An Update to the WISP-1/CCN4 Role in Obesity, Insulin Resistance and Diabetes

Integrated lipid metabolomics and proteomics analysis reveal the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome

BACKGROUND

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrinological and metabolic disorder that can lead to female infertility. Lipid metabolomics and proteomics are the new disciplines in systems biology aimed to discover metabolic pathway changes in diseases and diagnosis of biomarkers. This study aims to reveal the features of PCOS to explore its pathogenesis at the protein and metabolic level.

METHODS

We collected follicular fluid samples and granulosa cells of women with PCOS and normal women who underwent in vitro fertilization(IVF) and embryo transfer were recruited. The samples were for the lipidomic study and the proteomic study based on the latest metabolomics and proteomics research platform.

RESULTS

Lipid metabolomic analysis revealed abnormal metabolism of glycerides, glycerophospholipids, and sphingomyelin in the FF of PCOS. Differential lipids were strongly linked with the rate of high-quality embryos. In total, 144 differentially expressed proteins were screened in ovarian granulosa cells in women with PCOS compared to controls. Go functional enrichment analysis showed that differential proteins were associated with blood coagulation and lead to follicular development disorders.

CONCLUSION

The results showed that the differential lipid metabolites and proteins in PCOS were closely related to follicle quality,which can be potential biomarkers for oocyte maturation and ART outcomes.

CCN3/NOV serum levels in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients and its correlation with TNF-α and IL-6

INTRODUCTION

Dysregulation in the secretion of adipokines or adipocytokines plays a significant role in triggering a pro-inflammatory state, leading to endothelial dysfunction and insulin resistance, and ultimately elevating the risk of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease (CAD). Previous studies have shown a link between NOV/CCN3 (an adipokine) and obesity, insulin resistance, and inflammation. However, no research has explored the relationship between CCN3 serum levels and CAD. Therefore, we conducted the first investigation to examine the correlation between CCN3 and CAD risk factors in patients.

METHODS

In a case-control study, we measured the serum levels of CCN3, IL-6, adiponectin, and TNF-α in 88 angiography-confirmed CAD patients and 88 control individuals using ELISA kits. Additionally, we used an auto analyzer and commercial kits to measure the biochemical parameters.

RESULTS

In patients with CAD, the serum levels of CCN3, TNF-α, and IL-6 were significantly higher compared to the control group, whereas lower levels of adiponectin were observed in the CAD group (P < 0.0001). A positive correlation was found between CCN3 and IL-6 and TNF-α in the CAD group ([r = 0.38, P < 0.0001], [r = 0.39, P < 0.0001], respectively). A binary logistic regression analysis showed the risk of CAD in the model adjusted (OR [95% CI] = 1.29 [1.19 - 1.41]), (P < 0.0001). We determined a cut-off value of CCN3 (3169.6 pg/mL) to distinguish CAD patients from the control group, with good sensitivity and specificity obtained for this finding (83.8% and 87.5%, respectively).

CONCLUSION

This study provides evidence of a positive association between CCN3 serum levels and CAD, as well as inflammation markers such as IL-6 and TNF-α. These findings suggest that CCN3 may serve as a potential biomarker for CAD, and further investigations are necessary to validate this association and explore its potential use in clinical settings.

Role of Matricellular CCN Proteins in Skeletal Muscle: Focus on CCN2/CTGF and Its Regulation by Vasoactive Peptides

The Cellular Communication Network (CCN) family of matricellular proteins comprises six proteins that share conserved structural features and play numerous biological roles. These proteins can interact with several receptors or soluble proteins, regulating cell signaling pathways in various tissues under physiological and pathological conditions. In the skeletal muscle of mammals, most of the six CCN family members are expressed during embryonic development or in adulthood. Their roles during the adult stage are related to the regulation of muscle mass and regeneration, maintaining vascularization, and the modulation of skeletal muscle fibrosis. This work reviews the CCNs proteins' role in skeletal muscle physiology and disease, focusing on skeletal muscle fibrosis and its regulation by Connective Tissue Growth factor (CCN2/CTGF). Furthermore, we review evidence on the modulation of fibrosis and CCN2/CTGF by the renin-angiotensin system and the kallikrein-kinin system of vasoactive peptides.