Effects of weight reduction on serum vaspin concentrations in obese subjects: modification by insulin resistance

Visceral adipose tissue-derived serpin (vaspin) has been regarded as a novel adipokine with potential insulin sensitizing properties. We investigated the changes of serum vaspin concentration in response to weight reduction, and the associations between changes in serum vaspin concentrations and changes of anthropometric and metabolic variables in obese subjects after weight reduction. We performed a longitudinal clinical intervention study on 63 obese persons enrolled in a 12-week weight reduction program that included lifestyle modification and adjuvant treatment with the antiobesity agent orlistat. Anthropometric variables, lipid profiles, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and serum vaspin concentrations were measured. Statistical analyses were performed according to the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA(IR)). Serum vaspin concentrations decreased significantly in responders (≥2% reduction in baseline weight), but not in nonresponders (<2% reduction in baseline weight). Changes in serum vaspin concentrations were significantly correlated with body weight, BMI, waist circumference, and hip circumference in the higher, but not in the lower, HOMA(IR) group. In multivariate linear regression analysis, change in serum vaspin concentrations in the higher, but not in the lower, HOMA(IR) group was positively correlated with change in BMI and negatively correlated with initial HOMA(IR) level. The associations between changes in serum vaspin concentrations and changes in anthropometric and metabolic parameters differed according to insulin resistance status in obese subjects. These relationships were more prominent in the higher HOMA(IR) group. Insulin resistance may influence the correlations between changes in serum vaspin concentration and related metabolic variables.