Prevalence of Atherogenic Dyslipidemia in Spanish Hypertensive Patients and Its Relationship With Blood Pressure Control and Silent Organ Damage

Relationship between Atherogenic Dyslipidaemia and Lipid Triad with Different Scales of Overweight and Obesity in 418,343 Spanish Workers

Obesity induces alterations in lipid biochemistry, evolving toward dyslipidaemia atherogenesis, a critical factor in the development of cardiovascular events. Two relevant forms of lipid abnormalities are atherogenic dyslipidaemia (AD) and lipid triad (LT), which involve alterations in triglyceride levels, HDL-c, and LDL-c. The aim of this study was to assess the linkage of atherogenic AD and LT with different scales of overweight and obesity. We carried out a cross-sectional study including 418,343 Spanish adult workers, recruited from workplace health assessments. Atherogenic dyslipidaemia was defined as triglyceride levels ≥ 150 mg/dL, HDL values < 40 mg/dL in men and <45 mg/dL in women, and normal LDL. Additionally, if LDL levels were >160 mg/dL, LT was considered. Subjects affected by AD and LT in the study exhibited significantly higher mean values than those without AD and LT in all overweight, obesity, and body fat related scales studied. VAI (visceral adiposity index) was the strongest predictor of AD (AUC = 0.934, 95% CI: 0.933 to 0.936) and LT (AUC = 0.926, 95% CI: 0.923 to 0.928). Atherogenic dyslipidaemia and LT positively correlate with different scales of overweight and obesity. Further studies should aim to identify other contributory factors. Our obtained data might be useful in laying the groundwork for future works on AD and LT.

Myokines in Acromegaly: An Altered Irisin Profile

INTRODUCTION

The muscle is an endocrine organ controlling metabolic homeostasis. Irisin and myostatin are key myokines mediating this process. Acromegaly is a chronic disease with a wide spectrum of complications, including metabolic disturbances.

PURPOSE

To examine the influence of acromegaly on irisin and myostatin secretion and their contribution to metabolic profile and body composition.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In 43 patients with acromegaly and 60 controls, serum levels of irisin, myostatin, growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), parameters of glucose, and lipid metabolism were determined. Body composition was assessed with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry.

RESULTS

The irisin concentration was significantly lower in patients with acromegaly compared to controls (3.91 vs. 5.09 μg/ml, p = 0.006). There were no correlations between irisin and GH/IGF-1 levels. In the study group, irisin was negatively correlated with fasting insulin (r = -0.367; p = 0.042), HOMA-IR (r = -0.510; p = 0.011), and atherogenic factors: Castelli I (r = -0.416; p = 0.005), Castelli II (r = -0.400; p = 0.001), and atherogenic coefficient (AC) (r = -0.417; p = 0.05). Irisin and myostatin concentrations were also lower in acromegalics with insulin resistance than without (2.80 vs. 4.18 μg/ml, p = 0.047; 81.46 vs. 429.58 ng/L, p = 0.018, respectively). There were no differences between study group and controls in myostatin concentration. Myostatin levels negatively correlated with GH (r = -0.306; p = 0.049), HOMA-IR (r = -0.046; p = 0.411), and insulin levels (r = -0.429; p = 0.016).

CONCLUSIONS

Decreased irisin concentrations in acromegaly may suggest impaired hormonal muscle function contributing to metabolic complications in this disorder. However, learning more about the association between myostatin and GH in acromegaly requires further studies. Nevertheless, it appears that myostatin is not critical for muscle mass regulation in acromegaly.