Nesfatin-1 Levels Research Articles

Nesfatin-1 as a potential marker for functional hypothalamic amenorrhea

Objective Nesfatin-1 plays an important role in regulating metabolism, appetite, gut motility, and eating behavior. It is suspected that abnormalities in nesfatin-1 secretion may be involved in the development of anorexia nervosa, and as such, this study aims to investigate the “circumstances of” nesfatin-1 in patients with functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA). Materials and Methods One hundred and forty-seven patients with FHA were enrolled to the present study. A control group consisting of 88 healthy, age-matched subjects was used. Both study and control groups had blood samples drawn to establish baseline serum concentrations of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, estradiol, prolactin, thyroid-stimulating hormone, fT4, morning cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, testosterone, glucose, and insulin. Nesfatin-1 was also measured with the use of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Patients with FHA were found to have a significantly decreased concentration of serum nesfatin-1 when compared to healthy controls (6.21 ± 4.79 vs. 8.64 ± 6.63 respectively, p = 0.005). No statistically significant difference in nesfatin-1 levels was found between patients with normal and decreased BMI in the FHA group. Significant positive correlation was observed between serum nesfatin-1 concentration and 17-β-estradiol, while a significant negative correlation was observed between serum nesfatin-1 concentration and patient age, fasting glucose, and HDL levels. Conclusions This is the first known study to examine nesfatin-1 concentration in the context of clinical FHA. Patients with FHA were found to have decreased serum nesfatin-1 concentrations. This finding may prove instrumental in our future approach managing patients with FHA.

Insulin Resistance and Other Adipokines as Clinical Predictors of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus among Pregnant Women

BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has a strong relationship with an increased risk of maternal and perinatal complications. However, in Basrah, Iraq, studies regarding GDM are still limited. In current study, we aimed to investigate the association between insulin resistance and some clinical predictors of GDM among pregnant women in 1st and 3rd trimesters of gestation.METHODS: This case-control study was conducted on 44 pregnant women with GDM and 45 without GDM aged 20 to 40 years who applied for GDM screening during the first (9-13 week) and third trimester (24-28 week) of pregnancy. Demographics, blood glucose, HbA1c, insulin, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), spexin, nesfatin-1, orexin-A, vaspin and lipid profile levels were compared between groups.RESULTS: Subjects with GDM showed a higher level of glucose, insulin HOMA-IR, HbA1c, spexin, vaspin in the first and third trimesters of pregnancy (p<0.01) compared to the healthy subjects. Meanwhile in the first and third trimester, subjects with GDM showed significantly lower level of nesfatin-1 and orexin-A compare to the control. In third trimester, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) outcomes for fasting glucose at 1 hour, 2 hours, and 3 hours after glucose load were significantly higher (p<0.01). According to the area under the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve (AUC) findings, HOMA-IR, spexin, and vaspin may be more effective predictors biomarkers for GDM in pregnant subjects, while orexin-A and nesfatin-1 were ineffective.CONCLUSION: The correlation of insulin resistance and adipokines in the first and thrid trimester was not significantly different, which may cast new light on the possible role as an etiological cause of GDM and might be a better monitoring parameter in women with GDM. KEYWORDS: gestational diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance, vaspin, spexin, orexin-A, nesfatin-1

The relationship between Vaspin, Nesfatin-1 plasma levels and presence of fragmented QRS with the severity of coronary atherosclerosis

PurposeDespite continuous efforts to address classical risk factors for atherosclerosis, the battle to control the disease is far from over and atherosclerosis is still a major factor in all-cause mortality. To investigate the relations between early diagnosis and severity of coronary atherosclerosis we examined vaspin and nesfatin-1 levels, and the presence of fragmented QRS (fQRS) in admission electrocardiograms. Materials and methodsWe divided 168 patients into asymptomatic control (18%), <50% coronary artery stenosis (28%), >50% stenosis (31%) and myocardial infarction (MI) (23%) groups. Patients were also evaluated in anatomically significant (>50%stenosis ​+ ​MI) and non-significant atherosclerosis (control+<50%stenosis) groups. Vaspin and nesfatin-1 levels were measured using ELISA methods. ResultsVaspin in MI and >50% stenosis groups was lower than in other groups (p ​< ​0.001). Nesfatin-1 in MI and >50% stenosis groups was lower only than in <50%stenosis group (p0.007). The presence of fQRS was higher in MI and >50% stenosis groups than other groups (p ​< ​0.001). In the anatomically significant atherosclerosis group, vaspin, nesfatin-1 and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) values were lower while Gensini score and the presence of fQRS were higher (for all p ​< ​0.001). Lower vaspin levels and fQRS were related to in-hospital mortality (p ​< ​0.001 and p ​= ​0.02,respectively). Logistic regression analysis showed that male gender, diabetes mellitus, smoking, family history, lower LVEF, lower vaspin and fQRS were defined as independent risk factors for anatomically significant atherosclerosis (p ​= ​0.001). ConclusionsOur results indicate that low vaspin and fQRS were found to be novel independent risk factors for anatomically significant atherosclerosis and were predictors of mortality.

Influence of circulating nesfatin-1, GSH and SOD on insulin secretion in the development of T2DM.

AimsTo evaluate the correlation of nesfatin-1, GSH and SOD levels with β-cell insulin secretion and their influence on insulin secretion in the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Materials and methods75 patients with T2DM, 67 with prediabetes and 37 heathy participants were recruited in this study. Serum levels of nesfatin-1, GSH and SOD were quantified and statistically analyzed.ResultsThe levels of nesfatin-1, GSH and SOD in T2DM were significantly decreased (P < 0.001) compared to either in prediabetes or in healthy control, and significant reduction of these biomarkers was also observed in prediabetes when compared to the control (P < 0.001). Circulating nesfatin-1, GSH and SOD were not only strongly correlated with β-cell insulin secretion, but also exerted remarkable influence on the secretion.ConclusionSerum nesfatin-1, GSH and SOD are important factors involving insulin secretion in the development of T2DM, which may help provide new ideas for forthcoming investigations on the roles of these factors in pathogenesis of T2DM, as well as for active prediction and prevention of prediabetes before it develops into overt T2DM.

Serum nesfatin-1 level in men with diabetes and erectile dysfunction correlates with generalized anxiety disorder-7: A prospective comparative study.

Current studies have suggested a close link between nesfatin-1, an appetite-related neuropeptide and gonadal hormones. We investigated the association between nesfatin-1 serum level and erectile dysfunction severity in men with diabetes as well as the generalized anxiety disorder-7 questionnaire, the patient health questionnaire-9, serum testosterone, kidney and liver functions, glycated haemoglobin and lipid profile. Seventy-five participants between 30 and 60 years were enrolled, 25 erectile dysfunction patients with type 2 diabetes (group I), 21 with diabetes and preserved erectile function (group II) and 29 healthy controls (group III). Erectile dysfunction status and severity were determined by the Arabic version of the international index of erectile function-5 for all the participants. Psychological wellbeing was checked by the generalized anxiety disorder-7 questionnaire and the patient health questionnaire-9. Finally, participants were evaluated for serum nesfatin-1, serum testosterone, kidney and liver functions, glycated haemoglobin and lipid profile. Serum nesfatin-1 levels were significantly lower in groups I and II compared to the controls. The international index of erectile function-5 scores had shown significant correlations with serum nesfatin-1, serum testosterone, generalized anxiety disorder-7, patient health questionnaire-9, diastolic blood pressure, glycated haemoglobin, triglycerides, creatinine and albumin/creatinine ratio. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that serum nesfatin-1 ≥ 0.62 ng/ml, serum testosterone ≥2.9 ng/ml, generalized anxiety disorder-7 score ≥7.5, patient health questionnaire-9 score ≥5, glycated hemoglobin ≥6.4%, triglycerides ≥ 144mg/dl, creatinine ≥ 0.85mg/dl and albumin/creatinine ratio ≥ 26.5 are useful predictors of erectile dysfunction in men with type 2 diabetes, and the area under the curve for those variables was respectively 0.83, 0.76, 1, 0.75, 0.88, 0.72, 0.67 and 0.77. Finally, a linear regression analysis revealed that generalized anxiety disorder-7 was the only strong independent predictor of the international index of erectile function-5 (p<0.001). Nesfatin-1 can be used as a biomarker for the severity of anxiety in erectile dysfunction patients with diabetes. Use of this molecule in treatment of diabetes and erectile dysfunction should be strengthened by larger studies. Psychiatric care must be offered to patients with diabetes and erectile dysfunction and low serum nesfatin-1 as they experience intense anxiety and depression.

Association of nesfatin-1 levels and bone remodeling markers in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Aim. To evaluate the association of nesfatin-1 (NF-1) levels and bone remodeling markers in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Materials and methods. 110 patients (105 women and 5 men) with RA, classified by ACR/EULAR 2010 criteria were enrolled in our study. All patients undergone complete clinical and laboratory examination. NF-1 serum levels were determined using a commercial test-systems (RayBio® Nesfatin Enzyme Immunoassay [EIA] Kit). Statistical analysis was performed using a software package Statistica 12.0. The results were considered statistically significant at p &lt; 0.050.Results. Significant positive correlation was determined between serum NF-1 levels and Intact N-Terminal Propeptide of Type 1 Procollagen (P1NP) levels (r = 0.218; p = 0.022). Serum NF-1 levels were not associated with bone mineral density in lumbar spine and femur. Serum NF-1 levels didn't correlate with body composition indices and Beta-CrossLaps levels. Patients with osteoporosis (n = 53) and osteoporotic fractures (n = 25) had statistically significant higher levels of NF-1 (Z = –2.060; p = 0.040 и Z = –2.370; p = 0.017 respectively). However, serum NF-1 levels didn’t correlate with cumulative dose of glucocorticoids (ρ = 0.090; p = 0.368) and the duration of glucocorticoids intake (ρ = 0.070; p = 0.462).Conclusions. In our study, we determined the significant positive correlation between NF-1 and P1NP levels, supposingly due to NF-1 possible effect on the osteoblasts differentiation and function. Patients with osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures had higher median blood serum levels of NF-1.

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN CHRONIC AUTOIMMUNE THYROIDITIS AND NESFATIN-1 LEVELS

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate relationship between nesfatin-1 levels and thyroid autoimmunity in cases with chronic thyroiditis.MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 49 consecutive premenopausal women with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and, age and body mass index (BMI)-matched 23 healthy female subjects were included in this cross-sectional comparative study. Levels of nesfatin-1, fasting and postprandial blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting insulin, cholesterol, free thyroxine (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), thyrotropin (TSH), anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (anti-TPO) and anti-thyroglobulin antibody (anti-TG) were obtained for all cases. Additionally homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and BMI was calculated and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) was measured for each case.RESULTS: The mean age of the group with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis was 35.5±8.1 years and of the healthy controls was 33.2±7.1 years old (p=0.324). BMI and WHR were similar between the groups (p=0.239 and p=0.317). TSH, anti-TPO and anti-TG levels were significantly higher in cases with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (p=0.023, p&amp;lt;0.001 and p&amp;lt;0.001). Triglyceride levels were higher in the patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis at the limit of statistical significance (p=0.05). Nesfatin levels were not different statistically in between two groups [0.4 (0.39-0.43) , 0.39 (0.39-0.39) ng/ml;p=0.329].CONCLUSIONS: Alterations in thyroid hormones or autoimmunity in chronic autoimmune thyroditis may not alter nesfatin-1 levels. Different mechanisms, other than nesfatin-1, may be responsible for changes in satiety and energy expenditure in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

Nesfatin-1, Dopamine, and NADPH levels in Infertile Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Is There a Relationship Between Their Levels and Metabolic and Hormonal Variables.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is commonest endocrine disease occurring in women of reproductive age. This study conducted to clarify altered concentrations of Nesfatin-1, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), and dopamine in PCOS women and controls. Also, to assess their role in PCOS pathophysiology and their correlation with measured biochemical parameters. In this observational study, 60 PCOS patients and 24 controls included. Medical history was recorded and full examinations were done. Serum concentrations of lipid profile, fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting insulin (FSI), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin, testosterone, progesterone, estradiol, Nesfatin-1, dopamine, and NADPH were measured by ELISA kits. Values were analyzed using unpaired t-test and Pearson Chi-square test. The p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. In this study, there was significantly elevated waist hip ratio (WHR) and body mass index (BMI) in PCOS patients versus controls (p<0.0001 and p=0.014). There was significant increase in FSH, LH, prolactin, estradiol, testosterone, Nesfatin-1, and dopamine (p=0.021, p=0.015, p<0.0001, p<0.0001, p=0.006, p=0.017, p< 0.0001) and decrease of NADPH (p<0.0001) in PCOS patients. There were significant positive correlations between Nesfatin-1, prolactin, and dopamine levels. Also, there was significant positive correlation between dopamine and BMI, FSI, FSH, LH, estradiol, and prolactin levels; however, significant negative correlations observed between NADPH and BMI, FSI, estradiol, and prolactin levels. Elevated serum Nesfatin-1 concentrations and their association with hyperprolactinemia indicate that they have a role in PCOS pathophysiology. Moreover, elevated dopamine and decreased NADPH concentrations could play role in PCOS pathogenesis.

Correlation of Blood Glucose and Pancreatic Islet Function with Serum Retinol-Binding Protein 4, Serum Cystatin C, and Human New Satiety Molecule Protein-1 in Pregnant Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

Objective To investigate the correlation of blood glucose and islet function with serum retinol-binding protein 4, serum cystatin C, and nesfatin-1 levels in women with gestational diabetes mellitus. Methods Between June 2018 and June 2020, 70 patients with gestational diabetes mellitus were included in a study group and 70 healthy pregnant women were recruited into a healthy group. Alterations in fasting blood glucose (FPG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting serum insulin (FINS), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), serum retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4), serum cystatin C (CysC), and nesfatin-1 of all eligible participants were analyzed, and the occurrence of complications was recorded. Correlation analysis of serum RBP4, serum CysC, and nesfatin-1 levels with blood glucose and islet function in women with gestational diabetes mellitus was performed. Results Gestational diabetes mellitus was associated with significantly higher levels of FPG, HbA1c, and HOMA-IR and lower levels of FINS (6.58 ± 1.41, 9.24 ± 1.09, 3.21 ± 2.03, 8.23 ± 2.21) versus a healthy condition (5.23 ± 0.85, 7.61 ± 0.67, 2.42 ± 1.14, 10.54 ± 2.15) (P < 0.05). Women with gestational diabetes mellitus showed significantly higher levels of serum RBP4, serum CysC, and nesfatin-1 (62.45 ± 7.86, 1.95 ± 0.59, 2.65 ± 0.49) versus healthy pregnant women (45.48 ± 6.15, 1.03 ± 0.67, 1.42 ± 0.62) (P < 0.05). With serum RBP4, serum CysC, and nesfatin-1 as dependent variables, univariate correlation analysis showed that serum RBP4, serum CysC, and nesfatin-1 levels were positively correlated with FPG and HbA1c levels and HOMA-IR, and negatively correlated with FINS in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (P < 0.05). Gestational diabetes mellitus resulted in a significantly higher incidence of preterm delivery, cesarean section, excess amniotic fluid, and premature rupture of membranes versus a healthy status (P < 0.05). Conclusion Glucose metabolism and islet function in women with gestational diabetes are significantly correlated with serum RBP4, serum CysC, and nesfatin-1 levels, which shows great potential for the prevention and treatment of gestational diabetes mellitus and perinatal complications.

Downregulation of nesfatin-1 expression in acute kidney injury in vivo in wistar rats and in vitro in cultured cells

AimsAcute kidney injury (AKI) is a debilitating condition followed by sudden kidney damage or failure within hours or days of its occurrence. AKI is characterized by rapid increase in serum creatinine/BUN and decrease in urine output. Nesfatin-1 is an endogenous peptide reported to possess anorexic, antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties. Although few clinical studies have shown altered nesfatin-1 levels in hemodialysis patients, however, there are no reports investigating the distribution and expression pattern of nesfatin-1 in AKI. Materials and methodsNesfatin-1 expression was determined in different disease induced models of AKI by immunoblotting, immunofluorescence and RT-PCR. Gene markers of oxidative stress and inflammation were determined by RT-PCR. The expression of different markers of AKI was measured by assay kits and RT-PCR analysis. Key findingsThere was a significant increase in serum levels of creatinine and BUN in AKI rats followed by significant increase in KIM-1 in the kidneys. Significant decrease in nesfatin-1 expression along with increased expression of IL-1β, TNF-α and decreased expression of SOD and catalase was observed in doxorubicin and cisplatin induced AKI rats. However, SOD and catalase expression were upregulated in glycerol induced AKI rats. Moreover, in vitro treatment of renal NRK-52E epithelial cells with nesfatin-1 reversed the changes induced by doxorubicin. SignificanceOur study reports for the first time, nesfatin-1 expression is decreased in kidneys of different models of AKI induced rats as well as cultured NRK-52E renal epithelial cells. Further studies are required to understand the possible molecular mechanism and therapeutic potential of nesfatin-1 in acute kidney injury.

Leptin, ghrelin, nesfatin-1, and orexin-A plasma levels in girls with premature thelarche.

Reducing the mean age of puberty onset in recent years has crucial public health, clinical, and social implications. This study aimed to evaluate the serum levels of appetite-related peptides (leptin, ghrelin, nesfatin-1, and orexin-A) and anthropometric data in girls with premature thelarche (PT). We enrolled 44 girls aged 4-8years diagnosed with PT and 33 age-matched healthy girls as controls. The demographic data of the girls were obtained using a questionnaire. Anthropometric data were measured and fasting blood samples were collected. Body weight, height, body mass index (BMI), body fat mass, and basal metabolic rate (BMR) were higher in the PT group than in the control group (p < 0.05). Serum leptin (p < 0.001), nesfatin-1 (p = 0.001), and orxein-A (p < 0.001) levels were significantly higher in the PT group than in healthy controls. However, there were no significant differences in the serum ghrelin levels between the groups (p > 0.05). The results of multivariate logistic regression revealed that serum leptin level (OR (95% CI): 42.0 (10.91, 173.06), p < 0.001), orexin-A (OR (95% CI): 1.14 (1.04, 1.24), p = 0.006), and BMI for age z-score (OR (95% CI): 6.97 (1.47, 33.4), p = 0.014) elevated the risk of incidence of PT at 4-8 girls. These results suggest that in addition to serum leptin levels, serum orexin-A and nesaftin-1 can take part in the initiation of PT. Few studies have investigated the relationship between nesfatin-1 and orexin-A levels and age at onset of puberty; hence, it should be a subject for future studies.

The Effect of Aerobic Training and Spirulina on Nesfatin-1 and Peptide YY in Overweight Elderly Men: A randomized trial

Background and purpose: Research has shown that aging affects appetite and energy intake. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of aerobic training (AT) and spirulina (SP) on Nesfatin-1 and Peptide YY (PYY) in overweight elderly men.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial study, 32 overweight elderly men (age 57.50±4.84 years, Body mass index: BMI 26.90±2.85 kg/m2) in public and administrative centers of Bandar-e-Anzali were selected and randomly divided into four groups including Overweight (OW), Overweight-Aerobic Training (OWAT), Overweight-Spirulina (OWSP), and Overweight-Aerobic Training -Spirulina (OWATSP). AT, including running on treadmill was performed three sessions per week with intensity of 70 - 85% of maximum heart rate for eight weeks. The groups of OWSP and OWATSP were provided two 500 mg SP tablets daily in the morning and evening. Serum Nesfatin-1 and PYY levels were measured using the kit and ELISA method. Data were tested using independent samples t-test and ANCOVA at a significance level of p &lt;0.05&#x0D; Results: Mean weight and BMI in the groups of aerobic exercise, spirulina and exercise- spirulina decreased significantly (P&lt;0.05). The results showed that exercise, spirulina and exercise-spirulina caused a significant increase in Nesfatin-1 and Peptide YY compared to the pretest and control group (P=0.001). Also, the Nesfatin-1 and Peptide YY level of the exercise- spirulina group was significantly higher than the spirulina group (P=0.003). &#x0D; Conclusion: AT intervention and daily intake of SP supplement were associated with increase in hormones affecting appetite. It was then recommended that overweight and obese elderly people use this effective combination strategy for its benefits.

Nesfatin-1 - as a diagnosis regulatory peptide in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

One of the most common metabolic diseases, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), is caused by a combination of two basic factors: insufficient insulin secretion by pancreatic -cells or a failure of insulin-sensitive tissues to respond adequately to insulin. The aim of this paper was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of serum nesfatin-1 in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Sixty patients with T2DM were recruited from (Baquba Teaching Hospital) in Iraq during the period (from November 2021 - March 2022). T2DM group was classified into 30 newly diagnosis patients (without treatment) and 30 ongoing diabetic patients (with treatment) for comparison, as well 30 healthy individuals were included as a control. The ELISA Kit was used to measure serum nesfatin-1 and serum insulin, fasting serum glucose, and lipid profile test were measured through spectrophotometric, instead of HbA1c was determined using HPLC method. The concentration of serum nesfatin-1 in the T2DM group was significantly lower than that of the healthy subjects (p < 0.05). There was a significant difference in the serum nestafin-1 concentrations between newly diagnosis and ongoing T2DM patients. There were substantial negative connections between serum Nesfatin-1 concentration and HOMA-IR, as well as strong negative correlations between serum nesfatin-1 and serum insulin level. The concentration of serum Nesfatin-1, on the other hand, had no significant association with the anthropometries measurements and biochemical parameters. The area under the curve was excellent (AUC = 0.827, p = 0.0001), with high diagnostic accuracy (86.2) in differentiating newly diagnosis T2DM from the healthy subject group. Nesfatin-1 levels in the sera of diabetic patients was shown to be lower and nesfatin-1 levels were shown to be significantly linked to newly diagnosed patients.

Effects of Modified Electroconvulsive Therapy on Serum Cortisol, Nesfatin-1, and Pro-inflammatory Cytokine Levels in Elderly Patients With Treatment-Resistant Depression.

AimModified electroconvulsive therapy (MECT) is an effective strategy for treatment-resistant depression (TRD); however, the mechanism underlying effects of MECT remains unclear. Accumulating evidence suggests that TRD is closely associated with dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, anorexigenic peptides, and pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, MECT effects on the HPA axis, anorexigenic peptides, and pro-inflammatory cytokines in elderly patients with TRD remain unclear. In this study, we investigated whether the HPA axis (cortisol), anorexigenic peptides (nesfatin-1), and pro-inflammatory cytokines (C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6, and interleukin-1β) are involved in the mechanism underlying MECT effects in elderly patients with TRD.MethodsElderly patients with TRD were enrolled in this study between December 2019 and October 2021; all patients underwent MECT after physical examination. Serum cortisol, nesfatin-1, and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels were measured before and after the first, third, and sixth MECT sessions. The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-24 (HAMD-24) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) were used to evaluate depression and cognitive impairment, respectively. We compared pre- and post-MECT serum cortisol, nesfatin-1, and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels to confirm the short-term effects of MECT on these serum indices. We compared these serum indices across three time points (before the first, third, and sixth MECT sessions) to determine the long-term effects of MECT on serum cortisol, nesfatin-1, and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels.ResultsWe observed no statistically significant changes in the pre- and post-MECT serum cortisol, nesfatin-1, or pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. No significant changes in serum cortisol, nesfatin-1, and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels were observed across the aforementioned time points. Moreover, there were no statistically significant sex-based differences in the aforementioned serum indices. Furthermore, the serum cortisol level was negatively correlated with the serum IL-6 level before and after the first MECT session in patients with high cortisol levels (> the 50th percentile value of all samples). Additionally, the post-MECT HAMD-24 and MMSE scores were significantly lower.ConclusionsMECT reduced depressive symptoms despite an adverse effect on cognition and had no significant effect on the serum cortisol, nesfatin-1, and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in elderly patients with TRD.

Comparative effectiveness of Hypericum perforatum, acupuncture, and lifestyle modification in the management of obesity: A randomized clinical trial

Introduction: Obesity is a burden on health which is managed in a multidisciplinary manner with lifestyle modification (LSM) and medication. Acupuncture may be promising although uncertain. Hypericum perforatum (HP) has been used in animal but not in human studies. We aimed to investigate the integrative effect of HP, acupuncture, and LSM in obesity management. Methods: In a blinded randomized trial in Iran, completed in 2018, 88 obese or overweight participants were assigned to 4 groups: A: HP + sham acupuncture + LSM; B: placebo + acupuncture + LSM; C: placebo+ sham acupuncture + LSM; D: HP+ acupuncture + LSM; 6 weeks treatment, 18 weeks follow up. The primary outcome was the change in BMI at week 2, 6 and 24 compared to baseline. The statistical analyses were performed using SAS University (PROC GLIMMIX) and SPSS 18 (Chicago, IL, USA) with a 2-sided P value of less than 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Of the eighty-eight enrolled participants, 82 were included in the analyses. No significant differences between the groups regarding anthropometric changes were noted. The appetite score (lower in A and B groups than C; P = 0.037; P = 0.049) and the mean (SD) serum nesfatin-1(in A vs. C, difference of 5.5 ng/dl; 95% CI, 3.7–7.3; P < 0.001; and in the B vs. C, difference of 7.6 ng/dl; 95% CI, 5.1–10.2; P < 0.001) changed significantly. Conclusions: Both HP and acupuncture added to the decreasing effect of LSM on appetite in obese and overweight subjects which might be related to increasing the nesfatin-1 level. Trial registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials; code no. IRCT201706107265N9; date: 2017-06-24.

Nesfatin-1 protects against diabetic cardiomyopathy in the streptozotocin-induced diabetic mouse model via the p38-MAPK pathway

ABSTRACT Nesfatin-1 is a novel anorexigenic peptide that possesses antihyperglycemic and cardiovascular effects. We hypothesized that nesfatin-1 has a beneficial protective effect against diabetic cardiomyopathy (DC). We investigated the therapeutic effect of nesfatin-1 on diabetes-associated cardiac dysfunction in the high-fat diet (HFD)/streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mouse model. We found that the cardiac nesfatin-1 level was lower in diabetic mice than in normal mice. Nesfatin-1 treatment (180 mg/kg/day for two weeks) improved insulin sensitivity and mitigated diabetic dyslipidemia. Nesfatin-1 ameliorated the diabetes-related myocardial hypertrophy and heart dysfunction, as revealed by the reduced hypertrophy index, heart rate, mean arterial pressure (MAP), creatine kinase (CK)-MB, and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels. Nesfatin-1 exerted antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in diabetic mice, as shown by decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS), oxidative lipid product malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH), decreased cardiac and plasma interleukin-1 β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels. Mechanistically, we found that nesfatin-1 inhibited the cardiac p38-MAPK pathway activation and subsequent glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) level. Collectively, our data shows nesfatin-1 exerted protective effects against diabetic cardiomyopathy. Our study suggests that nesfatin-1 therapy has therapeutic implications against diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Association between functional dyspepsia and serum levels of brain-gut peptides in children

To study the association between functional dyspepsia (FD) and serum levels of brain-gut peptides including calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), nesfatin-1, and ghrelin in children. A total of 38 children with FD who attended Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University from November 2019 to December 2020 were enrolled as the FD group. Thirty-four healthy children were enrolled as the control group. Serum samples were collected from all of the children. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure serum levels of CGRP, ghrelin, and nesfatin-1 for comparison between the two groups. The scores of clinical symptoms were determined for the children with FD. Spearman rank correlation analysis was used to investigate the correlation of symptom scores with the serum levels of brain-gut peptides. The FD group had significantly higher serum levels of nesfatin-1 and CGRP than the control group (P<0.05), while there was no significant difference in the serum level of ghrelin between the two groups (P>0.05). The serum level of nesfatin-1 was positively correlated with the symptom score of early satiety (rs=0.553, P<0.001), but was not significantly correlated with the total score of FD (rs=0.191, P=0.250). The serum level of CGRP was positively correlated with the scores of abdominal pain (rs=0.479, P=0.002) and belching (rs=0.619, P<0.001) and the total score of FD (rs=0.541, P<0.001). CGRP and nesfatin-1 may play an important role in the pathophysiological process of FD.

Altered levels of neurobiological biomarkers at the interface of depression and gestational diabetes mellitus in Asian Indian women

AimGestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) might predispose the mothers to depression. Studies have reported the role of biomarkers either in GDM or depression, but very few have examined them in GDM with depression. The present study profiled the circulating levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), Beta Endorphin (BE) and nesfatin-1 in women with GDM (with and without depression). Methods160 pregnant women at 24–28 weeks of pregnancy (NGT/GDM with & without depression, n = 40 each) were randomly selected from the ongoing STRiDE (STratification of Risk of Diabetes in Early pregnancy) study. Depression score was derived using PHQ-9 questionnaire and ELISA was used to quantify the biomarkers. ResultsCirculatory levels of BDNF, BE and nesfatin-1 were lower in GDM women with or without depression compared to NGT without depression, however, nesfatin-1 levels were higher in NGT with depression. Notably, GDM with depression had the lowest levels of BDNF and BE. Both BDNF and BE levels were negatively correlated with depression, 1 h and 2 h plasma glucose. Regression analysis confirmed that each standard deviation decreases in BDNF and BE were independently associated with higher odds of GDM with or without depression even after adjusting for potential confounders. ConclusionOur study has identified altered levels of a panel of neurobiological biomarkers (BDNF/BE/nesfatin-1) in those with combined GDM and depression. BDNF/BE could be potential biomarkers to assess the higher risk of coexisting depression and GDM.

Basal blood concentrations of some orexigenic and anorexigenic hormones in obese and nonobese individuals according to blood groups.

Obesity is a serious public health problem associated with excessive food intake. Regulation of food intake in highly organized organisms is under the control of a large number of orexigenic and anorexigenic molecules. Therefore, the main purpose of this study has been to determine the relationship between obesity and some of the circulating orexigenic and anorexigenic peptides that have a role in appetite control and to determine whether the concentrations of these molecules differ according to blood groups. The study included 400 individuals of whom 100 were obese women, 100 obese men, 100 healthy men and 100 healthy women. Obese women and men were divided into 4 groups, according to their blood groups. In the control group, healthy women and healthy men were similarly divided into 4 blood groups. Each blood group within the groups, therefore, had 25 participants. When leptin, nesfatin-1, obestatin and neuropeptide-Y, ghrelin and galanin levels of the control group and obese participants were compared, regardless of blood groups, leptin, nesfatin-1, obestatin and neuropeptide-Y were significantly higher, whereas only the ghrelin levels were significantly lower in obese patients. When the amounts of these hormones were measured according to gender, the situation was similar. When leptin, nesfatin-1, obestatin and neuropeptide-Y values of the control and obese participants' blood groups were compared with each other; these hormones were high in all blood groups; however, leptin levels in A blood group, nesfatin-1 levels in AB and O blood group, obestatin levels in AB blood group, neuropeptide-Y levels in A, B, AB blood groups were significantly higher. When the ghrelin levels of the blood groups in the control group and obese participants were compared, it was only significantly lower in the AB blood group. The ghrelin levels in the other blood groups of the obese individuals were again low, but not significantly so. When the distribution of hormones according to gender was evaluated, a situation parallel to the above results was recorded. Leptin, nesfatin-1, obestatin and neuropeptide-Y and galanin levels of obese individuals were significantly higher than the control values, whereas the ghrelin values were significantly lower regardless of blood groups. Also, these hormones in blood partly varied with ABO blood groups. These different concentrations of hormones in ABO blood groups might be related with stimulation or suppression of appetite in human. However, further studies in other ethnic groups are needed to confirm these results.

Serum Cortisol, Nesfatin-1, and IL-1β: Potential Diagnostic Biomarkers in Elderly Patients with Treatment-Resistant Depression.

AimTreatment-resistant depression (TRD) affects approximately 30% of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), especially elderly patients. As individuals with TRD are at an increased risk of committing suicide and pose a higher risk of relapse, early diagnostic biomarkers of TRD and a better understanding of the resistance mechanism are highly needed. This study aimed to determine whether serum cortisol, nesfatin-1, and pro-inflammatory cytokines can be used as biomarkers for the diagnosis of elderly patients with TRD.MethodsThirty elderly patients with TRD were selected as the TRD group. Thirty elderly patients with MDD who were effectively treated with conventional antidepressants were selected as the non-TRD group. The baseline levels of serum cortisol, nesfatin-1, and pro-inflammatory cytokines were measured and compared, and their diagnostic values were evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve method for discriminating patients with TRD from those without TRD.ResultsSerum cortisol, C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were significantly higher in the non-TRD and TRD groups than in the control group. Moreover, serum cortisol, CRP, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels in the TRD group were significantly lower than those in the non-TRD group. Furthermore, serum nesfatin-1 levels in the non-TRD group were significantly lower than those in the control and TRD groups, while the serum IL-1β levels in the non-TRD group were significantly higher than those in the control and TRD groups. Additionally, an ROC analysis revealed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.929 for the combination of nesfatin-1 and IL-1β and an AUC of 0.956 for the combination of cortisol, nesfatin-1, and IL-1β in discriminating elderly patients with TRD from those without non-TRD.ConclusionSerum cortisol, nesfatin-1, and IL-1β may be potential diagnostic biomarkers for discriminating elderly patients with TRD from those without TRD.