Circulating Levels of Meteorin-Like Protein Are Independently Linked to Insulin Resistance and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Individuals With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Publisher



Mohassel Azadi S ; Fadaei R ; Esmaeili F ; Poustchi H ; Radmard AR ; Shayanrad A ; Emamgholipour S ; Doosti M
Source: Obesity Research and Clinical Practice Published:2026

Abstract

Introduction: Meteorin–like protein (Metrnl) is a newly discovered adipokine that affects lipid and glucose metabolism and insulin signaling. The present study aimed to measure serum Metrnl levels in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and investigate its association with carotid intima–media thickness (cIMT), a clinical marker of atherosclerosis. Methods: Patients with NAFLD (n = 66), patients with NAFLD+T2DM (n = 66), and healthy individuals (n = 65) were included in this case-control study. Serum levels of Metrnl and adiponectin were determined via ELISA. cIMT and liver stiffness (LS) were also assessed in all participants. Results: Compared with controls, patients with NAFLD+T2DM had lower levels of adiponectin, which was accompanied by a lower level of Metrnl (P < 0.001). Furthermore, multinomial logistic regression revealed that serum Metrnl was associated with NAFLD and NAFLD+T2DM. This association remained statistically significant even after adjustment for either body mass index (BMI) or Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR). Pearson’s correlation analysis in the patient group revealed significant inverse correlation between Metrnl levels and BMI, cIMT, insulin, and HOMA-IR. After adjustment for correlated factors in the patient group, multiple linear regression showed that multiple linear regression showed that BMI, carotid IMT, and HOMA-IR were independently associated with serum Metrnl levels. Moreover, Metrnl levels were lower in individuals with cIMT≥ 0.8 mm compared to those with cIMT< 0.8 mm. Conclusions: The results of the present study indicated that the relationship between decreased Metrnl levels and NAFLD and T2DM could be related to obesity and IR. However, further studies are necessary to establish this concept. © 2026 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Asia Oceania Association for the Study of Obesity.