Modifications of serum levels of omentin-1 and other cardiovascular risk factors following weight loss secondary to a Mediterranean hypocaloric diet.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Omentin-1 might play a role on insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and obesity. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the influence of weight loss on omentin-1 concentrations after a hypocaloric diet with Mediterranean pattern.

METHODS: A Caucasian sample of 67 obese patients was analyzed before and after 3 months on a hypocaloric diet. Anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, C-reactive protein (CRP), fasting insulin, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), lipid concentrations and omentin-1 were measured.

RESULTS: Sixty-seven obese subjects were enrolled in the study. The mean age was 48.3 ± 8.0 years (range: 25-66) and the mean BMI 34.5 ± 4.8 kg/m2 (range: 30.2-40.8). Gender distribution was 50 females (74.6%) and 17 males (25.4%). After dietary intervention and in males and females; body mass index, weight, fat mass, waist circumference, blood pressure, glucose, LDL cholesterol, insulin and HOMA-IR decreased. Omentin-1 levels increase after dietary intervention (males vs females) (delta basal vs 3 months: 10.0 ± 3.8 ng/dl: p = 0.01 vs 9.9 ± 4.1 ng/dl; p = 0.03). In the multiple regression analysis adjusted for age and sex; BMI and insulin remained independently associated with baseline and post-treatment levels of omentin-1.

CONCLUSIONS: Our investigation showed a significant increase in omentin-1 levels after weight loss secondary to a hypocaloric diet with a Mediterranean pattern.