Inverse Association of Omentin-1 and Vitamin D with FGF-23 Levels in Prostate Cancer: A Predictive Biomarker Panel

Abstract

Introduction: Omentin-1 is typically expressed in vascular endothelial cells, mesothelial cells, airway goblet cells, and adipose tissue stromal cells. Fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) is primarily secreted by osteocytes, modulates renal phosphate reabsorption and suppresses vitamin D activation. Vitamin D , a fat-soluble vitamin, modulates immune responses, bone metabolism and calcium homeostasis. Prostate cancer remains a major worldwide health concern among males with emerging evidence linking these biomarkers to cancer progression due to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and potential anti tumorigenic properties. Objectives: This study aimes to determine whether serum levels of omentin-1, vitamin D, and FGF-23, taken together can predict prostate cancer status.

Materials and Methods: A case-control approach was conducted at a single center Al-Amal Centre/ Medical City of Imam Hussain in Karbala/ Iraq, during December 2022 until June 2023. Serum samples were collected from 30 prostate cancer patients’ post-treatment and 30 age-matched (45–70 years) healthy male controls. Serum concentrations of FGF-23, omentin-1, irisin and vitamin D were measured using ELISA.

Results: The patient group exhibited significantly elevated FGF-23 levels (240.8 ± 55.2 ng/ml) compared to controls (163.1 ± 22.4 ng/ml p < 0.001). Conversely, the level of irisin; omentin-1; vitamin D was markedly reduced in patients (21.9 ± 3.2, 10.3 ± 2.9, and 6.4 ± 0.7 ng/ml respectively; p < 0.001) relative to controls (60.8 ± 3.5, 38.8 ± 6.6, and 19.1 ± 2.4 ng/ml respectively). The ROC curve analysis identified serum FGF-23 and omentin-1 and vitamin D as highly accurate molecular indicator for detecting PCa progression (with AUC value; 0.956, 0.958 and 0.938 respectively).

Conclusions: These circulating factors may be considered as promising diagnostic tools and vitamin D deficiency emerging as a particularly significant risk factor within this study cohort.