Possible Relationships of Ferritin and Inflammatory Cytokines with Metabolic Syndrome: A Case Control Study

Abstract

Objective: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is characterized by the coexistence of several risk factors, including abdominal obesity, elevated blood pressure, glucose intolerance, and dyslipidemia. MetS has become a significant public health concern worldwide, and its prevalence is steadily increasing in Türkiye. It has been suggested that serum ferritin concentrations are higher in individuals with MetS and that inflammation plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of the syndrome. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum ferritin levels and inflammatory cytokine levels in individuals with and without MetS.

Methods: A total of 150 individuals who presented to the endocrinology unit were included in the study. According to the National Cholesterol Education Program/Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) criteria, participants were divided into two groups: those with MetS (n = 75) and those without MetS (n = 75). Fasting serum ferritin, interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-10, and interferon (IFN)-γ levels were analyzed using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, and biochemical parameters of the participants were also evaluated.

Results: Serum levels of ferritin, IL-1α, and IFN-γ were significantly higher in individuals with MetS than in the control group (p < 0.05). Although IL-10 levels were also higher in the MetS group, the difference was not statistically significant. Furthermore, fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, blood pressure, and waist circumference were significantly higher, whereas high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly lower in the MetS group than in controls.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that inflammatory markers such as ferritin, IL-1α, and IFN-γ may serve as biomarkers for the diagnosis and management of MetS, thereby contributing to a better understanding of its pathogenesis and early detection. Further large-scale studies are required to validate these findings and clarify the roles of these parameters in MetS.