RESUMO
RATIONALE: Chronic low-grade inflammation is proposed as the keystone in pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome. The inflammatory biomarker Procalcitonin which is produced by adipose tissue, can serve as a biomarker for insulin resistant state present in metabolic syndrome. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association of plasma Procalcitonin (PCT) with components of metabolic syndrome (abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and hyperglycemia) and with insulin resistance as compared to healthy controls. DESIGN: In this case-control study Plasma Procalcitonin was measured in patients with metabolic syndrome and compared to healthy controls. Its association was investigated with insulin resistance, individual components of metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular complications and microalbuminuria. RESULTS: Plasma Procalcitonin was significantly higher (mean 0.55 ± 0.60 ng/ ml, Median 0.156 ng/ml) in 53 patients with metabolic syndrome (n = 53) as compared to 26 healthy controls (p < 0.001). PCT significantly correlated with level of Insulin Resistance (p< 0.01), Waist Circumference, S. Triglycerides, S. VLDL (p < 0.05), fasting blood glucose (p < 0.01) and inversely with S.HDL (p< 0.05). PCT was significantly higher in patients with cardiovascular complication (n=16/53, z = -7.137) and in those with microalbuminuria (n=18/53, z = - 7.265) as compared to cases without complications. CONCLUSION: Raised plasma procalcitonin levels in the normal range are associated with insulin resistance and components of the metabolic syndrome (abdominal obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, high VLDL, low HDL and hyperglycemia), suggesting its role as a promising biomarker.
