Fetuin-A-to-adiponectin ratio, progranulin, and CTRP-3 in overweight individuals: links to adipose tissue inflammation

Abstract Objectives This study aimed to investigate serum fetuin-A (FetA) and adiponectin levels, the FetA/adiponectin ratio (FAR), and their roles in inflammation and insulin resistance in overweight individuals. Instead of evaluating FAR as a predictive biomarker, this study aimed to explore its association with metabolic parameters in this population. Materials The study included 57 participants aged 24–56 years, divided into control (BMI<25 kg/m 2 , n=27) and overweight (BMI 25–30 kg/m 2 , n=30) groups. Anthropometric measurements and body composition analyses were performed after a 12-h fasting period. Serum FetA, adiponectin, progranulin, and CTRP-3 levels were measured using ELISA. Insulin resistance was assessed using the HOMA-IR index. Statistical analyses included Mann–Whitney U tests, correlation analyses, and ROC curve analysis. Results Overweight individuals showed significantly higher waist circumference, body fat mass, and HOMA-IR compared to controls, while adiponectin levels were significantly lower (p=0.006). The FAR was elevated in the overweight group (p=0.023) and positively correlated with BMI, body fat mass, and HOMA-IR (p<0.05). Progranulin and CTRP-3 levels showed no significant differences between groups, but a negative correlation between these two adipokines was observed. ROC analysis revealed an optimal FAR cut-off of 40.5 for predicting increased BMI, with 60 % sensitivity and 80 % specificity. Conclusions The findings suggest that FAR is associated with insulin resistance and metabolic parameters in overweight individuals. Although promising, its clinical utility as a diagnostic biomarker requires further investigation.