Lipid distributions in the Global Diagnostics Network across five continents.

AIMS: Lipids are central in the development of cardiovascular disease, and the present study aimed to characterize variation in lipid profiles across different countries to improve understanding of cardiovascular risk and opportunities for risk-reducing interventions. METHODS AND RESULTS: This first collaborative report of the Global Diagnostics Network (GDN) evaluated lipid distributions from nine laboratory organizations providing clinical laboratory testing in 17 countries on five continents. This cross-sectional study assessed aggregated lipid results from patients aged 20-89 years, tested at GDN laboratories, from 2018 through 2020. In addition to mean levels, the World Health Organization total cholesterol risk target (<5.00 mmol/L, <193 mg/dL) and proportions in guideline-based low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) categories were assessed. This study of 461 888 753 lipid results found wide variation by country/region, sex, and age. In most countries, total cholesterol and LDL-C peaked at 50-59 years in females and 40-49 years in males. Sex- and age-group adjusted mean total cholesterol levels ranged from 4.58 mmol/L (177.1 mg/dL) in the Republic of Korea to 5.40 mmol/L (208.8 mg/dL) in Austria. Mean total cholesterol levels exceeded the World Health Organization target in Japan, Australia, North Macedonia, Switzerland, Germany, Slovakia, and Austria. Considering LDL-C categories, North Macedonia had the highest proportions of LDL-C results >4.91 mmol/L (>190 mg/dL) for both females (9.9%) and males (8.7%). LDL-C levels <1.55 mmol/L (<60 mg/dL) were most common among females in Canada (10.7%) and males in the UK (17.3%). CONCLUSION: With nearly a half billion lipid results, this study sheds light on the worldwide variability in lipid levels, which may reflect inter-country differences in genetics, lipid testing, lifestyle habits, and pharmacologic treatment. Despite variability, elevated atherogenic lipid levels are a common global problem, and these results can help inform national policies and health system approaches to mitigate lipid-mediated risk of cardiovascular disease.

The relationship among androgens, insulin resistance and ghrelin polymorphisms in post-adolescent male patients with severe acne vulgaris.

INTRODUCTION: Ghrelin has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities. Data about the role of ghrelin and ghrelin polymorphisms in the development of acne vulgaris in post-adolescent male patients are limited. AIM: To evaluate the role of serum androgens, insulin resistance, ghrelin and ghrelin polymorphisms in severe acne vulgaris. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-five post-adolescent male patients with a mean age of 28.0 ±5.4 years and 33 age-and BMI-matched controls were enrolled. Serum androgens, lipids, insulin sensitivity parameters and ghrelin levels were determined. The PCR method was used for GHRL polymorphisms (rs27647, rs696217 and rs34911341 genotypes). RESULTS: Patients had similar anthropometric measures to controls, except a significantly higher WHR in patients (0.92 ±0.06 vs. 0.86 ±0.08, p < 0.05). Also, FPG, HOMA-IR values, lipid profile and serum androgen levels were similar. Interestingly, patients had significantly lower ghrelin levels than controls (4.5 ±5.8 vs. 101.2 ±86.5 pg/ml, p < 0.001). The frequencies of rs696217 and rs34911341 genotypes were similar whereas the distribution of rs27647 alleles was significantly different between the groups (p < 0.05). GA and GG genotypes of GHRL rs27647 polymorphism indicated an increased risk of developing acne vulgaris (OR = 11.156, 95% CI: 2.864-43.464, OR = 5.312, 95% CI: 1.269-22.244, respectively; p < 0.05). Patients with rs27647-AA polymorphism had significantly lower GAGS scores than other groups (AA genotype 6.7 ±14.1 vs. GA genotype 24.6 ±15.7 and GG genotype 19.4 ±17.9, p < 0.001). None of the polymorphisms had a significant effect on metabolic parameters, insulin sensitivity and serum ghrelin levels. CONCLUSIONS: Decreased ghrelin levels and GA and GG genotypes of GHRL gene rs27647 polymorphism may have a role in the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris.

[Evaluation of specialist training in basic sciences in two university medical schools: perspectives from both specialist residents and trainers]. / Ege ve dokuz eylul Universitesi tip fakültelerinde temel tip bilimlerinde uygulanan uzmanlik egitiminin egitici ve egitilen BAkis açisi ile degerlendirilmesi.

A questionnaire survey has been undertaken to evaluate the specialist training in basic sciences in view of both specialist residents (SpRs) and trainers of two university medical schools in Izmir, Turkey. Seventy four SpRs (39 from Dokuz Eylül and 35 from Ege Universities) and 15 basic science units (8 from Dokuz Eyül and 7 from Ege Universities) were joined in this survey. The response rate was 73% for SpRs and 86.7% for basic science units. Technical equipments, the number of trainers, education programmes and training equipments of basic science units have been found adequate both by SpRs and trainers. However, professional education has been found incapable. In basic science units, it was seen that the SpRs are permanently assessed and attended the investigation activities during educational process. The trainers expressed that the SpRs have got training knowledge, skills and attitute sufficiently, but SpRs answered that they have got them in moderate means. In conclusion, although the training programmes of SpRs in both of the university hospitals have been found competent, SpRs indicated that there is a need for development of trainers quality, assessing methods and rotational education programmes in basic science.

[Specialist training in basic sciences in university hospitals: specialist resident perspective]. / Universite hastanelerinde temel bilimler alaninda uzmanlik egitimi: tipta uzmanlik ögrencisi bakis açisi ile.

In this study, a questionnaire survey including 56 questions and 154 variables has been undertaken for 74 specialist residents (SpRs) (39 from Dokuz Eylül and 35 from Ege Universities) who have been training in the two university hospitals of Izmir, for the detection of the structure of the actual training programmes, trainer profiles and technical institute equipments in the departments of Basic Sciences, Medical Pathology and Pharmacology. By using this survey, SpRs' demographic informations, training programmes, theoretical and skill activites, educational atmospheres, the trainers' profiles, assessments, audits and professionel developments have been questionned. The rate of response was 71%, and educational programmes, training and technical equipments, efficacy and number of the trainers were found satisfactory in each one of the universities. It has been detected that, the SpRs were permanently assessed and they were able to get training knowledges, skills and attitutes and attend investigation activities during their educational process. This survey study indicated that the training programmes, institute equipments and trainer profiles of the universities were competent for the SpRs'.