http://www.medwire-news.md/news/service.aspx?k=40&id=39660
Ferritin reveals systemic fat content
07 October 2005
Diabetes Care 2005; 28: 2486-2491
In what they say is a research first, Japanese clinicians have shown
that serum levels of ferritin indicate systemic fat content and insulin
resistance.
Serum ferritin levels, which indicate the level of iron stored in the
body, are known to relate to fasting plasma glucose and insulin
concentrations.
Noting that body fat distribution is also linked with insulin
sensitivity, Tomoyuki Iwasaki (Yokohama City University Graduate School
of Medicine) and team hypothesized that ferritin levels, adiposity, and
insulin sensitivity might all be related.
To test their idea, they used computed tomography to measure visceral
fat area (VFA) and subcutaneous fat area (SFA) in 248 Japanese
individuals, 140 of whom had Type 2 diabetes, and the remainder of whom
were generally healthy.
To eliminate the possibility of the results being affected by the
presence of fatty liver disease, individuals with a history of
abnormally high alcohol intake were excluded from the study.
The scientists then showed that increased serum ferritin concentrations
were significantly correlated with increased VFA, SFA, and hepatic fat
content, as well as insulin sensitivity.
Of note, the authors found a significant relationship between serum
ferritin concentrations and the liver spleen ratio, which measures
hepatic fat content, only in patients with diabetes.
Speculating on the mechanisms behind the links they describe, the
investigators explain: "Increased iron stores in the liver are
postulated to induce liver-mediated insulin resistance, with a reduced
ability of insulin to suppress hepatic glucose production."
"Serum ferritin levels have been reported previously to be associated
with decreased insulin sensitivity and increased fasting plasma insulin
and glucose levels. These abnormalities might lead to increased
adiposity," they continue.
The team therefore concludes: "Measurement of the serum ferritin
concentration may be a highly useful non-invasive and cost-effective
test for the assessment of the fat distribution and degree of insulin
resistance."
Who loves ya.
Tom
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