Circulating Angiopoietin-like Protein 6 Levels and Clinical Features in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

Aims The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the associations between circulating angiopoietin-like protein 6 (ANGPTL6) levels and various diabetes- and atherosclerosis-related variables in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods Serum ANGPTL6 levels in patients with type 2 diabetes hospitalized for glycemic control and/or diabetic education were measured using a chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA). Results Most patients had elevated HbA1c levels; 85.

Association of the Ratio of Glycoalbumin to Hemoglobin A1c With Season Change and the COVID-19 Pandemic in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Aim: The main purpose of the current study was to investigate the effect of season change and the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the ratio of glycoalbumin to hemoglobin A1c (GA/HbA1c) in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Patients And Methods: A total of 267 patients in whom both HbA1c and GA were measured at baseline were included in this retrospective study. GA/HbA1c was investigated for three years, 2018, 2019, and 2020 (COVID-19 pandemic period).

Analysis of serum levels and DNA methylation of fibroblast growth factor 21 using peripheral blood-derived genomes in patients with obesity.

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 21, a hormone produced by the liver, improves glucose and lipid metabolism. We recently demonstrated that the FGF21 gene (Fgf21) underwent DNA demethylation in the mouse liver via peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) α during the fetal to lactation periods. Furthermore, we found that the DNA methylation state of Fgf21 was involved in obesity in adult animals.

High prevalence of copy number variations in the Japanese participants with suspected MODY.

Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY) is a diabetes mellitus subtype caused by a single gene. The detection rate of the responsible gene is 27% in the United Kingdom, indicating that the causative gene remains unknown in the majority of clinically diagnosed MODY cases. To improve the detection rate, we applied comprehensive genetic testing using whole exome sequencing (WES) followed by Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA) and functional analyses.

Impact of coronavirus disease 2019 on medical practice in endocrine and metabolic diseases in Japan: a nationwide surveillance study conducted by the Japan Endocrine Society.

We investigated the impact of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the management of endocrine and metabolic disorders in Japan. We conducted a cross-sectional nationwide questionnaire survey targeting board-certified endocrinologists under the auspices of the Japan Endocrine Society. The questionnaire consisted of multiple-choice questions and open-ended responses.

Analysis of five cases showing false-high Hemoglobin A1c due to reduced catalase activity.

We encountered five cases that exhibited false-high Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels when samples were examined using the enzyme-based NORUDIA N HbA1c kit. HbA1c levels were higher than those obtained using other methods, such as HPLC, immune-based methods, and other enzyme-based kits. This kit produced inaccurate results for HbA1c when residual peroxides were present in samples.

Differences in metabolic characteristics between Metabolically Healthy Obesity (MHO) and Metabolically Unhealthy Obesity (MUO) in weight reduction therapy.

Metabolically Healthy Obesity (MHO) is generally recognized as the absence of any metabolic disorders and cardiovascular diseases, including type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hypertension, in obese individuals; however, it is not clearly defined. Therefore, the present study investigated differences in metabolic characteristics between individuals with MHO and Metabolically Unhealthy Obesity (MUO) during weight reduction therapy. The key factors defining MHO and the importance of weight reduction therapy for MHO were also examined.

In Vivo Tissue-Specific DNA Demethylation in Mouse Liver Through a Hydrodynamic Tail Vein Injection.

A new technique called the dCas9-SunTag and scFv-TET1CD epigenome editing system has recently been developed to edit the DNA methylation status of specific genes. The transfection of an all-in-one vector containing this system into cells is feasible and induces the DNA demethylation of specific genes; however, due to the large size of the vector, difficulties are associated with its introduction into mice. We herein used a hydrodynamic tail vein injection (HTVi) to introduce the all-in-one vector into mice for in vivo epigenome editing.

Analysis of time-dependent changes in the FIB4 index in patients with obesity receiving weight reduction therapy.

Weight reduction therapy represents a fundamental strategy to prevent nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in patients with obesity, which may result in liver fibrosis. Histological findings previously demonstrated that weight reduction therapy attenuated NAFLD. The FIB4 index is widely used to assess the status of NAFLD.

Update on subclinical thyroid dysfunction.

Subclinical thyroid dysfunction is defined by serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels either greater or less than the reference range with normal thyroxine (T4) concentrations, and consists of subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) and subclinical hyperthyroidism (SCHyper). For the proper diagnosis of SCH, it is most important to be able to correctly evaluate the serum TSH levels, which have numerous unique characteristics. We also need to be versed in TSH harmonization, which was recently launched world-wide.

Current clinical state of type 1 diabetes in Saitama prefecture.

Introduction: In Japan, epidemiological studies on type 1 diabetes (T1D) have mainly focused on the disease in childhood. Meanwhile, limited information is available regarding the clinical features of adolescent and adult T1D. Therefore, we aimed to investigate their current clinical state in Saitama prefecture near Tokyo, Japan.

Seasonal variations and the influence of COVID-19 pandemic on hemoglobin A1c, glycoalbumin, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

Aim: The purpose of the study was to investigate seasonal variations in HbA1c, GA and LDL-C and to examine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on these variations and on glycemic and lipid control themselves in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Patients And Methods: The subjects were outpatients with type 2 diabetes who had received standard treatment for glycemic control for more than 3 years. Data for patients who visited our hospital from January 2021 to March 2021 were retrospectively investigated based on electronic medical records.

Association of circulating soluble lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 with inflammatory markers and urinary albumin excretion in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Objectives: The main purpose of the study was to study the association between circulating soluble lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 levels and various markers, including inflammatory markers such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and fibrinogen, serum lipids, and renal function, in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes.

Methods: The subjects were 70 patients (men 45, women 25) who were hospitalized for treatment of poor glycemic control. Plasma soluble lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 levels were assayed using a sandwich chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay.

Serum thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibody levels and thyroid dysfunction after hysterosalpingography: a case-control study.

Objective: Hysterosalpingography (HSG) performed with an iodine contrast media can cause thyroid dysfunction, including thyrotoxicosis and hypothyroidism. We investigated the association between the serum levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibody (TRAb), an indicator of Graves' disease, and abnormal thyroid function after performing HSG.

Methods: The screening of TRAb was conducted in 362 patients who first visited the Tawara IVF Clinic between April and September 2018.

Effects of short-term calorie restriction on circulating DPP-4/sCD26 concentrations and body composition in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Previous studies have shown that dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)-4, is released from adipocytes in a differentiation-dependent manner and a marker for insulin resistance in obese individuals who have particularly high circulating DPP-4/soluble CD26 (sCD26) concentrations. In this study, we have evaluated the effects of short-term hospitalization with calorie restriction on body composition and circulating DPP-4/sCD26 concentrations in patients with type 2 diabetes. A total of 47 Japanese adults with type 2 diabetes were recruited to the study (age; 56.

Severe Non-Islet Cell Hypoglycemia From Ileum-Origin Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor Producing Insulin-Like Growth Factor-2 in a Patient With Liver Cirrhosis Due to Chronic Hepatitis B.

Non-islet cell tumor hypoglycemia (NICTH) is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome, and NICTH associated with gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is even more rare. Herein, we describe a patient with severe NICTH due to GIST who had developed liver cirrhosis as a consequence of chronic hepatitis B. Although circulating insulin, C-peptide, and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels were significantly decreased, in contrast to our expectations, the growth hormone (GH) level was slightly elevated.

Ascorbic acid during the suckling period is required for proper DNA demethylation in the liver.

Ascorbic acid (AA, vitamin C) serves as a cofactor for ten-eleven translocation (TET) enzymes and induces DNA demethylation in vitro. However, its role in DNA demethylation in vivo remains unclear. We previously reported that DNA demethylation in the mouse liver was enhanced during the suckling period.

Targeted DNA demethylation of the Fgf21 promoter by CRISPR/dCas9-mediated epigenome editing.

Recently, we reported PPARα-dependent DNA demethylation of the Fgf21 promoter in the postnatal mouse liver, where reduced DNA methylation is associated with enhanced gene expression after PPARα activation. However, there is no direct evidence for the effect of site-specific DNA methylation on gene expression. We employed the dCas9-SunTag and single-chain variable fragment (scFv)-TET1 catalytic domain (TET1CD) system to induce targeted DNA methylation of the Fgf21 promoter both in vitro and in vivo.

Hb Phnom Penh Showing Falsely High or Reasonable HbA1c Values Depending on the Type of High-performance Liquid Chromatography System.

We herein report a 50-year-old Chinese woman with Hb Phnom Penh (α117Phe-Ile-α118Thr) showing high or reasonable HbA1c values depending on the type of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system. A high HbA1c value of 7.5% (HPLC assay: G9) and a reasonable HbA1c value of 5.

A case of generalized lipodystrophy-associated progeroid syndrome treated by leptin replacement with short and long-term monitoring of the metabolic and endocrine profiles.

We herein report a case of a 28-year-old man with generalized lipodystrophy-associated progeroid syndrome treated by leptin replacement. He showed symptoms of generalized lipodystrophy around onset of puberty. His body mass index was 11.

A Case of Refractory Hypothyroidism due to Poor Compliance Treated with the Weekly Intravenous and Oral Levothyroxine Administration.

Refractory hypothyroidism is caused by decreased gut absorption, increased metabolism, and poor compliance. Previous studies suggested that the weekly oral, suppository, or intramuscular administration of levothyroxine (LT4) is an effective treatment for refractory hypothyroidism. However, limited information is currently available on treatment involving the weekly intravenous administration of LT4.

Clinical outcomes of 20 Japanese patients with insulinoma treated with diazoxide.

Diazoxide is recognized as an effective medical treatment for insulinoma. However, due to its adverse effects, such as fluid retention, it is sometimes difficult to employ diazoxide at an effective dose in clinical practice. This study aimed to clarify the clinical factors, which may affect efficacy and safety of the diazoxide treatment.

Epigenetic Switching and Neonatal Nutritional Environment.

The hepatic metabolic function changes sequentially during early life in mammals to adapt to the drastic changes in the nutritional environment. Accordingly, hepatic fatty acid β-oxidation is activated after birth to produce energy from breast milk lipids. De novo lipogenesis is induced upon the onset of oral intake, when the major nutritional source switches to carbohydrate.