Background: Apoptosis inhibitor of macrophage (AIM) and
monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) are molecules that cause migration of M1 macrophages to visceral adipocytes, which is the first step in development of
metabolic syndrome. The aim of this study is to evaluate the status of AIM and MCP-1 in
metabolic syndrome and to investigate their use as
biomarkers. Methods: Forty
metabolic syndrome patients and 40 healthy individuals were enrolled in the study. Serum AIM, MCP-1, and
C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured by
enzyme-linked
immunosorbent assay. Results: AIM, MCP-1, and CRP levels were significantly higher in the
metabolic syndrome group (P < 0.01, P < 0.01, and P < 0.05, respectively). There was a positive correlation of serum AIM, MCP-1, and CRP levels with waist circumference (r = 0.480, r = 0.663, and r = 0.418, respectively; P < 0.01). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses revealed AIM, MCP-1, and CRP cutoff points as 2383.7 ng/mL, 172.8 pg/mL, and 0.366 mg/dL, which could be used in the diagnosis of
metabolic syndrome with highest sensitivity and specificity. In the logistic regression model, including age, AIM, CRP, and MCP-1 as covariates, having serum AIM and CRP levels above cutoffs were significant independent predictors for
metabolic syndrome (odds ratios 13.8 and 21.3), whereas the serum MCP-1 level was not a significant independent predictor, although the odds ratio was 2.6 (P = 0.193). Conclusions: These results suggest that AIM and MCP-1 may play a role in the pathogenesis of
metabolic syndrome. AIM and CRP levels may be used as
biomarkers in the diagnosis of
metabolic syndrome. Although MCP-1 is not an independent predictor, its elevation in
metabolic syndrome is noteworthy, which warrants further analyses in larger groups.