Association of Serum Ferritin Levels with Metabolic Syndrome in India: a Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Metabolic syndrome is a known risk factor for various diseases including coronary artery disease and is associated with subclinical-inflammation. Various inflammatory markers have been evaluated in metabolic syndrome. However, the data evaluating serum ferritin in metabolic syndrome is sparse. The current study aims to evaluate the correlation between serum ferritin and metabolic syndrome. Materials and methods:This cross-sectional study included 100 subjects with metabolic syndrome and 50 gender matched healthy controls. Results:The mean age (SD) in study and control groups was 52.34 (7.64) and 48.36 (9.16) years, respectively. Majority were females in both groups (60% vs 52%). The mean (SD) HbA1c amongst study vs control was 8.26 (2.33) vs 5.10 (0.51); <0.0001. Mean (SD) serum iron and hsCRP were significantly higher in the study group (115.50 ±42.6 vs 65.741±9.16; p<0.001) and (6.33±4.87 vs 3.45±3.5; p<0.007) respectively. Mean serum ferritin level was significantly higher in the study group (123.9 vs 59.02; p<0.0001). A statistically significant correlation was found between serum ferritin and waist hip ratio, triglyceride, BMI and HOMA IR (r=0.49, p<0.0001; r=0.50, p<0.0001; r=0.47, p<0.0001 and r=0.54, p<0.0001 respectively). An inverse correlation was found between serum ferritin and serum HDL levels (r=-0.46, p<0.0001). Even after adjusting for age, serum ferritin levels were found to be significantly associated with metabolic syndrome Coeff (95% CI) -65.6 (-84.23, -46.98); p<0.0001. Conclusion:Significantly higher levels of serum ferritin were found in metabolic syndrome, and a significant correlation with its components was seen. Therefore, serum ferritin may be used as a marker of inflammation for an early intervention.