Key result
In individuals with normal glucose tolerance, circulating betatrophin levels were independently and positively associated with the visceral-to-subcutaneous adipose tissue ratio (standardized β = 0.419).
Why the study?
Because BMI reflects overall adiposity rather than body fat distribution, it remains unclear whether fat deposition in different areas of the body affects betatrophin expression.
Cross-Sectional (n=128)
Yes
Circulating betatrophin levels correlate positively with the visceral-to-subcutaneous adipose tissue ratio in individuals with normal glucose tolerance, suggesting it may serve as a biomarker for body fat distribution.
Hypothesis-generating for betatrophin as visceral fat marker in normoglycemia; should not change practice without prospective data.
Background: The relationship between betatrophin/ANGPTL8 and obesity has been investigated using body mass index (BMI); however, since BMI reflects overall adiposity rather than body fat distribution, it remains unclear whether fat deposition in different areas of the body affects betatrophin expression. Here, we investigated the correlation between circulating betatrophin levels and body fat distribution in patients with different glucose tolerance. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study in 128 participants with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT; n = 64) or normal glucose tolerance (NGT; n = 64). Circulating betatrophin levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Body fat distribution (subcutaneous, visceral, and limb fat) was measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a body fat meter. Results: After controlling for age, sex, and BMI, betatrophin was correlated positively with visceral adipose tissue-to-subcutaneous adipose tissue ratio ( VAT/SAT ratio; r = 0.339, p = 0.009) and negatively with body fat ratio (BFR; r = -0.275, p = 0.035), left lower limb fat ratio (LLR; r = -0.330, p = 0.011), and right lower limb fat ratio (RLR; r = -0.288, p = 0.027) in the NGT group, with these correlations remaining after controlling for triglycerides. VAT/SAT ratio (standardized β = 0.419, p = 0.001) was independently associated with serum betatrophin levels; however, betatrophin was not associated with body fat distribution variables in the IGT group. Conclusions: Circulating betatrophin levels correlated positively with VAT/SAT ratio and negatively with lower limb fat, but not subcutaneous or upper limb fat, in individuals with normal glucose tolerance. Thus, betatrophin may be a potential biomarker for body fat distribution in individuals without glucose disorders.
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Zheng et al. (2020) conducted a cross-sectional in Normal and impaired glucose tolerance (n=128). Body fat distribution (VAT/SAT ratio) was evaluated on Independent association between serum betatrophin levels and VAT/SAT ratio in subjects with NGT (standardized β = 0.419, p=0.001). In individuals with normal glucose tolerance, circulating betatrophin levels were independently and positively associated with the visceral-to-subcutaneous adipose tissue ratio (standardized β = 0.419).
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