Postprandial triglyceride levels rather than fat distribution may reflect early signs of disturbed fat metabolism in Iraqi immigrants

Abstract

Purpose Previous studies have shown that at a similar body mass index, Middle Eastern immigrants are more insulin resistant and at higher risk for type 2 diabetes (T2D) than native Europeans. Insulin resistance is strongly associated with disturbed fat metabolism and cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, fat metabolism is poorly investigated comparing Middle Eastern and European ethnicities. Methods This observational study included 26 Iraqi and 16 Swedish-born men without T2D or clinical risk factors for CVD. An oral fat tolerance test (OFTT) was performed, where plasma triglycerides (p-TG) were measured for 6 h. mRNA expression and adipocyte size were measured in subcutaneous adipose tissue biopsies collected prior to OFTT, and magnetic resonance imaging was conducted to assess body fat distribution. Results The median p-TG accumulation was higher and the clearance slower among Iraqis than Swedes. None of the groups reached their fasting p-TG (Iraqis 1.55 mmol/l; Swedes 0.95 mmol/l) after 6 h (Iraqis p-TG 3.10 mmol/l; Swedes p-TG 1.50 mmol/l). Adipocyte size, mRNA expression, and fat accumulation in the liver, muscle and abdomen were similar in both groups. Conclusion Postprandial p-TG levels rather than fat distribution may reflect early signs of disturbed fat metabolism in Iraqi immigrants without CVD risk factors.

A bibliometric analysis and visualization of literature on non-fasting lipid research from 2012 to 2022

“…Apo C3 reflects the risk of postprandial TG disorders ( 46 ). Instead of fat distribution, postprandial TG levels may reflect early fat metabolic disturbances ( 47 ). Chinese people with fasting TG levels in the range of 1.0 to 1.7 mmol/L may benefit most from OFTT to identify postprandial dyslipidemia ( 48 ).…”

Quantitative myocardial perfusion during stress using CMR is impaired in healthy Middle Eastern immigrants without CV risk factors

“…We could not find any cardiovascular risk factors explaining the variation in myocardial perfusion across males of Middle Eastern and Caucasian origin. From the same MEDIM cohort as the current study is based on two studies on differences in fat metabolism have recently demonstrated that (1) healthy Iraqi male immigrants displayed a higher triglyceride peak and a delayed postprandial triglyceride clearance compared with Swedes after an oral fat tolerance test 33 and (2) Iraqi-born men presented a more favorable abdominal fatty-acid composition compared to Swedish-born men using MRI of the abdomen 34 .…”