High calcium to phosphorus ratio impairs growth and bone mineralization in Pekin ducklings

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of high dietary calcium (Ca) level on growth performance, Ca and phosphorus (P) metabolism, and nutrient utilization in ducklings subjected to normal and low P levels in diets. A completely randomized design was used with a factorial arrangement of 2 total dietary P levels [normal-P (0.60%) and low-P (0.45%) groups] × 4 dietary Ca levels [low-Ca (0.55%), normal-Ca (0.75%), medium-Ca (0.95%) and high-Ca (1.15%) groups)]. Compared to normal-P group, low-P group had lower (P < 0.05) final body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), and average daily feed intake (ADFI) and reduced (P < 0.05) serum Ca and P levels, bone Ca, P, and ash content, and bone mineral density in ducklings during the starter period. Under the low-P group, birds from high-Ca group had lower (P < 0.05) final BW, ADG, ADFI, bone ash content, bone mineral density, and the utilization of energy, Ca, and P than those from low-Ca, normal-Ca, and medium-Ca groups. Our results indicate that high-Ca diet induced greater growth suppression and bone mineralization loss in ducklings fed a low-P diet. The aggravated negative effect of high dietary Ca level with a low P level might be related to the elevated serum alkaline phosphatase activity and the reduced utilization of energy, Ca, and P.

Risk factors for BK virus infection in living-donor renal transplant recipients: a single-center study from China

Objectives: BK virus (BKV) infection has become one of the main complications in renal transplant recipients (RTRs) with the arrival of newer potent immunosuppressive agents. However, reports on the epidemiology of BKV infection and risk factors in Chinese population after renal transplantation are scarce.

Methods: From June 2015 to July 2016, living-donor renal transplant recipients (LDRTRs) who routinely received the quantitative BKV DNA testing of urine and plasma samples using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the first time after transplantation were selected, while dialysis patients and healthy living donors during that period served as controls. Potential variables were compared and analyzed using logistic regression model multivariate analysis to assess the BKV infection related factors in LDRTRs.

Results: Among the 52 LDRTRs identified, BKV DNA was detected in 16 urine samples (30.8%), significantly higher than that of dialysis patients (6.3%) and healthy living donors (4.2%) (p < .001). Nevertheless, no statistically significant difference wax noted between the latter two groups in urine samples (p = .842). Meanwhile, BKV DNA detection in blood samples was all negative in the three groups. Univariate analysis shown tacrolimus (Tac) trough level and lymphocyte percentage were associated with BKV infection in LDRTRs. Multivariate regression analysis also showed Tac trough level (HR, 1.644; p = .03), lymphocyte percentage (HR, 0.878; p = .026) were associated with BKV infection in LDRTRs.

Conclusions: In Chinese population, the incidence of BKV infection increased significantly after living-donor renal transplantation. Significantly increased Tac trough level and decreased lymphocyte percentage might be the risk factors for BKV infection in LDRTRs.

Clinicopathological analysis of proliferative glomerulonephritis with monoclonal IgG deposits in 5 renal allografts

BACKGROUND

We present a case series of 5 patients with proliferative glomerulonephritis with monoclonal IgG deposits (PGNMID) of renal allografts to better define its natural history, presenting characteristics, pathological features and treatment outcome.

RESULTS

These 5 patients presented 5 to 19 months post-kidney transplantation for complaints of serum creatinine (Scr) elevation, proteinuria or hematuria. Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) pattern was the most frequently observed histological manifestation. Immunofluorescence showed monoclonal IgG3κin 3 patients and IgG3λ in the other 2 cases. Immunofluorescence staining helped to establish PGNMID in the absence of conspicuous microscopic changes in one case. Rituximab and bortezomib were effective in alleviating proteinuria in all 4 treated patients and decreasing Scr in 2 cases. Plasmapheresis treatment in another patient was not effective in preventing Scr elevation. At last-follow-up, 2 patients were in dialysis and 2 had improved kidney function with almost normal Scr and no proteinuria. The remaining one patient died of pulmonary infections.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that PGNMID occurs early after kidney transplant. PGNMID should be included in the differential diagnoses of recurrent MPGN in renal allografts. Rituximab and bortezomib are helpful to decrease proteinuria and Scr in a subset of patients. Larger studies are needed to conclusively establish best treatment strategies for PGNMID in renal allografts.

C3 glomerulonephritis and thrombotic microangiopathy of renal allograft after pulmonary infection in a male with concomitant two complement factor I gene variations: a case report

BACKGROUND

It has been suggested that C3 glomerulonephritis (C3GN) and atypical hemolytic-uremic syndrome (a stereotypical phenotype of thrombotic microangiopathy), two rare entities caused by complement alternative pathway dysregulation share overlapping genetic origin and can be triggered by infections.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report a case of concomitant C3GN and thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) after pulmonary infection in a young male receiving kidney transplantation. Genetic assessment revealed two missense variations in compound heterozygous form in CFI gene (complement factor I). These two variations are segregated with disease in the core family member of this patient. Plasma CFI levels of the patient and family members were all in normal range. We considered that these two variations only impair CFI function rather than its quantity in the serum.

CONCLUSION

Our case supports that C3GN and TMA shared overlapping genetic variations and might be triggered by infection in genetically susceptible patients after kidney transplantation.

Safety and efficacy of telbivudine in late pregnancy to prevent mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B virus: A multicenter prospective cohort study

Infection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) occurs in ~10% of infants of HBV-infected mothers with positive hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) after immunoprophylaxis. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of telbivudine used during late pregnancy for preventing mother-to-child transmission of HBV. We conducted a multicenter prospective cohort study in 5 hospitals from 2012 to 2014, which enrolled HBV-infected singleton pregnant women with positive HBeAg. By their choice, women were divided into therapy (telbivudine 600 mg/day, from gestation 28-32 weeks to 3-4 weeks postpartum) and control (no antiviral agent) groups. Infants received passive-active immunoprophylaxis and follow-up at the age of 7-14 months. Totally, 328 pregnant women were included: 149 in the telbivudine group and 179 in the control group. Baseline HBV DNA levels were similar in the 2 groups (7.43 vs 7.37 log₁₀ IU/mL, P = .711). At delivery, HBV DNA levels in the telbivudine and control groups were 3.80 and 7.26 log₁₀ IU/mL, respectively (P < .0001). Of the infants, 128 (85.9%) in the telbivudine group and 156 (87.2%) in the control group were followed up. No infant in the telbivudine group had chronic infection, while 2 (1.28%) infants in the control group did (P = .503). Three (2.34%) infants in the telbivudine group, but none in the control group, had severe congenital or developmental abnormalities (P = .090). The data indicate that telbivudine may block perinatal HBV transmission. However, larger studies are required to clarify whether anti-HBV therapy in pregnancy is associated with severe adverse effects in the foetuses and infants.

Proteomics and microscopy tools for the study of antimicrobial resistance and germination mechanisms of bacterial spores

Bacterial spores are ubiquitous in nature and can withstand both chemical and physical stresses. Spores can survive food preservation processes and upon outgrowth cause food spoilage as well as safety risks. The heterogeneous germination and outgrowth behavior of isogenic spore populations exacerbates this risk. A major unknown factor of spores is likely to be the inherently heterogeneous spore protein composition. The proteomics methods discussed here help in broadening the knowledge about spore structure and identification of putative target proteins from spores of different spore formers. Approaches to synchronize Bacillus subtilis spore formation, and to analyze spore proteins as well as the physiology of spore germination and outgrowth are also discussed. Live-imaging and fluorescence microscopy techniques discussed here allow analysis, at single cell level, of the 'germinosome', the process of spore germination itself, spore outgrowth and the spore intracellular pH dynamics. For the latter, a recently published improved pHluorin (IpHluorin) under control of the ptsG promoter is applicable. While the data obtained from such tools offers novel insight in the mechanisms of bacterial spore awakening, it may also be used to probe candidate antimicrobial compounds for inhibitory effects on spore germination and strengthen microbial risk assessment.

Functional Evaluation of Transplanted Kidneys with Reduced Field-of-View Diffusion-Weighted Imaging at 3T

Objective

To determine the feasibility of reduced field-of-view diffusion-weighted imaging (rFOV DWI) with multi-b values to detect functional variability in transplanted kidneys.

Materials and Methods

Using a 3T MRI scanner, multi-b rFOV DWI of transplanted kidney or native kidney was performed in 40 renal transplantation recipients and 18 healthy volunteers. The patients were stratified, according to an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR): Group 1, eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m²; Group 2, eGFR ≥ 30 mL/min/1.73 m² and < 60 mL/min/1.73 m²; Group 3, eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m². Total apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC_T), perfusion-free ADC (ADC_D) and perfusion fraction (F_P) of kidneys were calculated and compared among the four groups. Correlations between the imaging results and eGFR were assessed.

Results

All volunteers had eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m², while 16, 16, and 8 patients were included in Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. In the renal cortex, ADCT was higher in Group 1 ([1.65 ± 0.13] × 10^-3 mm²/s) than Group 3 ([1.44 ± 0.11] × 10^-3 mm²/s) (p < 0.05), and the inter-group differences of F_P values were significant (all p < 0.05) (0.330 ± 0.024, 0.309 ± 0.019, 0.278 ± 0.033, and 0.250 ± 0.028 for control group, Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively). Renal cortical ADC_T, ADC_D, F_P, and renal medullary ADC_T and F_P correlated positively with eGFR (r = 0.596, 0.403, 0.711, 0.341, and 0.323, respectively; all p < 0.05). When using 0.278 as the cutoff value, renal cortical F_P had a sensitivity of 97.1% and a specificity of 66.7% for predicting decreased renal function.

Conclusion

Multi-b rFOV DWI presents transplanted kidneys with high resolution, which is a promising functional tool for non-invasively monitoring function of transplanted kidneys.

Re-Establishing Brain Networks in Patients with ESRD after Successful Kidney Transplantation

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Cognition in ESRD may be improved by kidney transplantation, but mechanisms are unclear. We explored patterns of resting-state networks with resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging among patients with ESRD before and after kidney transplantation.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

Thirty-seven patients with ESRD scheduled for kidney transplantation and 22 age-, sex-, and education-matched healthy subjects underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. Patients were imaged before and 1 and 6 months after kidney transplantation. Functional connectivity of seven resting-state subnetworks was evaluated: default mode network, dorsal attention network, central executive network, self-referential network, sensorimotor network, visual network, and auditory network. Mixed effects models tested associations of ESRD, kidney transplantation, and neuropsychological measurements with functional connectivity.

RESULTS

Compared with controls, pretransplant patients showed abnormal functional connectivity in six subnetworks. Compared with pretransplant patients, increased functional connectivity was observed in the default mode network, the dorsal attention network, the central executive network, the sensorimotor network, the auditory network, and the visual network 1 and 6 months after kidney transplantation (P=0.01). Six months after kidney transplantation, no significant difference in functional connectivity was observed for the dorsal attention network, the central executive network, the auditory network, or the visual network between patients and controls. Default mode network and sensorimotor network remained significantly different from those in controls when assessed 6 months after kidney transplantation. A relationship between functional connectivity and neuropsychological measurements was found in specific brain regions of some brain networks.

CONCLUSIONS

The recovery patterns of resting-state subnetworks vary after kidney transplantation. The dorsal attention network, the central executive network, the auditory network, and the visual network recovered to normal levels, whereas the default mode network and the sensorimotor network did not recover completely 6 months after kidney transplantation. Neural resting-state functional connectivity was lower among patients with ESRD compared with control subjects, but it significantly improved with kidney transplantation. Resting-state subnetworks exhibited variable recovery, in some cases to levels that were no longer significantly different from those of normal controls.

[Prevalence and trend of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents in Guangdong province, 2002-2012]

Objective: To investigate the prevalence and trend of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents aged 6-17 years between 2002 and 2012 in Guangdong province. Methods: A total of 7 075 children and adolescents aged 6-17 years were selected in Guangdong for nutritional survey in 2002 and a total of 2 319 children and adolescents aged 6-17 years were selected in nine counties/districts of Guangdong for nutritional survey during 2009-2012 through multi-stage random cluster sampling. The body height and weight of all the children and adolescents were measured. Results: The result of 2009-2012 survey indicated the average prevalence of overweight and obesity in the children and adolescents surveyed were 7.3% and 4.5%, respectively. The prevalence of overweight and obesity were higher in boys (8.9% and 6.5%) than in girls (5.3% and 2.2%), in rural area (9.3% and 5.6%) than in urban area (4.7% and 3.2%). Children and adolescents aged 9-11 years had a higher overweight and obesity rates compared with other age groups. Compared with 2002, except for obesity rate in urban girls, the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents obviously increased. The increase rate was higher in rural area than urban area and in boys than in girls. Conclusions: Compared with 2002, the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents in Guangdong obviously increased. The prevalence was much higher in boys, those living in rural area and those aged 9-11 years, thus more attention should be paid to them.

Exome sequencing identifies a TCF4 mutation in a Chinese pedigree with symmetrical acral keratoderma

BACKGROUND

Symmetrical acral keratoderma (SAK) is a rare skin disorder and its pathogenesis and inheritability are unknown.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the inheritance and pathogenesis of SAK.

METHODS

Four SAK cases occurred in a four-generation Chinese family. Exome sequencing identified SNPs with potential SAK-related mutations, and a potentially responsible gene transcription factor 4 (TCF4) was identified. TCF4 was then sequenced in all 11 family members, and pedigree analysis was performed. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry evaluated TCF4 expression in skin lesions. The gene mutation was investigated in human keratinocytes for keratin-related protein expression.

RESULTS

A novel heterozygous missense mutation, c.85C>A (p.Pro29Thr) was found in TCF4. The mutation showed autosomal dominant inheritance and perfectly cosegregated with the SAK phenotype in all family members. In skin lesions, TCF4 was present in the cytoplasm and membranes of the basal layer, the stratum spinosum and the stratum granulosum of the epidermis. The mutant TCF4 induced overexpression of differentiation markers including KRT1, KRT14, loricrin and involucrin.

CONCLUSIONS

A SAK-related gene mutation in TCF4 may function through transcriptional regulation of keratin.

Effects of caponization and ovariectomy on objective indices related to meat quality in chickens

Capons and ovariectomized chickens are birds that have been gonadectomized to improve the meat quality. This study investigated the effects of caponization and ovariectomy on physical, chemical, and fatty acid and amino acid profiles of meat from Beijing-You chickens (a Chinese local breed) at market age (17 wk). All birds (20 capons, 20 ovariectomized, and 40 controls) were reared under the same conditions. Breast muscle fiber diameter and area were significantly smaller and the fiber density was higher in capons and ovariectomized chickens than in controls (P < 0.05). Compared with controls, caponization and ovariectomy significantly decreased breast muscle shear values and redness (a*), as well as increased yellowness (b*), hue (H*), and chroma (C*) (P < 0.05). There was significantly more intramuscular fat (IMF) in capons than in controls (P < 0.05), and there was a tendency for more inosine-5΄-monophosphate (IMP) in capons than in controls (P = 0.10). The levels of IMF and IMP in ovariectomized chickens were significantly higher than those in controls (P < 0.05). Capons and ovariectomized chickens exhibited a significantly higher content of palmitic acid (C16:0), palmitoleic acid (C16:1) and oleic acid (C18:1), together with a lower content of stearic acid (C18:0), arachidonic acid (C20:4), and lignoceric acid (C24:0) compared to controls (P < 0.05). The total saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids as well as amino acid composition were not affected by gonadectomy (P > 0.05). Overall, this study indicates that both caponization and ovariectomy likely improve the meat quality of the breast muscle based on the objective indices of IMF, appearance (color), texture, and minor change of the fatty acid profile; ovariectomy improves flavor-related indices.

Mechanical force-mediated pathological cartilage thinning is regulated by necroptosis and apoptosis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify the mechanisms underlying mandibular chondrocyte cell death and cartilage thinning in response to mechanical force.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

An in vivo model (compressive mechanical force) and an in vitro model (TNF-α+cycloheximide) were used to induce mandibular chondrocyte necroptosis. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and transmission electron microscopy were used to assess histological and subcellular changes in mandibular chondrocyte. Immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and real-time PCR were performed to evaluate changes in necroptotic protein markers. Cell activity, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were examined in vitro.

RESULTS

The expression of RIP1, RIP3 and Caspase-8 in mandibular chondrocytes significantly increased after 4 days of compressive mechanical force. Furthermore, the inhibition of necroptosis by Necrostatin-1 (Nec-1) or the inhibition of apoptosis by N-benzyloxycarbonyl-Val-Ala-Asp-fluoromethylketone (Z-VAD) partially restored mechanical force-mediated mandibular cartilage thinning and chondrocyte death. Moreover, a synergistic effect on cell death inhibition and mandibular cartilage thickness restoration were found when treated with Nec-1+Z-VAD. The results of the in vitro model were in line with the in vivo ones, indicating that the changes in MMP and ROS generation contributed to mandibular chondrocyte apoptosis and necroptosis.

CONCLUSION

In addition to apoptosis, necroptosis also plays critical roles in pathological changes in mandibular cartilage after compressive mechanical force stimulation, implying RIP1, a master protein that mediates both necroptosis and apoptosis, as a potential therapeutic target in temporal mandibular osteoarthritis.

Phylogenetic and paleobotanical evidence for late Miocene diversification of the Tertiary subtropical lineage of ivies (Hedera L., Araliaceae)

BACKGROUND

Hedera (ivies) is one of the few temperate genera of the primarily tropical Asian Palmate group of the Araliaceae, which extends its range out of Asia to Europe and the Mediterranean basin. Phylogenetic and phylogeographic results suggested Asia as the center of origin and the western Mediterranean region as one of the secondary centers of diversification. The bird-dispersed fleshy fruits of ivies suggest frequent dispersal over long distances (e.g. Macaronesian archipelagos), although reducing the impact of geographic barriers to gene flow in mainland species. Genetic isolation associated with geographic barriers and independent polyploidization events have been postulated as the main driving forces of diversification. In this study we aim to evaluate past and present diversification patterns in Hedera within a geographic and temporal framework to clarify the biogeographic history of the genus.

RESULTS

Phylogenetic (biogeographic, time divergence and diversification) and phylogeographic (coalescence) analyses using four DNA regions (nrITS, trnH-psbA, trnT-trnL, rpl32) revealed a complex spatial pattern of lineage divergence. Scarce geographic limitation to gene flow and limited diversification are observed during the early-mid Miocene, followed by a diversification rate increase related to geographic divergence from the Tortonian/Messinian. Genetic and palaeobotanical evidence points the origin of the Hedera clade in Asia, followed by a gradual E-W Asian extinction and the progressive E-W Mediterranean colonization. The temporal framework for the E Asia - W Mediterranean westward colonization herein reported is congruent with the fossil record. Subsequent range expansion in Europe and back colonization to Asia is also inferred. Uneven diversification among geographic areas occurred from the Tortonian/Messinian onwards with limited diversification in the newly colonized European and Asian regions. Eastern and western Mediterranean regions acted as refugia for Miocene and post-Miocene lineages, with a similar role as consecutive centers of centrifugal dispersal (including islands) and speciation.

CONCLUSIONS

The Miocene Asian extinction and European survival of Hedera question the general pattern of Tertiary regional extinction of temperate angiosperms in Europe while they survived in Asia. The Tortonian/Messinian diversification increase of ivies in the Mediterranean challenges the idea that this aridity period was responsible for the extinction of the Mediterranean subtropical Tertiary flora. Differential responses of Hedera to geographic barriers throughout its evolutionary history, linked to spatial isolation related to historical geologic and climatic constraints may have shaped diversification of ivies in concert with recurrent polyploidy.

Effects of continuous low dose infusion of lipopolysaccharide on inflammatory responses, milk production and milk quality in dairy cows

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of continuous low dose infusion of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on inflammatory responses and milk production and quality in lactating dairy cows. Eight Holstein cows were assigned to two treatments in a cross-over experimental design. Cows were infused intravenously either with saline solution or with saline solution containing LPS from Escherichia coli O111:B4 at a dose of 0.01 μg LPS/kg body weight for approximately 6 hr each day during a seven-day trial. The clinical symptoms and milk production performance were observed. Milk samples were analysed for conventional components, fatty acids and amino acids. And jugular vein and mammary vein plasma samples were analysed for concentrations of cytokines and acute phase proteins. LPS infusion decreased feed intake and milk yield. An increase in body temperature was observed after LPS infusion. LPS infusion also increased plasma concentrations of interleukin-1β, serum amyloid A, LPS-binding protein, C-reactive protein and haptoglobin. LPS infusion decreased the contents of some fatty acids, such as C17:1, C18:0, C18:1n9 (trans) and C18:2n6 (trans), and most amino acids except for methionine, threonine, histidine, cysteine, tyrosine and proline in the milk. The results indicated that a continued low dose infusion of LPS can induce an inflammatory response, decrease milk production and reduce milk quality.

Circulating myeloid-derived suppressor cells predict disease activity and treatment response in patients with immune thrombocytopenia

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a disease characterized by isolated thrombocytopenia. Abnormal effector T cell activation is an important mechanism in the pathogenesis of ITP. Regulatory T cells (Treg) have a strong immunosuppressive function for T cell activation and their importance in the pathophysiology and clinical treatment of ITP has been confirmed. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are other immunosuppressive cells, which can also suppress T cell activation by secreting arginase, iNOS and ROS, and are essential for Treg cells’ differentiation and maturation. Therefore, we speculate that MDSCs might also be involved in the immune-dysregulation mechanism of ITP. In this study, we tested MDSCs and Treg cells in peripheral blood samples of twenty-five ITP patients and ten healthy donors. We found that MDSCs and Treg cells decreased simultaneously in active ITP patients. Relapsed ITP patients showed lower MDSCs levels compared with new patients. All patients received immunosuppressive treatment including dexamethasone alone or in combination with intravenous immune globulin. We found that MDSCs’ level after treatment correlated with platelet recovery. Our study is the first that focused on MDSCs’ role in ITP. Based on our results, we concluded that circulating MDSCs could predict disease activity and treatment response in ITP patients. This preliminary conclusion indicates a substantial significance of MDSCs in the pathophysiology and clinical treatment of ITP, which deserves further investigation.

Impact of age on plasma vaspin concentration in a group of normal Chinese people

PURPOSE

Visceral adipose tissue-derived serine protease inhibitor (vaspin) is an adipocytokine with insulin-sensitizing effects. Accumulating data implied that vaspin represents a compensatory mechanism but it is unknown how vaspin change during ageing. This study was designed to examine the correlation between plasma vaspin and age in a group of normal Chinese people.

METHODS

A total of 191 Chinese volunteers aged 19-80 years were enrolled into four groups based upon age quartiles (19-35, 36-50, 51-65 and 66-80 years). Demographic, anthropometric, metabolic covariates, vaspin and adiponectin were measured. The influence of age on plasma vaspin was analysed using SPSS 13.0.

RESULTS

Vaspin increased with ageing, with mean vaspin levels (ng/mL) of 1.01 ± 2.25, 1.67 ± 2.95, 2.05 ± 3.46 and 2.40 ± 3.06 for those between quartile ages 19-35, 36-50, 51-65 and 66-80 years. When divided into subgroups, vaspin increased with increasing age for both sexes, both insulin resistance and non-insulin resistance subjects and both obese and lean subjects. In univariate analyses, vaspin plasma level positively associated with age (r = 0.215, p = 0.003), adiponectin, insulin, homoeostasis model of assessment for insulin resistance index and waist-hip ratio in the whole population. The correlation between ageing and increasing vaspin remained significant after multivariate adjustments for factors such as sex, body mass index, waist-hip ratio, indices of glucose metabolism, white blood cell, lipid profile and adiponectin. Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that age contributed 7.6 % on plasma vaspin level.

CONCLUSION

Vaspin level increased with ageing, independent of sex, indices of glucose metabolism, lipid profile and other markers of adiposity.