Her/2+ breast cancer accounts for ~25% mortality in women and overexpression of Her/2 leads to cell growth and tumor progression. Trastuzumab (Tz) with Taxane is the preferred treatment for Her/2+ patients. However, Tz responsive patients often develop resistance to Tz treatment. Herein, redox selenides (RSe-) were covalently linked to Tz using a selenium (Se)-modified Bolton–Hunter Reagent forming Seleno-Trastuzumab (Se-Tz; ~25 µgSe/mg). Se-Tz was compared to Tz and sodium selenite to assess the viability of JIMT-1 and BT-474 cells. Comparative cell viability was examined by microscopy and assessed by fluorometric/enzymatic assays. Se-Tz and selenite redox cycle producing superoxide (O2•−) are more cytotoxic to Tz resistant JIMT-1 and Tz sensitive BT-474 cells than Tz. The results of conjugating redox selenides to Tz suggest a wider application of this technology to other antibodies and targeting molecules.
Background: Vitamin D insufficiency is common before and after bariatric surgery. Optimal supplementation to treat vitamin D insufficiency is not clearly defined. Objective: Determine if serum 25 (OH) D levels improve by the consumption of an additional monthly ergocalciferol supplement by subjects after bariatric surgery. Study design: Thirty-two subjects were randomly divided to receive an additional 100,000 IUs of ergocalciferol monthly after bariatric surgery (n=10) or standard level vitamin D supplement after bariatric surgery (n=22). Serum 25 (OH) D, calcium, and hemoglobin A1c levels were measured preoperatively and one year after bariatric surgery. Results: Mean changes in BMI at 1-year post-operation was -18.12±6.46 kg/m2 in the control group versus -18.84±4.7 kg/m2; p=0.638 in the vitamin D group. One year after bariatric surgery, the mean changes from baseline in vitamin D levels were 2.69±9.4 and 12.4±17.0 ng/mL in control and intervention groups, respectively. The treated group showed a marginally higher mean increase in Vitamin D than the control group, p=0.059. Other mean changes at 1-year post-surgery that were not significantly different include calcium -0.264±0.45 and -0.21±0.509 mg/dl in control and intervention groups, respectively and HbA1c -1.0±1.21 and -0.95±0.071% in control and intervention groups, respectively. Conclusion: This study showed 100,000 IUs ergocalciferol once a month is a safe and effective treatment for vitamin D insufficiency in most patients having bariatric surgery.
Previous studies have demonstrated that redox selenium compounds arrest cancer cell viability in vitro through their pro-oxidative activity by generating superoxide (O2•−). Currently, there are no efficacious treatment options for women with Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC). However, the association between the over-expression of the Folate Receptor Alpha (FRA) in TNBC and other cancer cells, has led to the possibility that TNBCs might be treated by targeting the FRA with redox selenium covalent Folic Acid conjugates. The present study reports the synthesis of the redox active vitamer, Selenofolate, generating superoxide. Superoxide (O2•−) catalytic generation by Selenofolate was assessed by an in vitro chemiluminescence (CL) assay and by a Dihydroethidium (DHE) in vivo assay. Cytotoxicity of Selenofolate was assessed against the TNBC cell line MDA-MB-468 and an immortalized, mammary epithelial cell line, HME50-5E. Cytotoxicity of Selenofolate was compared to Folic Acid and sodium selenite, in a time and dose dependent manner. Selenofolate and selenite treatments resulted in greater inhibition of MDA-MB-468 cell proliferation than HME50-5E as evaluated by Trypan Blue exclusion, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) metabolic assay and Annexin V apoptosis assays. Folate receptor alpha (FRA) protein expression was assessed by Western blotting, with the experimental results showing that redox active Selenofolate and selenite, but not Folic Acid, was cytotoxic to MDA-MB-468 cells in vitro, suggesting a possible clinical option for treating TNBC and other cancers over-expressing FRA.
Within the subtypes of breast cancer, those identified as triple negative for expression of estrogen receptor α (ESR1), progesterone receptor (PR) and human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2), account for 10–20% of breast cancers, yet result in 30% of global breast cancer-associated deaths. Thus, it is critical to develop more targeted and efficacious therapies that also demonstrate less side effects. Selenium, an essential dietary supplement, is incorporated as selenocysteine (Sec) in vivo into human selenoproteins, some of which exist as anti-oxidant enzymes and are of importance to human health. Studies have also shown that selenium compounds hinder cancer cell growth and induce apoptosis in cancer cell culture models. The focus of this study was to investigate whether selenium-antibody conjugates could be effective against triple negative breast cancer cell lines using clinically relevant, antibody therapies targeted for high expressing breast cancers and whether selenium cytotoxicity was attenuated in normal breast epithelial cells. To that end, the humanized monoclonal IgG1 antibodies, Bevacizumab and Trastuzumab were conjugated with redox selenium to form Selenobevacizumab and Selenotrastuzumab and tested against the triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell lines MDA-MB-468 and MDA-MB-231 as well as a normal, immortalized, human mammary epithelial cell line, HME50-5E. VEGF and HER2 protein expression were assessed by Western. Although expression levels of HER2 were low or absent in all test cells, our results showed that Selenobevacizumab and Selenotrastuzumab produced superoxide (O2•−) anions in the presence of glutathione (GSH) and this was confirmed by a dihydroethidium (DHE) assay. Interestingly, superoxide was not elevated within HME50-5E cells assessed by DHE. The cytotoxicity of selenite and the selenium immunoconjugates towards triple negative cells compared to HME-50E cells was performed in a time and dose-dependent manner as measured by Trypan Blue exclusion, MTT assay and Annexin V assays. Selenobevacizumab and Selenotrastuzumab were shown to arrest the cancer cell growth but not the HME50-5E cells. These results suggest that selenium-induced toxicity may be effective in treating TNBC cells by exploiting different immunotherapeutic approaches potentially reducing the debilitating side effects associated with current TNBC anticancer drugs. Thus, clinically relevant, targeting antibody therapies may be repurposed for TNBC treatment by attachment of redox selenium.
Abstract Breast cancer (BC) is the second leading cause of death among women with an estimated 246,660 new cases of invasive breast cancer expected to be diagnosed this year. Of the different subtypes, 15-20% are classified as triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) because they lack three key receptors; progesterone, estrogen and HER2. These receptors are considered essential for “targeted therapies”. Thus, systemic chemotherapy is the only TNBC drug treatment option. In this study, two clinical monoclonal antibodies; Herceptin® and Avastin® were covalently labeled with redox selenium and used to treat two TNBC cell lines (MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468) in culture. TNBC cell lines were treated with vehicle control, increasing concentrations of selenium as Selenite (ranging from 2 to 20 µg); Se-Herceptin® or Se-Avastin® and compared to native antibodies with equal concentrations of protein. Cell counts and viability were analyzed using Beckman ViCell Counter and Trypan Blue exclusion over a seven day period. Selenite, Se-Avastin® and Se-Herceptin® were observed to be more cytotoxic over dose and time to both TNBC cell lines in comparison to control cells and cells treated with native antibodies alone. Morphological changes were observed under phase contrast microscopy in all selenium treated cell lines. In contrast, visible alterations in morphology were absent in native Herceptin® and Avastin® treated cells compared to control cells. We believe this is the first report of selenium Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs) being demonstrated as cytotoxic to these TNBC cell lines, suggesting a potential strategy to design more effective treatments of TNBC resistant to chemotherapy. Citation Format: Soni Khandelwal, Lauren Gollahon, Julian Spallholz, Mallory Boylan, Maria Del Mar Garcia-Hernandez. Cytotoxicity of selenium trastuzumab and bevacizumab immunoconjugates against triple negative breast cancer cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4613. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-4613
BackgroundIt has become the most common liver disease in the world. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a wide range of disorders from a simple steatosis to fibrosis/cirrhosis. Although some studies show association between vitamin D and NAFLD; studies showing the association in different severity of NAFLD are limited.AimThe aim of this study to evaluate serum 25‐hydroxy vitamin D 3 levels in different severity of NAFLD.Materials and MethodsFifty three morbidly obese subjects (BMI ≥40 kg/m2) were included into the study. NAFLD activity scores (NAS) were calculated according to liver biopsies and subjects were divided into 3 group; mild NAFLD (n =15, NAS score: ≤2), moderate NAFLD (n =23, NAS score: 3–4), severe NAFLD (n =15, NAS score: ≥5). Blood samples were collected. Liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry was used to analyze the serum vitamin D levels.ResultsSerum 25‐Hydroxy vitamin D 3 levels were significantly lower in moderate and severe NAFLD groups (25.9 ± 9.10 ng/ml and 21.9 ± 7.14 ng/ml, respectively) than the mild NAFLD group (34.5 ± 10.19 ng/ml). Total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol levels were lower in severe NAFLD group (165.0 ± 38.64 mg/dl and 39.8 ±8.33 mg/dl). Furthermore, serum folic acid levels were significantly lower in moderate and severe NAFLD groups (13.8 ± 4.00 nmol/L and 14.9 ± 4.38 nmol/L, respectively) than mild NAFLD group (17.9 ± 3.98 nmol/L). Serum 25‐ Hydroxy D 3 levels and NAS were not significantly different between gender groups. Serum vitamin D levels showed an inverse correlation with NAS (r = −0.332, p < 0.05). NAS levels did not show any significant difference between gender groups.ConclusionSerum 25‐Hydroxy vitamin D 3 levels may differ in different severity of NAFLD.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Seventy six hemodialysis (HD) patients were used in a prospective randomized and clinical trial to determine if a multivitamin with vitamin D (cholecalciferol 12,000 IU/week) given during dialysis would improve the vitamin D status of hemodialysis subjects. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN Subjects were randomly assigned to two groups: 37 subjects were in the renal multivitamin without vitamin D (MV) group and 39 subjects were in a multivitamin route with vitamin D (MVD) group (12,000 IU of cholecalciferol per week). All subjects were given 2 multivitamin tablets at their 3 HD sessions each week for 20 weeks. Serum 25(OH)D, calcium (Ca), and phosphorus (P) levels were evaluated. RESULTS At baseline, mean serum 25(OH)D were below adequate (<30 ng/mL) in the MV group (23.5±12.2 ng/mL) and in the MVD group (20.8±10.3 ng/mL). A significant increase was seen in serum 25(OH)D levels (37.7±11.4 ng/mL; p<0.001) in the MVD group after vitamin D supplementation with no rise in the MV group value (21.7±11.4 ng/mL; p=0.06). Prior to supplementation, 17.9% of patients in the MVD group had adequate serum 25(OH)D level and post supplementation 76.9% in the MVD group had adequate serum 25(OH)D. In the MV group, 18.9% subjects had adequate serum 25(OH)D levels at baseline with 18.9% having 25(OH)D >30 ng/mL at the end of the study. There were no significant differences in group values for serum Ca and P. CONCLUSION The majority of HD subjects given a multivitamin with cholecalciferol at dialysis had improvement in their vitamin D status.
The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the self-efficacy of registered dietitian nutritionists working with clients with eating disorders (ED) and factors that might influence efficacy. Three focus groups (n = 16) were held with registered dietitian nutritionists at the 2013 Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo. Open coding identified several themes: challenges with clients' mental health, treatment apprehension, blurred practice boundaries, poor ED awareness among professionals, need for mentor/colleague collaboration, minimal formal education on ED, and difficulty with protocol expectations for ED. Identification of these factors indicates a need for continued ED resource development for registered dietitian nutritionists to provide optimal care.
OBJECTIVEOur pilot study was conducted to test the reliability of the Caregiver's Feeding Styles Questionnaire (CFSQ) and the Family Nutrition and Physical Activity Assessment (FNPA) in a sample of Arab mothers.DESIGNTwenty-five Arab mothers completed the CFSQ, FNPA, and the Participant Background Survey for the first administration. After 1-2 weeks, participants completed the CFSQ and the FNPA for the second administration. The two administrations of the surveys allowed for test/retest reliability of the CFSQ and the FNPA and to measure the internal consistency of the two surveys.RESULTSPearson's correlation between the first and second administrations or the 19-item scale (demandingness) and the 7-item scale (responsiveness) of the CFSQ were .95 and .86, respectively. As for the FNPA, Pearson's correlation was .80. The estimated reliabilities (Cronbach's alpha) of the CFSQ increased from .86 for the first administration to .93 for the second administration. However, the estimated reliabilities of the FNPA slightly increased from .58 for first administration to .59 for the second administration.CONCLUSIONIn our pilot study of Arab mothers, the CFSQ and FNPA were shown to be promising in terms of reliability and content validity.
BACKGROUND:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects approximately 15% of reproductive-age women and increases risk of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, cancer and infertility. Hyperinsulinemia is believed to contribute to or worsen all of these conditions, and increases androgens in women with PCOS. Carbohydrates are the main stimulators of insulin release, but research shows that dairy products and starches elicit greater postprandial insulin secretion than non-starchy vegetables and fruits. The purpose of this study was to determine whether an 8-week low-starch/low-dairy diet results in weight loss, increased insulin sensitivity, and reduced testosterone in women with PCOS.METHODS:Prospective 8-week dietary intervention using an ad libitum low starch/low dairy diet in 24 overweight and obese women (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 and ≤ 45 kg/m2) with PCOS. Diagnosis of PCOS was based on the Rotterdam criteria. Weight, BMI, Waist Circumference (WC), Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR), fasting and 2-hour glucose and insulin, homeostasis model assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), HbA1c, total and free testosterone, and Ferriman-Gallwey scores were measured before and after the 8-week intervention.RESULTS:There was a reduction in weight (-8.61 ± 2.34 kg, p<0.001), BMI (-3.25 ± 0.88 kg/m2, p<0.001), WC (-8.4 ± 3.1 cm, p<0.001), WHtR (-0.05 ± 0.02 inches, p<0.001), fasting insulin (-17.0 ± 13.6 μg/mL, p<0.001) and 2-hour insulin (-82.8 ± 177.7 μg/mL, p=0.03), and HOMA-IR (-1.9 ± 1.2, p<0.001) after diet intervention. Total testosterone (-10.0 ± 17.0 ng/dL, p=0.008), free testosterone (-1.8 pg/dL, p=0.043) and Ferriman-Gallwey scores (-2.1 ± 2.7 points (p=0.001) were also reduced from pre- to post-intervention.CONCLUSION:An 8-week low-starch/low-dairy diet resulted in weight loss, improved insulin sensitivity and reduced testosterone in women with PCOS.
Purpose:In our previous studies we have established that some water soluble aliphatic alcohols redox cycle generating superoxide. In the current study, we used the lucigenin chemiluminescence (CL) assay to determine if the amino alcohols (AA); 3‐Amino‐1‐propanol (3A1P), 4‐Amino‐1‐butanol (4A1B), 5‐Amino‐1‐pentanol (5A1P) and 6‐Amino‐1‐hexanol (6A1H) redox cycled in the presence of reduced glutathione. Cytotoxicity of the AA was assessed against the Chronic Myeloid Leukemia K562 and the Hepatocellular Carcinoma HepG2 cell lines.Methods:Stock solutions (5 mg/mL) of the AA corresponding to 62.5, 125, 250, 500 μg of the hydroxyl moiety were added to the CL cocktail. CL was integrated over 30 sec intervals at 36°C (n=20).K562 and HepG2 cells were treated and incubated for 24, 48 and 96 hours with concentrations of 220, 240, 260, 280, 300 μg of the AA. Light microscopy and MTT assay were used to measure cell viability. Dihydroethidium (DHE) was used to detect intracellular superoxide generation.Results:The CL assays indicated that 5A1P redox cycled most, followed by 4A1B in a dose dependent manner. For both cell lines, the MTT assay showed that compared to control, AA treated cells showed reduced cell viability in a dose dependent manner. At 300 µg, at 48 hours 6A1H produced maximum cell death K562 (∼94%) and HepG2 (∼90%). The DHE assay indicated generation of superoxide in the cell.ConclusionsAll of the AA tested were shown to generate superoxide in vitro as determined by the CL. Both light microscopy of cell morphology and MTT cell viability assay showed that all the AA caused cell death, presumed to be due to their ability to redox cycle generating reactive oxygen species as in the CL assay in the absence of cells. The DHE assay confirmed the intracellular superoxide generation in treated cells.
Objective: As a needs assessment for intervention, quantitative and qualitative methods were used to examine attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, intention, knowledge, and weight control status related to physical activity in female university students within the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Methods: A two-phase mixed method design was used. In Phase I, 362 students participated in an online survey, and in Phase II, 33 students participated in five focus group discussions. Ages of participants ranged from 18 to 45 years old, with 18 - 25 year olds making up over 74% of the sample. Results: Attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control, along with weight control status of trying to lose weight, were found to be significant predictors of intention to follow physical activity recommendations, which in turn were the strongest predictor of physical activity. Knowledge was not found to be significant. Group discussions revealed barriers to meeting physical activity recommendations, which included lack of companionship and social support, lack of motivation, time and cost restrictions, and lack of privacy in the gym. Social norms exerted both positive and negative influences. Conclusion: The mixed method approach provided a deeper insight into the influential factors pertaining to physical activity among female students, and results could be used in further research to develop effective interventions.
Background: Research continues to demonstrate that formula feeding is associated with numerous long-term negative outcomes for a mother and her infant. However, many women cease breastfeeding sooner than intended and recommended. Breastfeeding has been found to be related to demographics, maternal mood, and returning to work outside the home. Objectives: This study aimed to shed light on the woman’s perception of the effect of working on intended breastfeeding duration. This study used intentions to return to work and in-hospital breastfeeding to predict breastfeeding intentions. Methods: Women (N = 160) were surveyed during the first 48 hours postdelivery of healthy, full-term infants. Survey instruments included demographics (socioeconomic status, maternal age, education, and marital status), depression, fetal attachment, current exclusive breastfeeding status, as well as breastfeeding and return-to-work intentions for the next year. A path analysis was used to explore relationships and predictors of breastfeeding intentions. Results: The model had a good fit and breastfeeding intentions were predicted by exclusive breastfeeding in the hospital (β = 0.21, P < .01) and negatively predicted by return to work (β = −0.18, P < .05). Conclusion: Exclusive breastfeeding in the hospital within the first 48 hours postpartum and intention to return to work influence how long a mother intends to breastfeed. Attention to these areas can be provided immediately postpartum to support exclusive breastfeeding and provide informational support on continuing to breastfeed/express milk upon return to work if the mother intends to return to work.
Selenium is generally known as an antioxidant due to its presence in selenoproteins as selenocysteine, but it is also toxic. The toxic effects of selenium are, however, strictly concentration and chemical species dependent. One class of selenium compounds is a potent inhibitor of cell growth with remarkable tumor specificity. These redox active compounds are pro-oxidative and highly cytotoxic to tumor cells and are promising candidates to be used in chemotherapy against cancer. Herein we elaborate upon the major forms of dietary selenium compounds, their metabolic pathways, and their antioxidant and pro-oxidant potentials with emphasis on cytotoxic mechanisms. Relative cytotoxicity of inorganic selenite and organic selenocystine compounds to different cancer cells are presented as evidence to our perspective. Furthermore, new novel classes of selenium compounds specifically designed to target tumor cells are presented and the potential of selenium in modern oncology is extensively discussed.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects between 4%-18% of reproductive-aged women and is associated with increased risk of obesity and obesity-related disease. PCOS is associated with hyperinsulinemia, which is known to impair fat oxidation. Research shows that carbohydrates from dairy and starch-based foods cause greater postprandial insulin secretion than carbohydrates from nonstarchy vegetables and fruits. The purpose of this study was to determine whether an ad libitum 8-week low-starch/low-dairy diet would improve fasting and postprandial fat oxidation after a high saturated fat liquid meal (HSFLM) in overweight and obese women with PCOS. Prospective 8-week dietary intervention using a low-starch/low-dairy diet in 10 women (body mass index ≥25 kg/m(2) and ≤45 kg/m(2)) with PCOS. Indirect calorimetry was used at fasting and for 5 h following consumption of the HSFLM to determine respiratory exchange ratio (RER), macronutrient oxidation, and energy expenditure (EE) at week 0 and week 8. Participants had a reduction in body weight (-8.1 ± 1.8 kg, p < 0.05) and fasting insulin (-19.5 ± 8.9 μg/mL, p < 0.05) after dietary intervention; however, these were not significantly correlated with improved fat oxidation. There was a reduction in fasting RER, and fasting and postprandial carbohydrate oxidation, and an increase in fasting and postprandial fat oxidation after adjusting for body weight. There was also significant difference in incremental area under the curve from pre- to post-diet for fat (0.06 ± 0.00 g/kg per 5 h; p < 0.001) and carbohydrate oxidation (-0.29 ± 0.06 g/kg per 5 h; p < 0.001), but not for RER or EE. In conclusion, an 8-week low-starch/low-dairy diet increased fat oxidation in overweight and obese women with PCOS.
OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the feasibility and health improvements from a Zumba® intervention in overweight/obese women.METHODS:Twenty-eight (14 type 2 diabetic and 14 non-diabetic) over-weight/obese women (BMI: 37.3±1.5 kg/m(2)) 50.8±1.8 y of age, completed a 16-week intervention attending Zumba® dance classes 3 days/week, 60 minutes/class. We measured aerobic fitness, body weight, body fat %, and motivation to exercise before and after the study.RESULTS:Intrinsic motivation to exercise (p < .05) and aerobic fitness (1.01 ± 0.40 mL/kg/min, p < .05) improved, and the participants lost body weight (-1.05 ± 0.55kg, p < .05) and body fat% (-1.2 ± 0.6%, p < .01).CONCLUSION:The Zumba® intervention improved health and physical fitness in women.
This study aimed to evaluate the vitrification method for Litopenaeus vannamei sperm cryopreservation by using soy lecithin as extracellular cryoprotectant. For the toxicity assay three intracellular cryoprotectants were tested: dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), ethylene glycol (EG) and methanol (MeOH), at the final concentrations of 5, 10, or 30% (v/v) using sterile calcium-free saline solution (Ca-F) as the extender medium. After extrusion, the sperm masses were immersed in 0.5 mL of cryoprotectant solutions for 10, 30 and 120 min. Next, apparent sperm viability (ASV) was assessed by eosin–nigrosin stain technique. Methanol was selected due to its minimal reduction (< 21%) of ASV at a concentration of 30 % and an exposure time of 120 min. Soy lecithin was evaluated as extracellular cryoprotectant in the vitrification method, associated or not with methanol. For vitrification sperm masses were immersed in cryoprotectant solutions (1) CaF + 0.4 M trehalose (base solution), (2) base solution + 30% MeOH, (3) soy lecithin 1 % + base solution + 30% MeOH (4) soy lecithin 2% + base solution + 30 % MeOH (5) soy lecithin 1% + base solution and (6) soy lecithin 2% + base solution. Then the samples were directly immersed in liquid nitrogen (vitrification), stored and assessed after 1, 30, 60 and 120 days by fluorescence microscopy. Trehalose combined or not with soy lecithin is efficient as extracellular cryoprotectant for vitrification protocol as this remained high and stable throughout the 120 days for all tested solutions and with an average of 88 ± 1.6%. Considering the high rates of sperm membrane integrity, the vitrification method proved to be efficient for cryopreservation of L. vannamei sperm mass. Apparently, this was the first report of a penaeid sperm mass cryopreservation by the vitrification method.
Over a third of the US population is obese and at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and other metabolic disorders. Obesity is considered a chronic low-grade inflammatory condition that is primarily attributed to expansion and inflammation of adipose tissues. Indeed, adipocytes produce and secrete numerous proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines known as adipokines. When the balance of these adipokines is shifted toward higher production of proinflammatory factors, local inflammation within adipose tissues and subsequently systemic inflammation occur. These adipokines including leptin, visfatin, resistin, apelin, vaspin, and retinol binding protein-4 can regulate inflammatory responses and contribute to the pathogenesis of diabetes. These effects are mediated by key inflammatory signaling molecules including activated serine kinases such as c-Jun N-terminal kinase and serine kinases inhibitor κB kinase and insulin signaling molecules including insulin receptor substrates, protein kinase B (PKB, also known as Akt), and nuclear factor kappa B. Bariatric surgery can decrease body weight and improve insulin resistance in morbidly obese subjects. However, despite reports suggesting reduced inflammation and weight-independent effects of bariatric surgery on glucose metabolism, mechanisms behind such improvements are not yet well understood. This review article focuses on some of these novel adipokines and discusses their changes after bariatric surgery and their relationship to insulin resistance, fat mass, inflammation, and glucose homeostasis.