The effects of salt consumption habits on iodine status and thyroid functions during pregnancy

Background/aim: Iodine is the basic substrate for thyroid hormone synthesis and is vital for the general population and especially pregnant women. Iodine deficiency may cause severe health problems for a foetus. This study aimed to determine the relationship, if any, between iodine level and thyroid function tests, and to determine the relationship between consumption of salt types and its effects on thyroid function tests in the first trimester of pregnancy. Materials and methods: Three hundred and six pregnant women in the first trimester of pregnancy, who had known no thyroid disease history and had not received iodine supportive therapy, were included in the study. All patients were questioned for their preferred table salt or rock salt in daily use and urine iodine concentrations (UICs) were analysed in spot urine. The results were evaluated statistically according to salt usage preferences. Results: The median age of patients in the study was 27.8 (± 5.4). In terms of salt consumption habits, 235 (76.8%) of patients reported using table salt, and 71 (23.2%) reported using rock salt. Iodine deficiency was found in 75.81% (n = 232) of all cases according to urinalysis. Median UICs of table salt group were significantly higher than rock salt group (123.7 µg/L and 70.9 µg/L respectively, P < 0.001). Conclusion: Although large-scale salt iodination began long time ago, iodine deficiency is still a serious health problem among pregnant women. According to this study, use of rock salt is associated with low urinary iodine concentration in pregnant women and TSH values within the reference limits are not a good indicator for determining the iodine level.

The VDR gene FokI polymorphism is associated with gestational diabetes mellitus in Turkish women.

BACKGROUND: The association between the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has not been investigated in Turkish pregnant women. We aimed to investigate associations between VDR gene BsmI (rs15444410), ApaI (rs7975232), FokI (rs19735810), and TaqI (rs731236) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and GDM. MATERIAL-METHODS: This case-control study comprised 100 women with GDM and 135 pregnant women without GDM. The VDR polymorphism was evaluated using Sanger-based DNA sequencing. RESULT: VDR gene ApaI, BsmI, and TaqI SNPs did not differ between women with and without GDM (each, p > 0.05). ApaI, BsmI, and TaqI were not associated with GDM risk. The VDR gene FokI CT/TT genotype was associated with an increased GDM risk (CT vs. CC, OR = 1.84, 95% CI: [1.05-3.23], p = 0.031; TT vs. CC, OR = 3.95, 95% CI: [1.56-9.96], p = 0.002; CT/TT vs. CC, OR = 2.29, 95% CI: [1.35-3.89], p = 0.002; and CT/CC vs. TT, OR = 3.02, 95% CI: [1.23-7.38], p = 0.012). The FokI-TT genotype was more associated with younger age and higher glucose, HbA1c, and HOMA-IR than the CC and CT genotype. FokI-T was positively correlated with log-HOMA-IR (r = 0.326, p = 0.004). FokI SNPs were independently associated with GDM after adjusting for BMI and age (ß = 1.63, 95% CI: [1. 2-4.2], p = 0.012). There were no associations between the FokI, ApaI, BsmI and TaqI haplotypes and GDM. CONCLUSION: VDR gene FokI SNPs were independently associated with having GDM in Turkish women. VDR gene FokI SNPs might contribute to insulin resistance of developing GDM.

Parathyroidectomy improves cardiovascular risk factors in normocalcemic and hypercalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism.

BACKGROUND: Parathyroidectomy has ameliorated cardiovascular risk factors in patients with hypercalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), but the effect of parathyroidectomy on normocalcemic PHPT is not exactly known. This case-controlled study aimed to investigate the effect of parathyroidectomy on cardiovascular risk factors in patients with normocalcemic and hypercalcemic PHPT. METHODS: Subjects with normocalcemic PHPT (n = 35), age- and sex-matched hypercalcemic PHPT (n = 60) and age- and sex-matched control (n = 60) were included. Cardiometabolic disorders were investigated with traditional cardiometabolic risk factors and the Framingham cardiovascular risk score (CRS) before and 6 months after parathyroidectomy. RESULTS: Diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, obesity, insulin resistance, osteoporosis, having fractures were similarly increased in the hypercalcemic and normocalcemic PHPT groups (p > 0.05) compared with the controls (p < 0.05). Blood pressures, glucose metabolism (glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR) and lipid profiles were similarly increased in the PHPT groups (p > 0.05) compared with the controls (p < 0.05). After parathyroidectomy, blood pressures, serum total cholesterol, and HOMA-IR were decreased in both PHPT groups (p < 0.05). CRS was lower in the controls (5.74 ± 3.24, p < 0.05). After parathyroidectomy, CRS was decreased in the normocalcemic (11.98 ± 10.11 vs. 7.37 ± 4.48) and hypercalcemic (14.62 ± 11.06 vs. 8.05 ± 7.72) PHPT groups. Increased blood pressures were independent predictors of serum iPTH. CONCLUSION: The normocalcemic and hypercalcemic PHPT groups had similarly increased cardiovascular risk factors, even independently of serum calcium. Parathyroidectomy ameliorated the increased cardiovascular risk factors in both normocalcemic and hypercalcemic PHPT.

The effect of disease activity on thyroid nodules in patients with acromegaly.

Nodular thyroid disease is a very common disorder in patients with acromegaly. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is a thyroid growth factor, and there is a correlation between IGF-1 levels and thyroid volume (TV) in patients with acromegaly. There is no study investigating the impact of somatostatin analog (SSA) treatment on thyroid nodule volume in patients with acromegaly. We aimed to assess thyroid nodule volume change with SSA treatment in patients with persistent acromegaly. We retrospectively analyzed data from 108 consecutive patients with acromegaly who were followed up by our clinic after undergoing surgery between 2002 and 2014. Patients who were cured after surgery were excluded. We only selected 43 patients (21 males, 22 females, mean age 52.8 ± 11.9 years) who did not meet the criteria of remission postoperatively, who were treated with SSA for at least six months and had normal thyroid function. Patients were divided into three groups (well-controlled, controlled, and active) according to their IGF-1 and growth hormone (GH) levels. All patients underwent an evaluation of TV and total thyroid nodule volume (TTNV) by ultrasound. TTNV decreased significantly in patients with well-controlled acromegaly (0.44 [0.75] to 0.23 [0.73], p < 0.001). TTNV did not change in controlled patients (0.18 [1.28] to 0.13 [1.54], p = 0.959); however TTNV increased in patients with active acromegaly (0.77 [1.46] to 1.03 [1.88], p = 0.028). Successful medical treatment of patients with active acromegaly decreases thyroid nodule volume. Sustained exposure to IGF-1 may cause an increase in thyroid nodule volume in patients with acromegaly.

VDR gene FokI polymorphism as a poor prognostic factor for papillary thyroid cancer.

This is the first study to investigate the effect of vitamin D receptor ( VDR) gene single-nucleotide polymorphisms on the clinicopathologic features of papillary thyroid cancer in Turkey. A total of 165 patients with papillary thyroid cancer and 172 controls were included in this case-control study. VDR gene single-nucleotide polymorphisms FokI (rs2228570), BsmI (rs1544410), ApaI (rs7975232), and TaqI (rs731236) were evaluated using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. VDR gene polymorphisms BsmI, ApaI, and TaqI did not differ between the papillary thyroid cancer group and control group (p > 0.05, each). BsmI, ApaI, and TaqI were not associated with papillary thyroid cancer risk. The VDR gene FokI CT/TT genotype was associated with an increased papillary thyroid cancer risk (CT vs CC: odds ratio = 1.71, 95% confidence interval = 1.15-2.76, p = 0.028; TT vs CC: odds ratio = 2.44, 95% confidence interval = 1.29-4.62, p = 0.005; CT/TT vs CC: odds ratio = 1.88, 95% confidence interval = 1.20-2.96, p = 0.006; CT/CC vs TT: odds ratio = 1.80, 95% confidence interval = 1.05-3.20, p = 0.041). VDR gene polymorphisms were not in linkage disequilibrium. The FokI TT genotype was associated with having T3 and T4, stage III/IV, extra-thyroidal invasion. The FokI CT/TT or TT genotype was associated with developing N1 status, multifocality, tumor size ≥10 mm, and treatment with radioiodine therapy. Persistence/recurrence did not differ between the FokI genotypes. Carriers of the FokI T allele were at an increased risk of more advanced tumor-node-metastasis stage, greater tumor size, multifocality, and extra-thyroidal invasion of papillary thyroid cancer compared with the CC genotype. VDR gene FokI T allele and TT genotype correlated with aggressiveness of papillary thyroid cancer; thus, FokI could be useful as a poor prognostic factor to assess the high risk of papillary thyroid cancer.

The effects of single high-dose or daily low-dosage oral colecalciferol treatment on vitamin D levels and muscle strength in postmenopausal women.

INTRODUCTION: Vitamin D deficiency is a common health problem. Vitamin D supplements are used to improve vitamin D status; however, there are contradictory data related to what doses to give and how often they should be given. Many studies have investigated the effects of vitamin D supplementation on muscle strength, but the results remain controversial. We aimed to compare the effects and safety of single high-dose with daily low-dose oral colecalciferol on 25(OH)D levels and muscle strength in postmenopausal women with vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency. METHODS AND DESIGN: Sixty healthy postmenopausal women who had serum vitamin D levels < 20 ng/mL (50 nmol/L) were enrolled in the study. Group 1 (n = 32) was given daily oral dosages of 800 IU vitamin D3, and group 2 (n = 28) was given a single oral dose of 300,000 IU vitamin D3. Serum vitamin D levels and muscle strengths were measured at the beginning, 4th, and 12th week. Muscle strength tests were performed at 60° using a Biodex system 3 isokinetic dynamometer. RESULTS: Pretreatment vitamin D levels did not differ between the two groups (10.2 ± 4.4 ng/mL (25,4 ± 10,9 nmol/L); 9.7 ± 4.4 ng/mL (24,2 ± 10,9 nmol/L), p > 0.05). A significant increase in vitamin D levels was observed in both groups at 4 and 12 weeks after vitamin D3 treatment. The increase in the single-dose group was significantly higher than the daily low-dosage group at the 4th week (35.9 ± 9.6 ng/mL (89,6 ± 23,9 nmol/L), 16.9 ± 5.8 ng/mL (42,1 ± 14,4 nmol/L), p = 0.01). The increase in the single-dose group was significantly higher than in the daily low dosage group at the 12th week (23.4 ± 4.7 ng/mL (58,4 ± 11,7 nmol/L), 19.8 ± 7.2 ng/mL (49,4 ± 17,9 nmol/L), p = 0.049). The quadriceps muscle strength score increased significantly in the daily group at the 4th week (p = 0.038). The hamstring muscle strength score increased significantly in the daily group at the 12th week (p = 0.037). CONCLUSION: Although daily administration routes are more effective in improving muscle strength, a single administration is more effective in increasing vitamin D levels. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN14226530 (04.07.2018), Name of the registry: ISRCTN registry, The study was retrospectively registered.

Screening for celiac disease in poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus: worth it or not?

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have demonstrated that immune factors might have a role in the pathophysiology of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Inappropriate glycemic control in patients with T2DM is an important risk factor for the occurrence of diabetes complications. The prevalence of celiac disease (CD) is high in type 1 diabetes mellitus however, there are scarce data about its prevalence in T2DM. Our aim was to investigate the prevalence of celiac disease among insulin-using type 2 diabetes patients with inappropriate glycemic control. METHODS: IgA tissue transglutaminase antibodies (tTGA IgA) test was performed as a screening test. A total of 135 patients with T2DM whose control of glycemia is inappropriate (HbAlc value >7%) in spite of using insulin treatment for at least 3-months (only insulin or insulin with oral antidiabetic drugs) and 115 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with duodenal biopsy was performed to all patients with raised tTGA IgA or selective lgA deficiency. RESULTS: Gender, age, body mass index (BMI) and tTGA IgA, kreatinin, calcium, LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol, 25-OH vitamin D3 levels were similar between groups. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, waist circumference, fasting plasma glucose, postprandial plasma glucose, urea, sodium, HbA1c, LDL-C, triglyceride, vitamin B12 levels were significantly higher in DM group (p < 0.0001). BMI, high-sensitive CRP, microalbuminuria, and AST, ALT, potassium, phosphorus levels were significantly higher in the T2DM group (p < 0.05). HDL-cholesterol and parathormone levels were significantly lower in the T2DM group (p < 0.05). Two of the 135 patients with T2DM were diagnosed with CD (1.45%). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of celiac disease among patients with type 2 diabetes, with poor glycemic control despite insulin therapy, is slightly higher than the actual CD prevalence in general population. Type 2 diabetic patients with inappropriate control of glycemia in spite of insulin treatment might be additionally tested for Celiac disease especially if they have low C-peptide levels.

PENTRAXIN 3 AS A NEW CARDIOVASCULAR MARKER IN ADRENAL ADENOMAS.

OBJECTIVE: Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is an acute-phase glycoprotein, which is increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and considered as a predictor of CVD in the general population. Both functional and nonfunctional adrenal tumors are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular events and mortality. We aimed to investigate plasma PTX3 levels in patients with functioning and nonfunctioning adrenal tumors and determine its relationship with cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS: Twenty-one patients with functional adrenal tumors (11 pheochromocytomas, 9 Cushing syndrome, and 1 primary hyperaldosteronism), 28 patients with nonfunctional adrenal incidentalomas, and 40 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Serum PTX3 levels were measured using a human PTX3 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: PTX3 concentrations were significantly higher in the adrenal tumor group compared with the control group (3,001.64 ± 374.64 pg/mL vs. 1,173.59 ± 168.89 pg/mL; P<.001). PTX3 concentrations were positively correlated with carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) (r2, 0.464; P<.001), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) (r2, 0.551; P<.001), diastolic blood pressure (r2, 0.334; P = .003), systolic blood pressure (r2, 0.312; P = .006), and urinary metanephrine concentrations (r2, 0.320; P = .041). Serum PTX3 concentrations in patients with functional adrenal tumors and comorbidities including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or CVD were higher than in those without comorbidities (3,654.54 ± 447 pg/mL vs. 1,026.96 ± 447.97 pg/mL; P = .008). CONCLUSION: We found that serum PTX3 concentrations increased in both functional and nonfunctional adrenal tumors. PTX3 levels were correlated with cardiovascular risk factors such as CIMT, hsCRP, and blood pressure. ABBREVIATIONS: BMI = body mass index; CIMT = carotid intima-media thickness; CRP = C-reactive protein; CT = computed tomography; CVD = cardiovascular disease; FGF2 = fibroblast growth factor 2; hsCRP = high-sensitivity C-reactive protein; PA = primary hyperaldosteronism; PTX3 = pentraxin 3.

Acoustic Voice Analysis in Subclinical Hyperthyroidism.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of subclinical hyperthyroidism on voice quality using acoustic analysis. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional comparative study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Ankara Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Research and Education Hospital, Ankara, Turkey, from January to June 2020. METHODOLOGY: A total of 115 participants, with 60 patients with subclinical hyperthyroidism and 55 healthy volunteers, were evaluated and compared. Healthy volunteers with similar age and gender distributions were also evaluated and compared. Acoustic variables including average fundamental frequency (F0), relative average perturbation (RAP), jitter, shimmer, noise-to-harmonic ratio (NHR), and voice turbulence index (VTI) were measured and recorded. RESULTS: In the patient group, acoustic voice analysis results were obtained for F0 224.97%, jitter 0.85%, RAP 0.51%, shimmer 3.16%, NHR 0.12 dB, and VTI 0.047, respectively. In the control group, these respective values were 219.60%; 0.74%; 0.46%; 3.11%; 0.12 dB; and 0.045, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Subclinical hyperthyroidism does not cause a significant change in voice quality. KEY WORDS: Acoustic analysis, Subclinical hyperthyroidism, Voice, Frequency.

Evaluation of choroidal circulation and stromal features in Graves' disease.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate choroidal thickness (CT) and choroidal vascularity index (CVI) in patients with Graves' disease (GD) without ocular involvement. METHODS: Fifty patients diagnosed with GD and 50 age and gender matched healthy control subjects were retrospectively evaluated. Measurements were taken from five different points on CT images. Choroid images were classified as lumen regions (LA) and stromal regions (SA) using the image binarization method. CVI was calculated by dividing LA by the total choroidal area (TCA). The effects of Thyrotropin Receptor Antibody (TRAb), age, GD duration, blood pressure, axial length measurements, and intraocular pressure were analyzed on CT and CVI measurements. RESULTS: Mean age was 40.1 ± 13.5 years in the patient group and 39.3 ± 13.6 years in the control group (p = 0.89). There was no significant difference between the GD group and control group in terms of CT measurements. There was a significant difference between the mean CVI measurements of the GD group and control group (68.03 ± 3.41 and 66.62 ± 3.11, respectively) (p < 0.001). Univariate linear regression analysis revealed a positive correlation between TRAb and CVI (p = 0.013). CONCLUSION: While there was no significant difference between the CT measurements of the GD group and the control group, the GD group had significantly higher CVI measurements.

Choroidal Vascularity Index in Patients with Type-1 Diabetes Mellitus without Diabetic Retinopathy.

Purpose: This study aims to assess choroidal vascularity index (CVI) and choroidal thickness (CT) in patients diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) and compare them with healthy control subjects.Methods: This retrospective and cross-sectional study includes 43 patients diagnosed with type 1 DM and 43 healthy age/gender-matched subjects as the control group. Enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT; Spectralis, Heidelberg Engineering GmbH, Heidelberg, Germany) images of all participants were analyzed. CT measurements of five different points (subfoveal, 500 µm temporal, 1500 µm temporal, 500 µm nasal, and 1500 µm nasal to the fovea) were obtained. Choroid images were divided into luminal (LA) and stromal areas (SA) determined by image binarization method. Choroidal vascularity index (CVI) was defined as the ratio of LA to total choroid area (TCA). The effects of age, HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose, duration of DM, mean blood pressure, intraocular pressure, and axial length measurements on CVI were investigated.Results: There was no significant difference between any of the CT measurements of the groups (all p > .05). There was no significant difference between the groups according to TCA (0.82 ± 0.24 vs. 0.80 ± 0.19; p = .065), LA (0.54 ± 0.17 vs. 0.55 ± 0.16; p = .123) and SA (0.28 ± 0.06 vs. 0.25 ± 0.07; p = .068). However, patients had significantly lower CVI compared to control subjects (66.07 ± 3.19 vs. 68.89 ± 2.85, p < .001). Univariate linear regression model revealed that there was a negative correlation between disease duration and CVI (standardized beta coefficient: -0.416, p = .006).Conclusion: According to our findings, reduced CVI may indicate subclinical dysfunction in choroid of patients with type 1 DM.

Effect of Radioactive Iodine Treatment on Saliva Rate in the Early Post-treatment Period.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of radioactive iodine therapy (131I) on saliva production rate in the early post-treatment period. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive, analytical study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Endocrinology, Ankara Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Research and Education Hospital, Ankara, Turkey from January to December 2017. METHODOLOGY: A total of 40 patients, who received radioactive iodine therapy after total thyroidectomy, were included in the study. Stimulated and unstimulated saliva levels were measured before and after treatment, using a scaled and sterile plastic tube. RESULTS: The study group was comprised of three males (7.5%) and 37 females (92.5%) with a mean age of 44.15 ±10.2 years (range 26-66 years). The median values of all non-stimulated saliva before and after RAI treatment were 2.0 ml / minute (1.13-2.88) and 2.0 ml / minute (1.63-4.00), respectively; and the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.11). Similarly, there were no statistically significant differences in the median values of stimulated saliva before and after RAI treatment (median=7.0 ml/min and 7.5 ml/dk, respectively; p=0.88). CONCLUSION: Radioactive iodine treatment did not cause sialadenitis and did not affect the saliva production rates in the early post-treatment period. Key Words: Radioactive iodine, Stimulated saliva, Unstimulated saliva.

Inguinal Endometriosis Visualized on I-131 Whole Body Scan.

We present a rare case with inguinal iodine-131 (I-131) uptake on whole body scan. The patient was suffering from a painful right inguinal mass during menstrual period, which was later sonographically and histopathologically confirmed to be an inguinal focus of endometriosis. Endometriosis is a previously reported site of radioiodine uptake and detection of radioiodine uptake in the inguinal region has also been described. Nevertheless, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of I-131 uptake in an inguinal endometriosis focus. History and physical examination of the patient are both very important in identifying the etiology of the ectopic uptake sites on I-131 whole body scan, and inguinal endometriosis should be kept in mind while reporting inguinal radioiodine uptake on I-131 whole body scan.

Vitamin D Replacement Improves Tear Osmolarity in Patients with Vitamin D Deficiency.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D deficiency is a common health problem worldwide. Many parts of the human eye, including the epithelium of the cornea, lens, ciliary body, and retinal pigment epithelium, as well as the corneal endothelium, ganglion cell layer, and retinal photoreceptors, contain vitamin D receptor (VDR). Dry eye is also a common health problem. An adequate tear film is required for maintaining health and function of the eye. Tear hyperosmolarity is considered to be the cause of ocular surface inflammation, symptoms, and tissue damage. It is well-documented that vitamin D has an anti-inflammatory action. We aimed to investigate the effect of vitamin D replacement on tear osmolarity in patients with vitamin D deficiency. METHODS: A total of 44 patients (38 females, six males, mean age:43.5 ± 12.8 years) with vitamin D deficiency currently managed by the Endocrinology and Metabolism Department of Diskapi Training and Research Hospital in Turkey were enrolled in the study. Patients were given 50,000 units of 25(OH)D3 intramuscularly, once weekly, over a period of eight weeks. All of the patients underwent tear function osmolarity (TFO) measurement initially and eight weeks after vitamin D replacement. Demographic, anthropometric, and biochemistry data of patients were recorded. RESULTS: The mean TFO was significantly decreased (313.7 ± 17.3 mOsm/L; 302.7 ± 14.2 mOsm/L, p<0.001) at the end of the second month; 25(OH)D3 concentrations increased from 8.3 ± 3.5 ng/mL to 68.8 ± 22.3 ng/mL (p<0.001). The mean levels of hsCRP, FPG, P were 2.5 ± 2.5 mg/L, 5.09 ± 0.48 mmol/L, 1.06 ± 0.16 mmol/L initially, and 3.8 ± 5.9 mg/L, 5.11 ± 0.68 mg/dL, 1.09 ± 0.16 mmol/L after vitamin D replacement, respectively (p>0.05). The mean Ca level was 2.37 ± 0.07 mmol/L initially and 2.35 ± 0.07 mmol/L after vitamin D replacement (p<0.05). The change of TFO was negatively correlated with the variation of 25(OH)D3 before and after replacement in patients with dry eye disease (r=-0.390, p=0.049). CONCLUSIONS: As a consequence of the presence of VDR and 1α-hydroxylase in different parts of the eye, vitamin D replacement improves tear hyperosmolarity that is considered to be induced by ocular surface inflammation.

Heart-type fatty acid binding protein levels in elderly diabetics without known cardiovascular disease.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is reported to be higher in elderly diabetics. Serum heart-type fatty acid binding protein (H-FABP) is a serum marker of myocardial ischemia. We aimed to investigate the association between serum H-FABP level and conventional cardiovascular risk factors, inflammatory markers and subclinical atherosclerosis in elderly diabetics without overt CVD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 50 elderly diabetic patients without overt CVD and 30 age-, sex- and body mass index (BMI)-matched healthy controls were enrolled. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters, serum H-FABP, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), fibrinogen and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) were measured. Logistic regression analyses (adjustments for age, sex, hypertension, smoking, diabetes, BMI, blood pressure, lipid, blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c, hs-CRP and fibrinogen) were performed to evaluate the association between H-FABP and cardiovascular risk factors and atherosclerosis indices. RESULTS: Serum fibrinogen (421.50±85.52 mg/dL vs 319.17±30.77 mg/dL, p=0.023), CIMT (0.70±0.12 mm vs 0.59±0.06 mm, p<0.001) and hs-CRP (5.72±4.50 mg/dL vs 1.60±0.72 mg/dL, p<0.001) were significantly higher in diabetic patients than controls. The mean serum H-FABP level did not differ between groups (1571.79±604.60 ng/mL vs 1500.25±463.35 ng/mL, p=0.905). H-FABP was positively correlated with fibrinogen (r2=0.473, p<0.001), hs-CRP (r2=0.323, p=0.003) and CIMT (r2=0.467, p<0.001). After full adjustments, the serum H-FABP level was independently associated with an increase in the fibrinogen level (odds ratio [OR] =4.21, 95% confidence level [CI] =1.49-11.90). CONCLUSION: Serum H-FABP was similar in the elderly diabetic patients without known CVD when compared with the nondiabetic control group. H-FABP does not possess a high diagnostic value as a cardiovascular marker when used alone; however, it may add supplementary information in patients with a high fibrinogen level.

Is fibroblast growth factor 23 a new cardiovascular risk marker in gestational diabetes?

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to compare the serum levels of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) among patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and healthy pregnant women, and to evaluate the association between hormonal and metabolic parameters. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 82 pregnant women were consecutively enrolled in the study. Of these, 46 were diagnosed as having GDM; the remaining 36 healthy pregnant women served as controls in a cross-sectional study design. The womens' ages ranged from 22 to 38 years and gestational ages, from 24 to 28 weeks. Serum samples were analyzed for FGF23 levels using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Serum FGF23 levels were increased in patients with GDM compared with controls (median, 65.3 for patients with GDM vs. 36.6 ng/mL for healthy controls; p = 0.019). Mean fasting glucose (105.6 ± 7.4 vs. 70.2 ± 7.2 mg/dL, p < 0.001), HbA1c (5.6 ± 0.5 vs. 4.9 ± 0.5%, p < 0.001), insulin (median, 11.1 vs. 8.7 µIU/mL, p = 0.006) and HOMA-IR (3.0 (1.8) vs 1.4 (0.6), p < 0.001) levels were significantly higher in patients with GDM than in controls. Serum FGF23 level was positively correlated with body mass index (r2 = 0.346, p < 0.05), FPG (r2 = 0.264, p < 0.05), insulin (r2 = 0.388, p < 0.05), HOMA-IR (r2 = 0.384, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Serum FGF23 levels were higher in women with GDM compared with controls. The present findings suggest that FGF23 could be a useful marker of cardiovascular disease in GDM.

Is fibroblast growth factor 23 a new cardiovascular risk marker in gestational diabetes?

ABSTRACT Objective This study was designed to compare the serum levels of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) among patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and healthy pregnant women, and to evaluate the association between hormonal and metabolic parameters. Subjects and methods A total of 82 pregnant women were consecutively enrolled in the study. Of these, 46 were diagnosed as having GDM; the remaining 36 healthy pregnant women served as controls in a cross-sectional study design. The womens' ages ranged from 22 to 38 years and gestational ages, from 24 to 28 weeks. Serum samples were analyzed for FGF23 levels using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Serum FGF23 levels were increased in patients with GDM compared with controls (median, 65.3 for patients with GDM vs. 36.6 ng/mL for healthy controls; p = 0.019). Mean fasting glucose (105.6 ± 7.4 vs. 70.2 ± 7.2 mg/dL, p < 0.001), HbA1c (5.6 ± 0.5 vs. 4.9 ± 0.5%, p < 0.001), insulin (median, 11.1 vs. 8.7 µIU/mL, p = 0.006) and HOMA-IR (3.0 (1.8) vs 1.4 (0.6), p < 0.001) levels were significantly higher in patients with GDM than in controls. Serum FGF23 level was positively correlated with body mass index (r2 = 0.346, p < 0.05), FPG (r2 = 0.264, p < 0.05), insulin (r2 = 0.388, p < 0.05), HOMA-IR (r2 = 0.384, p < 0.05). Conclusion Serum FGF23 levels were higher in women with GDM compared with controls. The present findings suggest that FGF23 could be a useful marker of cardiovascular disease in GDM.