Increased plasma vaspin concentration in patients with sepsis: an exploratory examination

Abstract

IntroductionVaspin (visceral adipose tissue-derived serpin) was first described as an insulin-sensitizing adipose tissue hormone. Recently its anti-inflammatory function has been demonstrated. Since no appropriate data is available yet, we sought to investigate the plasma concentrations of vaspin in sepsis.Materials and methods57 patients in intensive care, fulfilling the ACCP/SCCM criteria for sepsis, were prospectively included in our exploratory study. The control group consisted of 48 critically ill patients, receiving intensive care after trauma or major surgery. Patients were matched by age, sex, weight and existence of diabetes before statistical analysis. Blood samples were collected on the day of diagnosis. Vaspin plasma concentrations were measured using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsVaspin concentrations were significantly higher in septic patients compared to the control group (0.3 (0.1-0.4) ng/mL vs. 0.1 (0.0-0.3) ng/mL, respectively; P < 0.001). Vaspin concentration showed weak positive correlation with concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP) (r = 0.31, P = 0.002) as well as with SAPS II (r = 0.34, P = 0.002) and maximum of SOFA (r = 0.39, P < 0.001) scoring systems, as tested for the overall study population.ConclusionIn the sepsis group, vaspin plasma concentration was about three-fold as high as in the median surgical control group. We demonstrated a weak positive correlation between vaspin and CRP concentration, as well as with two scoring systems commonly used in intensive care settings. Although there seems to be some connection between vaspin and inflammation, its role in human sepsis needs to be evaluated further.

Increased serum vaspin concentration in full-term neonates with early-onset infections

“…Similarly to our study, in the first examination in adult patients with sepsis increased plasma vaspin concentration was demonstrated [30]. The authors noted a weak positive correlation between vaspin and CRP concentration [30]. Moreover, such stated other authors, this adipokine significantly correlated with high CRP values in obese children with metabolic syndrome, in whom higher vaspin concentrations were noted, than in children without this pathology [21].…”

“…The study was limited by the low numbers of early-onset infected neonates, but in the future, assessment of SVC may be a new useful biomarker of these infections. Similarly to our study, in the first examination in adult patients with sepsis increased plasma vaspin concentration was demonstrated [30]. The authors noted a weak positive correlation between vaspin and CRP concentration [30].…”

“…The effect of early-onset infections on SVC is not well known. SVC is significantly higher in septic adults than in critically ill patients receiving intensive care after trauma or major surgery [30]. Higher SVC than in healthy subjects was stated only in pneumonic full-term neonates [14].…”

Diagnosing sepsis – The role of laboratory medicine

“…The investigators also demonstrated a weak positive correlation between the concentration of vaspin and CRP (r = 0.31, P = 0.002). Although there seems to be some relationship between vaspin and inflammation, its role in human sepsis needs to be evaluated further (53). …”

Diagnosis and Prognosis of Sepsis

“…The peptidoglycan (PGN) recognition protein 1 (PGLYRP1) as a ligand for TREM-1, a known proin-flammatory receptor expressed on monocytes/macrophages and neutrophils [25]. Vaspin, a visceral adipose tissue-derived serpin, was first identified as an insulinsensitizing adipose tissue hormone, and its antiinflammatory function has recently been demonstrated a weak positive correlation between the concentration of vaspin and CRP [26]. A recent study showed that using a panel of biomarkers consisting of angiopoietin-1, angiopoietin-2, and bicarbonate was a better predictor of severity in pediatric septic patients [27].…”