Higher Plasma Glucose Levels Research Articles

Relationship between Glucose and Pancreatic Hormones during the Embryonic and Postnatal Phase in Chickens

Insulin plays a vital role in the regulation of glucose levels in the bloodstream. Chickens have similar circulating insulin concentrations compared to mammals but still maintain high plasma glucose levels. This phenomenon may be a consequence of the development of insulin resistance early in posthatch life, which may be the result of pertubations in the insulin signalling cascade. In addition, our study demonstrates that the response of plasma glucose and the hepatic glucose transporter 2 mRNA to insulin in broiler chicks during the perinatal period is age-dependent. This review addresses the relationship between glucose and pancreatic hormones in embryonic and posthatch stages in the life cycle of the domestic chicken.

Intersection of complex genetic traits affecting maternal metabolism, fetal metabolism, and neural tube defect risk: Looking for needles in multiple haystacks

Intersection of complex genetic traits affecting maternal metabolism, fetal metabolism, and neural tube defect risk: Looking for needles in multiple haystacks

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor activating hypoglycemic effect of Gardenia jasminoides Ellis aqueous extract and improvement of insulin sensitivity in steroid induced insulin resistant rats

BackgroundThe active components of Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides Ellis, GJ) exhibit a hypoglycemic effect by improving insulin secretion and lowering plasma lipids. In the present study, we fed a water extract of gardenia to steroid-induced insulin-resistant (SIIR) rats and observed changes in signaling proteins in order to elucidate the mechanisms of the insulin-sensitizing effect of GJ and evaluate its possibility as an insulin-sensitizing agent.MethodsNormal Wistar rats were randomly divided into a control group (i.e., saline) and experimental groups (GJ 100 and 200 mg/kg). Blood samples were taken at 0, 30, and 60 min for plasma glucose assay in order to determine the optimal dose to induce the hypoglycemic effect. SIIR rats were then randomly divided into a control group (i.e., saline) and an experimental group (optimal dose of gardenia extract) to observe the insulin-sensitizing effect of the extract. Finally, western blot analysis was performed to detect intracellular signaling proteins to elucidate the mechanisms of the insulin-sensitization effect of GJ.ResultsThe normal Wistar rats in the GJ 200 mg/kg group exhibited significant hypoglycemic activity. Meanwhile, the SIIR rats had higher plasma glucose levels than normal rats. There was no obvious change in insulin level, but the insulin sensitivity index and homeostasis model assessment index were significantly elevated. Meanwhile, a significant hypoglycemic effect was observed with GJ 200 mg/kg. In addition, intracellular signaling proteins including insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPARγ) were elevated in muscle cells.ConclusionsThe optimal dose of GJ aqueous extract of 200 mg/kg exerts a PPARγ-activating hypoglycemic effect and improves insulin resistance in SIIR rats. Therefore, it is a potential insulin-sensitizing agent in type 2 diabetes mellitus with insulin resistance.

Glyoxylate, a new marker metabolite of type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is characterized by a variety of metabolic impairments that are closely linked to nonenzymatic glycation reactions of proteins and peptides resulting in advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). Reactive aldehydes derived from sugars play an important role in the generation of AGEs. Using metabolite profiling to characterize human plasma from diabetic versus nondiabetic subjects we observed in a recent study that the reactive aldehyde glyoxylate was increased before high levels of plasma glucose, typical for a diabetic condition, could be measured. Following this observation, we explored the relevance of increased glyoxylate in diabetic subjects and in diabetic C57BLKS/J-Leprdb/db−/− mice in the pathophysiology of diabetes. A retrospective study using samples of long-term blood donors revealed that glyoxylate levels unlike glucose levels became significantly elevated up to 3 years prior to diabetes diagnosis (difference to control P = 0.034). Elevated glyoxylate levels impact on newly identified mechanisms linking hyperglycemia and AGE production with diabetes-associated complications such as diabetic nephropathy. Glyoxylate in its metabolic network may serve as an early marker in diabetes diagnosis with predictive qualities for associated complications and as potential to guide the development of new antidiabetic therapies.

Alterations in Plasma Glucose Levels among Blood Donors

Blood donors are required to meet several criteria which are intended to ensure that safe blood is made available for transfusion as well as keeping the donor safe. Plasma glucose levels may be altered immediately after blood donation. However, since plasma glucose testing is not part of the screening tests, individuals who may have low or high plasma glucose levels are likely to be passed fit to donate. This may be detrimental to their health. The objective of the study was to measure the random plasma glucose (RPG) levels in blood donors before and after donation and determine whether there is any significant change in their levels. Samples were obtained from the Accra Area Blood Centre (AABC) at the Korle-Bu teaching Hospital. Two hundred (200) subjects were recruited who were healthy individuals between the ages of 18-52 years who had satisfied the donor criteria set by the AABC. Pre-and-post donation RPG level for each sample was determined using the VitaLab Junior Selectra Clinical Chemistry analyzer. Majority of the subjects were in the age-range of 21-30 years and there were more males than females. The mean RPG concentration before donation was 5.70±2.24 mmol/l and 9.07±6.48 mmol/l afterwards. 95% confidence interval was used and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.001). The findings indicate that the level of RPG is altered (mostly elevated) after blood donation. Knowing pre-donation glucose levels may therefore be important in keeping the donor safe.

Response to ‘Adipokines, inflammation, insulin resistance, and carotid atherosclerosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis’

In a recent report in Arthritis Research & Therapy, Kang and colleagues [1] assessed a series of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to establish whether adipokines could be a link between inflammation, insulin resistance, and atherosclerosis in RA. We have noticed that Kang and colleagues did not pay attention to our former studies on the same issue. In this regard, in the last decade, we conducted a series of studies on insulin resistance and adipokines in a cohort of Spanish patients with long-standing RA, undergoing anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (anti-TNF-α) infliximab therapy because of severe disease, refractory to conventional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs [2-6]. Kang and colleagues described that resistin was associated with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (r = 0.322, P <0.001), C-reactive protein (CRP) (r = 0.209, P = 0.004), and increased disease duration (r = 0.176, P = 0.014) [1]. These data are not new. We previously reported a close association between laboratory markers of inflammation, particularly CRP and resistin levels [3]. In our series, we found a significant association between the mean ESR (r = 0.405, P = 0.03) and CRP (r = 0.571, P = 0.0005) from disease diagnosis and ESR (r = 0.486, P = 0.004), CRP (r = 0.599, P = 0.0005), and platelet count (r = 0.559, P = 0.0007) at the time of the study and resistin levels [3]. These findings, along with these new data described by Kang and colleagues, highlight the potential role of resistin in the inflammatory cascade in RA. Kang and colleagues also found a positive correlation between adiponectin and ESR (r = 0.162, P = 0.025) [1]. Prior to these results, in our series of patients with severe and active disease despite anti-TNF-α therapy, we observed that high-grade inflammation was independently and negatively correlated with circulating adiponectin concentrations [4]. CRP levels correlated with circulating adiponectin concentrations (partial r (pr) = −0.370, P = 0.04), independently of age and gender [4]. In contrast, low adiponectin levels clustered with metabolic syndrome features that contribute to atherogenesis in RA [4]. Adiponectin concentrations correlated with triglycerides/high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol ratios (pr = −0.396, P = 0.03), total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratios (pr = −0.444, P = 0.01), and high fasting plasma glucose levels (pr = −0.366, P = 0.04), independently of CRP levels and the body mass index [4]. These results also suggest an implication of adiponectin in the development of cardiovascular disease in RA. In the series by Kang and colleagues, leptin was associated with homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance (r = 0.369, P <0.001) [1]. In our series of RA patients with active disease despite anti-TNF-α therapy, there was a positive correlation between body mass index of RA patients and serum leptin levels (r = 0.665, P <0.001) [5]. Also, a significant correlation of leptin with biomarkers of endothelial activation (vascular cell adhesion molecule-1; r = 0.349, P = 0.04) was observed [5]. However, no significant correlations between leptin levels and disease duration, ESR and CRP levels, disease activity score using 28 joint counts, lipids, insulin sensitivity, resistin, adiponectin, or the cumulative prednisone dose at the time of the study were found [5]. Therefore, in Western patients with severe and active RA, leptin levels seem to be related to adiposity [5]. However, in our series, circulating visfatin levels were unrelated to disease activity, adiposity, or metabolic syndrome [6]. Although adipokines have been demonstrated to exert a key role in the interface between obesity, inflammation, insulin resistance, and atherosclerosis in the general population, we agree with Kang and colleagues that information on their potential contribution is still limited in RA. In this regard, in Western individuals with RA, adipokines have not been demonstrated to represent a significant risk factor for indirect measures of organic arterial wall atherosclerotic damage, as assessed by carotid intima-media thickness in our cohort of long-standing active RA patients undergoing infliximab treatment [7], or by coronary artery calcification evaluation, as shown in recent work by Rho and colleagues [8].

Blueberry Tea Enhances Insulin Sensitivity by Augmenting Insulin-Mediated Metabolic and Microvascular Responses in Skeletal Muscle of High Fat Fed Rats

Background: The aim of the current study was to determine whether a unique blueberry tea (BT) ameliorates insulin resistance by improving metabolic and vascular actions of insulin in skeletal muscle. Methods: Male Sprague Dawley rats were fed normal (4.8% fat wt/wt, ND) or high (22.6% fat wt/wt, HFD) fat diets for 4 weeks. A second group of HFD rats was provided BT (4.0% wt/vol) in the drinking water during the final 2 weeks. Animals were subjected to an intraperi toneal glucose tolerance test (1g glucose/kg IPGTT) or euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic clamp (10mU/min/kg x 2hr). Results: HFD rats displayed significantly (p<0.05) higher plasma glucose levels at 15 and 30 mins following the IPGTT compared to ND, and this increase was completely abolished by BT treatment. Glucose infusion rate, muscle glucose uptake, and microvascular perfusion in muscle were significantly (p<0.05) impaired during clamps in HFD and all markedly improved (p<0.05) with BT treatment. Insulin-mediated changes in femoral artery blood flow were unaffected by HFD or BT treatment. Conclusions: We conclude that BT treatment ameliorates glucose intolerance and insulin resistance by restoring both metabolic and microvascular insulin sensitivity in high fat-fed rats. Therefore, BT consumption may have therapeutic implications for insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

Prevalence of ocular fundus pathology with type 2 diabetes in a Chinese urban community as assessed by telescreening

ObjectiveTo describe the telescreening model and assess the prevalence of ocular fundus pathology in patients with type 2 diabetes within a Chinese urban community.DesignCommunity-based cross-sectional study.SettingHealthcare centre of Fengyutan Community,...

Appetite loss may be induced by lower serum ghrelin and higher serum leptin concentrations in subarachnoid hemorrhage patients

BackgroundPatients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) typically develop appetite loss. However, the mechanisms regulating appetite are not understood. Ghrelin and leptin, both of which signal nutritional status and energy storage levels to the hypothalamus, are essential elements of the appetite system. Thus, the goal of this study was to investigate the relationship between appetite and ghrelin and leptin concentrations in patients with SAH.MethodsBlood plasma or serum profiles and appetite status were measured in 19 patients with SAH who underwent aneurysmal clipping within 48 hours of SAH onset. Appetite status was measured using dietary oral calorie intake. All outcome variables were measured at an early (day 3) and late (day 8) time point after SAH onset (day 0).ResultsOf the 19 patients studied, 6 (31.6%) showed lower dietary oral calorie intake at the late time point than at the early time point. In these patients with appetite loss, plasma hemoglobin (P < 0.02), albumin (P < 0.01), glucose (P < 0.01), plasma insulin (P < 0.04), and serum ghrelin (P < 0.03) concentrations were lower at the late time point than at the early time point. Serum leptin was higher at the late time point than at the early time point (P < 0.02).ConclusionIn SAH patients, appetite loss may be induced by lower serum ghrelin and higher serum leptin concentrations resulting from high plasma glucose and insulin levels due to a catecholamine surge following SAH.

High admission glucose levels increase Fas apoptosis and mortality in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundThe presence of diabetes and plasma glucose concentration on admission are associated with adverse outcomes after an acute myocardial infarction (AMI), as high glucose can induce vascular endothelial cell apoptosis. This study explored the relative associations among admission plasma glucose level, soluble Fas (sFas) concentration, and long-term survival in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).MethodsThis prospective cohort study include 83 patients with acute STEMI. Based on their admission plasma glucose levels (7.8 and 11.1 mmol/L as the limits for low and high levels, respectively), patients were allocated into one of three groups: normal glucose (n = 33), median glucose (n = 24), and high glucose (n = 26). The admission plasma level of sFas was measured with a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Patients were followed up for an average of 89 ± 20 months for all causes of death and cardiovascular death.ResultssFas levels were significantly higher in the high glucose group compared to the normal glucose group (5.87 ± 1.70 mmol/L vs. 3.07 ± 0.93 mmol/L, respectively, P < 0.05). The sFas level was positively associated with the admission plasma glucose level. The correlation coefficient (R) was 0.747, and R2 was 0.559. Mortality was significantly higher in the high glucose group compared to the normal glucose group (19.2% vs. 3.0%, respectively, P < 0.05).ConclusionsIn patients with acute STEMI, plasma glucose level was high on admission, and sFas apoptosis levels were increased. Long-term follow-up revealed that a high admission plasma glucose level was associated with higher mortality compared to a normal admission glucose level.

Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, and Hypoglycemic Effects of the Leaf Extract from Passiflora nitida Kunth

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease characterized by abnormally high plasma glucose levels, leading to major complications, such as insulin resistance, obesity, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension, also with alterations in the immune and neuronal systems. Brazilian plants have been studied as important sources for new molecules with medicinal properties. The genus Passiflora known as "Maracujá" has been used as a traditional folk medicine for a long time, so an investigation was performed regarding an endemic kind of passion fruit (Passiflora nitida Kunth) from Amazonas, Brazil. Here, we aimed to determine its potential biological activity against metabolic syndrome, oxidative stress, pain, and inflammation. The hydroethanol leaf extract revealed an in vitro α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of 50 % inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) = 6.78 ± 0.31 μg/mL and an α-amylase inhibition of IC₅₀= 93.36 ± 4.37. In vivo, experiments of different saccharide tolerance resulted in significant glycemia control and, with alloxan-diabetic mice, resulted in a decrease of total cholesterol, a hypoglycemic effect, and an antioxidant activity by thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances measurement. Also, it decreased the carrageenan-induced edema volume and the rate of writhing as a nociceptive response. These results indicate positive effects of P. nitida extract and its potential to inhibit metabolic syndrome.

The lactase persistence genotype is associated with body mass index and dairy consumption in the D.E.S.I.R. study

ObjectiveThe T allele of a functional polymorphism (rs4988235: LCT-13910 C>T), close to the lactase gene, correlates with lactase persistence (LP) in adults. The LP genotype (TT+TC) has been associated with a higher BMI in European populations in cross-sectional studies. In the French D.E.S.I.R. cohort, a high consumption of dairy products was associated with a lower body weight gain over 9-years, and with a lower incidence of high plasma glucose levels and/or the metabolic syndrome. Our aim was to test in this study, the association of rs4988235 with BMI and related metabolic diseases, in interaction with dairy product consumption. MethodsAmong 5212 subjects from D.E.S.I.R., 3575 Caucasians born in mainland France were genotyped and followed over 9years. ResultsThose with the LP genotype (frequency: 78.5%) had a higher dairy product consumption, at inclusion and at year-9 (P<0.001). They also had a higher BMI at both time points (difference=0.3kg/m2, P=0.05), but this effect was restricted to medium/high dairy product consumers (difference=0.5kg/m2, P=0.006). This genotype was also associated with the metabolic syndrome (IDF definition), but this association disappeared after adjustment for BMI. In the whole population, the C allele was associated with a higher prevalence of impaired fasting glycemia and/or type 2 diabetes. ConclusionsThe lactase persistence genotype was shown to be associated with a higher BMI in a longitudinal study, mainly in those consuming high amounts of dairy products. The association of the C allele, responsible for lactase non-persistence, with the risk of hyperglycemia needs to be replicated.

The Impact of Hyperglycemic Emergencies on the Kidney and Liver

Studies on the alterations of liver and kidney function parameters in patients with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and diabetic ketosis (DK) were limited. Participants with DKA, DK, non-DK, and healthy controls were enrolled in the current study. Parameters of liver and kidney function were measured and evaluated. The patients with DKA had higher levels of plasma glucose, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), uric acid, and creatinine but lower levels of transferases and protein compared with the other three groups (P < 0.05 for all). The patients with DK had higher levels of plasma glucose and HbA1c but lower levels of glutamyl transpeptidase and protein compared with the non-DK and control groups (P < 0.05). Prealbumin levels were significantly reduced in the severe DKA patients compared with the mild/moderate DKA patients. Serum prealbumin levels were correlated with albumin levels (r = 0.401, P = 0.010), HCO3 (r = 0.350, P = 0.027), and arterial pH (r = 0.597, P < 0.001) in the DKA patients. A diagnostic analysis showed that lower prealbumin levels significantly reflected the presence of hyperglycemic emergencies (P < 0.001). Liver and kidney function parameters deteriorated, especially in DKA. Prealbumin levels can be of value in detecting the presence of hyperglycemic crisis. This clinical trial is registered with ChiCTR-OCH-12003077.

The Ratio of Red Cell Distribution Width to Mean Corpuscular Volume in Patients with Diabetic Ketoacidosis

The relationship between erythrocyte parameters and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) remains uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the potential role of erythrocyte indices in type 1 diabetes (T1D) patients with DKA. This study included 48 patients with T1D, 26 patients with DKA, and 30 age- and gender-matched controls. Erythrocyte parameters were measured and evaluated at the time of admission and after treatment. Data were analyzed by One-Way ANOVA Tukey analysis with SPSS software. The DKA patients had higher levels of plasma glucose (28.87 +/- 9.01 mmol/L), HbA1c (13.08 +/- 3.10%), osmotic pressure (332.11 +/- 11.67 mosm/L), red cell distribution width (RDW, 41.24 +/- 3.08 fL), and the RDW to mean corpuscular volume (MCV) ratio (47.50 +/- 3.70%) compared to non-DKA cases and controls (all p < 0.05). Pearson's correlation test showed that osmolality was positively correlated with plasma glucose (r = 0.699, p < 0.001) and negatively correlated with mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) (r = -0.409, p = 0.049). Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses demonstrated that the areas under the curves were 0.924 for the RDW/MCV ratio and 0.802 for RDW in the ability of reflecting DKA (z = 2.086, p = 0.0369). A logistic regression revealed that the RDW/MCV ratio can act as a robust risk marker for the presence of DKA (OR = 1.548, p = 0.0360, 95% CI: 1.029 - 2.330). The RDW returned to normal, and plasma glucose levels and metabolic acidosis were well controlled following treatment. The RDW and the RDW/MCV ratio were significantly correlated with DKA. The RDW/MCV ratio can act as a robust biomarker that is more sensitive than RDW in reflecting the presence of DKA.

Therapeutic effects of sericin on diabetic keratopathy in Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty rats

An Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rat provides a useful model for studies to develop corneal wound healing drugs for use in diabetic keratopathy resulting from type 2 diabetes mellitus. We investigated the effects of sericin on corneal wound healing in OLETF rats. Corneal wounds were prepared by removal of the corneal epithelium and documented using a TRC-50X. Sericin was instilled into the eyes of rats five times a day following corneal abrasion. The plasma levels of glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol and insulin in 38 wk old OLETF rats were significantly higher than in normal control rats (LETO rats), and the rate of corneal wound healing in OLETF rats was slower than in normal rat, probably due to the suppression of cell migration and proliferation caused by high plasma glucose levels. The corneal wounds of OLETF rats instilled with saline showed almost complete healing 72 h after corneal epithelial abrasion. On the other hand, the instillation of sericin has a potent effect in promoting wound healing and wound size reduction in OLETF rats and the wounds showed almost complete healing at 48 h after abrasion. The sericin may be an effective and safe drug to promote corneal wound healing in diabetic keratopathy.

Correlation between Peripheral White Blood Cell Counts and Hyperglycemic Emergencies

Objective: To determine the correlation between differential leukocyte counts and hyperglycemic emergencies.Methods: Fifty patients with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), 50 patients with diabetic ketosis (DK), 50 non-DK diabetic patients with stable glycemic control, and 50 normal controls were enrolled. Their total and differential leukocyte counts were measured and evaluated at admission and after treatment.Results: The patients with DKA and DK had higher plasma glucose levels (20.84±6.73 mmol/L, 15.55±2.6 mmol/L, respectively) and more median leukocytes (13325/mm3 and 6595/mm3, respectively) and median neutrophils (11124 /mm3 and 4125/mm3, respectively) but fewer median eosinophils (28/mm3 and 72/mm3, respectively) compared to non-DK and control groups (all p < 0.05). Acute infection increased the elevating extent. The median leukocyte counts in DK and non-DK patients (6595/mm3 and 6008/mm3, respectively) were within the normal range. The counts of total leukocytes and neutrophils were significantly higher but eosinophils lower in severe DKA cases than in mild/moderate cases (p < 0.05). When the DKA and DK and infection resolved, total leukocytes and neutrophils fell, but eosinophils increased. The counts of total leukocytes, neutrophils, and monocytes were negatively correlated with arterial pH levels (r = -0.515, r = -0.510, r = -0.517, all p < 0.001, respectively) and positively correlated with plasma glucose levels (r = 0.722, r = 0.733, r = 0.632, all p < 0.05, respectively) in DKA patients. The arterial pH level was the most significant factor affecting total leukocytes in DKA (β = 0.467, p = 0.003). The diagnosis analysis showed that higher total leukocyte and neutrophil counts and lower eosinophil counts had a significant ability to reflect the presence of hyperglycemic emergencies.Conclusion: More total leukocytes and neutrophils but fewer eosinophils was significantly correlated with DKA and DK. Leukocyte counts can add valuable information to reflect the presence of hyperglycemic crisis and acute infection.

The Spontaneously Diabetic Torii Rat: An Animal Model of Nonobese Type 2 Diabetes with Severe Diabetic Complications

The Spontaneously Diabetic Torii (SDT) rat is an inbred strain of Sprague-Dawley rat and recently is established as a nonobese model of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Male SDT rats show high plasma glucose levels (over 700 mg/dL) by 20 weeks. Male SDT rats show pancreatic islet histopathology, including hemorrhage in pancreatic islets and inflammatory cell infiltration with fibroblasts. Prior to the onset of diabetes, glucose intolerance with hypoinsulinemia is also observed. As a result of chronic severe hyperglycemia, the SDT rats develop profound complications. In eyes, retinopathy, cataract, and neovascular glaucoma are observed. Proliferative retinopathy, especially, resulting from retinal neovascular vessels is a unique characteristic of this model. In kidney, mesangial proliferation and nodular lesion are observed. Both peripheral neuropathy such as decreased nerve conduction velocity and thermal hypoalgesia and autonomic neuropathy such as diabetic diarrhea and voiding dysfunction have been reported. Osteoporosis is another complication characterized in SDT rat. Decreased bone density and low-turnover bone lesions are observed. Taking advantage of these features, SDT rat has been used for evaluating antidiabetic drugs and drugs/gene therapy for diabetic complications. In conclusion, the SDT rat is potentially a useful T2D model for studies on pathogenesis and treatment of diabetic complications in humans.

Evaluation of Health Status of a Population Underwent Routine Medical Check Up at the High Risk Screening Clinic in National Cancer Institute

The objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of a health check-up program among Thai people at the National Cancer Institute in the years 2008-2009. The program included history taking, physical examination, chest X-ray, EKG, and laboratory tests. A total of 28,240 women and 9,665 men were included in the study, with mean ages of 44.5 and 46.9 years, respectively. The study showed that obesity, as assessed by a BMI over 25.0 kg/m2, in men and women was present in 41.4% and 30%, respectively. Biochemical study revealed that anemia was prevalent in 21.6% of men and 20.1% of women. High plasma glucose level (>115 mg/dL), cholesterol level (>200 mg/dL), triglyceride level (>190 mg/dL) in men was 13.8%, 63.8%, 22.6% and 7.7%, 61.1%, 8.9% in women. Hepatitis B virus infection was found 7.5% in men and 4.1% in women. In this study, 177 new cancer cases were detected, of which 35 were breast, 19 were cervical and 26 were colorectal, most of these cancers being detected at early stage. In addition, precancerous states was also found including 718 cases of benign and 99 cases of adenoma in situ. In conclusion, an annual check up may detect abnormalities that have no obvious clinical symptoms of disease. Early detection of asymptomatic neoplasms and precursor lesions should contribute to a prompt provision of treatment and further decline of death from cancer.

Lipoprotein(a), type 2 diabetes and nephropathy; the mystery continues

Lipoprotein(a), type 2 diabetes and nephropathy; the mystery continues

Oxidized high-density lipoprotein is associated with increased plasma glucose in non-diabetic dyslipidemic subjects

BackgroundOxidized high-density lipoprotein (oxHDL) has reduced capacity for cholesterol efflux and some of other anti-atherogenic properties of HDL, but the role of oxHDL in the pathogenesis of cardiometabolic disease has not been fully demonstrated. This study investigated the association of oxHDL with plasma glucose (PG) and the other atherosclerotic risk variables in non-diabetic dyslipidemic subjects. MethodsConventional atherosclerotic markers and LDL particle size (LDL-PS), as determined by gel electrophoresis, were measured in 155 non-diabetic subjects (mean age of 57years) with dyslipidemia. Serum oxHDL levels were quantified using an antibody against oxidized human apoA-I in a sandwich ELISA format. ResultsMultiple regression analysis adjusted for possible confounders revealed that HDL-cholesterol was independently, significantly and positively correlated with LDL-PS and oxHDL. By multiple regression analysis, oxHDL was independently, significantly and positively correlated with fasting PG (β=0.19, P=0.01). Subjects in the highest PG tertile group had approximately 30% higher oxHDL levels than the lowest PG tertile group. ConclusionsThese results suggest that high PG levels may contribute to the HDL oxidation, irrespective of HDL-cholesterol levels, even in non-diabetic subjects with dyslipidemia, and that the measurement of oxHDL may be a useful marker of dysfunctional HDL.