The circulating concentration and ratio of total and high molecular weight adiponectin in post-menopausal women with and without osteoporosis and its association with body mass index and biochemical markers of bone metabolism

ObjectivesThere is increasing evidence suggesting that adiponectin plays a role in the regulation of bone metabolism.Design and methodsThis was a cross-sectional study of 34 post-menopausal women with and 37 without osteoporosis. All subjects had body mass index (BMI), bone mineral density (BMD), total-, high molecular weight (HMW)-adiponectin and their ratio, osteoprotegerin (OPG), a marker of bone resorption (βCTX) and formation (P1NP) measured.ResultsWe observed a positive correlation between BMI and BMD (r = 0.44, p < 0.001). When normalised for BMI, total-, HMW-adiponectin concentrations and HMW/total-adiponectin ratio were significantly lower in obese compared to lean subjects but there was no difference between those with or without osteoporosis. There were significant negative correlations between HMW/total-adiponectin ratio and BMI (r = ? 0.27, p = 0.030) and with OPG (r = ? 0.44, p < 0.001).ConclusionsOur data suggests that there is no significant difference in the circulating concentration of fasting early morning total- or HMW-adiponectin in post-menopausal women with or without osteoporosis. The correlation between HMW/total-adiponectin ratio and OPG may indicate that adiponectin could influence bone metabolism by altering osteoblast production of OPG thereby affecting osteoclasts mediated bone resorption.     

Serum carotenoids in relation to risk factors for development of atherosclerosis

ObjectiveTo explore associations between serum carotenoids and risk factors for development of atherosclerosis.Design and methodsWe studied 40 early atherosclerosis patients without clinical cardiovascular events and comparable healthy controls aged 45–68 years. Intima-media thickness (IMT) and arterial stiffness were simultaneously measured by carotid ultrasonography, and serum carotenoids and cytokines were determined by high-pressure liquid chromatograph (HPLC) and ELISA kits respectively. We evaluated the associations between serum carotenoids, early atherosclerosis and serum cytokines.ResultsSerum concentrations of lutein and zeaxanthin in early atherosclerosis patients were significantly lower than those of control subjects. PCA logistic analysis found that serum carotenoids were associated with decreased risk of atherosclerosis. In contrast, blood pressure, body mass index and serum triglyceride were positively related to the risk of atherosclerosis. Ridge regression analysis revealed that serum carotenoids were associated with inflammatory cytokines and apoE. More specifically, serum lutein was inversely associated with IL-6 (P < 0.001) and positively associated IFN-γ (P = 0.002). In contrast, zeaxanthin had a significant negative association with VCAM-1 (P = 0.001) and apoE (P = 0.022) .Lycopene was inversely associated with VCAM-1(P = 0.011) and LDL (P = 0.046).ConclusionsThe results suggested that early atherosclerosis patients had lower serum concentrations of lutein and zeaxanthin than healthy subjects. Serum carotenoids were associated with reduced risk of atherosclerosis. The associations between serum carotenoids and inflammatory cytokines may help to explain the possible protective effects of carotenoids on atherosclerosis.     

Serum adipocyte fatty acid binding proteins and adiponectin in patients with coronary artery disease: The significance of A-FABP/adiponectin ratio

BackgroundAdipocyte fatty acid binding protein (A-FABP) and adiponectin have been shown to play important roles in atherosclerosis. We investigated serum A-FABP, adiponectin and A-FABP/adiponectin ratio in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).MethodsA total of 340 subjects who underwent coronary angiography (CAG) were classified into CAD group (n = 211) and non-CAD group (n = 129) according to the CAG. Serum A-FABP and adiponectin concentrations were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.ResultsCAD patients tend to have higher A-FABP concentrations than non-CAD subjects, the difference is significant only between female CAD patients and controls [22.8 (18.6–25.7) ng/ml vs 18.1 (15.6–21.8) ng/ml, P = 0.008]. Serum A-FABP concentration was independently associated with Gensini scores in female subjects (P = 0.018). CAD patients have significant higher serum A-FABP/adiponectin ratio [1.51 ± 0.05 vs 0.89 ± 0.03 ng/μg, P < 0.01] than controls in both genders.ConclusionsSerum A-FABP is associated with CAD more closely in female than in male. The A-FABP/adiponectin ratio may be a more useful indicator for CAD than A-FABP or adiponectin alone.     

Analytical evaluation of a high-molecular-weight (HMW) adiponectin chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay

BackgroundThe measurement of high-molecular-weight (HMW) adiponectin concentration provides valuable clinical information. However, the conventional ELISA method requires complicated and lengthy assay procedures to obtain assay results.MethodsWe prepared new assay reagents based on chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay (CLEIA) on a fully-automated analyzer system using the same IH7 monoclonal antibody as for ELISA as solid phase and detection antibodies (CLEIA/cartridge-type and CLEIA/bottle-type).ResultsThe assay range of both CLEIA reagents were from 0.20 to 15.00 μg/ml, and lower limit of detection and quantification were lower than 0.0928 and 0.1346 μg/ml in CLEIA/cartridge-type and in CLEIA/bottle-type reagents, respectively. A good correlation was observed between both reagents (y = 1.000x + 0.120). The imprecision test as % of coefficient variation in both reagents were less than 3.3% and recovery test showed the range from 100% to 109%. No or little interference of blood components was observed in both reagents. HMW adiponectin concentration measured by CLEIA reagents was approximately half that measured by the previous ELISA because of reevaluation using freshly and highly purified HMW adiponectin standard.ConclusionThe newly prepared CLEIA reagents are robust and adequate and can be used for the measurement of HMW adiponectin in the clinical laboratory.     

C-reactive protein,gamma-glutamyltransferase and type 2 diabetes in a Chinese population

BackgroundWe studied the association of C-reactive protein (CRP), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and type 2 diabetes in Chinese.MethodA population-based cross-sectional study.ResultsCRP and GGT levels were significantly higher in participants with diabetes than in those without (P < 0.001). Higher CRP levels were positively associated with prevalent type 2 diabetes after adjustment for age, sex, smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, family history of diabetes, body mass index, waist circumference, waist/hip ratio, education, systolic blood pressure, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, use of antihypertensive drugs, aspirin and lipid-lowering agents, with multivariable odds ratios (OR) of 1.55 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.05–2.27, P trend = 0.005, comparing quartile 4 to quartile 1). However, after further adjustment for GGT, the association was completely attenuated (fourth quartile OR 1.23, 95% CI, 0.83–1.82, P trend = 0.127). Moreover, the association of CRP and prevalent type 2 diabetes was stronger in subjects with GGT values above the median than in those with GGT values below the median. Increasing serum GGT quartiles were positively associated with prevalent type 2 diabetes after adjustment for potential confounding variables (P for trend < 0.001).ConclusionCRP may not be an independent risk factor for type 2 diabetes, at least in Chinese people.     

Association of C-reactive protein and metabolic syndrome in a rural Chinese population

ObjectiveTo explore the relationship between C-reactive protein (CRP) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in a rural Chinese population.Design and methodsWe performed a population-based cross-sectional study.ResultsThe median CRP was 0.90 mg/L. After exclusion of subjects with a CRP value > 10 mg/L, The median CRP with 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 components of MetS were 0.61, 0.61, 0.73, 1.07, 1.51, and 1.16 mg/L (P = 0.029 for linear trend) in men, and were 0.37, 0.45, 0.62, 1.10, 1.52, and 2.17 mg/L (P = 0.002 for linear trend) in women, respectively. After adjustment for potential confounders, compared with those without components of MetS, those with 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 components of MetS had ORs of 1.39, 1.08, 1.84, 2.65, and 1.21 for elevated CRP in men and 1.91, 2.06, 3.10, 4.06, and 6.01 in women, respectively.ConclusionIn this rural Chinese population, the CRP concentration was lower than that of Caucasians and strongly related to the MetS, especially in women.     

Complete blood count,measures of iron status and inflammatory markers in inner-city African Americans with undiagnosed hepatitis C seropositivity

BackgroundHepatitis C virus (HCV) infection may be associated with thrombocytopenia and increased iron stores in patients receiving medical care. We aimed to determine how often changes in hematologic, iron metabolic and inflammatory markers occur in individuals with undiagnosed HCV in the community.MethodsInner-city African Americans (n = 143) were recruited from the community according to reported ingestion of alcohol. They were divided broadly into those who drank more or less than 56 g alcohol/day as assessed by dietary questionnaire. HCV serology was determined and laboratory values were compared according to HCV seropositivity in analyses that adjusted for alcohol consumption.ResultsThe prevalence of HCV seropositivity was 23% among men and 29% among women. Levels of hepatocellular enzymes were higher with HCV seropositivity (P < 0.0001) but hemoglobin concentrations, white blood cell and platelet counts and serum ferritin concentrations did not differ. The globulin fraction of the serum protein concentration (P = 0.002) was increased with HCV seropositivity as expected with chronic inflammation. However, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and serum iron and haptoglobin levels did not differ significantly according to HCV status. Furthermore, multivariate analysis revealed that C-reactive protein was decreased and transferrin concentration was increased with both HCV and alcohol consumption (P < 0.014).ConclusionsPreviously undiagnosed HCV seropositivity has little effect on the complete blood count and body iron stores but appears to perturb the response to an inflammatory stimulus, causing reduced rather than increased circulating CRP concentrations and increased rather than decreased transferrin concentrations.     

No difference in mortality between men and women after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

AimComparing the outcome after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in men and women and to determine whether sex modifies the effect of targeted temperature management (TTM) at 33 or 36 °C.MethodsThe TTM trial randomized 950 patients to TTM at 33 or 36 °C for 24 h. This predefined sub-study of the TTM trial assessed survival and neurological outcome defined as Cerebral Performance Category (CPC) and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) using female sex as main predictor of outcome, in relation to level of TTM and other confounding factors.ResultsCompared to men, women more often had OHCA at home, p = 0.04 and less often had bystander defibrillation, p = 0.01. No other differences in arrest circumstances were found. Coronary angiography (CAG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) <24 h after ROSC was less often performed in women, both: p = 0.02.Female sex was associated with higher mortality in univariate analysis, hazard ratio (HR) = 1.29, CI = 1.04–1.61, p = 0.02 compared to men. Adjusting for demographic factors (age and comorbidity), arrest circumstances, pre-hospital findings, inclusion sites, treatments and status at admission reduced this: HR = 1.11, CI = 0. 87–1.41, p = 0.42, and sex was no longer an independent risk factor for death.The effect of sex did not modify the effect of TTM at 33 and 36 °C, p_interaction = 0.73.ConclusionFemale sex seems associated with adverse outcome, but this association is largely explained by differences in arrest circumstances and in-hospital treatment. Our data shows no interaction between sex and the effect of targeting 33 vs. 36 °C.     

The ratio of serum leptin to adiponectin provides adjunctive information to the risk of metabolic syndrome beyond the homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance: the Korean Genomic Rural Cohort Study

BackgroundLeptin and adiponectin are adipokines, shown to have opposing functions for fat metabolism and development of metabolic syndrome. We determined if the ratio of serum leptin to adiponectin (L/A ratio) adjunctively contributes to the risk of metabolic syndrome beyond the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR).MethodsThis study included 1532 men and 1856 women, aged 40–70 y assessed in the Korean Genomic Rural Cohort Study from 2005 to 2008. The serum concentrations of adiponectin and leptin were measured by radioimmunoassay. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) analyses were used to describe the ability of L/A ratio and HOMA-IR to differentiate between subjects with and without metabolic syndrome.ResultsThere were no significant differences in the ability of L/A ratio and HOMA-IR to predict metabolic syndrome (AUROC of L/A ratio vs. HOMA-IR, 0.771 vs. 0.774, p = 0.8006 for men; 0.677 vs. 0.691, p = 0.3088 for women). There was a significant adjunctive contribution by the L/A ratio, beyond that of HOMA-IR, to the risk of metabolic syndrome in men (p < 0.0001 with 0.028 increased AUROC) and women (p = 0.025 with 0.017 increased AUROC).ConclusionsThe L/A ratio provides significant adjunctive information to the risk of metabolic syndrome beyond HOMA-IR alone. The L/A ratio could be a good surrogate marker to assess metabolic syndrome.     

Association of genetic variations in aromatase gene with serum estrogen and estrogen/testosterone ratio in Chinese elderly men

BackgroundSingle nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs2470152 of the gene CYP19A1 is associated with serum estradiol (E2) levels in Caucasian men. However, it remains to be verified if rs2470152 is the sole determinant accounting for the association. We determined whether 2 CYP19A1 SNPs tagging different haploblocks (rs2470152 and rs2899470) are associated with sex steroid levels in Chinese men.MethodSerum sex steroid level including E2, estrone (E1) and testosterone (T), of 1402 Chinese men aged ≥ 65 years were analyzed. Genotyping of the two CYP19A1 SNPs was performed using T_m-shift allele-specific PCR.ResultsSNP rs2899470 was significantly associated with serum E2, E1 levels and E2/T ratio (p < 0.001). However, SNP rs2470152 was only modestly associated with E2/T ratio (p = 0.023). Analysis of haplotype showed a significant association between C-G, T-T haplotype with serum E2/T ratio (p = 0.019 and p = 1 × 10^? 5, respectively). Similarly, E2 levels was also associated the T-T and T-G haplotypes (p = 1 × 10^? 5).ConclusionThe genetic variation of CYP19A1 was associated with circulating estrogen levels in Chinese elderly men. In addition, it revealed that haplotype of rs2899470 and rs2470152, rather than rs2899470 alone, was a better indicator for the serum E2/T ratio and E2 levels.     

Significantly elevated C-reactive protein serum levels are associated with very high 30-day mortality rates in hospitalized medical patients

Background:There is insufficient data regarding the differential diagnosis and the prognostic value of significantly elevated serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) in hospitalized medical patients.Design and methods:A retrospective review of medical charts of patients admitted to a tertiary hospital's Internal Medicine ward during a period of 1 year who had at least one CRP serum level measurement of 200 mg/L or more.Results:Overall, 341 patients with a mean age of 69.8 ± 1.0 years were included in the study. Acute infection was the most prevalent diagnosis (n = 293; 85.9%) with community-acquired pneumonia being the most common acute infection (n = 115; 33.7%). Non-infectious conditions accounted for 9.1% (n = 31) of the diagnoses and included mainly malignant metastatic diseases (n = 19; 5.6%). Overall, 70 (20.5%) patients died within 30 days of admission. Age and active malignancy, with metastasis or without metastasis, were independently associated with 30-day mortality.Conclusion:Significantly elevated CRP serum levels are associated with bacterial infections, malignant diseases, and very high rates of 30-day mortality in hospitalized medical patients.     

Increased MMA concentration and body mass index are associated with spontaneous abortion in Brazilian women: A pilot study

BackgroundThe pathophysiology of spontaneous abortion is complex and may involve the interaction of genetic and environmental factors. We evaluated the predictors of spontaneous abortion in Brazilian pregnant women. The effects of age, gestational age, body mass index (BMI), cigarette smoking, alcohol ingestion, use of multivitamins and concentrations of vitamins (folate, cobalamin and vitamin B6) and vitamin-dependent metabolites were analyzed.MethodsStudy population included 100 healthy women that attended pre-natal care in 2 health centers of Sao Paulo, Brazil, and in whom pregnancy outcome was known. Folate and cobalamin status was measured in blood specimens collected between 4 and 16 weeks. The genotypes for 8 gene polymorphisms were evaluated by PCR-RFLP.ResultsEighty-eight women had normal pregnancy outcome (Group 1), while 12 experienced a miscarriage after blood collection (Group 2). Increased methylmalonic acid (MMA) concentrations were found in Group 2 (median [25th–75th percentile] = 274 [149–425] nmol/l) relative to Group 1 (138 [98–185]) (P < 0.01). No differences between the groups were observed for serum cobalamin, serum or red cell folate, and serum total homocysteine or allele frequencies for 8 polymorphisms. In a conditional logistic regression analysis including age, gestational age, serum creatinine, MMA, cystathionine, body mass index (BMI), cigarette smoking, alcohol ingestion and use of multivitamins the risk of abortion was significantly associated with MMA (OR [95% CI] = 3.80 [1.36, 10.62] per quartile increase in MMA), BMI (OR [95% CI] = 5.49 [1.29, 23.39] per quartile) and gestational age (OR [95% CI] = 0.10 [0.01, 0.77] per increase of interval in gestational age).ConclusionsIncreased serum MMA and BMI concentrations are associated with spontaneous abortion in Brazilian women.     

Associations Among Hypogonadism,C-Reactive Protein,Symptom Burden,and Survival in Male Cancer Patients with Cachexia: A Preliminary Report

ContextCachexia is characterized by muscle wasting, anorexia, and elevated inflammatory markers. In patients without cancer, hypogonadism is associated with lower lean body mass, increased symptom burden, and decreased survival. Hypogonadism in cancer cachexia could exacerbate symptoms, facilitate a proinflammatory state, and decrease survival.ObjectivesTo explore the relationships among these factors, a retrospective study of male cancer patients was conducted.MethodsThe charts of 98 consecutive male patients referred to a cachexia clinic at a comprehensive cancer center were reviewed. All patients reported weight loss of >5% within the preceding six months; the median age was 60 years. Fifty-seven (58%) had serum C-reactive protein (CRP), and 68 (69%) had total testosterone evaluated. Symptoms were evaluated by the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale.ResultsMedian CRP was 20 mg/L, and median testosterone level was 185 ng/dL (6.42 nmol/L) (normal ≥240 ng/dL or 8.36 nmol/L). There was an inverse correlation between testosterone and CRP levels (P < 0.01). Lower testosterone was associated with increased dyspnea and insomnia (P < 0.05). Poor appetite and insomnia (P < 0.05) correlated with elevated CRP. Survival of patients with testosterone levels ≤185 ng/dL (6.42 nmol/L) was decreased compared with that of those with levels >185 ng/dL (13 vs. 62 weeks, P = 0.004). Patients with CRP levels >10 mg/L had decreased survival compared with those with levels ≤10 mg/L (15 vs. 46 weeks, P = 0.01). The combination of hypogonadism and elevated CRP was associated with poorer prognosis. Elevated CRP levels were associated with increased symptom burden and decreased survival. Low testosterone was associated with decreased survival and correlated inversely with CRP levels, dyspnea, and insomnia.ConclusionOur preliminary results suggest that testosterone and CRP may be additive or synergistic as markers for survival in male patients and could be useful in future prognostic models.     

Prognostic significance of adipocytokines and extracellular matrix activity in heart failure patients with high B-type natriuretic peptide

ObjectivesTo perform risk stratification by serum adipocytokines and serum markers of extracellular matrix in heart failure patients with high b-type natriuretic peptide (BNP).MethodsPatients with heart failure were enrolled in this study. Serum adipocytokines and serum markers of extracellular matrix were analyzed.ResultsIn total, 131 patients were enrolled and followed-up for 240 ± 174 days. Mortality was significantly associated with adiponectin, resistin, type III amioterminal propeptide of procollagen (PIIINP), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1), and serum creatinine. Heart failure-related admission was significantly associated with apelin, and PIIINP. Cox regression analysis identified that mortality and heart failure-related admissions were significantly associated with MMP-2 (P = 0.008) and PIIINP (P = 0.011), respectively.ConclusionsSerum markers of extracellular matrix rather than adipocytokines may warrant further risk stratification for impacting the prognosis of patients with heart failure with high BNP.     

Predictors for cardiovascular morbidity and overall mortality in Tunisian ESRD patients: A six year prospective study

ObjectivesThe study was aimed to test the predictive value of several potential cardiovascular factors and markers for non fatal cardiovascular events (CVE) and overall mortality in Tunisian patients with renal failure.Subjects and methodsOne hundred and fifteen renal failure patients were followed-up from 2000 to 2006. At enrollment, each patient underwent clinical examination and blood collection for analysis of lipid parameters, albumin, C reactive protein (CRP), parathyroid hormone (PTH), homocysteine and hemoglobin. Multivariate Cox regression models were applied to identify the predictors for non fatal CVE and overall mortality.ResultsDuring the follow up, seventeen patients were lost. Among the 98 remaining patients, 29 presented a non fatal CVE (21.5%) and 15 were deceased (11.1%). In univariate analyses, non fatal CVE were more frequent in smokers and in patients with high PTH concentrations and low HDL levels. Moreover, low albumin concentrations were univariately associated with overall mortality. In the multivariate analysis, non fatal CVE was significantly and independently associated with age [hazard ratio (95% confidence interval), 1.04 (1.01–1.08); p = 0.028] and the upper quartile of PTH concentrations [2.68 (1.24–5.81); p = 0.013]. Overall mortality was independently predicted by the bottom quartile of albumin concentrations [5.62 (2.02–15.6); p = 0.001] and the upper quartile of CRP concentrations [3.20 (1.14–8.79); p = 0.027].ConclusionAdvanced age and high PTH levels are the main predictors of CVE, whereas low albumin and high CRP concentrations are the independent predictors of death in Tunisian renal patients. A better control of these factors would greatly increase the patient's survival rates.     

Cys327Cys polymorphism of the PAPP-A gene (pregnancy associated plasma protein A) is related to mortality of long term hemodialysis patients

ObjectivesPAPP-A is an independent mortality predictor of long term hemodialysis patients and a prognostic marker of acute coronary syndrome in general population. Cys327Cys PAPP-A polymorphism (SNP) (rs12375498) was found to be of significance in preeclampsia and the C allele of the PAPP-A C/G SNP (rs13290387) was defined as an independent risk factor for acute myocardial infarction. The aim of the study was to test the role of these PAPP-A SNPs in long term hemodialysis patients.Design and methodsThe studied group consisted of 464 subjects — 319 long term hemodialysis patients (183 men, 136 women, 62 ± 14 years) and 145 controls (65 men, 80 women, 49 ± 14 years). A subgroup of 211 hemodialysis patients (118 men, 93 women, 63 ± 13 years) was prospectively followed up for 4.5 years. During the follow up, 111 patients died, 51 of them due to cardiovascular events. PAPP-A SNPs were analyzed by DNA sequencing and serum PAPP-A was measured by TRACE.ResultsBoth SNPs were in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. Allelic and genotype frequencies did not differ between patients and controls and were not related to serum PAPP-A concentrations. Cys327Cys SNP was significant for patients' survival (HR (95% CI): 1.616 (1.110–2.353), nominal p = 0.012, corrected p = 0.036) while C/G SNP was not.ConclusionsOur study shows for the first time the significance of Cys327Cys PAPP-A SNP (rs12375498) for overall mortality of long term hemodialysis patients. Although it does not influence the concentration of PAPP-A it still could affect the correct function of this enzyme which has to be clarified in further studies.     

Gender-specific effect of Pro12Ala polymorphism in peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ-2 gene on obesity risk and leptin levels in a Tunisian population

ObjectivesThis study was undertaken to investigate the impact of the Pro12Ala (rs1801282) polymorphism of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ-2 (PPARγ-2) gene on obesity or body mass index (BMI) and plasma leptin, insulin, adiponectin and lipid levels in a sample of the Tunisian population.Design and MethodsThe study included 387 obese patients and 288 control subjects. The Pro12Ala genotype was determined by polymerase chain reaction followed by a digestion with the restriction of endonuclease BstUI.ResultsIn the whole population, there is no significant difference in genotype frequencies of the Pro12Ala polymorphism between obese patients and controls. However, separate analysis by gender revealed that obese men (but not women) had significantly higher frequency of Pro/Ala genotypes compared to controls (12.2% vs. 4.1%; χ² = 6.76, p = 0.009). In comparison to Pro/Pro homozygotes, Ala-allele bearers had a significantly higher risk of obesity [OR (95% CI) = 3.26 (1.28–8.33)]. When obese subjects were stratified according to type 2 diabetes status, the association with obesity was only significant in obese non-diabetic patients [OR (95% CI) = 3.74 (1.43–9.74), p =  0.007]. Additionally, obese male patients carrying the Ala-allele had significantly higher body mass index (p =  0.007) and plasma leptin levels (p =  0.023) compared to those homozygous for Pro-allele. The significant effect of Pro12Ala polymorphism on plasma leptin levels disappeared after adjustment for age and BMI.ConclusionThe present study provides evidence that the Pro12Ala polymorphism of the PPARγ-2 gene is associated with obesity in non-diabetic men from Tunisian origin.     

Serum Retinol-Binding Protein 4 (RBP4) and retinol in a cohort of borderline obese women with and without gestational diabetes

ObjectivesTo evaluate whether serum RBP4 correlates with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in a cohort of borderline obese (BMI > 30) pregnant women.Design and methodsSerum RBP4 and retinol were measured in pregnant women with (n = 12) and without (n = 10) GDM.ResultsRBP4, retinol and RBP4:retinol molar ratio were not different between the groups and were not associated with markers of insulin resistance.ConclusionsGDM is not associated with RBP4 or retinol among borderline obese pregnant women.     

The functional Toll-like receptor 4 Asp299Gly polymorphism is associated with lower left ventricular mass in hypertensive women

BackgroundThis study investigated the impact of a putative functional TLR4 polymorphism (Asp299Gly) on left ventricular (LV) structure in hypertensive subjects.MethodsA sample of 443 patients (266 women and 177 men) was evaluated by clinical history, physical examination, anthropometry, analysis of inflammatory and metabolic parameters, echocardiography and TLR4 Asp299Gly genotyping. In addition, the relationship between the polymorphism and in vitro lipopolysaccharide responsiveness of peripheral blood monocytic cells was also assessed.ResultsWomen carrying the 299Gly allele presented lower posterior wall thickness (p = 0.01), interventricular septum thickness (p = 0.04), LV mass (p = 0.01) and LV mass index (p = 0.03), as well as a reduced prevalence of LV hypertrophy (p = 0.002), in comparison to women with the wild-type genotype. These results were confirmed by stepwise and logistic regression analyses adjusted for potential confounders. Conversely, the 299Gly allele did not influence LV structure in men. Furthermore, in vitro assays revealed that monocytes of either men or women heterozygous for the 299Gly allele presented a lower lipopolysaccharide-induced production of interleukin-6, compared to non-carriers.ConclusionsThe functional TLR4 Asp299Gly polymorphism is associated with lower LV mass in hypertensive women. These findings suggest that interactions among gender, LV remodeling and TLR4 gene variants may occur in hypertensive subjects.