Plasma Apelin and Asymmetric Dimethylarginine (ADMA) Levels Shortly After Laparoscopic Greater Curvature Plication.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to investigate the short-term effect of weight loss following restrictive bariatric surgery on plasma concentrations of apelin and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) in individuals with morbid obesity.

SUBJECTS/METHODS: Thirty-seven morbidly obese individuals underwent laparoscopic greater curvature plication (LGCP). Anthropometric indices and plasma concentrations high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), apelin, and ADMA were measured before and 6 weeks after LGCP.

RESULTS: The percentage of total weight loss was 12.9 ± 4.4% 6 weeks after the operation. ADMA and apelin levels decreased significantly (p < 0.001 and 0.032, respectively) following LGCP. Significant decrements occurred in weight, body mass index, waist and hip circumference (p < 0.001), and waist-to-hip ratio (p = 0.013). The levels of triglycerides (p = 0.017), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p = 0.020), fasting plasma glucose (p = 0.033), fasting plasma insulin (p = 0.042), and the homeostasis model assessment index of insulin resistance (p = 0.034) also significantly decreased compared to the baseline measures. No significant change was observed in hsCRP levels and systolic and diastolic blood pressures. There was no significant correlation between changes in levels of apelin or ADMA and changes in anthropometric indices and other laboratory parameters.

CONCLUSIONS: Surgically induced weight loss rapidly decreases plasma levels of ADMA and apelin in morbidly obese patients. These changes do not seem correlated with changes in anthropometric and laboratory parameters associated with obesity.