Relationship of Circulating Spexin with Markers of Cardiovascular Disease: A Pilot study in Adolescents with Obesity

Abstract

Purpose

Spexin, a novel peptide, has potential implications in obesity, satiety and energy homeostasis. The current study examined the relationship of spexin with various biomarkers of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and endothelial function in adolescents with obesity.

Methods

Nineteen adolescents with obesity [age, 15.8 ±1.7 years] were studied. Spexin, leptin and various CVD biomarkers were measured. Endothelial function was assessed by high-resolution Doppler ultrasonography of the right brachial artery.

Results

Spexin concentration [median (IQR) 0.38 ng/mL (0.29-0.59 ng/mL)] was inversely correlated (r=-0.50, P=0.03) with leptin. When participants were clustered into two groups (“high spexin and low leptin” vs. “low spexin and high leptin”), the odds of having “low spexin and high leptin” in participants with higher hs-CRP (≥ 3mg/L) was 12.25 times (95% CI- 1 to139, P=0.026) higher than that of participants with lower hs-CRP (<3mg/L). Spexin levels, however, were not associated with measures of endothelial function.

Conclusions

The inverse association between spexin and leptin and the presence of higher concentrations of hs-CRP in adolescents with obesity in the setting of “low spexin and high leptin” suggest a potential role for spexin in the regulation of satiety and certain cardiovascular risk factors in children with obesity.