Increased serum levels of S100A1, ZAG, and adiponectin in cachectic patients with COPD

Amin Mokari-Yamchi,1 Akbar Sharifi,2 Sorayya Kheirouri1 1Department of Community Nutrition, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Science, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; 2Tuberculosis and Lung Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran Background: COPD is a common irreversible obstructive airway disease. S100A1, ZAG, and adiponectin are important regulators of energy metabolism and body weight. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess resting metabolic rate (RMR) and its association with serum levels of S100A1, ZAG, and adiponectin in cachectic and noncachectic COPD patients. Patients and methods: Ninety men with COPD, aged 40–70 years, were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into the following two groups based on the unintentional weight loss of .7.5% in previous 6 months: noncachectic (n=45) and cachectic (n=45). The groups were matched based on age and body mass index (BMI). RMR was measured by indirect calorimetry method. Anthropometric indices and body composition were also measured. Serum levels of S100A1, ZAG, and adiponectin were measured by ELISA. Results: Cachectic patients had significantly higher RMR than controls (P<0.001). Serum levels of ZAG, S100A1, and adiponectin were significantly higher in the cachexia group (P<0.0001). RMR was not significantly associated with S100A1, ZAG, and adiponectin levels. However, weight loss of patients was significantly associated with serum levels of ZAG and adiponectin (both, β=0.22, P=0.03). Strong and positive association were found between the serum levels of S100A1 and ZAG (β=0.88, P<0.0001), S100A1 and adiponectin (β=0.86, P<0.0001), and also ZAG and adiponectin (β=0.83, P<0.0001). Conclusion: The potential role of these factors in the wasting process is considerable. Also, the association between serum levels of S100A1, ZAG, and adiponectin represents that these three proteins are probably related to specific functions. Keywords: COPD, cachexia, RMR, S100A1, ZAG, adiponecti

The effects of zinc supplementation on inflammatory parameters in pregnant women with impaired glucose tolerance: A randomized placebo controlled clinical trial

Pregnancy is hyperglycemic cycle of life and usually associated with insulin resistance from midgestation. Previous studies indicate that abnormal production of some proteins secreted from adipocytes (adipokines) encloses in pathogenesis of insulin resistance and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). It is proven that maternal zinc deficiency affects glucose metabolism, but the interaction between zinc and adipokines secretion are not well understood. This study aims to evaluate the effect of zinc supplementation on Vaspin and IL-6 levels in pregnant women with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). In this matched, placebo controlled double blind clinical trial, 46 pregnant women with impaired glucose tolerance were randomly distributed to zinc (n=23) and placebo (n=23) groups and received 30 mg/day zinc gluconate or placebo for eight regular weeks. The study was conducted in Shabestar district, North West of Iran. Serum Vaspin and IL-6 levels were assessed before and after intervention. There was a significant decrease in Vaspin and IL-6 levels in zinc group (p= 0.004, p= 0.034, respectively). Further, changes in fasting Vaspin levels had a positive correlation with change in fasting IL-6 levels in both zinc (r= + 0.820, p<0.001) and placebo (r= + 1.000, p<0.001) groups. According to enhancement of inflammatory cytokines in pregnant women with IGT, zinc may be considered as a complimentary supplement together with medical management in patients with IGT and GDM. However, further studies with greater sample size and extended periods of intervention are needed to make definite conclusion. © Mattioli 1885