title: Plasma ceruloplasmin as a biomarker for obesity: a proteomic approach.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed to investigate new biomarkers of obesity particularly in relation with inflammation-associated proteins using protein differential display techniques.
  
  
  METHODS
  Comparison of protein expression in plasma between non-obese (n=109, body mass index, BMI<25kg/m(2)) and obese (n=32, BMI≥25kg/m(2)) groups was carried out using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) analysis. ELISA was also performed for validation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among six differentially expressed protein spots, ceruloplasmin (Cp) and fibrinogen were over-expressed in obese group. Plasma Cp levels were significantly higher in obese group than non-obese group (34.0 ± 8.6 vs. 41.3 ± 12.7mg/dL, p<0.001) and positively correlated with age (r=0.253, p<0.005), BMI (r=0.265, p<0.001) and hsCRP (r=0.385, p<0.001). In stepwise multiple linear regression analysis, plasma Cp along with hsCRP were found predictors for obesity (adjusted β-coefficient=0.266, p<0.01).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Elevated plasma Cp levels were significantly associated with obesity, which may be suggested to be a marker of obesity.
authors.affiliation: Yonsei University Research Institute of Science for Aging, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Oh Yoen
authors.initials: OY
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Min-Jeong
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Shin
authors.forename: Jiyoung
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Moon
authors.forename: Ji Hyung
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Chung
mesh_terms: D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood*; D002570:Ceruloplasmin / Q000378:metabolism*; D015180:Electrophoresis, Gel, Two-Dimensional; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000097:blood*; D040901:Proteomics; D019032:Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D002570:Ceruloplasmin