Abstract
Background: Afamin is a liver-produced bioactive protein and features α- and γ-tocopherol binding sites. Afamin levels are elevated in metabolic syndrome and obesity and correlate well with components of metabolic syndrome. Afamin concentrations, correlations between afamin and vitamin E, afamin and lipoprotein subfractions in non-diabetic, obese patients have not been fully examined. Methods: Fifty non-diabetic, morbidly obese patients and thirty-two healthy, normal-weight individuals were involved in our study. The afamin concentrations were measured by ELISA. Lipoprotein subfractions were determined with gel electrophoresis. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry was used to measure α- and γ tocopherol levels. Results: Afamin concentrations were significantly higher in the obese patients compared to the healthy control (70.4 ± 12.8 vs. 47.6 ± 8.5 μg/mL, p < 0.001). Positive correlations were found between afamin and fasting glucose, HbA1c, hsCRP, triglyceride, and oxidized LDL level, as well as the amount and ratio of small HDL subfractions. Negative correlations were observed between afamin and mean LDL size, as well as the amount and ratio of large HDL subfractions. After multiple regression analysis, HbA1c levels and small HDL turned out to be independent predictors of afamin. Conclusions: Afamin may be involved in the development of obesity-related oxidative stress via the development of insulin resistance and not by affecting α- and γ-tocopherol levels.
Highlights
The incidence of obesity—in line with the incidence of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus—is increasing worldwide [1]
HbA1c, and fasting glucose levels were significantly higher in obese, non-diabetic patients; even these parameters were in the normal range
We found significant correlations between the percentage and amount of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) subfractions and afamin levels
Summary
The incidence of obesity—in line with the incidence of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus—is increasing worldwide [1]. In the past few decades, hepatokines were the center of focus as potential causative agents The characterization of these bioactive, liver-derived proteins may help us better understand obesity-associated non-communicable diseases [3]. Afamin is mainly produced by the liver, but high concentrations can be found in human ovarian follicles [5] and cerebrospinal fluid [6]. It features specific α- and γ-tocopherol binding sites and may play a crucial role in vitamin E metabolism [7]. E, afamin and lipoprotein subfractions in non-diabetic, obese patients have not been fully examined
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