Visceral and subcutaneous abdominal fat is associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease while augmenting Metabolic Syndrome's effect on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A cross-sectional study of NHANES 2017-2018.

BACKGROUND: The aim was to evaluate the effect different types of abdominal fat have on NAFLD development and the effects of abdominal fat has on the association between Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) and NALFD. METHODS: Data was collected from the cross-sectional NHANES dataset (2017-2018 cycle). Using the controlled attenuation parameter (USG CAP, dB/m), which measures the level of steatosis, the cohort was stratified into two groups: NAFLD(+) (≥274 dB/m) and NAFLD(-). Using complex samples analyses, associations between liver steatosis or NAFLD and types of abdominal fat area [Total abdominal (TAFA), subcutaneous (SAT), and visceral (VAT)] were determined. Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) was calculated to evaluate the associations between adipose tissues and NAFLD. Logistic regression was used to determine the risk [odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI)]. Participants were also classified by MetS, using the Harmonizing Definition criteria. RESULTS: Using 1,980 participants (96,282,896 weighted), there was a significant (p<0.001) correlation between USG CAP and TAFA (r = 0.569), VAT (r = 0.645), and SAT (r = 0.479). Additionally, the risk of developing NAFLD was observed for total abdominal obesity (OR = 19.9, 95%CI: 5.1-77.8, p<0.001), visceral obesity (OR = 9.1, 95%CI: 6.2-13.5, p<0.001) and subcutaneous obesity (OR = 4.8, 95%CI: 3.2-6.9, p<0.001). Using 866 participants (44,399,696 weighted), for visceral obesity, participants with MetS and visceral obesity (OR = 18.1, 95%CI: 8.0-41.3, p<0.001) were shown to have a greater risk than participants with MetS only (OR = 6.3, 95%CI: 2.6-15.2, p<0.001). For subcutaneous obesity, again, participants with MetS and subcutaneous obesity (OR = 18.3, 95%CI: 8.0-41.9, p<0.001) were shown to have a greater risk than the MetS-only group (OR = 10.3, 95%CI: 4.8-22.4, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: TAFA, VAT, and SAT were positively associated with USG CAP values and increased the risk of developing NAFLD. Also, the type of abdominal fat depots did affect the association between MetS and NAFLD.

Reduction in Serum Magnesium Levels and Renal Function Are Associated with Increased Mortality in Obese COVID-19 Patients.

Several studies provide evidence that obesity is a significant risk factor for adverse outcomes in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Altered renal function and disturbances in magnesium levels have been reported to play important pathophysiological roles in COVID-19. However, the relationship between obesity, renal function, circulating magnesium levels, and mortality in patients with COVID-19 remains unclear. In this retrospective cohort study, we characterized 390 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 that were categorized according to their body mass index (BMI). Patients were clinically characterized and biochemical parameters, renal function, and electrolyte markers measured upon admission. We found that in patients who died, BMI was associated with reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR, Rho: −0.251, p = 0.001) and serum magnesium levels (Rho: −0.308, p < 0.0001). Multiple linear regression analyses showed that death was significantly associated with obesity (p = 0.001). The Cox model for obese patients showed that magnesium levels were associated with increased risk of death (hazard ratio: 0.213, 95% confidence interval: 0.077 to 0.586, p = 0.003). Thus, reduced renal function and lower magnesium levels were associated with increased mortality in obese COVID-19 patients. These results suggest that assessment of kidney function, including magnesium levels, may assist in developing effective treatment strategies to reduce mortality among obese COVID-19 patients.

Disordered Glucose Levels Are Associated with Xanthine Oxidase Activity in Overweight Type 2 Diabetic Women.

Oxidative stress plays an important role in vascular complications observed in patients with obesity and Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). Xanthine oxidase (XO) breaks down purine nucleotides into uric acid and contributes to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, the relationship between XO activity and glucose homeostasis in T2D subjects with obesity is unclear. We hypothesized that disordered glucose levels are associated with serum XO activity in overweight women and men with T2D and without hyperuricemia. We studied serum XO activity in women and men with and without T2D. Our results show that serum XO activity was greater in T2D patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2 than in those with BMI < 25 kg/m2 (p < 0.0001). Sex-based comparative analyses of overweight T2D patients showed that serum XO activity correlated with homeostasis model assessment of ß-cell function (HOMA-ß), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and hemoglobin A1C in overweight T2D women but not in overweight T2D men. In addition, as compared to overweight T2D men, women had higher high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels. However, overweight T2D men had higher XO activity and uric acid levels than women. Our results suggest that XO activity is higher in overweight T2D patients, especially in men, but is more sensitive to disordered glucose levels in overweight women with T2D.

Quantification of glycated hemoglobin and glucose in vivo using Raman spectroscopy and artificial neural networks.

Undiagnosed type 2 diabetes (T2D) remains a major public health concern. The global estimation of undiagnosed diabetes is about 46%, being this situation more critical in developing countries. Therefore, we proposed a non-invasive method to quantify glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and glucose in vivo. We developed a technique based on Raman spectroscopy, RReliefF as a feature selection method, and regression based on feed-forward artificial neural networks (FFNN). The spectra were obtained from the forearm, wrist, and index finger of 46 individuals. The use of FFNN allowed us to achieve an error in the predictive model of 0.69% for HbA1c and 30.12 mg/dL for glucose. Patients were classified according to HbA1c values into three categories: healthy, prediabetes, and T2D. The proposed method obtained a specificity and sensitivity of 87.50% and 80.77%, respectively. This work demonstrates the benefit of using artificial neural networks and feature selection techniques to enhance Raman spectra processing to determine glycated hemoglobin and glucose in patients with undiagnosed T2D.

The effects of biological sex and cardiovascular disease on COVID-19 mortality.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a common comorbidity observed in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is associated with increased severity and mortality. However, the effects of biological sex on CVD-associated mortality in patients with COVID-19 are poorly established, particularly among Hispanic/Latin Americans. We examined the association of preexisting CVD with COVID-19 mortality in hospitalized Latin American men and women. This multicenter study included Mexican patients hospitalized with a positive diagnosis of COVID-19. The main outcome was in-hospital mortality. Multivariable regression analyses were used to calculate the adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval for mortality in women and men. Of 81,400 patients with a positive diagnosis for SARS-CoV-2 infection, 28,929 (35.54%) hospitalized patients were evaluated. Of these, 35.41% (10,243) were women. In-hospital death was higher in men than in women. In relation to CVD between the sexes, women had a higher incidence of CVD than men (4.69 vs. 3.93%, P = 0.0023). The adjusted logistic regression analyses showed that CVD was significantly associated with COVID-19 mortality in women but not men. We then stratified by sex according to age <52 and ≥52 yr old. Similar significant association was also found in prespecified analysis in women ≥52 yr old but not in men of similar age. We conclude that CVD's effect on mortality among patients hospitalized with COVID-19 is dependent on biological sex and age in this Latin American cohort. These results suggest that therapeutic strategies for Latin American women with CVD and COVID-19 should include particular attention to their cardiovascular health.NEW & NOTEWORTHY CVD's effect on COVID-19 mortality is dependent on biological sex and age. CVD in women but not men with COVID-19 is associated with significantly unfavorable outcomes.

[Association between metabolic syndrome, socioeconomic status and quality of life in mexicans]. / Asociación entre síndrome metabólico, nivel socioeconómico y calidad de vida en mexicanos.

Background: In Mexico there is little information regarding the link between metabolic syndrome (MetS), socioeconomic status (SES) and quality of life (QoL). Objective: To assess the association between subjects who are at high risk of developing MetS with SES and QoL. Material and methods: Patients attending UMF-2 IMSS or Centro Urbano-SSA Clínica-1 were asked to participate. Anthropometric measures were collected, the AMAI, SF12, and ESF-I questionnaire where apply for SES, QoL, and MetS, respectively. Association were determined by calculating Spearman's rho and the risk (odds ratio and 95% confidence-interval) was assessed using logistic regression. Results: The difference of SES (193 ± 53 vs. 124 ± 50) and QoL (86.3 ± 14.8 vs. 56.0±25.4) questionnaires were significantly between low-risk and high-risk groups, respectively (p < 0.001). There was a negative correlation between ESF-I and SES (rho = -0.623, p < 0.001) as well as the QoL (rho = -0.719, p < 0.001). MetS risk was augmented by decreasing SES (C+: OR = 6.4, 95%IC: 3.2-13.0; D: OR = 66.1, 95%IC: 23.2-188.3), whereas increasing QoL attenuated it (OR = 0.93, 95%CI: 0.91-0.94). However, QoL mitigated the effect of SES (C+: OR = 4.5, 95%IC: 2.1-9.6; D: OR = 11.9, 95%IC: 3.8-37.6). Conclusions: Lower QoL and SES increased the risk of MetS in Central Mexico; however, improving the QoL can mitigated the effect SES has on developing MetS.

Introducción: en México existe escasa información respecto al vínculo entre el síndrome metabólico (MetS), el nivel socioeconómico (NSE) y la calidad de vida (CdV) de la población. Objetivo: evaluar la asociación entre sujetos que tienen alto riesgo de desarrollar MetS con NSE y CdV. Material y métodos: se invitó a participar a pacientes de la UMF-2 del IMSS y del Centro Urbano-SSA Clínica-1. Se recolectaron medidas antropométricas y se aplicaron los cuestionarios AMAI, SF12 y ESF-I para NSE, CdV y MetS, respectivamente. La asociación se determinó calculando rho de Spearman. El riesgo se evaluó mediante regresión logística (razon de momios e intervalo de confianza del 95%). Resultados: la diferencia entre NSE (193 ± 53 frente a 124 ± 50) y CdV (86.3 ± 14.8 frente a 56.0 ± 25.4) fue significativa entre los grupos de bajo y alto riesgo, respectivamente (p < 0.001). Hubo una fuerte correlación negativa entre las puntuaciones de la ESF-I y NSE (rho = -0.623, p < 0.001) así como con la CdV (rho = -0.719, p < 0.001). El riesgo de MetS aumentó al disminuir el NSE (C+: OR = 6.4, IC95%: 3.2 - 13.0; D: OR = 66.1, IC95%: 23.2 - 188.3), mientras que el aumento de la CdV lo atenuó (OR = 0.93, IC95%: 0.91 - 0.94). Interesantemente, la CdV mitigó el efecto del NSE (C+: OR = 4.5, IC95%: 2.1 - 9.6; D: OR = 11.9, IC95%: 3.8 - 37.6). Conclusión: Una menor CdV y NSE aumentan el riesgo de MetS en la región centro de México; sin embargo, el aumento en la CdV podría disminuir el efecto que tiene el NSE en el desarrollo de MetS.

Asociación entre síndrome metabólico, nivel socioeconómico y calidad de vida en mexicanos / Association between metabolic syndrome, socioeconomic status and quality of life in mexicans

Introducción: en México existe escasa información respecto al vínculo entre el síndrome metabólico (MetS), el nivel socioeconómico (NSE) y la calidad de vida (CdV) de la población. Objetivo: evaluar la asociación entre sujetos que tienen alto riesgo de desarrollar MetS con NSE y CdV. Métodos: se invitó a participar a pacientes de la UMF-2 del IMSS y del Centro Urbano-SSA Clínica-1. Se recolectaron medidas antropométricas y se aplicaron los cuestionarios AMAI, SF12 y ESF-I para NSE, CdV y MetS, respectivamente. La asociación se determinó calculando rho de Spearman. El riesgo se evaluó mediante regresión logística (razon de momios e intervalo de confianza del 95%). Resultados: la diferencia entre NSE (193  53 frente a 124  50) y CdV (86.3  14.8 frente a 56.0  25.4) fue significativa entre los grupos de bajo y alto riesgo, respectivamente (p < 0.001). Hubo una fuerte correlación negativa entre las puntuaciones de la ESF-I y NSE (rho = -0.623, p < 0.001) así como con la CdV (rho = -0.719, p < 0.001). El riesgo de MetS aumentó al disminuir el NSE (C+: OR = 6.4, IC95%: 3.2 - 13.0; D: OR = 66.1, IC95%: 23.2 - 188.3), mientras que el aumento de la CdV lo atenuó (OR = 0.93, IC95%: 0.91 - 0.94). Interesantemente, la CdV mitigó el efecto del NSE (C+: OR = 4.5, IC95%: 2.1 - 9.6; D: OR = 11.9, IC95%: 3.8 - 37.6). Conclusión: Una menor CdV y NSE aumentan el riesgo de MetS en la región centro de México; sin embargo, el aumento en la CdV podría disminuir el efecto que tiene el NSE en el desarrollo de MetS.

Background: In Mexico there is little information regarding the link between metabolic syndrome (MetS), socioeconomic status (SES) and quality of life (QoL) Objective: To assess the association between subjects who are at high risk of developing MetS with SES and QoL. Methods: Patients attending UMF-2 IMSS or Centro Urbano-SSA Clínica-1 were asked to participate. Anthropometric measures were collected, the AMAI, SF12, and ESF-I questionnaire where apply for SES, QoL, and MetS, respectively. Association were determined by calculating Spearman's rho and the risk (odds ratio and 95% confidence-interval) was assessed using logistic regression. Results: The difference of SES (193  53 vs. 124  50) and QoL (86.3  14.8 vs. 56.025.4) questionnaires were significantly between low-risk and high-risk groups, respectively (p < 0.001). There was a negative correlation between ESF-I and SES (rho = -0.623, p < 0.001) as well as the QoL (rho = -0.719, p < 0.001). MetS risk was augmented by decreasing SES (C+: OR = 6.4, 95%IC: 3.2-13.0; D: OR = 66.1, 95%IC: 23.2-188.3), whereas increasing QoL attenuated it (OR = 0.93, 95%CI: 0.91-0.94). However, QoL mitigated the effect of SES (C+: OR = 4.5, 95%IC: 2.1-9.6; D: OR = 11.9, 95%IC: 3.8-37.6).

Denosumab improves glucose parameters in patients with impaired glucose tolerance: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Receptor activator of NF-κß ligand (RANKL) is crucial for the development of hepatic insulin resistance and poor glucose uptake; therefore, inhibiting RANKL with Denosumab could improve fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and insulin (FPI). METHODS: A systematic review was conducted to evaluate the effects of Denosumab on glycemic parameters. PubMed, SCOPUS, EBSCO, and LILACS databases were searched for studies that investigated the effect of Denosumab on FPG, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), FPI, and Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA1-IR). The pooled standard difference in means (SDM) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated. The results were stratified into (1) Normal Glucose Tolerance (NGT) and (2) Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT). RESULTS: Six publications (1203 participants) were included. There was a significant association between Denosumab and FPG (SDM = -0.388, 95%CI: -0.705 to -0.070, p = .017) and with HOMA1-IR (SDM = -0.223, 95%CI: -0.388 to -0.058, p = .008), but not for HbA1c and FPI. When stratified by glucose tolerance, the association between Denosumab and FPG, HbA1c, and HOMA1-IR was present for the IGT group. Lastly, Denosumab had a time-dependent effect on HbA1c (slope = -0.037, 95%CI: -0.059 to -0.015, p < .005). CONCLUSIONS: Denosumab significantly improved glycemic parameters. This outcome was more prominent for subjects with compromised glucose tolerance, positing that Denosumab can be used as a treatment to improve glucose metabolism for persons with pre-diabetes and diabetes.

The association between interleukin-6 promoter polymorphisms and rheumatoid arthritis by ethnicity: A meta-analysis of 33 studies.

OBJECTIVE: We performed a meta-analysis to determine the effect Interleukin-6 (IL-6) promoter polymorphism (-174 G>C, -572 G>C, and -597 G>A) have on the development rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by ethnicity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: PubMed, EBSCO, LILACS, and Scopus databases were searched for studies exploring the association between any IL6 polymorphisms and RA until November 2018. Genotype distributions were extracted and, depending on the level heterogeneity, determined by the ψ2-based Q test and the Inconsistency Index (I2), fixed-effects or random-effects models were used to calculate pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) for the heterozygous, homozygous, dominant, recessive, and allelic genetic models. RESULTS: From 708 identified publications, 33 were used in this analysis. For the -174 polymorphism, Asians (ORheterozygous=7.57, 95%CI: 2.28-25.14, ORhomozygous=5.84, 95%CI: 2.06-16.56, ORdominant=7.21, 95%CI: 2.30-22.63, ORrecessive=5.04, 95%CI: 1.78-14.28, ORallelic=6.60, 95%CI: 2.26-19.28, p<.05) and Middle East countries (ORheterozygous=2.30, 95%CI: 1.10-4.81, ORdominant=2.27, 95%CI: 1.22-4.22, ORallelic=2.29, 95%CI: 1.24-4.23, p<.05) were associated with a significant risk of developing RA. Whereas, for Latinos, the C-allele was associated with a benefit (ORhomozygous=0.26, 95%CI: .08-.82, ORrecessive=.25, 95%CI: .08-.80, p<.05). For the -572 polymorphism, Asians demonstrated a significant association for the homozygous and recessive genetic models (8 studies, ORhomozygous=1.56, 95%CI: 1.16-2.09, ORrecessive=1.63, 95%CI: 1.08-2.45, p<.05). For the -597 polymorphism, no association was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Here, the -174 G>C polymorphism increased the risk of developing RA in Asians and Middle East populations. Interestingly, for Latinos, the polymorphism was associated with a benefit. For the -572 polymorphism, only the Asian population showed an increased risk of developing RA for the CC genotype.

Disordered glycemic control in women with type 2 diabetes is associated with increased TNF receptor-2 levels.

BACKGROUND: Evidence implicates tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in the pathophysiology of Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) through unclear mechanisms. We hypothesized that disordered glycemic control leads to TNF activation and increases in soluble-TNF (sTNF) and its receptors-1 (sTNFR1) and -2 (sTNFR2). METHODS: We characterized 265 T2D and non-diabetic Latin American subjects and assessed the relationship between the TNF system and fasting plasma glucose (FPG), hemoglobin-A1C (A1C), insulin (FPI), C-peptide and HOMA-Beta. RESULTS: sTNF and sTNFR2 but not sTNFR1 levels were higher in T2D than non-diabetics (P<0.0001). In T2D, sTNFR2 was associated with A1C and C-peptide (R2=0.354, b=0.504, P<0.0001; b=0.167, P=0.049). Also, T2D patients with disordered glycemic control had increased sTNFR2 levels that correlated with FPG (Rho:0.393, P<0.001), A1C (Rho:0.451, P<0.001) and HOMA-Beta (Rho:-0.308, P=0.005); events not observed in T2D patients with adequate glycemic control. Furthermore, sex-based comparative analyses of T2D patients showed that women compared to men had higher sTNFR2 levels (P=0.017) that correlated with FPG, A1C, FPI and HOMA-Beta. CONCLUSIONS: Disordered glycemic control is associated with sTNF and sTNFR2. sTNFR2 levels were higher in T2D women than men. Thus, increased sTNFR2 levels may be an important biomarker for disordered glucose and inflammatory complications in T2D patients and women in particular.

Renal function, serum magnesium levels and mortality in COVID-19 patients with type 2 diabetes.

Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and Latin American subjects in particular are at an increased risk of developing severe COVID-19 and mortality. Altered renal function and lower magnesium levels have been reported to play important roles in the pathophysiology of T2D. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between renal function, serum magnesium levels and mortality in T2D patients with COVID-19. In this retrospective study, we characterized 118 T2D and non-diabetic subjects hospitalized with COVID-19. Patients were clinically characterized and electrolyte, renal function and inflammatory markers were evaluated. Patients were grouped according to their estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR <60 mL/min per 1.73 m2). T2D patients had lower eGFR and serum magnesium levels when compared to non-diabetics (59.7 ± 32.8 vs. 78.4 ± 33.8 mL/min per 1.73 m2, P = 0.008 and 1.9 ± 0.3 vs. 2.1 ± 0.3 mEq/L, P = 0.012). Survival was worse in T2D patients with eGFR levels less than 60 mL/min per 1.73 m2 as estimated by Kaplan-Meier analyses (log-rank test <0.0001). The Cox model for T2D patients showed that eGFR (HR 0.970, 95% CI 0.949 to 0.991, P = 0.005) and magnesium (HR 8.025, 95% CI 1.226 to 52.512, P = 0.030) were associated with significantly increased risk of death. Reduced eGFR and magnesium levels were associated with increased mortality in our population. These results suggest that early assessment of kidney function, including magnesium levels, may assist in developing effective treatment strategies to reduce morbidity and mortality among Latin American COVID-19 patients with T2D.

Metabolic Age, an Index Based on Basal Metabolic Rate, Can Predict Individuals That are High Risk of Developing Metabolic Syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Every 10 years, an adult's basal metabolic rate (BMR), independent of their BMI, decreases 1-2% due to skeletal muscle loss, thus decreasing an adult's energy requirement and promoting obesity. Increased obesity augments the risk of developing Metabolic Syndrome (MetS); however, an adult's healthy lifestyle, which increases BMR, can mitigate MetS development. To compare different BMRs for certain ages, Metabolic age (Met-age) was developed. AIM: To assess the association between Met-age and MetS and to determine if Met-age is an indicator of high-risk individuals for MetS. METHODS: Four hundred thirty-five attendees at 2 clinics agreed to participate and gave signed informed consent. MetS risk was assessed by the ESF-I questionnaire. Met-age was determined using a TANITA bio-analyzer. Strengthen of association was determined by calculating Spearman's rho and predictability was evaluated by the area-under-a-receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC). Difference-in-age (DIA) = [chronological age - Met-age]. RESULTS: There was a difference between the low-risk (n = 155) and the high-risk (n = 280) groups' Met-age (37.8±16.7 v. 62.9±17.3) and DIA (1.3±17.4 v. - 10.5±20.8, p < 0.001). There was a positive correlation between the ESF-I questionnaire and Met-age (rho = - 0.624, p < 0.001) and a negative correlation for DIA (rho = - 0.358, p < 0.001). Met-age was strongly predictive (AUC = 0.84, 95% CI 0.80-0.88), suggesting a 45.5 years cutoff (sensitivity = 83.2%, specificity = 72.3%). DIA was a good predictor (AUC = 0.68, 95% CI 0.63-0.74) with a - 11.5 years cutoff (sensitivity = 52.5%, specificity = 82.8%). CONCLUSION: Met-age highly associated with and is an indicator of high-risk individuals for MetS. This would suggest that increases in Met-age are associated with augmented MetS severity, independent of the individual's chronological age.

Association between Osteoprotegerin and Charcot Neuroarthropathy: a systematic review.

AIMS: Osteoprotegerin (OPG) has been associated with Charcot Neuroarthropathy (CN); however, three studied OPG polymorphisms (1181C > G, 245A > C and 950 T > C) have yielded conflicting results. Therefore, this meta-analysis was conducted to determine the difference in serum OPG concentrations between healthy controls and diabetics with and without CN and the effect OPG polymorphisms have on CN development. METHODS: PubMed, LILAC, SCOPUS, and EBSCO databases and retrieved publications' bibliographies were searched for studies that examined for OPG and CN. Depending on the heterogeneity, fixed or random effects were used to calculate the pooled odds ratio (OR) or standard difference in means (SDM) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) for 5 genetic models (heterozygous, homozygous, dominant, recessive, and allelic) and serum concentrations, respectively. RESULTS: Seven publications (12 studies) demonstrated that serum OPG concentrations were more elevated in subjects with CN (SDM = 0.719, 95%CI = 0.555-0.883, p < 0.001). When CN was compared to healthy controls or diabetics, the difference was more prominent for healthy controls (SDM = 1.043, 95%CI = 0.676-1.409, p < 0.001) than diabetics (SDM = 0.639, 95%CI = 0.456-0.821, p < 0.001) and the SDM difference was significant (p = 0.013). Using 6 publications (9 studies), neither the 1181C > G or the 950 T > C polymorphisms showed any significant associations for any genetic model. For the 245A > C polymorphism, only the homozygous genetic model showed a significant association between the polymorphism and CN (OR = 2.850, 95%CI: 1.051-7.729, p = 0.040). CONCLUSIONS: Here, we determined a potential correlation between the CN and serum OPG concentrations and that only the CC genotype of the 245A > C polymorphism showed an increased risk of developing CN.

Metabolic age correlates better than chronological age with waist-to-height ratio, a cardiovascular risk index.

OBJECTIVES: Chronological age confers an increased risk for cardiovascular disease; however, chronological age does not reflect the subject's current health status. Therefore, we assessed whether Metabolic age (Met-age), based on free fat mass, is a predictor of cardiovascular risk (CVR). METHODS: Subjects attending either IMSS UMF-2 or CUSC-1 were asked to participate. CVR was assessed using the waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), whereas Met-age was determined using the TANITA bio-analyser (model: BC-545F Fitscan). The strengthen of association was determined by calculating Pearson's r and predictability was determined by the area-under-a-receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC). RESULTS: 284 subjects participated in this study, of which 61.6% had increased CVR. As expected, the chronological age was significantly higher in the CVR(+) group than the CVR(-) group (47.3±14.4 v. 35.2±12.7, respectively, p<.001) as well as Met-age (59.3±15.5 v. 34.3±14.3, respectively, p<.001). There was a strong association between WHtR and Met-age (r=.720, p<.001) and a moderate association for chronological age (r=.407 p<.001); however, the correlation between WHtR and Met-age was significantly better than chronological age (Z=-5.91, p<.01). Met-age was a good predictor of CVR (AUC=.88, 95%CI: .83-.92, p<.001), whereas chronological age was a fair predictor (AUC=.72, 95%CI: .66-.78, p<.001). However, Met-age showed a higher discriminatory capacity for CVR than chronological age (z=-4.597, p<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Here, we determined that Met-age correlated with a CVR index, WHtR, and was able to predict subjects with increased CVR better than chronological age.

The Association Between Interleukin-6 Promoter Polymorphisms and Rheumatoid Arthritis by Ethnicity: A Meta-Analysis of 33 Studies.

OBJECTIVE: We performed a meta-analysis to determine the effect Interleukin-6 (IL-6) promoter polymorphism (-174 G>C, -572 G>C, and -597 G>A) have on the development rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by ethnicity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: PubMed, EBSCO, LILACS, and Scopus databases were searched for studies exploring the association between any IL6 polymorphisms and RA until November 2018. Genotype distributions were extracted and, depending on the level heterogeneity, determined by the ψ2-based Q test and the Inconsistency Index (I2), fixed-effects or random-effects models were used to calculate pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) for the heterozygous, homozygous, dominant, recessive, and allelic genetic models. RESULTS: From 708 identified publications, 33 were used in this analysis. For the -174 polymorphism, Asians (ORheterozygous=7.57, 95%CI: 2.28-25.14, ORhomozygous=5.84, 95%CI: 2.06-16.56, ORdominant=7.21, 95%CI: 2.30-22.63, ORrecessive=5.04, 95%CI: 1.78-14.28, ORallelic=6.60, 95%CI: 2.26-19.28, p<.05) and Middle East countries (ORheterozygous=2.30, 95%CI: 1.10-4.81, ORdominant=2.27, 95%CI: 1.22-4.22, ORallelic=2.29, 95%CI: 1.24-4.23, p<.05) were associated with a significant risk of developing RA. Whereas, for Latinos, the C-allele was associated with a benefit (ORhomozygous=0.26, 95%CI: .08-.82, ORrecessive=.25, 95%CI: .08-.80, p<.05). For the -572 polymorphism, Asians demonstrated a significant association for the homozygous and recessive genetic models (8 studies, ORhomozygous=1.56, 95%CI: 1.16-2.09, ORrecessive=1.63, 95%CI: 1.08-2.45, p<.05). For the -597 polymorphism, no association was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Here, the -174 G>C polymorphism increased the risk of developing RA in Asians and Middle East populations. Interestingly, for Latinos, the polymorphism was associated with a benefit. For the -572 polymorphism, only the Asian population showed an increased risk of developing RA for the CC genotype.

Novel Assessment of Urinary Albumin Excretion in Type 2 Diabetes Patients by Raman Spectroscopy.

. Urinary albumin excretion remains the key biomarker to detect renal complications in type 2 diabetes. As diabetes epidemy increases, particularly in low-income countries, efficient and low-cost methods to measure urinary albumin are needed. In this pilot study, we evaluated the performance of Raman spectroscopy in the assessment of urinary albumin in patients with type 2 diabetes. The spectral Raman analysis of albumin was performed using artificial urine, at five concentrations of albumin and 24 h collection urine samples from ten patients with Type 2 Diabetes. The spectra were obtained after removing the background fluorescence and fitting Gaussian curves to spectral regions containing features of such metabolites. In the samples from patients with type 2 diabetes, we identified the presence of albumin in the peaks of the spectrum located at 663.07, 993.43, 1021.43, 1235.28, 1429.91 and 1633.91 cm-1. In artificial urine, there was an increase in the intensity of the Raman signal at 1450 cm-1, which corresponds to the increment of the concentrations of albumin. The highest concentration of albumin was located at 1630 cm-1. The capability of Raman spectroscopy for detection of small concentrations of urinary albumin suggests the feasibility of this method for the screening of type 2 diabetes renal complications.

Differential effects of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase polymorphisms (C677T and A1298C) on hematological malignancies among Latinos: a meta-analysis.

Our objective was to determine the association between the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase polymorphisms (C677T and A1298C) and the risk of developing acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and multiple myelomas (MM) in Latinos. PubMed, SCOPUS, EBSCO, LILACS, and other Latin-specific databases were searched for case-control studies that investigated the association between these polymorphisms and hematologic malignancies until November 2017. Genotype distributions were extracted and either fixed-effects or random-effects models were used to calculate the pooled crude odds ratios (ORs) for the heterozygous, homozygous, dominant, recessive, and allelic genetic models. No publication bias was detected by the Begg-Mazumdar's test and Egger's test. From 290 publications, we identified 15 studies on the C677T polymorphism and 13 studies on the A1298C polymorphism. We observed a significant decrease in risk for the C677T polymorphism (OR range=0.54-0.75, p<0.01) and a significant increase in risk for the A1298C polymorphism (OR range=1.28-2.52, p<0.05) in developing ALL for all genetic models. No associations were determined for CML, AML, or MM for either polymorphism. This meta-analysis demonstrated that the A1298C polymorphism was associated with an increased risk of developing ALL, whereas the C677T polymorphism was associated with a decreased risk (protective factor) in the Latino population.

Validation of a non-laboratorial questionnaire to identify Metabolic Syndrome among a population in central Mexico.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the reliability of a non-laboratorial questionnaire, the Encuesta de Identificación de Sujetos Metabólicamente Comprometidos en Fase-I (ESF-I) for identifying Metabolic Syndrome among a population in central Mexico. METHODS: Clinical and biochemical parameters were collected for 232 participants from 1 June 2012 - 31 August 2013. Three definitions of Metabolic Syndrome (Harmonizing, National Cholesterol Education Program Expert Panel and Adult Treatment Panel III [ATPIII], and International Diabetes Federation [IDF]) were used to allocate subjects to either the normal or Metabolic Syndrome positive (MetS+) group. The predictability of the questionnaire was determined by the Area-Under-the-Receiver-Operating Characteristic curve (AUC). Youden's index was calculated and the highest score was considered the optimal cutoff value. Cohen´s kappa (κ) was calculated to determine the level of agreement between the ESF-I questionnaire (max score: 15 based on 15 items) and Metabolic Syndrome. RESULTS: From 53.8% - 60.7% of the participants were determined to be MetS+. The average questionnaire score was significantly higher in the MetS+ group for each definition (4.0 vs. 8.0, P < 0.05). The ESF-I questionnaire was predictive for the Harmonizing definition (AUC = 0.841, 95%CI: 0.790 - 0.892), the ATPIII definition (AUC = 0.827, 95%CI: 0.774 - 0.880), and the IDF definition (AUC = 0.836, 95%CI: 0.785 - 0.887). A cutoff value of 7 was determined for each definition; therefore, the cohort was re-categorized based on questionnaire results. There was a strong agreement between the ESF-I questionnaire and MetS (Harmonizing: accuracy = 77.6%, κ = 0.554; ATPIII: accuracy = 74.1%, κ = 0.489; IDF: accuracy = 74.6%, κ = 0.495, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The ESF-I questionnaire can identify MetS+ patients, and therefore, lead to earlier diagnoses, reduced number of consultations, and lower costs with easier application.

C677T and A1298C methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase polymorphisms and breast cancer susceptibility among Latinos: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Previous meta-analyses have shown an ethnic dependency of the C677T and the A1298C methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphisms, with no focus on the Latino population. For Latinos, many studies have examined these polymorphisms and breast cancer susceptibility, yielding no concise result. Therefore, we undertook this meta-analysis to determine the effect these polymorphisms have on breast cancer risk for Latinos. METHODS: PubMed, EBSCO, LILACS, Scopus, and Latin American-specific databases were searched for studies exploring the association between the MTHFR polymorphisms and breast cancer susceptibility in Latinos until January 2019. Genotype distributions were extracted and, depending on the level heterogeneity determined by the ψ2-based Q test and the I2 test, fixed-effects or random-effects models were used to calculate pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for the heterozygous, homozygous, dominant, recessive, and allelic genetic models. No publication bias was detected by the Begg-Mazumdar's test and Egger's test. RESULTS: Of the 280 retrieved publications, 9 studies were included: 9 for the C677T polymorphism and 5 for the A1298C polymorphism. For the C677T polymorphism, there was an elevated risk for the homozygous (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.05-1.92), the dominant (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.02-1.31), the recessive (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.01-1.75), and the allelic model (OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.03-1.33, p < 0.01). No association between the A1298C polymorphism and the risk to develop breast cancer was determined. CONCLUSION: The results indicated that, for Latinos, the C677T polymorphism is associated with a significant risk for developing breast cancer, whereas the A1289C polymorphism does not.

Validation of a non-laboratorial questionnaire to identify Metabolic Syndrome among a population in central Mexico / Validación de un cuestionario en el que no se recurre al diagnóstico de laboratorio para detectar el síndrome metabólico en una población de la zona central de México / Validação de um instrumento de coleta de dados não laboratoriais para identificar síndrome metabólica em uma população da região central do México

ABSTRACT Objective To determine the reliability of a non-laboratorial questionnaire, the Encuesta de Identificación de Sujetos Metabólicamente Comprometidos en Fase-I (ESF-I) for identifying Metabolic Syndrome among a population in central Mexico. Methods Clinical and biochemical parameters were collected for 232 participants from 1 June 2012 - 31 August 2013. Three definitions of Metabolic Syndrome (Harmonizing, National Cholesterol Education Program Expert Panel and Adult Treatment Panel III [ATPIII], and International Diabetes Federation [IDF]) were used to allocate subjects to either the normal or Metabolic Syndrome positive (MetS+) group. The predictability of the questionnaire was determined by the Area-Under-the-Receiver-Operating Characteristic curve (AUC). Youden's index was calculated and the highest score was considered the optimal cutoff value. Cohen´s kappa (κ) was calculated to determine the level of agreement between the ESF-I questionnaire (max score: 15 based on 15 items) and Metabolic Syndrome. Results From 53.8% - 60.7% of the participants were determined to be MetS+. The average questionnaire score was significantly higher in the MetS+ group for each definition (4.0 vs. 8.0, P < 0.05). The ESF-I questionnaire was predictive for the Harmonizing definition (AUC = 0.841, 95%CI: 0.790 - 0.892), the ATPIII definition (AUC = 0.827, 95%CI: 0.774 - 0.880), and the IDF definition (AUC = 0.836, 95%CI: 0.785 - 0.887). A cutoff value of 7 was determined for each definition; therefore, the cohort was re-categorized based on questionnaire results. There was a strong agreement between the ESF-I questionnaire and MetS (Harmonizing: accuracy = 77.6%, κ = 0.554; ATPIII: accuracy = 74.1%, κ = 0.489; IDF: accuracy = 74.6%, κ = 0.495, P < 0.001). Conclusion The ESF-I questionnaire can identify MetS+ patients, and therefore, lead to earlier diagnoses, reduced number of consultations, and lower costs with easier application.

RESUMEN Objetivo Determinar la fiabilidad de un cuestionario en el que no se recurre al diagnóstico de laboratorio, la Encuesta de Identificación de Sujetos Metabólicamente Comprometidos en Fase-I (ESF-I), para detectar el síndrome metabólico en una población de la región central de México. Métodos Se recogieron parámetros clínicos y bioquímicos de 232 participantes desde el 1 de junio del 2012 al 31 de agosto del 2013. Se usaron tres definiciones de síndrome metabólico (la unificadora, la del Grupo de Expertos en el Tratamiento de Adultos [ATPIII] del Programa Nacional de Educación sobre el Colesterol y la de la Federación Internacional de la Diabetes [FID]) para asignar los participantes al grupo normal o al grupo de síndrome metabólico positivo (SMet+). Se determinó la previsibilidad del cuestionario con el área bajo la curva de eficacia diagnóstica (curva ROC). Se calculó el índice de Youden y la puntuación más alta se consideró el valor de corte óptimo. El coeficiente (k) de Cohen se calculó para determinar el grade de acuerdo entre el cuestionario ESF-I (máxima puntuación: 15 sobre 15 ítems) y el síndrome metabólico. Resultados Del 53,8 % al 60,7 % de los participantes se asignaron al grupo SMet+. La puntuación promedio del cuestionario fue significativamente mayor en el grupo de SMet+ para cada definición (4,0 vs. 8.0, P < 0.05). El cuestionario ESF-I fue predictivo para la definición unificadora (AUC = 0,841, 95 % CI: 0,790 - 0,892), la definición ATPIII (AUC = 0,827, 95 % CI: 0,774 - 0,880) y la definición de la FID (AUC = 0,836, 95 % CI: 0,785 - 0,887). Se determinó un el valor de corte óptimo de 7 para cada definición; por lo tanto, se reclasificó la cohorte según los resultados del cuestionario. Hubo una gran coincidencia entre el cuestionario ESF-I y SMet (unificadora: exactitud = 77,6 %, κ = 0,554; ATPIII: exactitud = 74,1 %, κ = 0,489; FID: exactitud = 74,6%, κ = 0,495, P < 0,001). Conclusiones El cuestionario ESF-I puede detectar pacientes con SMet+ y, por lo tanto, conducir a diagnósticos más tempranos, reducir la cantidad de consultas y reducir los costos con una aplicación más fácil.

RESUMO Objetivo Determinar a confiabilidade de um instrumento de coleta de dados não laboratoriais, Encuesta de Identificación de Sujetos Metabólicamente Comprometidos en Fase-I (pesquisa de identificação de indivíduos com comprometimento metabólico em fase I, ESF-I) para identificar síndrome metabólica em uma população da região central do México. Métodos Foram coletados parâmetros clínicos e bioquímicos de 232 participantes da pesquisa entre 1° de junho de 2012 e 31 de agosto de 2013. O estudo se baseou em três definições de síndrome metabólica (definição harmonizada do Painel de Especialistas do Programa Nacional de Educação em Colesterol dos Estados Unidos [NCEP]; Painel para Tratamento de Adultos III [ATPIII]; e Federação Internacional de Diabetes [FIL]) para alocar os participantes em um grupo normal ou em um grupo com síndrome metabólica (SM). A previsibilidade do instrumento foi determinada pela área sob a curva ROC (característica de operação do receptor) (AUC). O índice de Youden foi calculado e o escore mais alto foi considerado o valor ideal de corte. O coeficiente kappa de Cohen (κ) foi calculado para determinar o grau de concordância entre o questionário ESF-1 (pontuação máxima de 15 em 15 itens) e a síndrome metabólica. Resultados Foi determinado que 53,8% a 60,7% dos participantes apresentavam SM. A pontuação média no instrumento foi significativamente maior no grupo SM com cada uma das definições usadas (4,0 vs. 8,0, P<0,05). O questionário ESF-I foi preditivo com a definição harmonizada (AUC 0,841; IC 95% 0,790-0,892), com a definição do ATPIII (AUC 0,827; IC 95% 0,774-0,880) e com a definição da FIL (AUC 0,836; IC 95% 0,785-0,887). Um valor de corte de 7 foi determinado para cada definição e a coorte foi recategorizada de acordo com os resultados do instrumento. Foi observada uma forte concordância entre o questionário ESF-I e o grupo SM (harmonizada: precisão = 77,6%, κ = 0,554; ATPIII: precisão = 74,1%, κ = 0,489; FIL: precisão = 74,6%, κ = 0,495, P<0,001). Conclusão O questionário ESF-I é capaz de identificar pacientes com síndrome metabólica, possibilitando o diagnóstico precoce, um número menor de consultas e um custo menor com uma aplicação mais simples.