Visceral adipose tissue level, as estimated by the bioimpedance analysis method, is associated with impaired lung function

Aims/Introduction: It has been reported that metabolic syndrome is associated with impaired lung function, and abdominal obesity is regarded as the most important determinant of this association. We evaluated the association between a component of metabolic syndrome, indices of body composition, including the total adipose tissue content, lean bodyweight and visceral adipose tissue content, as assessed by bioimpedance analysis, and lung function. Materials and Methods: A total of 516 participants responded to our questionnaire to determine the smoking status and history of past diseases. Waist circumference, height, bodyweight, percent forced expiratory volume in 1s (%FEV1) and percent forced vital capacity (%FVC) were measured. Fasting blood samples were obtained to determine the serum levels of high-density lipoprotein and triglyceride, and also the blood glucose. The body composition, including the total adipose tissue content and lean bodyweight, was measured, and the visceral adipose tissue content was estimated as the visceral adipose tissue level, by the bioimpedance analysis method. Results: Waist circumference, estimated visceral adipose tissue level and blood pressure were significantly associated with the %FEV1, and the serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly associated with the %FVC in men, after adjustment for age, smoking history, and past histories of bronchial asthma and ischemic heart disease. However, this association was not detected in women. Conclusions: We found an association between the visceral adipose tissue level as estimated by the bioimpedance analysis method and lung function.