Postprandial glucagon-like peptide 1 secretion is associated with urinary albumin excretion in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients.

BACKGROUND: Microalbuminuria is an early and informative marker of diabetic nephropathy. Our study found that microalbuminuria developed in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). AIM: To investigate the association between glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and microalbuminuria in newly diagnosed T2DM patients. METHODS: In total, 760 patients were recruited for this cross-sectional study. The GLP-1 levels during a standard meal test and urinary albumin-creatinine ratio (UACR) were determined. RESULTS: Patients with microalbuminuria exhibited lower GLP-1 levels at 30 min and 120 min during a standard meal test than patients with normal albuminuria (30 min GLP-1, 16.7 ± 13.3 pmol vs 19.9 ± 15.6 pmol, P = 0.007; 120 min GLP-1, 16.0 ± 14.1 pmol vs 18.4 ± 13.8 pmol, P = 0.037). The corresponding area under the curve for active GLP-1 (AUCGLP-1) was also lower in microalbuminuria patients (2257, 1585 to 3506 vs 2896, 1763 to 4726, pmol × min, P = 0.003). Postprandial GLP-1 levels at 30 min and 120 min and AUCGLP-1 were negatively correlated with the UACR (r = 0.159, r = 0.132, r = 0.206, respectively, P < 0.001). The prevalence of microalbuminuria in patients with newly diagnosed T2DM was 21.7%, which decreased with increasing quartiles of AUCGLP-1 levels (27.4%, 25.3%, 18.9% and 15.8%). After logistic regression analysis adjusted for sex, age, hemoglobin A1c, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, estimated glomerular filtration rate, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, AUCglucose and AUCglucagon, patients in quartile 4 of the AUCGLP-1 presented a lower risk of microalbuminuria compared with the patients in quartile 1 (odds ratio = 0.547, 95% confidence interval: 0.325-0.920, P = 0.01). A consistent association was also found between 30 min GLP-1 or 120 min GLP-1 and microalbuminuria. CONCLUSION: Postprandial GLP-1 levels were independently associated with microalbuminuria in newly diagnosed Chinese T2DM patients.

Development and validation of a risk assessment model for prediabetes in China national diabetes survey.

BACKGROUND: Prediabetes risk assessment models derived from large sample sizes are scarce. AIM: To establish a robust assessment model for prediabetes and to validate the model in different populations. METHODS: The China National Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders Study (CNDMDS) collected information from 47325 participants aged at least 20 years across China from 2007 to 2008. The Thyroid Disorders, Iodine Status and Diabetes Epidemiological Survey (TIDE) study collected data from 66108 participants aged at least 18 years across China from 2015 to 2017. A logistic model with stepwise selection was performed to identify significant risk factors for prediabetes and was internally validated by bootstrapping in the CNDMDS. External validations were performed in diverse populations, including populations of Hispanic (Mexican American, other Hispanic) and non-Hispanic (White, Black and Asian) participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in the United States and 66108 participants in the TIDE study in China. C statistics and calibration plots were adopted to evaluate the model's discrimination and calibration performance. RESULTS: A set of easily measured indicators (age, education, family history of diabetes, waist circumference, body mass index, and systolic blood pressure) were selected as significant risk factors. A risk assessment model was established for prediabetes with a C statistic of 0.6998 (95%CI: 0.6933 to 0.7063) and a calibration slope of 1.0002. When externally validated in the NHANES and TIDE studies, the model showed increased C statistics in Mexican American, other Hispanic, Non-Hispanic Black, Asian and Chinese populations but a slightly decreased C statistic in non-Hispanic White individuals. Applying the risk assessment model to the TIDE population, we obtained a C statistic of 0.7308 (95%CI: 0.7260 to 0.7357) and a calibration slope of 1.1137. A risk score was derived to assess prediabetes. Individuals with scores ≥ 7 points were at high risk of prediabetes, with a sensitivity of 60.19% and specificity of 67.59%. CONCLUSION: An easy-to-use assessment model for prediabetes was established and was internally and externally validated in different populations. The model had a satisfactory performance and could screen individuals with a high risk of prediabetes.

PRDX6 alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation and ferroptosis in periodontitis.

OBJECTIVE: Periodontitis is a progressive and inflammatory oral disease and results in the damage of the supporting tissues of teeth. Peroxiredoxin 6 (PRDX6) is an antioxidant enzyme identified as a regulator in ferroptosis. This study aimed to investigate whether PRDX6 could protect human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation and its mechanisms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Both inflamed and non-inflamed human gingival tissues were collected to assess the expression of PRDX6 and nuclear factor erythropoietin 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) by Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Furthermore, the molecular mechanisms of PRDX6 have been clarified in PRDX6 silenced cells. The inflammatory cytokines in HGFs were measured by RT-qPCR and ELISA. The lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH) was detected by C11-BODIPY. RESULTS: The expression of PRDX6 and NRF2 were decreased in gingival tissues of severe periodontitis patients. The increased LPS-induced LOOH and inflammatory cytokines were found in PRDX6 knockdown HGFs. Besides, the inhibition of ferroptosis or PRDX6 phospholipase A2 activity (PLA2) alleviated LPS-induced inflammatory cytokines and LOOH. However, inhibiting NRF2 signalling upregulated those in HGFs. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, this study provided a new mechanistic insight that PRDX6, regulated by the NRF2 signalling, alleviates LPS-induced inflammation and ferroptosis in human gingival fibroblasts.

The role of non-coding RNAs in drug resistance of oral squamous cell carcinoma and therapeutic potential.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), the eighth most prevalent cancer in the world, arises from the interaction of multiple factors including tobacco, alcohol consumption, and betel quid. Chemotherapeutic agents such as cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, and paclitaxel have now become the first-line options for OSCC patients. Nevertheless, most OSCC patients eventually acquire drug resistance, leading to poor prognosis. With the discovery and identification of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), the functions of dysregulated ncRNAs in OSCC development and drug resistance are gradually being widely recognized. The mechanisms of drug resistance of OSCC are intricate and involve drug efflux, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, DNA damage repair, and autophagy. At present, strategies to explore the reversal of drug resistance of OSCC need to be urgently developed. Nano-delivery and self-cellular drug delivery platforms are considered as effective strategies to overcome drug resistance due to their tumor targeting, controlled release, and consistent pharmacokinetic profiles. In particular, the combined application of new technologies (including CRISPR systems) opened up new horizons for the treatment of drug resistance of OSCC. Hence, this review explored emerging regulatory functions of ncRNAs in drug resistance of OSCC, elucidated multiple ncRNA-meditated mechanisms of drug resistance of OSCC, and discussed the potential value of drug delivery platforms using nanoparticles and self-cells as carriers in drug resistance of OSCC.

Gordian Knot: Gastrointestinal lesions caused by three highly pathogenic coronaviruses from SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV to SARS-CoV-2.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the pathogen of 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), is currently spreading around the world. The WHO declared on January 31 that the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 was a public health emergency. SARS-Cov-2 is a member of highly pathogenic coronavirus group that also consists of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Although respiratory tract lesions were regarded as main manifestation of SARS-Cov-2 infection, gastrointestinal lesions were also reported. Similarly, patients with SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV were also observed. Common gastrointestinal symptoms of patients mainly included diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Gastrointestinal lesions could be used as basis for early diagnosis of patients, and at the same time, controlling gastrointestinal lesions better facilitated to cut off the route of fecal-oral transmission. Hence, this review summarizes the characteristics and mechanism of gastrointestinal lesions caused by three highly pathogenic human coronavirus infections including SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, as well as SARS-CoV-2. Furthermore, it is expected to gain experience from gastrointestinal lesions caused by SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV infections in order to be able to better relieve SARS-CoV-2 epidemic. Targetin gut microbiota to regulate the process of SARS-CoV-2 infection should be a concern. Especially, the application of nanotechnology may provide help for further controlling COVID-19.

Factors associated with improvement in waist-to-height ratio among newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients treated with acarbose or metformin: A randomized clinical trial study.

BACKGROUND: The waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) is a promising anthropometric measure used to evaluate cardiovascular risk in diabetes and metabolic syndrome patients. The metformin and acarbose in Chinese as the initial hypoglycaemic treatment trial demonstrated that acarbose and metformin reduced the WHtR after 24 wk of treatment. AIM: To investigate the factors associated with a decrease in the WHtR in newly diagnosed Chinese type 2 diabetes patients receiving acarbose or metformin monotherapy. METHODS: At 24 wk, 343 patients in the acarbose treatment and 333 patients in the metformin treatment were included in this analysis. On the basis of the reduction in the WHtR, these participants were divided into the following two groups: Low ΔWHtR group and high ΔWHtR group. Metabolic and related parameters associated with a high ΔWHtR were investigated using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: A significant decrease in the WHtR was observed in both treatment groups (acarbose: -0.015, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.018 to -0.012, P < 0.001; metformin: -0.013, 95%CI: -0.016 to -0.010, P < 0.001). In both the acarbose and metformin groups, the WHtR of the women was more likely to be reduced than that of the men. In the acarbose group, a lower baseline area under the curve of glucagon-like peptide 1 (AUCGLP-1) was associated with a high ΔWHtR (odds ratio [OR] = 0.796, P < 0.001), while a higher baseline AUCGLP-1 was associated with a high ΔWHtR in the patients treated with metformin (OR = 1.133, P = 0.025). Regarding the changes from baseline, an increase in AUCGLP-1 was associated with a high ΔWHtR in the acarbose (OR = 1.121, P = 0.016) but not metformin group. A higher reduction in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol/non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was also associated with a high ΔWHtR in the acarbose arm (OR = 20.735, P = 0.001). In the metformin arm, a higher reduction in fasting plasma glucose (OR = 0.843, P = 0.039) and total cholesterol was associated with a high ΔWHtR (OR = 0.743, P = 0.013). CONCLUSION: A lower glucagon-like peptide 1 level and higher increase in glucagon-like peptide 1 are associated with a high reduction in the WHtR in newly diagnosed Chinese diabetes patients receiving treatment with acarbose.

Liquid biopsy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: circulating tumor cells, circulating tumor DNA, and exosomes.

Introduction: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Due to a lack of reliable markers, HNSCC patients are usually diagnosed at a late stage, which will lead to a worse outcome. Therefore, it is critical to improve the clinical management of cancer patients. Nowadays, the development of liquid biopsy enables a minimally invasive manner to extract molecular information from HNSCCs. Thus, this review aims to outline the clinical value of liquid biopsy in early detection, real-time monitoring, and prognostic evaluation of HNSCC. Areas covered: This comprehensive review focused on the characteristics as well as clinical applications of three liquid biopsy markers (CTCs, ctDNA, and exosomes) in HNSCC. What is more, it is promising to incorporate machine learning and 3D organoid models in the liquid biopsy of HNSCC. Expert opinion: Liquid biopsy provides a noninvasive technique to reflect the inter and intra-lesional heterogeneity through the detection of tumor cells or materials released from the primary and secondary tumors. Recently, some evolving technologies have the potential to combine with liquid biopsy to improve clinical management of HNSCC patients.

[Research advances in species diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in terrestrial agro-ecosystem]. / é™†åœ°å†œä¸šç”Ÿæ€ç³»ç»Ÿä¸›æžèŒæ ¹çœŸèŒç‰©ç§å¤šæ ·æ€§ç ”ç©¶è¿›å±•.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are ancient and ubiquitous soil microorganisms, which can form mutually beneficial association with most terrestrial plants. Within the symbiotic relationship, AMF helps their host plants to absorb nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus while obtains carbon from the hosts. AMF plays an important role in agricultural ecosystem, including promoting plant growth, improving crop quality, increasing plant stress resistance, stabilizing soil structure, keeping ecological balance, and maintaining a sustainable agricultural development. We summarized the research advances of AMF in terrestrial agro-ecosystem in recent years, by focusing on AMF species diversity, spatial and temporal distribution, and influence factors of AMF biodiversity in terrestrial agro-ecosystem of China. Further research works were also prospected.

MARCH: factors associated with weight loss in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes treated with acarbose or metformin.

INTRODUCTION: In this secondary analysis of the Metformin and AcaRbose in Chinese as the initial Hypoglycaemic treatment (MARCH) trial, we evaluated what demographic and clinical factors were associated with reduction in weight. We also assessed the effects of acarbose and metformin treatment on weight reduction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed the demographic and clinical laboratory values from the 784 patients with type 2 diabetes of the MARCH study who were treated for 48 weeks with acarbose or metformin. We determined the association of the different parameters with a weight reduction of ≥ 2 kg in patients using univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: In patients treated with acarbose, males were less likely than females to lose ≥ 2 kg of weight (p = 0.025). Higher baseline HbA1c levels and lower decreases from baseline in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels after 48 weeks of treatment were negatively associated with losing ≥ 2 kg of weight (both, p < 0.05). Higher baseline glucagon AUC was also positively associated with reducing weight by ≥ 2 kg (p = 0.010). In patients treated with metformin, change from baseline in whole body insulin sensitivity increased the odds of having a weight reduction of ≥ 2 kg (p = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: This study found that for both acarbose and metformin, control of FPG significantly impacted weight loss. Baseline AUC for glucagon in patients treated with acarbose and an increase of whole body insulin sensitivity after 48 weeks of treatment with metformin were important factors for weight reduction.

Comparison of insulin lispro mix 25 with insulin lispro mix 50 as insulin starter in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (CLASSIFY study): Subgroup analysis of a Phase 4 open-label randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Premixed insulins are recommended starter insulins in Chinese patients after oral antihyperglycemic medication (OAM) failure. In the present study, we compared the efficacy and safety of insulin lispro mix 25 (LM25) twice daily (b.i.d.) and insulin lispro mix 50 (LM50) b.i.d. as a starter insulin regimen in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who had inadequate glycemic control with OAMs. METHODS: The primary efficacy outcome in the present open-label parallel randomized clinical trial was change in HbA1c from baseline to 26 weeks. Patients were randomized in a ratio of 1: 1 to LM25 (n = 80) or LM50 (n = 76). A mixed-effects model with repeated measures was used to analyze continuous variables. The Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test with stratification factor was used to analyze categorical variables. RESULTS: At the end of the study, LM50 was more efficacious than LM25 in reducing mean HbA1c levels (least-squares [LS] mean difference 0.48; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.22, 0.74; P < 0.001). More subjects in the LM50 than LM25 group achieved HbA1c targets of <7.0 % (72.4 % vs 45.0 %; P = 0.001) or ≤6.5 % (52.6 % vs 20.0 %; P < 0.001). Furthermore, LM50 was more effective than LM25 at reducing HbA1c in patients with baseline HbA1c, blood glucose excursion, and postprandial glucose greater than or equal to median levels (P ≤ 0.001). The rate and incidence of hypoglycemic episodes and increase in weight at the end of the study were similar between treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: In Chinese patients with T2DM, LM50 was more efficacious than LM25 as a starter insulin.

Impact of diet on the efficacy of insulin lispro mix 25 and insulin lispro mix 50 as starter insulin in East Asian patients with type 2 diabetes: Subgroup analysis of the Comparison Between Low Mixed Insulin and Mid Mixed Insulin as Starter Insulin For Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (CLASSIFY Study) randomized trial.

AIMS/INTRODUCTION: The pathophysiology of diabetes differs between Asian and Western patients in many ways, and diet is a primary contributor. The present study examined the effect of diet on the efficacy of 25% insulin lispro/75% insulin lispro protamine suspension (LM25) and 50% insulin lispro/50% insulin lispro protamine suspension (LM50) as starter insulin in Chinese and Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes and inadequate glycemic control with oral antidiabetic medication. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a predefined subgroup analysis of a phase 4, open-label, 26-week, parallel-arm, randomized (computer-generated random sequence) trial (21 January 2013 to 22 August 2014). Nutritional intake was assessed from food records kept by participants before study drug administration. Outcomes assessed were changes from baseline in self-monitored blood glucose, 1,5-anhydroglucitol and glycated hemoglobin. RESULTS: In total, 328 participants were randomized to receive twice-daily LM25 (n = 168) or LM50 (n = 160). Median daily nutritional intake (by weight and percentage of total energy) was 230.8 g of carbohydrate (54%), 56.5 g of fat (31%) and 66 g of protein (15%). Improvements in self-monitored blood glucose were significantly greater (P ≤ 0.028) in the LM50 group than in the LM25 group, regardless of nutritional intake. When carbohydrate (by weight or percentage energy) or fat (by weight) intake exceeded median levels, LM50 was significantly more efficacious than LM25 (P ≤ 0.026) in improving 1,5-anhydroglucitol and glycated hemoglobin. CONCLUSIONS: Glycemic control improved in both LM25 and LM50 groups, but LM50 was significantly more efficacious under certain dietary conditions, particularly with increased carbohydrate intake.

Comparison of insulin lispro mix 25 with insulin lispro mix 50 as an insulin starter in Asian patients with type 2 diabetes: a phase 4, open-label, randomized trial (CLASSIFY study).

BACKGROUND: Lispro Mix 25% insulin lispro/75% insulin lispro protamine (LM25) and Lispro Mix 50% insulin lispro/50% insulin lispro protamine (LM50) were compared as starter insulins in East Asian patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Phase 4, open-label, randomized trial conducted in China, Japan, Korea, and Turkey. Subjects received twice-daily LM25 (n = 207) or LM50 (n = 196) for 26 weeks. The primary outcome was the HbA1c change from baseline. RESULTS: The least squares mean changes from baseline in HbA1c are -1.52% and -1.69% for LM25 and LM50, respectively, and the least squares mean difference [95% CI] is 0.17% [-0.01, 0.35]. More subjects in the LM50 group than in the LM25 group achieved HbA1c targets of <7.0% (59.7% versus 45.9%, respectively; p = 0.007). LM50 was more effective than LM25 in reducing postprandial glucose after the morning (mean difference in change from baseline, 0.56 mmol/L; p = 0.038) and evening (1.11 mmol/L; p < 0.001) meals. The reduction in fasting blood glucose was significantly greater (p = 0.046) in the LM25 group (LS mean [95% CI] change from baseline: -2.37 mmol/L [-2.68, -2.06]) than in the LM50 group (-1.99 mmol/L [-2.30, -1.68]). LM50 was more effective than LM25 in reducing HbA1c in subjects with baseline HbA1c , postprandial glucose, or carbohydrate intake levels greater than the median levels. Hypoglycemia rates and weight gain were similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS: LM25 and LM50 were noninferior to each other in improving glycemic control in Asian patients with type 2 diabetes. In addition, LM50 was more efficacious than LM25 with respect to the percentage of subjects reaching target HbA1c levels. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Associations between changes in glucagon-like peptide-1 and bodyweight reduction in patients receiving acarbose or metformin treatment.

BACKGROUND: The present post hoc analysis investigated whether changes in endogenous glucagon-like peptide-1 (∆GLP-1) levels are associated with weight loss in newly diagnosed diabetes patients. METHODS: In all, 784 subjects from the Metformin and AcaRbose in Chinese as initial Hypoglycemic treatment (MARCH) study were stratified according to ∆GLP-1. Changes in clinical and physiological parameters were evaluated across ∆GLP-1 subgroups (low, medium, and high) to assess correlations between ∆GLP-1 and weight loss in acarbose- versus metformin-treated groups. RESULTS: After 24 weeks treatment, greater ∆GLP-1 was associated with significantly greater weight loss (-2 vs -1 kg in the medium/high vs low ∆GLP-1 groups, respectively) and reduction in body mass index (BMI; -0.88, -0.83, and -0.69 kg/m2 in the high, medium, and low ∆GLP-1 groups, respectively). In the acarbose-treated group, there was a significant association between ∆GLP-1 and BMI reductions, and greater ∆GLP-1 across the high, medium, and low ∆GLP-1 groups was correlated with greater weight loss (-2.8, -2.1, and -1.9 kg, respectively) and reductions in fasting plasma glucose (-1.57, -1.28, and -1.02 mmol/L, respectively) at Week 24. No significant differences were found across ∆GLP-1 subgroups in metformin-treated patients (P > 0.05). Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that gender, baseline BMI, and ∆GLP-1 at Week 24 were associated with weight loss. Baseline BMI and ∆GLP-1 in the acarbose-treated group and baseline BMI in the metformin-treated group predicted weight loss at Week 24. CONCLUSION: Changes in GLP-1 levels are associated with weight loss in newly diagnosed Chinese diabetes patients receiving acarbose.

Efficacy of acarbose and metformin in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients stratified by HbA1c levels.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the therapeutic efficacy of acarbose and metformin is correlated with baseline HbA1c levels in Chinese patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: Data for 711 subjects were retrieved from the MARCH (Metformin and AcaRbose in Chinese as initial Hypoglycemic treatment) trial database and reviewed retrospectively. Patients were grouped according to baseline HbA1c levels (<7%, 7%-8%, and >8%) and the results for these three groups were compared between acarbose and metformin treatments. RESULTS: Acarbose and metformin treatment significantly improved T2DM-associated parameters (weight, fasting plasma glucose [FPG], postprandial glucose [PPG], glucagon-like peptide-1 [GLP-1], HOMA-IR, and total cholesterol) across all HbA1c levels. Acarbose decreased PPG and HOMA-ß significantly more than metformin, but only in subjects with lower baseline HbA1c (PPG in the <7% and 7%-8%, HOMA-ß in the <7% groups; all P < 0.05). Acarbose decreased triglyceride (TG) levels, and the areas under the curve (AUC) for insulin and glucagon more than metformin at all HbA1c levels (P < 0.05). After 24 weeks treatment, metformin decreased FPG levels significantly more than acarbose for all baseline HbA1c groups (all P < 0.001). With the exception of FPG, PPG, and TG levels, differences between the two treatment groups observed at 24 weeks were not detected at 48 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Acarbose decreased PPG and TG and spared the AUC for insulin more effectively in patients with low-to-moderate baseline HbA1c levels, whereas metformin induced greater reductions in FPG. These results may help guide selection of initial therapy based on baseline HbA1c.

Effectiveness of different waist circumference cut-off values in predicting metabolic syndrome prevalence and risk factors in adults in China.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effectiveness of waist circumference cut-off values in predicting the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and risk factors in adults in China. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was condcuted in 14 provinces (autonomous region, municipality) in China. A total of 47,325 adults aged⋝20 years were selected by multistage stratified sampling, and questionnaire survey and physical and clinical examination were conducted among them. MetS was defined according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria and modified IDF criteria. RESULTS: The age-standardized prevalence of MetS was 24.2% (22.1% in men and 25.8% in women) and 19.5% (22.1% in men and 18.0% in women) according to the IDF criteria and modified IDF criteria respectively. The age-standardized prevalence of pre-MetS was 8.1% (8.6% in men and 7.8% in women) according to the modified IDF criteria. The prevalence of MetS was higher in urban residents than rural residents and in northern China residents than in southern China residents. The prevalence of central obesity was about 30% in both men and women according to the ethnicity-specific cut-off values of waist circumference for central obesity (90 cm for men and 85 cm for women). Multivariate regression analysis revealed no significant difference in risk factors between the two MetS definitions. CONCLUSION: Using both the modified IDF criteria and ethnicity-specific cut-off values of waist circumference can provide more useful information about the prevalence of MetS in China. Conclusion Using both the modified IDF criteria and ethnicity-specific cut-off values of waist circumference can provide more useful information about the prevalence of MetS in China.

[Dynamics of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus storage of three dominant marsh plants in Hangzhou Bay coastal wetland].

Salt marshes perform important ecosystem functions in carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus recycling. The plant biomass, content and pools of C, N and P were measured seasonally in three marsh species Phragmites australis, Spartina alterniflora and Scirpus mariquezer in Hangzhou Bay coastal wetland for the dynamics of C, N and P storage. The results showed that seasonal variation of aboveground biomass displayed a unimodal curve. The seasonal variability of plant OC content in the aboveground part of the plants was not significant, while the TN and TP content decreased significantly from spring to winter. The seasonal variability of plant C, N and P pools was significant. And there was a significant relationship between plant C/N/P pools and biomass. The pools among plant species were significantly different. S. mariqueter had the lowest C/N/P pools. TN pool in the aboveground part of P. australis was higher than that of S. aterniflora, but its TP pool was lower than that of S. alterniflora, and there was no significant difference for OC pools between P. australis and S. alterniflora. C fixation of the three marsh species was 380%, 376% and 55.5% of the average C fixation of terrestrial vegetations in China, and 463%, 458% and 67.7% of the average C fixation of terrestrial vegetations of the world. Considering the purification capacity of N and P, July would be the best harvest time of the study area for three plants. And the harvest of S. alterniflora could remove the biggest amount of P, since P was a limiting nutrient for phytoplankton growth. In conclusion, the marsh plants had strong C fixation and N/P purification ability.

Replication of association study between type 2 diabetes mellitus and IGF2BP2 in Han Chinese population.

BACKGROUND: The association between IGF2BP2 and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been repeatedly confirmed among different ethnic populations. However, in several genome-wide association studies (GWAS) from the Chinese Han population, the gene IGF2BP2 has not been replicated. The results of relevant studies for the association between IGF2BP2 and T2DM showed controversy in Chinese Han population. It is necessary to systematically evaluate the contribution of common variants in IGF2BP2 to T2DM in Chinese Han population. METHODS: Two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs, rs4402960 and rs1470579) in IGF2BP2 were genotyped in Chinese Han population (3807 controls/4531 T2DM cases) by Illumina GoldenGate Indexing assay. The association between SNPs and T2DM was evaluated by multiple Logistic Regression analysis. A meta-analysis was used to estimate the effects of IGF2BP2 in 20854 Chinese Han individuals. RESULTS: rs1470579 and rs4402960 were confirmed to have strong association with T2DM in the Chinese Han population (rs1470579 P = 1.80×10(-7), OR (95% CI) = 1.22 (1.14-1.32), rs4402960 P = 7.46×10(-9), OR (95% CI) = 1.26 (1.17-1.37), respectively). Moreover, 11 studies for rs4402960 were included in the meta-analysis and 7 studies for rs1470579. The meta-analysis also showed the association between T2DM and IGF2BP2 (rs1470579 OR of 1.15 (95% CI = 1.10-1.19), P < 0.0001 under an additive model and rs4402960 OR of 1.14 (95% CI = 1.10-1.18), P < 0.0001 under an additive model). CONCLUSION: IGF2BP2 was strongly associated with the risk of T2DM in Chinese Han population.

Krüppel-like factor 5 associates with melamine-cyanurate crystal-induced nephritis in rats.

BACKGROUND: Melamine and cyanuric acid (M/CA), when orally administered together to rats, can induce crystal formation within renal tubules and cause acute kidney injury. METHODS: To investigate the pathomechanism of crystal-induced nephritis, melamine and/or cyanuric acid were administered to 3-week-old (young) and 8-week-old (adult) rats, respectively. RESULTS: Crystal formation, blood urea nitrogen elevation, tubular cell injury and macrophage infiltration were noted in rats fed with M/CA, but not in rats fed with vehicle, melamine or CA alone. These parameters were significantly higher in young rats than those in adult rats fed with M/CA 200 mg/kg body weight (BW) for 3 days. Krüppel-like factor 5 (KLF5) was expressed on distal tubule cells, especially when crystals deposited within the lumens. Both mRNA and protein levels were higher in young rats than those in adult rats fed with M/CA (200 mg/kg BW). KLF5 expression has been shown to modulate renal tissue cytokine production, and we found that proinflammatory cytokines like monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and interlukin-6 were increased in kidney tissues of young rats fed with M/CA for 3 days. In contrast, interlukin-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine, was upregulated in kidneys of adult rats fed with M/CA for 3 days. CONCLUSIONS: Crystals are prone to deposition in distal tubules of young rats fed with M/CA. M/CA Crystal-related nephritis might be induced by the KLF5 expression, which modulated macrophage recruitment and proinflammatory cytokine production, subsequently leading to renal tubular injury and interstitial inflammation.

Glycemic control among patients in China with type 2 diabetes mellitus receiving oral drugs or injectables.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasing rapidly among Chinese adults, and limited data are available on T2DM management and the status of glycemic control in China. We assessed the efficacy of oral antidiabetes drugs (OADs), glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, and insulin for treatment of T2DM across multiple regions in China. METHODS: This was a multicenter, cross-sectional survey of outpatients conducted in 606 hospitals across China. Data from all the patients were collected between April and June, 2011. RESULTS: A total of 238,639 patients were included in the survey. Eligible patients were treated with either OADs alone (n=157,212 [65.88%]), OADs plus insulin (n=80,973 [33.93%]), or OADs plus GLP-1 receptor agonists (n=454 [0.19%]). The OAD monotherapy, OAD + insulin, and OAD + GLP-1 receptor agonist groups had mean glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels (±SD) of 7.67% (±1.58%), 8.21% (±1.91%), and 7.80% (±1.76%), respectively. Among those three groups, 34.63%, 26.21%, and 36.12% met the goal of HbA1c <7.0%, respectively. Mean HbA1c and achievement of A1c <7.0% was related to the duration of T2DM. CONCLUSIONS: Less than one third of the patients had achieved the goal of HbA1c <7.0%. Glycemic control decreased and insulin use increased with the duration of diabetes.

[The safety and effectiveness of once daily detemir in patients with type 2 diabetes previously failing oral agents: the Chinese cohort from SOLVE(TM) observational study].

OBJECTIVE: Study of Once-daily LeVEmir(®) (SOLVE(TM)) was a 24-week international observational study to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of initiating once-daily insulin detemir (Levemir) as add-on therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who failed treatment of oral anti-diabetic drugs (OAD). METHODS: The present study was derived from the data of Chinese cohort. A total of 3272 patients with T2DM failing OAD were enrolled in the study. Determir were prescribed to the patients by the decision of the physician. Clinical data were collected at baseline, week 12 and week 24 to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of detemir. RESULTS: The age of the patients was (56.2 ± 10.8) years with a diabetes duration of (7.1 ± 5.2) years. Their BMI was (25.3 ± 3.3) kg/m(2). No patient experienced any major or nocturnal hypoglycaemic event during the study. After 24 weeks of treatment, the glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) decreased from (8.33 ± 1.69)% to (7.16 ± 1.18)% with a mean change of -1.17%, the fasting plasma glucose decreased from (9.52 ± 2.59) mmol/L to (6.84 ± 1.42) mmol/L with a mean change of -2.7 mmol/L, and the 7-point blood glucose profile improved overall. Totally 49.1% of patients achieved HbA1c < 7%. The mean body weight decreased by 0.15 kg. CONCLUSIONS: Insulin detemir administered once daily as add-on therapy in patients with T2DM failing OAD regimen significantly reduces the risk of major hypoglycemia, improves glycemic control, increases the percentage of patients achieving treatment target with neutral effect on body weight.