Effects of weight intervention-induced changes in pathological fat mass of patients with extreme obesity and anorexia nervosa on adipokines and visceral adipocyte functions: a prospective, comparative, observational study

OBJECTIVE

Adipose tissue is the largest endocrine organ in the human body, and as its mass changes, the serum levels of the molecules it secretes also change. Visceral adipose tissue index (VAI) is a simple surrogate marker of visceral adipose tissue dysfunction. This study evaluated the effects of changes in fat mass on adipocytokine behavior and VAI in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) and extreme obesity (EO).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study group consisted of three subgroups: Group 1, patients with EO who were candidates for obesity surgery with BMI≥50 kg/m2 (n=20). Group 2, newly diagnosed patients with AN (n=12). Group 3 controls with BMI 20-25 kg/m2 (n=20). The AN and EO groups were followed until at least a 10% weight change before and after the intervention.

RESULTS

Prior to the intervention, EO patients exhibited the lowest levels of apelin, omentin, and adiponectin, while AN patients demonstrated the highest levels of these markers. Leptin and IL-6 were elevated in EO and reduced in AN patients. After treatment, all adipokines and VAI increased in AN patients, and omentin, adiponectin, and IL-6 increased in EO patients, while apelin, leptin, and VAI decreased. The change in each adipocytokine (∆) was positively correlated with the other adipocytokines (p<0.050) and negatively correlated with metabolic and VAI changes (p<0.050). The regression analysis determined that the following variables were associated with the change in adipose tissue mass: Δapelin (OR: 1.061; p=0.028) and Δadiponectin (OR: 1.057; p=0.036).

CONCLUSIONS

In individuals with pathological adipocyte mass, the change in adipocytokine levels in response to weight change is not as expected. The fact that these changes are not seen in the early period of the weight intervention treatment indicates that these patients have compensatory physiological mechanisms to protect them. In addition, using VAI instead of BMI, whose reliability is increasingly questioned because it does not reflect body fat mass, can be considered an alternative. However, there may be modeling errors in the early stages of weight change and in AN and EO patients where metabolic parameters reach extreme values. Therefore, it should be tested in studies where larger patient groups are followed for a more extended period.

Inflammatory markers are associated with the progression of gestational diabetes to metabolic syndrome

The progression of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) to metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with systemic inflammation. The aim of this study was to compare the levels of inflammatory markers in former GDM patients with and without MetS. Medical records were screened retrospectively for patients who were diagnosed with GDM 10 (±2) years ago. Former GDM patients were invited to the hospital for an assessment of their current health status. Of 52 women with former GDM, 27 (52%) had MetS. C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) levels were significantly higher in the MetS group while adiponectin was significantly lower (p < .001, p = .037, p = .002 and p = .013, respectively). There was no significant difference in plasma levels of visfatin and tumour necrosis factor-α. Interleukin-6, CRP, PAI-1 and adiponectin may be used as biomarkers to detect MetS in the pre-clinical phase. With timely diagnosis, early interventions can be implemented. IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? The progression of 'gestational diabetes mellitus' to 'metabolic syndrome' is associated with systemic inflammation. Up to half of cases with former gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) eventually progress to metabolic syndrome (MetS).What do the results of this study add? Interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and adiponectin may be used as biomarkers to detect MetS in the pre-clinical phase.What are the implications of these findings from clinical practice and/or further research? The progression of GDM to MetS is associated with systemic inflammation. Potential therapies should therefore target this inflammatory state. Interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and adiponectin may be used as biomarkers to detect MetS in the pre-clinical phase. With timely diagnosis, early interventions and lifestyle changes can be implemented to prevent morbidity and mortality associated with full-blown MetS.

Precision Diagnosis of Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young with Next-Generation Sequencing: Findings from the MODY-IST Study in Adult Patients

Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) is a highly heterogeneous group of monogenic and nonautoimmune diseases. Misdiagnosis of MODY is a widespread problem and about 5% of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and nearly 10% with type 1 diabetes mellitus may actually have MODY. Using next-generation DNA sequencing (NGS) to facilitate accurate diagnosis of MODY, this study investigated mutations in 13 MODY genes (HNF4A, GCK, HNF1A, PDX1, HNF1B, NEUROD1, KLF11, CEL, PAX4, INS, BLK, ABCC8, and KCNJ11). In addition, we comprehensively investigated the clinical phenotypic effects of the genetic variations identified. Fifty-one adult patients with suspected MODY and 64 healthy controls participated in the study. We identified 7 novel and 10 known missense mutations localized in PDX1, HNF1B, KLF11, CEL, BLK, and ABCC8 genes in 29.4% of the patient sample. Importantly, we report several mutations that were classified as "deleterious" as well as those predicted as "benign." Notably, the ABCC8 p.R1103Q, ABCC8 p.V421I, CEL I336T, CEL p.N493H, BLK p.L503P, HNF1B p.S362P, and PDX1 p.E69A mutations were identified for the first time as causative variants for MODY. More aggressive clinical features were observed in three patients with double- and triple-heterozygosity of PDX1-KLF11 (p.E69A/p.S182R), CEL-ABCC8-KCNJ11 (p.I336, p.G157R/p.R1103Q/p.A157A), and HNF1B-KLF11 (p.S362P/p.P261L). Interestingly, the clinical effects of the BLK mutations appear to be exacerbated in the presence of obesity. In conclusion, NGS analyses of the adult patients with suspected MODY appear to be informative in a clinical context. These findings warrant further clinical diagnostic research and development in different world populations suffering from diabetes with genetic underpinnings.

Monogenic Childhood Diabetes: Dissecting Clinical Heterogeneity by Next-Generation Sequencing in Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young

Diabetes is a common disorder with a heterogeneous clinical presentation and an enormous burden on health care worldwide. About 1-6% of patients with diabetes suffer from maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY), the most common form of monogenic diabetes with autosomal dominant inheritance. MODY is genetically and clinically heterogeneous and caused by genetic variations in pancreatic β-cell development and insulin secretion. We report here new findings from targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) of 13 MODY-related genes. A sample of 22 unrelated pediatric patients with MODY and 13 unrelated healthy controls were recruited from a Turkish population. Targeted NGS was performed with Miseq 4000 (Illumina) to identify genetic variations in 13 MODY-related genes: HNF4A, GCK, HNF1A, PDX1, HNF1B, NEUROD1, KLF11, CEL, PAX4, INS, BLK, ABCC8, and KCNJ11. The NGS data were analyzed adhering to the Genome Analysis ToolKit (GATK) best practices pipeline, and variant filtering and annotation were performed. In the patient sample, we identified 43 MODY-specific genetic variations that were not present in the control group, including 11 missense mutations and 4 synonymous mutations. Importantly, and to the best of our knowledge, the missense mutations NEUROD1 p.D202E, KFL11 p.R461Q, BLK p.G248R, and KCNJ11 p.S385F were first associated with MODY in the present study. These findings contribute to the worldwide knowledge base on MODY and molecular correlates of clinical heterogeneity in monogenic childhood diabetes. Further comparative population genetics and functional genomics studies are called for, with an eye to discovery of novel diagnostics and personalized medicine in MODY. Because MODY is often misdiagnosed as type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus, advances in MODY diagnostics with NGS stand to benefit diabetes overall clinical care as well.

Fine-scale haplotype mapping of MUT, AACS, SLC6A15 and PRKCA genes indicates association with insulin resistance of metabolic syndrome and relationship with branched chain amino acid metabolism or regulation

Branched chain amino acids (BCAA) are essential elements of the human diet, which display increased plasma levels in obesity and regained particular interest as potential biomarkers for development of diabetes. To define determinants of insulin resistance (IR) we investigated 73 genes involved in BCAA metabolism or regulation by fine-scale haplotype mapping in two European populations with metabolic syndrome. French and Romanians (n = 465) were genotyped for SNPs (Affymetrix) and enriched by imputation (BEAGLE 4.1) at 1000 genome project density. Initial association hits detected by sliding window were refined (HAPLOVIEW 3.1 and PHASE 2.1) and correlated to homeostasis model assessment (HOMAIR) index, in vivo insulin sensitivity (SI) and BCAA plasma levels (ANOVA). Four genomic regions were associated with IR located downstream of MUT, AACS, SLC6A15 and PRKCA genes (P between 9.3 and 3.7 x 10-5). Inferred haplotypes up to 13 SNPs length were associated with IR (e.g. MUT gene with P < 4.9 x 10-5; Bonferroni 1.3 x 10-3) and synergistic to HOMAIR. SNPs in the same regions were also associated with one order of magnitude lower P values (e.g. rs20167284 in the MUT gene with P < 1.27 x 10-4) and replicated in Mediterranean samples (n = 832). In French, influential haplotypes (OR > 2.0) were correlated with in vivo insulin sensitivity (1/SI) except for SLC6A15 gene. Association of these genes with BCAA levels was variable, but influential haplotypes confirmed implication of MUT from BCAA metabolism as well as a role of regulatory genes (AACS and PRKCA) and suggested potential changes in transcriptional activity. These data drive attention towards new regulatory regions involved in IR in relation with BCAA and show the ability of haplotypes in phased DNA to detect signals complimentary to SNPs, which may be useful in designing genetic markers for clinical applications in ethnic populations.

Branched-Chain Amino Acid Database Integrated in MEDIPAD Software as a Tool for Nutritional Investigation of Mediterranean Populations

Branched-chained amino acids (BCAA) are essential dietary components for humans and can act as potential biomarkers for diabetes development. To efficiently estimate dietary intake, we developed a BCAA database for 1331 food items found in the French Centre d'Information sur la Qualité des Aliments (CIQUAL) food table by compiling BCAA content from international tables, published measurements, or by food similarity as well as by calculating 267 items from Greek, Turkish, Romanian, and Moroccan mixed dishes. The database embedded in MEDIPAD software capable of registering 24 h of dietary recalls (24HDR) with clinical and genetic data was evaluated based on archived 24HDR of the Saint Pierre Institute (France) from 2957 subjects, which indicated a BCAA content up to 4.2 g/100 g of food and differences among normal weight and obese subjects across BCAA quartiles. We also evaluated the database of 119 interviews of Romanians, Turkish and Albanians in Greece (27⁻65 years) during the MEDIGENE program, which indicated mean BCAA intake of 13.84 and 12.91 g/day in males and females, respectively, comparable to other studies. The MEDIPAD is user-friendly, multilingual, and secure software and with the BCAA database is suitable for conducting nutritional assessment in the Mediterranean area with particular facilities for food administration.

The synergistic effect of ω3 and Vit D3 on glycemia and TNF-α in islet transplantation

The current treatment of type 1 diabetes consists of insulin administration. Transplantation of islets of Langerhans is considered very favorable because the full effect of insulin treatment cannot be obtained in severe cases. Although agents such as omega-3 (ω3) and vitamin D3 (Vit D3) are known to contribute to the success of islet allo-transplantation (ITX), in this study we aimed to experimentally determine their effects on glycemia and TNF-α production. Wistar albino rats, which were used as recipients, were given ω3, Vit D3, and islets by gavage, and intraperitoneal- and intraportal injections, respectively. Daclizumab (DAC) was used for immunosuppression. Glycemia levels decreased in rats treated with ω3 and vit D3. TNF-α increased in all groups due to application of STZ. After ITX (day +1), the weakest increase was observed in the ω3 + Vit D3 group. In the ITX+DAC group, compared with that of ITX only, DAC was shown to decrease levels of TNF- α following ITX, only in control group, however, similar levels of TNF-α were observed in other groups. The values in the treated groups were already lower than those of the controls in the ITX group and also remained almost equal in the ITX+DAC group. We suggest that the use of ω3 and Vit D3 together will improve the pro-inflammatory aspect encountered during and after ITXs, and contribute to the reduction of the dose of immunosuppressants in these procedures.

A Comparison of hs-CRP Levels in New Diabetes Groups Diagnosed Based on FPG, 2-hPG, or HbA1c Criteria

Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) have been used to diagnose new-onset diabetes mellitus (DM) in order to simplify the diagnostic tests compared with the 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT; 2-hPG). We aimed to identify optimal cut-off points of high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in new-onset DM people based on FPG, 2-hPG, or HbA1c methods. Data derived from recent population-based survey in Turkey (TURDEP-II). The study included 26,499 adult people (63% women, response rate 85%). The mean serum concentration of hs-CRP in women was higher than in men (p < 0.001). The people with new-onset DM based on HbA1c had higher mean hs-CRP level than FPG based and 2-hPG based DM cases. In HbA1c, 2-hPG, and FPG based new-onset DM people, cut-off levels of hs-CRP in women were 2.9, 2.1, and 2.5 mg/L [27.5, 19.7, and 23.5 nmol/L] and corresponding values in men were 2.0, 1.8, and 1.8 mg/L (19.0, 16.9, and 16.9 nmol/L), respectively (sensitivity 60-65% and specificity 54-64%). Our results revealed that hs-CRP may not further strengthen the diagnosis of new-onset DM. Nevertheless, the highest hs-CRP level observed in new-onset DM people diagnosed with HbA1c criterion supports the general assumption that this method might recognize people in more advanced diabetic stage compared with other diagnostic methods.

Retrospective comparison of cabergoline and bromocriptine effects in hyperprolactinemia: a single center experience

INTRODUCTION

Patients with hyperprolactinemia who require medical therapy are typically treated with dopamine agonists (DAs). In most cases, DAs normalize prolactin levels, control symptoms, and substantially decrease tumor size. Here, we aimed to compare the efficacy of cabergoline (CAB) and bromocriptine (BRC) in patients with hyperprolactinemia at a single center.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of the clinical records of 498 patients with hyperprolactinemia [mean age 33.3 ± 10.8 years (range 16-66), 450 women, and 48 men] who had received either CAB (n = 450) or BRC (n = 48) was performed.

RESULTS

The mean age, gender distribution, and treatment duration were similar between the CAB and BRC groups (33.2 ± 11 vs. 34.1 ± 9.6 years, male/female 44/406 vs. 4/44, 18.7 ± 12.1 vs. 17.8 ± 6.0 months, respectively; p > 0.05 for all). Mean dosage was 1.5 ± 1.6 mg/week for CAB and 3.8 ± 2.7 mg/day for BRC. Baseline prolactin levels, frequency of galactorrhea, amenorrhea, oligomenorrhea, erectile dysfunction, infertility, and visual impairment were similar between the two groups, whereas the baseline tumor volume was higher in the CAB group. The prolactin normalization rate (87.4 vs. 41.4 %, p = 0.029) and tumor volume shrinkage (79.8 ± 39.1 vs. 54.1 ± 55.3 %, p = 0.015) were significantly higher in the CAB-treated patients than in the BRC-treated patients, while the tumor cure rates were similar. Symptom relief was higher in the CAB group than in the BRC group. More side effects were recorded in patients who took BRC (29.1 vs. 5.3 %, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our data revealed that CAB was more effective than BRC in controlling symptoms associated with hormone excess, normalizing serum prolactin levels, and shrinking prolactinomas.

Serum ghrelin and adiponectin levels are increased but serum leptin level is unchanged in low weight Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease patients

BACKGROUND

Weight loss and muscle wasting are common features reported in COPD patients and they are all related with systemic inflammation. In this study, the relationship between pulmonary functions and inflammatory and metabolic parameters in low weight COPD patients were investigated.

METHODS

Fifty male COPD patients were grouped according to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease criteria. Group 1: Mild-moderate COPD patients (n=18; with a mean age of 66.4 ± 9.2 yrs; body mass index (BMI):19.7 ± 1.5 kg/m(2)), group 2: Severe-very severe COPD patients (n=32; with a mean age of 65.9 ± 10.0 yrs; BMI:19.3 ± 1.6 kg/m(2)), group 3: Control group composed of healthy nonsmoking males (n=17; with a mean age of 50.2 ± 8.4 yrs; BMI:21.85 ± 1.5 kg/m(2)). Anthropometric parameters, serum levels of adiponectin (ApN), ghrelin, leptin, hsCRP, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-8, TNF-α and pulmonary functions were compared.

RESULTS

Adiponectin concentration was higher in group 1 (43.3 ± 28.6 ng/mL; p<0.05) and group 2 (59.9 ± 31.8 ng/mL; p<0.001) when compared with the control group (23.5 ± 13.6 ng/mL). Ghrelin concentrations were higher in COPD groups (1281.0 ± 1173.7 and 1840.0 ± 403.6 pg/mL; p<0.05) compared to the control subjects (554.0 ± 281.9 pg/mL). When the groups were compared, no significant difference was found for leptin, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-8. Interleukin-6 and hsCRP levels were higher in group 1 than in the control group. ApN was negatively correlated with BMI and FEV1. In all groups, FEV1 showed positive correlation with BMI, skinfold thicknesses, insulin and triglyceride; negative correlation with age, pack/years, HDL-Chol and ApN. Increased SHBG with decreased insulin level and HOMA-IR may indicate increased insulin sensitivity in COPD groups.

CONCLUSION

The anti-inflammatory effect of ApN and ghrelin is more evident in severe-very severe COPD patients.

Twelve-year trends in the prevalence and risk factors of diabetes and prediabetes in Turkish adults

There is concern about an emerging diabetes epidemic in Turkey. We aimed to determine the prevalence of diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes, prediabetes and their 12-year trends and to identify risk factors for diabetes in the adult Turkish population. A cross-sectional, population-based survey, ‘TURDEP-II’ included 26,499 randomly sampled adults aged ≥ 20 years (response rate: 87 %). Fasting glucose and biochemical parameters were measured in all; then a OGTT was performed to identify diabetes and prediabetes in eligible participants. The prevalence of diabetes was 16.5 % (new 7.5 %), translating to 6.5 million adults with diabetes in Turkey. It was higher in women than men (p = 0.008). The age-standardized prevalence to the TURDEP-I population (performed in 1997–98) was 13.7 % (if same diagnostic definition was applied diabetes prevalence is calculated 11.4 %). The prevalence of isolated-IFG and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and combined prediabetes was 14.7, 7.9, and 8.2 %, respectively; and that of obesity 36 % and hypertension 31.4 %. Compared to TURDEP-I; the rate of increase for diabetes: 90 %, IGT: 106 %, obesity: 40 % and central obesity: 35 %, but hypertension decreased by 11 % during the last 12 years. In women age, waist, body mass index (BMI), hypertension, low education, and living environment; in men age, BMI, and hypertension were independently associated with an increased prevalence of diabetes. In women current smoking, and in men being single were associated with a reduced risk. These results from one of the largest nationally representative surveys carried out so far show that diabetes has rapidly become a major public health challenge in Turkey. The figures are alarming and underscore the urgent need for national programs to prevent diabetes, to manage the illness and thus prevent complications.

Alkaline phosphatase: can it be considered as an indicator of liver fibrosis in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis with type 2 diabetes?

OBJECTIVE

While isolated hepatosteatosis is a benign disease, in minority of cases non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) may even lead to cirrhosis in long-term. In order to find the stage of the disease and determine the prognosis, a liver biopsy is indicated. In this study, we studied the relationship of liver histopathological findings with serum levels of hepatic enzymes.

METHODS

We recruited 52 cases of NASH with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Diagnosis of NASH was made based on biochemical tests, ultrasound images and liver biopsy.

RESULTS

Steatosis was mild in 57.7%, moderate in 30.8%, and severe in 11.6% of patients. While no infiltration was found in 78.8% of cases, there was a grade-1 infiltration in 15.4% and a grade-2 infiltration in 5.8% of cases. Similarly, no fibrosis was found in 42.3% of patients, but there was a stage-1 fibrosis in 50%, and a stage-2 fibrosis in 7.7% of cases. In patients with severe steatosis, serum levels of AST were higher than mild or moderate stage steatosis. Accordingly, in patients with no inflammation, serum levels of ALT were higher than in patients with inflammation. However, in patients with fibrosis, triglycerides levels were significantly lower and ALP was significantly higher than in patients without fibrosis. The correlation analysis indicated a positive association between serum levels of ALP and C-peptide.

CONCLUSION

In addition to conventional risk factors such as age, presence of diabetes, female sex; higher levels of ALP may be considered as a risk factor linked to hepatic fibrosis in patients with NASH and type 2 diabetes (Tab. 6, Ref. 8).