RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: The role of lipid metabolism disorders in the pathogenesis of T2DM has been recognized. Lipid droplets (LDs) are dynamic organelles that store lipids. Perilipin 3 (PLIN3) is one of the five LD coat proteins that is relatively understudied as compared to other LDs. This study is aimed at determining levels of PLIN3 among adults with varying levels of obesity and insulin resistance to determine metabolic associations of PLIN3. Methodology. A total of 280 Saudi adults (n = 127 males; n = 153 females) were randomly recruited and divided into three groups according to their body mass index (BMI) and fasting glucose levels: healthy and lean (HL), obese and T2DM (OD), or obese and nondiabetic (OND). Lipid profiles, fasting glucose levels, insulin, and perilipin 3 levels were measured. RESULTS: Circulating PLIN3 was significantly lower in the OD group [8.3 ng/mL (1.2-22.5; p < 0.001)] than the HL group [23.1 ng/mL (6.2-39.1; p < 0.001)]. Triglycerides, total cholesterol, glucose, and insulin levels were inversely correlated with PLIN3 in all subjects. Lastly, glucose, insulin, and total cholesterol cumulatively predict circulating levels of PLIN3 by as much as 11% of the variances perceived (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Circulating PLIN3 is significantly associated with insulin resistance markers and maybe a promising candidate as a protective biomarker for T2DM.