Study of serum cystatin C as a reliable marker for metabolic syndrome

Abstract

Background: Serum concentration of cystatin C, a marker of glomerular filtration, has been associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of this study was to elucidate the association of serum C with metabolic syndrome as a constellation of cardiovascular risk factors.
Methods: The study population consisted of 56 subjects with metabolic syndrome and 22 subjects free of metabolic syndrome (control group). Cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, blood urea, triglycerides, glucose, HbA1c, serum cystatin C and serum creatinine were measured in both groups. GFR was calculated in both groups using Cockroft-Gault equation.
Results: Metabolic syndrome group presented significantly higher cystatin C levels than the control group (1.38 ±0.57 vs. 0.954 ±0 .40; P=0.006). The sensitivity and specificity of cystatin C were 78.57% and 77.67%, respectively. Subjects with metabolic syndrome exhibited significantly higher blood glucose,triglyceride, cholesterol and HbA1c levels.
Conclusion: Our results suggest that cystatin C may be a marker for metabolic syndrome and may identify a certain degree of renal dysfunction even when serum creatinine does not exceed normal level.