Circulating IGFBP-2 levels are incrementally linked to correlates of the metabolic syndrome and independently associated with VLDL triglycerides.

Abstract Objective : To assess whether plasma IGFBP-2 is independently associated with components of the lipoprotein-lipid profile and to suggest a cutoff value that could identify subjects with the features of the metabolic syndrome. Methods : In this cross-sectional study, 379 Caucasian men from the general population and covering a wide range of BMI were recruited through the media. Subjects with type 2 diabetes, BMI values > 40 kg/m 2 , or taking medication targeting glucose or lipid metabolism or blood pressure were excluded. Anthropometric data were collected and plasma IGFBP-2 concentrations, glucose tolerance and an extensive plasma lipid profile were determined after an overnight fast. Results : Subjects with low IGFBP-2 levels were characterized by increased fat mass ( p p p 221.5 ng/mL) did not meet the NCEP ATP III criteria for the clinical diagnosis of the metabolic syndrome. In addition, circulating IGFBP-2 levels were significantly associated with VLDL-TG ( r  = −0.51, p r  = −0.27, p Conclusions : In our cohort, IGFBP-2 levels