Adiponectin and leptin levels in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: A new method for BAL and serum assessment.

Adipokines (APN) are mainly secreted by adipocytes, macrophages and various other cells, along with their role in the regulation and mediation of inflammatory responses. APN is almost exclusively synthesized by adipocytes and regulated by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) that is involved in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, linked lung fibrosis. Leptin is involved in acute lung injury with a role in lung fibrogenesis. Little is known about the relationship between APN/leptin and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and the few studies available in the literature used ELISA to detect these lipid mediators. Our study is also the first to measure adipokines by the new multiplex assay and for the first time were performed in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) from IPF patients. This preliminary study suggests that APN levels in serum could be useful for predicting the prognosis of IPF, as they are inversely correlated with DLco percentages and BMI. Moreover, this first analysis of APN in BAL from IPF patients by a new method demonstrated an inverse correlation between these levels and BMI values and a direct correlation with eosinophil percentages, both of which are negative prognostic factors of IPF.

Assessment of leptin-to-adiponectin ratio in prediction of insulin resistance and nutrition status in a geriatric female population.

Both obesity and malnutrition leading to cachexia and sarcopenia are relevant risk factors in the development of many diseases. They also increase mortality, also prolong hospitalisations and convalescence, and undoubtedly increase the cost of treatment, mostly in the elderly populations. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between the levels of leptin and adiponectin with regard to insulin resistance and malnutrition status by studying a senior female population and to evaluate predictors of insulin resistance and malnutrition. A total of 88 elderly females were enrolled prospectively with a median age of 75 years. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters (fasting glucose, insulin, folic acid, vitamin B12 concentrations, lipid profile, complete blood count) were recorded along with a full geriatric assessment, have been made in all participants. A comprehensive nutritional phenotype has been established. Leptin and adiponectin concentrations were measured by applying immunoassay techniques. Lipid profile and other parameters were performed by biochemical methods. We observed significant decreases of albumin, alanine aminotransferase, insulin, and triglycerides concentrations with age. The risk of insulin resistance based on HOMA-IR index was decreased with age. Significantly higher concentrations of leptin, leptin-to-adiponectin ratio (LAR), hsCRP, fasting glucose, insulin in the insulin resistant subgroup in respect of normal sensitivity insulin cases were noted. The concentrations of albumin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and total cholesterol were significantly lower in those patients at risk of malnutrition than in the well-nourished subjects. LAR reached the most accurate AUCROC = 0.705 for insulin resistance prediction, with a cut-off value at 3.85. The greatest diagnostic power was presented by the albumin concentration with AUCROC = 0.761 and then LAR 0.718 in discriminating between well-nourished patients and those at risk of malnutrition. We suggest that the leptin-to-adiponectin ratio is suitable as a marker of insulin resistance and nutritional status in the elderly.

Sex-Specific Regulation of Inflammation and Metabolic Syndrome in Obesity.

OBJECTIVE: Metabolic dysregulation and inflammation are important consequences of obesity and impact susceptibility to cardiovascular disease. Anti-inflammatory therapy in cardiovascular disease is being developed under the assumption that inflammatory pathways are identical in women and men, but it is not known if this is indeed the case. In this study, we assessed the sex-specific relation between inflammation and metabolic dysregulation in obesity. Approach and Results: Three hundred two individuals were included, half with a BMI 27 to 30 kg/m2 and half with a BMI>30 kg/m2, 45% were women. The presence of metabolic syndrome was assessed according to the National Cholesterol Education Program-ATPIII criteria, and inflammation was studied using circulating markers of inflammation, cell counts, and ex vivo cytokine production capacity of isolated immune cells. Additionally, lipidomic and metabolomic data were gathered, and subcutaneous fat biopsies were histologically assessed. Metabolic syndrome is associated with an increased inflammatory profile that profoundly differs between women and men: women with metabolic syndrome show a lower concentration of the anti-inflammatory adiponectin, whereas men show increased levels of several pro-inflammatory markers such as IL (interleukin)-6 and leptin. Adipose tissue inflammation showed similar sex-specific associations with these markers. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from men, but not women, with metabolic syndrome display enhanced cytokine production capacity. CONCLUSIONS: We identified sex-specific pathways that influence inflammation in obesity. Excessive production of proinflammatory cytokines was observed in men with metabolic syndrome. In contrast, women typically showed reduced levels of the anti-inflammatory adipokine adiponectin. These different mechanisms of inflammatory dysregulation between women and men with obesity argue for sex-specific therapeutic strategies.

Role of adipokines in the assessment of severity and predicting the clinical course of acute pancreatitis.

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is one of the most common diseases requiring hospitalization with increasing incidence. This pathology has variable severity and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis, including prognosis of clinical course of the disease is key in the initial clinical management. However, currently available prognostic markers have variable efficacy and the limited utility. Adipokines that are released from the peripancreatic adipose tissue during AP may represent the easy to use and practical AP prognostic markers. This review discusses the current state of knowledge concerning the clinical value of the adipokines in AP, such as adiponectin, ghrelin, interleukin 6, interleukin 8, interleukin 18, leptin, neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin, obestatin, resistin, visfatin. Among described adipokines, interleukin 6, neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin and resistin seem to be the most valuable as the diagnostic and prognostic markers in AP.

Assessment of selected adipocytokines in obese women with postmenopausal osteoporosis.

INTRODUCTION: Osteoporosis and obesity are considered civilisation diseases. Menopause is a time of increased bone resorption and increased mass of adipose tissue. Adipocytokines secreted by the adipose tissue are believed to be a potential factor in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The aim of this research was to assess leptin, adiponectin, and resistin secretion in obese postmenopausal women with osteoporosis and determine whether obesity might be a factor mitigating the risk of osteoporosis. The study involved 80 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis divided into groups: I with BMI of 30.0 34.9, obese; and II with BMI of 18-24.9, normoweight. Leptin, adiponectin and resistin concentrations were assessed, and bone mineral density (BMD) was measured in the L1-L4 section of the spine using the DXA densitometric method. RESULTS: The results of the comparison of the two groups indicate a statistically significant dependence in groups regarding leptin secretion; the group of obese women demonstrated significantly higher concentrations. No differences between the groups were demonstrated for adiponectin or resistin secretion. CONCLUSIONS: Higher leptin concentration and a positive correlation with BMI was confirmed in obese postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. It was also demonstrated that BMD increases with growing BMI. No effect of obesity on the secretion of adiponectin or resistin in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis was found. From among the investigated adipocytokines, only leptin can be considered a bone tissue protective factor in postmenopausal women.

Assessment of the Relationship Between Serum High Molecular Weight Adiponectin Hormone Levels and Insulin Resistance in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

The purpose of this study was to assess the rate of insulin resistance (IR) and the relationship between IR and high-molecular weight adiponectin (HMWA) in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A cross sectional study involving 43 women with PCOS and 39 normal women was carried out over a period of nine months. Fasting glucose and insulin levels, lipid parameters and androgen levels were measured in all serum samples. HMWA was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and IR was estimated using the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index. The IR was more prevalent in the PCOS group than in the controls (p=0.002). Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, sex hormone binding globulin, free androgen index, total testosterone, insulin, and HOMA-IR levels were significantly higher in the PCOS group as compared to the control group (all p<0.05). Moreover, HMWA was significantly lower and negatively correlated with the clinical and biochemical hyperandrogenism in the PCOS group. HMWA and HOMA-IR were also associated with triglyceride, body mass index, and fat mass in this group. ROC curve analyses demonstrated that the AUC, indicative of the HMWA value for discriminating PCOS with IR, was 0.725, with a confidence interval of 0.615-0.835 (p=0.001). The serum HMWA levels are lower in patients with PCOS, which suggest that HMWA might be involved in the pathogenesis of PCOS. We also conclude that HMWA might be a strong determinant of IR in PCOS patients.

Homeostatic model assessment of adiponectin (HOMA-Adiponectin) as a surrogate measure of insulin resistance in adolescents: Comparison with the hyperglycaemic clamp and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance.

BACKGROUND: Studies on adults have reported inverse association between the homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) of adiponectin (HOMA-Adiponectin) and the insulin resistance assessed by the glucose clamp technique. To our knowledge, in the pediatric population this association has not been previously investigated. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association between the HOMA-Adiponectin and the insulin resistance assessed by the glucose clamp technique in adolescents, and to compare the accuracy of HOMA-Adiponectin and HOMA-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) for identifying insulin resistance. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 56 adolescents (aged 10-18 years). Insulin resistance was assessed using the HOMA-IR, HOMA-Adiponectin and the hyperglycaemic clamp technique. The clamp-derived insulin sensitivity index, HOMA-Adiponectin, and HOMA-IR were log-transformed to get closer to a normal distribution before analysis. RESULTS: In the multivariable linear regression analysis controlling for sex and Tanner stage, HOMA-Adiponectin was inversely associated with the clamp-derived insulin sensitivity index (unstandardized coefficient [B] = -0.441; P < 0.001). After additional adjustment for waist circumference-to-height ratio, this association remained significant (B = -0.349; P = < 0.001). Similar results were observed when HOMA-IR replaced HOMA-Adiponectin in the model (B = -1.049 and B = -0.968 after additional adjustment for waist circumference-to-height ratio); all P < 0.001. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for predicting insulin resistance was 0.712 (P = 0.02) for HOMA-Adiponectin and 0.859 (P < 0.0001) HOMA-IR. CONCLUSIONS: The HOMA-Adiponectin was independently associated with insulin resistance and exhibited a good discriminatory power for predicting it. However, it did not show superiority over HOMA-IR in the diagnostic accuracy.

Assessment of apelin, apelin receptor, resistin, and adiponectin levels in the primary tumor and serum of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Disturbances in adipokine secretion are associated with the risk of cancer growth and progression. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate the mRNA expression and protein levels of apelin, the apelin receptor, resistin, and adiponectin in the tumor tissues of surgically treated esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients. Concentrations of serum adipokines were assessed in relation to ESCC progression. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 53 patients with ESCC and 27 controls. In the ESCC group, 27 patients were surgically treated and 26 were treated with palliative procedures. RT-PCR and ELISA tests were used to measure the mRNA expression and protein level of adipokines in tissues and their concentration in serum. RESULTS: We found that mRNA expression and protein concentrations of apelin, the apelin receptor and resistin were significantly higher in tumor tissue than in control tissue. The protein concentration of apelin were significantly increased in the tumors of patients with lymph node metastasis (p < 0.005). Circulating levels of apelin, the apelin receptor and resistin were significantly higher in the cancer patients than in controls (p < 0.05 for all). The concentration of serum apelin receptor significantly decreased in patients with stage IV cancer, the presence of lymph node or distant metastasis (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Apelin may participate in lymphangiogenesis and the progression of ESCC. The apelin receptor is intensely produced in the early stage of cancer development and it may take part in the carcinogenic processes of ESCC.

A Novel Early Pregnancy Risk Prediction Model for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

INTRODUCTION: Accurate early risk prediction for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) would target intervention and prevention in women at the highest risk. We evaluated novel biomarker predictors to develop a first-trimester risk prediction model in a large multiethnic cohort. METHODS: Maternal clinical, aneuploidy and pre-eclampsia screening markers (PAPP-A, free hCGß, mean arterial pressure, uterine artery pulsatility index) were measured prospectively at 11-13+6 weeks' gestation in 980 women (248 with GDM; 732 controls). Nonfasting glucose, lipids, adiponectin, leptin, lipocalin-2, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-2 were measured on banked serum. The relationship between marker multiples-of-the-median and GDM was examined with multivariate regression. Model predictive performance for early (< 24 weeks' gestation) and overall GDM diagnosis was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curves. RESULTS: Glucose, triglycerides, leptin, and lipocalin-2 were higher, while adiponectin was lower, in GDM (p < 0.05). Lipocalin-2 performed best in Caucasians, and triglycerides in South Asians with GDM. Family history of diabetes, previous GDM, South/East Asian ethnicity, parity, BMI, PAPP-A, triglycerides, and lipocalin-2 were significant independent GDM predictors (all p < 0.01), achieving an area under the curve of 0.91 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.89-0.94) overall, and 0.93 (95% CI 0.89-0.96) for early GDM, in a combined multivariate prediction model. CONCLUSIONS: A first-trimester risk prediction model, which incorporates novel maternal lipid markers, accurately identifies women at high risk of GDM, including early GDM.

Serum cytokines, adipokines and ferritin for non-invasive assessment of liver fibrosis in chronic liver disease: a systematic review.

Chronic liver disease (CLD) is a major health problem worldwide. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), chronic hepatitis C (CHC), chronic hepatitis B (CHB), and alcoholic liver disease (ALD) are the most common etiologies of CLD. Liver biopsy is the gold standard for assessment of liver fibrosis, however, it is an invasive method. This review attempts to evaluate the usefulness of serum adiponectin, serum leptin, serum ferritin, serum transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1), and serum platelet derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) as non-invasive markers in the diagnosis of liver fibrosis/cirrhosis. A systematic search in MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and local databases was performed to identify articles published in English or Persian as of November 2017. Studies conducted among CLD patients, with biopsy proven fibrosis/cirrhosis, and providing sufficient details of patients' clinicopathological characteristics were included. In the 95 studies included, there were a total of 15,548 CLD patients. More than 83% of studies were carried out in Asia and Europe. The relationship between liver fibrosis/cirrhosis and serum levels of ferritin, adiponectin, leptin, TGF-ß1, and PDGF-BB was assessed in 42, 33, 27, nine, and three studies, respectively. Serum levels of the markers, particularly ferritin, could successfully predict liver fibrosis/cirrhosis, however, these data might not be clinically replicated and further studies are needed.

Are cytokines (IL-6, CRP and adiponectin) associated with bone mineral density in a young adult birth cohort?

BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that cytokines play a role in bone remodeling. METHODS: In 1993, all hospital births occurred in Pelotas (Brazil) were identified and a total of 5249 newborns were included in the present cohort. Sub-samples of this cohort were visited during childhood and all members were traced at 11, 15, 18 and 22 years old. At 18 and 22 years the following biomarkers were measured: IL-6, CRP and adiponectin (the last one in a sub-sample) and bone mineral density (BMD-mg/cm2) was evaluated at 22 years. Crude regression analysis as well as adjusted for confounders (birth weight, pregnancy maternal smoking, gestational age, skin color, schooling, income, smoking, alcohol, physical activity, medical diagnosis of asthma, diabetes and hypertension, BMI, height, calcium intake, corticosteroid use, age at menarche, insulin and testosterone) were performed between the three biomarkers and the whole-body, lumbar spine and femoral BMD. RESULTS: No statistical significant association was found between IL-6 and CRP with BMD, in males. Significant inverse association in the adjusted analysis, among females, was found for the highest tertiles of CRP at 22 y (beta - 15.2 mg/cm2; 95% CI: -25.4; - 4.9; p = 004), of CRP and IL-6 at 22 years (beta - 20.0 mg/cm2; 95% CI: -31.7; - 8.3; p = 0.003), and of IL-6 and CRP at both ages (beta - 20.3 mg/cm2; 95% CI: -38.0; - 2.5; p = 0.001) with total body BMD. Significant association, among males, was also found between the highest tertile of adiponectin at 22 y (beta - 23.3 mg/cm2; 95% CI: -35.5; - 11.1; p = < 001; beta - 22.5 mg/cm2; 95% CI: -42.9; - 2.2; p = 0.03; and beta - 31.8 mg/cm2; 95% CI: -55.5; - 9.1; p = 0.006) and total body, lumbar spine and femur neck BMD, respectively; and, among females, - 17.8 mg/cm2; 95% CI: -34.9; - 0.9; p = 0.033, with lumbar spine BMD. CONCLUSION: CRP at 22 years, in females, seems to be a marker for total body BMD; adiponectin at 22 years is also a marker for BMD at the three sites, in males, and for lumbar spine BMD, in females.

Body mass index is associated with interleukin-1, adiponectin, oxidative stress and ioduria levels in healthy adults.

BACKGROUND: iodine contributes to maintain the balance of the reduced and oxidized species and is also required for thyroid hormones synthesis as triiodothyronine (T3), which regulates energy metabolism in adults. Increased body mass index (BMI) is associated with inflammatory markers, oxidative stress, and abnormalities in adipocytokines secretions that are associated with obesity and chronic disease. OBJECTIVE: the aim of the study is to investigate the association between ioduria, oxidative stress, total antioxidant status, adiponectin and interleukin-1 (IL-1) with BMI in healthy adults. METHODS: a cross-sectional study was performed in 114 healthy adult volunteers, aged 25-44 years, divided according to their BMI in three groups: normal weight (BMI < 25), overweight (BMI ≤ 25 to < 30), obesity (BMI ≥ 30). Adiponectin and IL-1 were measured by immune-enzymatic assays; oxidative stress, by determination of malondialdehyde (MDA); and total antioxidant status (TAS) and ioduria were measured by colorimetric assays. Statistical association was done by Spearman's test. RESULTS: overweight and obese subjects have higher serum levels of MDA, TAS and IL-1 vs normal weight subjects. Moreover, overweight and obese subjects have lower levels of iodine and adiponectin vs normal weight subjects. MDA was positively related only with obese subjects (r = 0.787, p = 0.008) and TAS with overweight (r = 0.398, p = 0.049) and obese subjects (r = 0.448, p = 0.030). In contrast, a reverse correlation with ioduria was found in obese subjects (r = 0.463, p = 0.001). Adiponectin was negatively related only in obese subjects (r = -0.477, p = 0.001), while, IL-1 was positively related with the increase of BMI (overweight r = 0.287, p = 0.050; and obesity r = 0.515, p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: alteration in IL-1, adiponectin and oxidative stress levels were found to be related to overweight and obesity; also, iodine levels decreased when BMI increased, contributing to loss of redox equilibrium. All this data may play an important role in etiopathogenesis of chronic disease related to the increase of BMI.

Transcriptional control of intestinal cholesterol absorption, adipose energy expenditure and lipid handling by Sortilin.

The sorting receptor Sortilin functions in the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism. Dysfunctional lipid uptake, storage, and metabolism contribute to several major human diseases including atherosclerosis and obesity. Sortilin associates with cardiovascular disease; however, the role of Sortilin in adipose tissue and lipid metabolism remains unclear. Here we show that in the low-density lipoprotein receptor-deficient (Ldlr-/-) atherosclerosis model, Sortilin deficiency (Sort1-/-) in female mice suppresses Niemann-Pick type C1-Like 1 (Npc1l1) mRNA levels, reduces body and white adipose tissue weight, and improves brown adipose tissue function partially via transcriptional downregulation of Krüppel-like factor 4 and Liver X receptor. Female Ldlr-/-Sort1-/- mice on a high-fat/cholesterol diet had elevated plasma Fibroblast growth factor 21 and Adiponectin, an adipokine that when reduced is associated with obesity and cardiovascular disease-related factors. Additionally, Sort1 deficiency suppressed cholesterol absorption in both female mice ex vivo intestinal tissue and human colon Caco-2 cells in a similar manner to treatment with the NPC1L1 inhibitor ezetimibe. Together our findings support a novel role of Sortilin in energy regulation and lipid homeostasis in female mice, which may be a potential therapeutic target for obesity and cardiovascular disease.

Associations of neonatal adiponectin and leptin with growth and body composition in African American infants.

BACKGROUND: Cord blood adiponectin and leptin concentrations are associated with birth weight and adiposity. Birth size and rate of infant weight gain are associated with future obesity risk. However, it is unclear whether biomarkers reflecting the intrauterine environment are predictive of infant prospective body composition change. OBJECTIVES: To examine whether cord blood adiponectin and leptin are predictive of neonatal adiposity and fat mass (FM) accrual to 3 months of age. METHODS: Participants (n = 36) were healthy African American infants. Leptin and adiponectin concentrations were measured in umbilical cord blood. At 2 weeks and 3 months, infant body composition was assessed via air displacement plethysmography. Weight-for-length z-scores (WLZ) were calculated using World Health Organization standards. Multiple linear regression was used to examine associations of cord blood adiponectin and leptin with birth WLZ; WLZ, FM and fat-free mass at 2 weeks, and the conditional change in these variables from 2 weeks to 3 months (body composition at 3 months adjusted for body composition at 2 weeks). RESULTS: Adiponectin was positively associated with FM at 2 weeks (r = 0.45, P < 0.01), but inversely associated with conditional FM change from 2 weeks to 3 months of age (r = -0.38, P < 0.05). Leptin was not significantly associated with infant body composition. CONCLUSIONS: Adiponectin may be a marker for FM accrual in African American infants, a relatively understudied population with a high long-term obesity risk. Mechanistic studies are needed to determine whether adiponectin directly influences infant growth or is simply a maker reflective of other ongoing biological changes after birth.

Soda Intake Is Directly Associated with Serum C-Reactive Protein Concentration in Mexican Women.

Background: Soda intake is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Consumption of diet sodas, often considered healthy alternatives to sodas, could also increase the likelihood of cardiovascular outcomes. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the relation between soda and diet soda and biomarkers of cardiovascular risk. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis among 825 Mexican women free of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, and for whom serum concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), C-peptide, adiponectin, and leptin were available. Mean ± SD age was 45.9 ± 6.6 y, the majority of women were premenopausal (60.4%), and the prevalence of obesity was 35%. We estimated the adjusted percentage differences in biomarkers and 95% CIs by performing multiple linear regression models comparing categories of consumption for soda and diet soda adjusting for age, family history of heart disease, menopause, menopausal hormone therapy, socioeconomic status, region, smoking, physical activity, alcohol intake, and dietary patterns. Results: In the entire study sample we observed a 50% higher serum CRP concentration in women in the highest soda intake quartile (median intake: 202.9 mL/d, IQR: 101.4, 304.3 mL/d) compared to those in the lowest (median intake: 11.8 mL/d, IQR: 0.0, 152.1 mL/d). After stratification by menopausal status, results remained significant only for premenopausal women. Premenopausal women in the highest quartile of soda intake had 56% higher CRP concentration relative to women in the lowest quartile. We observed no significant association with the other biomarkers. After further adjustment for body mass index, a potential mediator, results remained significant only for CRP. Diet soda consumption was not associated with any of the biomarkers. Conclusions: Consumption of soda was associated with adverse levels in a biomarker of inflammation and cardiovascular risk, serum CRP, in Mexican women. These results add to the accumulating evidence on soda and cardiovascular risk. More research is necessary to understand the potential impact of artificially sweetened sodas.

Association between uncoupling protein 2, adiponectin and resting energy expenditure in obese women with normal and low resting energy expenditure.

Obesity is recognized as the most prevalent metabolic disease worldwide. Decreases in energy expenditure may increase risk of obesity. One of the key regulators of energy balance is uncoupling protein2 (UCP2), a transporter protein presents in mitochondrial inner membrane. Moreover, adiponectin is the most abundant adipocytokine, it may play a role in energy metabolism and gene expression of UCP2. The aim of this study was to investigate potential associations between the level of uncoupling protein 2 and adiponectin and their relationship with REE (Resting Energy Expenditure) in obese women with normal and low resting energy expenditure. A total of 49 subjects (women, 25-50 years old), were included in current study, 16 subjects with BMI > 30 and low resting energy expenditure, 17 subjects with BMI > 30 and normal resting energy expenditure and 16 non-obese subjects as a control group. Anthropometric, body composition parameters and resting energy expenditure were measured. Plasma adiponectin, UCP2 protein and total protein in PBMC were determined. Measured resting energy expenditure in obese subjects with low REE was significantly lower than other groups. Plasma adiponectin in the obese subjects with low REE was significantly lower compared to normal weight group. There was a significant relationship between 'UCP2 protein/Total protein' ratio and plasma adiponectin in obese group with low REE and in three groups when we pooled. There was a significant association between REE and plasma adiponectin in three groups when we pooled. There was a significant association between plasma adiponectin and REE. Moreover, there was a significant relationship between UCP2 and REE.

Disparity in fetal growth between twin and singleton gestation: the role of adipokines.

OBJECTIVE: Twin pregnancies are characterized by unique pattern of attenuated fetal weight gain during late gestation compared with singleton gestation. The mechanism(s) responsible for regulating twin growth has not yet elucidated. Leptin and adiponectin are two adipocytokines implicated in metabolism and energy balance of fetuses, newborns and adults. Moreover, these hormones have been suggested to play a role in fetal growth. The objective of the study was to determine cord blood adiponectin and leptin in twins and singletons, with and without growth impairment. STUDY DESIGN: This was a case-control study. It included two groups of newborns, matched for gestational age and birth weight percentile: singleton (n=60 newborns) and twins (n=44 newborns). Adiponectin and leptin were determined in cord blood, and compared between the groups according to clinical and demographic characteristics. Non-parametric and parametric statistical methods were employed. RESULTS: Median adiponectin and leptin concentrations were lower in twins vs singletons (P<0.001 for both comparisons). Among small for gestational age newborns (SGA), median concentration of adiponectin (P=0.04), but not leptin (P=0.1), was lower in twins compared to singletons. In pooled analysis (singleton plus twins), cord blood adiponectin and leptin were strongly correlated with gestational age (P<0.001 and P=0.005, respectively) and birth weight (P<0.001 and P<0.001, respectively). Regression analysis revealed that plurality (P=0.02) was significantly and independently associated with cord blood adiponectin concentrations, after adjustment for confounding variables. Similar regression in which leptin was the independent variable revealed that only birth weight (P=0.01) was significantly and independently associated with cord blood leptin concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: Twin pregnancies are associated with lower cord blood concentrations of adiponectin and leptin compared with singleton gestations. However, only cord blood adiponectin, but not leptin, was lower in SGA neonates. Collectively, these data suggest that adiponectin may be implicated in the mechanism accounting for the growth disparity between twins and singletons.

Assessment of Irisin, Adiponectin and Leptin Levels in Patients with Schizophrenia.

BACKGROUND: The patients with schizophrenia are at increased risk for problems regarding metabolic parameters due to their lifestyle and antipsychotic treatment. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the levels of adiponectin, leptin, irisin in patients with schizophrenia who were nondiabetic, nonobese and under antipsychotic treatment. METHOD: 5 ml sample of venous blood was collected from each participant. Blood cells were separated from the serum. The serum samples were stored in a -80°C freezer. Biochemical analyses were performed on these samples. Adiponectin, leptin and irisin levels were measured by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay method. RESULTS: The study included 88 subjects. Of them, 44 were patients with schizophrenia and 44 were healthy controls. There were no statistically significant results when the c-reactive protein, adiponectin, leptin and irisin levels were compared between the schizophrenia and the control group (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: In our study, adiponectin, leptin and irisin levels in patients with schizophrenia did not present a statistically significant difference from healthy controls. Therefore, there is a need for studies including more participants to investigate the level of irisin in patients with schizophrenia.

Association between Leptin, Adiponectin, and Leptin/Adiponectin Ratio with Clustered Metabolic Risk Factors in Portuguese Adolescents: The LabMed Physical Activity Study.

INTRODUCTION: Circulating leptin and adiponectin levels have been associated with impaired vascular function, insulin resistance, and acute cardiovascular evens. This study aimed to evaluate the associations of leptin, adiponectin, and the leptin/adiponectin (L/A) ratio with a clustering of metabolic risk factors (MRF) in adolescents aged 12-18 years. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional analysis with 529 Portuguese adolescents aged 12-18 years. Blood samples were taken to analyze total cholesterol (TC) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (HDL-c), triglycerides glucose, insulin, leptin, and adiponectin levels. A continuous variable of clustered MRF score (sum of Z-scores of body fat percentage, systolic blood pressure, ratio TC/HDL, triglycerides, homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance, and cardiorespiratory fitness*[-1]) was computed. RESULTS: Regression analyses showed that adiponectin was a significant and negative predictor of MRF score (boys: ß = -0.199; p < 0.001; girls: ß = -0.200; p < 0.001); whereas leptin was a significant positive predictor of MRF score (boys: ß = 0.553; p < 0.001; girls: ß = 0.399; p < 0.001). The L/A ratio was also a significant positive predictor of MRF score in both sexes (boys: ß = 0.593; p < 0.001; girls: ß = 0.461; p < 0.001), after adjustments for age, pubertal stage, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and socioeconomic status. In addition, adiponectin, leptin, and L/A ratio were accurate to predict MRF among adolescents, but L/A ratio showed the highest area under receiver operating characteristic curve. CONCLUSION: Leptin, adiponectin, and L/A ratio are associated with the clustering of MRF in adolescents after adjustments for age, sex, pubertal stage, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and socioeconomic status. L/A ratio was more strongly associated with MRF score than adiponectin or leptin.