Atherogenic index of plasma is associated with the severity of Hidradenitis Suppurativa: a case-control study

[Hidradenitis suppurativa]

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic and debilitating inflammatory disease derived from the pilosebaceous unit, that affects approximately 1% of the general population. Clinically, it is characterized by inflammatory nodules, abscesses, and tunnels in the intertriginous areas of the body, especially in the axillary, inguinal, and anogenital regions. The etiopathogenesis of HS is not completely understood, although it is considered to be multifactorial, and the result of a complex interaction between genetic, hormonal, environmental, and immunological factors. In this sense, several proinflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-L-1β, and IL-17, among others, appear to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of the disease. Currently, HS is recognized as a systemic disease associated with numerous comorbidities, including cardiovascular, immune-mediated, and endocrine-metabolic diseases. The treatment of HS must be carried out with an individualized and patient-oriented approach, considering medical and surgical treatment modalities.

Diabetes Mellitus Mediates the Relationship Between Atherogenic Index of Plasma and Gallstones: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Purpose

Previous studies have shown a correlation between diabetes mellitus and gallstone formation. The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) is associated with many metabolic diseases. However, insufficient evidence still exists to elucidate the association between AIP and gallstones. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the correlation between AIP and gallstones in US adults, and the secondary objective was to analyze whether diabetes plays a mediating role in the association.

Patients and Methods

Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHANES) conducted between 2017 and March 2020, this study investigated the association between AIP and gallstone incidence in US adults. A variety of statistical methods were used to analyze the data in this study, including multivariate logistic regression, subgroup analyses, restricted cubic spline curves (RCS), and mediation effects analysis. In addition, two-stage linear regression was used to detect possible threshold and saturation effects.

Results

A total of 6952 subjects were enrolled in the trial, of which 748 patients were diagnosed with gallstones. A significant positive association between AIP and gallstones was observed by fully adjusted multivariate logistic regression analysis, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.45 and a 95% confidence interval (CI) of (1.09, 1.93). In addition, a non-linear positive association and saturation effect between AIP and gallstones were found, with an inflection point of 0.2246. Mediation analysis showed that diabetes had a mediating effect of 16.9% in the association between AIP and gallstones.

Conclusion

This study suggests that elevated levels of AIP are linked to an augmented vulnerability to gallstone development, with diabetes serving as a mediating factor. These findings present a novel perspective on clinical approaches to prevent and manage gallstones.

Lipid Alterations and Metabolism Disturbances in Selected Inflammatory Skin Diseases

Lipidomics is a term used to define the field that analyzes the structure, functions, and interactions of lipids. Inflammatory dermatoses and lipid disturbances are interrelated, especially due to chronic inflammatory conditions. This review discusses lipidomics in selected inflammatory skin diseases: psoriasis, lichen planus, and atopic dermatitis, as well as the less commonly mentioned hidradenitis suppurativa, rosacea, and acne vulgaris. Lipid homeostasis disorders are common; they are especially well-documented in psoriasis, lichen planus, and atopic dermatitis. Future studies are required for better insight into this issue, particularly on the skin lipidome. Understanding lipidomics, in particular skin diseases, increases our knowledge about their pathogenesis, and may become useful in adjusting tailored management for each patient as well establishing prognosis. Noteworthily, it seems advisable to alert doctors to the need to analyze lipid parameters and the complications of abnormal lipid metabolism in dermatological patients, which could decrease their comorbidities and improve the life quality and health condition of dermatological patients.

Atherogenic index of plasma and coronary artery disease: A systematic review

Various studies suggest that the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) is associated with the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) in different clinical scenarios. This review aimed to synthesize evidence of the association between AIP values and CAD. A literature search was carried out on four databases, namely, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Ovid-Medline. A handsearch was performed on preprint repositories (MedRxiv and Research Square). The effect measurements were expressed as odds ratios (OR) with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). For the quantitative synthesis, we employed a random-effects model. We analyzed 14 articles (with 40,902 participants) from seven different countries. The quantitative analysis revealed that an increase in one unit of AIP was associated with higher odds of developing CAD (OR 2.11; 95% CI 1.65-2.69; P < 0.001; I ² = 98%). We conducted subgroup analyses of Chinese (OR 1.89; 95% CI 1.40-2.56; P < 0.001) and non-Chinese studies (OR 2.51; 95% CI 1.42-4.42; P < 0.001). The sensitivity analysis by risk of bias continued to demonstrate an association, and the heterogeneity remained unchanged (OR 1.75; 95% CI 1.33-2.31; P < 0.001; I ² = 98%). Higher AIP values were associated with higher odds of developing CAD.

Atherogenic Index of Plasma and Anthropometric Measurements among Osteoporotic Postmenopausal Sudanese Women: Possible Risk for Cardiovascular Disease

Introduction

Data examining the health of menopausal women and the prevalence of osteoporosis remain to be limited in Africa, especially in sub-Saharan countries. Thus, in this current study, we aimed to assess the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and anthropometric measurements of osteoporotic postmenopausal women and determine their risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Methods

This is a cross-sectional, community-based study. Postmenopausal women (n = 300), aged ≥45 years, were recruited from Khartoum state, Sudan. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to assess bone density. Weight, height, and waist circumference were measured twice. Fasting blood samples (5 ml) were collected to determine total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). AIP was calculated as an indicator of CVD risk.

Results

The mean age of the postmenopausal women was 61.6 ± 10.2 years (range 47–90 years). Women (n = 80) had the normal T-score, and an equal number had osteoporosis (n = 110) and osteopenia (n = 110). The prevalence of osteoporosis was 36.7%. Many postmenopausal women with normal T-scores suffered from general (71.2%) and central (94%) obesity. Postmenopausal women had high TC (24.4%), TG (25.6%), LDL-C (13.7%), and low HDL-C (76.0%) levels. Osteoporotic women (36.4%) were found to have a medium to high risk of CVD as determined by AIP. Women with normal T-scores had a higher number of CVD risk factors. A positive correlation was noted between AIP and TC among osteopenic (r = 0.292; P=0.002) and osteoporotic women (r = 0.265; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Osteoporosis was prevalent among Sudanese postmenopausal women who also had an increased risk for CVD. Public health education about osteoporosis and CVD risk is thus recommended.

Metabolic syndrome and hidradenitis suppurativa: epidemiological, molecular, and therapeutic aspects

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, suppurative condition of the pilosebaceous unit. Patients suffering from HS demonstrate a molecular profile in keeping with a state of systemic inflammation and are often found to fit the criteria for a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome (MetS). In this paper, we review the literature with regards to established data on the prevalence of MetS in HS patients and revise the odds ratio of comorbid disease. Furthermore, we attempt to draw parallels between inflammatory pathways in HS and MetS and evaluate how convergences may explain the risk of comorbid disease, necessitating the need for multidisciplinary care.

The atherogenic index of plasma is related to a degraded bone microarchitecture assessed by the trabecular bone score in postmenopausal women: The Camargo Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the association between the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and the trabecular bone score (TBS) in postmenopausal women. Furthermore, to analyze its relationship with bone mineral density (BMD), and serum concentrations of 25OHD, PTH, and bone turnover markers.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study nested in a population-based cohort of 1,367 postmenopausal women aged 44-94 years. Participants were classified according to TBS values (<1.230, between 1.230-1.310 and >1.310) and regarding a widely accepted cut-off point of ≥0.11 for AIP. We analyzed TBS, BMD, serum levels of 25OHD, PTH, P1NP, CTX, and clinical covariates. A multivariate analysis was performed to assess the adjusted association between AIP and TBS.

RESULTS

The mean age of participants was 63±10 years. Women with TBS values <1.230 were older, had greater BMI, greater prevalence of fractures after the age of 40 years, more years since menopause, higher values of AIP, and significantly lower levels of HDL-C, serum phosphate, and 25OHD. AIP values ≥0.11 were not associated with the presence of densitometric osteoporosis (OR=0.83, 95%CI 0.58-1.18; p = 0.30) but, in multivariate analysis, AIP values ≥0.11 were related to a degraded microarchitecture after controlling for age, BMI, smoking, diabetes status, ischemic heart disease, statin use, GFR, a fragility fracture at over 40 years of age and lumbar osteoporosis by DXA, with an adjusted OR=1.61 (95%CI 1.06-2.46; p = 0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

AIP is significantly and independently associated with a degraded bone microarchitecture as measured by TBS. In this sense, AIP might be a useful tool in the overall assessment of bone metabolism in postmenopausal women.