Estimation of fibrosis markers’ level in individuals with different obesity phenotypes
Abstract. Among obese individuals, a subgroup with moderate cardiometabolic risks and a positive prognosis is of profound interest. This phenomenon is actively studied and has been termed as metabolically healthy obesity (MHO). A search for predictors of adverse prognoses for the development of obesity-associated diseases in individuals with various phenotypes is currently underway. Adipose tissue activity results in systemic inflammation, which ultimately leads to the development of fibrosis in various organs and tissues. However, in routine clinical practice, fibrosis diagnosis is quite difficult due to the high cost and invasiveness of its methodics. Therefore, noninvasive estimation methods are being explored, for example, such as by measuring the serum fibrosis markers galectin 3 (Gal-3) and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1).Berezenko I.L., Filippov E.V., Volchenkova M.V., Nikiforov A.A.
The aim: to assess the levels of serum fibrosis markers in individuals with different obesity phenotypes.
Material and methods. The study included 76 individuals with obesity diagnosis. Two statistically homogeneous groups were formed: those with MHO (n = 35) and those with metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUHO, n = 41). Metabolic phenotyping was performed according to NCEP ATP III criteria. Gal-3 and TGF-β1 levels were measured in all participants using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Results. Median Gal-3 level in MHO and MUHO groups did not differ statistically significantly: 0.3 [0.16; 0.42] and 0.23 [0.1; 0.33] ng/mL, respectively (p = 0.074). There were also no statistically significant differences in TGF-β1 levels between the groups: its median was 1.95 [1.43; 2.7] pg/mL in MHO group and 2.4 [1.62; 3.13] pg/mL in MUHO group (p = 0.265).
Conclusion. The presence of MHO phenotype is likely not a stable or reliable marker of future favorable prognoses regarding the development of obesity-associated diseases.
Keywords
obesity
metabolically healthy obesity
serum fibrosis markers
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About the Authors
Irena L. Berezenko, MD, assistant at the Department of outpatient therapy, preventive medicine, and general medical practice, Academician I.P. Pavlov Ryazan State Medical University. Address: 390026, Ryazan, 9 Vysokovoltnaya St.E-mail: berezenkoil@yandex.ru
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0000-6471-7324
Evgeny V. Filippov, MD, Dr. Sci. (Medicine), professor, head of the Department of outpatient therapy, preventive medicine, and general medical practice, Academician I.P. Pavlov Ryazan State Medical University. Address: 390026, Ryazan, 9 Vysokovoltnaya St..
E-mail: e.philippov@rzgmu.ru
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7688-7176. SPIN-code: 2809-2781. SCOPUS Author ID: 56699755400
Maria V. Volchenkova, MD, PhD (Medicine), associate professor of the Department of outpatient therapy, preventive medicine, and general medical practice, Academician I.P. Pavlov Ryazan State Medical University. Address: 390026, Ryazan, 9 Vysokovoltnaya St.
E-mail: mariyasolodun@mail.ru
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0268-0612. SPIN-code: 2505-9190. SCOPUS Author ID: 739881
Alexander A. Nikiforov, MD, PhD (Medicine), associate professor of the Department of pharmacology, Academician I.P. Pavlov Ryazan State Medical University. Address: 390026, Ryazan, 9 Vysokovoltnaya St.
E-mail: alnik003@yandex.ru
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7364-7687
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