Inflammatory biomarker pentraxin 3 (PTX3) in relation to obesity, body fat depots and weight loss

Objective The relation between inflammatory markers, adiposity and disease is under extensive study. Here we tested the hypothesis that the immunomodulatory protein pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is associated with adiposity in the general population. Methods Serum PTX3 concentrations, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and fat depots, as quantified by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry and magnetic resonance imaging, were assessed in three community‐based cohorts: ULSAM, n = 790, mean age 78 years; PIVUS, n = 1003, mean age 70 years, women 50%; and the NORDIET‐trial, n = 86, mean age 53 years, women 63%. Participants were re‐examined after 5 years (PIVUS, n = 804) or following a 6‐week randomized controlled dietary intervention (NORDIET). Results PTX3 levels were inversely associated with BMI and WC as well as with total and visceral fat (P