Plasma Chemerin Levels Research Articles

Associations Between Plasma Chemerin Concentrations and Bone Quality in Adults From the General Population.

Chemerin is an adipokine associated with parameters of inflammation and the metabolic syndrome. Small observational studies suggested that high circulating chemerin levels are also related to bone erosion. We aimed to determine whether plasma chemerin levels are related to bone quality in the general population and to investigate the influence of body mass index (BMI) on that relation. For our analyses, we obtained data from 3583 adults who participated in the population-based Study of Health in Pomerania-Trend. The participants were divided into three groups according to their BMI: lean (<25 kg/m2), overweight (25 to 30 kg/m2), and obese (≥30 kg/m2). Chemerin concentrations were determined in EDTA plasma. Bone quality was assessed using quantitative ultrasound at the heel. Broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA), speed of sound (SOS), stiffness index, and osteoporotic fracture risk were derived from this measurement. Sex- and BMI-specific linear regression models revealed inverse associations between chemerin levels and BUA in obese men. In obese women, inverse relations between chemerin levels and SOS or stiffness index were found. Logistic regression models revealed positive associations between chemerin levels and osteoporotic fracture risk. In lean or overweight subjects, no statistically significant associations were found. Our sex- and BMI-specific analyses showed that inverse associations between chemerin levels and bone quality are restricted to obese men and women. The observed association may be due to a chemerin-induced negative affect on bone metabolism, possibly due to abrogation of osteoblastogenesis or stimulation of adipogenesis.

Association of Circulating Chemerin With Subclinical Parameters of Atherosclerosis: Results of a Population-Based Study.

Chemerin has been shown to be associated with inflammation and metabolic syndrome, which are in turn leading risk factors for atherosclerosis. A few clinical studies have concentrated on the role of chemerin in atherosclerosis but revealed divergent findings. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association of plasma chemerin levels with different subclinical measurements of atherosclerosis in a population-based sample. Linear and logistic regression models with different atherosclerotic parameters as subclinical outcomes were applied to analyze data from 4003 subjects of the SHIP (Study of Health in Pomerania). After adjustment for metabolic and inflammatory parameters, these models revealed no association of chemerin with carotid intima-media thickness, carotid plaque, or carotid stenosis but a significant inverse association between chemerin and ankle-brachial index. In detail, logistic regression analysis showed that a 25-ng/mL increase in chemerin was associated with a 30% higher odd (95% confidence interval, 1.20-1.41) of having an ankle-brachial index value below the 25th age- and sex-specific quartile. Our analyses revealed a modest inverse association between chemerin and ankle-brachial index that remained consistent after adjustment for metabolic and inflammatory parameters. The association of chemerin with carotid intima-media thickness, carotid plaque, or carotid stenosis was not significant after adjustment for the same confounder set. The investigated subclinical atherosclerotic parameters are representative for the atherosclerotic burden of different arterial regions and different disease stages. Thus, our results might suggest that the value of chemerin as a marker of higher atherosclerotic risk differs depending on the affected arterial region and disease stage.

Food restriction but not fish oil increases fertility in hens: role of RARRES2?

Overfed hens selected for their rapid growth become fatter and develop reproductive disorders. Herein, we aimed to demonstrate that food restriction leading to a weight reduction and/or a supplementation with fish oil may be effective in preventing reproductive disorders through the regulation of adipokine expression in broiler hens. This study included four groups of food restricted (Rt) or ad libitum hens (Ad, feeding at a rate 1.7 times greater than Rt hens) supplemented or unsupplemented with fish oil (1%). The Rt diet significantly increased plasma chemerin (RARRES2) levels during the laying period, delayed sexual maturity by one week and improved egg quality and fertility. These effects were associated with higher progesterone production in response to IGF1 (or LH) in cultured granulosa cells and in vivo egg yolk, as compared with Ad hens. Fish oil supplementation had similar effects to the Rt diet on progesterone (P < 0.05), but without any effect on fertility. Using RT-PCR, we found that RARRES2 levels were lower in theca cells of Rt hens and NAMPT levels were increased by the fish oil supplementation. A significant positive correlation between RARRES2 expression in granulosa cells and the weight of F1 preovulatory follicle was observed, as well as a negative correlation of plasma RARRES2 levels with hatchability. Thus, food restriction but not fish oil supplementation improved fertility, and this was associated with variations in RARRES2 plasma and ovarian expression in hens.

Plasma Chemerin Levels Are Increased in ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients with High Thrombus Burden.

Objective To investigate plasma chemerin levels in ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients and find out possible relationships between plasma chemerin levels and angiographic characteristics. Patients and Methods Ninety-seven consecutive patients who presented with STEMI and underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with coronary stents were enrolled, and 30 age- and sex-matched patients with stable angina pectoris who underwent coronary angiography formed the control group. Angiographic characteristics of the patients including thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) thrombus and Gensini scores were noted. Blood samples were taken to detect several biochemical markers including plasma chemerin levels at the admission to hospital. Results Serum chemerin and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were significantly increased in patients with STEMI. Among STEMI patients, serum chemerin levels were significantly higher in patients with high thrombus burden (581.5 ± 173.7 versus 451.3 ± 101.2 mg/dL, p < 0.001). CRP levels and peak creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) levels were higher, and left ventricular ejection fraction and post-PCI TIMI flow were lower in patients with high thrombus burden. After multivariate analysis, serum chemerin levels were also higher in patients with high thrombus grade (odds ratio: 1.009 (1.005–1.014), p < 0.001). Besides, serum chemerin levels were also found to be significantly correlated with CRP (r=0.47, p < 0.001) and peak CK-MB (r=0.376, p < 0.001) levels. Conclusions Results from our study have demonstrated for the first time that chemerin levels were higher in STEMI patients with greater thrombus burden and higher level of inflammation.

Relationship of circulating chemerin and omentin levels with Th17 and Th9 cell immune responses in patients with asthma

ABSTRACTObjective: Adipokines are correlated with immune responses in asthma, but data on the roles of chemerin and omentin in asthma are limited. This study explored the relationship of chemerin and omentin levels with Th17 and Th9 cells in asthma. Methods: Seventy-six asthmatics were divided into intermittent-to-mild persistent (n = 28), moderate persistent (n = 26) and severe persistent (n = 22) and were enrolled in the study. Additionally, 20 healthy subjects were enrolled as controls. Clinical characteristics of the subjects, the Asthma Control Test, lung function, fractional exhaled nitric oxide score, and plasma chemerin and omentin levels were evaluated, and the percentages of Th17 and Th9 cells were determined by flow cytometry. Results: The percentages of Th17 and Th9 cells were higher in the moderate-to-severe persistent asthmatics than in the intermittent-to-mild persistent asthmatics or healthy controls (p < 0.05). The severe persistent asthma group had a higher chemerin level but lower omentin levels than the control group (p < 0.05). Chemerin levels were positively correlated with Th17 and Th9 cell percentages, while omentin levels were negatively correlated with Th17 and Th9 cell percentages (p < 0.01). Conclusions: The regulatory functions of adipokines on immune responses may be associated with pathogenesis and processes of asthma.

Abstract P102: Liver Acquitted, Fat Indicted: Hepatic Chemerin Knockdown Does Not Reduce Blood Pressure While Whole-body Knockdown Does

Chemerin is an inflammatory adipokine positively associated with hypertension and obesity with the majority of chemerin thought to derive from the liver and adipose tissue. The contributions of liver-derived chemerin to plasma chemerin levels and blood pressure regulation are unknown. We compared whole-body vs liver chemerin inhibition using antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) with liver-restricted activity (GalNAc) or liver and fat activity (Gen 2.5). We hypothesized that in normotensive male SD rats, circulating chemerin is predominately liver-derived and regulates blood pressure. A scrambled ASO control and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) were used as controls and radiotelemetry was used to monitor blood pressure. Baseline mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) was recorded for one week, beginning 5 days after surgery to establish a baseline. ASOs were given weekly by subcutaneous injections for four weeks. Two days after the final injection, animals were sacrificed for tissue RT-PCR and plasma chemerin measurements using Western analysis. Gen 2.5 chemerin ASO treatments (compared to PBS control) reduced chemerin mRNA in liver, retroperitoneal fat, and mesenteric perivascular adipose tissue (mPVAT) by 99.5% ± 0.1%, 95.2% ± 0.3%, and 69% ± 2%, respectively, and plasma chemerin was reduced to undetectable levels. GalNAc chemerin ASO treatments (compared to PBS control) reduced chemerin mRNA in liver by 97.9% but had no effect on chemerin expression in retroperitoneal fat and mPVAT; plasma chemerin was reduced by 90% ± 5%. Gen 2.5 chemerin ASO treatment reduced MAP, which reached a nadir of 7 ± 2.1 mmHg 48 – 72 hours after each dose compared to the scrambled ASO controls. By contrast, MAP was unchanged in animals receiving the GalNAc chemerin ASO. Thus, although most circulating chemerin is liver-derived, plasma chemerin does not play a role in blood pressure regulation. This study suggests that while chemerin is still generally associated with increased blood pressure, circulating chemerin levels cannot directly predict this effect. In addition, local effects of chemerin from fat may explain this discrepancy and support chemerin’s association with both hypertension and obesity.

Abstract 497: Sex Differences in the Relationship Between Pro-Inflammatory Adipokines, Chemerin and Resistin, and Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaque Instability

Introduction: Sex differences in plaque morphology and composition exist; men develop more unstable plaques than women. Yet, stroke kills more women than men. Despite these differences, no sex-specific guidelines for carotid disease management exist. Thus, markers that reflect sex-specific morphological features in the plaque should be explored for better prediction of stroke risk. Pro-inflammatory adipokines, chemerin and resistin, influence vascular function. Herein we are the first to investigate sex differences in the relationship between carotid plaque instability and the expression of these adipokines. Methods: Subjects with ≥50% carotid stenosis scheduled for a carotid endarterectomy were recruited from McGill-affiliated hospitals. Pre-operative plasma chemerin and resistin levels were measured using ELISA. Stability of carotid plaque specimens was assessed by two gold standard histological classifications. Stable and unstable plaques were immunostained for chemerin, chemerin’s receptor (ChemR23), and resistin. Digital and semi-quantifications assessed the % area of expression as well as staining intensity (mild to high) and % of positively stained macrophages/foam cells. Plaque mRNA expression was assessed by quantitative PCR. Sex-hormone analyses are ongoing. Results: Men (n=171) had more unstable plaque features, i.e., greater hemorrhage (P=0.022), lipid core size (P&lt;0.001), inflammation (P=0.007), cap infiltration (P=0.006), and less fibrous tissue (P&lt;0.001) than women (n=79). Circulating chemerin and resistin levels were similar between men and women and no sex differences were observed in relation to plaque instability. The % area of chemerin and resistin staining in the plaque was greater in unstable vs stable plaques in men only (P=0.040; P=0.005, respectively). Similarly, greater intensity in chemerin, ChemR23, and resistin staining was associated with plaque instability in men only (P&lt;0.001; P=0.013; P=0.033, respectively). In contrast, lower resistin plaque mRNA expression was associated with plaque instability in women only (P=0.040). Conclusion: Our results suggest the possibility of a sex-dependent regulatory mechanism underlying the connection between these adipokines and plaque instability.

The Effects on Obesity Related Peptides of Laparoscopic Gastric Band Applications in Morbidly Obese Patients

ABSTRACTBackground: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between weight loss and resistin, apelin, chemerin, and visfatin after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB). Methods: The study group consisted of 19 patients who were operated on for morbid obesity (BMI: 48.7 ± 6.6 kg/m2), and 22 healthy, normal-weight (BMI: 22.9 ± 2.5 kg/m2) subjects formed the control group. We obtained blood samples from the study subjects at three different times: before undergoing surgery and at one month and 6 months after surgery. Blood was obtained once from the control group. Results: Significant weight loss was achieved at one and 6 months after surgery. Plasma levels of apelin, resistin, chemerin, and visfatin were higher in morbidly obese patients compared with the control group. Obesity-related peptides decreased one month and 6 months after surgery. Conclusions: Elevated plasma resistin, apelin, chemerin, and visfatin levels in morbidly obese patients are gradually reduced after weight loss. According to these findings, LAGB surgery is found to be an important and efficient means for morbidly obese patients both to lose weight and to develop a better metabolic risk profile in a short time period.

Plasma levels of adipokines in systemic lupus erythematosus patients

ObjectiveTo evaluate the plasma levels of six adipokines, including chemerin, omentin-1, lipocalin-2, cathepsin-S, cathepsin-L and adipsin, in patients with SLE. MethodsNinety SLE patients and ninety control subjects were recruited, plasma adipokines levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and their associations with major clinical and laboratory indexes were analyzed. ResultsThere were no significant differences in plasma chemerin, omentin-1, lipocalin-2, cathepsin-S, cathepsin-L and adipsin levels between SLE patients and controls. Further subgroup analyses by major clinical and laboratory indexes showed that plasma omentin-1 level was significantly lower in SLE patients without nephritis when compared with those patients with nephritis (P=0.002). Plasma chemerin, cathepsin-S levels in SLE patients without nervous system disorder were significantly lower in comparison with SLE patients with nervous system disorder (P=0.035, P=0.029). No significant associations of other adipokines with any major clinical and laboratory indexes were observed. ConclusionsPlasma levels of chemerin, omentin-1, lipocalin-2, cathepsin-S, cathepsin-L and adipsin in SLE patients were not markedly different from the normal controls. The presence of nephritis was connected with higher plasma omentin-1 levels in SLE patients, and the presence of nervous system disorder was associated with higher plasma chemerin, cathepsin-S levels in SLE patients. However, functional studies are awaited to further explore the potential roles of these cytokines in SLE.

Plasma level of chemerin in COPD patients and the relationship between chemerin and lipid metabolism

To explore the change of plasma level of chemerin in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients and its relationship with lipid metabolism. A total of 150 COPD patients were randomly selected and set as the COPD group and 30 healthy persons were set as the control group. The COPD group was further divided into a thin group (BMI<18.5 kg/m2, n=116) and a normal weight group (BMI≥18.5 kg/m2, n=34) according to their body mass index (BMI). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) was used in detection of plasma chemerin, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). The hospitalization rate in a half year and the mortality was statistically analyzed. Pearson correlation analysis was applied to analyze the relationship between plasma level of chemerin and levels of blood lipids, and Spearman rank correlation method was used to analyze the relationship between the plasma levels of chemerin or lipids and the prognosis. Compared with the control group, plasma levels of TC, TG and HDL in the COPD group in acute exacerbation and remission stage were reduced, while plasma levels of chemerin and LDL was elevated; compared with the thin group, plasma levels of TC, TG and HDL in the normal weight group were elevated, while plasma levels of chemerin and LDL were decreased. The hospitalization rate in half year and the mortality in the thin group were higher than that in the normal weight group, and the plasma levels of TC, TG and HDL in the COPD patients with hospitalization in half year or death were lower than that in COPD patients without hospitalization, while the plasma levels of chemerin and LDL was increased (P<0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed that plasma level of chemerin in COPD patients was negatively correlated with plasma levels of TC, TG and HDL (r=-0.695, -0.748, -0.695, P<0.05), while positively correlated with plasma levels of LDL (r=0.668, P<0.05). Spearman rank correlation analysis showed that plasma levels of TC, TG and HDL in COPD patients and hospitalization rate in half year as well as the mortality were negatively correlated (TC: r=-0.716, -0.737; TG: r=-0.748, -0.753; HDL: r= -0.736, -0.728, P<0.05), while the plasma level of chemerin or LDL and hospitalization rate in half year and the mortality were positively correlated (chemerin: r=0.753, 0.766; LDL: r=0.742, 0.755, P<0.05). Plasma levels of chemerin in the COPD patients are correlated with lipid metabolism. Plasma levels of chemerin and lipid are related to prognosis of COPD. The plasma levels of chemerin in patients with COPD may reflect the lipid metabolism and could be served as the index for prognostic evaluation.

Changes in four plasma adipokines before and after sleep in OSAS patients.

This study aimed to investigate whether plasma levels of four adipokines (chemerin, macrophage migratory inhibitory factor [MIF], visceral adipose tissue-derived serine protease inhibitor [vaspin] and chemokine CXCL5) are associated with the presence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in patients. A total of 58 male patients with OSAS and 16 healthy male subjects were enrolled in this study. Four plasma adipokines (chemerin, MIF, vaspin and chemokine CXCL5) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in severe OSAS patients than in the control group after polysomnography. Plasma levels of these four adipokines were higher (P < 0.05) after sleep than before sleep. These levels were also associated with anthropometric measurements for BMI, neck circumference, body fat percentage, sleep parameters including the apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) and minimum SaO2 %. Multiple regression analyses showed that BMI, AHI and mean SaO2 % were major factors affecting the four plasma adipokine levels in OSAS patients. Plasma chemerin, MIF, vaspin and chemokine CXCL5 levels were severely elevated with OSAS, and were also connected with obesity.

Independent Association of Circulating Level of Chemerin With Functional and Early Morphological Vascular Changes in Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetic Patients.

There is growing evidence that chemerin, a novel adipokine elevated in obesity and metabolic syndromes, plays a crucial role in advanced atherosclerosis. This study aimed to determine the chemerin levels in diabetes and evaluate the effects of increased chemerin on early atherosclerosis.A total of 245 newly diagnosed diabetic patients and 148 age-matched, healthy, normal glucose tolerant (NGT) controls were enrolled. Anthropometric measurements and plasma parameters were examined, including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, blood pressure, glucose, lipid profiles, inflammation markers, adipokines, and cell adhesion molecules. Vascular healthy was measured with brachial flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT).Compared with NGT controls, plasma chemerin levels were higher in diabetic patients (P < 0.01) and higher chemerin level was an independent risk factor of occurrence of diabetes even after metabolic profiles were adjusted (odds ratio [OR] = 1.352, 95% CI: 1.181–1.543, P < 0.01). In patients with type 2 diabetes, chemerin was positively associated with intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), E-selectin, but not vascular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and P-selectin. We also explored that plasma chemerin level was negatively associated with brachial FMD and positively with carotid IMT. Chemerin also retained a strong association with ICAM-1, FMD, and IMT even after adjusted for age, sex, and other risk factors (ICAM-1: r = 0.150, P = 0.024; FMD: r = −0.126, P = 0.001; IMT: r = 0.325, P < 0.001). By multiple linear regression analysis, plasma chemerin levels were related to ICAM-1 even after adjustments for conventional cardiovascular risk factors (β = 0.192, P = 0.017). Moreover, logistic regression analysis showed that high chemerin level was an independent predictive variable for impaired endothelial function (OR = 1.066, 95% CI: 1.012–1.142, P = 0.048) and enhanced carotid vessel thickness (OR = 1.068, 95% CI: 1.021–1.148, P = 0.035) in diabetic patients.In summary, chemerin levels are independently associated with endothelial activation and early atherosclerosis in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes.

Elevating circulation chemerin level is associated with endothelial dysfunction and early atherosclerotic changes in essential hypertensive patients.

Chemerin is a new adipokine elevated in states of obesity and metabolic syndromes. In this study, we investigated the association of increased chemerin on endothelial function, arterial stiffness and early atherosclerosis in essential hypertensive patients. Three hundred and sixty-seven newly diagnosed essential hypertensive patients were enrolled. Anthropometric measurements and plasma parameters were examined, including BMI, waist circumference, glucose, serum insulin, lipid profiles, chemerin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-4. Vascular health was assessed with brachial flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT). In hypertensive patients, plasma chemerin levels were higher in women than in men (P < 0.05). In univariate analysis, the plasma chemerin level was positively correlated with baPWV (men: r = 0.58, P < 0.01; women: r = 0.51, P < 0.01) and carotid IMT (men: r = 0.17, P = 0.01; women: r = 0.20, P = 0.01), and inversely correlated with FMD (men: r = -0.54, P < 0.01; women: r = -0.44, P < 0.01). The associations for FMD and baPWV, but not IMT, remained significant in multivariable models adjusted for age, sex, glucose homeostasis, lipid profiles, inflammation markers and adipokines. More importantly, logistic regression analysis revealed that high chemerin level was an independent predictor of impaired endothelial function (FMD odds ratio 1.58, 95% confidence interval 1.28-3.30, P = 0.03) and increased arterial stiffness (baPWV odds ratio 3.75, 95% confidence interval 1.36-5.28, P < 0.01), even after adjustment for metabolic variables, inflammatory markers and adipokines. Chemerin levels were independently associated with the index of arterial function and early atherosclerosis in essential hypertension.

High serum chemerin level in CKD patients is related to kidney function, but not to its adipose tissue overproduction

Chemerin is an adipokine modulating inflammatory response and affecting glucose and lipid metabolism. These disturbances are common in CKD. The aim of the study was: (a) to evaluate circulating chemerin level at different stages of CKD; (b) to measure subcutaneous adipose tissue chemerin gene expression; (c) to estimate the efficiency of renal replacement therapy in serum chemerin removal. 187 patients were included into the study: a) 58 patients with CKD; (b) 29 patients on hemodialysis; (c) 20 patients after kidney transplantation. 80 subjects constituted control group. Serum chemerin concentration was estimated by ELISA. The adipose tissue chemerin mRNA level was measured by RT-qPCR. The mean serum chemerin concentration in CKD patients was 70% higher than in the control group (122.9 ± 33.7 vs. 72.6 ± 20.7 ng/mL; p < 0.001) and it negatively correlated with eGFR (r = −0.71, p < 0.001). The equally high plasma chemerin level was found in HD patients and a HD session decreased it markedly (115.7 ± 17.6 vs. 101.5 ± 16.4 ng/mL; p < 0.001). Only successful kidney transplantation allowed it to get down to the values noted in controls (74.8 ± 16.0 vs. 72.6 ± 20.7 ng/mL; n.s.). The level of subcutaneous adipose tissue chemerin mRNA in CKD patients was not different than in patients of the control group. The study demonstrates that elevated serum chemerin concentration in CKD patients: (a) is related to kidney function, but not to increased chemerin production by subcutaneous adipose tissue, and (b) it can be efficiently corrected by hemodialysis treatment and normalized by kidney transplantation.

Evidence from studies in rodents and in isolated adipocytes that agonists of the chemerin receptor CMKLR1 may be beneficial in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

The literature is unclear on whether the adipokine chemerin has pro- or anti-inflammatory properties or plays any role in the aetiology of type 2 diabetes or obesity. To address these questions, and in particular the potential of agonists or antagonists of the chemerin receptor CMKLR1 in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity, we studied the metabolic phenotypes of both male and female, CMKLR1 knockout and heterozygote mice. We also investigated changes in plasma chemerin levels and chemerin gene mRNA content in adipose tissue in models of obesity and diabetes, and in response to fasting or administration of the insulin sensitizing drug rosiglitazone, which also has anti-inflammatory properties. The effects of murine chemerin and specific C-terminal peptides on glucose uptake in wild-type and CMKLR1 knockout adipocytes were investigated as a possible mechanism by which chemerin affects the blood glucose concentration. Both male and female CMKLR1 knockout and heterozygote mice displayed a mild tendency to obesity and impaired glucose homeostasis, but only when they were fed on a high-fat died, rather than a standard low-fat diet. Obesity and impaired glucose homeostasis did not occur concurrently, suggesting that obesity was not the sole cause of impaired glucose homeostasis. Picomolar concentrations of chemerin and its C15- and C19-terminal peptides stimulated glucose uptake in the presence of insulin by rat and mouse wild-type epididymal adipocytes, but not by murine CMKLR1 knockout adipocytes. The insulin concentration-response curve was shifted to the left in the presence of 40 pM chemerin or its C-15 terminal peptide. The plasma chemerin level was raised in diet-induced obesity and ob/ob but not db/db mice, and was reduced by fasting and, in ob/ob mice, by treatment with rosiglitazone. These findings suggest that an agonist of CMKLR1 is more likely than an antagonist to be of value in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and to have associated anti-obesity and anti-inflammatory activities. One mechanism by which an agonist of CMKLR1 might improve glucose homeostasis is by increasing insulin-stimulated glucose uptake by adipocytes.

Chemerin is a novel biomarker of acute coronary syndrome but not of stable angina pectoris.

BackgroundRecent evidence demonstrated that the circulating adipokines were associated with the onset of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) including unstable angina pectoris (UAP) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI). As a novel adipokine, chemerin has been related to atherosclerosis and the presence of coronary artery disease. However, the plasma levels of chemerin in patients with ACS have yet to be investigated.MethodsPlasma levels of chemerin and adiponectin were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 60 patients with stable angina pectoris (SAP), 60 patients with UAP, 60 patients with AMI and 40 control patients. Left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were measured using a GE ViVid E7 ultrasonography machine, and the severity of coronary stenosis in patients was estimated with a Gensini coronary score following coronary angiography.ResultsPlasma chemerin levels were significantly higher in ACS patients than in the control and SAP groups, while plasma adiponectin levels were significantly lower in ACS patients than the control group. A correlation analysis revealed that plasma chemerin levels were positively correlated with the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) (r = 0.29, P < 0.01) and LVEDD (r = 0.27, P < 0.01) but negatively correlated with LVEF (r = -0.45, P < 0.01) and that plasma adiponectin levels were positively correlated with LVEF (r = 0.53, P < 0.01) but negatively correlated with CRP (r = -0.33, P < 0.01) and LVEDD (r = -0.30, P < 0.01). Although significant correlations between chemerin, adiponectin and BMI or the Gensini coronary score were found in patients with SAP, neither chemerin nor adiponectin was correlated with BMI and the Gensini coronary score in patients with ACS. Furthermore, both chemerin (OR 1.103, 95% CI 1.065 to 1.142; P = 0.001) and adiponectin (OR 0.871, 95% CI 0.776 to 0.970; P = 0.018) were independently associated with the presence of ACS.ConclusionsChemerin is a novel biomarker of acute coronary syndrome but not of stable angina pectoris.

Prognostic significance of plasma chemerin levels in patients with gastric cancer

Chemerin is a novel adipokine, which is linked to adipogenesis and chemotaxis of the innate immune system. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between preoperative plasma chemerin level and prognosis of gastric cancers. One hundred ninety-six patients and 196 age- and gender-matched healthy individuals were recruited. Fasting venous blood samples were collected 2 days prior to surgery for the gastric cancer patients and at the physical examination day for the healthy volunteers. Recorded clinicopathological information included invasion depth, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, peritoneal dissemination, tumor size and tumor-node metastasis stage. Plasma chemerin levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Plasma chemerin levels were statistically significantly in all patients than in healthy controls (53.1±19.0ng/mL vs. 31.3±11.3ng/mL; P<0.001). And it was identified as an independent predictor for 5-year mortality [odds ratio (OR), 2.718; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.201–4.229; P=0.005) and adverse event (OR, 2.982; 95% CI, 1.223–4.879; P=0.003) of gastric cancer, and had high area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for prediction of 5-year mortality (AUC, 0.808; 95% CI, 0.745–0.860) and adverse event (AUC, 0.787; 95% CI, 0.723–0.842). It also emerged as an independent predictor for overall survival (Hazard ratios, 1.788; 95% CI, 1.200–2.663; P=0.002) and disease-free survival (Hazard ratios, 2.016; 95% CI, 1.312–3.125; P=0.004). Thus, our results suggest that high plasma chemerin levels are associated with long-term poor prognosis and survival of gastric cancer as well as may play a role as prognostic biomarker in gastric cancer survival.

Effect of Corn Peptides in Combination with Exercise on Weight Reduction, Plasma Lipid, Chemerin and Lp-PLA&lt;SUB&gt;2&lt;/SUB&gt; in Overweight and Obese Females

Our previous work has demonstrated better weight reduction and plasma lipid improvement roles of corn peptides (CP) in combination with aerobic exercise than aerobic exercise in obese rats, the purpose of this paper is to explore if the better effectiveness of CP combined with exercise also exist in overweight and slight obese young females and to determine the possible role of adipokine chemerin and inflammation factor lipoprotein-associated phspholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2). Twenty-six young female (18-21 years old, body fat percentage: 29.15%±2.71% and body mass index (BMI): 23.92±1.78) were allocated randomly to four groups: exercise 1 group (E1, n=6), CP+E1 group (n=7), E2 group (n=6) and CP+E2 group (n=7). The females in E1 and CP+E1 groups did 1 hour aerobics 3 times a week, while the same aerobics were done but 5 times a week by E2 and CP+E2 groups. The exercise lasts for four weeks and 10 g of CP were taken orally by the females in the two CP groups every night after meal. Similar power placebo was administered to the non-CP treated females. The diet of these females kept unchanged during the 4 weeks. The body weight, BMI, body fat percentage and plasma lipid parameters including triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein a (Apo-A), apolipoprotein b (Apo-B) and the ratios of LDL-C/HDL-C and Apo-B/Apo-A as well as plasma levels of chemerin and Lp-PLA2 were determined pre and post 4 weeks. Compared to E1 group, all the above parameters did not change in CP+E1 group after 4 weeks. Except for an obvious reduction of body fat percentage (from 29.44%±2.65% to 27.93%±2.56% vs from 27.95%±3.38% to 27.47%±3.88%, p<0.05) were found in CP+E2 group, other changes were still not observed compare with that of E2. It's worth noting that obvious reduction of chemerin was found in individuals with abnormal lipid parameters return to normal and no change of chemerin was showed in a female whose abnormal lipid index kept stable after treatment with CP combined with exercise. In conclusion, only when frequent aerobic exercise was performed did CP in combination with aerobic exercise promote significantly the decrease of body fat percentage in overweight and slight obese females. The fat loss resulted from CP in combination with exercise is not related to the plasma levels of chemerin and Lp-PLA2, which might be attributed to no change of blood lipid parameters within normal ranges in overweight and slight obese females. Although no difference of chemerin between groups, changes of plasma chemerin in individual females with abnormal lipid parameters suggested that CP in combination with exercise might reverse the abnormal plasma levels of TG, TC and LDL-C by decreasing the plasma levels of chemerin.

Relationship between plasma chemerin levels and disease severity in COPD patients.

Chronic inflammation of the lung is a characteristic finding in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The protein chemerin has been identified in inflammatory fluid and in inflamed tissues. This study aimed to determine the association between serum chemerin levels and the severity of COPD. Forty-three COPD patients and 38 healthy subjects were enrolled in this study. Fasting plasma samples were obtained from the patient and the control group. Serum chemerin levels were measured using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. C-reactive protein levels, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and fibrinogen analysis were used to assess the inflammation status of the patients. Spirometric measurements with reversibility testing were performed in all the subjects. Serum chemerin levels were significantly elevated in the COPD patients (6.44 ± 0.52 vs 5.22 ± 0.59; P < 0.001). A Mann-Whitney U-test revealed that the serum chemerin levels of stage 2 COPD patients were higher than those of stage 1 and 3 COPD patients (P = 0.651). Cigarette smoking and plasma chemerin relation was also understudied; however, there was no significant relationship between current smokers and ex-smokers (P > 0.05). Pearson's correlation analysis indicated that serum chemerin levels were positively correlated only with total cholesterol (T. cholesterol) (P < 0.05, r = 0.382). In the linear regression analysis, chemerin levels were associated with age (β = 0.321), triglycerides (β = 0.299) and T. cholesterol (β = 0.555). Our study points to a relation between plasma chemerin levels and COPD. Larger patient groups are needed to verify the role of chemerin in the severity of COPD.

Low dose aspirin is associated with plasma chemerin levels and may reduce adipose tissue inflammation

Chemerin is a peptide chemoattractant for macrophages and an adipokine regulating adipocyte differentiation and metabolism. Plasma chemerin is increased in chronic inflammatory diseases and in obesity. As inflammation and obesity are risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD), we investigated possible associations of plasma chemerin with inflammatory markers and atherosclerosis in a CAD case–control study (n=470). Chemerin levels were associated with C-reactive protein, BMI and LDL levels, and negatively associated with HDL levels. Mean plasma chemerin levels were similar in controls and CAD patients but significantly higher in CAD patients not taking low dose aspirin. To investigate the mechanism of chemerin reduction by aspirin, we analyzed chemerin expression in hepatocytes and adipocytes treated with aspirin in the presence and absence of inflammatory cytokines. Chemerin expression was upregulated by pro-inflammatory stimuli in adipocytes but not in hepatocytes. Treatment of stimulated hepatocytes and adipocytes with aspirin did not affect chemerin expression. However, treatment of inflammatory M1 macrophages with aspirin reduced secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6, and increased secretion of the anti-inflammatory IL-10. In summary, we show that plasma chemerin levels are associated with markers of inflammation and that they are significantly higher in CAD patients not treated with low dose aspirin. In addition, we show that low dose aspirin treatment reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion by macrophages, which may lead to reduced chemerin secretion by adipocytes and may be a reason for the lower chemerin levels in the circulation of CAD patients on low dose aspirin.