Serum Meteorin-Like (Metrnl) as a Potential Biomarker of Obesity-Related Dyslipidemia and Insulin Resistance

Meteorin-like (Metrnl), or Subfatin, is a novel adipokine primarily secreted by adipose tissue and skeletal muscle. It plays a crucial role in energy metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and inflammatory regulation. However, its relationship with obesity and metabolic disturbances remains controversial.This study aimed to evaluate the association between serum Metrnl levels and markers of glucose and lipid metabolism in normal-weight, overweight, and obese individuals. A total of 102 participants (38 normal-weight, 33 overweight, and 31 obese; aged 30–70 years) attending Al-Mawanee General Hospital in Basrah, Iraq, were enrolled in this cross-sectional study (June 2022–December 2023). Anthropometric indices, fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin, HbA1c, lipid profile, liver enzymes, and Metrnl concentrations (ELISA) were measured. Insulin resistance was assessed by the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Statistical analysis included ANOVA, correlation, and regression models.Serum Metrnl levels were significantly lower in overweight (188.6 ± 18.5 pg/ml) and obese (137.1 ± 15.5 pg/ml) individuals compared with normal-weight participants (229.6 ± 16.5 pg/ml, p<0.001). Circulating Metrnl showed strong negative correlations with BMI, TC, TG, FBG, insulin, and HOMA-IR (all p<0.001), and a positive correlation with HDL-C (r=0.947, p<0.001). Multiple regression analysis confirmed that lipid and glucose homeostasis parameters were independently associated with serum Metrnl concentrations. Based on the present study results, reduced serum Metrnl levels are closely associated with obesity, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. These findings suggest that Metrnl may serve as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for obesity-related metabolic disturbances, particularly atherogenic dyslipidemia. Further longitudinal studies are warranted to clarify the causal role of Metrnl in metabolic disorders.