Anti-hyperglycemic effects of propolis or metformin in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of propolis or metformin versus placebo on glycemic control in pharmacological treatment-naïve patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled in parallel groups clinical trial was performed in 36 pharmacological treatment-naïve patients with T2DM. They received propolis (300 mg), metformin (850 mg), or placebo twice daily before breakfast and dinner for 12 weeks. At the beginning and end of the study, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-h postload glucose (2-h PG) during a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test, glycated hemoglobin A1c (A1C) and a metabolic profile were measured. Areas under the curve (AUC) of glucose and insulin, total insulin secretion (insulinogenic index), the first phase of insulin secretion (Stumvoll index), and insulin sensitivity (Matsuda index) were calculated. Statistical analyses: Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U and Wilcoxon tests. Results: The propolis and metformin groups exhibited significant reductions in FPG (p=0.009 and p=0.001, respectively), 2-h PG (p=0.034 and p=0.001, respectively) levels, AUC of insulin, Stumvoll index, and an increment in the Matsuda index. The comparison of the changes from baseline to the end showed significant differences between placebo and propolis in FPG (p=0.004) and A1C (p=0.049) levels, while between placebo and metformin were in FPG (p=0.002), 2-h PG (p=0.004) and A1C (p=0.007) levels. Conclusions: The administration of propolis and metformin compared to placebo reduced FPG and A1C levels; in addition, metformin decreased 2-h PG, AUC of glucose and insulin, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and increased the insulin sensitivity.

[Effect of simvastatin plus inulin in comparison with simvastatin plus ezetimibe on the treatment of mixed dyslipidemia]. / Efecto de simvastatina más inulina en comparación con simvastatina más ezetimiba en el tratamiento de la dislipidemia mixta.

INTRODUCTION: Mixed dyslipidemia accelerates atherosclerosis and leads to cardiovascular disease and death. Non-soluble fibers such as inulin have been shown to have an effect on dyslipidemia. AIM: To assess the effect of the combination of simvastatin plus inulin in comparison with simvastatin plus ezetimibe in mixed dyslipidemia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, clinical trial with parallel control group was performed in 60 patients with mixed dyslipidemia, without drug treatment or failure to statins and lifestyle changes. INTERVENTION: simvastatin (20 mg), inulin from agave (7 g) and placebo of ezetimibe, or simvastatin (20 mg), ezetimibe (10 mg) and placebo of inulin from agave, daily at night, for 12 weeks. RESULTS: Both groups decreased total cholesterol (235 ± 29 vs. 182 ± 42 mg/dl; p = 0.001 and 236 ± 31 vs. 160 ± 48 mg/dl; p < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (141 ± 32 vs. 99 ± 34 mg/dl; p < 0.001 and 149 ± 35 vs. 89 ± 43 mg/dl; p < 0.001) and triglycerides (284 ± 117 vs. 214 ± 137 mg/dl; p = 0.027 and 241 ± 81 vs. 180 ± 68 mg/dl; p < 0.001), respectively, for simvastatin plus inulin and simvastatin plus ezetimibe. CONCLUSION: The combination of simvastatin plus inulin reduced total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides the same as simvastatin plus ezetimibe.

[Effects of hydroxychloroquine on insulin sensitivity and lipid profile in patients with rheumatoid arthritis]. / Efecto de la hidroxicloroquina sobre la sensibilidad a la insulina y el perfil de lípidos en pacientes con artritis reumatoide.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with a decrease in insulin sensitivity (IS), which has been identified as an independent risk factor for the development of early atherosclerosis. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) may have beneficial effects on glucose homeostasis and lipid profile. AIM: To assess the effect of HCQ on IS and lipid profile in patients with RA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An open clinical trial was performed in 15 patients aged between 35 and 56 years. During three months, patients received 400 mg/day of HCQ orally. Before and after the pharmacological intervention, demographic and anthropometric variables, serum glucose, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol, insulin and uric acid were measured. IS was estimated as the rate of glucose clearance per minute obtained with the insulin tolerance test (KITT). RESULTS: Baseline and final KITT values were 4.3 ± 1.2 and 4.80 ± 1.1%/min, respectively (p = 0.03). Significant reductions in serum TC (p = 0.04) and TG (p = 0.01) were also observed. No other significant differences were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Oral administration of 400 mg/day of HCQ during three months in RA patients is associated with an improvement in IS, TC and TG.

Effect of Fucoxanthin on Metabolic Syndrome, Insulin Sensitivity, and Insulin Secretion.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of fucoxanthin on metabolic syndrome (MetS), insulin sensitivity, and insulin secretion. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted in 28 patients diagnosed with MetS. Patients were randomly assigned to receive 12 mg of fucoxanthin or placebo once a day for 12 weeks. Before and after the intervention, the components of MetS, insulin sensitivity (Matsuda index), first phase of insulin secretion (Stumvoll index), and total insulin secretion were evaluated during a 2-h oral glucose tolerance test. After fucoxanthin administration, significant differences were observed in body weight (BW) (80.6 ± 11.2 vs. 79.16 ± 12.3 kg, P < .01), body mass index (BMI) (31.1 ± 3.6 vs. 30.3 ± 3.7 kg/m2, P < .01), waist circumference (WC) (101.2 ± 9.1 vs. 98.9 ± 9.3 cm, P < .01), systolic blood pressure (SBP) (126.1 ± 10.3 vs. 120.8 ± 9.7 mmHg, P < .01), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (81.5 ± 6.5 vs. 78.6 ± 6.3 mmHg, P < .01), triglycerides (TG) (2.2 ± 0.7 vs. 2.1 ± 0.7 mmol/L, P < .01), Stumvoll index (2403 ± 621 vs. 2907 ± 732, P < .05), and total insulin secretion (0.84 ± 0.31 vs. 1.02 ± 0.32, P < .05). In conclusion, fucoxanthin administration leads to a decrease in BW, BMI, WC, SBP, DBP, TG, as well as increase in the first phase of insulin secretion and total insulin secretion in patients with MetS. Clinical Trial Registration number: NCT03613740.

Hemodynamic effects of dexmedetomidine--fentanyl vs. nalbuphine--propofol in plastic surgery.

UNLABELLED: Dexmedetomidine has demonstrated to be useful in several clinical fields due to its respiratory safety and cardiovascular stability. We undertook this study to determine its usefulness in plastic surgery. Sixty patients were divided into two parallel groups. A group received dexmedetomidine--fentanyl and the comparison group received nalbuphine--propofol, both with same dose of midazolam. Blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen saturation were determined during the preoperative, intraoperative and recuperation periods. RESULTS: In both groups, hemodynamic constants decreased intraoperatively. Dexmedetomidine--fentanyl decreased more than in the nalbuphine--propofol (systolic blood pressure, p = 0.006; diastolic blood pressure, p = 0.01 and heart rate, p = 0.007). Comparatively, oxygen saturation was greater in the dexmedetomidine--fentanyl group vs. nalbuphine--propofol (p = 0.0001). Recovery time for the nalbuphine--propofol group was shorter than in the dexmedetomidine--fentanyl group (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Dexmedetomidine shows the same cardiovascular stability but with absence of respiratory depression.

Ellagic Acid Effect on the Components of Metabolic Syndrome, Insulin Sensitivity and Insulin Secretion: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors, usually with a common pathophysiological origin in insulin resistance and abdominal obesity. Considering the reported effects of ellagic acid (EA) on insulin resistance and abdominal obesity, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of EA on the components of MetS, insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion by conducting a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial with 32 volunteers diagnosed with MetS. Sixteen patients were randomly allocated, received 500 mg of EA orally twice a day for 12 weeks, and the other 16 received a placebo. Clinical and laboratory determinations were obtained at baseline and at the end of the study. After EA administration, patients reduced their waist circumference (females: 102.2 ± 4.2 to 99.5 ± 3.2 cm (p < 0.05); males: 99.8 ± 6.7 to 96.0 ± 4.7 cm (p < 0.01)), systolic blood pressure (118.1 ± 10.1 to 113.7 ± 7.8 mmHg (p < 0.01)), diastolic blood pressure (118.1 ± 10.1 to 113.7 ± 7.8 mmHg (p < 0.01)), triglycerides (2.8 ± 1.1 to 2.1 ± 0.7 mmol/L (p < 0.01)), fasting plasma glucose (6.5 ± 0.5 to 5.7 ± 0.6 mmol/L (p < 0.01)), fasting plasma insulin (p < 0.01), and insulin secretion (p < 0.05), with an increase of insulin sensitivity (p < 0.01). In male patients, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased (p < 0.05). In conclusion, EA improved the components of MetS, reduced hyperinsulinemia, and improved insulin sensitivity.

Effect of Banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa) on Metabolic Syndrome, Insulin Sensitivity, and Insulin Secretion.

To evaluate the effect of Banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa) on metabolic syndrome (MetS), insulin sensitivity, and insulin secretion. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was carried out in 24 patients with diagnosis of MetS according to the International Diabetes Federation criteria. Body weight, waist circumference, and blood pressure were evaluated. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and insulin concentrations were measured every 30 min during 2 h after a 75-g dextrose load. Lipid profile was determined before and after the pharmacological intervention. Twelve patients received Banaba (500 mg) twice a day, before breakfast and dinner for 12 weeks. The remaining 12 patients received placebo at the same dosage. Body mass index, area under the curve (AUC) of glucose and insulin, insulin sensitivity, total insulin secretion, and the first phase of insulin secretion were calculated. After Banaba administration, there were significant decreases in systolic blood pressure (SBP) (121.5 ± 12.9 vs. 116.3 ± 9.8 mmHg, P = .050), FPG (5.9 ± 0.4 vs. 5.7 ± 0.4 mmol/L, P = .034), triglycerides (TG) (2.3 ± 0.4 vs. 1.7 ± 0.5 mmol/L, P = .021), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) (0.5 ± 0.1 vs. 0.3 ± 0.1 mmol/L, P = .021), AUC of insulin (50,675 ± 14,309 vs. 37,983 ± 19,298 mmol/L, P = .017), and insulinogenic index (0.4 ± 0.2 vs. 0.3 ± 0.2, P = .047). Eight patients (67%) of the Banaba group showed remission of MetS. In the placebo group, there was a downward trend toward statistical significance in the Stumvoll index (910.3 ± 514.1 vs. 651.0 ± 405.2, P = .062). Banaba administration leads to remission of MetS and a significant decrease in SBP, FPG, TG, VLDL, AUC of insulin, and total insulin secretion. Clinical Trial Registration number: NCT02767869.

Effect of thiamine administration on metabolic profile, cytokines and inflammatory markers in drug-naïve patients with type 2 diabetes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of thiamine administration on metabolic profile, cytokines and inflammatory markers in drug-naïve patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, pilot-scale clinical trial was carried out in 24 patients with T2DM. Twelve subjects received thiamine orally (150 mg), once daily during a fasting state for 1 month. An additional 12 patients (control group) were given placebo for the same period of time. Before and after the intervention, fasting glucose, A1C, creatinine, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, very low-density lipoprotein, high-sensitive C-reactive protein, interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, leptin and adiponectin levels were estimated. Wilcoxon's signed-rank and Mann-Whitney U test were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: There were significant decreases in glucose (6.7 ± 1.0 mmol/l vs. 6.0 ± 1.0 mmol/l, p = 0.024) before and after the intervention, respectively, and leptin concentrations (32.9 ± 13.3 ng/ml vs. 26.9 ± 12.8 ng/ml, p = 0.027) before and after the intervention, respectively, with thiamine administration. There were no changes with the rest of the measurements. CONCLUSIONS: Thiamine administration for 1 month decreased glucose and leptin concentrations in drug-naïve patients with T2DM.

Effect of pomegranate juice on insulin secretion and sensitivity in patients with obesity.

AIM: To evaluate the effect of pomegranate juice on insulin secretion and sensitivity in patients with obesity. METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was carried out in 20 obese, adult volunteer subjects. After random allocation of the intervention, 10 patients received 120 ml of pomegranate juice or placebo while in a fasted state for 1 month. Glucose, uric acid, creatinine, lipid profile, and insulin were measured at baseline, and glucose and insulin were also measured at 30, 60, 90, and 120 min. The area under the curve of glucose and insulin, total insulin secretion, and insulin sensitivity was calculated. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in weight, body mass index, and fat mass in the placebo group after the intervention. Insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity were not modified with administration of pomegranate juice. There was a significant difference in changes from baseline in fat mass between groups (1.1 ± 1.1% vs. -1.4 ± 3.0%, p = 0.010; placebo and pomegranate groups, respectively). CONCLUSION: Pomegranate juice administration for 1 month did not modify insulin secretion and sensitivity in patients with obesity; however, the natural evolution to increased weight and adiposity was halted.

Effect of Berberine Plus Bezafibrate Administration on the Lipid Profile of Patients with Mixed Dyslipidemia: A Pilot Clinical Trial.

To evaluate the effect of berberine (BBR) plus bezafibrate administration on the lipid profile of patients with mixed dyslipidemia. A double-blind randomized pilot clinical trial with parallel groups was carried out in 36 patients, aged 30-60 years with mixed dyslipidemia [triglycerides (TG) ≥1.7 mM and total cholesterol (TC) ≥5.2 mM]. Patients were assigned to 3 groups of 12 patients each, receiving oral administration during 90 days of BBR 500 mg t.i.d., bezafibrate 400 mg b.i.d., or BBR 500 mg t.i.d. plus bezafibrate 400 mg b.i.d, respectively. Clinical evaluation, lipid profile, glucose, creatinine, and uric acid levels were measured before and after the pharmacological intervention. Kruskal-Wallis, Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney U, and χ2 tests were used for statistical analyses; a P ≤ .05 was considered statistically significant. BBR reduced TC levels. Bezafibrate decreased TG, TC, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) concentrations. BBR plus bezafibrate decreased TG (2.6 ± 0.8 vs. 1.3 ± 0.7 mM, P = .007), TC (6.3 ± 0.7 vs. 4.6 ± 1.2 mM, P = .005), LDL-C (3.4 ± 0.6 vs. 2.2 ± 1.3 mM, P = .037), and VLDL (0.5 ± 0.2 vs. 0.2 ± 0.1 mM, P = .007) levels. Bezafibrate and BBR plus bezafibrate significantly decreased TG, TC, LDL-C, and VLDL concentrations, and thus, remitting the diagnosis of mixed dyslipidemia in 90% of the patients.

Effect of Gymnema sylvestre Administration on Glycemic Control, Insulin Secretion, and Insulin Sensitivity in Patients with Impaired Glucose Tolerance.

Gymnema sylvestre, a plant typical of India, has long been known for its hypoglycemic effects. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of G. sylvestre administration on glycemic control, insulin secretion, and insulin sensitivity in patients with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted in 30 patients with IGT. Fifteen patients randomly received G. sylvestre in doses of 300 mg b.i.d. and the other 15 received placebo in the same way. Before and after the intervention, anthropometric and metabolic measurements were taken, including 2-h oral glucose tolerance test (2-h OGTT), fasting plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin A1c (A1C), and the lipid profile panel. Areas under the curve of glucose and insulin were calculated, as well as the insulinogenic, Stumvoll, and Matsuda indices. Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney U, and chi-square or Fisher's exact tests were performed, and a P-value ≤.05 was considered statistically significant. There was a significant reduction in 2-h OGTT (9.1 ± 1.2 vs. 7.8 ± 1.7 mmol/L, P = .003), A1C (5.8 ± 0.3% vs. 5.4 ± 0.4%, P = .025), body weight, body mass index, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in the G. sylvestre group, with an increment in the Matsuda index (1.8 ± 0.8 vs. 2.4 ± 1.2, P = .008). At the end of the intervention, 46.7% of the patients obtained normal values in A1C. In conclusion, G. sylvestre administration in patients with IGT decreased 2-h OGTT and A1C, increasing insulin sensitivity. There were also improvements in anthropometric measures and the lipid profile.

Behavior of visfatin in nonobese women undergoing liposuction: a pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: The adipocyte has recently begun to be considered not just as a fat deposition tissue, but also as a true endocrine organ. Adipose tissue produces a wide variety of adipocytokines, of which visfatin is one. OBJECTIVE: Since visfatin has recently been described as a mimic of insulin action, the authors evaluate visfatin behavior in women undergoing liposuction. MATERIALS: Nineteen nonobese women underwent liposuction of abdominal fat. Patient visfatin levels and a lipid profile were obtained preoperatively, and the results were compared with the results of the same tests immediately postoperatively and one month postoperatively. RESULTS: The mean age of the 19 study participants was 33 years; mean body mass index was 24.7±2.2 kg/m2. The amount of subcutaneous fat obtained was an average of 4468±1403 kg. Visfatin increased from 51.8±24.4 ng/mL preoperatively to 76.3±39.8 ng/mL (P=.02). Pre- and postoperative lipid profiles reflected, respectively, the following: total cholesterol, 159.1±37.1 vs 164.6±31.7 mg/dL (P=.420); high-density cholesterol, 41.4±8.6 vs 39.3±9.9 mg/dL (P=.421); low-density cholesterol, 97.1±25.4 vs 100±19.2 mg/dL (P=.507); and triglycerides, 92.3±57.1 vs 126.3±72.5 mg/dL (P=.058). CONCLUSIONS: Visfatin levels were shown to increase after liposuction of subcutaneous fat. The authors conclude that this adipocyte may play an important role as a regulatory reciprocal mechanism.

Effect of Dapagliflozin on Insulin Secretion and Insulin Sensitivity in Patients with Prediabetes.

AIM: To evaluate the effect of dapagliflozin on insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity in patients with prediabetes. METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was carried out in 24 adults diagnosed with prediabetes and without pharmacological treatment. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups of 12 patients each to receive 10 mg of oral dapagliflozin or placebo once a day during 12 weeks. At baseline and at the end of the study, anthropometric and metabolic measurements were evaluated, including the first phase of insulin secretion, total insulin secretion, and insulin sensitivity. RESULTS: After dapagliflozin administration, there were significant decreases in body weight (80.8±16.3 vs. 77.8±14.9 kg, p=0.019), body mass index (30.3±3.5 vs. 29.2±3.1 kg/m2, p=0.023), waist circumference (100.6±13.5 vs. 96.2±11.8 cm, p=0.003), fasting glucose (5.9±0.4 vs. 5.1±0.3 mmol/L, p<0.001) and uric acid (334.3±70.8 vs. 262.9±60.7 mmol/L, p=0.032), with a tendency to increase the insulin sensitivity (1.94±0.72 vs. 2.63±1.04, p=0.064). CONCLUSION: Dapagliflozin administration in patients with prediabetes decreased body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, fasting glucose, and uric acid, with a tendency to increase the insulin sensitivity without changes in insulin secretion.

Effects of dapagliflozin on blood pressure variability in patients with prediabetes and prehypertension without pharmacological treatment: a randomized trial.

AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of dapagliflozin on blood pressure variability (BPV) in patients with prediabetes and prehypertension without pharmacological treatment. METHODS: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study was performed in 30 patients (30-60 years) diagnosed with prediabetes and prehypertension. Study subjects were divided into two groups: a 10-mg dose of dapagliflozin was administered daily before breakfast for 12 weeks in 15 patients or placebo in the remaining 15 patients. At the beginning and end of the study, clinical and metabolic evaluations were performed, and the 24-h BPV was calculated. RESULTS: Dapagliflozin significantly decreased body weight (P = 0.010), BMI (P = 0.011), fasting plasma glucose (P = 0.002), glycated hemoglobin A1c (P = 0.004), office systolic blood pressure (SBP) (P = 0.001), office diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (P = 0.011), 24-h SBP (121 ± 8 vs. 117 ± 11 mmHg, P = 0.046), nighttime SBP (114 ± 11 vs. 108 ± 10 mmHg, P = 0.017), nocturnal mean arterial pressure (P = 0.043), and nocturnal hypertensive load (P = 0.015); and it significantly increased the percentage of the dipper circadian BP pattern (16.7 vs. 30.8%, P = 0.047). After the administration of dapagliflozin, some of the patients did not meet the diagnostic criteria for prediabetes (26.9%) or prehypertension (26.9%). CONCLUSIONS: The administration of 10 mg dapagliflozin once daily for 90 days in patients with prediabetes and prehypertension decreased BPV by reducing 24-h and nighttime SBP, and increasing the dipper circadian BP pattern.

Effect of 2 liquid nutritional supplements for diabetes patients on postprandial glucose, insulin secretion, and insulin sensitivity in healthy individuals.

AIM: To compare the effect of 2 liquid nutritional supplements (Enterex Diabetic and Glucerna SR) designed for the patient with diabetes mellitus on postprandial glucose, insulin secretion, and insulin sensitivity in healthy individuals. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, crossover clinical trial was carried out in 14 healthy, young (average age 21.7+/-2.8 years) volunteers. Each individual received a single administration of 232 kcal in 232 mL of Enterex Diabetic or in 237 mL of Glucerna SR. Three days later, the intervention was crossed using the opposite supplement. At the beginning of each administration and later at 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes, glucose and insulin concentrations were measured. Triglyceride concentrations were measured at the beginning and at 120 minutes. Area under the curve of glucose and insulin was calculated. First-phase and total insulin secretion, as well as insulin sensitivity, were assessed. RESULTS: Glucose concentration at 120 minutes was significantly lower after the administration of Enterex Diabetic in comparison with Glucerna SR (4.3+/-0.6 vs 4.7+/-0.4 mmol/L; P=.012). Enterex Diabetic compared with Glucerna SR showed a greater change of the glucose concentration from 0 to 120 minutes (-0.7+/-0.6 vs -0.0+/-0.4 mmol/L; P=.002). Administration of Enterex Diabetic decreased insulin concentrations at 120 minutes (60+/-18 vs 48+/-19 pmol/L; P=.013). Administration of Glucerna SR increased triglyceride concentration at 120 minutes (1.0+/-0.3 vs 1.1+/-0.4 mmol/L; P=.026). CONCLUSION: A single administration of Enterex Diabetic in healthy individuals decreased glucose and insulin concentrations at 120 minutes without any modification in triglyceride levels.

Analysis of the association of preeclampsia with polymorphisms of the INS, INSR and IRS1 genes in Mexican women.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: It has been proposed that preeclampsia is a metabolic syndrome of pregnancy. The polymorphisms PstI and MaeIII of INS, NsiI of INSR and Ala513Pro and Gly972Arg of IRS1 have been associated with metabolic syndrome; moreover, the products of these genes are functionally contiguous during insulin signaling. The aim of this study was to assess whether these polymorphisms are associated with preeclampsia. METHODS: 46 normotensive pregnant women and 43 preeclamptic patients were included in the study to develop a clinical, biochemical and genotypic profile of preeclampsia. Clinical evaluation consisted of measurement of blood pressure, height and weight. Peripheral blood samples were collected for determination of fasting glucose and insulin concentrations and for extraction of genomic DNA. Proteinuria was determined. Polymorphisms were detected using PCR-RFLP. RESULTS: The normotensive and preeclampsia groups did not differ significantly in clinical and biochemical traits, except for systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.0001). Polymorphisms previously associated with metabolic syndrome in Mexican populations were not associated with preeclampsia in Mexican women (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The lack of an association between preeclampsia and the polymorphisms studied suggests that other genes whose products do not have direct functional interaction with metabolic syndrome or epigenetic factors may play a role in preeclampsia.

Cardiovascular risk factors and acculturation in Yaquis and Tepehuanos Indians from Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular (CV) risk factors are influenced by behavioral, cultural, and social factors, suggesting that acculturation plays a significant role in the emergency and growth of chronic disease. The objective of this study was to determine the relation between CV risk factors and the main components of acculturation, in Yaquis and Tepehuanos Indians from Mexico. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional population-based study in Yaquis and Tepehuanos communities from the Yaqui Valley in Sonora and the Sierra Madre Occidental Mountains in Durango, in northwest Mexico. Acculturation status is different in both ethnic groups, with Tepehuanos living in small and remote communities retaining their traditional lifestyle and Yaquis living in well-communicated communities that have assumed Westernized lifestyles. RESULTS: A total of 278 indigenous (120 Tepehuanos and 158 Yaquis) were randomly enrolled. Prevalence of obesity (48.1 and 6.7%, p <0.001), diabetes (18.3 and 0.83%, p <0.001), hypertriglyceridemia (43.0 and 15.0%, p <0.001), alcohol consumption (46.8 and 26.6%, p >0.001), and smoking (29.7 and 15.0%, p = 0.006) were significantly higher in Yaquis Indians. High blood pressure (6.3 and 3.3%, p = 0.40) and low HDL-cholesterol (42.4 and 34.2%, p = 0.22) were similar between Yaquis and Tepehuanos. Multivariate regression analysis adjusted by sex and age showed a significant association between calorie intake from saturated fat, but not other nutrients of customary diet, with hyperglycemia (OR 7.4, 95% CI 2.6-20.1), hypertriglyceridemia (OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.5-6.3), and obesity (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.6-10.1). CONCLUSIONS: Among the components of acculturation, intake of saturated fat is the most strongly associated with the development of CV risk factors.

Effect of oral L-carnitine administration on insulin sensitivity and lipid profile in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

AIM: It was the aim of this study to evaluate the effect of oral L-carnitine administration on insulin sensitivity and lipid profile in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was carried out in 12 subjects with type 2 diabetes. Six subjects received L-carnitine 1 g orally 3 times a day before meals for a period of 4 weeks. Six other individuals took a placebo for the same period of time, as the control group. Before and after the intervention, insulin sensitivity and the lipid profile were estimated. To assess insulin sensitivity, the euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp technique was performed. Wilcoxon's signed rank and the Mann-Whitney U test were used for the statistical analyses. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in basal clinical characteristics between the 2 groups. Insulin sensitivity and the basal lipid profile were similar. There were no significant changes in either group after the intervention in insulin sensitivity (3.2 +/- 1.2 vs. 4.5 +/- 1.7 mg/kg/min, p = 0.115, and 3.5 +/- 0.6 vs. 3.5 +/- 0.4 mg/kg/min, p = 0.917, for the placebo and L-carnitine groups, respectively) and in lipid profile. CONCLUSION: L-Carnitine orally administered for a period of 4 weeks did not modify insulin sensitivity or the lipid profile.

Effect of vanadium on insulin sensitivity in patients with impaired glucose tolerance.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) is considered a risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and is associated with insulin resistance. Vanadium seems to block protein tyrosine phosphatase with the consequent increment in insulin sensitivity (INS) in T2DM patients, but this effect has not been studied in IGT patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of vanadium on INS in IGT patients. METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was carried out in 14 overweight/obese patients with IGT. Intervention consisted of vanadyl sulfate (VS, 50 mg p.o. twice daily) or placebo for 4 weeks. Before and after the intervention, a metabolic profile was performed and INS was assessed using the euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp technique. Mann-Whitney U and Wilcoxon rank tests were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in basal characteristics between groups. VS did not affect INS [2.7+/-0.8 vs. 2.9+/-0.9 mg/(kg/min), p=0.735] but increased triglyceride levels (1.35+/-0.61 vs. 1.70+/-0.46 mmol/l, p=0.018). CONCLUSIONS: VS administration in IGT patients increased triglyceride concentrations without changes in INS.