Blood-based analysis of type-2 diabetes mellitus susceptibility genes identifies specific transcript variants with deregulated expression and association with disease risk.

Despite significant progress by genome-wide association studies, the ability of genetic variants to conduce to the prediction or prognosis of type-2 diabetes (T2D) is weak. Expression analysis of the corresponding genes may suggest possible links between single-nucleotide polymorphisms and T2D phenotype and/or risk. Herein, we investigated the expression patterns of 24 T2D-susceptibility genes, and their individual transcript variants (tv), in peripheral blood of T2D patients and controls (CTs), applying RNA-seq and real-time qPCR methodologies, and explore possible associations with disease features.

Using serum s100-β protein as a biomarker for comparing silent brain injury in carotid endarterectomy and carotid artery stenting.

Background: S100-β protein has been introduced as a sensitive biomarker of silent cerebral injury. This study compares its serum levels before, during, and 24 hours after carotid artery stenting (CAS) and carotid endarterectomy (CEA).

Methods: We measured serum level of S100-β in arterial blood before (S100Ba), during (S100Bb), and 24 hours after (S100Bc) CAS and CEA.

Empagliflozin Limits Myocardial Infarction and Cell Death : Role of STAT3, Mitochondria, and Redox Aspects.

Empagliflozin (EMPA), a drug approved for type 2 diabetes management, reduced cardiovascular death but is unknown if it reduces myocardial infarction. We sought to investigate: (i) the effect of EMPA on myocardial function and infarct size after ischemia/reperfusion in mice fed with western diet (WD), (ii) the underlying signaling pathways, (iii) its effects on cell survival in rat embryonic-heart-derived cardiomyoblasts (H9C2) and endothelial cells (ECs). To facilitate the aforementioned aims, mice were initially randomized in Control and EMPA groups and were subjected to 30 min ischemia and 2 h reperfusion.

Exhaled Breath Condensate Acidification Occurs During Surgery for Abdominal Cancer.

Background/aim: Acidification of exhaled breath condensate (EBC), reflecting airway inflammation and oxidative stress, has been reported in lung cancer patients undergoing lobectomy. We undertook this study to examine EBC pH changes during surgery for abdominal cancer.

Patients And Methods: EBC pH was measured from 20 patients undergoing abdominal cancer resection before and during surgery.

Effect of meal frequency on glucose and insulin levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomised trial.

Background/objectives: The aim of the study was to compare the effect of two-meal patterns (three vs six meals per day) on glucose and insulin levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Subjects/methods: In a randomised, crossover, 24-week study, 40 women with PCOS, aged 27±6 years, body mass index 27±6 kg/m(2), followed a weight maintenance diet (% carbohydrates:protein:fat, 40:25:35), consumed either as a three- or a six-meal pattern, with each intervention lasting for 12 weeks. Anthropometric measurements, diet compliance and subjective hunger, satiety and desire to eat were assessed biweekly.

Vinegar Consumption Increases Insulin-Stimulated Glucose Uptake by the Forearm Muscle in Humans with Type 2 Diabetes.

Background And Aims: Vinegar has been shown to have a glucose-lowering effect in patients with glucose abnormalities. However, the mechanisms of this effect are still obscure. The aim of this randomised, crossover study was to investigate the effect of vinegar on glucose metabolism in muscle which is the most important tissue for insulin-stimulated glucose disposal.

Homocysteine, cortisol, diabetes mellitus, and psychopathology.

Objective: This study investigates the association of homocysteine and cortisol with psychological factors in type 2 diabetic patients.

Method: Homocysteine, cortisol, and psychological variables were analyzed from 131 diabetic patients. Psychological factors were assessed with the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ), Hostility and Direction of Hostility Questionnaire (HDHQ), the Symptom Checklist 90-R (SCL 90-R), the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (ZDRS), and the Maudsley O-C Inventory Questionnaire (MOCI).

The role of acetic acid on glucose uptake and blood flow rates in the skeletal muscle in humans with impaired glucose tolerance.

Background/objectives: Previous studies support the glucose-lowering effect of vinegar. However, the effect of vinegar on muscle glucose metabolism and endothelial function has not been studied in humans. This open, randomized, crossover, placebo-controlled study aims to investigate the effects of vinegar on muscle glucose metabolism, endothelial function and circulating lipid levels in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) using the arteriovenous difference technique.

Effect of aliskiren on circulating endothelial progenitor cells and vascular function in patients with type 2 diabetes and essential hypertension.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of aliskiren on vascular function and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in patients with type 2 diabetes and essential hypertension.

Methods: The study enrolled type 2 diabetic patients aged >50 years under stable glycemic control and first diagnosed mild essential hypertension. In phase A (n = 20), patients received aliskiren 150-300 mg daily for 3 months.

Cytokines, diabetes mellitus and psychopathology: a challenging combination.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the association of IL-6, IL-12, and TNF-α with trait and state psychological factors in type 2 diabetic patients.

Design: Patients were divided in two groups. Group A consisted of 86 controlled diabetic patients (HbA1c<7) and the Group B consisted of 45 uncontrolled diabetic patients (HbA1c ≥ 7).

Endothelial progenitor cells as a cardiometabolic risk factor marker in prediabetes.

Objective: Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have recently been considered as a potential novel marker of vascular integrity, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk. This study was performed to investigate the main determinants of EPC levels in individuals with prediabetes.

Design: Thirty-nine participants with newly diagnosed prediabetes were enrolled.

Insulin action in morbid obesity: a focus on muscle and adipose tissue.

The aim of this review is to summarize the mechanisms underlying insulin resistance in morbid obesity. Glucose regulation by insulin depends on the suppression of endogenous glucose production and stimulation of glucose disposal. In morbid obesity, glucose production by the liver is increased.

Skeletal muscle insulin resistance in morbid obesity: the role of interleukin-6 and leptin.

Background: Although insulin resistance in obesity is established, the link between excess body fat and skeletal muscle insulin resistance is obscure. The aim of this study was to investigate whether cytokines secreted from the subcutaneous adipose tissue are related to the sensitivity of glucose metabolism to insulin in skeletal muscle.

Methods: A meal was given to 14 obese and 10 non-obese women.

Thyroid disease in older people.

Several changes in thyroid hormone secretion, metabolism, and action occur with the increase in age. Aging is often associated with a decrease in serum thyroid stimulating hormone and T3 levels, whereas serum free T4 levels usually remain unchanged. The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction is higher in the elderly as compared to the younger population.

Studies of insulin resistance in patients with clinical and subclinical hyperthyroidism.

Objective: Although clinical hyperthyroidism (HR) is associated with insulin resistance, the information on insulin action in subclinical hyperthyroidism (SHR) is limited.

Design And Methods: To investigate this, we assessed the sensitivity of glucose metabolism to insulin in vivo (by an oral glucose tolerance test) and in vitro (by measuring insulin-stimulated rates of glucose transport in isolated monocytes) in 12 euthyroid subjects (EU), 16 patients with HR, and 10 patients with SHR.

Results: HR and SHR patients displayed higher postprandial glucose levels (area under the curve, AUC(0)(-)(300) 32,190±1067 and 31,497±716,mg/dl min respectively) versus EU (27,119±1156 mg/dl min, P<0.

Insulin action in hyperthyroidism: a focus on muscle and adipose tissue.

Hyperthyroidism leads to an enhanced demand for glucose, which is primarily provided by increased rates of hepatic glucose production due to increased gluconeogenesis (in the fasting state) and increased Cori cycle activity (in the late postprandial and fasting state). Adipose tissue lipolysis is increased in the fasting state, resulting in increased production of glycerol and nonesterified fatty acids. Under these conditions, increased glycerol generated by lipolysis and increased amino acids generated by proteolysis are used as substrates for gluconeogenesis.

Rates of lipid fluxes in adipose tissue in vivo after a mixed meal in morbid obesity.

Objective: Although insulin resistance in obesity is established, information on insulin action on lipid fluxes, in morbid obesity, is limited. This study was undertaken in morbidly obese women to investigate insulin action on triacylglycerol fluxes and lipolysis across adipose tissue.

Subjects And Design: A meal was given to 26 obese (age 35+/-1 years, body mass index 46+/-1 kg m(-2)) and 11 non-obese women (age 38+/-2 years, body mass index 24+/-1 kg m(-2)).

Insulin resistance in hyperthyroidism: the role of IL6 and TNF alpha.

Objective: Although insulin resistance is a common finding in hyperthyroidism, the implicated mechanisms are obscure. The aim of this study was to investigate whether interleukin 6 (IL6) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) are related to the development of insulin resistance in hyperthyroidism of nonautoimmune origin.

Design And Methods: A meal was given to ten hyperthyroid (HR) and ten euthyroid (EU) women.

Studies of insulin resistance in patients with clinical and subclinical hypothyroidism.

Objective: Although clinical hypothyroidism (HO) is associated with insulin resistance, there is no information on insulin action in subclinical hypothyroidism (SHO).

Design And Methods: To investigate this, we assessed the sensitivity of glucose metabolism to insulin both in vivo (by an oral glucose tolerance test) and in vitro (by measuring insulin-stimulated rates of glucose transport in isolated monocytes with flow cytometry) in 21 euthyroid subjects (EU), 12 patients with HO, and 13 patients with SHO.

Results: All three groups had comparable plasma glucose levels, with the HO and SHO having higher plasma insulin than the EU (P<0.