Bariatric surgery: an IDF statement for obese Type 2 diabetes

A secondary analysis of indices of hepatic and beta cell function following 12 weeks of carbohydrate and energy restriction vs. free-living control in adults with type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND

Substantial weight loss in people living with type 2 diabetes (T2D) can reduce the need for glucose-lowering medications while concurrently lowering glycemia below the diagnostic threshold for the disease. Furthermore, weight-loss interventions have also been demonstrated to improve aspects of underlying T2D pathophysiology related to ectopic fat in the liver and pancreatic beta-cell function. As such, the purpose of this secondary analysis was to explore the extent to which a low-carbohydrate and energy-restricted (LCER) diet intervention improves markers of beta-cell stress/function, liver fat accumulation, and metabolic related liver function in people with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

We conducted secondary analyses of blood samples from a larger pragmatic community-based parallel-group randomized controlled trial involving a 12-week pharmacist implemented LCER diet (Pharm-TCR: <50 g carbohydrates; ~850-1100 kcal/day; n = 20) versus treatment-as-usual (TAU; n = 16). Participants were people with T2D, using ≥ 1 glucose-lowering medication, and a body mass index of ≥ 30 kg/m2. Main outcomes were C-peptide to proinsulin ratio, circulating microRNA 375 (miR375), homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) beta-cell function (B), fatty liver index (FLI), hepatic steatosis index (HSI), HOMA insulin resistance (IR), and circulating fetuin-A and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21). Data were analysed using linear regression with baseline as a covariate.

RESULTS

There was no observed change in miR375 (p = 0.42), C-peptide to proinsulin ratio (p = 0.17) or HOMA B (p = 0.15). FLI and HSI were reduced by -25.1 (p < 0.0001) and - 4.9 (p < 0.0001), respectively. HOMA IR was reduced by -46.5% (p = 0.011). FGF21 was reduced by -161.2pg/mL (p = 0.035) with a similar tendency found for fetuin-A (mean difference: -16.7ng/mL; p = 0.11). These improvements in markers of hepatic function were accompanied by reductions in circulating metabolites linked to hepatic insulin resistance (e.g., diacylglycerols, ceramides) in the Pharm TCR group.

CONCLUSIONS

The Pharm-TCR intervention did not improve fasting indices of beta-cell stress; however, markers of liver fat accumulation and and liver function were improved, suggesting that a LCER diet can improve some aspects of the underlying pathophysiology of T2D.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03181165).

The Effects of Preoperative Glycaemic Control (HbA1c) on Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Outcomes: Data from a Tertiary-Referral Bariatric Centre in the UK

BACKGROUND

Current recommendations advocate the achievement of an optimal glucose control (HbA1c < 69 mmol/mol) prior to elective surgery to reduce risks of peri- and post-operative complications, but the relevance for this glycaemic threshold prior to Bariatric Metabolic Surgery (BMS) following a specialist weight management programme remains unclear.

METHODS

We undertook a retrospective cohort study of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who underwent BMS over a 6-year period (2016-2022) at a regional tertiary referral following completion of a specialist multidisciplinary weight management. Post-operative outcomes of interest included 30-day mortality, readmission rates, need for Intensive Care Unit (ICU) care and hospital length of stay (LOS) and were assessed according to HbA1c cut-off values of < 69 (N = 202) and > 69 mmol/mol (N = 67) as well as a continuous variable.

RESULTS

A total of 269 patients with T2D were included in this study. Patients underwent primary Roux en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB, n = 136), Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG, n = 124), insertion of gastric band (n = 4) or one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB, n = 4). No significant differences in the rates of complications were observed between the two groups of pre-operative HbA1c cut-off values. No HbA1c threshold was observed for glycaemic control that would affect the peri- and post-operative complications following BMS.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed no associations between pre-operative HbA1C values and the risk of peri- and post-operative complications. In the context of a specialist multidisciplinary weight management programme, optimising pre-operative HbA1C to a recommended target value prior to BMS may not translate into reduced risks of peri- and post-operative complications.

Significant Promising Effects of Bariatric Surgery on the Biochemical Control of Glycemia and Lipidemia in Diabetic Patients in Western Saudi Arabia: A Tertiary Center Experience and a Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of obesity has increased globally and is associated with many comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes and fatty liver and cardiovascular diseases. Bariatric surgery is considered an effective intervention for achieving weight loss and controlling lipidemia and glycemia.

OBJECTIVES

This Saudi retrospective observational study evaluates the clinical and biochemical benefits following bariatric surgery to obese diabetic patients.  Methodology: After gaining ethical committee approval, data was collected from the patients' medical records at a tertiary medical center (King Fahad General Hospital, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia). The total sample size was 61 patients, of whom 78.33% (n=48) had a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or greater (obese class III).

RESULTS

Following bariatric surgery, there were statistically significant reductions (p<0.001) in BMI and HbA1C (decreased from 45.53±7.791 kg/m2 and 7.9±1.82% to 33.42±6.18 kg/m2 and 6.06±1.35%, respectively, after surgery). Likewise, significant reductions (p<0.001) occurred to serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides that decreased from 234.4±26.7 mg/dl, 152.2±19.4 mg/dl, and 187.3±24.6 mg/dl to 158.4±17.3 mg/dl, 95.6±15.7 mg/dl, and 132.5±19.5 mg/dl, respectively. Interestingly, serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) significantly increased (p<0.001) from 43.8±6.2 mg/dl to 52.3±4.6 mg/dl. Using the novel clinical therapeutic index, bariatric surgery decreased BMI by about 26.6%. Using the novel biochemical therapeutic index, bariatric surgery decreased HbA1C, serum total cholesterol, serum LDL cholesterol, and serum triglycerides by about 22.99%, 32.42%, 37.18%, and 29.26%, respectively, while serum HDL increased by about 19.4%.

CONCLUSION

Bariatric surgery is an effective intervention for obese diabetic patients resulting in weight loss, better control of diabetes and hyperlipidemia, and the metabolic profile. It is also recommended in Saudi Arabia for the high prevalence of obesity and diabetes mellitus.

Metabolic Surgery in Korea

Metabolic surgery (MS) is a surgery that focuses on improving obesity-related comorbidities. It is often referred to as "diabetic surgery" because of its focus on treating type 2 diabetes. MS is distinguished from bariatric surgery (BS), in which weight loss is the primary goal. However, from a broader perspective, all surgeries for obese patients with diabetes can be considered MS. In Korea, metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) has been covered by the national health insurance since 2019. Patients with a body mass index (BMI) ≥35 or those with a BMI ≥30 and obesity-related comorbidities were eligible for MBS. Simultaneously, MS for patients with BMI values between 27.5 and 30 was partly reimbursed. The two major metabolic surgeries are Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG). According to the registry of the Korean Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, 1,560 metabolic surgeries for obese patients with diabetes were performed between 2019 and 2021 in Korea, which was approximately 35.6% of all bariatric surgeries. SG was the most common, followed by RYGB and duodenal switch surgery. When dividing the patients with diabetes who underwent MBS into two groups, specifically those with BMI <35 and ≥35, we found that SG was performed most common procedure in both groups. However, there was a higher proportion of RYGB and duodenal switch operation in the former, indicating a difference in surgical methods between the two groups. MS is a promising tool for the management of poorly controlled diabetes. More data are needed to establish proper patient selection and choice of surgical type.

Trends and predictors of nutritional deficiencies after bariatric surgeries: analysis of real-world data

BACKGROUND

Bariatric surgery (BS) can lead to postoperative nutritional deficiencies (NDs) due to restrictive and malabsorptive mechanisms, but there is limited literature quantifying NDs' prevalence over time and their predictors among patients undergoing BS.

OBJECTIVE

To characterize time trends and predictors of postoperative NDs.

SETTING

This retrospective cohort study used the U.S. IBM MarketScan commercial claims database (2005-2019) to include adults who underwent BS with continuous enrollment.

METHODS

BS included Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), sleeve gastrectomy (SG), adjustable gastric band (AGB), and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch. NDs included protein malnutrition, deficiencies in vitamins D and B12, and anemia that may be related to NDs. Logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of NDs across BS types after adjusting for other patient factors.

RESULTS

Within 83,635 patients (mean age [SD], 44.5 [9.5] yr; 78% female patients), 38.7%, 32.9%, and 28% underwent RYGB, SG, and AGB, respectively. Age-adjusted prevalence of any NDs within 1, 2, and 3 years after BS ranged from 23%, 34%, and 42%, respectively (in 2006) to 44%, 54%, and 61%, respectively (in 2016). Relative to the AGB group, the adjusted OR of any 3-year postoperative NDs was 3.00 (95% CI, 2.89-3.11) for the RYGB group and 2.42 (95% CI, 2.33-2.51) for the SG group.

CONCLUSIONS

RYGB and SG were associated with 2.4- to 3.0-fold odds of developing 3-year postoperative NDs compared with AGB, independent of baseline ND status. Pre- and postoperative nutritional assessments are recommended for all patients undergoing BS to optimize postoperative outcomes.

Verification of Safety and Efficacy of Sleeve Gastrectomy Based on National Registry by Japanese Society for Treatment of Obesity

In Japan, bariatric surgical treatment was started in 1982. The Japanese Society for Treatment of Obesity (JSTO) was established in 2007, and then, JSTO started the national registry of bariatric surgery cases and multidisciplinary educational program. A total of 44 facilities registered 4055 bariatric surgical cases until 2021. In this study, the purpose is to clarify the indication, the safety and the effectiveness of the sleeve gastrectomy using national registry database compiled by JSTO. Preoperative BMI ranged from 27.6 to 90.7 kg/m², and the mean value was 42.7. With regard to gender, men/women was 1/1.3. Age was 42.2 as mean. As preoperative comorbidities, DM ratio was 54.4% of the patients, hypertension 64.5%, dyslipidemia 65.1%, and sleep apnea syndrome 69.8%. As an operation method, laparoscopic method was conducted in 99.7% of the cases. The intraoperative incidence rate was 0.9%. Conversion rate to open method was 1.1%. Postoperative morbidity ratio was 5.6%, and mortality was 0%. Reoperations were performed in 1.5% of the cases. Postoperative hospital stay was 5 days in median value. Body weight loss was 27.6 kg in the mean value after follow-up days of 279 ± 245. As the effect on the preoperative metabolic comorbidities, DM has improved in 82.9% of the cases, hypertension 67.9% and dyslipidemia 66.6%. In conclusion, using JSTO database, we evaluated the indication, postoperative complications and weight loss effect of sleeve gastrectomy in Japan. Regarding the evaluation of the effect on preoperative comorbidities, future follow-up based on more detailed criteria was considered to be necessary.

Sleeve gastrectomy on a patient with situs Inversus: A case report

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Bariatric surgery is one of the methods used to treat obesity. Performing Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG) on patients with Situs Inversus Totals (SIT) could be very challenging and has no standard protocol yet. The aim of this case report is to describe our experience in performing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in situs inversus patients. The article has been reported in line with the SCARE criteria.

CASE PRESENTATION

Our patient is a 33-year-old woman with a body mass index (BMI) of 45 kg/m2, known case of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and secondary infertility. She was admitted to the hospital for LSG for weight reduction surgery. Preoperative investigations showed that the patient had SIT. Subsequently, we successfully performed LSG on this patient without intraoperative or postoperative complications. The patient was discharged home two days post-operation and given a follow-up appointment after two weeks.

CASE DISCUSSION

Literature review states that SIT occurs once in 10,000 to 50,000 births. Therefore, it can serve as a challenge when performing any operation such as LSG.

CONCLUSION

A good understanding and a well-planned approach prior to any surgery will ease the performance of the procedure and lead to better outcomes for the patient post-operation.

Future of bariatric surgery beyond simple weight loss: Metabolic surgery

Anatomical modifications implemented during bariatric surgery not only result in weight loss, but also lead to metabolic corrections that translate into better glycemia stability and improvement in cardiovascular and liver disorders. The logical extension of surgical indications beyond mere reduction of the body mass index (BMI) (i.e. patients with<35kg/m2) is a hot topic today in France and worldwide. Metabolic surgeries make use of multiple modalities (endoscopic, mini-invasive, invasive) that should be carried out by trained physicians and within the same type of multidisciplinary formation as that for bariatric surgery. The aim of this update is to describe the physiological mechanisms that result in the benefits of bariatric surgery, the various procedures currently available and the perspectives for this new field in visceral and digestive surgery.

Preoperative endoscopy and pathology report of the specimen to be recommended in sleeve gastrectomy?

Objective

Preoperative upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGIE) and postoperative histopathological examination (HPE) of resected specimens are still controversial issues in bariatric surgery.

Methods

A retrospective review of prospectively collected laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomies (SG) performed at our institution for morbid obesity was carried out. All patients underwent pre-operative UGIE with biopsy, post-operative HPE and conventional post-operative follow-up.

Results

From January 2019 through January 2021 we performed a total of 501 laparoscopic SG. A total of 12 (2.4%) neoplasms were found, 2 evident at preoperative UGIE, 4 detected during operation, and 6 at HPE. Eight of these 12 cases had some malignant potential and 5 would not have been detected without HPE of the specimen. The most significant unexpected case was a fundic gland type adenocarcinoma in a 64-year-old female with severe obesity.

Conclusion

On the basis of our clinical experience, we recommend both preoperative endoscopic assessment and postoperative HPE of the specimen to provide the best available treatment to these patients.

Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes: Adiposopathy as a Triggering Factor and Therapeutic Options

Obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) are major public health concerns associated with serious morbidity and increased mortality. Both obesity and T2DM are strongly associated with adiposopathy, a term that describes the pathophysiological changes of the adipose tissue. In this review, we have highlighted adipose tissue dysfunction as a major factor in the etiology of these conditions since it promotes chronic inflammation, dysregulated glucose homeostasis, and impaired adipogenesis, leading to the accumulation of ectopic fat and insulin resistance. This dysfunctional state can be effectively ameliorated by the loss of at least 15% of body weight, that is correlated with better glycemic control, decreased likelihood of cardiometabolic disease, and an improvement in overall quality of life. Weight loss can be achieved through lifestyle modifications (healthy diet, regular physical activity) and pharmacotherapy. In this review, we summarized different effective management strategies to address weight loss, such as bariatric surgery and several classes of drugs, namely metformin, GLP-1 receptor agonists, amylin analogs, and SGLT2 inhibitors. These drugs act by targeting various mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of obesity and T2DM, and they have been shown to induce significant weight loss and improve glycemic control in obese individuals with T2DM.

Guf1 overexpression improves pancreatic β cell functions in type 2 diabetes mellitus rats with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery

The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is a one-of-a-kind treatment among contemporary bariatric surgical procedures, and its therapeutic effects for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are satisfactory. The present study performed isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) combined with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis identifying different proteomics between T2DM rats with or without Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery, and GTP binding elongation factor GUF1 (Guf1) was first found to be significantly upregulated in rats from the T2DM plus RYGB group. In the cellular lipotoxicity model induced by palmitic acid stimulation of rat pancreatic beta cell line, INS-1, palmitic acid treatment inhibited cell viability, suppressed GSIS, promoted lipid droplet formation, promoted cell apoptosis, and induced mitochondrial membrane potential loss. The effects of palmitic acid on INS-1 cells mentioned above could be partially eliminated by Guf1 overexpression but aggravated by Guf1 knockdown. Last, under palmitic acid treatment, Guf1 overexpression promotes the PI3K/Akt and NF-κB signaling but inhibits the AMPK activation. Guf1 is upregulated in T2DM rats who received RYGB, and Guf1 overexpression improves cell mitochondrial functions, increases cell proliferation, inhibits cell apoptosis, and promotes cell functions in palmitic acid-treated β cells.

Postoperative Osteoporosis in Subjects with Morbid Obesity Undergoing Bariatric Surgery with Gastric Bypass or Sleeve Gastrectomy

Obesity has become a worldwide epidemic accompanied by adverse health effects. The limited efficiency of traditional weight reduction regimens has led to a substantial increase in the use of bariatric surgery. Today, sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and Roux-en-Y-gastric bypass (RYGB) are the most used procedures. The present narrative review focuses on the risk of developing postoperative osteoporosis and summarizes some of the most relevant micronutrient deficiencies associated with RYGB and SG. Preoperatively, the dietary habits of obese individuals might lead to precipitated deficiencies in vitamin D and other nutrients affecting bone mineral metabolism. Bariatric surgery with SG or RYGB can aggravate these deficiencies. The various surgical procedures appear to affect nutrient absorption differently. Being purely restrictive, SG may particularly affect the absorption of vitamin B12 and also vitamin D. In contrast, RYGB has a more profound impact on the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and other nutrients, although both surgical methods induce only a mild protein deficiency. Despite adequate supplementation of calcium and vitamin D, osteoporosis may still occur after the surgery. This might be due to deficiencies in other micronutrients, e.g., vitamin K and zinc. Regular follow-ups with individual assessments and nutritional advice are indispensable to prevent osteoporosis and other adverse postoperative issues.

LY3437943, a novel triple glucagon, GIP, and GLP-1 receptor agonist for glycemic control and weight loss: From discovery to clinical proof of concept

With an increasing prevalence of obesity, there is a need for new therapies to improve body weight management and metabolic health. Multireceptor agonists in development may provide approaches to fulfill this unmet medical need. LY3437943 is a novel triple agonist peptide at the glucagon receptor (GCGR), glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR), and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R). In vitro, LY3437943 shows balanced GCGR and GLP-1R activity but more GIPR activity. In obese mice, administration of LY3437943 decreased body weight and improved glycemic control. Body weight loss was augmented by the addition of GCGR-mediated increases in energy expenditure to GIPR- and GLP-1R-driven calorie intake reduction. In a phase 1 single ascending dose study, LY3437943 showed a safety and tolerability profile similar to other incretins. Its pharmacokinetic profile supported once-weekly dosing, and a reduction in body weight persisted up to day 43 after a single dose. These findings warrant further clinical assessment of LY3437943.

Physical Exercise to Improve Functional Capacity: Randomized Clinical Trial in Bariatric Surgery Population

Background: Bariatric surgery is a safe and effective method to lose weight over time. However, some patients fail to achieve healthy weight losses. We aimed to determine if a moderate-intensity physical exercise intervention in patients who underwent bariatric surgery increases their functional capacity thus improving bariatric surgery results. Methods: We conducted a parallel-group non-blinded randomized controlled trial at a surgery clinic in Talca, Chile. A total of 43 participants with obesity and scheduled bariatric surgery completed the six months follow-up. A physical exercise program was conducted in exercise group participants one month after bariatric surgery. Walked distance in the six-minute walk test, BMI, Borg scale of perceptive exertion results and cardiovascular variables were evaluated. Results: Patients’ weight significantly decreased after bariatric surgery but there was no difference between the groups of study. The exercise group progressed from a base value of 550 ± 75 m walked in the six-minute walk test to a sixth-month value of 649.6 ± 68.5 m (p < 0.05), whilst the control group yielded base values of 554.4 ± 35.1 and a sixth-month walked distance of 591.1 ± 75.34 (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Physical exercise in obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery increased functional capacity independently of weight losses resulting from bariatric surgery.

Medication following bariatric surgery for type 2 diabetes mellitus (BY-PLUS) study: rationale and design of a randomised controlled study

INTRODUCTION

Bariatric surgery is an effective method of controlling glycaemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity. Long-term studies suggest that although glycaemic control remains good, only 20%-40% of patients will maintain remission according to the American Diabetes Association criteria.

PURPOSE

This trial aims to examine the safety and efficacy of combining Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy with goal-directed medical therapy to improve long-term glycaemic control of T2DM.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This prospective, open-label multicentre randomised controlled trial (RCT) will recruit 150 patients with obesity and T2DM from tertiary care obesity centres. Patients will be randomised 1:1 to receive either bariatric surgery and standard medical care or bariatric surgery and intensive goal-directed medical therapy, titrated to specific targets for glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), blood pressure (BP) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL) cholesterol. The primary endpoints are the proportion of patients in each arm with an HbA1c<6.5% (48 mmol/mol) at 1 year and the proportion of patients in each arm achieving the composite endpoint of HbA1c<6.5% (48 mmol/mol), BP<130/80 mm Hg and LDL<2.6 mmol/L at 5 years.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The local institutional review board approved this study. This study represents the first RCT to examine the safety and efficacy of combining bariatric surgery with intensive medical therapy compared with bariatric surgery and usual care for long-term diabetes control.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04432025.

Implications of Bariatric Surgery on the Pharmacokinetics of Antiretrovirals in People Living with HIV

Bariatric surgery is increasingly applied among people living with HIV to reduce obesity and the associated morbidity and mortality. In people living with HIV, sufficient antiretroviral exposure and activity should always be maintained to prevent development of resistance and disease progression. However, bariatric surgery procedures bring various gastrointestinal modifications including changes in gastric volume, and acidity, gastrointestinal emptying time, enterohepatic circulation and delayed entry of bile acids. These alterations may affect many aspects of antiretroviral pharmacokinetics. Some drug characteristics may result in subtherapeutic exposure and the potential related risk of treatment failure and resistance. Antiretrovirals that require low pH, administration of fatty meals, longer intestinal exposure, and an enterohepatic recirculation for their absorption may be most impacted by bariatric surgery procedures. Additionally, some antiretrovirals can interact with the polyvalent cations in supplements or drugs inhibiting gastric acid, thereby preventing their use as these comedications are commonly prescribed post-bariatric surgery. Predicting pharmacokinetics on the basis of drug characteristics solely proved to be challenging, therefore pharmacokinetic studies remain crucial in this population. Here, we discuss general implications of bariatric surgery on antiretroviral outcomes in people living with HIV as well as drug properties that are relevant for the choice of antiretroviral treatment in this special patient population. Additionally, we summarise studies that evaluated the pharmacokinetics of antiretrovirals post-bariatric surgery. Finally, we performed a comprehensive analysis of theoretical considerations and published pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data to provide recommendations on antiretrovirals for people living with HIV undergoing bariatric surgery.

Duodenal-Jejunal Bypass Liner for the management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to examine the clinical efficacy and safety of the duodenal-jejunal bypass liner (DJBL) while in situ for 12 months and for 12 months after explantation.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

This is the largest randomized controlled trial (RCT) of the DJBL, a medical device used for the treatment of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity. Endoscopic interventions have been developed as potential alternatives to those not eligible or fearful of the risks of metabolic surgery.

METHODS

In this multicenter open-label RCT, 170 adults with inadequately controlled T2DM and obesity were randomized to intensive medical care with or without the DJBL. Primary outcome was the percentage of participants achieving a glycated hemoglobin reduction of ≥20% at 12 months. Secondary outcomes included weight loss and cardiometabolic risk factors at 12 and 24 months.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in the percentage of patients achieving the primary outcome between both groups at 12 months [DJBL 54.6% (n = 30) vs control 55.2% (n = 32); odds ratio (OR) 0.93, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.44-2.0; P = 0.85]. Twenty-four percent (n = 16) patients achieved ≥15% weight loss in the DJBL group compared to 4% (n = 2) in the controls at 12 months (OR 8.3, 95% CI: 1.8-39; P = .007). The DJBL group experienced superior reductions in systolic blood pressure, serum cholesterol, and alanine transaminase at 12 months. There were more adverse events in the DJBL group.

CONCLUSIONS

The addition of the DJBL to intensive medical care was associated with superior weight loss, improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors, and fatty liver disease markers, but not glycemia, only while the device was in situ. The benefits of the devices need to be balanced against the higher rate of adverse events when making clinical decisions.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN30845205. isrctn.org; Efficacy and Mechanism Evaluation Programme, a Medical Research Council and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) partnership reference 12/10/04.

Dapagliflozin plus exenatide on patients with type 2 diabetes awaiting bariatric surgery in the DEXBASU study

The glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist family together with the renal sodium/glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors have garnered interest as potential therapeutic agents for subjects with type 2 diabetes and obesity. In these patients, bariatric surgery is indicated based in a BMI ≥ 35 kg/m². A 24-week non-blinded, randomized pilot study to assess the efficacy of subcutaneous exenatide 2.0 mg once weekly plus oral dapagliflozin 10 mg once daily (Group A) compared to a control group (Group B) in 56 patients with type 2 diabetes awaiting bariatric surgery was conducted (EudraCTid.: 2017-001,454-33). Both groups received an energy-deficit low-fat diet. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients running off the criteria for bariatric surgery at the end of the follow-up period (BMI ≤ 35.0 kg/m² or a BMI ≤ 40.0 kg/m² plus an HbA1c ≤ 6.0%). Changes in the BMI were also of interest. The proportion of patients who ran off the criteria for bariatric surgery was larger in Group A than in the control group (45.8% vs. 12.0%, p = 0.010). Participants in Group A exhibited an absolute decrease in body weight and BMI of 8.1 kg (95%IC: − 11.0 to − 5.2) and 3.3 kg/m² (95%IC: − 4.5 to − 2.2), respectively (p < 0.001 for both in comparison with Group B). A higher percentage of participants in Group A reached a BMI < 35 kg/m² (45.8 vs 12.0%) and lost > 10% of their initial body weight (20.8 vs 0%) compared to Group B. The combination of exenatide plus dapagliflozin appears as a strategic option to reduce the waiting list for bariatric surgery, especially in those patients with type 2 diabetes.

Effectiveness and Safety of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy for Weight Loss in Mild Obesity: Prospective Cohort Study with 3-Year Follow-up

PURPOSE

Patients with mild obesity especially in absence of associated medical problems (OAMP) are commonly managed by non-surgical approaches. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has proved itself to be effective and it is now the most performed weight loss procedure. We aimed to study the effectiveness and safety of LSG for weight loss in mild obesity.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study. Group A; BMI (30-34.9 kg/m²), and group B; BMI ≥ 40 or BMI ≥ 35 with OAMP. Demographic data, perioperative complications, % excess weight loss (EWL), % total weight loss (TWL), nutritional profile, and evolution of OAMP were recorded and statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 250 patients, with 80 patients (32%) in group A, and 170 (68%) in group B. The majority were female. The mean preoperative weight, BMI, and excess weight were 90.1 ± 9.52, 32.7 ± 1.4, and 21.5 ± 4.9 in group A, and 129.88 ± 26.12, 47.8 ± 8.2, and 62.3 ± 23.6 kg in group B respectively. The low BMI group had significantly lower OAMP, with higher pre-LSG non-surgical procedures rate. Overall post-operative morbidity rate was significantly higher in group B. %TWL was significantly lower in low BMI group. Nutritional profile was within the normal range in both groups at 3-year follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is a safe and effective weight loss solution for mild obesity with better outcome than for higher BMI. Further studies are warranted to reconsider NIH's statement for medicolegal aspects, and for matching the current changes in bariatric surgery practice, safety evidence, and patients' demand.

Spectrum of Phenotypes and Causes of Type 2 Diabetes in Children

Several factors, including genetics, family history, diet, physical activity, obesity, and insulin resistance in puberty, appear to increase the risk of type 2 diabetes in youth. Youth-onset type 2 diabetes is often thought of as a single entity but rather exists as a spectrum of disease with differences in presentation, metabolic characteristics, clinical progression, and complication rates. We review what is currently known regarding the risks associated with developing type 2 diabetes in youth. Additionally, we focus on the spectrum of phenotypes of pediatric type 2 diabetes, discuss the pathogenic underpinnings and potential therapeutic relevance of this heterogeneity, and compare youth-onset type 2 diabetes with type 1 diabetes and adult-onset type 2 diabetes. Finally, we highlight knowledge gaps in prediction and prevention of youth-onset type 2 diabetes.

Obesity management as a primary treatment goal for type 2 diabetes: time to reframe the conversation

Obesity is now recognised as a disease that is associated with serious morbidity and increased mortality. One of its main metabolic complications is type 2 diabetes, as the two conditions share key pathophysiological mechanisms. Weight loss is known to reverse the underlying metabolic abnormalities of type 2 diabetes and, as such, improve glucose control; loss of 15% or more of bodyweight can have a disease-modifying effect in people with type 2 diabetes, an outcome that is not attainable by any other glucose-lowering intervention. Furthermore, weight loss in this population exerts benefits that extend beyond glycaemic control to improve risk factors for cardiometabolic disease and quality of life. We review the evidence supporting the role of weight loss in the management of type 2 diabetes and propose that many patients with type 2 diabetes would benefit from having a primary weight-centric approach to diabetes treatment. We discuss the logistical challenges to implementing a new weight-centric primary treatment goal in people with type 2 diabetes.

Gastrointestinal Hormones and β-Cell Function After Gastric Bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial (Oseberg)

CONTEXT

Whether Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) differentially affect postprandial gastrointestinal hormones and β-cell function in type 2 diabetes remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to compare gastrointestinal hormones and β-cell function, assessed by an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) 5 weeks and 1 year after surgery, hypothesizing higher glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) levels and greater β-cell response to glucose after RYGB than after SG.

METHODS

This study was a randomized, triple-blind, single-center trial at a tertiary care center in Norway. The primary outcomes were diabetes remission and IVGTT-derived β-cell function. Participants with obesity and type 2 diabetes were allocated (1:1) to RYGB or SG. We measured gastrointestinal hormone profiles and insulin secretion as β-cell glucose sensitivity (β-GS) derived from 180-minute OGTTs.

RESULTS

Participants were 106 patients (67% women), mean (SD) age 48 (10) years. Diabetes remission rates at 1 year were higher after RYGB than after SG (77% vs 48%; P = 0.002). Incremental area under the curve (iAUC0-180) GLP-1 and β-GS increased more after RYGB than after SG, with 1-year between-group difference 1173 pmol/L*min (95% CI, 569-1776; P = 0.0010) and 0.45 pmol/kg/min/mmol (95% CI, 0.15-0.75; P = 0.0032), respectively. After surgery, fasting and postprandial ghrelin levels were higher and decremental AUC0-180 ghrelin, iAUC0-180 glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, and iAUC0-60 glucagon were greater after RYGB than after SG. Diabetes remission at 1 year was associated with higher β-GS and higher GLP-1 secretion.

CONCLUSION

RYGB was associated with greater improvement in β-cell function and higher postprandial GLP-1 levels than SG.

Diabetes Remission After Bariatric Surgery in Patients on Glucocorticoids: A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) remission after bariatric surgery has long been reported in the medical literature. Glucocorticoid use is associated with weight gain and could theoretically affect diabetes remission post bariatric surgery.

OBJECTIVES

The aim is to identify remission rates of DM2 among patients using glucocorticoids after bariatric surgery and assess long-term postsurgical follow-up.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed on patients who used glucocorticoids and underwent bariatric surgery at the Mayo Clinic between 2008 and 2020. Data were analyzed for 3-month, 6-month, 1-year, 2-year, and 5-year intervals for factors indicative of diabetes remission.

RESULTS

Within our retrospective search, we identified 92 patients who were on any immunosuppressant medication before surgery. Of those, 22 patients had a diagnosis of DM2 while 18 of them were concurrently on glucocorticoids. Diabetes remission occurred in 11 of the 18 DM2 patients (61.11%). There was a statistically significant negative correlation between diabetes remission and combination therapy with glucocorticoids and tacrolimus (P=0.016); patients with a longer duration of DM2 diagnosis (P=0.024), and patients who used insulin three months after the procedure (P=0.001). However, percent total weight loss and the number of preoperative oral DM2 medications were not associated with worse outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who use systemic glucocorticoids are able to achieve diabetes remission after bariatric surgery. Concurrent therapy with tacrolimus is associated with worse remission outcomes.

Energy-restricted interventions are effective for the remission of newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes: A systematic review of the evidence base

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a chronic, progressive disease. Caloric restriction and subsequent weight loss have been associated with both improvements and, in some cases, remission of T2D.

AIM

To systematically review the safety and effectiveness of calorie-restricted diets on weight change and the remission of T2D.

METHODS

Electronic databases were searched. Intervention trials including a calorie restriction, published between 2010 and 2020, evaluating the remission of T2D (HbA1c <6.5% without diabetes medication) were selected. Risk of bias was assessed.

RESULTS

Eight trials met inclusion criteria including four randomized controlled and four single-arm trials. Three controlled trials found greater remission in the calorie-restricted arm (p < 0.05). A recent diagnosis of diabetes was associated with higher remission rates (75%-80%) with an inverse association between duration of diabetes and rate of remission (r = -0.94). A higher level of remission was observed with greater calorie restriction in non-new diagnosis studies. Greater weight loss was associated with increasing rates of remission (r = 0.83). No reported adverse events led to withdrawal from trials. There was great heterogeneity in study design.

CONCLUSION

Remission rate of T2D achieved through calorie restriction is high and similar to that reported in the bariatric surgery literature. Remission should be the aim at diagnosis and calorie restriction could be used to achieve this. The target weight loss should be >10% body weight in people with obesity. More research is needed into the optimum level of calorie restriction and the support required for long-term remission. National guidelines should be updated to reflect recent evidence.

Meta-analysis of Long-Term Relapse Rate of Type 2 Diabetes Following Initial Remission After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

This study aims to determine the long-term relapse rate of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) following initial remission after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery. We searched studies in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. A total of 17 eligible studies were included for analysis. Meta-analysis suggested a pooled long-term relapse rate of 0.30 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.26–0.34) and a remission rate of 0.63 (95% CI, 0.55–0.72) after RYGB and a hazard ratio of 0.73 (95% CI, 0.66–0.81) for comparison of RYGB and sleeve gastrectomy (SG). Subgroup analyses established pooled results. This study suggested RYGB may be a preferred regime for obese patients with T2DM because it is associated with lower long-term relapse and relatively higher initial remission and was also superior to SG due to lower risk of recurrence.

Micronutrients deficiences in patients after bariatric surgery

Bariatric surgery is an effective option for managing obesity and has gained general acceptance among patients in recent years. Generally, despite the high caloric intake, a bad nutritional habit of obese people results in the deficiency of several vitamins, minerals, and trace elements essential for body metabolism and normal physiological processes. Additionally, the current bariatric surgical approaches such as sleeve gastrectomy (SG), Roux-en-Y-gastric bypass (RYGB), laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB), and jejunoileal bypass (JIB) can cause or exacerbate these deficiencies. Based on several reports, it appears that the various bariatric surgical procedures affect nutrient absorption differently. Being purely restrictive, LAGB and SG affect the absorption of iron, selenium, and vitamin B₁₂, while RYGB, JIB, and biliopancreatic diversion have a more profound impact on the absorption of essential vitamins, minerals, and trace elements. Nutritional deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, and trace elements may follow bariatric surgery and are associated with clinical manifestations and diseases, including anemia, ataxia, hair loss, and Wernicke encephalopathy. The present review summarizes some of the major vitamin and micronutrient deficiencies associated with bariatric surgery, particularly those presented post-surgically. To avoid any adverse consequences of vitamin and trace element deficiency, proper monitoring and tests are recommended at any stage, from pre- to post-surgery (periodical check-up), followed by specific and individual nutritional supplementation treatments and a proper healthy diet.

Revisional large gastric pouch with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for patients with type 2 diabetes and a body mass index less than 35 kg/m2: a cause and effect analysis

PURPOSE

To evaluate the long-term efficacy of large gastric pouch surgery and revisional surgery in patients with a body mass index (BMI) < 35 kg/m² and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy with a large gastric pouch in our hospital. The clinical pre- and post-surgery data, including BMI, waist circumference, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid metabolism-related indicators, homoeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and major complications, were recorded and analyzed.

RESULTS

Twenty-four patients were included in the analysis, 12 of whom underwent revisional surgery. At their 5-year-follow-up after the primary surgery, the BMI and waist circumference of the patients with T2DM were lower than their baseline values. The BMI, HbA1c, HOMA-IR, FPG and waist circumference also decreased after the revisional surgery. The rates of remission of diabetes after the primary vs. after the revisional surgery were 4.17% vs. 41.70%, respectively (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy with a large gastric pouch is not effective in the long term and, therefore, is unsuitable for Chinese patients with T2DM and a BMI < 35 kg/m². Conversely, revisional surgery has a definite effect on these patients.

Bariatric-Metabolic Surgery Utilisation in Patients With and Without Diabetes: Data from the IFSO Global Registry 2015-2018

BACKGROUND

Comparative international practice of patients undergoing bariatric-metabolic surgery for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is unknown. We aimed to ascertain baseline age, sex, body mass index (BMI) and types of operations performed for patients with T2DM submitted to the IFSO Global Registry.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cross-sectional analysis of patients having primary surgery in 2015-2018 for countries with ≥90% T2DM data completion and ≥ 1000 submitted records.

RESULTS

Fifteen countries including 11 national registries met the inclusion criteria. The rate of T2DM was 24.2% (99,537 of 411,581 patients, country range 12.0-55.1%) and 77.1% of all patients were women. In every country, patients with T2DM were older than those without T2DM (overall mean age 49.2 [SD 11.4] years vs 41.8 [11.9] years, all p < 0.001). Men were more likely to have T2DM than women, odds ratio (OR) 1.68 (95% CI 1.65-1.71), p < 0.001. Men showed higher rates of T2DM for BMI <35 kg/m2 compared to BMI ≥35.0 kg/m2, OR 2.76 (2.52-3.03), p < 0.001. This was not seen in women, OR 0.78 (0.73-0.83), p < 0.001. Sleeve gastrectomy was the commonest operation overall, but less frequent for patients with T2DM, patients with T2DM 54.9% vs without T2DM 65.8%, OR 0.63 (0.63-0.64), p < 0.001. Twelve out of 15 countries had higher proportions of gastric bypass compared to non-bypass operations for T2DM, OR 1.70 (1.67-1.72), p < 0.001.

CONCLUSION

Patients with T2DM had different characteristics to those without T2DM. Older men were more likely to have T2DM, with higher rates of BMI <35 kg/m2 and increased likelihood of food rerouting operations.

Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Among Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery

PURPOSE

The effect of altered subsphincteric gastric volume and pressure after bariatric surgery on laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) remains largely unknown. This was a cross-sectional pilot study conducted between January 2018 and January 2019 to identify changes in LPR symptoms and signs in bariatric surgery patients presurgery and postsurgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-four patients listed for bariatric surgery in a single tertiary referral center were recruited, where 31 (77.4% female, mean age 46.3 ± 8.9 years) fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Of the eligible patients, 54.8% and 45.2% underwent sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and gastric bypass (GB), respectively. LPR symptoms were assessed using the self-reported reflux symptom index (RSI). Video-recorded endolaryngeal signs were scored using the reflux finding score (RFS) by two blinded otolaryngologists. Patients' presurgical and 3-month postsurgical body mass index (BMI), RSI, and RFS were determined. Patients were deemed as having LPR when RSI > 13 or RFS > 7.

RESULTS

There was a significant correlation between the postsurgical RSI and RFS changes (Pearson's r = 0.474, p = 0.007). Of the 31 patients, 12.9% (RSI) and 6.4% (RFS) recovered from preexisting LPR, whereas 22.6% (RSI) and 3.2% (RFS) developed new de novo LPR postsurgery. The postsurgical mean RFS change improved significantly in the GB group compared with that of the SG group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

LPR is best assessed clinically using a multimodal approach (RSI and RFS). Bariatric surgery may worsen or lead to de novo LPR. Recognizing the LPR outcomes in these patients is paramount for optimal voice, speech, and swallowing functions.

The Importance of Intestinal Length in Triglyceride Metabolism and in Predicting the Outcomes of Comorbidities in Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass-a Narrative Review

In this narrative review, we will appraise if modification of the length of bypassed small intestine based on measured total small intestinal length could optimize the outcomes of the laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). We provide a summary of carefully selected studies to serve as examples and to draw tentative conclusions of the effects of LRYGB on remission of comorbidities. As the heterogeneity of the included studies varied in terms of outcomes, type of study, length of the bypassed small intestine, and the follow-up, a common endpoint could not be defined for this narrative article. To achieve efficient metabolic outcomes, it is important to carefully choose the small intestine length excluded from the food passage suited best to each individual patient.

Iron Deficiency in Obesity and after Bariatric Surgery

Iron deficiency (ID) is particularly frequent in obese patients due to increased circulating levels of acute-phase reactant hepcidin and adiposity-associated inflammation. Inflammation in obese subjects is closely related to ID. It induces reduced iron absorption correlated to the inhibition of duodenal ferroportin expression, parallel to the increased concentrations of hepcidin. Obese subjects often get decreased inflammatory response after bariatric surgery, accompanied by decreased serum hepcidin and therefore improved iron absorption. Bariatric surgery can induce the mitigation or resolution of obesity-associated complications, such as hypertension, insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus, and hyperlipidemia, adjusting many parameters in the metabolism. However, gastric bypass surgery and sleeve gastrectomy can induce malabsorption and may accentuate ID. The present review explores the burden and characteristics of ID and anemia in obese patients after bariatric surgery, accounting for gastric bypass technique (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass-RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG). After bariatric surgery, obese subjects' iron status should be monitored, and they should be motivated to use adequate and recommended iron supplementation.

Evaluating the Pharmacoeconomic Impact of Nutrient Supplementation Post-operatively on Patients Receiving Roux-Y Gastric Bypass vs. Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch

Background

Without the needed medical support, bariatric surgery can be associated with post-operative malnutrition and associated nutrient deficiencies. We aimed to evaluate the cost difference of perioperative infusion requirements and TPN between GBP and BPD-DS.

Methods

All patients undergoing GBP or BPD-DS procedures between August 2015 and June 2018 were included. Information was collected to standardize the nutritional information into two categories: (1) oral supplementation and standard intravenous infusions, as predicted costs forming part of preoperative quote and (2) infusions prescribed for malnutrition, based on blood biochemistry, caterized as unexpected costs.

Results

A total of 573 patients over 3 years (GBP 60%, BPD-DS 40%) were included in the analysis. The average predicted costs from oral supplementation for both surgery groups and prophylactic infusions for BPD-DS were GBP (46.90USD) vs. BPD-DS (154.13 USD) (p-value = NS). Unexpected costs for infusions to correct nutritional deficiencies were GBP (199.14 USD) vs. BPD-DS (127.29 USD) (p-value = NS). TPN incidence rate was GBP (2.1%) and BPD-DS (12.7%) (p-value < 0.001) and admission rate per patient was GBP (0.9) and BPD-DS (0.63) (p-value < 0.05). Costs for acquiring TPN were GBP (153.58 USD) vs. BPD-DS (268.76 USD). Total unexpected costs were GBP (352.72 USD) vs. BPD-DS (396.05 USD) (p-value = NS).

Conclusion

Nutrient deficiencies are known to occur within both GBP and BPD-DS surgeries, even up to 3 years. The admission rate/patient, requiring TPN, was higher in the GBP group, indicating that BPD-DS surgery can be efficient and cost-effective with holistic and multitherapeutic post-surgery care. BPD-DS procedures should be reserved for centers with a comprehensive and experienced multidisciplinary team enforcing stringent follow-up regimes.

Long-term outcomes of metabolic surgery in overweight and obese patients with type 2 diabetes in Asia

AIM

To assess the outcomes of metabolic surgery in overweight and obese patients in Asia with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The treatment outcomes of 1999 patients from the Asian Diabetes Surgery Summit database were analysed. The changes in treatment effects across time were assessed with respect to the surgical procedures performed by using generalized estimating equations.

RESULTS

The most commonly performed procedure was the single-anastomosis gastric bypass (32.6%). Weight (from 106.2 ± 25.1 to 77.9 ± 18.8 kg), body mass index (BMI; from 38.7 ± 7.9 to 28.5 ± 5.9 kg/m² ), blood sugar (from 9.3 ± 4.1 to 5.7 ± 1.8 mmol/L) and HbA1c (from 8.4% ± 1.8% to 6.0% ± 1.1%) significantly improved from baseline to 1 year (P < .001) and remained stable at 5 years (weight, 86.3 ± 23.3 kg; BMI, 31.7 ± 7.9 kg/m² ; blood sugar, 5.8 ± 1.8 mmol/L, and HbA1c, 6.4% ± 1.2%; all P < .001 vs. baseline). Blood pressure and most lipid disorders also improved significantly. Of the treatment procedures, single-anastomosis gastric bypass had the most satisfactory outcomes with statistical significance for most disorders, whereas adjustable gastric banding displayed the least satisfactory outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Metabolic surgery remarkably improved body weight, T2D and other metabolic disorders in Asian patients. However, the efficacy of individual procedures varied substantially.

Fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) and leptin receptor (LEPR) gene polymorphisms in Egyptian obese subjects

BACKGROUND

Several studies addressed the contribution of fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) and leptin receptor (LEPR) polymorphisms for the susceptibility to obesity among different ethnic subjects. The main purpose of this work is to evaluate the association of these polymorph\isms with obesity among Egyptian subjects.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

This case-control study was carried out on 110 unrelated obese Egyptian subjects who were compared with 122 controls. Their genomic DNA was genotyped using the PCR technique.

RESULTS

The allelic frequencies of FTO rs9939609 (A) and LEPR rs1137101 (223R) were significantly higher in obese subjects compared with non-obese controls (p < .001). Comparing different phenotype frequencies including clinical, anthropometric, and biochemical parameters in obese subjects revealed no significant difference in relation to their genotype frequencies (p> .05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study designates a strong association for FTO and LEPR variants with the risk of obesity among Egyptian subjects.

Metabolic Syndrome in Obese Children-Clinical Prevalence and Risk Factors

The prevalence of childhood obesity is increasing worldwide. Some obese children can go on to develop metabolic syndrome (MetS), but exactly who among them remains to be determined. The aim of this study was to indicate predisposing factors for metabolic syndrome, especially those that can be modified. The study comprised 591 obese children aged 10–12 years. They were all Caucasian residents of Gdańsk, Poland, with similar demographic backgrounds. Clinical examination, anthropometry, biometric impedance analysis, blood tests (including oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) and insulinemia), and dietary and physical activity evaluation were conducted. The results of our study show that the risk factors for MetS or any of its components include male sex, parental (especially paternal) obesity, low body mass at birth, as well as omitting breakfast or dinner. There are few risk factors for metabolic syndrome both in obese adults and children. Some of these predictors can be modified, especially those in relation to lifestyle. Identifying and then influencing these factors may help to reduce the development of metabolic syndrome and consequently improve health and quality of life.

Integrative analyses of biomarkers and pathways for adipose tissue after bariatric surgery

We explored potential biomarkers and molecular mechanisms regarding multiple benefits after bariatric surgery. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) for subcutaneous adipose tissue (AT) after bariatric surgery were identified by analyzing two expression profiles from the GEO. Subsequently, enrichment analysis, GSEA, PPI network, and gene-microRNAs and gene-TFs networks were interrogated to identify hub genes and associated pathways. Co-expressed DEGs included one that was up-regulated and 22 that were down-regulated genes. The enrichment analyses indicated that down-regulated DEGs were significantly involved in inflammatory responses. GSEA provided comprehensive evidence that most genes enriched in pro-inflammation pathways, while gene-sets after surgery enriched in metabolism. We identified nine hub genes in the PPI network, most of which were validated as highly expressed and hypomethylated in obesity by Attie Lab Diabetes and DiseaseMeth databases, respectively. DGIdb was also applied to predict potential therapeutic agents that might reverse abnormally high hub gene expression. Bariatric surgery induces a significant shift from an obese pro-inflammatory state to an anti-inflammatory state, with improvement in adipocyte metabolic function – representing key mechanisms whereby AT function improves after bariatric surgery. Our study deepens a mechanistic understanding of the benefits of bariatric surgery and provides potential biomarkers or treatment targets for further research.

The effect of a duodenal-jejunal bypass liner on lipid profile and blood concentrations of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Duodenal-jejunal bypass liners (DJBLs) prevent absorption in the proximal small intestine, the site of fatty acid absorption. We sought to investigate the effects of a DJBL on blood concentrations of essential fatty acids (EFAs) and bioactive polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs).

METHODS

Sub-study of a multicentre, randomised, controlled trial with two treatment groups. Patients aged 18-65 years with type-2 diabetes mellitus and body mass index 30-50 kg/m² were randomised to receive a DJBL for 12 months or best medical therapy, diet and exercise. Whole plasma PUFA concentrations were determined at baseline, 10 days, 6 and 11.5 months; data were available for n = 70 patients per group.

RESULTS

Weight loss was significantly greater in the DJBL group compared to controls after 11.5 months: total body weight loss 11.3 ± 5.3% versus 6.0 ± 5.7% (mean difference [95% CI] = 5.27% [3.75, 6.80], p < 0.001). Absolute concentrations of both EFAs, linoleic acid and α-linolenic acid, and their bioactive derivatives, arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, were significantly lower in the DJBL group than in the control group at 6 and 11.5 months follow-up. Total serum cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol were also significantly lower in the DJBL group.

CONCLUSION

One year of DJBL therapy is associated with superior weight loss and greater reductions in total serum cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol, but also depletion of EFAs and their longer chain derivatives. DJBL therapy may need to be offset by maintaining an adequate dietary intake of PUFAs or by supplementation.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT02459561.

Association of Apolipoprotein E gene polymorphism with the risk of T2DM and obesity among Egyptian subjects

BACKGROUND

Numerous reports investigated the involvement of apolipoprotein E (APOE) polymorphisms with elevated risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity. The principal objective of this study is to assess the contribution of APOE polymorphisms (rs429358 and rs7412) with the risk of T2DM and obesity.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

This work was designed involving 400 participants [100 healthy controls, 100 T2DM patients, 100 obese patients, and 100 T2DM + obese patients]. Genomic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of the APOE polymorphisms was characterized using the PCR-RFLP assay.

RESULTS

The common predominant genotype of the study population is the APOE Ɛ3/Ɛ3 [T2DM patients (46%), obese patients (52%), T2DM + obese patients (37%), and healthy controls (58%)]. The frequencies of the APOE Ɛ4/Ɛ4 genotype and the APOE*Ɛ4 allele were significantly elevated among T2DM patients (p-value < 0.05). Additionally, the frequencies of the APOE Ɛ2/Ɛ2 genotype and the APOE*Ɛ2 allele were significantly increased among obese patients (p-value < 0.05). Moreover, the frequencies of the APOE Ɛ2/Ɛ2 genotype, APOE*Ɛ2 allele, APOE Ɛ4/Ɛ4 genotype, and APOE*Ɛ4 allele were statistically significant among T2DM + obese patients (p-value < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

APOE*Ɛ2 and APOE*Ɛ4 alleles were considered as independent risk factor among T2DM + obese patients. Furthermore, the APOE*Ɛ2 allele was correlated with elevated risk of obesity, while the APOE*Ɛ4 allele was correlated with elevated risk of T2DM.

Impact of bariatric surgery on type 2 diabetes in morbidly obese patients and its correlation with pre-operative prediction scores

Background

Bariatric surgery, besides causing significant weight reduction, leads to improvement in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, there is a scarcity of data on the prediction of diabetes resolution in non-Western population.

Objective

To evaluate the impact of bariatric surgery on T2DM and to assess the accuracy of pre-operative scoring systems in predicting remission.

Study Setting

A tertiary care academic centre, India.

Methodology

We used a retrospective cohort of all diabetic patients (n = 244) who underwent bariatric surgery at our centre in the past 10 years. The cohort was followed up for diabetes remission, and pre-operative scoring systems were analysed against the observed results.

Results

Of 244 patients, we were able to contact 156 patients. The median period of follow-up was 38 months. The mean body mass index (BMI) of the study group decreased from 45.4 to 33.4 kg/m² (%excess BMI loss = 61.2%). The number of patients dependent on oral anti-diabetic pharmacotherapy and on insulin decreased from 133 (85.3%) to 40 (25.6%) and from 31 (19.9%) to 7 (4.5%), respectively. Remission was analysed for 96 patients, who submitted complete biochemical investigations. The median follow-up period for this sub-cohort was 36 months. 38 (39.6%) patients were in complete remission, 15 (15.6%) patients in partial remission and 34 (38.5%) patients showed an improved glycaemic control. The three pre-operative scores, Advanced-DiaRem, DiaRem and ABCD, showed predictive accuracies of 81.1%, 75.6% and 77.8%, respectively.

Conclusions

Besides leading to excess BMI loss of 61.2%, bariatric surgery also resulted in diabetes remission in 55.2% of the patients. Amongst various pre-operative scores, Advanced-DiaRem has the highest predictive accuracy for T2DM remission.

Effect of Bariatric Surgery on Cardiovascular Function and Heart Failure Outcomes

In this article, we explore the influence of obesity on cardiovascular health and the role of bariatric surgery in reducing cardiovascular comorbidities, preventing the onset of heart failure and improving mortality and quality of life in those with cardiac dysfunction. We highlight the mechanisms by which obesity leads to cardiovascular remodeling, diastolic dysfunction, and eventual heart failure. These mechanisms include systemic inflammation, local lipotoxicity by way of ectopic fat deposition, and hemodynamic alterations that have significant effects on cardiac structure and function. Bariatric surgery has been shown to reverse these mechanisms, thereby leading to the reversal of adverse cardiac remodeling, improved diastolic function, and in some cases, improved systolic function in patients with systolic heart failure. Most importantly, bariatric surgery leads to significant improvements in cardiovascular outcomes, including the risks of myocardial infarction and stroke, heart failure incidence, and mortality. In patients with heart failure, bariatric surgery has been shown to decrease heart failure exacerbations and admissions and improve quality of life. Furthermore, in advanced heart failure patients, including those requiring mechanical circulatory support, bariatric surgery has been successfully and safely used for weight loss, as a bridge to cardiac transplantation. Therefore, bariatric surgery should be considered as a treatment for conditions ranging from subclinical cardiac dysfunction to symptomatic, advanced heart failure.

Time-Restricted Feeding and Potential for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Narrative Review

Intermittent fasting (IF) is an increasingly popular strategy for weight loss and improved metabolic health. IF regimes involve deliberate implementation of fasting windows ranging from 12 to 72 hours. During these fasting windows, individuals reduce their caloric intake by 75% to 100%. Such strategies show promise and are increasingly socially popular, but many effects are not completely understood. Specifically, the effects of time-restricted feeding (TRF), a specific form of IF in which participants undergo daily fasting periods lasting about 16 hours, is among the most popular yet under-studied regimens. This review finds that TRF may produce mild weight loss and improved function of insulin. TRF also likely produces cardiovascular effects, such as decreased blood pressure and fasting blood triglycerides. TRF, like other forms of IF, may encourage fat loss specifically when combined with exercise. The manuscripts identified in this narrative literature review were analyzed for the potential benefit for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and limitations of summarized content were noted. While these studies support some suspected benefits of TRF, they also legitimize the need for future TRF studies, since conclusions are greatly limited by a paucity of evidence.

Impact of Metabolic Surgery on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Cardiovascular Risk Factors, and Mortality: A Review

BACKGROUND

The association between obesity and a reduction in life expectancy is well established, and cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of mortality. Bariatric surgery has long been established as the most effective and durable intervention for obesity, and is the only intervention for obesity that consistently improves multiple comorbidities, reduces cardiovascular disease and long-term mortality. The purpose of this review is to describe the impact of metabolic/bariatric surgery on type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiometabolic parameters, including cardiovascular mortality.

METHODS

A systematic literature search of Pubmed, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Central Register was performed. We included randomized controlled trials, meta-analysis, case-control trials, and cohort studies that contain data on reductions in cardiovascular risk factors and cardiovascular mortality in subjects who underwent metabolic/bariatric surgery from January 1, 2005 to June 1, 2020.

CONCLUSION

There is sufficient evidence from randomized controlled trials that metabolic/bariatric surgery is associated with a significant improvement of all cardiovascular risk factors. Although studies are showing a reduction of macrovascular events and cardiovascular mortality, these findings come from observational studies and should be confirmed in randomized clinical trials.

Novel Insights into the Pathogenesis and Management of the Metabolic Syndrome

The metabolic syndrome, by definition, is not a disease but is a clustering of individual metabolic risk factors including abdominal obesity, hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hypertension, and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. These risk factors could dramatically increase the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The reported prevalence of the metabolic syndrome varies, greatly depending on the definition used, gender, age, socioeconomic status, and the ethnic background of study cohorts. Clinical and epidemiological studies have clearly demonstrated that the metabolic syndrome starts with central obesity. Because the prevalence of obesity has doubly increased worldwide over the past 30 years, the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome has markedly boosted in parallel. Therefore, obesity has been recognized as the leading cause for the metabolic syndrome since it is strongly associated with all metabolic risk factors. High prevalence of the metabolic syndrome is not unique to the USA and Europe and it is also increasing in most Asian countries. Insulin resistance has elucidated most, if not all, of the pathophysiology of the metabolic syndrome because it contributes to hyperglycemia. Furthermore, a major contributor to the development of insulin resistance is an overabundance of circulating fatty acids. Plasma fatty acids are derived mainly from the triglycerides stored in adipose tissues, which are released through the action of the cyclic AMP-dependent enzyme, hormone sensitive lipase. This review summarizes the latest concepts in the definition, pathogenesis, pathophysiology, and diagnosis of the metabolic syndrome, as well as its preventive measures and therapeutic strategies in children and adolescents.

Follow-up after bariatric surgery: A review

Bariatric surgery is becoming increasingly popular in the treatment of severely obese patients who failed to lose weight with the help of non-surgical interventions. Such patients are at increased risk for premature death, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, gallstones, coronary heart disease, dyslipidemia, some cancers, anxiety, depression, and degenerative joint disorders. Although bariatric surgery appears to be the most effective and durable treatment option for obesity, it is associated with a number of surgical and medical complications. These include a range of conditions, of which dumping syndrome and malnutrition due to malabsorption of vitamins and minerals are the most common. To achieve better surgery outcomes, a number of postsurgical strategies must be considered. The aim of this review was to describe possible complications, ailments, and important moments in the follow-up after bariatric surgery. Adequate lifelong monitoring is crucial for the achievement of long-lasting goals and reduction of post-bariatric complications.