Adipo/cytokines in atherosclerotic secretomes: increased visfatin levels in unstable carotid plaque

Biomolecules of Adipose Tissue in Atherosclerotic Plaques of Men With Coronary Atherosclerosis

AIM

To study metabolic molecules (adiponectin, adipsin, resistin, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), glucagon, secretin) of adipose tissue in atherosclerotic plaques (AP) and their associations with AP instability in men with coronary atherosclerosis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Metabolic molecules (adipocytokines and metabolic hormones) of adipose tissue can act as enzymes, hormones or growth factors in modulating insulin resistance and lipid and glucose metabolism and indirectly influence the course of the atherosclerotic process. This study included 48 men from whom 139 coronary artery (CA) samples were collected during coronary artery bypass grafting, after obtaining the informed consent. According to the histological conclusion, 84 (60.4%) CA plaques were stable, 44 (31.7%) were unstable, and 11 histological samples had a conditionally unchanged CA intima (7.9%). The concentrations of adiponectin, adipsin, resistin, GLP-1, glucagon, and secretin were measured in AP homogenates by multiplex analysis using the Human Metabolic Hormone V3 panel (MILLIPLEX, Germany). During the study, demographic and anthropometric characteristics, medical history, and presence of chronic diseases were recorded.

RESULTS

The glucagon concentration in the conditionally unchanged intima was 16.7% lower and in the fragments of unstable atherosclerotic plaques 41.2% lower than in fragments of stable APs. However, the glucagon concentration in stable APs was 28% higher than in unstable APs. The secretin concentration in the conditionally unchanged intima was also lower than in stable APs by 41.2%, while in stable APs, the secretin concentration was 20% higher than in unstable APs. The adiponectin concentrations were directly correlated with serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations (r=0.286; p=0.002), while the secretin concentrations were inversely correlated with serum HDL-C concentrations (r= -0.199; p=0.038). The probability of having an unstable AP (in relation to conditionally unchanged intima) increases by 35.8% with an increase in the AP glucagon concentration by 1 pg/mg protein. The probability of having a stable AP (in relation to unchanged intima) increases by 29.4% with an increase in the AP glucagon concentration by 1 pg/mg protein and by 10.1% with an increase in the AP secretin concentration by 1 pg/mg protein.

CONCLUSION

The AP adiponectin concentration directly correlates and the AP secretin concentration inversely correlates with the serum concentration of HDL-C. The presence of both stable and unstable APs is directly associated with the AP glucagon concentration in men with coronary atherosclerosis. The AP secretin concentration is directly associated with plaque stability in men with coronary atherosclerosis. Further thorough study of the identified markers in atherosclerotic lesions will allow using them as potential targets for therapy.

Extracellular nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase: role in disease pathophysiology and as a biomarker

Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) plays a central role in mammalian cell metabolism by contributing to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide biosynthesis. However, NAMPT activity is not limited to the intracellular compartment, as once secreted, the protein accomplishes diverse functions in the extracellular space. Extracellular NAMPT (eNAMPT, also called visfatin or pre-B-cell colony enhancing factor) has been shown to possess adipocytokine, pro-inflammatory, and pro-angiogenic activities. Numerous studies have reported the association between elevated levels of circulating eNAMPT and various inflammatory and metabolic disorders such as obesity, diabetes, atherosclerosis, arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, lung injury and cancer. In this review, we summarize the current state of knowledge on eNAMPT biology, proposed roles in disease pathogenesis, and its potential as a disease biomarker. We also briefly discuss the emerging therapeutic approaches for eNAMPT inhibition.

Prospects of potential adipokines as therapeutic agents in obesity-linked atherogenic dyslipidemia and insulin resistance

BACKGROUND

In normal circumstances, AT secretes anti-inflammatory adipokines (AAKs) which regulates lipid metabolism, insulin sensitivity, vascular hemostasis, and angiogenesis. However, during obesity AT dysfunction occurs and leads to microvascular imbalance and secretes several pro-inflammatory adipokines (PAKs), thereby favoring atherogenic dyslipidemia and insulin resistance. Literature suggests decreased levels of circulating AAKs and increased levels of PAKs in obesity-linked disorders. Importantly, AAKs have been reported to play a vital role in obesity-linked metabolic disorders mainly insulin resistance, type-2 diabetes mellitus and coronary heart diseases. Interestingly, AAKs counteract the microvascular imbalance in AT and exert cardioprotection via several signaling pathways such as PI3-AKT/PKB pathway. Although literature reviews have presented a number of investigations detailing specific pathways involved in obesity-linked disorders, literature concerning AT dysfunction and AAKs remains sketchy. In view of the above, in the present contribution an effort has been made to provide an insight on the AT dysfunction and role of AAKs in modulating the obesity and obesity-linked atherogenesis and insulin resistance.

MAIN BODY

"Obesity-linked insulin resistance", "obesity-linked cardiometabolic disease", "anti-inflammatory adipokines", "pro-inflammatory adipokines", "adipose tissue dysfunction" and "obesity-linked microvascular dysfunction" are the keywords used for searching article. Google scholar, Google, Pubmed and Scopus were used as search engines for the articles.

CONCLUSIONS

This review offers an overview on the pathophysiology of obesity, management of obesity-linked disorders, and areas in need of attention such as novel therapeutic adipokines and their possible future perspectives as therapeutic agents.

Macrophage Phenotyping in Atherosclerosis by Proteomics

Macrophages are heterogeneous and plastic cells, able to adapt their phenotype and functions to changes in the microenvironment. They are involved in several homeostatic processes and also in many human diseases, including atherosclerosis, where they participate in all the stages of the disease. For these reasons, macrophages have been studied extensively using different approaches, including proteomics. Proteomics, indeed, may be a powerful tool to better understand the behavior of these cells, and a careful analysis of the proteome of different macrophage phenotypes can help to better characterize the role of these phenotypes in atherosclerosis and provide a broad view of proteins that might potentially affect the course of the disease. In this review, we discuss the different proteomic techniques that have been used to delineate the proteomic profile of macrophage phenotypes and summarize some results that can help to elucidate the roles of macrophages and develop new strategies to counteract the progression of atherosclerosis and/or promote regression.

The association of serum visfatin in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A case-control study

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinopathy among women of reproductive age. Visfatin is an adipokine secreted by fat tissue and macrophages involved in regulating glucose homeostasis, adipose tissue inflammation, chronic systemic inflammation, cardiovascular disease and endothelial dysfunction. The study sample (100 patients) includes 50 PCOS women and 50 control matched for age and body mass index (BMI). The women with PCOS were divided into obese or overweighed according to BMI ≥ 25 Kg/m2 and non-obese BMI ≤ 25 Kg/m2. The control group was also divided into obese and non-obese. The results showed that serum visfatin was significantly increased in obese women with POCS compared to obese control (5.61 ± 1.27 ng/mL vs. 0.48 ±0.28 ng/mL) and in non-obese women with polycystic ovarian syndrome compared to non-obese control (5.22± 1.36 ng/mL vs. 0.33± 0.26 ng/mL). These findings might suggest that visfatin could play a role in pathogenesis and the long-term consequences of PCOS. Keywords: visfatin; polycystic ovarian syndrome; body mass index; obese women

Pathogenic mechanisms involving the interplay between adipose tissue and autoantibodies in Rheumatoid arthritis

We aimed to evaluate the association between adipose tissue (AT) dysfunction, autoimmunity, and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A cross-sectional study including 150 RA patients and 50 healthy donors and longitudinal study with 122 RA patients treated with anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, anti-interleukin 6 receptor (IL6R) or anti-CD20 therapies for 6 months were carried out. In vitro experiments with human AT and adipocyte and macrophage cell lines were performed. A collagen-induced arthritis mouse model was developed. The insulin resistance and the altered adipocytokine profile were associated with disease activity, the presence of anti-citrullinated proteins anti-bodies (ACPAs), and worse response to therapy in RA. AT in the context of arthritis is characterized by an inflammatory state alongside the infiltration of macrophages and B/plasmatic cells, where ACPAs can have a direct impact, inducing inflammation and insulin resistance in macrophages and promoting a defective adipocyte differentiation, partially restored by biologicals.

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IR is related to disease activity, inflammation, and autoimmunity in RA patients

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IR state and adipocytokines might be associated with a worse response to biologics

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Visfatin could be used as a potential biomarker of subclinical atherosclerosis

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ACPAs might directly impact adipose tissue

The Role of Perivascular Adipose Tissue-Derived Hydrogen Sulfide in the Control of Vascular Homeostasis

Significance: Emerging evidence suggests that perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) has a relevant role in the control of vascular tone in physiology and pathology. Healthy PVAT has anticontractile, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative actions. Accumulating data from both human and experimental animal models indicate that PVAT dysfunction is conceivably coupled to cardiovascular diseases, and it is associated with vascular inflammation, oxidative stress, and arterial remodeling. Therefore, "healthy" PVAT may constitute a novel therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Recent Advances: Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) has been recognized as a vascular anti-contractile factor released from PVAT. The enzymes deputed to H₂S biosynthesis are variously expressed in PVAT and strictly dependent on the vascular bed and species. Metabolic and cardiovascular diseases can alter the morphological and secretory characteristics of PVAT, influencing also the H₂S signaling. Here, we discuss the role of PVAT-derived H₂S in healthy conditions and its relevance in alterations occurring in vascular disorders. Critical Issues: We discuss how a better understanding may help in the prevention of vascular dysfunction related to alteration in PVAT-released H₂S as well as the importance of the interplay between PVAT and H₂S. Future Directions: We propose future directions to evaluate the contribution of each enzyme involved in H₂S biosynthesis and their alteration/switch occurring in vascular disorders and the remaining challenges in investigating the role of H₂S. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 37, 84-97.

Using Serum Biomarkers for Identifying Unstable Carotid Plaque: Update of Current Evidence

Carotid atherosclerosis is responsible for a great proportion of ischemic strokes. Early identification of unstable or vulnerable carotid plaques, and therefore, of patients at high risk for stroke, is of significant medical and socioeconomical value. We reviewed the current literature and discussed the potential role of the most important serum biomarkers in identifying patients with carotid atherosclerosis who are at high risk for atheroembolic stroke.

Blood Adipokins in Young People with Early Ischemic Heart Disease on the Background of Abdominal Obesity

Aim      To study blood adipokines spectrum in people aged 25-44 years with early ischemic heart disease (IHD), including that associated with abdominal obesity (AO).Material and methods  A cross-sectional study was performed on a random sample of the population aged 25-44 years in Novosibirsk. 1457 subjects (653 men, 804 women) were evaluated. This study included 123 people divided into four study subgroups: subgroup 1, with IHD associated with AO (n=24); subgroup 2, with IHD and without AO (n=25); subgroup 3, without IHD and with AO (n=44); and subgroup 4, without either IHD or AO (n=30). Concentrations of serum adipokines were measured simultaneously by multiplex assay with a Luminex MAGPIX flow fluorometer and by immune enzyme assay with a MULTISCAN analyzer.Results Subjects with early IHD had lower blood concentrations of adipsin and visfatin than subjects without IHD. Subjects with early IHD associated with AO had higher blood concentrations of adipsin, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, and leptin and lower concentrations of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and visfatin compared to subjects with early IHD and without AO. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that lower blood concentrations of MCP-1 were associated with a likelihood of early IHD.Conclusion      In young people aged 25-44 years, lower blood concentrations of MCP-1 were associated with a likelihood of early IHD, including that associated with AO.

Inflammatory Gene Expression in Neck Perivascular and Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue in Men With Carotid Stenosis

The inflammatory phenotype of neck adipose tissue (NAT) might reflect its involvement in the pathogenesis of carotid atherosclerosis. We investigated inflammatory gene expression in the subcutaneous and the perivascular (pericarotid) adipose tissue from patients with carotid stenosis (CS) undergoing endarterectomy and a control group of patients without significant carotid atherosclerosis undergoing thyroid surgery. Only male patients were included (n = 13 in each study group). Clinical and biochemical data along with serum leptin, adiponectin, and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) were collected. Adipose tissue samples were obtained from both the subcutaneous and pericarotid compartments. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to measure gene expression of macrophage markers and adipokines. The CS group had higher subcutaneous and pericarotid visfatin gene expression and higher pericarotid expression of MCP-1 and CD68 genes. The ratio between pericarotid CD206 and CD68 gene expression was similar between study groups. Adiponectin gene expression in both NAT compartments did not differ between groups, but it was negatively associated with body weight. These observations suggest that NAT, and especially the pericarotid compartment, express enhanced inflammatory properties in patients with CS, but the proportion of anti-inflammatory macrophages in advanced atherosclerosis seems to be maintained.

Visfatin: An emerging adipocytokine bridging the gap in the evolution of cardiovascular diseases

Visfatin/nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) is an adipokine expressed predominately in visceral fat tissues. High circulating levels of visfatin/NAMPT have been implicated in vascular remodeling, vascular inflammation, and atherosclerosis, all of which pose increased risks of cardiovascular events. In this context, increased levels of visfatin have been correlated with several upregulated pro-inflammatory mediators, such as IL-1, IL-1Ra, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α. Furthermore, visfatin is associated with leukocyte recruitment by endothelial cells and the production of adhesion molecules such as vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, intercellular cell adhesion molecule 1, and E-selectin, which are well known to mediate the progression of atherosclerosis. Moreover, diverse angiogenic factors have been found to mediate visfatin-induced angiogenesis. These include matrix metalloproteinases, vascular endothelial growth factor, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, and fibroblast growth factor 2. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the pro-inflammatory and angiogenic actions of visfatin, with a focus on the pertinent signaling pathways whose dysregulation contributes to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Most importantly, some hypotheses regarding the integration of the aforementioned factors with the plausible atherogenic effect of visfatin are put forth for consideration in future studies. The pharmacotherapeutic potential of modulating visfatin's roles could be important in the management of cardiovascular disease, which continues to be the leading cause of death worldwide.

Visfatin and 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 Levels Affect Coronary Collateral Circulation Development in Patients with Chronic Coronary Total Occlusion

Background: Coronary collateral circulation (CCC) plays a vital role in the myocardial blood supply, especially forischemic myocardium. Evidence suggests that the visfatin and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3] levels are related to the degree and incidence of vascular stenosis associated with coronary artery disease; however, few studies have evaluated the effect of visfatin and 25(OH)D3 on CCC development in patients with chronic total occlusion (CTO).This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the serum visfatin and 25(OH)D3 levels and CCC in patients with CTO.Methods: A total of 189 patients with CTO confirmed by coronary angiography were included. CCC was graded from 0 to 3 according to the Rentrop-Cohen classification. Patients with grade 0 or grade 1 collateral development were included in the poor CCC group (n = 82), whereas patients with grade 2 or grade 3 collateral development were included in the good CCC group (n = 107). The serum visfatin and 25(OH)D3 levels were measured by ELISA.Results: The visfatin level was significantly higher in the poor CCC group than in the good CCC group, and the 25(OH)D3 level was significantly lower in the poor CCC group than in the good CCC group (P = 0.000). Correlation analysis showed that the Rentrop grade was negatively correlated with the visfatin level (r = − 0.692, P = 0.000) but positively correlated with the 25(OH)D3 level (r = 0.635, P = 0.000). Logistic regression analysis showed that the visfatin and 25(OH)D3 levels were independent risk factors for CCC (odds ratio 1.597, 95% confidence interval 1.300–1.961, P = 0.000 and odds ratio 0.566, 95% confidence interval 0.444–0.722, P = 0.000, respectively). The visfatin and25(OH)D3 levels can effectively predict the CCC status.Conclusion: Serum visfatin and 25(OH)D3 levels are related to CCC development and are independent predictors of poor CCC.

PVAT targets VSMCs to regulate vascular remodelling: angel or demon

Vascular remodelling refers to abnormal changes in the structure and function of blood vessel walls caused by injury, and is the main pathological basis of cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, and pulmonary hypertension. Among them, the neointimal hyperplasia caused by abnormal proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) plays a key role in the pathogenesis of vascular remodelling. Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) can release vasoactive substances to target VSMCs and regulate the pathological process of vascular remodelling. Specifically, PVAT can promote the conversion of VSMCs phenotype from contraction to synthesis by secreting visfatin, leptin, and resistin, and participate in the development of vascular remodelling-related diseases. Conversely, it can also inhibit the growth of VSMCs by secreting adiponectin and omentin to prevent neointimal hyperplasia and alleviate vascular remodelling. Therefore, exploring and developing new drugs or other treatments that facilitate the beneficial effects of PVAT on VSMCs is a potential strategy for prevention or treatment of vascular remodelling-related cardiovascular diseases.

Visfatin and Rheumatoid Arthritis: Pathogenetic Implications and Clinical Utility

Objective:

Analysis and generalization of data related to visfatin involvement in the pathogenesis of inflammation at various stages of rheumatoid arthritis.

Data Synthesis:

Visfatin is an adipocytokine which has also been identified in non-adipose tissues. It influences directly on the maturation of B cells, which are involved in autoantibody production and T cell activation. Visfatin can promote inflammation via regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF, IL-1β and IL-6. The concentration of circulating visfatin in rheumatoid arthritis patients is higher compared to healthy individuals. Several studies suggest that visfatin level is associated with rheumatoid arthritis activity, and its elevation may precede clinical signs of the relapse. In murine collagen-induced arthritis, visfatin levels were also found to be elevated both in inflamed synovial cells and in joint vasculature. Visfatin blockers have been shown to confer fast and long-term attenuation of pathological processes; however, most of their effects are transient. Other factors responsible for hyperactivation of the immune system can participate in this process at a later stage. Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with a combination of these blockers and inhibitors of other mediators of inflammation can potentially improve treatment outcomes compared to current therapeutic strategies. Recent advances in the treatment of experimental arthritis in mice as well as the application of emerging treatment strategies obtained from oncology for rheumatoid arthritis management could be a source of novel adipokine-mediated anti-rheumatic drugs.

Conclusion:

The ongoing surge of interest in anticytokine therapy makes further study of visfatin highly relevant as it may serve as a base for innovational RA treatment.

Molecular signatures of atherosclerotic plaques: An up-dated panel of protein related markers

Atherosclerosis remains the leading cause of ischemic syndromes such as myocardial infarction or brain stroke, mainly promoted by plaque rupture and subsequent arterial blockade. Identification of vulnerable or high-risk plaques constitutes a major challenge, being necessary to identify patients at risk of occlusive events in order to provide them with appropriate therapies. Clinical imaging tools have allowed the identification of certain structural indicators of prone-rupture plaques, including a necrotic lipidic core, intimal and adventitial inflammation, extracellular matrix dysregulation, and smooth muscle cell depletion and micro-calcification. Additionally, alternative approaches focused on identifying molecular biomarkers of atherosclerosis have also been applied. Among them, proteomics has provided numerous protein markers currently investigated in clinical practice. In this regard, it is quite uncertain that a single molecule can describe plaque rupture, due to the complexity of the process itself. Therefore, it should be more accurate to consider a set of markers to define plaques at risk. Herein, we propose a selection of 76 proteins, from classical inflammatory to recently related markers, all of them identified in at least two proteomic studies analyzing unstable atherosclerotic plaques. Such panel could be used as a prognostic signature of plaque instability.

The Role of Secretory Activity Molecules of Visceral Adipocytes in Abdominal Obesity in the Development of Cardiovascular Disease: A Review

Adipose tissue is considered one of the endocrine organs in the body because of its ability to synthesize and release a large number of hormones, cytokines, and growth and vasoactive factors that influence a variety of physiological and pathophysiological processes, such as vascular tone, inflammation, vascular smooth muscle cell migration, endothelial function, and vascular redox state. Moreover, genetic factors substantially contribute to the risk of obesity. Research into the biochemical effects of molecules secreted by visceral adipocytes as well as their molecular genetic characteristics is actively conducted around the world mostly in relation to pathologies of the cardiovascular system, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes mellitus. Adipokines could be developed into biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic targets in different diseases. This review describes the relevance of secretory activity molecules of visceral adipocytes in cardiovascular disease associated abdominal obesity.

Association between serum visfatin levels and atherosclerotic plaque in patients with type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND

Visfatin is a multifaceted protein that plays an important role in regulating a variety of physiological and pathological processes, including obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. However, circulating visfatin levels in atherosclerosis plaque progression in patients with type 2 diabetes, or its association with the vascular territory affected remain unclear.

METHODS

We evaluated the relationship between visfatin levels and carotid or femoral artery atherosclerosis in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes. Serum levels of visfatin were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 97 inpatients with type 2 diabetes. Carotid and/or femoral atherosclerotic plaques were detected by B-mode ultrasound.

RESULTS

Serum visfatin levels were elevated in the group with atherosclerotic plaques compared to the control group without plaques [0.68 (0.46-1.58) versus 0.45 (0.23-0.76) ng/mL, respectively, P = 0.0002]. Patients with carotid plaques showed higher visfatin levels than those with or without femoral plaques. Pearson's correlation analysis showed that serum visfatin levels were positively correlated with waist circumference (r = 0.226, P = 0.029), waist-hip ratio (r = 0.221, P = 0.032), TG (r = 0.222, P = 0.030) and number of plaques (r = 0.275, P = 0.009). Logistic regression analysis showed that a higher serum visfatin level was an independent predictor for the presence of atherosclerotic plaques.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, among patients with T2DM, serum visfatin levels were elevated in those with atherosclerotic plaques, especially in patients with carotid atherosclerotic plaques. Serum visfatin may serve as a predictor of atherosclerotic plaques in patients with T2DM.

Targeted metabolomic approach in men with carotid plaque

Background

The aim of the study was to analyse the presence of several metabolites related to atherosclerosis in the plasma of patients with unstable carotid plaque and in the plasma of healthy subjects.

Materials and methods

We included 20 patients who had undergone carotid endarterectomy and 20 healthy subjects as a control group. All the subjects recruited were male. We used a metabolomic approach with liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry to evaluate plasma metabolite levels in the metabolic pathway involved in the progression of atherosclerotic plaque.

Results

We observed that circulating levels of 20-HETE were significantly higher in patients with atheroma plaque than in healthy subjects (p = 0.018). No differences were found with regard to the other metabolites analysed. We also conducted a random forest analysis and found that 20-HETE was the main differentiator in the list of selected metabolites. In addition, plasma levels of 20-HETE correlated positively with body mass index (r = 0.427, p = 0.007) and diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.365, p = 0.028).

Conclusion

This study confirms that of all the molecules studied only 20-HETE is related to carotid plaque. Further studies are needed to compare patients with stable carotid plaque vs. patients with unstable carotid plaque in order to confirm that 20-HETE could be a potential factor related to carotid plaque.

Suppressive effects of berberine on atherosclerosis via downregulating visfatin expression and attenuating visfatin-induced endothelial dysfunction

Berberine (BBR) possesses significant anti-atherosclerosis properties. Visfatin is one of the most promising biomarkers of incoming atherosclerosis. However, research on the effect of BBR on regulating visfatin expression in atherogenesis remains largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of BBR on visfatin expression and atherogenesis in apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE-/-) mice. The effect of BBR on attenuating visfatin-induced endothelial dysfunction was also evaluated in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). In vivo experiments showed that BBR treatment (5 mg/kg/day) significantly reduced the serum levels of visfatin, lipid, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), the protein expression of visfatin, p-p38 MAPK and p-c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in mice aorta and the distribution of visfatin in the atherosclerotic lesions in ApoE-/- mice fed with a Western diet. In addition, in vitro experiments indicated that visfatin (100 µg/l) significantly increased apoptosis, the contents of IL-6 and TNF-α, the protein levels of p-p38 MAPK, p-JNK and Bax in HUVECs, which were reversed by BBR administration (50 µmol/l). Our findings suggest that BBR significantly ameliorates Western diet-induced atherosclerosis in ApoE-/- mice via downregulating visfatin expression, which is related to the inhibition of p38 MAPK and JNK signaling pathways and subsequent suppression of visfatin-induced endothelial dysfunction.

Omentin-1 is Associated with Carotid Plaque Instability among Ischemic Stroke Patients

Aims: Omentin-1 was proved to be associated with ischemic stroke clinical functional outcome. It also predicted carotid atherosclerosis among metabolic syndrome subjects and type 2 diabetes patients. Our aim was to examine the association of omentin-1 levels with carotid plaque instability and stenosis degree among ischemic stroke patients.

Methods: A total of 173 acute ischemic stroke patients were included in this study. Serum omentin-1 levels were assayed. Carotid ultrasound examinations were performed to evaluate the carotid plaque instability and stenosis degree. Multivariable logistic analyses were used to examine the association of serum omentin-1 levels with carotid plaque instability and stenosis degree.

Results: Ischemic stroke patients with unstable carotid plaque had significantly lower levels of serum omentin-1 than patients with stable plaque (53 [40.2–64.1] vs 61.8 [52.4–77.2] ng/ml, P < 0.01). Subjects in the highest tertile of serum omentin-1 levels had a 0.31-fold risk of having unstable plaque compared with those in the lowest tertile (P < 0.05), and its trend test was significant (P for trend = 0.03). The integrated discrimination improvement was significantly improved in predicting carotid plaque instability when omentin-1 data was added to the multivariable logistic regression model. No significant association was detected between omentin-1 and moderate-severe carotid stenosis or occlusion.

Conclusions: Among ischemic stroke patients, higher omentin-1 levels were inversely associated with carotid plaque instability, but not associated with moderate-severe carotid stenosis or occlusion. Omentin-1 may represent a biomarker for predicting carotid plaque instability of acute ischemic stroke patients.