Association between serum CA 19–9 and metabolic syndrome: a cross-sectional study

Background Rising evidence suggested that serum carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19–9 was associated with abnormal glucose metabolism. However, data on the association between CA 19–9 and metabolic syndrome is limited. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the association between serum CA 19–9 and metabolic syndrome. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 3641 participants aged 40 years or older from the Songnan community, Baoshan district in Shanghai. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between serum CA 19–9 and metabolic syndrome. Results Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that compared with participants in the 1st tertile of serum CA 19–9, those in the 3rd and 2nd tertiles had increased odds ratios (OR) for prevalent metabolic syndrome (multivariate adjusted OR, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.46, 1.11-1.92 and 1.51, 1.14-1.98) (P for trend = 0.005). In addition, participants with elevated serum CA 19–9 (≥37 U/ml) had an increased risk of prevalent metabolic syndrome, compared to those with serum CA 19–9 < 37 U/ml (multivariate adjusted OR, 95% CI: 2.10, 1.21-3.65). Conclusion Serum CA 19–9 is associated with an increased risk of prevalent metabolic syndrome. In order to confirm this association and identify potential mechanisms, prospective cohort studies and mechanic studies should be carried out.