Metabolic Parameters Research Articles

Total metabolic tumor volume on 18F-FDG PET/CT is a game-changer for patients with metastatic lung cancer treated with immunotherapy

PurposeBecause of atypical response imaging patterns in patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPIs), new biomarkers are needed for a better monitoring of...

A randomized feasibility trial of medium chain triglyceride-supplemented ketogenic diet in people with Parkinson's disease

BackgroundA ketogenic diet (KD) may benefit people with neurodegenerative disorders marked by mitochondrial depolarization/insufficiency, including Parkinson’s disease (PD).ObjectiveEvaluate whether a KD supplemented by medium chain triglyceride (MCT-KD) oil is feasible and acceptable for PD patients. Furthermore, we explored the effects of MCT-KD on blood ketone levels, metabolic parameters, levodopa absorption, mobility, nonmotor symptoms, simple motor and cognitive tests, autonomic function, and resting-state electroencephalography (rsEEG).MethodsA one-week in-hospital, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled diet (MCT-KD vs. standard diet (SD)), followed by an at-home two-week open-label extension. The primary outcome was KD feasibility and acceptability. The secondary outcome was the change in Timed Up & Go (TUG) on day 7 of the diet intervention. Additional exploratory outcomes included the N-Back task, Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale, Non-Motor Symptom Scale, and rsEEG connectivity.ResultsA total of 15/16 subjects completed the study. The mean acceptability was 2.3/3, indicating willingness to continue the KD. Day 7 TUG time was not significantly different between the SD and KD groups. The nonmotor symptom severity score was reduced at the week 3 visit and to a greater extent in the KD group. UPDRS, 3-back, and rsEEG measures were not significantly different between groups. Blood ketosis was attained by day 4 in the KD group and to a greater extent at week 3 than in the SD group. The plasma levodopa metabolites DOPAC and dopamine both showed nonsignificant increasing trends over 3 days in the KD vs. SD groups.ConclusionsAn MCT-supplemented KD is feasible and acceptable to PD patients but requires further study to understand its effects on symptoms and disease.Trial RegistrationTrial Registration Number NCT04584346, registration dates were Oct 14, 2020 – Sept 13, 2022.

Correlation between Metabolic Parameters and Warfarin Dose in Patients with Heart Valve Replacement of Different Genotypes

Correlation between Metabolic Parameters and Warfarin Dose in Patients with Heart Valve Replacement of Different Genotypes

A long-acting LEAP2 analog reduces hepatic steatosis and inflammation and causes marked weight loss in mice

ObjectiveThe number of individuals affected by metabolic dysfunction associated fatty liver disease [1] is on the rise, yet hormonal contributors to the condition remain incompletely described and only a single FDA-approved treatment is available. Some studies suggest that the hormones ghrelin and LEAP2, which act as agonist and antagonist/inverse agonist, respectively, for the G protein coupled receptor GHSR, may influence the development of MAFLD. For instance, ghrelin increases hepatic fat whereas synthetic GHSR antagonists do the opposite. Also, hepatic steatosis is less prominent in standard chow-fed ghrelin-KO mice but more prominent in 42% high-fat diet-fed female LEAP2-KO mice. MethodsHere, we sought to determine the therapeutic potential of a long-acting LEAP2 analog (LA-LEAP2) to treat MAFLD in mice. LEAP2-KO and wild-type littermate mice were fed a Gubra-Amylin-NASH (GAN) diet for 10 or 40 wks, with some randomized to an additional 28 or 10 days of GAN diet, respectively, while treated with LA-LEAP2 vs Vehicle. Various metabolic parameters were followed and biochemical and histological assessments of MAFLD were made. ResultsAmong the most notable metabolic effects, daily LA-LEAP2 administration to both LEAP2-KO and wild-type littermates during the final 4 wks of a 14 wk-long GAN diet challenge markedly reduced liver weight, hepatic triglycerides, plasma ALT, hepatic microvesicular steatosis, hepatic lobular inflammation, NASH activity scores, and prevalence of higher-grade fibrosis. These changes were accompanied by prominent reductions in body weight, without effects on food intake, and reduced plasma total cholesterol. Daily LA-LEAP2 administration during the final 10 d of a 41.5 wk-long GAN diet challenge also reduced body weight, plasma ALT, and plasma total cholesterol in LEAP2-KO and wild-type littermates and prevalence of higher grade fibrosis in LEAP2-KO mice. ConclusionsAdministration of LA-LEAP2 to mice fed a MAFLD-prone diet markedly improves several facets of MAFLD, including hepatic steatosis, hepatic lobular inflammation, higher-grade hepatic fibrosis, and transaminitis. These changes are accompanied by prominent reductions in body weight and lowered plasma total cholesterol. Taken together, these data suggest that LEAP2 analogs such as LA-LEAP2 hold promise for the treatment of MAFLD and obesity.

The relationship between stathmin-2 level and metabolic parameters in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus patients

BackgroundStathmin is a phosphoprotein that plays a role in intercellular and intracellular signalization, inflammation, and differentiation. Our aim was to evaluate the stathmin-2 level and its relationship with the metabolic parameters of newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (nT2DM) patients. Material and methodThis case-control study included 76 patients with nT2DM and 76 healthy individuals with a normal oral glucose tolerance test who were matched for body mass index (BMI), age, and gender. In addition to laboratory and anthropometric measurements related to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), stathmin-2 levels were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. ResultsWe observed significantly higher circulating stathmin-2 levels in subjects with T2DM compared to the control group (6.39±1.60 ng/mL and 4.66±0.80 ng/mL, p<0.0001). In patients with metabolic syndrome, circulating stathmin-2 levels were significantly elevated compared to those without metabolic syndrome in both the T2DM and control groups (T2DM: 7.16±1.24 vs 5.06±1.24 ng/mL, p<0.001; Control: 3.84±1.40 vs 3.82±1.40 ng/mL). In both groups, we observed a positive correlation between stathmin-2 levels and BMI and circumference. Moreover, stathmin-2 showed a positive correlation with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, insulin, fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c, BMI, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and total cholesterol. A negative correlation was observed with stathmin-2 and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Stathmin-2 did not show any correlation with age, triglyceride, and lactate dehydrogenase. ConclusionsStathmin-2 levels were found to be elevated in patients with nT2DM and exhibited positive correlations with hyperinsulinaemia, hyperglycaemia, HOMO-IR and hs-CRP levels. These results indicate that stathmin-2 may play a role in T2DM pathogenesis.

Re-Cellularization via Electroporation Therapy of the duodenum combined with GPL-1 receptor agonist to replace insulin therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes; 12 months results of a first-in-human study

Re-Cellularization via Electroporation Therapy of the duodenum combined with GPL-1 receptor agonist to replace insulin therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes; 12 months results of a first-in-human study

Outcome of Darunavir-Cobicistat-Based Regimens in HIV-Infected People Who Have Experienced Virological Failure.

To evaluate the virological outcome of darunavir-cobicistat (DRVc)-based regimens in adults living with HIV who had experienced virological failure (VF) on any previous drug combination. This was a retrospective cohort study (CSLHIV Cohort) of adults living with HIV who started a DRVc-based regimen with HIV-RNA >50 copies/mL after VF on any previous drug combination. Data on demographics, antiretroviral treatment since HIV diagnosis, and immunological and metabolic parameters from baseline (start of DRVc) to 48 weeks were analyzed in order to assess the cumulative proportion of those who achieved virological success (VS), defined as at least one instance of HIV-RNA <50 copies/mL within 12 months from baseline. Follow-up lasted from the start of the DRVc-based regimen (baseline) to the first instance of HIV-RNA <50 copies/mL, last available visit, or lossto follow-up or death, whichever occurred first. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional-hazard regression models were used to identify baseline factors associated with VS. A total of 176 individuals were included, and 120 (68.2%) achieved <50 HIV-RNA copies/mL within 12 months since baseline. On multivariate analysis, baseline HDL cholesterol was independently associated with the occurrence of VS (adjusted HR 1.021, 95% CI 1.004-1.038; p=0.014). Among the 120 subjects with VS, 27 (22.5%) had had VF during a median follow-up of 20.8 months since the first undetectable HIV-RNA. Resistance testing after VF was available in two cases, which harboured the HIV variant-bearing protease inhibitor-resistance mutations D30N, I50V, and N88D. During a median follow-up of 38.4 months, 65 of 176 (36.9%) individuals discontinued DRVc for any reason (37 of 120, 30.8%) and achieved VS vs. 28 of 56 (50%) without VS (p=0.019). Time to discontinuation was longer in people with VS (41.5 vs. 23.0 months, p=0.0007). No statistically significant changes were observed in immunological or lipid profiles during follow-up. Most individuals in this study achieved VS within 12 months from the beginning of a DRVc-based regimen; therefore, this treatment represent a viable option for people who have experienced VF on other regimens.

New role of platelets in schizophrenia: predicting drug response

BackgroundElevated platelet count (PLTc) is associated with first-episode schizophrenia and adverse outcomes in individuals with precursory psychosis. However, the impact of antipsychotic medications on PLTc and its association with symptom...

Breast adiposity: Menopausal status impact and its influence on glycemic and anthropometric metabolic parameters.

Ectopic fat depots are related to the deregulation of energy homeostasis, leading to diseases related to obesity and metabolic syndrome (MS). Despite significant changes in body composition over women's lifespan, little is known about the role of breast adipose tissue (BrAT) and its possible utilization as an ectopic fat depot in women of different menopausal statuses. We aimed to assess the relationship between BrAT and metabolic glycemic and lipid profiles and body composition parameters in adult women. In this cross-sectional study, we enrolled adult women undergoing routine mammograms to perform history and physical examination, body composition assessment, semi-automated assessment of breast adiposity (BA) from mammograms and fasting blood collection for biochemical analysis. Correlations and multivariate regression analysis were used to examine the associations of the BA with metabolic and body composition parameters. Of the 101 participants included in the final analysis, 76.2% were in menopause, and 23.8% were in premenopause. The BA was positively related with fasting plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, body mass index, waist circumference, body fat percentage, abdominal visceral and subcutaneous fat when adjusted for age among women in postmenopause. Also, the BA was an independent predictor of hyperglycemia and metabolic syndrome. These associations were not present among women in premenopause. The BA was related to different adverse body composition and metabolic factors in women in postmenopause. The results suggest that there might be a relevant BrAT endocrine role during menopause, whose mechanisms are yet to be clarified, which thus opens up research perspectives on the subject as well as on clinical settings.

Comprehensive Endurance Enhancing Effect of INDUS1710, a Composition of Standardised Fenugreek Seed Extracts, During Treadmill Running Exercise in Laboratory Rats

Background: Endurance, defined as the ability to sustain exercise, involves multiple organs and physiological processes. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate of INDUS1710, a composition of 4-hydroxyisoleucine, trigonelline, and select glycosides-based standardised fenugreek seed extracts, during treadmill running exercise (EXE) for endurance enhancement in laboratory rats. Methods: Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups of 12 rats each and orally administered vehicle (distilled water, VC), INDUS1710 (20, 30, or 60 mg/kg), L-arginine (308 mg/kg), or vehicle for 28 days. All groups, except VC, underwent EXE without incline at a speed of 14 m/min for 6 days, followed by a speed of 20 m/min on the 7th day for 28 days until exhaustion. The physiological, functional, and metabolic parameters; relative organ weights; glycogen content of gastrocnemius muscle; and histological parameters of the heart were recorded. Results: Subacute supplementation with EXE of INDUS1710 resulted in a dose-dependent increase in time to exhaustion and prevented EXE-induced changes in organ function (heart, lungs, kidney, and liver), metabolic processes (carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids), and skeletal muscle glycogen content without causing pathological changes in skeletal or cardiac muscles. Conclusion: INDUS1710 supplementation with EXE showed comprehensive endurance enhancement efficacy and safety in laboratory rats.

Parathyroid Hormone is Negatively Correlated with Glycated Hemoglobin in Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetic Patients.

The growing evidence shows that parathyroid hormone (PTH) may affect glucose metabolism. However, the relationship between them is still controversial among diabetic patients. The current study aimed to investigate the relationship between PTH and glucose metabolism in the patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes (T2D). A total of 532 participants, including 387 patients with newly diagnosed T2D and 145 healthy controls, were recruited in the present study. PTH and metabolic parameters were measured in all participants. The PTH levels were significantly lower in the newly diagnosed T2D patients compared with the control group (35.10 (25.90, 47.20) vs. 47.15 (35.83, 58.65) pg/ml, P < 0.001). The T2D patients with a higher glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) tertile had lower PTH levels than the patients with a lower HbA1c tertile (32.90 (24.85, 41.40) vs. 37.50 (26.10, 54.55) pg/ml, P < 0.001). Spearman correlation analysis showed that PTH was positively correlated with the body mass index (BMI), fasting insulin (FINS), homeostasis model assessment of β-cell function (HOMA-β), and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and negatively correlated with HbA1c, blood calcium (Ca), blood phosphorus (P), and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-OH-D3). Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that PTH was significantly associated with HbA1c (β = -1.475, P=0.003) and HOMA-β (β = 0.090, P=0.001) after adjusting for age, sex, BMI, season, 25-OH-D3, Ca, and P. PTH was negatively correlated with HbA1c in the newly diagnosed T2D patients. Our results suggested that the PTH level within the reference range is related to islet β-cell function and hyperglycemia.

Bioactive compounds of spent coffee grounds and their potential use as functional food

Hot brewed coffee is the most popular hot beverage in the world, and its health properties have been published in the literature(1). Conversely, over the past decade, cold-brewed coffee has gained popularity, but its eventual nutritional properties are unclear. Both hot and cold brewed coffee produces over 6 million tons of spent coffee grounds (SCG) yearly disposed in landfills(1). Interestingly, studies have shown that SCG can improve several metabolic parameters via changes in the gut microbiome in obese and diabetic rats(2), and reduce energy consumption in overweight humans(3). However, studies investigating the nutritional properties of SCG are lacking in the literature. Hence, in this study, we aimed to identify, quantify and compare two main bioactive compounds in hot- and cold-brewed coffee as a beverage, as well as in the SCG. Samples from hot and cold coffee beverages and SCG were obtained from a local coffee shop (n = 3 per group). The coffee beans were composed of Coffea arabica from Papa New Guinea, Brazil, Ethiopia, and Colombia (in order from highest to lowest proportion). All samples were analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). The analyses focused on two main bioactive compounds; trigonelline and chlorogenic acid (CGA). Statistical analyses were performed using an unpaired t-test with Welch’s correction and two-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post-hoc test (p&lt;0.05). When compared to hot-brewed coffee beverages, cold-brewed coffee beverages have shown lower (p&lt;0.05) levels of trigonelline (17.26 mg/g + 1.305 vs. 8.46 mg/g + 0.74, respectively) and CGA (9.82 mg/g + 0.93 vs. 5.31 mg/g + 0.48, respectively). In SCG obtained from hot-brewed coffee, a higher concentration of CGA was found (0.12 mg/g + 0.006), when compared to SCG obtained from cold-brewed coffee (0.10 mg/g + 0.03). However, trigonelline in cold-brewed SCG was found in higher (p&lt;0.05) concentration, when compared to hot-brewed SCG (0.11 mg/g + 0.03 vs. 0.09 mg/g + 0.017, respectively). Moreover, hot-brewed coffee beverages showed higher (p&lt;0.05) concentrations of trigonelline and CGA, when compared to hot-brewed SCG. Similarly, cold-brewed coffee beverages showed higher (p&lt;0.05) concentrations of both bioactive compounds, when compared to cold-brewed SCG. Our results indicated that hot brewed coffee beverage contains high concentrations of bioactive compounds (CGA and trigonelline), which possibly explain its health properties. Although SCG obtained from hot and cold-brewed coffee showed lower concentrations of both bioactive compounds than coffee beverages, our results shed light on the possible health benefits of SCG consumption. In a world seeking more sustainable solutions, further studies investigating the potential use of SCG as a functional food are required.

Assessment of Meteorin-like Protein Serum Levels in Pre-diabetes and Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Meteorin-like, is an innovative adipokine, that exhibits elevated expression within adipose tissue and confers advantageous effects upon energy metabolism. Nevertheless, current research pertaining to circulating Meteorin-like levels in obesity remains limited and incongruent. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess Metrnl serum concentrations among adult individuals with pre-diabetes and newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus and examine its correlation with glucose, HbA1C, and lipid metabolism. Subjects and Methods: The case-control study incorporated 120 subjects, who were then segregated into three distinct groups, namely control (n = 60), pre-diabetes (n = 30), and newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus patient’s (n = 30). The quantification of serum Meteorin-like concentrations was undertaken by employing an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The data of the current study demonstrates a significant increase in the concentration of Meteorin-like protein in individuals with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus patients as compared to those without the condition (p ≤ 0.001). A positive correlation between METRNL and various metabolic parameters, such as BMI, FBS, HbA1C, TC, TG, and LDL-C, was observed using the Pearson correlation coefficient. Conversely, a negative correlation was observed between METRNL and HDL-C as well as VLDL-C. Conclusions: The present study has revealed that serum Meteorin-like levels were found to be elevated in both individuals having newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and pre-diabetes. Furthermore, the association between serum Meteorin-like levels and lipid profile was observed to be dependent. These findings strongly suggest that the modification of circulating Meteorin-like levels may serve as a promising biomarker for the prognosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Oral supplementation of Njansan (Ricinodendron heudelotii Bail) and sardine fillets (Sardina pilchardus) oils alleviate high-fat diet-induced obesity in rats by regulating lipid metabolism and stress oxidative parameters

Background: Obesity has become one of the most common metabolic disorders in the world, characterized by the accumulation of excess fat in the body. Research into natural compounds to improve obesity has become increasingly important. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to explore the effects of Sardina pilchardus and Ricinodendron heudelotii oils on the management of obesity. Materials and Methods: Njansan (R. heudelotii) oil was extracted by cold pressing using an automatic oil press machine and Sardine fish oil by a cooking method. To evaluate the anti-obesity effect of these oils, six groups of six male Wistar rats were fed different diets: C0 group received a normal diet; HFD was fed a high-fat diet; N1, N2, F1 and F2 followed by a high-fat diet supplemented with njansan and sardine oils at 1 g/kg body weight/day and 2 g/kg body weight/day, respectively. Results: There was an increase in body weight, relative abdominal fat, and liver weight in the HFD group compared to the control group. There was also a decrease in anthropometric parameters such as the Lee index of the HFD group treated with njansan and fish oils, regardless of the concentration. The hyperlipidemic state in the HFD-fed rats was then normalized after treatment with both oils as well as hyperglycemia compared to the control group. Besides, fish and njansan oils attenuated HFD-induced oxidative stress, as indicated by a significant increase CA and superoxide dismutase. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that njansan oils at a low daily dose (1 g/kg body weight) can be helpful in managing obesity and also reduce the risk of developing coronary heart diseases.

Endoscopic duodenal mucosa ablation techniques for diabetes and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A systematic review.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasing at an alarming rate, and only 50% of patients with T2DM achieve or maintain adequate glycemic control with pharmacological therapies. Metabolic surgery demonstrated superior efficacy compared to medical therapy but is unfeasible for most patients with T2DM. Duodenal mucosal resurfacing (DMR) by hydrothermal mucosal ablation, recellularization via electroporation therapy (ReCET), and photodynamic therapy are novel endoscopic procedures that use thermal, electrical, and photochemical energy, respectively, to ablate and reset dysfunctional duodenal mucosa. We assessed the data on the effects of these techniques on glycemic control and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We systematically searched independently and in duplicate English and non-English language publications through January 31st, 2024. Outcomes assessed were an improvement in different metabolic health parameters and the safety of duodenal mucosal ablation (DMA) procedures. Outcomes were presented descriptively. We selected 12 reports reporting results from 3 randomized and 6 uncontrolled trials (seven evaluating DMR, two evaluating ReCET, all with a low risk of bias) for a total of 317 patients enrolled. DMA reduced HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose, and liver fat. When combined with newer antidiabetic drugs, it allowed insulin discontinuation in up to 86% patients. No major safety signal emerged. All DMA techniques improve glucose homeostasis; DMR and ReCET appear to be safe in patients with T2DM. If confirmed by future randomized trials and by trials with histological endpoints in NAFLD, then DMA appears to be a promising alternative or complement option to medications for T2DM and NAFLD treatment. This study received no funding.

The role of α-lipoic acid in the treatment of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease against the background of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Objective — to study the role of α‑lipoic acid (ALA) in the treatment of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in combination with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).&#x0D; Materials and methods. The study involved 120 subjects, who were divided into four groups: 1st group included 60 patients with GERD against the background of T2DM, 2nd group consisted of 20 patients with GERD and 3rd group included 20 patients with isolated T2DM. Additionally, the 1st group was divided into 2 subgroups: 25 patients receiving standard treatment and 29 patients receiving standard treatment + ALA supplementation. The control group consisted of 20 practically healthy age‑matching subjects. Ghrelin and leptin levels were determined by enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) on the analyzer «Labline‑90» (Austria).&#x0D; Results. The comparison of the standard treatment regimen and proposed treatment demonstrated significantly lower frequency of such symptoms as epigastric pain, regurgitation and symptoms, specific for ischemic heart disease, in the subgroup with the proposed treatment regimen (p &lt;0.05). Investigation of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in a subgroup of patients receiving standard treatment, showed improvements in all parameters, but significant (p &lt;0.05) improvement in patients on the standard therapy was recorded in glucose, insulin, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) levels, and insulin resistance index (HOMA‑IR). In the subgroup receiving ALA, improvement was gained in the indices of glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, HOMA‑IR, triglycerides, cholesterol, high and very low‑density lipoproteins and atherogenicity coefficient. After the treatment in the subgroups of standard therapy and therapy with the ALA addition, an increase in ghrelin levels was registered from 0.99±0.41 to 1.09±0.45 ng/ml and from 0.93±0.52 to 1.22±0.59 ng/ml, respectively, and decrease in leptin levels from 19.04±9.48 to 16.66±7.14 ng/ml and from 20.75±9.09 to 16.39±6.88 ng/ml. However, in the first subgroup, the difference between the indicators before and after treatment did not reach the level of statistical significance (p=0.421 and p=0.320, respectively), while in the subgroup where ALA was used, the difference was significant (p &lt;0.05).&#x0D; Conclusions. It has been established that ALA positively influences on the state of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, improving these parameters. The addition of ALA to the standard treatment for GERD against the background of type 2 diabetes showed significant improvement in the studied parameters. Since reference values for ghrelin and leptin levels have not been established yet, it can be assumed that increase in ghrelin and decrease in leptin levels against the background of decrease in well‑studied parameters of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, have a positive impact on the clinical manifestation of GERD against T2DM background. This assumption may be used as a marker for effective treatment of GERD in combination with T2DM.&#x0D;

PREVALENCE OF METABOLIC SYNDROME AMONG PATIENTS WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA FROM LONG CARE UNIT IN FORENSIC PSYCHIATRY PROGRAM: AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Introduction – Metabolic syndrome is a leading health concern among schizophrenia patients treated with antipsychotics. The morbidity and mortality rates of these patients can increase when they already have cardiovascular disease and other risk factors. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its relationship to various clinical parameters such as blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, and waist circumference. Methods – This disease-oriented observational study was carried out in the forensic psychiatric rehabilitation ward at the Erada &amp; Mental Health Complex - Taif, Saudi Arabia. Patients admitted to the inpatient ward between 2018 and 2023 participated in the study (N = 71). The relationship between metabolic syndrome and psychotropic medications was also examined. Schizophrenia was defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) criteria. Metabolic syndrome was assessed based on the international criteria National Cholesterol Education Program’s Adult Treatment Panel III report (ATPIII) criteria and AHA/NHLB. Results – In this study, 71 volunteer schizophrenic patients were included, and an observational study over five years was conducted. We found the total number of metabolic syndrome patients was 40 (56.34%) compared with 31 (43.66%) patients without metabolic syndrome. The majority of metabolic syndrome patients (57.50%) were aged 41 to 50. The highest number of patients suffering from metabolic syndrome are those taking atypical antipsychotic medications. Among antipsychotic medications, aripiprazole was found the maximum number of 10 (25%) followed by olanzapine 7 (17.5%). Maximum number of metabolic syndrome parameters increased fasting blood sugar 26 (65%) followed by increased body mass index 21 (52.5%). Discuss – This research can contribute to the study of the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among patients with schizophrenia. In the present study, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 56.34 percent in schizophrenia. There are several metabolic side effects associated with second-generation antipsychotics and if these aren't treated properly, they can lead to serious health complications, such as diabetes, dyslipidemia, and fatal heart disease. Conclusion - In our study, metabolic syndrome was most prevalent among patients between 41 - 50 years of age. Therefore, clinicians are encouraged to screen and monitor metabolic syndrome and treat cardio-metabolic risk factors for optimum long-term management. Keywords: schizophrenia, metabolic syndrome, antipsychotics.

Variants of the influence of endogenous uric acid on the blood level of theophylline-sensitive T-lymphocytes can be predicted without error

Background. During the implementation of the project "Physiological activity of uric acid", our group discovered three variants of relationships between changes in uricemia and blood level of theophylline-sensitive CD8+ T-lymphocytes. The aim of this study is to find out the possibility of predicting one or another variants based on the set of initial parameters (predictors) of the patient.&#x0D; Materials and methods. Under an observations were 34 males (23-70 years) and 10 females (33-76 years) with chronic pyelonephritis in the phase of remission. Testing was performed twice - on admission and after 7-10 days of standard balneotherapy on Truskavets Spa. The main object of the study was serum and urine levels of uric acid. Other metabolic, endocrine and immune parameters were determined in the same blood and urine samples. In addition, EEG and HRV was recorded almost synchronously.&#x0D; Results. As a result of discriminant analysis, 23 predictors were selected. Among them, 10 reflect the power spectral density of all 4 EEG rhythms, 2 – EEG entropy, autonomous reactivity, 2 – hormones, 4 – immunity, 2 – metabolism, and another 2 – Popovych’s leukocytary indices of Strain and Adaptation. Prediction accuracy is 100%.&#x0D; Conclusion. The uric acid molecule, as a structural analog of methylxanthines and adenosine, exerts effects on neurons, endocrinocytes, and immunocytes, presumably through their adenosine receptors. The nature of the interaction of uric acid and adenosine receptors of theophylline-sensitive CD8+ T-lymphocytes is determined by a certain biochemical and physiological situation.

Management and Outcomes of Very Long-Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency (VLCAD Deficiency): A Retrospective Chart Review.

Very long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (VLCAD) deficiency is a rare genetic condition affecting the mitochondrial beta-oxidation of long-chain fatty acids. This study reports on the clinical outcomes of patients diagnosed by newborn screening with VLCAD deficiency comparing metabolic parameters, enzyme activities, molecular results, and clinical management. It is a single-center retrospective chart review of VLCAD deficiency patients who met the inclusion criteria between January 2002 and February 2020. The study included 12 patients, 7 of whom had an enzyme activity of more than 10%, and 5 patients had an enzyme activity of less than 10%. The Pearson correlation between enzyme activity and the C14:1 level at newborn screening showed a p-value of 0.0003, and the correlation between enzyme activity and the C14:1 level at diagnosis had a p-value of 0.0295. There was no clear correlation between the number of documented admissions and the enzyme activity level. Patients who had a high C14:1 value at diagnosis were started on a diet with a lower percentage of energy from long-chain triglycerides. The C14:1 result at diagnosis is the value that has been guiding our initial clinical management in asymptomatic diagnosed newborns. However, the newborn screening C14:1 value is the most sensitive predictor of low enzyme activity and may help guide dietary management.

Sex-Dependent Metabolic Effects in Diet-Induced Obese Rats following Intermittent Fasting Compared with Continuous Food Restriction.

Recently, intermittent fasting has gained relevance as a strategy to lose weight and improve health as an alternative to continuous caloric restriction. However, the metabolic impact and the sex-related differences are not fully understood. The study aimed to compare the response to a continuous or intermittent caloric restriction in male and female rats following a previous induction of obesity through a cafeteria diet by assessing changes in body weight, energy intake, metabolic parameters, and gene expression in liver hepatic and adipose tissue. The continuous restriction reduced the energy available by 30% and the intermittent restriction consisted of a 75% energy reduction on two non-consecutive days per week. The interventions reduced body weight and body fat in both sexes, but the loss of WAT in females was more marked in both models of caloric restriction, continuous and intermittent. Both caloric restrictions improved insulin sensitivity, but more markedly in females, which showed a more pronounced decrease in HOMA-IR score and an upregulation of hepatic IRS2 and Sirt1 gene expression that was not observed in males. These findings suggest the fact that females are more sensitive than males to reduced caloric content in the diet.