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Abdominal fatness and cerebral white matter hyperintensity
Ki-Woong Nam1, Hyuktae Kwon2, Hyung-Min Kwon3
1Department of Neurology, Seoul National University College of Medicine and Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea.
Journal of the Neurological Sciences
|July 22, 2019
Summary
Subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) shows a protective effect against cerebral white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume in healthy adults. This association is stronger in women and severely obese individuals, suggesting a potential role in brain health.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Obesity is a known risk factor for metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.
- The relationship between obesity and cerebral white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume is not well-established, with conflicting findings.
- Abdominal fat distribution, specifically visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), may differentially impact brain health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between abdominal fat distribution (VAT and SAT) and WMH volume in a neurologically healthy population.
- To determine if SAT has a protective effect on WMH volume.
- To explore potential differences in this association based on sex and obesity severity.
Main Methods:
- Observational study design including 2504 participants undergoing voluntary health check-ups.
- Quantitative measurement of WMH volume using neuroimaging.
- Direct measurement of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) via abdominal computed tomography.
- Multivariate analysis to assess the relationship between SAT, VAT, and WMH volume, adjusting for confounding factors.
Main Results:
- A significant negative association was found between subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and WMH volume (β = -0.170, P = .006) after adjusting for confounders.
- The protective effect of SAT on WMH volume was more pronounced in female participants (β = -0.295, P = .033).
- Severely obese participants also showed a stronger protective effect of SAT on WMH volume (β = -0.358, P = .033).
Conclusions:
- Subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) demonstrates a significant negative association with cerebral white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume in a healthy population.
- SAT may exert a protective effect on brain white matter, particularly in women and severely obese individuals.
- These findings highlight the importance of abdominal fat distribution, specifically SAT, in understanding brain health and potential risk factors for neurological conditions.
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