Serum creatinine levels and risk of metabolic syndrome in a middle-aged and older Chinese population

• A cross-sectional analysis based on a cohort population was conducted.
• The SCr levels were graded positive associated with the MetS risk.
• Higher SCr levels within normal range also increased the MetS risk.
• SCr could be a potential risk indicator of MetS and its related diseases.

BackgroundThe prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) persistently increased. Several studies have found serum creatinine (SCr) concentrations related to cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. The relationship between SCr concentrations and MetS is unknown.MethodsWe measured SCr concentrations and MetS in 22363 individuals (10,151 males, 12,212 females) from the Dongfeng-Tongji Cohort in Shiyan, China from 2008 to 2009.ResultsThe prevalence of MetS was 30.6% in the study population. In the multivariable-adjusted logistic regression analyses, higher SCr concentrations were associated with a higher risk of MetS (P trend < 0.0001). Compared with the lowest extreme quintiles, subjects with the highest quintiles had 1.34 fold risk of MetS (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.22–1.47). The SCr concentrations were also associated with the individual component of MetS. In addition, higher SCr concentrations were associated with higher risk of MetS with more components.ConclusionsThere is a graded positive association between the SCr concentrations and MetS risk in a middle aged and older Chinese population. Higher SCr concentrations, even within normal ranges, were associated with higher risk of MetS. The SCr might be a useful indicator of MetS and its related diseases.