Serum Adipocytokine Levels Research Articles

Increased Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome and Adipocytokine Levels in a Psoriatic Arthritis Cohort.

The aims of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients according to the most recent definition in a Mediterranean population and to determine its association with biomarkers of inflammation and serum adipocytokine levels. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected on 74 patients with PsA and 82 control subjects. The presence of MetS was determined according to the current "harmonization" definition. Serum adipocytokines were analyzed. Continuous variables were compared by t test and discrete variables by χ test. Multivariate regression models compared the association between the presence of MetS and the blood levels of adipocytokines. The prevalence of MetS was higher in PsA patients compared with the control group: 54.8% versus 36.6%, respectively (P = 0.02; odds ratio, 2.33; 95% confidence interval, 1.16-4.69). The main difference between the 2 groups was waist circumference. No association was found between MetS and parameters of articular and skin disease activity or treatment. Leptin levels and leptin/adiponectin ratio were higher in PsA patients compared with control subjects: 83.4 versus 51.7 ng/mL (P = 0.001) and 6.3 × 10 versus 4.1 × 10 (P = 0.015), respectively. There was no significant difference in the adiponectin levels between the groups. The prevalence of MetS was higher in PsA patients compared with non-PsA control subjects in this Mediterranean population. Clinicians caring for PsA patients ought to be aware of the increased risk of MetS in PsA patients, confirmed in different regions worldwide. The increased MetS seems to be linked to central obesity in these patients, and appropriate treatment recommendations are advised.

Comparing the Serum Levels of Adipocytokines in the Renal Transplant Recipients and Healthy Individuals: A Case-Control Study

Background: Increasing evidence implies that Adipocytokines may result in cardiovascular disease (CVD) events and metabolic changes in the general population and also increase graft failure rate in the renal transplant recipient. Objectives: To compare the serum levels of Adipocytokines and lipid profiles in renal transplant recipients with healthy individuals. Methods: In a case-control study undertaken from the beginning of 2015 to December 2016; 30 renal transplant recipients, with stable conditions, whose renal transplant at least survived well over six months, were randomly selected to be the case group. Besides, 30 healthy individuals who referred to the transplantation clinic as the patientsâ�� attendants were considered as the control group. The serum levels of IL-1, IL-6, TNF-I±, Adiponectin, Visfatin, Leptin, and the Lipid profiles were measured after 12 hours of fasting and were compared between the two groups. Results: The serum levels of Adipocytokines including IL-1, IL-6, TNF-I±, Visfatin, and Leptin were significantly higher in renal transplant recipients than in healthy individuals (P <0.001) and the serum level of adiponectin (P < 0.004) was significantly lower in the renal transplant recipients. Linear regression results indicated that in the renal transplant group, only the Visfatin had a significant negative correlation with age (Unstandardized Coefficient =-0.104, P = 0.002). There were significant positive correlations between Leptin with cholesterol (P = 0.005), triglyceride (P = 0.008), and LDL (P = 0.014) in the healthy individuals, however, these relationships were not found in the renal transplant recipients and only a significant negative correlation was found between Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-I±) and cholesterol levels (P = 0.01). Conclusions: The findings of the present study demonstrated that renal transplant recipients suffer from inflammation and accompanying changes in levels of Adipocytokines in comparison with healthy controls. © 2018, Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal.

Effect of a 12-Week Aerobic Exercise Training on Serum Fetuin-A and Adipocytokine Levels in Type 2 Diabetes.

We aimed to evaluate the effect of 12-week aerobic exercise training on fetuin-A levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus and examine the relationships between fetuin-A and adipocytokine levels and cardiovascular risk factors. The study included 32 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were assigned to an exercise or a control group. The exercise group underwent 12 weeks of exercise (consisting of a 5-min warm-up, 60-min aerobic bicycle training performed at 70% of the maximal heart rate, a cool-down period, 5 times/week). Adiponectin, resistin, and fetuin-A serum levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Leptin serum levels were measured by a radioimmunoassay. Exercise for 12 weeks significantly reduced serum fetuin-A (643.1±109.4 to 448.7±92.5 μg/mL, P<0.05), leptin (11.9±7.2 to 8.6±5.7 ng/dL, P<0.05), and resistin (3.2±1.5 to 2.2±1.4 ng/mL, P<0.05) levels, but increased adiponectin (6.9±1.9 to 8.1±1.7 µg/mL, P<0.05) levels. In the exercise group, Δfetuin-A positively correlated with differences in weight (r=0.654, P=0.046), body mass index (r=0.725, P=0.002), waist circumference (r=0.898, P=0.013), and adiponectin levels (r=0.662, P=0.035). Aerobic exercise significantly decreased serum fetuin-A levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus, which can be attributed to weight loss and related to increased adiponectin levels.

Role of adipocytokines in the pathophysiology of migraine: A cross-sectional study.

Background Obesity is a risk factor for migraine and headache chronification. Adipocytokines may be involved in this correlation. Objective To relate serum adipocytokine levels to clinical and biochemical parameters associated with migraine. Methods We measured levels of leptin, adiponectin and other inflammatory (interleukin 6, interleukin 10, tumor necrosis factor α, high sensitivity C-reactive protein) and endothelial (pentraxin 3, soluble TNF-like weak inducer of apoptosis) molecules potentially related to migraine pathophysiology in a group of migraine patients (IHS 2013) and healthy controls. Results One hundred and eleven patients (mean age 39.7 years, 93% female) and 24 healthy controls (mean age 35.9 years, 90% female) were included. Fifty-six patients were diagnosed with episodic migraine (mean age 35.1 years, 98.2% female) and 55 patients with chronic migraine (mean age 44.4 years, 89.5% female). Leptin serum levels (15.2 ng/mL, SD = 10.5 vs . 3.1 ng/mL, SD = 0.9; p < 0.001) and adiponectin serum levels (72.3 µg/mL, SD = 38.5 vs . 37.7 µg/mL, SD = 16.9; p < 0.001) were significantly increased in migraine patients. Leptin serum levels (15.5 ng/mL, SD = 9.7 vs . 10.8 ng/mL, SD = 6.0; p < 0.001) and adiponectin serum levels (65.8 µg/mL, SD = 42.9 vs . 33.2 µg/mL, SD = 31.0; p < 0.001) were significantly higher in chronic compared to episodic migraine patients. We found a positive correlation between leptin levels and inflammatory biomarkers: IL6 (r = 0.498; p < 0.001), TNF-α (r = 0.389; p < 0.001), and hs-CRP (r = 0.422; p < 0.001). Conclusions Leptin and adiponectin are increased in migraineurs. There is a correlation between adipocytokine levels and other inflammation-related molecules. This suggests a potential role of adipocytokines in migraine pathophysiology and chronification.

Lower SHBG level is associated with higher leptin and lower adiponectin levels as well as metabolic syndrome, independent of testosterone

In addition to testosterone (T), the emerging role of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) in pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been noted recently. However, reports of associations with serum adipocytokine levels are still limited. Therefore, we conducted this study to evaluate whether serum T and SHBG levels are independent predictors for the risk of MetS that are associated with adiponectin and leptin levels in 614 Taiwanese men over 40 years old collected from a free health screening. Subjects in the lowest quartile of TT and SHBG levels are exposed to a 1.58 and 3.22 times risk of developing MetS, as compared to those in the highest quartile of TT and SHBG levels. However, SHBG retains its significance independent of TT as a MetS risk predictor, but not vice versa. In addition, SHBG was significantly correlated with both adiponectin and leptin levels even after adjusting for TT levels. In conclusion, SHBG served as a major predictor for the risk of MetS and was correlated with serum adiponectin and leptin levels that are independent of T. Further studies are needed to elucidate the true role of SHBG in the pathogenesis of MetS and possible mechanisms associated with serum adiponectin and leptin levels.

Body composition analysis and adipocytokine concentrations in haemodialysis patients: Abdominal fat gain as an added cardiovascular risk factor. Abdominal fat gain and cardiovascular risk

IntroductionAbdominal fat and its increment over time in particular has become a cardiovascular risk factor in uraemic patients. ObjectivesTo analyse changes in abdominal fat in haemodialysis patients over one year and study their possible correlation with the variation in adipocytokine serum levels. As a secondary objective, we tried to validate the data obtained by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) with data obtained by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Material and methodsA prospective one-year study was performed in 18 patients on haemodialysis (HD). In each patient, body composition by BIA and DXA was estimated at baseline and after one year. Several adipocytokine and biochemical parameters were determined. ResultsA significant increase in phase angle [4.8° (4.1–5.6) vs. 5.2° (4.4–5.8), p<0.05], BIA intracellular water [48.3% (43.1–52.3) vs. 50.3% (45.7–53.4), p<0.05] and the ratio between the percentage of android/gynecoid (A/G) distribution of fat measured by DXA [1.00 (0.80–1.26) vs. 1.02 (0.91–1.30), p<0.05] was observed. A statistically significant relationship between leptin and adiponectin concentrations and the percentage of fat mass measured by BIA, as well as the abdominal fat percentage estimated by DXA, was found (p<0.01). ConclusionHD patients exhibit a gain in fat mass over time, especially in the abdomen, evidenced by an increased A/G ratio. These findings might explain the increased cardiovascular risk in these patients.

Serum Adipocytokine Levels as Surrogate Markers for Disease Activity of Crohn’s Disease

BackgroundDetermining inflammatory activity is crucial for assessing disease activity and for tailoring therapy in patients with Crohn׳s disease (CD). This study aimed to evaluate adipocytokine levels in patients with CD and to determine whether they can serve as surrogate markers for disease activity. Materials and MethodsSerum samples and information regarding the clinical features of patients in the CD Network Project registry were collected from March 2009 to February 2012. Patients with CD and disease duration of at least 2 years were enrolled in this study. Fasting serum leptin, adiponectin, obestatin and ghrelin levels were measured, and their correlation with clinical features of the patients was analyzed. Serum adipocytokine levels were evaluated according to disease activity as determined by CD activity index score. ResultsA total of 153 patients with CD were included. Serum ghrelin levels negatively correlated with patient age (P = 0.041) and age at diagnosis (P = 0.017), and positively correlated with C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (P = 0.017). Multiple regression analysis showed that serum ghrelin levels were related only to CRP levels (P = 0.032). Like ghrelin, serum leptin levels were also related to CRP levels (P < 0.001). Obestatin and adiponectin levels were not related to CRP levels. Serum adipocytokine levels did not significantly differ across different disease locations or behaviors. Serum ghrelin levels were significantly lower in patients with CD with a history of surgery than in those without (P = 0.007). ConclusionsSerum ghrelin and leptin levels may be useful as surrogate markers for disease activity in patients with CD.

Abstract 12836: Usefulness of Serum Levels of Adipocytokines and Estimated Δ-5 Desaturase Activity as Biomarkers Predicting Hepatic Steatosis in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease on Statin Therapy

Introduction: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely linked to obesity or type 2 diabetes mellitus, which are risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD), and also includes non-alcoholic steatohepatitis that often develops life-threatening liver cirrhosis. Imaging tests for NAFLD are more sensitive than liver biochemistries, but expensive and cumbersome as screening tests. An establishment of biomarkers for NAFLD is important for prevention of fatal liver diseases in CAD patients. Hypothesis: Serum levels of adipocytokines/adipokines and estimated Δ-5 desaturase (D5D) activity may be useful biomarkers predicting NAFLD in patients with CAD. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 127 patients with CAD on statin therapy. Dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA) and arachidonic acid (AA) in serum total lipids were measured by gas chromatography, and D5D activity was estimated by AA to DGLA ratio. Serum levels of adiponectin (Apn), leptin, resistin, visfatin and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1, were determined by the respective ELISA. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) measured CT attenuation for liver (L-CTA) to estimate lipid content, and subjects with L-CTA &lt;50 HU were defined as NAFLD. Results: Simple linear regressions revealed that L-CTA was significantly correlated with serum levels of Apn, leptin and D5D activity (p &lt; 0.01, p = 0.03 and p &lt; 0.001, respectively), but not with those of resistin, visfatin or PAI-1. In multivariate logistic analysis among three factors consisting of a low Apn level: &lt; 6.8 μg/mL, a high leptin level: ≥ 3.4 ng/mL and a low D5D activity: ≤ 5.2 (the cutoff points were defined via ROC analysis against NAFLD), NAFLD was significantly associated with a high leptin level and a low D5D activity (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 4.9, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.5-20) and OR: 15.6, 95%CI: 2.9-290, respectively), but weakly with a low Apn level (OR: 1.9, 95%CI: 0.6-6.5). A combination of these factors showed a strong association with NAFLD (area under the ROC curve: 0.84, p &lt; 0.0001). Conclusions: Serum levels of Apn, leptin and estimated D5D activity were significantly correlated with hepatic lipid content, and incrementally predict the presence of NAFLD in patients with CAD on statin therapy.

The Relation of Serum Adipocytokines Levels and Haematological Malignancy

Obesity is a global health problem. Adipocytes produce adipocytokines, which participate in carcinogenesis of many solid tumours. However, reports on the effects in haematological malignancies are limited. We studied this feature in haematological malignancies. The body mass index (BMI), waist:hip ratio and serum adipocytokines levels (leptin and adiponectin) were measured in subjects (n=29) and healthy control (n=18). There was no significant difference in the mean BMI of control and subjects. However, the mean waist:hip ratio in subjects were significantly higher (0.91) compared to control (0.82); p=0.04. The mean level of leptin was raised in subjects compared to control (1.80 vs 17.41); p=0.00. The mean adiponectin level was suppressed in subjects (6.54 vs 0.15); p=0.00. The leptin:adiponectin ratio was also suppressed (0.01 vs 3.93); p=0.000. Subjects with good and poor initial clinical outcome did not show any significant difference in the adiposity index and the serum adipocytokines levels. This study supports the evidence that adiposity and adipocytokines are related to haematological malignancy similar to that reported in solid tumours. Leptin:adiponectin ratio may have the potential as a biomarker of obesity related malignancy. We also concluded that waist:hip ratio is a better index of adiposity compared to BMI. However, there is no significant relation of these parameters with the prognosis.

Composición corporal y concentraciones de adipocitoquinas en hemodiálisis: la ganancia de grasa abdominal como factor de riesgo cardiovascular añadido

IntroductionAbdominal fat and its increment over time in particular has become a cardiovascular risk factor in uraemic patients. ObjectivesTo analyse changes in abdominal fat in haemodialysis patients over one year and study their possible correlation with the variation in adipocytokine serum levels. As a secondary objective, we tried to validate the data obtained by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) with data obtained by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Material and methodsA prospective one-year study was performed in 18 patients on haemodialysis (HD). In each patient, body composition by BIA and DXA was estimated at baseline and after one year. Several adipocytokine and biochemical parameters were determined. ResultsA significant increase in phase angle [4.8° (4.1-5.6) vs. 5.2° (4.4-5.8), P<.05], BIA intracellular water [48.3% (43.1-52.3) vs. 50.3% (45.7-53.4), P<.05] and the ratio between the percentage of android/gynecoid (A/G) distribution of fat measured by DXA [1.00 (0.80-1.26) vs. 1.02 (0.91-1.30), P<.05] was observed. A statistically significant relationship between leptin and adiponectin concentrations and the percentage of fat mass measured by BIA, as well as the abdominal fat percentage estimated by DXA, was found (P<.01). ConclusionHD patients exhibit a gain in fat mass over time, especially in the abdomen, evidenced by an increased A/G ratio. These findings might explain the increased cardiovascular risk in these patients.

Adipocytokine Imbalance and Ghrelin in the Development of Insulin Resistance in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C

The aim of this study was to determine the role of the most informative indicators of adipocytokine status and ghrelin in insulin resistance (IR) formation in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients at different stages of liver fibrosis. Materials and Methods: This study included 205 CHC patients with HCV genotypes 1 and 3. A comparative analysis of the laboratory parameters was carried out in a group of patients with IR (n=110) and without IR (n=95) and in patients depending on the stage of liver fibrosis. The serum levels of adipocytokines and ghrelin were determined using Bachem Group (USA) and Immundiagnostik AG (Germany) test systems with microplate reader Elx800 (FinBio, Finland). Diagnosis and assessment of the degree of fibrosis was performed by liver biopsy, liver elastometry and calculation test FibroTest. Results: Obtained data allow us to regard the decreased secretion of ghrelin, and increased production of leptin, resistin and TNF-α as a component involved in the formation of IR in CHC patients. (Int J Biomed. 2016;6(1):27-32.).

Adipocytokines in renal transplant recipients.

In the last two decades, perceptions about the role of body fat have changed. Adipocytes modulate endocrine and immune homeostasis by synthesizing hundreds of hormones, known as adipocytokines. Many studies have been investigating the influences and effects of these adipocytokines and suggest that they are modulated by the nutritional and immunologic milieu. Kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) are a unique and relevant population in which the function of adipocytokines can be examined, given their altered nutritional and immune status and subsequent dysregulation of adipocytokine metabolism. In this review, we summarize the recent findings about four specific adipocytokines and their respective roles in KTRs. We decided to evaluate the most widely described adipocytokines, including leptin, adiponectin, visfatin and resistin. Increasing evidence suggests that these adipocytokines may lead to cardiovascular events and metabolic changes in the general population and may also increase mortality and graft loss rate in KTRs. In addition, we present findings on the interrelationship between serum adipocytokine levels and nutritional and immunologic status, and mechanisms by which adipocytokines modulate morbidity and outcomes in KTRs.

Effect of oncological treatment on serum adipocytokine levels in patients with stage II-III breast cancer.

Adipose tissue-derived hormones (adipocytokines), such as adiponectin, leptin, resistin and visfatin, and the pancreatic hormone insulin, have been suggested to play a role in carcinogenesis. we therefore hypothesized that the oncological treatment of breast cancer may alter the serum levels of these adipocytokines and insulin. In this study, we aimed to compare the serum levels of adipocytokines and insulin between the pre- and post-treatment period in patients with breast cancer. In this prospective study, 20 consecutive patients with stage II and III breast cancer underwent breast-conserving surgery or total mastectomy and/or axillary dissection. The patients received adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy, if necessary. Blood samples were obtained during the preoperative period and postoperatively after completion of the adjuvant therapy. There was no statistically significant difference between the pre- and post-treatment levels of visfatin, adiponectin and leptin. However, the serum insulin and resistin levels and insulin resistance were found to be statistically significantly increased following treatment (P<0.05). Post-treatment resistin levels were positively correlated with insulin resistance (r=0.45, P<0.05). Therefore, oncological treatment of stage II and III breast cancer did not affect visfatin, adiponectin and leptin levels, but statistically significantly increased resistin levels and insulin resistance. In addition, the post-treatment resistin levels were positively correlated with insulin resistance, suggesting that resistin may be involved in the development of insulin resistance in breast cancer patients following treatment.

The relationship between serum adipocytokines and Graves' ophthalmopathy: A hospital-based study.

Adipocytokines are thought to be associated with inflammatory disorders and autoimmune diseases. However, limited information is available on the relationship between serum adipocytokine levels, Graves' disease (GD), and Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO). The present study examined the relationship between serum adipocytokine levels and GD and GO. A total of 80 patients with GD participated in this study. The medical records of patients were reviewed retrospectively. GO activity was assessed using the clinical activity score (CAS). GO severity was assessed by the modified NOSPECS classification and included soft tissue involvement, proptosis, and extraocular muscle involvement. Serum adiponectin, leptin, resistin, and retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP-4) levels were measured using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The prevalence of GO was 36.3%. Serum adiponectin, leptin, and resistin levels were significantly higher in patients with GO than in those without GO. The CAS was positively correlated with serum adiponectin and leptin levels. The total eye score was positively correlated with serum adiponectin, leptin, resistin, and RBP-4 levels. A multivariate analysis revealed that serum leptin and resistin levels were associated with the presence of GO after adjusting for clinical factors. Free thyroxine was negatively correlated with serum leptin level. These results suggest that adipocytokines, such as leptin and resistin, may play a role in inflammatory and autoimmune processes of GD and GO. Future studies with larger numbers of patients are required to establish relationships between serum adipocytokines levels and GO and ascertain the role of adipocytokines in GD and GO.

Is obesity associated with healing after non-surgical periodontal therapy? A local vs. systemic evaluation.

We aimed to detect the role of obesity on the healing response to periodontal therapy in terms of serum lipids, C-reactive protein (CRP) and both serum and gingival crevicular fluid adipocytokines. Thirty patients with periodontitis with (CPO) (n = 15) and without (n = 15) obesity and 15 healthy controls were included. Serum high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, triglyceride, CRP levels and levels of adiponectin, interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-10 were evaluated before and 3 mo after initial periodontal therapy. Clinical periodontal measurements were also recorded at baseline and 3 mo. Periodontal parameters improved significantly in both periodontitis groups with or without obesity (p < 0.05) with no significant difference in terms of gain clinical attachment level (p > 0.05) and change in numbers of sites with probing depth ≥ 4 mm. High-density lipoprotein significantly increased in both groups (p > 0.05). CRP decreased significantly solely in the normal weight group. IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α levels in gingival crevicular fluid improved significantly based on therapy in both groups (p < 0.05). Only TNF-α decreased significantly in the CPO, while adiponectin and IL-10 in addition to TNF-α improved significantly in the group of patients with periodontitis without obesity. Patients with CPO respond to periodontal therapy as well as the non-obese controls. This similar response is accompanied with consistent adipokine levels in gingival crevicular fluid. However, obesity affects the CRP and serum adipocytokine levels in response to therapy.

Associations of Circulating Gut Hormone and Adipocytokine Levels with the Spectrum of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

ObjectiveThe pathogenesis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is complex and poorly understood. We aim to investigate the association of various circulating peptide hormones with heterogenous manifestations of GERD.MethodsOne hundred and four patients that had experienced typical GERD symptoms (heartburn and/or acid regurgitation) for at least 3 episodes per week in the past 3 months were enrolled. All patients received a baseline assessment of symptom severity and frequency with the Reflux Disease Questionnaire and an upper endoscopy to classify GERD into erosive esophagitis (EE, n = 67), non-erosive esophagitis (NE, n = 37), and Barrett’s esophagus (BE, n = 8). Fifty asymptomatic subjects with an endoscopically normal esophagus were recruited as the control group. Complete anthropometric measures and blood biochemistry were obtained and fasting serum levels of adipocytokines (adiponectin and leptin) and gut hormones (ghrelin and peptide YY (PYY)) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in all subjects.ResultsAll circulating peptide hormone levels were not statistically different between the GERD and control groups. However, GERD patients appeared to have lower PYY levels [median (25th-75th percentile), 80.1 (49.8–108.3) vs. 99.4 (65.8–131.9) pg/ml, p = 0.057] compared with control subjects. Among the GERD patients, ghrelin levels were inversely associated with the frequency and severity of acid regurgitation. In male GERD patients, EE was associated with significantly higher PYY levels [107.0 (55.0–120.8) vs. 32.8 (28.7–84.5) pg/ml, p = 0.026] but lower adiponectin levels [6.7 (5.6–9.3) vs. 9.9 (9.6–10.6) μg/ml, p = 0.034] than NE. Patients with BE had significantly lower adiponectin levels [6.0 (5.1–9.2) vs. 9.2 (7.1–11.2) μg/ml, p = 0.026] than those without BE.ConclusionsHumoral derangement of circulating peptide hormones might participate in inflammation and symptom perception in patients suffering from GERD. Further studies to clarify the exact role of these hormones in the pathogenesis of GERD are warranted.

Ameliorative effect of vanadyl(IV)–ascorbate complex on high-fat high-sucrose diet-induced hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and oxidative stress in mice

There is mounting evidence demonstrating causative links between hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance, the core pathophysiological features of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Using a combinational approach, we synthesized a vanadium–antioxidant (i.e., l-ascorbic acid) complex and examined its effect on insulin resistance and oxidative stress. This study was designed to examine whether vanadyl(IV)-ascorbate complex (VOAsc) would reduce oxidative stress, hyperglycemia, and insulin resistance in high-fat high-sucrose diet (HFSD)-induced type 2 diabetes in mice. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a HFSD for 12 weeks to induce insulin resistance, rendering them diabetic. Diabetic mice were treated with rosiglitazone, sodium l-ascorbate, or VOAsc. At the end of treatment, fasting blood glucose, fasting serum insulin, homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance index, and serum adipocytokine levels were measured. Serum levels of nitric oxide (NO) parameters were also determined. The liver was isolated and used for determination of malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione, and catalase levels, and superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities. VOAsc groups exhibited significant reductions in serum adipocytokine and NO levels, and oxidative stress parameters compared to the corresponding values in the untreated diabetic mice. The results indicated that VOAsc is non-toxic. In conclusion, we identified VOAsc as a potentially effective adjunct therapy for the management of type 2 diabetes.

Leukocytes apoptosis and adipocytokines in children with beta thalassemia major.

β-Thalassemia is a significant public health problem in Egypt. Infectious complications represent the second most common cause of mortality and the major cause of morbidity in β-thalassemia major (BTM). The increased susceptibility of these patients to infectious diseases has been attributed to the abnormalities of the immune system, which is evident by systemic inflammation and immune deficiency. In a case control study, 35 patients with BTM were compared with 30 sex- and age-matched children who served as controls. Serum ferritin, high-sensitive CRP (hsCRP), leptin and adiponectin levels were determined in all subjects. Apoptosis of neutrophils and lymphocytes was measured by the Annexin V-fluoroisothiocyanate binding assay. Serum leptin was significantly lower in patients when compared to controls. In contrast, adiponectin and hsCRP levels were significantly higher in the patients than the controls. Positive correlation was found between adiponectin and hsCRP. BTM patients had significantly higher total leukocytes, neutrophils and lymphocytes compared with controls. BTM children exhibited a significantly increased apoptosis in T-lymphocytes; however, there was no significant difference in the percentage of apoptosis of B-lymphocytes and neutrophils between the patients and the controls. There was a significant negative correlation between serum leptin and the percentage of apoptotic T-lymphocytes. Our BTM patients had a high percentage of apoptotic T-lymphocyte in comparison with controls. In addition, they had disturbed serum levels of adipocytokines and inflammatory markers. These derangements could have a role in the immunological disturbance observed in thalassemic patients.

Long-term oral exposure to bisphenol A induces glucose intolerance and insulin resistance

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widely used endocrine disruptor. Recent epidemiologic results have suggested an association between exposure to BPA and cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. We investigated the in vivo effects of long-term oral exposure to BPA on insulin resistance and glucose intolerance. In the present study, 4- to 6-week-old male mice on a high-fat diet (HFD) were treated with 50 μg/kg body weight per day of BPA orally for 12 weeks. Long-term oral exposure to BPA along with an HFD for 12 weeks induced glucose intolerance in growing male mice. Intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests showed that the mice that received an HFD and BPA exhibited a significantly larger area under the curve than did those that received an HFD only (119.9±16.8 vs. 97.9±18.2 mM/min, P=0.027). Body weight, percentage of white adipose tissue, and percentage of body fat did not differ between the two groups of mice. However, treatment with BPA reduced Akt phosphorylation at position Thr308 and GSK3β phosphorylation at position Ser9 in skeletal muscle. BPA tended to decrease serum adiponectin levels and to increase serum interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor α, although these findings were not statistically significant. Treatment with BPA did not induce any detrimental changes in the islet area or morphology or the insulin content of β cells. In conclusion, long-term oral exposure to BPA induced glucose intolerance and insulin resistance in growing mice. Decreased Akt phosphorylation in skeletal muscle by way of altered serum adipocytokine levels might be one mechanism by which BPA induces glucose intolerance.

Serum levels of adipocytokines in psoriasis patients receiving tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors: results of a retrospective analysis.

Adipocytokines are bioactive molecules that are deeply involved in the occurrence of atherosclerosis, obesity, and autoimmune inflammatory diseases. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) inhibitors on serum levels of adipocytokines in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis. Serum levels of adiponectin, resistin, visfatin, leptin, TNF-α, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were evaluated in sera obtained from 47 patients with psoriasis, both at baseline and after they had received TNF-α inhibitors for 24 weeks. Equivalent data were obtained for 39 control subjects matched by age, sex, body mass index, waist : hip ratio, geographical origin, Mediterranean dietary habits, and smoking habits. At baseline, mean serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, leptin, resistin, and visfatin were higher in the psoriasis group than in healthy controls; these differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conversely, mean serum levels of adiponectin were significantly lower in patients with psoriasis than in controls (P < 0.0001). Serum levels of adipocytokines did not linearly correlate with anthropometric indices in psoriasis patients (P > 0.05), except in the case of leptin, for which serum levels were related to waist : hip ratio in both men and women (P < 0.05). After 24 weeks of treatment, although serum levels of proinflammatory adipocytokines were decreased, only that of leptin showed a statistically significant reduction (P = 0.0003). Serum levels of adiponectin, an anti-inflammatory adipocytokine, were only mildly increased and persisted at a significantly lower level than in healthy controls (P > 0.005). Patients with psoriasis show an imbalance between pro- and anti-inflammatory adipocytokines, which is reduced but not normalized after administration of TNF-α inhibitors for 24 weeks. This partial rebalancing seems to be mainly related to a reduction in proinflammatory adipocytokines, rather than an increase in anti-inflammatory adipocytokines.