Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 predicts adiposity in humans

Objective: Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1. is upregulated in fat of obese rodents and promotes adipose tissue development in these animals. However, it is unclear whether TIMP-1 independently predicts adiposity in humans and whether serum levels are increased in s.c. and visceral obesity. Design: Twenty-four lean, 16 s.c. obese, and 20 visceral obese subjects were studied. Methods: Plasma TIMP-1 concentrations were quantified using ELISAs and correlated to clinical parameters. Results: Plasma TIMP-1 levels were significantly different between lean (156 +/- 42 mu g/l), s.c. obese (186 +/- 52 mu g/l), and visceral obese (198 +/- 42 mu g/l) subjects (P < 0.01). Furthermore, TIMP-1 correlated positively with body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), % body fat, fasting insulin, free fatty acids, cholesterol, leptin, interleukin-6, and negatively with adiponectin (P < 0.05). Moreover, TIMP-1 serum levels predicted % body fat but not WHR independent of age, sex, and plasma insulin. Conclusions: We demonstrate that increased TIMP-1 serum levels are found with increased adiposity in humans.