Endocrine Abstracts

Aim of investigation was to estimate a serum level of apelin in patients (pts) with essential hypertension and insulin resistance.

Methods: 94 patients with EH were examined. Carbohydrate and lipid metabolisms were investigated. Apelin’s blood levels were estimated by ELISA ‘Phoenix’, USA. Insuline resistance (IR) criteria was insulin level more than 12.2 mkU/ml. Data is present as median (Q25 and Q75). FINDRISK questionnaire was used to estimate risk of type 2 diabetes development.

Results: IR was estimated in 60.0% pts with EH. Pts were divided into two groups according fasting insulin level: 1 gr. – 57 pts with EH and IR (age – 58.0 (51.5; 65.0), 21 males, 36 females); 2 gr. – 37 pts with EH without IR (age – 59.5 (49.0; 63.0), 19 males, 18 females). Apelin’s activity was higher in pts with EH (0.24 (0.15; 0.46) ng/ml comparing with control group 0.13 (0.12; 0.17) ng/ml, P<0.001). In pts of 1 gr. apelin was significantly higher – 0.32 (0.14; 0.44) ng/ml than in pts of 2 gr. 0.23 (0.16; 0.43) ng/ml, <0.05. Apelin correlates with IR index (r=−0.38; <0.05) and fasting insulin (r=0.49; <0.05). In pts of 2 gr. apelin correlates with Hb_A1c (r=0.52<0.05). Findrisk questionnaire results showed increased risk of T2D development in pts of 1 gr. (12.5 (9.0; 15.0) vs 9.0 (8.0; 13.0), <0.05).

Conclusion: IR was estimated in 60.0% pts with EH and was accompanied by overexpression of apelin, increased risk of type 2 diabetes development, pronounced changes in lipids and high atherogenic index. It’s possible to use apelin activity as a marker of insulin resistance in patients with essential hypertension.