GDF15 reflects beta cell function in obese patients independently of the grade of impairment of glucose metabolism

Background and aims Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) is a strong predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality found to be both marker and target of impaired glucose metabolism. GDF15 increases following glucose administration and is up-regulated in obesity and diabetes. We investigate here the relationship between GDF15 and beta cell function. Methods and results In this cross-sectional study we evaluated GDF15 concentrations in 160 obese subjects (BMI 35–63 kg/m2, age 39.4 ± 18.6 years, m/f 38/122) who underwent a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Based on the OGTT results, the cohort was divided into two groups: 1) normal fasting glucose and normal glucose tolerance (n = 80), 2) impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance or type 2 diabetes (n = 80). The relationship of GDF15 to fasting and OGTT-based dynamic insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion parameters was evaluated. GDF15 was higher in the prediabetes and diabetes groups and correlated with HbA1c, glucose, insulin as well as baseline and dynamic indices of insulin sensitivity and estimated beta cell function. Multiple regression analysis revealed that age, waist-to-height ratio, glomerular filtration rate and prehepatic beta cell function, but not the grade of impairment of glucose metabolism, were independent predictors of GDF15. Subgroup analysis showed that of all parameters of glucose metabolism only C-peptide, fasting prehepatic beta cell function and insulinogenic index remained significantly related to GDF15 in both groups. Conclusion We conclude that in patients with severe obesity, GDF15 strongly relates to beta cell function and should be further investigated as a potential therapeutic target and biomarker guiding treatment options.