Endothelial Dysfunction is Associated With Early-Onset Cryptogenic Ischemic Stroke in Men and With Increasing Age.

Background The aim of this study was to assess the association between endothelial function and early-onset cryptogenic ischemic stroke (CIS), with subgroup analyses stratified by sex and age groups. Methods and Results We prospectively enrolled 136 consecutive patients aged 18 to 49 years (median age, 41 years; 44% women) with a recent CIS and 136 age- and sex-matched (±5 years) stroke-free controls. Endothelial function was measured with an EndoPAT 2000 device and analyzed as tertiles of natural logarithm of reactive hyperemia index with lower values reflecting dysfunction.

Obesity-associated glomerular inflammation increases albuminuria without renal histological changes.

Obesity is one of risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD), but the precise mechanism involved is unclear. This study characterizes the effect of obesity-induced glomerular inflammation, oxidative stress, and albuminuria in obese rats. Glomerular samples were collected from fatty (ZF) and lean (ZL) Zucker rats.

NIDDM--the devastating disease.

Of the various types of diabetes mellitus, non-insulin-dependent diabetes (NIDDM) is by far the most common and is increasing rapidly in many populations around the world. It is a heterogeneous disorder, characterized by a genetic predisposition and interaction between insulin resistance and decreased pancreatic beta-cell function. There is a strong association between the presence of obesity and low levels of physical exercise and the development of NIDDM.