Introduction: Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is a key modulator in the control of phosphate and vitamin D metabolism, has also been suggested to exhibit a metabolic function. This study was undertaken to evaluate the relationship between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and fasting serum FGF23 levels in KT patients.
Materials and Methods: Fasting blood samples were obtained from 74 KT patients. Serum FGF23 levels were determined by using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. MetS and its components were defined using the diagnostic criteria of the International Diabetes Federation.
Results: Twenty-four KT patients (32.4%) had MetS. Hypertension (P = 0.008), diabetes (P = 0.002), body weight (P < 0.001), body mass index (P < 0.001), waist circumference (P < 0.004), body fat mass (P < 0.001), systolic blood pressure (P = 0.008), triglyceride (P = 0.003), blood urea nitrogen (P = 0.007), insulin (P = 0.004), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR, P = 0.001), and FGF23 level (P = 0.002) were higher, while high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C, P = 0.049) was lower in KT patients with MetS. Waist circumference (β = 0.347, P = 0.001) and serum phosphorus (β = 0.437, P < 0.001) was associated with FGF23 levels in a multivariable forward stepwise linear regression analysis among KT patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis with significant variables also noted FGF23 level (Odds ratio [OR]: 1.030, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.000-1.060, P = 0.048) was the independent predictors of MetS in KT patients.
Conclusion: The results of our study showed that the fasting FGF23 level was positively associated with MetS in KT patients. Serum phosphorus and waist circumference was an independent predictor of the serum FGF23 level among KT patients.