Effects of circulating member B of the family with sequence similarity 3 on the risk of developing metabolic syndrome and its components: A 5‐year prospective study

AIMS/INTRODUCTION: Member B of the family with sequence similarity 3 (FAM3B), also known as pancreatic‐derived factor, is mainly synthesized and secreted by islet β‐cells, and plays a role in abnormal metabolism of glucose and lipids. However, the prospective association of FAM3B with metabolic disorders remains unclear. The present study aimed to reveal the predictive relationship between pancreas‐specific cytokine and metabolic syndrome (MetS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 210 adults (88 men and 122 women) without MetS, aged between 40 and 65 years, were recruited and received a comprehensive health examination. Baseline serum FAM3B levels were determined by sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Subsequently, all participants underwent a follow‐up examination after 5 years. MetS was identified in accordance with the International Diabetes Federation criteria. RESULTS: During follow up, 35.7% participants developed MetS. In comparison with the non‐MetS group, participants with MetS had an increased serum FAM3B at baseline (21.85 ng/mL [19.38, 24.17 ng/mL] vs 28.56 ng/mL [25.32, 38.10 ng/mL], P < 0.001). Moreover, serum FAM3B was significantly associated with variations in fasting plasma insulin (r = −0.306, P < 0.001), homeostasis model assessment of β‐cell function (r = −0.328, P < 0.001) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (r = −0.191, P = 0.006). Furthermore, a positive correlation between baseline FAM3B and the incidence of MetS was observed, even after multivariable adjustment (relative risk 1.23 [1.15, 1.31], P < 0.001). Furthermore, the optimal cut‐off values of FAM3B was 23.98 ng/mL for predicting MetS based on the Youden Index. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated circulating FAM3B might be considered as a predictor of newly‐onset MetS and its progression.