Plasma Visfatin is reduced in Subjects with the Metabolic Syndrome and Pre-Diabetes

Abstract

The adipocytokine Visfatin (VF) has been linked with visceral adiposity, insulin resistance and Metabolic Syndrome (MS), however, studies have been inconsistent regarding its relationship with these metabolic enteties. The aim of this study was to explore the relationships between plasma VF, High Molecular Weight (HMW) Adiponectin and the MS. We measured fasting plasma VF and HMW Adiponectin in 29 males with the MS and 29 age-matched male controls. Plasma VF was significantly reduced in MS subjetcs compared to controls (98.2 ± 29.7 Vs.141.4 ± 39.1 ng/ml, respectively, P=0.04). One Way ANOVA showed that subjects with MS and pre-diabetes had extremely lower concentrations of plasma VF (60.8 ± 35.9 Vs141.4 ± 39.1 ng/ml ), for MS and controls, respectively, P < 0.009. HMW Adiponectin concentrations were similar in both groups and negatively correlated with HOMA-IR(r = -0.40, P= 0.03). Using Stepwise regression, WC was independently associated with plasma VF concentrations. There was no correlation between plasma VF and insulin sensitivty or beta cell function measured with HOMA-IR and HOMA % B, respectively. In conclusion: Reduced plasma VF concentrations may play a role in the pathophysiology of pre-diabetes and cardiometabolic risk, however, this will require further study.