Betatrophin Levels Research Articles

Circular Pentraxin-3 and Betatrophin as Novel Predictors and Promising Biomarkers in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome with or without Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Two recently discovered circulating proteins, pentraxin 3 (PTX3) and betatrophin, have a strong correlation with a number of illnesses, obesity, and the metabolic syndrome. Objective: This study was made to investigate whether pentraxin-3 (PTX3) and betatrophin levels are sensitive markers associated with PCOS in women with or without diabetes. Materials and methods: We conducted a case-control clinical study. Samples were collected from "infertility center" at Basra hospital for Obstetrics and children in Basra province-Iraq during the period from August 2023 till end of February 2024. Results: Levels of Ts, PRL, HOMAIR, PTX3, betatrophin, and MDA were elevated (p < 0.01), LH and insulin were increased (p<0.05) and (p<0.01), E2 and TAC decreased (p<0.01), while BMI and FSH levels showed non-significant changes (p>0.05) in PCOS women with or without diabetes (both 1ºPCOS and 2ºPCOS), respectively, as compared to the healthy control. Glucose was increased (p<0.01) in PCOS women with diabetes (both 1ºPCOS and 2ºPCOS), and AMH had increased (p<0.05) in PCOS women without diabetes. The area under the curve (AUC) indicate that PTX3 (AUC= 0.95, 0.90, 0.88, 0.85) and betatrophin (AUC= 0.89, 0.87, 0.86, 0.85) could potentially be used as greater predictive biomarkers in PCOS women (both 1ºPCOS and 2ºPCOS) with or without diabetes. Conclusion: Dysregulation of PTX3 and betatrophin may be associated with the metabolic consequences of PCOS. Therefore, we suggest that PTX3 and betatrophin may potentially serve as an independent predictor for the prognosis and development of PCOS in at-risk women, especially those with insulin resistance.

The relationship between rheumatoid arthritis and epicardial fat thickness, and serum levels of chemerin, adropin, and betatrophin

The relationship between rheumatoid arthritis and epicardial fat thickness, and serum levels of chemerin, adropin, and betatrophin

Evaluation of serum levels of sestrin 2 and betatrophin in type 2 diabetic patients with diabetic nephropathy

BackgroundDiabetic kidney disease (DKD) is one of the most serious microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus (DM) and the leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) worldwide. Since obesity and type 2 DM (T2DM) are considered as inflammatory conditions, thus reducing their accompanied systemic inflammation may lessen their complications. Sestrin 2 belongs to a group of stress induced proteins which are produced in response to oxidative stress, inflammation and DNA damage. Betatrophin; a hormone that stimulates the growth, proliferation and mass expansion of pancreatic beta-cells and improves glucose tolerance. The objective of the study was to evaluate levels of serum Sestrin 2 and betatrophin in patients with different stages of diabetic nephropathy (DN)) and compare results with healthy control.MethodsThis cross sectional study was carried out on 60 patients above 18 years old, recruited from Tanta University hospitals out patients clinics and 20 apparently healthy individuals of matched sex and age as a control group. Participants were divided into two groups: group I: 20 normal subjects as control group and group II: 60 patients with type 2 DM,. further subdivided in to three equal groups: group 1IIA(20 patients) with normo-albuminuria (ACR < 30 mg/g), group IIB (20 patients) with micro albuminuria (ACR = 30 to 300 mg/g) and group IIC (20 patients) with macro albuminuria (ACR > 300 mg/g). They were subjected to detailed history taking, careful clinical examination and laboratory investigations including blood urea, serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), urinary albumin creatinine ratio, and specific laboratory tests for Sestrin 2 and Betatrophin by using ELISA technique.ResultsSerum Sestrin 2 significantly decreased, while serum betatrophin level significantly increased in macroalbuminuric group compared to control and other 2 diabetic groups (P value < 0.05). The cut off value of serum sestrin 2 was 0.98 ng/ml with sensitivity 99%, specificity 66% while the cut off value of serum betatrophin was > 98.25 ng/ml with sensitivity 98%, specificity 82%. Serum betatrophin positively correlated with age, fasting, 2 h postprandial, BMI, triglyceride, total cholesterol, serum creatinine, blood urea, UACR, and negatively correlated with eGFR and serum albumin. Serum Sestrin 2 positively correlated with serum albumin. BMI, serum urea, UACR and serum albumin. Serum betatrophin are found to be risk factors or predictors for diabetic nephropathy.ConclusionsPatients with DN, particularly the macroalbuminuria group, had a significant increase in betatrophin levels and a significant decrease in serum Sestrin 2 level. The function of Sestrin 2 is compromised in DN, and restoring it can reverse a series of molecular alterations with subsequent improvement of the renal functions, albuminuria and structural damage.

STUDY THE RELATIONS BETWEEN ANGIOPOIETIN-LIKE PROTEIN 4 (ANGPTL4) AND LIPOPROTEIN LIPASE AS PREDICTORS FOR ISCHEMIC HEART DISEASE IN PATIENTS WITH T2DM

Betatrophin production and blood lipid profile have been proven in previous research to have a correlation, both in the laboratory and in clinical settings. Investigations on the connection and contact behavior of lipoprotein lipase, betatrophin, and angiogenin- likeprotein3 (ANGPTL3) continue to vary from one another (LPL). This study aimed to evaluating the relationship between betatrophin, ANGPTL4, and LPL in addition to the severity of IHD in individuals with diabetes. There were sixty people with diabetes in the case group (30 with IHD and 30 without IHD). The control group included thirty people in total. While the serum concentration of ANGPTL4 was assessed using a double antibody sandwich ELISA, the serum concentrations of betatrophin, LPL, and ANGPTL4 were assessed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The levels of total cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, and triglycerides in each group were determined using an automated biochemical analyzer. The clinical baseline data for each patient group was incorporated into the analysis within the same time frame. Consequently, compared to diabetic patients without IHD and those in the control group, individuals with IHD had significantly higher levels of betatrophin, ANGPTL4 and LPL (p 0.05). With diabetic patients with IHD, the Gensini rating significantly and favorably correlated with TC, TG, LDL-C, betatrophin, LPL, and BMI (r = 0.201, 0.501, 0.045, 0.562, 0.611, and 0.431 and P = 0.041, 0.008, 0.038, 0.009, 0.002, and 0.039 respectively) In all groups of gensini score with (P&lt;0.05), there is a statistically significant difference found in the levels of betatrophin, ANGPTL4, and LPL. In patients with diabetes, the degree of IHD was associated with the betatrophin, ANGPTL4, and LPL parameters.

Association between circulating betatrophin levels and T2DM: A meta-analysis.

The association between betatrophin level and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a subject of controversy, and the reasons for conflicting results have been poorly explained. To address this gap, we conducted a meta-analysis of relevant studies to obtain a more comprehensive estimate and draw a more accurate conclusion. This study included literature published up to June 2023. We searched for relevant studies in the Web of Science and PubMed databases. We utilized STATA 12.0 software to calculate the standard mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) to compare circulating betatrophin levels between individuals with T2DM and healthy controls (HCs). The meta-analysis revealed a significantly higher circulating betatrophin level in individuals with T2DM compared to HC, using a random effects model [mean value of betatrophin level (T2DM vs. HC): 388,685.23 vs. 304,857.04 pg/mL; SMD=1.37; 95%CI: 1.01, 1.73]. Subgroup analysis indicated a higher circulating betatrophin level in T2DM compared to HC among Asian individuals, while no significant difference in circulating betatrophin level was observed between T2DM and HC among Caucasian individuals (Asian: SMD=1.65; 95%CI: 1.23, 2.06; Caucasian: SMD=0.50; 95%CI: -0.21, 1.20). Additionally, subgroup analysis revealed increased plasma and serum betatrophin levels in T2DM compared to HC (plasma: SMD=1.30; 95%CI: 0.72, 1.88; serum: SMD=1.47; 95%CI: 0.98, 1.96). This meta-analysis provides evidence of elevated levels of betatrophin in individuals with T2DM, suggesting that betatrophin may serve as a potential diagnostic biomarker for T2DM.

Gender-Dependent Associations between Serum Betatrophin Levels and Lipoprotein Subfractions in Diabetic and Nondiabetic Obese Patients.

Betatrophin, also known as angiopoietin-like protein 8 (ANGPTL8), mainly plays a role in lipid metabolism. To date, associations between betatrophin and lipoprotein subfractions are poorly investigated. For this study, 50 obese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and 70 nondiabetic obese (NDO) subjects matched in gender, age, and body mass index (BMI) as well as 49 gender- and age-matched healthy, normal-weight controls were enrolled. Serum betatrophin levels were measured with ELISA, and lipoprotein subfractions were analyzed using Lipoprint gel electrophoresis. Betatrophin concentrations were found to be significantly higher in the T2D and NDO groups compared to the controls in all subjects and in females, but not in males. We found significant positive correlations between triglyceride, very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), large LDL (low density lipoprotein), small LDL, high density lipoprotein (HDL) -6-10 subfractions, and betatrophin, while negative correlations were detected between betatrophin and IDL, mean LDL size, and HDL-1-5. Proportion of small HDL was the best predictor of betatrophin in all subjects. Small LDL and large HDL subfractions were found to be the best predictors in females, while in males, VLDL was found to be the best predictor of betatrophin. Our results underline the significance of serum betatrophin measurement in the cardiovascular risk assessment of obese patients with and without T2D, but gender differences might be taken into consideration.

Central Obesity Diminishes Circulating Betatrophin Level in Middle-aged Male Subjects

Central adiposity presents an important risk factor for advancing insulin insensitivity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Betatrophin, a liver or adipocyte-derived hormone, was assumed to improve islet insulin secretion and compensate insulin resistance but its level during obesity is still conflicted. This study aimed to explore serum betatrophin level in centrally-obese middle-aged men with diabetic potentials compared with age-matched non-obese ones. Sixty-eight male subjects of 40-60 years of age, residing in North Okkalapa Township, Yangon, Myanmar, were recruited and classified into centrally-obese group (n=34) and non-obese group (n=34). Fasting blood samples were obtained to quantify plasma glucose by glucose oxidase method, and serum insulin and betatrophin levels by ELISA. Plasma glucose levels were comparable between the two groups, while insulin concentration of obese group was significantly greater than that of non-obese group. Therefore, HOMA-IR was markedly increased in obese subjects when compared to non-obese ones (4.87±0.28 vs 1.90±0.14, p&lt;0.001) and so did HOMA-β (310.88±26.58 vs 149.00±11.83, p&lt;0.001). Interestingly, betatrophin hormone level was significantly reduced in obese group than non-obese group (1.72±0.21 vs 2.72±0.26 ng/ml, p&lt;0.01). Moreover, betatrophin had a strong negative correlation with glucose and insulin levels (p&lt;0.05) as well as with the indicator of central adiposity, waist circumference (p&lt;0.05), among the subjects. However, significant correlation between betatrophin and HOMA-IR and HOMA-β was not observed in both groups (p=0.14 and 0.20 respectively). Taken together, betatrophin hormone has been found to decrease in adult central obesity, which is noticeably associated with insulin resistance and compensatory beta-cell hyperfunction. Betatrophin, previously regarded as beta-cell mitogen, has been denied in this study, owing to lack of correlation with HOMA indexes of diabetes.

The effect of long-term strength training on serum levels of betatrophin and irisin in elderly men with type 2 diabetes

Background. The irisin and betatrophin hormones are involved in insulin resistance. Considering the muscle weakness of elderly diabetics, this study aimed to investigate the effect of 21 weeks of strength training on betatrophin and irisin serum levels in type 2 diabetic elderly men. Methods. This semi-experimental study was conducted on type 2 diabetic men with an average age of 70.85±2.90 years. The strength training protocol was performed twice a week for 21 weeks. The exercises consisted of three stages: 1- muscle endurance, 2- muscle hypertrophy, and 3- maximum strength training. Fasting blood glucose levels and serum levels of insulin, betatrophin, and irisin were measured in two phases before and after the exercises. Results. The serum levels of insulin, irisin, and betatrophin in the diabetes control group were lower than in the healthy group (P&lt;0.05) and 21 weeks of strength training increased the serum levels of insulin, irisin, and betatrophin, and decreased body weight and fasting blood glucose levels in elderly diabetic men compared to the control group (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion. Strength training improved metabolic disorders in diabetics and increased secretion of irisin and betatrophin following exercise which indicated that exercise may have a protective mechanism in diabetes. Practical Implications. Stationary movements by performing strength activities, through the development of skeletal muscles of diabetics, improve insulin sensitivity and harvest more glucose in the body. In addition, these exercises can be a protective mechanism to prevent or delay the complications of type 2 diabetes by increasing irisin and betatrophin levels.

Plasma and aqueous levels of subfatin, preptin and betatrophin in patients with diabetic retinopathy

AimTo examine subfatin, preptin and betatrophin levels in plasma and aqueous in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) (with and without retinopathy).Material and methodSixty patients, who were similar in terms of age and gender, and were scheduled for operation due to cataract, were included in the study. The patients were divided into three groups as Group C (20 weeks without diabetes and comorbidity), Group DM (20 patients with DM but no retinopathy) and Group DR (20 patients with diabetic retinopathy). The preoperative body mass index (BMI), fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, lipid profile levels of all patients in the groups were examined. Blood samples were also taken for plasma subfatin, preptin and betatrophin levels. At the beginning of the cataract surgery, 0.1 ml of aqueous fluid was taken from the anterior chamber. Plasma and aqueous subfatin, preptin and betatrophin levels were analyzed by ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays) method.ResultsIn our study results, there was a significant difference in BMI, fasting plasma glucose and hemoglobin A1c levels (p < 0.05 for all parameters). Plasma and aqueous subfatin levels were higher in Group DR compared to Group C (p < 0.001, p = 0.036, respectively). Plasma and aqueous preptin levels were higher in group DR and group DM than in group C (p = 0.001, p = 0.002, p < 0.001, p = 0.001, respectively). Plasma and aqueous betatrophin levels were higher in Group DR compared to group C (p = 0.001, p = 0.010, respectively).ConclusionSubfatin, preptin and betatrophin molecules may have an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy.

Relationship between serum Betatrophin, GPIHBP1, and LDL subfractions in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus

ObjectivesGestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) leads to changes in the lipid metabolism. In this study, we aimed to compare serum levels of LDL subfractions, betatrophin, and glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored high-density lipoprotein binding protein 1 (GPIHBP1) between patients with GDM and healthy pregnant women. Design and MethodsWe designed a prospective case-control study with 41 pregnant women. Subjects were divided into two groups: GDM and control. Betatrophin and GPIHBP1 levels were measured by ELISA method. Lipoprint LDL subfraction kit was used to perform LDL subfraction analysis electrophoretically. ResultsSerum levels of LDL6 subfraction, betatrophin, and GPIHBP1 were found to be higher in GDM group compared to the controls (p < 0.001). The mean LDL size were also found larger in GDM group. A positive correlation was found between betatrophin and GPIHBP1 levels (rho = 0.96, p < 0.001). ConclusionsOur findings suggest that betatrophin, and GPIHBP1 levels were found to be increased in GDM. This maybe the result of adaptive mechanisms in response to insulin resistance, but also this relationship should be evaluated for their effects on impaired lipid metabolism and lipoprotein lipase metabolism. There is a need for further prospective studies with larger samples to fully elucidate the mechanisms of this relationship both in pregnant patients and the other patient groups.

Investigation of the relationship between betatrophin and certain key enzymes involved in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in insulin-resistant mice.

The present study sought to examine the relationship of betatrophin with certain key enzymes, namely lactate dehydrogenase-5 (LDH5), citrate synthase (CS), and acetyl-CoA carboxylase-1 (ACC1), in insulin-resistant mice. Eight-week-old male C57BL6/J mice were used in this study (experimental group n=10 and control group n=10). S961 was administered using an osmotic pump to induce insulin resistance in the mice. The betatrophin, LDH5, CS, and ACC1 expression levels were determined from the livers of the mice using the real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method. Moreover, biochemical parameters such as the serum betatrophin, fasting glucose, insulin, triglyceride, total cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels were analyzed. The betatrophin expression and serum betatrophin (p=0.000), fasting glucose, insulin, triglyceride (p≤0.001), and total cholesterol (p=0.013) levels were increased in the experimental group. In addition, the CS gene expression level was statistically significantly decreased in the experimental group (p=0.01). Although strong correlation was found between the expression and serum betatrophin and triglyceride levels, no correlation was found between the betatrophin gene expression and the LDH5, ACC1, and CS gene expression levels. The betatrophin level appears to play an important role in the regulation of triglyceride metabolism, while insulin resistance increases both the betatrophin gene expression and serum levels and decreases the CS expression level. The findings suggest that betatrophin may not regulate carbohydrate metabolism through CS and LDH5 or lipid metabolism directly through the ACC1 enzyme.

Evaluation of Serum ANGPTL8/Betatrophin and Cartonectin/CTRP3 Levels in Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Retinopathy.

To determine serum betatrophin and cartonectin levels and their relationship with biochemical parameters in diabetic and non-diabetic retinopathy. Descriptive study. Department of Internal Medicine and Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Firat University, Turkey, from April to November 2020. Patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR), non-diabetic retinopathy (non-DR), type 2 diabetes mellitus without retinopathy, and healthy controls, were enrolled from April to November 2020. Demographic, metabolic, and biochemical parameters were evaluated. Serum betatrophin, cartonectin, IL-6, and TNFα levels were assayed by ELISA methods. One-Way Anova or Kruskal Wallis tests were applied to find out statistical significance among different variables between four groups. A total of 84 participants (DR= 21 patients; non-DR= 21 patients; 21 diabetic patients without retinopathy and 21 healthy controls) were enrolled in the study. TNF-α level was significantly higher in both DR and non-DR than in controls (p<0.001). IL-6 level was higher in DR group than T2DM and controls (p=0.013). Serum betatrophin level was significantly higher in DR group than in non-DR and T2DM groups (p=0.002). Cartonectin level was decreased in DR, non-DR, and T2DM groups compared to non-diabetic healthy controls (p=0.002). Serum betatrophin levels are higher in DR, whereas cartonectin levels are lower in both DR and non-DR groups. Serum betatrophins and cartonectin estimation may be helpful in early diagnosis and differential diagnosis in cases of diabetic and non-diabetic retinopathy. Angiopoietin-like protein 8, Cartonectin/CTRP3, Diabetic retinopathy, Diabetes mellitus, Type 2, Diagnosis, Differential, Betatrophin.

Dynamic alteration of plasma levels of betatrophin in younger female onset obesity post acute moderate-intensity exercise training

Obesity is a global metabolic disease anchored by a lack of physical activity lipid disturbances. Hitherto, betatrophin is a potential liver-derived hormone that regulates lipid metabolism. A total of 26 selected onset obese individuals (BMI range ± 28–31) were enrolled in this study and given moderate-intensity exercise. Importantly, our data show that acute moderate-intensity interval exercise (MIIE) and acute moderate-intensity continue to exercise (MICE) for 40 min significantly decrease the plasma level of full-length betatrophin respectively (174.18 ± 48.19 ng/mL; 182.31 ± 52.69 ng/mL), compared to the placebo (283.97 ± 32.23 ng/mL) post 10 min and 6 h exercise treatment (p ≤ 0.05). The plasma level of betatrophin was significantly and negatively correlated with BMI (r = − 0.412, p = 0.037), fasting blood glucose (r = − 0.390, p = 0.049), and positively correlated with VO2max (r = 0.456, p = 0.019). In addition, the linear and ordinal logistic regression analysis shows that betatrophin, is a potential predictor for BMI [estimate value = 0.995, p = 0.037 and OR (95 % CI) = 0.992 (0.0984–1.00), p = 0,048]. In summary, our data demonstrate that the circulating levels of betatrophin were decreased after acute moderate-intensity exercise training.

The Effect of Four Weeks of Long-Term Endurance Training with and Without Propolis Supplementation on Serum Levels of Betatrophin/ANGPTL8 in Male Athletes

Background: Betatrophin/angiopoietin-like protein (ANGPTL8) is defined as an adipokine that regulates blood glucose and triglyceride levels. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of propolis supplementation for the first time on serum levels of the hormone betatrophin, as a drug target in the treatment of dyslipidemia, in male endurance athletes for four weeks. Methods: 44 male athletes with an average age of 22 ± 3 years, a height of 177.5 ± 6.5 cm, and a weight of 76 ± 6 kg were selected in Qazvin. They were randomly divided into four groups: Supplementation, placebo, physical activity, and control. The supplementation and placebo groups received two 500 mg tablets of propolis and cellulose (in terms of shape and color, are similar to the original supplement and have no properties, flavor, and aroma) once after lunch and once after dinner, respectively. The drug treatment lasted for four weeks. The athletes' weight and serum levels of betatrophin were measured at the beginning and the end of 4 weeks of treatment. The ELISA method was used to assess the serum concentration of betatrophin. Analyzes were performed by the ANCOVA method. Results: The results showed that the long-term endurance training plus propolis supplementation would result in significant changes in the betatrophin serum levels and weight in participants (P = 0.001), but in the athletes without supplementation, these changes were not significant (P &gt; 0.05). Conclusions: The results indicated that betatrophin serum levels in endurance athletes are increased by propolis supplementation, and their weight is decreased.

Adiponectin Intervention to Regulate Betatrophin Expression, Attenuate Insulin Resistance and Enhance Glucose Metabolism in Mice and Its Response to Exercise.

Aims: Adiponectin stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis through peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-coactivator1α (PGC-1α), a major regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis, and its effect on the genesis of insulin resistance is organ-specific. Expressed predominantly in fat and liver tissues, betatrophin is primarily involved in lipid metabolism, and could be a putative therapeutic target in metabolic syndrome and T2D. We hypothesized that the adiponectin pathway may regulate the production and/or secretion of betatrophin in liver. We aimed to determine whether exercise and adiponectin affect betatrophin to improve insulin resistance in mice. Methods: To investigate this hypothesis, we used wild-type C57BL/6 mice subjected to a high-fat diet, an exercise regimen, and i.p. injection of recombinant mouse adiponectin (Acrp30), and adiponectin knockout (Adipoq−/−) mice (C57BL/6 background) subjected to i.p. injection of Acrp30. Results: In Adipoq–/– mice, betatrophin levels in the plasma and liver were upregulated. In mice, plasma and liver betatrophin levels were significantly upregulated following a high-fat diet. Exercise and i.p. Acrp30 downregulated betatrophin levels and increased adiponectin mRNA and protein expression in the plasma and liver. The trend of change in PGC-1α and betatrophin levels in the liver was consistent. Conclusions/interpretation: Exercise reverses pathogenic changes in adiponectin and betatrophin levels in insulin-resistant mice. Exercise increased adiponectin levels and reduced betatrophin levels. Furthermore, exercise reduced betatrophin levels via adiponectin, which modulated the LKB1/AMPK/PGC-1α signaling axis but was not solely dependent on it for exerting its effects.

Serum betatrophin levels and fatty acid profile in gestational diabetes mellitus: Correlation with insulin resistance

Introduction and Aim: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) involves insulin resistance, altered levels of adipocytokines and inflammation. Interaction of various molecules in the pathogenesis of obesity and insulin resistance plays a major role in GDM. Angiopoietin-like protein 8, also named betatrophin is a hormone which is synthesized from liver and adipocytes. This molecule has beta cell-regenerating effect and is proposed to have therapeutic potential in obesity, insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus. The present study aimed to evaluate the role of betatrophin and free fatty acids (FFA) as markers of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in Medical College Hospital on pregnant women with the normal body mass index. The study subjects were divided into 2 groups -one with healthy pregnant women and the other GDM and recruited for the study at 24 to 28 weeks of gestation. The levels of betatrophin, insulin and FFA were estimated in the serum and HOMA-IR was calculated. Results: Insulin resistance (IR), serum betatrophin level and plasma omega-6 fatty acid levels were higher, and plasma omega-3 fatty acid levels were lower among GDM subjects in comparison to healthy pregnant women. Fasting plasma glucose, serum betatrophin level and dihomo gamma linolenic acid level showed significant positive correlation with IR while omega 3 fatty acid %, levels of alpha linolenic acid, gamma linolenic acid and lauric acid showed negative correlation with IR in GDM women. Conclusion: Altered fatty acid profile in gestational diabetes mellitus indicated potential application of fatty acids as biomarkers of metabolic derangements which arise due to insulin resistance. The findings have diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic implications.

Effects of gender-affirming hormone therapy on cardiovascular risk factors focusing on glucose metabolism in an Austrian transgender cohort

Objective We aimed to investigate the effect of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) on cardiovascular disease risk factors focusing on glucose tolerance. Patients and Methods This primarily translational study enrolled 16 transgender persons assigned female at birth (AFAB), 22 assigned male at birth (AMAB), and 33 age- and BMI-matched cisgender controls at the Medical University of Vienna from 2013 to 2020. A 3-Tesla MRI scan to measure intramyocardial, pancreatic, hepatic fat content and subcutaneous-to-visceral adipose tissue ratio (SAT/VAT-ratio), an oral glucose tolerance test (oGTT), bloodwork including brain natriuretic peptide (pro-BNP), sex hormones and two glucose-metabolism related biomarkers (adiponectin, betatrophin) were performed. Results Estrogen intake was associated with higher fasting insulin (p = 0.034) and Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) (p = 0.037), however, lower HbA1c levels (p = 0.031) in AMAB than cisgender males. Adiponectin (p = 0.001) and betatrophin (p = 0.034) levels were higher in AMAB than cisgender males, but similar to cisgender females. Compared to cisgender females, AFAB displayed no differences in glucose metabolism or SAT/VAT-ratio. AFAB had lower pro-BNP levels (p = 0.014), higher liver enzymes (AST: p = 0.011; ALT: p = 0.012) and lower HDL levels (p = 0.017) than cisgender females, but comparable levels to cisgender males. AMAB showed an increased heart rate (p < 0.001) and pro-BNP (p = 0.002) levels, but a more favorable SAT/VAT-ratio (p = 0.013) and lower creatine kinase (CK) (p = 0.001) than cisgender males. There were no relevant differences in organ fat content between transgender persons and their respective cisgender controls. Conclusion In AMAB, most investigated parameters adapted to levels seen in cisgender females except for parameters related to fasted insulin resistance. AMAB should be monitored with respect to the development of insulin resistance.

First-trimester maternal serum betatrophin levels are decreased in pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus

IntroductionThe purpose of the present study was to compare maternal serum betatrophin levels during the first trimester from healthy pregnancies to those complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). MethodsIn this prospective study, 320 pregnant women were evaluated in their first trimester, and 145 pregnant women who met the inclusion criteria were divided into the following two groups according to GDM screening results: GDM (n:20) and non-diabetic healthy control (n: 125). Samples of maternal serum fasting insulin, fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin (HB)A1c, and betatrophin levels obtained from the women's blood samples between 11+0/7 -13+6/7 gestational weeks during first trimester nuchal translucency screening. 75-g oral glucose tolerance test protocol was preferred for GDM scanning between 24+0/7 -28+0/7 gestational weeks. ResultsMaternal age and first-trimester body mass index (BMI) were higher in the GDM group than in the control group. Gestational age at blood draw was similar between the groups. First-trimester fasting insulin, fasting glucose, hemoglobin (Hb)A1c, thyroid-stimulating hormone, triiodothyronine (sT3), and thyroxine (sT4) were statistically similar between groups. First trimester Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) was 2.67 ± 1.42 in the GDM group and 2.12 ± 1.61 in the control group and not statistically different. Maternal age and BMI adjusted first-trimester maternal serum betatrophin levels were 11.58 ± 6.40 ng/mL in the GDM group and 31.11 ± 3.00 ng/mL in the control group and was statistically lower in the GDM group (p < 0.001). DiscussionOur results indicated that first trimester maternal serum betatrophin levels are decreased in pregnancies complicated by GDM and first trimester betatrophin levels could be an early screening tool for GDM to allow better pregnancy management.

Correlation between betatrophin/angiogenin-likeprotein3/lipoprotein lipase pathway and severity of coronary artery disease in Kazakh patients with coronary heart disease.

BACKGROUNDThe results of previous animal experiments and clinical studies have shown that there is a correlation between expression of betatrophin and blood lipid levels. However, there are still differences studies on the correlation and interaction mechanism between betatrophin, angiogenin-likeprotein3 (ANGPTL3) and lipoprotein lipase (LPL). In our previous studies, we found an increase in serum ANGPTL3 Levels in Chinese patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Therefore, we retrospectively studied Kazakh CHD patients.AIMTo explore the correlation between the betatrophin/ANGPTL3/LPL pathway and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with CHD.METHODSNondiabetic patients diagnosed with CHD were selected as the case group; 79 were of Kazakh descent and 72 were of Han descent. The control groups comprised of 61 Kazakh and 65 Han individuals. The serum levels of betatrophin and LPL were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the double antibody sandwich ELISA was used to detect serum level of ANGPTL3. The levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, and fasting blood glucose in each group were determined by an automatic biochemical analyzer. At the same time, the clinical baseline data of patients in each group were included. RESULTSBetatrophin, ANGPTL3 and LPL levels of Kazakh patients were significantly higher than those of Han patients (P = 0.031, 0.038, 0.021 respectively). There was a positive correlation between the Gensini score and total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low- density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), betatrophin, and LPL in Kazakh patients (r = 0.204, 0.453, 0.352, 0.471, and 0.382 respectively), (P = 0.043, 0.009, 0.048, 0.001, and P < 0.001 respectively). A positive correlation was found between the Gensini score and body mass index (BMI), TC, TG, LDL-C, LPL, betatrophin in Han patients (r = 0.438, 0.195, 0.296, 0.357, 0.328, and 0.446 respectively), (P = 0.044, 0.026, 0.003, 0.20, 0.004, and P < 0.001). TG and betatrophin were the risk factors of coronary artery disease in Kazakh patients, while BMI and betatrophin were the risk factors in Han patients.CONCLUSIONThere was a correlation between the betatrophin/ANGPTL3/LPL pathway and severity of CAD in patients with CHD.

The association of the betatrophin level with metabolic and inflammatory parameters in infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A case-control study.

BackgroundBetatrophin may be associated with metabolic diseases.ObjectiveTo investigate the betatrophin level and its association with metabolic and inflammatory parameters in infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and other infertile women during the intrauterine insemination cycle.Materials and MethodsThis case-control study was conducted with 90 infertile women (45 with PCOS and 45 without) chosen by convenience sampling, in the infertility clinic of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Tehran, Iran. Participants were interviewed to obtain their age, body mass index, and reproductive history. Fasting brachial venous blood samples were obtained on the 3 day of the menstrual cycle to measure the levels of betatrophin, fasting blood sugar, insulin, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, estradiol, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein.ResultsThe results showed that the level of betatrophin in women with PCOS was significantly higher than in the control group (p = 0.05). Based on multiple linear regression analyses, the effects of metabolic and inflammatory parameters on betatrophin were not significant (p = 0.19). The results showed no significant difference between groups in folliculogenesis (p = 0.57).ConclusionAccording to the results, betatrophin levels were higher in infertile women with PCOS than in those without. The findings suggest that there may be an association between increased betatrophin and increased incidence of PCOS. Further studies with a larger sample size are needed to investigate the role of betatrophin in insulin resistance and lipid metabolism, and its effects on infertility treatment outcomes.