Gender-specific correlations between serum lipid profiles and intra-pancreatic fat deposition: a cross-sectional study

Background: Intra-pancreatic fat deposition (IPFD) is linked to metabolic and pancreatic diseases. MRI, while precise, is not cost-effective for routine IPFD screening, highlighting the need for accessible biomarkers. This study aims to analyze the relationships among serum lipid profiles, lipoprotein ratios, and IPFD, with a focus on sex differences.

Methods: Data from adults at the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University between 2018 and 2019 were analyzed. The subjects underwent routine Siemens 64-slice spiral CT scans, and IPFD was quantified via a quantitative computed tomography post-processing station. Lipid panel components were analyzed in the fasted state. Linear regression models stratified by gender were applied to evaluate these associations.

Results: The study included 1,046 participants after exclusions, with significant sex differences found in the correlations between serum lipids, lipoprotein ratios, and IPFD. In females, remnant cholesterol was strongly associated with total IPFD (R2 = 0.155, P < 0.001), and similarly strong correlations existed with fat deposition in the pancreatic head (R² = 0.124, P = 0.003), body (R² = 0.102, P = 0.001), and tail (R² = 0.146, P = 0.005). Total cholesterol was also positively correlated with IPFD in females, particularly with the total IPFD (R² = 0.145, P = 0.002) and IPFD in the pancreatic head (R² = 0.177, P = 0.003) and body (R² = 0.100, P = 0.001). In males, triglycerides were notably correlated with IPFD in the tail (R² = 0.200, P = 0.045), but not in other regions. Similarly, total cholesterol was correlated with IPFD in the tail (R² = 0.197, P = 0.041). Additionally, in males, the triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio showed a positive association with tail fat deposition (R² = 0.200, P = 0.033).

Conclusion: Significant differences between genders were evident in the correlations of serum lipids and lipoprotein ratios with IPFD. In women, remnant cholesterol was strongly correlated with IPFD, suggesting its potential as a biomarker.