Human resistin: found in translation from mouse to man

An organism-wide atlas of hormonal signaling based on the mouse lemur single-cell transcriptome

Hormones mediate long-range cell communication and play vital roles in physiology, metabolism, and health. Traditionally, endocrinologists have focused on one hormone or organ system at a time. Yet, hormone signaling by its very nature connects cells of different organs and involves crosstalk of different hormones. Here, we leverage the organism-wide single cell transcriptional atlas of a non-human primate, the mouse lemur (Microcebus murinus), to systematically map source and target cells for 84 classes of hormones. This work uncovers previously-uncharacterized sites of hormone regulation, and shows that the hormonal signaling network is densely connected, decentralized, and rich in feedback loops. Evolutionary comparisons of hormonal genes and their expression patterns show that mouse lemur better models human hormonal signaling than mouse, at both the genomic and transcriptomic levels, and reveal primate-specific rewiring of hormone-producing/target cells. This work complements the scale and resolution of classical endocrine studies and sheds light on primate hormone regulation.

Resistin - A Plausible Therapeutic Target in the Pathogenesis of Psoriasis

Resistin, a cytokine hormone predominantly secreted by adipose tissue, is elevated in various metabolic disorders such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. In addition to its involvement in metabolic regulation, resistin has been implicated in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disorder. Numerous studies have reported increased resistin levels in psoriatic skin lesions, suggesting a possible association between resistin and psoriasis. Recent studies have suggested the potential involvement of resistin in the development and progression of certain cancers. Resistin is overexpressed in breast, colorectal, and gastric cancers. This suggests that it may play a role in the development of these cancers, possibly by inducing inflammation and cell growth. The link between resistin and cancer raises the possibility of shared underlying mechanisms driving the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Chronic inflammation, one such mechanism, is a hallmark of psoriasis and cancer. Further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between resistin and psoriasis. Identifying potential therapeutic targets is crucial for effective management of psoriasis. By doing so, we may be able to develop more effective treatment options for individuals living with psoriasis and ultimately improve their quality of life. Ultimately, a more comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms underlying the impact of resistin on psoriasis is essential for advancing our knowledge and finding new ways to treat and manage this challenging condition.

Adipokines in atopic dermatitis: the link between obesity and atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic skin condition with intense pruritus, eczema, and dry skin. The recurrent intense pruritus and numerous complications in patients with AD can profoundly affect their quality of life. Obesity is one of its comorbidities that has been confirmed to be the hazard factor of AD and also worsen its severity. Nevertheless, the specific mechanisms that explain the connection between obesity and AD remain incompletely recognized. Recent studies have built hopes on various adipokines to explain this connection. Adipokines, which are disturbed by an obese state, may lead to immune system imbalances in people with AD and promote the development of the disease. This review focuses on the abnormal expression patterns of adipokines in patients with AD and their potential regulatory molecular mechanisms associated with AD. The connection between AD and obesity is elucidated through the involvement of adipokines. This conduces to the in-depth exploration of AD pathogenesis and provides a new perspective to develop therapeutic targets.

Sex-specific associations between adipokine profiles and carotid-intima media thickness in the Cameron County Hispanic Cohort (CCHC)

BACKGROUND

Adipokines are hormones secreted from adipose tissue and are associated with cardiometabolic diseases (CMD). Functional differences between adipokines (leptin, adiponectin, and resistin) are known, but inconsistently reported associations with CMD and lack of studies in Hispanic populations are research gaps. We investigated the relationship between subclinical atherosclerosis and multiple adipokine measures.

METHODS

Cross-sectional data from the Cameron County Hispanic Cohort (N = 624; mean age = 50; Female = 70.8%) were utilized to assess associations between adipokines [continuous measures of adiponectin, leptin, resistin, leptin-to-adiponectin ratio (LAR), and adiponectin-resistin index (ARI)] and early atherosclerosis [carotid-intima media thickness (cIMT)]. We adjusted for sex, age, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, cytokines, fasting blood glucose levels, blood pressure, lipid levels, and medication usage in the fully adjusted linear regression model. We conducted sexes-combined and sex-stratified analyses to account for sex-specificity and additionally tested whether stratification of participants by their metabolic status (metabolically elevated risk for CMD as defined by having two or more of the following conditions: hypertension, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and inflammation vs. not) influenced the relationship between adipokines and cIMT.

RESULTS

In the fully adjusted analyses, adiponectin, leptin, and LAR displayed significant interaction by sex (p < 0.1). Male-specific associations were between cIMT and LAR [β(SE) = 0.060 (0.016), p = 2.52 × 10-4], and female-specific associations were between cIMT and adiponectin [β(SE) = 0.010 (0.005), p = 0.043] and ARI [β(SE) = - 0.011 (0.005), p = 0.036]. When stratified by metabolic health status, the male-specific positive association between LAR and cIMT was more evident among the metabolically healthy group [β(SE) = 0.127 (0.015), p = 4.70 × 10-10] (p for interaction by metabolic health < 0.1). However, the female-specific associations between adiponectin and cIMT and ARI and cIMT were observed only among the metabolically elevated risk group [β(SE) = 0.014 (0.005), p = 0.012 for adiponectin; β(SE) = - 0.015 (0.006), p = 0.013 for ARI; p for interaction by metabolic health < 0.1].

CONCLUSION

Associations between adipokines and cIMT were sex-specific, and metabolic health status influenced the relationships between adipokines and cIMT. These heterogeneities by sex and metabolic health affirm the complex relationships between adipokines and atherosclerosis.

Association of adipocytokines and adipocytokine ratios with cardiovascular risk factors in Japanese preadolescents

OBJECTIVES

Asians are particularly susceptible to obesity-associated disorders and rapid progression of obesity from childhood to adulthood. Data on the association between adipocytokine parameters, particularly adipocytokine ratios, and cardiovascular risk factors in childhood remain limited. Herein, we assessed the association of resistin, adiponectin, and leptin levels and leptin/adiponectin and resistin/adiponectin ratios with selected cardiovascular risk factors and the influence of unhealthy weight on such associations in children aged 9-10 years.

METHODS

We included 380 children aged 9-10 years from three public elementary schools in Japan.

RESULTS

The body mass index (BMI) was significantly higher in male preadolescents than in female adolescents (median 16.5 kg/m² vs. 16.2 kg/m², p=0.032). No differences in height, weight, waist circumference (WC), waist/height ratio (W/Hr), total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, or atherosclerosis index (AI) were observed between the sexes. Of the adipocytokine levels and ratios analyzed, only the leptin level and leptin/adiponectin ratio (L/Ar) were strongly and significantly positively correlated with the cardiovascular risk factors WC, W/Hr, and BMI (all p<0.05). The AI was not strongly correlated with any adipocytokine levels or ratios. Apart from the strong positive correlation between the L/Ar and W/Hr, no other significant associations were observed between any of the adipocytokine levels or ratios and the selected cardiovascular risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings confirmed the value of adipocytokine ratios in risk assessment in pediatric populations, with leptin levels and leptin/adiponectin ratios strongly correlating with risk factors in children aged 9-10 years.

Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals rebalancing of immunological response in patients with periodontitis after non-surgical periodontal therapy

Background

Periodontitis is a major inflammatory disease of the oral mucosa that is not limited to the oral cavity but also has systemic consequences. Although the importance of chronic periodontitis has been emphasized, the systemic immune response induced by periodontitis and its therapeutic effects remain elusive. Here, we report the transcriptomes of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with periodontitis.

Methods

Using single-cell RNA sequencing, we profiled PBMCs from healthy controls and paired pre- and post-treatment patients with periodontitis. We extracted differentially expressed genes and biological pathways for each cell type and calculated activity scores reflecting cellular characteristics. Intercellular crosstalk was classified into therapy-responsive and -nonresponsive pathways.

Results

We analyzed pan-cellular differentially expressed genes caused by periodontitis and found that most cell types showed a significant increase in CRIP1, which was further supported by the increased levels of plasma CRIP1 observed in patients with periodontitis. In addition, activated cell type-specific ligand-receptor interactions, including the BTLA, IFN-γ, and RESISTIN pathways, were prominent in patients with periodontitis. Both the BTLA and IFN-γ pathways returned to similar levels in healthy controls after periodontal therapy, whereas the RESISTIN pathway was still activated even after therapy.

Conclusion

These data collectively provide insights into the transcriptome changes and molecular interactions that are responsive to periodontal treatment. We identified periodontitis-specific systemic inflammatory indicators and suggest unresolved signals of non-surgical therapy as future therapeutic targets.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12967-022-03702-2.

Obesity: A Doorway to a Molecular Path Leading to Infertility

The dramatic rise in obesity has recently made it a global health issue. About 1.9 billion were overweight, and 650 million global populations were obese in 2016. Obese women suffer longer conception time, lowered fertility rates, and greater rates of miscarriage. Obesity alters hormones such as adiponectin and leptin, affecting all levels within the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) are inflammatory cytokines that may play an important role in the pathophysiology of ovarian dysfunction in obesity. In obese males, there are altered sperm parameters, reduced testosterone, increased estradiol, hypogonadism, and epigenetic modifications transmitted to offspring. The focus of this article is on the possible adverse effects on reproductive health resulting from obesity and sheds light on different molecular pathways linking obesity with infertility in both female and male subjects. Electronic databases such as Google Scholar, Embase, Science Direct, PubMed, and Google Search Engine were utilized to find obesity and infertility-related papers. The search strategy is detailed in the method section. Even though multiple research work has shown that obesity impacts fertility in both male and female negatively, it is significant to perform extensive research on the molecular mechanisms that link obesity to infertility. This is to find therapeutics that may be developed aiming at these mechanisms to manage and prevent the negative effects of obesity on the reproductive system.

Impact of Obesity on the Course of Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease—A Review

It is already well-known that visceral adipose tissue is inseparably related to the pathogenesis, activity, and general outcome of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We are getting closer and closer to the molecular background of this loop, finding certain relationships between activated mesenteric tissue and inflammation within the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract. Recently, relatively new data have been uncovered, indicating a direct impact of body fat on the pattern of pharmacological treatment in the course of IBD. On the other hand, ileal and colonic types of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis appear to be more diversified than it was thought in the past. However, the question arises whether at this stage we are able to translate this knowledge into the practical management of IBD patients or we are still exploring the scientific background of this pathology, having no specific tools to be used directly in patients. Our review explores IBD in the context of obesity and associated disorders, focusing on adipokines, creeping fat, and possible relationships between these disorders and the treatment of IBD patients.

The Effects of Resistin Gene Polymorphism on Pain Thresholds and Postoperative Sufentanil Consumption in Gastric Cancer Patients

Purpose

As an adipocyte-secreted hormone, resistin is linked to inflammation, insulin resistance and atherosclerosis. Currently, resistin is proposed as a novel biomarker for postoperative pain intensity. However, due to the various types of surgery and limited numbers of studies, previous conclusions should be validated. This study aimed to explore the effect of resistin polymorphism (rs3745367) on pain thresholds and sufentanil consumption in gastric cancer patients.

Patients and Methods

A total of 148 gastric cancer patients enrolled in this study had their pain thresholds measured before surgery. After the exclusion of 16 patients, the characteristics of demography and clinic, numerical rating scale (NRS) and sufentanil consumption of 132 patients were recorded. Rs3745367 of resistin was identified by Sanger sequencing. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed for sufentanil consumption and mechanical pain threshold.

Results

The distributions of the GG, AG, and AA genotypes of rs3745367 among the participants were 54 (40.9%), 65 (49.2%), and 13 (9.9%), respectively. The mechanical pain threshold (P=0.04) and postoperative sufentanil consumption in the 1st 24 h (P=0.03) were significantly different among GG, AG, and AA genotype carriers. There was no significant difference among the three genotypes for the heat pain threshold and cold pain threshold. Regarding the NRS, no statistically significant difference among the three different genotypes was found 24 h postoperatively.

Conclusion

Rs3745367 of resistin is associated with the mechanical pain threshold and postoperative sufentanil consumption in gastric cancer patients. Patients with the AA genotype of rs3745367 present an increased mechanical pain threshold and decreased postoperative sufentanil consumption.

Resistin Expression Is Associated With Interstitial Lung Disease in Dermatomyositis

Objective

In the current study, we aimed to assess resistin mRNA levels in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of dermatomyositis patients with interstitial lung disease (DM-ILD) and their correlation with disease activity.

Methods

We detected resistin mRNA levels in the PBMCs of 37 DM-ILD, 8 DM patients without ILD, and 19 healthy control (HC) subjects by performing quantitative reverse transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. Associations between resistin expression levels and major clinical manifestations, laboratory examinations, and disease activity were also analyzed. In addition, resistin expression in lung specimens from patients with DM-ILD was examined via immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence.

Results

Resistin mRNA levels in PBMCs were significantly higher in DM-ILD than that in DM patients without ILD and HCs (p = 0.043, 0.014, respectively). Among these DM-ILD patients, the resistin levels were significantly elevated in those with rapidly progressive ILD than in those with chronic ILD (p = 0.012). The resistin mRNA levels in DM-ILD positively correlated with serum alanine aminotransferase (r = 0.476, p = 0.003), aspartate aminotransferase (r = 0.488, p = 0.002), lactate dehydrogenase (r = 0.397, p = 0.014), C-reactive protein (r = 0.423, p = 0.008), ferritin (r = 0.468, p = 0.003), carcinoembryonic antigen (r = 0.416, p = 0.011), carbohydrate antigen 125 (r = 0.332, p = 0.047), interleukin-18 (r = 0.600, p < 0.001), and lung visual analog scale values (r = 0.326, p = 0.048), but negatively correlated with the diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide (DLco)% (r = −0.447, p = 0.041). Immunohistochemical analysis of resistin showed its elevated expression in the macrophages, alveolar epithelial cells, and weak fibrotic lesions from patients with DM-ILD. Immunofluorescence staining confirmed CD68+ macrophages co-express resistin.

Conclusions

Resistin levels were increased in patients with DM-ILD and associated with disease activity and ILD severity. Therefore, resistin may participate in the pathogenesis of DM-ILD and may act as a useful biomarker.

The Role of the Adipokine Resistin in the Pathogenesis and Progression of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

Obesity is a civilization disease associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and some malignancies. The results concerning the relationship between obesity and epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) are inconclusive. The higher incidence of neoplasms in obese subjects has led to the development of the adipokine hypothesis. Omental adipocyte cells interact with cancer cells, promoting their migration and metastasis via the secretion of adipokines, growth factors, and hormones. One of the adipokines is resistin. It was shown in vitro that resistin stimulates the growth and differentiation of ovarian cancer cells. Moreover, it increases the level of angiogenesis factors, e.g., matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) and vascular epithelial growth factor (VEGF). Additionally, resistin induces epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and stemness in EOC cell lines. A positive correlation has been shown between a higher level of resistin expression and the stage of histological differentiation of EOC or the occurrence of lymph node metastases. In addition, the overexpression of resistin has been found to act as an independent factor determining disease-free survival as well as overall survival in EOC patients. Growing evidence supports the finding that resistin plays an important role in some mechanisms leading to the progression of EOC, though this issue still requires further research.

Synergistic Effects of Weighted Genetic Risk Scores and Resistin and sST2 Levels on the Prognostication of Long-Term Outcomes in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

Resistin and soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (sST2) are useful predictors in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Their serum levels are significantly attributed to variations in RETN and IL1RL1 loci. We investigated candidate variants in the RETN locus for resistin levels and those in the IL1RL1 locus for sST2 levels and evaluated the prognostication of these two biomarkers and the corresponding variants for long-term outcomes in the patients with CAD. We included 4652, 557, and 512 Chinese participants from the Taiwan Biobank (TWB), cardiovascular health examination (CH), and CAD cohorts, respectively. Candidate variants in RETN and IL1RL1 were investigated using whole-genome sequence (WGS) and genome-wide association study (GWAS) data in the TWB cohort. The weighted genetic risk scores (WGRS) of RETN and IL1RL1 with resistin and sST2 levels were calculated. Kaplan–Meier curves were used to analyze the prognostication of resistin and sST2 levels, WGRS of RETN and IL1RL1, and their combinations. Three RETN variants (rs3219175, rs370006313, and rs3745368) and two IL1RL1 variants (rs10183388 and rs4142132) were independently associated with resistin and sST2 levels as per the WGS and GWAS data in the TWB cohort and were further validated in the CH and CAD cohorts. In combination, these variants explained 53.7% and 28.0% of the variation in resistin and sST2 levels, respectively. In the CAD cohort, higher resistin and sST2 levels predicted higher rates of all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) during long-term follow-up, but WGRS of RETN and IL1RL1 variants had no impact on these outcomes. A synergistic effect of certain combinations of biomarkers with RETN and IL1RL1 variants was found on the prognostication of long-term outcomes: Patients with high resistin levels/low RETN WGRS and those with high sST2 levels/low IL1RL1 WGRS had significantly higher all-cause mortality and MACEs rates, and those with both these combinations had the poorest outcomes. Both higher resistin and sST2 levels, but not RETN and IL1RL1 variants, predict poor long-term outcomes in patients with CAD. Furthermore, combining resistin and sST2 levels with the WGRS of RETN and IL1RL1 genotyping exerts a synergistic effect on the prognostication of CAD outcomes. Future studies including a large sample size of participants with different ethnic populations are needed to verify this finding.

Origin and Development of the Adipose Tissue, a Key Organ in Physiology and Disease

Adipose tissue is a dynamic organ, well known for its function in energy storage and mobilization according to nutrient availability and body needs, in charge of keeping the energetic balance of the organism. During the last decades, adipose tissue has emerged as the largest endocrine organ in the human body, being able to secrete hormones as well as inflammatory molecules and having an important impact in multiple processes such as adipogenesis, metabolism and chronic inflammation. However, the cellular progenitors, development, homeostasis and metabolism of the different types of adipose tissue are not fully known. During the last decade, Drosophila melanogaster has demonstrated to be an excellent model to tackle some of the open questions in the field of metabolism and development of endocrine/metabolic organs. Discoveries ranged from new hormones regulating obesity to subcellular mechanisms that regulate lipogenesis and lipolysis. Here, we review the available evidences on the development, types and functions of adipose tissue in Drosophila and identify some gaps for future research. This may help to understand the cellular and molecular mechanism underlying the pathophysiology of this fascinating key tissue, contributing to establish this organ as a therapeutic target.

Measurement of Plasma Resistin Concentrations in Horses with Metabolic and Inflammatory Disorders

Simple Summary

Obesity and its associated complications, such as metabolic syndrome, are an increasing problem in both humans and horses in the developed world. Adipose tissue is a key endocrine organ that communicates with other organs by multiple endocrine substances called adipokines. There is evidence to suggest that adipokines may contribute to the regulation of biological processes, such as metabolism, immunity, and inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate the usefulness of one of these adipokines in horses, resistin, and its relationship with insulin dysregulation (ID) and inflammation. Seventy-two horses, included in one of the four following groups, were studied: healthy controls, horses with inflammatory conditions, horses with mild, and horses with severe ID. Plasma resistin concentrations were significantly different between groups, and the highest values were recorded in the inflammatory and severe ID groups. The lack of correlation of resistin with basal insulin concentration and the significant correlation of resistin with the inflammatory marker serum amyloid A suggest that, as is the case in humans, plasma resistin concentrations in horses are predominantly related to inflammatory conditions and not to ID.

Abstract

Obesity and its associated complications, such as metabolic syndrome, are an increasing problem in both humans and horses in the developed world. The expression patterns of resistin differ considerably between species. In rodents, resistin is expressed by adipocytes and is related to obesity and ID. In humans, resistin is predominantly produced by inflammatory cells, and resistin concentrations do not reflect the degree of obesity, although they may predict cardiovascular outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the usefulness of resistin and its relationship with ID and selected indicators of inflammation in horses. Seventy-two horses, included in one of the four following groups, were studied: healthy controls (C, n = 14), horses with inflammatory conditions (I, n = 21), horses with mild ID (ID1, n = 18), and horses with severe ID (ID2, n = 19). Plasma resistin concentrations were significantly different between groups and the higher values were recorded in the I and ID2 groups (C: 2.38 ± 1.69 ng/mL; I: 6.85 ± 8.38 ng/mL; ID1: 2.41 ± 2.70 ng/mL; ID2: 4.49 ± 3.08 ng/mL). Plasma resistin was not correlated with basal insulin concentrations. A significant (r = 0.336, p = 0.002) correlation was found between resistin and serum amyloid A. Our results show that, as is the case in humans, plasma resistin concentrations in horses are predominantly related to inflammatory conditions and not to ID. Horses with severe ID showed an elevation in resistin that may be secondary to the inflammatory status associated with metabolic syndrome.

Resident and migratory adipose immune cells control systemic metabolism and thermogenesis

Glucose is a vital source of energy for all mammals. The balance between glucose uptake, metabolism and storage determines the energy status of an individual, and perturbations in this balance can lead to metabolic diseases. The maintenance of organismal glucose metabolism is a complex process that involves multiple tissues, including adipose tissue, which is an endocrine and energy storage organ that is critical for the regulation of systemic metabolism. Adipose tissue consists of an array of different cell types, including specialized adipocytes and stromal and endothelial cells. In addition, adipose tissue harbors a wide range of immune cells that play vital roles in adipose tissue homeostasis and function. These cells contribute to the regulation of systemic metabolism by modulating the inflammatory tone of adipose tissue, which is directly linked to insulin sensitivity and signaling. Furthermore, these cells affect the control of thermogenesis. While lean adipose tissue is rich in type 2 and anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10, obesity tips the balance in favor of a proinflammatory milieu, leading to the development of insulin resistance and the dysregulation of systemic metabolism. Notably, anti-inflammatory immune cells, including regulatory T cells and innate lymphocytes, protect against insulin resistance and have the characteristics of tissue-resident cells, while proinflammatory immune cells are recruited from the circulation to obese adipose tissue. Here, we review the key findings that have shaped our understanding of how immune cells regulate adipose tissue homeostasis to control organismal metabolism.

Innate-Immunity Genes in Obesity

The main functions of adipose tissue are thought to be storage and mobilization of the body’s energy reserves, active and passive thermoregulation, participation in the spatial organization of internal organs, protection of the body from lipotoxicity, and ectopic lipid deposition. After the discovery of adipokines, the endocrine function was added to the above list, and after the identification of crosstalk between adipocytes and immune cells, an immune function was suggested. Nonetheless, it turned out that the mechanisms underlying mutual regulatory relations of adipocytes, preadipocytes, immune cells, and their microenvironment are complex and redundant at many levels. One possible way to elucidate the picture of adipose-tissue regulation is to determine genetic variants correlating with obesity. In this review, we examine various aspects of adipose-tissue involvement in innate immune responses as well as variants of immune-response genes associated with obesity.

Association of serum resistin with blood stasis syndrome in traditional Korean medicine for metabolic diseases: A cross-sectional multicenter observational study

BACKGROUND

Blood stasis syndrome (BSS) is considered as the cause of several chronic disease including metabolic diseases in traditional East Asian medicine. In this study, we investigated the levels of serum resistin and other proteins related to metabolic syndrome (MS) and several other diseases categories to identify the association with BSS.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional, multicenter study of patients recruited from seven traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) hospitals. To identify whether there was an association with BSS in specific disease conditions, including MS, serum protein levels were evaluated using the multiplex method.

RESULTS

A total of 885 patients (419 patients with BSS, 376 patients without BSS, and 90 healthy controls) participated in the study, and 139 patients had MS. The resistin and insulin levels were significantly higher in patients with BSS than in patients without BSS and normal subjects (P = 0.002 and P = 0.046, respectively). Patients with BSS who had MS exhibited significantly higher resistin levels than those in patients without BSS and normal subjects (P = 0.049). In addition, the levels of serum resistin were significantly correlated with symptoms of the BSS, especially dark red gums, dark facial complexion, and nocturnal pain.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite several limitations, these results demonstrated that resistin levels are potentially associated with the pathogenesis of BSS in MS.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS): KCT0000916.

Investigating resistin like beta (RETNLB) as a tumor promoter for oral squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Oral cavity cancer ranks the sixth most common malignancy worldwide, of which oral squamous cell carcinoma is the predominant type. This study aimed to investigate the function and the underlying mechanism of resistin like beta (RETNLB) in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

METHODS

The data of oral squamous cell carcinoma samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas database was used to examine RETNLB expression and assess its correlation with the clinical outcomes. Biological functions of RETNLB on the growth, invasion and migration of cells were determined by cell counting kit 8, clonogenic growth, and Transwell assays. Gene set enrichment analysis was utilized to identify the important gene sets associated with RETNLB expression, which was further confirmed by western blot.

RESULTS

We found that RETNLB was upregulated in oral squamous cell carcinoma tissues and cells. High expression of RETNLB was closely linked to age and pathological tumor, and significantly related to poor survival of oral squamous cell carcinoma patients. Further functional experiments showed that knockdown of RETNLB significantly reduced the viability, mobility and invasiveness of cells. Moreover, gene set enrichment analysis suggested that Toll-like receptor signaling pathway was significantly correlated with high RETNLB expression. Further western blot analysis verified that silencing RETNLB could notably suppress the protein levels of Toll-like receptor 2, Toll-like receptor 4 and phosphor- extracellular signal-regulated kinase.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggested that downregulation of RETNLB may restrain the progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma by inactivating TLR/2/4/ERK pathway.

Resistin, a Novel Host Defense Peptide of Innate Immunity

Resistin, a cysteine-rich protein, expressed in adipocytes, was initially proposed as a link between obesity and diabetes in mice. In humans, resistin is considered to be a pro-inflammatory molecule expressed in immune cells, which plays a regulatory role in many chronic inflammatory diseases, metabolic diseases, infectious diseases, and cancers. However, increasing evidence shows that resistin functions as a host defense peptide of innate immunity, in terms of its wide-spectrum anti-microbial activity, modulation of immunity, and limitation of microbial product-induced inflammation. To date, the understanding of resistin participating in host defense mechanism is still limited. The review aims to summarize current knowledge about the biological properties, functions, and related mechanisms of resistin in host defense, which provides new insights into the pleiotropic biological function of resistin and yields promising strategies for developing new antimicrobial therapeutic agents.

The Peculiar Trialogue between Pediatric Obesity, Systemic Inflammatory Status, and Immunity

Pediatric obesity is not only an energetic imbalance, but also a chronic complex multisystem disorder that might impair both the life length and quality. Its pandemic status should increase worldwide awareness regarding the long-term life-threatening associated complications. Obesity related complications, such as cardiovascular, metabolic, or hepatic ones, affect both short and long-term wellbeing, and they do not spare pediatric subjects, defined as life-threatening consequences of the systemic inflammatory status triggered by the adipose tissue. The energetic imbalance of obesity clearly results in adipocytes hypertrophy and hyperplasia expressing different degrees of chronic inflammation. Adipose tissue might be considered an immune organ due to its rich content in a complex array of immune cells, among which the formerly mentioned macrophages, neutrophils, mast cells, but also eosinophils along with T and B cells, acting together to maintain the tissue homeostasis in normal weight individuals. Adipokines belong to the class of innate immunity humoral effectors, and they play a crucial role in amplifying the immune responses with a subsequent trigger effect on leukocyte activation. The usefulness of complete cellular blood count parameters, such as leukocytes, lymphocytes, neutrophils, erythrocytes, and platelets as predictors of obesity-triggered inflammation, was also proved in pediatric patients with overweight or obesity. The dogma that adipose tissue is a simple energy storage tissue is no longer accepted since it has been proved that it also has an incontestable multifunctional role acting like a true standalone organ resembling to endocrine or immune organs.

Resistin in pregnancy: Analysis of determinants in pairs of umbilical cord blood and maternal serum

Objective

Despite intensive research on the cytokine resistin only few studies investigated mother-newborn-pairs during healthy pregnancy and reported about interactions with clinical obstetric variables or other cytokines. Comparison of existing studies is difficult due to differences between assays, sample collection, gestational age, definition of healthy controls and patient characteristics. Furthermore, differences between rodent models and humans do not allow for a direct comparison.

Methods

In this cross-sectional, prospective study 109 healthy mother-newborn pairs were analyzed. Maternal venous blood samples were taken on admission to the labor ward; newborn venous blood samples were drawn from the placental part of the umbilical cord (UC), immediately after clamping. Resistin, leptin, adiponectin, TNF-α, IL-6 and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) serum concentrations were measured with commercially available immunoassays. Determinants of maternal and newborn resistin levels were analyzed using simple and multiple linear regression.

Results

UC resistin levels were higher than maternal concentrations (median 17.69 ng/mL, IQR 7.36 vs. median 8.04 ng/mL, IQR 4.30). Correlation between UC and maternal resistin levels was moderate (R = 0.503, p < 0.01). In multiple regression analysis levels of maternal resistin and newborn TNF-α remained significant determining factors for UC resistin levels. Gestational age and maternal BDNF-levels remained significant factors for maternal resistin levels.

Conclusion

In healthy, term newborns and their respective mothers a positive correlation between maternal and newborn levels and an association with gestational age around term can be found and point to a placental source of resistin. Further investigations are needed to clarify the possible contribution of transplacental transport of resistin into the fetal circulation. Except for gestational age most of the clinical obstetric variables tested do not seem to be determining factors for fetal or maternal resistin. Interactions of resistin with other cytokines like TNF-α and BDNF could be the missing link for the conflicting results in literature.

The pathophysiological role of adipokines in the development of bronchial asthma combined with obesity

The combined course of bronchial asthma (BA) and obesity is one of the urgent medical and social problems that requires a comprehensive and careful study in connection with a decrease in the quality of life of such patients, an increase in the frequency, duration of hospitalization and a high economic burden for the state as a whole. The relationship between BA and obesity is now confirmed by numerous studies, at the same time, despite the variability of the proposed mechanisms of pathogenetic effects of obesity on asthma, metabolic aspects of the relationship of these diseases need further study. Adipose tissue hormones are responsible for the energy homeostasis of the body therefore, excessive accumulation of adipose tissue is accompanied by the development of an imbalance in metabolic processes in various organs and tissues. Due to the emergence of new scientific data on the role and function of adipokines in the body, metabolic effects of adipokines are considered in the focus of their pathophysiological association with obesity and asthma. This literary review highlights the current understanding of the role of metabolic effects of the most studied adipokines (resistin, retinol-binding protein, leptin and adiponectin) in the development of obesity and BA. Gender and age-dependent features of adipokine levels in BA and obesity are described. Data on the confirmed role of adiponectin and leptin in the progression of BA combined with obesity are presented. It has been shown that the role of resistin and retinol-binding protein in the development of BA combined with obesity has not been studied. It is demonstrated that further study of metabolic activity of adipokines in BA is an actual and perspective direction of researches which will allow to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in patients with BA with obesity.

Impact of Incretin-Based Therapies on Adipokines and Adiponectin

Adipokines are a family of hormones and cytokines with both pro- and anti-inflammatory effects released into the circulation to exert their hormonal effects. Adipokines are closely involved in most metabolic pathways and play an important modulatory role in lipid and carbohydrate homeostasis as they are involved in the pathophysiology of most metabolic disorders. Incretin-based therapy is a newly introduced class of antidiabetic drugs that restores euglycemia through several cellular processes; however, its effect on adipokines expression/secretion is not fully understood. In this review, we propose that incretin-based therapy may function through adipokine modulation that may result in pharmacologic properties beyond their direct antidiabetic effects, resulting in better management of diabetes and diabetes-related complications.

A Focused Review of the Metabolic Side-Effects of Clozapine

The second generation antipsychotic drug clozapine represents the most effective pharmacotherapy for treatment-resistant psychosis. It is also associated with low rates of extrapyramidal symptoms and hyperprolactinemia compared to other antipsychotic drugs. However, clozapine tends to be underutilized in clinical practice due to a number of disabling and serious side-effects. These are characterized by a constellation of metabolic side-effects which include dysregulation of glucose, insulin, plasma lipids and body fat. Many patients treated with clozapine go on to develop metabolic syndrome at a higher rate than the general population, which predisposes them for Type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. Treatments for the metabolic side-effects of clozapine vary in their efficacy. There is also a lack of knowledge about the underlying physiology of how clozapine exerts its metabolic effects in humans. In the current review, we focus on key studies which describe how clozapine affects each of the main symptoms of the metabolic syndrome, and cover some of the treatment options. The clinical data are then discussed in the context of preclinical studies that have been conducted to identify the key biological substrates involved, in order to provide a better integrated overview. Suggestions are provided about key areas for future research to better understand how clozapine causes metabolic dysregulation.

The Role of the Adipokines in the Most Common Gestational Complications

Adipocytokines are hormonally active molecules that are believed to play a key role in the regulation of crucial biological processes in the human body. Numerous experimental studies established significant alterations in the adipokine secretion patterns throughout pregnancy. The exact etiology of various gestational complications, such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and fetal growth abnormalities, needs to be fully elucidated. The discovery of adipokines raised questions about their potential contribution to the molecular pathophysiology of those diseases. Multiple studies analyzed their local mRNA expression and circulating protein levels. However, most studies report conflicting results. Several adipokines such as leptin, resistin, irisin, apelin, chemerin, and omentin were proposed as potential novel early markers of heterogeneous gestational complications. The inclusion of the adipokines in the standard predictive multifactorial models could improve their prognostic values. Nonetheless, their independent diagnostic value is mostly insufficient to be implemented into standard clinical practice. Routine assessments of adipokine levels during pregnancy are not recommended in the management of both normal and complicated pregnancies. Based on the animal models (e.g., apelin and its receptors in the rodent preeclampsia models), future implementation of adipokines and their receptors as new therapeutic targets appears promising but requires further validation in humans.

An Overview of the Role of Adipokines in Cardiometabolic Diseases

Obesity as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) leads to an increase in morbidity, mortality, and a shortening of life span. The changes in heart structure and function as well as metabolic profile are caused by obese people, including those free of metabolic disorders. Obesity alters heart function structure and affects lipid and glucose metabolism, blood pressure, and increase inflammatory cytokines. Adipokines, specific cytokines of adipocytes, are involved in the progression of obesity and the associated co-morbidities. In the current study, we review the scientific evidence on the effects of obesity on CVDs, focusing on the changes in adipokines. Several adipokines have anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective effects comprising omentin, apelin, adiponectin, and secreted frizzled-related protein (Sfrp-5). Other adipokines have pro-inflammatory impacts on the cardiovascular system and obesity including leptin, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), retinol-binding protein4 (RBP-4), visfatin, resistin, and osteopontin. We found that obesity is associated with multiple CVDs, but can only occur in unhealthy metabolic patients. However, more studies should be designed to clarify the association between obesity, adipokine changes, and the occurrence of CVDs.

Management of Type 2 Diabetes: Current Strategies, Unfocussed Aspects, Challenges, and Alternatives

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) accounts for >90% of the cases of diabetes in adults. Resistance to insulin action is the major cause that leads to chronic hyperglycemia in diabetic patients. T2DM is the consequence of activation of multiple pathways and factors involved in insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction. Also, the etiology of T2DM involves the complex interplay between genetics and environmental factors. This interplay can be governed efficiently by lifestyle modifications to achieve better management of diabetes. The present review aims at discussing the major factors involved in the development of T2DM that remain unfocussed during the anti-diabetic therapy. The review also focuses on lifestyle modifications that are warranted for the successful management of T2DM. In addition, it attempts to explain flaws in current strategies to combat diabetes. The employability of phytoconstituents as multitargeting molecules and their potential use as effective therapeutic adjuvants to first line hypoglycemic agents to prevent side effects caused by the synthetic drugs are also discussed.

Resistin: An inflammatory cytokine with multi-faceted roles in cancer

Systemic and organ-confined inflammation has been associated with cancer development and progression. Resistin, initially described as an adipocyte-derived cytokine in mice, is mostly expressed by the macrophages in humans. It has potent pro-inflammatory properties, and its elevated serum levels are detected in cancer patients. Aberrant expression of resistin receptors is also reported in several malignancies and associated with aggressive clinicopathological features. Several lines of evidence demonstrate that resistin, acting through its different receptors, promotes tumor growth, metastasis, and chemoresistance by influencing a variety of cellular phenotypes as well as by modulating the tumor microenvironment. Racially disparate expression of resistin has also attracted much interest, considering prevalent cancer health disparities. This review discusses the aberrant expression of resistin and its receptors, its diverse downstream signaling and impact on tumor growth, metastasis, angiogenesis, and therapy resistance to support its clinical exploitation in biomarker and therapeutic development.

Hyperresistinemia in Obese Female Dogs With Mammary Carcinoma in Benign-Mixed Tumors and Its Correlation With Tumor Aggressiveness and Survival

Resistin is associated with metabolic, inflammatory, and neoplastic disorders, and is also considered a prognostic marker in human oncology. Canine mammary tumors have epidemiological, clinical, biological, and genetic characteristics similar to those of women and are proposed as a comparative study model. Here, we evaluate the serum levels of resistin in female dogs with or without mammary carcinoma in mixed tumors (CBMT) and its correlation with the proliferative potential of the tumor, obesity, and survival. Eighty dogs grouped according to the presence (50) or absence (30) of CBMT, reproductive status and body condition were assessed for weight, fat percentage, and canine body mass index. The characteristic of the proliferative potential of the tumor (Ki-67) was evaluated. Ki-67 levels (p = 0.024), staging (p = 0.004), and grade (p = 0.016) influenced the survival of the female dogs. Through a multifactorial analysis, it could be seen that the parameters proliferation index (Ki-67) (p = 0.044) and staging (p = 0.036) influenced the survival of the animals. Neutered and overweight dogs from the control and CBMT groups showed hyperresistinemia. Ki-67 expression and resistin levels in dogs with CBMT were higher in overweight dogs than in dogs with normal weight (p = 0.0001). The survival rate of dogs with CBMT, obese and with high levels of resistin (8,400 μg L⁻¹) was lower when compared to those with lower levels of resistin. These results showed an important relationship between hyperresistinemia, tumor proliferative potential and excessive body fat, suggesting that resistin levels may act as an interesting prognostic marker in patients with CBMT.

The Importance of Breast Adipose Tissue in Breast Cancer

Adipose tissue is a complex endocrine organ, with a role in obesity and cancer. Adipose tissue is generally linked to excessive body fat, and it is well known that the female breast is rich in adipose tissue. Hence, one can wonder: what is the role of adipose tissue in the breast and why is it required? Adipose tissue as an organ consists of adipocytes, an extracellular matrix (ECM) and immune cells, with a significant role in the dynamics of breast changes throughout the life span of a female breast from puberty, pregnancy, lactation and involution. In this review, we will discuss the importance of breast adipose tissue in breast development and its involvement in breast changes happening during pregnancy, lactation and involution. We will focus on understanding the biology of breast adipose tissue, with an overview on its involvement in the various steps of breast cancer development and progression. The interaction between the breast adipose tissue surrounding cancer cells and vice-versa modifies the tumor microenvironment in favor of cancer. Understanding this mutual interaction and the role of breast adipose tissue in the tumor microenvironment could potentially raise the possibility of overcoming breast adipose tissue mediated resistance to therapies and finding novel candidates to target breast cancer.

Fetal circulating human resistin increases in diabetes during pregnancy and impairs placental mitochondrial biogenesis

Background

Diabetes during pregnancy affects placental mitochondrial content and function, which has the potential to impact fetal development and the long-term health of offspring. Resistin is a peptide hormone originally discovered in mice as an adipocyte-derived factor that induced insulin resistance. In humans, resistin is primarily secreted by monocytes or macrophages. The regulation and roles of human resistin in diabetes during pregnancy remain unclear.

Methods

Fetal resistin levels were measured in cord blood from pregnancies with (n = 42) and without maternal diabetes (n = 81). Secretion of resistin from cord blood mononuclear cells (CBMCs) was measured. The actions of human resistin in mitochondrial biogenesis were determined in placental trophoblastic cells (BeWo cells) or human placental explant.

Results

Concentrations of human resistin in cord sera were higher in diabetic pregnancies (67 ng/ml) compared to healthy controls (50 ng/ml, P < 0.05), and correlated (r = 0.4, P = 0.002) with a measure of maternal glycemia (glucose concentration 2 h post challenge). Resistin mRNA was most abundant in cord blood mononuclear cells (CBMCs) compared with placenta and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Secretion of resistin from cultured CBMCs was increased in response to high glucose (25 mM). Exposing BeWo cells or human placental explant to resistin decreased expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α), mitochondrial abundance, and ATP production.

Conclusions

Resistin is increased in fetal circulation of infants exposed to the diabetic milieu, potentially reflecting a response of monocytes/macrophages to hyperglycemia and metabolic stresses associated with diabetes during pregnancy. Increased exposure to resistin may contribute to mitochondrial dysfunction and aberrant energy metabolism characteristic of offspring exposed to diabetes in utero.

Diet: A Specific Part of the Western Lifestyle Pack in the Asthma Epidemic

The Western lifestyle is a complex concept that includes the diet as the main axis of different factors which contribute to a detrimental effect on health, lower life expectancy and low quality-of-life. This type of diet is characterized by being high in calories, mainly provided by saturated fats, and rich in sugars that can lead to changes in immune cells and their responsiveness, by different mechanisms that have yet to be totally clarified. Inflammatory processes are perpetuated through different pathways, in which adipose tissue is a major factor. High fat stores in overweight and obesity accumulate energy but the endocrine function is also producing and releasing different bioactive compounds, adipokines, known to be pro-inflammatory and which play an important role in the pathogenesis of asthma. This review therefore explores the latest evidence regarding the adverse effect of the Western diet on adipose tissue inflammation and its causative effect on the asthma epidemic.

Systemic evaluation and localization of resistin expression in normal human tissues by a newly developed monoclonal antibody

Resistin and resistin-like molecules are pleiotropic cytokines that are involved in inflammatory diseases. Our previous work suggested that resistin has the potential to be used as a biomarker and therapeutic target for human pulmonary arterial hypertension. However, data are limited on the distribution of resistin in healthy human organs. In this study, we used our newly developed anti-human resistin (hResistin) antibody to immunohistochemically detect the expression, localization, and intracellular/extracellular compartmentalization of hResistin in a full human tissue panel from healthy individuals. The potential cross reactivity of this monoclonal anti-hResistin IgG1 with normal human tissues also was verified. Results showed that hResistin is broadly distributed and principally localized in the cytoplasmic granules of macrophages scattered in the interstitium of most human tissues. Bone marrow hematopoietic precursor cells also exhibited hResistin signals in their cytoplasmic granules. Additionally, hResistin labeling was observed in the cytoplasm of nervous system cells. Notably, the cytokine activity of hResistin was illustrated by positively stained extracellular material in most human tissues. These data indicate that our generated antibody binds to the secreted hResistin and support its potential use for immunotherapy to reduce circulating hResistin levels in human disease. Our findings comprehensively document the basal expression patterns of hResistin protein in normal human tissues, suggest a critical role of this cytokine in normal and pathophysiologic inflammatory processes, and offer key insights for using our antibody in future pharmacokinetic studies and immunotherapeutic strategies.

The Role of Exercise in the Interplay between Myokines, Hepatokines, Osteokines, Adipokines, and Modulation of Inflammation for Energy Substrate Redistribution and Fat Mass Loss: A Review

Exercise is an effective strategy for preventing and treating obesity and its related cardiometabolic disorders, resulting in significant loss of body fat mass, white adipose tissue browning, redistribution of energy substrates, optimization of global energy expenditure, enhancement of hypothalamic circuits that control appetite-satiety and energy expenditure, and decreased systemic inflammation and insulin resistance. Novel exercise-inducible soluble factors, including myokines, hepatokines, and osteokines, and immune cytokines and adipokines are hypothesized to play an important role in the body's response to exercise. To our knowledge, no review has provided a comprehensive integrative overview of these novel molecular players and the mechanisms involved in the redistribution of metabolic fuel during and after exercise, the loss of weight and fat mass, and reduced inflammation. In this review, we explain the potential role of these exercise-inducible factors, namely myokines, such as irisin, IL-6, IL-15, METRNL, BAIBA, and myostatin, and hepatokines, in particular selenoprotein P, fetuin A, FGF21, ANGPTL4, and follistatin. We also describe the function of osteokines, specifically osteocalcin, and of adipokines such as leptin, adiponectin, and resistin. We also emphasize an integrative overview of the pleiotropic mechanisms, the metabolic pathways, and the inter-organ crosstalk involved in energy expenditure, fat mass loss, reduced inflammation, and healthy weight induced by exercise.

Effects of Aerobic Training With No Caloric Restriction on Serum Resistin and Lipid Profile in Inactive Overweight Women

Introduction: Obesity is a major risk factor for inflammation and cardiovascular diseases. We tried to assess whether 12 weeks of aerobic exercises affect serum resistin level and lipid profile in overweight females or not. Methods: For this purpose, 32 non-trained adult females with the mean age of 38 ± 7 years old and body mass index (BMI) of 32 ± 3 kg/m2 were randomly assigned to aerobic exercise (n=16) and control (n=16) groups. Twelve weeks of aerobic exercise program including 3 sessions weekly at 60-75% of maximum heart rate was considered. Fasting serum resistin level, lipid profile (total cholesterol [TC], low-density lipoprotein [LDL] and high-density lipoprotein [HDL] cholesterol, and triglyceride [TG]), and anthropometric indexes were measured and compared between the two groups before and after training. Results: Serum resistin, lipid profile markers, and anthropometrical indexes were not significantly different at baseline between the two groups (P>0.05). TG, TC, LDL, and serum resistin did not change significantly after the intervention in the exercise group (P>0.05). However, a significant increase in HDL (exercise: 46.3 ± 9.6 vs. 51.4 ± 8.5, P=0.011; control: 45.8 ± 7.9 vs. 46.8 ± 6.9 P=0.326) and a significant decrease in LDL/HDL ratio (exercise: 2.94 ± 0.12 vs. 2.47 ± 0.19, P=0.019; control: 3.14 ± 0.23 vs. 3.18 ± 0.63, P=0.265) were observed after the intervention. Other variables in the control group remained unchanged. Conclusion: Aerobic exercises had no impacts on the inflammatory profile but could improve lipid profile with an emphasis on HDL in adult obese women.

The β3-adrenergic receptor agonist mirabegron improves glucose homeostasis in obese humans

BACKGROUNDBeige adipose tissue is associated with improved glucose homeostasis in mice. Adipose tissue contains β3-adrenergic receptors (β3-ARs), and this study was intended to determine whether the treatment of obese, insulin-resistant humans with the β3-AR agonist mirabegron, which stimulates beige adipose formation in subcutaneous white adipose tissue (SC WAT), would induce other beneficial changes in fat and muscle and improve metabolic homeostasis.METHODSBefore and after β3-AR agonist treatment, oral glucose tolerance tests and euglycemic clamps were performed, and histochemical analysis and gene expression profiling were performed on fat and muscle biopsies. PET-CT scans quantified brown adipose tissue volume and activity, and we conducted in vitro studies with primary cultures of differentiated human adipocytes and muscle.RESULTSThe clinical effects of mirabegron treatment included improved oral glucose tolerance (P < 0.01), reduced hemoglobin A1c levels (P = 0.01), and improved insulin sensitivity (P = 0.03) and β cell function (P = 0.01). In SC WAT, mirabegron treatment stimulated lipolysis, reduced fibrotic gene expression, and increased alternatively activated macrophages. Subjects with the most SC WAT beiging showed the greatest improvement in β cell function. In skeletal muscle, mirabegron reduced triglycerides, increased the expression of PPARγ coactivator 1 α (PGC1A) (P < 0.05), and increased type I fibers (P < 0.01). Conditioned media from adipocytes treated with mirabegron stimulated muscle fiber PGC1A expression in vitro (P < 0.001).CONCLUSIONMirabegron treatment substantially improved multiple measures of glucose homeostasis in obese, insulin-resistant humans. Since β cells and skeletal muscle do not express β3-ARs, these data suggest that the beiging of SC WAT by mirabegron reduces adipose tissue dysfunction, which enhances muscle oxidative capacity and improves β cell function.TRIAL REGISTRATIONClinicaltrials.gov NCT02919176.FUNDINGNIH: DK112282, P30GM127211, DK 71349, and Clinical and Translational science Awards (CTSA) grant UL1TR001998.

Ratios of serum eicosapentaenoic acid to arachidonic acid and docosahexaenoic acid to arachidonic acid were inversely associated with serum resistin levels: The Hisayama Study

AIMS/INTRODUCTION

Resistin is an adipocyte-derived polypeptide that leads to the progression of insulin resistance and subsequent atherosclerosis. Some studies have reported an association between self-reported intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and serum resistin levels. However, no studies have investigated the association between the ratio of serum levels of n-3 to serum n-6 PUFAs and the serum resistin concentration in the general population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We carried out a cross-sectional study of 3,200 community-dwelling Japanese individuals aged ≥40 years in 2002-2003. The ratios of serum eicosapentaenoic acid or docosahexaenoic acid to arachidonic acid (AA) were categorized into quartiles. The associations of serum eicosapentaenoic acid/AA and docosahexaenoic acid/AA with the serum resistin concentration were assessed using linear regression models with adjustment for potential confounding factors.

RESULTS

The geometric mean of serum resistin was 10.3 ng/mL. The age- and sex-adjusted geometric mean of serum resistin decreased significantly with increased levels of serum eicosapentaenoic acid/AA (quartile 1: 11.3 ng/mL; quartile 2: 10.6 ng/mL; quartile 3: 10.3 ng/mL; quartile 4: 9.3 ng/mL; P for trend <0.001). A similar association was observed for serum docosahexaenoic acid/AA (quartile 1: 11.1 ng/mL; quartile 2: 10.6 ng/mL; quartile 3: 10.1 ng/mL; quartile 4: 9.7 ng/mL; P for trend <0.001). An adjustment for potential confounding factors did not change these associations.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher ratios of serum n-3 to n-6 PUFAs were associated with lower serum resistin levels. Consumption of a large amount of n-3 PUFAs might have desirable effects on resistin-mediated diseases.

Metabolic cross-talk between skeletal muscle and adipose tissue in high-intensity interval training vs. moderate-intensity continuous training by regulation of PGC-1α

PURPOSE

An imbalance in the production of adipokines and myokines impairs the energy expenditure, increases adipocyte and develops metabolic pathologies. Physical exercise is able to regulate the secretion of myokines and adipokines. The present study considers the metabolic cross talk between skeletal muscle and adipose tissue in high-intensity interval training vs. moderate-intensity continuous training by regulation of PGC-1α.

METHODS

A sample of 32 male Wistar rats (8 weeks old with mean weight 250 ± 55 g) were divided into four groups randomly: control of base (CO), control of 8 weeks (CO8w), moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT), and high-intensity interval training (HIIT). The rats were fed with standard chow diet. The CO group was killed at the start of the study and the CO8w group was kept alive for the same time as the experimental groups, but did not participate in any exercise. MICT and HIIT groups for 8 weeks were placed under the moderate-intensity continuous training (15-60 min, with speed of 15-30 m/min) and high-intensity interval training (8-4 intense period for 1 min, with speed of 28-55 m/min, with 3-7 slow-intensity period for 1 min, with a speed of 12-30 m/min) for 8 weeks, respectively. To measure the levels of serum irisin, nesfatin, and resistin the ELISA method was used and real-time PCR method was used to evaluate the relative expression of soleus PGC-1α gene mRNA.

RESULTS

The levels of irisin and nesfatin significantly increased in the HIIT compared with control groups (p = 0.001). Resistin values in both training groups showed a significant decrease compared to the control groups (p = 0.005). The level of PGC-1α gene expression in both HIIT and MICT groups was significantly increased in comparison with the control groups (p = 0.001).

DISCUSSION

The results showed that HIIT and MICT increase the transcription of the PGC-1α gene and possibly the increased expression of this gene after HIIT and MICT plays a central role in the secretion of skeletal muscle myokines and adipokines of adipose tissue.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

No Level of evidence: Animal study.

Resistin Is Increased in Periodontal Cells and Tissues: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

Resistin, a proinflammatory adipokine, is elevated in many inflammatory diseases. However, little is known about its performance in periodontitis. The present study is aimed at evaluating resistin expression and synthesis in periodontal cells and tissues under inflammatory/microbial stress in addition to its effects on the periodontium. In vivo, 24 male rats were randomly divided into two groups: control and ligature-induced periodontal disease. After 6 and 12 days, animals were sacrificed to analyze gene expression of adipokines, bone loss, inflammation, and resistin synthesis. In vitro, human periodontal ligament (PDL) fibroblasts were used to evaluate the expression of resistin after inflammatory stimuli. In addition, PDL fibroblasts were exposed to resistin to evaluate its role on soft and hard tissue metabolism markers. The periodontitis group demonstrated significant bone loss, an increase in the number of inflammatory cells and vascular structures, an increase in resistin expression and synthesis, and a decrease in the expression of adiponectin, leptin, and its functional receptor. PDL fibroblasts showed a significant increase in resistin expression and synthesis in response to the inflammatory stimulus by IL-1β. Resistin induced an increase in cytokine expression and a decrease in the regulation of some hard tissue and matrix formation genes in PDL fibroblasts. These data indicate that resistin is produced by periodontal cells and tissues, and this effect is enhanced by inflammatory stimuli. Moreover, resistin seems to interfere with soft and hard tissue metabolism during periodontitis by reducing markers related to matrix formation and bone tissue.

Adipokines and Adipose Tissue-Related Metabolites, Nuts and Cardiovascular Disease

Adipose tissue is a complex structure responsible for fat storage and releasing polypeptides (adipokines) and metabolites, with systemic actions including body weight balance, appetite regulation, glucose homeostasis, and blood pressure control. Signals sent from different tissues are generated and integrated in adipose tissue; thus, there is a close connection between this endocrine organ and different organs and systems such as the gut and the cardiovascular system. It is known that functional foods, especially different nuts, may be related to a net of molecular mechanisms contributing to cardiometabolic health. Despite being energy-dense foods, nut consumption has been associated with no weight gain, weight loss, and lower risk of becoming overweight or obese. Several studies have reported beneficial effects after nut consumption on glucose control, appetite suppression, metabolites related to adipose tissue and gut microbiota, and on adipokines due to their fatty acid profile, vegetable proteins, l-arginine, dietary fibers, vitamins, minerals, and phytosterols. The aim of this review is to briefly describe possible mechanisms implicated in weight homeostasis related to different nuts, as well as studies that have evaluated the effects of nut consumption on adipokines and metabolites related to adipose tissue and gut microbiota in animal models, healthy individuals, and primary and secondary cardiovascular prevention.

Resistin expression in human monocytes is controlled by two linked promoter SNPs mediating NFKB p50/p50 binding and C-methylation

Resistin is a key cytokine associated with metabolic and inflammatory diseases. Especially in East Asian populations, the expression levels are strongly influenced by genetic polymorphisms. Mechanisms and functional implications of this genetic control are still unknown. By employing reporter assays, EMSA, inhibition studies, bisulphite sequencing, ChIP-Seq and gene-editing we show that the p50/p50 homodimer known to act as repressor for a number of pro-inflammatory genes plays a central role in the genetic regulation of resistin in monocytes along with promoter methylation. In the common RETN haplotype p50/p50 constitutively dampens the expression by binding to the promoter. In an Asian haplotype variant however this interaction is disrupted by the A allele of rs3219175. The SNP is in very close linkage to rs34861192, a CpG SNP, located 280 bp upstream which provides an allele-specific C-methylation site. rs34861192 is located in a 100 bp region found to be methylated in the common but not in the Asian haplotype, resulting in the latter having a higher basal expression, which also associates with elevated histone acetylation (H3K27ac). Genotype associations within cohort data of 200 East Asian individuals revealed significant associations between this haplotype and the plasma levels of factors such as TGF-b, S100B, sRAGE and IL-8 as well as with myeloid DC counts. Thus, the common RETN haplotype is tightly regulated by the epigenetic mechanism linked to p50/p50-binding. This control is lost in the Asian haplotype, which may have evolved to balance the antagonistic RETN effects on pathogen protection vs. metabolic and inflammatory disease induction.

Resistin in Human Seminal Plasma: Relationship with Lipid Peroxidation, CAT Activity, GSH/GSSG Ratio, and Semen Parameters

Resistin is an adipokine involved in inflammation and able to induce the expression of other proinflammatory cytokines. It is known that, in human semen, resistin is correlated with inflammatory cytokines and sperm quality. The aim of this prospective study was to explore the potential relationship between resistin, lipid peroxidation (LPO), catalase (CAT) activity, and reduced and oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) ratio in semen samples of infertile patients with leukocytospermia (no. 19), infertile patients with varicocele (no. 17), and fertile men (no. 17). Semen analysis was performed following the WHO guidelines, and sperm apoptosis and necrosis were evaluated with annexin V/propidium iodide assay. Seminal plasma samples were used to determine resistin levels by an immunological method, MDA concentration by a HPLC analysis with UV detection, GSH/GSSG ratio by an enzymatic method, CAT activity by a spectrophotometric method. The results showed that, in both groups of infertile patients, semen parameters were significantly reduced (P < 0.001) and sperm apoptosis and necrosis percentages were increased. Resistin levels were significantly higher in leukocytospermia and varicocele groups (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively) as well as MDA concentration (P < 0.001) compared to controls. The MDA level was also significantly increased in the leukocytospermia group versus the varicocele group (P < 0.05). The GSH/GSSG ratio was higher in fertile controls than the leukocytospermia group (P < 0.05) and the varicocele group (P < 0.001) and in the leukocytospermia group versus the varicocele group (P < 0.05). Both the leukocytospermia and varicocele groups showed increased values of CAT activities (P < 0.001) than controls. Briefly, the correlation between variables, calculated in the whole patient population, showed that resistin levels positively correlated with MDA levels, CAT activity, sperm apoptosis, and necrosis and negatively with sperm parameters and GSH/GSSG ratio. These results support an active role of resistin in an inflammatory process causing LPO, increase of CAT activity, and decrease of GSH/GSSG ratio in seminal plasma of infertile men vs. fertile controls.

Involvement of Novel Adipokines, Chemerin, Visfatin, Resistin and Apelin in Reproductive Functions in Normal and Pathological Conditions in Humans and Animal Models

It is well known that adipokines are endocrine factors that are mainly secreted by white adipose tissue. Their central role in energy metabolism is currently accepted. More recently, their involvement in fertility regulation and the development of some reproductive disorders has been suggested. Data concerning the role of leptin and adiponectin, the two most studied adipokines, in the control of the reproductive axis are consistent. In recent years, interest has grown about some novel adipokines, chemerin, visfatin, resistin and apelin, which have been found to be strongly associated with obesity and insulin-resistance. Here, we will review their expression and role in male and female reproduction in humans and animal models. According to accumulating evidence, they could regulate the secretion of GnRH (Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone), gonadotropins and steroids. Furthermore, their expression and that of their receptors (if known), has been demonstrated in the human and animal hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis. Like leptin and adiponectin, these novel adipokines could thus represent metabolic sensors that are able to regulate reproductive functions according to energy balance changes. Therefore, after investigating their role in normal fertility, we will also discuss their possible involvement in some reproductive troubles known to be associated with features of metabolic syndrome, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, gestational diabetes mellitus, preeclampsia and intra-uterine growth retardation in women, and sperm abnormalities and testicular pathologies in men.

Association among resistin, adenylate cyclase-associated protein 1 and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in patients with colorectal cancer: a multi-marker approach, as a hallmark of innovative predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine

Background

Elevated concentrations of resistin have been reported in colorectal cancer (CRC), but its interactions with adenylate cyclase-associated protein 1 (CAP-1) are largely unexplored. We investigated resistin plasma concentration, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) resistin messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA), and CAP-1 mRNA levels in CRC patients, as well as the impact of resistin gene polymorphism rs1862513 on the examined markers. We also explored associations of resistin with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and predictive potential of our parameters for CRC.

Methods

Eighty-six patients with CRC and 75 healthy adults were included. Commercial ELISA kit was used for obtaining resistin's concentrations, while polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was applied for evaluation of resistin and CAP-1 mRNA levels and rs1862513 polymorphism.

Results

Plasma resistin and CAP-1 mRNA levels were higher in CRC patients (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively), while resistin mRNA levels were lower (p < 0.001). Negative association existed among plasma resistin and HDL-C concentrations (ρ = - 0.280; p < 0.05). A model including age, body-mass index, HDL-C, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and plasma resistin concentrations as independent predictors of CRC showed very good diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.898). We found no associations of rs1862513 with the examined markers.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated increased plasma resistin and CAP-1 mRNA levels, implying their possible interaction in CRC. The association among plasma resistin and HDL-C might indicate that HDL-C is involved in alterations of resistin's secretion process. As a hallmark of personalized medicine, multi-marker approach in determination of resistin-related parameters might be useful for prediction and prevention of CRC development.

Haemolysis and lipemia interfere with resistin and myeloperoxidase BioVendor ELISA assays

Introduction

The aim of our study was to investigate the influence of haemolysis and lipemia on resistin (RES) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) measurement by BioVendor enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA).

Materials and methods

Blood was taken from healthy volunteers into lithium heparin tubes. Plasma samples were spiked with Lipofundin® emulsion (B. Braun Melsungen AG, Germany) for lipemia interference testing. Haemolysed samples were obtained by drawing aliquots of heparinized blood through a 26 gauge needle. Index of haemolysis (H), lipemia (L) and triglyceride concentration were measured on Abbott Architect c8000. Haemoglobin concentration was measured on Sysmex XN-1000. Concentrations of RES and MPO in all samples were determined with RES and MPO ELISA kits (BioVendor, Czech Republic). All measurements were performed in triplicate. Biases from the native samples were calculated for both analytes and compared with an arbitrary value (e.g. ± 10%).

Results

Triglyceride concentration in the investigated samples ranged from 0.57 to 38.23 mmol/L, which corresponds to L index from - 0.01 to 13.77. Haemoglobin concentration in all samples ranged from 0 to 8 g/L which correspond to H index from 0.05 to 8.77. Both MPO and RES showed significant biases at 1 g/L haemoglobin (58.7% and 66.7%, respectively). Also, both MPO and RES showed significant biases at 4.66 mmol/L triglycerides (33.8% and - 12.2%, respectively).

Conclusions

Resistin BioVendor assays are affected by haemolysis and lipemia already at low degree of interferent. Haemolysis was found to interfere at 1 g/L haemoglobin for both assays, while lipemia interferes at 4.66 mmol/L of triglycerides.

Impact of Intensive Lifestyle Modification on Levels of Adipokines and Inflammatory Biomarkers in Metabolically Healthy Obese Women

Background

For the metabolically healthy obese (MHO) subjects, it is unclear whether weight loss provides cardiometabolic benefits. Our objective was to evaluate whether changes in adipokine and inflammatory biomarker levels were related to lifestyle modification (with Mediterranean diet and physical exercise program).

Methods

115 women (35-55 years) with BMI of 30-40 kg/m² and ≤1 metabolic syndrome criteria were included. After a 2-year intervention, participants were classified by percent weight loss: Group 1, <5%; Group 2, ≥5%-<10%; and Group 3, ≥10%. Anthropometric data, inflammatory biomarker (IL-6, TNFa, and hsCRP) and adipokine levels (adiponectin and resistin), and lifestyle program adherence at baseline and 2 years were analyzed.

Results

The final sample comprised 67 women. 23 (38.3%) lost <5%, 22 (36.7%) lost ≥5%-<10%, and 22 (36.7%) lost ≥10% of baseline weight. After 2 years, in Group 1, adiponectin, hsCRP, IL-6, and TNFa decreased (-1.2 ng/ml, p = 0.003; -2.1 mg/l, p = 0.003; -2.4 pg/ml, p < 0.001; and -2.4 pg/ml, p = 0.001, respectively) and resistin increased (+2.4 ng/ml, p < 0.001). In Group 2, hsCRP and IL-6 decreased (-2.0 mg/l, p = 0.009 and -2.6 pg/ml, p = 0.001) but TNFa increased (+0.2 pg/ml, p = 0.02). In Group 3, resistin increased (+3.5 ng/ml, p < 0.001) but hsCRP, IL-6, and TNFa decreased (-2.0 mg/l, p = 0.009; -2.5 pg/ml, p < 0.001; and -4.1 pg/ml, p < 0.001). Adiponectin, hsCRP, and physical exercise correlated significantly to subjects' dietary adherence.

Conclusion

Weight loss reduces inflammatory biomarkers in the MHO but induces a deterioration in the adipokine profile, which does not improve with diet and exercise intervention. These findings allow us to clarify mechanisms behind inflammation and metabolic disorder genesis so as to prevent development of obesity-associated comorbidities.

Adipokine levels in overweight women with early-onset gestational diabetes mellitus

PURPOSE

The study of adipokines in overweight women with early-onset (diagnosed before 20 weeks) gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) could help to understand the ethiopathological mechanisms of this disorder. Our aim was to assess adipokine levels in overweight pregnant women with early-onset GDM compared to patients with standard-onset (diagnosed at 24-28 weeks) GDM and to glucose-tolerant women at the same gestational ages.

METHODS

This nested case-control study included 133 overweight pregnant women: 33 with early-onset (diagnosed < 20 weeks) GDM; 40 with standard-onset (diagnosed ≥ 24 weeks) GDM and 60 glucose-tolerant (normal oral glucose tolerance tests < 20 and ≥ 24 weeks). Adiponectin, leptin, resistin, visfatin and ghrelin serum levels were measured by ELISA.

RESULTS

Adiponectin serum levels were significantly lower in early-onset GDM women than in standard-onset GDM patients or controls matched for gestational age. Leptin serum levels were significantly higher in women with early-onset GDM than in controls. Women with early-onset GDM had lower adiponectin/leptin ratio than those with standard-onset GDM. There were no significant differences in resistin, ghrelin and visfatin serum levels among the participants.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that, compared to overweight glucose-tolerant women and patients with standard-onset GDM, overweight women with early-onset GDM have unbalanced adipokine levels, suggesting that they have a more inflammatory profile.