Lipid and non-lipid cardiovascular risk factors in postmenopausal type 2 diabetic women with and without coronary heart disease

Serum/plasma biomarkers and the progression of cardiometabolic multimorbidity: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

The role of certain biomarkers in the development of single cardiometabolic disease (CMD) has been intensively investigated. Less is known about the association of biomarkers with multiple CMDs (cardiometabolic multimorbidity, CMM), which is essential for the exploration of molecular targets for the prevention and treatment of CMM. We aimed to systematically synthesize the current evidence on CMM-related biomarkers.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Ebsco for relevant studies from inception until August 31st, 2022. Studies reported the association of serum/plasma biomarkers with CMM, and relevant effect sizes were included. The outcomes were five progression patterns of CMM: (1) no CMD to CMM; (2) type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) followed by stroke; (3) T2DM followed by coronary heart disease (CHD); (4) T2DM followed by stroke or CHD; and (5) CHD followed by T2DM. Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOS) was used to assess the quality of the included studies. A meta-analysis was conducted to quantify the association of biomarkers and CMM.

Results

A total of 68 biomarkers were identified from 42 studies, which could be categorized into five groups: lipid metabolism, glycometabolism, liver function, immunity, and others. Lipid metabolism biomarkers were most reported to associate with CMM, including TC, TGs, HDL-C, LDL-C, and Lp(a). Fasting plasma glucose was also reported by several studies, and it was particularly associated with coexisting T2DM with vascular diseases. According to the quantitative meta-analysis, HDL-C was negatively associated with CHD risk among patients with T2DM (pooled OR for per 1 mmol/L increase = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.77-0.82), whereas a higher TGs level (pooled OR for higher than 150 mg/dL = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.10-1.75) was positively associated with CHD risk among female patients with T2DM.

Conclusion

Certain serum/plasma biomarkers were associated with the progression of CMM, in particular for those related to lipid metabolism, but heterogeneity and inconsistent findings still existed among included studies. There is a need for future research to explore more relevant biomarkers associated with the occurrence and progression of CMM, targeted at which is important for the early identification and prevention of CMM.

Performance of Radiomics Models Based on Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography in Predicting The Risk of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events Within 3 Years: A Comparison Between the Pericoronary Adipose Tissue Model and the Epicardial Adipose Tissue Model

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

To compare the prediction performance of the epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) and pericoronary adipose tissue (PCAT) radiomics models based on coronary computed tomography angiography for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) within 3 years.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Our study included 288 patients (144 with MACE and 144 without MACE within 3 years) by matching age, gender, body mass index, and medication intake. Patients were randomly assigned either to the training (n = 201) or validation cohort (n = 87). A total of 184 radiomics features were extracted from EAT and PCAT images. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient and the gradient boosting decision tree algorithm were performed for feature selection. Five models were established based on PCAT or EAT radiomics features and clinical factors, including PCAT, EAT, clinical, PCAT-clinical, and EAT-clinical model (M_PCAT, M_EAT, M_clinical, M_{PCAT-clinical}, and M_EAT-clinical). Receiver operating characteristic curves, calibration curves, and the decision curve analysis were plotted to evaluate the model performance.

RESULTS

The M_PCAT achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.703 in the validation cohort, which was better than M_EAT with AUC of 0.538. The M_{PCAT-clinical} showed better performance (AUC = 0.781) in predicting MACE than the M_clinical (AUC = 0.748) or M_EAT-clinical (AUC = 0.745).

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that the PCAT was better than the EAT in both single modality and combined models, and the M_{PCAT-clinical} had the most significant clinical value in predicting the occurrence of MACE within 3 years.

Study on the mechanism of warming yang and reducing turbidity decoction in the treatment of diabetic kidney disease based on network pharmacology

This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of warming yang and reducing turbidity decoction in the treatment of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) by network pharmacology. The active components and corresponding targets of warming yang and reducing turbidity decoction were screened through the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database, DKD-related targets were obtained from Genecard and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man databases, and drug-disease common targets were screened through Venny online website. Then we used STRING and Cytoscape software to analyze and perform protein-protein interaction network, and used CytoNCA plug-in to perform topological analysis to screen out the core target. We used RStudio to performed gene ontology (GO) functional enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. One hundred one active components in warming yang and reducing turbidity decoction participated in the regulation of the body's response to foreign bodies, lipopolysaccharides, metal ions, ketone bodies, hypoxia and oxidative stress by regulating 186 targets related to DKD, and played a role in the treatment of DKD by interfering with pathways such as interfered with lipids and atherosclerosis, PI3K-Akt, fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis, AGE-RAGE and cell senescence. It was implied that warming yang and reducing turbidity decoction had the features of multi components, multi targets and multi pathways in the treatment of DKD, which might create methods and directions for further verification of the molecular mechanism of warming yang and reducing turbidity decoction.

Endothelium-derived Microparticles Are Increased in Teenagers With Cobalamin Deficiency

INTRODUCTION

Vitamin B 12 (cobalamin) deficiency may be a significant cause of hyperhomocysteinemia, and high homocysteine (Hcy) levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Endothelium-derived microparticles (EMPs) are a new marker in endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis, which play a role in cardiovascular diseases' pathogenesis. This study aimed to evaluate the EMPs, the markers of endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis, and lipid profile in teenagers with cobalamin deficiency.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective study included 143 teenagers, 75 vitamin B 12 deficient patients and 68 healthy controls between 11 and 18 years of age. Routine laboratory tests, hemogram, vitamin B 12 , folic acid, ferritin, Hcy, lipid profile and EMPs were examined and compared. EMP subgroups were analyzed by flow cytometry method according to the expression of membrane-specific antigens. The microparticles released from the endothelium studied were VE-cadherin (CD144), S-endo1 (CD146), and Endoglin (CD105).

RESULTS

The present study demonstrates that circulating CD105+ EMP, CD144+ EMP, CD146+ EMPs, and Hcy were increased, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was reduced in teenagers with cobalamin deficiency. Vitamin B 12 showed a negative correlation with EMPs and Hcy, positive correlation with folate and HDL. All EMPs showed a significant positive correlation with triglyceride, vitamin B 12 , and HDL.

CONCLUSION

Vitamin B 12 deficiency may predispose to endothelial damage and atherosclerosis by increasing EMPs and harms lipid metabolism in the long term.

Gender differences in new hypoglycemic drug effects on renal outcomes: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Lifetime diabetes risk is greater in women than in men. Women with diabetes mellitus (DM) have a greater prevalence of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) risk factors. The diagnosis of DM is often delayed in women, with poorer outcomes and with expected therapeutic goals missed.

AREA COVERED

A systematic literature review following PRISMA guidelines was conducted in the PubMed gateway of the MEDLINE database and Clinicaltrials.gov. The purpose of our research was to establish the sex differences on renal outcomes in users of the new hypoglycemic drugs: sodium-glucose transport protein 2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i), dipeptidyl peptidase-IV Inhibitors (DPP-IVi) and glucagon-like peptide-1 inhibitors (GLP-1i).

EXPERT OPINION

New hypoglycemic drugs represent promising tools in the treatment and prevention of severe complications of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and chronic kidney disease. Even if renal outcomes are investigated in both randomized controlled trials and cardiovascular outcome trials, gender-based analysis is not always performed. This may lead to relevant information for risk-benefit evaluation and therapeutic choices being missed, with gender-based equality in outcomes lacking. Our systematic review demonstrated that the gap among sexes in DKD can be partially filled using new hypoglycemic drugs. Sexual dimorphism analysis could represent a keystone for the development of adequate gender-specific therapies.

Resistin levels and inflammatory and endothelial dysfunction markers in obese postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

Obesity-associated coronary heart disease (CHD) risk is higher in women than in men with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Resistin, an adipokine secreted by adispose tissue, may contribute to this higher risk.

AIMS

To explore the relationships among resistin levels and common inflammatory and endothelial dysfunction markers and CHD risk in obese post-menopausal T2DM women.

METHODS

Serum levels of resistin, hsCRP, IL-6, Soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule (sVCAM), homocysteine (tHcy), HOMA-IR and metabolic parameters were determined in a group of 132 T2DM women with and without documented CHD and in 55 non-diabetic women.

RESULTS

Resistin, sVCAM, IL-6 and tHcy levels were comparable in T2DM and controls. CHD women showed higher resistin, sVCAM and tHcy levels than those without CHD, and for resistin this difference remained significant after age-adjustment (P = 0.013); conversely hsCRP were ~ 2X higher in T2DM women than in controls (P = 0.0132) without any difference according to CHD history. At univariate analysis resistin levels were significantly associated with age, waist circumference, hypertension, tHcy, hsPCR, sVCAM, IL-6, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides and creatinine levels, but only creatinine, triglycerides, hsCRP, IL-6 and sVCAM were independently associated to resistin levels at stepwise regression analysis. Resistin levels were independently associated to CHD, increasing the risk by 1.15 times (0.986-1.344 95% CI), together with age, tHcy, LDL-C and hypertension.

CONCLUSIONS

Circulating resistin levels were comparable in obese/overweight T2DM and control women. In T2DM women, resistin levels correlated with markers of renal function, systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction and were independently associated with a higher CHD risk.

Exploring the causal roles of circulating remnant lipid profile on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases: Mendelian randomization study

Background

Causal evidence of circulating lipids especially the remnant cholesterol with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease (CVD) is lacking. This research aimed to explore the causal roles of extensive lipid traits especially the remnant lipids in CVD.

Methods

Two-sample Mendelian randomization (TSMR) analysis was performed based on large-scale meta-analysis datasets in European ancestry. The causal effect of 15 circulating lipid profiles including 6 conventional lipids and 9 remnant lipids on coronary heart disease (CHD) and ischemic stroke (IS), as well as the subtypes, was assessed.

Results

Apolipoprotein B (Apo B), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglyceride (TG) were still important risk factors for CHD and myocardial infarction (MI) but not for IS. Apo B is the strongest which increased the CHD and MI risk by 44% and 41%, respectively. The odds ratios (ORs) of total TG on CHD and MI were 1.25 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13–1.38) and 1.24 (95% CI, 1.11–1.38), respectively. A one standard deviation difference increased TG in medium very-low-density lipoproteins (M.VLDL.TG), TG in small VLDL (S.VLDL.TG), TG in very small VLDL (XS.VLDL.TG), TG in intermediate-density lipoproteins (IDL.TG), TG in very large HDL (XL.HDL.TG), and TG in small HDL (S.HDL.TG) particles also robustly increased the risk of CHD and MI by 9–28% and 9–27%, respectively. TG in very/extremely large VLDL (XXL.VLDL.TG and XL.VLDL.TG) were insignificant or even negatively associated with CHD (in multivariable TSMR), and negatively associated with IS as well.

Conclusion

The remnant lipids presented heterogeneity and two-sided effects for the risk of CHD and IS that may partially rely on the particle size. The findings suggested that the remnant lipids were required to be intervened according to specific components. This research confirms the importance of remnant lipids and provides causal evidence for potential targets for intervention.

Association of small, dense LDL-cholesterol concentration and lipoprotein particle characteristics with coronary heart disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to systematically collate and appraise the available evidence regarding the associations between small, dense low-density lipoprotein (sdLDL) and incident coronary heart disease (CHD), focusing on cholesterol concentration (sdLDL-C) and sdLDL particle characteristics (presence, density, and size).

BACKGROUND

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. Small, dense low-density lipoprotein (sdLDL) has been hypothesized to induce atherosclerosis and subsequent coronary heart disease (CHD). However, the etiological relevance of lipoprotein particle size (sdLDL) versus cholesterol content (sdLDL-C) remains unclear.

METHODS

PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and EMBASE were systematically searched for studies published before February 2020. CHD associations were based on quartile comparisons in eight studies of sdLDL-C and were based on binary categorization in fourteen studies of sdLDL particle size. Reported hazards ratios (HR) and odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were standardized and pooled using a random-effects meta-analysis model.

RESULTS

Data were collated from 21 studies with a total of 30,628 subjects and 5,693 incident CHD events. The average age was 67 years, and 53% were men. Higher sdLDL and sdLDL-C levels were both significantly associated with higher risk of CHD. The pooled estimate for the high vs. low categorization of sdLDL was 1.36 (95% CI: 1.21, 1.52) and 1.07 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.12) for comparing the top quartiles versus the bottom of sdLDL-C. Several studies suggested a dose response relationship.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings show a positive association between sdLDL or sdLDL-C levels and CHD, which is supported by an increasing body of genetic evidence in favor of its causality as an etiological risk factor. Thus, the results support sdLDL and sdLDL-C as a risk marker, but further research is required to establish sdLDL or sdLDL-C as a potential therapeutic marker for incident CHD risk reduction.

Low Serum Vitamin B12 Levels Are Associated with Adverse Lipid Profiles in Apparently Healthy Young Saudi Women

An abnormal lipid profile is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The relationship between vitamin B12 deficiency and lipid profile is inconclusive, with most studies conducted in unhealthy populations. In this study, we aimed to assess the relationship between serum vitamin B12 levels and lipid profiles in a cross-sectional study that included 341 apparently healthy Saudi women, aged 19-30 years, from different colleges at King Saud University, Saudi Arabia. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, biochemical, and lifestyle data were collected, including diet and physical activity. Serum vitamin B12 deficiency was defined as serum B12 level of <148 pmol/L. The prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency was approximately 0.6%. Using multivariable linear regression models, serum vitamin B12 levels were found to be inversely associated with total cholesterol (B = -0.26; p < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (B = -0.30; p < 0.001), and triglyceride (B = -0.16; p < 0.01) after adjusting for potential confounders, while obesity indices of body mass index, central obesity, and fat percentage showed no association. Therefore, we conclude that low serum vitamin B12 levels are independently associated with abnormal lipid profiles in healthy young Saudi women. Further interventional studies are needed to determine whether improving serum vitamin B12 levels in a healthy population can improve lipid profiles.

Increased monocyte to HDL cholesterol ratio in vitamin B12 deficiency: Is it related to cardiometabolic risk?

Vitamin B12 deficiency may have indirect cardiovascular effects in addition to hematological and neuropsychiatric symptoms. It was shown that the monocyte count-to-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio (MHR) is a novel cardiovascular marker. In this study, the aim was to evaluate whether MHR was high in patients with vitamin B12 deficiency and its relationship with cardiometabolic risk factors. The study included 128 patients diagnosed with vitamin B12 deficiency and 93 healthy controls. Patients with vitamin B12 deficiency had significantly higher systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), MHR, C-reactive protein (CRP) and uric acid levels compared with the controls (median 139 vs 115 mmHg, p < 0.001; 80 vs 70 mmHg, p < 0.001; 14.2 vs 9.5, p < 0.001; 10.2 vs 4 mg/dl p < 0.001; 6.68 vs 4.8 mg/dl, p < 0.001 respectively). The prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy was higher in vitamin B12 deficiency group (43.8%) than the control group (8.6%) (p < 0.001). In vitamin B12 deficiency group, a positive correlation was detected between MHR and SBP, CRP and uric acid (p < 0.001 r:0.34, p < 0.001 r:0.30, p < 0.001 r:0.5, respectively) and a significant negative correlation was detected between MHR and T-CHOL, LDL, HDL and B12 (p < 0.001 r: -0.39, p < 0.001 r: -0.34, p < 0.001 r: -0.57, p < 0.04 r: -0.17, respectively). MHR was high in vitamin B12 deficiency group, and correlated with the cardiometabolic risk factors in this group, which were SBP, CRP, uric acid and HDL. In conclusion, MRH, which can be easily calculated in clinical practice, can be a useful marker to assess cardiovascular risk in patients with vitamin B12 deficiency.

Atherogenic dyslipidemia and diabetic nephropathy

Chronic kidney disease is associated with altered lipid metabolism and lipid accumulation. Although it is though that hyperlipemia is a consequence of kidney dysfunction, several lines of evidence support that hyperlipidemia may contribute to the onset and progression of kidney disease, also in diabetes. This review describes the results of recent observational studies supporting the concept that glucose is only partly responsible for kidney damage onset, while a cluster of factors, including hypertriglyceridemia and low HDL-cholesterol, could play a relevant role in inducing onset and progression of DKD. We also report the results of randomized clinical trials investigating in type 2 diabetic patients the role of drug improvement of hypertriglyceridemia on renal outcomes. Finally, we discuss putative mechanisms linking hyperlipidemia (i.e. hypertriglyceridemia or low HDL cholesterol) with kidney disease.

Diabetic kidney disease in the elderly: prevalence and clinical correlates

BACKGROUND

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a major burden in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR+, < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) and albuminuria (Alb+) are essential for the diagnosis of DKD, but their association with clinical variables and quality of care may be influenced by ageing.

METHODS

Here we investigated the association of clinical variables and quality of care measures with eGFR+ and Alb+ in 157,595 T2DM individuals participating to the Italian Association of Clinical Diabetologists (AMD) Annals Initiative, stratified by age.

RESULTS

The prevalence of eGFR+ and Alb+ increased with ageing, although this increment was more pronounced for low eGFR. Irrespective of age, both the eGFR+ and Alb + groups had the worst risk factors profile when compared to subjects without renal disease, showing a higher prevalence of out-of target values of HbA1c, BMI, triglycerides, HDL-C, blood pressure and more complex cardiovascular (CVD) and anti-diabetic therapies, including a larger use of insulin In all age groups, these associations differed according to the specific renal outcome examined: male sex and smoking were positively associated with Alb+ and negatively with eGFR+; age and anti-hypertensive therapies were more strongly associated with eGFR+, glucose control with Alb+, whereas BMI, and lipid-related variables with both abnormalities. All these associations were attenuated in the older (> 75 years) as compared to the younger groups (< 65 years; 65-75 years), and they were confirmed by multivariate analysis. Notably, Q-score values < 15, indicating a low quality of care, were strongly associated with Alb+ (OR 8.54; P < 0.001), but not with eGFR+.

CONCLUSIONS

In T2DM patients, the prevalence of both eGFR and Albuminuria increase with age. DKD is associated with poor cardiovascular risk profile and a lower quality of care, although these associations are influenced by the type of renal abnormality and by ageing. These data indicate that clinical surveillance of DKD should not be unerestimated in old T2DM patients.

Impact of menopause and diabetes on atherogenic lipid profile: is it worth to analyse lipoprotein subfractions to assess cardiovascular risk in women?

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women at advanced age, who are affected a decade later compared to men. Cardiovascular risk factors in women are not properly investigated nor treated and events are frequently lethal. Both menopause and type 2 diabetes substantially increase cardiovascular risk in the female sex, promoting modifications on lipid metabolism and circulating lipoproteins. Lipoprotein subfractions suffer a shift after menopause towards a more atherogenic lipid profile, consisted of hypertriglyceridemia, lower levels of both total high density lipoprotein (HDL) and its subfraction HDL2, but also higher levels of HDL3 and small low-density lipoprotein particles. This review discusses the impact of diabetes and menopause to the lipid profile, challenges in lipoprotein subfractions determination and their potential contribution to the cardiovascular risk assessment in women. It is still unclear whether lipoprotein subfraction changes are a major driver of cardiometabolic risk and which modifications are predominant. Prospective trials with larger samples, methodological standardizations and pharmacological approaches are needed to clarify the role of lipoprotein subfractions determination on cardiovascular risk prediction and intervention planning in postmenopausal women, with or without DM.

Metformin Treatment and Homocysteine: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

The aim of this systematic review is to assess whether metformin could change the concentration of serum homocysteine (Hcy) with and without simultaneous supplementation of B-group vitamins or folic acid. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, EmBase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting the concentration of serum Hcy in metformin-treated adults. Meta-analysis was applied to assess the association between metformin and the changes of Hcy concentration. Twelve publications were included in this study. In the overall analysis, metformin administration was not statistically associated with the change of Hcy when compared with the control treatment (mean difference (MD), 0.40 μmol/L; 95% confidence interval (CI), -0.07~0.87 μmol/L, p = 0.10). In the subgroup analysis, metformin was significantly associated with an increased concentration of Hcy in the absence of exogenous supplementation of folic acid or B-group vitamins (MD, 2.02 μmol/L; 95% CI, 1.37~2.67 μmol/L, p < 0.00001), but with a decreased concentration of serum Hcy in the presence of these exogenous supplementations (MD, -0.74 μmol/L; 95% CI, -1.19~-0.30 μmol/L, p = 0.001). Therefore, although the overall effect of metformin on the concentration of serum Hcy was neutral, our results suggested that metformin could increase the concentration of Hcy when exogenous B-group vitamins or folic acid supplementation was not given.

Plasma Triglycerides and HDL-C Levels Predict the Development of Diabetic Kidney Disease in Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes: The AMD Annals Initiative

OBJECTIVE

Despite the achievement of blood glucose, blood pressure, and LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) targets, the risk for diabetic kidney disease (DKD) remains high among patients with type 2 diabetes. This observational retrospective study investigated whether diabetic dyslipidemia-that is, high triglyceride (TG) and/or low HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) levels-contributes to this high residual risk for DKD.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Among a total of 47,177 patients attending Italian diabetes centers, 15,362 patients with a baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m², normoalbuminuria, and LDL-C ≤130 mg/dL completing a 4-year follow-up were analyzed. The primary outcome was the incidence of DKD, defined as either low eGFR (<60 mL/min/1.73 m²) or an eGFR reduction >30% and/or albuminuria.

RESULTS

Overall, 12.8% developed low eGFR, 7.6% an eGFR reduction >30%, 23.2% albuminuria, and 4% albuminuria and either eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m² or an eGFR reduction >30%. TG ≥150 mg/dL increased the risk of low eGFR by 26%, of an eGFR reduction >30% by 29%, of albuminuria by 19%, and of developing one abnormality by 35%. HDL-C <40 mg/dL in men and <50 mg/dL in women were associated with a 27% higher risk of low eGFR and a 28% risk of an eGFR reduction >30%, with a 24% higher risk of developing albuminuria and a 44% risk of developing one abnormality. These associations remained significant when TG and HDL-C concentrations were examined as continuous variables and were only attenuated by multivariate adjustment for numerous confounders.

CONCLUSIONS

In a large population of outpatients with diabetes, low HDL-C and high TG levels were independent risk factors for the development of DKD over 4 years.

Association between Hyperhomocysteinemia and Thyroid Hormones in Euthyroid Diabetic Subjects

Objectives. The concept now emerging is that higher thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and lower thyroid hormone levels within the euthyroid range may adversely affect atherosclerosis. The present study aimed to investigate the potential associations between thyroid parameters and hyperhomocysteinaemia in a cohort of euthyroid diabetic subjects. Material and Methods. Two hundred and seventy-three euthyroid diabetic subjects (167 males and 106 females) were consecutively recruited in this cross-sectional study. Clinical and biomedical data was collected. Results. TSH level was higher in females than males. Compared to normal-homocysteine group, hyperhomocysteinaemia group was more likely to be elderly, males, with longer diabetes history, and with lower diastolic blood pressure. Free thyroxine (FT4) level was lower in hyperhomocysteinaemia group than in normal-homocysteine group; however, it was not statistically significant. Adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, duration of diabetes, blood pressure, fasting glucose, total cholesterol, and triglyceride in logistic regression analyses, hyperhomocysteinaemia was significantly correlated with FT4 (P = 0.021). No significant association was found with TSH or free triiodothyronine. When analyzed in subjects with TSH < 2.5 uIU/mL separately, we got similar results. Conclusions. In conclusion, we identified a relation between hyperhomocysteinemia and FT4 in a group of euthyroid diabetic patients.

Fracture Risk in Type 2 Diabetes: Current Perspectives and Gender Differences

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with an increased risk of osteoporotic fractures, resulting in disabilities and increased mortality. The pathophysiological mechanisms linking diabetes to osteoporosis have not been fully explained, but alterations in bone structure and quality are well described in diabetic subjects, likely due to a combination of different factors. Insulin deficiency and dysfunction, obesity and hyperinsulinemia, altered level of oestrogen, leptin, and adiponectin as well as diabetes-related complications, especially peripheral neuropathy, orthostatic hypotension, or reduced vision due to retinopathy may all be associated with an impairment in bone metabolism and with the increased risk of fractures. Finally, medications commonly used in the treatment of T2DM may have an impact on bone metabolism and on fracture risk, particularly in postmenopausal women. When considering the impact of hypoglycaemic drugs on bone, it is important to balance their potential direct effects on bone quality with the risk of falling-related fractures due to the associated hypoglycaemic risk. In this review, experimental and clinical evidence connecting bone metabolism and fracture risk to T2DM is discussed, with particular emphasis on hypoglycaemic treatments and gender-specific implications.

National lipid association recommendations for patient-centered management of dyslipidemia: part 1--full report

The leadership of the National Lipid Association convened an Expert Panel to develop a consensus set of recommendations for patient-centered management of dyslipidemia in clinical medicine. An Executive Summary of those recommendations was previously published. This document provides support for the recommendations outlined in the Executive Summary. The major conclusions include (1) an elevated level of cholesterol carried by circulating apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins (non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C], termed atherogenic cholesterol) is a root cause of atherosclerosis, the key underlying process contributing to most clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) events; (2) reducing elevated levels of atherogenic cholesterol will lower ASCVD risk in proportion to the extent that atherogenic cholesterol is reduced. This benefit is presumed to result from atherogenic cholesterol lowering through multiple modalities, including lifestyle and drug therapies; (3) the intensity of risk-reduction therapy should generally be adjusted to the patient's absolute risk for an ASCVD event; (4) atherosclerosis is a process that often begins early in life and progresses for decades before resulting a clinical ASCVD event. Therefore, both intermediate-term and long-term or lifetime risk should be considered when assessing the potential benefits and hazards of risk-reduction therapies; (5) for patients in whom lipid-lowering drug therapy is indicated, statin treatment is the primary modality for reducing ASCVD risk; (6) nonlipid ASCVD risk factors should also be managed appropriately, particularly high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, and diabetes mellitus; and (7) the measurement and monitoring of atherogenic cholesterol levels remain an important part of a comprehensive ASCVD prevention strategy.

Sex differences in cardiovascular mortality in diabetics and nondiabetic subjects: a population-based study (Italy)

The objective of this study is to assess the impact of diabetes on cardiovascular mortality, focusing on sex differences. The inhabitants of Reggio Emilia province on December 31, 2009, aged 20-84 were followed up for three years for mortality. The exposure was determined using Reggio Emilia diabetes register. The age-adjusted death rates were estimated as well as the incidence rate ratios using Poisson regression model. Interaction terms for diabetes and sex were tested by the Wald test. People with diabetes had an excess of mortality, compared with nondiabetic subjects (all cause: IRR = 1.68; 95%CI 1.60-1.78; CVD: IRR = 1.61; 95%CI 1.47-1.76; AMI: IRR = 1.59; 95%CI 1.27-1.99; renal causes: IRR = 1.71; 95%CI 1.22-2.38). The impact of diabetes is greater in females than males for all causes (P = 0.0321) and for CVD, IMA, and renal causes. Further studies are needed to investigate whether the difference in cardiovascular risk profile or in the quality of care delivered justifies the higher excess of mortality in females with diabetes compared to males.

Age- and Gender-Related Differences in LDL-Cholesterol Management in Outpatients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background. Dyslipidemia contribute to the excess of coronary heart disease (CHD) risk observed in women with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) is the major target for CHD prevention, and T2DM women seem to reach LDL-C targets less frequently than men. Aim. To explore age- and gender-related differences in LDL-C management in a large sample of outpatients with T2DM. Results. Overall, 415.294 patients (45.3% women) from 236 diabetes centers in Italy were included. Women were older and more obese, with longer diabetes duration, higher total-cholesterol, LDL-C, and HDL-C serum levels compared to men (P < 0.0001). Lipid profile was monitored in ~75% of subjects, women being monitored less frequently than men, irrespective of age. More women did not reach the LDL-C target as compared to men, particularly in the subgroup treated with lipid-lowering medications. The between-genders gap in reaching LDL-C targets increased with age and diabetes duration, favouring men in all groups. Conclusions. LDL-C management is worst in women with T2DM, who are monitored and reach targets less frequently than T2DM men. Similarly to men, they do not receive medications despite high LDL-C. These gender discrepancies increase with age and diabetes duration, exposing older women to higher CHD risk.

Vitamin B12 deficiency is associated with adverse lipid profile in Europeans and Indians with type 2 diabetes

Background

Metformin, a standard therapy in type 2 diabetes, reduces vitamin B12 levels. Studies linking low vitamin B12 levels and cardiovascular disease are equivocal and suggest improving B12 levels may help in primary prevention. The role of vitamin B12 deficiency on cardiovascular risk factors, especially in type 2 diabetes has not been explored. The aim of this study is to investigate whether vitamin B12 deficiency in type 2 diabetes patients is associated with cardiovascular risk factors in two different ethnic groups in UK and India.

Methods

Type 2 diabetes patients from two secondary care diabetic centres (Europeans - UK and Indians - India) were studied. Serum vitamin B12, folate and biochemical parameters were measured.

Results

The prevalence rates of vitamin B12 deficiency (<191 ng/L) were 27% and 12% in Europeans and Indians, respectively and higher in metformin treated type 2 diabetes patients. In linear regression analysis, after adjusting for all likely confounding factors, vitamin B12 independently associated with triglycerides in both the populations and cholesterol/HDL ratio in Indians. Logistic regression showed type 2 diabetes patients with vitamin B12 deficiency were at significantly higher odds of having coexisting coronary artery disease (CAD) in Europeans with similar but non-significant trend in Indians, after adjusting for all likely confounding factors.

Conclusions

The prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency is common in type 2 diabetes patients and is associated with adverse lipid parameters. Type 2 diabetes management guidelines should include the recommendation for regular testing for B12 levels, especially for those on metformin.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12933-014-0129-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.