fetuin-A Levels Research Articles

In a Prediabetic Model, Empagliflozin Improves Hepatic Lipid Metabolism Independently of Obesity and before Onset of Hyperglycemia.

Recent studies suggest that treatment with SGLT-2 inhibitors can reduce hepatic lipid storage and ameliorate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) development beyond their glycemic benefits. However, the exact mechanism involved is still unclear. We investigated the hepatic metabolic effect of empagliflozin (10 mg/kg/day for eight weeks) on the development of NAFLD and its complications using HHTg rats as a non-obese prediabetic rat model. Empagliflozin treatment reduced neutral triacylglycerols and lipotoxic diacylglycerols in the liver and was accompanied by significant changes in relative mRNA expression of lipogenic enzymes (Scd-1, Fas) and transcription factors (Srebp1, Pparγ). In addition, alterations in the gene expression of cytochrome P450 proteins, particularly Cyp2e1 and Cyp4a, together with increased Nrf2, contributed to the improvement of hepatic lipid metabolism after empagliflozin administration. Decreased circulating levels of fetuin-A improved lipid metabolism and attenuated insulin resistance in the liver and in peripheral tissues. Our results highlight the beneficial effect of empagliflozin on hepatic lipid metabolism and lipid accumulation independent of obesity, with the mechanisms understood to involve decreased lipogenesis, alterations in cytochrome P450 proteins, and decreased fetuin-A. These changes help to alleviate NAFLD symptoms in the early phase of the disease and before the onset of diabetes.

The Role of Pentraxin-3, Fetuin-A and Sirtuin-7 in the Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer.

Prostate canceris the most commonly diagnosed type of cancer and one of the leading causes of cancer-related death in men.Numerous efforts have been made to improve existing diagnostic methods and develop a new biomarker to identify patients with prostate cancer. In line with current literature, we preferred new serum-based biochemical markers as Pentraxin-3, Fetuin-A and Sirtuin-7 in the present study. A total of 174 patients aged 42-76 years were included in the study. Patients with prostate cancer (n=38) were enrolled as Group 1 and patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (n=136) as Group 2. The serum levels of Pentraxin-3, Fetuin-A and Sirtuin-7 levels were compared between the groups. The mean age of the patients was 61.9±7.6 years (p= .001). The mean serum Prostate Specific Antigen levels 32.0±59.6 (2.6-336) ng/mL and 10.0±11.3 (2.5-77.4) ng/mL in Group 1 and 2, respectively (p= .029). The mean serum levels of Pentraxin-3 and Fetuin-Ain Group 1 were statistically significantlydifferent from Group 2(3.3±4.4 ng/mL vs 1.8±2.4 ng/mL, p= .002 and 466.8±11.0 µg/mL vs 513.3±11.0 µg/mL,p= .041,respectively). There was no significant difference between Group 1 and 2 according to serum levels of Sirtuin-7 (12.7±8.2 ng/mL vs 12.7±12.4 ng/mL respectively, p= .145). Pentraxin-3, Fetuin-A and Sirtuin-7 may be effective in the diagnosis of prostate cancerin light of the current literature.In this study, it was found that Pentraxin-3 and Fetuin-A were significantly different in the diagnosis of prostate cancer.Larger-scale prospective studies are needed to determine the importance of Pentraxin-3 and Fetuin-A in the diagnosis of prostate cancer.

Advanced glycation end products and oxidative stress as a basis for metabolic abnormalities in patients with type 1 diabetes after successful simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation

To compare advanced glycation end-products (AGE, RAGE) and 3-nitrotyrosine (3-HT) in patients with DM 1 after successful simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPK) and kidney transplantation alone (KTA). To assess relationship between levels of AGE, RAGE, 3-HT and renal transplant (RT) function, carbohydrate and mineral metabolism. The study included 58 patients who received kidney transplantation in end-stage renal disease (ESRD). 36 patients received SPK. There were performed routine laboratory, examination of AGE, RAGE, 3-NT, parathyroid hormone (PTH), 25(OH)vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus, FGF23, osteoprotegerin (OPG), and fetuin-A levels. All patients after SPK reached normoglycemia (HbA1c 5.7 [5.3; 6.1] %; C-peptide 3.24 [2.29; 4.40] ng/ml) with the achievement of significant difference vs patients after KTA. Arterial hypertension (AH) was more frequent in recipients of SPK before transplantation than after (p=0.008). AH also persisted in greater number of cases in patients after KTA than after SPK. Patients after SPK had higher AGE (р=0.0003) and lower RAGE (р=0.000003) levels. OPG in patients after SPK was significantly higher (р=0.04). The correlation analysis revealed significant positive correlation between 3-HT and OPG (p0.05; r=0.30), RAGE and eGFR (r=-0.52), HbA1c (r=0.48), duration of AH (r=0.34), AGE with HbA1c (r=0.51). The results of the "metabolic memory" markers analysis may indicate their contribution to the persistence of the metabolic consequences of CKD and DM 1 after achievement of normoglycemia and renal function restoration and their possible participation in development of recurrent nephropathy, vascular calcification, and bone disorders.

Association of Fetuin-A with Thr256Ser exon polymorphism of α2-Heremans Schmid Glycoprotein (AHSG) gene in type 2 diabetic patients with overt nephropathy

BackgroundCirculatory Fetuin-A has been well reported to elevate the risk for Diabetic Nephropathy (DN) and is associated with many vascular complications. Compelling reports have well documented that the circulatory levels of Fetuin-A directly have an impact on its AHSG (α2- Heremans- Schmid Glycoprotein) gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP). Thus, in this study among the South Indian T2DM population, we aim to explore the association of AHSG Thr256Ser (rs4918) SNP in subjects with DN and correlate with the circulatory levels of Fetuin-A at various stages of DN patients. MethodsA total of 975 subjects were recruited, such as Group-I, consisting of Controls (n = 300), Group-II, with normoalbuminuria (n = 300), Group-IIIa, with incipient microalbuminuria (n = 195), Group-IIIb, with persistent macroalbuminuria (n = 180)] and were subjected for genotyping using PCR-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP). Circulatory Fetuin-A was measured using sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ResultsThe ‘G’ allele of AHSG exon-7 (C/G) SNP is significantly concomitant and conferred significant risk for normoalbuminuria subjects. In the DN subjects, the ‘G' allele showed the risk for persistent macroalbuminuria. A noticeable stepwise decrease was evidenced in the circulatory Fetuin-A among persistent macroalbuminuria over incipient microalbuminuria from normoalbuminuria. Further, the circulatory Fetuin-A was lowered in DN subjects with mutant GG genotype than the wild CC. ConclusionAHSG Thr256Ser (rs4918) SNP was associated with renal complications among South Indian T2DM subjects.

Investigating Fetuin-A and Paraoxonase-1 Activity as Markers in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Based on Body Mass Index: A Prospective Case-Control Study.

IntroductionPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may have an increased risk for the development of systemic and metabolic pathogenesis such as cardiovascular diseases, insulin resistance (IR), diabetes mellitus (DM) and dyslipidemia. However, there is no reliable marker to show the relation. Fetuin-A is an adipokine whereas paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) is a high-density lipoprotein-linked enzyme to demonstrate oxidative stress. This study aimed to evaluate serum fetuin-A and PON-1 levels in infertile PCOS women based on body mass index (BMI).MethodsA prospective case-control study in a university setting was designed. A total of 88 patients admitted to the Giresun University Faculty of Medicine Gynecology Clinic between February and April 2021 were included in the study. The subjects were divided as follows: PCOS-low-BMI (BMI≤25) vs. Controls-low-BMI (BMI≤25) and PCOS-high-BMI (BMI>25) vs. Controls-high-BMI (BMI>25). Those who had at least two criteria of the 2003 Rotterdam Consensus were diagnosed with PCOS. Serum fetuin-A and PON-1 levels were compared.ResultsThe mean levels of fetuin-A were not significantly different in the groups (p=0.955). Serum PON-1 levels were lower in the PCOS group (109.1±61.4 vs. 140.1±80.0; p=0.040), but it lost significance with adjusted values for covariants as age and BMI. Although PON-1 was not significantly different in the PCOS group of BMI<25 kg/m2 subgroup, it was significantly lower in the PCOS group of BMI≥25 kg/m2 subgroup (p=0.820 vs. p=0.048).ConclusionSerum fetuin-A activity did not differ with PCOS. Serum PON-1 might be a promising and research-worthy marker, especially for obese PCOS patients.

The Value of Fetuin-A as a Predictor to Identify Takotsubo Patients at Risk of Cardiovascular Events.

Introduction: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) remains a life-threatening disease with the risk of decompensated heart failure and arrhythmias. Valid markers for the prediction of outcome are unavailable. The novel biomarkers fetuin-A, matrix metalloproteinases-2 (MMP-2), myeloperoxidase (MPO), Syndecan-1 and CD40-L show promising results for risk stratification of cardiovascular patients. Nevertheless, clinical implementation has not been investigated in TTC patients. Methods: To investigate this issue, we evaluated clinical complications in 51 patients hospitalized for TTC and measured the serum levels of fetuin-A, MPO, MMP-2, Syndecan-1 and CD40-L within 24 h after admission. Results: Serum levels of Fetuin-A correlated inversely with the risk of cardiac decompensation and all cause complications within the acute phase of TTC. Fetuin-A levels over 190.1 µg/mL (AUC: 0.738, sensitivity 87.5%, specificity: 52.6%) indicate an acute phase of TTC without cardiac decompensation. Despite lower fetuin-A levels in patients with all cause complications, the combined endpoint remained slightly unmet (p = 0.058, AUC: 0.655). Patients with fetuin-A levels over 213.3 µg/mL are at risk of experiencing hemodynamic relevant rhythm disorders (AUC: 0.794; sensitivity: 75.0%, specificity: 79.1%). Other biomarkers failed to reveal a prognostic impact. Pro-BNP and hs troponin levels at admission did not predict adverse cardiac events. Conclusion: Fetuin-A is a promising marker in our study and could be of benefit for the prediction of short-term adverse cardiac events in TTC patients. Therefore, fetuin-A might be of value to evaluate an individual’s risk for complications within the acute phase of TTC and to individually choose the time of intensive care and hospitalization.

Study of serum Fetuin-A level in pateints with post HCV liver cirhosis with and without hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract Background Measurement and assessment of the levels of glycoprotein as fetuin-A which provides insights into the pathogenic mechanisms of various liver diseases and improved capability to identify disease- specific profiles of proteins leads to more accurate prediction of disease classes and development of novel treatments. Aim of the work Assessment of diagnostic value of Fetuin –A in cases of liver cirrhosis due to HCV with and without HCC. Patients and methods This study was conducted at the Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, during the period from November 2014 to Decmeber 2015 on 80 patients with liver cirrhosis due to chronic HCV infection. Two groups of post HCV patients with liver cirrhosis as a first group &amp; post HCV liver cirrhosis with HCC as a second group; each group included 40 patients. The study also included 20 healthy subjects as a control. Patients who were excluded, those who had received antiviral therapy within 6 months before the study, subjects with high triglyceride or had received lipid lowering drugs, HBV infected patients, patients with medical history of ESRD, diabetes mellitus. Results fetuin A was significantly lower in post HCV liver cirrhosis than a healthy control cases, fetuin-A was significantly lower in post HCV liver cirrhosis with HCC versus post HCV liver cirrhotic patients. Serum levels of fetuin A was a useful marker in post HCV liver cirrhosis with HCC, with AFP levels below cutoff value. Serum levels of AFP was a useful marker in post HCV liver cirrhosis with HCC, with fetuin-A levels above cutoff value. Conclusion Serum fetuin-A level is decreasing in post HCV liver cirrhosis and liver cirrhosis with HCC than in healthy control with the lowest level in HCC. Post HCV liver cirrhosis with HCC cases which are not diagnosed by alph-fetoprotein can be captured by Fetuin A and vice versa. Also, the results show no significant correlations of fetuin-A with the CP scores and MELD score in post HCV liver cirrhosis .

Fetuin A and abdominal aorta calcification in hemodialysis patients

Abstract Background Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially those on regular hemodialysis, have unique Mineral and endocrine disturbances. Vascular calcification is a dynamic process influenced by bone kidney disease, as well as an imbalance between promoters and inhibitors of extra-osseous bone formation. Calcification is defined as the accumulation of calcium salts in tissues. This is a specific type of mineralization, which in contrast to calcification involves the deposition of any mineral. Aim of the work To determine abdominal blood vessels calcification in hemodialysis patients and its relation to fetuin A plasma level. Patients and Methods This study included 60 patients (30 case and 30 control) admitted to Mansoura university hospitals. The patients were included in this study, all are End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on regular hemodialysis (HD) (4 Hours- 3 times weekly) for at least 3 month after obtaining informed conset from all patients). Results Our study showed non significant negative correlation between fetuin A and aortic calcium score . Conclusion High serum fetuin-A level was shown to be protective factor against vascular calcification and is associated with lower severity of abdominal aortic calcifications in regular hemodialysis patients.

Fetuin-A Deficiency but Not Pentraxin 3, FGF-21, or Irisin, Predisposes to More Serious COVID-19 Course.

Analysis of liver biopsy specimens showed that SARS-CoV-2 might have led to liver damage. This study aimed to evaluate the role of selected hepatokines and myokines in the development and progression of COVID-19. Seventy patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 and 20 healthy volunteers were enrolled in the study. Irisin, pentraxin 3, fetuin-A, and FGF-21 serum concentrations and biochemical parameters were assessed using an immunoenzymatic method with commercially available enzyme immunoassay (EIA) or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Serum fetuin-A concentrations were significantly decreased in COVID-19 patients compared to healthy volunteers. The serum concentration of FGF-21 was significantly increased in obese COVID-19 patients compared to overweight ones. Moreover, the FGF-21 level was higher in COVID-19 patients diagnosed with metabolic syndrome than in patients without metabolic syndrome. PTX3 concentration was higher in COVID-19 patients with higher HOMA-IR values than those with lower HOMA-IR values. COVID-19 patients with HOMA-IR ≤ 3 and >3 had significantly lower fetuin-A levels than the control group. Irisin concentration was significantly decreased in the HOMA-IR ≤ 3 COVID-19 subgroup when comparing with the control group. Lower levels of fetuin-A observed in COVID-19 patients despite higher HOMA-IR, CRP, and ferritin levels, pneumonia, patients requiring ICU care suggests that fetuin-A deficiency predisposes to more severe COVID-19 course. Upregulated pentraxin 3 may be used as a potential predictor of COVID-19 severity.

High baseline fetuin-A levels are associated with lower atherosclerotic plaque progression as measured by 3D ultrasound

Background and aimsThe glycoprotein fetuin-A has anti-inflammatory effects, increases insulin resistance and plays an important role in calcium metabolism. The aim of our study was to assess the predictive value of fetuin-A on atherosclerotic plaque progression in comparison to the established cardiovascular biomarker high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP). MethodsIn this prospective, single center-, cohort study, we included 194 patients with at least one cardiovascular risk factor or established cardiovascular disease (CVD). Over a period of 4 years, each patient underwent 3D plaque volumetry of the carotid and femoral arteries on a yearly basis. To evaluate the predictive value of biomarkers in terms of plaque progression, the baseline values of fetuin-A and hsCRP were correlated with the plaque progression from baseline to the last follow up visit. Results171 patients were included in the final analysis. Baseline fetuin-A levels showed a significant negative correlation with plaque progression (r = −0.244; p = 0.001). In contrast, baseline hsCRP levels showed no correlation with plaque progression (r = 0.096, p = 0.20). In the ROC-analysis, fetuin-A had a significantly better predictive value than hsCRP (fetuin-A AUC 0.67; p = 0.001 vs hsCRP AUC 0.49; p = 0.88) with an optimal cut-off value at 712 μg/ml. In patients with high fetuin A levels (>712 μg/ml), a significantly lower plaque progression was observed compared to the group with low fetuin-A levels <712 μg/ml (high fetuin-A 197 mm3 vs. low fetuin-A 279 mm3; p = 0.01) ConclusionsHigher fetuin-A levels appear to predict lower atherosclerotic plaque progression in patients with or at risk of cardiovascular disease.

Can Fetuin A Be Utilized in the Evaluation of Elderly Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction?

Background: Lower baseline Fetuin-A (FA) is associated with left ventricular remodeling and cardiovascular death (CVD) at 4 months after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, the association between FA levels, incomplete ST segment resolution (STR) following primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and early mortality in AMI has not been previously studied. Methods: We enrolled 100 patients with AMI, which we divided in two groups: 21 patients who suffered sudden cardiac death (SCD) in the first 7 days after PCI and 79 controls. We measured FA, NT-proBNP and troponin levels and correlated them with the occurrence of death in the first week after revascularization. We also tested the cut-off value of FA to determine STR at 90 min after PCI. Results: SCD was most frequently caused by pump failure (n = 10, 47.6%) and ventricular arrhythmias (n = 9, 42.5%). Plasma FA levels correlated with NT-proBNP values (r = −0.47, p = 0.04) and were significantly lower in patients presenting SCD (115 (95–175) vs. 180 (105–250) ng/mL, p = 0.03). Among all three biomarkers, FA was the only one associated with incomplete STR after PCI on the multivariate logistic regression (cut-off value of 175 ng/mL, Se = 74%, Sp = 61.1%). Death rate was highest (n = 16/55, 30%) in patients with FA levels below the cut-off value of 175 ng/mL. Conclusion: Lower FA is associated with higher early mortality and incomplete STR after primary percutaneous revascularization in patients with AMI. Measurement of FA levels in addition to NT-proBNP, troponin and STR might enable more accurate identification of high-risk patients.

Low Levels of Serum Fetuin-A and Retinol-Binding Protein 4 Correlate with Lipoprotein Subfractions in Morbid Obese and Lean Non-Diabetic Subjects.

Background: Fetuin-A and retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) are secreted as both hepatokine and adipokine. These are involved in insulin resistance, obesity-related dyslipidemia, and atherosclerosis. To date, correlations of circulating fetuin-A and RBP4 with lipoprotein subfractions as well as high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-linked proteins have not been entirely investigated in morbid obese and lean non-diabetic subjects. Methods: One-hundred obese non-diabetic patients (body mass index, BMI: 42.5 ± 8.1 kg/m2) along with 32 gender and age-matched normal weight controls (BMI: 24.5 ± 2.5 kg/m2) were enrolled in our study. Serum fetuin-A and RBP4 were measured by ELISA. Lipoprotein subfractions were distributed by Lipoprint gelelectrophoresis. Results: Serum fetuin-A and RBP4 were unexpectedly lower in obese patients (p < 0.01 and p < 0.01, respectively) compared to controls and correlated with each other (r = 0.37; p < 0.001). Fetuin-A had positive correlations with HDL-C (r = 0.22; p = 0.02), apolipoprotein AI (apoAI) (r = 0.33; p < 0.001), very-low density lipoprotein (VLDL) subfraction (r = 0.18; p = 0.05), and large HDL subfraction levels (r = 0.3; p = 0.001) but did not show correlation with carbohydrate parameters in all subjects. RBP4 correlated positively with HDL-C (r = 0.2; p = 0.025), apoAI (r = 0.23; p = 0.01), VLDL subfraction (r = 0.37; p < 0.001), intermediate HDL subfraction (r = 0.23; p = 0.01), and small HDL subfraction (r = 0.21; p = 0.02) concentrations, as well as C-peptide levels in overall participants. Backward stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that serum fetuin-A concentration is best predicted by RBP4 and large HDL subfraction. In model 2, VLDL subfraction was the independent predictor of serum RBP4 level. Conclusions: Our data may indicate a potential role of fetuin-A and RBP4 in impaired lipoprotein metabolism associated with obesity.

Maternal levels of fetuin-A (AHSG) are altered in pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes and are associated with reduced fetal growth

Maternal levels of fetuin-A (AHSG) are altered in pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes and are associated with reduced fetal growth

Is fetuin-A a biomarker of dialysis access dysfunction?

The arteriovenous (AV) access function of hemodialysis (HD) patients can be impaired by afferent artery stiffness due to preexisting microcalcification and by venous stenosis secondary to neointimal hyperplasia in whose development participates an upregulated local inflammatory process. Fetuin-A is a circulating potent inhibitor of vascular calcification and plays an important anti-inflammatory role. The aims of this prospective study were to investigate the relationship between baseline serum fetuin-A levels and: blood flow (QA) values at baseline, AV access failure (thrombosis or intervention for stenosis) during follow-up and primary unassisted AV access patency. We measured baseline serum fetuin-A levels and QA values of the AV access in 64 HD patients under routine QA surveillance for stenosis. Patients were classified into tertiles according to their baseline fetuin-A levels (g/L): <0.5 (tertile-1), 0.5-1.20 (tertile-2), and >1.20 (tertile-3). Fetuin-A was positively correlated with QA (Spearman coefficient = 0.311, p = 0.012). Fourteen patients (21.9%) underwent AV access failure and they had lower fetuin-A (0.59 ± 0.32 g/L) and lower QA (739.4 ± 438.8 mL/min) values at baseline compared with the remaining patients (1.05 ± 0.65 g/L and 1273.0 ± 596.3 mL/min, respectively) (p = 0.027 and p < 0.001, respectively). The AV access failure rate was highest (34.8%) in tertile-1 (lowest fetuin-A level). Unadjusted Cox regression analysis showed a decrease in the risk of AV access patency loss by increasing fetuin-A concentration (hazard ratio 0.395 (95% confidence interval: 1.42-1.69), p = 0.044) but it was not confirmed in the adjusted model, although the hazard ratio was low (0.523). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that patients in tertile-3 (highest fetuin-A concentration) had the highest primary unassisted AV access patency (λ2 = 4.68, p = 0.030, log-rank test). If our results are confirmed in further studies, fetuin-A could be used as a circulating biomarker to identify HD patients at greater risk for AV access dysfunction, who would benefit from much closer dialysis access surveillance.

Omega 3 fatty acids effect on the vascular calcification biomarkers fetuin A and osteoprotegerin in hemodialysis patients.

Chronic renal failure patients on dialysis are at a high risk of death due to vascular calcification. This study aimed at investigating the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on the vascular calcification biomarkers fetuin-A and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in patients with chronic renal failure who are undergoing hemodialysis. This prospective, open-label, controlled, parallel study included 60 hemodialysis patients who were randomized to receive either omega-3 fatty acids capsule along with their standard care of treatment (omega-3 group) or their standard care of treatment only (control group). Serum levels of fetuin-A, OPG, calcium, phosphorus, hemoglobin, parathyroid hormone, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), albumin, serum creatinine (SCr), and serum triglycerides (TG) were measured at baseline and after six months of intervention and follow-up of both groups. Significantly increased levels of fetuin-A and OPG (p < 0.001) were observed in the omega-3 group six months after the intervention compared with the control group. Levels of TG, albumin, SCr, BUN, phosphorous, calcium, hemoglobin, and parathyroid hormone were not significantly different in the omega-3 group compared with the control group after six months of intervention. Our study concluded that omega-3 may have a clinically beneficial effect in decreasing cardiovascular events by increasing the levels of the protective vascular calcification inhibitors fetuin-A and osteoprotegerin in chronic renal failure patients who are undergoing hemodialysis.

Evaluation of Vimentin and Some Biochemical Parameters in the Blood of Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients

Aim of the work: The aim of this study was to evaluate Vimentin, Fetuin-A, and lipoprotein(a) level in the sera of Acute myocardial Infarction (AMI) patients and to determine its relation with disease activity and severity. Patients and methods: Fifty one adult AMI patients (26 females and 27 males) and 41 healthy subjects (23 males and 18 females) matching age serving as the control group, were included in this study. Five milliliters of blood were collected from patients and controls, then centrifuged and the serum was separated and frozen as aliquots at -20 co until use. Measurement of the serum Vimentin, Fetuin-A, and lipoprotein(a) level in AMI patients and controls was done using the ELISA Kit. Results: Serum level of vimentin, and Lp(a)were significantly increased in AMI patient as compared to control group. Serum fetuin-A, albumin, and TP level in RA patient was significantly lower than control group. Hence present study concluded that vimentin, fetuin-A, and Lp(a) could be a useful marker for disease activity in AMI.

C-reactive protein, chemerin, fetuin-A and osteopontin as predictors of cardiovascular risks in persons with psoriasis vulgaris.

The study aimed to contribute to understanding the role of CRP, chemerin, fetuin-A and osteopontin and to assess their suitability as biomarkers of early stages of cardiovascular diseases in psoriasis vulgaris. Serum levels measured in 28 patients and 22 controls. Patients: increased levels of CRP (p<0.001), chemerin (p<0.05), osteopontin (p<0.05) and decreased levels of fetuin-A (p<0.05), significant relationships between CRP and fetuin-A (rho=0.530, p<0.01), CRP and chemerin (rho=0.543, p<0.01), CRP and age (rho=0.590, p<0.001), osteopontin and fetuin-A (r=-0.415, p<0.05), chemerin and PASI score (rho=-0.424, p<0.05). We confirmed specific roles of the biomarkers in psoriasis. CRP, fetuin-A and osteopontin could be considered appropriate markers for the detection of early stages of cardiovascular diseases.

Molecular and pathobiological involvement of fetuin-A in the pathogenesis of NAFLD.

The liver acts as a manufacturing unit for the production of fetuin-A, which is essential for various physiological characteristics. Scientific research has shown that a moderate upward push in fetuin-A serum levels is associated with a confirmed non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) diagnosis. Fetuin-A modulation is associated with a number of pathophysiological variables that cause liver problems, including insulin receptor signaling deficiencies, adipocyte dysfunction, hepatic inflammation, fibrosis, triacylglycerol production, macrophage invasion, and TLR4 activation. The focus of the present review is on the various molecular pathways, and genetic relevance of mRNA expression of fetuin-A which is correlated with progression of NAFLD. The other major area of exploration in the present review is based on the new targets for the modulation of fetuin-A, like calorie restriction and novel pharmacological agents, such as rosuvastatin, metformin, and pioglitazone which are successfully implicated in the management of various liver-related complications.

Regular Dietary Intake of Palmitate Causes Vascular and Valvular Calcification in a Rabbit Model.

Aims: Palmitic acid (PA) and oleic acid (OA) are two main dietary fatty acids. Dietary intake of PA has been associated with cardiovascular disease risk, and the effect of OA remains uncertain. Our study aimed to assess the effect of a short-term intake of lard, as source of PA and OA, on aorta and aortic valve.Methods and Results: Rabbits were fed with two lard-enriched diets, containing either elevated levels of PA or of both PA and OA as compared to chow diet. After 16 weeks of each diet, calcification was observed in the aortic intima and in the aortic valve. The extent of calcification did not differ between the two diets. In contrast, rabbits fed chow diet did not develop any calcification. In blood, PA enrichment resulted in decreased lymphocyte and monocyte counts and increased levels of hemoglobin and haematocrit. Levels of the calcification inhibitor fetuin-A were also diminished, whereas creatinine levels were raised. Of note, none of the diets changed cholesterol levels in LDL or HDL. Comprehensive quantitative lipidomics analysis identified diet-related changes in plasma lipids. Dietary PA enrichment led to a drop of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), in particular of linoleic acid in cholesteryl esters, triglycerides and diacylglycerols (DAG). Ratios of PA to 18-carbon PUFA in DAG were positively correlated with the extent of aortic valve calcification, and inversely with monocyte counts. PA content in blood correlated with aorta calcification.Conclusions: Regular dietary PA intake induces vascular and valvular calcification independently of traditional risk factors. Our findings raise awareness about PA-rich food consumption and its potential deleterious effect on cardiovascular health.

Evaluation of the effect of scaling and root planing on salivary and serum fetuin-A levels in patients with Stages II and III periodontitis.

Fetuin-A has garnered recognition in the etiopathogenesis of several systemic disorders. It has been recently acknowledged as an anti-inflammatory marker for periodontal disease. This study aimed to compare and correlate salivary and serum fetuin-A levels in health and patients with stages II-III periodontitis along with evaluating the effect of non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) on the same. Group 1 comprised of 30 healthy subjects. Group 2 embodied 30 patients with stages II-III periodontitis. Clinical periodontal parameters were recorded. Saliva and serum samples were assembled. Periodontitis patients received non-surgical periodontal treatment. They were recalled after 6 months, and collection of samples and recording of clinical parameters were reiterated. Fetuin-A levels were analyzed using ELISA. Salivary and serum fetuin-A levels were significantly lower in periodontitis patients when compared with the healthy subjects (P<0.001) at baseline. Their concentrations significantly upregulated 6 months after active periodontal therapy (P<0.001). Salivary fetuin-A levels revealed a significant positive correlation with their serum levels in Group 1 at baseline (P<0.001). They also displayed a positive correlation in Group 2 at baseline and 6 months post periodontal therapy, nevertheless failed to establish a statistically significant association. Our study concluded that salivary and serum fetuin-A levels diminished with increasing severity of periodontal inflammation, and NSPT remarkably improved their levels. They also displayed a significant positive correlation in health, and a non-significant, yet positive correlation in patients with periodontitis.