The Effect of Noninvasive Bariatric Surgery on the Levels of Certain Adipokines and Atherosclerosis Risk Factors in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome

Relationship Between Weight Loss, Changes in Serum hs-CRP Levels and apo A-1 Lipoprotein, and High-Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol Ratios as Predictors for Improved Cardiovascular Risk Factors After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

INTRODUCTION

Obesity, a major global health concern, is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), often due to dyslipidemia and insulin resistance. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is an effective weight reduction surgery that not only alters body metabolism and gastrointestinal physiology but also significantly lowers cardiovascular disease risk.

METHODS

This study explores the impact of weight loss on serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), an established inflammatory marker, and changes in cardiovascular risk factors, particularly high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) ratios, serum apo A-1, lipid profile, and HOMA-IR in severe obesity undergoing LSG. Anthropometric measurements and blood samples were collected preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively to hs-CRP, HOMA-IR, lipid profile, apo A-1, and low- and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C/HDL-C) ratios, total cholesterol to HDL-C (TC/HDL-C) ratio, and monocyte to high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol ratio (MHR).

RESULTS

In total, 70 patients were analyzed after 6 months and reached %TWL 27.4 ± 9.5 and %EWL 62.0 ± 15.4. Significant improvements were noted in all measured biomarkers. Analysis showed that each unit reduction in BMI significantly affected hs-CRP and HDL-C. Furthermore, moderate associations between hs-CRP and various cardiovascular disease risk biomarkers, including a negative correlation with apo A-1 and positive correlations with total cholesterol (TC), TC/HDL-C, and LDL-C/HDL-C, along with a mild positive correlation with HOMA-IR.

CONCLUSION

Weight loss following LSG significantly reduced inflammation and improved atheroprotection. Improved inflammation markers were associated with favorable changes in cardiovascular risk factors, including HDL-C ratios particularly TC/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C, and apo A-1.

Effects of Weight Loss on Key Obesity-Related Biomarkers Linked to the Risk of Endometrial Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Endometrial cancer (EC) includes various histologic types, with estrogen-dependent endometrioid carcinoma being the most common. Obesity significantly increases the risk of developing this type, especially in postmenopausal women, due to elevated estrogen production by adipocytes. This review examines the impact of weight loss from different interventions on reducing obesity-related risk factors for endometrioid EC. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted on three weight loss interventions: bariatric surgery, pharmacotherapy, and lifestyle changes. The effects of these interventions on inflammatory biomarkers (CRP, TNF-α, IL-6) and hormones (leptin, estrogen) were analyzed. Data from controlled studies were pooled to assess the significance of weight loss in reducing these biomarkers. Despite heterogeneity, bariatric surgery resulted in an overall 25.8% weight reduction, outperforming lifestyle and pharmacotherapy interventions. Weight loss reduced CRP levels by 33.5% and IL-6 levels by 41.9%. TNF-α levels decreased by 13% with percent weight loss over 7%. Leptin levels also decreased significantly, although the exact weight loss percentage was not statistically significant. Weight loss effectively reduces proinflammatory markers and hormones associated with increased risk of endometrioid EC. The strengths of this review include a comprehensive examination of different weight-loss interventions and a large pool of participants. However, limitations include high heterogeneity among studies and only 43% of the participants being postmenopausal. Limited data on sex hormones and racial disparities underscore the need for further research.

Obesity Management in Cardiometabolic Disease: State of the Art

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To summarize research from the last 5 years on the effects of weight loss treatments, including lifestyle changes, anti-obesity medications, and bariatric procedures on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and CVD outcomes in adults.

RECENT FINDINGS

This narrative review includes and summarizes the contemporary evidence of the effects of these different weight loss approaches individually. A literature search was performed using the key words obesity, weight loss, CVD, cardiometabolic, and risk factors and included key clinical trials from the past 5 years. Obesity management through weight loss is associated with improvements in CVD risk factors, such as improved blood pressure, lipid profiles, and glycemic control, with greater weight loss leading to greater improvements in CVD risk factors. Bariatric surgery is associated with greater weight loss than the other procedures and treatments for obesity, and for this, and possibly for other reasons, it is associated with greater reductions in CVD outcomes and mortality. Obesity is an independent risk factor and modulator of other CVD risk factors, and thus, treatment of obesity should be an integral part of management strategies to reduce CVD risk. Future trials and real-world studies of longer duration are needed to inform providers and patients on how to individualize the approach to modifying risks of cardiometabolic disorders through obesity management.

Intragastric balloon

The intragastric balloon is a temporary and minimally invasive therapy for weight loss, currently being the main choice for mild obesity. As a space-occupying device, it reduces stomach capacity, resulting in decreased hunger and food intake. There are different balloon models, filled with liquid or air. The most used is the non-adjustable liquid-filled balloon, due to its lower rate of complications. The mechanism of action is multifactorial, involving physiological and neurohormonal changes. The device functions as an artificial bezoar, filling the stomach and leading to early satiety. In the Brazilian Intragastric Balloon Consensus Statement, there was a mean excess weight loss of 18.4%, showing effective weight loss and good safety profile. It is a valid option for overweight and obese patients unresponsive to clinical therapy or who are either not candidates for surgery or who do not wish to undergo a definitive procedure. Besides weight loss, recent studies have shown a positive effect on metabolic parameters. New devices have been developed, such as procedureless and adjustable balloons, with promising results.