Erratum for: Pregnancy lipid profile and different lipid patterns of gestational diabetes treated by diet itself.

List of changes Authors and affiliation: Lubica CIBICKOVA1,3, Katerina LANGOVA2, Jan SCHOVANEK1,3, Dominika MACAKOVA1,3, Ondrej KRYSTYNIK1,3, David KARASEK1,3 1Department of Internal Medicine III - Nephrology, Rheumatology and Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic, 2Department of Medical Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic, 3Department of Internal Medicine III - Nephrology, Rheumatology and Endocrinology, University Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic Acknowledgement: Supported by the grants: MH CZ - DRO (FNOl, 00098892); AZV NV18-01-00139.

Circulating levels of WISP-1 (Wnt1-inducible signaling pathway protein 1) and other selected adipokines in children with inflammatory bowel disease.

Wnt1 inducible protein-1 signaling pathway (WISP-1) is a relatively new adipokine involved in many cellular processes, including epithelial mucosa healing. The aim of the study was to compare circulating levels of WISP-1 and other selected adipokines [adiponectin, resistin and retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP-4)] in children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with healthy controls and to investigate possible differences between Crohn's disease patients. (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC). The study was performed as a case-control study. In addition to adipokines, anthropometric, lipid parameters, markers of inflammation or disease activity were evaluated in all participants. Compared to healthy controls (n=20), significantly lower levels of adiponectin and higher levels of resistin and WISP-1 were found in patients with IBD (n=58). Elevation of WISP-1 was detected only in the CD group (n=31). There were no differences in RBP-4 levels between the groups. Adiponectin, WISP-1 and RBP-4 were independently associated with body mass index only, resistin levels were associated with C-reactive protein levels and leukocyte counts. Adverse adipokines production reflects presence of dysfunctional fat tissue in IBD patients. Higher levels of WISP-1 in CD compared to patients with UC may indicate a specific role for mesenteric adipose tissue in WISP-1 production.

Pregnancy lipid profile and different lipid patterns of gestational diabetes treated by diet itself.

The development of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) affects lipid metabolism during pregnancy. However, the magnitude of changes in lipid parameters is unclear. In addition, the patterns of these changes may vary based on the criteria selected for making the diagnosis of GDM. Thus, our aim was to compare the anthropometric and laboratory profiles of GDM-associated vs. GDM-free gestation with those of healthy non-pregnant women. We designed a cross-sectional study involving a group of females affected by GDM, a group of healthy pregnant controls and a group of healthy non-pregnant counterparts. GDM patients were divided into 3 subgroups according to the fulfilled diagnostic criteria, that is, those presenting with high fasting plasma glucose in the first trimester (subgroup 1), high fasting plasma glucose in the second trimester (subgroup 2) and high plasma glucose following oral glucose load in the second trimester (subgroup 3). The anthropometric and metabolic profiles of GDM subjects resembled the facets of metabolic syndrome (highest body mass index, waist circumference, C-peptide level, triglycerides) significantly more than the respective profiles of healthy non-pregnant women (p<0.0001). While total cholesterol (TC) (together with LDL-C and non-HDL-C) in pregnant women with GDM and without GDM did not differ, both groups had significantly higher levels of triglycerides (TG) than non-pregnant women (p<0.0001). Subgroup 1 had the highest fasting glucose level in the second trimester whereas subgroup 3 had the lowest fasting glucose level (p=0.019). Concentration of TG increased, being the lowest in subgroup 1 and the highest in subgroup 3 (p=0.006). Women with GDM had more pronounced features of metabolic syndrome than pregnant women without GDM. Both groups reached higher levels of TC (LDL-C, non-HDL-C) than non-pregnant controls and did not differ from each other. We found differences in TG and fasting glucose levels among different types of GDM.

Associations Between Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA) and Routinely Examined Parameters in Individuals With Metabolic Syndrome.

The aim of the study was to investigate whether routine clinical parameters, including visceral adiposity index (VAI) and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), could become widely applicable predictors of insulin resistance (IR), evaluated using homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR, HOMA-ß), with regard to presence of metabolic syndrome (MS). The study comprised 188 individuals identified to meet the MS criteria during regular health examinations and an equal number of age, sex-matched controls without MS. The strongest correlations were noted between HOMA-IR and waist circumference (WC) in the MS group (r=0.57) as well as between HOMA-IR and alanine aminotransferase (ALT, r=0.57) or aspartate aminotransferase (r=0.56) in the controls, with a statistical significance of p<0.001. In a multivariate linear regression model, the predictors of HOMA-IR were WC (linear coefficient ß=0.1, p<0.001), ALT (ß=2.28, p<0.001) and systolic blood pressure (ß=0.04, p<0.001). HOMA-ß was determined by WC (ß=1.97, p=0.032) and ALT (ß=99.49, p=0.004) and inversely associated with age (ß=-1.31, p=0.004). Neither VAI nor AIP were significant predictors. The presence of MS was significantly associated with both HOMA-IR and HOMA-ß. These results indicate that WC and ALT appear to be reliable predictors of IR. Comprehensive assessment of these parameters may serve for estimating the level of IR.

Superior Role of Waist Circumference to Body-Mass Index in the Prediction of Cardiometabolic Risk in Dyslipidemic Patients.

Coronary risk evaluation by conventional factors (age, gender, smoking, blood pressure and cholesterol) may further be specified by facets of the metabolic syndrome, namely insulin resistance, hypertriglyceridemia and obesity. Although obesity is usually defined as elevated body mass index (BMI), recent data indicate a superior role of waist circumference or hypertri-glyceridemic waist (HTGW) over BMI in the assessment of cardiometabolic risk. In dyslipidemic patients, the specific contributions of risky waist, HTGW or BMI have not been evaluated as yet. 686 dyslipidemic subjects (322 males and 364 females) were enrolled into a cross-sectional study. In each subject basic antropometry (i.e. waist circumference, HTGW, BMI) and laboratory parameters of lipid profile and insulin resistance were determined. Cardiometabolic risk was given by fulfilling the criteria (harmonized definition) of metabolic syndrome. The significance of risky waist, HTGW and BMI were assessed by comparing the respective predictive values for the presence of metabolic syndrome. Dyslipidemic patients with risky waist, HTGW or high BMI have a more atherogenic lipid profile and higher insulin resistance compared to those without risky waist, HTGW or high BMI. Risky waist is stronger predictor of metabolic syndrome (PPV 66 %, NPV 90 %) and thus posesa greater cardiometabolic risk than higher BMI per se does (PPV 42 %, NPV 97 %). The contribution of triglycerides (i.e. HTGW) to these predictive values is marginal (PPV 66 %, NPV 92 %). The present results highlight the superior role of waist circumference as a screening tool over BMI for the evaluation of cardiometabolic risk in dyslipidemic subjects. HTGW brings little additional benefit in risk stratification. Lower BMI proved to be optimal for identifying the subjects with inferior risk.

Association of pigment epithelium derived factor with von Willebrand factor and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 in patients with type 2 diabetes.

To compare circulating pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF) levels in type 2 diabetes patients (T2D) with and without metabolic syndrome (MetS+/-) to healthy controls and assess PEDF association with plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and von Willebrand factor (vWF) as markers of endothelial dysfunction. Fifty T2D individuals and forty healthy controls were included. PEDF, PAI-1, vWF, anthropological parameters, lipids, and markers of insulin resistance were investigated in all subjects. Compared to controls only MetS+ diabetics had higher PEDF levels [14.2 (10.2-16.0) mg/l vs. 11.1 (8.6-14.4) mg/l; p<0.05]. PEDF significantly correlated: positively with body mass index (rho=0.25), smoking (rho=0.21), C-reactive protein (rho=0.22), triglycerides (rho=0.38), non-HDL-cholesterol (rho=0.39), apolipoprotein B (rho=0.38), fasting glucose (rho=0.22), glycated hemoglobin (rho=0.24), C-peptide (rho=0.28), insulin (rho=0.26); and negatively with HDL-cholesterol (rho=-0.42) and apolipoprotein A1 (rho=-0.27). Independent association of PEDF with vWF in T2DMetS- subjects was found. Significantly elevated PEDF in T2DMet+ patients and its association with adverse metabolic profile confirmed PEDF as a marker of insulin resistance. Negative independent association of PEDF with vWF in T2DMetS- patients may reveal its angio-protective role.

Inverse association of lipoprotein (a) with markers of insulin resistance in dyslipidemic subjects.

Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] is an LDL-like particle that contains an apolipoprotein B100 molecule covalently bound to a plasminogen-like glycoprotein, apolipoprotein (a) [apo(a)]. Epidemiological evidence supports a direct and causal association between Lp(a) levels and coronary risk. On the contrary, a few prospective findings demonstrate inverse association of Lp(a) levels with risk of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). The aim of our study was to evaluate the association of Lp(a) with indicators of insulin resistance (IR) and metabolic syndrome (MS), which precede development of T2DM. We enrolled 607 asymptomatic dyslipidemic subjects (295 men and 312 women, mean age 45.6+/-14.0 years) into our cross-sectional study. Lp(a) concentrations correlated inversely with TG, AIP, insulin, HOMA, C-peptide, BMI, waist circumference, and number of MS components (p<0.01 for all). Subjects with MS had significantly lower Lp(a) concentrations in comparison with those without the presence of this phenotype (p<0.0001). Serum concentrations of Lp(a) in the lower (1(th)-3(rd)) quartiles of insulin and HOMA were significantly higher than in the 4(th) quartile of these insulin resistance markers (p<0.001). Odds ratios of having increased markers of IR (TG, HOMA) and MS in top quartile of Lp(a) also indicate inverse association of Lp(a) with IR. The results of our study support an inverse association of Lp(a) levels with IR and MS that precedes overt T2DM diagnosis.

Correlation of uric acid levels and parameters of metabolic syndrome.

Hyperuricemia has been described as associated with the risk of development metabolic syndrome; however the relationship between the uric acid level and particular parameters of metabolic syndrome remained unclear. We performed a cross-sectional study on a cohort of 833 dyslipidemic patients and correlated their levels of uric acid with parameters of insulin resistance, lipid metabolism, C-reactive protein, anthropometric parameters. We also defined patients with hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype and compered their uric acid levels with those without this phenotype. We found that levels of uric acid are associated with parameters of metabolic syndrome. Specifically, dyslipidemia characteristic for metabolic syndrome (low HDL-cholesterol and high triglycerides) correlates better with uric acid levels than parameters of insulin resistance. Also waist circumference correlates better with uric acid levels than body mass index. Patients with hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype had higher levels of uric acid when compared with patients without this phenotype. Serum uric acid levels are even in low levels linearly correlated with parameters of metabolic syndrome (better with typical lipid characteristics than with parameters of insulin resistance) and could be associated with higher cardiovascular risk.

OVARIAN GOITER AS A RARE CAUSE OF HYPERTHYROIDISM.

INTRODUCTION: Thyroid tissue ectopically located in the ovary can be reported accidentally after adnexectomy, but as a primary cause of hyperthyroidism this diagnosis is rare. The clinical search for a functional ectopic thyroid tissue requires intense clinical focus and a multidisciplinary approach. CASE DESCRIPTION: This case report demonstrates a patient with a history of Graves' disease who had undergone thyroidectomy combined with postoperative 131I radioablation. Despite the previous treatment, she developed an outburst of hyperthyroidism ten years later. Only very close follow-up enabled us to disclose the right condition. The ovarian source of thyroid hormone production was removed by laparoscopic adnexectomy and a right sided benign ovarian struma was confirmed. CONCLUSION: Most patients treated by thyroidectomy and radioiodine do not require extended periods of follow-up or postoperative investigations, but when the clinical or laboratory signs change, clinicians should be prepared to perform the necessary re-evaluation in order to provide the best care.

Hypertriglyceridemic waist - a simple clinical tool to detect cardiometabolic risk: comparison with harmonized definition of metabolic syndrome.

With the increasing prevalence of obesity and especially abdominal obesity, a simple clinical tool is needed that identifies the cardiometabolic risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. The aim of our study was to evaluate a broad spectrum of metabolic variables and IMT in subjects with and without hypertriglyceridemic waist (HTGW) and compare it with the harmonized definition of metabolic syndrome (MS) with both a higher (MS-I) and lower waist circumference (MS-II) for Europids. We enrolled 607 asymptomatic dyslipidemic subjects (295 men and 312 women) into our cross-sectional study. The subjects with HTGW had an atherogenic lipid profile (significantly higher triglycerides, AIP, non-HDL-C, lower HDL-C and ApoA-1, and the women also higher TC and ApoB), increased markers of insulin resistance (insulin, HOMA, C-peptide, proinsulin), inflammation (hsCRP), thrombosis (fibrinogen, PAI-1), SBP and DBP, and lower adiponectin (p<0.05-0.001 for all). These risk factors were entirely similar in HTGW, MS-I and MS-II. Age-adjusted IMT was significantly higher only in the women with HTGW but this significance disappeared after further adjustment for TC, SBP, and smoking. Our results support the routine use of HTGW as a simple and inexpensive screening tool to detect subjects at increased cardiometabolic risk in clinical practice.

Correlation of lipid parameters and markers of insulin resistance: does smoking make a difference?

Insulin resistance associated with dyslipidemia enhances cardiovascular risk. Several atherogenic indexes have been suggested to give more precise information about the risk. The aim of our study was to estimate, which atherogenic index correlates better with parameters of insulin resistance. Furthermore, we compared the parameters of lipid metabolism and insulin resistance between smokers and non-smokers. In our cross-sectional study we enrolled 729 patients with dyslipidemia which were divided into two groups - non-smokers (586) and smokers (143). We measured lipid profile, parameters of insulin resistance (fasting glycemia, insulin, HOMA-IR, C-peptide, proinsulin) and calculated atherogenic indexes - atherogenic index of plasma (log (TAG/HDL-C), AIP), ApoB/ApoA1 index and nonHDL-C. AIP was found out to show stronger correlations with parameters of insulin resistance (p<0.001, correlation coefficients ranging between 0.457 and 0.243) than other indexes (ApoB/ApoA1 or nonHDL cholesterol). AIP correlated with parameters of insulin resistance both in smokers and non-smokers, but after adjustment (for age, body mass index, waist circumference) persisting only in non-smokers. Smokers had a wider waist circumference and a proatherogenic lipid profile. Smoking increases the risk of developing metabolic syndrome. AIP can be used in daily praxis for predicting insulin resistance in patients with dyslipidemia, predominantly in non-smokers.

Evaluation of total adiponectin, adipocyte fatty acid binding protein and fibroblast growth factor 21 levels in individuals with metabolic syndrome.

Although many studies have investigated the relationships of several adipokines to metabolic syndrome (MetS), the interrelationships of adiponectin (ADP), adipocyte fatty acid binding protein (A-FABP) and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF 21) have not been described in detail. We examined 209 asymptomatic dyslipidemic patients divided into MetS+ (n=73) and MetS- (n=136) groups. The aim of study was to evaluate the relationships between observed adipokines, to compare the levels of total ADP, A-FABP and FGF 21 in individuals with and without MetS, and to elucidate the relationships of individual adipokines to lipid parameters, markers of insulin resistance and endothelial hemostatic markers in these groups. In MetS+ group, we found the independent positive association ADP with A-FABP (beta=0.4888, p=0.0382), A-FABP with FGF 21 (beta=0.3811, p=0.0002) and von Willebrand factor (beta=0.4502, p=0.0013), and FGF 21 with A-FABP (beta=0.4422, p=0.0002). Our study has confirmed the well-established risk profile of subjects with MetS, although clinically asymptomatic. MetS+ patients had also lower levels of ADP and higher levels of A-FABP and FGF 21. Our study evaluated the interrelationships of ADP, A-FABP and FGF 21 in asymptomatic dyslipidemic subjects with diagnosis of MetS. Especially strong association between A-FABP and FGF 21 needs to be clarified in further studies.

An update on the genetics of pheochromocytoma.

Pheochromocytomas (PHEOs) and paragangliomas (PGLs) are rare neuroendocrine tumors. About 30% or more of them are thought to be of inherited origin due to germ-line mutations in at least 10 well-characterized genes. There are data linking specific genotypes of these tumors to specific locations, typical biochemical phenotypes or future clinical behaviors. Conversely, clinical features, catecholamine production and immunohistochemistry evaluation can help with the proper order of genetic testing for PHEO and PGL. The identification of a germ-line mutation can lead to an early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, regular surveillance and better prognosis not only for the patient but also for their family members. Moreover, the latest discoveries in molecular pathogenesis of these tumors will provide an important basis for future personalized therapy.

Soluble intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 in asymptomatic dyslipidemic subjects.

AIM: The plasma levels of soluble intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (s-ICAM-1) and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (s-VCAM-1) were assessed in clinically asymptomatic subjects to compare them between normolipidemic and various dyslipidemic phenotypes. The associations between soluble cell adhesion molecules (s-CAMs) and risk factors for atherosclerosis, markers of insulin resistance, and the intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery (IMT) were evaluated, too. METHODS: Thwo hundred and thirty-four asymptomatic subjects were divided into four dyslipidemic phenotypes (DLP) according to apolipoprotein B (apoB) and triglycerides (TG): DLP1 (N.=58, apoB<1.2 g/L and TG<1.5 mmol/L), DLP2 (N.=47, apoB<1.2 g/L and TG≥1.5 mmol/L), DLP3 (N.=31, apoB≥1.2 g/L and TG<1.5 mmol/L) and DLP4 (N.=98, apoB≥1.2 g/L and TG≥1.5 mmol/L). DLP1 (normo-apoB /normo-TG) served as a control group. RESULTS: A significant difference in s-ICAM-1 between DLP1 (502.0 [457.1-568.2] ng/mL) and DLP4 (567.9 [502.8-692.1] ng/mL, P<0.001) was found. No significant differences in s-VCAM-1 between DLPs were apparent. S-ICAM-1 was independently predicted by HDL-cholesterol, non-HDL-cholesterol, proinsulin, C-peptide, waist, systolic and diastolic blood pressure. S-VCAM-1 was predicted only by age and systolic blood pressure. Both s-CAMs were detected as independent predictors for IMT, which was significantly increased in DLP 4. CONCLUSION: The elevation of s-ICAM-1 was presented only in patients with simultaneously elevated TG and apoB (DLP4) in comparison with normolipidemic subjects. Patients with DLP 4 had significantly increased IMT, which was independently predicted by levels of s-ICAM-1 and of s-VCAM-1. These findings pointed out DLP4 subjects as individuals with the highest risk for early manifestation of atherosclerosis.

Oxygen cost of sprint training.

AIM: The purpose of the study was to profile the oxygen uptake of sprinters during various portions of a typical sprint training workout. METHODS: This was a descriptive study of 11 female sprinters and jumpers on an NCAA Division II university track team. Subjects were assessed for VO(2max), and VO(2) and HR kinetics during a 65 min typical sprint training session on a treadmill. The sprint session included a warm-up, static stretching, acceleration runs, 8x20 s sprints at 150% of velocity VO(2max) (vVO(2max)) with a 3-min walk recovery, and a cool-down. RESULTS: Mean VO(2) and HR (M+/-SD) for the entire 65 min sprint training session were 19.1+/-7.6 mL/kg/min and 138.7+/-24.0 b/min, respectively. VO(2) rose to 33 mL/kg/min during and immediately following each 20 s sprint which represented 73% of VO(2max). VO(2) during and after each sprint remained nearly constant (P>0.05) rather than rising as hypothesized. CONCLUSION: VO(2) during a 65 min sprint training workout in female college athletes varies greatly but was elevated to 33 mL/kg/min following each 20 s sprint. VO(2) did not rise across the series of eight sprints. These results suggest that chronic sprint training may elicit a moderate aerobic training effect. Implications for training are discussed.

Significance of HLA nondependent risk factors of chronic transplant nephropathy for the development of endothelial dysfunction after kidney transplantation.

More than 40% of renal allografts show chronic transplant nephropathy (CTN) early after renal transplantation. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in this population. Thus endothelial dysfunction represents an early angiopathy causing CTN and atherosclerosis. We sought to evaluate changes in endothelial dysfunction and vascular wall thickness during the first year posttransplantation as well as their association with HLA nondependent risk factors for CTN. At 3 and 52 weeks after grafting, we studied 25 patients without overt atherosclerotic disease and acute posttransplant complications for von Willebrand factor (vWF), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), big endothelin-1 (ET-1), flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), intimal media thickness (IMT), serum total cholesterol (TC), and triglycerides (TAG). FMD and IMT at 52 weeks showed significant correlations (P < .05) with recipient age, and the FMD ratios at 3 and 52 weeks correlated with the time on hemodialysis. Recipient age was significantly correlated with TC and PAI-1 with TAG. vWF was the only parameter that significantly correlated with donor age. There were no significant correlations with creatinine clearance. Decreased TAG approached statistical significance (P = .07) and TC decreased nonsignificantly. The worsening of FMD and ET-1 was not significant. A nonsignificant improvement in IMT was not associated with any analyzed parameters. Our results implied that the time on hemodialysis, the presence of hyperlipoproteinemia, and the recipient age significantly contributed to endothelial dysfunction during the first year after transplantation.

Relationship between familial combined hyperlipidemia and insulin resistance.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Familial combined hyperlipidemia is the most frequent hereditary dyslipidemia, usually associated with insulin resistance. Recently, the diagnostic criteria offamilial combined hyperlipidemia were redefined: There should be at least two 1st degree hyperlipidemic relatives with both triglycerides > or = 1.5 mmol x L(-1) and apolipoprotein B > or = 1.20 g L(-1). The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between this lipoprotein phenotype and the presence of insulin resistance and to assess the presence of metabolic syndrome. METHODS: Lipid parameters and parameters associated with insulin resistance were determined in 90 subjects of families with familial combined hyperlipidemia and 38 controls. The members of affected families were further divided into the hyperlipidemic and normolipidemic group. RESULTS: The hyperlipidemic group showed only significantly higher fasting proinsulin levels [HL 17,4 +/- 1.5 vs NL 12.8 +/- 1.4 (p = 0.030); and vs CO 11.1 +/- 1.4 (p = 0.003)] in comparison with the normolipidemic and control groups. Differences in fasting insulin [HL 9.40 +/- 0.78 vs NL 7.78 +/- 0.71 (p = NS); and vs CO 7.30 +/- 0.76 (p = NS)], C-peptide [HL 2.56 +/- 0.19 vs NL 2.27 +/- 0.17 (p = NS); and vs CO 2.07 +/- 0.18 (p = NS)], and HOMA [HL 2.16 +/- 0.21 vs NL 1.84 +/- 0.20 (p = NS); and vs CO 1.69 +/- 0.21 (p = NS)] did not reach statistical significance. On the contrary, the members of families with familial combined hyperlipidemia with the presence of metabolic syndrome (NCEP-ATP III) had significantly higher fasting insulin [FCH with MS 12.74 +/- 1.42 vs HL without MS 9.21 +/- 0.92 (p = 0.030); and vs NL without MS 6.75 +/- 0.80 (p = 0.001)], and proinsulin levels [FCH with MS 25.28 vs HL without MS 15.69 +/- 1.75 (p = 0.002); and vs NL without MS 11.20 +/- 1.51 (p = 0.0001)], and HOMA index [FCH with MS 3.03 +/- 0.39 vs HL without MS 2.13 +/- 0.25 (p = 0.042); and vs. NL without MS 1.56 +/- 0.22 (p = 0.003)] in comparison with their relatives without metabolic syndrome and controls. CONCLUSION: The presence of the metabolic syndrome could detect the most insulin resistant subjects in families with familial combined hyperlipidemia who are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Charcot's joint of the wrist in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

In patients with diabetes mellitus, Charcot's neuroarthropathy mainly affects major weight-bearing joints, especially the foot and ankle. Remarkably, we report a case of Charcot's joint of the wrist - an unusually rare localization in type 2 diabetic patient. A review of medical literature identified only three such cases so far.

Brachial endothelial function in subjects with familial combined hyperlipidemia and its relationships to carotid artery intima-media thickness.

AIM: The aim of this study was to quantify the flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of brachial artery in asymptomatic members of families with familial combined hyperlipidemia (FCH) and to determine the relation between FMD and risk factors accompanying FCH. We also investigated the association between FMD and the intima-media thickness (IMT) of the common carotid artery. METHODS: Eighty-two members of 29 FCH families were divided into two groups: probands and hyperlipidemic first-degree relatives (HL) (n=47) and normolipidemic first-degree relatives (NL) (n=35). The control (C) groups, C-HL (n=20) and C-NL (n=20), consisted of sex- and age-matched healthy individuals. FMD was assessed in the brachial artery by measuring the change in brachial artery diameter in response to reactive hyperemia. RESULTS: Both hyperlipidemic subjects and their NL had significantly lower FMD (3.4+/-3% vs 6.3+/-2.8%, P<0.001, 5.2+/-2.3% vs 7.8+/-2.8%, P<0.01, respectively) compared to controls. In multivariate backward stepwise regression analysis, FMD in members of FCH families was independently associated with sex (P<0.001), age (P<0.01), C-peptide (P<0.05) and borderline with glycemia (P=0.052). FMD correlated inversely with IMT in all subjects of FCH families and in hyperlipidemic members. In multivariate backward stepwise regression analysis this relation remained independent (P<0.001, P<0.01, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Members of FCH families showed impaired FMD, which was independently associated with markers of insulin resistance. FMD and IMT were independently associated in hyperlipidemic, but not in normolipidemic members of FCH families.

[Problems with interpretation of low levels of thyroidal hormones conditioned by changes in transport proteins]. / Problémy s interpretací nízkých hladin tyreoidálních hormonu podmínené zmenami v transportních proteinech.

In clinical practice, we often observe conditions accompanied by secondary drop of binding proteins that bind, more or less specifically, thyroidal hormones. This is usually considered as normal situation that is often not properly interpreted from clinical point of view. In other words, we tolerate such conditions because we build on values of free hormones FT3 and FT4. However, it is very rare to observe significant decrease or even absence of thyroxin binding globulin (TBG) due to inborn error of metabolism. In such situations, the overall level of thyroidal hormones becomes a part of evaluated laboratory profile. Unusual laboratory constellation is in sharp contrast to the so-called "healthy patient". Due to increased migration of persons, we had an opportunity to take care of a patient of this kind.