Association of serum asprosin levels with obesity indices and metabolic parameters in adults

OBJECTIVE: Asprosin is a recently identified adipokine secreted predominantly by white adipose tissue and is implicated in energy homeostasis, insulin resistance, and inflammatory pathways. Emerging evidence suggests a close association between asprosin and obesity-related metabolic disturbances. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum asprosin levels and obesity- and metabolism-related parameters, including body mass index (BMI), visceral adiposity index (VAI), anthropometric measurements, and biochemical markers. 

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using data from patients who attended the Internal Medicine and Obesity Outpatient Clinics of Gazi Yaşargil Training and Research Hospital between January 2022 and December 2023. Participants were categorized into normal-weight (n = 55), overweight (n = 40), and obese (n = 60) groups according to BMI. Laboratory parameters, including serum asprosin levels, lipid profile, HbA1c, and VAI, were analyzed using previously collected fasting serum samples. 

RESULTS: Serum asprosin levels differed significantly among BMI groups and were higher in overweight and obese individuals compared to normal-weight participants (p < 0.001). Asprosin levels showed significant positive correlations with BMI, VAI, triglyceride levels, and platelet count, and a significant negative correlation with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. No significant associations were found between asprosin levels and HbA1c, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), or alanine aminotransferase (ALT).

CONCLUSIONS: Serum asprosin is closely associated with adiposity and lipid-related metabolic alterations, suggesting its potential role as a biomarker in obesity-related metabolic disorders. However, further longitudinal studies are required to clarify its clinical utility.

Graphical Abstract