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Circulating pancreatic polypeptide concentrations predict visceral and liver fat content
Amir H Sam1, Michelle L Sleeth, E Louise Thomas
1Section of Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (A.S., C.W.L.R., P.B., R.L., A.B., M.A.G., S.R.B., K.G.M.), Imperial College London, United Kingdom; Nutrition and Dietetic Research Group, Section of Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (M.L.S., N.A.I., N.M.D., E.C., G.S.F.), Imperial College London, United Kingdom; Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology (E.L.S., J.D.B.), University of Westminster, London, United Kingdom; School of Chemical Sciences and Food Technology, Faculty of Science and Technology (N.M.D.), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia; Diabetes and Metabolic Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences (F.S.M., M.U.), University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom; Computational, Cognitive and Clinical Neuroimaging Laboratory, Division of Brain Sciences (A.P.G.), Imperial College London, United Kingdom; Diabetes Complications Research Centre (C.W.L.R.), Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Ireland; Department of Clinical Biochemistry (P.B., M.B.), Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom; and Department of Obesity and Endocrinology (D.J.C.), Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom.
Pancreatic polypeptide (PP) shows promise as a biomarker for predicting visceral and liver fat. This finding could aid in cardiovascular risk assessment and managing ectopic fat deposition.
Area of Science:
- Metabolic Research
- Cardiovascular Disease Biomarkers
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Visceral and liver fat are key risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
- Current biomarkers lack reliability in predicting these fat depots.
- Vagal tone may influence regional fat distribution, with pancreatic polypeptide (PP) as a potential mediator.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the utility of fasting plasma pancreatic polypeptide (PP) concentrations in predicting visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and intrahepatocellular lipid (IHCL) content.
- To explore PP as a potential biomarker for cardiovascular risk stratification.
Main Methods:
- Fasting plasma PP concentrations were measured in 104 overweight/obese individuals.
- Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (TSAT) were quantified using whole-body MRI.
- Intrahepatocellular lipid (IHCL) content was measured using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
Main Results:
- Fasting PP concentrations significantly correlated with VAT (r=0.57) and IHCL (r=0.51), but not TSAT (r=0.02).
- PP independently predicted VAT and IHCL, even after adjusting for multiple metabolic and clinical factors.
- PP concentrations were associated with various cardiovascular risk markers, mediated by VAT and IHCL.
Conclusions:
- Pancreatic polypeptide (PP) is a novel and reliable predictor of visceral and liver fat.
- PP may serve as a valuable biomarker for cardiovascular risk stratification.
- This finding supports targeted treatment strategies for patients with ectopic fat deposition.
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