Serum Adipocytokines Research Articles

Metabolic syndrome biomarkers and early breast cancer in Saudi women: evidence for the presence of a systemic stress response and/or a pre-existing metabolic syndrome-related neoplasia risk?

BackgroundObesity has been linked to many adverse health consequences, including breast cancer. This study aims to determine adipocytokine and other biological changes in recently diagnosed breast cancer patients before therapy is started.MethodsA total of 109 female Saudi subjects [56 newly diagnosed, treatment-naïve, histologically-confirmed breast cancer cases and 53 age- and BMI-matched controls] were enrolled in this study. Anthropometric data were collected. Serum insulin, adipocytokines and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) concentrations were measured using a customized multiplex Luminex assay. Hypersensitive C-Reactive Protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and angiotensin II (ANG II) were measured using ELISA.ResultsA few days in the diagnosis, breast cancer subjects had significantly higher systolic blood pressure (p = 0.03), glucose (p = 0.01), triglycerides (p = 0.001), leptin (p = 0.044), resistin (p = 0.04), ANG II (p = 0.02), TNF-α (p = 0.045), and CRP (p = 0.04) than the controls. On the other hand, HDL (p = 0.01) and adiponectin (p = 0.02) were significantly lower in cancer subjects than controls. A significant association was found between elevated triglycerides (TG) and breast cancer [OR (95% CI), 6.1(1.8, 15.6), p = 0.004], as well as elevated ANG II [OR (95% CI), 5.2(1.2, 14.3), p = 0.03]. On the other hand, aPAI and HDL correlated negatively with breast cancer [OR (95% CI), 0.076(0.01, 0.34), p = 0.001; 0.30(0.09, 0.95), p 0.04, respectively].ConclusionCirculating ANGII and triglycerides were positively associated with early breast cancer. In contrast, HDL-cholesterol correlated negatively with ANG II and aPAI in these patients. This suggests that patients with recently diagnosed breast cancer have biochemical changes consistent with an activated stress response and/or that patients with metabolic syndrome manifestations have a higher risk of developing this disease.

Renin-angiotensin system blockers affect cognitive decline and serum adipocytokines in Alzheimer’s disease

BackgroundAccumulating evidence indicates an association of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) with the metabolic syndrome (MetS), characterized by visceral fat accumulation with insulin resistance and altered secretion of adipocytokines such as adiponectin and leptin. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) regulates blood pressure and insulin resistance. Recent studies suggest that the RAS plays crucial roles in cognitive functions and that adipocytokines exert neuroprotective activity in the brain. We investigated whether RAS blockers (RASB) affect adipocytokines and cognitive function in patients with AD. MethodsWe studied 78 patients with a diagnosis of probable AD according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition and 106 nondemented control subjects who visited our clinic with a main complaint of headache or dizziness. We examined retrospectively the effects of RASB on adipocytokines and cognitive decline in patients with AD who were divided into three groups: hypertension treated with RASB (HT-RASB; n = 17), hypertension treated with other antihypertensive drugs (HT-other; n = 34), and no hypertension (non-HT; n = 27). ResultsThe HT-RASB group had a significantly higher serum leptin level and a relatively larger visceral fat area than the other groups, because of the bias toward patients with MetS in this group. The HT-RASB group also had a significantly lower immunoreactive insulin level, a relatively low homeostasis model assessment as an index of insulin resistance, and a relatively high serum adiponectin level among the three groups. Cognitive decline, estimated on the basis of the mean annual decline using the Hasegawa Dementia Scale score was significantly low in the HT-RASB group. ConclusionTreatment with RASB might modulate serum adipocytokines and glucose homeostasis, potentially slowing cognitive decline in patients with AD.

Association of Serum Adipocytokines With Insulin Resistance and Liver Injury in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C Genotype 4

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, especially genotypes 1 and 4, is associated with metabolic dysfunction. We investigated the potential role of adipocytokines in HCV-induced insulin resistance (IR) and modulating the progression of liver disease in patients with HCV-4. Serum adiponectin, high molecular weight adiponectin, leptin, tumor necrosis factor-α, interluekin-6, homeostasis model for the assessment of insulin resistance, and M30 protein were measured in 147 HCV patients and 89 controls. Liver biopsies were evaluated for steatosis/inflammation/fibrosis, adiponectin mRNA/protein, AdipoR1/-R2 mRNA, and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase gene expression, and adiponectin and CD95 immunoreactivity. CD95 immunoreactivity and adiponectin immunoreactivity were detected in all biopsies examined. Hepatic adiponectin immunostaining correlated positively with the intensity of hepatic CD95/Fas immunostaining (r=0.424; P=0.001). Hepatocyte CD95/Fas upregulation correlated with fibrosis, inflammation, and steatosis (r=0.52, P=0.0001; r=0.16, P=0.04; r=0.24, P=0.0001; respectively). Significant correlations of serum adiponectin, its receptors mRNA expression, hepatic adiponectin immunostaining, and mRNA transcription for phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase were identified with steatosis. A positive association between adiponectin and hepatic inflammation and fibrosis was identified. This correlation remained significant even after adjusting for age, sex, and body mass index. Among body mass index, age, and sex-matched HCV-negative controls, patients with HCV-4 have higher serum leptin, adiponectin, and high molecular weight adiponectin, and these changes are independently correlated with IR. Our findings in patients with HCV-4 show that adiponectin correlates with IR and with the different stages of liver injury. Steatosis upregulates hepatocyte CD95/Fas and thus increases apoptosis, which facilitates inflammation and fibrosis. These findings may provide potential clues for novel therapeutic intervention.

Comparing Preterm and Term Newborns Serum Adiponectin and Leptin Concentrations and their Correlations with Anthropometric Parameters

Introduction: Serum adipocytokines concentration, their mutual relationship and correlations with anthropometric data could be indicators of fetal and neonatal growth maturity level in term and preterm infants. Objectives: Study was designed to assess the correlation of the anthropometric parameters with leptin and adiponectin levels in healthy preterm and term newborns. Design and Methods: A cohort of 110 neonates of both sexes, born pre term (PT) (n=36) or at term (AT) (n=74), additionally classified as AT-AGA (n=36), AT-SGA (n=18), AT-LGA (n=20) and PT-AGA (n=24), PT-SGA (n=12), according to the Lubchenco curves Mother Body Mass Index-MBMI, Birth Weight-BW, Birth Length-BL, Body Weight/Body Length ratio-BW/BL, Body Mass Index-BMI, Ponderal Index-PI, was recorded after birth. Results: Sex has no influence on mean serum leptin and adiponectin level. However, differences between AT and PT groups were highly (p<0.01) significant (2.20 ± 1.02; 30.77 ± 22.64 and 1.24 ± 0.35; 9.44 ± 4.82 ng/mL, respectively). Significant difference was found in adiponectin levels between ATAGA and AT-LGA compared to AT-SGA subgroup (32.8 ± 25.41 and 43.40 ± 16.98 vs 12.67 ± 2.45 ng/ mL, respectively, (p<0.01; p<0.01). There was a significant difference between leptin levels (1.93 ± 0.70; 1.71 ± 0.53 vs 3.12 ± 1.27 ng/mL) in AT-AGA and AT-SGA compared to AT-LGA newborns, respectively, (p<0.01; p<0.01). No significant differences were found in leptin and adiponectin levels neather between PT subgroups (1.30 ± 0.38 ng/mL) nor between PT group and AT-SGA (1.71 ± 0.53 ng/mL) subgroup. Leptin and adiponectin levels were positively correlated with all anthropometric parameters: BW, BL, BW/BL, BMI, and PI (p<0.05). Conclusion: These results indicate that the stage of body growth maturity is positively correlated to adipocytokines involved in fetal growth regulation.

Ovarian adipocytokines are associated with early in vitro human embryo development independent of the action of ovarian insulin

We aimed to characterize the association between levels of serum and follicular fluid (FF) adipocytokines, reflected by the leptin to adiponectin ratio (L:A ratio), and oocyte quality and in vitro embryo development in women undergoing assisted reproduction. We also aimed to assess whether follicular hormonal pathways mediate this interaction. We prospectively collected FF from up to four individual preovulatory follicles (n = 76) and fasting sera from women (n = 31) without endocrinopathies undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) at a university-based center for assisted reproduction. Leptin, total adiponectin, insulin, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and ovarian steriods were measured using enzyme immunoassay. Oocyte maturity, fertilization, and embryo development were assessed. FF leptin was similar to serum levels while FF adiponectin was lower. FF leptin (27.10 ± 4.05ng/mL) and the L:A ratio (11.48E-3 ± 2.57E-3) were related to FF insulin (R (2) = 0.370 and 0.419, p < 0.001) but not to ovarian steroids or IGF-1, whereas FF adiponectin ( 4.22 ± 0.52ug/mL) correlated only with leptin (R (2) = -0.138, p = 0.001). Oocytes from a high FF L:A ratio environment were 81% (RR 1.81 [95%CI 0.97-3.37]) more likely to undergo successful cleavage and 117% (RR 2.17 [95% CI 1.06-4.44]) more likely to obtain viable cleavage morphology compared to a low FF L:A ratio environment, even when adjusted for FF insulin, an independent predictor of cleavage. Certain adipocytokines, particularly the L:A ratio in the FF of the preovulatory follicle, are related to successful in vitro embryo development. This action may be independent of FF insulin.

Supplementation of highly concentrated β-cryptoxanthin in a satsuma mandarin beverage improves adipocytokine profiles in obese Japanese women

BackgroundSerum β-cryptoxanthin levels are lower in overweight subjects than in normal subjects. Abnormalities of adipocytokine profiles in obesity subjects have been reported. There are several reports that serum β-cryptoxanthin levels in them were relatively lower than normal subjects.ObjectiveWe hypothesize that supplementation of highly concentrated β-cryptoxanthin improves serum adipocytokine profiles in obese subjects. This study tested the association between β-cryptoxanthin intake and serum adipocytokine levels.MethodsAn intervention study consisted of a 3-week long before-and-after controlled trial, where β-cryptoxanthin (4.7 mg/day) was given to 17 moderately obese postmenopausal women.ResultsThe results indicated no significant changes in body weight or body mass index (BMI). Serum β-cryptoxanthin levels increased significantly by 4-fold. Serum high molecular weight (HMW)-adiponectin levels increased significantly, while serum plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1 levels decreased.ConclusionsWe concluded that increasing the intake of β-cryptoxanthin to approximately 4 mg per day for 3 weeks may have beneficial effects on the serum adipocytokine status and consequently alleviate progression of metabolic syndrome.

Effect of Filarial Infection on Serum Inflammatory and Atherogenic Biomarkers in Coronary Artery Disease (CURES-121)

Helminth infections can potentially confer protection against metabolic disorders, possibly through immunomodulation. In this study, the baseline prevalence of lymphatic filariasis (LF) among subjects without (N = 236) and with (N = 217) coronary artery disease (CAD) was examined as part of the Chennai Urban Rural Epidemiological Study (CURES). The prevalence of LF was not significantly different between CAD(-) and CAD(+) subjects. The LF antigen load and antibody levels indicated comparable levels of infection and exposure between the groups. Within the CAD group, LF(+) and LF(-) subjects had no significant difference in the intimal medial thickness and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein values. However, LF infection was associated with augmented levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 among CAD(+) subjects. The LF infection had no effect on serum adipocytokine profile. In conclusion, unlike type-2 diabetes, there is no association between the prevalence of LF and CAD and also no evidence of protective immunomodulation of LF infection on CAD in the Asian Indian population.

Sa1968 Association of Serum Adipocytokines With IL28B and SVR in Chronic Hepatitis C

Sa1968 Association of Serum Adipocytokines With IL28B and SVR in Chronic Hepatitis C

Adipocytokines and Insulin Resistance across Various Degrees of Glucose Tolerance in Pregnancy

Gestational diabetes mellitus is characterized by progressive insulin resistance. Adipocytokines are thought to be associated with insulin resistance. This cross-sectional study evaluated the associations between serum concentrations of several adipocytokines and insulin resistance at different stages of glucose tolerance in pregnancy, using the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) as a reference. According to oral glucose tolerance test results, 74 pregnant women were divided into three groups: normal glucose tolerance (n = 25); intermediate glucose tolerance (n = 19); gestational diabetes mellitus (n = 30). Adiponectin, leptin, resistin, visfatin and retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assays. Groups were comparable regarding age, week of gestation and body mass index before gestation. There were statistically significant between-group differences in HOMA-IR, but no significant differences regarding serum adipocytokine concentrations. Adipo nectin, leptin, resistin, visfatin and RBP4 were not associated with the degree of glucose tolerance in pregnancy. Concentrations of these adipocytokines are not sufficiently sensitive to replace HOMA- IR in pregnancy.

Treatment-specific changes in circulating adipocytokines: a comparison between tumour necrosis factor blockade and glucocorticoid treatment for rheumatoid arthritis

ObjectiveThere is increasing evidence that adipocytokines may exert proinflammatory and destructive effects in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Hence, the authors investigated the relationship between adipocytokines and several features associated with RA...

Association of serum adipocytokine levels with cardiac autonomic neuropathy in type 2 diabetic patients

BackgroundCardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) is a common complication of diabetes associated with poor prognosis. In addition, the autonomic imbalance is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) in diabetes. It is thought that adipocytokines contribute to the increased risk of vascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, literature data on the association between CAN with adipocytokines such as leptin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), adiponectin in subjects with T2DM is limited.Therefore, in the present study, we examined the relationship between fasting serum leptin, TNF- alpha and adiponectin and CAN in Korean T2DM patients.MethodsA total of 142 T2DM patients (94 males, 48 females) were recruited. CAN was assessed by the five tests according to the Ewing's protocol and the time and frequency domain of the heart rate variability (HRV) was evaluated. Serum TNF-alpha and adiponectin levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and serum leptin levels were measured using radioimmunoassay.ResultsAlthough, the mean levels of leptin, TNF-alpha and adiponectin were not significantly different between the groups with and without CAN, the levels of leptin and adiponectin had a tendency to increase as the score of CAN increased (p = 0.05, p = 0.036). Serum leptin levels demonstrated a negative correlation with low frequency (LF) in the upright position (p = 0.037). Regarding TNF-alpha, a significant negative correlation was observed with SDNN and RMSSD in the upright position (p = 0.023, p = 0.019). Adiponectin levels were not related to any HRV parameters. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the odds of CAN increased with a longer duration of diabetes (1.25, [1.07-1.47]) and higher homeostatic model of assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (5.47, [1.8-16.5]). The relative risks for the presence of CAN were 14.1 and 51.6 for the adiponectin 2nd, 3rd tertiles when compared with first tertile (p-value for trend = 0.022).ConclusionsIn the present study, the higher serum adiponectin levels and HOMA-IR were associated with an increased risk for the presence of CAN. Also, the CAN score correlated with the serum adiponectin. Serum adipocytokines such as leptin and TNF-alpha were significantly correlated with parameters of HRV, representative markers of CAN. Future prospective studies with larger number of patients are required to establish a direct relationship between plasma adipocytokine concentrations and the development or severity of CAN.

Influence of elevated liver fat on circulating adipocytokines and insulin resistance in obese Hispanic adolescents

We performed this study to examine the metabolic differences arising from higher liver fat accumulation in obese Hispanic adolescents, with a particular focus on circulating levels of adipocytokines and insulin resistance. Forty-one obese Hispanic adolescents (15.3 ± 1.0 years, body mass index percentile: 97.0 ± 3.9) were assessed for: visceral adipose tissue (VAT), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and hepatic fat fraction (HFF) by magnetic resonance imaging; fasting measures of serum glucose, insulin and adipocytokines; homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR); and insulin sensitivity (SI) and the acute insulin response to glucose (AIR) by intravenous glucose tolerance test. Subjects with normal levels of HFF (below 5%; n = 25) were compared to those with HFF > 5% (n = 16). The two groups differing in HFF were similar for total body fat, VAT and SAT. The group with HFF > 5% had significantly (P < 0.05) higher interleukin-8 (IL-8) (6.1 ± 1.6 vs. 3.2 ± 0.4 pg mL(-1) ), NGF (30.2 ± 9.9 vs. 13.9 ± 1.6 pg mL(-1) ), HOMA-IR (8.8 ± 1.1 vs. 5.5 ± 0.5), AIR (1869 ± 206 vs. 1092 ± 165) and a tendency for lower SI (1.2 ± 0.4 vs. 2.1 ± 0.3; P = 0.06), with no significant differences in any of other factors measured. These data suggest that elevated liver fat is most closely associated with elevated serum IL-8 and NGF levels as well as increased AIR and HOMA-IR. These elevated factors may play significant roles in the metabolic abnormalities associated with elevated liver fat in obese Hispanics.

Cord serum adiponectin is positively related to postnatal body mass index gain

The roles of adiponectin and leptin in the early stages of life are poorly understood. We previously studied longitudinal changes in these adipocytokines from birth to 12 months of age. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the correlation between cord serum adipocytokine levels and postnatal growth by 3 years of age. A questionnaire was sent to obtain the general physical measurements of 3-year-olds from 56 healthy newborn infants born at a gestational age of 35 weeks or more; 45 valid responses were obtained. The correlations between variables, including cord serum adipocytokine levels at birth and general physical measurements at 3 years, were investigated. Body mass index (BMI) Z-score gain from birth to 3 years was negatively correlated with birthweight SD scores (β=-0.395, P= 0.019) and gestational age (β=-0.557, P= 0.016), and positively correlated with cord serum adiponectin levels (β= 0.253, P= 0.043). BMI Z-score gain from birth to 6 months was negatively correlated with only birthweight SD score (β=-0.442, P= 0.017). Cord serum leptin levels were not a significant predictor of BMI Z-scores gain in our subjects. BMI Z-scores at 6 months, 12 months, and 3 years of age were not related to cord serum adiponectin or leptin levels. Birthweight SD score, gestational age, and cord serum adiponectin levels are significant predictors of BMI Z-score gain from birth to 3 years of age in Japanese infants.

Serum sphingolipids and inflammatory mediators in adolescents at risk for metabolic syndrome

The purpose of this study was to determine low-grade inflammation associated with obesity that is mediated partially by TNF-α, an adipocytokine which stimulates sphingomyelinase activity in adipocytes. Circulating ceramide (Cer) and sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) are elevated in genetically obese (ob/ob) mice. We aimed to determine whether serum sphingolipid concentrations correlate with measures of obesity, insulin resistance, and lipid profiles in overweight versus lean adolescents. This cross-sectional study recruited 30 healthy overweight (body mass index, BMI≥85%) and 15 lean (BMI 10-84%) adolescents. Anthropometric measurements and fasting blood samples were collected at one clinic visit. Serum glucose, insulin, and fasting lipid profiles were measured. Serum adipocytokine concentrations were measured by ELISA or colorimetric assay and sphingolipids were measured by HPLC-mass spectrometry. Between group differences in serum sphingolipid concentrations were assessed. Correlations between sphingolipid concentrations and (i) body mass index, (ii) calculated homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), (iii) adipocytokines, and (iv) lipoproteins were determined. The results showed that significant differences in HOMA-IR (4.5±3.2 vs. 1.2±0.7), free fatty acids (0.8±0.3mmol/l vs. 0.4±0.3mmol/l), and adiponectin (6.4±3.8 vs. 12.6±9.9 μg/ml) were seen between groups (overweight vs. lean). There were significant correlations between Cer and TNF-α (r=0.429), S1P and TNF-α (r=0.288), Cer and adiponectin (r=0.321), Cer:S1P and adiponectin (r=0.324), Cer and HOMA-IR (r=0.307), and Cer:S1P and LDL cholesterol (r=0.453); these associations persisted after adjustment for BMI Z-score, sex, and Tanner stage. We concluded that elevated sphingolipid concentrations correlate with TNF-α, adiponectin, lipoprotein profiles, and HOMA-IR. Ceramide is associated with atherogenic lipid profiles and the development of insulin resistance in obese adolescents, similar to adults.

Changes in Serum Adipocytokines and Inflammatory Biomarkers Following One-Year of Exercise Training in Obese Adolescents

Background: Obese individuals commonly demonstrate elevated levels of serum inflammatory markers and cell adhesion molecules. The later are known to be implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. Increased physical activity has been shown to be effective in altering adipocytokines, and inflammatory markers; however, little is known about the effect of exercise training alone on these parameters in children and adolescents. Aim: This study was designed to compare the effects of moderate-intensity training and caloric restriction on serum adipocytokines as well as markers of inflammation and cell adhesion in obese adolescents. Material and methods: Fifty six obese adolescents, participating in an obesity intervention program, were studied before and after 1 year program consisting of moderate physical activity (exercise group including 37 participants) or hypocaloric diet (diet group: 19 subjects). Highly sensitive C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein-4, adiponectin, intracellular cell adhesion molecule-1 and vascular adhesion molecule-1 were measured before and after intervention. Body composition, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose and insulin were also assessed. Results: After 1 year, a significant reduction in all adiposity parameters were observed in both groups, but the changes were more prominent in the exercise group. Physical training was also favourable compared with hypocaloric diet in reducing serum markers of inflammation (P <0.009 for C-reactive protein; P<0.002 for interleukin-6) and cell adhesion (P<0.020 for intracellular cell adhesion molecule-1; P<0.000 for vascular adhesion molecule-1). In addition, exercise training induced a rise of adiponectin (P<0.000) and fall in fatty acid-binding protein-4 (P < 0.000), independent of weight loss. Conclusions: We conclude that moderate-intensity training alone reduced blood markers of inflammation and cell adhesion in obese adolescents more than observed after caloric restriction. Exercise training was also associated with potentially favourably changes in serum adipocytokines.

Serum Adipocytokines, Metabolic and Immunological Correlations in Type 1 Diabetes mellitus (T1DM) Children

The prevalence of childhood type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is high among Saudi Arabian population. A viable solution is imperative for combating dreadful endocrine based diseases using adipocytokines functional characters. A relation between, adipocytokines, metabolism and immunological indices of healthy and T1DM insulin treated Saudi children is evaluated. The target group was Saudi children healthy and insulin treated T1DM aged between 3 to 14 years. A total of 28 Saudi pediatric volunteers consist of 13 diabetic and 15 healthy have participated from King Fahad Teaching Hospital in Alkhobar city. Inclusion criteria of insulin treated T1DM participants should be free from hypertension, obesity, history of cardiac, kidney or liver disease and endocrine dysfunction except diabetes. Healthy children free from all these problems were included. Serum adipocytokines (leptin, adiponectin, apelin, visfatin, resistin), metabolic parameters (insulin, fasting glucose, HbA1c,) immunological indices (IgG, IgA, IgM, and IgE) and complement factors (C3, C4) were assayed. Serum levels of leptin, apelin and visfatin were significantly elevated in T1DM treated with insulin group compared to healthy group. There is a positive correlation between adipocytokines and metabolic parameters but there is not with immunological indices. There was a significant positive correlation exists between HbA1c, glucose, leptin, apelin and insulin. Some elevated adipocytokines (leptin, visfatin and apelin) in serum may be attributed to the higher levels of HbA1c, glucose and insulin. Exogenous insulin treatment on T1DM children failed to control serum levels of adipocytokines (leptin, visfatin, apelin) and metabolic parameters (HbA1c, fasting glucose). The results revealed that leptin, visfatin and apelin may have a promising role as biomarkers in T1DM.

Evaluation of the relationship between leptin, resistin, adiponectin and natural regulatory T cells in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis

Background and purposeData suggest that adipocytokines and natural regulatory T (nTreg) cells play a pivotal role in the immunopathogenesis of multiple sclerosis and the associated inflammation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate selected adipocytokines and nTreg cells and to assess their relationship with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Material and methodsThe study was conducted among 25 patients with RRMS and 25 healthy individuals. Blood samples were collected within two weeks after the beginning of acute relapse of RRMS. The body mass index (BMI) of each patient was calculated. Serum adipocytokine concentrations were determined by ELISA and nTreg cells were evaluated using multicolour flow cytometry. ResultsPatients and controls had similar BMI, regardless of gender. Significantly higher leptin and resistin levels and significantly lower adiponectin levels were found in patients with RRMS in comparison to the control group (p < 0.0001). The percentage of nTreg cells (p < 0.01) and the mean fluorescence channel (MFC) of FoxP3 were significantly reduced in patients with RRMS (p < 0.001). There was an inverse correlation between leptin concentration and MFC of the transcription factor Foxp3 nTreg in patients with RRMS (r = −0.7, p < 0.05). ConclusionsProinflammatory adipocytokine profile and decreased percentage of nTreg cells suggest their implication in the inflammatory response in RRMS regardless of corticosteroid therapy. The correlation between leptin and the MFC of the transcription factor Foxp3 in nTreg cells in patients with RRMS suggests its inhibitory effect on FoxP3 expression.

Glyceollin-Elicited Soy Protein Consumption Induces Distinct Transcriptional Effects As Compared to Standard Soy Protein

Glyceollins are stress-induced compounds in soybeans with bioactive properties distinct from parent soy isoflavones. The goals of this study were to evaluate the effects of dietary glyceollin-enriched and standard soy protein isolates and identify candidate target pathways of glyceollins on transcriptional profiles within mammary gland tissue. Thirty female postmenopausal cynomolgus monkeys were randomized to diets containing one of three protein sources for 3 weeks: (1) control casein/lactalbumin (C/L), (2) standard soy protein containing 194 mg/day isoflavones (SOY), and (3) glyceollin-enriched soy protein containing 189 mg/day isoflavones + 134 mg/day glyceollins (GLY). All diets contained a physiologic dose of estradiol (E2) (1 mg/day). All doses are expressed in human equivalents scaled by caloric intake. Relative to the control C/L diet, the GLY diet resulted in greater numbers of differentially regulated genes, which showed minimal overlap with those of SOY. Effects of GLY related primarily to pathways involved in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling, adipocytokine expression, triglyceride synthesis, and lipase activity. Notable genes upregulated by the GLY diet included PPAR-γ, adiponectin, leptin, lipin 1, and lipoprotein lipase. The GLY diet also resulted in lower serum total cholesterol, specifically nonhigh-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and increased serum triglycerides as compared to the C/L diet. No effects of GLY or SOY were seen on serum insulin, adipocytokines, or vascular and bone turnover markers. These preliminary findings suggest that glyceollin-enriched soy protein has divergent effects from standard soy with some specificity for adipocyte activity and nutrient metabolism.

Role of nitric oxide (NO) metabolism and inflammatory mediators in childhood obesity

The role of NO and adipocytokines in childhood obesity was studied, supposing that obesity provokes inflammation. Children were admitted to the pediatric clinic for a regular check up because of obesity. Obese (n = 79) and healthy (n = 12) children were selected and divided into subgroups according to their age, gender, glucose tolerance and nitric oxide synthase (NOS II) positivity. Urine and blood nitrite plus nitrate, the expression of NOS II in white blood cells, serum adipocytokines and clinical characteristics were analyzed in each group. Significance was tested by unpaired two-tailed t test and by ANOVA. NOS II was only detected in the white blood cells of a subgroup (17/79) of obese children. Serum leptin and resistin concentrations were significantly higher, adiponectin was lower compared to healthy children. Significant correlations were observed between serum adiponectin and resistin levels (reciprocal, R (2) = 0.4), and between body mass index and serum leptin levels. NOS II expression in white blood cells was observed in a minority of patients. Low-grade inflammation in obese children was suggested by the increased resistin levels, particularly in NOS II-positive patients. Correlation between different adipocytokines was restricted for a few subgroups.

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Causes Changes in the Concentrations of Adipocyte Fatty Acid–Binding Protein and Other Adipocytokines in Cord Blood

OBJECTIVETo determine the concentrations of adipocyte fatty acid–binding protein (AFABP) and other adipocytokines in maternal and cord serum of pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and of control subjects and to relate them to indexes of insulin sensitivity.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODSIn 86 control and 98 GDM pregnant women, venous blood was collected before vaginal delivery and arterial blood from cord immediately after delivery. Serum insulin and adipocytokines were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).RESULTSGDM women had higher prepregnancy BMI, and data were adjusted for it. Maternal serum insulin, insulin-to-glucose ratio, homeostasis model assessment (HOMA), AFABP, and retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) were higher and adiponectin was lower in GDM than in control subjects, whereas serum glucose, insulin, insulin-to-glucose ratio, HOMA, nonesterified fatty acids, and RBP4 were higher and glycerol, AFABP, and adiponectin were lower in cord blood serum of GDM than of control subjects. AFABP and adiponectin in cord serum of control subjects were higher than in maternal serum; in GDM women no difference was found for AFABP in cord versus maternal serum, although adiponectin remained higher in cord. Values of leptin in both groups were lower in cord than in maternal serum, and those of RBP4 were lower in only GDM women.CONCLUSIONSIt is suggested that fetal tissues are the main source of cord arterial serum AFABP, and in GDM fetuses AFABP values correlate with adiposity markers. A downregulation of adiponectin and upregulation of RBP4 in GDM mothers and their fetuses may be related to their insulin-resistant condition, whereas changes in AFABP do not seem to be related.