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 T & uuml;rkiye. 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)-1 alpha, IL-10, and interferon (IFN)-gamma 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-1 alpha, and IFN-gamma 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-1 alpha, and IFN-gamma 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.