Glucose Levels Research Articles

High-Throughput Site-Specific N-Glycosylation Profiling of Human Fibrinogen in Atrial Fibrillation.

Fibrinogen is a major plasma glycoprotein involved in blood coagulation and inflammatory responses. Alterations in its glycosylation have been implicated in various pathological conditions; yet, its site-specific N-glycosylation profile remains largely unexplored in a clinical context. Here, we present a high-throughput LC-MS workflow for site-specific analysis of fibrinogen N-glycosylation using a cost-effective ethanol precipitation enrichment method. The method demonstrated good intra- and interplate repeatability (CV: 5% and 12%, respectively) and was validated through the first assessment of intraindividual temporal stability in healthy individuals, revealing consistent glycosylation patterns within individuals. Application to 181 atrial fibrillation (AF) patients and 52 healthy controls identified three gamma chain glycoforms significantly associated with AF. Most notably, increased levels of the asialylated N4H5, known to enhance fibrin bundle thickness and promote clot formation, suggest a potential mechanism linking glycosylation changes to the prothrombotic state in AF. Furthermore, fibrinogen sialylation showed strong associations with cardiovascular risk factors, including triglycerides, BMI, and glucose levels. Longitudinal analysis of 108 AF patients six months postcatheter ablation showed stability in the AF-associated glycan profile. Our findings establish fibrinogen glycosylation as a potential biomarker for cardiovascular conditions and demonstrate the utility of site-specific glycosylation analysis for clinical applications.

Novel Triazolopyrimidinone Compounds as Inhibitors of Adipocyte Fatty Acid Binding Protein (FABP4).

Metabolic syndrome, characterized by a combination of high blood pressure, elevated blood glucose levels, high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, and abdominal obesity, significantly increases the risk of coronary heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Fatty acid binding proteins (FABPs), particularly FABP4, play a crucial role in these processes, serving as lipid chaperones that regulate lipid responses in adipocytes and macrophages. Recent advances in FABP4 inhibitor (FABP4i) development have shown potential in improving insulin resistance and related metabolic conditions in experimental models. The design of new FABP4i compounds, particularly those based on the [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-7(3H)-one core structure, offers promising strategies for treating obesity-related metabolic disorders. In this study, a group of triazolopyrimidine-7-on derivatives was synthesized, and their FABP4 inhibitory activity was evaluated. Compound 1 was found to be the most active, with one-third the activity of arachidonic acid."

Triglyceride–glucose index: a potent predictor of metabolic risk factors and eating behavior patterns among obese individuals

BackgroundThe strong potential of triglyceride to glucose index (TyG) in prediction of metabolic abnormalities is well identified in numerous disease including diabetes, metabolic syndrome and kidney disorders. However, no study is available to assess its validity and association with metabolic phenotype among obese individuals. In the current study, we aimed to evaluate the TyG index, its validity and association with metabolic parameters among obese individuals.Methods and materials: In the current cross-sectional study, 300 obese individuals were enrolled. Their demographic, anthropometric measurements were done and laboratory parameters including serum lipids, glycemic markers and insulin resistance were evaluated. Blood pressure was also measured with standard methods. The TyG index was calculated as the ln (fasting triglyceride level [mg/dL] × fasting glucose level [mg/dL]/2). Eating pattern was measured with three factor eating behavior questionnaire (TFEQ). Receiver operator characteristic curve was used to assess the TyG validity.ResultsSubjects at the higher TyG tertile had higher waist o hip ratio (WHR) and eating disorder compared with lowest tertiles. Also, those at the highest tertiles had significantly higher total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and fasting blood sugar (FBS), and lower high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL). According to the ROC curve analysis for various metabolic parameters, TyG demonstrated the highest area under curve (AUC) value of 0.838 compared with other metabolic parameters in identification of metabolic syndrome.ConclusionThe current study provides valuable insights into the relationship between TyG index, metabolic parameters, and eating behaviors among obese individuals.

Multicentre randomised controlled trial protocol comparing structured physical exercise programme (SPEP) and medication versus conventional care for glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus

IntroductionOne of the most widespread non-communicable diseases in the world is type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) which increases the risk of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity, in addition to elevated blood...

Comparison of newborns' characteristics between neonates with proper and improper breastfeeding positions.

IntroductionProper positioning for successful breastfeeding is important. The current study aimed to compare newborns' characteristics with proper and improper breastfeeding positions.MethodsThe current cross-sectional study was conducted on 591 neonates referred to the Neonatal Clinic, Ward, and Emergency Department of Ghaem Hospital in Mashhad, Iran, within 2019-2023. The subjects were selected through the availability sampling method. Neonates referred for the routine physical examination, jaundiced cases not requiring hospitalization, and newborns with hyperthermia and weight loss were included in the study. Neonates with less than 34 weeks of gestation, jaundiced cases requiring hospitalization, newborns with congenital anomalies, or those with confirmed infectious diseases were excluded from the study. Proper breastfeeding position was considered due to the status of attachment of the neonate to the mother's breast. The data collection tool was a researcher-made checklist, including laboratory data and maternal and neonatal characteristics. The data were analyzed using the t-test and chi-square test.ResultsAmong the 591 neonates, 466 (78.8%) and 125 (21.2%) subjects were nursed with proper and improper positioning, respectively. There were significant differences between the two groups in terms of admission weight (p = .000), daily weight loss (p = .000), daily weight loss percentage (p = .000), first breastfeeding time after delivery (p = .000), breastfeeding frequency (p = .000), breastfeeding duration (p = .002), urination frequency (p = .000), defecation frequency (p = .000), and serum levels of sodium (p = .000), urea (p = .000), creatinine (p = .000), hematocrit (p = .002), platelet count (p = .001), and blood glucose (p = .010). Moreover, lethargy, irritability, seizure, mucosal dryness, inverted fontanelle, hyperthermia, unsoftened breast after breastfeeding, nipple fissure, and pregnancy problems were higher in the group nursed with improper positioning than the other group.ConclusionIn our study, breast problems, feeding problems, hypernatremia, hyperuremia, and weight loss were more common in infants of mothers with improper positioning of breastfeeding. Therefore, it is recommended to provide mothers with appropriate training and strategies for proper breastfeeding position.

Consumption of 'Moro' and 'Pera' orange juices does not increase glycaemic and insulinemic responses to other foods in adults.

There has been concern regarding the consumption of fruit juices because of the high levels of naturally occurring sugars they contain, which could rapidly elevate glycaemic response and increase the risk of cardiometabolic diseases. We conducted two trials in which each volunteer ingested (1) white bread with 200 mL of two types of orange juice prepared from 'Moro' and 'Pera' varieties (MOJ and POJ) - the former containing anthocyanins - and the same juices alone; and (2) 200 mL of POJ or MOJ followed by a sandwich made with white bread, plus light cheese or butter, and also the same juices alone. Capillary blood was collected over 120 minutes, and glucose and insulin levels were analysed. In the crossover clinical design with healthy volunteers, we observed that both orange juices do not increase blood glucose and insulin, even when co-consumed with other typical breakfast foods in Brazil. In conclusion, orange juice does not elevate postprandial glycaemic responses to the meal while providing additional sugars and nutrients.

Efficacy and safety of switching to iGlarLixi from premixed insulins in people with type 2 diabetes: The Soli-SWITCH study.

To assess the efficacy and safety of switching from premixed insulin to a once-daily, fixed-ratio combination of insulin glargine 100 U/mL + lixisenatide (iGlarLixi) in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). In this phase 4, 24-week, single-arm study, participants switched from once-daily or twice-daily premixed insulin to iGlarLixi (EudraCT number 2021-003711-25). Key inclusion criteria: ≥18 years; premixed insulin therapy for ≥3 months and < 10 years; ± 1-2 oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs); HbA1c ≥7.5% to ≤10.0%. The primary endpoint was the change in HbA1c from baseline to Week 24. Secondary endpoints included: participants achieving HbA1c <7% and change in body weight at Week 24, and safety. Overall, 162 participants switched to iGlarLixi (89.5% from twice-daily premixed insulin); mean duration of diabetes was 15.7 (standard deviation [SD]: 8.3) years. Mean baseline HbA1c (8.5%) reduced by least squares (LS) mean of 1.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: -1.4, -1.1) at Week 24, and 37.6% of participants had achieved an HbA1c target of <7% (95% CI: 30.0, 45.7). LS mean body weight change from baseline to Week 24 was -1.0 kg (95% CI: -1.6, -0.5). Fasting and post-prandial plasma glucose decreased from baseline to Week 24 by 45.6 mg/dL (SD ± 52.4) and 67.6 mg/dL (SD ± 65.1), respectively. Confirmed symptomatic hypoglycaemia occurred in 38.3% of participants (ADA level 1: 35.8%; level 2: 15.4%; level 3: 0.0%). iGlarLixi initiation was associated with improved glycaemic control, without body weight gain or increased hypoglycaemia over 24 weeks.

Predictive ability of visit-to-visit glucose variability on diabetes complications

BackgroundIdentification of prognostic factors for diabetes complications are crucial. Glucose variability (GV) and its association with diabetes have been studied extensively but the inclusion of measures of glucose variability (GVs) in prognostic models is largely lacking. This study aims to assess which GVs (i.e., coefficient of variation (CV), standard deviation (SD), and time-varying) are better in predicting diabetic complications, including cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetic retinopathy (DR), and chronic kidney disease (CKD). The model performance between traditional statistical models (adjusting for covariates) and machine learning (ML) models were compared.MethodsA retrospective cohort of type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients between 2010 and 2019 in Ramathibodi Hospital was created. Complete case analyses were used. Three GVs using HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) were considered including CV, SD, and time-varying. Cox proportional hazard regression, ML random survival forest (RSF) and left-truncated, right-censored (LTRC) survival forest were compared in two different data formats (baseline and longitudinal datasets). Adjusted hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals were used to report the association between three GVs and diabetes complications. Model performance was evaluated using C-statistics along with feature importance in ML models.ResultsA total of 40,662 T2D patients, mostly female (61.7%), with mean age of 57.2 years were included. After adjusting for covariates, HbA1c-CV, HbA1c-SD, FPG-CV and FPG-SD were all associated with CVD, DR and CKD, whereas time-varying HbA1c and FPG were associated with DR and CKD only. The CPH and RSF for DR (C-indices: 0.748–0.758 and 0.774–0.787) and CKD models (C-indices: 0.734–0.750 and 0.724–0.740) had modestly better performance than CVD models (C-indices: 0.703–0.730 and 0.698–0.727). Based on RSF feature importance, FPG GV measures ranked higher than HbA1c GV, and both GVs were the most important for DR prediction. Both traditional and ML models had similar performance.ConclusionsWe found that GVs based on HbA1c and FPG had comparable performance. Thus, FPG GV may be used as a potential monitoring parameter when HbA1c is unavailable or less accessible.

A glucose-responsive alginate-based hydrogel laden with modified GLP-1 and telmisartan ameliorates type 2 diabetes and reduces liver and kidney toxicities.

The pathophysiology associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) includes insulin resistance, increased oxidative stress, a pro-inflammatory macrophage population, and dysfunction of pancreatic β cells in the islets of Langerhans, along with hepato- and nephro-toxicity. In this study, an injectable glucose-responsive hydrogel (Diabogel) was developed using alginate and 3-aminophenyl boronic acid to deliver modified glucagon-like peptide-1, insulinoma cell-derived extracellular vesicles, and telmisartan. Diabogel demonstrated cytocompatibility, decreased reactive oxygen species, enhanced insulin synthesis, and improved glucose uptake in vitro. In a high-fat diet/streptozotocin-induced murine model of T2DM, Diabogel lowered blood glucose levels, maintained body weight, and increased insulin expression. Furthermore, it promoted an anti-inflammatory microenvironment in the pancreas by regulating macrophage phenotype and the expression of NF-κB, supported cellular proliferation, and restored the pancreatic islets. In addition, Diabogel treatment significantly lowered the serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enhanced anti-inflammatory cytokines. Interestingly, Diabogel treatment also lowered diabetes-associated hepato- and nephro-toxicity. Taken together, Diabogel may serve as a potential approach for the treatment of T2DM, regulating blood glucose levels, restoring pancreatic β cell function, and reducing hepatic and renal toxicities.

Frailty incidence by diabetes treatment regimens in older adults with diabetes mellitus in the ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly Study.

Diabetes mellitus is a major risk factor for frailty in older adults, and studies suggest that frailty risk may differ by diabetes treatment regimen. To investigate the association between diabetes medication use and frailty, we conducted an observational cohort analysis of older adults with diabetes enrolled in the ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) study. Diabetes at baseline (N = 2045) was defined as self-reported diabetes, fasting blood glucose levels > 125mg/dL, or use of diabetes medication. Diabetes medication exposure at baseline was categorized as use of metformin only (monotherapy) (N = 545), metformin combined with other diabetes medications (N = 420), other diabetes medications only (N = 200), or no diabetes medications (N = 880). Frailty was defined using a modified Fried frailty phenotype (presence of ≥ 3 of 5 criteria) and a deficit accumulation frailty index (FI,score > 0.21/1.00). Mixed effects ordinal logistic regression models revealed the odds of frailty at baseline were highest for the other diabetes medications only group, but this difference remained consistent over follow-up. After adjustment for covariates, including baseline pre-frailty, no differences in the rates of Fried or FI frailty were observed among the diabetes medication exposure groups. These findings suggest that diabetes medication exposure in older adults with diabetes does not directly impact frailty risk.

The effects of free fatty acid-free bovine serum albumin and palmitate on pancreatic β-cell function

ABSTRACT Pancreatic β-cells release insulin in response to fluctuations in plasma glucose, amino acids, and free fatty acids (FFA). Clonal cell lines and isolated islets serve as essential early models for studying the impact of nutrients and evaluating potential therapies to address β-cell dysfunction. Acute and chronic changes in FFA levels have been shown to have positive and negative effects on β-cell function both in vivo and in vitro. A key problem in comparing islet lipid studies from different laboratories is that a wide variety of methods are used to isolate, culture, and assess islet function. The current study compares bovine serum albumin (BSA) types and lipid preparation methods in clonal 832/13 cells and human islets. Changing the percentage and culture conditions when using FFA-free BSA can negatively affect β-cell function compared to regular BSA. Preparing palmitate with FFA-free BSA can rescue insulin secretion compared to treating cells alone with FFA-free BSA. Different methods of preparing palmitate can have unique effects on insulin secretion. Overall, interpreting the effects of lipids on β-cell function is complicated by a number of variables that need to be controlled for in islet experiments.

A Novel Recombinant Human FGF21 Analog with High Glycosylation Has a Prolonged Half-Life and Affects Glycemic and Body Weight Control

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), a hormone-like protein, plays a crucial role in enhancing glucose and lipid metabolism, offering promising therapeutic avenues for conditions such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and severe hypertriglyceridemia. Despite its potential, this protein’s limited stability and brief half-life pose significant challenges for its use in clinical settings. In this study, we created an FGF21 analog (named FGF21-164) that is a mutant of FGF21 and fused it with the tandem repeat sequence of human CD164. FGF21-164, characterized by extensive glycosylation and sialylation, exhibits enhanced pharmacokinetic properties, particularly in terms of its significantly longer half-life compared to its native form. The in vitro efficacy of FGF21-164 was evaluated using 3T3-L1-induced adipocytes. The protein demonstrated a dose-dependent increase in glucose uptake and effectively decreased lipid droplet accumulation surrounding the adipocytes. The in vivo activity of FGF21-164 was evaluated in leptin-deficient (ob/ob) and diet-induced obesity (DIO) mice. A single subcutaneous dose of FGF21-164 led to a rapid decrease in blood glucose levels and sustained normal fasting glucose levels for up to 28 days. Additionally, repeated dosing of FGF21-164 significantly curbed weight gain and reduced hepatic fat accumulation in DIO mice.

Significant initial hyperglycemia in young children with intracranial hemorrhage related to abuse

ABSTRACT Introduction Abusive head injury is more common in younger children, with long lasting physical or neurologic impairments seen in many survivors. There is a close relationship between hyperglycemia and head injury, with hyperglycemia associated with worse outcomes. Our hypothesis is that abusive head injury patients are more likely to have significant hyperglycemia. Methods This study is a retrospective review of pediatric emergency department patients less than three years with traumatic intracranial hemorrhage. Demographics, laboratory values, and imaging results were recorded. Results In total, 179 patients were analyzed. The median initial glucose for abuse patients was 164 mg/dL. The median initial glucose for non-abuse patients was 99 mg/dL. Eight patients had glucose levels greater than 300 mg/dL. All of these patients were abuse victims. The initial glucose level was significant for the diagnosis of child abuse, ICU admission, need for neurosurgical intervention, and mortality. Discussion Young children with intracranial hemorrhage and initial glucose levels greater than 300 mg/dL were all found to be abuse victims. A very high initial glucose can prompt a provider to evaluate for abusive head injury. In cases of a sick infant with glucose greater than 300 mg/dl, the consideration of abuse should play a prominent role in the differential.

Remission of Type 2 Diabetes through Moderate Glycemic Load (MGL) Diet and Insulin Sensitivity Optimization (ISO) Techniques: A Case Series

Background: The incidence of type-2 diabetes (T2D) has amplified worldwide, but significant improvement in overall health outcomes is not observed. A low carbohydrate diet is suggested as a nutritional strategy for diabetics to control blood glucose levels, but the outcomes are usually short-term and often unsustainable. Various studies have demonstrated sustained remission of T2D through lifestyle intervention including a whole food plant-based diet (WFPBD) with moderate glycemic load (MGL) combined with insulin sensitivity optimization (ISO) techniques such as intermittent fasting and fractional exercise. Methods: This article presents a case series of four diabetic patients who participated in an online 180-day diabetes reversal program in 2023. The intervention was a combination of MGL-oriented WFPBD along with ISO techniques including intermittent fasting and fractional exercise. The primary measures were changes in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood glucose (FBG), body weight (BW), and body mass index (BMI). Results: The HbA1c values of the participants reduced from 13.3%, 12.5%, 9.5%, and 9.2% to less than 6.5% without any diabetes medications, and thus, they achieved diabetes remission as per the definition set by the American Diabetes Association. Significant improvements were also observed in FBG, BW, and BMI. All the participants remained in remission beyond the 12-month interval period with HbA1c below 6%. Conclusions: The findings of the case series suggest that a structured lifestyle modification program combining MGL-oriented WFPBD with ISO techniques such as intermittent fasting and fractional exercise can significantly improve metabolic health parameters leading to sustainable remission of T2D.

INTERVENÇÕES CIRÚRGICAS ODONTOLÓGICAS EM PACIENTES SISTEMICAMENTE COMPROMETIDOS POR DIABETES MELLITUS

Diabetes Mellitus is a systemic disease characterized by high blood glucose levels due to inadequate insulin production. It mainly compromises the healing process, a determining factor in dental surgical procedures. The article aims to understand how the physical state of diabetics influences dental surgical interventions throughout the perioperative period. As well as the need for the dentist to systematically evaluate glycemic levels and other comorbidities prior to surgical procedures, from the simplest to those that require more complexity, such as dental implants. Thus, a narrative literature review was carried out in the databases of the Google Scholar, Scielo and PubMed platforms. The survey sought to understand the complex condition and the careful management that the dentist must have to prevent complications in the medium and long term, ensuring quality of life for patients affected by diabetes. It is concluded that there is no impediment to performing surgical procedures in patients with controlled diabetes. However, it is up to the dentist to carefully plan each case, carry out prior examinations and post-operative monitoring in order to avoid complications and ensure the success of the treatment.

Capillary-driven distance-based paper analytical devices for albumin protein and glucose quantification in human whole blood.

This study presents a simple and inexpensive distance-based paper analytical device (dPAD) for plasma separation from whole blood samples and its application in monitoring albumin protein and glucose levels using colorimetric and fluorescent distance methods. The developed dPAD consists of a sample zone, a separation zone with hydrophobic wax-patterned lines, a pretreatment zone, and a straight zone channel pre-deposited with chemical reagents for both albumin protein and glucose quantification. Plasma separation relies on the capillarity-driven different flow velocities of blood cells and plasma with varying hydrophilicity in the paper channel. Remarkably, the blood cells are trapped in the separation channel of the device, while plasma can be separated and subsequently flow with a buffer solution to the detection zone by capillary force. Target analyte in plasma content then reacts with its specific reagents, resulting in the change in the color or fluorescent distance signal. Our sensor exhibited remarkable accuracy and precision for the detection of albumin protein and glucose in whole blood samples with an acceptable recovery range between 99.94 and 101.65% and the highest relative standard deviation (RSD) of 4.49%. Furthermore, the results indicated no significant differences between our method and conventional methods for albumin protein and glucose determination in whole blood samples. Additionally, to the best of our knowledge, this method is the first time for the development of the fluorescent dPAD sensor for glucose monitoring. It is also the first demonstration to use a dPAD sensor for the direct detection of both albumin protein and glucose levels in whole blood. Hence, despite its simplicity, the concept offers a more cost-effective and accessible method for plasma separation from whole blood and subsequent albumin protein or and glucose detection. Moreover, it can be extended for further advancements in POC analytical sensing.

A Single H2S-Releasing Nanozyme for Comprehensive Diabetic Wound Healing through Multistep Intervention.

Diabetic wound healing presents a significant medical challenge and requires multistep interventions due to comprehensive wound environments, such as hyperglycemia, bacterial infection, and impaired angiogenesis. However, current multistep interventions are complicated and need on-demand sequential release and synergy of multicomponents. Herein, a H2S-releasing cascade nanozyme (FeS@Au), which is composed of ultrasmall gold nanocluster (AuNC) loaded on ferrous sulfide nanoparticle (FeSNP), is developed as a single component to regulate glucose level, eliminate infection, and promote angiogenesis, achieving multistep interventions for comprehensive diabetic wound treatment. The glucose oxidase-like activity of AuNC catalyzes glucose into gluconic acid and H2O2, which not only lowers the local glucose level but also decreases the local pH and increases H2O2 level to boost the peroxidase-like activity of FeSNP to generate abundant hydroxyl radical (reactive oxygen species, ROS), inducing ferroptosis-like death in drug-resistant bacteria. Additionally, FeSNP release H2S in the acidified environment to upregulate hypoxia-inducible factor-1 to enhance vascularization through upregulating the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and other angiogenesis-related genes, reducing the damage to endothelial cells caused by excessive ROS produced by the nanozyme. In a full-thickness MRSA-infected diabetic rat model, FeS@Au significantly eliminates bacteria, enhances angiogenesis, promotes collagen deposition, and accelerates wound healing. This work presents a single nanozyme with H2S-release for multistep interventions, providing a versatile strategy for healing extensive tissue damage caused by diabetes.

Metabolomic profile of dromedary camel follicular fluid during the breeding and non-breeding seasons

Understanding the metabolic profile within the follicular microenvironment is crucial for optimizing reproductive efficiency in camels. In this study, we examined the metabolomic profile of camel follicular fluid (FF) during the breeding (n = 10) and non-breeding seasons (n = 10). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was utilized to describe the metabolites present in follicular fluid samples. The results found considerable differences in the metabolomics profiles between the breeding and non-breeding seasons. Hexadecenoic acid, galactose and glucose levels were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in camel FF during the breeding season, while 9-octadecenamide, oleonitrile, glycine, octadecanamide, cholesterol, and propanoic acid were higher (P < 0.05) in FF during the non-breeding season. Multivariante analyses pointed to those 9 metabolites, and univariate analysis showed hexadecenoic acid, galactose, glucose, and oleanitril were the most significant ones in camel follicular fluid collected during both breeding and non-breeding seasons. The univariate and multivariate analyses showed an increase in the levels of hexadecanoic acid, galactose, glucose, and a depletion in the level of oleanitrile in the breeding season compared to the non-breeding season. The ROC curve and statistical analysis showed that hexadecanoic acid, galactose, and oleanitril with AUC = 1 were promising to be seasonal biomarkers of fertility in female camels. In conclusion, the metabolomic analysis of camel FF reveals distinct changes in metabolite levels between breeding and non-breeding seasons, reflecting adaptive metabolic responses to support reproductive processes. These results offer valuable insights into the reproductive physiology of camels and offer practical implications for potential biomarkers and assessing the reproductive status in camels, which can be utilized in reproductive management and conservation efforts in these valuable animal species.

Lower body mass index is associated with the achievement of target LDL in patients using PCSK9 inhibitors in Taiwan

ObjectiveProprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors are a standard therapy for patients who respond poorly to or cannot tolerate statins. However, identifying responders to PCSK9 inhibitors remains unclear. This study investigates the characteristics of patients who achieve target LDL-C reduction (< 70 mg/dl) after PCSK9 inhibitor therapy.MethodsA multicenter, retrospective cohort study included patients initiating PCSK9 inhibitors at 11 teaching hospitals in Taiwan (2017–2021). Baseline characteristics, lipid-lowering therapies, and lipid profile changes were analyzed.ResultsAmong 211 patients (mean age 57.2 ± 13.1 years, 72.0% male), 73.5% used alirocumab and 26.5% used evolocumab. More than half had coronary artery disease and/or hypertension. Of these, 120 patients achieved the LDL-C target. Target achievers had a lower baseline BMI (25.8 ± 3.7 vs. 27.4 ± 4.5 kg/m2, P = 0.028) and a higher incidence of myocardial infarction and anti-platelet use compared to non-achievers. Baseline cholesterol and LDL-C levels were similar, but target achievers experienced greater LDL-C reductions (− 71.5; IQR − 81.8, − 62.2 vs. − 29.4; IQR − 38, − 10.5 mg/dl, P < 0.001), as well as decreases in triglycerides and increases in HDL-C. Glucose levels and liver enzymes did not differ significantly. Logistic regression revealed BMI as the only independent predictor of LDL-C target achievement (odds ratio: 0.899, 95% CI 0.821–0.984, P = 0.021).ConclusionsLower BMI at baseline was associated with a higher likelihood of achieving LDL-C < 70 mg/dl after 12 weeks of PCSK9 inhibitor therapy. These findings support personalized strategies for optimizing cholesterol management in statin-intolerant patients while further investigations are required.Graphical abstract

Effects of Sodium Acetate and Sodium Butyrate on the Volatile Compounds in Mare’s Milk Based on GC-IMS Analysis

This study aims to explore the impact of adding sodium acetate and sodium butyrate on the composition, blood biochemical parameters, and volatile flavor compounds of lactating mares’ milk. By assessing the influence of these additives on milk flavor enhancement, the findings provide scientific evidence for optimizing flavor characteristics and offer new strategies for improving the sensory attributes of mare milk products. Eighteen lactating Yili mares were randomly assigned to three groups: a control group, a sodium acetate group (85 mg/kg·BM−1), and a sodium butyrate group (85 mg/kg·BM−1). The experiment lasted 90 days, with milk yield recorded on days 0, 30, 60, and 90. Milk samples were collected on day 60 (peak lactation) for compositional analysis, and GC-IMS was employed to identify and quantify volatile compounds. Additionally, blood samples were drawn from the jugular vein before morning feeding on day 60 using heparinized tubes to assess key biochemical markers, including glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and urea. The results revealed the following findings: (1) Milk yield and composition: The addition of sodium acetate and sodium butyrate had no significant effect on milk yield. However, both treatment groups exhibited significantly or extremely significantly higher milk fat content compared to the control group, whereas milk protein and lactose levels remained largely unchanged. (2) Blood biochemical indicators: The sodium butyrate group showed an extremely significant increase in urea levels compared to the sodium acetate and control groups. Glucose levels in the sodium acetate group were also significantly higher than in the control group. Moreover, triglyceride levels were markedly elevated in the sodium butyrate group compared to the sodium acetate group, while total bilirubin concentrations were significantly higher in the sodium acetate group than in the control group. (3) Volatile compounds: The addition of these additives led to a significant increase in the diversity and concentration of volatile compounds in mare milk. Notably, esters, aldehydes, and ketones showed substantial enrichment in both treatment groups. The relative abundance of esters such as butyl acetate, L-lactic acid ethyl ester, 1-pentene-3-ol, pentanol, and 3-pentanone increased, alongside a significant rise in aldehydes and ketones, including 2-heptenal and 3-pentanone. In conclusion, sodium acetate and sodium butyrate enhance milk flavor by modulating milk composition and metabolic parameters, providing a scientific foundation for improving the quality of mare milk products.