The effect of increasing tertiles of waist circumference on cardio-metabolic risk, adipokines and biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in nascent metabolic syndrome

New paradigms in the study of the cholinergic system and metabolic diseases: Acetyl-and-butyrylcholinesterase

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) are enzymes that belong to the neuromuscular cholinergic system, their main function is to hydrolyze the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh), through their hydrolysis these enzymes regulate the neuronal and neuromuscular cholinergic system. They have recently attracted considerable attention due to the discovery of new enzymatic and nonenzymatic functions. These discoveries have aroused the interest of numerous scientists, consolidating the relevance of this group of enzymes. Recent investigations have revealed a positive correlation between several risk factors for metabolic syndrome (MetS) and the expression of cholinesterases (ChE's), which underscore the impact of high ChE's activity on the pro-inflammatory state associated with MetS. In addition, the excessive hydrolysis of ACh and other choline esters (succinylcholine, propionylcholine, butyrylcholine, etc.) by both ChE's results in the overproduction of fatty acid precursor metabolites, which facilitate the synthesis of very low-density lipoproteins and triacylglycerols. Participation in these processes may represent the link between ChE's and metabolic disorders. However, further scientific research is required to fully elucidate the involvement of ChE's in metabolic diseases. This review aims to collect recent research studies that contribute to understanding the association between the cholinergic system and metabolic diseases.

The mediatory effect of inflammatory markers on the association between a body shape index and body roundness index with cardiometabolic risk factor in overweight and obese women: a cross-sectional study

Background

Obesity affects body composition and anthropometric measurements. A Body Shape Index (ABSI) and Body Roundness Index (BRI) are reportedly associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. However, the relationship between ABSI, BRI, cardiometabolic factors, and inflammatory elements is not well-elucidated. Therefore, this study sought to examine the mediatory effect of inflammatory markers on the association between ABSI and BRI with cardiometabolic risk factors in overweight and obese women.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was performed on 394 obese and overweight women. The typical food intake of individuals was assessed using a 147-item semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Body composition was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Biochemical parameters, such as inflammatory markers and anthropometric components, were also assessed. For each participant, all measurements were carried out on the same day.

Result

There was a significant positive association between ABSI and AC and CRI.I in subjects with higher ABSI scores before and after adjustment (P < 0.05). In addition, there was a significant positive association between BRI and FBS, TC, TG, AIP, AC, CRI.I, CRI.II, and TyG in participants with higher BRI scores before and after adjustment (P < 0.05). We found that hs-CRP, PAI-1, MCP-1, TGF-β, and Galectin-3 were mediators of these relationships (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Inflammation can play an important role in the relationship between body shape indices and cardiometabolic risk factors among overweight and obese women.

Apelin, Omentin-1, and Vaspin in patients with essential hypertension: association of adipokines with trace elements, inflammatory cytokines, and oxidative damage markers

BACKGROUND

Hypertension (HT) is a disease associated with endothelial dysfunction which is related to some adipokines and pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines.

AIMS

Our aim was to investigate roles of apelin, omentin-1, and vaspin in essential HT and to evaluate their relationships with other pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, trace elements, and oxidative stress. We also investigated these parameters to determine asymptomatic target organ damage period and grading essential hypertension.

METHODS

One hundred fifty-three patients diagnosed with essential hypertension and 45 healthy controls were included in the study. Hypertension was defined as a systolic blood pressure > 140 mmHg and/or a diastolic blood pressure > 90 mm Hg or current use of an antihypertensive medication. The patients who had secondary HT, other chronic metabolic, cardiovascular, cerebrovascular diseases were excluded. History and physical exam including detailed cardiovascular examination were performed in all participants. Adipokines, cytokines, trace elements, lipid peroxidation, and ischemia-modified albumin levels were measured in blood samples by biochemical methods.

RESULTS

Vaspin, IL-4, IL-8, IL-10, selenium, and zinc levels were significantly lower in the HT group compared to healthy controls while omentin-1, TNF-α, copper, iron, MDA, SOD, and IMA-C levels were significantly higher in HT patients compared to controls. Multiple ordinal regression revealed that TNF-α, IL-10, and body mass index of patients were statistically significant independent predictors (P = 0.024, P = 0.019, and P = 0.032, respectively) for grading of HT. IL-4 and IL-10 were significantly higher in patients with asymptomatic target organ damage, compared to patients without asymptomatic target organ damage (P = 0.032 and P = 0.015, respectively). Our findings suggest that adipokines apelin, omentin, and vaspin may be involved in hypertension by a complex interaction with the anti- and pro-inflammatory cytokines, trace elements, and oxidative stress pathways.

Waist circumference is a major determinant of oxidative stress in subjects with and without metabolic syndrome

AIM

Oxidative stress (OS) plays a major role in pathogenic mechanisms associated with metabolic syndrome (Mets) yet the main component of Mets contributing most to OS is not well elucidated. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the oxidative-antioxidative status in Mets subjects and to determine the main predicting component of OS.

METHODS

Anthropometric measures, fasting blood glucose, lipid profile, antioxidant enzymes [catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)], reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl were assessed in 172 adult UAE residents. International Diabetes Federation criteria were used for Mets diagnosis. Mets Scores (0-5) were calculated and assigned per subject based on number of components.

RESULTS

Of all participants, 22.1% had Mets and 49.4% had large waist circumference (WC). Significant lower levels of catalase, SOD, GPx and GSH, and higher levels of MDA and protein carbonyl were observed in subjects with Mets. In addition, catalase, SOD, GPx, and GSH correlated negatively, while MDA and protein carbonyl correlated positively with almost all Mets components. Similar trend of correlations was noticed with Mets Scores. When adjusted for age and gender, linear regression analysis revealed that subjects with large WC demonstrated significantly lower levels of antioxidative enzymes and GSH, and higher levels of MDA and protein carbonyl. Consequently, WC emerged as the best predictor of OS.

CONCLUSIONS

The degree of OS is dependent on the Mets Scores, and WC contributes independently to increased OS among adults in UAE.