Opposite changes in meteorin-like and oncostatin m levels are associated with metabolic improvements after bariatric surgery.

Bariatric surgery is currently the most effective therapy for type 2 diabetes. However, the mechanisms underlying its beneficial effects remain elusive. Here we studied the effects of bariatric surgery on circulating meteorin-like (Metrnl) and oncostatin m (OSM) levels, two hormones intimately linked to energy homeostasis. Metrnl and OSM levels were assessed at baseline, 6 and 12 months after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) in 25 patients with obesity, as well as in 33 normal-weight controls. At baseline, patients with obesity showed lower Metrnl and higher OSM levels compared to controls. LSG increased Metrnl and decreased OSM levels, in correlation to improvements in glucose and lipid homeostasis. Our data indicate that LSG conversely modulated Metrnl and OSM levels, and suggest that a dual approach modulating these two molecules might provide a novel strategy for obesity and type 2 diabetes treatment.

Circulating FGF19 and FGF21 surge in early infancy from infra- to supra-adult concentrations.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) and 21 (FGF21) have been linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes in adults. We assessed the circulating concentrations of these factors in human neonates and infants, and their association with the endocrine-metabolic changes associated to prenatal growth restraint. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Circulating FGF19 and FGF21, selected hormones (insulin, insulin-like growth factor I and high- molecular-weight (HMW) adiponectin) and body composition (absorptiometry) were assessed longitudinally in 44 infants born appropriate- (AGA) or small-for-gestational-age (SGA). Measurements were performed at 0, 4 and 12 months in AGA infants; at 0 and 4 months in SGA infants; and cross-sectionally in 11 first-week AGA newborns. RESULTS: Circulating FGF19 and FGF21 surged >10-fold in early infancy from infra- to supra-adult concentrations, the FGF19 surge appearing slower and more pronounced than the FGF21 surge. Whereas the FGF21 surge was of similar magnitude in AGA and SGA infants, FGF19 induction was significantly reduced in SGA infants. In AGA and SGA infants, cord-blood FGF21 and serum FGF19 at 4 months showed a positive correlation with HMW adiponectin (r=0.49, P=0.013; r=0.43, P=0.019, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that these early FGF19 and FGF21 surges are of a physiological relevance that warrants further delineation and that may extend beyond infancy.