Variable Changes of Circulating ANGPTL3 and ANGPTL4 in Different Obese Phenotypes: Relationship with Vasodilator...

Area of Science:

• Metabolic regulation and cardiovascular health
• Endocrinology and atherosclerosis research
• Biomarkers for metabolic syndrome

Background:

• Obesity is a major risk factor for premature atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.
• Metabolic regulators Angiopoietin-like 3 (ANGPTL3) and Angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4) are implicated in dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and atherosclerosis.
• Understanding ANGPTL3 and ANGPTL4 variations in different obesity phenotypes is crucial for identifying vascular risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate circulating ANGPTL3 and ANGPTL4 levels in obese patients with diverse metabolic profiles.
• To examine the relationship between ANGPTL3, ANGPTL4, and impaired vasodilator function in obesity.
• To identify potential therapeutic targets for vascular complications associated with obesity.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of ANGPTL3 and ANGPTL4 in lean, metabolically healthy obese (MHO), metabolically unhealthy obese (MUO), and type 2 diabetes (T2D) patient groups.
• Assessment of vasodilator responses using acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside.
• Correlation analysis between circulating ANGPTL4 levels and endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation.

Main Results:

• Circulating ANGPTL3 was elevated in MUO and T2D groups but not in the MHO group compared to lean subjects.
• ANGPTL4 levels were significantly increased across all obese subgroups versus lean individuals.
• Impaired vasodilator responses were observed in all obese groups, with the most significant reduction in the T2D group. ANGPTL4 showed an inverse relationship with endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation.

Conclusions:

• Circulating ANGPTL3 and ANGPTL4 exhibit distinct patterns in different obesity metabolic phenotypes.
• ANGPTL4 levels are associated with endothelial dysfunction in obese patients.
• ANGPTL4 represents a potential therapeutic target for preventing vascular complications in obesity.