Association of carotid intima-media thickness with mesenteric, preperitoneal and subcutaneous fat thickness

Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) is an established surrogate marker for atherosclerosis. We have previously reported that abdominal fat, notably mesenteric fat, was a major explanatory variable for multiple cardiovascular risk factors. Given the intimate relationships between visceral fat, cardiovascular risk factors and atherosclerosis, we hypothesize that there are independent relationships between mesenteric fat and carotid IMT. Two hundred and eighty-two Chinese subjects (M: 129, F: 153; mean body mass index (BMI): 23.8 kg/m(2); age range: 20-68 years) were recruited. Maximum carotid IMT as well as maximum mesenteric, preperitoneal and subcutaneous fat thickness were measured by carotid and abdominal ultrasound examinations, respectively. Obesity index and conventional cardiovascular risk factors were assessed by physical examination and blood taking. On univariate analysis, mesenteric but not preperitoneal fat thickness was the major correlate with carotid IMT in both men and women. There was also a weak correlation between carotid IMT and subcutaneous fat thickness in women. On multivariate analysis, mesenteric fat thickness was an independent determinant of carotid IMT after adjustment for subcutaneous and preperitoneal fat thickness, age, gender, blood pressure, insulin resistance, lipid and glycaemic parameters. The association of mesenteric fat thickness with carotid IMT appeared stronger in women than in men, which however was not confirmed on multivariate analysis. In conclusion, mesenteric fat thickness measured on ultrasound showed significant association with carotid IMT, lending further support to the linking role of portal adipose tissue in obesity-related atherosclerosis. Effect of gender on the relationships of mesenteric fat with atherosclerosis risk require further elucidation. Measurement of mesenteric fat thickness may be a useful indicator of regional fat distribution in the assessment of cardiovascular risks.