Association of Serum Ferritin Levels with Metabolic Syndrome: A Cross-sectional Study

Metabolic syndrome (MetS), defined by central obesity, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, and hypertension, is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Despite its clinical importance, the underlying pathophysiology of MetS remains incompletely understood. Serum ferritin, a marker of iron storage, oxidative stress, and metabolic dysfunction, has been associated with insulin resistance and lipid abnormalities. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum ferritin levels and MetS, along with its individual components.

This cross-sectional study included 230 participants, with cases diagnosed with MetS based on International Diabetes Federation criteria and age-matched controls. Clinical, anthropometric, and biochemical parameters, including serum ferritin levels, were assessed. Data analysis was performed using Stata MP-17, with statistical significance set at P ≤ 0.05.

Individuals with MetS exhibited significantly higher waist and hip circumferences, blood pressure (BP), triglycerides, serum ferritin levels, and poorer glycemic control compared to controls (P < 0.001). Serum ferritin showed a positive correlation with body mass index (BMI), fasting glucose, triglycerides, BP, total leukocyte count, and neutrophils, and a negative correlation with lymphocyte count, indicating a strong association between elevated ferritin levels, metabolic dysregulation, and systemic inflammation.

Elevated serum ferritin is significantly associated with increased BMI, central obesity, dyslipidemia, and impaired glucose regulation in individuals with MetS. Its correlations with lipid and inflammatory markers suggest ferritin may serve as a surrogate biomarker for metabolic and cardiovascular risk.