Postprandial triglyceride levels rather than fat distribution may reflect early signs of disturbed fat metabolism in Iraqi immigrants.

Purpose: Previous studies have shown that at a similar body mass index, Middle Eastern immigrants are more insulin resistant and at higher risk for type 2 diabetes (T2D) than native Europeans. Insulin resistance is strongly associated with disturbed fat metabolism and cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, fat metabolism is poorly investigated comparing Middle Eastern and European ethnicities.

Methods: This observational study included 26 Iraqi and 16 Swedish-born men without T2D or clinical risk factors for CVD. An oral fat tolerance test (OFTT) was performed, where plasma triglycerides (p-TG) were measured for 6 h. mRNA expression and adipocyte size were measured in subcutaneous adipose tissue biopsies collected prior to OFTT, and magnetic resonance imaging was conducted to assess body fat distribution.

Results: The median p-TG accumulation was higher and the clearance slower among Iraqis than Swedes. None of the groups reached their fasting p-TG (Iraqis 1.55 mmol/l; Swedes 0.95 mmol/l) after 6 h (Iraqis p-TG 3.10 mmol/l; Swedes p-TG 1.50 mmol/l). Adipocyte size, mRNA expression, and fat accumulation in the liver, muscle and abdomen were similar in both groups.

Conclusion: Postprandial p-TG levels rather than fat distribution may reflect early signs of disturbed fat metabolism in Iraqi immigrants without CVD risk factors.