Plasma ANGPTL-4 is Associated with Obesity and Glucose Tolerance: Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Findings

cope Angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL-4) regulates plasma lipoprotein levels but its relevance in human obesity and type 2 diabetes is largely unknown. We aimed to investigate the regulation of circulating ANGPTL-4 levels in obesity, type 2 diabetes and after changes in body weight. Methods and results Circulating ANGPTL-4 levels were measured in two different cohorts. First, in a cross-sectional study, we evaluated ANGPTL-4 levels in lean and obese patients with normoglycemia or with altered glucose tolerance (n = 282). Second, in a longitudinal intervention study, 51 obese participants were evaluated. A hypocaloric diet was prescribed, with follow up two years later. ANGPTL-4 levels were significantly increased in obese patients with altered glucose tolerance compared to lean participants. Moreover, ANGPTL-4 was positively correlated with BMI, waist circumference, fat mass, HbA1c, HOMA-IR, fasting triglycerides and with inflammatory markers. Participants gaining weight after the follow up showed increased ANGPTL-4 levels in parallel to increased BMI, fat mass and fasting glucose, while ANGPTL-4 levels were reduced in participants losing weight. Conclusion Our data support a relevant role of ANGPTL-4 in human obesity and its involvement in long-term body weight changes. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved