Galectin‐1, Adiponectin, Leptin, and the Adiponectin to Leptin Ratio as Predictors of Metabolic Syndrome: Influence of Age and Body Mass Index

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a multifactorial condition linked to adipose tissue dysfunction and insulin resistance. Emerging evidence highlights the potential roles of adipokines leptin, adiponectin, and galectin-1 in its pathogenesis. However, studies examining these biomarkers as predictors of MetS, particularly in the context of age and body mass index (BMI), remain limited and inconsistent. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to evaluate the association of serum galectin-1, leptin, adiponectin, and the adiponectin/leptin ratio (A/L) with MetS, and to identify their predictive value across different age and BMI groups. METHODS: In this prospective cross-sectional study, 122 participants were enrolled and categorized into MetS (n = 48) and healthy control (n = 74) groups based on NHLBI/AHA criteria. Anthropometric, clinical, and biochemical parameters were recorded. Serum levels of galectin-1, leptin, and adiponectin were measured, and the A/L was calculated. Participants were stratified by age (20-39 vs. ≥ 40 years) and BMI (normal, overweight, and obese). Group comparisons, correlation analysis, and binary logistic regression were conducted. RESULTS: Galectin-1 and adiponectin levels were significantly lower in the MetS group, whereas leptin levels were not significantly higher. The A/L ratio was significantly lower in the MetS group, particularly among middle-aged and obese individuals (p = 0.004). Galectin-1 correlated positively with adiponectin and the A/L ratio. In logistic regression analysis, A/L emerged as the only independent predictor, with each unit increase reducing the odds of MetS by 8.3%, whereas BMI was a consistent predictor across age groups. CONCLUSION: Galectin-1, adiponectin, and the A/L ratio are associated with MetS, with the A/L serving as a robust independent predictor. These findings underscore the importance of adipokine profiling, particularly in stratified age and BMI groups, for early identification of metabolic risk.