Study of Serum Ferritin in Metabolic Syndrome

Abstract

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. The syndrome includes abdominal obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia. Recent studies have suggested that inflammation plays a significant role in the development of metabolic syndrome. Serum ferritin, an acute-phase reactant, has been proposed as a marker of inflammation and is thought to be elevated in individuals with metabolic syndrome.

Objective: To study the serum ferritin levels in individuals with metabolic syndrome and its association with the components of the syndrome.

Methods: A total of 100 individuals (50 with metabolic syndrome and 50 age and sex-matched controls without metabolic syndrome) were enrolled. Serum ferritin levels were measured using an immunoassay. The participants were assessed for MetS components, including waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, and HDL cholesterol levels. Statistical analysis was performed to examine the relationship between serum ferritin and MetS components.

Results: The mean serum ferritin levels were significantly higher in individuals with metabolic syndrome compared to the control group. Serum ferritin levels correlated positively with waist circumference, triglyceride levels, and fasting blood glucose levels. No significant correlation was found between serum ferritin and HDL cholesterol levels.

Conclusion: Elevated serum ferritin levels may be associated with the presence of metabolic syndrome. Ferritin could potentially serve as a useful biomarker for assessing the risk of metabolic syndrome, though further studies are needed to explore its exact role in the pathophysiology of the syndrome.

Keywords: Metabolic syndrome, serum ferritin, inflammation, cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, obesity.