A multi-omics investigation of the molecular characteristics and classification of six metabolic syndrome relevant diseases.

Metabolic syndrome (MTS) is a cluster of concurrent metabolic abnormal conditions. MTS and its component metabolic diseases are heterogeneous and closely related, making their relationships complicated, thus hindering precision treatment. Methods: We collected seven groups of samples (group a: healthy individuals; group b: obesity; group c: MTS; group d: hyperglycemia, group e: hypertension, group f: hyperlipidemia; group g: type II diabetes, n=7 for each group). We examined the molecular characteristics of each sample by metabolomic, proteomic and peptidomic profiling analysis. The differential molecules (including metabolites, proteins and peptides) between each disease group and the healthy group were recognized by statistical analyses. Furthermore, a two-step clustering workflow which combines multi-omics and clinical information was used to redefine molecularly and clinically differential groups. Meanwhile, molecular, clinical, network and pathway based analyses were used to identify the group-specific biological features. Results: Both shared and disease-specific molecular profiles among the six types of diseases were identified. Meanwhile, the patients were stratified into three distinct groups which were different from original disease definitions but presented significant differences in glucose and lipid metabolism (Group 1: relatively favorable metabolic conditions; Group 2: severe dyslipidemia; Group 3: dysregulated insulin and glucose). Group specific biological signatures were also systematically described. The dyslipidemia group showed higher levels in multiple lipid metabolites like phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylcholine, and showed significant up-regulations in lipid and amino acid metabolism pathways. The glucose dysregulated group showed higher levels in many polypeptides from proteins contributing to immune response. The another group, with better glucose/lipid metabolism ability, showed higher levels in lipid regulating enzymes like the lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase and proteins involved in complement and coagulation cascades. Conclusions: This multi-omics based study provides a general view of the complex relationships and an alternative classification for various metabolic diseases where the cross-talk or compensatory mechanism between the immune and metabolism systems plays a critical role.

Relationship between normal weight obesity and mild cognitive impairment is reflected in cognitive-related genes in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

AIM: Obesity contributes to the development of mild cognitive impairment, but the potential role of normal weight obesity in this disease has not been explored in humans. The aim of the study was to reveal the relationship between normal weight obesity and mild cognitive impairment in elderly individuals. METHODS: This study consisted of 360 patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment and 360 cognitively normal controls. Normal weight obesity was defined as having metabolic syndrome but a normal weight. Metabolic health meant having no metabolic syndrome. Reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was adopted to measure the messenger RNA expression of four cognitive-related genes (amyloid precursor protein, cyclic adenosine monophosphate-responsive element-binding protein 1, sortilin-related receptor 1, and synapsin I) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. RESULTS: Normal weight obesity was related to a higher risk of amnestic mild cognitive impairment (odds ratio = 3.14, 95% confidence interval: 2.13-4.60). In the patients, the expression of each gene in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells was linearly related to Mini-Mental State Examination and Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores (P < 0.05). The expression of these genes in the patients with metabolic health deviated from the normal levels found in the controls (P < 0.05), and the deviations were more significant in the patients with normal weight obesity (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Normal weight obesity may be a potential risk factor for amnestic mild cognitive impairment in elderly. This relationship was reflected in the abnormal expression of several cognitive-related genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Famine Exposure in Early Life and Risk of Metabolic Syndrome in Adulthood: Comparisons of Different Metabolic Syndrome Definitions.

This study examined the association between famine exposure in early life and the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in adulthood during the 1959-1961 Chinese Famine. Two cross-sectional surveys involving randomly selected Chinese adults aged 35-74 years in the Qingdao area were conducted. A total of 9,588 individuals were grouped into four birth cohorts of unexposed (born between January 1, 1962, and December 31, 1975), fetal-exposed (born between January 1, 1959, and December 31, 1961), childhood-exposed (born between January 1, 1949, and December 31, 1958), and adolescence/adult-exposed cohorts (born between January 1, 1931, and December 31, 1948). We assessed the prevalence rate of MetS in relation to famine exposure according to three definitions of MetS by the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III), International Diabetes Federation (IDF), and China Diabetes Society (CDS). According to the CDS criterion, the prevalence rates of MetS were 17.8%, 25.7%, 31.1%, and 45.3% in the unexposed, fetal-, childhood-, and adolescence/adult-exposed cohorts, respectively (P < 0.001). For the CDS criteria, compared with individuals without famine exposure, odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for MetS were 1.36 (1.02-1.81), 1.36 (1.06-1.75), and 1.60 (1.06-2.41) in women and 1.10 (0.79-1.53), 1.07 (0.79-1.42), and 1.21 (0.74-1.99) in men who were exposed in the fetal, childhood, and adolescence/adult periods, respectively, after adjustment for age, study cohorts, residential areas, education levels, income levels, current smoking, and current drinking. The same trend was observed in fetal and childhood exposure for the NCEP-ATP III and IDF definitions, except for a marginal effect in adolescence/adult exposure. Sensitivity analysis revealed that the odds ratios for MetS prevalence for the CDS definition were 1.37 (1.03-1.82), 1.40 (1.09-1.79), and 1.58 (1.04-2.40) among fetal, childhood, and adolescence/adult exposure in rural areas, respectively. The CDS definition is superior to the other definitions for determining the association between famine exposure and MetS with respect to early life. Famine exposure in early life is associated with an increased risk of MetS in later life, especially in women. Early-life malnutrition and later life overnutrition were critical in determining adulthood metabolic disorders.

Comparisons of the Incidence and Critical Risk Factors of Metabolic Syndrome in Patients With a Rheumatic Disease or Gout.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatic disease and gout are particularly known to be associated with metabolic syndrome. PURPOSE: To compare incidence, physiological indices, and risk factors of metabolic syndrome in patients with rheumatic diseases or gout. METHODS: Data were collected from medical records of 220 patients with rheumatic disease or gout. RESULTS: The incidence rate and most physiological indices of metabolic syndrome (body mass index, blood pressure, serum triglyceride, and fasting blood glucose levels) were significantly higher in the gout group than in the rheumatic disease group. In terms of risk factors of metabolic syndrome, age, gender, and steroid use were significant in the rheumatic disease group, whereas smoking and gout duration were significant in the gout group. CONCLUSIONS: Men with a rheumatic disease taking steroids warrant additional attention regarding metabolic syndrome development. Special supports are also needed for people with gout who are smokers and who have suffered from gout for a longer duration.

[Prevalence of overweight/obesity and its association with diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia and metabolic syndrome: a cross-sectional study of a sample of workers in Aragón, Spain]. / Prevalencia de sobrepeso/obesidad y su asociación con diabetes, hipertensión, dislipemia y síndrome metabólico: estudio transversal de una muestra de trabajadores en Aragón, España.

INTRODUCTION: Objectives: to estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity in a sample of workers in Aragón (Spain) and to assess its associations with diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension and metabolic syndrome. Methods: cross-sectional study of a sample of 23,729 workers. Data from routine medical check-ups (physical examination, blood analysis and structured questionnaire) practiced by MAS Sociedad de Prevención were used. Results: prevalence of overweight and obesity was 38.6% and 18.4%, respectively (higher in males). Prevalence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia and metabolic syndrome was 7.6%, 20.1%, 31.3% and 7.5%, respectively. There was a significant association between overweight and obesity and prevalence of diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension and metabolic syndrome. Conclusions: states of overweight and obesity are common in the working population and are related to a significant increase in the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors. It is necessary to promote strategies for prevention and management of body weight in the working population.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Objetivos: estimar la prevalencia de sobrepeso y obesidad en una muestra de trabajadores en Aragón (España) y cuantifi car su asociación con la prevalencia de diabetes, dislipemia, hipertensión arterial y síndrome metabólico. Métodos: estudio descriptivo transversal sobre una muestra de 23.729 trabajadores. Se utilizaron los datos de las revisiones médicas rutinarias (exploración física, analítica sanguínea y cuestionario estructurado) practicadas por MAS Sociedad de Prevención. Resultados: la prevalencia de sobrepeso fue del 38,6% y la de obesidad, del 18,4%, siendo superiores en los varones. La prevalencia de diabetes mellitus, hipertensión, dislipemia y síndrome metabólico fue de 7,6%, 20,1%, 31,3% y 7,5%, respectivamente. Se observó una asociación significativa entre el sobrepeso y la obesidad y la prevalencia de diabetes, dislipemia, hipertensión y síndrome metabólico. Conclusiones: los estados de sobrepeso y obesidad son comunes en la población trabajadora y se relacionan con un importante aumento de la prevalencia de factores de riesgo cardiovascular. Es necesario promover estrategias de prevención y manejo del peso corporal en la población trabajadora.

Factors associated with metabolic syndrome in older adults: a population-based study / Los factores asociados con el síndrome metabólico en adultos mayores: un estudio de base poblacional / Fatores associados à síndrome metabólica em idosos: estudo de base populacional

ABSTRACT Objective: To estimate the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome and clusters of its components and to identify possible associated factors in older adults. Method: Cross-sectional and population-based study, involving 271 older people. We collected sociodemographic, behavioral, clinical, biochemical, and anthropometric data. Data were analyzed by descriptive and logistic regression techniques. Results: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 59% and was associated with women, overweight/obesity, and the C-reactive protein. Concerning the clusters, 11.4% of the sample had all the components of the metabolic syndrome, and only 5.2% of individuals did not have any of its components. Conclusion: We found there is a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome and clusters of its components in older adults. It is important to deepen studies on this matter, considering clinical aspects in relation to sex and healthy behavioral habits for creating public policies as well as emphasizing actions aimed at promoting self-care in all cycles of life.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar la prevalencia del síndrome metabólico y el conglomerado de sus componentes e identificar los posibles factores asociados en personas de edad avanzada. Método: Estudio de tipo transversal, de base poblacional, en el cual participaron 271 adultos mayores. Se recogieron los datos sociodemográficos, conductuales, clínicos, bioquímicos y antropométricos. Se analizaron los datos por medio de técnicas descriptivas y de regresión logística. Resultados: La prevalencia del síndrome metabólico fue del 59% y se la asoció con el sexo femenino, el sobrepeso/obesidad y la proteína C reactiva. En los conglomerados, el 11,4% de la muestra presentaba todos los componentes del síndrome metabólico, y sólo el 5,2% no los tenía. Conclusión: Los hallazgos demuestran una alta prevalencia del síndrome metabólico y de conglomerados de sus componentes en los adultos mayores. Son necesarios más estudios sobre este tema, considerando los aspectos clínicos en lo referente al sexo y los hábitos saludables, para establecer políticas públicas saludables, así como enfatizar acciones dirigidas a promover el autocuidado en todos los ciclos de la vida.

RESUMO Objetivo: Estimar a prevalência de síndrome metabólica e de aglomerados de seus componentes e identificar possíveis fatores associados em pessoas idosas. Método: Estudo transversal, de base populacional, envolvendo 271 idosos. Foram coletados dados sociodemográficos, comportamentais, clínicos, bioquímicos e antropométricos. Os dados foram analisados por meio de técnicas descritivas e de regressão logística. Resultados: A prevalência de síndrome metabólica foi de 59% e associou-se ao sexo feminino, a sobrepeso/obesidade e à proteína C-reativa. Sobre os aglomerados, 11,4% da amostra possuía a totalidade dos componentes da síndrome metabólica, e apenas 5,2% dos indivíduos não possuíam nenhum de seus componentes. Conclusão: Constatou-se elevada prevalência de síndrome metabólica em idosos e de aglomerados de seus componentes. É importante aprofundar estudos sobre esta temática, considerando aspectos clínicos em relação ao sexo e a hábitos comportamentais saudáveis para formulação de políticas públicas, além de enfatizar ações que visem fomentar o autocuidado em todos os ciclos de vida.

Association between the severity of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis and cumulative metabolic factors.

BACKGROUND: The association between cumulative metabolic syndrome (MS) factors and knee osteoarthritis (KOA) has been highlighted over the past two decades. AIMS: To clarify the relationship between cumulative MS factors and symptomatic KOA. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey involving 119 women aged 45-88 years who were scheduled to undergo knee surgery was conducted. They were stratified into tertiles of symptoms as assessed by the Japanese Orthopedic Association score for KOA. Multinomial logistic regressions were performed using the severity of symptomatic KOA as the dependent variable and each MS factor or the cumulative MS factors as the independent variables. RESULTS: Logistic regression analyses were performed with the upper tertile of stratified symptoms of subjects used as the reference group. After adjustment for confounders, KOA patients who had two (p = 0.004) or three or more (p < 0.0001) MS factors were significantly more likely to have severe symptoms compared to those who had no MS factors. MS factors excluding obesity were similarly analyzed. Even after additional adjustment for body mass index (BMI), KOA patients who had two or more (p = 0.005) MS factors were significantly more likely to have severe symptoms. CONCLUSION: Among KOA female patients diagnosed using radiographic definition, the severity of symptomatic KOA was significantly associated with hypertension, dyslipidemia, and the number of MS factors after adjustment for age, BMI, strength of the knee extensor, and Kellgren-Lawrence grade. The severity of radiographic KOA was not associated with any MS factor or cumulative MS factors.

The impact of obstructive sleep apnea on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in subjects with or without metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: It is unclear whether obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is independently associated with increased levels of the acute-phase reactant C-reactive protein (CRP). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between OSA and high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) levels according to the presence or absence of metabolic syndrome (MetS). METHODS: This study recruited 245 male bus drivers from one transportation company in Taiwan. Each participant was evaluated by a polysomnography (PSG) test, blood lipids examination, and hs-CRP. Severity of OSA was categorized according to the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). RESULTS: Subjects were categorized into severe OSA group (n = 44; 17.9 %), moderate and mild OSA group (n = 117; 47.8 %), and non-OSA group (n = 84; 34.3 %). AHI had a significant association with hs-CRP (ß = 0.125, p = 0.009) adjusting for age, smoking, drinking, and MetS status. Hs-CRP was elevated with severe OSA (ß = 0.533, p = 0.005) even adjusting for BMI and MetS. Moreover, there was an independent effect for adjusted odds ratios (AORs) between the stratification of the severity for OSA and MetS. CONCLUSION: Elevated hs-CRP level is associated with severe OSA, independent of known confounders. The effect of OSA in CRP is independent of MetS was identified.

Síndrome metabólica em crianças e adolescentes com excesso de peso atendidos em um ambulatório de distúrbios nutricionais / Metabolic syndrome in overweight children and adolescents assisted in an outpatient clinic for nutritional disorders

Objective: To determine the frequency of metabolic syndrome among children and adolescents treated in an outpatient clinic for nutritional disorders. Method: It is a retrospective chart review study of cross-sectional design. The study population consisted of 53 subjects, aged 6-12 years. The variables studied were the medical records: age, sex, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, blood pressure, and glucose. Data were entered into Excel® for Windows® XP and transferred to SPSS, version 17. We used the chi-square test to check for statistically significant differences between the explanatory variables and their outcomes, accepting p < 0.05 for statistical significance. Results: In the group of subjects reported, 58.5% (n = 31) were female. Regarding the classification of BMI, 7.5% (n = 4) were overweight and 92.5% (n = 49) were obese. There was no statistically significant difference between the sexes and age groups regarding the BMI classification. 58% were diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. However, no statistically significant difference between the changes that may contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease in relation to sex and age was observed. The biochemical changes that may lead to the development of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases were more significant in children and adolescents. Conclusion: The presence of metabolic syndrome was 58%, and the changes that contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases were more significant among children and adolescents.

Objetivo: Verificar a frequência de síndrome metabólica (SM) entre crianças e adolescentes atendidos em um ambulatório de distúrbios nutricionais. Método: Trata-se uma pesquisa retrospectiva de revisão de prontuários de delineamento transversal. A população do estudo foi composta por 53 indivíduos, com idades de 6 a 12 anos. As variáveis pesquisadas nos prontuários foram: idade, sexo, peso, altura, índice de massa corporal (IMC), circunferência abdominal, colesterol total, HDL, LDL, triglicerídeos, pressão arterial e glicemia. Os dados foram digitados no Excel® for Windows XP® etransferidos para o programa SPSS versão 17. Utilizou-se o Teste Qui-quadrado para verificar se havia diferença estatisticamente significante entre as variáveis explanatórias e seus desfechos, aceitando-se p < 0,05 para significância estatística. Resultado: Entre o grupo avaliado, 58,5% (n = 31) era do sexo feminino. Em relação à classificação do peso, através do IMC, 7,5% (n = 4) apresentou sobrepeso e 92,5% (n = 49), obesidade. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre os sexos e entre as faixas etáriasquanto à classificação do IMC. Da amostra, 58% foi diagnosticada com síndrome metabólica. Todavia, não se observou diferença estatisticamente significante entre as alterações que possa contribuir para o desenvolvimento de doenças cardiovasculares em relação ao sexo e à faixa etária. As alterações bioquímicas que podem levar ao desenvolvimento da síndrome metabólica e a doenças cardiovasculares mostraram-se elevadas nas crianças e adolescentes. Conclusão: A presença de síndrome metabólica foi de 58%, e as alterações que contribuem para o desenvolvimento de doenças cardiovasculares mostraram-se elevadas entre as crianças e adolescentes

Efeito dos ácidos graxos na Síndrome Metabólica: uma revisão de literatura / Effects of fatty acids on the Metabolic Syndrome: a literature review

Changes in the diet pattern have been considered a major cause of overweight rate increase and Metabolic Syndrome (MS) in the world. A diet with high energy density can contribute to fat accumulation in metabolic active tissues and increase of proinflammatory adipokines, favoring the inflammatory condition of this syndrome. However, not all types of high fat diet are malefic to the body. The objective of this study was to conduct a literature review on the effect of fatty acids on the Metabolic Syndrome and on the important relationship between diet, obesity, MS and cardiovascular disease. It was possible to observe that a diet rich in saturated fat is associated with overweight, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and increased levels of cholesterol, leptin, insulin and glucose. It was also possible to observe that increased levels of saturated fatty acids and decreased levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids are associated with metabolic syndrome. Supplementation with ?-3 was effective in reducing the effects of saturated fatty acids, such as the serum levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-c, decreasing blood pressure, and increasing the serum levels of HDL-c. After further studies confirm the safety of use and the ideal dose of ?-3 to prevent and treat MS, the supplementation should be associated with a diet that is balanced, low in saturated fat and rich in vitamins, as well as with a change in lifestyle.

Los cambios en los hábitos alimentícios han sido considerados como una de las causas más importantes del aumento mundial del sobrepeso y, por lo tanto, del Síndrome Metabólico (SM). Una dieta con alta densidad energética puede contribuir a la acumulación de grasa en los tejidos metabólicamente activos y al aumento de adipoquinas proinflamatorias, favoreciendo, así, el cuadro inflamatorio de este síndrome. Sin embargo, no todos los tipos de dietas hiperlipídicas son perjudiciales para el organismo. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de este estudio fue revisar en la literatura los efectos de los ácidos grasos en el SM y la importante relación entre dieta, obesidad, síndrome metabólico y enfermedad cardiovascular. Se observó que una dieta rica en grasas saturadas se asocia con el exceso de peso, hígado graso, elevación de los niveles séricos de colesterol, leptina, insulina y glucosa, puesto que el alto consumo de grasas saturadas y la disminución de los niveles de ácidos grasos poliinsaturados se correlacionan con el Síndrome Metabólico. La ingesta de suplementos de ácidos grasos poliinsaturados ha demostrado su eficacia a la hora de mitigar los efectos de la dieta alta en grasas, además de reducir los triglicéridos, el colesterol total, LDL-c, la presión arterial y mejorar los niveles de HLD-c. Después de que estudios posteriores confirmen la seguridad del uso y la dosis ideal del Omega 3 para la prevención y el tratamiento del Síndrome Metabólico, se hace necesario que su uso sea associado con una dieta balanceada, baja en grasas saturadas, rica en vitaminas, e incentivar al cambio en el estilo de vida.

As mudanças nos padrões alimentares têm sido consideradas como uma das principais causas do aumento mundial do excesso de peso e, consequentemente, da Síndrome Metabólica (SM). Uma dieta com alta densidade energética pode contribuir para acúmulo de gordura em tecidosmetabolicamente ativos e aumento de adipocinas pró-inflamatórias, favorecendo o quadro inflamatório desta Síndrome. Porém, nem todos ostipos de dietas hiperlipídicas são maléficos para o organismo. Assim, o presente estudo teve como objetivo revisar na literatura os efeitos dos ácidos graxos na SM e a importante relação entre dieta, obesidade, SM e doenças cardiovasculares. Observou-se que a alimentação rica em gordura saturada está relacionada com excesso de peso, esteatose hepática, elevação dos níveis séricos de colesterol, leptina, insulina e glicose, sendo que a elevação do consumo de gordura saturada ea diminuição de ácidos graxos poli-insaturados estão correlacionadas com a presença da Síndrome Metabólica. A suplementação de ácidograxo poli-insaturado mostrou-se eficaz para amenizar os efeitos da dieta hiperlipídica, além de diminuir triglicérides, colesterol total, LDL-c e pressão arterial, e melhorar os níveis de HLD-c. Após estudos posteriores confirmarem a segurança e a dose da utilização do ômega 3 para prevenção e tratamento da Síndrome Metabólica, é necessário que esta utilização seja associada a uma dieta equilibrada, pobre em gordura saturada, rica em vitaminas e com um incentivo à mudança no estilo de vida.

Renaming PCOS--a two-state solution.

CONTEXT: It has become evident over the past 30 years that polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is more than a reproductive disorder. It has metabolic sequelae that can affect women across the lifespan. Diagnostic criteria based on the endocrine features of the syndrome, hyperandrogenism and chronic anovulation, such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) criteria, identify women at high metabolic risk. The additional phenotypes defined by the Rotterdam diagnostic criteria identify women with primarily reproductive rather than metabolic dysfunction. OBJECTIVE: The aim is to discuss the rationale for a separate name for the syndrome that is associated with high metabolic risk while maintaining the current name for the phenotypes with primarily reproductive morbidity. INTERVENTION: The NIH Office for Disease Prevention-Sponsored Evidence-Based Methodology Workshop on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome recommended that a new name is needed for PCOS. POSITIONS: The authors propose that PCOS be retained for the reproductive phenotypes and that a new name be created for the phenotypes at high metabolic risk. CONCLUSIONS: There should be two names for the PCOS phenotypes: those with primarily reproductive consequences should continue to be called PCOS, and those with important metabolic consequences should have a new name.

Diversity of metabolic syndrome criteria in association with cardiovascular diseases--a family medicine-based investigation.

BACKGROUND: This study compared the association between the 3 definitions of metabolic syndrome (MetS) suggested by the World Health Organization (WHO), National Cholesterol Education Programme (NCEP ATP III), and International Diabetes Federation (IDF), and the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and shows the prevalence and characteristics of persons with MetS in continental vs. coastal regions and rural vs. urban residence in Croatia. MATERIAL/METHODS: A prospective multicenter study was conducted on 3245 participants≥40 years, who visited general practices from May to July 2008 for any reason. This was a cross-sectional study of the Cardiovascular Risk and Intervention Study in Croatia-family medicine project (ISRCTN31857696). RESULTS: All analyzed MetS definitions showed an association with CVD, but the strongest was shown by NCEP ATP III; coronary disease OR 2.48 (95% CI 1.80-3.82), cerebrovascular disease OR 2.14 (1.19-3.86), and peripheral artery disease OR 1.55 (1.04-2.32), especially for age and male sex. According to the NCEP ATP III (IDF), the prevalence was 38.7% (45.9%) [15.9% (18.6%) in men, and 22.7% (27.3%) in women, and 28.4% (33.9%) in the continental region, 10.2% (10.9%) in the coastal region, 26.2% (31.5%) in urban areas, and 12.4% (14.4%) in rural areas. Older age, male sex, and residence in the continental area were positively associated with MetS diagnosis according to NCEP ATP III, and current smoking and Mediterranean diet adherence have protective effects. CONCLUSIONS: The NCEP ATP III definition seems to provide the strongest association with CVD and should therefore be preferred for use in this population.

Lifestyle habits and physical capacity in patients with moderate or severe metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic is a heterogeneous concept that includes five elements, each of which has individual thresholds that might be different when considered as a criterion in the metabolic syndrome. Therefore, some individuals might present different levels of metabolic syndrome. This study aims to identify two different severities of patients with metabolic syndrome-moderate versus severe-and the respective association of these severities with lifestyle habits and physical capacity. METHODS: The sample included 2,281 adults aged between 19 and 85 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) study. Subjects were subcategorized into three groups: No metabolic syndrome, moderate metabolic syndrome, or severe metabolic syndrome. Physical activity and dietary habits were assessed by questionnaires. Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) was measured in adults aged <50 years, whereas physical capacity was measured in adults ≥50 years of age. RESULTS: Thirty-eight percent of subjects had metabolic syndrome. From those, 15.3% had severe metabolic syndrome. No difference was observed among groups for energy intake. Subjects aged <50 years having severe metabolic syndrome had a lower CRF compared with moderate metabolic syndrome, whereas subjects ≥50 years reported less vigorous exercise (P≤0.05). Finally, subjects aged ≥50 years old having severe metabolic syndrome reported more physical incapacity compared to the other groups. CONCLUSION: This study confirms that metabolic syndrome is a heterogeneous condition that may be subclassified. Severe metabolic syndrome is associated with lower physical capacity and CRF compared to moderate metabolic syndrome. Studies are needed to determine if metabolic syndrome categorization can be useful for clinical practice.

Reduction of cardiovascular risk in patients with metabolic syndrome in a community health center after a pharmaceutical care program of pharmacotherapy follow-up

The objective of this study was to determine the impact of a pharmaceutical care (PC) program in a sample of public outpatients with metabolic syndrome (MS) who were being treated in Brazil's health system; the patients were randomized into PC or standard care. The pharmacotherapy follow-up (PF) was performed in a total of 120 patients with type 2 diabetes for 6 months. Adherence to treatment (measured with the Morisky test), negative outcomes associated with medication (NOM) and anthropometric and biochemical parameters were measured before and after PF. The Framingham scoring method was used to estimate changes in 10-year coronary heart disease risk scores in all patients. Ninety-six of 120 patients had characteristics of MS and were randomized into two groups (G): the control group (CG: 36) and the intervention group (IG: 38). Among the MS patients, 100% were taking a glucose-lowering drug; many were also taking anti-hypertensive drugs (CG: 72%; IG: 73%), and some patients were also taking hypolipemic drugs (CG: 12.0%; IG: 14.7%). Only 20.7% of the IG patients were considered adherent to their prescribed drugs. In the CG, an increase of coronary heart disease (CHD) risk (22±2 to 26±3; p<0.05) was observed, while in the IG, there was a reduction in CHD risk (22±2 to 14±2%; p<0.01). The PC program administered to patients with MS monitored through the primary healthcare services of the Brazilian public health system improved patient health, resulting in clinical improvements and a decrease in cardiovascular risk in IG patients over a period of ten years.

O objetivo deste estudo foi o de determinar o impacto de um Programa de atenção Farmacêutica (AF) em uma amostra de pacientes ambulatoriais de Sistema Público de Saúde do Brasil portadores de Síndrome Metabólica, randomizados em AF ou atenção à saúde usual. Realizou-se o seguimento farmacoterapêutico com 120 pacientes com diabetes tipo 2 durante seis meses. Avaliou-se o nível de aderência ao tratamento (teste Morisky), resultados clínicos negativos associados a medicamentos (RNM), parâmetros bioquímicos e antropométricos, antes e após o seguimento. O método de Framingham foi usado para calcular as variações no risco de doenças coronarianas em 10 anos em todos os pacientes. Dos 120 pacientes, 96 tiveram características de SM e foram então randomizados em dois grupos (G): Controle (GC: 36) e Intervenção (GI: 38). Entre os pacientes com SM, 100% faziam uso de medicamentos para diminuir a glicose, anti-hipertensivos (GC: 72%; GI: 73%) e hipoglicemiantes (GC: 12.0%; GI: 14.7%). Apenas 20,7% do GI foram considerados aderentes aos fármacos prescritos. No GC foi observado aumento do risco de Doença Arterial Coronariana (DAC) (22±2 para 26±3; p<0,05), enquanto no GI foi observado redução (22±2 para 14±2%; p<0,01). O Programa de AF para pacientes com SM monitorados na atenção primária do Sistema de Saúde Pública brasileiro melhora o funcionamento do serviço resultando na melhoria clínica dos pacientes com redução do risco de doença cardiovascular em um período de dez anos.

Abdominal aortic calcification quantified by the Morphological Atherosclerotic Calcification Distribution (MACD) index is associated with features of the metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal aortic calcifications (AAC) predict cardiovascular mortality. A new scoring model for AAC, the Morphological Atherosclerotic Calcification Distribution (MACD) index may contribute with additional information to the commonly used Aortic Calcification Severity (AC24) score, when predicting death from cardiovascular disease (CVD). In this study we investigated associations of MACD and AC24 with traditional metabolic-syndrome associated risk factors at baseline and after 8.3 years follow-up, to identify biological parameters that may account for the differential performance of these indices. METHODS: Three hundred and eight healthy women aged 48 to 76 years, were followed for 8.3 ± 0.3 years. AAC was quantified using lumbar radiographs. Baseline data included age, weight, blood pressure, blood lipids, and glucose levels. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to test for relationships. RESULTS: At baseline and across all patients, MACD correlated with blood glucose (r(2) = 0.1, P< 0.001) and to a lesser, but significant extent with traditional risk factors (p < 0.01) of CVD. In the longitudinal analysis of correlations between baseline biological parameters and the follow-up calcification assessment using radiographs we found LDL-cholesterol, HDL/LDL, and the ApoB/ApoA ratio significantly associated with the MACD (P< 0.01). In a subset of patients presenting with calcification at both baseline and at follow-up, all cholesterol levels were significantly associated with the MACD (P< 0.01) index. AC24 index was not correlated with blood parameters. CONCLUSION: Patterns of calcification identified by the MACD, but not the AC24 index, appear to contain useful biological information perhaps explaining part of the improved identification of risk of cardiovascular death of the MACD index. Correlations of MACD but not the AC24 with glucose levels at baseline suggest that hyperglycemia may contribute to unique patterns of calcification indicated by the MACD.

[Comparison of diagnostic criteria for the metabolic syndrome among Japanese university faculty].

OBJECTIVES: Diagnostic criteria for the metabolic syndrome (Mets) in Japan have been set by the Medical Committee of the Japanese Association of Medical Sciences (Med), the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (Nat), specific health checkups (Ckup), and second medical examination by Worker's Accident Compensation Insurance System (Wor). The purpose of this study was to compare classification of the metabolic syndrome by different organizational criteria and to investigate underlying differences. METHODS: All faculty members of a university in Osaka, Japan, underwent mandatory health checkups in September 2008. The demographic distribution included 769 males (mean age, 49 +/- 12 years) and 415 females (mean age, 43 +/- 10 years). Using the Med, Nat, Ckup and Wor criteria, individuals were assessed for the MetS and pre-metabolic syndrome (pre-Mets), strongly suspected metabolic syndrome (S-Mets) and assumed pre-metabolic syndrome (A-pre-Mets), as well as a positive support level (PSL) and a motivational support level (MSL). All faculty members were categorized into a morbid group (Mets, S-Mets, PSL, and FB) or a pre-morbid group (pre-Mets, A-pre-Mets, and MSL) based on medical data and smoking habits. The incidence of morbid and pre-morbid individuals was compared across the four criteria and analyzed based on gender and age (under 40 and 40 or over). RESULTS: Male incidences for the morbid and pre-morbid classifications were 17% and 20% with Med, 9% and 23% with Nat, 27% and 14% with Ckup, and 1.4% and 0% with Wor. There were significant differences across criteria sets in both the morbid and pre-morbid groups, with significantly greater numbers of males than females, and higher prevalences in those aged 40 or over than in their younger counterparts. Males aged under 40 classified into the pre-morbid group comprised 18% in Med, 16% in Nat, and 13% in Ckup. CONCLUSION: The different disease incidences found between Med and Ckup data in males aged 40 or over might be attributed to varying criteria for blood glucose levels, while Wor data may be influenced by the higher level of blood pressure set as a criterion with this approach. It will be important to continuously validate currently established criteria to identify the actual prevalence of MetS in Japan. Furthermore, incorporation of waist circumference and BMI for females, and a positive approach for young males, may be critical for future developments.

"The metabolic syndrome... is dead": these reports are an exaggeration.

The debates continue over the validity of the metabolic syndrome concept. The continuous increment of the obesity pandemic is almost worldwide paralleled by rising rates of metabolic syndrome prevalence. Then, it seems obvious that these debates drove the need for further investigations as well as a deeper cooperation between relevant national and international organizations regarding the issue. Instead, part of the scientific community elected to totally "dismiss" the concept of the metabolic syndrome. Meanwhile, the best available evidence from three consecutive large meta-analyses has systematically shown that people with metabolic syndrome are at increased risk of cardiovascular events. The most recent and largest of them included near one million patients (total n = 951,083). The investigators concluded that the metabolic syndrome is associated with a 2-fold increase in cardiovascular outcomes and a 1.5-fold increase in all-cause mortality rates. One of the ways to hit the metabolic syndrome is an utterly simplistic view on this concept as a predictive tool only. Of course, the presence of the metabolic syndrome possesses a definite predictive value, but first of all it is a widely accepted concept regarding a biological condition based on the complex and interrelated pathophysiological mechanisms starting from excess central adiposity and insulin resistance. Therefore, it is completely unfair to compare it with statistically constructed predictive tools, including stronger prognostic variables even unrelated to each other from the biological point of view. For example, in the criteria for metabolic syndrome (in contrast to Framingham score) age and cholesterol--presumably low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C)--levels are not included, as well as a variety of strong predictors used in other risk-stratification scores: previous myocardial infarction, heart failure, smoking, family history, etc. However, the metabolic syndrome identifies additional important residual vascular risk mainly associated with insulin resistance and atherogenic dyslipidemia (low high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), high triglycerides, small, dense LDL-C). Therefore, the metabolic syndrome could be a useful additional contributor in estimation of global cardiovascular risk beyond age, high LDL-C or other standard risk factors. The components of the metabolic syndrome have partially overlapping mechanisms of pathogenic actions mediated through common metabolic pathways. Therefore their total combined effect could be less than the summed of the individual effects. The concept that the metabolic syndrome is a consequence of obesity and insulin resistance, provides a useful "life-style changes" approach for prevention and treatment: caloric restriction, weight-loss and increased physical activity. The next step could theoretically be pharmacological interventions such as metformin, acarbose, fibrates, weight-loss drugs (currently only orlistat is practically available) and perhaps glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists. A third step should probably be kept for bariatric surgery.

Dificultades en la clasificación del síndrome metabólico: El ejemplode los adolescentes en México / Difficulties in the classification of metabolic syndrome: The example of adolescents in Mexico

OBJETIVO. Determinar la diferencia entre las definiciones del National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel (ATPIII) y de la International Diabetes Federation (IDF) para síndrome metabólico (SM) en adolescentes mexicanos. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS. Estudio transversal en 575 adolescentes de 14 a 16 años. Se utilizaron pruebas t de Student, ji cuadrada y correlación de Spearman. RESULTADOS. La prevalencia de SM fue mayor por ATPIII (18.6 por ciento) versus IDF (8.2 por ciento) (p<0.001), con 41.1 por ciento de concordancia. CONCLUSIONES. Existe una diferencia estadística de la prevalencia del SM en adolescentes mexicanos entre las dos definiciones.

OBJECTIVE. Determine the difference between the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel (ATPIII) definition of the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome (MS) in Mexican adolescents and that by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). MATERIAL AND METHODS. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 575 adolescents aged 14 to 16 years using the student's t test, chi square and Spearman correlation. RESULTS. The prevalence of MS was higher by ATPIII (18.6 percent) than by IDF (8.2 percent) (p <0.001) and there was a concordance of 41.1 percent. CONCLUSIONS. There is a statistical difference in the prevalence of MS depending on the definition.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in reproductive-aged polycystic ovary syndrome Thai women.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) in reproductive-aged polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) Thai women. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A Cross sectional study was done at the Gynecologic Endocrinology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital of 250 PCOS Thai women who were diagnosed using Revised Rotterdam 2003 criteria, and who did not take medications affecting sex hormones or lipid metabolism, and attended the Gynecologic Endocrinology Unit between May 2007 and January 2009. Patents were interviewed and examined for weight, height, waist circumference, and blood pressure. Venous blood sample of each patient was drawn after 12-hour fasting. Prevalence of MS determined using the definitions of National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III), International Diabetes Federation (IDF), and National Heart Lung and Blood Institutes/American Heart Association (NHLBI/AHA). RESULTS: Mean +/- SD of age, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference (WC) were 25.4 +/- 5.8 years, 26.2 +/- 7.6 kg/M2, and 82.3 +/- 16.3 cm, respectively. Prevalence of MS by the definitions of NCEP ATP III, IDF and NHLBI/AHA was 18.0%, 21.2%, and 21.2%, respectively. Of non-MS women, > 40% already had one to two criteria of IDF definition. Among MS women, 100% had central obesity, 50.9% had high blood pressure, 28.3% had impaired fasting blood glucose, 62.3% had hypertriglyceridemia, and 92.5% had high-density lipoprotein cholesterol < 50 mg/dL. The prevalence of MS increased from 10.3% in women aged < 20 years to 50.0% in those aged > or = 40 years (p of trend = 0.003), and from 0.0% in women with BMI < 23 kg/M2 to 54.5% in those with BMI > or = 30 kg/M2 (p of trend < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of MS in reproductive-aged PCOS Thai women was 18.0% by NCEP ATP III and 21.2% by IDF and NHLBI/AHA. The prevalence varies only little with definitions of diagnostic criteria. The prevalence increases with age and body mass index. Slightly more than 40% of the non-MS PCOS Thai women already had one to two criteria of MS.

O diagnóstico de síndrome metabólica é aplicável às crianças? / Is a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome applicable to children?

OBJETIVO: Abordar os componentes da síndrome metabólica (SM) na criança e no adolescente discutindo como eles são avaliados na população infantil e apresentando as principais classificações de SM nessa faixa etária. FONTES DOS DADOS: Revisão da literatura utilizando as bases de dados MEDLINE no período de 1986 a 2008. SÍNTESE DOS DADOS: A prevalência de obesidade infantil nas últimas décadas tem aumentado no mundo todo e, consequentemente, suas complicações, como diabetes melito, hipertensão arterial e dislipidemia. O conceito de SM, já usado em adultos, começa a ser aplicado em crianças por meio de classificações que utilizam os critérios para adultos modificados para faixas etárias menores. No entanto, essas classificações apresentam divergências quanto ao valor de pontos de corte usados nos critérios e quanto à utilização do índice de massa corporal ou da medida da circunferência abdominal para definir a obesidade. Esta revisão apresenta essas classificações mostrando os pontos discordantes e a discussão em torno delas. CONCLUSÕES: Se não for tratada, a obesidade infantil terá consequências graves no futuro. Alguns modelos de classificação de SM em crianças já foram apresentados, e observam-se consideráveis divergências entre eles. Assim, torna-se necessária a padronização desses critérios para a identificação dos indivíduos com maior risco de complicações futuras.

OBJECTIVE: To present the components of the metabolic syndrome in children and adolescents and to discuss how they are assessed in the pediatric population in addition to presenting the major metabolic syndrome classifications for the age group. SOURCES: A review of literature published from 1986 to 2008 and found on MEDLINE databases. SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS: The prevalence of childhood obesity has been increasing globally over recent decades and as a result its complications, such as diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension and dyslipidemia, have also increased. The concept of metabolic syndrome, already common with adults, is now beginning to be applied to children through classifications using the criteria for adults modified for the younger age group. Notwithstanding, these classifications differ in terms of the cutoff points used and whether they employ body mass index or waist circumference to define obesity. The review presents these classifications, highlighting the points on which they differ and the debate about them. CONCLUSIONS: If childhood obesity goes untreated, it will have severe consequences in the future. A number of models for classifying metabolic syndrome in children have been published, but there is considerable diversions between them. The criteria for classifying metabolic syndrome in children therefore need to be standardized in order to identify those people at greatest risk of future complications.