| Title: | Retinal vessel calibers and metabolic syndrome in the UK Biobank: A cross-sectional study |
| Journal: | Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome |
| Published: | 10 Aug 2026 |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s13098-026-02262-5 |
Publication 21029
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Abstract
AimsTo explore the associations of retinal vessel calibers with Metabolic syndrome (MetS), its components, and component burden.MethodsRetinal vessel calibers, determined by a validated deep learning system, were analyzed as standardized continuous variables and stratified into quintiles. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed per the 2009 Joint Interim Statement. Multivariable logistic regression models were applied to investigate the associations between retinal vessel calibers and MetS. Subgroup analyses were further conducted to assess potential effect modification across demographic and lifestyle factors.ResultsThis cross-sectional study of 29,795 UK Biobank participants with gradable fundus images found a 27.9% prevalence of metabolic syndrome. Narrower central retinal arteriolar equivalent (CRAE) and wider central retinal venular equivalent (CRVE) were both significantly associated with higher odds of MetS. Compared to the widest quintile of CRAE, participants in the narrowest quintile had 46% higher odds of MetS (OR = 1.46, 95% CI 1.34-1.60). MetS risk increased progressively with higher CRVE quintiles (OR = 1.44, 95% CI 1.32-1.57 for highest vs. lowest). Per 1-SD increase, CRAE was associated with lower odds of elevated blood pressure (OR = 0.70, 95% CI 0.68-0.72), whereas CRVE was associated with higher odds of increased waist circumference (OR = 1.10, 95% CI 1.07-1.13). The age × CRAE interaction remained significant after Bonferroni correction (adjusted p = 0.007), indicating a stronger association among the population aged < 60 years.ConclusionsNarrower arteriolar caliber and wider venular caliber were associated with a higher odds of MetS, suggesting retinal vessel assessment may serve as an integrative phenotypic indicator of population-level metabolic status, though causality requires longitudinal validation.</p>
8 Authors
- Suyu Miao
- Liurong Lin
- Yuzhe Jiang
- Jiayang Xiang
- Zhuoran Liu
- Danli Shi
- Mayinuer Yusufu
- Xianzhong Lin
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