Circulating asprosin concentrations are increased in type 2 diabetes mellitus and independently associated with fasting glucose and triglyceride

Background: Asprosin has been identified as a novel hormone enriched in white adipose tissue and is pathologically increased in insulin-resistant mice and humans. However, information regarding the role of asprosin in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains unavailable. Via conducting a hospital-based study, we purposed to ascertain the potential relationship between circulating asprosin concentrations and T2DM. Methods: The study recruited 84 adults with T2DM and 86 controls with normal glucose tolerance. They matched in age, body mass index (BMI), and sex. Serum asprosin concentrations were measured via ELISA method. Results: Compared to the controls, serum asprosin concentrations were significantly increased in the T2DM adults (P < 0.001). As asprosin concentrations increased across its tertiles, the percentage of T2DM increased (39.28, 37.50, and 70.68%; P value for trend < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression models demonstrated that compared with the 1st tertile of asprosin, the odds ratio of T2DM was 3.278(95% CI 1.053-10.200, P = 0.040) for the 3rd tertile after adjustment for potential confounders. Area under ROC curve of asprosin (sex and age adjusted) for predicting the presence of T2DM was 0.707[95% CI 0.628-0.786]. Finally, multiple stepwise regression analysis indicated that fasting glucose and triglyceride were independently associated with serum asprosin in T2DM. Conclusions: Asprosin concentrations are increased in adults with T2DM. The results suggest that asprosin might serve as a risk factor associated with the pathogenesis of T2DM, but not an ideal biomarker for predicting T2DM.