Elevated Plasma Glucose Levels Research Articles

Enhanced ECCD36 Signaling Promotes Skeletal Muscle Insulin Resistance in Female Mice.

Consumption of a Western diet (WD) increases CD36 expression in vascular, hepatic, and skeletal muscle tissues promoting lipid metabolic disorders and insulin resistance. We further examined the role of endothelial cell specific CD36 (ECCD36) signaling in contributing to skeletal muscle lipid metabolic disorders, insulin resistance, and their underlying molecular mechanisms. Female ECCD36 wild type (ECCD36+/+) and knock out (ECCD36-/-) mice, aged six weeks, were provided with either a WD or a standard chow diet for a duration of 16 weeks. ECCD36+/+ WD mice were characterized by elevated fasting plasma glucose and insulin levels, increased homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance, and glucose intolerance that were blunted in ECCD36-/- mice. Improved insulin sensitivity in ECCD36-/- mice was characterized by increased phosphoinositide 3-kinases/protein kinase B signaling that further augmented glucose transporter type 4 expression and glucose uptake. Meanwhile, 16 weeks of WD feeding also increased skeletal muscle free fatty acid (FFA) and lipid accumulation, without any observed changes in plasma FFA levels. These lipid metabolic disorders were blunted in ECCD36-/- mice. Moreover, ECCD36 also mediated in vitro palmitic acid-induced lipid accumulation in cultured ECs, subsequently leading to the release of FFAs into the culture media. Furthermore, consumption of a WD increased FFA oxidation, mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired mitochondrial respiratory, skeletal muscle fiber type transition, and fibrosis. These WD-induced abnormalities were blunted in ECCD36-/- mice. These findings demonstrate that endothelial specific ECCD36 signaling participates in skeletal muscle FFA uptake, ectopic lipid accumulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, insulin resistance, and associated skeletal muscle dysfunction in diet-induced obesity.

Random survival forest for predicting the combined effects of multiple physiological risk factors on all-cause mortality

Understanding the combined effects of risk factors on all-cause mortality is crucial for implementing effective risk stratification and designing targeted interventions, but such combined effects are understudied. We aim to use survival-tree based machine learning models as more flexible nonparametric techniques to examine the combined effects of multiple physiological risk factors on mortality. More specifically, we (1) study the combined effects between multiple physiological factors and all-cause mortality, (2) identify the five most influential factors and visualize their combined influence on all-cause mortality, and (3) compare the mortality cut-offs with the current clinical thresholds. Data from the 1999–2014 NHANES Survey were linked to National Death Index data with follow-up through 2015 for 17,790 adults. We observed that the five most influential factors affecting mortality are the tobacco smoking biomarker cotinine, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), plasma glucose, sex, and white blood cell count. Specifically, high mortality risk is associated with being male, active smoking, low GFR, elevated plasma glucose levels, and high white blood cell count. The identified mortality-based cutoffs for these factors are mostly consistent with relevant studies and current clinical thresholds. This approach enabled us to identify important cutoffs and provide enhanced risk prediction as an important basis to inform clinical practice and develop new strategies for precision medicine.

Intermittent Fasting Attenuates Obesity-Induced Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Progression by Disrupting Cell Cycle, Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition, Immune Contexture, and Proinflammatory Signature.

Obesity is associated with one-fifth of cancer deaths, and breast cancer is one of the obesity-related cancers. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) lacks estrogen and progesterone receptors and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, leading to the absence of these therapeutic targets, followed by poor overall survival. We investigated if obesity could hasten TNBC progression and intermittent fasting (IF) could attenuate the progression of obesity-related TNBC. Our meta-analysis of the TNBC outcomes literature showed that obesity led to poorer overall survival in TNBC patients. Fasting-mimicking media reduced cell proliferation disrupted the cell cycle, and decreased cell migration and invasion. IF decreased body weight in obese mice but no change in normal mice. Obese mice exhibited elevated plasma glucose and cholesterol levels, increased tumor volume and weight, and enhanced macrophage accumulation in tumors. The obesity-exacerbated TNBC progression was attenuated after IF, which decreased cyclin B1 and vimentin levels and reduced the proinflammatory signature in the obesity-associated tumor microenvironment. IF attenuated obesity-induced TNBC progression through reduced obesity and tumor burdens in cell and animal experiments, supporting the potential of a cost-effective adjuvant IF therapy for TNBC through lifestyle change. Further evidence is needed of these IF benefits in TNBC, including from human clinical trials.

Clinical profile and risk factors for type-2 diabetes – A cross-sectional study

Objectives Type 2 diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterised by elevated blood glucose levels due to insulin resistance or insufficient insulin production. Understanding the prevalence, characteristics, and markers of this disease is essential for effective prevention, management and treatment. The study aims to explore the association between type 2 diabetes and its prevalence, characteristics and markers. Material and Methods Adults with type 2 diabetes and matched healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Statistical calculations were used to establish the sample size. Information on demographics, physical examinations and lab tests were collected. We assessed plasma glucose, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), serum lipids and serum DPP4. Results The mean age (SD) of the population under research was 55.7 (6.12) years for the study subjects and 55.7 (6.11) years for the controls. A positive family history of diabetes was present in 34 (or 33%) of the diabetes patients compared to 11 (or 11%) of the non-diabetic patients (p 0.001). The mean HbA1c in the diabetic group was substantially greater than that of the non-diabetic controls (5.47 1.89%), as expected (7.23 2.69%), p 0.001. It’s interesting to note that total cholesterol was markedly higher in the diabetes participants (5.59 2.24 mmol/L) than in the non-diabetic controls (6.48 1.54 mmol/L), p = 0.001. Conclusion Due to common risk factors and underlying mechanisms, type 2 diabetes and hypertension may be related, as suggested by the high prevalence of hypertension in the diabetic group. Type 2 diabetes was substantially related to elevated HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose levels, indicating poor glycaemic control. The higher mean serum Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) level in the group with type 2 diabetes shows a link between high DPP4 levels and the disease, which may have an effect on incretin hormone activity, insulin resistance and therapeutic options.

Temporal trends in the visual impairment burden attributable to high fasting plasma glucose levels: a population-based study.

Elevated fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels have been associated with visual impairment. Recognising global patterns of high FPG level exposure can facilitate the prevention and treatment of related visual impairment. We aimed to assessthe trendsof the visual impairmentburden attributable to high FPG levels globally, regionally, nationally, and by income level. We obtained data on the visual impairment burden attributable to high FPG levels from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. We evaluated the trends of related disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) from 1990 to 2019 through joinpoint regression analysis and calculated the annual percentage change (APC) and average APC (AAPC). Countries/territories were categorised into high-, upper-middle-, lower-middle-, and low-income groups based on the 2019 World Bank criteria. The age-standardised rate of DALYs due to visual impairment attributable to high FPG levels significantly increased globally, from 6.75 (95% uncertainty interval [UI], 1.55-15.79) in 1990 to 8.44 per 100,000 population (95% UI, 2.00-19.63) in 2019 (AAPC, 0.79; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.69-0.89; p < 0.001). The largest increases were observed in high-income (AAPC, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.60-0.85) and lower-middle-income countries/territories (AAPC, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.62-0.73). In 2019, lower-middle-income countries/territories had the highest age-standardised DALY rate (18.94 per 100,000 population; 95% UI, 4.39-43.98), whereas high-income countries/territories had the lowest (2.97 per 100,000 population; 95% UI, 0.75-6.74). The visual impairment burden associated with elevated FPG levels has increased significantly, necessitating enhanced public health prevention measures, clinical management, and treatment to mitigate adverse outcomes.

The Effect of Moringa Leaf Ethanol Extract with Glycated Albumin in Wistar Rats Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Model

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by elevated plasma glucose levels. Gold standard of DM diagnosis is through HbA1c examination. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) and European Association Diabetes Study (EASD) recommend glycated albumin as an alternative biomarker in diagnosing DM. One of the DM therapies can use herbal plants, namely Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.). This study aimed to determine the effect of ethanol extract of Moringa leaves (Moringa oleifera Lam.) on glycated albumin levels in wistar strain white rats (Rattus norvegicus) model of diabetes mellitus induced by streptozotocin-nicotinamide. This is an experimental research with post test control group method. Subjects were 36 rats divided into 6 groups. At the end of the study, rats were examined for GA levels using the ELISA method. Data were analyzed using JASP and One-Way Anova test followed by post hoc test. The lowest reduction in glycated albumin levels was found in the group of rats given 300 mg of Moringa leaf ethanol extract (34,397±2,564). One-way anova test showed a significant difference (p&lt;0.05), post hoc test obtained significant differences in each group (p&lt;0.05). There is an effect of moringa leaf ethanol extract on glycated albumin levels in white rats (Rattus norvegicus) model of diabetes mellitus induced by streptozotocin-nicotinamide.

Impact of postpartum weight change on metabolic syndrome and its components among women with recent gestational diabetes mellitus

BackgroundWhile postpartum weight changes may affect the levels of metabolic parameters, the direct effects of weight changes in the postpartum period on changes in the prevalence rates of metabolic syndrome and its components remain unstudied. This study aimed to investigate the effects of postpartum weight changes between 6 weeks and 6 months on changes in the prevalence rates of metabolic syndrome and its components in women who have recently experienced gestational diabetes mellitus.MethodsThis prospective cohort study included 171 postpartum women with recent gestational diabetes mellitus, who underwent serial weight and metabolic risk factor assessments at 6 weeks and 6 months postpartum. Weight changes between these time points were classified as weight loss (> 2 kg), weight stability (± 2 kg), or weight gain (> 2 kg). Metabolic syndrome comprised the following metabolic risk factors: large waist circumference, elevated blood pressure, elevated fasting plasma glucose levels, high triglyceride levels, and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.ResultsOf the 171 women in our cohort, 30 women (17.5%) lost > 2 kg of body weight, while 85 (49.7%) maintained a stable weight and 56 (32.8%) gained > 2 kg. The weight loss group experienced significant changes in the prevalence rates of the following metabolic risk factors compared to the weight stability and weight gain groups: large waist circumference (% change: − 26.7 vs − 5.9 vs 5.4, respectively; p = 0.004), elevated fasting plasma glucose levels (% change: − 3.4 vs 18.9 vs 26.8, respectively; p = 0.022), and high triglyceride levels (% change: − 30.0 vs 0 vs − 7.2, respectively; p = 0.024). A significantly greater decrease in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was also found in the weight loss group than in the other two groups (% change: − 20.0 vs 11.8 vs 14.2, respectively; p = 0.002).ConclusionsWeight changes from 6 weeks to 6 months postpartum significantly altered the prevalence rates of metabolic syndrome and its components in women with recent gestational diabetes mellitus. Early postpartum weight loss can reverse metabolic risk factors and reduce the prevalence of metabolic syndrome.Trial registrationThai Clinical Trials Registry: Registration no. TCTR20200903001. Date of registration: September 3, 2020. Date of initial participant enrolment: September 7, 2020.

Intraperitoneal administration of kisspeptin-10 modulates follicle maturation, gonadal steroids, calcium and metabolites in Sterlet sturgeon, Acipenser ruthenus

Kisspeptin is a multifunctional neurohormone, primarily involved in the regulation of reproduction. We tested whether peripheral administration of kisspeptin10 (KP-10) via intraperitoneal injection or slow release affects reproductive hormones and metabolites in Sterlet sturgeon (Acipenser ruthenus). Plasma and mucus 17β-estradiol (E2), and testosterone (T), plasma and follicular vitellogenin (VTG) and calcium (Ca) as well as glucose and lipids were determined. Mature Sterlet sturgeon were grouped into six groups: saline i.p injection (control), human kisspeptin (hKP-10) i.p injection; acipenser kisspeptin (aKP-10) i.p injection; hKP-10 (slow release); aKP-10 (slow-release) and no treatment control. No effect for KP-10 on sturgeon body weight was found after 4 weeks of treatment. Multivariate analysis revealed a significant disparity in plasma E2 levels. It was significantly different between groups (time, P = 0.0022). E2 in epithelia mucosa showed significant difference between and within groups in the acute group (time, P = 0.0252; treatment, P = 0.0423; time × treatment, P = 0.0429). T levels were unaffected by treatments (P > 0.05). The presence of synthetic aKP-10 led to an elevation in oocyte and plasma VTG levels (P < 0.05). Prolonged exposure to this peptide resulted in an increase in plasma calcium levels. Simultaneously, there was an augmentation in the number of mature follicles. Regardless of the duration of exposure, aKP-10 significantly elevated plasma glucose levels in Sterlet (P < 0.0). Additionally, KP-10 led to an increase in plasma lipids and cholesterol in Sterlet. Overall, our data support an involvement for KP-10 in the regulation of gonadal steroid hormones, oocyte maturation and metabolite levels in sturgeon, suggesting a positive role for this peptide in the reproductive physiology of this species.

Age-Related Gut Microbiota Transplantation Disrupts Myocardial Energy Homeostasis and Induces Oxidative Damage

BackgroundAging-related energy homeostasis significantly affects normal heart function and disease development. The relationship between the gut microbiota and host energy metabolism has been well established. However, the influence of an aged microbiota on energy metabolism in the heart remains unclear. ObjectiveThe objective of this was to explore the effects of age-related microbiota composition on energy metabolism in the heart. MethodsIn this study, we used the fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) method. The fecal microbiota from young (2–3 mo) and aged (18–22 mo) donor mice were transplanted into separate groups of young (2–3 mo) recipient mice. The analysis utilized whole 16S rRNA sequencing and plasma metabolomics to assess changes in the gut microbiota composition and metabolic potential. Energy changes were monitored by performing an oral glucose tolerance test, biochemical testing, body composition analysis, and metabolic cage measurements. Metabolic markers and markers of DNA damage were assessed in heart samples. ResultsFMT of an aged microbiota changed the composition of the recipient’s gut microbiota, leading to an elevated Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio. It also affected overall energy metabolism, resulting in elevated plasma glucose concentrations, impaired glucose tolerance, and epididymal fat accumulation. Notably, FMT of an aged microbiota increased the heart weight and promoted cardiac hypertrophy. Furthermore, there were significant associations between heart weight and cardiac hypertrophy indicators, epididymal fat weight, and fasting glucose concentrations. Mechanistically, FMT of an aged microbiota modulated the glucose metabolic pathway and induced myocardial oxidative damage. ConclusionsOur findings suggested that an aged microbiota can modulate metabolism and induce cardiac injury. This highlights the possible role of the gut microbiota in age-related metabolic disorders and cardiac dysfunction.

Effects of war-related stress on the cardiovascular system, metabolism and the rate of ageing in women

Chronic war-related stress (WRS) due to disruption of adaptation mechanisms can affect physiological processes in the body, in particular, metabolism, neuroendocrine regulation, and the state of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. WRS can also cause changes in the body's rate of ageing. Purpose of the Study: To investigate the effects of WRS on the cardiovascular system, metabolism and the rate of ageing in women. The study included 91 women aged from 30 to 74 years who experienced chronic WRS and 79 women examined before the Russian-Ukrainian war (control group). The biological age (BA) was determined according to the indicators of hemodynamics, heart rate variability and metabolism (cardiometabolic age) using a formula that was obtained by multiple stepwise regression. The indicators were selected, which correlate as much as possible with age and little among themselves. During the war, no statistically significant changes in heart rate, or systolic and diastolic blood pressure were observed, but a significant reduction in overall HRV in the supine position was obtained. Additionally, indices of parasympathetic nervous system activity are significantly lower during the war. In women, examined during the war, there is a statistically significant higher concentration of blood plasma glucose at fasting and 2-hour post-standard oral glucose tolerance test, they also exhibit higher plasma insulin concentration and a higher HOMA-IR index. An increased frequency of prediabetic disorders was observed. So, in the group of women examined before the war, an elevated fasting blood plasma glucose level was found in 6 %, while during the war it was observed in 19 %. Impaired glucose tolerance before the war was present in 10 % of women, and during the war, it increased to 25 %. To assess the effect of WRS on the rate of ageing, the BA of women before and during war was calculated. The formula for calculating BA was obtained on a group of healthy women before the war, and the ageing rate was calculated as the difference between BA and chronological age (CA). The average BA in the group of women before the war was 56.5±1.4 years, and in the group during the war – 64.7 ± 1.1 years. The difference between BA and CA is (0.02 ± 0.79) years in the women before the war and (10.8 ± 1.36) years during the war (p &lt; 0.05). Chronic WRS leads to the disruption of the cardiovascular system's functioning and simultaneously triggers an imbalance in the autonomic nervous control in women. These changes indicate a state of heightened stress. Women exposed to chronic WRS experience unfavourable alterations in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, increasing the risk of diabetes mellitus development. Chronic WRS accelerates the rate of cardiometabolic ageing in women. _________________________________________________________________________________________ Keywords: cardiovascular system; metabolism; biological age; war-related stress; woman

Sleeve gastrectomy improves cardiac function and glucose-lipid metabolism disorder in obese rats induced by a high-fat and high-sugar diet.

Obesity is affecting global health with multiple complications, including cardiac dysfunction. Currently, it is uncertain whether drug therapy should be applied in the early stages of obesity-induced cardiac dysfunction, with weight reduction as the first choice. Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) has been widely used to treat obesity and its complications, showing promising results. However, it remains unclear whether SG can alleviate obesity-induced cardiac dysfunction. A sudden decline in body weight and food intake was observed in both the obese and obese + SG groups, with a higher rate of increase observed in the Obese group. Elevated levels of plasma glucose, serum insulin, and glycated haemoglobin in obese rats were significantly reduced by SG. Markedly increased levels of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase albumin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, elevated values of heart rate, left ventricular end-systolic pressure, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, systolic pressure, and end diastolic pressure, and decreased value of stroke volume were observed in obese rats, which were sharply reversed by SG. Furthermore, enhanced pathological changes, including inflammatory cell infiltration and loss of cytoplasm striations, enhanced oil red O staining, increased TUNEL-positive cells, upregulated Bax and cleaved-caspase-3, and downregulated Bcl-2, were observed in obese rats, which were notably alleviated by SG. Lastly, the increased levels of relative proteins observed in obese rats were significantly reduced by SG. In conclusion, SG improved cardiac function and glucose-lipid metabolism disorders in obese rats induced by a high-fat and high-sugar diet.

The uninhibited glucagon signaling pathway in Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus: A link with the glucose intolerance?

The study aimed to explore the role of glucagon in regulating glucose metabolism and gain insight into the reasons for glucose intolerance in carnivorous fish. Firstly, Japanese flounder was injected intraperitoneally with glucagon and small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeted glucagon receptor a (GCGRa), cAMP-response element binding protein 1 (CREB1), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ-coactivator 1α (PGC-1α). Secondly, a two-week feeding trial was conducted with Japanese flounder fed diets with 11.95% and 31.96% dietary carbohydrates, respectively. At the start and 7th day of the feeding trial, flounders fed each diet were intraperitoneally injected with saline or siGCGRa. Furthermore, the fish were separated into two groups and fasted for 72 h. Saline and siGCGRa were injected respectively at 6 h after feeding. The results showed that glucagon activated gluconeogenesis in the liver, leading to an elevation of plasma glucose levels, while interference of GCGRa, CREB1, and PGC-1α caused the opposite results. Elevated dietary carbohydrate intake increased plasma glucose and insulin levels. Meanwhile, the glucagon signaling pathway was activated. After interference with the GCGRa, plasma glucose decreased, and the glucagon pathway was inhibited. The plasma insulin increased, and the mRNA expression of protein kinase B β (akt2) was up-regulated accordingly. In addition, upon injecting siGCGRa, it was observed that gluconeogenesis in the liver and plasma glucose levels during fasting were reduced in comparison to the control group. In contrast, plasma insulin levels and the transcription levels of akt2 and glucokinase (gck) in the liver exhibited an increase. In summary, the uninhibited glucagon signaling pathway promoted gluconeogenesis and suppressed the action of insulin in Japanese flounder, which might be the reason for the glucose intolerance.

Persistent Helicobacter pylori infection leads to elevated fasting plasma glucose level: A retrospective cohort study based on a nondiabetes Chinese population.

The relationship between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and fast plasma glucose (FPG) on nondiabetes populations is still inconclusive. Nowadays, not only the high infection rate of H. pylori but also the high FPG level is threatening the Chinese people. A retrospective cohort study has been established to analyze the relationship between H. pylori infection and FPG level, 18164 individuals performed healthy examination in Taizhou Hospital Health Examination Center from 2017 to 2022 were included, and hematological indicators, body parameters, and H. pylori detection by 13 C-urea breath test were collected from patients. The follow-up intervals were greater than 12months. H. pylori infection was regarded as an independent risk factor for elevated FPG after multivariate logistic regression. Additionally, the average interval time were 33.6±13.3months. Mean changed FPG values in the persistent infection group were higher than in the subgroup of persistent negative (P=0.029) as well as eradication infection (P=0.007). The aforementioned changes began to appear after 2years of follow-up. Similarly, when compared with the subgroup of persistent infection, mean changed triglyceride/high density lipoprotein (TG/HDL) values were much lower in the subgroup of persistent negative (P=0.008) and eradication infection (P=0.018), but the differences appeared after 3years of follow-up. H. pylori infection is an independent risk factor for elevated FPG in non-diabetes mellitus (DM) individuals. Persistent H. pylori infection causes an increase in FPG level and TG/HDL, which may be a risk factor for diabetes mellitus.

PS-B05-10: DIABETES MELLITUS AGGRAVATES BEHAVIORAL DEFICIT AND INCREASES SITE-SPECIFIC PHOSPHORYLATION OF TAU PROTEIN IN ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE MOUSE MODEL

Objective: Numerous epidemiological studies have demonstrated that vascular risk factors including diabetes mellitus (DM) increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the mechanisms underlying the pathological relationship between DM and AD remain largely unknown. Tau is a microtubule-associated protein that is predominantly expressed in the axons of neurons. More than 80 residues of tau can be potentially phosphorylated. Accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau protein plays a role in neurodegeneration and cognitive impairment in patients with AD. Here, we developed a unique diabetic AD mouse model and analyzed behavioral phenotypes and biochemical changes occurring in the brain to investigate the impact of DM on tau pathology. Design and method: Tau-tg and WT mice were fed with either normal chow diet (NCD; 12% kcal fat, n = 9) or high-fat diet (HFD; 60% kcal fat, n = 10) from the age of one and a half to nine months. Metabolic parameters and behavioral phenotypes were assessed at eight months of age. Mice were then sacrificed at nine months of age and brains were analyzed histologically and biochemically. A quantitative proteomic analysis of protein phosphorylation was performed using brain extracts of tau-tg mice. Results: Tau-tg mice fed with HFD (HFD tau-tg) showed severe obesity and hyperinsulinemia compared with tau-tg mice fed with NCD (NCD tau-tg) (p &lt; 0.01), with slight elevation of plasma glucose levels. HFD tau-tg showed exacerbation of motor impairments and decrement of habituation to novel environment. Histological analysis showed a significant decrease in the number of neurons in HFD tau-tg compared to NCD tau-tg. The amount of aggregated form of phospho-tau (Ser396) was increased in HFD tau-tg brain. Comprehensive phosphoproteomic analysis identified 11 phosphosites of tau significantly hyperphosphorylated in the brain of HFD tau-tg (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: These results suggest that diabetic conditions such as obesity and hyperinsulinemia with minimal hyperglycemia exacerbate behavioral deficits in AD via hyperphosphorylation of tau protein. We identified specific phosphosites of tau involved in pathological relationship between DM and AD.

Obesity, elevated levels of fasting plasma glucose and type 2 diabetes are associated with aortic stiffness.

Obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are associated with structural and functional vascular abnormalities. MetS and its components may increase arterial stiffness and the risk of cardiovascular events. However, the relationship of MetS and its components, including obesity, with arterial stiffness is still not fully understood. In a group of 116 patients undergoing treatment for hypertension, we searched for the relationships between parameters of MetS and aortic stiffness expressed by pulse wave velocity (PWVAo). PWVAo was measured using an arteriograph working on the oscillometric principle, and pulse wave analysis (PWA) for noninvasive assessment of the parameters of central hemodynamics. From the cluster of parameters of MetS we found a significant association between body mass index (BMI) and aortic stiffness, and between fasting plasma glucose/type 2 diabetes (FPG/T2DM) and aortic stiffness. We did not find significant relationships between other components of MetS (HDL cholesterol and triglycerides) and aortic stiffness, based on the influence of hypolipidemic therapy. Arterial stiffness increased with age and was higher in females. Arterial stiffness was associated with age, sex, and MetS components (BMI and FPG/T2DM). Surprisingly, the parameters of dyslipidemia do not influence stiffness parameters, which can be explained by hypolipidemic therapy. The influence of hypolipidemic therapy should therefore be borne in mind when evaluating arterial tree function (Tab. 15, Ref. 62). Text in PDF www.elis.sk Keywords: obesity, fasting plasma glucose, type 2 diabetes, aortic stiffness, metabolic syndrome, arterial hypertension, cardiovascular risk.

Trends and disparities in diabetes and prediabetes among adults in the United States, 1999–2018

ObjectiveThe aims of the study were to describe the up-to-date trend of total, diagnosed, and undiagnosed diabetes and prediabetes, assess their associated disparities among population subgroups, and examine their relationship with sociodemographic factors among adults in the United States. Study designThis was a cross-sectional study from a nationally representative sample of US adults (aged ≥20 years) who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. MethodsDiagnosed diabetes was defined as a self-reported previous diagnosis of diabetes by a physician or any other health professionals (other than during pregnancy). Undiagnosed diabetes was defined as elevated levels of fasting plasma glucose (≥126 mg/dL) or HbA1c (≥6.5%). Total diabetes included those who had either diagnosed or undiagnosed diabetes. Prediabetes was defined as an HbA1c level of 5.7%–6.4% or a fasting plasma glucose level of 100–125 mg/dL. All estimates were age standardized to the 2010 US census population for age groups 20–44, 45–64, and 65+ years. All analyses accounted for the complex survey design. Logistic regressions were used to conduct the analyses. ResultsA total of 21,600 (mean, 47.2 years [SD, 14.7]) individuals were analyzed. From 1999 to 2018, the age-standardized prevalence increased significantly from 9.17% to 14.7% (difference, 5.52%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.69%–8.35%; P-trend <0.001) for total diabetes, increased from 6.15% to 11.0% (difference, 4.79%; 95% CI, 2.27%–7.32%; P-trend<0.001) for diagnosed diabetes and remained stable from 3.01% to 3.73% (difference, 0.72%; 95% CI, −0.47% to 1.91%; P-trend = 0.19) for undiagnosed diabetes. The age-standardized prevalence of prediabetes increased significantly from 29.5% to 48.3% (difference, 18.8%; 95% CI, 13.3%–24.4%; P-trend<0.001). Disparities persisted with higher prevalence among adults with obesity and populations that have been marginalized, including racial and ethnic minorities, low income, less educated Americans, and those living in food-insecure household. ConclusionsThe prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes increased significantly from 1999 to 2018 among US adults. There are substantial and persistent disparities among racial and ethnic minorities, populations experiencing socio-economic disadvantages, and adults with obesity.

Increased Fasting Plasma Glucose and Breast Cancer Risk in Sudanese Women: Association with Premenopausal Status and High Body Mass Index

Background: Female breast cancer is the most common cancer in Sudan, however little data is available about breast cancer in Sudanese. We aimed to assess whether fasting glucose and insulin levels are associated with the risk of having breast cancer in Sudanese women.Methods: This study was conducted at the National Cancer Institute – University of Gezira (NCI-UG), Sudan. A total of 174 females were enrolled, the patient group included 77 newly diagnosed untreated breast cancer women and a control group of 97 healthy women. Overnight fasting blood samples were collected to measure fasting plasma glucose and serum insulin levels. Results: The fasting plasma glucose level was significantly increased in the breast cancer patients (101.94±2.94 mg/dL) than the controls (90.75±2.02 mg/dL), p=0.002. Overweight-obese and premenopausal breast cancer patient’s subgroups revealed significant elevation of fasting glucose levels (105.35±4.06 mg/dL); (99.64±4.06 mg/dL) compared to controls (89.44±2.62 mg/dL), p=0.001; and (86.38±2.44 mg/dL), p=0.007 respectively. Only in the non-obese patients the insulin level was significantly lower (3.76±0.40 µU/ml) than in the control (6.11±1.00 µU/ml) p=0.034. The patient group was more likely to have 2.5 times higher fasting glucose level than the control (p=0.005). Moreover, the overweight-obese and premenopausal breast cancer patients subgroups were more likely to have 4.4 times and 4.5 times respectively elevated fasting blood glucose level, both with p=0.002. The non-obese breast cancer patients were tended to have 4.3 times decreased insulin level (p=0.019). Conclusion: The elevated fasting plasma glucose levels are associated with high risk of breast cancer in Sudanese women especially in the premenopausal individuals and those having BMI more than or equal to 25 kg/m2. Consequently, adjusting blood glucose level and controlling body weight by changing the lifestyle are suggested to reduce the risk of breast cancer in Sudanese women.

A multi-biomarker approach to assess the sublethal effects of settleable atmospheric particulate matter from an industrial area on Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Iron and steel industries discharge a large amount of atmospheric particulate matter (PM) containing metals and metallic nanoparticles (NPs) that contaminate not only the air, but also settle into the aquatic environments. However, the effects of settleable atmospheric particulate matter (SePM) on aquatic fauna are still poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the sublethal effects of a short-term exposure to a realistic concentration of SePM on Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) using a multi-biomarker approach: relative ventricular mass (RVM) and heart function, blood oxidative stress, stress indicators, hemoglobin concentration, metallic NPs internalization, and metal bioaccumulation. Exposed fish exhibited reduced hemoglobin content and elevated plasma cortisol and glucose levels, reflecting stressed states. Furthermore, SePM caused blood oxidative stress increasing lipid and protein oxidation, decreasing glutathione levels, and inhibiting superoxide and glutathione reductase activities. SePM exposure also increased RVM and improved cardiac performance, increasing myocardial contractile force and rates of contraction and relaxation. In the heart tissue there was a significant accumulation of Fe > Zn > > Cr > Cu > Rb > Ni > V > Mn > Se > Mo > As. On the other hand, in the erythrocytes there was significant accumulation of Sn > Zn > > Cr > Ti > Mn = Ni > Nb > As > Bi. The highest bioaccumulation factors were found for Cr, Zn and Ni in both tissues. NPs (Ti, Sn, Al, Fe, Cu, Si, Zn) were also detected in ventricular myocardium of fish exposed and nanocrystallographic analysis revealed a predominance of anatase phase of TiO2-NP, which is regarded to be more cytotoxic. The association between blood oxidative stress and energy expenditure to sustain increased cardiac pumping capacity under stress condition suggests that SePM has negative impacts on fish physiological performance, threatening their survival, growth rate and/or population establishment.

Undiagnosed Diabetes in U.S. Adults: Prevalence and Trends.

Confirmatory testing is recommended for diabetes diagnosis in clinical practice. However, national estimates of undiagnosed diabetes are based on single elevated test measures, potentially resulting in overestimation. Our objective was to update trends in undiagnosed diabetes using definitions consistent with clinical practice. We included 30,492 adults (aged ≥20 years) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988-2020). Among adults without diagnosed diabetes, confirmed undiagnosed diabetes was defined as having both elevated levels of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (≥126 mg/dL) and elevated glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c; ≥6.5%), and persistent undiagnosed diabetes was defined as having elevated HbA1c or FPG levels, adjusted for the within-person variability in HbA1c and FPG tests. From the periods 1988-1994 to 2017 to March 2020, there was an increase in the prevalence of diagnosed diabetes (from 4.6% to 11.7%), but no change in prevalence of persistent undiagnosed diabetes (from 2.23% to 2.53%) or confirmed undiagnosed diabetes (from 1.10% to 1.23%). Consequently, the proportion of all undiagnosed diabetes cases declined from 32.8% to 17.8% (persistent undiagnosed diabetes) and from 19.3% to 9.5% (confirmed undiagnosed diabetes). Undiagnosed diabetes was more prevalent in older and obese adults, racial/ethnic minorities, and those without health care access. Among persons with diabetes, Asian Americans and those without health care access had the highest proportion of undiagnosed cases, with rates ranging from 23% to 61%. From 1988 to March 2020, the proportion of undiagnosed diabetes cases declined substantially, suggesting major improvements in diabetes screening and detection. Undiagnosed diabetes currently affects 1-2% of US adults; up to 90% of all cases are diagnosed.

Gallocatechin-silver nanoparticles embedded in cotton gauze patches accelerated wound healing in diabetic rats by promoting proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by elevated plasma glucose levels. It is often defined as a lifestyle disease having severe economic and physiological repercussions on the individual. One of the most prevalent clinical consequences of diabetes is the lagging pace of injury healing leading to chronic wounds, which still to date have limited treatment options. The objective of this research is to look into the wound healing capabilities of gallocatechin (GC) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) impregnated patches in diabetic rats. Experimental rats were dressed patches and the wound healing skin region was dissected at the end of the experiment for molecular analysis. The wound healing rate in diabetic rats dressed with CGP2 and CGP3 & silver sulfadiazine (AgS) patches were found to be high. While mRNA and immunofluorescence or immunohistochemistry assays reveal that Wnt3a and β-catenin levels were higher with Gsk-3β and c-fos levels were lower in diabetic rats dressed with in CGP2 and CGP3 as compared with diabetic rats dressed with DC+CGP1. Furthermore, apoptosis markers such as caspase-3, caspase-9, and Bax levels were reduced, whereas anti-apoptosis maker (Bcl-2) and proliferation marker (PCNA) levels were increased in diabetic rats dressed with CGP2 and CGP3 as compared with diabetic rats dressed with DC+CGP1. In conclusion, the results demonstrated that GC-AgNPs-CGP (CGP2 & CGP3) dressing on diabetes wound rats decreased changes in Wnt3a/β-catenin pathways, resulting in lower apoptosis and greater proliferation, so drastically improving diabetic wound healing.