Serum Apelin Levels Research Articles

Comparative evaluation of serum apelin, visfatin, and lipid levels in overweight hypertensive patients on enalapril versus telmisartan therapy

Objectives. Visfatin and apelin are two adipokines that recently gained a special interest in hypertension research as they may have a role in the pathogenesis of hypertension and are closely related to the renin-angiotensin system. This study aimed to evaluate the serum levels of apelin and visfatin in uncontrolled newly diagnosed hypertensive patients, controlled hypertensive patients managed by enalapril and controlled hypertensive patients managed by telmisartan. Patients and methods. The study population included 126 participants, who were divided into four groups established as healthy participants, newly diagnosed hypertensive patients, hypertensive patients managed by enalapril and hypertensive patients managed by telmisartan. Outcomes. Serum apelin levels reduced significantly in newly diagnosed hypertensive patients, with a significant increase in visfatin levels compared with control group. Enalapril-treated patients expressed significantly higher apelin levels with a significant reduction in visfatin levels compared with newly diagnosed. Apelin levels were significantly increased in enalapril-treated patients compared telmisartan-treated group. Additionally, a significant reduction in visfatin levels were found in telmisartan group compared with newly diagnosed hypertensive patients. Moreover, a significant positive correlation was found between HDL and visfatin in patients receiving treatment. Additionally, visfatin was negatively correlated with triglycerides and VLDL in the same patient group. Conclusions. In light of the data collected so far, whether visfatin and apelin play roles in the pathophysiology of hypertension remains unclear and further research is still required to fully understand its relevance. Nevertheless, high visfatin and low apelin levels appear to be intrinsic characteristics of uncontrolled hypertension, indicating that these adipokines could be potential biomarkers for this disease.

Comparative Effects of Candesartan Versus Enalapril on Apelin, Visfatin, and Lipid Levels in Non-obese Hypertensive Patients.

Apelin and visfatin are adipokines secreted from adipose tissue that play important roles in regulating blood pressure. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the effects of candesartan versus enalapril on apelin, visfatin, and lipid profiles in hypertensive patients. In this case-control study, 120 participants were enrolled in four groups; Healthy people, newly diagnosed hypertensive patients, and enalapril- and candesartan-treated patients. Serum apelin levels were significantly lower and visfatin levels were significantly higher in newly diagnosed hypertensive patients compared with the control group (p=0.0015, p=0.0175 respectively). Moreover, apelin levels were higher and visfatin levels were lower in the candesartan-treated patients compared with the newly diagnosed group (p=0.0487, p<0.0001 respectively). Interestingly, apelin levels were non-significantly higher and visfatin levels were significantly lower in enalapril-treated patients compared with the newly diagnosed group (p<0.0001). Lower apelin and higher visfatin levels are associated with newly diagnosed patients with hypertension. Interestingly, the findings suggest that ACE inhibition and angiotensin receptor blockade by enalapril and candesartan, respectively, positively regulate apelin and visfatin levels in hypertension. Specifically, candesartan regulates these adipokine to a greater extent than enalapril.

Evaluation of left ventricular systolic function in opium users by strain echocardiography.

Heart failure is known as a health problem in the world due to its mortality and burdens on the health care system. Studies remain controversial about the effect of opium usage on systolic heart function. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare systolic left ventricular function in opium users with non-addict people by strain echocardiography and its association with serum apelin level. This case-control study was conducted in 2022 at Shafa Hospital in Kerman, Iran, on 50 opium users who referred to the addiction treatment centres and had no history of other substance usage. The addiction is defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) and a history of opium consumption for at least 3years. Fifty healthy people (non-opium users) who were matched in terms of age and sex were enrolled as a control group. Demographic information of the participants, including age, gender and amount of opium usage, was recorded by questionnaire. Citrated blood samples were taken from all participants in the study, and serum apelin was measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. They underwent transthoracic echocardiography by an expert cardiologist using the same device (Philips Affiniti 50). Echocardiographic systolic parameters have been recorded and compared between the two groups. In this study, 100 participants, including 50 opium users and 50 non-opium users (as a control group), were investigated. The mean age was 36.4±5.08 in the opium users' group and 34.14±7.2 in the control group. As both groups were matched, there were 8 (16%) women and 42 (84%) men in each of the two groups. The mean amount of ejection fraction (EF) and global longitudinal strain (GLS) were significantly lower in opium users than in the control group (P<0.001). The results also demonstrated that the serum level of apelin in the addicted persons was lower when compared with the non-addicted persons (3.4 vs. 9.7; P<0.001). Evaluation of systolic left ventricular function in opium users by strain echocardiography showed that opium affects the systolic function of the heart, as observed by a significant reduction in EF and GLS. So opium usage can be considered a risk factor for heart failure and needs more attention in preventive cardiology.

Influence of Serum Apelin and CD40L Expression Levels on Adverse Cardiovascular Events after PCI

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of serum levels of apelin and CD40L on major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: A case–control study was conducted to select patients undergoing PCI in our hospital from June 2020 to June 2022. Patients were divided into the occurrence group and the non-occurrence group according to whether MACEs occurred during the 12-month follow-up after surgery. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the expression levels of serum apelin and CD40L in the two groups, and the correlation between the expression of apelin and CD40L and prognosis was analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was performed on the indicators with differences to analyze the influencing factors of the prognosis of PCI. Results: Compared with the non-occurrence group, the occurrence group had a significantly lower level of apelin and a significantly higher level of CD40L (p &lt; 0.001). Apelin was negatively correlated with the occurrence of MACEs after PCI (r = –0.583, p &lt; 0.001), and CD40L was positively correlated with the occurrence of MACEs after PCI (r = 0.569, p &lt; 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that apelin was a protective factor for MACEs after PCI (odds ratio (OR) = 0.248, p &lt; 0.001); CD40L, age, hypertension, and the number of diseased vessels were risk factors for MACEs after PCI (OR = 8.684, 0.018, 0.003, 0.020, p &lt; 0.05). The area under curve (AUC) of apelin combined with CD40L was large, and the predictive value was higher than that of apelin and CD40L alone (AUC values were 0.956, 0.857, 0.905, p &lt; 0.001; p &lt; 0.001; p &lt; 0.001). Conclusions: This study showed that the levels of apelin and CD40L were correlated with MACEs after PCI. Clinicians should pay close attention to the levels of apelin and CD40L in patients after PCI and be alert to the occurrence of MACEs.

Lack of association between serum apelin levels and sarcopenia in elderly malnourished subjects.

Sarcopenia is a condition characterized by muscle mass loss. Skeletal muscle is capable of producing and secreting different molecules called myokines, and apelin is one of them. The literature contains contradictory data on the relationship between apelin and sarcopenia. We decided to investigate the role of apelin in sarcopenia in subjects with disease-related malnutrition (DRM), a group of patients with a high rate of sarcopenia. 83 elderly patients with DRM assessed according to the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria were included in the study, with a mean age of 69.9±3.8 years. Anthropometric data, muscle mass by ultrasound at the rectus femoris quadriceps (RFQ) level, bioimpedance [skeletal muscle mass (SMM), appendicular SMM (aSMM) and aSMM index (aSMMI)], dynamometry, biochemical parameters, dietary intake, circulating apelin levels were determined in all patients. a total of 33 patients (37.9%) were diagnosed with sarcopenia, while 54 patients did not present sarcopenia (60.1%). Body weight (-5.5±2.0 kg, p=0.01), calf circumference (-1.9±0.2 cm, p=0.02), phase angle (-0.6±0.2º, p=0.01), reactance (-6.8±2.3 Ohms, p=0.03), resistance (-38.8±12.3 Ohms, p=0.04), SMM (-2.2±0.3 kg, p=0.04), aSMM (-2.2±0.2 kg, p=0.03) and aSMMI (-0.6±0.2 kg, p=0.02), dominant muscle area (-0.6±0.2 cm2, p=0.04), dominant Y axis (-0.4±0.1 cm, p=0.03), dominant X/Y axis (1.1±0.3 cm, p=0.04), strength (-5.1±1.3 kg, p=0.01), albumin (-0.9±0.1 g/dl, p=0.02) and prealbumin (-4.6±0.7 mg/dl, p=0.02) were worse in patients with sarcopenia than non-sarcopenic patients. Circulating apelin levels were similar in both groups. No significant correlation of apelin levels was detected, either with bioimpedance data or with muscle ultrasonography data. The multivariant analysis did not detect a significant association of apelin with the presence of sarcopenia. Our study shows a lack of association between apelin and sarcopenia in elderly malnourished patients.

Serum apelin as a potential biomarker for infantile hemangiomas.

Infantile hemangiomas (IHs) are common benign vascular tumors in infants. Apelin, an endogenous cytokine, is implicated in the angiogenesis of neoplastic diseases. We aimed to explore the association between apelin and IHs, providing a foundation for clinical applications. We identified differential expression of apelin in proliferative IHs compared to healthy controls (HCs) through bioinformatics analysis of publicly available databases and verified by Immunofluorescence. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to quantify the serum levels of apelin and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in a cohort of 116 cases of proliferative IHs, 65 cases of capillary malformations (CMs), and 70 HCs. Apelin and APJ (APLNR, apelin receptor) were identified as the significantly upregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in proliferative IHs. Immunofluorescence staining indicated high expression of apelin in proliferative IHs, while minimal expression in non-IH lesions. Apelin in IHs was reduced following 6months of propranolol treatment. Serum apelin levels were significantly higher in the IH group compared to both the CM and HC groups. Moreover, apelin exhibited excellent discriminatory ability in distinguishing IHs from HCs, with an area under the curve (AUC) exceeding 0.90. A positive correlation was observed between the levels of apelin and the size of superficial IHs. The expression profiles of VEGF and apelin in IHs were found to be consistent. Apelin shows promise as a potential biomarker for IHs. The association between apelin and IH size, as well as its responsiveness to propranolol treatment, indicates its possible utility as a valuable indicator for the therapeutic evaluation of IHs.

Increased Serum Apelin Levels in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Apelin has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several chronic inflammatory diseases through mechanisms related to endothelial cells dysfunction. There is evidence of increased apelin levels in mesenteric adipose tissue and colonic epithelium in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but their significance remains unclear. We aimed to measure serum apelin (SA) levels in patients with IBD and to evaluate an association with disease characteristics. SA levels of 104 IBD patients and age and sex matched healthy controls (HCs) in a 1:1 ratio were compared. SA-13 levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Mean SA levels were increased in IBD patients compared to HCs (1996.29 ± 1592.96 pg/mL vs. 1552.99 ± 809.64 pg/mL, p = 0.012). Both patients without and with cardiovascular disease (CVD) had increased SA levels (2076.44 ± 1714.74 pg/mL vs. 1525.75 ± 818.74 pg/mL, p = 0.011 and 1743.01 ± 1116.26 pg/mL vs. 1283.92 ± 726.85 pg/mL, p = 0.035, respectively). An inverse association between mean SA levels and a history of musculoskeletal extraintestinal manifestations in the subgroup of IBD patients without CVD was found (p = 0.043). The present study—the first to evaluate SA levels in patients with IBD—showed that IBD patients have higher levels of SA compared to HCs. The potential role of SA in IBD merits further investigation in larger studies.

Association of Apelin, Chemerin and Omentin Levels with Oxidative Stress Markers in Non-Diabetic and Induced Diabetic Rats

Abstract &#x0D; Oxidative stress has a significant impact on the etiology of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). However, associations of adipokines with oxidative stress biomarkers have yet to be investigated. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the estimation of serum apelin, chemerin, and omentin levels in induced TIDM and their correlations with oxidative stress markers. The study included sixty male albino rats divided into two groups. The first group (n = 30) was diabetic (TIDM induced with an intraperitoneal injection of 40mg/kg STZ). The non-diabetic control group was the second (n: 30). The enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) test was used to quantify the serum levels of apelin, chemerin, omentin and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA). Furthermore, blood glucose, lipid profile triglyceride (TG), cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST)), malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) parameters were evaluated. Rats with induced TIDM had significantly higher serum levels of apelin, chemerin, omentin, malondialdehyde MDA, ADMA, and NO compared to non-diabetics. According to the coefficient of correlation analysis, the results revealed a positive association between apelin and LDL, ALT, and MDA and a negative correlation between apelin and AST: ALT. In addition, no correlation was found between apelin and serum levels of glucose, cholesterol, HDL, LDL: HDL TG, TG: HDL, VLDL, AST, creatinine, uric acid, albumin, NO, and ADMA. LDL, ALT, and MDA. Serum chemerin level correlated positively with LD: HDL and ADMA. Also, the plasma level of omentin showed a significant and positive correlation with both TG: HDL and MDA values. In conclusion, the results of this study introduced apelin and chemerin as potential biomarkers for the early detection of diabetes. Elevated serum apelin levels in induced T1DM could provide compensatory action for low insulin levels. While, apelin, chemerin and omentin’s positive correlations with MDA level suggest the potential roles of these adipokines in diabetes-induced complications caused by oxidative stress.

Relationship between serum apelin, visfatin levels, and body composition in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome patients

ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between body composition and serum visfatin and apelin levels in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). MethodsIn this prospective observational study, the differences in body composition, levels of gonadal hormone concentrations, glucose metabolism, apelin, and visfatin were compared between PCOS patients and the control group. PCOS patients were further divided into different subgroups according to different obesity criteria and the differences between serum visfatin and apelin levels in different subgroups were compared. Finally, the correlation of serum visfatin levels and apelin levels with body composition, and metabolism-related indicators in PCOS patients was explored. ResultsA total collected 178 cases of PCOS patients and 172 cases of healthy women (control group) between 2020 July and 2021 November. In PCOS patients, their weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist Hip Rate (WHR), Fat-Free Mass Index (FFMI), Percent Body Fat (PBF), Fat mass index (FMI), PBF of Arm, PBF of Leg, PBF of the Trunk, Visceral Fat Level (VFL), fasting insulin (FINS), Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) and Luteinizing hormone (LH) were significantly higher than in the control group (all P < 0.001), Percent Skeletal Muscle (PSM), PSM of Leg, and PSM of the Trunk were significantly decreased than in the control group (all P < 0.001). The PCOS patients had significantly higher serum visfatin levels and apelin levels compared with the control group (all P < 0.001). In PBF > 35 % PCOS patients, the apelin and visfatin levels were significantly higher than the PBF ≤ 35 % PCOS patients. In WHR ≥ 0.85 and BMI ≥ 24 kg/m2 PCOS patients, the visfatin levels were significantly higher than the WHR < 0.85 and BMI < 24 kg/m2 PCOS patients. Serum apelin and visfatin positively correlated with BMI level, WHR, FFMI, PBF, FMI, PBF of arms, PBF of legs, PBF of the trunk, VFL, FBG, HOMA-IR index and negatively correlated with PSM, PSM of legs, and PSM of the trunk (all P < 0.001). ConclusionsCompared with healthy women, Patients with PCOS have an increased fat content in various parts of the body, reduced skeletal muscle content, and are often complicated by metabolic abnormalities. Serum visfatin and apelin correlated not only with obesity, fat mass, and fat distribution but also with muscle mass and distribution. It may be possible to reduce the long-term risk of metabolic disease in PCOS through the monitoring and management of the body composition in PCOS patients or to reflect the therapeutic effect of PCOS.

The relation between plasma apelin 36 and insulin resistance in obese type 2 diabetic Egyptian population

ABSTRACT Background Obesity causes changes in the production of adipose tissue secreted factors, which are responsible for metabolism modulation. One of these factors is Apelin, a small peptide that interacts with a specific cell-surface receptor to modulate various cells signaling processes. Apelin is regarded as a new player because of its powerful role in energy metabolism and improvement of insulin sensitivity. Aim of the Work This study investigates the plasma apelin 36 role and to what extent it can impact the insulin resistance in obese Egyptians diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Subjects and Methods The study involved 90 participants, with 30 assigned to each of the three study involved categories: obese individuals with diabetes, obese individuals without diabetes, and healthy controls (n = 30 for each group). Measurements of skin fold thickness, body mass index (BMI), waist/hip ratio, and body fat % were obtained along with a comprehensive clinical examination and history. The following were investigated: plasma insulin, Hb A1c, lipid profile, plasma apelin (ELISA), plasma leptin (ELISA), and plasma adiponectin (ELISA). Results The median value of serum leptin in obese subjects (groups I and II) was higher significantly than healthy control group (group III) (p = <0.001). A significant decrease in serum adiponectin could be detected in obese subjects (groups I and II) compared to control subjects (Group III) (p = 0.004). When compared to the healthy control group (group III), the mean serum apelin level was significantly higher in the obese participants (groups I and II) and much higher among obese diabetic group (p = <0.001). A statistically significant correlation (p = 0.001) was observed between fasting serum insulin and both HOMA-IR and serum apelin among the non-diabetic obese participants involved in the study. Conclusions Obese people have raised serum apelin levels; those with T2DM have significantly greater serum apelin levels. While it showed a positive correlation with insulin level and HOMA-IR among the obese non-diabetic individuals.

Investigation of new inflammatory biomarkers in patients with brucella.

Delayed diagnosis and inadequate treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases, such as Brucella, lead to high rates of mortality and morbidity. The aim of our study was to investigate the association between serum levels of apelin, presepsin, and irisin with inflammation, laboratory parameters, and blood culture in patients with brucella. This prospective case-control study involves 30 patients with brucellosis and 30 healthy, matched control subjects. Thirty patients who were diagnosed with brucellosis were aged ≥ 18 years. Blood samples were taken from the patients on the first day they were diagnosed with brucellosis. The values of irisin, presepsin, and apelin were studied. In addition, blood samples were also taken from 30 healthy individuals for the control group. Irisin, presepsin, and apelin values that were measured in the patients on the first day were compared with those values measured in the control group. The sex and age statuses of the subjects are matched among the groups. The levels of irisin were significantly higher in patients with brucellosis compared to the control group (p<0.045). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of apelin and presepsin levels (p values 0.087 and 0.162, respectively). There was a positive correlation between irisin levels and elevated ALT levels, as well as positive blood cultures. It appears that the measurement of irisin levels may be beneficial in patients with brucellosis. Irisin can be used as a diagnostic marker for brucella infection and may greatly clinicians to predict the severity disease and treatment response.

Evaluating Serum Apelin and Nitric Oxide in Primary Hypertensive Patients with or without Microalbuminuria: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Hypertension (HTN) is the third leading risk factor contributing to the disease burden in Southeast Asia. Understanding its underlying mechanism, such as endothelial dysfunction, is very important. Apelin is a recently discovered endogenous peptide hormone that, along with Nitric Oxide (NO), is implicated in endothelial dysfunction and the severity of HTN. This can significantly reduce renal function and lead to microalbuminuria/proteinuria in 5-15% of patients. Aim: To measure serum apelin and NO in patients with newly diagnosed primary HTN with or without microalbuminuria and to investigate the correlation of serum apelin with HTN in the same study population. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2019 to January 2021 in the Department of Biochemistry In collaboration with the Department of Medicine at SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, Odisha, India. A total of 180 participants were included in the present study. Among them, 90 were newly diagnosed hypertensive patients, and 90 were non hypertensive. The study comprised of 90 hypertensive patients, with 46 having microalbuminuria (Group-A), 44 without microalbuminuria (Group-B) and 90 normotensive controls (Group-C). All participants underwent evaluation of their biochemical profile which included Fasting Plasma Sugar (FBS), serum urea, creatinine, Total Cholesterol (TC), Triglyceride (TG), High-density Lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), Low-density Lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), Very Low-Density Lipoprotein (VLDL), serum apelin and NO levels, and urine albumin. The comparison between the three groups was done by using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test with post-hoc analysis. The Chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables. Results: The mean age of the participants was 50.48±9.73 years. study comprised of 90 hypertensive patients, with 46 having microalbuminuria, 44 without microalbuminuria, and 90 normotensive controls. The mean serum apelin levels were 394.45±84.2, 386.9±86.12, and 62.73±22.87 ng/L, respectively, among patients with microalbuminuria, without microalbuminuria, and normotensive patients. Similarly, the mean serum NO levels were 6.31±2.94, 8.32±2.63, and 20.15±4.37 µmol/L, respectively, among the three groups. The comparison of mean values indicated a significant (p&lt;0.001) positive correlation between the level of serum apelin and HTN and its complications, such as microalbuminuria. Conclusion: The positive correlation between serum apelin levels and blood pressure underscores the potential role of apelin in hypertensive pathophysiology.

Effects of acute and chronic high-intensity interval training on serum irisin, BDNF and apelin levels in male soccer referees

This study was aimed to investigate the effects of acute and chronic High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on Irisin, BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), and Apelin levels. The study included twenty-one male soccer referees. Blood from the participants was collected at the beginning of study (1. first measurement: baseline value). HIIT was conducted and blood was immediately collected (2. second measurement: acute effect). Next, HIIT was carried out for 20 minutes of 4 days a week in bouts of running (75 meters in 20 seconds) and walking (25 meters in 20 seconds). Blood was collected at the end of 12 weeks (3. third measurement: chronic effect). HIIT was performed and blood was again collected (4. fourth measurement: acute effect after the chronic effect). There was a gradual increase in irisin, BDNF, and apelin levels (p &lt; 0.001). The increase for irisin was 2% in the second measurement, 106% in the third, and 111% in the fourth compared to the first measurement. The increase for BDNF was 39% in the second measurement, 116% in the third, and 133% in the fourth. Apelin levels were increased by 11%, 19%and 28%, respectively. These results demonstrated that irisin and BDNF might increase only in response to chronic HIIT (4 times a week) while apelin levels might change with both acute and chronic HIIT in healthy trained referees.

Comparative Evaluation of Adipokine Metrics for the Diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common medical disorders in pregnancy. Adipokines, predominantly secreted by adipose tissue, are involved in numerous metabolic processes. The exact role of adipokines in the pathogenesis of GDM is still not well known, and numerous adipokines have been analysed throughout pregnancy and proposed as biomarkers of GDM. This study aimed to evaluate serum adiponectin, chemerin, lipocalin and apelin levels in GDM and non-GDM women, to assess them as clinically useful biomarkers of the occurrence of GDM and to demonstrate the correlation between the levels of the above adipokines in the blood serum and the increased risk of the development of GDM. The role of these adipokines in the pathogenesis of GDM was also analysed. The statistically significant differences between the levels of adiponectin (7234.6 vs. 9837.5 ng/mL, p < 0.0001), chemerin (264.0 vs. 206.7 ng/mL, p < 0.0001) and lipocalin (39.5 vs. 19.4 ng/mL, p < 0.0001) were observed between pregnant women with GDM and healthy ones. The diagnostic usefulness of the tested adipokines in detecting GDM was also assessed. The research results confirm the hypothesis on the significance of adiponectin, chemerin, lipocalin and apelin in the pathophysiological mechanisms of GDM. We speculate that these adipokines could potentially be established as novel biomarkers for the prediction and early diagnosis of GDM.

Effect of Swimming Training on Cardiac Morphological Factors, Apelin and Insulin like Growth Factor-1 in Male Wistar Rats

Introduction: Different training methods have cardioprotective effects. The aim of this study was to examine the potential protective impact of continuous and interval swimming training with weights on cardiac morphological factors and serum levels of Apelin and Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 in male Wistar rats.&#x0D; Methods: In this experimental study, 27 male rats divided randomly into the control (n=6), sham (n=5), interval (n=8) and endurance (n=8) groups. The endurance group swam for 12 weeks/5 days while swimming time increased incrementally. During the 12-week/4-day period, the interval group engaged in swimming exercises while gradually increasing the load and reducing the duration of rest. Apelin and Insulin like Growth Factor-1 concentration, heart weight and left ventricle weight were measured. One-way ANOVA was utilized and Tuckey-HSD test was used to point out the place of significance (α ≤ 0.05).&#x0D; Results: Findings showed that total heart weight in interval and endurance training compared to the control (P= 0.02 and P= 0.02 respectively) and sham (P= 0.02 and P= 0.02, respectively) significantly increased. Furthermore, the weight of the left ventricle showed a significant increase following endurance training in comparison to both the control (P= 0.02) and the sham groups (P= 0.02). Additionally, it was found to be significantly higher than the sham group following interval training. (P= 0.01). Apelin significantly increased in interval and endurance training compared to the control (P= 0.00 and P= 002 respectively) and sham groups (P= 0.02 and P= 0.04, respectively). Moreover, insulin like growth factor-1 significantly increased in interval and endurance training compared to the control (P= 0.01 and P= 0.01, respectively).&#x0D; Conclusion: It appears that a 12-week swimming training program, particularly in an interval format, can induce physiological hypertrophy in cardiac tissue and provide cardiac protective benefits through the upregulation of Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 and Apelin.

Quercetin Attenuates Atherosclerosis via Modulating Apelin Signaling Pathway Based on Plasma Metabolomics.

To interpret the pharmacology of quercetin in treatment of atherosclerosis (AS). Fourteen apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE-/-) mice were divided into 2 groups by a random number table: an AS model (ApoE-/-) group and a quercetin treatment group (7 in each). Seven age-matched C57 mice were used as controls (n=7). Quercetin [20 mg/(kg·d)] was administered to the quercetin group intragastrically for 8 weeks for pharmacodynamic evaluation. Besides morphological observation, the distribution of CD11b, F4/80, sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) and P21 was assayed by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence to evaluate macrophage infiltration and tissue senescence. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MSC/MS) was performed to study the pharmacology of quercetin against AS. Then, simultaneous administration of an apelin receptor antagonist (ML221) with quercetin was conducted to verify the possible targets of quercetin. Key proteins in apelin signaling pathway, such as angiotensin domain type 1 receptor-associated proteins (APJ), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), tissue plasminogen activator (TPA), uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and angiotensin II receptor 1 (AT1R), were assayed by Western blot. Quercetin administration decreased lipid deposition in arterial lumen and improved the morphology of ApoE-/- aortas in vivo. Quercetin decreased the densities of CD11b, F4/80 and P21 in the aorta and increased the level of serum apelin and the densities of APJ and Sirt1 in the aorta in ApoE-/- mice (all P<0.05). Plasma metabolite profiling identified 118 differential metabolites and showed that quercetin affected mainly glycerophospholipids and fatty acyls. Bioinformatics analysis suggested that the apelin signaling pathway was one of the main pathways. Quercetin treatment increased the protein expressions of APJ, AMPK, PGC-1α, TPA and UCP1, while decreased the AT1R level (all P<0.05). After the apelin pathway was blocked by ML221, the effect of quercetin was abated significantly, confirming that quercetin attenuated AS by modulating the apelin signaling pathway (all P<0.05). Quercetin alleviated AS lesions by up-regulation the apelin signaling pathway.

Assessment of Serum Apelin Level in Iraqi Type 2 Diabetic Nephropathy Patients

The present study is investigated the relationship between Apelin concentration and various biochemical parameters in patients with type2 diabetic nephropathy. A total of 30 patients diagnosed with Diabetic Nephropathy at Al-Yarmouk and Al-Karama teaching hospitals were included in the study and compared to 40 healthy individuals forming the control group. The study was identified a significant increase in Apelin concentration among patients with type 2 diabetic nephropathy, compared to the control group. Additionally, various biochemical parameters were analyzed, and a strong correlation was found between their concentrations and Apelin levels. Considerable elevation of serum nitrogen compounds like urea and creatinine, as well as fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were observed in the type 2 diabetic nephropathy patients. A positive correlation between Apelin and both creatinine and glycated hemoglobin levels was observed. Conversely, a negative correlation was observed between Apelin and the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), indicating potential implications for kidney function in these patients. These findings emphasize the significance of monitoring Apelin concentration along with other biochemical variables as essential indicators for the management and understanding of type 2 diabetic nephropathy. Further research in type 2 diabetic nephropathy could offer valuable insights into potential interventions and treatment strategies for improving patient outcomes.

Assessment of Serum Apelin Levels and Its Relation to Insulin Resistance in Acne Vulgaris Patients

Abstract Introduction Apelin is one of the adipokines. Acne vulgaris is a very common dermatological disease with a multifactorial background and hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance are considered to play a pivotal role in its development and severity. Aim To evaluate serum apelin levels in acne vulgaris patients and to reveal the possible relation between its serum levels and the insulin resistance state in acne vulgaris patients. Material and methods Thirty-two acne vulgaris patients and thirty-two healthy controls were enrolled into the study. The blood levels of apelin, insulin and glucose were measured in patients and controls. Homeostasis model assessment index (HOMA-IR) was calculated to evaluate the insulin resistance state. Results Acne vulgaris patients experienced significant higher levels of fasting insulin, serum apelin, and HOMA-IR compared to controls. Conclusions These results suggest that serum apelin and insulin resistance may have a role in the pathogenesis of acne.

Effect of Apelin on Hepatic Dysfunction in a Rat Model of Heart Failure

Background Severe heart failure can be accompanied with liver dysfunction. The role of apelin in liver disease is still a matter of debate. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of apelin on liver dysfunction in heart failure rat model and the underlying mechanisms of this effect. Materials and Methods 39 female Wistar rats were divided into three groups 13 each; control (Intraperitoneal saline for 2 weeks, daily), Isoprenaline (ISO) (Intraperitoneal saline for 2 weeks, ISO in the last 2 days (100 mg/kg, subcutaneous) and Apelin group (apelin, 15 µg/kg/day Intraperitoneal for 2 weeks and ISO in the last 2 days). Body weights, heart and liver weights, ECG record, isolated heart study and histopathological examination for both heart and liver were carried out. Serum cardiac troponin T (cTnT), liver enzymes (alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and apelin and liver APJ receptors, malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cytochrome C were measured. Results Apelin decreased heart weights, shortened QRS complex as well as observed and corrected Q-T intervals, increased R voltage, peak developed tension, peak developed tension per left ventricular weights and mean coronary flow rate compared to ISO treated rats. It decreased serum levels of cTnT, ALT, AST&amp; LDH and improved serum apelin level. Also, it enhanced the hepatic expression of APJ receptor and decreased MDA &amp; ROS and cytochrome C in liver tissue. Conclusion Apelin had a protective role against hepatic dysfunction that accompanied heart failure through its antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects.

Study of Serum Apelin and Insulin Resistance in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients With or Without Obesity.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia. Chronic hyperglycemia in diabetes mellitus can cause microvascular and macrovascular complications. Obesity is a major risk factor contributing to disease progression and complications of T2DM. Apelin is an adipokine having a compensatory role in reducing insulin resistance (IR)in morbidly obese individuals. This study was undertaken to find a correlation between Apelin, IR, and obesity. This case-control study included 180 participants, cases (n=90) having T2DM, and healthy controls (n=90). Further, the case and control groups were divided into group I (non-obese) and group II (obese) according to their body mass index (BMI) as per the Asia Pacific classification of BMI. Following obtainingconsent, anthropometrical measurements and blood parameters likeserum total lipid profile, fasting and postprandial glucose level, Apelin, and insulin were done,and results were analyzed statistically usingStatistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21(IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). A significantly higher Apelin level was observed in diabetes patients with obesity (265.16±11.0 pg/mL) as compared to non-obese (206.44±83.0 pg/mL). A positive correlation between serum Apelin levels and BMI was found (r=0.367, p=0.003). Homeostasis Model Assessment of IR (HOMA-IR) is increased in obese patients in comparison to the control group. A significant positive correlation between BMI and HOMA-IR (r=0.429, p=0.001) and Apelin and IR (r=0.742, p=0.000) was found in this study. On the basis of the finding of this study, we may conclude that Apelin has a role in improving insulin sensitivity in T2DM. Larger and multicentric studies are further required to discover the therapeutic role of Apelin in T2DM.