Elevated plasma hepcidin concentrations are associated with an increased risk of mortality and nonfatal cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: The effect of plasma hepcidin concentrations on the long-term risk of developing adverse cardiovascular outcomes in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is unclear. METHODS: We followed for a median of 55.6 months 213 outpatients with established T2DM (45.5% women, mean age 69 ± 10 years; BMI 28.7 ± 4.7 kg/m2; median diabetes duration 11 years). Baseline plasma ferritin and hepcidin concentrations were measured with an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay and mass spectrometry-based assay, respectively. The primary study outcome was a composite of all-cause mortality or incident nonfatal cardiovascular events (inclusive of myocardial infarction, permanent atrial fibrillation, ischemic stroke, or new hospitalization for heart failure). RESULTS: 42 patients developed the primary composite outcome over a median follow-up of 55.6 months. After stratifying patients by baseline hepcidin tertiles [1st tertile: median hepcidin 1.04 (IQR 0.50-1.95) nmol/L, 2nd tertile: 3.81 (IQR 3.01-4-42) nmol/L and 3rd tertile: 7.72 (IQR 6.37-10.4) nmol/L], the risk of developing the primary composite outcome in patients in the 3rd tertile was double that of patients in the 1st and 2nd tertile combined (unadjusted hazard ratio [HR] 2.32, 95%CI 1.27-4.26; p = 0.007). This risk was not attenuated after adjustment for age, sex, adiposity measures, smoking, hypertension, statin use, antiplatelet medication use, plasma hs-C-reactive protein and ferritin concentrations (adjusted HR 2.53, 95%CI 1.27-5.03; p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: In outpatients with T2DM, higher baseline hepcidin concentrations were strongly associated with an increased long-term risk of overall mortality or nonfatal cardiovascular events, even after adjustment for established cardiovascular risk factors, plasma ferritin concentrations, medication use, and other potential confounders.

Relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: An updated meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Recent observational studies examining the association between Helicobacter pylori infection and the risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) have reported conflicting results. We performed a meta-analysis to quantify the magnitude of the association between H. pylori infection and the risk of MASLD. METHODS: We systematically searched three large electronic databases to identify eligible observational studies (published up to 30 November 2023) in which liver biopsy, imaging methods or blood-based biomarkers/scores were used for diagnosing MASLD. Data from selected studies were extracted, and meta-analysis was performed using common and random-effects modelling. Statistical heterogeneity among published studies, subgroup analyses, meta-regression analyses and publication bias were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 28 observational studies (24 cross-sectional and 4 longitudinal studies) were identified, including 231 291 middle-aged individuals of predominantly Asian ethnicity (~95%). Meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies showed that H. pylori infection was significantly associated with a small increase in the risk of prevalent MASLD (n = 24 studies; random-effects odds ratio 1.11, 95% CI 1.05-1.18; I2 = 63%). Meta-analysis of data from longitudinal studies showed that H. pylori infection was significantly associated with an increased risk of developing incident MASLD over a mean 5-year follow-up (n = 4 studies; random-effects odds ratio 1.20, 95%CI 1.08-1.33; I2 = 44%). Sensitivity analyses did not modify these results. The funnel plot did not reveal any significant publication bias. CONCLUSIONS: H. pylori infection is associated with a mildly increased risk of prevalent and incident MASLD. Further well-designed prospective and mechanistic studies are required to better decipher the complex link between H. pylori infection and the risk of MASLD.

Advanced Hybrid Closed-Loop System Achieves and Maintains Recommended Time in Range Levels for Up To 2 Years: Predictors of Best Efficacy.

Aim: To evaluate the long-term efficacy, up to 2 years, of an advanced hybrid closed-loop (AHCL) system and to assess predictors of best results of the therapy. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 296 adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus [mean age 42.8 ± 16.5 years, men 42.9%, duration of diabetes 22.5 ± 12.8 years, body mass index 24.9 ± 4.7 kg/m2, baseline glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) 63.4 ± 12.2 mmol/mol (8.0 ± 1.1%) ] who used the MiniMed™ 780G system. Demographic and clinical data were recorded. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)-derived metrics and insulin requirement were analyzed from the 4 weeks before and from every quarter after the switch to the AHCL system. Results: In the first quarter of AHCL treatment, all CGM metrics improved. Time in range (TIR) increased from 58.1 ± 17.5% to 70.3 ± 9.5% (P < 0.0001). The improvement lasted for up to 2 years of observation regardless of previous insulin therapies. Throughout the period of observation, 53.4% of participants achieved mean TIR >70%, 92.6% mean time below range <4%, and 46% mean glucose management indicator <53 mmol/mol (7.0%). At univariable logistic regression older age, lower baseline HbA1c and insulin requirement were associated with mean TIR >70%. At multivariable analysis, lower HbA1c remained independently associated with a better glycemic control. However, mean TIR increased more in participants with a higher baseline HbA1c. Conclusions: Switching to an AHCL leads to a rapid improvement in glycemic control lasting for up to 24 months along with a low risk for hypoglycemia, confirming the safety of the system. Lower baseline HbA1c was the main predictor of better efficacy of therapy, although higher baseline HbA1c was associated with the greatest improvement in mean TIR.