Biomarkers in Metabolic Disorders, Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus—2nd Edition

A special issue of Biomedicines (ISSN 2227-9059). This special issue belongs to the section "Endocrinology and Metabolism Research".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2026 | Viewed by 5246

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Guest Editor
Department of General, Oncological, Metabolic and Thoracic Surgery, Military Institute of Medicine—National Research Institute, Szaserów 128 St., 04-141 Warsaw, Poland
Interests: metabolic disorders; obesity; type 2 diabetes mellitus; bariatric surgery
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Guest Editor
Department of Human Physiology and Patophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski, 01-938 Warsaw, Poland
Interests: nutrition and supplementation after bariatric surgery; pregnancy after bariatric surgery; laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Metabolic disorders, obesity, and type 2 diabetes mellitus have become global health problems in recent decades. The prevalence of obesity increases every year, and it is associated with a higher risk of developing co-morbidities, including cardiovascular disease, metabolic dysfunction, and type 2 diabetes mellitus, therefore becoming equivalent to metabolic syndrome. Adipose tissue cells release various mediators such as adipokines, cytokines, and chemokines, leading to chronic inflammatory processes. Hyperglycemia, insulin tissue resistance, or abnormal lipid profiles are only some examples of metabolic changes in patients with obesity.

This Special Issue will include original research and in-depth reviews on the most recent insights in topics related to the molecular and biochemical mechanisms of metabolic changes in obesity; changes in laboratory parameters in patients with obesity and other metabolic disorders; and new preventive/therapeutic strategies for treating obesity and its co-morbidities.

Dr. Maciej Walędziak
Prof. Dr. Anna Maria Różańska-Walędziak
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • metabolic disorders
  • obesity
  • type 2 diabetes mellitus
  • bariatric surgery
  • laboratory parameters

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 3717 KB  
Article
Molecular Diagnostics Based on a Metabolite Risk Score Constructed Using Bilirubin and Oleic Acid in Korean Individuals with Obesity
by Hye Jin Yoo
Biomedicines 2026, 14(3), 492; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14030492 - 24 Feb 2026
Viewed by 569
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Obesity is currently diagnosed by anthropometric measures such as body mass index and waist circumference, while molecular-based diagnostic approaches have not yet been established. The present study aims to investigate the clinical meaning of a metabolite risk score (MRS) from the [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Obesity is currently diagnosed by anthropometric measures such as body mass index and waist circumference, while molecular-based diagnostic approaches have not yet been established. The present study aims to investigate the clinical meaning of a metabolite risk score (MRS) from the perspective of molecular diagnostics for obesity in Koreans. Methods: A total of 200 plasma samples were collected from 100 healthy individuals and 100 individuals with obesity through the Korea Biobank Network. Both groups were sub-divided into a discovery set and a validation set (n = 50 per group in each set). Metabolite profiling, cytokines, and oxidized (ox)-LDL were analyzed cross-sectionally. The MRS was constructed using statistically significant metabolites chosen based on linear regression analysis. Results: In the discovery set, systolic blood pressure, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6 emerged as conventional obesity-related factors. Bilirubin and oleic acid were selected as key metabolites significantly associated with obesity. The MRS equation was constructed using these key metabolites through a weighted approach. In the validation set, the MRS demonstrated acceptable diagnostic accuracy for obesity (AUC = 0.748, p = 0.005). Furthermore, its diagnostic performance was enhanced when combined with the conventional obesity-related factors (AUC = 0.816, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The MRS, calculated using bilirubin and oleic acid, effectively complemented conventional obesity-related factors in the diagnosis of obesity. Although the MRS currently serves as a supportive molecular framework for obesity assessment, future refinement may improve its performance and broaden its applicability to other metabolic diseases. Full article
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Review

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25 pages, 1202 KB  
Review
From Adipose Tissue to Endothelial Cells—Pleiotropic Role of Vaspin in Pathogenesis of Metabolic and Cardiovascular Diseases
by Krzysztof Maksymilian Dąbrowski, Hubert Mateusz Biegański and Anna Różańska-Walędziak
Biomedicines 2025, 13(12), 3040; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13123040 - 10 Dec 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1332
Abstract
Background: Vaspin (also known as serpinA12) is a recent discovery among adipokines. It plays a significant role in obesity-related conditions, many of which are classified as chronic, inflammatory or lifestyle diseases. Due to its anti-inflammatory and insulin-sensitizing properties, vaspin has been investigated as [...] Read more.
Background: Vaspin (also known as serpinA12) is a recent discovery among adipokines. It plays a significant role in obesity-related conditions, many of which are classified as chronic, inflammatory or lifestyle diseases. Due to its anti-inflammatory and insulin-sensitizing properties, vaspin has been investigated as a biomarker and potential therapeutic agent. Methods: A literature review was conducted using the MEDLINE and SCOPUS databases using the phrases “vaspin” and “serpinA12” to summarize the most recent and influential research concerning vaspin’s mechanisms and influence on various tissues. Results and Conclusions: Vaspin is notably involved in metabolic syndrome, and it is generally associated with mitigating conditions like insulin resistance and obesity-related chronic inflammation. In addition, its beneficial effects on endothelial and smooth muscle cells under hyperglycemic and hyperlipidemic conditions are also well documented. There is growing evidence that vaspin positively impacts cardiovascular health, reducing the risk of ischemic stroke and the development of atherosclerosis. Moreover, some studies suggest a direct influence of vaspin on the central nervous system, with its administration shown to reduce the expression of neuropeptide Y, a key regulator of food intake. Many of the reviewed sources highlight vaspin not only as a possible biomarker but also as a promising therapeutic candidate. However, despite intensive research on vaspin over the past 20 years, there are significant disparities between animal and in vitro studies versus human studies. A further limitation in the field is the lack of standardization in research methodologies, which contributes to inconsistent and sometimes contradictory results. Full article
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43 pages, 2573 KB  
Review
Polymorphisms in VEGF Signaling Pathway Genes and Their Potential Impact on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Associated Complications: A Scoping Review
by Christiane Mayrhofer Grocoske de Lima, Rafaela Cirillo de Melo, Nathalia Marçallo Peixoto Souza, Paula Rothbarth Silva, Dayane Ferreira Aguiar, Luana Mota Ferreira, Waldemar Volanski, Geraldo Picheth, Fabiane Gomes de Moraes Rego and Marcel Henrique Marcondes Sari
Biomedicines 2025, 13(9), 2242; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13092242 - 11 Sep 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2652
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic and multifactorial metabolic disorder associated with genetic and environmental factors. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a crucial role in angiogenesis and vascular homeostasis, and genetic polymorphisms in the VEGF signaling pathway have [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic and multifactorial metabolic disorder associated with genetic and environmental factors. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a crucial role in angiogenesis and vascular homeostasis, and genetic polymorphisms in the VEGF signaling pathway have been linked to the T2DM development, progression, and complications. This scoping review investigated the association between VEGF gene and VEGF receptors single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and susceptibility to T2DM and vascular complications. Methods: A thorough systematic review was performed utilizing scientific databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus) in March 2025. From an initial pool of 796 records, 59 relevant articles were selected for inclusion in the analysis. Results: The most frequently studied SNPs were rs2010963 (31/59), rs699947 (16/59), rs3025039 (15/59), rs833061 (11/59), rs1570360 (7/59) in the VEGFA gene and rs2071559(6/59) in VEGFR2. The studies include a diverse range of ethnic groups, including Asian, European and Middle Eastern populations. The main complications associated with these SNPs were microvascular conditions such as diabetic retinopathy (DR) (49/59), diabetic neuropathy (DPN) (6/59), diabetic nephropathy (DNP) (2/59), and as well as macrovascular complications including diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) (10/59). The results revealed that these polymorphisms, particularly rs3025039 and rs2010963, were more consistently associated with microvascular complications such as DR rather than with T2DM itself. The C allele of rs2010963 was associated with increased risk of DR in Indian populations, while no such association was observed in European. Similarly, the T allele of rs3025039 conferred protection against DPN in a Chinese population but was associated with higher DR risk in an Indian study, suggesting that the same allele may play distinct roles depending on ethnic background and clinical phenotype. Conclusions: VEGF signaling pathway genetic polymorphisms demonstrate potential as biomarkers for diabetic complications, especially microvascular outcomes. The findings suggest a genetic basis for differences in complications of T2DM. Future studies should investigate relevant SNPs across diverse ethnic groups to better understand genetic risks associated with the disease and its vascular complications. Full article
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