Relationship between resistin and aPAI-1 levels with insulin resistance in Saudi children

Levels of angiotensin peptides in healthy and cardiovascular/renal-diseased paediatric population-an investigative review

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) plays a major role in the regulation of blood pressure and homeostasis. Therefore, it is a commonly used target for pharmacotherapy of cardiovascular diseases in adults. However, the efficacy of this pharmacotherapy can only be limitedly derived into children. Comprehensive knowledge of the humoral parameters acting in the paediatric RAAS (e.g. angiotensin I, angiotensin II, angiotensin 1-7, angiotensin III, and angiotensin IV) might facilitate a more effective and rational pharmacotherapy in children. Therefore, this review aims to provide an overview of the maturing RAAS. Out of 925 identified records, 35 publications were classified as relevant. Physiological and pathophysiological concentrations of angiotensin peptides were compiled and categorised according to European Medicines Agency age groups. Age has a major impact on circulating angiotensin I, angiotensin II, and angiotensin 1-7, which is reflected in an age-dependent decrease during childhood. In contrast to data obtained in adults, no gender-related differences in angiotensin levels were identified. The observed increase in peptide concentrations regarding cardiac- and renal-diseased children is influenced by surgical repair, while evidence for a pharmacological impact is conflicting. A comprehensive set of angiotensin I, angiotensin II, and angiotensin 1-7 values from neonates up to adolescents was compiled. Indicating age as a strong effector. However, evidence about potential promising targets of the RAAS like angiotensin III and angiotensin IV is still lacking in children.

Assessment of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 in obese Egyptian children

Background

Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) is mainly produced in the liver and in the adipose tissue. Normal fibrin clearance mechanisms were found to be affected by high plasma PAI-1 levels and thus increases risk of thrombosis. The aim of the current study was to expound the childhood obesity effect on circulating PAI-1 and interpret the relation of PAI-1 to metabolic syndrome. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 43 obese children following in the Children Hospital and compared to 44 healthy sex- and age-matched controls. All recruited cohort are subjected to anthropometric measurements: weight, height, BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, and skin fold thickness (biceps, triceps, and subscapular), and laboratory investigations in the form of lipid profile, fasting blood sugar, fasting insulin, insulin resistance estimated by HOMA-IR, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1.

Results

The level of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 in the obese group was significantly higher than that in the control group (47.98 ± 17.42 vs. 28.00 ± 11.35 respectively). PAI-1 showed positive significant correlation to anthropometric measurements: BMI (p = 0.000), weight (p = 0.000), biceps skin fold thickness (p = 0.04), triceps skin fold thickness (p = 0.4), and subscapular skin fold thickness (p = 0.04). Also, a significant positive correlation was found between PAI-1 and systolic (p = 0.000) and diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.04). Positive correlations were found between PAI-1 and cholesterol (p = 0.000), triglycerides (p = 0.02), LDL-c (p = 0.000), insulin (p = 0.000), and HOMA-IR (r = 0.5, p = 0.02).

Conclusion

Fat mass accumulation is related to high PAI-1 levels, which might in turn contribute to cardiovascular risk. Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 is a good predictive test for metabolic syndrome in obese children.

Insulin resistance: a significant risk factor of endometrial cancer

OBJECTIVE

To review the role played by insulin resistance in the development of endometrial cancer.

METHODS

Relevant manuscripts and studies were searched on Medline using the terms endometrial cancer, insulin resistance, obesity, adipokine, C-peptide, leptin, adiponectin, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, insulin, PI3K/Akt, Ras/MAPK and metformin alone or in combination.

RESULTS

Epidemiological studies have shown that insulin resistance is an important potential risk factor of endometrial cancer, and several research studies have been undertaken to determine the mechanism underlying its link to this malignant disease. Risk factors of insulin resistance, such as the inflammatory mediators, adipokines adiponectin, leptin and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and excessive androgen are also risk factors of endometrial cancer. High levels of insulin induced by insulin resistance have been found to exert direct and indirect effects that contribute to the development of endometrial cancer. Insulin directly promotes cell proliferation and survival through the PI3K/Akt and Ras/MAPK pathways. Moreover, the network among insulin, estrogen and insulin-like growth factor-1 also contributes to the development of endometrial cancer. Indirectly, insulin leads to changes in sex hormone levels, including increases in the levels of estrogen. Additionally, a small number of studies suggested that metformin, an insulin-sensitizing agent, has therapeutic potential for endometrial cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

This evidence suggests that insulin resistance plays a central role in endometrial cancer development. Understanding the relationship between insulin resistance and endometrial cancer may supply new ideas to fight this malignancy. Furthermore, combating insulin resistance may be a useful preventive and therapeutic strategy for endometrial cancer.