Association of Nesfatin-1 and Fat Mass in Cystic Fibrosis

Abstract

Background: The mechanisms of fat mass (FM) loss in cystic fibrosis (CF) are poorly understood but could represent complex pathways involving dysregulation of appetite-modulating peptides and an amplified inflammatory response. Nesfatin-1 is a newly described peptide that decreases food intake and FM but has not been studied in CF. Objectives: We hypothesized that changes in the appetite-suppressing hormone nesfatin-1 would be physiological, and levels would be lower in advanced CF patients with lower FM compared to those with milder disease and healthy controls. We determined the levels of the cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 as they have been associated with weight loss in disease states. Methods: Fifty-four adult CF subjects, i.e. 17 with severe, 22 with moderate, and 15 with mild disease, as well as 18 controls were recruited. PFT and body composition analysis (via bioelectrical impedance) were performed. Nesfatin-1 and cytokine levels were determined by ELISA. Results: Contrary to our proposed hypothesis, nesfatin-1 levels were highest in CF patients with severe disease and the lowest FM. A significant negative correlation between nesfatin-1 levels and FM was found only in the severe CF group (r = -0.7, p = 0.003). In forward stepwise regression analysis, only FM was significantly associated with nesfatin-1 levels. Levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were elevated in the severe CF group, but there was no association with either FM or nesfatin-1. Conclusion: In advanced CF and low FM, nesfatin-1 plasma levels are significantly increased and inversely correlated with the FM. Our results further suggest that nesfatin-1 exerts its effects independently of TNF-α or IL-6.

Circulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor, leptin, neuropeptide Y, and their clinical correlates in cystic fibrosis: a cross-sectional study

“…In 2013, Cohen et al observed increased plasma nesfatin-1 concentrations in CF patients with more advanced disease and lower fat mass; this was surprising because nesfatin-1 is an anorexigenic factor. This effect was not found to be related to IL-6 and TNF-α [22].…”

The relationship between sarcopenia and nesfatin-1 and ghrelin levels in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

“…Our patients are outpatients, and their mobility may explain the relative protection of muscle masses while decreasing fat masses. In a study evaluating nesfatin-1 levels in patients with cystic fibrosis (12), high nesfatin-1 levels with low fat mass were detected in patients with severe cystic fibrosis. In our study, there was no significant change in nesfatin-1 values with decreased fat mass in severe COPD patients.…”

Recent progress in research on the distribution and function of NUCB2/Nesfatin-1 in peripheral tissues [Review]

“…A significant negative correlation between NUCB2/Nesfatin-1 levels and FM was found only in the severe CF group (r= -0.7, p=0.003). They also further suggested that NUCB2/ Nesfatin-1 exerted its effects independently of TNF-α or IL-6 [17]. Thus, inconsistent results have been obtained with respect to BMI and NUCB2/Nesfatin-1 expression, and the different ranges of selected BMI and the distinct detection sensitivity of NUCB2/Nesfatin-1.…”