Evaluation of adiposity-related biomarkers as metabolic syndrome indicators

A bibliometrics study on the status quo and hot topics of pathogenesis of psoriasis based on Web of Science

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated chronic inflammatory skin disease. Great progress has been made in the pathogenesis of psoriasis in recent years, but there is no bibliometric study on the pathogenesis of psoriasis. The purpose of this study was to use bibliometrics method to analyze the research overview and hot spots of pathogenesis of psoriasis in recent 10 years, so as to further understand the development trend and frontier of this field.

METHODS

The core literatures on the pathogenesis of psoriasis were searched in the Web of Science database, and analyzed by VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and Bibliometrix in terms of the annual publication volume, country, institution, author, journal, keywords, and so on.

RESULTS

A total of 3570 literatures were included. China and the United States were the main research countries in this field, and Rockefeller University was the main research institution. Krueger JG, the author, had the highest number of publications and the greatest influence, and Boehncke (2015) was the most cited local literature. J INVEST DERMATOL takes the top spot in terms of the number of Dermatol articles and citation frequency. The main research hotspots in the pathogenesis of psoriasis are as follows: (1) The interaction between innate and adaptive immunity and the related inflammatory loop dominated by Th17 cells and IL-23/IL-17 axis are still the key mechanisms of psoriasis; (2) molecular genetic studies represented by Long Non-Coding RNA (LncRNA); (3) integrated research of multi-omics techniques represented by gut microbiota; and (4) Exploring the comorbidity mechanism of psoriasis represented by Metabolic Syndrome (MetS).

CONCLUSION

This study is a summary of the current research status and hot trend of the pathogenesis of psoriasis, which will provide some reference for the scholars studying the pathogenesis of psoriasis.

Biological Determinants of Metabolic Syndrome in Visceral and Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue from Severely Obese Women

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of the most dangerous heart attack risk factors: diabetes or raised fasting plasma glucose, abdominal obesity, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. The goal of this study is to compare the state of the main features of obesity-associated white adipose tissue (WAT) dysfunction in 66 women with severe obesity without (MetS-) or with MetS (MetS+). Fat cell area, adipocyte size distribution and histological fibrosis were analysed in visceral (VAT) and abdominal subcutaneous WAT (SAT) in 33 age- and BMI-matched pairs of MetS- and MetS+ subjects. The mRNA expression of 93 genes implicated in obesity-associated WAT dysfunction was analysed by RT-qPCR in both fat depots. MetS+ females showed higher adipocyte hypertrophy in both fat depots and increased fibrosis and expression of macrophage and hypoxia markers in SAT. Transcriptional data suggest increased fatty acid oxidation in SAT and impaired thermogenesis and extracellular matrix remodelling in VAT from MetS+ subjects. A sPLS-DA model, including SAT expression of PPARA and LEPR genes identified MetS with an AUC = 0.87. Despite equal age, BMI and body composition, MetS+ females display morphological and transcriptional differences in both WAT depots, especially in SAT. These factors may contribute to the transition to MetS.

Comparative efficacy of a 12 week yoga-based lifestyle intervention and dietary intervention on adipokines, inflammation, and oxidative stress in adults with metabolic syndrome: a randomized controlled trial

The present randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluated the comparative efficacy of 12 week yoga-based lifestyle intervention (YBLI) and dietary intervention (DI) alone on adipokines, inflammation, and oxidative stress in Indian adults with metabolic syndrome (Met S). A parallel, two arm, RCT was conducted in Integral Health Clinic (IHC), All India Institute of Medical Sciences, India from 2012 to 2014. IHC is an outpatient facility conducting YBLI programs for prevention and management of chronic diseases. Two hundred sixty men and women (20-45 years) visiting the outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital were diagnosed with Met S and randomized 1:1 to receive 12 week YBLI (n = 130) or DI (n = 130). Primary outcomes were change in plasma levels of adipokines (leptin, adiponectin, and leptin:adiponectin ratio), markers of inflammation (tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α, interleukin [IL]-6), markers of oxidative stress (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances [TBARS], 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine [8-OHdG], and superoxide dismutase [SOD]) measured at baseline, 2 weeks, and 12 weeks. YBLI group showed a significant decrease in leptin, leptin:adiponectin ratio, IL-6, 8-OHdG, and TBARS levels, whereas there was a significant increase in adiponectin and SOD levels. No significant changes were noticed in DI alone group. YBLI showed significantly greater reduction in TBARS levels than in DI group, suggestive of reduced oxidative stress in adults with Met S. A 12 week YBLI had a positive impact on oxidative stress versus DI alone in adults with Met S.

Effects of imidazoline-like drugs on liver and adipose tissues, and their role in preventing obesity and associated cardio-metabolic disorders

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

We previously observed that selective agonists of the sympatho-inhibitory I₁ imidazoline receptors (LNP ligands) have favorable effects on several cardiovascular and metabolic disorders defining the metabolic syndrome, including body weight. The objectives of this study were to explore the effects of LNPs on adiposity and the mechanisms involved, and to evaluate their impact on metabolic homeostasis.

METHODS

Young Zucker fa/fa rats were treated with LNP599 (10 mg/kg/day) for 12 weeks. Effects on body weight, adiposity (regional re-distribution, morphology, and function of adipose tissues), cardiovascular and metabolic homeostasis, and liver function were evaluated. Direct effects on insulin and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling were studied in human hepatoma HepG2 cells.

RESULTS

LNP599 treatment limited the age-dependent remodeling and inflammation of subcutaneous, epididymal, and visceral adipose tissues, and prevented total fat deposits and the development of obesity. Body-weight stabilization was not related to reduced food intake but rather to enhanced energy expenditure and thermogenesis. Cardiovascular and metabolic parameters were also improved and were significantly correlated with body weight but not with plasma norepinephrine. Insulin and AMPK signaling were enhanced in hepatic tissues of treated animals, whereas blood markers of hepatic disease and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels were reduced. In cultured HepG2 cells, LNP ligands phosphorylated AMPK and the downstream acetyl-CoA carboxylase and prevented oleic acid-induced intracellular lipid accumulation. They also significantly potentiated insulin-mediated AKT activation and this was independent from AMPK.

CONCLUSIONS

Selective I₁ imidazoline receptor agonists protect against the development of adiposity and obesity, and the associated cardio-metabolic disorders. Activation of I₁ receptors in the liver, leading to stimulation of the cellular energy sensor AMPK and insulin sensitization, and in adipose tissues, leading to improvement of morphology and function, are identified as peripheral mechanisms involved in the beneficial actions of these ligands.

Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) and Triggering Receptor-Expressed Myeloid Cell (TREM-1) Levels Are Associated with Cardiometabolic Risk in Nonobese, Clinically Healthy, and Young Adults

Oxidative and inflammatory substances play an important role in the genesis of processes related to cardiometabolic risk. High levels of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) and of triggering receptor-expressed myeloid cells (TREM-1) are associated with cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases. In this study, we evaluate the association of the plasma concentrations of Ox-LDL and serum levels of circulating TREM-1 (sTREM-1) with the components of cardiometabolic risk (CMR) and other associated risk parameters. Although the individuals in this study were young, nonobese, and did not have signs, symptoms, and diagnosis of diseases, they already presented components of CMR. Ox-LDL lipid fraction correlated positively with CMR-related markers: body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), body fat percentage, total cholesterol, LDL-c, VLDL-c, triglycerides, atherogenic cholesterol, and atherogenic index. Among these parameters, atherogenic cholesterol had a greater predictive effect for Ox-LDL alterations. Individuals with higher serum concentrations of sTREM-1 presented higher values for BMI, WC, triglycerides, VLDL-c, and atherogenic cholesterol. WC showed an effect on the association between the sTREM-1's inflammatory response and the components of CMR. The association of oxidative and inflammatory markers with anthropometric parameters and atherogenic cholesterol in nonobese, clinically healthy, and young individuals suggests the importance of early evaluation of these markers in order to prevent future cardiac events.

Metabolic Syndrome and Skin Diseases

The increasing prevalence of Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a worldwide health problem, and the association between MetS and skin diseases has recently attracted growing attention. In this review, we summarize the associations between MetS and skin diseases, such as psoriasis, acne vulgaris, hidradenitis suppurativa, androgenetic alopecia, acanthosis nigricans, and atopic dermatitis. To discuss the potential common mechanisms underlying MetS and skin diseases, we focus on insulin signaling and insulin resistance, as well as chronic inflammation including adipokines and proinflammatory cytokines related to molecular mechanisms. A better understanding of the relationship between MetS and skin diseases contributes to early diagnosis and prevention, as well as providing clues for developing novel therapeutic strategies.

Relation of Biochemical Parameters with Flow-mediated Dilatation in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome

BACKGROUND

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is one of the high cardiovascular (CV) situations. Endothelial dysfunction, which is a common finding in patients with MetS, is related with increased CV risk. In patients with MetS, the effect of the major CV risk factors, not included in the MetS definition, on endothelial dysfunction is not well known. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of major CV risk factors such as gender, smoking, family history, and biochemical parameters on endothelial dysfunction in patients with MetS.

METHODS

The study was performed between December 2010 and August 2014. A total of 55 patients (15 females and 40 males) with MetS and 81 healthy controls (37 females and 44 males) with a body mass index <25 kg/m2 were enrolled in the study. Endothelial dysfunction was measured by flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), oxidative stress parameters; high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (e-NOS), nitric oxide, and cell adhesion markers; von Willebrand factor, and e-selectin. Platelet aggregation (endothelial adenosine diphosphate), total platelet count, and mean platelet volume were additionally analyzed and demographic parameters were explored. Student's t- test, Mann-Whitney U-test, and Chi-square test were used to analyze the results.

RESULTS

The fasting blood glucose (z= 3.52, P= 0.001), hs-CRP (z = 3.23, P= 0.004), ox-LDL (z = 2.62, P= 0.013), and e-NOS (z = 2.22, P= 0.026) levels and cardiac risk score (z = 5.23, P< 0.001) were significantly higher in patients with MetS compared with the control group. Smoking was correlated with decreased FMD (χ2 = 9.26, P= 0.002) in MetS patients but not in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased ox-LDL, hs-CRP, and e-NOS are likely to be a result of oxidative stress, a condition in which an imbalance occurs between the production and inactivation of reactive nitrogen and oxygen species. In addition, in patients with MetS, smoking is independently related to endothelial dysfunction.

Clustered Cardiovascular Risk Factors Are Associated with Inflammatory Markers in Adolescents

BACKGROUND

Clusters of cardiovascular risk (CVR) factors are associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). This cross-sectional study assessed the associations between classic CVR factor clusters and inflammatory markers in Brazilian adolescents.

METHODS

Measurements included anthropometric, clinical and biochemical parameters and selected inflammatory markers in 487 adolescents (236 boys/251 girls; 12.06 ± 1.41 years).

RESULTS

After stratifying the population by gender and adjusting for potential confounding variables, principal component analysis was performed and it produced 5 independent components in both genders: adiposity, glucose metabolism, blood pressure, high-density lipoprotein (HDL)/triacylglycerols (TG), and cholesterol/low-density lipoprotein. Glucose metabolism was inversely associated with interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in both genders (r = -0.026; r = -0.021); blood pressure was inversely associated with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in girls (r = -0.046); HDL/TG was positively associated with interleukin-6 in girls (r = 0.012), with IL-1β (r = 0.010) TNF-α (r = 0.045) in boys, and inversely associated with adiponectin in both genders (r = -0.015; r = -0.013).

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that lipid metabolism alterations, as potential early events in the development of CVDs, have a strong link to the inflammatory process, in contrast to other clusters of risk factors.

Evidence for elevated (LIMK2 and CFL1) and suppressed (ICAM1, EZR, MAP2K2, and NOS3) gene expressions in metabolic syndrome

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a common multicomponent condition including abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and hyperglycaemia. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations of the expression of a panel of signalling genes with the MetS in a Turkish population. A total of 54 MetS patients and 42 healthy controls with similar age and sex were included to this study. mRNA from blood samples was extracted, and real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed for gene expressions using a BioMark 96.96 dynamic array system. We observed marked increases in LIM kinase 2 (LIMK2) and cofilin 1 (CFL1) gene expressions in MetS patients. However, there were significant decreases in intercellular adhesion molecules 1 (ICAM1), ezrin (EZR), mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 2 (MAP2K2), and nitric oxide synthase 3 (NOS3) gene expressions in MetS patients. Additionally, no marked changes were noted in other 15 genes studied. This is the first study to provide evidence that activation of LIMK2/CFL1 pathway may play an important role in MetS.

Serum Markers of Endothelial Dysfunction and Inflammation Increase in Hypertension with Prediabetes Mellitus

AIMS

The aim of this study was to examine endothelial dysfunction and inflammation in hypertension and prediabetes by studying adhesion molecules and inflammatory factors.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This study included 133 outpatients. Participants were categorized into three groups based on the presence or absence of hypertension and prediabetes: control subjects without prediabetes and hypertension (N group, n = 39); patients with hypertension only (H group, n = 34); and patients with hypertension and prediabetes (HD group, n = 60). Hypertension was diagnosed according to JNC7 criteria. Prediabetes was defined according to 2010 American Diabetes Association criteria. Plasma was isolated from overnight fasting blood samples for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analysis of concentrations of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), P-selectin, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) as indicators of endothelial function and inflammation. We found that the H and HD groups showed significantly higher levels of all four biomarkers compared with the N group (all p < 0.01). The HD group also showed significantly higher levels of ICAM-1 (p = 0.042) and TNF-α (p < 0.01) compared with the H group; no significant differences in P-selectin (p = 0.59) and IL-6 (p = 0.70) levels were observed among these groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Prediabetes and hypertension induce endothelial dysfunction and inflammation by elevating levels of soluble adhesion molecules and inflammatory cytokines. The comorbidity of these diseases may exacerbate inflammation and endothelial dysfunction by enhancing the expression of ICAM-1 and TNF-α.

Monocyte chemotactic protein-1, RANTES and macrophage migration inhibitory factor levels in gingival crevicular fluid of metabolic syndrome patients with gingivitis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to determine gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), regulated on activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted protein (RANTES) and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in metabolic syndrome patients with gingivitis.

DESIGN

Twenty metabolic syndrome patients with gingivitis (MSG), 20 MetS patients with clinically healthy periodontium (MSH), 20 systemically healthy subjects with gingivitis and 20 subjects who were both systemically and periodontally healthy were included. Periodontal and systemical parameters were recorded. GCF MCP-1, RANTES and MIF levels were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method.

RESULTS

MSG and MSH groups had elevated blood pressure, triglyceride, waist circumference and fasting glucose values in comparison to gingivitis and healthy groups (P<0.0001). Clinical periodontal parameters were higher in MSG and gingivitis groups when compared to those of the MSH and healthy groups (P<0.0001). MCP-1 and RANTES levels (ng/mg total protein) of MSG group were higher than those of the MSH groups (P=0.005, P=0.0001, respectively). Also gingivitis group had higher MCP-1, RANTES and MIF levels compared to the healthy group (P=0.011, P=0.0001, P=0.011 respectively). The RANTES level of MSG group was significantly higher than those of the gingivitis group (P=0.01), but MCP-1 and MIF levels were similar in the MSG and gingivitis groups (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

Elevated levels of GCF RANTES in MetS patients with gingivitis might associate with the presence of increased gingival inflammation by MetS. Low-grade systemic inflammation associated with MetS and adipose tissue-derived RANTES might lead to altered GCF RANTES levels in the presence of gingival inflammation.

Biomarkers of Metabolic Syndrome: Biochemical Background and Clinical Significance

Biomarkers of the metabolic syndrome are divided into four subgroups. Although dividing them in groups has some limitations, it can be used to draw some conclusions. In a first part, the dyslipidemias and markers of oxidative stress are discussed, while inflammatory markers and cardiometabolic biomarkers are reviewed in a second part. For most of them, the biochemical background and clinical significance are discussed, although here also a well-cut separation cannot always be made. Altered levels cannot always be claimed as the cause, risk, or consequence of the syndrome. Several factors are interrelated to each other and act in a concerted, antagonistic, synergistic, or modulating way. Most important conclusions are summarized at the end of every reviewed subgroup. Genetic biomarkers or influences of various food components on concentration levels are not included in this review article.

Chronic sub-clinical inflammation in the abdominal adipose tissue - Evaluation of inflammatory cytokines and their link with insulin resistance in metabolically obese South Indians: A cross-sectional observational study

OBJECTIVE

To measure the levels of proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6(IL-6), and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and the anti-inflammatory cytokine adiponectin (AN) in obese South Indian subjects and to ascertain whether or not a causal role could be ascribed to these cytokines in the development of insulin resistance (IR).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty obese and forty nonobese volunteers of both genders were recruited. Parameters such as body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and blood pressure were evaluated. Fasting blood sugar (FBS), fasting insulin level, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1C), lipid profile, TNF-α, IL-6, hs-CRP, and AN levels were measured. IR was evaluated by homeostatic model assessment-IR method. Abdominal adiposity was measured by ultrasonography. The results were statistically evaluated by appropriate tests.

RESULTS

BMI, WC, and visceral fat were high in the obese group. Females had higher subcutaneous fat in both groups. HbA1C was marginally high in the obese group (P = 0.014). IR was high in all the groups, obese males showing higher values (not significant[NS]). Total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein were high in the obese group (P = 0.028, P = 0.003). TNF-α was high in obese males (NS), IL-6 was high in both groups, higher in nonobese females (NS), hs-CRP was high in both groups, higher in females of both groups (NS). AN was high in females of both groups (P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study on South Indian subjects, proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and hs-CRP, despite being high, did not show any causal correlation either with abdominal obesity or with IR. TNF-α being normal showed some correlation which was inconsistent. Even the anti-inflammatory adipokine, AN did not show any correlation with IR. Cytokines had an inconsistent correlation with the components of metabolic syndrome hence were not useful.

Persimmon vinegar ripening with the mountain-cultivated ginseng ingestion reduces blood lipids and lowers inflammatory cytokines in obese adolescents

[Purpose]

This study investigated the effect of the vinegar, which is made of 4-year-old mountain-cultivated ginseng ripened into 4-year-matured persimmon vinegar, on the blood lipids level and inflammatory cytokines concentration in obese female adolescents.

[Methods]

Subjects ingested the vinegar, so-called 'mountain-cultivated ginseng persimmon vinegar (MPV)', without meals every day for 6 weeks with activities control. Subjects were grouped into control (CON), persimmon vinegar (PV), and MPV with 10 people in each group. Blood lipids, triglyceride (TG), total-cholesterol (TC), and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) were analyzed. Also, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) and glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) were analyzed for the hepatotoxicity. Blood cytokines, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NFκB) were analyzed.

[Results]

Subjects showed a high reduction in body weight and body fat. Their blood lipid level was effectively improved, and the secretion of inflammatory cytokine was suppressed as well, except for TNF-α. However, the change ratio of the cytokines was high in PV and MPV. Such results were similar to those from research subjects who took persimmon vinegar only (PV), but the effect of the vinegar (MPV) was more remarkable. Besides, this mixture was found to have no effect on the hepatotoxicity.

[Conclusion]

The significance of this study is that all the experiments were conducted without controlling research subjects' daily lives, and it is suggested that the vinegar may be recommended as a kind of health supplement food to suppress obesity. Especially, since these two products are traditional foods of Korean people, which have been taken for ages, it is expected that the fusing of two foods may be better applied to ordinary people who are concerned about obesity.

Diet, sleep and metabolic syndrome among a legal Amazon population, Brazil

Metabolic syndrome incidence is increasing worldwide then it is important to study the possible risk and protective factors. Our previous study suggested an association between coffee consumption and metabolic syndrome. The aim of this study was to address possible associations between dietary lifestyle factors with metabolic syndrome. In a case-control study we compared 74 metabolic syndrome patients with 176-matched controls attended at a public health central unit. Incident cases diagnosed according to ATP III criteria were matched with control group composed of healthy subjects performing routine examinations. Having lower educational level compared to highest levels tend to increase metabolic syndrome prevalence, which was not statistically significant. Similar pattern was observed for marital status. No difference was found regarding gender and metabolic syndrome odds. Interestingly, daily drinking two to three cups of coffee (OR=0.0646, 95% CI, 0.0139-0.3005, p=0.0005) or until 2 cups of milk were inversely associated with metabolic syndrome odds (OR=0.5368, 95% CI, 0.3139-0.9181, p=0.0231). Sleeping seven to eight hours per night was also associated with decreased odds of metabolic syndrome (OR=0.0789, 95% CI, 0.0396-0.1570, p<0.0001). Eating at least two portions of chocolate was also associated with decreased risk of metabolic syndrome (OR=0.3475, 95%CI, 0.1865-0.6414, p=0.0009). Adequate sleeping and dietary intake of some foods materially decreased the metabolic syndrome.

Combined elevated midpregnancy tumor necrosis factor alpha and hyperlipidemia in pregnancies resulting in early preterm birth

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to determine whether pregnancies resulting in early preterm birth (PTB) (<30 weeks) were more likely than term pregnancies to have elevated midtrimester serum tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels combined with lipid patterns suggestive of hyperlipidemia.

STUDY DESIGN

In 2 nested case-control samples drawn from California and Iowa cohorts, we examined the frequency of elevated midpregnancy serum TNF-α levels (in the fourth quartile [4Q]) and lipid patterns suggestive of hyperlipidemia (eg, total cholesterol, low-density-lipoproteins, or triglycerides in the 4Q, high-density lipoproteins in the first quartile) (considered independently and by co-occurrence) in pregnancies resulting in early PTB compared with those resulting in term birth (n = 108 in California and n = 734 in Iowa). Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) estimated in logistic regression models were used for comparisons.

RESULTS

Early preterm pregnancies were 2-4 times more likely than term pregnancies to have a TNF-α level in the 4Q co-occurring with indicators of hyperlipidemia (37.5% vs 13.9% in the California sample (adjusted OR, 4.0; 95% CI, 1.1-16.3) and 26.3% vs 14.9% in the Iowa sample (adjusted OR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.1-6.3). No differences between early preterm and term pregnancies were observed when TNF-α or target lipid abnormalities occurred in isolation. Observed differences were not explicable to any maternal or infant characteristics.

CONCLUSION

Pregnancies resulting in early PTB were more likely than term pregnancies to have elevated midpregnancy TNF-α levels in combination with lipid patterns suggestive of hyperlipidemia.

Effect of a high-fat diet in development of colonic adenoma in an animal model

AIM: To investigate the effect of a high-fat diet in the formation of the precursors of colorectal cancer using an animal model.

METHODS: Wistar rats were divided into two groups that were fed either a high-fat diet (HFD) or a normal-fat diet (ND), and 1,2-dimethylhydrazine was administered at a dose of 40 mg/kg for 10 wk. The body weight/liver weight/epididymal fat weight were recorded after rats were sacrificed, and the formation of colonic adenoma was also observed. The levels of insulin, leptin, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 and triglycerides were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in order to compare the altered levels of biochemical indices and inflammatory cytokines in the serum between rats fed an ND and HFD. Cell proliferation activity (Ki-67) was determined by immunohistochemical analysis. Western blot and immunofluorescence staining were used to examine the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, cyclin D1, β-catenin and nuclear factor (NF)-κB proteins in the adenoma and comparative control tissues.

RESULTS: The number of colonic adenomas and the colonic epithelial Ki-67 were significantly higher in the HFD group than in the ND group. The HFD group also had increased body weight, liver weight and epididymal fat weight, which were associated with increased levels of serum insulin, leptin, TNF-α, IGF-1 and triglycerides. HFD induced upregulation of PCNA, COX-2, cyclin D1, β-catenin and NF-κB proteins, as revealed by Western blot and immunofluorescence staining.

CONCLUSION: HFD promotes the formation of colonic adenoma through inflammation, metabolic abnormalities, and increases cell cycle progression.

Are ICAM, VCAM and E-selectin levels different in first manic episode and subsequent remission?

OBJECTIVE

In bipolar patients, the rate of mortality from cardiovascular diseases is two-fold higher than that in other psychiatric disorders. The risk of cardiovascular diseases was found to be associated with some cellular adhesion molecules: Intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM), vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM) and E-selectin. The aim of this study was to compare ICAM, VCAM and E-selectin levels at first manic episode and subsequent remission period, and to investigate the presence of a relationship between adhesion molecules levels and clinical and metabolic variables.

METHODS

In line with this purpose, 50 patients diagnosed with mania according to DSM IV-TR criteria, who had their first episode were evaluated consecutively. The control group consisted of 50 healthy individuals without any history of psychiatric admission and treatment, matched with the manic patients in terms of age, gender, BMI and smoking status. For the confirmation of subsequent remission period (n=40), Young Mania Rating Scale and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale were used. In three groups plasma ICAM, VCAM and E-selectin, fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels were measured and compared.

RESULTS

ICAM and VCAM levels were found to be higher in first manic episode than those in subsequent remission and healthy individuals. A weak correlation was found between ICAM levels and YMRS scores in manic patients. In first manic episode, a weak correlation was found between ICAM and total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels and a weak correlation was found between ICAM, VCAM and E-selectin levels and BMI.

CONCLUSION

In the present study, which is the first investigation of proinflammatory and prothrombotic state, which is defined as a risk for metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease, in bipolar disorder, ICAM and VCAM levels were found to be higher in first episode mania than those in subsequent remission and healthy individuals. As the study group included first episode mani cases, there was no effect of chronic psychotropic use. Probable risk of cardiovascular disease, reflected by increased ICAM and VCAM levels is already present in bipolar patients at the onset of the disease. In addition, ICAM and VCAM levels increasing in manic episode, return to normal in the subsequent remission period.

Adipokines, metabolic syndrome and rheumatic diseases

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of cardiometabolic disorders that result from the increasing prevalence of obesity. The major components of MetS include insulin resistance, central obesity, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. MetS identifies the central obesity with increased risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Patients with rheumatic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and ankylosing spondylitis, have increased prevalence of CVDs. Moreover, CVD risk is increased when obesity is present in these patients. However, traditional cardiovascular risk factors do not completely explain the enhanced cardiovascular risk in this population. Thus, MetS and the altered secretion patterns of proinflammatory adipokines present in obesity could be the link between CVDs and rheumatic diseases. Furthermore, adipokines have been linked to the pathogenesis of MetS and its comorbidities through their effects on vascular function and inflammation. In the present paper, we review recent evidence of the role played by adipokines in the modulation of MetS in the general population, and in patients with rheumatic diseases.