Serum leptin, resistin, and adiponectin levels in obese and non-obese patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus: A population-based study

Development, biological evaluation, and molecular modelling of some benzene-sulfonamide derivatives as protein tyrosine phosphatase-1B inhibitors for managing diabetes mellitus and associated metabolic disorders

Exploring new inhibitors with good bioavailability and high selectivity for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its associated complications is a major challenge for research, academia, and the pharmaceutical industry. Protein tyrosine phosphatase-1B (PTP1B) arose as an important negative regulator in insulin signaling pathways associated with metabolic disorders, including T2DM and obesity. Novel neutral compounds with a benzene-sulfonamide scaffold were designed and synthesized based on structural- and ligand-based drug design strategies for fragment growth. Promising hits against PTP1B were identified through in vitro enzymology inhibition assay. Mechanistic aspects of the compound's different inhibition activities were rigorously investigated through molecular docking coupled with explicit dynamics simulations. Four identified hits, 3c, 8, 10a, and 11, with sub-micromolar PTP-1B IC50 and significant predicted pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters, were further biologically evaluated for their anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant effects in a high-fat diet (HFD) + streptozotocin (STZ)-induced T2DM rat model. All these hit compounds exhibited a significant anti-diabetic and anti-obesity effect and a significant efficacy in reducing oxidative stress and increasing anti-oxidant enzymes while reducing inflammatory markers. Improving compound potency was further highlighted by improving the pharmacokinetic profile of the most active compound, 10a, through nano formulation. Compound 10a nano formulation showed the most promising anti-diabetic and anti-obesity effects and a remarkable histopathological improvement in all organs studied.

Low serum adiponectin levels are associated with an increased risk of diabetes in obese dogs

OBJECTIVES

Adiponectin plays an important role in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. However, the evidence regarding the association between adiponectin and diabetes mellitus in obese dogs is sparse. The aim of this study is to investigate the associations of adiponectin with the risk of diabetes mellitus in obese dogs on the basis of a prospective cohort study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Serum adiponectin levels in obese dogs recruited from three small animal hospitals between 2015 and 2018 were measured by ELISA. Electronic health records were used to record the incidence of diabetes mellitus during follow-up for 3 years.

RESULTS

A total of 862 dogs were included. Amongst the 862 dogs, 51 developed diabetes. Adiponectin levels were associated with diabetes mellitus after adjusting for sex, age, breed, exercise, body condition score, fasting plasma glucose, serum triglyceride and total cholesterol. When adjusting for sex, age, breed, exercise, body condition score, fasting plasma glucose, serum triglyceride and total cholesterol, the adjusted hazard ratios were 7.83 (95% confidence interval: 2.67 to 30.13) in the lowest adiponectin group and 1.96 (95% CI: 1.10 to 8.55) in the medium adiponectin group relative to that in the highest adiponectin group. The area under a curve of adiponectin's Receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.81 (95% CI: 0.76 to 0.86).

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Low adiponectin is associated with diabetes mellitus and has a high risk of incident diabetes mellitus, implying the potential of adiponectin as a predictive biomarker of diabetes mellitus in obese dogs.

Associations Between Adiponectin and the Development of Diabetes in Rheumatoid Arthritis

PURPOSE

We evaluated associations between adiponectin and the risk of diabetes among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a systemic inflammatory disease associated with metabolic disturbance.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study included adults with RA from the Veterans Affairs Rheumatoid Arthritis Registry. Adiponectin and inflammatory cytokines/chemokines were measured at enrollment on stored serum samples. Adiponectin levels were categorized, and clinical variables were described across categories (<10 μg/mL; 10-40 μg/mL; >40 μg/mL). Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models evaluated associations between adiponectin and incident diabetes adjusting for age, sex, race, smoking status, body mass index (BMI), disease-modifying therapy use, calendar year, and comorbidity. Testing for modification of effect in the context of elevated cytokines/chemokines was performed.

RESULTS

Among 2595 patients included in the analysis, those with adiponectin levels >40 μg/mL (N = 379; 15%) were older and had lower BMI. There were 125 new cases of diabetes among 1689 patients without prevalent disease at enrollment. There was an inverse association between adiponectin and incident diabetes; however, the association was positive among patients with adiponectin levels >40 μg/mL. Patients with levels >40 μg/mL were at higher risk compared to those with levels 10-40 μg/mL (HR: 1.70 [1.34, 2.16] P < .001). Those with adiponectin levels >40 μg/mL had significantly higher levels of inflammatory cytokines with evidence of a modified effect of adiponectin on diabetes risk in the setting of inflammation.

CONCLUSION

The relationship between adiponectin and incident diabetes risk is U-shaped in RA. Patients with very high adiponectin levels have greater systemic inflammation and an altered relationship between adiponectin and diabetes risk.

Hormone imbalances detected in study participants with pre-diabetes in a Durban-based clinical setting, South Africa

Background

Type II diabetes mellitus onset is linked with hormonal imbalances. However, the knowledge about hormonal alterations in pre-diabetes is limited.

Objective

The study aimed to examine type II diabetes mellitus-associated hormone levels during the pre-diabetes phase in participants aged 25–45 in a Durban-based clinical setting in South Africa.

Methods

Stored plasma samples from a retrospective study collected 364 samples that were divided into pre-diabetes and non-pre-diabetes groups. From the 364, 38 samples from the group of persons without pre-diabetes and 38 from persons with glycated haemoglobin determined pre-diabetes were blindly selected. The hormone concentrations (C-peptide, cortisol, adipokines, thyroids, incretins, and sex steroids) of the study participants were measured using the BIO-RAD Bio-Plex MAGPIX instrument.

Results

Hormone imbalances in several hormones were detected in study participants with pre-diabetes. Most of the hormone dysregulation associated with T2DM begins in pre-diabetes but at a moderate level.

Conclusion

The findings reveal new possible hormone therapy targets for pre-diabetes and contribute to the growing support for targeting pre-diabetes as a preventative measure for T2DM prevention.

The comparison of the antidiabetic effects of exenatide, empagliflozin, quercetin, and combination of the drugs in type 2 diabetic rats

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes, a metabolic disease that involves extended treatment, is rapidly increasing in humans and animals worldwide.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to compare monotherapy and combined therapy of exenatide, empagliflozin, and quercetin in 67 Wistar Albino male rats.

METHODS

The animals were divided into the following seven groups: healthy control, diabetes control, diabetes + sham, diabetes + exenatide (10 μg/kg), diabetes + empagliflozin (50 mg/kg), diabetes + quercetin (50 mg/kg), and diabetes + combination treatment. The treatments were continued for 8 weeks.

RESULTS

At the end of the experiment, glucose and HbA1c levels decreased with all monotherapy treatments and the combination treatments, while insulin levels increased with exenatide and combined treatments. Adiponectin levels increased with empagliflozin, quercetin, and combined treatments, while leptin levels decreased only with combined treatments. All monotherapies caused an increase in total antioxidant levels. Exenatide and quercetin treatments reduced low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels; therewithal, exenatide and combined treatments increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. Triglyceride levels decreased in all treatment groups. The homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) level decreased with the combined treatment; on the contrary, the homeostatic model assessment for β-cell activity (HOMA-β) level increased with empagliflozin, exenatide, and combined treatments.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the antidiabetic effects of exenatide were more pronounced than empagliflozin and quercetin, however, the combined treatment had better antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic effects than monotherapies. Quercetin could be a supportive or food supplement antidiabetic agent. The exenatide treatment can be recommended for monotherapy in type 2 patients, and the combination of empagliflozin, exenatide, and quercetin may be effective in diabetic patients who need combined therapy.

Association between serum chloride and in-hospital mortality in congestive heart failure with diabetes: Data from the MIMIC-IV database

Background

Congestive heart failure (CHF) demonstrates a heightened prevalence in individuals with diabetes mellitus within Intensive Care Units. The occurrence of abnormal chloride levels is frequently observed in critically ill patients, yet its clinical significance remains subject to debate. This study endeavors to explore the relationship between serum chloride levels and in-hospital mortality among patients affected by both congestive heart failure and diabetes.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted, utilizing data from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-IV (MIMIC-IV) database, focusing on adult patients in the United States. The impact of serum chloride levels upon ICU admission on in-hospital mortality was analyzed using multivariable logistic regression models, generalized additive models and subgroup analysis.

Results

The study encompassed 7,063 patients with coexisting diabetes and congestive heart failure. The fully adjusted model revealed an inverse association between serum chloride levels and in-hospital mortality. As a tertile variable (Q3 vs Q1), the odds ratio (OR) was 0.73 with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.54-0.98 (p = 0.039). As a continuous variable, per 1 mmol/L increment, the OR (95% CI) was 0.97 (0.96-0.99, p = 0.01). The relationship between serum chloride and in-hospital mortality demonstrated linearity (non-linear p = 0.958). Stratified analyses further validated the robustness of this correlation.

Conclusions

Serum chloride levels exhibited a negative association with in-hospital mortality in patients with both congestive heart failure and diabetes. Nevertheless, prospective, randomized, controlled studies are warranted to corroborate and validate the findings presented in this investigation.

Serum adiponectin and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors-γ levels in obese patients with and without prediabetes

OBJECTIVE

Obesity is an increasingly prevalent global health problem, which is generally caused by the increase in body fat mass above normal and observed in all societies. If the blood glucose level is higher than normal but not high enough to diagnose diabetes, this condition is defined as prediabetes. Adiponectin increases fatty acid oxidation and insulin sensitivity and is closely associated with obesity. One of the nuclear receptor superfamily member peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors is shown to have an important role in various metabolic reactions. This study aimed to investigate the serum levels of adiponectin and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors-gamma parameters, which are closely related to adipose tissue, energy metabolism, and insulin sensitivity, in obese patients with and without prediabetes.

METHODS

For this purpose, 52 obese patients with prediabetes, 48 obese patients with non-prediabetes, and 76 healthy individuals were included in this study. Serum adiponectin and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors-γ levels were analyzed by ELISA.

RESULTS

Serum adiponectin levels were significantly higher in obese patients with prediabetes (18.15±15.99) compared with the control group (15.17±15.67; p=0.42). No significant difference was observed in both adiponectin and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors-γ levels in the obese patients with the non-prediabetes group compared with the control group. However, no significant difference was observed in the obese patients with prediabetes group and obese patients with non-prediabetes group.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that adiponectin may serve as an indicator of prediabetes. This implies that examining adiponectin levels in individuals diagnosed with prediabetes may enhance our understanding of the metabolic processes closely linked to prediabetes and related conditions.

Defective Visceral Adipose Tissue Adaptation in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

CONTEXT

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a complex obstetric condition affecting localized glucose metabolism, resulting in systemic metabolic dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE

This cross-sectional study aimed to explore visceral adipose tissue (VAT) as an integral contributor to GDM, focusing on elucidating the specific contribution of obesity and GDM pathology to maternal outcomes.

METHODS

Fifty-six nulliparous pregnant women were recruited, including normal glucose tolerant (NGT) (n = 30) and GDM (n = 26) participants. Participants were subgrouped as nonobese (BMI <30 kg/m2) or obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m2). Metabolic markers in circulation, VAT, and placenta were determined. Morphological analysis of VAT and immunoblotting of the insulin signaling cascade were performed.

RESULTS

GDM participants demonstrated hyperinsulinemia and elevated homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) scores relative to NGT participants. The GDM-obese subgroup had significant VAT adipocyte hypoplasia relative to NGT-nonobese tissue. GDM-obese VAT had significantly lower insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-2 expression, with elevated ser312 phosphorylation of IRS-1, relative to NGT-nonobese. GDM-obese participants had significantly elevated circulating leptin levels and placental adipsin secretion, while GDM-nonobese participants had elevated circulating adipsin levels with reduced placental adiponectin secretion.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that GDM-obese pregnancy is specifically characterized by inadequate VAT remodeling and dysfunctional molecular signaling, which contribute to insulin resistance and hinder metabolic health.

Diabetes Mellitus Should Be Considered While Analysing Sarcopenia-Related Biomarkers

Sarcopenia is a chronic, progressive skeletal muscle disease characterised by low muscle strength and quantity or quality, leading to low physical performance. Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are more at risk of sarcopenia than euglycemic individuals. Because of several shared pathways between the two diseases, sarcopenia is also a risk factor for developing T2DM in older patients. Various biomarkers are under investigation as potentially valuable for sarcopenia diagnosis and treatment monitoring. Biomarkers related to sarcopenia can be divided into markers evaluating musculoskeletal status (biomarkers specific to muscle mass, markers of the neuromuscular junction, or myokines) and markers assuming causal factors (adipokines, hormones, and inflammatory markers). This paper reviews the current knowledge about how diabetes and T2DM complications affect potential sarcopenia biomarker concentrations. This review includes markers recently proposed by the expert group of the European Society for the Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (ESCEO) as those that may currently be useful in phase II and III clinical trials of sarcopenia: myostatin (MSTN); follistatin (FST); irisin; brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF); procollagen type III N-terminal peptide (PIIINP; P3NP); sarcopenia index (serum creatinine to serum cystatin C ratio); adiponectin; leptin; insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1); dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS); C-reactive protein (CRP); interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). A better understanding of factors influencing these biomarkers' levels, including diabetes and diabetic complications, may lead to designing future studies and implementing results in clinical practice.

Bo's abdominal acupuncture improves disordered metabolism in obese type 2 diabetic rats through regulating fibroblast growth factor 21 and its related adipokines

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of Bo's abdominal acupuncture (BOAA) on fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) and its related adipokines in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats.

METHODS

This study established obese T2DM rat model by high-fat diet (HFD) with a dose of streptozotocin (STZ, 30 mg/kg). Obese T2DM rats were randomly subdivided into four groups (n = 10): negative, BOAA, conventional acupuncture (COA group) and metformin group (Met group) groups. The biochemical parameters, mRNAs, and proteins were analyzed using enzyme-lined immunoassays kits, quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot.

RESULTS

Treatment with BOAA attenuated the histopathological changes in visceral fat and restored the alterations in the levels of body weight, fasting blood glucose (FBG), homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). BOAA treatment significantly decreased the levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, leptin, and increased the serum levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), adiponectin (ADP), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ), C-peptide (C-P) in obese T2DM rats. Furthermore, BOAA treatment significantly increased the mRNA expressions of FGF21, ADP, leptin, PPAR-γ, PPAR-α and adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Besides, BOAA treatment upregulated the protein expressions of fibroblast growth factor receptors3 (FGFR3), PPAR-α, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), phosphorylated ERK (p-ERK), AMPK, p-AMPK, Liver kinase B1 (LKB1), phosphorylated LKB1 (p-LKB1), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) and phosphorylated ACC (p-ACC), while downregulated the protein expressions of FGF21 and PPAR-γ in visceral fat.

CONCLUSIONS

BOAA treatment reduced FBG and body weight, and improved insulin sensitivity through regulating FGF21 signaling pathway and its related adipokine in obese T2DM rats.

Beneficial Short-Term Effects of Bariatric Surgery on Nutritional Inflammatory Profile and Metabolic Biomarkers

PURPOSE

Bariatric surgery (BS) has several potential metabolic benefits. However, little is known about its impact on changes in the inflammatory potential of diet and its effect on inflammatory and metabolic markers. This study aimed to assess the short-term beneficial effects of BS on dietary inflammatory potential and inflammatory and metabolic markers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Participants (n = 20) were evaluated 3 months before and after BS. Body mass, body mass index, anthropometric measurements, fat mass, fat-free mass, visceral fat, skeletal muscle mass, basal metabolic rate, serum lipids, HOMA-IR, QUICKI and inflammatory markers, including leptin, adiponectin, adiponectin/leptin ratio and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), were evaluated. Diet data were collected using a 3-day diet record and the dietary inflammatory index (DII®) and energy-adjusted dietary inflammatory index (E-DIITM) scores were computed.

RESULTS

There was a reduction in DII® (2.56 vs 2.13) and E-DIITM (2.18 vs 0.45) indicating an improvement in inflammatory nutritional profile. Moreover, there were increases in the adiponectin/leptin ratio (0.08 vs 0.21) and QUICKI scores (0.31 vs 0.37), and reductions in leptin (36.66 vs 11.41 ng/ml) and HOMA-IR scores (3.93 vs 1.50). There were also improvements in body composition and anthropometric parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

BS promotes changes in metabolic profile, inflammatory state and food intake and these modifications appeared to be associated with improvements in diet-related inflammation, an increase in the adiponectin/leptin ratio and a reduction in leptin. These results contribute to knowledge on the contribution bariatric surgery can make to the treatment of obesity and the reduction of related comorbidities.

Bioleptin as a useful marker of metabolic status in children with diabetes mellitus type 1

Introduction

The purpose of our study was tomeasure the level of leptin and biologically active leptin (bioLEP) in children with type 1 diabetes, depending on the duration of diabetes and its degree of metabolic control.

Methods

The study included 94 children (58 boys and 36 girls). In a group of children with diabetes, 40 patients were newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, 40 children who have diabetes for more than a year (20 with good metabolic control and 20 with poor metabolic control). The control group consisted of 14 healthy children. The serum level of leptin and bioLEP was measured using a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. To our knowledge, this is the first study to describe bioLEP levels among diabetic children with different forms of disease control.

Results

Lower levels of leptin were found in children with diabetes compared to healthy children. Furthermore, we found a statistically higher concentration of leptin in the group of children with newly diagnosed diabetes compared to children from the diabetic group with poor metabolic control and lower than healthy children (11.19 vs. 7.84 and 20.94 ng/mL). Moreover, children in the metabolically well-controlled group had statistically lower levels of this hormone (5.11 ng/mL) than healthy children. Leptin concentrations differed significantly between underweight, overweight, and obese children.

Discussion

In our study, the level of bioLEP differed significantly between children in the newly diagnosed diabetes group and children in the long-term, poorly controlled diabetes group and healthy controls. Despite many studies published in recent years, many aspects of leptin secretion, action, and mechanisms of its influence on carbohydrate and fat metabolism are still to be clarified. In our opinion, studies evaluating the status of bioLEP in diabetes can also contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms regulating metabolism.

Association of Serum Leptin and Adiponectin Concentrations with Type 2 Diabetes Biomarkers and Complications Among Saudi Women

Objective

Hyperglycemia and insulin resistance (IR) put obese women with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) at risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Methods

150 T2DM women aged 30-45 were studied cross-sectionally at Madinah Hospital lab to find T2DM risk factors and their association with adiponectin/leptin levels.

Results

Women with T2DM showed greater fasting blood glucose (FBG), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), triglycerides (TG), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), insulin resistance (IR), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and CVD risk (high atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and leptin), but decreased high-density lipoprotein (HDL-cholesterol) and poor insulin sensitivity with low adiponectin. Obese women with T2DM had increased leptin and reduced adiponectin. Leptin levels were significantly related to IR, BMI, and AIP (B= 3.97, P= 0.02) but not WC. Leptin levels were negatively correlated with insulin sensitivity (IS) and HDL-c (P< 0.05). In linear regression analysis, adiponectin levels had a significant association with IS and HDL-c (P= 0.03, P= 0.04) but an inverse relationship with IR, BMI, WC (B=-2.91, P= 0.04), and AIP (P< 0.05).

Conclusion

Increased leptin levels are related to high IR, AIP, and BMI among T2DM female patients. Similarly, adiponectin levels decrease IS and HDL-c. Therefore, obese T2DM women with high leptin and low adiponectin levels should be periodically checked to avoid or decrease consequences like CVD.

Identification of tRNA-derived RNAs in adipose tissue from overweight type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and their potential biological functions

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)causes a huge public health burden worldwide, especially for those who are overweight or obese, the pain is often greater. And search for effective targets in overweight T2DM could help improve patient quality of life and prognosis. tRNA-derived RNAs (tsRNAs) are multifunctional regulators that are currently receiving much attention, but there is still a lack of knowledge about tsRNAs in overweight T2DM.

Methods

T2DM patients with BMI ≥ 25 (Overweight group) and BMI< 25 (Control group) were subjected to tsRNA sequencing; differentially expressed tsRNAs in the two groups were analyzed and their expression was verified using qRT-PCR. The biological function of downstream target genes was also evaluated by enrichment analysis.

Results

qRT-PCR evaluation identified a tsRNA with up-regulated expression (tRF-1-28-Glu-TTC-3-M2) and a tsRNA with down-regulated expression (tRF-1-31-His-GTG-1), both of which may be involved in metabolic and energy-related processes.

Conclusion

Dysregulation of tsRNA expression in overweight patients with T2DM suggests a potential role for tsRNA in the development of T2DM.

New Synthesized Activating Transcription Factor 3 Inducer SW20.1 Suppresses Resistin-Induced Metabolic Syndrome

Obesity is an emerging concern globally with increasing prevalence. Obesity is associated with many diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, and cancer. Thus, effective new antiobesity drugs should be urgently developed. We synthesized SW20.1, a compound that induces activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) expression. The results of Oil Red O staining and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction revealed that SW20.1 was more effective in reducing lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes than the previously synthesized ST32db, and that it inhibited the expression of the genes involved in adipogenesis and lipogenesis. A chromatin immunoprecipitation assay indicated that SW20.1 inhibited adipogenesis and lipogenesis by binding to the upstream promoter region of resistin at two sites (-2861/-2854 and -241/-234). In mice, the intraperitoneal administration of SW20.1 reduced body weight, white adipocyte weight in different regions, serum cholesterol levels, adipogenesis-related gene expression, hepatic steatosis, and serum resistin levels. Overall, SW20.1 exerts antiobesity effects by inhibiting resistin through the ATF3 pathway. Our study results indicate that SW20.1 is a promising therapeutic drug for diet-induced obesity.

Novel Adiponectin-Resistin Indices and Ratios Predict Increased Cardiovascular Risk in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Objectives

Adiponectin and resistin are adipokines involved in insulin resistance, glucometabolic control and adiposity. There is evidence that hypoadiponectinemia and hyperresistinemia are associated with cardiovascular disease. Whether the ratio of Adiponectin-Resistin (AR) and Insulin Resistance Adiponectin-Resistin (IRAR) indices can be used as non-invasive biomarker of cardiovascular disease needs more attention. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the relationships of AR and IRAR indices with adiposity, glucometabolic control and cardiovascular risk incurred by high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in healthy subjects and patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Methods

This observational case control study was conducted in the Department of Physiology and Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh. A total of 191 (control = 84 and diabetic = 107) subjects were recruited. Body composition was assessed by bioelectrical impendence analyzer (BIA). Fasting blood samples were analyzed for glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), lipid profile, adiponectin, and resistin levels. The AR and IRAR indices were determined by formulas.

Results

Serum adiponectin levels were significantly lower in diabetics compared to control (95.45 ± 39.27 ng/ml vs 146.64 ± 56.36 ng/ml, p < .001) while serum resistin was significantly higher in diabetic when compared to control (2.94 ± 1.30 ng/ml vs 2.40 ± 1.09 ng/ml, p = .003). Furthermore, AR and IRAR indices were significantly increased in diabetic subjects when compared to control (.82 ± .29 vs .48 ± .35, p < .001) and (.30 ± .10 vs .17 ± .12, p < .001) respectively. ROC analysis revealed that these indices predicted increased cardiovascular risk with area under the curve (AUC) for adiponectin = .717 ( p = .001), resistin = .635 ( p = .002), AR index = .740 ( p < .001), and IRAR index = .737 ( p < .001) respectively. AR index correlated positively with Triglycerides (r = .354, p < .01), hsCRP (r = .264, p < .01), HbA1c (r = .425, p < .01), fat mass (r = .164, p < .05), Waist/Hip Ratio (WHR) (r = .248, p < .01), and negatively with high density lipoprotein (r=-.327, p < .01). Furthermore, IRAR index more strongly correlated with Triglycerides (r = .409, p < .01), hsCRP (r = .268, p < .01), HbA1c (r = .508, p < .01), fat mass (r = .152, p < .05), WHR (r = .256, p < .01), and negatively with high density lipoprotein (r = -.340, p < .01).

Conclusions

AR and IRAR indices correlate significantly with adiposity, glucometabolic control and cardiovascular risk in type 2 diabetic patients and non-diabetic individuals. They may prove to be useful integrated biomarkers to predict metabolic dysregulation and cardiovascular risk.

Omega-3-Supplemented Fat Diet Drives Immune Metabolic Response in Visceral Adipose Tissue by Modulating Gut Microbiota in a Mouse Model of Obesity

Obesity is a chronic, relapsing, and multifactorial disease characterized by excessive accumulation of adipose tissue (AT), and is associated with inflammation mainly in white adipose tissue (WAT) and an increase in pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages and other immune cells. This milieu favors the secretion of cytokines and adipokines, contributing to AT dysfunction (ATD) and metabolic dysregulation. Numerous articles link specific changes in the gut microbiota (GM) to the development of obesity and its associated disorders, highlighting the role of diet, particularly fatty acid composition, in modulating the taxonomic profile. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of a medium-fat-content diet (11%) supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids (D2) on the development of obesity, and on the composition of the GM compared with a control diet with a low fat content (4%) (D1) over a 6-month period. The effect of omega-3 supplementation on metabolic parameters and the modulation of the immunological microenvironment in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) was also evaluated. Six-weeks-old mice were adapted for two weeks and then divided into two groups of eight mice each: a control group D1 and the experimental group D2. Their body weight was recorded at 0, 4, 12, and 24 weeks post-differential feeding and stool samples were simultaneously collected to determine the GM composition. Four mice per group were sacrificed on week 24 and their VAT was taken to determine the immune cells phenotypes (M1 or M2 macrophages) and inflammatory biomarkers. Blood samples were used to determine the glucose, total LDL and HDL cholesterol LDL, HDL and total cholesterol, triglycerides, liver enzymes, leptin, and adiponectin. Body weight measurement showed significant differences at 4 (D1 = 32.0 ± 2.0 g vs. D2 = 36.2 ± 4.5 g, p-value = 0.0339), 12 (D1 = 35.7 ± 4.1 g vs. D2 = 45.3 ± 4.9 g, p-value = 0.0009), and 24 weeks (D1 = 37.5 ± 4.7 g vs. D2 = 47.9 ± 4.7, p-value = 0.0009). The effects of diet on the GM composition changed over time: in the first 12 weeks, α and β diversity differed considerably according to diet and weight increase. In contrast, at 24 weeks, the composition, although still different between groups D1 and D2, showed changes compared with previous samples, suggesting the beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acids in D2. With regard to metabolic analysis, the results did not reveal relevant changes in biomarkers in accordance with AT studies showing an anti-inflammatory environment and conserved structure and function, which is in contrast to reported findings for pathogenic obesity. In conclusion, the results suggest that the constant and sustained administration of omega-3 fatty acids induced specific changes in GM composition, mainly with increases in Lactobacillus and Ligilactobacillus species, which, in turn, modulated the immune metabolic response of AT in this mouse model of obesity.

Inhibitory Effects of Loganin on Adipogenesis In Vitro and In Vivo

Obesity is characterized by the excessive accumulation of mature adipocytes that store surplus energy in the form of lipids. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of loganin on adipogenesis in mouse preadipocyte 3T3-L1 cells and primary cultured adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) in vitro and in mice with ovariectomy (OVX)- and high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity in vivo. For an in vitro study, loganin was co-incubated during adipogenesis in both 3T3-L1 cells and ADSCs, lipid droplets were evaluated by oil red O staining, and adipogenesis-related factors were assessed by qRT-PCR. For in vivo studies, mouse models of OVX- and HFD-induced obesity were orally administered with loganin, body weight was measured, and hepatic steatosis and development of excessive fat were evaluated by histological analysis. Loganin treatment reduced adipocyte differentiation by accumulating lipid droplets through the downregulation of adipogenesis-related factors, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (Pparg), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (Cebpa), perilipin 2 (Plin2), fatty acid synthase (Fasn), and sterol regulatory element binding transcription protein 1 (Srebp1). Loganin administration prevented weight gain in mouse models of obesity induced by OVX and HFD. Further, loganin inhibited metabolic abnormalities, such as hepatic steatosis and adipocyte enlargement, and increased the serum levels of leptin and insulin in both OVX- and HFD-induced obesity models. These results suggest that loganin is a potential candidate for preventing and treating obesity.

Current Knowledge on the Pathophysiology of Lean/Normal-Weight Type 2 Diabetes

Since early times, being overweight and obesity have been associated with impaired glucose metabolism and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Similarly, a less frequent adult-onset diabetes in low body mass index (BMI) people has been known for many decades. This form is mainly found in developing countries, whereby the largest increase in diabetes incidence is expected in coming years. The number of non-obese patients with T2D is also on the rise among non-white ethnic minorities living in high-income Western countries due to growing migratory flows. A great deal of energy has been spent on understanding the mechanisms that bind obesity to T2D. Conversely, the pathophysiologic features and factors driving the risk of T2D development in non-obese people are still much debated. To reduce the global burden of diabetes, we need to understand why not all obese people develop T2D and not all those with T2D are obese. Moreover, through both an effective prevention and the implementation of an individualized clinical management in all people with diabetes, it is hoped that this will help to reduce this global burden. The purpose of this review is to take stock of current knowledge about the pathophysiology of diabetes not associated to obesity and to highlight which aspects are worthy of future studies.

Evaluation of the Anti-Obesity Effect of Zeaxanthin and Exercise in HFD-Induced Obese Rats

Obesity is a worldwide epidemic associated with many health problems. One of the new trends in health care is the emphasis on regular exercise and a healthy diet. Zeaxanthin (Zea) is a carotenoid with many beneficial effects on human health. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the combination of Zea and exercise had therapeutic effects on obesity induced by an HFD in rats. Sixty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups of twelve: rats fed a standard diet; rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD); rats fed an HFD with Zea; rats fed an HFD with Exc; and rats fed an HFD with both Zea and Exc. To induce obesity, rats were fed an HFD for twelve weeks. Then, Zea and exercise were introduced with the HFD for five weeks. The results showed that the HFD significantly increased visceral adipose tissue, oxidative stress, and inflammation biomarkers and reduced insulin, high-density lipoprotein, and antioxidant parameters. Treatments with Zea, Exc, and Zea plus Exc reduced body weight gain, triacylglycerol, glucose, total cholesterol, and nitric oxide levels and significantly increased catalase and insulin compared with the HFD group. This study demonstrated that Zea administration and Exc performance appeared to effectively alleviate the metabolic alterations induced by an HFD. Furthermore, Zea and Exc together had a better effect than either intervention alone.

A novel anti-obesity mechanism for liraglutide by improving adipose tissue leptin resistance in high-fat diet-fed obese mice

Liraglutide has been approved for the treatment of obesity in the past few years. Both oxidative stress and leptin resistance are the critical drivers of obesity. The present study investigated the mechanism of liraglutide protection against obesity by ameliorating leptin resistance and oxidative stress. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) and subcutaneously injected with 200 μg/kg/d liraglutide for 20 weeks. Body weight, fat mass, serum levels of leptin, insulin, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were measured. In addition, glucose and insulin tolerance tests were performed. The expressions of leptin, its signaling genes, and antioxidant enzymes were detected using RT-qPCR and western blot methods in liver and white adipose tissue (WAT) of mice. The results depicted that liraglutide treatment significantly slowed weight gain of body, reduced the fat mass, ameliorated glucose and lipid metabolism, and hepatic steatosis in HFD-fed obese mice. Further study demonstrated that liraglutide treatment resulted in decreased serum levels and the transcript levels of leptin as well as leptin signaling inhibitory regulators. However, it increased leptin receptor expression and the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (p-STAT3) in WAT (p < 0.05). In addition, the antioxidant enzyme expression was elevated in both liver and WAT of liraglutide-treated mice (p < 0.05). In conclusion, liraglutide conspicuously prevented obesity and ameliorated glucose and lipid metabolism in obese mice through a novel mechanism that improves peripheral leptin resistance in WAT and enhance the antioxidant enzyme expression in both liver and WAT.

Extra virgin olive oil extract rich in secoiridoids induces an anti-inflammatory profile in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from obese children

Obesity represents an important public health challenge of the twenty first century reaching epidemic proportions worldwide; this is especially true for the pediatric population. In this context, bioactive compounds from foods are crucial to counteract chronic inflammation as a typical feature of obesity. In particular, extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is one of the most important functional foods exerting, among others, an anti-inflammatory activity not only due to its major (monounsaturated fatty acids) but also to its minor (phenolics) components, as reported in the last years. However, only a limited number of studies were performed on pediatric population, and even fewer are those focusing on EVOO phenolics that investigate the correlation of the chemical characterization with the biological function. Thus, starting from our in vitro data identifying an EVOO chemical profile characterized by a high content of secoiridoids correlating with an anti-inflammatory effect, we studied the ability of an EVOO extract with the same chemical profile to retain this function ex vivo. Specifically, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) collected from obese children were treated with EVOO and olive oil extracts, characterized by a low polyphenol content, to study the ability of secoiridoids to dampen the inflammatory response. A reduction of pro-inflammatory CD14⁺CD16⁺ monocytes was detected by cytofluorimetric analysis when PBMCs were treated with EVOO as compared to olive oil extracts. According to this, a down modulation of CCL2 and CCL4 chemokines involved in the recruitment of inflammatory cells, was reported in the supernatants of EVOO relative to olive oil extracts treated PBMCs. Moreover, a high-throughput gene expression analysis revealed that PBMCs molecular profile from obese children is greatly modulated after the treatment with EVOO extract in terms of metabolic and inflammatory pathways. Importantly, some of the significantly modulated genes were involved in the pathways promoting the development of severe obesity. Overall, our ex vivo data demonstrated the ability of EVOO to reduce the inflammatory milieu of PBMCs from obese children both at protein and molecular levels. Of note, a good correlation between the EVOO chemical profile and the biological modulations in terms of anti-inflammatory activity was reported.

Polymorphisms of adiponectin gene and gene–lipid interaction with hypertension risk in Chinese coal miners: A matched case-control study

Objective

Low serum adiponectin level can predict hypertension development, and adiponectin gene (ADIPOQ) polymorphisms have been reported to be linked with hypertension risk. Whereas, the interaction between ADIPOQ polymorphisms and environmental factors on the susceptibility of hypertension remained unclear. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship of ADIPOQ polymorphisms with hypertension risk and their interaction with lipid levels in coal miners.

Methods

A matched case-control study with 296 case-control pairs was performed in a large coal mining group located in North China. The participants were questioned by trained interviewers, and their ADIPOQ genotype and lipid levels were determined. Logistic regression, stratified analysis, and crossover analysis were applied to evaluate the effects of rs2241766, rs1501299, and rs266729 genotypes and gene–lipid interaction on hypertension risk.

Results

In this matched case-control study, the genotypes of rs2241766 TG+GG, rs1501299 GT+TT, and rs266729 CG+GG were marginally related to hypertension risk. Individuals with high total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level were susceptible to hypertension (TC: odds ratio [OR] = 1.807, 95% confidence intervals [95%CI] = 1.266–2.581; LDL-C: OR = 1.981, 95%CI = 1.400–2.803; HDL-C: OR = 1.559, 95%CI = 1.093–2.223). Antagonistic interactions were detected between rs2241766 and TC, rs1501299 and TC, rs2241766 and LDL-C, and rs1501299 and HDL-C (rs2241766 and TC: OR = 0.393, 95%CI = 0.191–0.806; rs1501299 and TC: OR = 0.445, 95%CI = 0.216–0.918; rs2241766 and LDL-C: OR = 0.440, 95%CI = 0.221–0.877; rs1501299 and HDL-C: OR = 0.479, 95%CI = 0.237–0.967). Stratified analysis showed that hypertension risk was high for the subjects with rs2241766 TG+GG or rs1501299 GG under the low lipid level but low for those under the high lipid level. In the case group, the TC and LDL-C levels for rs2241766 TG+GG were lower than those for rs2241766 GG, and the TC and HDL-C levels for rs1501299 GT+TT were higher than those for rs1501299 GG.

Conclusions

Although the effects of ADIPOQ polymorphisms alone were not remarkable, an antagonistic interaction was observed between ADIPOQ polymorphisms and lipid levels.

Altered Circulating Leptin, hGH, and IGF-I in Prediabetes and Screening-Diagnosed T2DM Unrelated to Metabolic Syndrome in Women Post Gestational Diabetes

Recently, we proposed two pathophysiologic subtypes of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), one related and one unrelated to metabolic syndrome. To begin to understand the pathophysiology of the subtype unrelated to metabolic syndrome, we now measured selected hormones and signaling molecules in affected individuals. In this cross-sectional analysis, we examined 138 women out of the monocenter, post gestational diabetes study PPSDiab. Of these women, 73 had prediabetes or screening-diagnosed T2DM, 40 related to metabolic syndrome and 33 unrelated. The remaining 65 women were normoglycemic controls. Our analysis included medical history, anthropometrics, oral glucose tolerance testing, laboratory chemistry, and cardiopulmonary exercise testing. In addition, plasma proinsulin/insulin ratio, growth hormone (hGH) nadir during oral glucose tolerance testing, Insulin-like Growth Factor I (IGF-I), Leptin, Resistin, Adiponectin, Fetuin-a, FGF21, and myostatin were measured. Compared to controls, women with prediabetes or screening-diagnosed T2DM unrelated to metabolic syndrome depicted higher plasma Leptin [10.47(6.6-14.57) vs. 5.52(3.15-10.02); p<0.0001] and IGF-I [193.01(171.00-213.30) vs. 167.97(138.77-200.64); p=0.0008], as well as a lower hGH nadir [0.07(0.05-0.15) vs. 0.14(0.08-0.22; p<0.0001]. These differences were independent of body adiposity. Women with prediabetes or T2DM related to metabolic syndrome, in comparison to controls, displayed elevated Leptin, Fetuin-a, and FGF21, as well as reduced Adiponectin and hGH nadir. Based on our study, altered Leptin and hGH/IGF-I signaling could potentially contribute to the pathophysiology of prediabetes and T2DM unrelated to metabolic syndrome. Further mechanistic investigations of these signaling pathways in the context of lean T2DM are necessary to test causal relationships.

Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 augments adiponectin signaling in coronary angiogenesis in HFpEF associated with diabetes

4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4HNE), an oxidative stress byproduct, is elevated in diabetes which decreases coronary angiogenesis, and this was rescued by the 4HNE detoxifying enzyme, aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2). Adiponectin (APN), an adipocytokine, has pro-angiogenic properties and its loss of function is critical in diabetes and its complications. Coronary endothelial cell (CEC) damage is the initiating step of diabetes-mediated heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) pathogenesis. Thus, we hypothesize that ALDH2 restores 4HNE-induced downregulation of APN signaling in CECs and subsequent coronary angiogenesis in diabetic HFpEF. Treatment with disulfiram, an ALDH2 inhibitor, exacerbated 4HNE-mediated decreases in APN-induced increased coronary angiogenesis and APN-signaling cascades, whereas pretreatment with alda1, an ALDH2 activator, rescued the effect of 4HNE. We employed control mice (db/m), spontaneous type-2 diabetic mice (db/db), ALDH2*2 knock-in mutant mice with intrinsic low ALDH2 activity (AL), and diabetic mice with intrinsic low ALDH2 activity (AF) mice that were created by crossing db/db and AL mice to test our hypothesis in vivo. AF mice exhibited heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF)/severe diastolic dysfunction at 6 months with a preserved systolic function compared with db/db mice as well as 3 months of their age. Decreased APN-mediated coronary angiogenesis, along with increased circulatory APN levels and decreased cardiac APN signaling (index of APN resistance) were higher in AF mice relative to db/db mice. Alda1 treatment improved APN-mediated angiogenesis in AF and db/db mice. In summary, 4HNE-induces APN resistance and a subsequent decrease in coronary angiogenesis in diabetic mouse heart which was rescued by ALDH2.

Adiponectin Can Be an Early Predictable Marker for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Nephropathy

Background Several studies have examined serum adiponectin concentrations in prediabetes, newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and other types of diabetes associated with the risk of T2DM and diabetic nephropathy (DN); however, the results to date are inconclusive. An aim of the current study is to determine whether adiponectin is a useful marker for the earlier development of T2DM and DN. Methodology This cross-sectional study included 400 subjects. Among the subjects, 100 were prediabetes subjects, 200 were T2DM patients, and the remaining 100 were healthy controls. The biochemical and clinical parameters of all patients were analyzed and the data were recorded. Results The mean levels of adiponectin were significantly lower in prediabetic subjects than in healthy controls (3.22 ± 0.98, 5.36 ± 2.24, p = 0.0001**). Furthermore, the levels of adiponectin were significantly higher in both the groups of T2DM patients when compared to healthy controls (19.85 ± 3.31, 11.83 ± 3.01, and 5.36 ± 2.24, p = 0.0001**). In both diabetic groups, adiponectin was positively correlated with body mass index, glycated hemoglobin, insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, and microalbuminuria, while negatively correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate. Interestingly, adiponectin had a reversed correlation in the prediabetic group. Conclusion Based on the results, the present study suggests that significantly decreased levels of serum adiponectin in prediabetic subjects might be used as a variable marker for T2DM. Moreover, adiponectin may useful for detecting the early onset of nephropathy, compared to microalbumin, as its concentration was significantly elevated in patients who were newly diagnosed with T2DM without nephropathy.

Intragastric safflower yellow and its main component HSYA improve leptin sensitivity before body weight change in diet-induced obese mice

Our previous studies found that safflower yellow (SY) and its main component hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) could alleviate obesity and improve leptin resistance in high-fat diet (HFD) induced obese mice. Therefore, our present study aimed to investigate whether the above effect of SY/HSYA was a direct effect or follow-up effect of weight loss and whether leptin was essential for the anti-obesity effect of SY/HSYA or not. HFD-induced obese mice were treated with SY or HSYA for 4 weeks, while ob/ob mice were treated with SY for 10 weeks. Body weight, food intake, fat mass, and serum leptin levels were measured. The leptin sensitivity experiment was conducted in HFD-induced obese mice. The expressions of leptin and its signaling-related genes were detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot methods. SY/HSYA treatment had no effect on food intake, energy expenditure, body weight, fat mass, and serum leptin levels in HFD-induced obese mice. However, the leptin sensitivity experiment showed that the food intake decreased by 18.4% in the HFD-SY group and the body weight gain decreased by 104.6% in the HFD-HSYA group, respectively (both P < 0.05). Furthermore, the expressions of leptin and leptin signaling inhibitory regulators were significantly decreased, while the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (p-STAT3) were notably increased in WAT of HFD-induced obese mice, fully differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes after SY/HSYA intervention (all P < 0.05). Interestingly, SY treatment was ineffective on body weight, fat mass, and glucose metabolism in leptin-deficient ob/ob mice. SY/HSYA administration could firstly improve peripheral leptin resistance in adipose tissue of HFD-induced obese mice before their body weight was significantly changed, and leptin was essential for the anti-obesity effect of SY.

Combination of TRP channel dietary agonists induces energy expending and glucose utilizing phenotype in HFD-fed mice

BACKGROUND

Bioactive dietary constituents activating Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels have emerged as promising candidates for the prevention of metabolic disorders.

OBJECTIVE

The present study is an attempt to evaluate anti-obesity potential of a dietary TRP-based tri-agonist, combination of sub-effective doses of capsaicin (TRPV1 agonist), menthol (TRPM8 agonist), and cinnamaldehyde (TRPA1 agonist) in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice.

DESIGN

Male C57BL/6 J mice divided into three groups (n = 8), were fed on normal pellet diet (NPD), or high-fat diet (HFD) (60% energy by fat) and HFD + CB (combination of capsaicin 0.4 mg/Kg, menthol 20 mg/Kg, and cinnamaldehyde 2 mg/Kg; p.o) for 12 weeks. Effects on HFD-induced weight gain, biochemical, histological and genomic changes in the WAT, BAT, liver and hypothalamus tissues were studied.

RESULTS

Administration of tri-agonist prevented HFD-induced increase in weight gain, improved altered morphometric parameters, glucose homeostasis, and adipose tissue hypertrophy. Tri-agonist supplementation was found to induce browning of white adipose tissue and promote brown adipose tissue activation. Enhanced glucose utilization and prevention of lipid accumulation and insulin resistance in the liver was observed in mice supplemented with a tri-agonist.

CONCLUSION

The present work provides evidence that the new approach based on combination of sub-effective doses of TRP channel agonists (TRI-AGONIST) can be employed to develop concept-based functional food for therapeutic and preventive strategies against HFD-associated pathological complications.

Effect of dietary chia supplementation on glucose metabolism and adipose tissue function markers in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease subjects

Introduction

Background: adipose tissue dysfunction is a key factor for diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) development. Chia (Salvia hispanica) is an abundant source of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber which could improve adipose tissue functionality. Aim: to analyze the effect of an isocaloric chia-supplemented diet on glucose metabolism, adipose tissue inflammation, and endothelial function markers in patients with NAFLD and early stages of diabetes. Methods: in 32 patients with previous NAFLD diagnosis, without known diabetes, the effect of a diet supplemented with ground chia (25 g/day/8 weeks) was evaluated. Visceral (VAF) and liver fat, plasma lipids, fatty acids, and cytokine profiles, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), insulinogenic index (IGI30), insulin disposition index (DIO), and endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) were analyzed. Before and after eight weeks of diet supplementation. Results: chia supplementation promoted increases in plasma alpha-linolenic acid (75 %) and fiber consumption (55 %), and a higher number of EPC (+126 %). Basal OGTT showed that nine patients had normal OGTT, 17 pre-diabetes, and six newly diagnosed diabetes. In patients with diabetes, chia favored a healthier adipose tissue (VAF -7 %, NAFLD -100 %, adiponectin +47 %, resistin -30 %, IL-6 -44 %, IL-1β -22 %) and upturn glucose metabolism through the improvement of beta-cell function (IGI30 +50 %, DIO +66 %). Conclusions: dietary supplementation with 25 g/day of ground chia may promote a healthier adipose tissue and improve pancreatic β-cell and endothelial function. Among patients with early metabolic abnormalities, phytochemical properties of chia may retard diabetes progression and advanced stages of liver damage.

Curcumin supplementation in pediatric patients: A systematic review of current clinical evidence

This systematic review was designed to determine the clinical efficacy and safety of curcumin supplementation for pediatric patients based on clinical trials in children. We systematically searched electronic databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus for all studies that investigated curcumin administration in the pediatric population without any time frame limitation. Finally, we identified 16 studies for this review. Clinical efficacy and safety of curcumin were assessed in children with inflammatory and immune disorders (including asthma, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)), metabolic disorders, autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), cystic fibrosis (CF), tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), and infectious diseases. Curcumin was administered in a wide range of doses (45 mg-4,000 mg daily) and durations (2-48 weeks). Overall, curcumin was well tolerated in all studies and improved the severity of inflammatory and immune disorders and metabolic diseases. However, more studies are needed to clarify the role of curcumin supplementation among children with ADPKD, CF, TOF, and infectious diseases. Because of substantial heterogeneity in methodological quality, design, outcomes, dose, duration of intake, formulations, and study populations across studies, no quantitative analysis was performed. Additional large-scale, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials are needed to confirm the results of the conducted studies.

The association of adiponectin with risk of pre-diabetes and diabetes in different subgroups: cluster analysis of a general population in south China

OBJECTIVE

Adiponectin is an adipocyte-derived hormone with an important role in glucose metabolism. The present study explored the effect of adiponectin in diverse population groups on pre-diabetes and newly diagnosed diabetes.

METHODS

A total of 3300 individuals were enrolled and their data were collected in the analyses dataset from December 2018 to October 2019. Cluster analysis was conducted based on age, BMI, waistline, body fat, systolic blood pressure, triglycerides, and glycosylated hemoglobin 1c. Cluster analysis divided the participants into four groups: a young-healthy group, an elderly-hypertension group, a high glucose-lipid group, and an obese group. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% CIs were calculated using multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Compared with the first quartile of adiponectin, the risk of pre-diabetes of fourth quartile was decreased 61% (aOR = 0.39, 95% CI (0.20-0.73)) in the young-healthy group; and the risk of diabetes of fourth quartile was decreased 85% (aOR = 0.15, 95% CI (0.02-0.67)) in the obese group. There were no significant correlations between the adiponectin level and diabetes/pre-diabetes in the other two groups. Additionally, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that adiponectin could significantly improve the diagnosis based on models in the young-healthy group (from 0.640 to 0.675) and the obese group (from 0.714 to 0.761).

CONCLUSIONS

Increased adiponectin levels were associated with decreased risk of pre-diabetes in the young-healthy population, and with a decreased the risk of diabetes in the obese population. An increased adiponectin level is an independent protective factor for pre-diabetes and diabetes in a specific population in south China.

Deterioration of diabetic nephropathy via stimulating secretion of cytokines by atrial natriuretic peptide

BACKGROUND

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is a cardiovascular and metabolic hormone that has been identified recently as being associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) without diabetes. Cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and adiponectin (ADP) contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). The aim here was to investigate the relationships of ANP with cytokine levels and clinical variables in T2DM nephropathy patients.

METHODS

A total of 81 participants with T2DM were recruited, including 37 patients with normoalbuminuria, 23 patients with microalbuminuria and 21 patients with macroalbuminuria. Serum concentrations of ANP and cytokines were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. The correlations between ANP and clinical variables were analyzed. Multiple linear regression and logistic regression models were constructed to test the associations between ANP and the severity and presence of albuminuria.

RESULTS

The macroalbuminuria patients exhibited higher plasma levels of ANP, TNF-α, IL-6, and ADP; higher serum creatinine (Cr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN); and longer duration of diabetes mellitus (DM) than the patients with normoalbuminuria and microalbuminuria. Plasma ANP level was significantly associated with TNF-α (r = 0.876, p < 0.001), IL-6 (r = 0.816, p < 0.001) and ADP (r = 0.772, p < 0.001), independent of the duration of DM or the BUN concentration.

CONCLUSION

ANP is higher in type 2 diabetes mellitus nephropathy subjects, especially those who have macroalbuminuria, which is associated with compensatory responses to inflammation.

The value of adiponectin-resistin (AR) index in newly diagnosed obesity hypertension: a case control study among Chinese adult

OBJECTIVE

To explore the role of adiponectin-resistin (AR) index as a better indicator of obesity-related hypertension.

METHOD(S)

This study continued a case control study that had finished recruiting 153 subjects divided as four characteristic groups. Fasting serum resistin levels (FSR) and Fasting serum adiponectin levels (FSA) were tested by ELISA. And, other related anthropometric clinical and metabolic data were collected. Analyzation on correlations between research index and differences between groups were done by SPSS. AR index's performance was also validated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, the net reclassification improvement (NRI), and the integrated discrimination improvement (IDI).

RESULT(S)

The AR index was defined as 1+ log₁₀(R₀)-log₁₀(A₀). AUC of the AR index was 0.660 and NRI and IDI indicated AR index outperformed FSA alone. AR index statistically significantly negatively correlated with SB and DB and positively with ALB and SCR. AR index was statistically significantly different between the NH group and OH group and more specific than FSR alone as a biomarker of obesity-related hypertension.

CONCLUSION(S)

The AR index was more strongly associated with increased risk of obesity-related hypertension than the solely index of FSR or FSA and was useful for early diagnosis of obesity-related hypertension.

Association of Single Nucleotide Polymorphism LEP-R c.668A>G (p.Gln223Arg, rs1137101) of leptin receptor gene with endometrial cancer

Background

The aim of this study was to analyze the frequencies of genotypes and alleles of Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) LEP-R c.668A>G (p.Gln223Arg, rs1137101) of leptin receptor gene and to assess the influence this DNA marker has on endometrial cancer (EC) with respect to total body fat content.

Methods

The study comprised 120 patients treated for endometrial cancer and 90 controls treated for uterine fibroids. In total, 210 patients were included in this research. DNA was isolated from archival post-operative specimens. Polymerase Chain Reaction – Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism was employed to analyze the SNP.

Results

In this paper we have demonstrated that heterozygous genotype AG of SNP LEP-R c.668A>G (p.Gln223Arg, rs1137101) is statistically less frequent in women with endometrial cancer (EC) than in controls: 33 versus 57%, respectively. Similarly, this heterozygous genotype is statistically significantly less frequent in obese (BMI > 30) women with EC than in lean controls (BMI < 25): 30 versus 63%, respectively.

Conclusions

AG polymorphic variant of SNP LEP-R c.668A>G (p.Gln223Arg, rs1137101) in LEP-R may be considered a protective factor in the development of endometrial cancer.

Resistin is Associated with Inflammation and Renal Function, but not with Insulin Resistance in Type 2 Diabetes

The aim of the study was to investigate the association of adipokines (resistin, leptin and adiponectin) with obesity, insulin resistance (IR) and inflammation in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A total of 284 patients with T2DM were included. Concentrations of resistin, leptin, adiponectin, and inflammatory markers [high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and interleukin 6 (IL-6)] were measured and homeostatic model assessment for IR (HOMA-IR) index was calculated. Resistin correlated negatively with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and positively with hsCRP, TNF-α, IL-6, and white blood cell count (WBC). Leptin correlated positively with HOMA-IR, whereas adiponectin correlated negatively. Leptin also correlated positively with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, IL-6, WBC and negatively with eGFR. Adiponectin correlated negatively with waist circumference, WBC, and eGFR. Multivariate logistic regression indicated lower eGFR and higher WBC and IL-6 as independent predictive factors of resistin concentration above the upper quartile (CAQ3), whereas female sex and higher BMI and HOMA-IR of leptin CAQ3, and lower HOMA-IR and older age of adiponectin CAQ3. In conclusion, in contrast to leptin and adiponectin, in T2DM patients, resistin is not associated with BMI and IR, but with inflammation and worse kidney function.

Silencing circANKRD36 inhibits streptozotocin-induced insulin resistance and inflammation in diabetic rats by targeting miR-145 via XBP1

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is defined as a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia, which results from a deficiency in insulin secretion and/or insulin action. In diabetic patients, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is in the majority. We explored the effects of circANKRD36 on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced insulin resistance and inflammation in diabetic rats with the aim of uncovering the underlying mechanism.

METHODS

STZ was used to induce the in vivo T2DM rat model. After circANKRD36 interference, blood glucose, insulin and adiponectin were respectively detected. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling assay (TUNEL) were conducted to examine inflammation and apoptosis in T2DM rats, and western blot was used for detecting apoptosis-related proteins. The binding relationships among circANKRD36, miR-145 and XBP1 were examined by luciferase reporter assay.

RESULTS

Results showed that circANKRD36 was expressed at a high level in T2DM rats, while silencing circANKRD36 led to decreased blood glucose and insulin, accompanied by increased adiponectin level, and ameliorating insulin resistance. Silencing circANKRD36 alleviated the inflammation and suppressed cell apoptosis in the pancreatic tissues of T2DM rats, which was abated by miR-145 inhibitor. The binding of miR-145 to XBP1 was then confirmed. Additionally, miR-145 inhibitor increased the level of XBP1 in T2DM rats, which was decreased in the presence of circANKRD36 silencing.

CONCLUSION

This study is the first to prove that silencing circANKRD36 inhibits STZ-induced insulin resistance and inflammation in diabetic rats by targeting miR- 145 via XBP1. The results warrant the importance of circRNAs as drug target and thereby pave way for the development of newer therapeutic measures for T2DM.

Leptin and Obesity: Role and Clinical Implication

The peptide hormone leptin regulates food intake, body mass, and reproductive function and plays a role in fetal growth, proinflammatory immune responses, angiogenesis and lipolysis. Leptin is a product of the obese (ob) gene and, following synthesis and secretion from fat cells in white adipose tissue, binds to and activates its cognate receptor, the leptin receptor (LEP-R). LEP-R distribution facilitates leptin's pleiotropic effects, playing a crucial role in regulating body mass via a negative feedback mechanism between adipose tissue and the hypothalamus. Leptin resistance is characterized by reduced satiety, over-consumption of nutrients, and increased total body mass. Often this leads to obesity, which reduces the effectiveness of using exogenous leptin as a therapeutic agent. Thus, combining leptin therapies with leptin sensitizers may help overcome such resistance and, consequently, obesity. This review examines recent data obtained from human and animal studies related to leptin, its role in obesity, and its usefulness in obesity treatment.

Abnormal food timing and predisposition to weight gain: Role of barrier dysfunction and microbiota

Obesity has become a common rising health care problem, especially in "modern" societies. Obesity is considered a low-grade systemic inflammation, partly linked to leaky gut. Circadian rhythm disruption, a common habit in modern life, has been reported to cause gut barrier impairment. Abnormal time of eating, defined by eating close to or during rest time, is shown to cause circadian rhythm disruption. Here, using a non-obesogenic diet, we found that abnormal feeding time facilitated weight gain and induced metabolic dysregulation in mice. The effect of abnormal time of eating was associated with increased gut permeability, estimated by sucralose and/or lactulose ratio and disrupted intestinal barrier marker. Analysis of gut microbiota and their metabolites, as important regulators of barrier homeostasis, revealed that abnormal food timing reduced relative abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria, and the colonic butyrate level. Overall, our data supported that dysbiosis was characterized by increased intestinal permeability and decreased beneficial barrier butyrate-producing bacteria and/or metabolite to mechanistically link the time of eating to obesity. This data provides basis for noninvasive microbial-targeted interventions to improve intestinal barrier function as new opportunities for combating circadian rhythm disruption induced metabolic dysfunction.

Sex differences in insulin resistance, but not peripheral neuropathy, in a diet-induced prediabetes mouse model

Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is a common complication of prediabetes and diabetes and is an increasing problem worldwide. Existing PN treatments rely solely on glycemic control, which is effective in type 1 but not type 2 diabetes. Sex differences in response to anti-diabetic drugs further complicate the identification of effective PN therapies. Preclinical research has been primarily carried out in males, highlighting the need for increased sex consideration in PN models. We previously reported PN sex dimorphism in obese leptin-deficient ob/ob mice. This genetic model is inherently limited, however, owing to leptin's role in metabolism. Therefore, the current study goal was to examine PN and insulin resistance in male and female C57BL6/J mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD), an established murine model of human prediabetes lacking genetic mutations. HFD mice of both sexes underwent longitudinal phenotyping and exhibited expected metabolic and PN dysfunction compared to standard diet (SD)-fed animals. Hindpaw thermal latencies to heat were shorter in HFD females versus HFD males, as well as SD females versus males. Compared to HFD males, female HFD mice exhibited delayed insulin resistance, yet still developed the same trajectory of nerve conduction deficits and intraepidermal nerve fiber density loss. Subtle differences in adipokine levels were also noted by sex and obesity status. Collectively, our results indicate that although females retain early insulin sensitivity upon HFD challenge, this does not protect them from developing the same degree of PN as their male counterparts. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.

Obesity-Associated Inflammation: Does Curcumin Exert a Beneficial Role?

Curcumin is a lipophilic polyphenol, isolated from the plant turmeric of Curcuma longa. Curcuma longa has always been used in traditional medicine in Asian countries because it is believed to have numerous health benefits. Nowadays it is widely used as spice component and in emerging nutraceutical food worldwide. Numerous studies have shown that curcumin possesses, among others, potential anti-inflammatory properties. Obesity represents a main risk factor for several chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and some types of cancer. The establishment of a low-grade chronic inflammation, both systemically and locally in adipose tissue, occurring in obesity most likely represents a main factor in the pathogenesis of chronic diseases. The molecular mechanisms responsible for the onset of the obesity-associated inflammation are different from those involved in the classic inflammatory response caused by infections and involves different signaling pathways. The inflammatory process in obese people is triggered by an inadequate intake of nutrients that produces quantitative and qualitative alterations of adipose tissue lipid content, as well as of various molecules that act as endogenous ligands to activate immune cells. In particular, dysfunctional adipocytes secrete inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, the adipocytokines, able to recruit immune cells into adipose tissue, amplifying the inflammatory response also at systemic level. This review summarizes the most recent studies focused at elucidating the molecular targets of curcumin activity responsible for its anti-inflammatory properties in obesity-associated inflammation and related pathologies.

Dermal Drivers of Injury-Induced Inflammation: Contribution of Adipocytes and Fibroblasts

Irregular inflammatory responses are a major contributor to tissue dysfunction and inefficient repair. Skin has proven to be a powerful model to study mechanisms that regulate inflammation. In particular, skin wound healing is dependent on a rapid, robust immune response and subsequent dampening of inflammatory signaling. While injury-induced inflammation has historically been attributed to keratinocytes and immune cells, a vast body of evidence supports the ability of non-immune cells to coordinate inflammation in numerous tissues and diseases. In this review, we concentrate on the active participation of tissue-resident adipocytes and fibroblasts in pro-inflammatory signaling after injury, and how altered cellular communication from these cells can contribute to irregular inflammation associated with aberrant wound healing. Furthering our understanding of how tissue-resident mesenchymal cells contribute to inflammation will likely reveal new targets that can be manipulated to regulate inflammation and repair.

Plasma Lipocalin-2 and Adiponectin are Affected by Obesity Rather Than Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus per se

PURPOSE

Changes in plasma adipocytokines and inflammatory markers in type 2 DM remain controversial as to whether they are due to obesity or directly associated with the diabetic state. Our objective was to study the effect of obesity and diabetes on plasma lipocalin-2 (LCN2), adiponectin, and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) by comparing their levels in non-diabetic obese subjects and non-obese type 2 DM patients, as well as determining the association of these adipocytokines with metabolic syndrome factors and diabetic parameters.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this study, 85 Yemeni male volunteers aged 30-60 years old were enrolled, 25 of whom were healthy subjects with BMI < 25 kg/m² served as control; 30 non-diabetic obese subjects (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² and FBG < 6.1 mmol/l); and 30 non-obese type 2 DM patients (BMI < 25 kg/m² and FBG > 7 mmol/l).

RESULTS

Lipocalin-2 and adiponectin were significantly (p = 0.043 and p = 0.034) lower in non-diabetic obese subjects by 16.2% and 29.7% with respect to control group, with no effect in the non-obese type 2 DM patients. Moreover, LCN2 was significantly (p = 0.04) lower in the non-diabetic obese subjects by 15.8% as compared with the non-obese type 2 DM patients, with no significant difference in adiponectin levels. In contrast, serum IL-1β was significantly (p = 0.001 and p = 0.003) higher in both non-diabetic obese subjects and the non-obese type 2 DM patients by 76.5% and 67.7% as compared to control group. The significant decrease in both LCN2 and adiponectin and the significant increase in IL-1β in the non-diabetic obese subjects disappeared upon adjustment for waist circumference (WC). In contrast, the significant increase in IL-1β in the non-obese Type 2 DM patients was not affected upon adjustment for WC.

CONCLUSION

Plasma LCN2 and adiponectin were not affected by diabetes per se, suggesting that the observed changes in LCN2 and adiponectin in type 2 DM may be due to obesity rather than the diabetic state, whereas IL-1β levels were affected by both obesity and diabetes.

The Association Between Insulin Resistance, Leptin, and Resistin and Diabetic Nephropathy in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients with Different Body Mass Indexes

AIM

This study aimed to compare HOMA-IR, leptin, and resistin as the risk factors for diabetic nephropathy in the type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with different BMI classifications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 309 patients with T2DM were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. All participants were divided into three groups according to BMI: the normal weight group (18.5 kg/m²≤BMI<24 kg/m²), the overweight group (24kg/m²≤BMI<28 kg/m²) and the obesity group (BMI≥28 kg/m²). The clinical information and laboratory examinations were recorded in detail. Leptin and resistin levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

Higher HOMA-IR, leptin and resistin levels were found to be the risk factors for diabetic nephropathy when we made comparisons in the total population (P<0.05). In the normal weight group, logistic regression analysis showed that T2DM patients with higher HOMA-IR (OR=4.210, P=0.001), leptin (OR=2.474, P=0.031) and resistin levels (OR=8.299, P<0.001) had nearly 4-fold, 2-fold and 8-fold risk for diabetic nephropathy, respectively, after adjustments. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves indicated that the area under the curves (AUCs) of HOMA-IR and resistin were 0.699 (95% CI 0.617-0.772) and 0.790 (95% CI 0.715-0.854), respectively, which were significantly larger than the AUC of 0.5 (all P<0.001). However, no significant association was observed between HOMA-IR, leptin, and resistin and renal complications (all P>0.05) in the overweight and obesity groups in both logistic regression and AUC analysis.

CONCLUSION

Higher insulin resistance, leptin and resistin levels were observed as risk factors for diabetic nephropathy in T2DM patients with lower BMI. These were not obvious in the overweight and obese patients.

Combination of Endogenous Estradiol and Adipokine Leptin in Breast Cancer Risk and Prognosis Assessment in Postmenopausal Chinese Women

OBJECTIVE

Our study aims to clarify the role of estradiol and leptin in breast cancer risk and prognostic assessment in postmenopausal Chinese women.

DESIGN

The serum circulating estradiol and leptin level was detected by ELISA. Then the correlation between estradiol, leptin level, and clinical characteristics was analyzed using Fisher's exact test. Next, the Kaplan-Meier model was used to analyze the association between estradiol, leptin, and prognosis of postmenopausal breast cancer patients in our cohort and the TCGA dataset.

SETTING

The study was conducted at the National Cancer Center, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Peking Union Medical College.

PATIENTS

A total of 182 postmenopausal breast cancer patients and 111 healthy subjects from January 2010 to August 2010 were included in the analysis. Another 702 cases with breast cancer were retrieved from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database for subsequent analysis.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Serum circulating estradiol and leptin level.

RESULTS

The level of estradiol was significantly higher (P<0.001) but the level of leptin had no significant difference (P = 0.764) in postmenopausal breast cancer patients compared with healthy subjects. The level of estradiol and leptin was not significantly different between estrogen receptor (ER) positive and ER-negative groups (P>0.05). Estradiol was significantly correlated with tumor T stage (P = 0.002) and leptin was significantly associated with perineural invasion (P = 0.014). In addition, the disease-free survival of patients with a high level of estradiol was significantly shorter (P = 0.025) but leptin tended to be a protective factor for overall survival in TCGA analysis (P = 0.038).

CONCLUSION

Circulating estradiol and leptin played important roles in the risk of postmenopausal breast cancer even in low-estrogen nations with an independent expression of ER status. High circulating estradiol was a poor prognostic factor and leptin may be a protection signal in Chinese postmenopausal patients with breast cancer.

Association of adipocytokines with lipid and glycemic profiles in women with normal weight obesity

BACKGROUND

Individuals with normal weight obesity (NWO) are predisposed to having cardiometabolic disorders. This study aims to investigate the circulating levels of vaspin, leptin and their association with glycemic and lipid profiles in women with NWO.

METHODS

Forty women with body mass index (BMI) = 18.5-24.9 kg/m2 and fat mass (FM) ≥ 30% were assigned in the NWO group. Thirty age-matched women with identical BMI range, and FM < 30% (normal weight non-obese; NWNO) were considered as a control group. In addition to anthropometric measurements, glycemic and lipid profiles and circulating levels of leptin and vaspin were measured.

RESULTS

The mean ± standard deviation (SD) age of participants was 28.76 ± 4.76 years in the NWO group and 29.23 ± 4.50 years in the control group. The NWO group had the higher mean serum levels of insulin (9.02 ± 4.75 vs. 6.24 ± 2.51, P = 0.009), leptin (17.31 ± 8.10 vs. 9.94 ± 4.30, P < 0.001) and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (33.77 ± 20.71 vs. 23.48 ± 10.03, P = 0.009) compared to the NWNO group. The serum level of vaspin was higher in the NWO group compared to the control group (34.82 pg/ml vs. 27.72 pg/ml, respectively, P = 0.12). In NWO group, the serum levels of leptin had positive correlation with FBS (r = 0.45, P = 0.02), insulin (r = 0.51, P = 0.008), and HOMA-IR (r = 0.46, P = 0.02) and vaspin concentration was associated with insulin (r = 0.36, P = 0.02) and HOMA-IR (r = 0.30, P = 0.06), positively.

CONCLUSION

It is concluded that the concentration of insulin and HOMA-IR index were significantly higher in women with NWO compared to NWNO. Higher concentrations of leptin and vaspin in the NWO group were associated with glycemic profile.

Impact of malnutrition on systemic immune and metabolic profiles in type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND

While obesity and overweight status are firmly established risk factors for Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), a substantial proportion of diabetic individuals, especially in Africa and Asia, are often underweight or normal weight. However, very little is known about the immunological and metabolic profiles of these individuals.

METHODS

This study aimed to assess the relationship between malnutrition and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We examined a variety of analytes associated with the immunological and metabolic profiles of T2DM individuals with low (< 18.5 kg/m2) or normal (18.5-24.9 kg/m2) body mass index (BMI). To this end, we measured plasma levels of HbA1c, glucose, insulin, glucagon, adipocytokines and Type 1, Type 2, Type 17, pro-inflammatory and regulatory cytokines in T2DM individuals with low BMI (LBMI) or normal BMI (NBMI) with small sample size n = 44 in each group.

RESULTS

LBMI individuals exhibited significantly higher levels of HbA1c, random blood glucose, insulin and glucagon compared to NBMI individuals. Similarly, LBMI individuals exhibited significantly higher levels of adiponectin and adipsin and significantly lower levels of leptin in comparison to NBMI individuals. LBMI individuals also exhibited significantly lower levels of the Type 1, Type 2, Type 17, pro-inflammatory and regulatory cytokines in comparison to NBMI individuals. Finally, while the metabolic parameters exhibited a significant negative correlation with BMI, the immunological parameters exhibited a significant positive correlation with BMI.

CONCLUSIONS

Malnutrition is associated with a significant modulation of glycemic, hormonal and cytokine parameters in T2DM. Hence, the biochemical and immunological profiles of T2DM is significantly influenced by BMI.

Adipokines: New Potential Therapeutic Target for Obesity and Metabolic, Rheumatic, and Cardiovascular Diseases

Besides its role as an energy storage organ, adipose tissue can be viewed as a dynamic and complex endocrine organ, which produces and secretes several adipokines, including hormones, cytokines, extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, and growth and vasoactive factors. A wide body of evidence showed that adipokines play a critical role in various biological and physiological functions, among which feeding modulation, inflammatory and immune function, glucose and lipid metabolism, and blood pressure control. The aim of this review is to summarize the effects of several adipokines, including leptin, diponectin, resistin, chemerin, lipocalin-2 (LCN2), vaspin, omentin, follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1), secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC), secreted frizzled-related protein 5 (SFRP5), C1q/TNF-related proteins (CTRPs), family with sequence similarity to 19 member A5 (FAM19A5), wingless-type inducible signaling pathway protein-1 (WISP1), progranulin (PGRN), nesfatin-1 (nesfatin), visfatin/PBEF/NAMPT, apelin, retinol binding protein 4 (RPB4), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) in the regulation of insulin resistance and vascular function, as well as many aspects of inflammation and immunity and their potential role in managing obesity-associated diseases, including metabolic, osteoarticular, and cardiovascular diseases.

Serum adipokines as non-invasive biomarkers in Crohn's disease

Adipose tissue secretes molecules that can promote activity in Crohn’s disease. We aimed to evaluate the role of serum adipokines as possible biomarkers in Crohn’s disease. Serum samples were obtained from 40 patients with endoscopically active or quiescent Crohn’s disease and 36 healthy controls. Serum leptin, ghrelin, resistin and adiponectin levels were analysed by Multiplex in a Luminex 200 system technology. Receiver Operating Characteristic curves were performed to evaluate the adipokines discriminatory capacity. A logistic regression adjusted by possible confounders (i.e. gender, age, BMI) was performed for those adipokines that showed an area under the curve > 0.7. No differences were found in age, gender or BMI among groups. Distribution for serum resistin was different among the three groups of study, and only this adipokine showed an area under the curve of 0.75 comparing actives patients and healthy control groups. Resistin median concentration was selected as a cut-off for a logistic regression analysis; odds ratio along its 95% confidence interval adjusted by gender, age, and BMI yielded a value of 5.46 (1.34–22.14) comparing actives patients and healthy controls. High concentration of serum resistin is probably associated to activity, being this association independent of gender, age or BMI.

Leptin concentrations in type 2 diabetes and non-diabetes Nigerian-Africans

Most studies on leptin in diabetes mellitus (DM) compared to healthy controls were done in Caucasians, with conflicting findings. Paucity of data on this exists in Nigerian-Africans. Therefore, the study determined plasma leptin concentrations in newly diagnosed type-2 diabetes versus controls and its relation to obesity/demographic-metabolic indices. A cross-sectional comparative study on 154 subjects: 67 diabetes and 87 healthy controls at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. Leptin was determined by the sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Mann-Whitney U test, Spearman's Correlation and Step-wise Multiple Logistic Regression analysis of Log-transformed variables determined outcomes. Leptin trended towards lower levels in DM subjects than controls when both sexes were combined, though insignificant (P=0.12). Leptin was significantly (P<0.001) positively correlated with waist circumference (WC) and body mass index (BMI) in DM (WC, r=0.71; BMI, r=0.84) as well as controls (WC, r=0.46, BMI, r=0.51), respectively. Leptin was significantly (P<0.001) higher in females than males, with approximately 2 times Odds of female sex association with log-transformed (Ln₁₀) hyperleptinaemia {Odds Ratio (OR): 1.9, 95% CI, 0.97-3.92, P<0.001}. Age was positively (r=0.21, P=0.05) correlated to leptin in controls, while fasting blood glucose (FBG) negatively correlated to uncontrolled DM (r=-0.26). Leptin showed no significant (P>0.05) correlation to fasting insulin (FI) and HOMA-IR. WC was an independent predictor of Ln₁₀hyperleptinaemia in DM subjects (OR: 1.12, 95% CI, 1.03-1.23, P=0.01). BMI showed significant (P<0.001) association with Ln₁₀hyperleptinaemia in both subjects. Conclusively, leptin trends towards lower levels but are not different in newly diagnosed DM than controls. The association of leptin with obesity is similar but stronger in diabetes than controls, with no relations to FI and HOMA-IR. WC and BMI are independent predictors of hyperleptinaemia.

Preoperative Level of Leptin Can Be a Predictor of Glycemic Control for Patients with Diabetes Undergoing Bariatric Surgery

INTRODUCTION

Bariatric surgery is a first-line treatment for patients with obesity and diabetes. It is uncertain whether leptin has an influence on glycemia in the postoperative period.

METHODS

A cohort study of thirty-eight individuals with obesity and diabetes who underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass was undertaken. The levels of leptin, glucose, and glycosylated hemoglobin were verified in the preoperative period and in the first and third postoperative months.

RESULTS

The majority of patients were women (81.6%), and the mean age was 47.3 years (SD 8.8). The mean BMI was reduced by 17.75% (from 47.3 to 38.9 kg/m²) and the mean glycemia by 26.76%. Preoperative leptin had a moderate positive correlation with glucose level at the third month (Pearson r = 0.46, P = 0.02), but not with HbA1c. Patients with leptin above 27.34 ng/mL had a higher glucose level at the end of observation (101.9 versus 88.9, t test, P = 0.042).

CONCLUSION

The search for factors that influence diabetes control after bariatric surgery is of major importance in clinical practice. Our study reported a level of leptin that can predict the prognosis of glycemic control after the intervention. This finding still needs to be validated and confirmed in other populations.