Waist-to-height ratio as a non-invasive marker of renal sinus fat: a MRI-based cohort study - UTU Research Portal

A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

Waist-to-height ratio as a non-invasive marker of renal sinus fat: a MRI-based cohort study

Authors: Moriconi, Diego; Honka, Miikka-Juhani; Saukko, Ekaterina; Moritz, Emilia; Latva-Rasku, Aino; Dadson, Prince; Tuomola, Nelli; Pekkarinen, Laura; Salminen, Paulina; Nuutila, Pirjo; Rebelos, Eleni

Publisher: Springer Nature

Publication year: 2025

Journal: International Journal of Obesity

ISSN: 0307-0565

eISSN: 1476-5497

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41366-025-01974-4

Publication's open availability at the time of reporting: Open Access

Publication channel's open availability : Partially Open Access publication channel

Web address : https://doi.org/10.1038/s41366-025-01974-4

Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/506017916

Abstract

Background and aims

Renal sinus fat (RSF) is an ectopic fat depot whose expansion has been linked to hypertension and chronic kidney disease. We assessed a range of adiposity indices to determine whether they offer more accurate predictions of RSF than BMI.

Methods and results

Renal sinus fat (RSF) and RSF relative to total kidney area (RSF%) were assessed via MRI in 74 individuals with severe obesity and 47 lean volunteers. 50 persons with obesity were re-evaluated 6 to 12 months after undergoing bariatric surgery. In multivariable regression analyses adjusted for age, sex, and BMI, the Body Roundness Index (BRI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), and waist circumference showed the strongest associations with RSF. Of these, only WHtR was significantly associated with RSF%. In univariate analyses, both RSF and RSF% were inversely correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR); however, in multivariate analysis, only RSF% remained independently associated with eGFR. Post-bariatric surgery, RSF change correlated with changes in WHtR and BRI.

Conclusion

Adiposity measures incorporating waist circumference are associated with RSF independent of BMI. While RSF exhibits a stronger relationship with adiposity measures, RSF% predicts eGFR. Both metrics offer complementary insights and should be considered in future studies.

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s41366-025-01974-4.pdf

Funding information in the publication:
Part of these studies were funded by the Center of Excellence in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, supported by the Research Council of Finland (grant 307402 to PN), the University of Turku, Turku University Hospital, and Åbo Akademi University. PN also reports EFSD funding (grant number 96402) and funding from the Sigrid Jusélius Foundation. ER reports funding from the Emil Aaltonen Foundation, the Finnish Cultural Foundation, the Paulo Foundation, the Maud Kuistilan Muistosäätiö, the Finnish Diabetes Foundation, and the Finnish Medical Foundation. MJH reports funding from the Finnish Diabetes Research Foundation, the Academy of Finland (grant number 332151), and COMEGIR s.r.l. Open Access funding provided by University of Turku (including Turku University Central Hospital).