Publications by authors named "Vasiliki Antonopoulou"

Article Synopsis
  • A randomized-controlled trial was conducted to examine the effects of vitamin D supplementation on glycemic levels in elderly Greek individuals with prediabetes over a year.
  • Participants received either a weekly dose of 25,000 IU of vitamin D or no supplement alongside lifestyle changes, with various health markers assessed at multiple points.
  • Results showed that those taking vitamin D had significant increases in vitamin D levels and notable reductions in fasting glucose and glycated hemoglobin after 6 and 12 months compared to the baseline.
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For seven weeks, 37 overweight adults followed a hypocaloric diet based on Orthodox Fasting (OF). A hypocaloric, time restricted eating (TRE) plan (eating between 08:00 to 16:00 h, water fasting from 16:00 to 08:00 h) was followed by 23 Body Mass Index (BMI)-matched participants. Anthropometric, glycaemic and inflammation markers and serum lipids were assessed before and after the diets.

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Maternal vitamin D deficiency is considered to be the key determinant of the development of neonatal vitamin D deficiency at birth and during early infancy. Specific vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms have been associated with adverse pregnancy and offspring outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of maternal and neonatal VDR polymorphisms (ApaI, TaqI, BsmI, FokI, Tru9I) on maternal and neonatal vitamin D status.

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Absence of adequate maternal vitamin D supplementation and decreased maternal ultraviolet exposure during pregnancy are key determinants for the manifestation of neonatal hypovitaminosis D at birth. These parameters may vary, according to country-specific dietary patterns, health policies and sunshine exposure. We aimed to investigate differences in calcium metabolism and anthropometric profiles according to neonatal vitamin D status at birth, in a sunny region of Northern Greece.

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Background: Although primary hyperparathyroidism has been associated with insulin resistance, potential optimal effects of parathyroidectomy (PTX) on glucose homeostasis remain controversial. Accordingly, the impact of PTX on glucose-stimulated incretin (glucagon-like peptide 1 [GLP-1] and gastric inhibitory peptide) secretion has not been evaluated. The aim of this pilot study was to compare glucose-stimulated incretin secretion (GSIS) in patients with asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism with normal glucose homeostasis, before and after PTX.

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Incretin hormones, namely glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) are gastro-intestinal hormones released from different enteroendocrine cells after nutrient intake. Incretins exert their actions though binding to and activation of specific GIP and GLP-1 receptors which are present in several target tissues. Incretin receptor activation in the pancreas leads to the incretin effect and other significant non-insulinotropic effects.

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We have described three uncommon cases of patients who presented with clinical thrombotic events (stroke, pulmonary embolism and deep venous thrombosis) during the course of a hypercalcemia-induced hypercoagulable state. After thorough investigation, the diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism - due to a parathyroid adenoma - was established in all cases. The association between hypercalcemia and venous or arterial thrombosis has been previously described; however, relevant data are still insufficient.

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Background: Diabetes Mellitus type 1 (T1DM) is a chronic disease that requires patients' self-monitoring and self-management to achieve glucose targets and prevent complications. Telenursing implicates technology in the interaction of a specialized nurse with patients with chronic diseases in order to provide personalized care and support.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of telenursing on T1DM patients' compliance with glucose self-monitoring and glycemic control.

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Background: The combined effect of vitamin D and parathyroid hormone on glucose homeostasis has not been adequately investigated. The aim of this study was to examine the role of parathyroid hormone/vitamin D axis on glucose homeostasis in elderly persons with prediabetes.

Methods: Patients with prediabetes ( n = 144) and healthy age-matched controls ( n = 81) were included in this cross-sectional study.

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Purpose: Different studies have pointed towards a positive effect of religious fasting on human health. Orthodox fasting (OF) regime could be characterized as a periodical vegetarian diet, demonstrating several common characteristics with the typical Mediterranean diet. The present systematic review aimed to synthesize available results regarding the potential impact of OF on human health.

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