Association Between the Metabolic Score for Insulin Resistance and Hypertension in Adults: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

The metabolic score for insulin resistance (METS-IR) is a recently developed parameter for screening of metabolic disorder. However, the association between METS-IR and risk of hypertension in general adult population remains not fully determined. A meta-analysis was therefore performed. Observational studies evaluating the association between METS-IR and hypertension in adults were retrieved by searching PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases from inception to October 10, 2022. A random-effects model, which incorporates the potential influence of heterogeneity, was used to pool the results. Eight studies with 305 341 adults were included in the meta-analysis, and 47 887 (15.7%) of them had hypertension. Pooled results showed that a higher METS-IR was associated with hypertension after adjusting for multiple conventional risk factors [relative risk (RR) for highest versus lowest category of METS-IR: 1.67, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.53 to 1.83, p<0.001, I2=8%]. The results were consistent in subgroup analyses according to study design, source of the cohort, age, sex, body mass index of the participants, and quality scores of the study (p for subgroup difference all>0.05). Results of meta-analysis with METS-IR analyzed in continuous variables also showed that METS-IR was associated with the risk of hypertension (RR for 1-unit increment of METS-IR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.08 to 1.23, p<0.001, I2=79%). In conclusion, a high METS-IR is associated with hypertension in general adult population. Measuring METS-IR may be useful for screening participants at high risk of hypertension.

Association between metabolic score for insulin resistance and clinical outcomes: insights from the Tehran lipid and glucose study

“…Moreover, METS-IR had higher predictive ability for hypertension compared to other IR indices, including HOMA-IR, TyG, and TG/HDL-C [ 52 ]. A meta-analysis of 8 observational East Asian studies revealed that the highest versus lowest category of METS-IR was associated with a 67% greater risk of hypertension and each unit increase in METS-IR was associated with a 15% higher hypertension risk [ 20 ].…”

“…METS-IR is known to be associated with various adverse clinical outcomes, including coronary heart disease (CHD) [ 17 ], stroke [ 18 ], diabetes [ 12 ], hypertension [ 19 , 20 ], and CKD [ 21 ]. However, there was no correlation between METS-IR and coronary artery diseases in a case-control study among Iranian patients in the fully adjusted model [ 22 ].…”

The thin fat paradox: Understanding normal weight obesity and its clinical relevance

“…High-calorie, high-salt, high-fat, animal protein-rich diets and low fiber intake can alter intestinal barrier function and increase metabolic endotoxemia, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and inflammation. These disturbances contribute to dysfunction of the cardiometabolic system, organ damage, and high blood pressure (24,25).…”