Serum Vaspin Concentrations Research Articles

The effects of Ramadan fasting on serum concentrations of vaspin and omentin-1 in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

IntroductionNonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most frequent liver disease. Vaspin may modulate the inflammatory process, insulin resistance, and NAFLD. Omentin-1 is independently associated with hepatocyte ballooning. There is evidence of improvement in the adipokines level and histological hepatic steatosis following energy intake restriction and weight loss. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of Ramadan fasting on various circulating adipokines in NAFLD patients. MethodsThis study was conducted on 83 NAFLD patients, 42 cases who declared that they would fast during the month of Ramadan fasted and 41 controls who decided not to fast during Ramadan. Anthropometric parameters including weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and body fat percentage were measured before and after Ramadan. Dietary intake and physical activity levels were assessed by 24-h recall questionnaire and International physical activity questionnaire-short form (IPAQ-S), respectively. Serum adipokines including vaspin and omentin-1 were measured using commercial ELISA kit. ResultsPatients who fasted displayed a lower mean hip circumference and body mass index and considerable changes in serum vaspin and omentin-1 (p-value <0.05). The stepwise multivariate linear regression model revealed that the changes in weight, WHR, and dietary intakes were significant predictors of changes in serum adipokines. ConclusionThere is a potential for fasting in improving several anthropometric indices in NAFLD patients. Additionally, fasting during Ramadan resulted in decreased levels of adipokines including vaspin and omentin-1. Studies with longer follow-up periods are required.

Gender characteristics of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism and vaspin levels in hypertensive patients with obesity

The aim of this study is to analyze gender features of patients with arterial hypertension (AH) associated with obesity and to investigate their interaction with the indicators of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism and vaspin levels. Materials and methods. 72 patients with AH were selected for the study. In dependence to the presence of obesity, the patients were divided into 3 groups. The 1 st group with AH included 32 patients without obesity. Among them there were 19 (59.4 %) women and 13 (40.6 %) men. The 2 nd group consisted of 40 patients with overweight and obesity. Among them there were 17 (42.5 %) women and 23 (57.5 %) men. The 3 rd (control) group consisted of 16 healthy individuals aged from 28 to 41 years old. Among them there were 10 (62.5 %) women and 6 (37.5 %) men. All the examined patients underwent anthropometric measurements, blood pressure levels, blood levels of insulin, glucose, blood lipid levels, serum vaspin concentrations, insulin resistance (IR) index. Results. Gender differences in vaspin levels and the degree of IR have been found only in males of both study groups. In this case, these parameters significantly correlated with anthropometric indices and insulin levels in men. Conclusions. The study showed that the increase of the studied parameters of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism and vaspin levels was observed in men and women with hypertension associated with obesity and without it. However, gender differences were found in vaspin levels and the IR degree only in males of both study groups. The parameters of vaspin and IR significantly correlated with anthropometric indices and HOMA – IR in men. Perhaps, gender characteristics should be taken into account in the treatment tactics choice of patients with hypertension and obesity.

Serum vaspin concentration in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and macrovascular complications

BackgroundAdipose tissue, an endocrine organ of the body, is involved in some obesity-related disease states such as insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus, and atherosclerosis. Vaspin is a novel adipocyte with insulin sensitizing effects. In this study, we planned to estimate serum vaspin concentrations as related to glycemic status and the presence of macrovascular complications among elderly patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).MethodsA total of 230 elderly patients with T2DM were evaluated. These patients were divided into two groups: patients without complications (T2DM group, n = 110), and patients with macrovascular complications (T2DM + MC group, n = 120). In addition, 60 healthy elderly subjects were enrolled and assigned into the control group (NC group). Relevant parameters were matched for age and gender ratio. Serum vaspin concentrations were measured by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Anthropometric measurements, plasma glucose and HbA1C levels, insulin concentration, liver and kidney functions, and lipid profile were measured for each participant.ResultsSerum vaspin concentrations were significantly higher in the T2DM group than in the T2DM + MC group (F = 13.122, P < 0.01). These concentrations were also significantly higher among females, compared to males (T = 3.567, P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that serum vaspin concentration, systolic blood pressure, HDL-C and T2DM duration were independent influencing factors for diabetic macrovascular complications.ConclusionSerum vaspin may be considered as a potential marker to assess the status of elderly patients with T2DM and the risk of developing serious macrovascular complications. Further prospective studies are warranted.Trial registrationChiCTR-OPC-14005698, retrospectively registered on 20 Dec. 2014.

Comparison of serum vaspin levels and vaspin expression in adipose tissue and smooth muscle tissue in pregnant women with and without gestational diabetes.

Vaspin is associated with metabolic parameters and insulin resistance. However, the expression of vaspin in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has not been fully explored, and the contribution of vaspin to the biological mechanisms underlying GDM remains unclear. This study aimed to compare circulating vaspin levels and its expression in different insulin target tissues including subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), VAT and smooth muscle tissue (SMT) in pregnant women with and without GDM. A total of 37 women with GDM (GDM group) and 37 normal pregnant women (control group) were selected. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting insulin (FINS) and serum vaspin levels were quantified at term, and homeostasis model of assessment2-insulin resistance (HOMA2-IR) values were calculated. RT-qPCR and Western blotting were used to measure mRNA and protein levels of vaspin in VAT, SAT and SMT of 15 GDM women and normal pregnant women. In the GDM group, serum vaspin concentrations were significantly higher than in the control group. Serum vaspin levels were positively correlated with HOMA2-IR in the GDM group but not in the control group. In the GDM group, vaspin mRNA and protein expression levels in SAT and VAT were both significantly higher than in controls, but no difference was found in SMT. Moreover, relative mRNA but not protein expression levels of vaspin in SAT were highest among the three tissues in both groups. Circulating vaspin levels and expression of vaspin in SAT and VAT were higher in GDM women than in normal pregnant women. However, the specific role of vaspin from SAT and VAT in the pathogenesis of GDM needs further study.

Circulating omentin-1 might be associated with metabolic health status in different phenotypes of body size.

Adipokines are mediators of body composition and are involved in obesity complications. This study aimed to assess the association of circulating omentin-1, vaspin, and RBP-4 with body composition indices and metabolic health status (MHS) in different phenotypes of body size. A total of 350 subjects were included in the current cross-sectional study. Body composition was measured using a body composition analyzer, and serum concentrations of omentin-1, vaspin, and RBP-4 were assessed by ELISA kits. Circulating omentin-1 was significantly (OR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.00-1.91, P = 0.01) and marginally (OR = 1.63, 95%CI: 1.00-1.75, P = 0.06) associated with MHS in the overweight and obese subjects, respectively. But no association was seen between omentin-1 and MHS in normal-weight subjects. Serum levels of vaspin and RBP-4 were not correlated with MHS. Furthermore, a significant positive correlation was observed between circulating omentin-1 and body mass index (BMI) as well as fat percentage (P = 0.02) in the MHS group. Serum vaspin concentrations were not related to body composition components in both groups. In addition, in the MHS group, circulating RBP-4 was positively correlated with fat percentage and fat mass (FM) (p < 0.0001) and was negatively correlated with fat-free mass (FFM) and total body water (TBW) (p < 0.0001). In contrast, in the metabolically unhealthy group, RBP-4 was negatively correlated with fat percentage, FM, and BMI (p < 0.0001) and was positively correlated with FFM and TBW (p < 0.0001). This study showed that circulating levels of omentin-1 are useful predictors of metabolic health status in overweight and obese people.

Obesity risk prediction among women of Upper Egypt: The impact of serum vaspin and vaspin rs2236242 gene polymorphism

BackgroundVaspin is an adipokine that is potentially linking obesity, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and type-2 diabetes. AimThe present study aimed to investigate the impact of vaspin rs2236242 gene polymorphism on the risk of obesity, diabetes, their metabolic traits, and serum vaspin levels in a sample of Upper Egyptian women. Subjects and methodsA total of 224 subjects, 112 obese (62 non diabetics, 50 diabetics) and 112 controls were included in this case control study. Vaspin gene rs2236242 polymorphism was performed using tetra-amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (T-ARMS-PCR) and serum vaspin levels were estimated by ELISA. ResultsThe minor (A) allele of vaspin rs2236242 gene polymorphism was significantly lower in obese (30.8%) than controls (43.7%) (P=0.005). The protective effect was evident in dominant and recessive inheritance models (TT vs TA+AA, P=0.004 and TT+TA vs AA, P=0.036). After adjusting genotypes for diabetes there were no significant association between vaspin rs2236242 gene polymorphism and obesity but significant association was maintained in the obese diabetics. Vaspin serum levels were found to be lower in minor protective (AA) genotype carriers than the other two genotypes (P<0.001). In the mean-time serum vaspin levels were significantly higher in obese diabetics and non-diabetics than controls (P<0.001 each).There were significant positive correlations between vaspin levels and hs-CRP, cholesterol, LDL-C, fasting glucose, HOMA-IR, insulin, and ALT values (P<0.05 each) and a negative correlation with HDL-C (P<0.01). ConclusionThe minor A allele of vaspin rs2236242 polymorphism plays a protective role against obesity and diabetes but this relation is largely ascribed to its effect on insulin resistance. The serum vaspin concentration was lower in minor protective allele carriers. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study of vaspin SNP in Upper Egyptian women. The entire understanding of vaspin intimate mechanistic action might enable the development of novel etiology-based treatment strategies for obesity, the complex genetic trait.

The Effect of 8 Weeks Rhythmic Aerobic Exercise on Vaspin Levels and Lipid Profile in Overweight and Obese Women

Obesity as a chronic disease causes many diseases. Vaspin is a new adipokine, which increase as a result of inflammation resulting from obesity and metabolic diseases (3). Regular exercise has a variety of benefits, including increasing insulin sensitivity, controlling blood sugar (glucose), losing weight, decreasing body fat percentage, reducing inflammation stress. Kadoglou et al. (2013) reported that six months aerobic exercise with 65 to 75 per cent of maximum heart rate causes increasing serum vaspin level in type II diabetes patients. While Eberbach et al. (2010) reported decreasing serum vaspin after intense training. Different factors and mechanisms involve in the development of cardiovascular diseases, the most important factors are changes in inflammatory factors and lipids disorder including poor concentration of HDL, LDL, TG, and TC (4). The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of 8 weeks rhythmic aerobic exercise on vaspin and lipid profile in overweight and obese women. After calling among women, 34 people of overweight and obese women (40 ± 10 years, BMI ≥ 25) in Zahedan on a voluntary basis and available and based on inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected. Then, the subjects were randomly divided into two groups of training (n = 17) and control (n = 17). The training group commenced training in an 8-week training program, three sessions per week (each session 60 minutes), with 55 per cent of maximum heart rate during the first week, and gradually, with the development of training programs reached 85 per cent of maximum heart rate. Each workout included the aerobic movements of low impact and high impact in a standing posture and returning to the primary state in a sitting posture. While, were asked the control group to maintain their normal lifestyle during the study. Blood samples in two stages were taken: first, 48 hours before the test and then, 48 hours after the last meeting of rhythmic aerobic exercise. Serum vaspin concentration and lipid profiles were determined by ELISA method using a special kit. To recognize similarity and normality of the data related to the subjects of the research groups was used Shapiro-Wilk test. To analyze the data was used the paired T test and the covariance test to show differences within group and between groups at the level of 5%. Statistical calculations were done by SPSS 21. Data analysis showed that 8-week exercise had a significant effect on BMI (P = 0.001), weight (P = 0.000), vaspin (P = 0.003), HDL (P = 0.000), LDL (P = 0.001), and TC (P = 0.001), while had no significant effect on TG (P = 0.692). Exercise intervention with respect to the basis levels of vaspin may show different effects. In other words, the health of the subjects, overweight and lack of physical activity can be one of influences in response to this variable to physical activity. Hence, it seems that in this study, a significant decrease in BMI of the experimental group than in the control group and most likely, reducing inflammatory levels has led to the adjusted response in vaspin levels. Furthermore, aerobic exercise can be considered as the effective method for changing in the lipid profile. It seems that physical activities also cause increasing lipolysis and reducing fatty acids in the blood and muscles. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n4S2p163

Concentrations of omentin and vaspin versus insulin resistance in obese individuals.

Omentin and vaspin are adipokines manifesting a potentially protective action against obesity-associated metabolic disturbances. Evaluation of relationship between serum concentrations of omentin and vaspin on one hand and indices of insulin resistance and anthropometric parameters in obese individuals on the other. The studies were conducted on 64 individuals. The investigated group (37 obese patients) included the subgroup with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and with abnormal glucose tolerance (AGT). The control group (n=27) included healthy individuals with normal body weight. In all participants anthropometric analyses and biochemical tests, including estimation of omentin and vaspin concentrations were performed, and insulin resistance by HOMA-IR was evaluated. Concentrations of examined adipokines manifested no significant differences between the examined groups. Median values of the index defining ratio between studied adipokine and degree of insulin resistance, i.e. omentin/HOMA-IR, proved to be different in the investigated and the control group while no such difference could be noted in cases of vaspin/HOMA-IR indices. In the studied population a negative relationship was detected between serum concentration of omentin and systolic blood pressure (p<0.04). Values of omentin/HOMA-IR index manifested a correlation with values of most anthropometric parameters (p<0.0001), blood pressure (p<0.0001) concentrations of TG (p<000.1) and HDL (p<0.0001), ISIbasal (p<0.00001), ISIgly (p<0.0001), Quicki (p<0.00001) and fasting insulinaemia (p<0.00001). In the case of vaspin/HOMA-IR index only its positive relationship with HDL concentration was noted (p<0.05). In context of date of correlation, multiple regression and values of area of under receiver operating characteristics curve omentin, as compared to vaspin, seems to provide a better predictor of insulin resistance in obese individuals.

Assessment of Serum VASPIN Levels among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients with or without Acute Coronary Syndrome.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is on the verge of becoming a pandemic in India. Type 2 DM patient have two to four times increased risk of carotid artery disease. Adipokines have been regarded recently as direct link between diabetes and atherosclerosis. Visceral Adipose Tissue Derived Serine Protease Inhibitor (VASPIN); one of the most recently discovered adipokine, inhibits the proteases responsible for insulin resistance, carotid plaque development and rupture. In literature, few studies have addressed the role of VASPIN in pathogenesis of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) in patients with type 2 DM. To find association between serum VASPIN with lipid profile, creatine kinase-total, creatine kinase-MB, troponin-I, age, height, weight, blood pressure, smoking, family history of ACS and to prove the hypothesis of low serum VASPIN level as predictor of ACS in patients with type 2 DM. Forty-one type 2 DM patients (controls) and 41 type 2 DM patients with ACS (cases) were enrolled in the study. Anthropometric measurements were performed and fasting serum biochemical parameters and VASPIN were measured. The results of cases and controls were compared by student t-test or Mann-Whitney test. All the parameters were correlated with serum VASPIN by Pearson's or Spearman's correlation. Fasting serum VASPIN concentration was significantly (p< 0.0001) lower in the cases (0.43±0.22 pg/ml) than in the controls (0.83±0.29 pg/ml). Correlation analysis undertaken on all type 2 DM showed that serum VASPIN concentration was negatively correlated with age, waist circumference, hip circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, duration of diabetes, serum Creative Kinase-Total, CK-MB and urea (p< 0.05). Utilizing Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve, the serum VASPIN level of less than 0.594pg/ml showed greatest risk of ACS among type 2 DM patients (p< 0.0001). Type 2 DM patients with low serum vaspin concentration were at risk of ACS independent of other cardiovascular risk factors.

Serum vaspin concentrations in girls with anorexia nervosa.

Vaspin (VASP) is a protein detected in pre- and mature adipocytes, the production and secretion of which may be conditioned by nutrition status. VASP may also play a role in the regulation of food intake. Since to date, there are no available studies on serum vaspin concentrations in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN), the aim of our study is to assess serum vaspin concentrations in girls with AN in comparison to healthy subjects and determine its relationship with body weight, body masss index (BMI) and insulin. In this cross-sectional study vaspin serum concentrations were evaluated using a commercially available ELISA kit in 47 Polish girls hospitalized due to restrictive AN and 39 healthy controls (H). The mean serum concentration of VASP in girls with AN was significantly higher than in the H group. These differences were also noted after adjustment for body masss index-standard deviation score (BMI-SDS), the homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index and insulin levels. There were no statistically significant correlations between the serum concentrations of VASP and body mass, BMI, BMI-SDS, insulin and HOMA-IR in the AN or healthy group. Serum vaspin levels in lean subjects are regulated in different mechanisms than previously reported in obesity. It should be established if elevated serum vaspin levels in girls with AN may contribute to low food intake in these patients.

Mediatory effect of circulating vaspin on resting metabolic rate in obese individuals.

Vaspin is a recently identified adipokine related to obesity and insulin sensitivity. The precise mechanism of vaspin in the body is not well known, and its function in resting metabolic rate (RMR) is even less understood. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to investigate the effect of circulating vaspin on RMR in obese people. A total of 222 obese participants were included in the current comparative cross-sectional study. Body composition was measured using body composition analyzer. RMR was measured by means of indirect calorimetry. For the measurement of vaspin serum concentrations, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used. Dietary intake was assessed using 3-day 24-h dietary recall. Between low and high circulating vaspin groups, there was significant difference for sex (P = 0.03), fat percent (P = 0.008), RMR per weight (P < 0.001), and RMR per fat free mass (FFM) (P = 0.007). However, there was no statistical difference between the groups in dietary intake after adjustment for energy intake (P > 0.05). Furthermore, individuals with higher level of RMR had higher vaspin concentration. Weight, visceral fat, FFM, and fat mass had significant effect on increasing RMR (P < 0.05) but after adding vaspin as a covariate in the general linear model; visceral fat (P = 0.078) and fat mass (P = 0.339) missed their effectiveness. Circulating vaspin level is higher in women than in men in obese individuals. Moreover, it was found that vaspin had mediator effect between visceral fat and fat mass associations with RMR in obese participants.

Role of circulating adipocytokines vaspin, apelin, and visfatin in the loss of appetite in underweight children: a pilot trial.

To investigate serum concentrations of vaspin, apelin, and visfatin in underweight children and their association with anthropometric and nutritional markers of malnutrition. We recruited 44 underweight prepubertal children (youngest age = 2 years) with thinness grades of 1, 2, and 3, and body weights < 90% of ideal body weight due to loss of appetite and less frequent hunger episodes. Forty-one healthy age- and gender-matched controls were also included in the study. Serum fasting vaspin, apelin, and visfatin concentrations were measured by enzyme immunoassay technique. Mean vaspin and apelin levels were significantly lower in underweight children compared to controls (vaspin: 0.44 ± 0.18 vs. 0.58 ± 0.35 pg/mL, p = 0.024; apelin: 483.37 ± 333.26 vs. 711.71 ± 616.50 pg/mL, p = 0.041). Visfatin levels were lower in underweight children compared to controls, but the values were not statistically significant (177.81 ± 158.01 vs. 221.15 ± 212.94 pg/mL, p = 0.119). In underweight children, decreased vaspin and apelin levels should be considered in the etiology of anorexia.

Chemerin as a novel non-invasive serum marker of intrahepatic lipid content in obese children

BackgroundEctopic hepatic lipid accumulation is closely related to the development of insulin resistance, which is regarded as one of the most significant risk factors of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The current study has shown that fat tissue constitutes an important endocrine organ with its own production and metabolism of many biologically active substances, among which adipokines play an important role. Classic adipokines (e.g. leptin, adiponectin, resistin) are fat-derived hormones which serum level is altered in patients with NAFLD. The role of novel adipokines in the pathomechanism of this disease is not clear. Therefore, the aim of our study was to evaluate the serum concentrations of chemerin, omentin and vaspin in obese children with NAFLD.MethodsForty-five obese children, aged 7–17 years old, were admitted to our Department with suspected liver disease (hepatomegaly, and/or ultrasonographic liver brightness, and/or increased ALT activity). Viral hepatitides, as well as autoimmune and metabolic liver diseases were excluded. Fasting serum levels of chemerin, omentin and vaspin were determined. The grade of liver steatosis in ultrasound was graded according to Saverymuttu. 1HMR spectroscopy was performed with a 1.5 T scanner and with PRESS sequencing.ResultsFatty liver was confirmed in 39 children by ultrasound and in 33 patients by 1HMRS (19 of them also had increased ALT activity /NAFLD/). Chemerin and vaspin levels were significantly higher in children with NAFLD compared to the control group (n = 30). The concentration of chemerin was significantly higher in children with advanced liver steatosis compared to non-hepatopathic patients (p = 0,02). Significant positive correlations were found between the total liver lipids in 1HMRS and chemerin (r = 0,33; p = 0,02) and vaspin (r = 0,4; p = 0,006). The ability of serum chemerin (cut-off = 190 ng/ml, Se = 75%, Sp = 58%) to differentiate children with fatty liver in 1HMRS from those without steatosis was significant (AUC = 0,7, p = 0,04). Omentin and vaspin did not allow a useful prediction to be made.ConclusionChemerin seems to be the most suitable non-invasive biomarker in predicting both intrahepatic lipid content in obese children and advanced liver steatosis in children with NAFLD.

Role of serum vaspin in progression of type 2 diabetes: a 2-year cohort study.

Vaspin is a novel adipocytokine that has potential insulin-sensitizing effects. The aim of this study is to explore the role of vaspin in the progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in humans through a longitudinal process. This was a 2-year follow-up study that included 132 patients with T2DM and 170 non-diabetic subjects. The serum vaspin and adiponectin levels were determined with ELISA. Anthropometric measurements, circulating glucose, hemoglobin A1c, insulin level, liver function, kidney function, and lipid profile were measured for each participant. The new onset of T2DM was counted in non-diabetic subjects and the glycemic control was analyzed in T2DM patients at follow-up. At enrollment, the serum vaspin and adiponectin levels were lower in T2DM patients compared with non-diabetic subjects. Significant positive correlation between serum vaspin and HDL-C levels (r = 0.23, P = 0.006) was observed in non-diabetic controls. The serum vaspin concentration was also significantly correlated with body mass index (BMI) (r = 0.19, P = 0.028), waist-hip ratio (WHR) (r = 0.17, P = 0.035) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (r = 0.14, P = 0.029) in T2DM patients. In cohort analyses, it was found that lower serum vaspin [odds ratio (OR) = 0.52, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.10–0.87, P = 0.015] and adiponectin (OR = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.20–0.72, P = 0.015) levels at baseline were risk factors for new onset of T2DM at follow-up. The percentage of insulin treatment in T2DM patients was higher in the sub-group with lower serum vaspin level than that in the sub-group with higher vaspin level at follow-up (55.3% vs. 44.7%, P = 0.020). Our study indicates that low serum concentration of vaspin is a risk factor for the progression of T2DM.

Letter: association of vaspin with metabolic syndrome: the pivotal role of insulin resistance (diabetes metab j 2014;38:143-9).

Dear Editor, Vaspin is an interesting adipokine, which was isolated from visceral white adipose tissue of obese, diabetic rat model [1,2]. Because there has been reports regarding the tight link between metabolic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome (MS), and visceral fat, vaspin has been focused as a potential biomarker for various metabolic diseases [3,4,5]. However, different vaspin concentrations showed a large scale of standard deviation in different individuals and a lack of consistency between metabolic parameters and the levels of vaspin according to previous reports, warranting more human studies and clearer explanations. In this article entitled Association of vaspin with MS: the pivotal role of insulin resistance, Esteghamati et al. [6] also showed the association between serum vaspin concentration and the components of MS in Iranian adults [6]. They showed that vaspin is associated with the components of metabolic syndrome: high triacyglyceride (TG) level, high glucose in particular, and obesity indices. However this association was abolished after the adjustment for homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels. Recently, our group reported that serum vaspin concentration was higher in men with MS and in women with coronary atherosclerosis in around 400 Korean subjects [7]. Among the components of MS, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and TG showed independent associations with plasma vaspin levels. Although these previous Iranian study and Korean study similarly investigated the correlation between serum vaspin levels and various metabolic parameters, there are several differences. Our data did not show any significant correlation between vaspin concentration and serum glucose. Our subjects were enrolled from routine health examination center and showed relatively normal range of serum glucose levels (mean value of 94 mg/dL in normal subjects vs. 115.3 mg/dL in MS subjects). However, fasting glucose levels showed a strong correlation in the article of Iranian subjects, showing the highest odds ratio among the components of MS in both men and women. In that study, the mean value of plasma glucose level was over 140 mg/dL and the mean BMI is over 27.9 in men and over 29.07 in women. On the contrary, the data from Korean subjects showed that the mean value of BMI was around 24, which is drastically different from Iranian subjects. It is interesting to see this article considering the huge differences in anthropometry and clinical characteristics between Korean and Iranian subjects with or without MS. The higher fasting blood glucose and much higher obesity index of Iranian subjects could influence on the stronger influence of insulin resistance and chronic inflammation on serum vaspin concentration. Of note, despite these differences between two ethnical groups, hyper-TG and obesity index was a common metabolic factors, which showed significant correlation with vaspin levels in both groups. Overall, vaspin should be investigated in more detail to understand its role in humans.

Association of vaspin with metabolic syndrome: the pivotal role of insulin resistance.

BackgroundPrevious studies evaluating the relationship between serum vaspin concentrations and metabolic syndrome (MetS) have yielded contrasting results. Additionally, contribution of general and abdominal obesity, chronic inflammation, and insulin resistance to this relationship remains unknown.MethodsIn a cross-sectional setting, we investigated the association between vaspin and MetS in 145 subjects ranging from normoglycemia to type 2 diabetes. Vaspin concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsWomen had 29% higher vaspin concentrations compared with men. Subjects with MetS (51% of all participants) had higher vaspin concentrations (P=0.019 in women and P<0.001 in men). In logistic regression, vaspin significantly predicted raised fasting plasma glucose (P<0.001), and raised triglycerides (P<0.001) after controlling for age in both sexes. Moreover, vaspin was the significant predictor for reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and raised waist circumference in women and men, respectively. Considering MetS as a whole, vaspin predicted MetS even after adjustment for age, medications, diabetes, total cholesterol, and waist circumference in both sexes (odds ratio [OR], 3.88; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.36 to 11.05; P=0.011 for women; OR, 3.16; 95% CI, 1.28 to 7.78; P=0.012 for men). However, this relationship rendered nonsignificant after introducing homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in women (P=0.089) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (P=0.073) or HOMA-IR in men (P=0.095).ConclusionVaspin is associated with some but not all components of MetS. Vaspin is a predictor of MetS as a single entity, independent of obesity. This relationship is largely ascribed to the effects of insulin resistance and chronic inflammation.

High Serum Vaspin Concentrations in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis

Adipocytokines are associated with energy homeostasis and mediate various immune responses and inflammatory processes. Vaspin is a novel adipocytokine that is thought to exhibit anti-inflammatory effects. We aimed to evaluate serum vaspin levels in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and determine its possible associations with the course and to clarify its intestinal localization. Serum samples were obtained from patients with Crohn's disease (CD; n=30) and ulcerative colitis (UC; n=33) and from healthy volunteers (controls; n=26). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were performed for all patients. Vaspin immunohistochemical staining was performed for intestines affected with IBD. Serum vaspin concentrations were significantly higher in patients with UC than in patients with CD and controls (422.9±361.9 vs. 163.4±116.2 vs. 147.5±89.4pg/mL, respectively; P<0.01). There was no difference in the serum vaspin concentrations between the patients with CD and controls. There was also no difference in the serum vaspin concentrations between the patients with active IBD and those with inactive IBD. However, the serum vaspin concentrations of most patients with UC increased after remission induction. Vaspin was expressed in the adipocytes of the mesenteric adipose tissues but not in the epithelial or inflammatory cells of large intestines of the patients with IBD. Serum vaspin concentrations are elevated in patients with UC and increase further after remission induction, suggesting that vaspin may aid the auxiliary diagnosis of UC and may be useful for assessing disease activity in patients.

Association Between Serum Vaspin Level and Metabolic Syndrome in Healthy Korean Subjects

Visceral obesity is associated with insulin resistance, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Vaspin [visceral adipose tissue (VAT)-derived serpin] may be a novel adipokine related to obesity and its metabolic consequences. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships among serum vaspin levels and VAT and the components of metabolic syndrome. A cross-sectional analysis of healthy men (n=97) and women (n=156) for clinical, laboratory, and anthropometric factors was undertaken. Serum vaspin levels were measured. Abdominal VAT and subcutaneous adipose tissue were measured by computed tomography. Of 253 subjects, 47 (18%) had metabolic syndrome: 33 men (34%) and 14 women (9%). Serum vaspin concentration was significantly lower in men than in women and significantly lower in men with metabolic syndrome than in men without metabolic syndrome. Serum vaspin level tended to decrease with increasing number of metabolic syndrome components, and was negatively correlated with waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, serum triglyceride level, and abdominal VAT, but positively correlated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level. However, after adjustment for sex, this correlation disappeared. Low serum vaspin levels are associated with male gender and metabolic syndrome, particularly in men, and with the majority of metabolic syndrome components.

Correlation of Progranulin, Granulin, Adiponectin and Vaspin with Metaflammation (hs-CRP) in Indonesian Obese Men

BACKGROUND: Obesity is closely related to chronic, low grade systemic inflammation (metaflammation) and it leads to further metabolic complications such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, and type 2 diabetes due to the adipocytokine imbalance. This study was carried out to assess the correlation between progranulin, granulin, adiponectin and visceral adipose tissue-derived serine protease inhibitor (Vaspin) with metaflammation (high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP)) in centrally obese men.METHODS: This study was observational with a cross sectional design involving 60 men aged 30-60 years, consisted of 43 obese men (waist circumference (WC) ≥90 cm) and 13 non obese men (WC &lt;90 cm), with no hypertension, and no renal dysfunction. Anthropometric parameters, creatinine, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transferase (SGOT), serum glutamic piruvic transferase (SGPT) and hs-CRP levels were measured. Serum concentrations of progranulin, granulin, adiponectin and Vaspin were measured by ELISA.RESULTS: This study showed in obese men a significant correlation between hs-CRP and Vaspin (r=0.305; p=0.046), non-significant correlation between hs-CRP and progranulin (r=0.048; p=0.758), between hs-CRP and granulin (r=-0.223; p=0.150), also between hs-CRP and adiponectin (r=-0.121; p=0.439). Similar patterns were observed between adipokines level and WC. There were 3 patterns showing increase or decrease of adipokines value with WC between 80-86 cm; subsequently the pattern tended to become flat with WC between 86-105 cm, then showing increase or decrease of adipokines value with WC &gt;105 cm.CONCLUSION: We found metaflammation (hs-CRP) was significantly correlated with Vaspin, but not with progranulin, granulin and adiponectin, in obese men. We suggest the possibility of a dynamic expression of adipokines related to WC that are subjected to adipocytes hypertrophy-hyperplasia phenomenon.KEYWORDS: progranulin, granulin, adiponectin, Vaspin, hs-CRP, metaflammation, central obesity

Plasma vaspin concentrations are decreased in acute coronary syndrome, but unchanged in patients without coronary lesions

ObjectivePrevious studies suggested that decreased serum vaspin levels were associated with coronary artery disease (CAD). The present study aimed to investigate the association between plasma vaspin levels and different states of CAD. Design and methodsA total of 162 patients with coronary angiography (CAG) proved that CAD was enrolled. Additional 103 patients complained with “chest discomfort” with negative CAG, and 60 normal subjects were enrolled in this study. The levels of plasma vaspin, adiponectin, clinical parameters, lipid profile and C reactive protein (CRP) were measured. ResultsThe levels of plasma vaspin were significantly lower in the CAD group (0.47±0.63μg/L) than those in the healthy group and CAG (−) group (all p<0.001). In CAD group, the pos hoc analysis showed that serum vaspin concentration in acute myocardial infarction group (0.21±0.19μg/L) was significantly lower than that in the unstable angina pectoris group (0.40±0.37μg/L) (p=0.012), and serum vaspin concentration in unstable angina pectoris was significantly lower than that in stable angina pectoris group (0.92±0.94μg/L) (p=0.013). The plasma vaspin concentration was also negatively correlated with the severity of CAD (1-vessel: 0.86±0.90μg/L; 2-vessel: 0.36±0.39μg/L; 3-vessel: 0.21±0.16μg/L). The plasma vaspin concentration in CAG (−) group with “chest discomfort” (1.93±2.57μg/L) was similar to the healthy control group (2.18±3.49μg/L). ConclusionsThe plasma vaspin concentration correlated to the severity of CAD. Furthermore, plasma vaspin has a value of avoiding patients without CAD from unnecessary CAG.