Ready-to-Use Multichamber Bags in Home Parenteral Nutrition for Patients with Advanced Cancer: A Single-Center Prospective Study

Home parenteral nutrition (HPN) is increasingly prescribed for patients with advanced cancer. This therapy improves free-fat mass, quality of life and survival, but it is not free from complications, especially catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs). The use of commercial multichamber bags in HPN has not been extensively explored in oncologic patients and their association with complications is not well known. In this prospective cohort study, we included 130 patients with advanced cancer and HPN. We compared the effects of individual compounded bags (n = 87) vs. commercial multichamber bags (n = 43) on complications. There were no differences in any complication, including thrombosis (p > 0.05). There were 0.28 episodes of CRBSI per 1000 catheter days in the individual compounded bag group and 0.21 in the multichamber bag group (p > 0.05). A total of 34 patients were weaned off HPN, 22 with individual bags and 12 with multichamber bags (p = 0.749). Regarding survival when on HPN, the group with individual bags showed a median of 98 days (95% CI of 49-147), whereas those with multichamber bags showed a median of 88 days (95% CI of 43-133 (p = 0.913)). In conclusion, commercial multichamber bags for HPN in patients with advanced cancer are non-inferior when compared to individual compounded bags in terms of complications.

The Beneficial Changes on Inflammatory and Endothelial Biomarkers Induced by Metabolic Surgery Decreases the Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Men

Obesity increases cardiovascular risk in men through several mechanisms. Among them, low-grade chronic inflammation and obesity-associated hypogonadism have been described. We aimed to study the effects of metabolic surgery on the carotid-intima media thickness through changes in inflammatory, endothelial biomarkers, and testosterone. We included 60 men; 20 submitted to laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), 20 to sleeve gastrectomy (SG), and 20 to lifestyle modification (controls). Several inflammatory and endothelial biomarkers and total testosterone (TT) were measured at baseline and six months after surgery. Free testosterone (FT) was calculated, and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) was measured by ultrasonography. Compared to controls, cIMT decreased after surgery concomitantly with CRP, PAI-1, sICAM-1, and IL-18 (p < 0.01) and with an increase in sTWEAK (p = 0.027), with no differences between RYGB and SG. The increase in TT and FT after surgery correlated with the changes in cIMT (p = 0.010 and p = 0.038, respectively), but this association disappeared after multivariate analysis. Linear regression showed that sTWEAK (ß = -0.245, p = 0.039), PAI-1 (ß = 0.346, p = 0.005), and CRP (ß = 0.236, p = 0.049) were associated with the changes in cIMT (R² = 0.267, F = 6.664, p = 0.001). In conclusion, both RYGB and SG induced improvements in inflammation and endothelial biomarkers that drove a decrease in cIMT compared to men with obesity who submitted to diet and exercise.

Prevalence and phenotype of primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia with autonomous cortisol secretion: a study of 98 patients

AIM

This study evaluated prevalence of primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (PBMAH). It also analyzed the differential phenotype of patients with PBMAH compared to other bilateral adrenal lesions that do not meet the definition of PBMAH.

METHODS

We reviewed the medical records of 732 patients diagnosed with an adrenal incidentaloma at our center. Ninety-eight patients with subclinical hypercortisolism were included in the analysis. We defined PBMAH as the presence of plasma cortisol > 1.8 μg/dL after an over-night 1-mg dexamethasone test, bilateral adrenal hyperplasia, and bilateral adrenal nodules > 1 cm.

RESULTS

A total of 31 patients had PBMAH. Patients with PBMAH showed greater prevalence of autonomous cortisol secretion (plasma cortisol > 5.0 μg/dL after an overnight 1-mg dexamethasone test) than patients without PBMAH (OR 4.1, 95%CI 1.38-12.09, p = 0.010). Tumor size and total adenomatous mass were significantly greater in patients with PBMAH compared to patients without PBMAH (30.2 ± 12.16 vs. 24.3 ± 8.47 mm, p = 0.010 and 53.9 ± 20.8 vs. 43.3 ± 14.62 mm, p = 0.023), respectively. A greater proportion of patients with PBMAH had diabetes compared to patients without PBMAH (45.2% vs. 25.4%, p = 0.05).

CONCLUSION

PBMAH is present in one-third of patients with adrenal incidentaloma and subclinical hypercortisolism. Patients with PBMAH showed greater autonomous cortisol secretion, bigger tumor size, and higher rates of diabetes than those without PBMAH.

Circulating Zinc and Copper Levels are Associated with Sperm Quality in Obese Men after Metabolic Surgery: A Pilot Study

(1) Background: Inadequate levels of several trace elements and vitamins may impair spermatogenesis in men. Although weight loss after metabolic surgery normalizes male reproductive hormones, sperm quality seems to not improve. We hypothesized that circulating concentrations of zinc, copper and other trace elements and vitamins might be involved. (2) Methods: We studied 20 men submitted to metabolic surgery at baseline and after two years. Hormone profiles, serum trace elements and vitamins were studied together with sperm analysis. (3) Results: At follow-up, serum testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone and inhibin B concentrations increased showing a beneficial hormonal response for spermatogenesis. Conversely, serum copper, zinc and ferritin showed a decline after surgery. In total, 33% of men showed zinc deficiency, 27% copper deficiency and 20% iron deficiency, among others. Sperm analysis showed that all revaluated patients had at least one abnormal parameter. Serum zinc concentrations showed a positive correlation with progressive motility (r = 0.577, p = 0.031), and serum ferritin a positive correlation with sperm volume (ρ = 0.535, p = 0.049). Serum copper showed a weak and near significant correlation with motility (r = 0.115, p = 0.051). (4) Conclusions: The lack of improvement in sperm quality in obese men after metabolic surgery may be related to nutrient malabsorption, especially zinc, copper and iron.

Fertility and Pregnancy Outcomes in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Following Bariatric Surgery

CONTEXT

Restoration of ovulation is quite common in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) after surgically induced weight loss. Whether or not this results in an improvement of PCOS-associated infertility is uncertain.

OBJECTIVE

To study fertility and gestational outcomes in women with PCOS after bariatric surgery.

DESIGN

Unicenter cohort study.

SETTING

Academic hospital.

PATIENTS

Two hundred and sixteen premenopausal women were screened for PCOS before bariatric surgery. Women were followed-up after the intervention until mid-2019 regardless of having or not PCOS.

INTERVENTIONS

All participants underwent bariatric surgery from 2005 to 2015.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Pregnancy and live birth rates in the PCOS and control groups.

RESULTS

In women seeking fertility, pregnancy rates were 95.2% in PCOS and 76.9% in controls (P = 0.096) and live birth rates were 81.0% and 69.2%, respectively (P = 0.403). The time to achieve the first pregnancy after surgery was 34 ± 28 months in women with PCOS and 32 ± 25 months in controls. Albeit the mean birth weight was lower (P = 0.040) in newborns from women with PCOS (2763 ± 618 g) compared with those from controls (3155 ± 586 g), the number of newborns with low birth weight was similar in both groups (3 in the PCOS group and 1 in the controls, P = 0.137). Maternal (17.6% in PCOS and 22.2% in controls, P = 0.843) and neonatal (23.5% in PCOS and 14.8% in controls, P = 0.466) complications were rare, showing no differences between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Pregnancy and fertility rates in very obese women with PCOS after bariatric surgery were high, with few maternal and neonatal complications.

Changes in Soluble TWEAK Concentrations, but Not Those in Amyloid-β(1-40), Are Associated with a Decrease in Carotid Intima-Media Thickness after Bariatric Surgery in Obese Women

BACKGROUND/AIM

Soluble tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (sTWEAK) and amyloid-β(1-40) (Aβ40) emerged as markers of cardiovascular risk because of their actions in the endothelium and their role in atherosclerotic progression. The aim of this study was to analyze the association of these two factors with the decrease in carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) after bariatric surgery in obese women.

METHODS

We studied 60 severely obese women, of whom 20 were submitted to laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), 20 to sleeve gastrectomy (SG), and 20 to lifestyle modification therapy. Circulating sTWEAK, Aβ40, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and cIMT were measured at baseline and after 1 year of follow-up.

RESULTS

sTWEAK increased similarly after both surgical procedures, whereas the increase observed after lifestyle intervention did not reach statistical significance. Aβ40 showed no differences between groups of women, nor did it change during follow-up. The decrease in cIMT at 12 months correlated with the decrease in body mass index (BMI) (r = 0.45; p < 0.001) and fasting insulin (r = 0.30; p = 0.038), and also with the increase in sTWEAK (r = -0.43; p = 0.002). Multivariate linear regression showed that only the changes in BMI (β = 0.389; p = 0.005) and sTWEAK (β = -0.358; p = 0.009) were associated with the decrease in cIMT (R2 = 0.313; F = 9.348; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

One year after bariatric surgery, RYGB and SG induced a similar increase in circulating sTWEAK that occurred in parallel to the decrease observed in cIMT.

Beneficial changes on plasma apolipoproteins A and B, high density lipoproteins and oxidized low density lipoproteins in obese women after bariatric surgery: comparison between gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy

Background

The beneficial effects in lipid profiles after obesity surgery might be associated with the decrease in cardiovascular risk. However, direct comparison between different surgical techniques has not been extensively performed.

Methods

In the present study we compare 20 obese women submitted to laparoscopic Roux en Y gastric bypass (RYGB) with 20 women submitted to sleeve gastrectomy (SG). Twenty control women matched for age and baseline cardiovascular risk were also included. Both patients and controls were followed up for 1 year after surgery or conventional treatment with diet and exercise, respectively. Lipid profiles were measured at baseline, 6 and 12 months later. Carotid intima-media thickness was measured by ultrasonography at baseline and at the end of the study.

Results

Women submitted to bariatric surgery showed a decrease in total cholesterol, triglycerides, oxidized-LDL and ApoB, and an increase in HDL and ApoA concentrations that occurred regardless of the surgical procedure. LDL concentrations, however, decreased only after RYGB whereas Lp(a) showed no changes. We did not observe any correlation between the changes in serum lipid concentrations and those in carotid intima-media thickness.

Conclusions

Sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass induce a similar beneficial effect on serum lipids in women with high cardiovascular risk 1 year after surgery.

Serum Retinol, Folic Acid, and Copper Are Associated With Sperm Abnormalities in Men With Obesity

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Micronutrients may influence the development and differentiation of sperm cells. The aim of this study was to assess the possible association of deficiencies in several vitamins and trace elements with sperm abnormalities in men with obesity.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS

Thirty male patients with moderate to severe obesity and ten lean controls who gave written informed consent were included. Anthropometric parameters were recorded. Hormonal and lipid profiles were analyzed, as well as serum concentrations of zinc, copper, retinol, α-tocopherol, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, cobalamin, and folic acid. For sperm analysis, we used the reference values proposed by the World Health Organization.

RESULTS

Fourteen of the thirty men (47%) presented abnormal sperm results. The most common abnormality was low motility in 33% of them, followed by low sperm concentration in 27% of the patients. Patients with abnormal sperm results showed lower serum folic acid (p = 0.005) and higher serum estradiol (p = 0.015) and copper (p = 0.033) than lean controls. The ejaculate volume inversely correlated with body mass index (BMI; r = -0.378, p = 0.016) and serum estradiol (r = -0.328, p = 0.041). Total number of sperm correlated inversely with BMI (r = -0.428, p = 0.006) and serum estradiol (r = -0.507, p = 0.001) and positively with serum folic acid (r = 0.356, p = 0.026) and retinol (r = 0.421, p = 0.009). Total motility of sperm inversely correlated with BMI (r = -0.433, p = 0.005), serum estradiol (r = -0.475, p = 0.002), and copper (r = -0.416, p = 0.012) and positively correlated with serum folic acid (r = 0.522, p = 0.001) and retinol (r = 0.350, p = 0.034).

CONCLUSIONS

Sperm abnormalities in men with obesity are associated with excess body weight and micronutrient concentrations.

Incidental finding of a primary thyroid tuberculosis

Thyroid tuberculosis (TT) is a very rare condition, even in countries where tuberculosis is endemic. However, the prevalence of tuberculosis has increased worldwide and thyroid involvement can be a primary manifestation of the disease. We present the case of a 43-year-old patient with this diagnosis and perform a review of the related literature. After searching for similar case reports in Western Europe since 2010 we identified six cases in four countries. TT should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a thyroid nodule. Fine-needle aspiration cytology and polymerase chain reaction are useful tools as preoperative diagnosis. Typical caseous necrotic granulomas are the hallmark in biopsy.

The role of serum osteoprotegerin and receptor-activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand in metabolic bone disease of women after obesity surgery

Metabolic bone disease may appear as a complication of obesity surgery. Because an imbalance in the osteoprotegerin and receptor-activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand system may underlie osteoporosis, we aimed to study this system in humans in the metabolic bone disease occurring after obesity surgery. In this study we included sixty women with a mean age of 47 ± 10 years studied 7 ± 2 years after bariatric surgery. The variables studied were bone mineral density, β-isomer of C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen cross-links (a bone resorption marker), the bone formation markers osteocalcin and N-terminal propeptide of procollagen 1, serum osteoprotegerin and receptor-activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand. Serum osteoprotegerin inversely correlated with the bone remodeling markers osteocalcin, β-isomer of C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen cross-links and N-terminal propeptide of procollagen 1. The osteoprotegerin and receptor-activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand ratio also correlated inversely with serum parathormone and osteocalcin. Bone mineral density at the lumbar spine was associated with age (β = -0.235, P = 0.046), percentage of weight loss (β = 0.421, P = 0.001) and osteoprotegerin and receptor-activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand ratio (β = 0.259, P = 0.029) in stepwise multivariate analysis (R ² = 0.29, F = 7.49, P < 0.001). Bone mineral density at the hip site was associated only with percentage of weight loss (β = 0.464, P < 0.001) in stepwise multivariate regression (R ² = 0.21, F = 15.1, P < 0.001). These data show that the osteoprotegerin and receptor-activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand system is associated with bone markers and bone mineral density at the lumbar spine after obesity surgery.

Treatment of hypothyroidism with levothyroxine or a combination of levothyroxine plus L-triiodothyronine

At present, the drug of choice for the treatment of hypothyroidism is levothyroxine sodium, even though the thyroid gland secretes both thyroxine and 3',3,5-triiodothyronine; the latter is the more active of the two at the cellular level because of its higher affinity for the nuclear thyroid hormone receptors. To date, combined levothyroxine plus liothyronine treatment for hypothyroidism has been evaluated in 15 clinical trials in humans. In two studies, combined therapy seemed to have beneficial effects on mood, quality of life, and psychometric performance of patients, compared with levothyroxine alone; in some of these studies, the patients preferred levothyroxine plus liothyronine combinations. This preference should be balanced against the possibility of adverse events resulting from the addition of liothyronine to levothyroxine. Until clear advantages of levothyroxine plus liothyronine are demonstrated, the administration of levothyroxine alone should remain the treatment of choice for replacement therapy of hypothyroidism.

Screening in a Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus collection to select a strain able to survive to the human intestinal tract

OBJECTIVES

Genetic diversity and resistance of Lactobacillus bulgaricus sbsp. delbrueckii collection with 100 isolates from different home-made yogurt in rural Bulgarian areas were determined.

METHODS

The strain K98 was the most resistant to bile salts and low pH. Survival and effects on short chain fatty acids production were tested in 20 healthy volunteers. High genetic diversity was observed in the L. bulgaricus collection by RAPD, whereas the ability of tolerate high deoxycholic acid concentrations, and different acid pHs was variable. The strain K98 was selected and used to prepare a homemade yogurt which was administered to 20 healthy volunteers (500 ml/day during 15d). A basal faecal sample and another after yogurt intake were recovered.

RESULTS

DGGE experiments, using both universal and Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) primers, demonstrated no significant changes in the qualitative composition of gut microbiota. A band corresponding to L. bulgaricus was observed in all 20 samples. Viable L. bulgaricus K98 strain was only recovered in one volunteer. After yogurt intake we found an increase of LAB and Clostridium perfringens, and a decrease of Bacteroides- Prevotella-Porphyromonas. In addition, increases of acetic, butyric and 2-hydroxy-butyric acids in faeces were detected.

CONCLUSIONS

Genetic diversity of L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus especie is high We have isolated a probiotic resistant strain to bile and high acidity, L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus-K98. Qualitative and quantitative changes in the intestinal microbiota are found after ingestion of a homemade yogurt containing this strain, with a concomitant increase in faecal SCFA. Our findings support the interest in developing further studies providing different amounts of L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus-K98, and should evaluate its clinical effects in human disease.

White fish reduces cardiovascular risk factors in patients with metabolic syndrome: the WISH-CARE study, a multicenter randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Reduction of cardiovascular risk with high consumption of fish in diet is still a matter of debate, and concerns about heavy metal contamination have limited consumption of oily fish. We aimed to evaluate the effect of regular ingestion of white fish on cardiovascular risk factors in patients with metabolic syndrome.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Multicenter randomized crossover clinical trial including 273 individuals with metabolic syndrome. An 8-week only-one dietary intervention: 100 g/d of white fish (Namibia hake) with advice on a healthy diet, compared with no fish or seafood with advice on a healthy diet. Outcomes were lipid profile, individual components of the metabolic syndrome, serum insulin concentrations, homeostasis model of insulin resistance, serum C-reactive protein and serum fatty acid levels. We found a significant lowering effect of the intervention with white fish on waist circumference (P < 0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.014). A significant lowering effect was also shown after the dietary intervention with fish on serum LDL concentrations (P = 0.048), whereas no significant effects were found on serum HDL or triglyceride concentrations. A significant rise (P < 0.001) in serum EPA and DHA fatty acids was observed following white fish consumption. Overall adherence to the intervention was good and no adverse events were found.

CONCLUSION

In individuals with metabolic syndrome, regular consumption of hake reduces LDL cholesterol concentrations, waist circumference and blood pressure components of the metabolic syndrome.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY

White Fish for Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome Study, Registered under ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01758601.

[Short bowel syndrome cause of hypomagnesaemia importance of its diagnosis and treatment]

The short bowel syndrome (SIC) is a complex entity characterized by a malabsorptive state usually secondary to extensive intestinal resection originating a clinical, metabolic and/or nutritional disorder due to the reduction of the effective intestinal absorptive surface. The diagnosis is essentially clinical and, due to the patients malabsorptive process, it requires nutritional support to maintain their basic requirements, as the case reported. The clinical features of SIC patients depend on the grade of the alteration of function of the the small intestine or the impairment secondary to the surgical resection. We know that electrolytes are absorbed predominantly in the proximal gut. The regulation of ion/mineral levels depend on both the intestinal absorption and the renal excretion. We present an unusual case of SIC with only low absorption of magnesium. We discuss the most outstanding aspects of the case and review the literature.

[Influence of weight loss in the clinical evolution, metabolic and psychological of the patients with overweight or obesity]

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE

The clinical evolution and psychological well-being of patients with overweight or obesity is still a matter of controversy. The aim of this study is to know the impact of the loss of weight on the evolution of the alterations both clinical and metabolic as psychological in patients with overweight or obesity.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

We studied a cohort of 192 patients randomly chosen. All of them were characterized clinically and biochemically. Autoadministered questionnaires were used which were already validated in the Spanish population:the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), and bulimia subescale, the Eating Disorder Inventary (EDI). For the statistical analysis using the statistical program SPSS 15.0. Data are expressed as mean (standard deviation).

RESULTS

The weight loss was 3.77 (4.85) kilograms, equivalent to a 3.8 (4.86)% of the total weight, the diameter of the waist was reduced by 3.78 (5.89) centimeters, systolic blood pressure was reduced by 3.36 (15.61) mmHg and diastolic in 2.15 (11.26) mmHg. We also found a decreased significantly of glucose levels 7.37(21.23) mg/dl, insulin levels 2.773 (8.749) IU/ml, HOMA-IR index 0.925 (2.728), triglycerides 12.59 (82.95) mg/dl and uric acid 0.172 (1.13) mg/dl. The basal score of the GHQ-28 was pathological in 44,8% of the studied patients, and after six months of treatment, it improved in 20,8% of the patients (p < 0,001). The EDI bulimia subscale score at the beginning of the treatment was 1,02 (SD 1,91), improving after six months of treatment to 0,65 (SD 1,49) p < 0,002.

CONCLUSION

The decrease in weight improves not only clinical parameters and biochemical cardiovascular risk and insulin resistance, but also improves the scale score Goldberg, with higher impact on those with worse baseline GHQ-28 scores.

Circulating free testosterone in obese men after bariatric surgery increases in parallel with insulin sensitivity

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Male hypogonadism has been linked to obesity and diabetes. We aimed to study the association of changes in insulin sensitivity and testosterone levels in severe obese patients submitted to bariatric surgery.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Prospective intervention study with twenty consecutive patients who underwent bariatric surgery studied before and after significant weight loss. Serum testosterone, SHBG, fasting glucose, and insulin were measured among others. Free testosterone was calculated with the Vermeulen formula and insulin sensitivity with the homeostatic model assessment (HOMA).

RESULTS

At baseline, thirteen patients had low total testosterone levels, whereas eight of these patients also had free testosterone levels below the reference range obtained from the control group. After bariatric surgery total testosterone, SHBG, and free testosterone significantly increased and achieved normal values in all evaluated patients. Insulin sensitivity improved in all of them. Multivariate linear regression showed that changes in fasting glucose (β=-1.868, p=0.001), insulin (β=-3.782, p=0.001), weight (β=-0.622, p=0.002), and SHBG (β=-0.635, p=0.022) were associated with changes in free testosterone (adjusted R2=0.936, F=26.613, p=0.001). When insulin resistance calculated by HOMA was in the model instead of insulin and glucose, it also was associated (β=-3.488, p=0.008) with free testosterone (adjusted R2=0.821, F=11.111, p=0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Circulating tes tos terone in obese men increases after bariatric surgery in parallel with an improvement in insulin sensitivity.

Chylous ascytes secondary to acute pancreatitis: a case report and review of literature

Chylous ascites is an uncommon finding which is due to the presence of thoracic or intestinal lymph in the abdominal cavity. It is usually caused by a chronic disruption of the lymphatic system. The present report is one of the rare cases in the literature of chylous ascites secondary to idiopathic acute pancreatitis, which showed a complete resolution with a combination of low fat enteral nutrition with MCT and somatostatin analogs.

[Nutrition acute pancreatitis]

Acute pancreatitis is a common and potentially severe disease where nutritional support does affect its development in a way it may be considered a treatment in severe cases. These include around 20% of patients and present mortality rates of 8%-39%. In mild acute pancreatitis patients are prescribed nil per os at admission and advance diet in a progressive manner the following days. Although early introduction of diet has proven to shorten the length of stay, it is still not clear when and how to introduce diet. Severe disease is a hypercatabolic situation which often appears in already malnourished patients. Early enteral nutrition has shown a significative benefit over parenteral nutrition in terms of infection rates, hyperglycemia and mortality rates. This benefit may be related to a decrease in bacterial intestinal translocation. Nasoyeyunal tube feeding is the preferred site, but there are trials supporting nasogastric tubes, a more feasible election. The following lines offer an up to date review of nutritional management in acute pancreatitis, trying to answer in a clear and practical way to the most frequent problems arising in the day to day management of this disease.

Copper and zinc serum levels after derivative bariatric surgery: differences between Roux-en-Y Gastric bypass and biliopancreatic diversion

BACKGROUND

There are limited data on the prevalence of copper and zinc deficiency in the long term after bariatric surgery.

METHODS

We analysed copper and zinc serum levels in a cohort of 141 patients, 52 who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and 89 biliopancreatic diversion (BPD), with a follow-up of 5 years.

RESULTS

Mean copper level was significantly lower in the BPD group (P < 0.0001 vs. RYGB). Forty-five (50.6%) BPD patients had, at least once, a low copper level, and half of them, 27 (30.3%) patients, had repeatedly low levels. In this group, serum copper level correlated positively with total leukocyte and granulocyte count (r = 0.14, P = 0.002, and r = 0.17, P < 0.001, respectively). However, no patient had clinical evidence of haematological or neurological disorders. Only two RYGB patients (3.8%) had copper deficiency. Mean zinc level was also significantly lower in the BPD group (P < 0.0001). All but one BPD patient had hypozincaemia at least once, and the percentage of patients with hypozincaemia ranged from 44.9% to 74.2%. In RYGB patients, zinc deficiency peaked at 48 and 60 months (15.4% and 21.2%, respectively). The zinc level was determined by the alimentary limb length in this group, but the common channel length had no influence on copper and zinc levels in the BPD group.

CONCLUSIONS

Hypocupremia, and especially hypozincaemia, are frequent findings in BPD patients, but rarely found in patients who underwent RYGB, particularly short RYGB. Our data also suggest that a long-standing and severe hypocupremia is required to develop neurological and haematological disorders after bariatric surgery.

Serum concentrations of osteocalcin, procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide and beta-CrossLaps in obese subjects with varying degrees of glucose tolerance

AIMS

To evaluate serum levels of osteocalcin (OC), procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide (P1PN) and beta-CrossLaps (beta-CTx) in obese subjects and their relationship with glucose metabolism parameters.

SUBJECTS

Sixty-four obese patients classified according to their glucose tolerance.

DESIGN

Case-control study.

MEASUREMENTS

A 75-g oral glucose tolerance test was performed with determinations of glucose and insulin between 0 and 120 min. Serum concentrations of OC, P1PN and beta-CTx were quantified in baseline samples.

RESULTS

Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D, n = 24) exhibited OC serum levels (2·6 ± 1·0 nm) significantly lower than those found in subjects with normal glucose tolerance (NGT, n = 20, 3·9 ± 1·5 nm, P < 0·01). We found no significant differences in P1NP and beta-CTX levels among patients with NGT, prediabetes and T2D. Multiple regression analysis showed that serum OC concentration, but not P1NP or beta-CTx levels, was independently related to 2-h plasma glucose.

CONCLUSION

Obese patients with T2D showed significantly reduced levels of OC in comparison with patients with lower degrees of glucose tolerance derangement. Our results also suggest that OC was the only bone marker independently related to the degree of glucose metabolism derangement in these patients.

Gene expression profiling of subcutaneous adipose tissue in morbid obesity using a focused microarray: distinct expression of cell-cycle- and differentiation-related genes

Background

Obesity results from an imbalance between food intake and energy expenditure, which leads to an excess of adipose tissue. The excess of adipose tissue and adipocyte dysfunction associated with obesity are linked to the abnormal regulation of adipogenesis. The objective of this study was to analyze the expression profile of cell-cycle- and lipid-metabolism-related genes of adipose tissue in morbid obesity.

Methods

We used a custom-made focused cDNA microarray to determine the adipose tissue mRNA expression profile. Gene expression of subcutaneous abdominal fat samples from 15 morbidly obese women was compared with subcutaneous fat samples from 10 nonobese control patients. The findings were validated in an independent population of 31 obese women and 9 obese men and in an animal model of obesity (Lep^ob/ob mice) by real-time RT-PCR.

Results

Microarray analysis revealed that transcription factors that regulate the first stages of adipocyte differentiation, such as CCAAT/enhancer binding protein beta (C/EBPβ) and JUN, were upregulated in the adipose tissues of morbidly obese patients. The expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), a transcription factor which controls lipid metabolism and the final steps of preadipocyte conversion into mature adipocytes, was downregulated. The expression of three cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors that regulate clonal expansion and postmitotic growth arrest during adipocyte differentiation was also altered in obese subjects: p18 and p27 were downregulated, and p21 was upregulated. Angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4), which regulates angiogenesis, lipid and glucose metabolism and it is know to increase dramatically in the early stages of adipocyte differentiation, was upregulated. The expression of C/EBPβ, p18, p21, JUN, and ANGPTL4 presented similar alterations in subcutaneous adipose tissue of Lep^ob/ob mice.

Conclusions

Our microarray gene profiling study revealed that the expression of genes involved in adipogenesis is profoundly altered in the subcutaneous adipose tissue of morbidly obese subjects. This expression pattern is consistent with an immature adipocyte phenotype that could reflect the expansion of the adipose tissue during obesity.

Taurine and glucose metabolism: a review

INTRODUCTION

Taurine has probed to be involved in a wide range of biological processes and to provide several different important health benefits. Its effects have been revealed to be exerted mainly through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, among other mechanisms.

OBJECTIVES AND METHODS

The present review is aimed to provide a solid body of evidence regarding the beneficial effects of taurine in the context of diabetes and its complications, with an special focus on the cardiovascular health impairments so frequently associated to this disease, so that data from this updated systematic review of the literature, may constitute a base to back up future clinical and epidemiological studies, on the possibilities of taurine supplementation as a useful tool for both prevention and treatment of diabetes complications.

CONCLUSIONS

We consider results from the different experimental, in vitro studies as well as some clinical ones reviewed, to provide sufficient evidence as to constitute a solid base to back up future clinical and epidemiological studies on the usefulness of taurine supplementation both in the prevention and treatment of diabetes and its complications.

Severe ketoacidosis secondary to starvation in a frutarian patient

The present paper presents the first clinical case of a patient suffering from Frutarianism a new "Eating disorder" and severe Ketoacidosis. The life-style feed strictly only on fruits (not even other vegetables, since plant death is necessary previous consumption).This behavioural alteration frequently leads to starvation and the subsequent Ketoacidosis due to starvation.

Chronic increase of bone turnover markers after biliopancreatic diversion is related to secondary hyperparathyroidism and weight loss. Relation with bone mineral density

BACKGROUND

Biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) is the most effective bariatric procedure. Around 70% of these patients have secondary hyperparathyroidism (SH) in the long term as a consequence of calcium and vitamin D malabsorption. This work was aimed to study the influence of SH on bone turnover and its relationship with bone mineral density (BMD).

METHODS

Bone turnover markers were determined in 63 BPD patients and 34 morbidly obese controls. In the BPD group, we also studied the influence of age, loss of weight, common channel length, PTH, vitamin D, and serum calcium on bone turnover as well as its relation with BMD.

RESULTS

BPD patients showed significantly higher PTH, osteocalcin, and beta-CTx levels than controls. In the multivariate regression analysis, only PTH (beta=0.42; P=0.0002), menopausal status (beta=0.31; P=0.007) and the percentage of lost BMI (beta=-0.24; P=0.03) significantly predicted the osteocalcin level (R2=0.33; F=9.56; P<0.0001). Similarly, only PTH (beta=0.39; P=0.0005), menopausal status (beta=0.37; P=0.001) and the percentage of lost BMI (beta=-0.23; P=0.04) significantly predicted the beta-CTx level (R2=0.33; F=9.82; P<0.0001). Osteocalcin and beta-CTx levels correlated negatively with BMD at lumbar spine (r=-0.38, P=0.002 and r=-0.30, P=0.02, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic SH and the loss of weight determine a high rate of bone turnover that is associated with decreasing BMD in BPD patients.

Role of calcium malabsorption in the development of secondary hyperparathyroidism after biliopancreatic diversion

Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SH) is a frequent metabolic complication of bariatric surgery. Around 70%of patients who undergo biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) have this complication in the long term. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relative influence of vitamin D deficiency and calcium malabsorption in the development of SH in patients who underwent BPD. We reviewed the mean values of PTH throughout the post-operative follow-up and of related biochemical data (25-hydroxyvitamin D, calcium, magnesium) of 121 patients who underwent BPD at our institute from November 1996 to November 2004 (mean follow-up 66 months). Mean PTH correlated negatively with mean 25-hydroxyvitamin D (r=-0.27, p=0.003) and with urinary calcium(r=-0.19, p=0.047), and positively with age (r=0.22, p=0.018). However, a high mean PTH was found in 48.7% patients with mean 25-hydroxyvitamin D >or=30 ng/ml and in 80.0% patients with mean 25-hydroxyvitamin D between 20 and 30 ng/ml. The mean PTH was normal in 5 patients without calcium supplements at present, and progressively increased in parallel to the calcium dose in the rest of patients, although mean 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were not related to the calcium dose. Our data suggest that individual differences in active and/or passive calcium absorption determine intractable SH after BPD in around half of the patients who have normal levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and in 80% of patients with 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels between 20 and 30 ng/ml after BPD, worsening with age.

Serum osteoprotegerin concentrations are decreased in women with the polycystic ovary syndrome

OBJECTIVE

Osteoprotegerin (OPG), an inhibitor of osteoclastic bone resorption, has a variety of functions including anti-inflammatory effects and a possible cardiovascular protective role. Both low-grade chronic inflammation and cardiovascular risk are increased in women with the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). We aimed to study serum OPG concentrations in PCOS patients.

DESIGN

Case-control study including 40 PCOS patients matched with 40 non-hyperandrogenic women for age and body mass index.

METHODS

Basal serum sampling and standard oral glucose tolerance test, and measurement of serum OPG concentrations by commercial ELISA.

RESULTS

Serum OPG concentrations were lower in women with PCOS compared with those of controls (304+/-120 vs 363+/-105 pg/ml respectively; F=7.641, P=0.007) independently of obesity. No differences were observed in serum receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL) levels and in the RANKL/OPG molar ratio. A multivariate linear regression model (R(2)=0.208, F=6.579, P=0.001) showed that PCOS (beta=-0.281, P=0.008), obesity (beta=-0.245, P=0.022) and age (beta=0.296, P=0.006) were predictive of serum OPG concentrations.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum OPG concentrations are reduced in PCOS patients independently of obesity. Considering the anti-inflammatory effects of OPG, its reduced serum concentrations might contribute to the proinflammatory state and cardiovascular risk of PCOS patients.

The decrease in serum IL-18 levels after bariatric surgery in morbidly obese women is a time-dependent event

BACKGROUND

We have evaluated the impact of the reproductive status of morbidly obese women, and of the time elapsed since surgery, on the response of the proinflammatory serum cardiovascular risk marker interleukin-18 (IL-18) to the sustained and marked weight loss achieved after bariatric surgery.

METHODS

Serum IL-18 levels were measured in 33 morbidly obese women before bariatric surgery and after losing at least 15% of the initial weight, irrespective of the time needed to achieve this goal (5 to 33 months).

RESULTS

Patients lost 30.7 +/- 7.8% of the initial weight, with a concomitant reduction of serum IL-18 concentrations (P<0.001). A stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that the percentual decrease in serum IL-18 levels was determined by the interaction between the time elapsed since surgery and the percentual reduction of waist circumference (R2 = 0.333, F = 15.500, beta = 0.577, P<0.001), but not by the individual effects of the time elapsed since surgery, percentual body weight loss, percentual reduction of waist circumference, menopausal status or type of surgical procedure, or by the interaction between the time elapsed since surgery with the percentual body weight loss or with menopausal status.

CONCLUSION

Serum IL-18 levels decrease after bariatric surgery in a time-dependent manner, in relation to the reduction in waist circumference. The fact that the amelioration of the obesity-associated inflammatory process requires time and not only weight loss, might contribute to explain early non-surgical cardiovascular complications of bariatric surgery.

Proteomic analysis of human omental adipose tissue in the polycystic ovary syndrome using two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry

BACKGROUND

Our aim was to study the protein expression profiles of omental adipose tissue biopsies obtained from morbidly obese women with or without polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) at the time of bariatric surgery to evaluate the possible involvement of visceral adiposity in the development of PCOS.

METHODS

Ten PCOS patients and nine control samples were included. We used two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) followed by in-gel digestion, and mass spectrometry (MS) of selected protein spots.

RESULTS

The 2D-DIGE technology allowed the analysis of approximately 1840 protein spots in the comparative study of control and patient proteomes, revealing 15 statistically significant spot changes (>2-fold, P < 0.05). Unambiguous protein identification was achieved for 9 of these 15 spots by MS. This preliminary study revealed differences in expression of proteins that may be involved in lipid and glucose metabolism, oxidative stress processes and adipocyte differentiation; they include proapolipoprotein Apo-A1, annexin V, glutathione S-transferase M3 (GSTM3), triosephosphate isomerase, peroxiredoxin 2 isoform a, actin and adipocyte plasma membrane-associated protein. The most relevant finding was an increase of GSTM3 in the omental fat of PCOS patients confirming previous studies conducted by our group.

CONCLUSIONS

Proteomic analysis of omental fat reveals differential expression of several proteins in PCOS patients and non-hyperandrogenic women presenting with morbid obesity. The application of this novel methodology adds further evidence to support the role of visceral adiposity in the pathogenesis of PCOS.

Increased body iron stores of obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome are a consequence of insulin resistance and hyperinsulinism and are not a result of reduced menstrual losses

OBJECTIVE

Increased serum ferritin levels, indicating increased body iron stores, have been found in overweight and obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This finding might result from reduced menstrual losses secondary to oligo- or amenorrhea or from hyperinsulinism secondary to insulin resistance, because insulin favors the intestinal absorption and the tissue deposition of iron. To explore which of these mechanisms is responsible for the increase in body iron stores in women with PCOS, we have monitored the changes in serum ferritin levels during treatment with an antiandrogenic oral contraceptive or an insulin sensitizer.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Thirty-four consecutive PCOS patients were randomized to an oral contraceptive containing 35 microg ethinyl-estradiol plus 2 mg cyproterone acetate (Diane(35) Diario) or metformin (850 mg twice daily), and their serum ferritin levels were evaluated at baseline and after 12 and 24 weeks of treatment.

RESULTS

Despite the fact that treatment with Diane(35) Diario restored regular menstrual cycles in all the patients, whereas metformin only did so in 50% of them, serum ferritin levels decreased at 12 and 24 weeks of treatment only with metformin, in association with a marked increase in insulin sensitivity. On the contrary, no changes in ferritin and insulin sensitivity were observed with Diane(35) Diario.

CONCLUSIONS

Our present results suggest that insulin resistance and hyperinsulinism, and not the reduced menstrual losses secondary to from oligo- or amenorrhea, are responsible of the increased ferritin levels and body iron stores found in overweight and obese women with PCOS.

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with the metabolic syndrome in morbid obesity

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Vitamin D deficiency has been recently associated with the metabolic syndrome. However, it is not known whether this possible association of vitamin D deficiency with the metabolic syndrome is still present at very high degrees of obesity, as in morbidly obese patients.

METHODS

Transversal, observational study that included 73 consecutive morbidly obese patients (body mass index 40 kg/m(2)). In every patient, anthropometric variables were recorded, fasting blood was assayed for 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations, lipid profiles, glucose and insulin levels, and insulin resistance was estimated by homeostasis model assessment.

RESULTS

Vitamin D deficiency was present in 37 of the 73 patients (50.7%). As defined by revised Adult Treatment Panel III criteria, 46 of the 73 obese patients (63%) had the metabolic syndrome. Vitamin D deficiency was more prevalent in morbidly obese patients presenting with the metabolic syndrome, compared with those who did not achieve the criteria for this syndrome (60.9% vs. 33.3% respectively, P = 0.023). When serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D were categorized in tertiles, there was an association of the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome with the former (P = 0.038). Serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations were lower (37.0+/-7.8 mg/dl vs. 44.9+/-8.7 mg/dl, P = 0.003), and triglycerides levels were higher (163.3+/-81.5 mg/dl vs. 95.1+/-24.2 mg/dl, P = 0.001) in the vitamin D-deficient group.

CONCLUSION

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with the metabolic syndrome in morbidly obese patients.

Comparison of ethinyl-estradiol plus cyproterone acetate versus metformin effects on classic metabolic cardiovascular risk factors in women with the polycystic ovary syndrome

CONTEXT

Oral contraceptives may worsen the metabolic profile of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), favoring the use of insulin sensitizers in these patients.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to compare the effects of a contraceptive pill on metabolic classic cardiovascular risk factors with those of the insulin sensitizer metformin.

DESIGN

We conducted a randomized, parallel, open-label clinical trial.

SETTING

The study was conducted at an academic hospital.

PATIENTS

Thirty-four consecutive PCOS patients were studied.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were randomized to oral treatment with metformin (850 mg twice daily) or with the Diane(35) Diario pill (35 microg of ethinyl-estradiol plus 2 mg of cyproterone acetate) for 24 wk.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Hyperandrogenism, lipid profiles, and indexes of glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity were measured at baseline and after 12 and 24 wk of treatment.

RESULTS

Diane(35) Diario resulted in higher reductions in hirsutism score and serum androgen levels compared with metformin. Menstrual regularity was restored in all the patients treated with Diane(35) Diario compared with only 50% of those receiving metformin. Plasma apolipoprotein A-I and HDL-phospholipid levels increased with Diane(35) Diario, whereas metformin did not induce any change in the lipid profile. On the contrary, the insulin sensitivity index increased with metformin but did not change with Diane(35) Diario. No differences in the frequencies of abnormalities of glucose tolerance and dyslipidemia were found between both treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

Diane(35) Diario appears to be superior to metformin for the control of hyperandrogenism and for the restoration of menstrual regularity in PCOS patients, and it is not associated with any clinically relevant worsening in the classic metabolic cardiovascular risk profile of these women.

Obesity is the major determinant of the abnormalities in blood pressure found in young women with the polycystic ovary syndrome

CONTEXT

Obesity and insulin resistance predispose patients with the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to abnormalities in blood pressure regulation.

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to evaluate the impact of obesity on the blood pressure profiles of PCOS patients. PATIENTS, SETTING, AND DESIGN: Thirty-six PCOS patients and 20 healthy women participated in a case-control study at an academic hospital.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

We conducted ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and office blood pressure determinations.

RESULTS

Hypertension (defined as increased office blood pressure confirmed by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring or by masked hypertension) was present in 12 PCOS patients and eight controls (P = 0.618). No differences between patients and controls were found in office and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring values and heart rate, yet the nocturnal decrease in mean blood pressure was smaller in patients (P = 0.038). Obese women (13 patients and eight controls) had increased frequencies of office hypertension (29% compared with 3% in lean plus overweight women, P = 0.005), increased diastolic (P = 0.009) and mean (P = 0.015) office blood pressure values, and increased heart rate values during the daytime (P = 0.038), nighttime (P = 0.002), and 24-h (P = 0.009) periods, independently of having PCOS or not. The frequency of a nocturnal nondipper pattern was 62% in obese PCOS patients, compared with 26% in lean plus overweight PCOS patients (P = 0.036) and 25% in obese and in lean plus overweight controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Abnormalities in the regulation of blood pressure are common in young women with PCOS, yet, with the exception of the nondipper pattern, these abnormalities result from the frequent association of this syndrome with obesity.

Thyroid hormone deficiency and postmenopausal status independently increase serum osteoprotegerin concentrations in women

OBJECTIVE

To study the impact of thyroxine (T4) withdrawal on serum osteoprotegerin concentrations in women, using a healthy euthyroid control group matched for age and postmenopausal status as reference.

SUBJECTS AND DESIGN

Nineteen women with differentiated thyroid carcinoma were studied the last day on T4 suppressive treatment, 4-7 days after withdrawal and the day before whole body scanning. Eighteen women matched for age and postmenopausal status served as controls. Serum thyroid hormones, urinary bone markers and serum osteoprotegerin concentrations were measured. Statistical methods included repeated measures analysis of variance and one-way analysis of variance.

RESULTS

Patients progressed from subclinical or mild hyperthyroidism at baseline to normal free T4 and triiodothyronine levels 4-7 days later, ending in overt hypothyroidism before scanning. Serum osteoprotegerin increased, and urinary deoxypyridolines/creatinine and pyridolines/creatinine ratios decreased, with acute hypothyroidism (P = 0.026, P = 0.003, and P < 0.001 respectively). Urinary deoxypyridolines/creatinine ratio, pyridolines/creatinine ratio, and serum osteocalcin during hypothyroidism were lower compared with those of healthy controls (P = 0.023, P = 0.019, and P = 0.011 respectively). Serum osteoprotegerin concentrations were higher in postmenopausal patients when compared with premenopausal ones, irrespective of the changes in thyroid function (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Serum osteoprotegerin concentrations increase following acute hypothyroidism after T4 withdrawal in women with differentiated thyroid carcinoma, and also with postmenopausal status.

Differential gene expression profile in omental adipose tissue in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

CONTEXT

The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is frequently associated with visceral obesity, suggesting that omental adipose tissue might play an important role in the pathogenesis of the syndrome.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to study the expression profiles of omental fat biopsy samples obtained from morbidly obese women with or without PCOS at the time of bariatric surgery.

DESIGN

This was a case-control study.

SETTINGS

We conducted the study in an academic hospital.

PATIENTS

Eight PCOS patients and seven nonhyperandrogenic women submitted to bariatric surgery because of morbid obesity.

INTERVENTIONS

Biopsy samples of omental fat were obtained during bariatric surgery.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The main outcome measure was high-density oligonucleotide arrays.

RESULTS

After statistical analysis, we identified changes in the expression patterns of 63 genes between PCOS and control samples. Gene classification was assessed through data mining of Gene Ontology annotations and cluster analysis of dysregulated genes between both groups. These methods highlighted abnormal expression of genes encoding certain components of several biological pathways related to insulin signaling and Wnt signaling, oxidative stress, inflammation, immune function, and lipid metabolism, as well as other genes previously related to PCOS or to the metabolic syndrome.

CONCLUSION

The differences in the gene expression profiles in visceral adipose tissue of PCOS patients compared with nonhyperandrogenic women involve multiple genes related to several biological pathways, suggesting that the involvement of abdominal obesity in the pathogenesis of PCOS is more ample than previously thought and is not restricted to the induction of insulin resistance.

Prevalence and characteristics of the polycystic ovary syndrome in overweight and obese women

BACKGROUND

Surprisingly, the prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in otherwise unselected overweight or obese women is unknown, despite obesity being frequent in patients with PCOS. We conducted the present study to obtain an unbiased estimate of the prevalence of PCOS in unselected overweight and obese premenopausal women from Spain.

METHODS

All premenopausal women reporting to the Department of Endocrinology, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, for dietary treatment of overweight or obesity from May 2002 to December 2005 were prospectively recruited. Women referred for any other reason were automatically excluded to avoid selection bias. Diagnosis of PCOS relied on the presence of clinical and/or biochemical hyperandrogenism, oligo-ovulation, and exclusion of secondary causes. Anthropometric measurements, hirsutism scores, and androgen, gonadotropin, metabolic, and lipid profiles were obtained.

RESULTS

Of a total of 113 consecutive women recruited, 32 (28.3%) were diagnosed as having PCOS (95% confidence interval, 20.0%-36.6%). The prevalence of PCOS was not different when considering the degree of obesity. Another 3 women presented with hyperandrogenemia without oligo-ovulation, 2 had idiopathic hirsutism, 2 had chronic oligomenorrhea without clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism, and 2 had oligomenorrhea with hyperprolactinemia, precluding the diagnosis of PCOS. The remaining 72 women (63.7%) had no evidence of hyperandrogenism or reproductive abnormalities.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate a 28.3% prevalence of PCOS in overweight and obese women from Spain, which is markedly increased compared with the 5.5% prevalence of PCOS in lean women of our country. Therefore, PCOS must be routinely ruled out in overweight and obese premenopausal women seeking advice for weight loss.

[Probesci strategy: a cheaper therapeutic approach for obese patients]

Obesity has become epidemic in Western countries. From clinical practice, obestity may be considered as a disease characterized by an excess of body fat mass, but patients usually demonstrate different responses to the same therapeutic strategy. It could be possible that the latter may be a consecuence of different pathophysiological factors among obese patients. Therefore, a detailed and thorough phenotyping of patients may enable clinitians to establish groups of patients that may respond in a homogeneous and effective way to a specific treatment for obesity. However, this type of approach can be especially time-consuming and may increase costs. In this study we describe the "PROBESCI" strategy, which is a novel system of studying the obese patient at the first visit, performed in groups of patients, aimed to the collection and analysis of data in order to categorize phenotypic profiles which may achive homogeneous responses to a specific therapy. We also analyze the costs of this new strategy compared to those of an individual consultation, showing a decrease of 58% for the first visit, and of 21% of the total costs throughout treatment.

The ACAA-insertion/deletion polymorphism at the 3' UTR of the IGF-II receptor gene is associated with type 2 diabetes and surrogate markers of insulin resistance

OBJECTIVE

The IGF-II receptor gene (IGFIIR) is located at chromosome 6q26, a region that harbors a genetic marker linked to insulin-resistant traits in Mexican-Americans. In the present study conducted in Spaniards, we tested a common polymorphism in IGFIIR for association with type 2 diabetes and insulin-resistant traits.

DESIGN

Case-control association study.

METHODS

One hundred and forty-five type 2 diabetic patients and 217 non-diabetic controls were genotyped for the ACAA-insertion/deletion polymorphism at the 3' UTR of IGFIIR. Phenotyping included anthropometrics and a metabolic profile, including serum lipid levels and surrogate indexes of insulin resistance whenever possible.

RESULTS

Diabetic patients were more frequently homozygous for the wild type 144 bp allele of IGFIIR compared with controls (diabetic patients 77.2%, controls 51.6%, P<0.001) suggesting a potential protective role against type 2 diabetes for the IGFIIR 140 bp variant. Carrying 140 bp alleles was associated with an odds ratio of having diabetes of 0.290 (95% confidence interval 0.109-0.770), and controls homozygous for the wild type 144 bp allele presented with lower insulin and triglyceride levels, which are proxies for insulin resistance.

CONCLUSIONS

The ACAA-insertion/deletion polymorphism at the 3' UTR of IGFIIR is associated with type 2 diabetes and influences surrogate markers of insulin resistance in non-diabetic subjects.

The PON1–108C/T polymorphism, and not the polycystic ovary syndrome, is an important determinant of reduced serum paraoxonase activity in premenopausal women

BACKGROUND

Because serum paraoxonase activity is influenced by the -108C/T polymorphism in the PON1 gene, we studied its involvement in the decreased paraoxonase activity recently described in the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

METHODS

Paraoxonase activity, PON1-108C/T genotypes and clinical, hormonal and biochemical variables were evaluated in a case-control study involving 139 consecutive PCOS patients and 85 healthy controls matched for BMI and prevalence of smoking.

RESULTS

Women homozygous for -108T presented with reduced serum paraoxonase activity compared with carriers of C alleles (P < 0.001), both in PCOS patients and in controls. Although homozygosity for T alleles was more prevalent in PCOS patients than in controls (P = 0.003), serum paraoxonase activity was not significantly different in the PCOS and control groups. In a stepwise multivariate linear regression model, homozygosity for PON1-108T alleles was the only significant predictor of the logarithm of serum paraoxonase activity (beta = -0.328, t = -4.176, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In premenopausal women from the Spanish population, the PON1-108C/T polymorphism, and not PCOS, is an important determinant of serum paraoxonase activity.

[Eucaloric substitution of medium chain triglycerides for dietary long chain fatty acids improves body composition and lipid profile in a patient with human immunodeficiency virus lipodystrophy]

BACKGROUND

Lipodystrophy is a frequent disorder among patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, characterized by a loss of adipose tissue from the extremities, gluteal region and face, with excess fat in the neck and abdominal region. Metabolic abnormalities such as hyperlipidaemia and diabetes mellitus frequently coexist, posing these patients to an increased cardiovascular risk. Drug therapy may improve some of these metabolic disturbances, but to date there are no treatments for lipodystrophy with proven benefit.

CASE REPORT

A 42-year-old man with HIV lipodystrophy was started on a standard low caloric diet with <30% of total fat and <10% of saturated fat, together with rosiglitazone 8 mg daily. After five months of treatment, given that lipodystrophic features and dyslipidaemia were still present in our patient, we tried to further improve therapeutic results by eucaloric substitution of medium chain triglycerides for dietary long chain fatty acids. Three months later, a dramatic change in body composition was shown with an increase in lean mass and a decrease in fat mass, together with an improvement in lipid profile.

CONCLUSION

Eucaloric substitution of medium chain triglycerides for dietary long chain fatty acids may produce therapeutic benefits in HIV lipodystrophy.

Adiponectin and resistin in PCOS: a clinical, biochemical and molecular genetic study

BACKGROUND

We conducted a cross-sectional case-control study to evaluate the possible involvement of adiponectin and resistin in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

METHODS

Seventy-six PCOS patients and 40 non-hyperandrogenic women matched for BMI and degree of obesity were included. Serum adiponectin and resistin levels, anthropometrical and hormonal variables, the 45 T-->G and 276 G-->T polymorphisms in the adiponectin gene, and the -420 C-->G variant in the resistin gene, were analysed.

RESULTS

Serum adiponectin concentrations were reduced in PCOS patients compared with controls (P = 0.038) irrespective of the degree of obesity, whereas serum resistin levels were increased in overweight and obese women compared with lean subjects (P = 0.016), irrespective of their PCOS or controls status. The adiponectin and resistin polymorphisms were not associated with PCOS and did not influence serum levels of adiponectin, resistin and other clinical and hormonal variables. In a multiple regression model, the waist-to-hip ratio, free testosterone levels and age, but not insulin resistance, were the major determinants of hypoadiponectinaemia.

CONCLUSIONS

PCOS patients present with hypoadiponectinaemia, in relation with abdominal adiposity and hyperandrogenism. Our present results suggest that hyperandrogenism and abdominal obesity, by reducing the serum levels of the insulin sensitizer adipokine adiponectin, might contribute to the insulin resistance of PCOS.