Work

Diagnostic value and mediation effects of the visceral adiposity index, triglyceride-glucose index, and platelet-to-HDL ratio in young overweight and obese Chinese adults

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background Evidence on the combined diagnostic and mediating effects of visceral adiposity index (VAI), triglyceride-glucose index (TyGi), and platelet-to-HDL ratio (PHR) in young overweight and obese adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS) is limited. Methods Overweight or obese patient from the Integrated Diagnosis and Treatment Center for Obesity were enrolled. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess associations between the three markers and MetS severity. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis evaluated their diagnostic value, and mediation analysis explored their interrelationships. Results Among 331 young adults (median age: 31 years; 60% female), the MetS prevalence was 30.2%. Levels of VAI, TyGi, and PHR were significantly higher in participants with MetS and were strongly associated with MetS severity. Their areas under the curve (AUCs) (VAI: 0.825, TyGi: 0.807, PHR: 0.683) outperformed that of waist circumference (0.604). While the combined use of all three markers yielded the highest AUC, it did not significantly exceed that of VAI alone. Mediation analysis revealed complex interrelationships: TyGi had the strongest total effect on MetS (43.3%, p < 0.05), with substantial mediation by VAI (58.6%) and PHR (10.4%). The effect of VAI (12.2%) was partly mediated by TyGi (30.8%, p < 0.05), whereas the influence of PHR (7.5%, p < 0.05) was largely mediated by VAI (68.6%) and TyGi (61.3%). Conclusion VAI, TyGi, and PHR are valuable diagnostic markers for MetS in young overweight and obese Chinese adults, with VAI showing the strongest predictive performance. Their interplay highlights the need for integrated interventions targeting visceral adiposity, insulin resistance, and inflammation to mitigate MetS progression. Clinical trial registration https://www.chictr.org.cn/index.html , identifier ChiCTR2400082205.

Source: Frontiers in Nutrition

DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2025.1599603

Authors: Huihe Chen, Shuai Peng, Runa A, Minghui Chen, Lixiu Yuan, Manyun Long

Institution: First Affiliated Hospital of GuangXi Medical University

Language: English

Topic: Diabetes, Cardiovascular Risks, and Lipoproteins

Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801