Asprosin in health and disease, a new glucose sensor with central and peripheral metabolic effects

Elevated serum asprosin and ANGPTL8 gene expression as novel biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of acute coronary syndrome

Introduction

Managing acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains a major global healthcare concern. Identifying novel biomarkers is crucial to improving early detection and patient classification. Traditional markers such as cardiac troponins have limitations, including delayed detectability in blood samples, necessitating the search for better alternatives. Asprosin and angiopoietin-like protein 8 (ANGPTL8) have recently emerged as potential biomarkers for ACS diagnosis.

Methods

This comparative study included 100 participants, equally divided into ACS patients and healthy controls with matched demographics. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to quantify asprosin concentrations, while real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assessed ANGPTL8 gene expression levels. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis evaluated the diagnostic utility of these biomarkers, and Spearman's correlation was used to examine relationships between variables.

Results

Asprosin levels were significantly elevated in ACS patients (5.27 ± 0.67 ng/ml) compared to healthy individuals (3.82 ± 1.20 ng/ml, P < 0.001). ROC analysis demonstrated high diagnostic performance, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.95, 94% detection accuracy, and 85% precision in true negative identification. Similarly, ANGPTL8 expression was markedly increased (P < 0.001), showing an AUC of 0.83, 88% detection accuracy, and 64% specificity. A strong positive correlation was observed between asprosin and ANGPTL8 (r = 0.795, P < 0.0001).

Discussion

The findings highlight the potential of asprosin and ANGPTL8 as promising diagnostic and prognostic markers for ACS. Their high sensitivity and correlation suggest a complementary role in early ACS detection. However, further clinical trials are required to validate these biomarkers in broader patient populations and determine their practical implementation in medical settings.

Conclusion

Asprosin and ANGPTL8 exhibit strong diagnostic potential in ACS detection, potentially improving early intervention strategies. Future studies should focus on their integration into clinical practice for enhanced patient outcomes.

Lack of correlation between asprosin serum levels and hyperphagic behavior in subjects with prader-Willi Syndrome

PURPOSE

Individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) exhibit hyperphagic behavior, the severity of which varies throughout life. The mechanisms underlying this behavior are still unknown. Asprosin is a new discovered adipokine involved in the regulation of food intake, glucose homeostasis and energy balance. In this study we assessed asprosin serum levels in a cohort of children, adolescents and adults with PWS with the aim to correlate them with hyperphagic behavior, body mass index (BMI) and metabolic parameters, and to evaluate age-related changes.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 87 children and adolescents and 31 adults with PWS. Auxological data, fasting levels of glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG) and asprosin were collected, and the homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was determined. The 11-item Italian version of the Hyperphagia Questionnaire (HQ) was administered to the parents/caregivers of the patients to assess hyperphagia.

RESULTS

Patients were analysed according to age (children < 10 years, adolescents between 10 and 17.9 years, adults ≥ 18 years) or BMI categories [normal weight (NW), overweight (OW), and obesity (OB)]. No significant correlations were found between asprosin levels and cardiometabolic risk factors in the whole cohort. Higher values of asprosin were found in adults compared with adolescents, as well as in the OB group compared to the NW group (p = 0.014). Hyperphagia total score and hyperphagic subdimensions were significantly lower in children compared to adults (p < 0.05). Similarly, hyperphagia total score and hyperphagic subdimensions were significantly lower in the NW group compared to the OB group. Asprosin levels were significantly higher in patients with deletion versus patients with uniparental disomy (p = 0.037). By logistic regression analysis, HQ total score and hyperphagic subdimensions were significantly associated with BMI-SDS independently of age, sex, and asprosin levels.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, our data demonstrated higher asprosin levels in PWS individuals with OB compared to NW, while differences by age and sex were inconsistent. The lower levels of hyperphagia, BMI-SDS, and metabolic variables in children with PWS compared to adults underline that prevention of obesity should start very early in life and should be maintained over time.

The Proteomic Analysis of Platelet Extracellular Vesicles in Diabetic Patients by nanoLC-MALDI-MS/MS and nanoLC-TIMS-MS/MS

Platelet extracellular vesicles (PEVs) are emerging as key biomarkers in diabetes mellitus (DM), reflecting altered platelet function and coagulation pathways. This study compares two proteomic techniques-nanoLC-MALDI-MS/MS and nanoLC-TIMS-MS/MS-for analyzing PEVs in diabetic patients, to assess their potential for biomarker discovery. PEVs were isolated from platelet-rich plasma and characterized using tunable resistive pulse sensing (TRPS), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Proteomic analyses identified significant differences in protein expression between diabetic and non-diabetic individuals, with nanoLC-TIMS-MS/MS demonstrating superior sensitivity by detecting 97% more unique proteins than nanoLC-MALDI-MS/MS. Key differentially expressed proteins included apolipoproteins and oxidative stress markers, which may contribute to platelet dysfunction and cardiovascular complications in DM. Sex-specific variations in protein expression were also observed, highlighting potential differences in disease progression between male and female patients. The integration of advanced proteomic methodologies provides novel insights into the role of PEVs in diabetes pathophysiology, underscoring their diagnostic and therapeutic potential. These findings pave the way for improved biomarker-based strategies for early detection and monitoring of diabetic complications.

Predictive roles of Asprosin and Gremlin-1 expression in Egyptian pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes

Diabetes mellitus type 1 (insulin-dependent) (T1DM) is characterized by the selective destruction of the insulin-producing pancreatic beta. Asprosin and Gremlin-1 may have roles in T1DM, however these roles are not fully established. The expression of Asprosin and Gremlin-1 genes and their protein levels, was considerably higher in T1DM patients' blood compared to the control group (P < 0.001). The area under the curve of 50 age- and sex-matched control persons was compared to that of serum T1DM patients. Gremlin-1 and Asprosin serum quantities were measured by ELISA, and real-time PCR was used to evaluate the expression of their genes in peripheral blood. Serum Asprosin concentration, Asprosin expression, serum Gremlin-1 concentration, and Gremlin-1 expression were 0.87, 0.997, 0.912, and 0.949, respectively. The Asprosin expression was the best marker for T1DM diagnosis with 96% sensitivity, 92% specificity, and 94% accuracy. Asprosin expression can significantly increase the risk of T1DM by 276 folds, followed by Gremlin-1 expression by 84.33 folds. The best diagnostic for T1DM diagnosis was Asprosin expression, which had 96% sensitivity, 92% specificity, and 94% accuracy. The risk of type 1 diabetes can be raised by 276 times when asprosin expression is present, and by 84.33 times when Gremlin-1 expression is present.

Investigation of the Effect of Asprosin Level on Fertility Success and Oxidative Stress in Simmental Cows

Asprosin, a protein hormone that regulates hunger and glucose homeostasis, is produced by white adipose tissue. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of asprosin level on fertility and oxidative stress parameters in Simmental cows. In the study, 44 Simmental multiparous cows were used. PRID was used to synchronise the animals. Blood samples were obtained from the cattle on the day of artificial insemination, and the amount of asprosin was measured. Animals were divided into two groups: a low asprosin (LA) group and a high asprosin (HA) group. On day 25, blood samples were taken, and pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG2), total antioxidant level (TAS) and total oxidant level (TOS) were measured using commercial kits. Ultrasonography was used to diagnose pregnancy on day 45. The TAS level at day 25 was higher in the HA group than the TAS level at the beginning of the study (p = 0.007). The TOS level at the beginning of the study was higher in the HA group than in the LA group (p = 0.017). The TOS level of cows in the LA group on day 25 was significantly higher than the TOS level at the beginning of the study (p = 0.028). In conclusion, asprosin levels in cows affected oxidative stress parameters. According to receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis, there was a strong correlation between TOS and asprosin, and it was concluded that cows with HA values may be exposed to oxidative stress.

Relationship of asprosin and diabetes: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Diabetes characterized by chronic hyperglycemia, has become a serious hazard to human health in the recent decades. Previous research suggests that asprosin may contribute to the development of diabetes by regulating glucose homeostasis, appetite, insulin secretion, and insulin sensitivity. Although some studies have shown that asprosin levels are higher in patients with diabetes than in healthy individuals, the association between asprosin levels and diabetes remains controversial.

AIM

This meta-analysis aimed to assess asprosin levels in patients with diabetes and in healthy individuals.

METHODS

We searched the following electronic databases: Web of Science, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Willy. The title or abstract uses the following search term: "diabetes" is used in combination with the term "asprosin." The meta-analysis results are presented as standardized mean differences (SMDs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Fourteen articles were included in this meta-analysis. In our meta-analysis, the asprosin level in patients with diabetes was significantly higher than that in healthy controls (SMD: 0.95, 95% CI [0.66, 1.24]). Moreover, there was a significant difference in the asprosin levels between patients with diabetes without complication and those with complication (SMD: 0.81, 95% CI [0.33, 1.29]).

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review is the first to evaluate the relationship between asprosin levels and diabetes. The asprosin levels were significantly higher in patients with diabetes.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER

Not applicable.

Asprosin is a Reliable Predictor of Osteoporosis in Type 2 Diabetic Postmenopausal Women: A Case-Control Study

The study evaluates Asprosin's value in diabetic postmenopausal women, examining its reliability as a predictor for osteoporosis (OP) in the second type of diabetes (T2D) women. A case-control study recruited 255 postmenopausal women attending the geriatric department of the University Hospital. They were grouped into controls (non-OP non-T2D), and study cases. The latter were subdivided into: non-OP T2D, and OP T2D postmenopausal women (85/255) for each. Serum Asprosin level showed a significant increase in postmenopausal T2D women with OP (42.51 ± 2.97 ng/mL, P < 0.001) compared with postmenopausal T2D women without OP and controls. Additionally, there is a significant interrelationship between OP radiological indicators and bone-forming hormone in T2D women, osteocalcin. Moreover, bone resorption and glycemic markers in T2D women correlated significantly and positively with Asprosin. The Receiver operator characteristic curve discriminates OP T2D postmenopausal women from non-OP T2D postmenopausal women by estimating cutoff value (> 39.3 ng/mL) at 90% sensitivity, 63.3% specificity, and P < 0.001.

Asprosin: the potential player in combined double diabetes and hypothyroidism

BACKGROUND

Double diabetes is a term used to describe people with type 1 diabetes who are overweight, show signs of insulin resistance, or have a family history of type 2 diabetes. Asprosin is a novel glucogenic adipokine; Asprosin regulates appetite and glucose metabolism. The study aimed to investigate the level of asprosin in people with double diabetes with and without hypothyroidism and its association with markers of insulin resistance.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

This case-control study was conducted in Iraq between March 2022 and January 2023. One hundred sixty participants were enrolled; the selected participants were classified into three age and sex-matched groups. The first group consisted of eighty healthy controls served as the control group. Of eighty participants with newly discovered DD, half (40) have DD alone, and 40 have both DD and hypothyroidism. Serum asprosin, insulin, thyroid, lipid profile, glucose, and glycated hemoglobin were measured. The estimated glucose disposal rate, triglyceride-glucose index, and HOMA-IR were calculated.

RESULTS

Participants with double diabetes had significantly (p ≤ 0.001) greater circulation asprosin levels than subjects in the control group. Comparatively, to double diabetes participants without hypothyroidism, asprosin levels were also higher in double diabetes subjects with hypothyroidism (p ≤ 0.001), and the insulin resistance markers increased in a stepwise way across the asprosin quartiles (p ≤ 0.001). Asprosin significantly correlated with insulin resistance markers, eGDR, plasma glucose, HbA1C, triglycerides, HDL-C, and LDL-C.

CONCLUSION

Elevated asprosin levels might be a potential biomarker for the alteration in glucose metabolism, insulin resistance, and double diabetes. It may be the missing link between metabolic and endocrine disorders.

Association Between the Serum Level of Asprosin and Metabolic Parameters in Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: Adult growth hormone deficiency (AGHD) is characterized by central adiposity and metabolic disorders. Asprosin, a newly discovered adipokine, plays a crucial role in connecting adipose tissue function with the development of metabolic syndrome. This study aims to evaluate the circulating levels of asprosin in AGHD patients and explore the potential correlation between asprosin levels and various metabolic parameters. Subjects and Methods: Forty male patients with AGHD (mean age: 33.5 ± 9.5 yrs and mean BMI: 25.0 ± 4.5 kg/m2) and forty age-, gender-, and BMI-matched non-AGHD controls were enrolled. Medical history, anthropometric parameters (weight, height, waist circumference), and biochemical and hormonal investigations were collected from the electronic medical record system. Fat mass, fat percentage, and fat-free mass (FFM) were evaluated by bioelectrical impedance. Serum levels of asprosin were measured by ELISA. Results: Patients with AGHD demonstrated notably increased waist-to-hip ratios, triglyceride levels, and decreased HDL-cholesterol levels compared with the control group. In additionally, AGHD patients exhibited significantly higher serum levels of asprosin compared with controls (p=0.039). A notable association was observed between serum asprosin levels and FFM, triglycerides, and HDL-cholesterol levels in the whole population. Conclusions: Our study highlights distinct metabolic alterations in AGHD patients when matched for BMI with controls and investigates variations in serum asprosin levels for the first time. These findings have significant implications for identifying potential biomarkers for metabolic syndrome risk in AGHD patients and informing future treatment approaches.

Asprosin-mediated regulation of ovarian functions in mice: An age-dependent study

Asprosin is a recently discovered adipokine reported to be involved in the modulation of mammalian gonadal functions. Preliminary investigations suggest its role in regulation of ovarian functions in rodents as well as bovids. In addition, increased levels of the adipokine during human ovarian pathophysiologies implicate it in disease progression and severity. The present study evidenced high expression of asprosin in ovaries of juvenile, pubertal and adult mice while expression was significantly low in ageing ovaries. Further, asprosin stimulated expression of markers for ovarian folliculogenesis (Scf, c-Kit, Gdf9, Bmp6, Fshr, Lhr) and steroidogenesis (3β-Hsd) in adult mice. In addition to exploring concentration-dependent effect of asprosin, the study implicates asprosin as an age-dependent modulator of ovarian functions as treatment of ovaries with asprosin led to upregulation of Fshr, c-Kit, Bmp6, and Gdf9 in both adult and juvenile ovaries, Lhr only in adults while that of Scf only in juvenile ovaries. The current study is first to report an age-dependent expression and role of asprosin in murine ovaries.

Development of a mix-and-read assay for human asprosin using antibody-oligonucleotide probes and thermofluorimetric analysis

Adipose tissue, or fat tissue, can now be classified as an endocrine organ as it responds to stimuli by secreting a range of hormones, termed adipokines, which regulate the functions of various other tissues and organs. Because novel adipokines continue to be discovered and characterized by researchers, there is an enduring need for the development of new analytical assays that target these hormones. Discovered recently, asprosin is an adipokine hormone secreted by white adipose tissue (WAT) during fasting which has been implicated for its important effects on the liver, skeletal muscle, hypothalamus, pancreas, and possibly other tissues. While standard immunoassays have been developed, the continued surge in research on asprosin's function would greatly benefit from an assay with homogeneous, mix-and-read workflow, and the nanomolar clinical range makes this goal more feasible. In this work, we developed such an assay for asprosin using our thermofluorimetric analysis (TFA) methods with antibody-oligonucleotide conjugate probes. The assay, achievable in less than one hour, was successfully validated by quantifying native levels of asprosin in human serum collected from fasting, nonfasting, type II diabetic, and obese donors.

Effects of atypical antipsychotics on serum asprosin level and other metabolic parameters in patients with schizophrenia

BACKGROUND

In this cross-sectional study, we compared fasting serum asprosin levels and metabolic parameters between patients receiving one of three atypical antipsychotics (olanzapine, risperidone, or aripiprazole) and healthy subjects.

METHODS

The study population included 62 adult outpatients with schizophrenia and 22 healthy controls, matched for age and gender. Patients were in remission and had been on stable monotherapy with one of these atypical antipsychotics for over 6 months. Body Mass Index (BMI) and fasting serum levels of asprosin, glucose, HA1c, insulin, and lipid profile were compared across the investigated groups. Additionally, the number of participants meeting the insulin resistance criterion, defined as homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) >2.5, as well as the number of participants with elevated BMI levels (men >27 kg/m2, women >25 kg/m2) were compared among the groups.

RESULTS

We observed statistically significant differences in BMI and fasting serum levels of glucose, HA1c, insulin, triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and asprosin among patients receiving olanzapine or risperidone, as compared to those receiving aripiprazole and healthy subjects. Patients on aripiprazole exhibited values comparable to healthy subjects, whereas those on risperidone or olanzapine showed significantly higher values, with the highest observed in the olanzapine group. Additionally, the prevalence of participants meeting the insulin resistance criterion and those with elevated BMI was also greater in individuals receiving olanzapine or risperidone compared to those on aripiprazole and healthy subjects. Serum asprosin levels showed a significant positive correlation with BMI and several metabolic parameters, including HbA1c, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, and TG. No significant differences were observed among the investigated groups in terms of serum levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

CONCLUSIONS

Our cross-sectional study highlights the association between elevated asprosin levels, weight gain, and metabolic disorders in patients treated with olanzapine and risperidone. Given the bidirectional nature of the relationship between serum asprosin levels and these metabolic disturbances, further research is warranted to elucidate potential causative pathways.

Achilles tendon thickness and serum asprosin level significantly increases in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

Aim

In our study, we aimed to investigate the Achilles tendon thickness (ATT) and asprosin levels in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and to evaluate the relationship of these parameters, which may be related to cardio-metabolic diseases.

Methods

In our prospective cross-sectional study, 45 female patients with PCOS and 30 female healthy individuals similar in age were included. Serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), total testosterone, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and asprosin levels were measured using appropriate kits and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), luteinizing hormone (LH) to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio was calculated. ATT measurements were performed by two radiologists using a high-resolution ultrasound doppler system.

Results

Serum DHEAS, total testosterone, AMH and asprosin levels, HOMA-IR value, LF/FSH ratio, and ATT values were higher in patients with PCOS compared to healthy controls. Correlation analysis was performed between ATT and other parameters in patients with PCOS. In univariate analysis, parameters associated with ATT were detected as asprosin, DHEAS and AMH. In the linear regression analysis performed with significant parameters, asprosin and DHEAS levels were found to be associated with ATT.

Conclusion

ATT values and serum asprosin levels were found to be significantly increased in patients with PCOS, and there is a very close positive relationship between ATT and serum asprosin levels. For this reason, it was thought that ATT measurement could be a cheap, simple and non-invasive monitoring parameter that can be used in the routine cardiometabolic follow-up of patients with PCOS.

Effects of Febuxostat Therapy on Circulating Adipokine Profiles in Patients with Overweight or Obesity and Asymptomatic Hyperuricemia: A Randomized Controlled Study

INTRODUCTION

Elevated levels of serum uric acid (SUA) are strongly associated with several components of the metabolic syndrome, particularly obesity. Previous studies have reported the correlation between SUA levels, xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) activity, and the imbalanced adipokine levels that are characteristic of obesity. In this study, we explored the effect of febuxostat on circulating adipokine profiles in patients with overweight or obesity and asymptomatic hyperuricemia.

METHODS

This study was a single-center, randomized, and controlled clinical trial that enrolled 130 participants with asymptomatic hyperuricemia and obesity. One hundred seventeen participants were included in the final analysis, with 60 participants in the febuxostat group and 57 in the control group. We compared the circulating adipokine levels at 3 and 6 months, including high molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin, chemerin, omentin, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, asprosin, fibroblast growth factor 21, neuregulin-4, leptin, resistin, vaspin, visfatin, adipsin, and assessed the correlation between changes in adipokine levels (Δadipokines) and changes in XOR activity (ΔXOR) after febuxostat treatment.

RESULTS

The results showed that an increase in HMW adiponectin and omentin levels and a decrease in chemerin and asprosin levels at 3 or 6 months compared to the control group. Additionally, a positive correlation was observed between ΔXOR activity and Δasprosin. Furthermore, after adjusting for triglyceride (ΔTG) and serum uric acid (ΔSUA) in multiple linear regression analyses, we found that ΔXOR activity was independently correlated with Δasprosin.

CONCLUSION

This study may provide important evidence that febuxostat could alleviate the imbalance in circulating adipokine levels in patients with overweight or obesity and asymptomatic hyperuricemia. Furthermore, we observed a positive correlation between changes in asprosin levels and changes in XOR activity after febuxostat treatment.

Asprosin: its function as a novel endocrine factor in metabolic-related diseases

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Asprosin was discovered as a new endocrine hormone originating from fibrillin-1 cleavage that plays a crucial role in various metabolic-related diseases, such as obesity, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of this review is to describe the recent advancements of asprosin.

METHOD

Narrative review.

RESULT

This comprehensive review explores its tissue-specific functions, focusing on white adipose tissue, liver, hypothalamus, testis, ovary, heart, pancreas, skeletal muscle, and kidney.

CONCLUSION

Asprosin is a multifaceted protein with tissue-specific roles in various physiological and pathological processes. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms and potential of asprosin as a therapeutic target. These insights could provide new directions for treatments targeting metabolic-related diseases.

Examining the Potential Applicability of Orexigenic and Anorexigenic Peptides in Veterinary Medicine for the Management of Obesity in Companion Animals

This review article comprehensively explores the role of orexigenic and anorexigenic peptides in the management of obesity in companion animals, with a focus on clinical applications. Obesity in domestic animals, particularly dogs and cats, is prevalent, with significant implications for their health and well-being. Factors contributing to obesity include overfeeding, poor-quality diet, lack of physical activity, and genetic predispositions. Despite the seriousness of this condition, it is often underestimated, with societal perceptions sometimes reinforcing unhealthy behaviors. Understanding the regulation of food intake and identifying factors affecting the function of food intake-related proteins are crucial in combating obesity. Dysregulations in these proteins, whether due to genetic mutations, enzymatic dysfunctions, or receptor abnormalities, can have profound health consequences. Molecular biology techniques play a pivotal role in elucidating these mechanisms, offering insights into potential therapeutic interventions. The review categorizes food intake-related proteins into anorexigenic peptides (inhibitors of food intake) and orexigenic peptides (enhancers of food intake). It thoroughly examines current research on regulating energy balance in companion animals, emphasizing the clinical application of various peptides, including ghrelin, phoenixin (PNX), asprosin, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), leptin, and nesfatin-1, in veterinary obesity management. This comprehensive review aims to provide valuable insights into the complex interplay between peptides, energy balance regulation, and obesity in companion animals. It underscores the importance of targeted interventions and highlights the potential of peptide-based therapies in improving the health outcomes of obese pets.

Asprosin contributes to pathogenesis of obesity by adipocyte mitophagy induction to inhibit white adipose browning in mice

BACKGROUND

Asprosin (ASP) is a newly discovered adipokine secreted by white adipose tissue (WAT), which can regulate the homeostasis of glucose and lipid metabolism. However, it is not clear whether it can regulate the browning of WAT and mitophagy during the browning process. Accordingly, this study aims to investigate the effects and possible mechanisms of ASP on the browning of WAT and mitophagy in vivo and in vitro.

METHODS

In in vivo experiments, some mouse models were used including adipose tissue ASP-specific deficiency (ASP-/-), high fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity and white adipose browning; in in vitro experiments, some cell models were also established and used, including ASP-deficient 3T3-L1 preadipocyte (ASP-/-) and CL-316243 (CL, 1 µM)-induced browning. Based on these models, the browning of WAT and mitophagy were evaluated by morphology, functionality and molecular markers.

RESULTS

Our in vivo data show that adipose tissue-specific deletion of ASP contributes to weight loss in mice; supplementation of ASP inhibits the expressions of browning-related proteins including UCP1, PRDM16 and PGC1ɑ during the cold exposure-induced browning, and promotes the expressions of mitophagy-related proteins including PINK1 and Parkin under the conditions of whether normal diet (ND) or HFD. Similarly, our in vitro data also show that the deletion of ASP in 3T3-L1 cells significantly increases the expressions of the browning-related proteins and decreases the expressions of the mitophagy-related proteins.

CONCLUSIONS

These data demonstrate that ASP deletion can facilitate the browning and inhibit mitophagy in WAT. The findings will lay an experimental foundation for the development of new drugs targeting ASP and the clinical treatment of metabolic diseases related to obesity.

Adipokines and their role in acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is characterized by an inflammatory response that leads to edema and haemorrhaging of pancreatic tissue. In severe cases, it can even result in the necrosis of pancreatic tissue following activation within the pancreas. Adipokines are biologically active molecules released by adipose tissue that have a wide-ranging impact on health and disease. Adipokines are cytokines produced not only in white adipose tissue but also in the fat surrounding the pancreas, and they play a role in the body's inflammatory response. The presence of increased adipose tissue, often associated with obesity, has been linked to a heightened systemic inflammatory response in cases of AP. According to the literature, there are many adipokines. This article summarizes the role of adipokines in AP. Adipokines could be promising biomarkers for both diagnostic and new therapeutic treatment strategies in AP. However, a deeper knowledge of the signaling pathways of adipokines and their potential therapeutic role in AP is necessary.

The role of serum asprosin levels in predicting the severity of coronary artery disease in patients with diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

Asprosin is an emerging biomarker that plays a role in metabolic diseases. This study investigates asprosin as a predictive marker for coronary artery disease (CAD) severity in diabetic patients.

METHODS

Diabetic patients (n = 181) and healthy controls (n = 60) were analyzed. CAD severity was assessed using SYNTAX score. Diabetic patients were divided into 3 groups. Group 1 = patients without CAD, group 2 = patients with low SYNTAX score, and group 3 = patients with moderate-high SYNTAX score. Asprosin levels were measured for all participants using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

Asprosin levels were significantly higher in patient group compared to control group (p < 0.001). Asprosin levels were significantly higher in group 3 compared to group 1 and group 2 (p = 0.002). In logistic regression analysis, asprosin levels independently predicted patients with moderate-high SYNTAX scores. According to this analysis, 1 ng/mL increase in asprosin level was found to increase the risk of having moderate-high SYNTAX score by 14.1%. When the threshold value of asprosin level was set as 22.17 ng/mL, it predicted patients with moderate-high SYNTAX score with 63.6% sensitivity and 62.6% specificity. In multivariate regression analysis, SYNTAX score independently correlated with asprosin level.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study in the literature to demonstrate a positive correlation between asprosin levels and SYNTAX scores in diabetic patients with CAD. More comprehensive studies with larger groups are needed.

A study of the relationship between serum asprosin levels and MAFLD in a population undergoing physical examination

Asprosin, an adipokine, was recently discovered in 2016. Here, the correlation between asprosin and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) was examined by quantitatively assessing hepatic steatosis using transient elastography and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP). According to body mass index (BMI), 1276 adult participants were enrolled and categorized into three groups: normal, overweight, and obese. The study collected and evaluated serum asprosin levels, general biochemical indices, liver stiffness measure, and CAP via statistical analysis. In both overweight and obese groups, serum asprosin and CAP were greater than in the normal group (p < 0.01). Each group showed a positive correlation of CAP with asprosin (p < 0.01). The normal group demonstrated a significant and independent positive relationship of CAP with BMI, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), asprosin, waist circumference (WC), and triglycerides (TG; p < 0.05). CAP showed an independent positive association (p < 0.05) with BMI, WC, asprosin, fasting blood glucose (FBG), and TG in the overweight group, and with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) showed an independent negative link (p < 0.01). CAP showed an independent positive relationship (p < 0.05) with BMI, WC, asprosin, TG, LDL-C, FBG, glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and alanine transferase in the obese group. CAP also showed an independent positive link (p < 0.01) with BMI, WC, asprosin, TG, LDL-C, and FBG in all participants while independently and negatively correlated (p < 0.01) with HDL-C. Since asprosin and MAFLD are closely related and asprosin is an independent CAP effector, it may offer a novel treatment option for metabolic diseases and MAFLD.

Adipokines in pregnancy

Reproductive success consists of a sequential events chronology, starting with the ovum fertilization, implantation of the embryo, placentation, and cellular processes like proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, endocrinology, or metabolic changes, which taken together finally conduct the birth of healthy offspring. Currently, many factors are known that affect the regulation and proper maintenance of pregnancy in humans, domestic animals, or rodents. Among the determinants of reproductive success should be distinguished: the maternal microenvironment, genes, and proteins as well as numerous pregnancy hormones that regulate the most important processes and ensure organism homeostasis. It is well known that white adipose tissue, as the largest endocrine gland in our body, participates in the synthesis and secretion of numerous hormones belonging to the adipokine family, which also may regulate the course of pregnancy. Unfortunately, overweight and obesity lead to the expansion of adipose tissue in the body, and its excess in both women and animals contributes to changes in the synthesis and release of adipokines, which in turn translates into dramatic changes during pregnancy, including those taking place in the organ that is crucial for the proper progress of pregnancy, i.e. the placenta. In this chapter, we are summarizing the current knowledge about levels of adipokines and their role in the placenta, taking into account the physiological and pathological conditions of pregnancy, e.g. gestational diabetes mellitus, preeclampsia, or intrauterine growth restriction in humans, domestic animals, and rodents.

New insights of acylation stimulating protein in modulating the pathological progression of metabolic syndromes

Obesity is associated with insulin resistance, hypertension, and coronary artery diseases which are grouped as metabolic syndrome. Rather than being a storage for energy, the adipocytes could synthesis and secret diverse hormones and molecules, named as adipokines. Under obese status, the adipocytes are dysfunctional with excessively producing the inflammatory related cytokines, such as interleukin 1 (IL-1), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). Concerning on the vital role of adipokines, it is proposed that one of the critical pathological factors of obesity is the dysfunctional adipocytic pathways. Among these adipokines, acylation stimulating protein, as an adipokine synthesized by adipocytes during the process of cell differentiation, is shown to activate the metabolism of triglyceride (TG) by regulating the catabolism of glucose and free fatty acid (FFA). Recent attention has paid to explore the underlying mechanism whereby acylation stimulating protein influences the biological function of adipocyte and the pathological development of obesity. In the present review, we summarized the progression of acylation stimulating protein in modulating the physiological and hormonal catabolism which affects fat distribution. Furthermore, the potential mechanisms which acylation stimulating protein regulates the metabolism of adipose tissue and the process of metabolic syndrome were also summarized.

Effect of Boric Acid on Metabolic Peptides and Some Biochemical Parameters in Experimental Diabetic Rats

Boron (B) is an element that has recently been wondered and researched in many fields, especially due to its effects on energy metabolism. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of boric acid (BA) on newly discovered energy metabolism peptides that have not been studied before. In this study, the effects of 15 mg/kg of BA were evaluated in 24 Wistar rats. Groups were named as control group, 15 mg/kg BA group, streptozotocin (STZ)-induced experimental diabetic group, and STZ-induced experimental diabetic + 15 mg/kg BA administered group (STZ+15 mg/kg BA). Serum asprosin, nesfatin-1, preptin, insulin, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and glucose analyses were performed. In this study, the increase in glucose, TG, TC, LDL-C levels, and AST, ALT activities in STZ-induced groups were reduced with BA administration. While HDL-C level significantly decreased in the STZ group, the level approached the control group values after BA administration (p<0.001). As for peptides, although there was a statistically significant increase after 15 mg/kg BA administration, these levels did not approach the control group values (p<0.001). According to the findings, STZ-induced diabetes mellitus and the biochemical processes that develop accordingly change correlatively. This study showed that BA is effective in energy metabolism.

The Role of Meteorin-Like Peptide and Asprosin in Colon Carcinoma

INTRODUCTION

 Colon cancer is one of the most frequent gastrointestinal system cancers on a global scale. Common colonoscopy tests have reduced the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC). Although nutrition, microorganisms, and their metabolites are related to colon cancer, the exact mechanism of CRC is still not clear. For this reason, it is of great importance to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of colon oncogenesis.

METHODS

This study was conducted retrospectively with samples obtained from the laboratory of Firat University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pathology. A total of 30 patient samples were used. The control group consisted of healthy colon tissues from the same patients, and the other group consisted of colon carcinoma tissues from the same patients. Tissue samples of both groups were evaluated immunohistochemically with meteorin-like (METRNL) peptide and Asprosin.

RESULTS

The immunoreactivity of METRNL was found to be lower in colon carcinoma tissues than in healthy colon tissues (0.2 ± 0.06 and 0.08 ± 0.03, respectively). Asprosin immunoreactivity was found to be higher in colon carcinoma tissues than in healthy colon tissues (0.4 ± 0.07 and 1.08 ± 0.15, respectively).

CONCLUSION

As a result of this study, it was observed that there was a significant difference between healthy colon tissue and colon carcinoma tissue in terms of METRNL and Asprosin expression. Both proteins might be involved in the molecular mechanism of colon carcinoma. This situation is important in terms of diagnosis.

Serum Asprosin Correlates with Indirect Insulin Resistance Indices

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Insulin resistance is a major contributor to the development of type 2 diabetes and can be assessed using indirect indicators calculated from non-invasive tests. Asprosin is a recently discovered adipokine with a postulated effect on glycemic regulation. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between serum asprosin levels and insulin resistance indices. The correlation between circulating asprosin and obesity indices was also investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 50 non-diabetic patients with obesity and 50 healthy volunteers were studied. Laboratory data, including circulating asprosin and anthropometric data, were collected. The following insulin resistance indices were calculated: triglyceride-glucose index (TyG), TyG-neck circumference (TyG-NC), TyG-neck circumference to height ratio (TyG-NHtR), TyG-waist circumference (TyG-WC), TyG-waist to height ratio (TyG-WHtR), TyG-body mass index (TyG-BMI), and the ratio between triglycerides and high-density cholesterol (TG/HDLc). The obtained data were analyzed separately for males and females.

RESULTS

Asprosin concentrations were significantly higher in obese patients (p < 0.001). Asprosin concentrations positively correlated with body mass index (p < 0.001, r = 0.8 in females and r = 0.8 in males), waist circumference (p < 0.001, r = 0.73 in females and r = 0.81 in males), and all tested indices of insulin resistance. The strongest correlation was observed for TyG-BMI (p < 0.001, r = 0.78 in females and r = 0.81 in males). Circulating asprosin was higher in females (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Asprosin can be considered a marker of obesity and insulin resistance.

Serum asprosin levels are increased and associated with insulin resistance in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: A retrospective case-control study

Dysregulation of adipokines may play a role in the development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This was a retrospective case-control study to investigate the relationship between asprosin and insulin resistance in patients with PCOS patients. The study enrolled 213 PCOS patients and 213 age-matched and body mass index-matched controls. The serum asprosin levels and the relationship between asprosin and PCOS with IR were compared between the 2 groups. In the current study, it was found that the serum asprosin level and hemostasis of model assessment-insulin resistance of PCOS were significantly higher than those of the control group, and asprosin was independently correlated with hemostasis of model assessment-insulin resistance and CRP (P < .05). Asprosin was found to be statistically significant in the analysis of receiver operating characteristics, and the specific result was 0.826 (0.724-0.879). This study emphasizes that increased levels of asprosin are independently associated with PCOS, and asprosin may be a new indicator for evaluating insulin resistance in PCOS patients.