Evaluation of seminal plasma levels of vaspin and visfatin in infertile males with elevated sperm DNA fragmentation index: a comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) can significantly impact male fertility, especially in cases where there is a substantial level of DNA damage. We aimed in the current study to assess seminal plasma (SP) levels of vaspin and visfatin in infertile men with an elevated SDF index (SDFI ≥ 30%) compared to infertile males with a normal SDFI (SDFI < 30%). RESULTS: Groups with good and medium DNA integrity exhibited significantly higher total motile sperm count and sperm motility in comparison to the group with poor DNA integrity. Significant negative correlations were noticed between SDF index (SDFI) and numerous semen parameters. Similarly, a significant negative correlation was observed between SDFI and SP vaspin. On the other hand, a significant positive correlation was found between SDFI and abnormal forms percentage. A statistically significant negative correlation was identified SP vaspin with age (r = -0.305, P = 0.006) and infertility duration (r = -0.263, P = 0.019). Statistically significant negative correlation was also identified between SP visfatin and abnormal forms percentage (r = -0.239, P = 0.034). The receiver operating characterisitic curve for predicting poor DNA integrity (SDFI ≥ 30%) revealed fair discriminative power for SP vaspin, with a cutoff value of < 0.55 ng/ml. It demonstrated a sensitivity of 58.8% and a specificity of 64.5% (area under the cureve (AUC) 0.685, p = 0.008). Meanwhile, SP visfatin had little discriminative power (AUC 0.562, p = 0.408). Finally, the results of a linear regression analysis indicated that sperm motility and SP vaspin were significant independent predictors of poor DNA integrity (SDFI ≥ 30%). The analysis was done with a 95% confidence interval and showed upper and lower bounds of -0.302 and -0.623, and -1.362 and -16.101, p < 0.001, p = 0.021, respectively. CONCLUSION: SP Level of vaspin had shown promise as potential biomarkers for sperm DNA integrity. However, vaspin appeared to have greater specificity than visfatin in this point. Future studies are required to validate these findings, evaluate the role of SP vaspin in maintaining sperm DNA integrity, and investigate the potential relationship between SP adipocytokines and other clinical-demographic variables.

RéSUMé: CONTEXTE: La fragmentation de l'ADN des spermatozoïdes (SDF) peut avoir un impact significatif sur la fertilité masculine. Dans cette étude, nous avons cherché à évaluer les niveaux de vaspine et de visfatine dans le plasma séminal (PS) chez les hommes infertiles présentant un indice SDF élevé (SDFI≥30%) par rapport aux hommes infertiles présentant un SDFI normal (SDFI <30%). RéSULTATS: Les patients dont l'intégrité de l'ADN spermatique était bonne ou moyenne présentaient un nombre total de spermatozoïdes mobiles et une mobilité significativement plus élevés par rapport au groupe dont l'intégrité de l'ADN était mauvaise. Des corrélations négatives significatives ont été observées entre l'indice SDF (SDFI) et plusieurs paramètres du sperme. De même, une corrélation négative significative a été observée entre le SDFI et le niveau de vaspin dans le PS. Par ailleurs, une corrélation positive significative a été trouvée entre le SDFI et le pourcentage de formes anormales. Une corrélation négative statistiquement significative a été identifiée entre le niveau de vaspin dans le PS et l'âge (r= -0,305, p=0,006) et la durée de l'infertilité (r= -0,263, p=0,019). Une corrélation négative statistiquement significative a également été identifiée entre le niveau de visfatine dans le PS et le pourcentage de formes anormales (r= -0,239, P=0,034). La courbe ROC prédit une mauvaise intégrité de l'ADN spermatique (sensibilité 58,8%, spécificité 64,5%, aire sous la courbe 0,685, p=0.008) lorsque la teneur en vaspine dans le PS est inférieure à 0,55 ng/ml. En revanche, la teneur du PS en visfatine s'est avérée avoir un faible pouvoir discriminant (AUC 0,562, p = 0,408). Enfin, les résultats d'une analyse de régression linéaire ont indiqué que la mobilité des spermatozoïdes et le niveau de  vaspine dans le PS étaient des prédicteurs indépendants significatifs d'une mauvaise intégrité (SDFI ≥ 30 %) de l'ADN spermatique. L'analyse a été réalisée avec un intervalle de confiance de 95 % et a montré des limites supérieures et inférieures de -0,302 et -0,623, et de -1,362 et -16,101, p<0,001, p=0,021, respectivement. CONCLUSION: Les niveaux de vaspin dans le PS se sont révélés prometteurs en tant que biomarqueurs potentiels de l'intégrité de l'ADN des spermatozoïdes. Toutefois, la vaspine semble avoir une plus grande spécificité que la visfatine sur ce point. De futures études sont nécessaires pour valider ces résultats, évaluer le rôle de la vaspine SP dans le maintien de l'intégrité de l'ADN des spermatozoïdes et étudier la relation potentielle entre les adipocytokines du plasma séminal et d'autres variables cliniques et démographiques.

Bariatric Surgery in Obesity: Metabolic Quality Analysis and Comparison of Surgical Options.

Obesity is a constantly growing health problem which reduces quality of life and life expectancy. Bariatric surgery (BS) for obesity is considered when all other conservative treatment modalities have failed. Comparison of the multidisciplinary programs with BS regarding to the weight loss showed that substantial and durable weight reduction have been achieved only with bariatric surgical treatments. Although laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is the most popular BS, it has high long-term failure rates, and it is claimed that one of every three patients will undergo another bariatric procedure within a 10-year period. Although BS provides weight loss and improvement of metabolic comorbidities, in long-term follow-up, weight gain is observed in half of the patients, while decrease in bone mass and nutritional deficiencies occur in up to 90%. Moreover, despite significant weight loss, several psychological aspects of patients are worsened in comparison to preoperative levels. Nearly one-fifth of postoperative patients with "Loss-of-eating control" meet food addiction criteria. Therefore, the benefits of weight loss following bariatric procedures alone are still debated in terms of the proinflammatory and metabolic profile of obesity.

Assessment of Serum Insulin and VASPIN Levels Among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients with or Without Obesity: A Cross-sectional Analytical Study.

Introduction: A collection of diverse conditions together referred to as diabetes mellitus frequently manifest as periods of hyperglycemia and glucose intolerance, which can be caused by insufficient insulin, improper insulin action, or both. A medical condition known as obesity is the accumulation of excess body fat to the point that it may be harmful to one's health. It has been determined that the adipokine vaspin (visceral adipose tissue-derived serpin A12) belongs to the family of serine protease inhibitors. Insulin, a polypeptide hormone, is released by the pancreatic beta cells. This hormone is both anti-catabolic and anabolic. Insulin decreases blood glucose levels by preventing its synthesis and encouraging its storage and use. Methodology: In total, 125 male and female participants of various ages participated in the current study. They included 25 healthy controls, 50 non-obese and 50 obese non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus patients, who visited the MDM Hospital's outpatient clinic in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Commercially available reagents and kits were utilized for the analysis of serum insulin and vaspin samples. Standard statistical tools were utilized to evaluate the parameters. Results and Discussion: When results were compared with healthy participants and non-obese NIDDM subjects, obese NIDDM subjects showed statistically significant higher fasting serum insulin and serum vaspin levels (P < 0.0001). Conclusion: Our study's conclusions demonstrated a strong correlation between blood insulin and vaspin levels and diabetes and obesity. Vaspin has a positive impact on insulin resistance, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. It also enhances glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, reducing diabetes complications. This novel biomarker has the potential to enhance diabetes mellitus outcomes by facilitating prompt diagnosis, improved management, and reduction of complications.

Progranulin and Vaspin as Potential Novel Markers in the Etiology of Type 1 Diabetes in Children.

Background and Objectives: Diabetes is a significant health problem, prompting the search for new therapeutic strategies. Recently, researchers have focused on identifying novel markers for the progression of this condition. It is well established that adipokines, such as progranulin and vaspin, play crucial roles in regulating lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. Materials and Methods: This single-center cross-sectional study aimed to assess serum progranulin and vaspin levels in 80 children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and to examine their correlation with body mass index (BMI), glycated hemoglobin, and lipid profile. The cohort included 40 children newly diagnosed with diabetes, 40 children with long-term diabetes (20 well-controlled and 20 poorly controlled), and 14 non-diabetic children as a control group. Progranulin and vaspin levels were determined using a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: There were no significant differences in the progranulin and vaspin concentrations in the studied groups (p = 0.246 and p = 0.095, respectively). No statistically significant differences were noted in the levels of both adipokines among boys and girls within the T1D, well-controlled T1D, and poorly controlled T1D groups. We did not find any differences in the progranulin and vaspin levels among all children with T1D and healthy controls when divided based on BMI percentiles. A negative correlation was observed between progranulin concentration and the age of children in the T1D, well-controlled T1D, and healthy groups. Furthermore, progranulin correlated negatively with BMI among children with T1D. In contrast, vaspin concentration correlated positively with age among healthy children. Conclusions: Our study provides novel insights into the status of progranulin and vaspin among pediatric participants with varying levels of type 1 diabetes control. However, further research involving larger patient cohorts and different stages of sexual maturation is warranted.

Serum Vitamin D and Vaspin Levels Among Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction and Their Association with Risk Factors.

Purpose: The current study investigated and compared serum levels of vitamin D (VD) and vaspin in AMI patients and healthy subjects and correlated these biomarkers with other biochemical risk factors for AMI. Patients and Methods: The research was carried out at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH) in Jeddah. Blood samples and additional information were gathered from 110 admitted AMI patients in the Intensive Coronary Care Unit (ICCU) (ages 40-65 years) and 50 adult, healthy volunteers whose BMI and age were similar to those of the patients. Results: AMI patients had significantly lower vaspin (p < 0.001) and VD levels (p < 0.001) than the control group. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were shown to be significantly different between AMI patients and controls. Among the AMI patients, 15 (13.6%) had deficient serum VD levels (≤20 ng/mL), 60 (54.5%) had insufficient levels (>20 - <30 ng/mL), and 35 (31.8%) had sufficient levels (≥30 ng/mL). In healthy subjects, VD levels were deficient in 4(8%), insufficient in 13 (26%), and sufficient in 33 (66%). VD insufficiency was more prevalent in AMI patients compared to the healthy group (54.5% vs 26%; p < 0.001). In AMI patients, serum vaspin was found to be related to age and HbA1c in the control group. VD did not show a significant correlation with any variable in AMI patients and healthy subjects. Serum vaspin (p = 0.89) and VD levels (p = 0.29) did not differ significantly between female and male control groups. Conclusion: Compared to the healthy group, AMI patients showed significantly lower vaspin and VD levels. Additionally, AMI patients had a higher prevalence of VD deficiency and insufficiency, suggesting its possible role in the occurrence of AMI.

NAMPT, IL-6, and vaspin gene expressions and serum protein levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus and related complication.

Background/aim: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is the most common type of diabetes and occurs due to insufficient insulin secretion or inability to use existing insulin and the effects of environmental factors. Although there are many studies on the pathophysiology of T2DM, the mechanisms contributing to the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction have not been completely elucidated. Some adipokines secreted from adipose tissue, which are the primary regulators of insulin resistance, affect immune and inflammatory functions. Altered adipokine profiles have been observed in obesity and T2DM, leading to severe metabolic risks and changes in insulin sensitivity. Materials and methods: This study used quantitative PCR and ELISA techniques to analyze samples from individuals without diabetes (control group) and with T2DM (macrovascular and microvascular complications and without complications) for at least 10 years. Results: The mRNA expression and protein levels of NAMPT, IL-6, and vaspin genes were determined. While there was no significant difference in NAMPT, IL-6, and vaspin mRNA expression levels between diabetic groups, there was a significant decrease between the patient and control groups (p < 0.001). For serum protein levels, NAMPT protein levels decreased significantly in the uncomplicated group, while IL-6 and vaspin protein levels increased significantly in both microvascular and macrovascular complication groups (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The correlations between gene expressions, clinical parameters, and protein levels are crucial to understanding the implications of the findings.

The role of adipokines in the pathogenesis of psoriasis - a focus on resistin, omentin-1 and vaspin.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated skin condition with several types of manifestation, including psoriatic arthritis. In recent years, studies have demonstrated multiple molecules and mechanisms that play important roles in the pathophysiology of psoriasis. Studies have been conducted to determine the role of adipokines, bioactive peptides secreted by the adipose tissue, in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases. These studies have shown that adipokines are dysregulated in psoriasis and their abnormal expression profile could contribute to the inflammatory mechanisms observed in psoriasis. AREAS COVERED: In this review, we discuss the immunomodulatory features of resistin, omentin-1, and vaspin, and discuss their potential involvement in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. EXPERT OPINION: The adipokines resistin, omentin, and vaspin appear to be promising therapeutic targets in psoriasis. It is important to seek to block the action of resistin, either by blocking its receptors or by blocking its systemic effects with antibodies. In the case of omentin and vaspin, substances that are receptor mimetics of these adipokines should be sought and studies conducted of their analogues for the treatment of psoriasis. To introduce these therapies into clinical practice, multicentre clinical trials are required to confirm their efficacy and safety after initial studies in animal models.

The in vitro mechanism of Vaspinregulates the proliferation and steroidogenesis of rat lutein cells.

OBJECTIVE: Stable luteal cell function is an important prerequisite for reproductive ability and embryonic development. However, luteal insufficiency seriously harms couples who have the desire to have a pregnancy, and the most important thing is that there is no complete solution. In addition, Vaspin has been shown to have regulatory effects on luteal cells, but the complex mechanisms involved have not been fully elucidated. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the effect of Vaspin on rat luteal cells and its mechanism. METHODS: Granulosa lutein cells separated from the ovary of female rats were incubated for 24h with gradient concentrations of Vaspin, and granulosa lutein cells incubated with 0.5% bovine serum albumin were used as controls. The proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2) were detected by CCK-8, Anneixn-FITC/PI staining, angiogenesis experiment and ELISA. Western blot was applied to observe the expression levels of proteins related to cell proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis and MEK/MAPK signaling pathway. RESULTS: Compared with the Control group, Vaspin could significantly up-regulate the proliferation of granulosa lutein cells and reduce the apoptosis. Moreover, Vaspin promoted the angiogenesis of granulosa lutein cells and the production of P4 and E2 in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, Vaspin up-regulated the CyclinD1, CyclinB1, Bcl2, VEGFA and FGF-2 expression in granulosa lutein cells, and down-regulated the level of Bax. Also, Vaspin increased the p-MEK1 and p-p38 levels. CONCLUSION: Vaspin can up-regulate the proliferation and steroidogenesis of rat luteal cells and reduce apoptosis, which may be related to the influence of MEK/MAPK activity.

The role of rs2236242 at SERPINA12 gene and vaspin level on papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Several studies showed that adipokines are associated with types of cancer which are documented to be effective in cancer biology. This study aimed to determine the relationship between vaspin rs2236242 polymorphism and the vaspin level with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), and multinodular goiter (MNG). In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 170 candidates. Ninety patients with newly diagnosed (PTC 60 patients and MNG 30 patients), and 80 participants as a control group referred to Shariati Hospital, Tehran, Iran, were enrolled in the study. The vaspin hormone measurements were conducted utilizing the Elisa Kit. Using Tetra amplification resistant-mutation system polymerase chain reaction (T-ARMS-PCR), the genotype of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs2236242 was determined. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software version 20. Our findings showed significant age and genotype frequency differences in three groups (p-value < 0.05). There was no significant difference in vaspin levels between PTC, and control groups. The level of vaspin in MNG compared to the control group had significantly different, but there were no differences after adjustment for age. Results showed the genotypes of vaspin rs2236242 polymorphism are not associated with the level of vaspin. The genotypes and allele frequencies of vaspin rs2236242 in the PTC and MNG groups were significant compared to the control group. We have found vaspin rs2236242 gene polymorphism as a potential marker of papillary thyroid cancer. The A allele of the vaspin SNP rs2236242 plays a protective role against PTC and MNG. SNP at rs2236242 was not significantly associated with vaspin levels.

Vaspin facilitates the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether visceral adipose tissue-derived serine protease inhibitor (vaspin) can alleviate the inhibitory effect of high-glucose (HG) culture on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) and to preliminarily explore the underlying mechanisms. BACKGROUND: High glucose produces damage to the regeneration of periodontal tissue of PDLSCs. The expression level of vaspin in periodontal tissue is high in periodontitis patients and effectively reduced after initial therapy of periodontal diseases. However, the effect of vaspin on PDLSCs remains unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PDLSCs were cultured in media augmented with 5.5 or 25.0 mM concentrations of glucose to elucidate the impact and mechanism of vaspin on PDLSCs under high glucose in vitro. Proliferation was measured by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assay. Osteogenesis of PDLSCs was assessed by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, ALP activity, and Alizarin Red staining. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot (WB) were used to investigate the osteo-specific markers. Then, the molecular impact of vaspin in the presence/absence of HG on PDLSCs physiology was determined with TGF-ß1/Smad signaling pathway as the main focus. RESULTS: It was revealed that the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation (OD) of PDLSCs under HG was reduced, and by adding vaspin the anti-osteogenic impact of HG was relieved. Moreover, vaspin enhanced TGF-ß1/Smad signaling pathway activity. Pretreatment with TGF-ß1 inhibitor blocked vaspin-triggered TGF-ß1/Smad signal activation and minimized the vaspin-induced protective effect against HG-inhibited growth and OD. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, vaspin observably reduces HG-mediated inhibition of PDLSCs OD by modulating the TGF-ß1/Smad signaling pathway. Vaspin may be a potential therapeutic for periodontal tissue regeneration in diabetic patients.

Adipokine vaspin maintains angiogenesis and neurological function during cerebral ischemia-reperfusion via suppressing endoplasmic reticulum stress.

INTRODUCTION: Visceral adipose tissue-derived serine protease inhibitor (vaspin) is an adipokine. It has been reported that decreased serum vaspin levels are significantly associated with stroke severity and prognosis. OBJECTIVE: This article aims to explore the theoretical feasibility of vaspin supplementation for cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. METHODS: The I/R mouse models were constructed by the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) method, and the effects of vaspin on cerebral infarction, neurological function, angiogenesis and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress were explored. To verify the mediation of ER stress in the regulation of vaspin, human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) were subjected to ER stress agonist tunicamycin in vitro. The impacts of vaspin and tunicamycin on oxygen glucose deprivation/ recovery (OGD/R)-induced cell viability, apoptosis, and angiogenesis were examined. RESULTS: Vaspin inhibited blood-brain barrier breakdown and infarction occurred in the brain tissue of the I/R mice. Vaspin also enhanced cerebral neovascularization and reduced the apoptosis. Additional tunicamycin increased the apoptosis of HBMECs and inhibited angiogenesis, reversing the protective effect of vaspin on cells. CONCLUSION: Together, this study reveals that vaspin supplementation reduces cerebral infarction and works against neurological dysfunction. It maintains the survival and angiogenesis capacity of HBMECs by inhibiting ER stress.

A Mediterranean Eating Pattern Combining Energy and Time-Restricted Eating Improves Vaspin and Omentin Concentrations Compared to Intermittent Fasting in Overweight Individuals.

Athonian Orthodox fasting (AOF) is characterized by energy- and time-restricted eating (TRE) and is based on the Mediterranean diet. We aimed to investigate the impact of AOF compared to another TRE model on vaspin, omentin, nesfatin, and visfatin levels. We included 25 individuals (mean age 50.3 ± 8.6 years, 24% men) who practiced AOF and abstained from animal products, with the exception of seafood and fish. This group adopted a 12 h eating interval (08.00 to 20.00). In total, 12 participants (mean age 47.7 ± 8.7 years, 33.3% men) who practiced 16:8 TRE (eating from 09:00 to 17:00) and were allowed to consume meat served as the controls. Anthropometric and dietary data and adipokine levels were prospectively collected at three time points: at baseline, after the end of the diets (7 weeks), and 5 weeks after the participants returned to their typical eating habits (12 weeks from baseline). Vaspin levels decreased [795.8 (422.1-1299.4) (baseline) vs. 402.7 (203.8-818.9) (7 weeks) pg/mL, p = 0.002] and omentin levels increased [568.5 (437.7-1196.5) (baseline) vs. 659.0 (555.7-1810.8) (12 weeks) pg/mL, p = 0.001] in the AOF group, while none of the analyzed adipokines changed significantly in the TRE group. The variations observed in vaspin and omentin concentrations in the AOF group were independent of age, sex, changes in anthropometry and fat intake. In conclusion, AOF can significantly reduce vaspin and increase omentin, whose levels are known to increase and decrease, respectively, in obesity and type 2 diabetes. The implications of these findings for cardiometabolic health warrant further investigation.

The role of serum visfatin and vaspin in hepatocellular carcinoma in hepatitis C-related liver cirrhosis.

Aim of the study: To investigate the role of the novel adipokines visfatin and vaspin in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-cirrhotic patients with and without hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and their association with tumour characteristics and liver dysfunction. Material and methods: This case-control study was carried out between March 2021 and September 2021. Serum visfatin and vaspin were measured in 67 HCV-cirrhotic patients (37 had HCC, and 30 did not) and 20 healthy individuals using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Serum visfatin and vaspin were substantially elevated in HCC patients compared to those without HCC and healthy controls (p = 0.001, < 0.0001, respectively) and significantly associated with hepatic dysfunction. At a cut-off value of 12.1 ng/ml, the sensitivity and specificity of the serum visfatin in detecting HCC were 67.6% and 83.3%, respectively. Serum vaspin at a cut-off value of 321 ng/dl had a sensitivity of 94.6% and specificity of 66.7%. In multivariate regression analysis, serum vaspin and albumin were independent risk factors for HCC development. Patients with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage D had significantly the highest serum levels of visfatin and vaspin (p = 0.03, 0.008, respectively). Conclusions: Serum visfatin and vaspin were substantially higher in HCC patients, associated with tumour stage, and might be considered as potential biomarkers of HCC, but this should be confirmed in larger independent cohorts of patients with liver cirrhosis. Serum vaspin and albumin were independent risk factors for HCC development. There was a substantial association between visfatin, vaspin, and the severity of the underlying liver dysfunction.

Serum Vaspin Levels in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Meta-Analysis.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential relationship between serum vaspin levels and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The PubMed, EBSCO, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database were searched for articles published before December 2022. The publication language was restricted to English and Chinese. A meta-analysis was conducted by combining all studies that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Twenty-two studies (1990 women with GDM and 1597 pregnant women without GDM) were ultimately included in this meta-analysis. The meta-analysis showed that the serum vaspin levels are significantly higher in GDM compared with the controls (standardized mean difference: 0.720, 95% confidence interval: 0.440-1.000, Z = 5.041, P < 0.001). Subgroup analyses by stage of pregnancy and body mass index showed results similar to the overall outcome. No publication bias was identified, and the sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of the final result. Our results show that the serum vaspin levels are significantly higher in GDM. These findings suggest that high vaspin concentration is closely related to GDM and the serum vaspin levels might be a potential biomarker to indicate risk of GDM, more randomized control trials comparing the expression levels of vaspin between early and standard diagnosis of GDM are needed to strengthen our findings.

Association of vaspin rs2236242 with type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity: a meta-analysis of case-control studies.

Background: Elevated circulating vaspin levels is linked with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity. The genetic basis of the association between vaspin rs2236242 and T2DM and obesity is still being investigated. We executed a meta-analysis to evaluate the magnitude of effect caused by vaspin rs2236242 on T2DM and obesity. Methods: We searched Pubmed, Embase, MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for relevant articles published up to 19 February 2022. Data were extracted and summary estimates of the association between vaspin rs2236242 and T2DM and obesity were assessed. Odds ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals (CIs) were used to measure the effect. Results: This meta-analysis included 2206 cases and 2715 controls in the T2DM cohort, meanwhile 271 cases and 444 controls in the obesity cohort. The pooled estimates revealed no link between vaspin rs2236242 and T2DM, but allele-A was significantly higher in the controls of the obesity cohort, showing that this single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) has a reduced obesity risk effect. Sensitivity analysis revealed no studies that would modify the estimates or the heterogeneity. Begg and Mazumdar's and Egger's tests indicated no substantial publication bias. Conclusion: Our meta-analysis provides evidence of significant association between vaspin rs2236242 and reduced risk of obesity but not T2DM. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40200-022-01119-8.

Association of Serum Vaspin Concentration with Metabolic Disorders in Obese Individuals.

Vaspin, a molecule produced in visceral adipose tissue, seems to participate in the pathogenesis of metabolic disorders. The study aimed to determine the association of vaspin concentration with metabolic disorders in obese individuals. Forty obese patients and twenty normal-weight subjects underwent biochemical (fasting glucose, insulin, lipid profile, interleukin-6, hs-CRP, vaspin concentration), blood pressure, and anthropometric measurements. The HOMA-IR index was calculated. Serum vaspin concentrations in the obese group were significantly higher than in the control group (0.82 ± 0.62 vs. 0.43 ± 0.59; p < 0.001). Among the entire population, vaspin concentration was positively correlated with body weight, BMI, WHR, and the percentage and mass of adipose tissue. Positive correlations between vaspin concentration and triglyceride level, insulin concentration, and HOMA-IR value were found. Vaspin concentration was positively correlated with hs-CRP and IL-6 levels. In obese patients, positive correlations between vaspin concentration and the percentage of adipose tissue and hs-CRP level were demonstrated. Logistic regression analysis showed that increased BMI was the biggest factor stimulating vaspin concentrations (OR = 8.5; 95% CI: 1.18-61.35; p = 0.0338). An elevated vaspin level may imply its compensatory role against metabolic disorders in obese patients. Thus, vaspin appears to be a useful diagnostic parameter for new therapeutic approaches in obesity-related complications. Nevertheless, due to the small sample size, further studies are needed to confirm our results.

Could Vaspin Be a Potential Diagnostic Marker in Endometrial Cancer?

Obesity and being overweight are risk factors for many types of cancer, including endometrial cancer. Adipose tissue is thought to be an endocrine organ that produces various hormones, including one known as vaspin. Insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes are all associated with higher vaspin levels. A total of 127 patients divided into study (endometrial cancer) and control groups (non-cancerous) participated in this research. Serum vaspin levels were measured for all patients. The analysis was performed while taking into account grading and staging. In order to assess the usefulness of the tested protein as a new diagnostic marker, we used the plotting of a curve (ROC) and the calculation of the AUC curve to characterize the sensitivity and specificity of the parameters tested. We concluded that there were significantly lower vaspin levels in patients with endometrial cancer compared to patients with benign endometrial lesions. Vaspin may be a useful diagnostic marker in separating benign lesions from endometrial cancer.

The role of the novel adipokines vaspin and omentin in chronic inflammatory diseases.

Obesity is a disease of epidemic proportions in many countries around the world. White adipose tissue is an active endocrine organ; therefore, its excess results in chronic and systemic inflammation. This inflammation is caused and maintained mostly by adipokines secreted by adipose tissue cells, mainly adipocytes and macrophages. The relatively newly discovered adipokines comprise vaspin and omentin. Their concentration in the blood, tissues, or bronchial secretion varies depending on the amount of adipose tissue and other accompanying factors, including comorbidities. The aim of this article is to demonstrate the usefulness of omentin and vaspin as biomarkers in inflammatory diseases. The Medline/PubMed database was used to search for information on obesity, inflammation, omentin, vaspin, and adipose tissue. Data from selected scientific studies, both original and review papers, are presented. Vaspin has been found to improve insulin sensitivity mainly in white adipose tissue. Omentin has an anti-inflammatory effect and, like vaspin, sensitizes tissues to insulin. The serum concentration and tissue expression of both adipokines are different in different inflammatory diseases. This review aims to present the biological functions of vaspin and omentin in the body and to indicate the possible use of these adipokines as disease markers in the future.

The effects of melatonin against atherosclerosis-induced endothelial dysfunction and inflammation in hypercholesterolemic rats.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of melatonin on the serum asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels and the expressions of vaspin, visfatin, dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH), and signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT-3) for evaluation of endothelial function and inflammation in the hypercholesterolemic rats. Rats were divided into 5 groups: (1) control, (2) hypercholesterolaemia, (3) melatonin administrated concurrently with cholesterol diet, (4) melatonin administrated only last 2 weeks and fed with cholesterol diet, (5) atorvastatin administered only last 2 weeks fed with cholesterol diet. Although an increase was observed in the expressions of visfatin and STAT-3 and the serum ADMA levels, the vaspin and DDAH protein expressions were found to decrease with hypercholesterolemic diets. Melatonin was determined to restore all the parameters to the normal levels. In conclusion, melatonin may have protective and therapeutic effects on hypercholesterolaemia by regulating vaspin, STAT-3, DDAH, and ADMA signalling pathways and create similar effects with atorvastatin.