Serum Chemerin Levels are Associated with Visceral Adiposity, Independent of Waist Circumference, in Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetic Subjects

Divergence of Chemerin Reduction by an ATS9R Nanoparticle Targeting Adipose Tissue In Vitro vs. In Vivo in the Rat

Nanoparticles (NPs) can enable delivery of a drug to a targeted tissue. Previous studies have shown that an NP utilizing an adipose targeting sequence (ATS) peptide in conjunction with a drug can selectively deliver the drug to mouse adipose tissues, using the prohibitin protein expressed in adipose tissue as the target of the ATS. Adipose tissue is a major source of the adipokine chemerin, a prohypertensive protein. Liver-derived chemerin, the largest source of circulating chemerin, is biologically inactive in blood pressure regulation. Our goal is to understand if chemerin produced in adipose tissue contributes to blood pressure/hypertension. We hypothesize the ATS drug delivery system could be used specifically to reduce the levels of adipose tissue-derived chemerin. We created an NP consisting of an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) against chemerin and a FITC-labeled ATS with a nine arginine sequence (ATS9R). In vitro studies showed that the ASO is functional when incorporated into an NP with ATS9R as it reduced chemerin mRNA expression in isolated epidydimal (Epi) and retroperitoneal (RP) fat adipocytes from Dahl SS rats. This same NP reduced chemerin in isolated whole fats. However, this NP was unable to selectively deliver the ASO to adipose tissue in vivo; liver delivery was dominant. Varying NP doses, administration route, and the concentration of components constituting the NP showed no improvement in ASO delivery to fats vs. the liver. Further studies are therefore needed to develop the ATS9R system to deliver an ASO to adipose beds in rats.

Thromboinflammatory Processes at the Nexus of Metabolic Dysfunction and Prostate Cancer: The Emerging Role of Periprostatic Adipose Tissue

Simple Summary

As overweight and obesity increase among the population worldwide, a parallel increase in the number of individuals diagnosed with prostate cancer was observed. There appears to be a relationship between both diseases where the increase in the mass of fat tissue can lead to inflammation. Such a state of inflammation could produce many factors that increase the aggressiveness of prostate cancer, especially if this inflammation occurred in the fat stores adjacent to the prostate. Another important observation that links obesity, fat tissue inflammation, and prostate cancer is the increased production of blood clotting factors. In this article, we attempt to explain the role of these latter factors in the effect of increased body weight on the progression of prostate cancer and propose new ways of treatment that act by affecting how these clotting factors work.

Abstract

The increased global prevalence of metabolic disorders including obesity, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and diabetes is mirrored by an increased incidence of prostate cancer (PCa). Ample evidence suggests that these metabolic disorders, being characterized by adipose tissue (AT) expansion and inflammation, not only present as risk factors for the development of PCa, but also drive its increased aggressiveness, enhanced progression, and metastasis. Despite the emerging molecular mechanisms linking AT dysfunction to the various hallmarks of PCa, thromboinflammatory processes implicated in the crosstalk between these diseases have not been thoroughly investigated. This is of particular importance as both diseases present states of hypercoagulability. Accumulating evidence implicates tissue factor, thrombin, and active factor X as well as other players of the coagulation cascade in the pathophysiological processes driving cancer development and progression. In this regard, it becomes pivotal to elucidate the thromboinflammatory processes occurring in the periprostatic adipose tissue (PPAT), a fundamental microenvironmental niche of the prostate. Here, we highlight key findings linking thromboinflammation and the pleiotropic effects of coagulation factors and their inhibitors in metabolic diseases, PCa, and their crosstalk. We also propose several novel therapeutic targets and therapeutic interventions possibly modulating the interaction between these pathological states.

Role of Chemerin/ChemR23 axis as an emerging therapeutic perspective on obesity-related vascular dysfunction

Sufficient epidemiological investigations demonstrate that there is a close correlation between obesity and vascular dysfunction. Nevertheless, specific mechanisms underlying this link remain currently unclear. Given the crucial and decisive role of vascular dysfunction in multitudinous diseases, various hypotheses had been proposed and numerous experiments were being carried out. One recognized view is that increased adipokine secretion following the expanded mass of white adipose tissue due to obesity contributes to the regulation of vascular function. Chemerin, as a neo-adipokine, whose systemic level is elevated in obesity, is believed as a regulator of adipogenesis, inflammation, and vascular dysfunction via binding its cell surface receptor, chemR23. Hence, this review aims to focus on the up-to-date proof on chemerin/chemR23 axis-relevant signaling pathways, emphasize the multifarious impacts of chemerin/chemR23 axis on vascular function regulation, raise certain unsettled questions to inspire further investigations, and explore the therapeutic possibilities targeting chemerin/chemR23.

Role of chemerin in the control of glucose homeostasis

Chemerin is an adipokine produced by the white adipose tissue and other tissues, which plays various roles in the pathogenesis of inflammatory and metabolic diseases in multiple organs. The present review aims at gathering scientific evidence reported in the last ten years, concerning the relationship of chemerin with alterations of glycaemic control, such as insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes in humans. Although the vast majority of the studies have shown a positive correlation between the chemerin level and a bad glycaemic control, a general consensus has not been reached. The reported results come from case-control and observational longitudinal studies, thereby limiting their interpretation. In fact, it cannot be stated whether insulin resistance and diabetes lead to an increase in chemerin levels or, on the contrary, if high levels of chemerin contribute to an impaired glycaemic control. Elevated levels of circulating chemerin are also associated with gestational diabetes mellitus. Chemerin gene polymorphisms could be proposed as mediators of glucose-related diseases. Nevertheless, to date very little is known about their implication in glucose metabolism. With regard to the mechanisms of action, chemerin impairs insulin cascade signaling by acting on several proteins of this cascade and by inducing inflammation.

The Association of Serum Circulating Neuropeptide Q and Chemerin Levels with Cardiometabolic Risk Factors among Patients with Metabolic Syndrome

The potential involvement of neuropeptide Q (NPQ) and chemerin (CHEM) in metabolic disorders is yet to be fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum concentrations of NPQ and CHEM and to establish their relationship with cardiometabolic risk factors among individuals with metabolic syndrome. A total of 66 patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and 83 healthy volunteers (non-MetS) underwent biochemical, blood pressure, and anthropometric measurements. The concentration of NPQ in the MetS group was significantly lower (0.47 (0.34 ; 0.54) vs. 0.52 (0.43 ; 0.60) ng/mL, p = 0.015) than in non-MetS, while there were no differences in CHEM level. In the entire study population, we observed several negative correlations between NPQ concentration and waist-hip ratio (WHR), visceral adipose tissue, diastolic blood pressure (DBP), triglycerides (TG) along with a positive correlation with high-density lipoprotein (HDL), total muscle mass, and CHEM. Moreover, a negative correlation was observed in the MetS group between NPQ and glycemia. CHEM showed no significant correlations with cardiometabolic risk factors in the study population. In a multiple regression model, the total muscle mass proved to be an independent factor determining NPQ concentration in the population (p < 0.00000001, R²_adj = 28.6%). NPQ seems to protect against metabolic disorders correlated with obesity. Thus, it is worth considering NPQ level as a candidate protective biomarker of metabolic syndrome complications.

Analysis of an Indian diabetes prevention programme on association of adipokines and a hepatokine with incident diabetes

To study the association and possible predictive role of visfatin, resistin, fetuin-A and chemerin with incident type 2 diabetes (T2DM) among Asian Indians with prediabetes. Their association with insulin resistance, β-cell function, glycaemia and anthropometry were also studied. This is a nested case-control study of a large 2-year prospective prevention trial in persons at high risk of developing T2DM. Baseline HbA1c values between 6.0% (42 mmol/mol) and 6.2% (44 mmol/mol) were chosen for this analysis (n = 144). At follow-up, persons with incident T2DM (HbA1c ≥ 6.5%, 48 mmol/mol) were grouped as cases (n = 72) and those reverted to normoglycaemia, (HbA1c < 5.7% (39 mmol/mol) as controls (n = 72). Insulin resistance showed the strongest association with incident T2DM ((Odds Ratio (OR): 23.22 [95%CI 6.36-84.77]; p < 0.0001). Baseline visfatin (OR: 6.56 [95%CI 2.21-19.5]; p < 0.001) and fetuin-A (OR: 1.01 [95%CI (1.01-1.04)]; p < 0.0001) independently contributed to the conversion of prediabetes to T2DM. The contribution was significantly higher when their elevated levels coexisted (OR: 12.63 [95%CI 3.57-44.63]; p < 0.0001). The area under the curve was 0.77 ± SE 0.4 (95%CI 0.69-0.85) and 0.80 ± SE 0.04 (95%CI 0.73-0.88) for visfatin (median 17.7 ng/ml, sensitivity and specificity: 75%, p < 0.0001) and fetuin-A (mean 236.2 µg/ml, sensitivity: 71%, specificity: 75%, p < 0.0001) respectively. Higher baseline visfatin and fetuin-A concentrations are strongly associated with incident T2DM and are predictive of future diabetes.

The Comparison of Predictive Value Among Chemerin, IL-18 and Hormonal Parameters in Assessing the Risk of Metabolic Syndrome in Men

Chemerin (CHEM) is a new proinflammatory adipokine involved in the immune, metabolic and reproductive processes. Low-grade state inflammation (LGSI) is a key element in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome (MS). Low SHBG is a good marker of male hypogonadism in MS. This study evaluated the prognostic value of selected adipokine, LGSI, and androgenic parameters in predicting the risk of MS among men. One hundred thirty-two random men aged 40 to 70 years old were enrolled. Measurements of anthropometric indices, blood pressure, and laboratory tests were carried out. A total of 62 men (47%) were diagnosed with MS. Chemerin concentrations were higher in men diagnosed with MS compared to healthy: 89.48 (78.12-112.10) vs. 77.9 (65.12-98.64) ng/mL; p = .002. Men diagnosed with MS presented with lower levels of total testosterone: 5.75 (4.00-6.57) vs. 6.40 (5.50-8.40) ng/mL; p = .0014 and SHBG: 46.58 (35.13-66.28) vs. 71.97 (56.1-92.7) nM/L; p < 0.000001. Elevated LGSI indices were demonstrated in men with MS as opposed to healthy [IL-18: 530.64 (409.12-640.56) vs. 418.85 (348.14-496.44) pg/mL; p = .000033 and hs-CRP: 2.15 (0.97-4.26) vs. 1.01 (0.41-2.68) ng/mL; p = .0057)]. In multivariate regression analysis, the highest negative predictive value in assessing the risk of MS was SHBG serum concentration, while the highest positive predictive values were: IL-18, hypertriglyceridemia, and waist circumference. Decreased SHBG levels, combined with elevated IL-18 concentrations in men showing hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype, significantly increase the risk of MS.

Chemerin enhances the adhesion and migration of human endothelial progenitor cells and increases lipid accumulation in mice with atherosclerosis

Background

The role of adipokines in the development of atherosclerosis (AS) has received increasing attention in recent years. This study aimed to explore the effects of chemerin on the functions of human endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and to investigate its role in lipid accumulation in ApoE-knockout (ApoE−/−) mice.

Methods

EPCs were cultured and treated with chemerin together with the specific p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor SB 203580 in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Changes in migration, adhesion, proliferation and the apoptosis rate of EPCs were detected. ApoE−/− mice with high-fat diet-induced AS were treated with chemerin with or without SB 203580. Weights were recorded, lipid indicators were detected, and tissues sections were stained.

Results

The data showed that chemerin enhanced the adhesion and migration abilities of EPCs, and reduced the apoptosis ratio and that this effect might be mediated through the p38 MAPK pathway. Additionally, chemerin increased the instability of plaques. Compared with the control group and the inhibitor group, ApoE−/− mice treated with chemerin protein had more serious arterial stenosis, higher lipid contents in plaques and decreased collagen. Lipid accumulation in the liver and kidney and inflammation in the hepatic portal area were enhanced by treatment with chemerin, and the size of adipocytes also increased after chemerin treatment. In conclusion, chemerin can enhance the adhesion and migration abilities of human EPCs and reduce the apoptosis ratio. In animals, chemerin can increase lipid accumulation in atherosclerotic plaques and exacerbate plaques instability. At the same time, chemerin can cause abnormal lipid accumulation in the livers and kidneys of model animals. After specifically blocking the p38 MAPK pathway, the effect of chemerin was reduced.

Conclusions

In conclusion, this study showed that chemerin enhances the adhesion and migration abilities of EPCs and increases the instability of plaques and abnormal lipid accumulation in ApoE−/− mice. Furthermore, these effects might be mediated through the p38 MAPK pathway.

Associations of a Panel of Adipokines with Fat Deposits and Metabolic Phenotypes in a General Population

OBJECTIVE

This study provides a comprehensive overview of the associations of five adipokines (adiponectin, chemerin, galectin-3, leptin, and resistin) with fat deposits, behavioral risk factors, and metabolic phenotypes.

METHODS

Using multivariable linear and logistic regression models, cross-sectional data from 4,116 participants of the population-based Study of Health in Pomerania were analyzed.

RESULTS

Participants with obesity showed higher chemerin, galectin-3, and leptin but showed lower adiponectin concentrations. Independently of other fat compounds, liver fat content, visceral adipose tissue, and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) were inversely associated with adiponectin. Independent positive associations of liver fat content and SAT with chemerin as well as of SAT with galectin-3 and leptin were observed. Physically inactive participants had higher chemerin and leptin concentrations. Smokers had higher chemerin and galectin-3 as well as lower leptin. Alcohol consumption was associated with adiponectin (positive) and resistin (inverse). All adipokines were associated with at least one lipid marker. Associations with glucose metabolism were seen for adiponectin, chemerin, galectin-3, and leptin.

CONCLUSIONS

High adiponectin concentrations were related to favorable metabolic conditions, whereas high chemerin, galectin-3, and leptin were associated with an unfavorable metabolic profile. High leptin seems to be primarily indicative of obesity, whereas high adiponectin and chemerin are associated with a broader range of metabolic phenotypes.

Chemerin concentrations in infants born small for gestational age: correlations with triglycerides and parameters related to glucose homeostasis

Infants born small for gestational age (SGA) are known to have increased risk of developing several pathologies, including the metabolic syndrome, when they grow up. It has been described that both the growth pattern of these children as well as the risk of their presenting future metabolic disorders can be influenced by the expression of adipokines. Among them, chemerin has demonstrated to be implicated in lipid and glucose metabolism, presenting higher circulating concentration in diabetic and obese subjects. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze the association of anthropometric parameters and plasmatic biochemical parameters with circulating chemerin concentration in SGA children. This prospective, longitudinal study was carried out in plasma samples of Caucasian children born SGA at Hospital Universitario de Álava-Txagorritxu. Significant positive correlations were observed between chemerin concentrations at 3 months and insulin values at 3 months and also with triglyceride levels at 24 months. These associations were maintained after adjustment by anthropometric parameters. Therefore, we suggest that circulating chemerin concentration, measured at an early age, might be an indicator of future metabolic alterations in SGA children.

The associations among RARRES2 rs17173608 gene polymorphism, serum chemerin, and non-traditional lipid profile in patients with metabolic syndrome

Background

The adipokine chemerin retinoic acid receptor responder protein 2 (RARRES2) has been associated with insulin resistance, type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM), obesity, and metabolic syndrome (MetS). The impact of RARRES2 rs17173608 gene polymorphism on MetS and chemerin levels is not completely elucidated. This study included 100 patients with MetS and 68 healthy subjects (non-MetS group). The RARRES2 rs17173608 gene variant was analyzed by tetra amplification refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction (T-ARMS-PCR). Circulating chemerin levels were determined by ELISA. Serum urea, creatinine, fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, and traditional lipid profile were measured by colorimetric methods. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and non-traditional lipid parameters were calculated.

Results

Serum chemerin levels were significantly higher in MetS than in non-MetS subjects, type II diabetics (T2DM) than non-diabetics, and overweight compared to lean subjects, but it did not differ significantly between patients with and without hypertension. Strikingly, newly diagnosed diabetic patients had significantly higher serum chermerin levels. Correlation and multiple linear regression analysis showed that serum chemerin levels and non-traditional lipid parameters were correlated significantly with the clinical criteria of MetS. Genotyping and allelic frequency distribution of RARRES2 rs17173608 gene polymorphism showed its significant association with MetS. The TT genotype of RARRES2 rs17173608 SNP was more distributed in T2DM in comparison with non-diabetics, and it was associated significantly with higher serum chemerin and higher glycated hemoglobin levels. RARRES2 rs17173608 GG genotype and G allele frequency were less distributed in T2DM patients than in non-diabetic patients.

Conclusions

The RARRES2 rs17173608 SNP might have an impact on chemerin levels and lipid parameters. The GG genotype and G allele may have a protective role towards the risk of T2DM but not for MetS. Serum chemerin and non-traditional lipid profile are significantly associated with MetS.

Analysis of serum chemerin concentrations in psoriatic patients in relation to metabolic abnormalities

Introduction

Recent data depict psoriasis as a systemic disease with many comorbidities, especially metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases. Chemerin, an adipokine secreted by adipose tissue cells, may prove to be an important link between psoriasis and its comorbidities.

Aim

Assessment of serum concentrations of chemerin in patients with psoriasis and the healthy control group as well as evaluation of a possible correlation between adipokine concentrations and selected psoriasis severity indices and metabolic syndrome components.

Material and methods

One hundred and two patients with diagnosed psoriasis and 40 healthy volunteers were enrolled in the study. In all subjects, serum chemerin concentrations and selected metabolic syndrome components including lipid and glucose levels were determined. Psoriasis severity was assessed using the PASI and BSA indices.

Results

A higher concentration of chemerin was demonstrated in the group of psoriasis patients compared to the control group (p < 0.05). A positive correlation between chemerin concentration and C-reactive protein concentration (p = 0.001), body mass index (p = 0.031) and triglyceride concentration (p = 0.043) was found. An inverse correlation with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations (p = 0.015) was also noted. Significantly higher concentrations of chemerin were observed in psoriatic patients with elevated low-density lipoptotein (LDL) cholesterol levels in comparison with patients with normal LDL values (p = 0.032). Chemerin concentrations were also significantly higher in patients with both psoriasis and elevated glucose levels compared to patients with normal blood glucose values (p = 0.043).

Conclusions

The results obtained suggest a possible role of chemerin as an adipokine linking psoriasis with metabolic syndrome.

Different blood pressure responses in hypertensive rats following chemerin mRNA inhibition in dietary high fat compared to dietary high-salt conditions

Chemerin is a contractile adipokine, produced in liver and fat, and removal of the protein by antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) lowers blood pressure in the normal Sprague Dawley rat. In humans, chemerin is positively associated with blood pressure and obesity so we hypothesized that in a model of hypertension derived from high-fat (HF) feeding, the chemerin ASO would reduce blood pressure more than a high-salt (HS) model. Male Dahl S rats were given a HF (60% kcal fat; age 3-24 wk) or HS diet (4% salt; age 20-24 wk to match age and blood pressure of HF animals). Scrambled control, whole body, or liver-specific ASOs that knock down chemerin were delivered subcutaneously once per week for 4 wk with tissue and blood collected 2 days after the last injection. Conscious blood pressure was measured 24 h/day by radiotelemetry. By the end of whole body ASO administration, blood pressure of HF animals had fallen 29 ± 2 mmHg below baseline, while blood pressure of HS-diet animals fell by only 12 ± 4 mmHg below baseline. Administration of a liver-specific ASO to HF Dahl S resulted in a 6 ± 2 mmHg fall in blood pressure below baseline. Successful knockdown of chemerin in both the whole body and liver-specific administration was confirmed by Western and PCR. These results suggest that chemerin, not derived from liver but potentially from adipose tissue, is an important driver of hypertension associated with high fat. This knowledge could lead to the development of antihypertensive treatments specifically targeted to obesity-associated hypertension.

IRISIN AND CHEMERIN LEVELS IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS

Context

Changes in the secretion of signaling molecules that originates from adipose tissue and inflammation draw attention in the pathogenesis of type 2 DM. Chemerin, one of the signaling molecules of adipose origin, and irisin, defined as the Renaissance of the metabolism, are among these molecules.

Objectives

This cross-sectional study was planned in order to compare the values of serum irisin and chemerin levels in patients newly diagnosed with T2DM and in healthy subjects.

Subjects and Methods

The study included 41 patients newly diagnosed with T2DM and 49 healthy individuals. The chemistry parameters were analyzed with a biochemistry autoanalyzer, and hormonal parameters were analyzed with an immunoassay analyzer. Plasma irisin and chemerin levels were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method.

Results

There was a significant difference between the groups in terms of glucose, HbA1C, Insulin, HOMA-IR and lipid panel results. Irisin levels in the group of patients newly diagnosed with T2DM were lower than in the control group. Chemerin levels in the group of patients newly diagnosed with T2DM were higher than in the control group.

Conclusion

Consequently, diabetes-dependent changes in chemerin and irisin concentrations suggest that these two hormones have a role in the pathophysiology of DM. Further studies are required to understand the complex structure of the signaling pathways of chemerin and irisin molecules as well as the physiological importance of these molecules as metabolism regulators especially in humans.

Circulating chemerin levels and gestational diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Chemerin is a novel adipokine which is associated with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, recent investigations regarding circulating chemerin levels in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are conflicting. This meta-analysis is to evaluate and determine their associations.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science up to 13 December 2017. Pooled standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a random-effect model.

Results

Eleven studies comprising 742 GDM patients and 840 normal pregnant women were included. Circulating chemerin levels were increased in GDM patients compared with healthy pregnant women (SMD: 1.16; 95% CI: 0.29, 2.04; P = 0.009). Subgroup analyses revealed such difference was especially available in the groups of the second trimester (SMD: 1.47; 95% CI: 0.28, 2.67) and mean age < 30 years (SMD: 2.30; 95% CI: 0.69, 3.91) of GDM patients. There was significant heterogeneity among studies (I² = 98.0%, P < 0.001); however, heterogeneity disappeared or markedly decreased in the subgroups of European populations (I² = 0.0%, P = 0.531), age ≥ 30 years (I² = 28.2%, P = 0.223) and WHO diagnostic criteria (I² = 0.0%, P = 0.490) when stratifying by study location, trimester of chemerin measurement and the diagnostic criteria of GDM.

Conclusions

The elevated levels of circulating chemerin were associated with GDM, which suggests it might play an important role in the pathogenetic mechanism of GDM.

Low circulating chemerin levels correlate with hepatic dysfunction and increased mortality in decompensated liver cirrhosis

Nutritional status, infections, inflammation and extrahepatic organ dysfunction are critical factors for the progression of chronic liver disease. Chemerin is an immune-metabolically and chemotactically active adipokine and we hypothesized that it is associated with disease severity and prognosis in patients with advanced decompensated cirrhosis. Therefore, we measured serum concentrations of chemerin in a prospectively characterized cohort of 80 patients with decompensated cirrhosis and ascites and assessed the associations with markers of disease severity and short-term outcome at 28 days. In a subset of patients (n = 40), ascitic fluid chemerin was determined. Advanced liver disease was associated with decreased serum but not ascitic chemerin levels. Serum chemerin correlated with markers of hepatic function (total bilirubin, albumin, INR) and inversely correlated with indicators of portal hypertension (platelet count, gastrointestinal bleeding) but not with extrahepatic organ failure and systemic inflammation. Patients presenting with acute-on-chronic liver failure or infection did not exhibit altered serum or ascitic fluid chemerin concentrations. However, serum chemerin levels below 87 ng/ml predicted an increased risk for mortality or liver transplantation within 28 days independently of MELD and infections. We conclude that low serum chemerin is an independent adverse prognostic factor in patients with advanced decompensated cirrhosis.

Whole-Body but Not Hepatic Knockdown of Chemerin by Antisense Oligonucleotide Decreases Blood Pressure in Rats

Chemerin is an inflammatory adipokine positively associated with hypertension and obesity. The majority of chemerin derives from the liver and adipose tissue, however, their individual contributions to blood pressure are unknown. We began studying chemerin in the normal rat using antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) with whole-body activity (Gen 2.5 chemerin ASO) or liver-restricted activity (GalNAc chemerin ASO). We hypothesized that in normotensive male Sprague-Dawley rats, circulating chemerin is predominately liver-derived and regulates blood pressure. A dosing study of the Gen 2.5 chemerin ASO (with a scrambled control ASO) supported 25 mg/kg as the appropriate dose. GalNAc chemerin ASO was also assessed and used at 10 mg/kg. Radiotelemetry monitored mean arterial pressure (MAP) for a 1-week baseline and weekly subcutaneous ASO injections for 4 weeks. Two days after the final injection, animals were euthanized for tissue reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and chemerin Western analysis. Gen 2.5 chemerin ASO treatments reduced chemerin mRNA and protein in liver, retroperitoneal fat (RP), and mesenteric perivascular adipose tissue (mPVAT), as well as reducing protein in plasma. GalNAc chemerin ASO treatments reduced chemerin mRNA and protein in liver and chemerin protein in plasma but had no effect on expression in RP fat or mPVAT. Gen 2.5 chemerin ASO treatment reduced MAP compared with control ASO but was unchanged in animals receiving the GalNAc chemerin ASO. Although circulating chemerin is liver-derived, it does not play a major role in blood pressure regulation. Local effects of chemerin from fat may explain this discrepancy and support chemerin's association with hypertension and obesity.

Fructose Consumption in the Development of Obesity and the Effects of Different Protocols of Physical Exercise on the Hepatic Metabolism

Fructose consumption has been growing exponentially and, concomitant with this, the increase in the incidence of obesity and associated complications has followed the same behavior. Studies indicate that fructose may be a carbohydrate with greater obesogenic potential than other sugars. In this context, the liver seems to be a key organ for understanding the deleterious health effects promoted by fructose consumption. Fructose promotes complications in glucose metabolism, accumulation of triacylglycerol in the hepatocytes, and alterations in the lipid profile, which, associated with an inflammatory response and alterations in the redox state, will imply a systemic picture of insulin resistance. However, physical exercise has been indicated for the treatment of several chronic diseases. In this review, we show how each exercise protocol (aerobic, strength, or a combination of both) promote improvements in the obesogenic state created by fructose consumption as an improvement in the serum and liver lipid profile (high-density lipoprotein (HDL) increase and decrease triglyceride (TG) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels) and a reduction of markers of inflammation caused by an excess of fructose. Therefore, it is concluded that the practice of aerobic physical exercise, strength training, or a combination of both is essential for attenuating the complications developed by the consumption of fructose.

Adipokine Contribution to the Pathogenesis of Osteoarthritis

Recent studies have shown that overweight and obesity play an important role in the development of osteoarthritis (OA). However, joint overload is not the only risk factor in this disease. For instance, the presence of OA in non-weight-bearing joints such as the hand suggests that metabolic factors may also contribute to its pathogenesis. Recently, white adipose tissue (WAT) has been recognized not only as an energy reservoir but also as an important secretory organ of adipokines. In this regard, adipokines have been closely associated with obesity and also play an important role in bone and cartilage homeostasis. Furthermore, drugs such as rosuvastatin or rosiglitazone have demonstrated chondroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects in cartilage explants from patients with OA. Thus, it seems that adipokines are important factors linking obesity, adiposity, and inflammation in OA. In this review, we are focused on establishing the physiological mechanisms of adipokines on cartilage homeostasis and evaluating their role in the pathophysiology of OA based on evidence derived from experimental research as well as from clinical-epidemiological studies.

Controle metabólico e adesão medicamentosa em pessoas com diabetes mellitus

Resumo Objetivo Relacionar a adesão aos antidiabéticos orais e o controle metabólico de pessoas com Diabetes mellitus tipo 2. Métodos Estudo analítico, realizado com 201 participantes, de ambos os sexos, com idade acima dos 18 anos e diagnóstico de diabetes mellitus tipo 2, acompanhados em unidades básicas de saúde. Foram analisadas variáveis sociodemográficas, antropométricas, clínicas, relacionadas à adesão medicamentosa e ao controle metabólico. Para verificar a adesão à terapêutica medicamentosa utilizou-se o Teste de Morisky. Resultados Apenas 23,9% dos participantes foram considerados aderentes ao tratamento medicamentoso, e estes apresentaram, significativamente, melhores níveis de hemoglobina glicada (p=0,048), glicemia de jejum (p<0,001) e colesterol total (p=0,028). Conclusão Houve relação entre a adesão aos antidiabéticos orais e algumas variáveis do controle metabólico, como hemoglobina glicada, glicemia de jejum e colesterol total. Dessa forma, a adesão medicamentosa deve ser, cada vez mais, incentivada entre as pessoas com Diabetes mellitus.