Serum Nesfatin-1 Levels Research Articles

Effect of Sex Hormones on Serum Levels of Nesfatin-1 in Experimental Rats

AbstractBackground: Nesfatin-1 is nucleobindin 2-derived polypeptide involved in feeding regulation. The expression of Nesfatin-1 in the hypothalamus, pituitary gland and repro-ductive organs drew the attention to its potential role in regulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Yet, very few data are available regarding the effect of gonadal hormones on the regulation of Nesfatin-1.Aim of Study: The present study was designed to explore the probable sex difference in serum Nesfatin-1 levels and the relationship between serum levels of sex hormones and Nesfatin-1 in adult male and female albino rats.Material and Methods: The study involved 18 male and 30 female albino rats. The male rats were divided in to three equal groups: Control (M Cont.), orchidectomized (ORX), and testosterone-treated orchidectomized (T-treated ORX). The female rats were divided in to five equal groups: Control (F Cont.), ovariectomized (OVX), estradiol-treated ovariect-omized (E-treated OVX), progesterone-treated ovariectomized (P-treated OVX), and estradiol and progesterone-treated ovariectomized (E + P-treated OVX). Serum levels of Nesfatin-1, LH (in all rats), testosterone (in male rats), estradiol and progesterone (in female rats) were measured.Results: Serum levels of Nesfatin-1 were higher in female than in male control rats. Nesfatin-1 levels significantly decreased in ORX group compared with M Cont. group and increased in T-treated ORX group compared with ORX group. Nesfatin-1 positively correlated with testosterone in ORX and T-treated ORX groups, but insignificantly correlated with LH in all groups. Serum levels of Nesfatin-1 were significantly decreased in OVX group compared with F Cont. group and increased in E-treated OVX, P-treated OVX and In E + P-treated OVX groups when compared with those of OVX group. Positive correlations were found between Nesfatin-1 and both estradiol and progesterone in OVX, E-treated OVX, P-treated OVX, and E+P-treated OVX groups; however, no significant correlations were found with LH in all groups.Conclusion: From the above results it can be concluded that gonadal hormones are important regulators of serum levels of Nesfatin-1 in albino rats.

Nesfatin-1 and Vaspin as Potential Novel Biomarkers for the Prediction and Early Diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is considered to be one of the most frequent medical complication observed among pregnant women. The role of adipokines in the pathogenesis of GDM remains strictly unknown. Different adipokines have been studied throughout gestation, and they have been proposed as biomarkers of GDM and other pregnancy-related complications; however, there is no biomarker reported for GDM screening at present. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum nesfatin-1 and vaspin levels in GDM and non-GDM women, to characterize the correlation between these adipokines, and to assess the potential role of circulating adipokines in the prediction of risk of gestational diabetes mellitus. Serum concentrations of nesfatin-1 and vaspin were measured in 153 women with GDM, and in 84 patients with uncomplicated pregnancy by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Circulating levels of nesfatin-1 and vaspin were significantly lower in the GDM group than in the control group. Nesfatin-1 levels were negatively correlated with vaspin levels. The results of this study point out the possible role of nesfatin-1 and vaspin as potential novel biomarkers for the prediction and early diagnosis of GDM. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the influence of nesfatin-1 and vaspin on glucose metabolism in the early stages of GDM.

Nesfatin-1 and caspase-cleaved cytokeratin-18: Promising biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease?

To investigate the use of nesfatin-1 and caspase-cleaved cytokeratin-18 serum levels as biomarkers in Alzheimer's disease. The study group consisted of 39 patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and 39 controls. Demographic characteristics including gender, age, body mass index, mini-mental status examination (MMSE) and duration of disease were recorded. The ELISA method was used to measure serum nesfatin-1 and CCCK-18 levels in serum samples. Serum nesfatin-1 levels were statistically significantly higher in the AD patient group than in controls. There was no significant difference between the groups with regards to serum CCCK-18 levels. Pearson analysis showed no significant correlation between serum nesfatin-1, serum CCCK-18 levels, mini-mental status examination and disease duration. This study proved that serum nesfatin-1 levels can be used as a biomarker in Alzheimer's disease by showing a statistically significant high level of serum nesfatin-1 in patients with Alzheimer's disease. This is the first study to suggest that nesfatin-1 can be used as a biomarker in Alzheimer's disease. In addition, our study showed that CCCK-18 can be used as a prognostic biomarker for Alzheimer's disease. Further comprehensive studies should be done to clarify the use of serum nesfatin-1 and CCCK-18 levels as biomarkers for Alzheimer disease (Tab. 3, Fig. 2, Ref. 25).

SERUM NESFATIN-1 LEVEL IN HEALTHY SUBJECTS WITH WEIGHT-RELATED ABNORMALITIES AND NEWLY DIAGNOSED PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS; A CASE-CONTROL STUDY.

Nesfatin-1 is a novel peptide with both central and peripheral anorexigenic regulatory properties. Besides its effects on food intake, few studies have suggested a possible role for this peptide in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus type 2. To compare serum levels of nesfatin-1 between healthy, normal-weight persons and three groups including healthy underweight, healthy obese and diabetic subjects. Prospective, case-control study, performed between January 2015 and January 2016. Fasting levels in serum nesfatin-1 were measured in 30 healthy, normal-weight individuals (controls), 30 healthy underweight persons, 30 healthy obese persons, and 30 patients with newly diagnosed diabetes type 2 using standard enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. The mean serum nesfatin-1 level was significantly higher in controls (2.61 ng/mL) compared to that in obese (1.13 ng/mL) and diabetic (0.99 ng/mL) patients; and significantly lower than that in the underweight group (3.50 ng/mL). The obese and diabetic groups were comparable in this regard. No significant association was found between serum nesfatin-1 level and age, sex, or body mass index. Serum nesfatin-1 is possibly associated with weight-related abnormalities in otherwise healthy subjects and diabetes type 2. Obesity and diabetes type 2 may share a common pathologic point in this regard.

Effects of cannabinoid modulation on hypothalamic nesfatin-1 and insulin resistance.

Both nesfatin-1 and cannabinoid systems involved in the regulation of sleep, metabolism, and food intake. The relationship between cannabinoid system and nesfatin-1 levels remains to be elucidated. This study investigated nesfatin-1 and insulin resistance in 72-h rapid eye movement (REM) sleep-deprived mice under the effects of cannabinoid, and cannabinoid receptors CB1R and CB2R blocking. Sixty mice were exposed to 72-h sleep deprivation. Groups and drug administrations were as follows: Group 1 (control) received injection of vehicle. Group 2 received WIN 55,212,2. Group 3 received AM251 (CB1R antagonist) followed by WIN 55,212,2 injection. Group 4 received SR144528 (CB2R antagonist) followed by WIN 55,212,2 injection. Group 5 received only AM251. Group 6 received only SR144528. Blood samples were collected 1 h after drug administration and prepared for biochemical measurements. Glucose levels were measured by glucometer, whereas insulin and nesfatin-1 levels were measured by ELISA. Central nesfatin-1 was also assessed using immunohistochemistry. One-way analysis of variance together with post hoc Tukey's test was used for inter-group comparisons. Serum nesfatin-1 levels were comparable in all study groups. Brain nesfatin-1 immune-positive cell count was lower in WIN group compared to controls. The administration of CB1R or CB2R antagonist prevented reduction in nesfatin-1-positive cell count. Insulin resistance was higher in WINCB2 and CB2 groups than in control and WINCB1 groups. Cannabinoid treatment reduced nesfatin-1 immunoreactivity in the central nervous system and this effect was prevented by either CB1R or CB2R antagonist pretreatment. Insulin resistance might be related to CB2 receptor activation which was independent from central nesfatin-1 immunoreactivity.

Changes in ghrelin and nesfatin-1 in children with growth hormone deficiency treated by recombinant human growth hormone

This study aims to investigate the effects of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) on serum nesfatin-1 and ghrelin in children with growth hormone deficiency (GHD), in order to provide a reliable basis for the effectiveness and safety of applying rhGH in treating GHD children in the clinic. A total of 30 GHD pediatric patients were selected as the observation group. According to the peak of GH, these patients were divided into two subgroups: complete absence of growth hormone (CGHD) group and partial absence of growth hormone (PGHD) group. At the same time, 20 healthy children of normal height with matching age and gender were randomly selected as a normal control group. Serum ghrelin and nesfatin-1 levels were detected in children in the control group and observation group before rhGH treatment, and at 3 and 6 months after treatment. After 3 and 6 months of treatment, the height and growth rate of children in the PGHD and CGHD groups significantly increased ( P < 0.05), but their body weights did not significantly change ( P > 0.05), compared with those before treatment. Before treatment, ghrelin was higher in the PGHD group than in the control group, while ghrelin was lower in the CGHD group than in the control group. In addition, nesfatin-1 was higher in these two subgroups, compared with that in the control group. At pretreatment, and after 3 and 6 months of treatment, ghrelin and nesfatin-1 both decreased in the PGHD group, while ghrelin increased and nesfatin-1 decreased in the CGHD group. It was confirmed that ghrelin and nesfatin-1 were closely correlated with GHD. Furthermore, rhGH has a significant effect on children with GHD, and can significantly accelerate the annual growth rate.

The relationship between nesfatin-1 and carotid artery stenosis

Objectives. Nesfatin-1 is a novel anorectic neuropeptide with potent metabolic regulatory effects. Nesfatin-1 regulates blood pressure, heart rate, cardiomyocyte metabolism, and permeability. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between carotid artery stenosis (CAS) and nesfatin-1. Design. Three groups were established as patients with no atherosclerotic plaques (n = 60), CAS <60% (n = 60), and CAS ≥60% (n = 60). Then, patients with CAS were divided into 2 subgroups as patients with calcific (n = 67) and non-calcific (n = 53) carotid artery stenosis according to plaque morphological features. Nesfatin-1 levels and baseline data were compared between groups. Results. Serum nesfatin-1 levels were higher in the control group than CAS <60% group (p < .001). Serum nesfatin-1 levels were also higher in CAS <60% group than CAS ≥60% group (p < .001). Multivariable logistic regression analyses demonstrated that serum nesfatin-1 levels were independently associated with CAS. In addition, nesfatin-1 levels were higher in calcific plaques. Conclusions. Nesfatin-1 levels are inversely associated with severtiy of CAS and plaque morphology.

Increasing hypothalamic nucleobindin 2 levels and decreasing hypothalamic inflammation in obese male mice via diet and exercise alleviate obesity-associated hypogonadism

To explore the role of nesfatin-1 in regulating male reproductive function during energy balance variation, we employed an obese mouse model which was first induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) and followed by interventions of a normal diet (ND) and/or moderate exercise, and then serum reproductive hormones of male mice, hypothalamic nucleobindin 2 (NUCB2)/nesfatin-1, inflammatory factors, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) levels were tested. Our findings showed that both serum nesfatin-1, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone (T) levels and hypothalamic NUCB2/nesfatin-1 and Gnrh mRNA levels were reduced, whereas, the mRNA and protein levels of hypothalamic tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, inhibitor kappa B kinase β (IKKβ), and nuclear factor (NF)-κB were increased in obese male mice. Diet, exercise, and diet combined with exercise interventions reversed the decreases in serum nesfatin-1, FSH, LH, and T levels; increased hypothalamic NUCB2/nesfatin-1 and Gnrh mRNA levels; and reduced hypothalamic TNF-α, IL-1β, IKKβ, and NF-κB levels. These changes were accompanied by reduced adiposity, and these effects were more obvious in the diet combined with exercise group. Overall, our findings suggested that the hypogonadotropic hypogonadism associated with obesity may be induced by reduced hypothalamic NUCB2/nesfatin-1 levels, which attenuated the stimulatory effect on GnRH directly or indirectly by suppressing its anti-inflammatory effect in the brain. Diet and/or exercise interventions were able to alleviate the hypogonadotropic hypogonadism associated with obesity, potentially by increasing hypothalamic NUCB2/nesfatin-1 levels.

The Effects of Resistance and Endurance Training on Levels of Nesfatin-1, HSP70, Insulin Resistance and Body Composition in Women with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Summary Objectives Nesfatin-1 and HSP70 are involved in the regulating mechanisms of insulin and glucose metabolism. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of 10 weeks of resistance and endurance exercise training on the serum levels of nesfatin-1, HSP70 and insulin resistance (IR) in women with type 2 diabetes. Materials and Methods 26 women with type 2 diabetes were selected using purposive sampling and were randomly divided into three groups. 10 subjects participated in the resistance training group (3 sessions per week, exercising with 30–80% of one repetition maximum (1RM)), 8 subjects participated in the endurance training group (3 sessions per week, exercising with 40–80% of maximum heart rate (HR max), for 20–45 minutes), and 8 subjects were placed in the control group who did not engage in any physical exercise during the study period. Blood samples were collected after a 12 hour [overnight] fast in order to evaluate nesfatin-1, HSP70, insulin and glucose levels in the pre- and post-tests. The obtained data were analyzed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov (K-S) test, paired-samples t-test, one-way ANOVA and LSD post-hoc test in SPSS software, version 21 at the significance level of α Results There was a significant increase in nesfatin-1 levels and a significant decrease in HSP70 levels of the resistance training group, (P 0.05). Glucose levels, insulin resistance (HOMA1-IR) and body composition indices (except for WHR) significantly decreased in both training groups (P 0.05). Moreover, comparing the pre- and post-test levels of glucose changes, a significant difference was observed in the resistance and endurance training groups but not in the control group (P Conclusion Resistance and endurance training are recommended as complementary therapy for women with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The Relationship between Nesfatin-1 Levels and SYNTAX Score in Patients with Non-ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

Nesfatin-1 is a novel anorectic neuropeptide with potent metabolic regulatory effects. It regulates blood pressure, heart rate, cardiomyocyte metabolism and permeability. SYNTAX score, which is an angiographic scoring system, defines the grade and complexity of coronary artery disease (CAD). We aimed to evaluate the relationship between nesfatin-1 level and severity of CAD according to the SYNTAX score in patients with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). A total of 109 subjects were enrolled into the study, of whom 80 underwent coronary angiography (CA) with the diagnosis of NSTEMI and 29 had normal coronary arteries detected in CA. NSTEMI patients were divided into 2 groups: low SYNTAX score (< 32) (45 patients) and high SYNTAX score (≥ 32) (35 patients). The NSTEMI patients with a high SYNTAX score (score ≥ 32) had a lower serum nesfatin-1 level (62 pg/ml; 39-98) compared to the NSTEMI patients with a low SYNTAX score (score < 32) (138 pg/ml; 65-286) and the control group (392 pg/ml; 178-1320). There was also a negative correlation between serum nesfatin-1 level and SYNTAX score (r = -0.594, p < 0.001). A lower serum level of nesfatin-1 (odds ratio = 0.116; 95% confidence interval: 0.138- 0.094; p < 0.001) was an independent predictor for high SYNTAX score in the NSTEMI patients after multiple linear regression analysis. Serum nesfatin-1 level was lower in the high SYNTAX group than in the low SYNTAX group in patients with NSTEMI. Nesfatin-1could have a role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic burden in patients with NSTEMI.

Evaluation of ghrelin, nesfatin-1 and irisin levels of serum and brain after acute or chronic pentylenetetrazole administrations in rats using sodium valproate

ABSTRACTObjectives: In this study, we aim to reveal the alterations (due to seizure) in the serum and brain levels of nesfatin-1, ghrelin and irisin after acute or chronic pentylenetetrazole administrations in rats using sodium valproate.Methods: 35 Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into five groups: Control, Acute Pentylenetetrazole group (APTZ), Acute Pentylenetetrazole+ Valproate group (AVPA), PTZ kindling group (PTZk) and PTZ kindling+ Valproate group (KVPA). Serum and brain levels of ghrelin, nesfatin-1 and FNDC5/irisin were determined with ELISA.Results: Serum levels of ghrelin were significantly decreased in APTZ and PTZk groups compared to the control (p < 0.01). There was a statistically significant decrease in brain levels of ghrelin in all groups compared to the control group (p < 0.01). There was a statistically significant increase in serum nesfatin-1 levels in the APTZ and PTZk groups compared to the control (p < 0.05). Serum levels of nesfatin-1 were similar to the control group in both the acute and the chronic treatment groups. There was a statistically significant increase in brain nesfatin-1 levels of the KVPA group compared to the control (p < 0.05). Serum and brain levels of FNDC5/irisin were found significantly increased in APTZ, AVPA and PTZk groups compared to the control (p < 0.01).Conclusions: Statistically significant alterations were detected in the serum and brain levels of these three peptides in both the PTZ-induced chronic epilepsy model and acute seizure model. The results of this study may suggest that the increase in FNDC5/irisin and nesfatin-1 levels, and the decrease in ghrelin levels may contribute to seizure pathophysiology. However, further studies are needed in order to confirm our hypothesis.

Effects of upper-body resistance exercise training on serum nesfatin-1 level, insulin resistance, and body composition in obese paraplegic men

BackgroundAs a recently discovered adipokine, nesfatin-1 is conducive to insulin sensitivity, lipid profile, energy balance, and probably obesity. ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of upper-body resistance exercise training (RET) on nesfatin-1 levels, insulin resistance, lipid profile, and body composition in obese paraplegic men. MethodsTwenty obese paraplegic men were randomly assigned into control and upper-body RET groups. Upper-body RET was performed for 8 weeks, 3 sessions per week at an intensity corresponding to 60–80% maximum amount of force that can be generated in one maximal contraction in 5 stations (bench press, seated rows, sitting lat pulldown, arm extension, and arm curls). Body fat percentage was determined according to 4-sites skinfold protocol of Durnin and Womersley and Siri equation. Obesity for spinal cord injury patients in the current study was set at BMI >22 kg/m2. Data were statistically analyzed by paired and independent t-test (P < 0.05). ResultsWe found significant improvements in serum levels of nesfatin-1 (21.13%), insulin sensitivity (8.95%), and high-density lipoprotein (10.87%). Other lipid profile markers, i.e. low-density lipoprotein (4.32%), cholesterol (8.20%), and triglyceride (15.10%) reduced significantly after upper-body RET. Moreover, upper-body RET led to a significant reduction in body mass index (2.36%), body fat percentage (2.79%), and waist-to-hip ratio (2.40%). ConclusionUpper-body RET improved insulin sensitivity, lipid profile, and body composition in paraplegic men. Serum nefastin-1 may be a potential marker of success in weight management in this population.

May nesfatin-1 be a state marker in major depressive disorder with suicidal ideation?

The best known effects of nesfatin-1 are on appetite and metabolic regulation. Moreover, several research suggest that nesfatin-1 play a role in stress responses. This molecule may be involved in the pathophysiology of mood disorders and suicidal behavior. We compared nesfatin-1 levels between depressed patients with suicidal ideation (n = 32, mean ± SD, 1,40 ± 0.11), without suicidal ideation(n = 31, 1.46 ± 0.14) and healthy controls (n = 32, 1.52 ± 0.13). Suicidal ideation was assessed with the Suicide Probability Scale, Scale for Suicide Ideation and depressive symptoms were evaluated with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. Blood samples were collected to measure serum nesfatin-1levels by using ELISA method. The study revealed that serum nesfatin-1 levels were significantly lower in MDD with suicidal ideation than in healthy volunteers (p < 0.001). There were a negative correlation between the scores of suicidal ideation and nesfatin-1 levels in MDD with SI group (r = −0.215; p = 0.016). In the future, nesfatin-1 levels may one day be applied in predicting and monitoring patients’ suicide risk. Further prospective studies are required to elucidate this potential association.

Increased concentrations of serum nesfatin-1 levels in childhood with idiopathic chronic malnutrition

Background/aim: Nesfatin-1, an anorexigenic molecule, seems to play a role in appetite regulation and energy homeostasis. The goal of this study was to evaluate the relation of nesfatin-1 with anthropometric and metabolic (ghrelin, leptin) parameters in children with idiopathic chronic malnutrition. Materials and methods: The study included 37 underweight and 38 healthy children who were similar regarding age, sex, and pubertal status. Anthropometric and biochemical (nesfatin-1, ghrelin, and leptin levels) variables were assessed. Results: A total of 37 underweight subjects (mean age 10.5 ± 2.6 years) and 38 heathy subjects (mean age 10.3 ± 2.3 years) were recruited. Underweight children had significantly higher nesfatin-1 (2.76 ± 0.4 vs. 1.56 ± 0.7, P < 0.001) and lower leptin levels (2.21 ± 2.0 vs. 5.21 ± 2.4, P < 0.001) than those of the control subjects. Nesfatin-1 levels were significantly associated with only leptin levels, after adjusting for age and BMI (r = –0.371, P = 0.001). Conclusion: The present study is the first to evaluate nesfatin-1 levels in relation with anthropometric and metabolic parameters in children with chronic malnutrition, who were subsequently found to have significantly higher nesfatin-1 levels. Our study underlines that nesfatin-1 may play a role in the development of malnutrition by inhibiting food intake in children.

Serum Nesfatin-1 Levels in Girls with Idiopathic Central Precocious Puberty

Objective:Nesfatin-1, an anorexigenic neuropeptide, is expressed mainly in the central nervous system and in some peripheral tissues. The role of nesfatin-1 in energy balance has been investigated. Despite the suggestion of a role for nesfatin-1 in reproductive function, data are limited on the role of nesfatin-1 in human puberty.Methods:The aim of this study was to investigate the following: i) the role of nesfatin-1 in puberty, and ii) relationship between nesfatin-1 and anthropometric measurements and gonadotropin levels in girls with idiopathic central precocious puberty (CPP). Twenty-four girls with CPP (7.68±1.02 years) and 20 female, prepubertal, healthy controls (7.48±0.88 years) were enrolled in the study. All patients with CPP were treated by the intramuscular administration of leuprolide acetate at a daily dose of 3.75 mg for 28 days. Nesfatin-1 was measured before and during treatment.Results:There was no difference in serum nesfatin-1 levels in girls with CPP and healthy controls [5.67 (2.5-20.6) mmol/L and 5.75 (2.51-9.64) mmol/L], respectively. There was a negative correlation between nesfatin-1 levels and body weight and body mass index-standard deviation score (p=0.01, r=-0.83; p=0.025, r=-0.81, respectively). No correlation was found between nesfatin-1 and gonadotropin, estradiol levels, uterine length or endometrial thickness.Conclusion:The results of this study suggest that there are no differences between girls with CPP and healthy, prepubertal girls regarding nesfatin-1 levels.

Role of nesfatin-1 in the metabolism of skeletal tissues

NUCB2/nesfatin-1, a member of the adipokine family, is a peptide hormone with pleiotropic action. It has been found in different tissues, including cartilage and bone cells. Nesfatin-1 is produced by chondrocytes, and its synthesis increases with the degree of cell differentiation and upon stimulation by pro-inflammatory cytokines, as shown in an in vitro study. An increase in serum levels of nesfatin-1 has been observed in humans with osteoarthritis, which indicates the influence of pro-inflammatory cytokines on nesfatin-1 release. On the other hand, nesfatin-1 stimulates the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines by chondrocytes, which suggests its participation, together with other adipokines, in the pathogenesis and/or progression of inflammatory complications of cartilage degenerative diseases. Nesfatin-1 also promotes pre-osteoblastic cell differentiation and mineralization and inhibits macrophage differentiation towards osteoclasts. Moreover, exogenous nesfatin-1 given to ovariectomized rats reduces osteopenic changes. Therefore, it seems that nesfatin-1 may play a protective role in cartilage and bone diseases. However, further studies are required to determine whether nesfatin-1 can be used for monitoring and treatment of cartilage and bone diseases..

The association of serum nesfatin-1 and ghrelin levels with metabolic syndrome in patients with schizophrenia

Nesfatin-1 and ghrelin are two hormones which has opposite effects and play role in food intake. This study was planned on the idea that both metabolic syndrome and psychiatric disorders are associated with nesfatin-1 and ghrelin. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the levels of ghrelin and nesfatin-1 in patients with schizophrenia, by taking confounding factor as the metabolic syndrome (MS). 55 patients with schizophrenia and 33 healthy controls were included in the study.11 out of the 55 patients (%20) has MS. Serum ghrelin and nesfatin-1 levels of schizophrenia patients with MS have been compared with both healthy controls and schizophrenia patients without MS. Patients with schizophrenia had significantly higher serum nesfatin-1 levels compared to healthy controls. But serum ghrelin levels was not different in both groups. Serum nesfatin-1 concentrations were significantly higher in the schizophrenia patients with MS (10.51–350.8pg/ml) with respect to the healthy control group (4.86–68.91pg/ml). There was no significant statistical difference between the three groups in terms of ghrelin levels. Our findings suggests that, MS presence also contributed to significantly high levels of nesfatin-1 level. Nesfatin-1 may have a part in a novel studies regarding the treatment of schizophrenia and its metabolic effects.

Nesfatin-1 levels in patients with slow coronary flow.

Nesfatin-1 is a novel anorectic neuropeptide with potent metabolic regulatory effects. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between nesfatin-1 levels and slow coronary flow (SCF). A total of 60 consecutive patients with SCF and 60 consecutive patients with normal coronary flow (NCF) were enrolled into the study. Nesfatin-1 level was measured from blood serum samples using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test. Serum nesfatin-1 levels were significantly lower in the SCF group compared to the NCF group (p < 0.001). Low levels of nesfatin-1 were found to be significantly and independently associated with the SCF (odds ratio 0.982, 95% confidence interval 0.969-0.995, p = 0.005). The results of this study showed that serum nesfatin-1 level was lower in the SCF group than in the NCF group. Nesfatin-1 could play a role in the pathogenesis of SCF phenomenon with mechanisms such as inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. Further studies are needed to determine the relation between SCF and nesfatin-1.

SERUM NESFATIN-1 LEVELS IN RAT MODEL OF NON-ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a frequent progressive disorder manifested by fat accumulation in the liver and usually related to obesity and insulin resistance, but its pathogenesis is still uncertain. Nesfatin-1 is a polypeptide derived from nucleobindin-2 and involved in regulation of food intake and glucose homeostasis. The relationship between nesfatin-1 and NAFLD is still controversial. Objective: To evaluate serum levels of nesfatin-1 in NAFLD model induced by high fat diet (HFD) in male albino rats. Material and methods: Forty eight male adult albino rats were divided into four equal groups: 2 control groups that were fed ordinary diet for 4 weeks (group IA) and 12 weeks (group IB), and 2 HFD groups that were fed HFD for 4 weeks (group IIA) and 12 weeks (group IIB). In all groups, abdominal circumference, body weight, serum levels of nesfatin-1, insulin, glucose, C-reactive protein (CRP), lipid profile parameters, and liver enzymes (ALT & AST) were measured. BMI and HOMA-IR were calculated, and isolated liver tissues were examined histopathologically. Results: After 4-week and 12-week-HFD feeding, the rats developed simple steatosis and steatohepatitis, respectively. These were proved by the progressive rise of liver enzymes and the histopathological findings. Besides, there was a significant progressive rise in BMI, HOMA-IR, serum levels of nesfatin-1, glucose, insulin, CRP, and all lipid profile parameters except high density lipoprotein that significantly decreased in HFD groups in comparison to control groups. Moreover, nesfatin-1 correlated positively with all measured parameters in HFD groups except for HDL that showed negative correlation with nesfatin-1. Conclusion: Serum levels of nesfatin-1 increased in NAFLD rat model induced by HFD. This rise may be attributed to feeding rats with HFD, hyperglycemia or may compensate for the inflammation and disturbed metabolism.

Serum nesfatin-1 levels are decreased in pregnant women newly diagnosed with gestational diabetes.

To investigate serum nesfatin-1 levels at 24-28 weeks of pregnancy in women newly diagnosed with gestational diabetes and determine the association of nesfatin-1 with several metabolic parameters. Forty women newly diagnosed with gestational diabetes at 24-28 weeks of pregnancy and 30 healthy pregnant women matched in age and gestational week were included in this cross-sectional study. Serum nesfatin-1 levels were analyzed using ELISA, and the relationship between nesfatin-1 and several metabolic parameters were assessed. Serum nesfatin-1 levels were found to be lower in women with gestational diabetes compared to the pregnant women in the control sample (p = 0.020). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that nesfatin-1 was lower in participants with gestational diabetes independently from gestational age, BMI, HOMA-IR, fasting plasma glucose, and age. In correlation analysis, the only variable that was found to have a statistically significant correlation with nesfatin-1 was gestational age (p = 0.015, r = 0.30). Lower nesfatin-1 levels in women with gestational diabetes compared to the control group at 24-28 weeks of gestation draws attention to nesfatin-1 levels in gestational diabetes and motivates further research in this area.