Relationship Between Acyl and Desacyl Ghrelin Levels with Insulin Resistance and Body Fat Mass in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Purpose: Although strong evidence suggests that ghrelin plays an important role in regulating energy balance, the effects of acylated ghrelin (AG) and deacylated ghrelin (DAG) on fat mass are largely undefined. This study aimed to investigate the differential associations of both forms of ghrelin with insulin resistance and body fat mass in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Patients And Methods: A total of 162 patients with type 2 diabetes were recruited and classified based on BMI and visceral fat area (VFA) as VFA normal group (n = 78), normal-BMI VFA obesity group (n = 20) and high-BMI VFA obesity group (n = 64).

Time in range, especially overnight time in range, is associated with sudomotor dysfunction in patients with type 1 diabetes.

Background: Time in range (TIR) is advocated as key metric of glycemic control and is reported to be associated with microvascular complications of diabetes. Sudomotor dysfunction is among the earliest detectable diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). We set about to research the relationship between TIR including overnight TIR and sudomotor function detected by SUDOSCAN with the intention of exploring the correlation of TIR including overnight TIR and early DPN in type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Association between time in range, a novel measurement of glycemic control and islet secretory function in chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus-An observational study.

Aims: To explore the association between dynamic islet secretory function and TIR (time in range), a new valuable metric of glycemic control in type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods: In this observational study 256 patients with type 2 diabetes were included and continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) were applied to monitor blood glucose and also the calculation of TIR [the time spent in an individual's target glucose range (usually 3.9-10 mmol/L)].

Continuous glucose monitoring defined time-in-range is associated with sudomotor dysfunction in type 2 diabetes.

Background: Time in range (TIR), as a novel metric for glycemic control, has robust relevance with diabetic complications. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is characterized by sudomotor dysfunction.

Aim: To explore the relationship between TIR obtained from continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and sudomotor function detected by SUDOSCAN in subjects with type 2 diabetes.

The Relationship Between β-cell Function Indices and Sudomotor Function in Chinese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

Purpose: SUDOSCAN, a new non-invasive, quick, sensitive and quantitative technique, has been developed to detect diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and the latter is believed to be correlated with impaired β-cell function. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the associations between β-cell function indices and sudomotor function in Chinese type 2 diabetes.

Methods: A total of 266 Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes were enrolled.

Associations of serum glucagon levels with glycemic variability in type 1 diabetes with different disease durations.

Purpose: Glucagon has been recognized as a pivotal factor implicated in the pathophysiology ofdiabetes. The purpose of this study is to investigate the dynamic secretion levels of serum glucagon (GLA) in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) with different courses of disease, and to analyze its correlation with blood glucose fluctuation.

Methods: This observational study included 55 T1DM patients and divided into 3 groups according to the courses of disease.

Effect of Schisandra chinensis on interleukins, glucose metabolism, and pituitary-adrenal and gonadal axis in rats under strenuous swimming exercise.

Objective: To investigate the effect of Chinese medicine (CM) Schisandra chinensis on interleukin (IL), glucose metabolism, and pituitary-adrenal and gonadal axis of rats after strenuous navigation and exercise.

Methods: A total of 45 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into the quiet control group, the stress group, and the CM group (15 in each group). The CM group received 2.

Xuezhikang attenuated the functional and morphological impairment of pancreatic islets in diabetic mice via the inhibition of oxidative stress.

Xuezhikang, purified from red yeast rice, is a traditional Chinese medicine with pleiotropic effects on the cardiovascular system. Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the dysfunction of pancreas islet in diabetic condition and represents a promising therapeutical target for diabetes mellitus. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the effects and possible mechanisms of xuezhikang on the microenvironment and insulin secretion by pancreatic islets in db/db diabetic mice.

CETP gene polymorphisms and risk of coronary atherosclerosis in a Chinese population.

Background: Coronary atherosclerosis, the most common form of coronary artery disease (CAD), is characterized by accumulation of lipid in the walls of coronary arteries. Recent data from clinical trials have showed that high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) has causal role in the pathogenesis and development of coronary atherosclerosis. Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) is an important regulator of plasma HDL-C.

[Effect of early intervention with rhein on islet function in db/db mice].

Objective: To investigate the hypoglycemic action of rhein (4,5-dihydroxyanthraquinone-2-carboxylic acid), one of the anthraquinone derivatives isolated from rhubarb, and study its effects on pancreatic beta-cells in db/db mice.

Methods: Thirty 4-week-old db/db mice were randomized for an 8-week treatment with intragastric administration of rhein (120 mg/kg, n=15) or placebo (1% natrium cellulose solution, n=15). After the treatment, intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT) was performed and the area under curve (AUC) of insulin levels in IPGTT was calculated to evaluate insulin secretory function.

[Islet perifusion: a new method to evaluate first-phase insulin secretory function of beta-cell in vitro].

Objective: To set up islet perifusion system, a new method to evaluate first-phase insulin secretory function of beta-cell in vitro.

Methods: Islet perifusion system was set up, including perifusion framework, waterbath system, infusion pump system, afferent system, islet capsule, and efferent system. Kinetics of insulin release in vitro was studied using the perifusion system.

[Effects of atorfastatin on the cognitive function of patients with vascular cognitive impairment and different apolipoprotein E genotypes].

Objective: To study the effect of atorfastatin on the cognitive function of patients with vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) and different apolipoprotein E genotypes.

Methods: The ApoE polymorphism was genotyped by PCR sequencing and the patients were divided into Eepsilon4 carrier (epsilon4+) group (n=24) and epsilon4- group (n=51). All the patients were given 20 mg oral atorfastatin every evening.

[Salidroside protects the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad axis of male rats undergoing negative psychological stress in experimental navigation and intensive exercise].

Objective: To study the effects of salidroside on the function and ultramicro-pathological change of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis of male rats in experimental navigation and intensive exercise.

Methods: Six-week SD rats were randomized into 3 groups: non-stress control (NC, n = 10), training control (TC, n = 12) and salidroside treatment (ST, n = 12) group. Blood samples were collected from the NC rats that did not receive any stimulus after a 7-day intragastric administration of saline.

[Effects of schisandra on the function of the pituitary-adrenal cortex, gonadal axis and carbohydrate metabolism in rats undergoing experimental chronic psychological stress, navigation and strenuous exercise].

Objective: To investigate the effects of schisandra on the function of the pituitary-adrenal cortex, gonadal axis and carbohydrate metabolism in male rats undergoing experimental chronic psychological stress, navigation and strenuous exercise.

Methods: Thirty-four SD rats were randomly allocated into a non-stress group (Group A), a stress control group (Group B) and a schisandra group (Group C). The latter two groups received 10 days of Benford's high-intensity training, followed by 3 hours of wearing floating with psychological stress and another 3 hours of running at the speed of 26.

[Experimental navigation and deuteroexhaustive exercise suppress the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicle axis in rats].

Objective: To study the effects of experimental navigation and deuteroexhaustive exercise on the serum levels of testosterone (T), corticosterone (CORT), luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH).

Methods: Thirty-six male SD rats were randomly divided into an experimental navigation group (Group A), which underwent 180 min wearing floating with psychological stress, a deuteroexhaustive exercise group (Group B), which were subjected to 120 min intensive running on the treadmill after the accomplishment of the same procedure as Group A, and a control group (Group C). Blood samples were obtained at the end of the experiment to determine the T, CORT, LH and FSH of the rats.

Nodular glomerular lesion: a later stage of diabetic nephropathy?

Background: Two typical pathological changes can develop in the type 2 diabetic nephropathy: one is diffuse glomerulosclerosis (DIF) and the other is nodular glomerular lesion (NOD). The aim of this study is to retrospectively investigate these two types of diabetic nephropathy and compare the characteristics of clinical findings and prognosis.

Methods: One hundred and twenty-four patients with biopsy-proven diabetic nephropathy, including 58 DIF and 66 NOD were investigated in this study.

[Effects of angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker on islet of diabetic db/db mice].

Objective: Several epidemiological studies suggested that treatment with angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker provided a risk reduction of developing type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study was to investigate whether and how chronic candesartan treatment can attenuate the deleterious influence of hyperactive local intra-islet renin-angiotensin system in diabetes state and relieve hyperglycemia using diabetic (db/db) mice.

Methods: 8-week-old db/db mice were randomized to candesartan cilexetil 1 mg/kg, candesartan cilexetil 10 mg/kg, manidipine 10 mg/kg, or placebo via gavage for 6 weeks.

Angiotensin II receptor blocker provides pancreatic beta-cell protection independent of blood pressure lowering in diabetic db/db mice.

Aim: Several epidemiological studies have suggested that treatment with angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker provided a risk reduction of developing type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study was to investigate whether and how chronic candesartan treatment can attenuate the deleterious influence of the hyperactive local intra-islet renin-angiotensin system in the diabetes state.

Methods: Eight-week-old db/db mice were randomized to candesartan 1 mg/kg, candesartan 10 mg/kg, manidipine 10 mg/kg, or placebo via gavage for 6 weeks.

[Immunosuppressive therapies in patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy].

Objective: To compare the efficacy and tolerability of 4 immunosuppressants in treating Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO).

Methods: Seventy-five untreated GO patients were enrolled in this study. The diagnosis of GO was based on the presence of the typical clinical features and exclusion of possible cranial/orbital diseases.