Abstract
Aim: To evaluate the relationship between serum levels of visfatin, lead (PB) and cadmium (Cd) in obese male subjects with osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: A total of 40 obese males (age: 25 - 55 years; BMI ≥ 30) participated in the study. They were subdivided into 3 groups; group A, 10 patients with OA; group B, 15 workers in gasoline filling stations; group C, 15 obese subjects without any apparent other health problems or chronic diseases. After overnight fasting, blood samples were collected from all participants to evaluate blood levels of Pb, Cd and HbA1c, in addition to serum visfatin, lipid profile, glucose and total antioxidant state (TAS). Results: Obese patients with OA have significantly higher BMI value (p < 0.05) than the other groups. Obese gasoline station workers demonstrate highest blood lead levels compared to the other groups. Serum visfatin levels in obese subjects with OA were significantly higher than that reported in the other groups. Blood lead contents and serum visfatin levels were positively and significantly correlated in the three groups, and greatest correlation coefficient value (r) was reported in obese OA patients followed by obese gasoline station workers and healthy obese subjects, respectively. BMI in obese healthy subjects shows weak positive and non-significant relationship with serum visfatin levels, while highly positive and significant correlation was reported between these two markers in obese gasoline station workers. However, BMI values and serum visfatin showed weak negative and non-significant correlation with serum visfatin levels in obese OA patients. Conclusion: Serum visfatin levels could be key regulators of obesity and OA, and an important partner with excessive environmental exposure to Pb in the pathogenesis of these disorders.
Highlights
Many reports highlighted direct signaling between subchondral bone and cartilage through the diffusion of mediators through the vasculature and microcracks [1]
We aimed to address the relationship between plasma visfatin levels and blood levels of Pb and cadmium, and other metabolic markers in OA patients and obese subjects
They were categorized into 3 groups; the 1st group includes 10 obese patients which have been already diagnosed by senior rheumatologist with osteoarthritis according to the ACR criteria [13]; 2nd group includes 15 obese gasoline filling stations workers in Hilla City, Babylon who have a high chance to be exposed to heavy metals like Pb and Cd
Summary
Many reports highlighted direct signaling between subchondral bone and cartilage through the diffusion of mediators through the vasculature and microcracks [1]. Adipokines are soluble mediators, which mainly released by adipose tissue, can be produced by the synovium and significantly involved in OA pathogenesis [4] [5]. These adipokines played a crucial role in many immune, inflammatory and metabolic processes, including potential involvement in low-grade inflammation reported in obesity and might contribute to the associated metabolic diseases; they could be suggested as effective players during OA associated with obesity and/or exposure to other related etiologic factors [6] [7].
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