Sex differences in ectopic lipid deposits and cardiac function across a wide range of glycemic control: a secondary analysis

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to identify sex differences in ntrahepatocellular (HCL) and intramyocardial lipids (MYCL) and cardiac function in participants with different grades of glucometabolic impairment and different BMI strata. METHODS: Data from 503 individuals from 17 clinical experimental studies were analyzed. HCL and MYCL were assessed with 3T and 7T scanners by magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Cardiac function was measured with a 3T scanner using electrocardiogram-gated TrueFISP sequences. Participants were classified as having normoglycemia, prediabetes, or type 2 diabetes. Three-way ANCOVA with post hoc simple effects analyses was used for statistical assessment. RESULTS: Consistent increases of HCL with BMI and deterioration of glucose metabolism, especially in female individuals, were detected. MYCL increased with BMI and glucose impairment in female individuals, but not in male individuals. Sex differences were found in cardiac function loss, with significant effects found among male individuals with worsening glucose metabolism. Myocardial mass and volume of the ventricle were higher in male individuals in all groups. This sex difference narrowed with increasing BMI and with progressing dysglycemia. CONCLUSIONS: Sex differences in HCL and MYCL may be associated with a higher cardiovascular disease risk observed in female individuals progressing to diabetes. Further studies are needed to elucidate possible sex differences with advancing glucometabolic impairment and obesity and their potential impact on cardiovascular outcomes.