Plasma Visfatin Levels Research Articles

Clinical significance of plasma visfatin level in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Clinical significance of plasma visfatin level in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Central visfatin potentiates glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and β-cell mass without increasing serum visfatin levels in diabetic rats

IntroductionOur previous study revealed that plasma visfatin levels were lower in pregnant women with gestational diabetes (GDM) than non-GDM independent of prepreganacy BMI. We examined whether central visfatin modulates energy and glucose homeostasis via altering insulin resistance, insulin secretion or islet morphometry in diabetic rats. MethodsPartial pancreatectomized, type 2 diabetic, rats were interacerbroventricularly infused with visfatin (100ng/rat/day, Px-VIS), visfatin+visfatin antagonist, CHS-828 (100μg/rat/day, Px-VIS-ANT), or saline (control, Px-Saline) via osmotic pump, respectively, for 4weeks. ResultsCentral visfatin improved insulin signaling (pAkt→pFOXO-1) but not pSTAT3 in the hypothalamus. Central visfatin did not alter serum visfatin levels in diabetic rats whereas the levels were higher in non-diabetic rats than diabetic rats. Body weight at the 2nd week was lowered in the Px-VIS group due to decreased food intake in the first two weeks compared to the Px-Saline group and energy expenditure was not significantly different among the treatment groups of diabetic rats. Visfatin antagonist treatment nullified the central visfatin effect. Px-VIS increased whole body glucose disposal rates in euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp compared to Px-Saline and lowered hepatic glucose output, whereas Px-VIS-ANT blocked the visfatin effect on insulin resistance (P<0.05). In hyperglycemic clamp study, the area under the curve of insulin in first and second phase were significantly higher in the Px-VIS group than the Px-Saline group without modifying insulin sensitivity at the hyperglycemic state, whereas the increase in serum insulin levels was blocked in the Px-VIS-ANT group. Central visfatin also increased β-cell mass by increasing β-cell proliferation. ConclusionsCentral visfatin improved glucose homeostasis by increasing insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity at euglycemia through the hypothalamus in diabetic rats. Therefore, visfatin is a positive modulator of glucose homeostasis by delivering the hypothalamic signals into the peripheries.

The comparison of serum vaspin and visfatin concentrations in obese and normal weight women

Background and objectivesThere is evidence based studies which show that plasma level of visfatin and vaspin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus elevate in comparison with healthy people. But there is no consistency in plasma visfatin and vaspin concentration between studies done on obese people. For this reason, the aim of this study is to investigate the serum level concentrations of visfatin and vaspin in obese women compared to normal weight women. Materials and methodsThe participants of this study consist of 43 women aged 20–50, and 43 healthy women with normal weight as a control group. They were matched for age and physical activity. 24h food recall was used to collect dietary information from subjects. Moreover, blood sampling was taken to measure the blood levels of sugar, lipid profile, vaspin and visfatin. ResultsThe mean serum level of visfatin was not statistically different between obese and normal weight women. But, the obese women had statistically higher mean serum level of vaspin than normal women (p=0.04). We found no relations between serum levels of vaspin with serum concentration of visfatin. Also, serum levels of these two adipokines were not related to the serum concentrations of fasting glucose, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyserides and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Also, there was a significant positive relationship between carbohydrate intake and serum visfatin level in women participating to this study (p=0.018, r=0.257). ConclusionThe results of this study demonstrated that the level of serum vaspin was significantly higher in obese women. But there were no differences in serum levels of visfatin in comparison to normal weight women. Meanwhile this study demonstrated a positive relationship between serum levels of visfatin with dietary intake of carbohydrate, but no relationship between serum level of visfatin and vaspin in women participating in this study.

Plasma visfatin, a possible prognostic marker in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Visfatin is linked to inflammation and associated with clinical outcomes of intracerebral hemorrhage. This study was designed to investigate whether visfatin might serve as a marker of severity and prognosis in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. In this study, plasma visfatin levels of 172 consecutive patients and 172 sex and age-matched healthy subjects were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The recorded clinical outcomes included in-hospital mortality and 6-month mortality and unfavorable outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale score of 1–3). Plasma visfatin level was substantially higher in patients than in healthy controls (92.1±20.5ng/mL vs. 12.4±3.2ng/mL; P<0.001), was significantly associated with the World Federation of Neurological Surgeons (WFNS) score (r=0.569, P<0.001) and Fisher score (r=0.657, P<0.001), was an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality [odds ratio (OR), 1.378; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.036–1.866; P=0.002] and 6-month mortality (OR, 1.261; 95% CI, 1.018–1.745; P=0.004) and unfavorable outcome (OR, 1.207; 95% CI, 1.012–1.682; P=0.008) in multivariate logistic regression analysis and had high predictive value for in-hospital mortality [area under curve (AUC), 0.849; 95% CI, 0.787–0.899; P<0.001] and 6-month mortality (AUC, 0.868; 95% CI, 0.808–0.915; P<0.001) and unfavorable outcome (AUC, 0.859; 95% CI, 0.797–0.907; P<0.001) using receiver operating characteristic curves. AUCs of visfatin were similar to those of WFNS score and Fisher score (all P>0.05), but visfatin did not improve the predictive values of WFNS score and Fisher score (all P>0.05). Thus, visfatin may be associated with clinical severity of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and also have prognostic value for clinical outcomes.

Association of plasma visfatin with risk of colorectal cancer: An observational study of Chinese patients

To investigate the association between plasma visfatin levels and risk of early and advanced colorectal cancer (CRC). In total, 358 CRC patients and 286 controls were enrolled. According to the T factor of the TNM system. cancer patients were divided into two subgroups: early and advanced cancer. Levels of visfatin, anthropometric and metabolic parameters, which were classified as low, medium, and high, based on the tertile distributions in the control group, were determined. The visfatin levels in patients with advanced and early cancer were higher than in controls (least significant difference test, P = 0.004 and 0.013, respectively). The patients in the highest tertile of visfatin concentration presented significantly higher odds for early and advanced CRC, adjusted for potential confounding factors (odds ratio 3.37; 95% CI, 1.93-8.37; P = 0.011; odds ratio 2.38; 95% CI: 1.82-8.35; P = 0.015, respectively). The visfatin level correlated significantly with waist:hip ratio (P < 0.05 for all) among case and control participants. Plasma visfatin levels in early and advanced CRC yielded a receiver operating characteristic curve area of 72 and 86%, respectively. The optimal sensitivity and specificity were 73% and 57% in discriminating between early CRC and normal controls while they were 76% and 68% in discriminating between advanced CRC and normal controls. An increased level of visfatin was a strong risk factor for both early and advanced CRC in Chinese patients. Plasma visfatin levels might be a potential biomarker for CRC detection.

Admission plasma visfatin level strongly correlates with hematoma growth and early neurologic deterioration in patients with acute spontaneous basal ganglia hemorrhage

BackgroundVisfatin, a proinflammatory mediator, has been associated with poor clinical outcomes after acute brain injury. The present study is designed to investigate the potential association between plasma visfatin levels and the risk of hematoma growth (HG) and early neurologic deterioration (END) after intracerebral hemorrhage. MethodsThere were 85 patients as cases who presented with first-time hemorrhagic stroke that were assessed within 6h after the incident. The control group consisted of 85 healthy volunteers. HG was defined as hematoma enlargement >33% at 24h. END was defined as an increase of≥4 points in National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score at 24h from symptoms onset. Plasma visfatin levels were determined using enzyme immunoassay. ResultsPlasma visfatin levels were significantly higher in patients compared to controls. Plasma visfatin level emerged as an independent predictor of HG [odds ratio (OR), 1.154; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.046–3.108; P=0.009] and END (OR, 1.195; 95% CI, 1.073–3.516; P=0.005). For predicting HG, area under curve (AUC) of plasma visfatin level (0.814; 95% CI: 0.715–0.890) was similar to that of hematoma volume (0.839; 95% CI, 0.743–0.909) (P=0.703). For predicting END, AUC of plasma visfatin level (0.828; 95% CI: 0.730–0.901) was similar to that of hematoma volume (0.863; 95% CI, 0.771–0.928) (P=0.605). Visfatin did not improve AUC of hematoma volume for predicting HG and END (both P>0.05). ConclusionPlasma visfatin level represents a novel biomarker for predicting HG and END.

Association of plasma visfatin with hepatic and systemic inflammation in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Background. Visfatin is a proinflammatory and insulin-mimetic adipokine contributing to whole body glucose and lipid metabolism. Studies to date are conflicting regarding the relationship between visfatin and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship of circulating visfatin with NAFLD. Material and methods. The study included 114 NAFLD patients and 60 healthy non-diabetic controls. Plasma visfatin, adiponectin, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were measured by ELISA. High sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels were measured by immunoturbidimetric fixed rate method. Insulin sensitivity determined by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR) index. Results. TNF-α, IL-6 and hsCRP levels were higher and, Adiponectin levels were lower in NAFLD group when compared to healthy controls (p < 0.001, for all). However, no difference was found regarding to visfatin levels between two groups. Different histologic subgroups of NAFLD had a significantly higher TNF-α, IL-6 and hsCRP, and lower adiponectin levels than those with controls (p < 0.001, for all). On the other hand, no statistically significant difference was found regarding to visfatin levels among different histologic groups. Visfatin was found to be negatively correlated with TNF-α (r = −0.236, p = 0.011) in NAFLD group. However, no association was found between visfatin and histological findings. Conclusion. Our findings show that plasma visfatin levels are not altered in the early stages of NAFLD. However, it is inversely associated with TNF-α. These findings suggest a role for visfatin in protection against liver injury in this widespread disease.

Differential Regulation of Adipokines May Influence Migratory Behavior in the White-Throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)

White-throated sparrows increase fat deposits during pre-migratory periods and rely on these fat stores to fuel migration. Adipose tissue produces hormones and signaling factors in a rhythmic fashion and may be controlled by a clock in adipose tissue or driven by a master clock in the brain. The master clock may convey photoperiodic information from the environment to adipose tissue to facilitate pre-migratory fattening, and adipose tissue may, in turn, release adipokines to indicate the extent of fat energy stores. Here, we present evidence that a change in signal from the adipokines adiponectin and visfatin may act to indicate body condition, thereby influencing an individual's decision to commence migratory flight, or to delay until adequate fat stores are acquired. We quantified plasma adiponectin and visfatin levels across the day in captive birds held under constant photoperiod. The circadian profiles of plasma adiponectin in non-migrating birds were approximately inverse the profiles from migrating birds. Adiponectin levels were positively correlated to body fat, and body fat was inversely related to the appearance of nocturnal migratory restlessness. Visfatin levels were constant across the day and did not correlate with fat deposits; however, a reduction in plasma visfatin concentration occurred during the migratory period. The data suggest that a significant change in the biological control of adipokine expression exists between the two migratory conditions and we propose a role for adiponectin, visfatin and adipose clocks in the regulation of migratory behaviors.

Differential Significance of Plasma Visfatin Concentrations according to Adiposity in Children and Adolescents

Background/Aims: Visfatin is an adipocytokine predominantly expressed in visceral adipose tissue. We examined the relationship between plasma visfatin concentrations and anthropometric and metabolic parameters in children and adolescents, who are relatively less influenced by the effects of accompanying disease. Methods: We studied 135 children and adolescents (8-16 years old). Plasma glucose, insulin, lipid profile, visfatin and other adipocytokine levels were measured. CT scans were performed to evaluate the distribution of abdominal fat. We analyzed the relationship between circulating visfatin levels and anthropometric and metabolic parameters according to central adiposity (total abdominal fat by CT scan). Results: In the lower-adiposity group, plasma visfatin concentrations were significantly correlated with total abdominal fat, visceral fat, subcutaneous abdominal fat, plasma triglyceride level and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). In a multiple linear regression analysis, visceral fat and triglycerides were independently associated with plasma visfatin levels. In the higher-adiposity group, plasma visfatin concentrations were not correlated with visceral fat or HOMA-IR but were significantly correlated with circulating interleukin-6 levels. Conclusion: These data suggest that the relationship between plasma visfatin concentrations and metabolic parameters differs according to central adiposity and that plasma visfatin concentrations are correlated with visceral fat and triglyceride levels, especially in children and adolescents with lower adiposity.

Acute and Chronic Effects of Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch Surgery on Plasma Visfatin and Apelin Levels in Patients with Severe Obesity

Visfatin is an adipokine linked to obesity and inflammation, and it has insulin-mimetic properties. Apelin is an adipokine with positive cardiac inotropic effects, and it may be related to inflammatory molecules. Variations in plasma visfatin and apelin levels following bariatric surgery remain controversial. In this study, patients who underwent a biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS) were compared to a severely obese group (control group). Anthropometric measures and blood samples were taken before surgery, on days 1 and 5, as well as at 6 and 12months after surgery in the BDP-DS group. For the control group, the tests were performed at baseline and at 6 and 12months. Seventy subjects in the BPD-DS group and 28 in the control group were included. The expected reduction in body weight at 1 year after a BPD-DS was observed (85.9 ± 18.5 vs. 136.6 ± 27.7kg at baseline; p < 0.001). Plasma visfatin levels decreased at day 1 (16.13 ± 5.56 vs. 18.82 ± 7.36ng/mL at baseline; p = 0.001), while plasma apelin levels decreased at day 5 (0.50 ± 0.28 vs. 0.55 ± 0.33ng/mL at baseline; p = 0.040) after surgery. There were no changes at 6 and 12months compared to baseline, and no changes were observed in the control group. Our data show that 1-year weight loss induced by BPD-DS did not influence the overall plasma visfatin and apelin levels in severely obese patients.

Elevated plasma visfatin concentrations in patients with community-acquired pneumonia

Visfatin has been associated with some inflammatory disease. This study aimed to compare plasma visfatin levels in patients with community-acquired pneumonia and healthy controls and to furthermore investigate the relationship between their concentrations and 30-day mortality in patients. Plasma visfatin concentrations were measured in 176 patients and 95 healthy controls. The admission visfatin levels were significantly increased in all patients, survivals and non-survivals with community-acquired pneumonia compared with healthy control individuals, associated with pneumonia severity index score, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, white blood cell count, and plasma C-reactive protein level, and identified as an independent predictor for 30-day mortality. Its predictive value was similar to those of pneumonia severity index score and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score. However, visfatin did not statistically significantly improve the predictive values of pneumonia severity index score and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score. Thus, higher plasma visfatin level correlates with disease severity and markers of system inflammation and represent a novel biomarker for predicting 30-day mortality in patients with community-acquired pneumonia.

Gestational diabetes is associated with high energy and saturated fat intakes and with low plasma visfatin and adiponectin levels independent of prepregnancy BMI

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) risk factors are well established for Caucasians, but not for Asians. We hypothesized that nutrient intakes, plasma adipokines and/or gestational hormones might be linked to GDM development among pregnant Korean women. This study sought to identify new risk factors for GDM and adverse pregnancy outcomes according to body weight at prepregnancy. All subjects were pregnant women visiting the Cheil General Hospital and Women's Healthcare Center between June 2006 and March 2009. Non-GDM (n=531) and GDM (n=215) participants were divided into normal-weight and overweight groups according to prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) above or below 23 kg/m(2) at 24-28th week of gestation. At that time, glucose tolerance, insulin resistance as homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance, insulin secretory capacity as homeostatic model assessment for β-cell function, anthropometric measurement, nutrient intakes, and plasma levels of adipokines and gestational hormones were determined. GDM women gained more weight in early pregnancy than non-GDM among normal-weight women. GDM was mainly associated with increased insulin resistance in overweight women and decreased insulin secretory capacity in normal-weight women. Plasma visfatin and adiponectin were lower and progesterone levels higher in GDM than non-GDM independent of BMI while plasma resistin levels were higher in non-GDM, but not GDM, overweight women. Energy and saturated fat intakes were higher in GDM independent of body weight, whereas taurine intakes were lower in GDM than non-GDM only in normal-weight women. Low visfatin and adiponectin and high progesterone levels in the circulation and high energy and saturated fat intakes were common risk factors for GDM and pregnancy outcome such as large for gestational age. Daily reference intakes for energy and fat during pregnancy need to be re-evaluated according to prepregnancy BMI.

Prognostic significance of plasma visfatin levels in patients with ischemic stroke

Plasma visfatin concentration has been enhanced in ischemic stroke. The aim of the current investigation was to test whether determination of visfatin in plasma is associated with 6-month clinical outcomes including mortality and unfavorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale score>2) in the patients with ischemic stroke. Between July 2009 and January 2012, plasma visfatin concentrations of 186 patients and 100 healthy individuals were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Plasma visfatin concentrations were higher in patients than in healthy individuals (108.5±41.1ng/mL vs. 13.8±3.9ng/mL, P<0.001). A logistic regression analysis selected plasma visfatin concentration as an independent predictor for 6-month clinical outcomes (both P<0.01). Using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, plasma visfatin concentration was found to predict 6-month clinical outcomes with the high predictive performance. The predictive value of visfatin was in the range of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (both P>0.05). Combined use of visfatin and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score did not improve the predictive significance (both P>0.05). Thus, visfatin may help in the prediction of long-term clinical outcomes in patients with ischemic stroke.

The Effect of Sodium Restricted Diet on Plasma Visfatin Levels in Hypertensive Patients with Visceral Obesity

Aim/Background: Experimental and clinical studies revealed contradictory data concerning the influence of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone (RAA) system activation on visfatin release. The aim of the present study was the assessment of the effect of dietary sodium restriction with RAA system activation on visfatin level in hypertensive and normotensive patients with visceral obesity. Methods: The study included 24 hypertensive patients with visceral obesity (12 women) and 22 normotensive subjects with visceral obesity (11 women) constituting the control group. Plasma renin activity, plasma insulin, aldosterone and visfatin levels were determined twice, on normal-salt diet after 6-8 h in recumbent position and the second time after 3 days of dietary sodium restriction and upright position for 2 h. Dietary compliance was controlled by 24 h natriuresis measurement. Results: Hypertensive patients had significantly higher plasma visfatin level than the control group [11.0 (8.5-13.5) vs. 6.8 (6.0-7.6) ng/ml, p=0.003]. Dietary sodium restriction and upright position caused significant increase in PRA and plasma aldosterone level in both groups. While, plasma visfatin level remained unaffected. In the combined group plasma visfatin levels correlated with BMI (r=0.398), waist circumference (r=0.391), glucose (r=0.328), insulin (r=0.663), HOMA-IR (r=0.698), triglycerides (r=0.500) and CRP (r=0.546) but not with percentage of fat mass, percentage of trunk fat, and blood pressure values. Conclusions: 1) Increased plasma visfatin concentration may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of hypertension in patients with visceral obesity. 2) RAA system activation by dietary sodium restriction and upright position has no effect on plasma visfatin levels in subjects with visceral obesity.

Effect of grape polyphenol concentrate "Enoant" on adipokines secretion in experimental metabolic syndrome

Recent studies demonstrate that adipokine secretion is altered in cardiometabolic diseases including atherosclerosis, hypertension, obesity, type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome (MS). Polyphenols are the most important phytochemicals in grape because they possess many biological activities and health-promoting effects. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of grape polyphenol concentrate Enoant on secretion of adipokines in MS in golden hamster ( Mesocricetus auratus ). We found that the development of experimental MS is accompanied by a significant increase in plasma levels of visfatin and resistin (pro-inflammatory adipokines), whereas the level of adiponectin (anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic adipokine) was decreased. However, the introduction of grape polyphenol concentrate Enoant to animal diet in MS led to a decrease in resistin and visfatin plasma levels, whereas the adiponectin level was significantly increased. To test whether the observed changes may be related to the direct action of grape polyphenols on adipocyte secretion, we used primary cultures of adipocytes isolated from adipose tissue of control animals and from animals with MS. It was found that incubation of cells for 48 h in the presence of grape polyphenol concentrate is accompanied by a significant decrease in the visfatin concentration in the incubation medium, compared to control. In cultured adipocytes isolated from the adipose tissue of animals with experimental MS, polyphenol concentrate induced a significant increase in adiponectin and decrease in visfatin secretion. These findings suggest salutogenic action of grape polyphenol concentrate Enoant in experimental MS. Further studies are required to evaluate whether Enoant might be beneficial for cardiometabolic health via the secretion of other metabotrophic adipokines (e.g., IL-10, NGF, BDNF). Adipobiology 2012; 4: 85-90.

Plasma visfatin, associated with a genetic polymorphism −1535C > T, is correlated with C-reactive protein in Chinese Han patients with traumatic brain injury

Visfatin is a newly identified pro-inflammatory adipokine and a genetic polymorphism −1535 C>T located in the visfatin gene promoter has been suggested to be associated with the regulation of visfatin expression in some inflammatory illness. However, there were some conflicting results regarding whether this variant is functional or not. This study aimed to examine the relations of the −1535 C>T single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of visfatin gene to the plasma visfatin and C-reactive protein concentrations in traumatic brain injury (TBI). 318 Chinese Han patients with TBI were recruited in this study. Plasma visfatin and C-reactive protein levels were significantly different between the genotypes in the SNP-1535 C>T even after adjustment for age, sex and body mass index. The genotype C–C had the highest plasma visfatin and C-reactive protein concentrations. The plasma visfatin and C-reactive protein concentrations between the variant genotypes C–T and T–T did not differ significantly. Plasma visfatin level was significantly associated with plasma C-reactive protein level using multivariate linear regression. Thus, the SNP-1535 C>T of visfatin gene seemed to be potentially involved in the inflammatory component of TBI through a decreased production of visfatin.

Elevated plasma level of visfatin/pre-b cell colony-enhancing factor in male oral squamous cell carcinoma patients

Objectives: Visfatin, also known as nicotiamide phosphoribosyltransferase or pre-B cell colony enhancing factor, is a pro-inflammatory cytokine whose serum level is increased in various cancers. In this study, we investigated whether plasma visfatin levels were altered in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The relationship between plasma visfatin levels and the pretreatment hematologic profile was also explored. Study Design: Plasma visfatin concentrations were measured through ELISA in OSCC patients and control subjects. A total of 51 patients with OSCC and 57 age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched control subjects were studied. All study subjects were male. Results: Plasma visfatin was found to be elevated in patients with OSCC (7.0 ± 4.5 vs. 4.8 ± 1.9 ng/ml, p = 0.002). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed visfatin as an independent association factor for OSCC, even after full adjustment of known biomarkers. Visfatin level was significantly correlated with white blood cell (WBC) count, neutrophil count, and hematocrit (all p < 0.05). In addition, WBC count, neutrophil count, and visfatin gradually increased with stage progression, and hematocrit gradually decreased with stage progression (all p < 0.05). Conclusion: Increased plasma visfatin levels were associated with OSCC, independent of risk factors, and were correlated with inflammatory biomarkers. These data suggest that visfatin may act through inflammatory reactions to play an important role in the pathogenesis of OSCC. Key words:Visfatin; oral squamous cell carcinomas; white blood cell count; neutrophil count.

High concentrations of visfatin in the peripheral blood of patients with acute basal ganglia hemorrhage are associated with poor outcome

Higher plasma visfatin concentration has been associated with clinical outcomes of traumatic brain injury. No published information exists to date about change in plasma visfatin after intracerebral hemorrhage. This study included one hundred and twenty-eight healthy controls and 128 patients with intracerebral hemorrhage. The unfavorable outcome was defined as modified Rankin Scale score >2 at 6 months. The patients had higher plasma visfatin measurements than control subjects. Plasma visfatin levels were highly correlated with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score and plasma C-reactive protein levels in the patients. A multivariate analysis identified plasma visfatin level as an independent predictor for 6-month mortality and unfavorable outcome. According to receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the predictive value of the plasma visfatin concentration was similar to National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score. In a combined logistic-regression model, visfatin improved the predictive value of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score for 6-month unfavorable outcome. Thus, increased plasma visfatin level is associated with 6-month clinical outcomes after intracerebral hemorrhage.

Plasma visfatin levels and gene expression in morbidly obese women with associated fatty liver disease

ObjectivesThe few studies on the physiopathological role of visfatin in morbid obesity and the related metabolic diseases have led us to examine visfatin levels and its liver gene expression in morbidly obese women with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Design and methodsWe examined the circulating levels of visfatin by ELISA in serum samples from 95 morbidly obese women (MO) (BMI>40kg/m2) who underwent bariatric surgery and 38 normal weight control women (BMI<25kg/m2). We analysed visfatin liver and adipose tissue mRNA expression by RT-PCR. We evaluated the circulating levels and gene expression of adiponectin, resistin, RBP4, TNFα, IL6 and CRP. ResultsSerum visfatin was significantly higher in MO compared with controls, and also in MO with NAFLD was significantly higher than MO with normal liver. We found that NAFLD diabetic patients presented similar serum visfatin levels than non-diabetic. Serum visfatin correlated with IL6 (r=0.496; p<0.001) and CRP levels (r=0.241; p=0.049).Liver visfatin expression was significantly higher in MO compared to controls and was also significantly higher in MO with NAFLD than in MO with normal liver. Visfatin liver expression correlated positively with resistin (r=0.436, p=0.018) and TNFα expression (r=0.328, p=0.028).Visfatin expression in adipose tissues was similar among the MO groups analysed. ConclusionSerum visfatin and its liver expression are higher in MO women with NAFLD, irrespective of the presence of diabetes. Serum visfatin and its liver expression correlate positively with pro-inflammatory factors. These findings suggest that visfatin may be a molecule related with fat inflammation in morbid obesity and fatty liver disease.

Elevated serum visfatin levels in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

Visfatin, a novel adiopocytokine, has been proven to be a proinflammatory mediator involved in the process of atherosclerosis. Visfatin has been shown to play a role in plaque destabilization as it is found abundantly in foam cell macrophages within unstable atherosclerotic plaques. The present study is designed to investigate the potential association between serum vistafin levels and the risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). There were 72 patients (mean age: 61.57 ± 11.40 years) as cases who presented with first-time AMI that were assessed 8 hours after the incident. The control group consisted of 83 healthy volunteers (mean age: 60.30 ± 8.32 years). Plasma visfatin levels were measured using enzyme immunoassay in both groups. Biochemical parameters were analyzed. Blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, diabetes, and hypertension were recorded. Serum visfatin levels were significantly higher in patients with AMI (12.77 ± 8.06 ng/ml) compared to controls (6.57 ± 2.96 ng/ml, P ≤ 0.001). We found that a visfatin level > 7.244 ng/ml (log visfatin > 0.86) had a sensitivity of 70% and a specificity of 75% for predicting AMI. We have detected high levels of visfatin in patients with AMI. It can be concluded that proinflammatory cytokines such as visfatin may play a role in the development of atherosclerosis as well as destabilization of the atherosclerotic plaque.