Association between Triglyceride-Glucose Index and carotid plaque in Japanese population: a cross-sectional study

BMJ Open. 2023 Jun 23;13(6):e069663. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-069663.

Abstract

Objective: Previous studies linking Triglyceride Glucose (TyG) Index to carotid plaque have yielded inconsistent results. Moreover, related studies on the population of Japan are rare. This study aims to provide further results.

Design: A hospital-based cross-sectional study.

Setting: The Shin Takeo Hospital.

Participants: We assessed 1904 Japanese participants (988 men and 916 women) whose mean age was 57±11.9 years, and those participants underwent health check-ups at Shinbuf Hospital at Shin Takeo Hospital from 1 April 2016 to 31 October 2017.

Methodology: Carotid plaque, triglyceride and fasting glucose and other relevant indicators were collected. We used ultrasonography to evaluate carotid plaque. A multivariable logistic regression model and generalised additive model were used to evaluate the association between the TyG Index and carotid plaque. Subgroup and interaction analyses were validated for the consistency of these correlations.

Results: Following the adjustment of traditional carotid plaque risk factors, the non-linear relationship between the TyG Index and carotid plaque was investigated. Using a two-piecewise regression model, we calculated the inflection point to be 9.06. The OR and 95% CIs for the inflection points on the left and right sides were 1.70 (1.27 to 2.29) and 0.88 (0.52 to 1.47), respectively. According to the variables tested, the interactions between the TyG Index and all subgroup factors were analysed and significant interactions were not observed.

Conclusion: In individuals who underwent a comprehensive check-up in Japan, the relationship between the TyG Index and carotid plaque is non-linear. When the TyG Index is less than 9.06, it is associated with carotid plaque.

Keywords: TyG index; association; carotid plaque; cross-sectional study; insulin resistance.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Blood Glucose* / analysis
  • Carotid Artery Diseases* / blood
  • Carotid Artery Diseases* / diagnostic imaging
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • East Asian People
  • Female
  • Glucose
  • Humans
  • Insulin Resistance
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Plaque, Atherosclerotic* / blood
  • Plaque, Atherosclerotic* / diagnostic imaging
  • Risk Factors
  • Triglycerides* / blood

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Blood Glucose
  • Glucose
  • Triglycerides

Associated data

  • Dryad/10.5061/dryad.73bh2q8.2