Maternal Plasma and Amniotic Fluid LBP, Pentraxin 3, Resistin, and IGFBP-3: Biomarkers of Microbial Invasion of Amniotic Cavity and/or Intra-amniotic Inflammation in Women with Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes.

BACKGROUND: We sought to determine whether lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP), pentraxin 3, resistin, and insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP)-3 in plasma and amniotic fluid (AF) can predict microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (MIAC), intra-amniotic inflammation (IAI), and microbial-associated IAI in women with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study involving 168 singleton pregnant women with PPROM. AF obtained via amniocentesis was cultured and assayed for interleukin (IL)-6 to define IAI and for IL-8 to compare with AF biomarkers. Plasma samples were collected at the time of amniocentesis, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in serum were compared with plasma biomarkers. The stored plasma and AF samples were assayed for LBP, pentraxin 3 (PTX3), resistin, and IGFBP-3 by ELISA. RESULTS: Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that: 1) elevated plasma and AF levels of LBP were independently associated with increased risks of MIAC, IAI, and microbial-associated IAI; 2) elevated AF, but not plasma, PTX3, and resistin levels were independently associated with increased risks of MIAC, IAI, and microbial-associated IAI; 3) decreased IGFBP-3 levels in the plasma were independently associated with only IAI, whereas those in the AF were associated with only microbial-associated IAI. Among the tested biomarkers, AF PTX3 and resistin had the highest predictive performance for MIAC, IAI, and microbial-associated IAI (area under the curves [AUC] = 0.85-0.95), which is similar to the performance of AF IL-8. The AUCs of the plasma LBP and IGFBP-3 were similar to that of serum CRP with respect to IAI. CONCLUSION: Maternal plasma LBP and IGFBP-3 are potential biomarkers for the non-invasive identification of IAI in women with PPROM, with a similar accuracy to the serum CRP level. AF LBP, PTX3, resistin, and IGFBP-3 may be involved in the intra-amniotic inflammatory responses in PPROM complicated by MIAC.

Saliva resistin as a screening marker of gestational diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the resistin concentrations in saliva; which is a noninvasive and stress-free diagnostic sample, and to investigate the significance of salivary resistin concentrations in screening GDM. METHODS: This cross-sectional case-control study included 41 newly diagnosed GDM patients and 40 healthy pregnant. The participants were consecutively included in the study among eligible pregnant women; who were in the age range from 18 to 40 years of age and at the gestational age between 24 and 28 weeks. The levels of serum and salivary resistin were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. RESULTS: Maternal serum resistin and salivary resistin concentrations were significantly higher in the patients with GDM compared to the individuals in the control group. The data were evaluated by the receiver-operator curve analysis; which revealed that serum and saliva resistin concentrations were moderately successful markers to differentiate subjects with GDM from healthy pregnant women. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that the determination of saliva resistin levels at the gestational age between 24 to 28 weeks may be used as an alternative, stress-free, and noninvasive technique that may be used in GDM screening.

Metabolic and immunological evaluation of patients with indeterminate and cardiac forms of Chagas disease.

ABSTRACT: Chagas disease affects approximately 7 million people, causing disability and mortality in the most productive life stages of infected individuals. Considering the lifestyle of the world population, metabolic syndrome is a synergistic factor for an increased cardiovascular risk of patients with Chagas disease.This study transversally evaluated the metabolic and immunological profiles of patients with indeterminate (IF) and cardiac (CF) forms of Chagas disease and their correlations with left ventricular dysfunction (LVD).Clinical and electrical bioimpedance analysis, levels of cytokines (interferon [IFN]-γ, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α, interleukin [IL]-17, IL-10, and IL-33) and adipocytokines (adiponectin, leptin, and resistin), metabolic syndrome components, and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels were assessed in 57 patients (13 IF and 44 CF) with a mean age of 61.63 ±â€Š12.1 years. Chest x-ray, electrocardiogram, and echocardiogram were performed to classify the clinical forms.The CF group had a higher number of individuals with metabolic syndrome components blood pressure altered, while more participants in the CF group with LVD had low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. The IF group had more participants with a higher waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). No significant difference was observed between metabolic syndrome, cytokine and adipocytokine level, and clinical forms of the disease or in relation to LVD.Individuals with the IF showed metabolic and immunological profiles compatible with increased disease control, whereas those with CF showed marked inflammatory immune response.

Elevation of C-reactive protein, P-selectin and Resistin as potential inflammatory biomarkers of urogenital Schistosomiasis exposure in preschool children.

BACKGROUND: Schistosomiasis is known to induce inflammatory immune responses. C-reactive protein (CRP), resistin and P-selectin are serological inflammatory markers that rise during the acute stages of infection. Here, we propose such inflammatory biomarkers have a potential for use in urogenital schistosomiasis diagnostic screening for exposure and infection in preschool-aged children. METHODS: As part of a larger study on urogenital schistosomiasis, 299 preschool children aged 1-5 years were included in this cross-sectional study. Parasitological diagnosis was conducted using urine filtration for Schistosoma haemtobium infection, and Kato Katz for S. mansoni infection. Serum levels of P-selectin, resistin, CRP, and antibodies against S. haematobium cercarial antigen preparation (CAP) and soluble worm antigen preparation (SWAP) were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: Of the 299 participants, 14% were egg positive for S. haematobium. Serology showed 46 and 9% of the participants to have been exposed to S. haematobium cercarial antigens and adult worm antigens, respectively. Levels of P-selectin were significantly higher in participants infected with S. haematobium (egg-positive) than in uninfected participants (p = 0.001). Levels of P-selectin were also higher in those exposed to cercarial antigen than in unexposed participants (p = 0.019). There was a positive correlation between P-selectin and infection intensity (r = 0.172; p = 0.002), as well as with IgM responses to CAP and SWAP (r = 0.183; p = 0.001); (r = 0.333; p < 0.0001) respectively. CRP significantly correlated with IgM responses to CAP (r = 0.133; p = 0.029) while resistin correlated with IgM responses to CAP and SWAP (r = 0.127; p = 0.016); (r = 0.197; p = 0.0004). CRP levels were higher in those exposed to cercarial and adult worm antigens than unexposed participants (p = 0.035); (p = 0.002) respectively, while resistin was higher in participants exposed to cercarial antigen than unexposed participants (p = 0.024). CONCLUSION: In this preschool population, P-selectin is significantly associated with urogenital schistosome infection and intensity; hence a potential biomarker for infection diagnosis and disease monitoring. The inflammatory biomarkers (P-selectin, Resistin and CRP) were significantly higher in participants exposed to cercarial antigens than unexposed individuals indicating an underlying inflammatory environment.

Are presepsin and resistin better markers for bacterial infection in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis?

BACKGROUND: Bacterial infections impair prognosis in patients with cirrhosis. Presepsin and, more recently, resistin are promising markers of infection and sepsis in patients without cirrhosis. AIMS: The aim of our study was to assess the performance of presepsin and resistin as early markers of infection compared with C reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT), and their prognostic relevance in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. METHODS: One hundred and fourteen consecutive patients with decompensated cirrhosis were enrolled and followed-up for 28 days. Diagnostic performances of CRP, PCT, presepsin and resistin were assessed. RESULTS: Fifty-three (46.5%) patients had bacterial infections of which 30 (56%) had sepsis. Presepsin and resistin had similar performance as CRP and PCT for the diagnosis of infection (best cut-off of 1444 pg/ml and 20 ng/ml, respectively) and sepsis. Presepsin (HR = 5.5; 95%CI: 2.36-13.21, p < 0.0001) and the ≥500 pg/ml increase of presepsin at 48 h (HR = 9.24; 95%CI: 3.66-23.27, p < 0.008) were independently associated with 28-day mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Presepsin and resistin have similar diagnostic performances to CRP and PCT for bacterial infection in decompensated cirrhosis. Presepsin and Δ presepsin ≥500 pg/ml have also a prognostic relevance for 28-day mortality.

Immunohistochemical identification of resistin in the uterus of ewes subjected to different diets: Preliminary results.

Resistin is a polypeptide hormone of the adipokine-family, primarily, but not exclusively, produced by the adipose tissue. Recent studies suggested that resistin may affect the male and female reproductive activity. The study aim was to immunohistochemically evaluate the presence and distribution of resistin in the ovine uterus. Uterine samples were collected from two groups of ewes at the end of an experimental trial during which the animals of the first group (CTRL) were fed only by grazing while those of the second one (EXP) were supplemented with barley and corn. Using a monoclonal antibody against resistin, tested by Western Blot, the immunopositive reaction was identified in the cytoplasm of epithelial lining cells and uterine glands. The endogenous production of resistin seemed to be affected by different diet, as evidenced by staining differences between the CTRL and EXP groups. Our findings support the existence of a peripheral resistin system in the sheep uterus. It is possible that this system is involved in the functionality of the uterus, which is also affected by the animal's nutritional status.

Comparative Secretome Analyses of Primary Murine White and Brown Adipocytes Reveal Novel Adipokines.

The adipose organ, including white and brown adipose tissues, is an important player in systemic energy homeostasis, storing excess energy in form of lipids while releasing energy upon various energy demands. Recent studies have demonstrated that white and brown adipocytes also function as endocrine cells and regulate systemic metabolism by secreting factors that act locally and systemically. However, a comparative proteomic analysis of secreted factors from white and brown adipocytes and their responsiveness to adrenergic stimulation has not been reported yet. Therefore, we studied and compared the secretome of white and brown adipocytes, with and without norepinephrine (NE) stimulation. Our results reveal that carbohydrate-metabolism-regulating proteins are preferably secreted from white adipocytes, while brown adipocytes predominantly secrete a large variety of proteins. Upon NE stimulation, an increased secretion of known adipokines is favored by white adipocytes while brown adipocytes secreted higher amounts of novel adipokines. Furthermore, the secretory response between NE-stimulated and basal state was multifaceted addressing lipid and glucose metabolism, adipogenesis, and antioxidative reactions. Intriguingly, NE stimulation drastically changed the secretome in brown adipocytes. In conclusion, our study provides a comprehensive catalogue of novel adipokine candidates secreted from white and brown adipocytes with many of them responsive to NE. Given the beneficial effects of brown adipose tissue activation on its endocrine function and systemic metabolism, this study provides an archive of novel batokine candidates and biomarkers for activated brown adipose tissue.

Evaluation of Resistin Levels in Saliva of Patients with Chronic Periodontitis and Healthy Subjects.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate resistin levels in the saliva of patients with chronic periodontitis, and healthy subjects. METHODS: Thirty-four subjects aged between 25 and 50 years were included and divided into healthy group (n = 19) and chronic periodontitis group (n = 15). The saliva levels of resistin were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Comparisons of resistin levels between the two groups were made with the Mann-Whitney Test. RESULTS: The chronic periodontitis group showed significantly higher resistin levels than the control group (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The level of resistin in saliva might help to determine the inflammatory status of periodontal diseases.

Resistin and visfatin concentrations are related to central obesity and inflammation in Brazilian children

Background:The evidence that cardiovascular disease begins in childhood and adolescence, especially in the presence of excess weight, is associated with dysfunction on adipokine pro-inflammatory secretion. These affect glucose metabolism and lead to other complications related to insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease. This study assessed the association of anthropometric and metabolic parameters related to obesity, cardiovascular risk,and insulin resistance with concentrations of resistin and visfatin, in children. Methods: A cross-sectional study was developed with 178 children of 6­10 years old enrolled in public city schools. Anthropometric data, composition body, clinical, and biochemical were measured according to standard procedures. We used multiple regression models by stepwise method to evaluate the associations of resistin and visfatin with variables of interest.RESULTS: In healthy weight children, resistin was associated with LDL cholesterol, visfatin, atherogenic index, andwaist-to-height ratio, whereas in obese children resistin was associated with visfatin and interaction between conicity index and HOMA-AD. Furthermore, in healthy weight children, visfatin was associated to resistin and triceps skinfold thickness and negatively associated to HOMA-AD, while in obese ones visfatin was associated with waist-to-height ratio, atherogenic index, resistin, and interaction between trunk adiposity index and adiponectin and wasnegatively associated with the HOMA-IR index.CONCLUSIONS:Our study shows an association between anthropometric and biochemical variables related tovisceral fat and inflammation. These results suggest the resistin and visfatin as good pro-inflammatory markers. In addition, both adipokines are strongly related to central obesity, in children. In addition, both adipokines are strongly related to central obesity, in children.

Resistin in morbidly obese patients before and after gastric bypass surgery / Resistina en obesos mórbidos antes y después de un bypass gástrico

Background and objectives: Resistin was originally suggested to be a potential mediator of obesity-related insulin resistance in rodents. However, in humans, the role of resistin in obesity and insulin resistance has not yet been demonstrated. The present study investigates whether there are differences in resistin levels between patients with morbid obesity and lean subjects, and analyzes changes in resistin levels after significant weight loss secondary to bariatric surgery. Methods: Sixty-eight patients with morbid obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 40 kg/m2) and 31 lean subjects (BMI < 25 kg/m2) were selected. The study variables were: weight, height, BMI, waist-hip ratio (WHR), fat mass, family history of cardiovascular disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), insulin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), adiponectin and resistin. Homoeostasis model assessment (HOMA) and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) were calculated. The obese patients underwent gastric bypass surgery, and the above mentioned variables were reassessed after 12 months and major weight loss. Results: There were no significant differences in resistin levels between morbidly obese patients and healthy subjects of normal weight, or between obese patients before and after weight loss. Resistin levels in morbidly obese patients were not correlated to adiposity anthropometric measures, insulin, glucose, HOMA, QUICKI, hsCRP, IL-6 or adiponectin. In the morbid obesity group, after one year of weight loss, the only study parameter correlated to resistin levels was IL-6. Conclusion: Our results do not support a relationship among resistin levels, obesity and insulin resistance in humans (AU)

Introducción y objetivos: inicialmente se sugirió que la resistina era un mediador potencial de la resistencia a la insulina relacionada con la obesidad en roedores. Sin embargo, en seres humanos, el papel de la resistina en la obesidad y la resistencia a la insulina aún no se ha demostrado. El presente estudio investiga si existen diferencias en los niveles de resistina entre pacientes con obesidad mórbida y sujetos con normopeso, y analiza los cambios en los niveles de resistina después de la pérdida significativa de peso debida a cirugía bariátrica. Métodos: se seleccionaron 68 pacientes con obesidad mórbida (IMC ≥ 40 kg/m2) y 31 sujetos normopeso (IMC < 25 kg/m2). Las variables del estudio fueron peso, talla, IMC, relación cintura-cadera (WHR), masa grasa, antecedentes familiares de enfermedad cardiovascular, diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM), hipertensión arterial, dislipidemia, tabaquismo, glucosa, hemoglobina glicosilada (HbA1c), insulina, proteína C reactiva de alta sensibilidad (hsCRP), interleucina-6 (IL-6), adiponectina y resistina. Se calcularon la evaluación del modelo de homeostasis (HOMA) y el índice cuantitativo de control de sensibilidad a la insulina (QUICKI). Los pacientes obesos se sometieron a un bypass gástrico, y las variables mencionadas fueron reevaluadas después de 12 meses y una pérdida de peso importante. Resultados: no hubo diferencias significativas en los niveles de resistina entre pacientes obesos mórbidos y sujetos sanos de peso normal, ni entre pacientes obesos antes y después de la pérdida de peso. Los niveles de resistina en pacientes obesos mórbidos no se correlacionaron con medidas antropométricas de adiposidad, insulina, glucosa, HOMA, QUICKI, hsCRP, IL-6 o adiponectina. En el grupo de obesos mórbidos, al año de la pérdida de peso experimentada, el único parámetro del estudio correlacionado con los niveles de resistina fue la IL-6. Conclusión: nuestros resultados no apoyan una relación entre los niveles de resistina, la obesidad y la resistencia a la insulina en los seres humanos (AU)

The Relation between Periodontopathogenic Bacterial Levels and Resistin in the Saliva of Obese Type 2 Diabetic Patients.

This study aims to investigate the relation between resistin and periodontopathogenic bacterial levels in the saliva of obese adults compared to healthy control and to examine whether salivary resistin can serve as a biomarker of type 2 diabetes in obese patients. A total of 78 saliva samples were collected from patients attending to the University Dental Hospital, Sharjah, UAE. The patients were divided into three equal groups: obese diabetics, obese nondiabetics, and nonobese nondiabetic control. Salivary resistin was measured using ELISA. The levels of bacterial species associated with periodontitis (Treponema denticola, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans) and gingivitis (Fusobacterium spp.) were measured using real-time PCR. Both salivary resistin and periodontopathogenic bacteria including Fusobacterium spp., P. gingivalis, and T. forsythia were detected in significantly higher quantities in the obese patients (diabetics and nondiabetics) than nonobese nondiabetic control. Resistin concentrations were significantly correlated with BMI; however, its level was not correlated with the blood glucose. In this study, high salivary resistin was associated with obesity, which is a major predisposing factor for type 2 diabetes and also a risk factor for oral diseases. The high levels of salivary periodontopathogenic bacteria could upregulate the local release of salivary resistin in obese people.

La resistina se asocia con la proteína C reactiva y marcadores de riesgo cardiovascular en niños obesos / Resistin is associated with C reactive protein and cardiovascular risk markers in obese children / A resistina associa-se à proteína C reativa e aos marcadores de risco cardiovascular em crianças obesas

El objetivo del trabajo fue evaluar los niveles de resistina sérica y su asociación con la proteína C reactiva (PCR-hs), óxido nítrico (NO) y lípidos plasmáticos (LP) en sujetos de edad pediátrica. Participaron 366 niños y adolescentes (10-16 años), agrupados en eutróficos (n=162) y obesos (n=204). Se les estudió peso, talla, circunferencia de la cintura, resistina sérica, glucosa e insulina basal, LP, NO, PCR-hs, malondialdehído y tensión arterial. Se calculó el IMC, el índice cintura-talla (IC/T) y el HOMA-IR. Se utilizaron las pruebas t de Student, ANOVA, U de Mann y Whitney o Kruskal- Wallis para comparar entre grupos y la correlación de Spearman para determinar asociación entre variables. Los obesos masculinos presentaron niveles superiores de resistina (p<0,05). El género femenino presentó valores más altos de resistina en eutróficos (p=0,012) y con IC/T normal (p=0,011). A mayor concentración de resistina los eutróficos presentaron niveles más altos de triacilglicéridos, pero los obesos mostraron niveles más bajos de triacilglicéridos, HDLc y NO, más altos de PCR-hs y mayor IMC. Los resultados sugieren que la resistina podría ser un factor de riesgo para la enfermedad cardiovascular por su asociación positiva con la PCR-hs e inversa con el NO y la HDLc, parámetros involucrados en la inflamación y la disfunción endotelial.

The aim of this study was to evaluate seric levels of resitin and their association with high-sensitivity C Reactive Protein (hs-CRP), nitric oxide (NO) and plasmatic lipids (PL) in a pediatric age population. A total of 366 children and adolescents (between 10-16 years old) participated, and were grouped into eutrophic (n=162) and obese (n=204). Weight, height, waist circumference, resistin, fasting blood glucose and insulin levels, PL, hs-CRP, NO, malondialdehyde and blood pressure were measured. BMI, waist to height ratio (W/HR) and HOMA-IR were calculated. T-student, ANOVA, Mann-Whitney U-value or Kruskal-Wallis were used to compare between groups and Spearman correlation was used to determine association among variables. Male obese subjects showed higher resistin levels (p<0.05). Female subjects showed higher resistin values in the eutrophic group (p=0.012) and in the normal W/HR (p=0.011). At higher levels of resistin, the eutrophic group showed higher levels of triacylglycerides, but the obese group showed lower triacylglycerides, HDLc and NO levels and higher hs-CRP levels and BMI. These results suggest that resistin could be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease because of its positive association with hs-CRP and inverse association with NO and HDLc, parameters involved in inflammation and endothelial dysfunction.

O objetivo da pesquisa foi avaliar os níveis séricos de resistina sérica e sua associação com a proteína C-reativa (PCR-hs), óxido nítrico (NO) e lipídios plasmáticos (LP) em crianças e adolescentes. O estudo envolveu 366 crianças e adolescentes (10-16 anos), agrupados em eutróficos (n=162) e obesos (n=204). Os sujeitos foram estudados em relação ao peso, altura, circunferência da cintura, resistina sérica, glicose e insulina basal, LP, NO, PCR-hs, malondialdeído e pressão arterial. Os IMC, índice cintura-altura (IC/A) e HOMA-IR foram calculados. Foram utilizados os Testes t de Student, ANOVA, U de Mann e Whitney ou Kruskal-Wallis para comparar entre os grupos e a correlação de Spearman para verificar a associação entre variáveis. Os obesos masculinos mostraram níveis mais elevados de resistina (p<0,05). O sexo feminino apresentou valores mais altos de resistina em eutróficos (p=0,012) e com IC/T normal (p=0,011). À maior concentração de resistina, os eutróficos apresentaram maiores níveis de triacilglicerídeos, mas os obesos apresentaram níveis mais baixos de triacilglicerídeos, HDLc e NO, mais altos de PCR-hs e maior IMC. Os resultados sugerem que a resistina poderia ser um fator de risco para a doença cardiovascular devido à sua associação positiva com a PCR-hs e inversa com o NO e a HDLc, parâmetros envolvidos na inflamação e disfunção endotelial.

Novel bone metabolism-associated hormones: the importance of the pre-analytical phase for understanding their physiological roles.

The endocrine function of bone is now a recognized feature of this tissue. Bone-derived hormones that modulate whole-body homeostasis, are being discovered as for the effects on bone of novel and classic hormones produced by other tissues become known. Often, however, the data regarding these last generation bone-derived or bone-targeting hormones do not give about a clear picture of their physiological roles or concentration ranges. A certain degree of uncertainty could stem from differences in the pre-analytical management of biological samples. The pre-analytical phase comprises a series of decisions and actions (i.e., choice of sample matrix, methods of collection, transportation, treatment and storage) preceding analysis. Errors arising in this phase will inevitably be carried over to the analytical phase where they can reduce the measurement accuracy, ultimately, leading discrepant results. While the pre-analytical phase is all important, in routine laboratory medicine, it is often not given due consideration in research and clinical trials. This is particularly true for novel molecules, such as the hormones regulating the endocrine function of bone. In this review we discuss the importance of the pre-analytical variables affecting the measurement of last generation bone-associated hormones and describe their, often debated and rarely clear physiological roles.

Relationship between resistin and IL-23 levels in follicular fluid in infertile patients with endometriosis undergoing IVF-ET.

BACKGROUND: Endometriosis (EM) interferes with the reproductive process and affects the success rate of in vitro fertilization (IVF). Inflammatory cytokines are suggested to play a role in infertility in patients with EM. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between resistin and interleukin 23 (IL-23) levels in follicular fluid (FF) and serum together with the severity of endometriosis and in vitro fertilization/ embryo transfer (IVF-ET) outcome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Samples from 116 infertile women were studied using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The study group consisted of 76 infertile patients diagnosed with EM (40 with stages I-II and 36 with stages III-IV) undergoing IVF-ET. The control group included 40 women with tubal factor infertility. FF and serum samples were collected on the day of follicle aspiration and hCG administration, respectively. RESULTS: The serum and FF resistin levels were significantly higher in the EM group than in the control group (p-value <0.05). The FF resistin and IL-23 levels were significantly higher in EM stages III-IV than in stages I-II (p-value <0.05), and the serum resistin and IL-23 levels were also significantly (p-value <0.01) higher in stages III-IV than in stages I-II. The E2 level on the day of hCG administration and the implantation rate were both significantly lower in the EM group than in the control group. However, there were no differences in the Gn duration and dose, and the cleavage, implantation and clinical pregnancy rates between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that patients with EM exhibit increased resistin level in FF and serum. Advanced EM may contribute to infertility via decreased embryo implantation rates because of inflammation and immune rejection. No influence was observed on pregnancy outcomes after IVF-ET.

Expression of resistin in the liver of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Adipokines are cytokines that presumably connect the pathologies of metabolic syndrome. One of the adipokines is resistin, the role of which in insulin resistance, obesity, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) needs to be determined. Liver biopsy specimens were obtained intraoperatively from 214 obese patients. Histological assessment was based on NAFLD activity score according to Kleiner. Statistical analysis involved semi-quantitive immunohistochemistry assessment of resistin staining and: NAFLD status in obese patients compared with a non-obese control group, selected clinical data (age, sex, body mass index - BMI), selected biochemical data, comorbidities (hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia), and metformin treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Resistin expression was observed in the histiocytes of inflammatory infiltrate, Kupffer cells, and histiocytes surrounding the hepatocytes with steatosis. There was a positive correlation between the total expression of resistin and: (1) NAFLD advancement (NAFLD Activity Score- NAS), (2) AST, ALT, BMI, glucose, insulin, Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA), LDH, GGT, triglycerides (TG), and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c). Resistin expression was more intense in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and dyslipidaemia and less intense in the control group. Resistin probably plays a role in the pathogenesis of hepatic insulin resistance and aggravates pathologic changes in the liver of patients with NAFLD.

Phosphoglycerate Kinase-A Novel Streptococcal Factor Involved in Neutrophil Activation and Degranulation.

BACKGROUND: Neutrophils have been proposed as important contributors to the hyperinflammatory responses that are associated with severe invasive Streptococcus pyogenes infections. In particular, streptococcal surface proteins have been implicated as potent neutrophil activators. Here we explore the impact of streptococcus-secreted factors on neutrophil activation and degranulation. METHODS: Primary human neutrophils were exposed to supernatants prepared from cultures of invasive S. pyogenes strains of varying serotypes in the stationary growth phase. Neutrophil activation was assessed by measurement of secreted resistin, an azurophilic granule marker, and by determination of the secretome profile, using mass spectrometry. RESULTS: Marked variation in resistin release and the neutrophil secretome profile were observed following exposure to different strains. A high resistin response was triggered exclusively by SpeB-negative strains, suggesting that at least 1 stimulatory factor is susceptible to SpeB proteolytic degradation. Further analysis, including proteomics and stimulation analyses, identified phosphoglycerate kinase as a stimulatory factor for neutrophils. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, results of this study reveal a novel secreted streptococcal factor that, in the absence of SpeB, can trigger neutrophil activation and degranulation. This finding is of interest in light of reports of hypervirulent SpeB-negative S. pyogenes variants present during invasive infections.

High-density lipoprotein inhibits ox-LDL-induced adipokine secretion by upregulating SR-BI expression and suppressing ER Stress pathway.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) in adipocytes can modulate adipokines secretion. The aim of this study was to explore the protective effect of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) on oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced ERS-C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) pathway-mediated adipokine secretion. Our results showed that serum adipokines, including visfatin, resistin and TNF-α, correlated inversely with serum HDL cholesterol level in patients with abdominal obesity. In vitro, like ERS inhibitor 4-phenylbutyric acid (PBA), HDL inhibited ox-LDL- or tunicamycin (TM, an ERS inducer)-induced increase in visfatin and resistin secretion. Moreover, HDL inhibited ox-LDL-induced free cholesterol (FC) accumulation in whole cell lysate and in the endoplasmic reticulum. Additionally, like PBA, HDL inhibited ox-LDL- or TM-induced activation of ERS response as assessed by the decreased phosphorylation of protein kinase-like ER kinase and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α and reduced nuclear translocation of activating transcription factor 6 as well as the downregulation of Bip and CHOP. Furthermore, HDL increased scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) expression and SR-BI siRNA treatment abolished the inhibitory effects of HDL on ox-LDL-induced FC accumulation and CHOP upregulation. These data indicate that HDL may suppress ox-LDL-induced FC accumulation in adipocytes through upregulation of SR-BI, subsequently preventing ox-LDL-induced ER stress-CHOP pathway-mediated adipocyte inflammation.

Impact of maternal BMI and sampling strategy on the concentration of leptin, insulin, ghrelin and resistin in breast milk across a single feed: a longitudinal cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: We tested the hypothesis that there is a positive association between maternal body mass index (BMI) and the concentration of appetite-regulating hormones leptin, insulin, ghrelin and resistin in breast milk. We also aimed to describe the change in breast milk hormone concentration within each feed, and over time. SETTING: Mothers were recruited from the postpartum ward at a university hospital in London. Breast milk samples were collected at the participants' homes. PARTICIPANTS: We recruited 120 healthy, primiparous, breastfeeding mothers, aged over 18 years. Mothers who smoked, had multiple births or had diabetes were excluded. Foremilk and hindmilk samples were collected from 105 women at 1 week postpartum and 92 women at 3 months postpartum. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: We recorded maternal and infant anthropometric measurements at each sample collection and measured hormone concentrations using a multiplex assay. RESULTS: The concentration of leptin in foremilk correlated with maternal BMI at the time of sample collection, at 7 days (r=0.31, p=0.02) and 3 months postpartum (r=0.30, p=<0.00). Foremilk insulin correlated with maternal BMI at 3 months postpartum (r=0.22, p=0.04). Breast milk ghrelin and resistin were not correlated with maternal BMI. Ghrelin concentrations at 3 months postpartum were increased in foremilk compared with hindmilk (p=0.01). Concentrations of ghrelin were increased in hindmilk collected at 1  week postpartum compared with samples collected at 3 months postpartum (p=0.03). A trend towards decreased insulin concentrations in hindmilk was noted. Concentrations of leptin and resistin were not seen to alter over a feed. CONCLUSIONS: A positive correlation between maternal BMI and foremilk leptin concentration at both time points studied, and foremilk insulin at 3 months postpartum was observed. This may have implications for infant appetite regulation and obesity risk.

Melatonin reduces obesity and restores adipokine patterns and metabolism in obese (ob/ob) mice.

The increasing incidence of obesity, leading to metabolic complications, is now recognized as a major public health problem. The adipocytes are not merely energy-storing cells, but they play crucial roles in the development of the so-called metabolic syndrome due to the adipocyte-derived bioactive factors such as adipokines, cytokines, and growth factors. The dysregulated production and secretion of adipokines seen in obesity is linked to the pathogenesis of the metabolic disease processes. In this study, we hypothesized that dietary melatonin administration would support an anti-inflammatory response and play an important role in energy metabolism in subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues of obese mice and so may counteract some of the disruptive effects of obesity. Lean and obese mice (ob/ob) received melatonin or vehicle in drinking water for 8 weeks. Thereafter, they were evaluated for morphologic alteration, inflammatory cell infiltration, and the adipokine patterns in visceral and subcutaneous white fat depots. In obese mice treated with vehicle, we observed a significant increase in fat depots, inflammation, and a dysregulation of the adipokine network. In particular, we measured a significant reduction of adiponectin and an increase of tumor necrosis factor α, resistin, and visfatin in adipose tissue deposits. These changes were partially reversed when melatonin was supplemented to obese mice. Melatonin supplementation by regulating inflammatory infiltration ameliorates obesity-induced adipokine alteration, whereas melatonin administration in lean mice was unaffected. Thus, it is likely that melatonin would be provided in supplement form to control some of the disruptive effects on the basis of obesity pathogenic process.

Comportamiento del eje entero-insular en una poblacion deportista; influencia de la dieta y el ejercicio / Performance of entero-insular axis in an athletic population: diet and exercise influence

Introducción: La relación existente entre el ejercicio físico y la regulación del apetito puede conducir a una mejora del rendimiento competitivo de los deportistas. Los mediadores del eje entero-insular generan señales neurohumorales que influyen en la regulación del apetito y la homeostasis energética. Objetivo: Determinar la influencia de la dieta y el ejercicio prolongado sobre los péptidos intestinales, grelina, resistina, leptina, e incretinas (GLP-1 y GIP) en una población deportista. MÉTODOS: Este es un estudio prospectivo, de intervención desarrollado desde Octubre 2012 a Marzo 2013. Se incluyeron 32 jugadores de rugby sanos. Se tomaron medidas antropométricas y muestras de sangre en el momento 0 y a los seis meses del estudio. Se distribuyeron aleatoriamente a una dieta bien proteica (DP) o mediterránea (DM) y estudiamos los niveles plasmáticos de adipoquinas e incretinas. Resultados: Las concentraciones plasmáticas de GLP- 1 y GIP presentaron un descenso (p < 0.03; p< 0.01 respectivamente) en los seguidores de la DP. Los niveles de GLP-1 y de grelina mostraron un descenso significativo (p< 0.03 respectivamente) en el grupo con ganancia de masa muscular (MM). Finalmente, las concentraciones de GLP-1 disminuyeron significativamente en el grupo vinculado a la DP que incrementó su MM (p<0.002) y peso total (p<0.03). Conclusión: Los niveles de GLP-1 muestran un descenso con la DP en aquellos deportistas que aumentan su MM y peso total. Ello sugiere que este tipo de dieta puede mejorar el rendimiento en determinadas modalidades deportivas y disminuir el riesgo de hipoglucemias (AU)

Introduction: The relationship between physical exercise and appetite regulation can lead to improved competitive performance of athletes. Mediators of the entero-insular axis generate neurohumoral signals that influence on the appetite regulation and energy homeostasis. AIM: Determine the influence of diet and prolonged exercise on intestinal peptide, ghrelin, resistin, leptin, and incretins (GLP-1 and GIP) in an athlete population. Methods: It is a prospective intervention study, conducted from October 2012 to March 2013. 32 healthy semiprofessional rugby players, aged 13-39 years were included. Anthropometric measurements and blood samples were taken at time 0 and after six months of study. Athletes were randomized to a protein diet (PD) or Mediterranean diet (MD) and plasma levels of intestinal peptide, ghrelin, resistin, leptin, and incretins were calculated. Results: In the PD group, GLP-1 and GIP plasmatic levels showed a significant decrease (p<0.03; p<0.01 respectively). GLP-1 and ghrelin plasmatic concentration demonstrated a significant decrease (p<0.03 and p<0.002, respectively). Conclusion: GLP-1 plasmatic concentration was decreased, with the PD suggesting to be more beneficial for the athletes in order to avoid hypoglycemia. Furthermore, muscle mass and total weight gain, linked to the PD, could enhance athletic performance in certain sport modalities (AU)