Automated Personalized Self-Care program for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A pilot trial.

PURPOSE: Providing continuous self-care support to the growing diabetes population is challenging. Strategies are needed to enhance engagement in self-care, utilizing innovative technologies for personalized feedback. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of the Automated Personalized Self-Care program among type 2 diabetes patients and evaluate its preliminary effectiveness. METHODS: A parallel randomized pilot trial with qualitative interviews occurred from May 3, 2022, to September 27, 2022. Participants aged 40-69 years with type 2 diabetes and HbA1c ≥ 7.0% were recruited. The three-month program involved automated personalized goal setting, education, monitoring, and feedback. Feasibility was measured by participants' engagement and intervention usability. Preliminary effectiveness was examined through self-care self-efficacy, self-care behaviors, and health outcomes. Qualitative interviews were conducted with the intervention group. RESULTS: A total of 404 patients were screened. Out of the 61 eligible patients, 32 were enrolled, resulting in a recruitment rate of 52.5%. Retention rates at three months were 84.2% and 84.6% in the intervention and control groups, respectively. Among the intervention group, 81.3% satisfied adherence criteria. Mobile application's usability scored 66.25, and participants' satisfaction was 8.06. Intention-to-treat analysis showed improvements in self-measured blood glucose testing, grain intake, and HbA1c in the intervention group. Qualitative content analysis identified nine themes. CONCLUSIONS: Feasibility of the program was verified. A larger randomized controlled trial is needed to determine its effectiveness in self-care self-efficacy, self-care behaviors, and health outcomes among type 2 diabetes patients. This study offers insights for optimizing future trials assessing clinical effectiveness. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Research Information Service, KCT0008202 (registration date: 17 February 2023).

Triglyceride-glucose index predicts type 2 diabetes mellitus more effectively than oral glucose tolerance test-derived insulin sensitivity and secretion markers.

AIMS: We explored the role of the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index as an early and superior predictor of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in individuals with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) using a community-based Korean cohort over 18 years. METHODS: We retrospectively examined 6,072 adults with NGT from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study. Cox proportional hazard regression models were employed to evaluate the risk of incidence of T2DM and receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to calculate the area under the curve (AUC). RESULTS: At baseline, the TyG index correlated with the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and the composite insulin sensitivity index (ISI) (ß: 0.045, p < 0.001; ß: -0.105, p < 0.001, respectively). Over the 18-year follow-up period, 999 individuals developed T2DM. An increase in the TyG quartile independently predicted the incidence of T2DM [hazard ratio, 2.36 (1.9-2.93) for Q4]. The AUC value of the TyG index was 0.642, the highest value among HOMA-IR and OGTT-derived insulin sensitivity and secretion markers. CONCLUSIONS: The TyG index is associated with HOMA-IR and composite ISI even with NGT. The TyG index demonstrated independent predictability for T2DM incidence in individuals with NGT, better than OGTT-derived insulin sensitivity and secretion markers.

Reducing Oxidative Stress and Inflammation by Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Kinase 4 Inhibition Is Important in Prevention of Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Diabetic Mice.

Background: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammation are reported to have a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury, a leading cause of acute kidney injury. The present study investigated the role of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4) in ROS production and inflammation following IR injury. Methods: We used a streptozotocin-induced diabetic C57BL6/J mouse model, which was subjected to IR by clamping both renal pedicles. Cellular apoptosis and inflammatory markers were evaluated in NRK-52E cells and mouse primary tubular cells after hypoxia and reoxygenation using a hypoxia work station. Results: Following IR injury in diabetic mice, the expression of PDK4, rather than the other PDK isoforms, was induced with a marked increase in pyruvate dehydrogenase E1α (PDHE1α) phosphorylation. This was accompanied by a pronounced ROS activation, as well as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) production. Notably, sodium dichloroacetate (DCA) attenuated renal IR injury-induced apoptosis which can be attributed to reducing PDK4 expression and PDHE1α phosphorylation levels. DCA or shPdk4 treatment reduced oxidative stress and decreased TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1ß, and MCP-1 production after IR or hypoxia-reoxygenation injury. Conclusion: PDK4 inhibition alleviated renal injury with decreased ROS production and inflammation, supporting a critical role for PDK4 in IR mediated damage. This result indicates another potential target for reno-protection during IR injury; accordingly, the role of PDK4 inhibition needs to be comprehensively elucidated in terms of mitochondrial function during renal IR injury.

Factors Associated with Diabetic Complication Index among Type 2 Diabetes Patients: Focusing on Regular Outpatient Follow-up and HbA1c Variability.

PURPOSE: Preventing diabetic complications involves regular outpatient follow-up and maintaining low variability in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels. This study investigated the factors associated with diabetic complications, with a specific focus on the impact of regular outpatient follow-up and HbA1c variability, among patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: The study design was secondary data analysis of electronic medical records from a university hospital in Korea. It included patients aged 40-79 with type 2 diabetes who were prescribed diabetes medication within three months of their first HbA1c test by an endocrinologist and were followed up for at least five years. Follow-up regularity, adjusted standard deviation of HbA1c levels, and diabetic complication indices were collected. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square test, independent t-test, repeated measures analysis of variance, and multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: The study included 1566 patients. Lower follow-up regularity was observed in patients of older age, with comorbidities, diabetic complications, insulin treatment, a history of hospitalization, lower baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and total cholesterol (TC), and higher HbA1c variability. Higher HbA1c variability was observed in younger patients without comorbidity but with insulin treatment, a history of hospitalization, higher baseline blood glucose (BG), HbA1c, TC, and triglyceride levels. HbA1c variability had the strongest influence on BG and HbA1c levels at the five-year follow-up. Baseline eGFR and TC were the most influential factors for their respective levels at the five-year follow-up. Follow-up regularity significantly affected BG, HbA1c, eGFR, and TC at five-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: It has been shown that several variables besides regular follow-up and HbA1c variability have an influence. However, these are the two that can be corrected through nursing intervention and are important, so intervention on these is important.

Inhibition of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 ameliorates kidney ischemia-reperfusion injury by reducing succinate accumulation during ischemia and preserving mitochondrial function during reperfusion.

Ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury, a leading cause of acute kidney injury (AKI), is still without effective therapies. Succinate accumulation during ischemia followed by its oxidation during reperfusion leads to excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) and severe kidney damage. Consequently, the targeting of succinate accumulation may represent a rational approach to the prevention of IR-induced kidney injury. Since ROS are generated primarily in mitochondria, which are abundant in the proximal tubule of the kidney, we explored the role of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4), a mitochondrial enzyme, in IR-induced kidney injury using proximal tubule cell-specific Pdk4 knockout (Pdk4ptKO) mice. Knockout or pharmacological inhibition of PDK4 ameliorated IR-induced kidney damage. Succinate accumulation during ischemia, which is responsible for mitochondrial ROS production during reperfusion, was reduced by PDK4 inhibition. PDK4 deficiency established conditions prior to ischemia resulting in less succinate accumulation, possibly because of a reduction in electron flow reversal in complex II, which provides electrons for the reduction of fumarate to succinate by succinate dehydrogenase during ischemia. The administration of dimethyl succinate, a cell-permeable form of succinate, attenuated the beneficial effects of PDK4 deficiency, suggesting that the kidney-protective effect is succinate-dependent. Finally, genetic or pharmacological inhibition of PDK4 prevented IR-induced mitochondrial damage in mice and normalized mitochondrial function in an in vitro model of IR injury. Thus, inhibition of PDK4 represents a novel means of preventing IR-induced kidney injury, and involves the inhibition of ROS-induced kidney toxicity through reduction in succinate accumulation and mitochondrial dysfunction.

The Ratio of Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate Based on Cystatin C and Creatinine Reflecting Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetic Patients.

BACKGROUND: The ratio of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) based on cystatin C and creatinine (eGFRcystatin C/eGFRcreatinine ratio) is related to accumulating atherosclerosis-promoting proteins and increased mortality in several cohorts. METHODS: We assessed whether the eGFRcystatin C/eGFRcreatinine ratio is a predictor of arterial stiffness and sub-clinical atherosclerosis in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients, who were followed up during 2008 to 2016. GFR was estimated using an equation based on cystatin C and creatinine. RESULTS: A total of 860 patients were stratified according to their eGFRcystatin C/eGFRcreatinine ratio (i.e., <0.9, 0.9-1.1 [a reference group], and >1.1). Intima-media thickness was comparable among the groups; however, presence of carotid plaque was frequent in the <0.9 group (<0.9 group, 38.3%; 0.9-1.1 group, 21.6% vs. >1.1 group, 17.2%, P<0.001). Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) was faster in the <0.9 group (<0.9 group, 1,656.3±333.0 cm/sec; 0.9-1.1 group, 1,550.5±294.8 cm/sec vs. >1.1 group, 1,494.0±252.2 cm/sec, P<0.001). On comparing the <0.9 group with the 0.9-1.1 group, the multivariate-adjusted odds ratios of prevalence of high baPWV and carotid plaque were 2.54 (P=0.007) and 1.95 (P=0.042), respectively. Cox regression analysis demonstrated near or over 3-fold higher risks of the prevalence of high baPWV and carotid plaque in the <0.9 group without chronic kidney disease (CKD). CONCLUSION: We concluded that eGFRcystatin C/eGFRcreatinine ratio <0.9 was related to an increased risk of high baPWV and carotid plaque in T2DM patients, especially, those without CKD. Careful monitoring of cardiovascular disease is needed for T2DM patients with low eGFRcystatin C/eGFRcreatinine ratio.

[The Development of Automated Personalized Self-Care (APSC) Program for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus].

PURPOSE: The study aimed to design and develop an automated personalized self-care (APSC) program for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The secondary aim was to present a clinical protocol as a mixed-method research to test the program effects. METHODS: The APSC program was developed in the order of analysis, design, implementation, and evaluation according to the software development life cycle, and was guided by the self-regulatory theory. The content validity, heuristics, and usability of the program were verified by experts and patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. RESULTS: The APSC program was developed based on goal setting, education, monitoring, and feedback components corresponding to the phases of forethought, performance/volitional control, and self-reflection of self-regulatory theory. Using the mobile application, the participants are able to learn from educational materials, monitor their health behaviors, receive weekly-automated personalized goals and feedback messages, and use an automated conversation system to solve the problems related to self-care. The ongoing two-year study utilizes a mixed method design, with 180 patients having type 2 diabetes mellitus randomized to receive either the intervention or usual care. The participants will be reviewed for self-care self-efficacy, health behaviors, and health outcomes at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Participants in the intervention group will be interviewed about their experiences. CONCLUSION: The APSC program can serve as an effective tool for facilitating diabetes health behaviors by improving patients' self-care self-efficacy and self-regulation for self-care. However, the clinical effectiveness of this program requires further investigation.

Low relative hand grip strength is associated with a higher risk for diabetes and impaired fasting glucose among the Korean population.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the association between relative hand grip strength (HGS) and glycemic status, such as impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and diabetes, using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study using the data from the KNHANES of 27,894 individuals from 2014 to 2019. Relative HGS was defined as the absolute HGS divided by body mass index and divided into quartiles in men and women. Odds ratios (OR) for diabetes and IFG were calculated using multivariate logistic regression analysis. All analyses were stratified by sex, and subgroup analysis was age-stratified. RESULTS: The lowest relative HGS quartile had a significant increase in the risk for diabetes (men: OR 2.72, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.12-3.50; women: OR 3.38, 95% CI 2.70-4.24) and IFG (men: OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.15-1.59; women: OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.40-1.84). The ORs for diabetes and IFG according to the decreasing quartiles of relative HGS gradually increased in both sexes (P for trend <0.001). ORs and 95% CI of the lowest relative HGS quartile for diabetes were higher in the younger age group than that of the older age group (men: 4.47 and 2.80-7.14 for young adults; 2.41 and 1.37-4.25 for older adults; women: 5.91 and 3.06-9.38 for young adults; 1.47 and 0.92-2.33 for older adults). ORs and 95% CI for IFG was similar with the trend of ORs for diabetes (men: 1.80 and 1.43-2.26 for young adults; 1.17 and 0.75-1.84 for older adults; women: 2.20 and 1.77-2.72 for young adults; 1.33 and 0.86-2.07 for older adults). CONCLUSION: Lower relative HGS was associated with a higher risk of not only diabetes but also IFG in both sexes. These trends were stronger in younger adults than in older adults.

Synergistic Interaction between Hyperuricemia and Abdominal Obesity as a Risk Factor for Metabolic Syndrome Components in Korean Population.

BACKGROUND: The present study investigated the role of synergistic interaction between hyperuricemia and abdominal obesity as a risk factor for the components of metabolic syndrome. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study using the data of 16,094 individuals from the seventh Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016 to 2018). The adjusted odds ratios of metabolic syndrome and its components were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression analysis. The presence of synergistic interaction between hyperuricemia and abdominal obesity was evaluated by calculating the additive scales-the relative excess risk due to interaction, attributable proportion due to interaction, and synergy index (SI). RESULTS: There was a synergistic interaction between hyperuricemia and abdominal obesity in hypertriglyceridemia (men: SI, 1.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01 to 1.98; women: SI, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.02 to 2.69), and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (men: SI, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.41 to 2.91; women: SI, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.05 to 2.95). There was no significant synergistic interaction between hyperuricemia and abdominal obesity for the risk of high blood pressure (men: SI, 1.22; 95% CI, 0.85 to 1.77; women: SI, 1.53; 95% CI, 0.79 to 2.97), and hyperglycemia (men: SI, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.72 to 1.47; women: SI, 1.39; 95% CI, 0.75 to 2.57). CONCLUSION: Hyperuricemia and abdominal obesity synergistically increased the risk of hypertriglyceridemia and low HDL-C in both sexes.

Association between serum uric acid and relative hand grip strength in comparison with metabolic syndrome components.

Objectives: To investigate the association between serum uric acid (UA) and relative hand grip strength (HGS) in comparison with metabolic syndrome components. Methods: We analyzed the data of 5247 Korean adults aged ≥ 20 years (2422 men and 2825 women) who participated in the KNHNES VII (2018). Results: Among women, relative HGS was significantly lower in participants with hyperuricemia (1.65 ± 0.04) than in those without (1.95 ± 0.01) and was significantly decreased in the highest quartile (4Q: 1.77 ± 0.02) of serum UA compared with that in the lowest quartile (1Q: 1.98 ± 0.02). Among men, relative HGS was lower in participants with hyperuricemia (3.09 ± 0.04 vs. 3.16 ± 0.02) and decreased in 4Q (3.08 ± 0.03) of serum UA compared with that in 1Q (3.15 ± 0.03); however, these results were not statistically significant. In age- and multivariate-adjusted analyses in men, relative HGS was significantly lower in 4Q compared with that in 1Q in model 1 (adjusted for age), but there were no significant differences in model 2 (adjusted for age, BMI, and waist circumference) and model 3 (adjusted for age, BMI, waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol). Meanwhile, in women, relative HGS was significantly decreased in 4Q compared with that in 1Q in all models. Conclusions: A significant inverse correlation was observed between serum UA levels and relative HGS in women, and their significance was maintained even after adjusting for age and metabolic syndrome components.

Postprandial dyslipidemia after a standardized high-fat meal in BMI-matched healthy individuals, and in subjects with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: A relationship between postprandial hyperlipidemia and glucose homeostasis/cardiovascular diseases has been suggested. We investigated postprandial plasma lipid patterns after a standardized high-fat meal and their association with glucose homeostasis and subclinical atherosclerosis. METHODS: Using matching by BMI, 32 healthy individuals with normal glucose tolerance (NGT), 21 subjects with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and 20 subjects with drug-naïve type 2 diabetes (T2D) were enrolled. Plasma concentrations of triglycerides (TGs), apolipoprotein-B (ApoB), ApoB48, ApoB100, glucose, and insulin at baseline and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8 h after a standardized meal (1041.03 kcal with 70.99 g of fat) were measured. Body composition, abdominal visceral fat area, and resting energy expenditure (REE) were measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, computed tomography, and indirect calorimetry, respectively. The intima-media thickness (IMT) of the carotid artery and the ankle-brachial index (ABI) were used to detect subclinical atherosclerosis. RESULTS: Baseline data and area under the curve (AUC) of plasma concentrations of TGs, ApoB, and ApoB48 in the IGT and T2D groups were higher than in the NGT group. The peak TG concentrations after the meal was observed at 5 h in subjects with IGT and T2D, while healthy subjects showed the highest concentrations at 4 h. In multivariable analysis, high abdominal visceral fat area and low HDL-cholesterol concentrations were independently associated with the AUCTG and AUCApoB after adjusting for confounders including baseline TG and the REE. High LDL-cholesterol and high HbA1c concentrations were also associated with the AUCApoB. Furthermore, high AUCTG and AUCApoB values were independent factors for an increased carotid IMT and a low ABI after adjusting for relevant variables. CONCLUSIONS: Abdominal visceral obesity and low HDL-cholesterol concentrations were associated with increased post load excursions of TGs and ApoB in this series. These elevated concentrations of TGs and ApoB were linked with subclinical atherosclerosis.

The fatty liver index, a simple and useful predictor of metabolic syndrome: analysis of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2010-2011.

PURPOSE: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease worldwide, and it is the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome (MetS). We aimed to estimate the prevalence of NAFLD defined by the fatty liver index (FLI), in order to investigate the association between FLI and metabolic disorders and to determine the cutoff value of FLI to screen for MetS. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This study utilized a national representative sample of Korean adults (the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys) which was conducted in 2010-2011. A total of 10,107 adults aged 19 years or older were selected. NAFLD was diagnosed on the basis of an increased FLI (≥60) after the exclusion of alcohol or viral liver disease. RESULTS: NAFLD was identified in 1,134 subjects (age-standardized prevalence, 10.0%). When subjects were categorized into three groups by FLI (<20, 20-59, and ≥60), the higher FLI group showed a higher prevalence of hypertension (49.7% vs 14.4%), diabetes mellitus (DM; 20.4% vs 3.8%), and MetS (74.9% vs 7.4%). FLI was positively associated with age, body mass index, blood pressure, hemoglobin A1c, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (P for trend <0.001). In the multivariate analysis, the higher FLI group had a significantly higher risk for hypertension (OR =2.92, 95% CI =2.18-3.90, P<0.001), DM (OR =4.38, 95% CI =2.96-6.49, P<0.001), and MetS (OR =24.85, 95% CI =17.33-35.64, P<0.001). However, no increase was observed for cardiovascular disease after adjustment of other risk factors. The cutoff value of the FLI estimated to predict the presence of MetS was 20 (area under the curve 0.849, sensitivity 0.828, and negative predictive value 91.9%). CONCLUSION: NAFLD prevalence using FLI is significantly higher in subjects with metabolic disorder including MetS. FLI might be a useful screening tool to detect subjects who may require early management of MetS and who have a high cardiovascular risk.

Relative handgrip strength as a marker of metabolic syndrome: the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) VI (2014-2015).

Purpose: Muscles play an important role in energy metabolism. Several studies have investigated the association between muscle mass and metabolic syndrome (MetS), reporting conflicting results. However, studies concerning the association between muscle strength and MetS are limited. We aimed to investigate the association between relative handgrip strength (HGS) and MetS in Korean adults. Participants and methods: We analyzed data from 5,014 Korean adults aged ≥20 years (2,472 men and 2,542 women) who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) VI (2014-2015). Results: The increasing quartiles of relative HGS (defined as the sum of both hands' HGS divided by body mass index) were inversely associated with the risk of MetS in both men and women (OR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.30-0.45, vs OR, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.14-0.27, respectively) after multivariable adjustment for age, region of residence, smoking status, heavy alcohol consumption, regular exercise, family income, and education level. On multivariable logistic regression analyses, participants with the highest relative HGS had a significant decrease in relative risk of MetS, compared with those with the lowest relative HGS. The multivariable-adjusted ORs (with 95% CIs) for MetS in quartiles 1, 2, 3, and 4 were 1.00, 0.72 (0.55-0.94), 0.34 (0.26-0.46), and 0.22 (0.15-0.32) in men and 1.00, 0.50 (0.36-0.68), 0.26 (0.17-0.40), and 0.16 (0.09-0.27) in women, respectively. Conclusion: Relative HGS showed a highly significant inverse association with the risk of MetS in Korean adults, and it can be a novel biomarker for assessing the risk of MetS.

Association between serum cystatin C and bone mineral density in Korean adults.

Background: Serum cystatin C has been known as a novel marker of preclinical renal dysfunction, and higher cystatin C levels are associated with increased risks of hip and nonvertebral fractures. However, there are few reports on the association between serum cystatin C and bone mineral density (BMD), especially in the Asian population. We evaluated the association between cystatin C levels and BMD of the spine and hip in Korean adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in 865 Korean adults (325 men and 540 women) who participated in a comprehensive medical examination program and underwent bone densitometry. Renal function was assessed by the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), which was calculated using an equation based on creatinine (eGFRcre) and cystatin C (eGFRcys). Results: The serum cystatin C level was negatively correlated with different types of BMD, including the lowest lumbar, total lumbar, femoral neck, and total femur BMD, in women, but not in men. Higher cystatin C levels were associated with a higher prevalence of osteoporosis in women (odds ratio [OR], 3.68; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.69-8.03; P=0.001), but not in men (OR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.30-2.38; P=0.761). However, this association was attenuated in the multivariable model adjusted for age, body mass index, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, and creatinine (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.38-2.71) in women. In addition, the eGFRcys showed a stronger positive correlation with BMD than the eGFRcre. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that serum cystatin C levels might help identify women with osteoporosis who are susceptible to fractures.

Sex differences in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its components in hypopituitary patients: comparison with an age- and sex-matched nationwide control group.

PURPOSE: Hypopituitary patients have a reduced life expectancy owing to cardiovascular events. We investigated the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in hypopituitary patients for a follow-up period of at least 1 year in comparison with an age- and sex-matched nationwide control group. METHODS: A total of 515 patients with hypopituitarism who visited Seoul National University Hospital between January 2000 and December 2010 were included. Data for an age- and sex-matched control group were obtained from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (KNHANES) (n = 1545). Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the modified National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP-ATPIII). RESULTS: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome did not differ significantly between the hypopituitary and control groups for men (34.9 versus 30.3 %), but the risk of metabolic syndrome was higher in hypopituitary women than in controls (39.8 versus 28.5 %). In both sexes, the risks of central obesity and dyslipidemia were higher in the hypopituitary group than in the control group. Men had lower risks of hypertension and hyperglycemia in the hypopituitary group, which attenuated the risk of metabolic syndrome. Age greater than 40 years and obesity (BMI ≥25 kg/m2) contributed to a higher risk of metabolic syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: The metabolic syndrome prevalence was higher in the hypopituitry group than in the control group in Korean women, and this was attributed to an increased risk of central obesity and dyslipidemia. Accordingly, early intervention to reduce metabolic syndrome needed in hypopituitary patients, i.e. women.

Comparison of different statin therapy to change low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level in Korean patients with and without diabetes.

BACKGROUND: It is difficult to apply the proper intensity of statin for new treatment guidelines in clinical settings because of few data about the statin efficacy in Asians. We conducted a retrospective, observational study to estimate the percentage changes in lipid parameters and glucose induced by different statins. METHODS: We analyzed 3854 patients including those with nondiabetes and diabetes treated at the outpatient clinic between 2003 and 2013 who were statin-naïve and maintained fixed-dose of statin for at least 18 months. RESULTS: Moderate- and low-intensity statin therapy was effective in reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) to <100 mg/dL (70.3%, 83.0%, and 87.2% of diabetic patients in the low-, moderate-, and high-intensity therapy groups, respectively). The rapid decrease of LDL-C was observed in the first 8 months, and LDL-C-lowering effect was maintained throughout the observation period in even the low-intensity statin group. The effects of statins in elevating high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were similar in each statin groups, except the ezetimibe-simvastatin group (4.5 ± 2.1%) and high-dose atorvastatin groups (9.7 ± 3.3% and 8.7 ± 2.4% for 40 mg and 80 mg of atorvastatin/day, respectively). High-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased less and LDL-C decreased more in diabetes than in nondiabetes. There were no significant changes of fasting glucose after statin use in nondiabetic patients. CONCLUSIONS: Moderate- or low-intensity statin was effective enough in reaching National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III LDL-C target goals in Koreans. Low-intensity statin showed around 30% LDL-C reduction from the baseline level in Koreans, which is comparable to moderate-intensity statin in new guideline.

Counterintuitive relationship between visceral fat and all-cause mortality in an elderly Asian population.

OBJECTIVE: Abdominal obesity is considered to be a risk factor for mortality. However, recent studies indicate that overweight may be negatively associated with mortality ("obesity paradox"). The relationships between mortality and various obesity markers in an elderly Asian cohort were evaluated. METHODS: Subjects of the Korean Longitudinal Study on Health and Aging (KLoSHA) (n = 1000, age ≥65 years) were included. The visceral fat area (VFA) and subcutaneous fat area (SFA) were measured using computed tomography. RESULTS: A total of 222 deaths occurred during the 6-year follow-up (median = 5.2 [range 0.1-6.3] years). Body mass index (BMI), VFA, SFA, and total fat mass were negatively associated with all-cause mortality in the univariable analyses (hazard ratio [HR] 0.67 per 1 SD [95% CI 0.57-0.77], 0.66 [0.55-0.79], 0.73 [0.61-0.86], and 0.74 [0.63-0.87], respectively). BMI and VFA were significantly associated with all-cause mortality in the multivariable analyses (HR 0.85 per 1 SD [95% CI 0.73-0.99] and 0.64 [0.47-0.87], respectively). When stratified by quartiles, the HR associated with VFA was the lowest in the third quartile. CONCLUSIONS: In this observational study with a short follow-up of elderly Asian people, higher amounts of visceral fat, a marker for central obesity, were associated with decreased all-cause mortality.