Relationship of vaspin and apelin levels with insulin resistance and atherosclerosis in metabolic syndrome.

Aims: We aimed to investigate, circulating vaspin, apelin-12 and apelin-36 levels in subjects with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and also to search for the association of vaspin and apelin levels with insulin resistance (IR), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (HsCRP), Carotid Artery Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT) and cardiovascular risk factors.
Methods: In this observational case-control study, a total of forty one patients with MetS (30 women and 11 men mean age, 41.3±9.4 years) and thirty nine healthy comparison subjects (27 women and 12 men; mean age, 38.4±6.1 years) were enrolled. Serum HsCRP, lipid profile, insulin levels and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were evaluated. Apelin-12, apelin-36 and vaspin serum levels were measured via ELISA. High-resolution B-mode ultrasonography was performed.
Results: The two study groups did not differ as to age, sex, blood pressure, smoking history. Vaspin, apelin-12 and apelin-36 levels were significantly elevated in patients with MetS when compared with that of control subjects (P<0.001). Serum vaspin levels showed a statistically significant association with CIMT (r=0.365, P<0.001) and HsCRP (r=0.316, P<0.01) levels, whereas both serum apelin-12 and 36 levels were positively correlated with HOMA-IR (r=0.344/0.462 P<0.01).
Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, Serum vaspin and apelin levels were found significantly higher in patients with MetS than age-matched control subjects and significantly associated with coronary atherosclerosis. These adipocytokines might play a part in the pathogenesis of MetS. Also serum Apelin levels can be used as specific markers for insulin sensitivity in patients with MetS.