Changes of serum pepsinogen level and ABC classification after bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: Very few studies have explored the changes of serum pepsinogen after bariatric surgery and no research has evaluated the feasibility of ABC classification to predict gastric cancer risk after bariatric surgery. METHODS: We enrolled 94 obese subjects that received bariatric surgery, including 41 sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and 53 Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). The serum pepsinogen I (PGI), pepsinogen II (PGII), PGI/II ratio and seropositivity of Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori ) were measured before and one year after surgery. Patients were classified according to ABC classification and post-operative change was evaluated. RESULTS: Preoperatively, four (4.2%) patients were classified into high risk group (classification C and D) for gastric cancer. Significant reduction of PGI, PGII and decrease of PGI/II ratio were noted after bariatric surgery. H. pylori seropositive patients had a greater postoperative change of PGI (-38.6µg/L vs -22.1µg/L, p=0.003) and PGII (-8.0µg/L vs -2.5µg/L, p <0.001) but a less postoperative change of PGI/II ratio (-0.6 vs -2.1, p =0.04) than H. pylori seronegative patients. One year after surgery, the portion of high risk group of ABC classification for gastric cancer increased markedly from 4.2% to 23.7%. CONCLUSION: Both of SG and RYGB resulted in significant reduction of serum PGI and PGII after bariatric surgery, and significantly influenced the ABC classification. The application of ABC classification for gastric cancer screening was limited after bariatric surgery.

15-year experience of laparoscopic single anastomosis (mini-)gastric bypass: comparison with other bariatric procedures.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic single anastomosis (mini-)gastric bypass (LSAGB) has been validated as a safe and effective treatment for morbid obesity. However, data of the long-term outcome remain lacking. METHODS: Between October 2001 and December 2015, 1731 morbidly obese patients who received LSAGB as primary bariatric procedure at the Min-Sheng General Hospital were recruited. Surgical outcome, weight loss, resolution of comorbidities, and late complications were followed, then compared with groups of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). All data derived from a prospective bariatric database and a retrospective analysis were conducted. RESULTS: The average patient age was 33.8 ± 10.4 years with a mean body mass index (BMI) of 40.4 ± 7.7 kg/m2. Of them, 70.0% were female while 30.0% were male. Mean operating time, intraoperative blood, and hospital stay of LSAGB were 124.6 ± 38.8 min, 39.5 ± 38.7 ml, and 5.0 ± 4.1 days, respectively. The 30-day post-operative major complication occurred in 30 (1.7%) of LSAGB patients, 16 (2.0%) of LRYGB, and 15 (1.4%) of LSG patients. The follow-up rates at 1, 5, and 10 years were 89.3, 52.1, and 43.6%, respectively. At postoperative 1, 5, and 10 years, the mean percentage of weight loss (%WL) of LSAGB patients were 32.7, 32.2, and 29.1%, and mean BMI became 27, 26.9, and 27 kg/m2, respectively. The LSAGB had a higher weight loss than LRYGB and LSG at 2-6 years after surgery. LSG had a lower remission rate in dyslipidemia comparing to LSAGB and LRYGB. The overall revision rate of LSAGB is 4.0% (70/1731) which was lower than the 5.1% in LRYGB and 5.2% in the LSG. CONCLUSION: LSAGB is an effective procedure for treating morbid obesity and metabolic disorders, which results in sustained weight loss and a high resolution of comorbidities.

15-year follow-up of vertical banded gastroplasty: comparison with other restrictive procedures.

INTRODUCTION: Vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) has been the procedure of choice for bariatric surgeries since the 1980s. However, long-term results of VBG have been reported with different opinions, and new restrictive procedures have been innovated and showing variable results. The aim of this study is to analyze the long-term results of our VBG patients. PATIENT AND METHODS: Between June 1998 and May 2002, 652 morbidly obese patients received VBG, with the initial 40 patients having open procedures and the subsequent 612 patients using a laparoscopic approach. Operative complications, weight loss, and late complications were followed and compared with groups of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). RESULTS: Mean age, preoperative weight, and body mass index (BMI) were 30.96 years, 108.83 kg, and 40.63 kg/m(2), respectively. The overall early postoperative complication rate was 3.4% (22/652). The excess weight loss percentages at 1, 2, 5, and 10 years were 61.04, 59.70, 51.11, and 42.0%, respectively. BMI at 1, 2, 5, and 10 years were 29.64, 29.71, 31.33, and 31.73 kg/m(2), respectively. This result is inferior to the 67% excess weight loss in the LSG group, but is higher than the 38% excess weight loss of the LAGB group. The revision rate is 13.19% (86/652) up to now. Revision surgery was required in 28 (14.0%) patients in the LAGB group and 8 (1.3%) in the LSG group. CONCLUSION: VBG was an operation with acceptable outcome for treating morbid obesity and metabolic disorders. It sets a standard for new restrictive procedures.

Sleeve gastrectomy with one anastomosis bipartition versus one anastomosis gastric bypass: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: One anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) is a new recognized metabolic surgery, but the problem that we cannot screen the excluded stomach is a troubling issue in China. The emergence of sleeve gastrectomy plus one anastomosis bipartition (SG + OAB) makes us see a hope to solve this problem. OBJECTIVES: By comparing the efficacy of the two surgical methods, to evaluate whether SG + OAB surgery can solve the dilemma faced by OAGB that the excluded stomach cannot be screened. METHODS: A retrospective study to compare the patients who underwent OAGB and SG + OAB was conducted. The main outcome measures were (1) operation risk, (2) weight loss, and (3) diabetes remission at 6 months. RESULTS: This study was conducted in the bariatric/metabolic surgical center. From November 2021 to February 2022, a total of 30 patients with obesity who received SG + OAB surgery were recruited. Another matched 60 patients undergoing OAGB were recruited as control group. There was no difference in preoperative age (32.15 ± 9.02 vs. 34.47 ± 7.22; p = .224), female ratio (83% vs. 85%; p = .837), and BMI (36.18 ± 5.30 vs. 34.68 ± 5.58; p = .217) between the two groups. OAGB had a shorter mean operation time (121.67 ± 20.41 vs. 143.50 ± 25.07 min; p < .001) and a lower intraoperative blood loss (21.92 ± 12.35 vs. 32.43 ± 22.01 mL; p = .005), but a longer postoperative flatus passage (2.13 ± 0.43 vs. 1.87 ± 0.43 days; p = .007) compared with the SG + OAB group. Two patients (6.7%) developed major surgical complication in SG + OAB group but no major complication developed in OAGB group. At 6 months after surgery, SG + OAB had a higher %total weight loss than OAGB (31.05 ± 3.12 vs. 28.14 ± 5.43%; p = .015), but diabetes remission rate was similarly high in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: SG + OAB operation had a non-inferior or even better weight loss than OAGB, with a similar glycemic control efficacy. However, the high complication rate of SG + OAB is the major drawback that needs attention.

Experience of the First 100 OAGB in China: OAGB In Situ Technique.

BACKGROUND: One anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) is gradually accepted worldwide but still new in China. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of the patients who received OAGB in a new bariatric/metabolic surgical center in China and compared the data with a center of excellence in Taiwan. All in-patient and outpatient follow-up data were analyzed. The main outcome measures were (1) operation risk (2) weight loss (3) diabetes remission. RESULTS: Between August 2019 and October 2021, 100 consecutive patients who received OAGB in situ in China and 225 patients who received OAGB with the same technique were recruited from Taiwan. Taiwan patients were older (39.2 ± 10.6 vs. 33.3 ± 8.8 years old, p < 0.001), and to have more diabetes (32.4% vs. 20.0%, p = 0.022) comparing to the patients of China. Operation time was significantly longer for Taiwan patients (172.4 ± 36.9 vs. 128.5 ± 29.8, p < 0.001). Taiwan patients lost more blood during the operation (35.5 ± 25.2 vs. 22.4 ± 15.6, p < 0.001) but patients in China need more time to postoperative flatus passage (1.3 ± 0.5 vs. 2.0 ± 0.5, p < 0.001). There was no major surgical complication in this study, minor complication rates were similar low for both groups (1.0% vs. 1.8%, p = 0.891). At 1 year after surgery, %TWL and %EWL of both centers were similar (33.9 ± 7.43% vs. 32.6 ± 11.2%, p = 0.91; 81.9 vs. 19.8 vs. 85.4 ± 13.2, p = 0.798). T2DM remission (HbA1c < 6.5%) was 100% for patients of China and 95.9% for patients of Taiwan (p = 0.836). CONCLUSIONS: OAGB in situ is a safe and effective bariatric/metabolic surgery. With proper training and proctorship, these results are reproduceable in a new bariatric/metabolic surgical center in China.

Probiotics for gallstone prevention in patients with bariatric surgery: A prospective randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Gall stone disease was known to increase after bariatric surgery. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) might reduce the gallstone formation rate after bariatric surgery. However, other option for gallstone prevention was unclear. We reported the result of a randomized trial comparing the gallstone prevention efficacy of probiotics and digestive enzyme versus UDCA. METHODS: This prospective, randomized trial was held in an institute of Taiwan. Patients were eligible for inclusion if their body-mass index (BMI) was 32.5 kg/m2 or higher with the presence of comorbidity, or 27.5 kg/mw or higher with not-well controlled type 2 diabetes, and were aged 18-65 years. Participant were randomized assigned (1:1:1) to probiotic, digestive enzyme or UDCA. The primary endpoint was assessed in the incidence of gallstone disease at 6 months after surgery. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov. number NCT03247101, and is now completed. RESULTS: From January 2016 to December 2018, of 186 patients screened for eligibility, 152 were randomly assigned to probiotic (52) or digestive enzyme (52) or UDCA (52). In the per-protocol population, mean age was 35.9 years (SD 10.6), mean BMI was 40.3 kg/m2 (SD 6.9), 57(58.2%) were female. After 6 months, the incidence of gall bladder diseased was 15.2%, in the probiotics group, 17.6% in UDCA group and 29.1% in digestive enzyme groups, confirming non-inferiority of probiotic (p = 0.38). Female gender was identified as a risk factor for gall bladder disease after bariatric surgery (odds ratio = 4.61, 95% confidence interval = 1.05, 20.3, p = 0.04). The poor drug compliance rate was 19.5%, 22.7% and 26.2% in probiotics, UDCA and digestive enzyme group respectively. UDCA group had a higher drug adverse effect than probiotic group (15.9% vs. 2.4%, p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Probiotic is not inferior to UDCA regarding gall bladder disease prevention after bariatric surgery at 6 months.

Change of cardiovascular risk associated serologic biomarkers after gastric bypass: A comparison of diabetic and non-diabetic Asian patients.

BACKGROUND: While clinical findings demonstrate a superior benefit of cardiovascular (CV) risk reduction in obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) receiving bariatric surgery over non-T2D patients, the mechanism is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the changes in the CV risk score and five CV-associated biomarkers after gastric bypass surgery. METHOD: We enrolled 80 obese subjects who underwent gastric bypass (40 T2D and 40 non-T2D). CV risks were assessed using the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) engine before and after surgery. Levels of five biomarkers -fasting serum fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-19, FGF-21, corin, oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL), and soluble receptor for advanced glycation end-products (sRAGE)-were measured before surgery and one year after surgery. RESULTS: The T2D group was significantly older and had a higher CV risk score than the non-T2D group, but body mass index (BMI) was similar between the groups. Preoperative biomarker levels were similar in both the T2D and the non-T2D groups. One year after surgery, the percentage of total weight loss (%TWL) was similar between the two groups (32.2 ± 19.5% versus 34.1% ± 8.8%, p = 0.611). Complete T2D remission (hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) < 6.0%) was achieved in 29 patients (72.5%). The 10-year CV risk scores by the UKPDS risk engine reduced significantly in both the T2D and the non-T2D groups, but more in the T2D group. Three of five biomarkers changed significantly after surgery: the FGF-19 increased from 195.6 ± 249.1 pg/mL to 283.2 ± 211.8 pg/mL, corin increased from 3.3 ± 2.3 ng/mL to 4.6 ± 3.7 ng/mL, and ox-LDL decreased from 148.5 ± 71.7-107.9 U/L; the P values were 0.002, 0.002 and < 0.001, respectively. The T2D group showed a significantly different change in FGF-19 increase and FGF-21 decrease compared to the non-T2D group. The changes in corin and ox-LDL levels were not different between the T2D and non-T2D groups. CONCLUSION: Gastric bypass surgery resulted in a higher UKPDS CV risk score reduction in obese T2D Asians than in those without. FGF-19 and FGF-21 may be associated with the underlying mechanism of this difference.

Long-Term Efficacy of Bariatric Surgery for the Treatment of Super-Obesity: Comparison of SG, RYGB, and OAGB.

BACKGROUND: The most appropriate procedure for the treatment of super obesity (BMI > 50 kg/m2) is unknown. We aimed to evaluate the safety, long-term (> 5 years) weight loss, and adverse events between three commonly performed procedures, sleeve gastrectomy (SG), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), and one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) in super-obese patients. METHODS: Between January 2002 and December 2015, 498 successive patients with super morbid obesity (BMI > 50), who underwent SG or RYGB or OAGB, were recruited. Surgical outcome, weight loss, resolution of co-morbidities, and late complications were followed and compared between the 3 groups. All data derived from a prospective bariatric database and a retrospective analysis was conducted. RESULTS: The average patient age was 32.1 ± 10.4 years, with a mean body mass index (BMI) of 56.0 ± 6.7 kg/m2. Of them, 190 (38.9%) underwent SG, 62 (12.4%) RYGB, and 246 (49.4%) OAGB. There was no difference in basic characters between the 3 groups except SG had fewer diabetic patients. RYGB group had higher intraoperative blood loss, longer operating time, and hospital stay than the other 2 groups. RYGB had a higher 30-days post-operative major complication rate (4.8%) than SG (0.5%) and OAGB (0.8%). The follow-up rate at 1 and 5 years was 89.4% and 52.0%. At post-operative 5 years, OAGB had a higher total weight loss (40.8%) than SG (35.1%), but not RYGB (37.2%). SG had a lower remission rate in dyslipidemia comparing to OAGB and RYGB, but T2DM remission rate was no different between the groups. The overall revision rate is 5.4% (27/498) of the whole group, and SG had a lower revision rate (2.6%) than RYGB (8.1%) and OAGB (6.9%). CONCLUSION: SG is an effective and durable primary bariatric procedure for the treatment of super obesity and metabolic disorders. OAGB had a similar operation risk to SG but resulted in a better weight loss than SG.

Twenty years' experience of laparoscopic 1-anastomosis gastric bypass: surgical risk and long-term results.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic 1- (single-) anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) was developed as a simplified technique of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), but super long-term data are lacking. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the risks and long-term results of OAGB over a period of 20 years. SETTING: Tertiary teaching hospital. METHODS: A total of 2223 patients underwent OAGB from 2001 to 2020; the mean age was 35.3 ± 11.4 years (range, 14-71 yr), 70.2% were female, and the mean body mass index was 40.2 ± 11.9 kg/m2. All data were kept in a prospective bariatric database. Patients were divided into 4 groups, based on the 5-year period in which their surgery was performed, and a retrospective analysis was conducted. RESULTS: The means for operating time, intraoperative blood loss, and length of hospital stay after OAGB were 131.9 ± 40.1 minutes, 38.5 ± 30.7 mL, and 4.5 ± 4.0 days, respectively. There were 27 patients (1.2%) with 30-day postoperative major complications overall, but the group rate decreased to .4% in the last 5-year period. At postoperative years 5, 10, and 15, the percentages of total weight loss were 31.9%, 29.6%, and 29.5%, respectively, and the percentages of excess weight loss were 77.2%, 68.4%, and 65.5%, respectively. Among 739 patients (33.2%) with type 2 diabetes (T2D), the rates of complete remission (glycated hemoglobin < 60%) at 5, 10, and 15 years were 67.3%, 73.8%, and 66.7%, respectively. The weight loss and antimetabolic effects were similar in each 5-year period, but a significant malnutrition effect was observed. A total of 113 (5.1%) patients needed revision surgery at follow-up, due to malnutrition (n = 51), weight regain (n = 24), acid or bile reflux (n = 22), marginal ulcer (n = 8), ileus (n = 3), and other causes (n = 5). At 15 years, the overall revision rate was 11.9% (27/226), and 80% of the patients were very satisfied with their procedures. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that OAGB is a safe and durable primary bariatric procedure, with sustained weight loss and a high resolution of T2D up to 20 years post surgery in Taiwan, although malnutrition is a major side effect.

One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes: Long-Term Results and Recurrence.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric/metabolic surgery has been incorporated into the therapeutic treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Among many bariatric/metabolic procedures, one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) is one of the most effective procedures but long-term data about T2DM recurrence after OAGB are lacking. METHODS: Outcomes of 134 patients who had undergone OAGB for the treatment of T2DM with long-term (5 years) follow-up were assessed in a retrospective cohort study. The remission of T2DM after OAGB surgery was evaluated in different groups using a scoring system composed of the age, BMI, C-peptide level, duration of T2DM (ABCD score), and percent of total weight loss (%TWL). RESULTS: The %TWL and percent of excess weight loss (%EWL) of the OAGB patients at 5 years after surgery were 29.2 (10.6) and 72.1(27.5), respectively. The mean BMI decreased from 39.5(7.9) to 27.6(5.3) kg/m2 and mean glycated hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) decreased from 8.9 to 5.9% in OAGB patients at 5 years after OAGB. The complete T2DM remission rate of OAGB was 76.1% at 1 year and 64.2% at 5 years after surgery. Forty-one (57.8%) out of 71 patients who completed a 10-year follow-up remained in complete T2DM remission. The T2DM recurrence rate of OAGB patients was 15.7% at 5 years after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: OAGB is highly effective in inducing T2DM remission but a significant number of patients will still have T2DM recurrence. To select patient with an ABCD score > 5 and maintaining a weight loss greater than 30% is important for durable T2DM remission after OAGB.

Variation in Small Bowel Length and Its Influence on the Outcomes of Sleeve Gastrectomy.

PURPOSE: Small bowel length is drawing attention in the development of gastrointestinal bariatric/metabolic surgery, but the importance of the length of the small bowel in bariatric/metabolic is not clear. The present study was conducted to investigate variations in small bowel length and their clinical significance in patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Small bowel length was measured in 620 patients diagnosed with obesity who underwent LSG between March 2014 and August 2018. Prospectively obtained demographic and clinical data were investigated, focusing on the association between small bowel length and weight loss. RESULTS: Small bowel length varied widely among patients (mean 739.8 + 115.7 cm, range 380-1050 cm). Linear regression analysis revealed a significant association between small bowel length and body height, body weight, waist circumference, and serum levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, hemoglobin, C-peptide, glycated hemoglobin (A1C), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (r-GT). Multivariate analysis confirmed that body height and serum A1C% levels independently predicted small bowel length in bariatric patients, strongly with body height (p < 0.001) but weakly with A1C%(p = 0.021). One-year follow-up rate was 75.3% (467/620), and small bowel length did not influence weight loss or the reduction of obesity related cardiovascular risk factors after LSG. CONCLUSION: In this study, small bowel length varied widely among bariatric patients and was strongly associated with body height and weakly with serum A1C levels. Small bowel length has no significant role in weight loss or the resolution of cardiovascular risk factors after LSG.

Experience in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy for morbidly obese Taiwanese: staple-line reinforcement is important for preventing leakage.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a promising procedure for the surgical treatment of morbid obesity. We report our 2-year experience with LSG and specifically evaluate the importance of staple-line protection to prevent leakage after the laparoscopic procedure. METHODS: One hundred eighteen consecutive patients with BMI > 30 who underwent LSG from January 2006 to February 2009 were included in our study. There were 88 women and 30 men with a mean age of 33.2 ± 9.6 years and a mean BMI of 38.0 ± 6.4 kg/m(2). The first 40 patients (group 1) underwent the operation without any reinforcement procedure and the other 78 patients received reinforcement of the staple-line (group 2). Data including demographics, hospital stay, blood loss, operative time, complications, excess weight loss percentage (EWL%), and gastrointestinal quality of life index (GIQLI) were collected prospectively for evaluation. RESULTS: The overall mean operative time was 118.5 ± 37.0 min, mean blood loss was 56.8 ± 56.7 ml, mean hospital stay was 5 ± 3 days. The mean EWL% at 12 and 24 months was 81.5 and 76.0%, respectively. The overall leakage rate was 3.39% (4/118). All leakage occurred in group 1 patients, with a leakage rate of 10% (4/40). Mean preoperative GIQLI was 98.7, and the postoperative GIQLI were 116.4, 115, 112.4, and 97.6 at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: LSG is an effective obesity treatment to achieve significant weight loss after 24 months. Staple-line reinforcement is strongly recommended for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy to decrease complications.

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Long-Term Result and Recurrence of Diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is becoming a primary bariatric/metabolic surgical procedure for treating obesity and related type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). This study presents the long-term outcome of LSG about the remission and recurrence of T2D. METHODS: A total of 59 obese patients (38 women and 21 male) with T2D (mean body mass index [BMI] 37.6 ± 5.1 kg/m2) who underwent LSG from 2006 to 2014 with complete 5 years followed up were selected for present study. The remission of T2D was evaluated in stratified groups using the ABCD scoring system which is composed of the age, BMI, C-peptide, and duration of T2D. RESULTS: The weight loss at 5 years after surgery was 23.5% and the mean BMI decreased to 27.7 ± 4.5 kg/m2. The mean HbA1c decreased from 8.1 to 6.1% at 5 years. The 1-year and 5-year complete remission rate (HbA1c < 6.0%) was 62.7% and 42.4%. Thirteen patients (35.1%) out of 37 patients who had their T2D remission at 1 year had their T2D recurrent at 5 years. Patients with ABCD score higher than 5 had a higher long-term T2D remission rate and less recurrence of their T2D than those with ABCD score less than 5. The remission and recurrence of T2D after were associated with a weight loss more than 20%. CONCLUSION: LSG is an effective procedure for T2D treatment but a significant portion of patients had their T2D recurrence at long-term. LSG is better recommended to patients with their ABCD score ≥ 5 and dedication to maintain a good weight loss is important.

Serum C-reactive protein and white blood cell count in morbidly obese surgical patients.

BACKGROUND: Obesity has been widely recognized as a chronic inflammatory condition and associated with elevated inflammatory indicators including C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell count (WBC). Recent studies have shown elevated CRP or WBC is a significant risk factor for cardiac events and stroke but the clinical significance of CRP and WBC has not been clearly studied in morbidly obese patients. This study is aimed at the clinical significance of WBC and CRP in morbidly obese patients and the change after bariatric surgery. METHODS: The study was a prospectively controlled clinical study. From December 1, 2001 to January 31, 2006, of 640 (442 females and 198 males) consecutive morbid obese patients enrolled in a surgically supervised weight loss program with at least 1 year's follow-up were examined. RESULTS: Of the patients, 476 (74.4%) had elevated CRP and 100 (15.6%) had elevated WBC at preoperative study. CRP and WBC were significantly related and both increased with increasing body mass index (BMI). CRP is also increased with increasing waist, glucose level, hemoglobin, albumin, Ca, insulin, C-peptide, and metabolic syndrome while WBC is increased with metabolic syndrome but decreased with increasing age. Multivariate analysis confirmed fasting glucose level and hemoglobin are independent predictors of the elevation of CRP while age is the only independent predictor for elevated WBC. Both WBC and CRP levels decreased rapidly after obesity surgery. These improvements resulted in a 69.8% reduction of CRP and 26.4% reduction of WBC 1 year after surgery. Although individuals who underwent laparoscopic gastric bypass lost significantly more weight (36.8 +/- 11.7 kg vs. 17.3 +/- 10.8 kg; p = 0.000) and achieved a lower BMI (27.8 +/- 4.6 vs. 35.0 +/- 5.5; p = 0.000) than individuals who underwent laparoscopic gastric banding, there was no difference in the resolution of elevated CRP 1 year after surgery (95.9% vs. 84.5%; p = 0.169) and WBC (99.4% vs. 98.3%; p = 0.323). CONCLUSIONS: Both baseline WBC and CRP are elevated in morbid obese patients but CRP has a better clinical significance. Significant weight reduction 1 year after surgery markedly reduced CRP and WBC with a resolution rate of 93.9% and 98.2% separately. Obesity surgery performed by laparoscopic surgery is recommended for obese patients with elevated CRP or WBC.

Effects of obesity surgery on type 2 diabetes mellitus Asian patients.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a major risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Surgery is the most effective treatment for morbid obesity, and it has been shown to lead to dramatic improvement in type T2DM. However, data concerning obese Asian patients have not been reported, and the mechanism of improving T2DM after bariatric surgery in this population remains speculative. METHODS: From April 1997 to March 2006, 1,375 patients undergoing obesity surgery were recruited for our study of the effects of weight loss surgery on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Laparoscopic vertical banded gastric partition (LVBG) was performed in 552 patients (40.1%), laparoscopic gastric bypass in 660 patients (48.0%), and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) in 140 patients (10.2%). Another 23 patients (1.7%) received open or revision surgery. We evaluated the clinical data and effect of obesity surgery on T2DM, impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and compared the changes with those with normal fasting glucose. RESULTS: Among all the patients, 166 (12.1%) had impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and 247 (18.0%) had T2DM. Patients with IFG or DM were significantly older, more central obese, and they had higher insulin resistance and a higher HbA1C level than those with normal fasting glucose. The mean total weight loss for the population was 28.6%, 29.1%, 28.5%, 23.8%, and 24.4% (at 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 years after surgery). There was no increase of surgical risk in T2DM or IFG patients. One year after operation, fasting plasma glucose returned to normal in 78.5% of T2DM patients and 94.7% of IFG patients. The HbA1C level returned to under 7.0 in 81.5% of T2DM and in 100% of IFG patients. Laparoscopic gastric bypass patients had a greater weight loss and a higher rate of glucose normalization (93.1%) than the LVBG patients (85.3%) and LAGB patients (73.9%), but no difference in HbA1C normalization. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity surgery resulted in significant and sustained weight loss with a cure rate of T2DM up to 80% in morbidly obese Asian patients. Gastric bypass surgery had a better result in T2DM cure rate than LVBG and LAGB because of better weight reduction.

Randomized Controlled Trial of One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass Versus Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass for Obesity: Comparison of the YOMEGA and Taiwan Studies.

BACKGROUND: The YOMEGA study (Y-study) was a randomized trial comparing one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Here, we aim to compare the Y-study and our pioneer trial from Taiwan (T-study). METHODS: Data from the Y-study and the T-study were collected and compared. RESULTS: The Y-study recruited 234 patients with a mean body mass index (BMI) of 43.9 and age of 43.5 years. The T-study recruited 80 patients with a similar mean BMI of 44.3 and mean age of 31.4 years. The studies had similar findings including (1) OAGB is easier and possibly safer procedure than RYGB. Both studies showed that OAGB had a shorter operation time than RYGB, but a lower surgical complication rate was only demonstrated in T-study. (2) Both procedures have similar weight loss but OAGB features better glycemic control than RYGB. Weight loss at 2 years after surgery was similar between two procedures, but OAGB reduced HbA1c to a greater degree than RYGB at 2 years in Y-study (- 2.3% vs. - 1.3%; p = 0.025). The resolution of the metabolic syndrome was 100% for both groups in the T-study. (3) OAGB carried a higher risk of malnutrition. OAGB had more malabsorptive problems with a lower hemoglobin level than RYGB at 2 years after surgery. Adverse malnutrition events occurred in nine (7.8%) OAGB patients in the Y-study. Four (3.4%) patients of OAGB received revision surgery in Y-study but none in T-study. (4) Bile reflux was noted in OAGB patients but did not influence quality of life or revision rate. Y-study found that bile in the gastric pouch was present in 16% of patients in the OAGB group versus none in the RYGB, but no inter-group difference in quality of life was detected. There was a trend for RYGB patients to experience more abdominal pain than OAGB. CONCLUSIONS: Both studies showed that OAGB is a technically easier procedure and features better glycemic control than RYGB, but has a mal-absorptive effect. However, the bile reflux and abdominal pain controversies persisted.

Increased risk of arterial thromboembolic events in transfusion-naïve thalassemia: a nationwide population-based study.

Transfusion-naïve thalassemia minor/trait is often associated with decreased risk of coronary artery diseases. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of transfusion-naïve thalassemia on the incidence of arterial thromboembolic events using the National Health Insurance Research Database, Taiwan (2001-2010). Data from patients with transfusion-naïve thalassemia (n=2356) frequency matched with non-thalassemia subjects (n=9424) according to sex, age, and index year at a ratio of 1:4 were included. The risk of arterial thromboembolic events, cerebrovascular ischemic events, arterial embolism/thrombosis, peripheral embolism, myocardial infarction, myocardial ischemia, and angina pectoris in transfusion-naïve thalassemia were analyzed using Cox proportional hazard regression models. The transfusion-naïve thalassemia group had significantly higher risk of arterial thromboembolic events (aHR=1.28, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.52) and myocardial ischemia (aHR=1.41, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.76) as compared with the non-thalassemia group. In addition, they also had a significantly higher cumulative incidence of arterial thromboembolic event and myocardial ischemia. Interestingly, a higher risk of arterial thromboembolic events (aHR=1.58, 95% CI 1.22 to 2.04) and myocardial ischemia (aHR=1.73, 95% CI 1.25 to 2.41) was observed in men with thalassemia as compared with those without. Furthermore, patients with comorbidities had an increased risk of arterial thromboembolic events than did those without comorbidities. The effect of thalassemia on arterial thromboembolic events may be mainly attributed to the influence of thalassemia on myocardial ischemia, as no significant differences were observed in other outcomes evaluated in the present study. In conclusion, the present study confirms the increased risk of arterial thromboembolic events, mainly attributed to the dramatic increase in myocardial ischemia, inminor patients with transfusion-naïve thalassemia.

In Vitro and In Silico Mechanistic Insights into miR-21-5p-Mediated Topoisomerase Drug Resistance in Human Colorectal Cancer Cells.

Although chemotherapy for treating colorectal cancer has had some success, drug resistance and metastasis remain the major causes of death for colorectal cancer patients. MicroRNA-21-5p (hereafter denoted as miR-21) is one of the most abundant miRNAs in human colorectal cancer. A Kaplan-Meier survival analysis found a negative prognostic correlation of miR-21 and metastasis-free survival in colorectal cancer patients (The Cancer Genome Atlas Colon Adenocarcinoma/TCGA-COAD cohort). To explore the role of miR-21 overexpression in drug resistance, a stable miR-21-overexpressing clone in a human DLD-1 colorectal cancer cell line was established. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) cell viability assay found that miR-21 overexpression induced drug resistance to topoisomerase inhibitors (SN-38, doxorubicin, and etoposide/VP-16). Mechanistically, we showed that miR-21 overexpression reduced VP-16-induced apoptosis and concomitantly enhanced pro-survival autophagic flux without the alteration of topoisomerase expression and activity. Bioinformatics analyses suggested that miR-21 overexpression induced genetic reprogramming that mimicked the gene signature of topoisomerase inhibitors and downregulated genes related to the proteasome pathway. Taken together, our results provide a novel insight into the role of miR-21 in the development of drug resistance in colorectal cancer.

Clinical Characteristics and Outcome of Morbidly Obese Bariatric Patients with Concurrent Hepatitis C Viral Infection.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an important cause of liver cirrhosis and its complications. The safety and efficacy of bariatric surgery in patients with HCV infection is not clear. METHODS: Charts were reviewed to identify patients with HCV infection before bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgical patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and without NASH (non-NASH) were recruited as comparative groups. Demographic variables, perioperative data, follow-up, and HCV-related parameters were extracted and compared. RESULTS: Forty-seven bariatric patients between 2000 and 2016 that suffered from HCV infection were identified. The mean age and body mass index (BMI) at baseline were 34.5 ± 9.9 years and 40.4 ± 7.7 kg/m2, respectively. The HCV(+) group was associated with female sex, older age, lower BMI, and waist circumference than both NASH and non-NASH groups. Both HCV(+) and NASH groups had higher liver function tests and incidence of metabolic syndrome than non-NASH group. The HCV(+) group had lower uric acid and albumin level than the NASH group. Early major postoperative complication occurred in 1 (2.1%) patient of the HCV(+) group. At follow-up, the mean BMI decreased to 29.1 ± 7.1 kg/m2 and total weight loss was 25% for the HCV(+) group at 5 years after surgery. The weight loss curves were similar between the HCV(+) group and NASH group. During follow-up, no patients died but one patient with HCV(+) developed flare up of hepatitis after gastric bypass. The mean liver transaminase level remained in normal range for the HCV(+) group. CONCLUSION: Co-existence of HCV infection does not influence the outcome of bariatric surgery but continued monitoring of the liver function is indicated.

Laparoscopic single-anastomosis duodenal-jejunal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (SADJB-SG): Surgical risk and long-term results.

BACKGROUND: Single-anastomosis duodeno-jejunal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (SADJB-SG) was developed as a simplified technique of DJB-SG, but long-term data are lacking. OBJECTIVE: To report the long-term data of SADJB-SG. SETTING: Tertiary Teaching Hospital. METHODS: A total of 148 SADJB-SG was performed from 2011 to 2016 with mean age of 42.0 ± 10.9-years old (14-71), female 64.9%, and mean body mass index 34.2 ± 5.9 kg/m2. All patients were evaluated and managed under a strict multidisciplinary team approach. A retrospective analysis of a prospective bariatric database and telephone interview of patients who defaulted clinic follow-up at 5-year was conducted. RESULTS: The mean operating time, intraoperative blood loss, and hospital stay of SADJB-SG were 189.6 ± 32.1 minutes, 43.5 ± 17.9 mL, and 5.0 ± 5.1 days, respectively. The 30-days postoperative major complication occurred in 7(4.7%) patients, all in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). At postoperative 1, 2, and 5 years, the mean percentage of total weight loss and excess weight loss of SADJB-SG patients were 25.5%, 22.8%, 22.5%, and 83.9%, 76.1%, 58.6%, respectively. Among 118 patients with T2D, 62 (52.5%) achieved complete remission (hemoglobin A1C <60%) at 1 year and 36.5% at 5 years after surgery. A total of 15 patients needed reoperation at follow-up, due to reflux disease (n = 11), weight regain, and recurrent of T2D (n = 2), ileus (n = 1), and peritonitis (n = 1). Among them, 8 were converted to RYGB and the others remained in same anatomy. At 5 years, the overall revision rate was 12.9% (8/62) and 24.5% (14/57) of the remaining required proton pump inhibitor for reflux symptoms. CONCLUSION: Our results show that primary SADJB-SG is a durable primary bariatric procedure with sustained weight loss and a high resolution of T2D at 5 years, but de novo GERD is the major side effect.