Strong correlation between lipid depositions in the exocrine pancreas and metabolic syndrome
Ectopic fat in adipocytes or in other cells is a common manifestation of the metabolic syndrome, as a result e.g. of increased deposition, decreased oxidation or both. A total of 293 patients who had undergone abdominal computed tomography (CT) and sonography were included in a study aimed to investigate the clinical implications of lipid deposition in the exocrine pancreas (fatty pancreas). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that HOMA-IR, visceral fat, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level were independently related to fatty pancreas after adjusting for age, body mass index, and lipid profile. Furthermore, the incidence of metabolic syndrome and the number of metabolic syndrome components were significantly higher in the fatty pancreas group as compared to the control group. In conclusion, sonographic fatty pancreas is significantly associated with metabolic syndrome, decreased insulin sensitivity, visceral fat area, triglycerides levels, and ALT levels.


















