Visceral-to-subcutaneous fat ratio is independently related to small and large cerebrovascular lesions even in healthy subjects. (April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Higuchi, Satoshi; Kabeya, Yusuke; Kato, Kiyoe
• Is Part Of: Atherosclerosis. Volume 259(2017)
• Page Start: 41
• Page End: 45
• Publication Date: 2017-04
• Subjects: Visceral fat accumulation -- Subcutaneous fat accumulation -- Cerebrovascular disease -- Cerebral ischemic change -- White matter hyperintensity; Arteriosclerosis -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.136
• DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2017.03.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-9150

Abstract

Abstract: Background and aims: The severity of obesity is evaluated by visceral-to-subcutaneous fat ratio (VS ratio), which may be useful for predicting atherosclerosis. However, it is unclear how VS ratio affects different types of cerebrovascular lesions. This study was conducted to evaluate the clinical impact of visceral fat accumulation on the cerebrovascular lesions. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 980 apparently healthy Japanese adults who underwent a health check-up program focused toward atherosclerosis, between 2011 and 2014. Visceral and subcutaneous fat accumulation was measured using abdominal computed tomography, and its relation to cerebrovascular disease was surveyed. Results: Visceral and subcutaneous fat accumulation was 88 ± 50 cm 2 and 141 ± 77 cm 2, respectively. VS ratio was 0.69 ± 0.38. Intimal thickening in the carotid arteries was detected in 849 cases (86.6%) and stenosis was observed in seven (0.7%). Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed white matter hyperintensities regarded as ischemic changes in 196 subjects (20.0%). Multiple logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, gender, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and hyperuricemia showed that a 0.1 increase in VS ratio was related to the presence of ischemic changes [odds ratio (OR): 1.05, 95% CI: 1.01–1.10, p = 0.009], cerebral artery stenosis or occlusion (OR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.03–1.25, p = 0.007), and cervical plaque (OR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.05–1.13, p < 0.001). Conclusions: VS ratio was independently associated with both large and small vessel lesions in apparently healthy subjects. Highlights: Visceral-to-subcutaneous fat ratio is associated with both large and small vessel lesions. The ischemic changes in deep white matter lesions are observed more than expected even in the healthy subjects. Visceral fat accumulation is a stronger predictor for atherosclerosis, compared with body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio.