Plasma Visfatin Levels Research Articles

The Value of Visfatin in the Prediction of Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Various studies have shown that visfatin may be connected to metabolic syndrome (MS). However, epidemiological studies yielded conflicting outcomes. The purpose of this article was to highlight the relationship between the plasma visfatin level and MS risk by conducting a meta-analysis of available literature. A comprehensive literature search of eligible studies was done up to January 2023. Data were presented as standard mean difference (SMD). Observational methodological meta-analysis was conducted to assess the relationships between visfatin levels and MS. The visfatin levels between patients with MS or not were calculated by SMD and 95% confidence interval (CI) using the random-effects model. Funnel plot (visually inspect publication bias), Egger's linear regression test and Begger's linear regression test were applied to describe the risk of publication bias. A sensitivity analysis was performed via sequentially omitting each of the study one by one. In total, 16 eligible studies comprising 1016 cases and 1414 healthy controls finally enrolled in the current meta-analysis for pooling meta-analysis. Overall, the meta-analysis results revealed that visfatin levels in MS patients were significantly greater than that of controls group (SMD: 0.60, 95% CI=0.18-1.03, I2=95%, p<0.001). The results of the subgroup analysis showed that gender did not affect the results of meta-analysis. This meta-analysis shed light on the fact that circulating visfatin levels were significantly higher in patients with MS than in the controls group. Visfatin may a chance to predict the occurrence of MS.

Plasma visfatin and apelin levels in adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome

Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that usually begins during adolescence. Patients may have severe metabolic disorders. Objective To investigate the levels of visfatin and apelin in adolescent girls with PCOS and to explore the importance of visfatin and apelin in glucose and lipid metabolism. Methods A total of 88 girls (aged 12–20 years) were prospectively and consecutively recruited during two years for the PCOS group (n = 44) and the control group (n = 44). Serum visfatin, apelin and other metabolic parameters were measured. Receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curve analysis was performed to reveal the diagnostic potential. Results Visfatin, apelin and indicators of glucose and lipid-metabolism were not different for PCOS patients compared to control. However, insulin resistance (IR) in the PCOS-group was more frequent (p < 0.05). Visfatin in non-IR patients was higher than in IR-patients in the PCOS-group (p < 0.05). However, there was no difference in apelin levels between IR and non-IR patients in the PCOS-group (p > 0.05). ROC-curve analyses demonstrated that the optimal value of visfatin for predicting IR in PCOS-patients was 7.14 ng/mL, with 78.1% sensitivity and 68.7% specificity. In the PCOS-group, visfatin was positively correlated with high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and negatively correlated with HOMA-IR, apolipoprotein B (Apo-B), cholesterol (CHO), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and CHO/HDL-C ratio (p < 0.05). Apelin had no correlation with all indices (p > 0.05). Conclusions Higher visfatin levels may prevent IR in adolescent PCOS patients, showing a positive predictive value for IR and also reflecting a beneficial effect on lipids. It is a possible protective factor at certain stages of metabolic syndrome.

Investigation of Airway Obstruction Severity Based on Plasma Visfatin Level in Asthmatic Women

Introduction:: Bronchial asthma is a chronic disorder with high prevalence among wom-en. Visfatin as a pro-inflammatory adipokine has been linked to inflammatory lung diseases such as asthma and can be used as a forthcoming biomarker target to diagnose and treat asthmatic patients. Aim:: The aim of this study is to evaluate plasma visfatin level and its correlation with pulmonary function of female asthmatic patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on all female asthmatic patients referred to the Be'sat Pulmonary Clinic of Kerman from 1 November 2019 to 20 February 2020. Patients with con-firmed diagnosis of asthma were included. The data were collected through a checklist and the cor-responding author conducted all face-to-face interviews in the physician’s office of the pulmonary clinic. Then, blood samples (5 cc) were taken from the patients to determine the plasma level of visfatin. Data was analyzed by SPSS Software. Results: 113 women with asthma were studied. The mean ± SD age of patients was 46.71 ± 13.91 years (range: 13 to 75). The mean ± SD of visfatin plasma levels was 26.30 ± 6.98 mg/dl (range: 8.50 to 46.88). The forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) had a significant and negative correlation with plasma visfatin concentrations (P-value = 0.03). Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that plasma visfatin levels were correlated inversely with FEV1 among asthmatic women. Further studies with large samples are recommended to evaluate the role of visfatin in asthma pathogenesis.

Longitudinal Study of Plasma Visfatin/Nicotinamide Phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) Levels in Healthy Pregnant Women.

Visfatin/nicotinamide phosphorybosil transferase (NAMPT) is a novel adipocytokine with potential roles in the pathophysiology of metabolic disorders, including gestational disorders. However, there is no clear interpretation regarding the circulating visfatin levels in a healthy pregnancy. Therefore, we conducted the first longitudinal study of plasma visfatin levels that followed up healthy pregnant women until the third trimester, including the postpartum period (PPP). The study recruited healthy women with singleton pregnancy who were not using any drug (including tobacco and alcohol). We have excluded pregnant women who did not attend all scheduled exams and developed gestational diabetes or hypertension, obesity, preeclampsia, or any infections during pregnancy. Nine women were considered eligible and examined during all three trimesters of pregnancy and between 8 and 12 weeks postpartum (PPP). Visfatin/NAMPT concentrations were measured in EDTA-plasma by ELISA. The mean age of pregnant women included was 22±5 years (54% primiparous), and the mean of gestational age at delivery was 40±1.2 weeks. Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures were 90 and 70 mmHg, respectively. Mean values (± standard error mean) of visfatin concentrations (μg/L) during trimesters were 11.38±1.45 (first, 11-14 weeks), 9.18±1.82 (second, 20-24 weeks), 18.67±2.65 (third, 34-36 weeks), and 10.12±1.49 in the PPP. The value of the third trimester was significantly higher than the second trimester, and significantly reduced in the PPP (p<0.05, ANOVA with Bonferroni's multiple comparison tests). Visfatin/NAMPT levels are significantly lower in the PPP, suggesting that factors stimulating its production would be limited to pregnancy, thereby contributing to its potential application as a biomarker in pregnancy complications.

Preoperative plasma visfatin may have a dual effect on the occurrence of postoperative delirium.

Visfatin is considered to be a "novel pro-inflammatory cytokine." Neuroinflammatory response is one of the important mechanisms of postoperative delirium (POD). The relationship between preoperative plasma visfatin and POD is unclear. To investigate the relationship between preoperative plasma visfatin concentrations and POD (primary outcome) in older hip fracture patients and to explore whether it affects POD through inflammatory factors. This prospective cohort study enrolled 176 elderly patients who were scheduled for hip fracture surgery. Preoperative plasma was collected on the morning of surgery, and visfatin levels were measured. Interleukin (IL)-1 and IL-6 were measured using patients' plasma collected on the first day after surgery. We used the 3-min diagnostic interview for Confusion Assessment Method-defined delirium (3D-CAM) twice daily within the 2 days after surgery to assess whether POD had occurred. Restricted cubic splines and piecewise regression were used to explore the relationship between preoperative plasma visfatin concentrations and POD, and further mediation analysis was used to verify whether visfatin plays a role in POD through regulating inflammatory factors. The incidence of POD was 18.2%. A J-shaped association was observed between preoperative plasma visfatin levels and POD. The risk of POD decreased within the lower visfatin concentration range up to 37.87 ng/ml, with a hazard ratio of 0.59 per 5 ng/ml [odds ratio (OR) = 0.59, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.37-0.95], but the risk increased above this concentration (P for non-linearity < 0.001, with a hazard ratio of 1.116 per 10 ng/ml; OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.02-1.23). Mediation effect analysis showed that when the plasma visfatin concentration was higher than 37.87 ng/ml, the effect of visfatin on POD was mediated by IL-6 (p < 0.01). A significant indirect association with postoperative plasma IL-6 was observed between preoperative plasma visfatin and POD (adjusted β = 0.1%; 95% CI = 4.8∼38.9%; p < 0.01). Visfatin is the protective factor in POD when the preoperative plasma visfatin concentration is below 37.87 ng/ml, but when it exceeds 37.87 ng/ml, the visfatin concentration is a risk factor for POD, which is mediated by postoperative plasma IL-6. The results suggest that preoperative visfatin may have a dual effect on the POD occurrence. [www.ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [ChiCTR21 00052674].

Association of plasma visfatin with epicardial fat thickness and severity of coronary artery diseases in patients with acute myocardial infarction and stable angina pectoris.

Elevated serum visfatin levels have been reported in some chronic inflammatory diseases such as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and rheumatoid arthritis. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the correlation between visfatin and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and anthropometric, angiographic, echocardiographic, and biochemical parameters in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). In this case-control study, 90 patients who were candidates for angiography were divided into the following 3 groups: non-coronary artery disease group (non-CAD; n = 30) with a history of chest pain without angiographic changes, stable angina pectoris group (SAP; n = 30), and AMI group (n = 30). Anthropometric, angiographic, echocardiographic, and biochemical parameters were measured in all subjects. The mean age of patients in the non-CAD, SAP, and AMI groups was 62.26 ± 13.24, 62.93 ± 8.35, and 52.83 ± 10.26 years (P < 0.001) respectively. The results showed that the median [interquartile range] of visfatin level was higher in the AMI group [7 (6.30-9.30), pg/ml] compared with the SAP [5.85 (5.20-6.60); P < 0.001] and non-CAD [5.20 (3.30-5.70); P < 0.001] groups. In addition, median [interquartile range] IL-6 levels were higher in the AMI group [17.5 (16-21), pg/ml] compared with the SAP [15.50 (14-18); P < 0.01] and non-CAD [14 (11-17); P < 0.001] groups. Furthermore, there was a positive association between plasma level of visfatin, and epicardial fat thickness (EFT) and the Gensini score in the SAP and AMI patients. The results of multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that white blood cell ý(WBC) count and IL-6 were independently associated with plasma visfatin level. The current study showed an association between visfatin and EFT in AMI patients. Increased visfatin levels in patients with AMI may contribute to atherosclerosis; however, further studies should be conducted to confirm this finding.

Seminal plasma visfatin levels negatively correlate with sperm concentration.

Visfatin is involved in nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide biosynthesis, with a possible role in spermatogenesis. We investigated seminal plasma visfatin levels and its possible correlations with sperm parameters (concentration, motility, morphology) and BMI.

Inflammatory markers are associated with the progression of gestational diabetes to metabolic syndrome

The progression of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) to metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with systemic inflammation. The aim of this study was to compare the levels of inflammatory markers in former GDM patients with and without MetS. Medical records were screened retrospectively for patients who were diagnosed with GDM 10 (±2) years ago. Former GDM patients were invited to the hospital for an assessment of their current health status. Of 52 women with former GDM, 27 (52%) had MetS. C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) levels were significantly higher in the MetS group while adiponectin was significantly lower (p < .001, p = .037, p = .002 and p = .013, respectively). There was no significant difference in plasma levels of visfatin and tumour necrosis factor-α. Interleukin-6, CRP, PAI-1 and adiponectin may be used as biomarkers to detect MetS in the pre-clinical phase. With timely diagnosis, early interventions can be implemented. IMPACT STATEMENT What is already known on this subject? The progression of ‘gestational diabetes mellitus’ to ‘metabolic syndrome’ is associated with systemic inflammation. Up to half of cases with former gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) eventually progress to metabolic syndrome (MetS). What do the results of this study add? Interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and adiponectin may be used as biomarkers to detect MetS in the pre-clinical phase. What are the implications of these findings from clinical practice and/or further research? The progression of GDM to MetS is associated with systemic inflammation. Potential therapies should therefore target this inflammatory state. Interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and adiponectin may be used as biomarkers to detect MetS in the pre-clinical phase. With timely diagnosis, early interventions and lifestyle changes can be implemented to prevent morbidity and mortality associated with full-blown MetS.

Visfatin Polymorphisms, Lifestyle Risk Factors and Risk of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma in a Cohort of Taiwanese Males

Oral cancer is the eighth greatest generally diagnosed cancer amongst males worldwide and the fourth most generally malignancy amongst Taiwanese males. The pro-inflammatory adipocytokine visfatin promotes tumor growth. Elevated plasma visfatin levels have been identified in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), although the biological mechanisms underlying the involvement of visfatin in the pathogenesis of OSCC are not well understood. Moreover, no information is available regarding associations between visfatin polymorphisms and carcinogenic lifestyle factors with OSCC. This study, therefore, investigated the effects of four visfatin gene polymorphisms (rs11977021, rs61330082, rs2110385, and rs4730153) and carcinogenic lifestyle factors (betel nut chewing, alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking) on the risk of developing OSCC in 1,275 Taiwanese males with OSCC, and 1,195 healthy males (controls). We also examined the associations between these visfatin genotypes and OSCC histopathological prognostic factors (pathological stage, tumor status, lymph node status, and metastasis). We found that compared with subjects with the CC genotype of SNP rs11977021, those with the CT+TT genotype were less likely to progress OSCC. In addition, an association was found between the rs4730153 variant and lymph node metastasis in the OSCC cohort.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 serum levels are associated with weight gain in patients treated with clozapine

Metabolic syndrome and related cardiovascular risk factors are well-known comorbidities among patients with schizophrenia. Biomarkers of these antipsychotic-associated metabolic adverse effects and antipsychotic-induced weight gain are needed. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is involved in insulin secretion, regulation of satiety, inhibition of food intake, and inhibition of gastric emptying. GLP-1 also induces reduction in body weight. Visfatin/ NAMPT/ PBEF is an adipocytokine secreted by several cells and tissues. Increased plasma visfatin levels have been associated with overweight/obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases, low grade inflammation, and proinflammatory markers. Associations between antipsychotic-induced weight gain and serum visfatin and GLP-1 levels have been little studied in patients with schizophrenia. The aim of the present study was to test the possible role of serum GLP-1 and visfatin level alterations as markers of weight gain in association with metabolic and inflammatory markers in 190 patients (109 male, 81 female) with schizophrenia on clozapine treatment. High serum levels of GLP-1 correlated significantly with higher levels of visfatin, leptin, insulin, HOMA-IR, higher BMI, and weight change among men. Associations between serum visfatin levels and BMI or weight change were not found in the present patients. Serum GLP-1 level seems to be a marker of metabolic risk factors among men with schizophrenia on clozapine treatment. Female patients may be more sensitive to suppressive effects of clozapine on GLP-1 secretion. Patients on clozapine would benefit from GLP-1 agonists as preventive treatment.

Functional effects of visfatin in isolated rat mesenteric small resistance arteries

A new adipocytokine, visfatin is expressed in perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) and exerts effects on vascular system in addition to its relationship with various pathological conditions. The present study aimed to investigate the functional effects of visfatin and the possible underlying mechanism(s) of the effects of visfatin in isolated rat mesenteric small resistance arteries. The study was conducted in small resistance arterial rings isolated from rat mesenteric vascular beds. While visfatin incubation did not produce significant alterations in contractile responses of mesenteric arterial rings to noradrenaline, relaxation responses to acetylcholine but not to sodium nitroprusside (SNP) were significantly reduced in endothelium-intact rings. The inhibitory effect of visfatin on responses to acetylcholine was not observed in endothelium-denuded preparations. Incubation of tissues with nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase (NAMPT) inhibitor FK866 or superoxide dismutase (SOD) reversed the inhibitory effects of visfatin on relaxation responses to acetylcholine. Co-incubation of visfatin with Nω-nitro-L-arginine methylester (L-NAME) did not produce a significant alteration in vascular responses to acetylcholine compared to L-NAME incubation alone. Mesenteric PVAT visfatin levels were significantly higher than and correlated positively with plasma visfatin levels. The results of our study indicated that visfatin-induced reductions in endothelium-dependent relaxations of rat isolated small resistance arteries are mediated by oxygen free radicals and a reduction in nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. It was suggested that increment in systemic and/or local visfatin levels due to various pathologies including obesity and excessive weight gain may play a substantial role in initiation and/or propagation of vascular dysfunctions.

Metabolic changes following transcatheter bariatric embolotherapy for weight loss in obesity: secondary outcomes from a prospective RCT

Abstract Background/Introduction Obesity and its comorbid conditions (i.e. type II diabetes mellitus, atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, hypertension, etc...) is a growing burden globally, however, the current treatments (i.e. bariatric surgery, intragasrtic balloons and/or pharmaceutical therapy) pose substantial risks or are contraindicated for various populations. Transcatheter bariatric embolotherapy of left gastric artery by reducing “hunger” hormones from the gastric fundus is a procedure for weight loss that has been growing in prominence over the last several years, however, to date no randomized-controlled trial has been conducted until our study. We studied TBE in a double-blind, sham procedure, first in human RCT of patients (pts) with obesity. Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of TBE for weight loss in obese patients as well as to evaluate metabolic changes. Methods After IV propofol, eligible pts (age 21–60; BMI 35–50 kg/m2) were randomized 1:1 to Sham (skin nick &amp; 1 hr wait) or TBE. All pts received Lifestyle Therapy (behavioral and diet education). Study staff following the pts were also blinded to treatment. Blood samples for gastrointestinal hormones were collected in EDTA tubes containing a protease inhibitor cocktail and frozen per local laboratory standards. All collected samples were assessed together in two batches at the end of the study. The hormones analyzed included ghrelin, GIP, GLP-1, Visfatin, resistin, PAI-1 (total), Leptin, and C-Peptide. An Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) and a diabetes assay was performed at baseline and at 6- and 12-months post-intervention. Note, while diabetes was an exclusion criterion for this study, pre-diabetes was not. Results 44 pts were enrolled, of which 40 pts were randomized equally to the groups, with no major complications in either group. TBE demonstrated superior weight loss over the control group at 6- and 12-months post-intervention in both intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses. At 6 and 12 months, the TBE group demonstrated a clinically meaningful decrease in glucose 1-hour post-fasting by OGTT. GIP levels in the TBE group increased at a mean of 21%, indicative of an improvement in pre-diabetic milieu. Circulating plasma visfatin levels decreased 20% at 6 months and 26% at 12 months in the TBE group indicating a decrease in body fat. C-Peptide levels were noticeably increased in the TBE group at 6 months possibly indicating improvements in insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function. Conclusion(s) TBE is safe and results in clinically significant weight loss and demonstrated a positive effect on glucose homeostasis in pre-diabetic patients. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Private company. Main funding source(s): Endobar Solutions, LLC

The Effect of Training (Aerobic and Concurrent) and Cinnamon Supplementation on the Plasma Levels of Visfatin and Adiponectin in Overweight Diabetic Men

Background: Diabetes is one of the most prevalent diseases caused by metabolic disorders, which is considered as a major global challenge. Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of two aerobic and concurrent (aerobic and resistance training) training protocols with supplementation of cinnamon on the level of some selected adipokines (visfatin and adiponectin) in overweight men with type 2 diabetes. Methods: for this purpose among The overweight and type II diabetic men in Kermanshah who were referred to a medical clinic, fifty people with BMI 28.55 ± 2.52 and age of 45.98 ± 6.79 who were volunteer to participate in research design, divided in five 10 people group consist of four experimental and one control group randomly. The experimental groups involve aerobic training, concurrent training, aerobic training along with cinnamon supplementation and eventually concurrent training along with cinnamon supplementation. While the experimental groups did the specific training, the control groups did no training throughout research design. Blood sampling were taken in experimental and control groups during pretest and posttest from anterior brachial vein. The variables were measured by ELISA method. Results: The results of ANCOVA and Bonferroni tests showed that both aerobic training and concurrent training (aerobic and resistance training) with and without cinnamon supplementation caused significant increase in plasma levels of adiponectin and significant decrease in plasma levels of visfatin in type two diabetic men.8 weeks of concurrent training in comparing with aerobic training was more effective in increasing the plasma levels of adiponectin and the difference between them was significant but the difference about plasma level of visfatin was insignificant. Conclusions: The results of this study showed that the effect of both aerobic and concurrent training with and without cinnamon supplementation has significant effect on plasma levels of adiponectin and visfatin and except more increase in adiponectin level in concurrent group in comparing with aerobic group, nearly there are no differences in terms of training type and taking and no taking of cinnamon supplementation. Based the finding of this study, both aerobic and concurrent training especially with cinnamon supplementation is effective in improving the health of men with type 2 and overweight diabetes.

Plasma adiponectin, visfatin, leptin, and resistin levels and the onset of colonic polyps in patients with prediabetes

BackgroundPrediabetes is associated with a high risk of colon cancer, and abdominal obesity, which can result in the secretion of several obesity-related adipocytokines, is an independent influencing factor for colonic polyps in prediabetes subjects. However, the correlation between adipocytokine levels and colonic polyps in prediabetes subjects is unclear. This research explores the relationship between plasma adiponectin, visfatin, leptin, and resistin levels and the development of colonic polyps in prediabetes subjects.MethodsA total of 468 prediabetes subjects who underwent electronic colonoscopy examinations were enrolled in this study; there were 248 cases of colonic polyps and 220 cases without colonic mucosal lesions. Then, colonic polyps patients with prediabetes were subdivided into a single-polyp group, multiple-polyps group, low-risk polyps group, or high-risk polyps group. In addition, 108 subjects with normal glucose tolerance who were frequency matched with prediabetes subjects by sex and age were selected as the control group; 46 control subjects had polyps, and 62 control subjects were polyp-free. Plasma adiponectin, visfatin, leptin, and resistin levels were measured in all the subjects, and the related risk factors of colonic polyps in prediabetes subjects were analysed.ResultsPlasma adiponectin levels were significantly lower in the polyps group than in the polyp-free group [normal glucose tolerance (9.8 ± 4.8 vs 13.3 ± 3.9) mg/L, P = 0.013; prediabetes (5.6 ± 3.7 vs 9.2 ± 4.4) mg/L, P = 0.007]. In prediabetes subjects, plasma adiponectin levels were decreased significantly in the multiple polyps group [(4.3 ± 2.6 vs 6.7 ± 3.9) mg/L, P = 0.031] and the high-risk polyps group [(3.7 ± 2.9 vs 7.4 ± 3.5) mg/L, P < 0.001] compared to their control groups. Plasma visfatin levels were higher in the polyps group and the multiple-polyps group than those in their control groups (P = 0.041 and 0.042, respectively), and no significant difference in plasma leptin and resistin levels was observed between these three pairs of groups (all P > 0.05). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that lower levels of plasma adiponectin was a risk factor for colonic polyps, multiple colonic polyps, and high-risk colonic polyps in prediabetes subjects.ConclusionsPlasma adiponectin levels are inversely associated with colonic polyps, multiple colonic polyps, and high-risk colonic polyps in prediabetes subjects. And adiponectin may be involved in the development of colon tumours in prediabetes subjects.

Visfatin as a predictor of obstructive sleep apnea in atrial fibrillation patients

BackgroundObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) often coexists with atrial fibrillation (AF) and makes the course of AF worse. The negative impact of OSA on AF may be due to atrial stretch, hypoxia, hypertension, obesity, fibrosis, and inflammation. Several mediators are thought to be responsible for this correlation, among them adipokines such as visfatin. This study aimed to assess the association between visfatin concentrations and OSA in patients with AF.AimsThis study aimed to assess the association between visfatin concentrations and OSA in AF patients.MethodsIn a tertiary Cardiology Department, hospitalized patients previously diagnosed with AF were enrolled in the study. Diagnosis of OSA was made based on a respiratory polygraphy and patients had blood samples taken for assessment of plasma visfatin concentration.ResultsA total of 266 patients with AF (65% men, age 57.6 ± 10.1) were enrolled, and 121 (45%) were diagnosed with OSA. Patients with OSA had higher visfatin concentrations than those without OSA (2.13 ± 0.17 vs. 1.70 ± 0.21 ng/mL; p = 0.04). Patients with mild OSA had visfatin levels equal to 1.77 ± 0.17 ng/mL, moderate OSA 2.38 ± 0.18 ng/mL, and severe OSA 3.55 ± 0.61 ng/mL (p for trend = 0.017). Multivariate regression analysis showed that increased visfatin concentrations were associated with the risk of OSA (odds ratio 1.92; 95% confidence interval 1.09–3.40).ConclusionsPatients with AF who were diagnosed with OSA had significantly higher plasma visfatin levels which increased according to the severity of OSA. Furthermore, multivariate regression analysis identified visfatin concentration over 1.25 ng/mL, male sex, age over 59.1 years, and permanent AF as the factors showing independent correlation with OSA.

Plasma Apelin, Visfatin and Resistin Levels in Patients with First Episode Psychosis and Chronic Schizophrenia.

ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the possible relationship between plasma concentrations of apelin, visfatin and resistin levels of first episode psychosis patients and chronic schizophrenia patients.MethodsA total number of 29 untreated patients with first episode psychosis, 30 chronic schizophrenia and 29 randomly selected weight- and body mass index-matched healthy volunteers were included. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 4th edition, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and Clinical Global Impression Scale were applied to the patient groups. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method was used to measure plasma apelin, visfatin and resistin levels.ResultsThere was no difference in age, marital status, occupation, and BMI between the groups. Plasma apelin levels were significantly higher in first episode psychosis group than chronic schizophrenia and control group. There was no statistically significant difference in plasma visfatin levels between the groups: first episode psychosis group, chronic schizophrenia and control group. Plasma resistin levels were higher in both first episode psychosis group and chronic schizophrenia group than the control group. There was no statistically significant correlation between plasma apelin and resistin levels and total PANSS scores in the group of patients.ConclusionTo our knowledge, this study is the first which investigates the plasma apelin, visfatin and resistin levels in patients with first episode psychosis and chronic schizophrenia. Based on the results of this study, apelin and resistin may be related with some central nervous system pathologies, including the severity of a psychiatric disorder.

Evaluation of Serum Biomarkers in Patients with Sarcoidosis: Can Visfatin Be a New Biomarker for Sarcoidosis?

Sarcoidosis is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease that affects multiple organ systems. The role of biomarkers in the diagnosis and prognosis of sarcoidosis is increasing. Interest in the role of adipose tissue-mediated inflammation in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases has increased in recent years. Visfatin is a proinflammatory adipocytokine that has been studied for several inflammatory diseases such as diabetes mellitus, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. We aimed to assess serum visfatin levels in sarcoidosis and its relationship with other markers of inflammation such as C-reactive protein (CRP), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). We enrolled 59 patients with sarcoidosis and 21 healthy controls and measured plasma levels of visfatin, along with serum CRP, ESR, and ACE using ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) kits (Blue Gene Biotech, Shanghai, China). Visfatin levels did not differ significantly between the patients and control subjects (29.9±15.8 ng/mL for patients and 23.93±16.73 ng/mL for controls, p=0.15), and there was no correlation between visfatin and serum CRP, ACE, or ESR in patients with sarcoidosis. Visfatin is recently being discussed as a biomarker for inflammatory diseases in several studies, and results are controversial. In our study, no differences were found in the serum levels of visfatin between patients with sarcoidosis and the control group.

Effects of 10-Week Concurrent Training on Insulin Resistance and the Serum Levels of Vaspin and Visfatin in Overweight Females

Aims: The present study investigated the effects of a 10-week concurrent training on the serum levels of vaspin and visfatin in overweight females. Methods &amp; Materials: Twenty-four over-weight females from Kerman City, Iran (Mean±SD age: 11.23±0.62 years; Mean±SD weight: 64.83±2.70kg; Mean±SD BMI: 27.97±0.47 kg/m2) were randomly assigned into the control and concurrent training groups. The intervention group performed the training protocol as follows: endurance training: 65-85% of Vo2 max for 20 minutes per session, and resistance training: 50-60% of One Repetition Maximum (1RM) for 30 minutes per session and 3 days a week for 10 weeks. Fasting plasma vaspin, visfatin, and insulin levels were measured by ELISA method. To analyze the data, Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used. Findings: Performing 10 weeks of concurrent training significantly decreased vaspin and visfatin plasma levels, and insulin resistance resting levels (P≤0.05); however, there was no significant decrease in glucose levels. Conclusion: Concurrent training can decrease insulin resistance, probably by reducing vaspin and visfatin in overweight females. Therefore, it is suggested that overweight females use concurrent training to improve insulin sensitivity and prevent metabolic diseases.

THE ROLE OF APELIN AND VISFATIN IN PATIENTS WITH ATRIAL FIBRILLATION

Objective: Adipokines such as apelin and visfatin represent two adipose tissue hormones that have been linked to cardiovascular diseases. Apelin has a positive inotropic effect and contributes to regulation of blood pressure, arterial vasodilation and improvement of cardiac output. Conversely, visfatin is associated with endothelial dysfunction, angiogenesis and atherosclerotic plaque instability. However, the exact impact of these biological factors in the presence of atrial fibrillation (AF) remains unclear.Design and method: Overall, 100 patients (50 with AF and 50 without AF) matched for age, gender and body mass index were studied. Apelin and visfatin plasma levels were measured by the Elisa method. Results: Apelin plasma levels were significantly lower whereas visfatin levels were significantly higher in patients with AF compared to controls. Conclusions: Reduced apelin and increased visfatin levels were observed in patients with AF indicating a potential role as independent prognostic factors for this condition.

Visfatin Level and The Risk of Hypertension and Cerebrovascular Accident: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

High blood pressure is related with increased cerebrovascular accident. High visfatin / NAMPT(nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase) plasma levels may promote vascular inflammation and atherosclerotic plaque destabilization and have been evaluated as a marker for identifying stages of essential hypertension. However, its role in the pathogenesis of hypertension and cerebrovascular accident (CVA) is still uncertain. In order to review and meta-analyze observational studies investigating visfatin concentration and the risk for hypertension or CVA, a systematic search of PubMed, ovid EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) until December 07, 2016 was performed. After data extraction and quality assessment, a meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 and STATA 14.0. A total of 1693 adults from 8 studies for hypertension (974 with hypertension) and 1696 adults from 7 CVA studies (957 with CVA) were enrolled in the current meta-analysis. Cochran's Q-statistic and I2 test were applied to estimate the heterogeneity of the studies. The fixed-effects were used to compute the weighted mean difference in visfatin levels. Plasma visfatin concentration was much higher in hypertension and CVA patients than in healthy individuals. These evidences suggested the association of hypertension and CVA with higher plasma visfatin level.