Serum fetuin-A Research Articles

Protectin DX ameliorates palmitate‐induced hepatic insulin resistance through AMPK/SIRT1‐mediated modulation of fetuin‐A and SeP expression

The role as well as the molecular mechanisms of protectin DX (PDX) in the prevention of hepatic insulin resistance, a hallmark of type 2 diabetes, remains unknown. Therefore, the present study was designed to explore the direct impact of PDX on insulin resistance and to investigate the expression of fetuin-A and selenoprotein P (SeP), hepatokines that are involved in insulin signalling, in hepatocytes. Human serum levels of PDX as well as fetuin-A and SeP were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Human primary hepatocytes were treated with palmitate and PDX. NF-κB phosphorylation as well as expression of insulin signalling associated genes and hepatokines were determined by Western blotting analysis. FOXO1 binding levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Selected genes from candidate pathways were evaluated by small interfering (si) RNA-mediated gene suppression. Serum PDX levels were significantly (P<0.05) downregulated, whereas serum fetuin-A and SeP levels were increased (P<0.05) in obese subjects compared with healthy subjects. In in vitro experiments, PDX treatment increased AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation and SIRT1 expression and attenuated palmitate-induced fetuin-A and SeP expression and insulin resistance in hepatocytes. AMPK or SIRT1 siRNA mitigated the suppressive effects of PDX on palmitate-induced fetuin-A through NF-κB and SeP expression linked to FOXO1 and insulin resistance. Recombinant fetuin-A and SeP reversed the suppressive effects of fetuin-A and SeP expression on palmitate-mediated impairment of insulin signalling. The current finding provides novel insight into the underlying mechanism linking hepatokines to the pathogenesis of hepatic insulin resistance.

Serum fetuin-A levels and association with hematological parameters in chronic kidney disease and hemodialysis patients

Abstract Aim The objective of the current study is to examine the association between serum fetuin-A concentrations and some other inflammation markers neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), mean platelet volume (MPV) and C reactive protein (CRP) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hemodialysis. Methods The study subjects are composed of healthy volunteers (n = 47) and two patient groups; CKD patients (n = 26) and hemodialysis patients (n = 33). We measured serum glucose, urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, alkaline phosphatase, parathyroid hormone, ferritin and CRP levels by auto-analyzer and fetuin-A levels by ELISA method. Also, complete blood count parameters were analyzed and NLR was calculated. Results There were significant differences in serum fetuin-A concentrations, NLR and MPV values among three groups (p &lt; 0.001, p &lt; 0.001, p &lt; 0.001). The correlation analyses revealed that fetuin-A negatively correlated with urea, creatinine, ferritin, and CRP concentrations (r: 0.349, 0.367, 0.399, 0.550, respectively, p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion Fetuin-A is lower in CKD and hemodialysis patients than the control group; supporting as a negative acute phase reactant. Determination of serum fetuin-A, NLR and MPV might be useful to assess inflammation in CKD and hemodialysis patients.

Serum Fetuin–A Level Association with Coronary Artery Disease

End stage renal disease is commonly associated with vascular calcium deposition, and its relation to cardiovascular risk factors and fetuin -A levels thoroughly studied. The aim of this present study is to assess the direct association between serum fetuin-A level and coronary artery disease.

The association between cardiac valvular calcification and fetuin-A levels in kidney transplant recipients.

Low fetuin-A levels in hemodialysis patients can be associated with development of vascular and valvular calcifications. The mechanisms underlying vascular and valvular calcifications are multifactorial. There are a few studies showing the relationship between low fetuin-A levels and valvular calcification after kidney transplantation. We aimed to evaluate the association between serum fetuin-A levels and valvular calcification in kidney transplant recipients. The cardiac valvular calcification was assessed by echocardiography in 56 recipients. Patients were divided into two groups as those with (n = 11) and without (n = 45) aortic and/or mitral valve calcification. The extent of valvular calcification was visually assessed according to the standard visual score method: moderately (multiple larger spots) and heavily calcified (extensive thickening and calcification) of all cusps. Serum fetuin-A levels were measured. The demographic features of both groups were comparable. There was no significant difference between regular physical exercise (63.6% vs. 55.6%), obesity (18.2% vs. 17.8%), abdominal obesity (54.5% vs. 46.7%), smoking (0% vs. 13.3%), hypertension (63.6% vs. 68.9%), left ventricular hypertrophy (45.5% vs. 33.3%) and diabetes mellitus (9.1% vs. 20%) ratios in groups with or without valvular calcification, respectively (p > 0.05). Fetuin-A levels of both groups did not differ. Fetuin-A levels positively correlated with serum creatinine (r 0.326, p = 0.014), and negatively correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (r -0.297, p = 0.026). We could not find a relationship between serum fetuin-A levels and valvular calcification in kidney recipients. In this population, further studies are needed to assess the role of serum fetuin-A in valvular calcification.

Serum Aldosterone Levels in Patients With Diabetic Nephropathy in Relation to Vascular Calcification

Diabetic Nephropathy(DN) is a complex disease manifested by persistence microalbuminuria occurring due to the interaction between hemodynamic and metabolic pathway that activates the local renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system resulting in a decline in renal functions.&#x0D; This study aimed to quantify the associations between serum aldosterone concentration and fetuin- A as a marker of calcification in type 2 diabetic patients with and without microalbuminuria from one side, and study the possible relationship between aldosterone and fetuin-A with glycemic indices, serum electrolyte, renal function and microalbuminuria and body mass index from the other side.&#x0D; A case-control study involved eighty-six adult subjects classified into three groups after testing urine microalbumin including thirty-two diabetics type 2 patients with positive microalbuminuria and twenty-eight diabetics type 2 patients with negative microalbuminuria and 26 healthy subjects during their visit to AL kindy specialized Center for Endocrinology and Diabetes / Baghdad. Those patients were compared to control group of 26 apparently healthy subjects, fasting blood samples was obtained from each of them in one occasion only to measure: fasting serum glucose, electrolyte, aldosterone, fetuin-A, urea, and creatinine. In addition to glycoheamoglobin, glomerular filtration rate and body mass index.&#x0D; Despite the presence of microalbuminuria in thirty-two of the studied diabetics, there was no positive correlation between aldosterone and fetuin- A, besides that no significant variations in serum aldosterone ,glomerular filtration rate(GFR) values, while both groups showed a significant increase in fasting serum glucose and glycaoheamoglobin ,significant decrease in serum sodium and chloride in comparison with the control group , significant increase was detected in serum fetuin-A mean values in microalbuminuric diabetics. Whereas, negative microalbuminuric diabetics measures expressed a positive correlation between both serum sodium and chloride levels and fetuin -A.&#x0D; The conclusion of this study diabetic patient are prone to vascular calcification (VC) might be due to increase in aldosterone level or due to diabetic itself from this study we can conclude microalbuminuria can occur without a decline in renal function or a change in estimated GFR ,no definite correlation occur between aldosterone and fetuin- A, fetuin- A mean values are higher in diabetic patient with microalbuminuria compared to diabetic patients without microalbuminuria and control group and this referred to uncontrolled diabetes ,aldosterone show a correlation with weight and body mass index while fetuin- A does not show such correlation.&#x0D; In general, electrolyte disturbances (hypernatremia) is more obvious in this study , and its occurrence is due to diabetic (osmotic diuresis) or drugs, while sodium retention which is a sign of aldosterone increment does not occur. Hypochloremia that occur in this study is due to chloride and it is in parallel with sodium level.&#x0D; &#x0D;

Biomarkers of mineral metabolism and progression of aortic valve and mitral annular calcification: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

Background and aimsPrevious research has implicated dysregulation of phosphate metabolism and calcium-phosphate solubilization in cardiovascular calcification, but epidemiologic studies evaluating longitudinal associations with valvular or annular calcification by computed tomography (CT), a highly sensitive imaging modality, are lacking. Our primary aim was to investigate the associations of mineral biomarkers with incidence and progression of aortic valve calcification (AVC) and mitral annular calcification (MAC). MethodsWe evaluated the associations of serum FGF-23 (n = 6547 participants), phosphate (n = 6547), and fetuin-A (n = 2550) measured at baseline in the community-based Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis with AVC and MAC on CT performed at baseline and at a median of 2.4 (1.6, 3.1) years later. We used linear mixed-effects models to account simultaneously for prevalence, incidence and progression of AVC and MAC. ResultsAfter adjustment for demographic and clinical characteristics, a significant association was documented for FGF-23 with accelerated annual progression of MAC (2.83 Agatston units (AU), 95% CI = 0.49, 5.17 AU, per standard deviation (18.46 pg/mL) of FGF-23), but this was not seen for phosphate or fetuin-A. None of these biomarkers was associated with accelerated annual progression of AVC. ConclusionsThis study provides evidence relating serum FGF-23 to accelerated annual MAC progression. Whether this mineral regulator is a risk marker or is involved in pathogenesis merits further investigation.

Effects of aerobic versus resistance training on serum fetuin-A, fetuin-B, and fibroblast growth factor-21 levels in male diabetic patients.

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of 8 weeks of aerobic versus resistance training programs on serum fetuin-A, fetuin-B, and fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF-21) levels in males with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Participants (n = 34) were randomly assigned to a resistance training group (RTG; n = 12), an aerobic training group (ATG; n = 11), or a control group (n = 11). The ATG completed 30-45min of aerobic running training at 65%-75% of the maximum heart rate. The RTG completed three sets of 10 repetitions maximum of leg press, bench press, knee extension, seated cable row, knee flexion, military press, and calf rise. Blood samples were taken before and after the training period to assess dependent variables. After 8 weeks, both the ATG and the RTG reduced fetuin-A (p < 0.05) and fetuin-B (p < 0.05), but increased FGF-21 (p < 0.05). Moreover, the RTG showed greater decrease than the ATG in fetuin-A (-18.3% vs. -7.9%), fetuin-B (-29.2% vs. -11.45%), and a lower increase in FGF-21 (42.2% vs. 25.1%), respectively. Aerobic and resistance exercise training significantly decreased serum fetuin-A, and fetuin-B, and increased FGF-21 levels in males with type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, more significant alterations in serum factors were observed from resistance training. Thus, resistance training may be considered a more suitable training strategy.

Serum fetuin-A, tumor necrosis factor alpha and C-reactive protein concentrations in patients with hereditary angioedema with C1-inhibitor deficiency

Background and aimsHereditary angioedema with C1-inhibitor deficiency (C1-INH-HAE) is characterized by localized, non-pitting, and transient swelling of submucosal or subcutaneous region. Human fetuin-A is a multifunctional glycoprotein that belongs to the proteinase inhibitor cystatin superfamily and has structural similarities to the high molecular weight kininogen. Fetuin-A is also known a negative acute phase reactant with anti-inflammatory characteristics. In this study we aimed to determine serum fetuin-A, C-reactive protein (CRP) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) concentrations in patients with C1-INH-HAE during symptom-free period and during attacks and compare them to those of healthy controls. Further we analyzed possible relationship among these parameters as well as D-dimer levels which was known as marker of HAE attacks.Patients and methodsSerum samples of 25 C1-INH-HAE patients (8 men, 17 women, age: 33.1 ± 6.9 years, mean ± SD) were compared to 25 healthy controls (15 men, 10 women, age: 32.5 ± 7.8 years). Serum fetuin-A and TNFα concentrations were determined by ELISA, CRP and D-dimer by turbidimetry.ResultsCompared to healthy controls patients with C1-INH-HAE in the symptom-free period had significantly decreased serum fetuin-A 258 μg/ml (224–285) vs. 293 μg/ml (263–329), (median (25–75% percentiles, p = 0.035) and TNFα 2.53 ng/ml (1.70–2.83) vs. 3.47 ng/ml (2.92–4.18, p = 0.0008) concentrations. During HAE attacks fetuin-A levels increased from 258 (224–285) μg/ml to 287 (261–317) μg/ml (p = 0.021). TNFα and CRP levels did not change significantly. We found no significant correlation among fetuin-A CRP, TNFα and D-dimer levels in any of these three groups.ConclusionsPatients with C1-INH-HAE have decreased serum fetuin-A concentrations during the symptom-free period. Given the anti-inflammatory properties of fetuin-A, the increase of its levels may contribute to the counter-regulation of edema formation during C1-INH-HAE attacks.

Association between fetuin-A and prognosis of CAD: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Fetuin-A is an anti-inflammation and anti-calcification factor involved in the course of coronary artery disease (CAD). But the association between serum fetuin-A level and the prognosis of CAD patients was still controversial. To clarify the association between serum fetuin-A level and the prognosis of CAD patients, we conducted the present meta-analysis. The included studies should be potentially relevant prospective studies published in English language before January 2019. The target population of the present meta-analysis was restricted to patients with CAD. The results of studies must report hazard ratio (HR) or Kaplan-Meier survival curve for all-cause mortality or incidence of secondary cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. The pooled HRs were analysed by the method of meta-analysis. A total of four prospective studies, including 4256 participants with CAD disease, were chosen to be included. The pooled HR for all-cause mortality was 0.57 (95% CI: 0.37-0.87), showing a statistically significant association between high serum fetuin-A level and low all-cause mortality in CAD patients. For the incidence of secondary CVD events, the pooled HR was 0.86 (95% CI: 0.60-1.23), indicating no statistically significant association between serum fetuin-A level and incidence of secondary CVD events in CAD patients. High serum fetuin-A level associated with lower all-cause mortality in patients with CAD. No association between serum fetuin-A level and incidence of secondary CVD events was found in patients with CAD.

Variation of fetuin-A in maternal and fetal serum during human parturition

Backgroundparturition involves multiple signalling pathways and most advances in research underline the importance of fetal development and maturation in the timing of labour, especially the fetal pituitary-adrenal axis. But, there is currently no consensual hypothesis on all the physiological processes responsible for human parturition. Methodssixty low-risk pregnant women were enrolled in a prospective cohort. Maternal blood was sampled regularly during consultations each week in last trimester, at delivery and at postnatal consultation. Cord blood was collected at delivery. We used proteomic analysis to identify maternal blood biomarkers of potential interest, focusing on serum proteins from 39 W G in pregnancies to delivery and postpartum. Resultsamong 56 peaks we identified variation in the N-terminal part of fetuin-A in maternal serum. Fetuin-A is a natural antagonist of TGF-beta and is able to bind calcium. We found a significant decrease in maternal serum fetuin-A in the days preceding delivery, independently of the mode of delivery. Also, there does not appear to be significant influence of the different fetal parameters (sex, Z-score) on maternal serum variations at delivery. Conclusionfetuin-A is described by the literature as a potential biomarker for organ dysfunction and metabolic syndrome disorders. The protein mineral homeostasis would be an interesting pathway to explore during pregnancy and particularly parturition.

Serum fetuin-A is associated with the components of MIAC(malnutrition, inflammation, atherosclerosis, calcification) syndrome in different stages of chronic kidney disease

Background/aim Fetuin-A, a circulating inhibitor of calcification, is a marker of inflammatory-nutritional state. We evaluated the association between serum fetuin-A levels and vascular calcification, intima-media thickness, and nutritional and inflammatory markers in different stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Materials and methods CKD patients were sampled for calcium-phosphate parameters and nutritional and inflammatory markers [highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP)], and serum fetuin-A levels. Intima-media thicknesses of the common carotid arteries (CIMT) were measured. Peripheral artery calcification scores were obtained.Results A total of 238 patients were included in the study. Fetuin-A levels in patients with end-stage renal disease were significantly lower than those in patients with stage-3 and stage-4 CKD (stage-5 vs. stage-4, P < 0.001; stage-5 vs. stage-3, P < 0.001). Fetuin-A was negatively correlated with creatinine (P < 0.001), Ca × P product (P < 0.001), hs-CRP (P = 0.01), vascular calcification score (P < 0.001), and CIMT (P < 0.001), and positively correlated with BMI (P < 0.001, r = 0.30) and serum albumin (P < 0.001). Conclusion Lower levels of fetuin-A were associated with higher vascular calcification scores, CIMT, hs-CRP levels, and lower BMI and albumin. Fetuin-A deficiency may be a key element for MIAC syndrome.

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Probiotic assisted weight management as a main factor for glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized controlled trial

ObjectivesTo evaluate the effect of Lactobacillus casei 01 on dietary intake, body weight, and glycemic control in patients with T2DM.MethodForty patients with T2DM (n = 20 for each group) were assigned into two groups in present trial. The patients in the probiotic group received a daily capsule containing a minimum of 108 CFU of L. casei 01 for 8 week. The placebo group took capsules filled with maltodextrin for the same time period. Dietary intake questionnaires and anthropometric measurements were collected, and the participants were assessed by an endocrinologist at baseline and at the end of the trial.ResultsLactobacillus casei 01 supplementation significantly decreased total energy, carbohydrate, fat, and protein intake compared with placebo (p = 0.001, p = 0.002, p = 0.009, p = 0.001; respectively). Moreover weight, BMI, and waist circumference were significantly decreased in intervention group compared with placebo group (p < 0.001; p < 0.001; p = 0.029; respectively). In comparison with placebo group serum fetuin-A level, fasting blood sugar, insulin concentration, and insulin resistance were significantly decreased (p = 0.023, p =0.013, p = 0.028; p = 0.007; respectively), and serum SIRT1 level was significantly increased (p = 0.040) in intervention group.ConclusionsLactobacillus casei 01 supplementation affected dietary intake and body weight in a way that improved fetuin-A and SIRT1 levels and glycemic response in subjects with T2DM. Affecting the fetuin-A and SIRT1 levels introduces a new known mechanism of probiotic action in diabetes management.

Potential role of serum fetuin-A in relation with pro-inflammatory, chemokine and adhesion molecules in diabetic kidney disease: a case-control study.

Inflammatory cytokine, adipokine and adhesion molecules are known to play a key role in pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). In this study, our aim was to investigate the role of fetuin-A in relation with pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-18), adipokines (adiponectin, leptin), chemokine (MCP-1), and adhesion molecules (ICAM-1, VCAM-1) in control and DKD subjects. We recruited a total of 224 type 2 diabetic (T2D) subjects. The control subjects were T2D with a normal albumin excrete (albumin-to-creatinine ratio-ACR ≤ 30mg/g creatinine) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥ 60 (ml/min/1.73m2), while cases were T2D subjects with albumin excrete (ACR ≥ 30mg/g creatinine) and eGFR ≤ 60 (ml/min/1.73m2). FBS, HbA1c, lipid profile (TC, LDL, HDL, triglyceride), ALT, AST, GGT, serum creatinine, BMI, blood pressure was evaluated in all the study subjects. Randox evidence biochip analyzer was used for measuring inflammatory cytokines, adipokines, and adhesion molecules by chemiluminescent assay. Serum fetuin-A and IL-18 were measured by ELISA kits. Serum fetuin-A levels were significantly decreased in DKD cases compare to control group [456.8 (299.2-649.0)µg/ml versus 670.6 (573.0-726.1)µg/ml; p < 0.001)]. Serum fetuin-A levels correlates significantly with IL-6, IL-18, TNF-α, PAI-1, leptin, resistin and ACR (p < 0.001). This study concludes that serum fetuin-A and pro-inflammatory markers (IL-18, IL-6, IL-1α and TNF-α) might play an important role in the pathophysiology and inflammatory process of DKD.

There is No Association between Premature Ovarian Insufficiency and Levels of Fetuin-A/α2-Heremans-Schmid Glycoprotein.

Objective:Fetuin-A is a well-known negative acute-phase protein and has been used liberally to predict vascular disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between serum human fetuin-A/alpha2-Heremans–Schmid glycoprotein levels and idiopathic premature ovarian insufficiency (POI).Methods:A total of 75 women were included in this case–control study between January 2013 and December 2013. Serum fetuin-A concentrations were measured in 36 women with idiopathic POI and 39 healthy women with regular cycles. Blood samples were drawn after a 12-h overnight fast and were kept at −80°C for subsequent assay. The serum levels of fetuin-A were assessed by commercial ELISA kits (BioVendor Laboratory Medicine Inc., Brno, Czech Republic) and serum concentration values were expressed as μg/ml.Results:The mean serum fetuin-A levels of idiopathic POI and control women were 229.02 ± 27.79 and 232.37 ± 65.56, respectively, with P = 0.771 (independent samples t-test). Our results showed no statistically significant difference between serum fetuin-A levels of idiopathic POI women and controls.Conclusion:The mean values of serum fetuin-A in idiopathic POI women were not significantly different from controls, which implies that there is no significant association between serum fetuin-A levels and idiopathic POI.

The Effects of Lactobacillus casei on Glycemic Response, Serum Sirtuin1 and Fetuin-A Levels in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is related to the gut microbiota with numerous molecular mechanisms. Modulating the gut microbiota by probiotics could be effective in management of T2DM. The aim of the present trial was to evaluate the effect of Lactobacillus casei on glycemic control and serum sirtuin1 (SIRT1) and fetuin-A in patients with T2DM. Forty patients with T2DM (n = 20 for each group) were divided into intervention (probiotic) and placebo groups. The intervention group received a daily capsule containing 108 cfu of L. casei for eight weeks. The patients in placebo group took capsules containing maltodextrin for the same time duration. Anthropometric measurements, dietary intake questionnaires, and blood samples were collected, and the patients were assessed by an endocrinologist at the beginning and at the end of the trial. Fasting blood sugar, insulin concentration, and insulin resistance significantly decreased in probiotic group compared with placebo group (-28.32 [-50.23 to -6.41], 0.013; -3.12 [-5.90 to -0.35], 0.028; -32.31 [-55.09 to -9.54], 0.007, respectively). Moreover, HbA1c reduced after intervention, but the reduction was not significant (-0.45 [-0.96 to 0.05], 0.077). In comparison with placebo, the L. casei supplementation significantly increased SIRT1 and decreased fetuin-A levels at the end of the trial (0.52 [0.026 to 1.02], 0.040; -17.56 [-32.54 to -2.58], 0.023, respectively). L. casei supplementation affected SIRT1 and fetuin-A levels in a way that improved glycemic response in subjects with T2DM. Affecting the SIRT1 and fetuin-A levels introduces a new known mechanism of probiotic action in diabetes management.

The Effects of Lactobacillus casei on Glycemic Response, Serum Sirtuin1 and Fetuin-A Levels in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background:Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is related to the gut microbiota with numerous molecular mechanisms. Modulating the gut microbiota by probiotics could be effective in management of T2DM. The aim of the present trial was to evaluate the effect of Lactobacillus casei on glycemic control and serum sirtuin1 (SIRT1) and fetuin-A in patients with T2DM.Methods:Forty patients with T2DM (n = 20 for each group) were divided into intervention (probiotic) and placebo groups. The intervention group received a daily capsule containing 108 cfu of L. casei for eight weeks. The patients in placebo group took capsules containing maltodextrin for the same time duration. Anthropometric measurements, dietary intake questionnaires, and blood samples were collected, and the patients were assessed by an endocrinologist at the beginning and at the end of the trial.Results:Fasting blood sugar, insulin concentration, and insulin resistance significantly decreased in probiotic group compared with placebo group (-28.32 [-50.23 to -6.41], 0.013; -3.12 [-5.90 to -0.35], 0.028; -32.31 [-55.09 to -9.54], 0.007, respectively). Moreover, HbA1c reduced after intervention, but the reduction was not significant (-0.45 [-0.96 to 0.05], 0.077). In comparison with placebo, the L. casei supplementation significantly increased SIRT1 and decreased fetuin-A levels at the end of the trial (0.52 [0.026 to 1.02], 0.040; -17.56 [-32.54 to -2.58], 0.023, respectively).Conclusion:L. casei supplementation affected SIRT1 and fetuin-A levels in a way that improved glycemic response in subjects with T2DM. Affecting the SIRT1 and fetuin-A levels introduces a new known mechanism of probiotic action in diabetes management.

Fetuin-A

Introduction Helicobacter pylori infection has been associated with many extragastrointestinal diseases such as cardiovascular and neurological diseases. Recently, several studies have reported a relationship between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and H. pylori infection. Indeed, H. pylori infection is involved in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance (IR), which is closely linked with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Furthermore, fetuin-A has been linked with impaired insulin sensitivity. Aim Therefore, we aimed to evaluate fetuin-A as a possible link between H. pylori infection and IR. Patients and methods A total of 160 patients included in our study were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of H. pylori infection. We determined serum fetuin-A, serum insulin, homeostasis model assessment-IR, and liver and kidney functions. Upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy and antral biopsy was taken for H. pylori examination. Results We found that fetuin-A was significantly elevated in H. pylori-positive group when compared with H. pylori-negative group, and a significant positive correlation of fetuin-A was observed with fasting insulin levels and homeostasis model assessment-IR. Conclusion We conclude that fetuin-A was implicated as a possible link between H. pylori infection and the development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis through its effect on IR.

The evaluation of preoperative and postoperative fetuin-A levels in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.

Our objective was to evaluate preoperative and postoperative serum fetuin-A levels in female patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and search for the relationship with parathyroid hormone (PTH) and vitamin D (25OHD). Although a role for fetuin-A is suggested in regulating bone mineralization, its function has not been completely defined. In this cross-sectional study, 43 female patients with PHPT and 30 healthy women were recruited as the control group. We evaluated 73 women because we had only women patients with PHPT. Of the 43 patients, 10 symptomatic and 23 asymptomatic patients were surgically treated, whereas 10 patients were not operated. In all 43 patients, 25OHD, PTH, fetuin-A levels, and bone mineral densitometry were evaluated. The biochemical parameters of 33 operated patients were reevaluated at the postoperative sixth week. Fetuin-A levels of the patients with PHPT were significantly higher than that in the controls (56.6 ± 13.8 vs. 42.6 ± 20.7 ng/mL; P = 0.010). Fetuin-A levels of the operated patients were higher than nonoperated group. Furthermore, serum fetuin-A levels of the nonoperated patients were not different from those of controls. After parathyroidectomy, fetuin-A (41.5 ± 25.2 vs. 56.4 ± 13.7 ng/mL; P = 0.003), PTH [80.0 (51.5-137.5) vs. 211.0 (151.5-278.5) pg/mL; P < 0.001], and calcium (9.2 ± 0.7 vs. 10.7 ± 0.8 mg/dL; P < 0.001) values were found to be decreased significantly. In this study, fetuin-A levels of patients with PHPT were higher than those of the controls and significantly decreased after parathyroidectomy compared with the preoperative levels. Fetuin-A levels could be a beneficial marker to determine the changes in bone metabolism of the patients with PHPT and to detect the patients suitable for surgery.

Serum levels of fetuin-A are negatively associated with log transformation levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone in patients with hyperthyroidism or euthyroidism: An observational study at a medical center in Taiwan.

Fetuin-A is a protein with various biological functions. It plays a role in insulin resistance and arterial calcium deposition. Thyroid dysfunction may affect energy expenditure, glucose metabolism, and the risk of cardiovascular diseases. In the present study, we compared the serum fetuin-A concentrations in hyperthyroid patients with those in euthyroid patients.We recruited 30 newly-diagnosed hyperthyroid patients (the HY group) and treated them with anti-thyroid regimens as clinically indicated. We recruited 30 euthyroid individuals (the EU group) as controls. We compared laboratory parameters at the baseline and at 6 months. We then determined the associations between the levels of fetuin-A and free thyroxine (fT4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), or log transformation of TSH (logTSH).At the baseline, the HY patients had significantly higher serum fetuin-A levels than the EU patients (median [Q1, Q3]: 735.4 [537.9, 843.4] ng/mL vs 561.1[449.2, 670.5] ng/mL, P = .010). At 6 months, the serum fetuin-A levels of the HY patients decreased but were still higher than those of the EU patients (698.4 [627.6, 924.3] ng/mL vs 616.5 [498.2, 727.7] ng/mL, P = .002). At baseline, the serum levels of fetuin-A were negatively associated with logTSH (β = –53.79, P = .010). At 6 months, the levels of fetuin-A were positively associated with fT4 (β = 86.91, P = .039), and negatively associated with logTSH (β = –104.28, P < .001). Changes to the levels of fetuin-A within 6 months were negatively associated with changes to logTSH (β = –57.80, P = .019). The negative associations between fetuin-A levels and logTSH at baseline and at 6 months, and the changes during the 6 months remained significant after adjustment for sex and age (β = –51.72, P = .016; β = –103.11, P < .001; and β = –59.36, P = .020, respectively).The patients with hyperthyroidism had higher serum fetuin-A levels than the patients with euthyroidism. In patients with hyperthyroidism, the serum fetuin-A concentrations decreased after the anti-thyroid treatment. In the present study, serum fetuin-A concentrations were negatively associated with logTSH.

Associations of serum fetuin-A and oxidative stress parameters with polycystic ovary syndrome.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to compare serum fetuin-A levels and oxidative stress markers, as indicators of insulin resistance, in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and in healthy controls.MethodsThis prospective case-control study included 46 patients with PCOS and 48 age- and body mass index–matched control women. Levels of serum hormones, fetuin-A, and oxidative stress markers were measured in blood samples taken during the early follicular period from each participant.ResultsFollicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH), total testosterone levels, and the LH/FSH ratio were found to be significantly higher in women with PCOS than in controls. Serum total antioxidant status, total oxidant status, and oxidative stress index parameters all indicated significantly higher levels of oxidative stress in PCOS patients than in controls. Serum fetuin-A levels, which were analyzed as an indicator of insulin resistance, were higher in the PCOS group than in the control group (210.26±65.06 µg/mL and 182.68±51.20 µg/mL, respectively; p=0.024).ConclusionThe data obtained from the present study suggest that higher levels of both serum fetuin-A and oxidative stress markers might be related with PCOS.