Fasting Serum Insulin Levels Research Articles

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM): diagnosis using biochemical parameters and anthropometric measurements during the first trimester in the Indian population.

The objective of the study was to use anthropometric measurements (age, BMI, and subcutaneous fat) inconjunction with biochemical parameters (sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), fasting glucose, serum insulin, and total cholesterol) to predict the probability of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in the first trimester. The study enrolled 48 pregnant women with GDM and 64 high-risk pregnant women without GDM. During the first-trimester examination, maternal blood samples were collected to measure SHBG, fasting blood glucose, serum insulin, and total cholesterol levels. Regression model analysis was used to examine the variables that showed statistically significant differences between the groups and were independent predictors of GDM. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was employed to determine the risk of developing GDM based on cut-off values. The levels of SHBG, HOMA-IR, serum insulin, fasting glucose, and total cholesterol were identified as significant independent markers for predicting GDM. Meanwhile, age, body mass index, and subcutaneous fat values were found to be non-independent predictors of GDM. The areas under the ROC curve were calculated to determine the predictive accuracy of total cholesterol, HOMA-IR, SHBG, and subcutaneous fat for developing into GDM, and were 0.869, 0.977, 0.868, and 0.822 respectively. The sensitivities for a false positive rate of 5 % for predicting GDM were 68.7 , 91.67, 91.7, and 97.9 % for total cholesterol, HOMA-IR, SHBG, and subcutaneous fat, respectively. The independent predictors for the subsequent development of GDM in high-risk pregnancies are HOMA-IR, SHBG, Total cholesterol, and subcutaneous fat (SC) levels. These parameters can be used to create a regression model to predict the occurrence of GDM.

Nicotinamide Mononucleotide Improves Endometrial Homeostasis in a Rat Model of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome by Decreasing Insulin Resistance and Regulating the Glylytic Pathway.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that can lead to insulin resistance (IR) and dysregulation of glucose metabolism, resulting in an imbalance in the endometrial environment, which is unfavorable for embryo implantation of PCOS. This study aims to investigate whether nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) improves the stability of the endometrium in a rat model of PCOS and identifies whether it is related to reduce IR and increase glycolysis levels and its potential signaling pathway. Female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats are fed letrozole and a high-fat diet (HFD) to form the PCOS model, then the model rats are treated with or without NMN. It randomly divided into control, PCOS, and PCOS-NMN groups according to the feeding and treating method. Compared with the PCOS group, the regular estrous cycles are restored, the serum androgen (p<0.01) and fasting insulin levels (p<0.05) are reduced, and endometrial morphology (p<0.05) is improved in NMN-PCOS group. Furthermore, NMN inhibits endometrial cell apoptosis, improves endometrial decidualization transition, reduces IR, restores the expression of glycolysis rate-limiting enzymes, and activates the PI3K/AKT pathway in the uterus. These results suggest that NMN enhances endometrial tissue homeostasis by decreasing uterine IR and regulating the glycolysis through the PI3K/AKT pathway.

Efficacy of vitamin D supplementation on glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

To assess the effects of vitamin D interventions on glycaemic control in subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2D). We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library for relevant studies. Serum 25(OH)D, fasting blood glucose (FBG), HbA1c, fasting insulin and Homeostasis Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) were analysed. We identified 39 randomized controlled trials involving 2982 subjects. Results showed a significant decline in the vitamin D group, as shown by the FBG weighted mean difference (WMD; -0.49 [95% confidence interval {CI}: -0.69 to -0.28] mmol/L), HbA1c (WMD -0.30% [95% CI: -0.43 to -0.18]), HOMA-IR (WMD -0.39 [95% CI -0.64 to -0.14]) and insulin (WMD -1.31 [95% CI: -2.06 to -0.56] μIU/mL). Subgroup analyses indicated that the effects of vitamin D supplementation on glycaemic control depend on the dosage and duration of supplementation, baseline 25(OH)D levels and the body mass index of patients with T2D. Vitamin D supplementation can significantly reduce serum FBG, HbA1c, HOMA-IR and fasting insulin levels in T2D patients; the effects were especially prominent when vitamin D was given in a short-term, high dosage to patients with a vitamin D deficiency, who were overweight, or had an HbA1c of 8% or higher at baseline. Our study suggests that vitamin D supplements can be recommended as complementary treatment for T2D patients.

Simultaneous determination and association between serum levels of irisin and chemerin in PCOS.

To determine the serum levels of irisin, chemerin and insulin in women with polycystic ovary syndrome, and to compare their levels with respect to bodyweight and body mass index. The case-control study was conducted at the Department of Clinical Chemistry, College of Medicine, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq, from December 2020 to February 2022, and comprised healthy controls in group I who were matched for bodyweight and body mass index with polycystic ovary syndrome women in group II. Subjects and cases were inducted using purposive sampling technique Subgroups were also formed on the basis of normal body mass index, and overweight-obese status. Serum irisin, chemerin, insulin and free testosterone levels, anthropometric measurements, lipid profile as well as hormonal and biochemical parameters were noted. Data was analysed using SPSS 25. Of the 88 subjects, 32(36.4%) were in group I with mean age 25.1±4.7 years, and 56(63.6%) in group II with mean age 25.0±6.3 years (p>0.05). Both the groups were divided into two equal subgroups A and B. Group II had significantly higher mean body mass index (p=0.007) and adult body fat (p=0.018). Group II women had significantly high fasting serum insulin levels (p<0.001) and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance values (p<0.001). Serum irisin had significant positive correlation with serum chemerin (p=0.014) in group II. Serum free testosterone, irisin and chemerin were significantly higher (p<0.001) in group II compared to group I except for chemerin which showed no significant differences among women with normal body mass index (p=0.071). Serum levels of irisin and chemerin could serve as biomarkers of polycystic ovary syndrome.

Whole-genome resequencing and RNA-seq analysis implicates GPR75 as a potential genetic basis related to retarded growth in South China carp (Cyprinus carpio rubrofuscus)

The south China carp (Cyprinus carpio rubrofuscus) is an indigenous and important fish species, widely cultured in south China. However, part of individuals experienced retarded growth, the genetic basis of which has yet to be elucidated. In this study, whole-genome resequencing of 35 fast-growing and 35 retarded-growing south China carp were conducted to identify promising genes associated with retarded growth. Twelve candidate SNPs were detected and annotated to the Gpr75 gene, which has been reported to be related with body weight through regulating insulin homeostasis. RNA-seq analysis of muscle suggested that differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched in the insulin signaling pathway. Additionally, the fasting serum insulin level was significantly lower while the blood glucose level was significantly higher in the retarded-growing group. Our preliminary study provides insights into the genetic basis underlying the retarded growth and may facilitate further genetic improvement of south China carp.

The Effect of Conjugated Linoleic Acid Supplementation on Lipid-Related Cardiovascular Biomarkers in Obese Adults

Background: Studies have shown incompatible findings regarding the effects of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) supplementation on cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) risk factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of daily CLA supplementation on serum insulin and lipid- related CV biomarkers in obese adults. Methods: This randomized double-blind clinical trial was conducted on 54 adults categorized as class I obesity. The participants were randomly assigned into two groups (n=27) receiving a total of 3,000 mg/d of a 50:50 mixture of CLA isomers for three months in intervention group (IG) and 500 mg/d paraffin in placebo group (PG). Moreover, fasting serum levels of insulin, lipid profile, non-HDL-Cholesterol (non-HDL-C), atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), total triglyceride (TG)/HDL-C, and cholesterol/HDL-C ratio were measured. The main statistical analysis method was independent t-test for changes. Results: Changes between the groups showed a significant decrease in total cholesterol (P=0.03), LDL-C (P=0.04), and non-HDL-C (P=0.03), and also a significant increase in AIP (P=0.04) in IG compared to the PG. A remarkable decrease was found in HDL-C and cholesterol/HDL-C ratio. In addition, a remarkable increase was observed in TG in this context. Serum insulin, VLDL-C, and LDL-C/HDL-C ratio showed no significant changes during the intervention period. The use of CLA supplementation could help reduce some adverse fractions of serum lipid profile, particularly TC, non-HDL-C and LDL-C. Conclusions: Regarding the augmenting effects of CLA intake on AIP as a strong predictive marker for CVDs, it is difficult to confirm the beneficial effects of CLA supplementation in preventing CVDs.

Metabolic Consequences of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome on Hepatic Function in High Fat Diet-Fed Rats: Potential Role of Exercise

Abstract Context Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine-metabolic disorder in reproductive-aged women. Since, The current study was designed to elucidate the metabolic comorbidities of polycystic ovarian syndrome, especially the hepatic effect, with or without high fat diet feeding, and to emphases the crucial role of exercise in managing such complications. Materials and Methods This study was carried out on 55 adult female albino Wistar rats, the study duration was 8 weeks. Rats included in the present study were randomly allocated into five equal groups, eleven rats each: Group I: Control group, Group II: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCO) group, Group III: High fat diet fed polycystic ovary syndrome (HF-PCO) group, Group IV: Exercise-treated polycystic ovary syndrome (PCO-EX) group, Group V: High fat diet fed exercise-treated polycystic ovary syndrome (HF-PCO-EX) group. PCOS was induced in female wistar rats by oral administration of Letrozole (1mg/kg daily by oral gavage for 21 days in groups II, III, IV, V, high fat diet was supplemented to groups III and V. Rats of groups IV and V were subjected to 30 minutes swimming protocol 5 days/ week for 5 weeks after the period of induction. Results All measured values of the OGTT as well as area under the curve, serum fasting glucose (FG), insulin levels and HOMA-IR were all significantly increased in the PCO, HF-PCO when compared to control group. Compared to their corresponding non exercised groups, both PCO-EX and HFPCO-EX groups showed significant reductions in all parameters except for T90 in PCO-EX group. For the lipid profile, the serum level of TG, TC, LDL-C and AI were all significantly increased while HDL-C was significantly decreased in PCO and HF-PCO compared to control group as well as in HF-PCO group compared to PCO group. PCO-EX and HF-PCO-EX groups showed significant reductions in TG, TC, LDL-C and AI and a significant elevation in HDL-C when compared to their corresponding non- exercised groups. For liver enzymes serum level of ALT, AST and GGT were significantly increased in PCO and HF-PCO groups when compared with control group. Compared to their corresponding non exercised groups, both PCO-EX and HF-PCO-EX showed significant reductions in liver enzymes. As regard the hormonal profile, the serum level of estradiol, adiponectin and adiponectin/resistin ratio (A/R) were significantly decreased while serum level of testosterone, LH and resistin were significantly increased in PCO and HF-PCO groups compared to control group. PCO-EX and HF-PCO-EX groups induced significant increases in serum estradiol, adiponectin and A/R as well as significant decreases in serum testosterone, LH and resistin compared to their corresponding non exercised groups. Conclusion We could conclude that both moderate intensity exercise and avoiding high fat diet have beneficial therapeutic potentials in ameliorating the metabolic effects of PCO syndrome in rats especially the hepatic effects and the development of NAFLD.

Lycopene Enhances the Beta Cell Capacity and Antihyperlipidemic Effects of Metformin on Type 2 Diabetic Rats

BACKGROUND: Hyperglycemia causes dyslipidemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Metformin monotherapy is known to be less effective at improving glycemic status, insulin function, and lipid profiles. Lycopene is a potential antioxidant and has been shown to be hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic. However, the effects lycopene and metformin combination are still up for debate. This study was conducted to determine the potential of lycopene in enhancing the ability of metformin to improve glycemic status, insulin resistance, beta cell capacity, and lipid profile of T2DM rats.METHODS: Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups: control (N), T2DM-untreated (D), T2DM + metformin (DM), T2DM + metformin + 10 mg/kgBW lycopene (DMLy-10), T2DM + metformin + 20 mg/kgBW lycopene (DMLy-20), and T2DM + metformin + 40 mg/kgBW lycopene (DMLy-40). The treatment was administered once daily through oral route and lasted for 28 days, before blood samples were collected. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) was assessed by oxidase-peroxidase method, fasting serum insulin and HbA1c were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while lipid profile was determined using enzymatic methods. The homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (Homa-IR) as well as the homeostatic model evaluation of β-cell function (Homa-B) were then calculated.RESULTS: Fasting serum insulin levels increased significantly (p&lt;10.05) in the DMLy-20 and DMLy-40 groups, but Homa-B or high-density lipoprotein (HDL) did not significantly increase. Additionally, the FBG, HbA1c, Homa-IR, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein levels were not significantly decreased than in the group treated with metformin alone.CONCLUSION: Lycopene can enhance the ability of metformin to improve the glycemic status, insulin resistance, beta-cell capacity, and lipid profile of T2DM rats.KEYWORDS: dyslipidemia, Homa-B, insulin resistance, lycopene, metformin, type 2 diabetes mellitus

Mechanism of electroacupuncture regulating nuclear factor-κB pathway to improve the dedifferentiation of pancreatic β-cells in rats with T2DM

To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on the expression of serum interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and the pancreatic nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats, and to explore the possible mechanism by which EA improving the dedifferentiation of pancreatic β-cells in the treatment of T2DM. Among 18 SPF-grade male Wistar rats, 6 rats were randomly selected as the control group, and the remaining 12 rats were fed with high-sugar and high-fat diet combined with intraperitoneal injection of 2% streptozotocin solution (35 mg/kg) to establish T2DM model. After successful modeling, the 12 rats were randomly divided into a model group and an EA group, with 6 rats in each group. The EA group received EA at bilateral "Zusanli" (ST 36), "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6), "Weiwanxiashu" (EX-B 3), and "Pishu" (BL 20), with continuous wave, frequency of 15 Hz, current intensity of 2 mA, for 20 min each time, once a day, 6 times a week, for a total of 6 weeks. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels were measured before modeling and before and after intervention. After intervention, ELISA was used to detect the serum fasting insulin (FINS), IL-1β and TNF-α levels, and the β-cell function index (HOMA-β) and insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) were calculated; HE staining was used to observe the morphology of the pancreatic islets; Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of pancreatic forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1), pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 (PDX-1), neurogenin 3 (NGN3), and NF-κB p65. After intervention, the FBG in the model group was higher than that in the control group (P<0.01), and the FBG in the EA group was lower than that in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the control group, the model group had increased levels of serum FINS, IL-1β, TNF-α, and HOMA-IR (P<0.01), and decreased HOMA-β (P<0.01), reduced protein expression of pancreatic FoxO1 and PDX-1 (P<0.01), and increased protein expression of pancreatic NGN3 and NF-κB p65 (P<0.01, P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the EA group had lower serum FINS, IL-1β, TNF-α levels, and HOMA-IR (P<0.01), higher HOMA-β (P<0.05), increased protein expression of pancreatic FoxO1 and PDX-1 (P<0.01, P<0.05), and decreased protein expression of pancreatic NGN3 and NF-κB p65 (P<0.01, P<0.05). The control group's pancreatic islets showed no obvious abnormalities; the model group's pancreatic islets were irregular in shape and had unclear boundaries with the surrounding area, with immune cell infiltration, reduced β-cell nuclei, disordered arrangement of islet cells, and increased intercellular spaces; the EA group showed improvements in islet morphology, immune cell infiltration, β-cell nuclei count, and the arrangement and spacing of islet cells approaching normal. EA could lower the blood glucose levels in T2DM rats, alleviate chronic inflammatory responses in the islets, and improve the dedifferentiation of pancreatic β-cells, which may be related to the inhibition of pancreatic NF-κB pathway expression.

Aged garlic extract preserves beta-cell functioning via modulation of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB)/Toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 and sarco endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA)/Ca2+ in diabetes mellitus

BackgroundPeripheral insulin resistance and compromised insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells are significant factors and pathogenic hallmarks of diabetes mellitus (DM). NF-κβ/TLR-4 and SERCA/Ca2+ pathways have been identified as potential pathways regulating insulin synthesis by preserving pancreatic β-cell functioning. The current study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of aged garlic extract (AGE) against DM in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced rat model with particular emphasis on pancreatic β-cell functioning.MethodsAGE was characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to evaluate its physio-chemical characteristics followed by in-vitro anti-diabetic and antioxidant potential. This was followed by the induction of DM in laboratory animals for investigating the therapeutic action of AGE by evaluating the role of NF-κβ/TLR-4 and the SERCA/Ca2+ pathway. The parameters assessed in the present experimental setup encompassed antioxidant parameters, metabolic indicators, insulin concentration, intracellular calcium levels, apoptotic markers (CCK-8 and Caspase Glo-8), and protein expression (P-62 and APACHE-II).ResultsAGE characterization by SEM, GC-MS, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed the presence of phenylalanine, alliin, S-allylmercaptocysteine (SAMC), tryptophan, 1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid as major bioactive constituents of AGE. Metabolic studies, including intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT), revealed significantly lower blood glucose levels in the AGE group compared to the disease control group. In contrast, the intraperitoneal insulin tolerance test (ITT) exhibited no significant difference in insulin sensitivity between the AGE supplementation group and the DM control group. Interestingly, AGE was found to have no significant effect on fasting glucose and serum insulin levels. In contrast, AGE supplementation was found to cause significant hypoglycaemia in postprandial blood glucose and insulin levels. Importantly, AGE causes restoration of intracellular Ca2+ levels by modulation of SERCA/Ca2 functioning and inhibition NF-κB/TLR-4 pathway. AGE was found to interact with and inhibit the DR-5/ caspase-8/3 apoptotic complex. Furthermore, microscopic studies revealed degeneration and apoptotic changes in pancreatic β-cells of the DM control group, while supplementation of AGE resulted in inhibition of apoptotic pathway and regeneration of pancreatic β-cells.ConclusionThe current study suggests that AGE enhance glucose homeostasis by exerting their effects on pancreatic β-cells, without ameliorating peripheral sensitivity. Moreover, AGEs promote an increase in β-cell mass by mitigating the apoptosis of pancreatic β-cells. These findings suggest that AGE could aid in developing a viable alternative therapy for diabetes mellitus (DM).

Jiaotaiwan improves brain glucose metabolism in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease by activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

To investigate the effect of Jiaotaiwan on brain insulin-PI3K/AKT pathway in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Fifty 3-month-old male APP/PS1 double transgenic mice were randomized into AD model group, low-, medium- and high-dose Jiaotaiwan treatment groups, and donepezil treatment group. Cognitive functions of the mice were assessed using water maze and open field tests, and neuronal pathologies were observed with HE staining and Nissl staining; immunohistochemistry was used to detect amyloid Aβ deposition in the brain. Fasting serum insulin levels of the mice were measured, and the expressions of Aβ42, insulin-PI3K/AKT pathway components and downstream glucose transporters in the brain tissue were detected with RT-qPCR and Western blotting. The AD mouse models exhibited obvious impairment of learning and memory abilities, significantly reduced hippocampal neurons, and obvious Aβ amyloid plaques in the brain tissue with increased Aβ42 protein expression (P < 0.05) and insulin resistance index, decreased hippocampal PI3K expressions, lowered expressions of AKT and InR, reduced expressions of GLUT1, GLUT3, and GLUT4, and increased expression of GSK3β in both the hippocampus and cortex. Treatment with Jiaotaiwan and donepezil both effectively improved memory ability of the mouse models, increased the number of hippocampal neurons, reduced Aβ amyloid plaques and increased the expressions of PI3K, AKT, InR, GLUT1, GLUT3 and GLUT4 in the hippocampus and cortex. Jiaotaiwan improves learning and memory abilities of APP/PS1 double transgenic mice and delay the development of AD by activating the PI3K/AKT pathway and regulating the expression levels of its downstream GLUTs in the brain.

Lactobacillus casei-fermented Amomum xanthioides ameliorates metabolic dysfunction in high-fat diet-induced obese mice.

Amomum xanthioides (AX) has been used as an edible herbal medicine to treat digestive system disorders in Asia. Additionally, Lactobacillus casei is a well-known probiotic commonly used in fermentation processes as a starter. The current study aimed to investigate the potential of Lactobacillus casei-fermented Amomum xanthioides (LAX) in alleviating metabolic disorders induced by high-fat diet (HFD) in a mouse model. LAX significantly reduced the body and fat weight, outperforming AX, yet without suppressing appetite. LAX also markedly ameliorated excessive lipid accumulation and reduced inflammatory cytokine (IL-6) levels in serum superior to AX in association with UCP1 activation and adiponectin elevation. Furthermore, LAX noticeably improved the levels of fasting blood glucose, serum insulin, and HOMA-IR through positive regulation of glucose transporters (GLUT2, GLUT4), and insulin receptor gene expression. In conclusion, the fermentation of AX demonstrates a pronounced mitigation of overnutrition-induced metabolic dysfunction, including hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and obesity, compared to non-fermented AX. Consequently, we proposed that the fermentation of AX holds promise as a potential candidate for effectively ameliorating metabolic disorders.

Associations of serum D-dimer and glycosylated hemoglobin levels with third-trimester fetal growth restriction in gestational diabetes mellitus.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a special type of diabetes that commonly occurs in women during pregnancy and involves impaired glucose tolerance and abnormal glucose metabolism; GDM is diagnosed for the first time during pregnancy and can affect fetal growth and development. To investigate the associations of serum D-dimer (D-D) and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels with third-trimester fetal growth restriction (FGR) in GDM patients. The clinical data of 164 pregnant women who were diagnosed with GDM and delivered at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University from January 2021 to January 2023 were analyzed retrospectively. Among these women, 63 whose fetuses had FGR were included in the FGR group, and 101 women whose fetuses had normal body weights were included in the normal body weight group (normal group). Fasting venous blood samples were collected from the elbow at 28-30 wk gestation and 1-3 d before delivery to measure serum D-D and HbA1c levels for comparative analysis. The diagnostic value of serum D-D and HbA1c levels for FGR was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic analysis, and the influencing factors of third-trimester FGR in GDM patients were analyzed by logistic regression. Serum fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, D-D and HbA1c levels were significantly greater in the FGR group than in the normal group, while the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance values were lower (P < 0.05). Regarding the diagnosis of FGR based on serum D-D and HbA1c levels, the areas under the curves (AUCs) were 0.826 and 0.848, the cutoff values were 3.04 mg/L and 5.80%, the sensitivities were 81.0% and 79.4%, and the specificities were 88.1% and 87.1%, respectively. The AUC of serum D-D plus HbA1c levels for diagnosing FGR was 0.928, and the sensitivity and specificity were 84.1% and 91.1%, respectively. High D-D and HbA1c levels were risk factors for third-trimester FGR in GDM patients (P < 0.05). D-D and HbA1c levels can indicate the occurrence of FGR in GDM patients in the third trimester of pregnancy to some extent, and their combination can be used as an important index for the early prediction of FGR.

Assessment of Serum Insulin and VASPIN Levels Among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients with or Without Obesity: A Cross-sectional Analytical Study.

A collection of diverse conditions together referred to as diabetes mellitus frequently manifest as periods of hyperglycemia and glucose intolerance, which can be caused by insufficient insulin, improper insulin action, or both. A medical condition known as obesity is the accumulation of excess body fat to the point that it may be harmful to one's health. It has been determined that the adipokine vaspin (visceral adipose tissue-derived serpin A12) belongs to the family of serine protease inhibitors. Insulin, a polypeptide hormone, is released by the pancreatic beta cells. This hormone is both anti-catabolic and anabolic. Insulin decreases blood glucose levels by preventing its synthesis and encouraging its storage and use. In total, 125 male and female participants of various ages participated in the current study. They included 25 healthy controls, 50 non-obese and 50 obese non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus patients, who visited the MDM Hospital's outpatient clinic in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Commercially available reagents and kits were utilized for the analysis of serum insulin and vaspin samples. Standard statistical tools were utilized to evaluate the parameters. When results were compared with healthy participants and non-obese NIDDM subjects, obese NIDDM subjects showed statistically significant higher fasting serum insulin and serum vaspin levels (P < 0.0001). Our study's conclusions demonstrated a strong correlation between blood insulin and vaspin levels and diabetes and obesity. Vaspin has a positive impact on insulin resistance, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. It also enhances glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, reducing diabetes complications. This novel biomarker has the potential to enhance diabetes mellitus outcomes by facilitating prompt diagnosis, improved management, and reduction of complications.

Effect of Piperine on Ir/IRS -1/AKT Signaling Molecules in High-Fat Diet and Sucrose-Fed Type 2 Diabetic Rat

Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Type 2 diabetics are insulin resistant. Insulin acts on AKT signaling molecules which then act on GLUT 4 which increases glucose uptake and glucose in the case of diabetic patients this pathway is absent to indicate that the pathway piperine is used. This study aims to evaluate the effect of piperine on Ir/ IRS-1/AKT signalling molecules in high-fat diet and sucrose-fed type 2 diabetic rats. Healthy adult male albino rats of Wister strain weighing 180 to 200 g were used for the evaluation of the effect of piperine. Fasting blood glucose and serum insulin levels are decreased with piperine administration. From this study, it is proved that piperine activates the insulin signaling pathway thus proving the potential anti-diabetic role.

Higher oxidative stress and inflammation in obese compared to lean patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

AimTo compare mRNA [messenger RNA] expression of RELA, NFκB1, TNF-α, IL-6 and MCP-1 in whole blood & serum Total Antioxidant status [TAS] in newly diagnosed lean and obese patients with T2DM. MethodsNewly diagnosed treatment naïve patients of T2DM were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided into two groups of 30 patients each, lean (BMI< 18.5 kg/m2) and obese (BMI >25 kg/m2) groups. mRNA expression of RELA, NFκB1, TNF-α, IL-6 and MCP-1 was measured by real time PCR. Serum TAS was measured using a commercially available kit. ResultsThere was a 2.7-fold increase in mRNA expression of RELA in obese group compared to the lean group. There was a 1.3-fold increase in mRNA expression of NFκB1, a 3.24-fold increase in mRNA expression of TNF-α, a 4.7-fold increase in mRNA expression of IL 6 and a 3.8-fold increase in mRNA expression of MCP-1 in obese group compared to the lean group. Mean fasting serum insulin levels were 16.07 ± 8.39 μIU/mL in the lean group and 27.11 ± 4.91μIU/mL in the obese group (p = 0.001). Mean TAS level was 5.39 ± 2.28 μM Trolox Equivalents in the obese group and 3.85 ± 3.33 μM Trolox Equivalents in the lean group (p = 0.001). ConclusionInflammation and OS is higher in obese patients of T2DM compared to lean patients of T2DM. This could be the result of excess adipokines production or resistance to the anti-inflammatory effects of insulin with multiple explanations. Our study suggests a difference in the pathogenic mechanism in lean patients when compared with obese T2DM patients.

Dehydroepiandrosterone with a high-fat diet treatment at inducing polycystic ovary syndrome in rat model

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and DHEA combined with a high-fat diet (HFD) treatment of reproductive and endocrine metabolism in rats and then identify an ideal model of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). MethodsThree-week-old female Sprague–Dawley rats were injected subcutaneously with DHEA or oil, fed with or without a HFD, for 21 days, during which body weight, feed intake, and estrous cycle monitoring were carried out. Fasting blood glucose was measured, and serum fasting insulin, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), estradiol, progesterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were estimated by ELISA. Serum total cholesterol (TC), total triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were measured by colorimetric assay. Whereas, histologic changes in rat ovaries were evaluated by H&E staining. Ovarian steroid hormone synthases and their protein levels (StAR, 3β-HSD2, 17β-HSD1, CYP11A1, CYP17A1, and CYP19A1) were examined by Western blotting. ResultsBoth DHEA and DHEA + HFD-treated rats lost a regular estrous cycle; had polycystic ovarian changes, significantly higher serum fasting insulin and testosterone levels; and increased ovarian StAR, 3β-HSD2, and CYP11A1 protein levels. Additionally, rats in the DHEA + HFD-treated group were obese; had elevated fasting blood glucose, TG, DHT, AMH levels and LH:FSH ratios; increased ovarian 17β-HSD1 protein levels. ConclusionDHEA combined with HFD treatment is more effective at inducing PCOS than DHEA alone. The reproductive and endocrine metabolic aspects of this method are more consistent with the clinical characteristics of PCOS patients.

Genetic underpinnings of fasting and oral glucose-stimulated based insulin sensitivity indices.

Insulin sensitivity (IS) is an important factor in type 2 diabetes (T2D) and can be estimated by many different indices. We aimed to compare the genetic components underlying IS indices obtained from fasting and oral glucose-stimulated plasma glucose and serum insulin levels. We computed 21 IS indices, classified as fasting, OGTT0,120 and OGTT0,30,120 indices, using fasting and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) data in two cohorts. We used data from a family cohort (n=313) to estimate the heritability and the genetic and phenotypic correlations of IS indices. The population cohort, Inter99 (n=5,343), was used to test for associations between IS indices and 426 genetic variants known to be associated with T2D. Heritability estimates of IS indices ranged between 19% and 38%. Fasting and OGTT0,30,120 indices had high genetic (ρG) and phenotypic (ρP) pairwise correlations (ρG and ρP: 0.88 to 1) The OGTT0,120 indices displayed a wide range of pairwise correlations (ρG: 0.17-1.00 and ρP: 0.13-0.97). We identified statistically significant associations between IS indices and established T2D-associated variants. The PPARG rs11709077 was associated only with fasting indices, and PIK3R rs4976033 only with OGTT0,30,120 indices. The variants in FAM63A/MINDY1, GCK, C2CD4A/B, and FTO loci were associated only with OGTT0,120 indices. Even though the IS indices mostly share a common genetic background, notable differences emerged between OGTT0,120 indices. The fasting and OGTT based indices have distinct associations with T2D risk variants. This work provides a basis for future large-scale genetic investigations into the differences between IS indices.

Comparative and Predictive Significance of Serum Leptin Levels in Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

Background Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as the single most common chronic non-viral liver disease. The burden of the disease on healthcare-providing services has increased tremendously. Although a liver biopsy is the most authentic laboratory investigation for scoring the disease progression, it is an invasive technique. Researchers are vigorously working to find alternate markers for the scoring purpose. Despite the importance and association of leptin with metabolic syndrome and its related disorders, there have been relatively fewer studies on serum leptin and its association with NAFLD. Objective This study aimed to investigate variations in serum leptin levels between subjects with and without fibrosisin NAFLD and to assess the predictive value of serum leptin levels in NAFLD subjects. Materials and methods The study comprised 130 NAFLD subjects from two tertiary care hospitals in Lahorealong with 86 healthy controls that were age, gender, and BMI matched with the subjects. Based on the NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS), the subjects were divided into two sub-groups, subjects withsimple steatosis and those with fibrosis. Fasting serum leptin, glucose, and insulin levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The Kruskal-Wallis test was applied to find differences between the three groups and Fisher's exact test for categorical comparison. To assess the predictive value of serum leptin for steatosis and fibrosis in NAFLD subjects, receiver operation characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was implemented. Results The difference in serum leptin level was statistically highly significant(p-value <0.001), with leptin levels of 10 (17.1) ng/mL among controls, 20.5 (21) ng/mL in simple steatosis, and 21 (28.6) ng/mL in fibrosis. The area under the ROC curve was 0.67 and 0.52 for steatosis and fibrosis, respectively. The cut-off value of 12.2 ng/mL showed 70% sensitivity and 50% specificity for steatosis, while at a threshold of 18 ng/mL, leptin demonstrated 40% sensitivity and specificity for fibrosis. Conclusion In conclusion, this study found that serum leptin levels are higher in NAFLD subjects compared to healthy controls, and it is a good independent predictor for the detection of liver steatosis.

Comparative effects of pravastatin and rosuvastatin on carbohydrate metabolism in an experimental diabetic rat model.

Statin treatment may increase the risk of diabetes; there is insufficient data on how statins affect glucose regulation and glycemic control and the effects of statins on liver enzymes related to carbohydrate metabolism have not been fully studied. Therefore, we aimed to compare the effects of the statin derivatives, pravastatin, and rosuvastatin, on carbohydrate metabolism in an experimental diabetic rat model. Female Wistar albino rats were used and diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. Thereafter, 10 and 20 mg kg-1 day-1 doses of both pravastatin and rosuvastatin were administered by oral gavage to the diabetic rats for 8 weeks. At the end of the experiment, body masses, the levels of fasting blood glucose, serum insulin, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), liver glycogen, and liver enzymes related to carbohydrate metabolism were measured. Both doses of pravastatin significantly in creased the body mass in diabetic rats, however, rosuvastatin, especially at the dose of 20 mg kg-1 day-1 reduced the body mass signi ficantly. Pravastatin, especially at a dose of 20 mg kg-1 day-1, caused significant increases in liver glycogen synthase and glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase levels but significant decreases in the levels of glycogen phosphorylase, lactate dehydrogenase, and glucose-6-phosphatase. Hence, pravastatin partially ameliorated the adverse changes in liver enzymes caused by diabetes and, especially at the dose of 20 mg kg-1 day-1, reduced the fasting blood glucose level and increased the liver glycogen content. However, rosuvastatin, especially at the dose of 20 mg kg-1 day-1, significantly reduced the liver glycogen synthase and pyruvate kinase levels, but increased the glycogen phosphorylase level in diabetic rats. Rosuvastatin, 20 mg kg-1 day-1 dose, caused significant decreases in the body mass and the liver glycogen content of diabetic rats. It can be concluded that pravastatin, especially at the dose of 20 mg kg-1 day-1 is more effective in ameliorating the negative effects of diabetes by modulating carbohydrate metabolism.