Repositori URV

Identifier: TDX:1160

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/TDX1160

Authors:
Porras Ledantes, José Antonio

Abstract:
ABSTRACT We studied circulating levels of Visfatin by ELISA in serum samples from 93 morbidly obese (MO) women and 40 normal-weight control women. Also we analyzed Visfatin gene expression in liver and adipose tissues by RT-PCR. RESULTS Circulating levels of Visfatin were significantly higher in MO women compared to normal-weight control women. In MO women, circulating Visfatin levels correlated significantly with circulating levels of transaminases, interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein. Visfatin levels in serum of MO women were significantly higher in those patients who developed non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) compared to those which presented normal liver histology. The hepatic expression of Visfatin was significantly increased in MO women compared to normal-weight control women and was also significantly higher in MO women who developed NAFLD compared with MO women with normal liver histology. Visfatin gene expression, in subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues was independent of the development of NAFLD. In presence of diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2), circulating levels of Visfatin in MO women were significantly higher compared to non-diabetic MO women. In contrast, there were no differences in hepatic expression of Visfatin in relation to the presence of DM2. In the subgroup of non-diabetic MO women circulating levels and hepatic expression of Visfatin were significantly higher in steatohepatitis (NASH) than in steatosis. CONCLUSION Circulating levels and hepatic expression of Visfatin in MO women are related to the development of NAFLD. In MO women non-diabetic, circulating levels and hepatic expression of Visfatin are associated with the presence of NASH. These results suggest the potential usefulness of the determination of Visfatin circulating le