Correlation of Brain Neuropeptide (Nesfatin-1 and Orexin-A) Concentrations with Anthropometric and Biochemical Parameters in Malnourished Children

Circulating Levels of Nesfatin-1 and Spexin in Children with Prader-Willi Syndrome during Growth Hormone Treatment and Dietary Intervention

BACKGROUND

Despite observable improvement in the treatment outcomes of patients with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), adequate weight control is still a clinical problem. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the profiles of neuroendocrine peptides regulating appetite-mainly nesfatin-1 and spexin-in children with PWS undergoing growth hormone treatment and reduced energy intake.

METHODS

Twenty-five non-obese children (aged 2-12 years) with PWS and 30 healthy children of the same age following an unrestricted age-appropriate diet were examined. Serum concentrations of nesfatin-1, spexin, leptin, leptin receptor, total adiponectin, high molecular weight adiponectin, proinsulin, insulin-like growth factor-I, and total and functional IGF-binding protein-3 concentrations were determined using immunoenzymatic methods.

RESULTS

The daily energy intake in children with PWS was lower by about 30% (p < 0.001) compared with the controls. Daily protein intake was similar in both groups, but carbohydrate and fat intakes were significantly lower in the patient group than the controls (p < 0.001). Similar values for nesfatin-1 in the PWS subgroup with BMI Z-score < -0.5 and the control group, while higher values in the PWS subgroup with BMI Z-score ≥ -0.5 (p < 0.001) were found. Spexin concentrations were significantly lower in both subgroups with PWS than the controls (p < 0.001; p = 0.005). Significant differences in the lipid profile between the PWS subgroups and the controls were also observed. Nesfatin-1 and leptin were positively related with BMI (p = 0.018; p = 0.001, respectively) and BMI Z-score (p = 0.031; p = 0.027, respectively) in the whole group with PWS. Both neuropeptides also correlated positively in these patients (p = 0.042).

CONCLUSIONS

Altered profiles of anorexigenic peptides-especially nesfatin-1 and spexin-in non-obese children with Prader-Willi syndrome during growth hormone treatment and reduced energy intake were found. These differences may play a role in the etiology of metabolic disorders in Prader-Willi syndrome despite the applied therapy.

Decreased level of plasma nesfatin-1 in rats exposed to cell phone radiation is correlated with thyroid dysfunction, oxidative stress, and apoptosis

CONTEXT

Exposure to Electomagnetic radiation fields of cell phones causes thyroid dysfunction and a previous study revealed that nesfatin-1 may affect functions of the thyroid gland.

OBJECTIVE

To study the role of nesfatin-1 on functions of rat's thyroid gland exposed to EMRF.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty adult male rats were divided equally into 3 groups as group I, group II and group III. The experiment extended for 30 days then the plasma nesfatin-1 level, thyroid functions, and thyroid tissue oxidative stress were assessed. Also; histological and immunohistochemical study studies were done to evaluate structural and apoptotic changes of the thyroid gland.

RESULTS

There was a significant decrease in plasma nesfatin-1 level and thyroid functions with an increase in oxidative stress and apoptosis. Interestingly, there was a correlation between nesfatin-1 level and markers of thyroid function, oxidative stress and apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

Nesfatin-1 plays a role in thyroid dysfunctions of rats exposed to mobile phone radiation.

A comparative account of nesfatin-1 in vertebrates

Nesfatin-1 was discovered as an anorexigenic peptide derived from proteolytic cleavage of the prepropeptide, nucleobindin 2 (NUCB2). It is widely expressed in central as well as peripheral tissues and is known to have pleiotropic effects such as regulation of feeding, reproduction, cardiovascular functions and maintenance of glucose homeostasis. In order to execute its multifaceted role, nesfatin-1 employs diverse signaling pathways though its receptor has not been identified till date. Further, nesfatin-1 is reported to be under the regulatory effect of feeding state, nutritional status as well as several metabolic and reproductive hormones. This peptide has also been associated with variety of human diseases, especially metabolic, reproductive, cardiovascular and mental disorders. The current review is aimed to present a consolidated picture and highlight lacunae for further investigation in order to develop a deeper comprehensive understanding on physiological significance of nesfatin-1 in vertebrates.

The influence of mode of delivery, anthropometric indices, and infant's sex on the maternal and cord blood orexin-A levels: A cohort study

BACKGROUND

Orexin as an adipokin hormone plays an important role in appetite regulation, energy metabolism, obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The main source of orexin secretion in nonpregnant and pregnant women is adipose tissue and placenta, respectively. This research was conducted to evaluate the association between orexin-A level and the mode of delivery, anthropometric indices, and sex of the infant.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study was conducted on 69 normal pregnant women. The samples of umbilical cord blood were obtained at the time of delivery, and maternal blood was taken within 24 h of delivery. Serum orexin-A levels were measured by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS and p < 0.05 was considered as significant.

RESULTS

We found a significant difference between postpartum maternal and umbilical cord orexin-A level both with the mode of delivery (p < 0.001). Also, a significant positive correlation was seen between maternal and umbilical cord serum orexin-A levels (r = -0.61, p < 0.001). There was no relationship between serum orexin-A levels with anthropometric indices and the sex of the neonate (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Both maternal and umbilical cord serum orexin-A levels were associated with the mode of delivery. Maternal and cord blood orexin-A levels in normal vaginal delivery are higher than cesarean section.

Neuroendocrine Peptides of the Gut and Their Role in the Regulation of Food Intake

The regulation of food intake encompasses complex interplays between the gut and the brain. Among them, the gastrointestinal tract releases different peptides that communicate the metabolic state to specific nuclei in the hindbrain and the hypothalamus. The present overview gives emphasis on seven peptides that are produced by and secreted from specialized enteroendocrine cells along the gastrointestinal tract in relation with the nutritional status. These established modulators of feeding are ghrelin and nesfatin-1 secreted from gastric X/A-like cells, cholecystokinin (CCK) secreted from duodenal I-cells, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), oxyntomodulin, and peptide YY (PYY) secreted from intestinal L-cells and uroguanylin (UGN) released from enterochromaffin (EC) cells. © 2021 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 11:1679-1730, 2021.

NUCB2/nesfatin-1 - Inhibitory effects on food intake, body weight and metabolism

Since its discovery in 2006 by Oh-I and colleagues, NUCB2/nesfatin-1 encoded by nucleobindin-2 (NUCB2) has drawn sustained attention as reflected in over 500 publications. Among those, more than half focused on the alterations of food intake, body weight and metabolism (glucose, fat) induced by nesfatin-1 and/or NUCB2/nesfatin-1. In the current review we discuss the existing literature focusing on NUCB2/nesfatin-1's influence on food intake, body weight and glucose as well as fat metabolism and highlight gaps in knowledge.

Sex-specific association of plasma nesfatin-1 concentrations with obesity in children

BACKGROUND

Nesfatin-1, an anorexigenic peptide, has been associated with food intake and thermogenesis, with discordant findings in humans and scarce studies in children to date.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship of obesity with nesfatin-1 levels in two cohorts of children.

METHODS

Plasma nesfatin-1 concentrations were analyzed in 6- to 9-year-olds (n = 140) and 12- to 16-year-old children (n = 96), including children with obesity and their sex- and age-matched normal-weight counterparts. Anthropometric measurements were assessed. Cholesterol and triglycerides were determined enzymatically, insulin concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay using a commercial kit and nesfatin-1, leptin and hs-CRP concentrations were determined using commercial ELISA kits.

RESULTS

Nesfatin-1 concentrations were significantly lower in younger (P = .001) and older (P = .009) girls with obesity than in their normal-weight counterparts, without showing significant differences in boys. Nesfatin-1 showed a negative significant (P < .010) correlation with weight and BMI in girls but not in boys. A significant positive correlation of nesfatin-1 levels with insulin, HOMA, and leptin levels appears in girls after adjusting by age and BMI. A significant positive correlation (P = .003) was observed between nesfatin-1 and fat mass in older children.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows lower concentrations of nesfatin-1 related to obesity in girls but not in boys at two different ages. The existence of a sex-specific association between nesfatin-1 concentrations and presence of obesity highlights the need of an analysis by gender of the relationship of nesfatin-1 with obesity.

Hypothalamic nesfatin-1 mediates feeding behavior via MC3/4R-ERK signaling pathway after weight loss in obese Sprague-Dawley rats

Nesfatin-1 is an anorexic peptide derived from nucleobindin 2 (NUCB2). An increase in hypothalamic nesfatin-1 inhibits feeding behavior and promotes weight loss. However, the effects of weight loss on hypothalamic nesfatin-1 levels are unclear. In this study, obese rats lost weight in three ways: Calorie Restriction diet (CRD), Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). We found an increase in nesfatin-1 serum and cerebrospinal fluid levels after weight loss in obese Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Moreover, weight loss also increased hypothalamic melanocortin 3/4 receptor (MC3/4R) and extracellular regulated kinase phosphorylation (p-ERK) signaling. Third ventricle administration of antisense morpholino oligonucleotide (MON) against the gene encoding NUCB2 inhibited hypothalamic nesfatin-1 and p-ERK signaling, increased food intake and reduced body weight loss in SG and RYGB obese rats. Third ventricle administration of SHU9119 (MC3/4R blocker) blocked hypothalamic MC3/4R, inhibited p-ERK signaling, increased food intake and reduced body weight loss in SG and RYGB obese rats. These findings indicate that weight loss leads to an increase in hypothalamic nesfatin-1. The increase in hypothalamic nesfatin-1 participates in regulating feeding behavior through the MC3/4R-ERK signaling especially after SG and RYGB.

SERUM NESFATIN-1 LEVEL IN HEALTHY SUBJECTS WITH WEIGHT-RELATED ABNORMALITIES AND NEWLY DIAGNOSED PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS; A CASE-CONTROL STUDY

Context

Nesfatin-1 is a novel peptide with both central and peripheral anorexigenic regulatory properties. Besides its effects on food intake, few studies have suggested a possible role for this peptide in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus type 2.

Objective

To compare serum levels of nesfatin-1 between healthy, normal-weight persons and three groups including healthy underweight, healthy obese and diabetic subjects.

Design

Prospective, case-control study, performed between January 2015 and January 2016.

Subjects and Methods

Fasting levels in serum nesfatin-1 were measured in 30 healthy, normal-weight individuals (controls), 30 healthy underweight persons, 30 healthy obese persons, and 30 patients with newly diagnosed diabetes type 2 using standard enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits.

Results

The mean serum nesfatin-1 level was significantly higher in controls (2.61 ng/mL) compared to that in obese (1.13 ng/mL) and diabetic (0.99 ng/mL) patients; and significantly lower than that in the underweight group (3.50 ng/mL). The obese and diabetic groups were comparable in this regard. No significant association was found between serum nesfatin-1 level and age, sex, or body mass index.

Conclusions

Serum nesfatin-1 is possibly associated with weight-related abnormalities in otherwise healthy subjects and diabetes type 2. Obesity and diabetes type 2 may share a common pathologic point in this regard.

Current Understanding of the Role of Nesfatin-1

Nesfatin-1 was discovered in 2006 and implicated in the regulation of food intake. Subsequently, its widespread central and peripheral distribution gave rise to additional effects. Indeed, a multitude of actions were described, including modulation of gastrointestinal functions, glucose and lipid metabolism, thermogenesis, mediation of anxiety and depression, as well as cardiovascular and reproductive functions. Recent years have witnessed a great increase in our knowledge of these effects and their underlying mechanisms, which will be discussed in the present review. Lastly, gaps in knowledge will be highlighted to foster further studies.

Serum Nesfatin-1 Levels in Girls with Idiopathic Central Precocious Puberty

OBJECTIVE

Nesfatin-1, an anorexigenic neuropeptide, is expressed mainly in the central nervous system and in some peripheral tissues. The role of nesfatin-1 in energy balance has been investigated. Despite the suggestion of a role for nesfatin-1 in reproductive function, data are limited on the role of nesfatin-1 in human puberty.

METHODS

The aim of this study was to investigate the following: i) the role of nesfatin-1 in puberty, and ii) relationship between nesfatin-1 and anthropometric measurements and gonadotropin levels in girls with idiopathic central precocious puberty (CPP). Twenty-four girls with CPP (7.68±1.02 years) and 20 female, prepubertal, healthy controls (7.48±0.88 years) were enrolled in the study. All patients with CPP were treated by the intramuscular administration of leuprolide acetate at a daily dose of 3.75 mg for 28 days. Nesfatin-1 was measured before and during treatment.

RESULTS

There was no difference in serum nesfatin-1 levels in girls with CPP and healthy controls [5.67 (2.5-20.6) mmol/L and 5.75 (2.51-9.64) mmol/L], respectively. There was a negative correlation between nesfatin-1 levels and body weight and body mass index-standard deviation score (p=0.01, r=-0.83; p=0.025, r=-0.81, respectively). No correlation was found between nesfatin-1 and gonadotropin, estradiol levels, uterine length or endometrial thickness.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study suggest that there are no differences between girls with CPP and healthy, prepubertal girls regarding nesfatin-1 levels.

Association between nesfatin-1 levels and metabolic improvements in severely obese patients who underwent biliopancreatic derivation with duodenal switch

CONTEXT

Nesfatin-1 is a neuroendocrine peptide with potent anorexigenic activity in rodents. The potential role of nesfatin-1 on the regulation of energy balance, metabolic functions and inflammation is currently debated in obese humans. In the present study, nesfatin-1 fluctuations and their associations with metabolic factors were investigated in severely obese patients who underwent biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS) and severely obese controls (SOC).

BASIC PROCEDURES

Sixty severely obese patients who underwent BPD/DS and 15 SOC (matched for BMI and age) were included in the study. Associations between nesfatin-1 levels and body composition, glucose metabolism, lipid profile as well as inflammatory markers were evaluated at baseline and over a post-surgery12-month (12M) period.

MAIN FINDINGS

Body weight was reduced at 6M and at 12M in BPD/DS patients (P<0.001). Nesfatin-1 levels were reduced at 6M (women: P<0.05) and at 12M (men and women; P<0.001) in BPD/DS patients. At baseline, nesfatin-1 levels negatively correlated with weight, fat (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) in the whole population (combined BPD/DS and SOC patients). At 12M, nesfatin-1 concentrations positively correlated with weight, FM, fasting insulin, insulin resistance, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglyceride and apoB values. At 12M, % changes in nesfatin-1 were positively associated with% changes in weight, FM, FFM, fasting insulin, insulin resistance, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, apoB and C-reactive protein.

CONCLUSION

Nesfatin-1 levels decrease following BPD/DS-induced weight loss and are significantly associated with parameters of metabolic health.