Muscle Carnosine Is Associated with Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Humans.

Background: Carnosine is a naturally present dipeptide abundant in skeletal muscle and an over-the counter food additive. Animal data suggest a role of carnosine supplementation in the prevention and treatment of obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease but only limited human data exists.

Methods And Results: Samples of vastus lateralis muscle were obtained by needle biopsy.

Subcutaneous adipose tissue zinc-α2-glycoprotein is associated with adipose tissue and whole-body insulin sensitivity.

Objective: To examine the regulatory aspects of zinc-α2-glycoprotein (ZAG) association with obesity-related insulin resistance.

Methods: ZAG mRNA and protein were analyzed in subcutaneous adipose tissue (AT) and circulation of lean, obese, prediabetic, and type 2 diabetic men; both subcutaneous and visceral AT were explored in lean and extremely obese. Clinical and ex vivo findings were corroborated by results of in vitro ZAG silencing experiment.

Effects of obesity, diabetes and exercise on Fndc5 gene expression and irisin release in human skeletal muscle and adipose tissue: in vivo and in vitro studies.

Irisin was identified as a myokine secreted by contracting skeletal muscle, possibly mediating some exercise health benefits via 'browning' of white adipose tissue. However, a controversy exists concerning irisin origin, regulation and function in humans. Thus, we have explored Fndc5 gene and irisin protein in two clinical studies: (i) a cross-sectional study (effects of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in drug-naive men) and (ii) an intervention study (exercise effects in sedentary, overweight/obese individuals).

Acute necrotizing pancreatitis: intra-abdominal vacuum sealing after necrosectomy.

Background: Cases of acute pancreatitis with infected pancreatic necrosis warrant consideration of surgical interventions designed to achieve the goal of pancreatic debridement and drainage. Notable experience with the use of vacuum assisted closure for abdominal wall defects was an assumption for its peripancreatic application after debridement in septic patients with infected pancreatic necrosis confirmed by radiological evidence of gas or results of fine needle aspiration. The goal of this study was to evaluate our own experience with this new therapeutic technique.