 2 groups: Group 1 (n=266) — patients with CMD (type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and prediabetes); Group 2 (n=442) — patients without CMD. Plasma FFA and fasting plasma insulin levels were determined, the Disse index, the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), revised QUICKI were estimated in 383 patients.

RESULTS: Screening prior to CABG increased the number of patients with T2DM from 15.2% to 24.1%, prediabetes – from 3.0% to 13.4%, with any CMD – from 18.2% to 37.5%.

Patients with CMD showed a higher percentage of significant hospital complications (25.2% vs 17.0%, p=0.007), progression of renal failure (6.3% vs 2.9%, p=0.021), multiple organ failure (4.5% vs 1.7%, p=0.039), sternal wound complications (6.3% vs 2.9%, p=0.018), renal replacement therapy (3.7% vs 1.1%, p=0.020), surgery on peripheral arteries (1.5% vs 0%, p=0.039).

According to the results of multivariate analysis, the Disse index turned out to be a significant predictor of the end point (hospital stay >10 days or any significant complication CABG) in several regression models (OR 1.060 in one of the models; 95% CI 1.016–1.105; p=0.006). Independent predictors of the end point were: female gender, age, body mass index, cardiopulmonary bypass duration, left atrium size, left ventricular end diastolic dimension, T2DM, FFA levels (OR 3.335; 95% CI 1.076–10.327; p=0.036), average postoperative glycemia on the 1st day after CABG, failure to achieve the target range of perioperative glycemia.

CONCLUSION: Screening for CMD prior to CABG can significantly increase the number of patients with diagnosed CMD. Significant in-hospital complications after CABG tend to be more prevalent in patients with CMD compared with normoglycemic patients. Insulin resistance index Disse, FFA, postoperative glycemia are independent predictors of prolonged hospital stay or postoperative complications of CABG.

Association of Metabolic Syndrome with Adverse Outcomes in Patients with Stable Coronary Artery Disease: A Meta-Analysis

A consensus has not been reached on the association of metabolic syndrome (MetS) with adverse outcomes in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD). The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to summarize the prognostic implication of MetS in patients with stable CAD. We comprehensively searched articles indexing in PubMed and Embase databases until August 14, 2022. Original studies investigating the association of MetS with adverse outcomes in patients with stable CAD were included. Seven studies including 32 736 patients with stable CAD were identified. Depending on the definition of MetS, the reported prevalence of MetS ranged from 23.4% to 63%. Meta-analysis showed that patients with MetS conferred an increased risk of all-cause mortality [risk ratio (RR) 1.22; 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.15-1.19], cardiovascular mortality (RR 1.49; 95% CI 1.16-1.92), and MACEs defined by death, myocardial infarction, revascularization, cardiac arrest, or angina admission (RR 1.47; 95% CI 1.20-1.79), respectively. Leave-one-out sensitivity analysis indicated the robustness of the value of MetS in prediction of all-cause mortality. MetS may be an independently predictor of adverse outcomes in patients with stable CAD. However, future studies are required to consolidate the current evidence due to the small number of studies included.

Association of metabolic syndrome with cardiovascular outcomes in hypertensive patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

The association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with hypertension is still controversial. This meta-analysis sought to evaluate the association of MetS with cardiovascular outcomes in hypertensive patients.

METHODS

Two authors comprehensively searched PubMed and Embase databases from their inception to April 18, 2020 for the longitudinal studies that evaluated the association of MetS with cardiovascular outcomes in patients with hypertension. The main outcomes were major adverse cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction, revascularization, stroke, hospitalization due to heart failure, etc.) and stroke.

RESULTS

Eight studies consisting of 36,614 hypertensive patients were identified and analyzed. Meta-analysis indicated that MetS was associated with an increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (risk ratio [RR] 1.55; 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.28-1.87), cardiovascular mortality (RR 1.44; 95%CI 1.13-1.82), and stroke (RR 1.46; 95%CI 1.22-1.75), respectively. Sensitivity analysis further confirmed the robustness of the prognostic value of MetS.

CONCLUSIONS

MetS is associated with higher risk of major adverse cardiovascular events, cardiovascular mortality, and stroke in patients with hypertension. Determination of MetS may contribute to improving cardiovascular risk stratification in hypertension.

Association Between Metabolic Syndrome and All-Cause Mortality in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis

The association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and survival outcome after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains controversial. This meta-analysis sought to examine the association of MetS with all-cause mortality among patients with ACS. Two authors independently searched PubMed and Embase databases (from their inception to June 27, 2020) for studies that examined the association of MetS with all-cause mortality among patients with ACS. Outcome measures were in-hospital mortality and all-cause mortality during the follow-up. A total of 10 studies involving 49 896 ACS patients were identified. Meta-analysis indicated that presence of MetS was associated with an increased risk of long-term all-cause mortality [risk ratio (RR) 1.25; 95% CI 1.15-1.36; n=9 studies] and in-hospital mortality (RR 2.35; 95% CI 1.40-3.95; n=2 studies), respectively. Sensitivity and subgroup analysis demonstrated the credibility of the value of MetS in predicting long-term all-cause mortality. MetS is associated with an increased risk of long-term all-cause mortality among patients with ACS. However, additional studies are required to investigate the association of MetS with in-hospital mortality.

Metabolic Unhealthiness Increases the Likelihood of Having Metabolic Syndrome Components in Normoweight Young Adults

Findings on risk detection for having metabolic syndrome (MetS) components, each of which may individually increase the risk of disease and mortality, are limited in young adults. In this study, we aimed to calculate the likelihood of having ≥1 MetS component in normoweight young adults using two different metabolic health criteria. We recruited 1182 normoweight young adults from the Taiwan Survey on the Prevalence of Hypertension, Hyperglycemia, and Hyperlipidemia and the National Health Interview Survey (aged 16–45 years, 39% male, body mass index = 18.5–22.99, all without MetS) and followed them for 5 years. Metabolic health criteria were derived from the Harmonized criteria (unhealthy if showing abnormality in one or two MetS components) and the triglyceride-glucose index (TyG-i; unhealthy if TyG-i was in the >75th percentile). Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) estimations for having ≥1 MetS component and for having each MetS component in 5 years were assessed using multivariable-adjusted logistic regression. We observed a significantly increased likelihood of the presence of ≥1 MetS component in the unhealthy group by using the Harmonized criteria and TyG-i (adjusted OR (aOR); 95%CI: 2.64; 2.02–3.45 and 2.1; 1.57–2.82, respectively). The areas under the receiver-operating characteristics curves were 0.679 and 0.652 for the final models using Harmonized and TyG-i criteria, respectively. These findings support the recommendation of treating any metabolic component abnormality, even in young adults without a MetS diagnosis.

Which factor is the most effective one in metabolic Sydrome on the outcomes after coronary artery bypass graft surgery? A cohort study of 5 Years

Background

Metabolic Syndrome and diabetes mellitus are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. However, the effects of Metabolic Syndrome with or without diabetes on perioperative and long-term morbidity and mortality after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft remain unclear.

Methods

An retrospective study was performed on 1166 patients who received isolated primary Coronary Artery Bypass Graft in Fuwai hospital. They were divided into three groups: control, Metabolic Syndrome of three factors together with diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome of three factors without diabetes (n = 868, 76 and 222 respectively). Analysis of variance, Chi-rank test, Fisher’s exact test, Log-rank test, Cox and Logistic regression models were used for data processing. Outcomes were postoperative and 5-year survival and morbidities.

Results

There were no significant differences between groups in in-hospital postoperative complications, epinephrine use, stroke, atrial fibrillation, renal failure, coma, myocardial infarction and repeated revascularization. Patients in the Metabolic Syndrome with diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome without diabetes and control groups, respectively, showed significant difference in perioperative Major Adverse Cerebral Cardiovascular Events (30.3% vs. 21.2%, 16.7%, P = 0.0071) and mortality (11.8% vs. 2.7%, 3.11%, P = 0.0003). The Metabolic Syndrome with diabetes group had higher rates of perioperative mortality than Metabolic Syndrome without diabetes (P = 0.0017, P of Fisher Test = 0.0039). Compared with non-diabetic patients with Metabolic Syndrome, those with Metabolic Syndrome and diabetes had increased long-term mortality (Adjusted HR: 4.3; 95% CI: 1.4–13.3; P = 0.0113) and Major Adverse Cerebral Cardiovascular Events (Adjusted OR: 1.7; 95% CI: 1.0–2.8; P = 0.048). Control and non-diabetic Metabolic Syndrome groups did not differ in long-term mortality but controls had lower rates of Major Adverse Cerebral Cardiovascular Events (Adjusted OR: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.64–0.98; P = 0.0329).

Conclusions

There were significance differences between the three groups in perioperative Major Adverse Cerebral Cardiovascular Events and mortality after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft. Compared with non-diabetic Metabolic Syndrome patients, patients with Metabolic Syndrome and diabetes had higher long-term Major Adverse Cerebral Cardiovascular Events and mortality. While patients free of MetS and diabetes were associated with lower incidence of long-term Major Adverse Cerebral Cardiovascular Events after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft.

Prospective study of metabolic syndrome as a mortality marker in chronic coronary heart disease patients

BACKGROUND

We aimed to clarify the impact of metabolic syndrome (MetS) as assessed by different definitions on the cardiovascular mortality in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD).

METHODS

A total of 1692 patients, 6-24months after myocardial infarction and/or coronary revascularization at baseline, were followed in a prospective cohort study. MetS was identified using four different definitions: standard National Cholesterol Education Program definition (NCEP-ATPIII) based on the presence of ≥3 of the following factors: increased waist circumference, raised blood pressure, hypetriglyceridemia, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and increased fasting glycemia; modified NCEP-ATPIII definition (similar, but omitting antihypertensive treatment as an alternative criterion); presence of "atherogenic dyslipidemia"; or "hypertriglyceridemic waist". The primary outcome was a fatal cardiovascular event at 5years.

RESULTS

During 5-year follow-up, 117 patients (6.9%) died from a cardiovascular cause. Patients with MetS by modified NCEP-ATPIII (n=1066, 63.0% of the whole sample) had significantly higher 5-year cardiovascular mortality [adjusted hazard risk ratio (HRR) 2.01 [95%CI:1.26-3.22]; p=0.003] than subjects without MetS. However, when testing single MetS component factors, the majority of attributable mortality risk was driven by increased fasting glycemia (≥5.6mmol/L) [HRR 2.69 (95%CI:1.29-5.62), p=0.009] and the significance of MetS disappeared. None of the other MetS definitions, i.e., standard NCEP-ATPIII (n=1210; 71.5%), "hypertriglyceridemic waist" (n=455; 26.9%) or "atherogenic dyslipidemia" (n=223; 13.2%) were associated with any significant mortality risk.

CONCLUSIONS

The co-incidence of MetS has a limited mortality impact in CHD patients, while an increase in fasting glycemia seems to be more a specific marker of mortality risk.

Hypothyroidism is a Risk Factor for Atrial Fibrillation after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft

INTRODUCTION

Few reports in the world have shown a differential effect of hypothyroidism in relation to morbidity and mortality following cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the association between preoperative hypothyroidism, composite and disaggregated outcomes of mortality and complications in patients undergoing first-time isolated myocardial revascularization surgery.

METHODS

Historical cohort of patients undergoing myocardial revascularization between January 2008 and December 2014, with 626 patients included for evaluation of the composite and disaggregated outcomes of in-hospital mortality and complications (atrial fibrillation, surgical site infection and reoperation due to bleeding). A logistic regression model was used to determine the association between hypothyroidism and the onset of those outcomes.

RESULTS

Cohort of 1696 eligible patients for the study, with 1.8 mortality. Median age, female gender and prevalence of arterial hypertension were all significantly higher among hypothyroid patients. No differences were found in other preoperative or intraoperative characteristics. Hypothyroidism was associated with the presence of the composite outcome, RR 1.6 (1.04-2.4) and atrial fibrillation 1.9 (1.05-3.8). No association with mortality, infections or reoperation due to bleeding was found.

CONCLUSION

Hypothyroidism is a disease that affects females predominantly and does not determine the presence of other comorbidities. Hypothyroidism is a risk factor for the onset of postoperative fibrillation in patients undergoing myocardial revascularization surgery. Postoperative care protocols focused on the prevention of these complications in this type of patients must be instituted.

Impaired Fasting Glucose Is the Major Determinant of the 20-Year Mortality Risk Associated With Metabolic Syndrome in Nondiabetic Patients With Stable Coronary Artery Disease

Background

We wanted to explore the association of metabolic syndrome (MetS) versus its individual components with 20‐year all‐cause mortality among patients with stable coronary artery disease.

Methods and Results

The cohort comprised 12 403 nondiabetic patients with stable coronary artery disease who were enrolled in the Bezafibrate Infarction Prevention Registry between February 1990 and October 1992 and followed up through December 2014. The study cohort was divided into 4 groups: patients without MetS or impaired fasting glucose (IFG), patients with IFG but without MetS, patients with MetS but without IFG, and patients with both MetS and IFG. Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis showed that at 20 years of follow‐up, the rates of all‐cause mortality were the highest among patients with both MetS and IFG (66%). Patients with IFG without MetS experienced a significantly higher mortality rate compared with those with MetS without IFG (61% versus 56%; log‐rank P<0.001). Multivariable Cox proportional hazard analysis showed that the final Cox model demonstrated that the additive effect of MetS (hazard ratio, 1.13; 95% confidence interval, 1.1–1.16; P=0.02) and IFG (hazard ratio, 1.54; 95% confidence interval, 1.46–1.62; P<0.001) on 20 years mortality was nonsignificant (hazard ratio, 1.01; 95% confidence interval, 0.93–1.11; P=0.69). IFG was associated with the most pronounced increase in mortality risk among the individual components (hazard ratio, 1.22; 95% confidence interval, 1.14–1.3; P<0.001).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that IFG alone is a major independent predictor of long‐term mortality among patients with stable coronary artery disease versus other components of the MetS.

Metabolic syndrome is independently associated with increased 20-year mortality in patients with stable coronary artery disease

Background

Data regarding long-term association of metabolic syndrome (MetS) with adverse outcomes are conflicting. We aim to determine the independent association of MetS (based on its different definitions) with 20 year all-cause mortality among patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods

Our study comprised 15,524 patients who were enrolled in the Bezafibrate Infarction Prevention registry between February 1, 1990, and October 31, 1992, and subsequently followed-up for the long-term mortality through December 31, 2014. MetS was defined according to two definitions: The International Diabetes Federation (IDF); and the National Cholesterol Education Program–Third Adult Treatment Panel (NCEP).

Results

According to the IDF criteria 2122 (14%) patients had MetS, whereas according to the NCEP definition 7446 (48%) patients had MetS. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed that all-cause mortality was significantly higher among patients with MetS defined by both the IDF (67 vs. 61%; log rank-p < 0.001) as well as NCEP (67 vs. 54%; log rank-p < 0.001) criteria. Multivariate adjusted mortality risk was 17% greater [Hazard Ratio (HR) 1.17; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.07–1.28] in patients with MetS according to IDF and 21% (HR 1.21; 95% CI 1.13–1.29) using the NCEP definition. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that long-term increased mortality risk associated with MetS was consistent among most clinical subgroups excepted patients with renal failure (p value for interaction < 0.05).

Conclusions

Metabolic syndrome is independently associated with an increased 20-year all-cause mortality risk among patients with stable CAD. This association was consistent when either the IDF or NCEP definitions were used.

Trial registration retrospective registered

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12933-016-0466-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Differentiation of obese patients at moderate or higher Findrisc score based on their atherogenic index

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to reveal different subgroups of patients with at least moderate risk of developing diabetes in the next 10 years, based on clustering of cardiovascular risk factors.

METHODS

We performed a one-center cross-sectional study of adult patients (n = 109, median age 45 years) with Findrisc score of above 11 out of 26 maximum. We included in the cluster analysis anthropometrics, lipid and carbohydrate parameters obtained in oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), insulin, C-peptide, creatinine, C-reactive protein, liver enzymes, beta-cell function, insulin sensitivity and insulin resistance (HOMA calculations). We also evaluated the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP).

RESULTS

We identified three metabolic phenotypes of patients with at least moderate Findrisc score-one 'male' (cluster AM, n = 24), and two 'female' phenotypes (cluster AW, n = 9 and cluster BW, n = 76). Men were almost homogenous for their metabolic phenotype, with lower fat percentage than women (p < .05). Most of the women (cluster BW, n = 76) presented with better metabolic pattern i.e. lower insulin resistance, lower C-reactive protein, lower degree of obesity and visceral fat rating (p < .05), despite the higher fat percentage (p < .05). Some of the women, however, (cluster AW, n = 9) presented with parameters very similar to that of men (cluster AM) and significantly higher than in cluster BW. Despite the lack of significant differences in lipid parameters among clusters, AIP was significantly lower in cluster BW (p < .05).

CONCLUSION

Most of the women presented with clearly less unfavorable atherogenic risk than men. Two different phenotypes of obese women with at least moderate Findrisc score were revealed, and the level of inflammation seems to be the main discriminant factor. Larger prospective studies are required to elucidate whether those are really two different pathogenically phenotypes or if they belong to the same phenotype's continuum.

Association between alpha-fetoprotein and metabolic syndrome in a Chinese asymptomatic population: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Metabolic syndrome is closely associated with an increased risk for fatty liver disease morbidity and mortality. Recently, studies have reported that participants with fatty liver disease have higher serum alpha-fetoprotein levels than those without. We investigated the association between alpha-fetoprotein levels and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in a Chinese asymptomatic population.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was performed with 7,755 participants who underwent individual health examinations. Clinical and anthropometric parameters were collected and serum alpha-fetoprotein levels and other clinical and laboratory parameters were measured. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine associations between alpha-fetoprotein and metabolic syndrome.

RESULTS

Participants with metabolic syndrome had significantly higher (p < 0.001) alpha-fetoprotein levels than those without, though all alpha-fetoprotein levels were within the reference interval. The association between the components of metabolic syndrome (central obesity, elevated blood pressure, elevated triglycerides, reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and elevated fasting plasma glucose) and alpha-fetoprotein levels was evaluated. Alpha-fetoprotein levels in the elevated triglycerides, reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and elevated fasting plasma glucose groups were significantly different (p=0.002, p < 0.001, p=0.020) compared with alpha-fetoprotein in the normal triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and fasting plasma glucose groups. Logistic regression analyses showed an association between alpha-fetoprotein levels and increased risk for metabolic syndrome, the presence of reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and elevated fasting plasma glucose, but not with obesity, elevated blood pressure, or triglycerides.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest a significant association between alpha-fetoprotein and metabolic syndrome.