The angiopoietin-like protein 4, apolipoprotein C3, and lipoprotein lipase axis is disrupted in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Background: Modulators of triglyceride metabolism include lipoprotein lipase (LPL), angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4), and apolipoprotein C-3 (ApoC3). There is evidence on the influence of this triangle of molecules on an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CV) in the general population. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) present changes in lipid profiles and accelerated CV disease.

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 in the dyslipidaemia of patients with axial spondyloarthritis is related to disease activity.

Objective: Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a serine protease that regulates cholesterol metabolism and has been linked to cardiovascular (CV) risk. The purpose of the present study was to examine whether PCSK9 levels are related to abnormalities in the lipid profile and the development of atherosclerosis that occurs in patients with axial SpA (axSpA).

Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study that encompassed 545 individuals; 299 patients with axSpA and 246 statin use-matched controls.

Decreased Consumption of Added Fructose Reduces Waist Circumference and Blood Glucose Concentration in Patients with Overweight and Obesity. The DISFRUTE Study: A Randomised Trial in Primary Care.

The relationship between fructose intake and insulin resistance remains controversial. Our purpose was to determine whether a reduction in dietary fructose is effective in decreasing insulin resistance (HOMA2-IR). This field trial was conducted on 438 adults with overweight and obese status, without diabetes.

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 in patients with systemic sclerosis.

Objectives: Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a serine protease that regulates cholesterol metabolism through low-density lipoprotein receptor degradation, and which has been linked to cardiovascular risk. The purpose of the present study was to examine whether PCSK9 serum levels are disrupted in patients with systemic sclerosis (SS) compared to controls, and if PCSK9 is related to disease-related data and the subclinical atherosclerosis that occurs in these patients.

Methods: Cross-sectional study that encompassed 146 individuals; 73 patients with SS and 73 age- and sex-matched controls.

Impaired HDL cholesterol efflux capacity in systemic lupus erythematosus patients is related to subclinical carotid atherosclerosis.

Objectives: Lipid profiles appear to be altered in SLE patients due to disease activity and inflammation. Cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) is the ability of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to accept cholesterol from macrophages. CEC has been linked to cardiovascular events in the general population and is impaired in SLE patients.

Risk of liver fibrosis progression in patients with suboptimal diagnosis of hepatitis C virus infection.

Objective: Many hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients have a suboptimal diagnosis. Particularly, the characteristics and risk of fibrosis progression of HCV antibody-positive patients without RNA testing are unknown.

Methods: Patients with a positive HCV antibody performed during 2005-2007 were classified based on RNA request and result until January 2017.

Patients with suboptimal hepatitis B virus diagnostic characterization are at risk of liver fibrosis progression.

Background: Many patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection remain infradiagnosed and untreated. In a national health system with unrestricted access to treatment, our aims were to assess the level of compliance with clinical guidelines and the characteristics and risk of fibrosis progression in patients with suboptimal diagnosis.

Methods: In a cohort of patients with positive hepatitis B surface antigen from January 2011 to December 2013, data were registered to assess characteristics and compliance with guidelines.

Predictive factors for not undergoing RNA testing in patients found to have hepatitis C serology and impact of an automatic alert.

The process of diagnosis and linkage to care in cases of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains an obstacle to disease control. The aims of this study were to evaluate predictive factors for not undergoing RNA testing among patients with positive HCV serology and impact of incorporating an automated electronic alert with recommendations in clinical practice. We collected HCV antibody tests requested from October 2011 to September 2014 to evaluate the rate of RNA testing and predictive factors for not undergoing RNA testing.

Effectiveness of a low-fructose and/or low-sucrose diet in decreasing insulin resistance (DISFRUTE study): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Research published to date on the relationship between insulin resistance (IR) and fructose consumption is scarce, has used different methods, and has yielded sometimes contradictory results. This study aims to determine whether a low-fructose and/or low-sucrose diet supervised by a physician or nurse decreases IR compared to a standard diet.

Methods/design: This field trial is located at primary care centers.

HDL cholesterol efflux capacity in rheumatoid arthritis patients: contributing factors and relationship with subclinical atherosclerosis.

Background: Lipid profiles appear to be altered in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients because of disease activity and inflammation. Cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC), which is the ability of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to accept cholesterol from macrophages, has been linked not only to cardiovascular events in the general population but also to being impaired in patients with RA. The aim of this study was to establish whether CEC is related to subclinical carotid atherosclerosis in patients with RA.

Impaired beta cell function is present in nondiabetic rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Introduction: To investigate how markers of β-cell secretion (proinsulin-processing metabolites) are expressed in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and their potential relation with the insulin resistance (IR) observed in these patients.

Methods: The 101 RA patients and 99 nondiabetic sex- and age-matched controls were included. IR by homeostatic model assessment (HOMA2), and β-cell secretion, as measured by insulin, split and intact proinsulin, and C-peptide levels were determined for both groups.