Prevalence and determinants of the metabolic syndrome among subjects with advanced nondiabetes-related chronic kidney disease in Gran Canaria, Spain.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between the metabolic syndrome and mild chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been extensively studied. This study was aimed to estimate the prevalence and factors associated with the metabolic syndrome among subjects with advanced stages of nondiabetes-related CKD. METHODS: Study population was composed of incident patients with advanced CKD not related to diabetes in a tertiary hospital from Gran Canaria (Spain) since February 2011 to December 2014. Participants fulfilled a survey questionnaire and underwent physical examination and biochemical evaluation. RESULTS: The sample was composed of 167 subjects (mean age 63.9 ± 13.7 years; estimated glomerular filtration rate 21.9 ± 6.6 mL/min/1.73 m(2)). The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome was 68.9% (65.2% in men and 73.3% in women). Highest rates were observed in groups with chronic interstitial nephropathy (80%), CKD of uncertain etiology (76.7%) and CKD related to vascular causes (76.2%). Subjects with metabolic syndrome were older, had higher values of C-reactive protein and more often reported to have first-degree relatives with diabetes and to be physically inactive. In multivariate analyses, age (OR: 1.034 [CI 95%: 1.004-1.065]; p = 0.024) and family history of diabetes (OR: 2.550 [1.159-5.608]; p = 0.020) were independently associated with the metabolic syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome among subjects with advanced nondiabetes-related CKD is high, and greater than that observed in general Canarian population of similar age groups. Age and family history of diabetes are the two factors more strongly associated with the metabolic syndrome in this population.

The specific relationship between vitamin D deficiency and diabetic nephropathy among patients with advanced chronic kidney disease: a cross-sectional study in Gran Canaria, Spain.

AIMS: Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in subjects with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD), but diabetes, the most common cause of CKD, has also been linked to low levels of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]. We compare vitamin D status between subjects with type 2 diabetes-related advanced CKD and subjects with either advanced CKD without diabetes or type 2 diabetes without advanced CKD. METHODS: Subjects were patients with advanced CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2) from February 2011 to November 2013 (113 with diabetes-related CKD and 80 without diabetes) and 61 patients with long-lasting type 2 diabetes without advanced CKD, simultaneously enrolled from our center. Participants fulfilled a survey questionnaire and underwent physical examination, blood samples, and 24-h urine collection. Kidney disease was assessed using eGFR and 24-h urinary protein excretion. Serum 25(OH)D was measured by chemiluminescence immunoassay. RESULTS: The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D < 20 ng/mL) was 70.8% in subjects with diabetes-related CKD, 38.8% in subjects with non-diabetic CKD and 41% in subjects with diabetes without advanced CKD. Adjusted means (95% confidence interval (CI)) of 25(OH)D in participants with diabetes-related CKD, in nondiabetic participants with CKD, and in participants with diabetes without advanced CKD were, respectively, 17.5 (14.2 - 20.7), 23.6 (19.4 - 27.8), and 23.5 (16.8 - 30.3) ng/mL (p = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS: Low vitamin D status is characteristically associated with advanced diabetic nephropathy. This relationship is not entirely attributable to the individual effects of CKD or long-lasting diabetes.

Non-albuminuric renal disease among subjects with advanced stages of chronic kidney failure related to type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Urinary albumin excretion has been consistently found to be normal in a significant number of subjects with early stages of diabetic kidney disease. This study was aimed to estimate the prevalence and characteristics of non-albuminuric chronic kidney disease associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus among subjects who reach advanced stages of renal failure. Study population was composed of incident patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (glomerular filtration rate <30 mL/min) related to type 2 diabetes in a tertiary hospital from Gran Canaria (Spain) during a period of 2 years. Subjects were classified as normoalbuminuric (urinary albumin-to-creatine ratio [UACR] <30 mg/g), microalbuminuric (UACR ≥30 and <300 mg/g), or proteinuric (UACR ≥300 mg/g). Of 78 eligible patients, 21.8% had normoalbuminuria, 20.5% had microalbuminuria, and 57.7% had proteinuria. Individuals with normoalbuminuria were mostly women and had a lower prevalence of smoking and polyneuropathy than subjects with microalbuminuria or proteinuria. They also presented greater measures of body mass index and waist circumference, higher values of total and LDL cholesterol, and lower values of HbA1c and serum creatinine than subjects with microalbuminuria or proteinuria. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that female sex (positively) and HbA1c and polyneuropathy (negatively) were independently associated with absence of albuminuria. In conclusion, around 20% of subjects with diabetes-related advanced chronic kidney disease, characteristically women, have normal urinary albumin excretion. HbA1c and polyneuropathy are inversely related to this non-albuminuric form of nephropathy.

A Mango Leaf Extract (Zynamite®) Combined with Quercetin Has Exercise-Mimetic Properties in Human Skeletal Muscle.

Zynamite PX®, a mango leaf extract combined with quercetin, enhances exercise performance by unknown molecular mechanisms. Twenty-five volunteers were assigned to a control (17 males) or supplementation group (8 males, receiving 140 mg of Zynamite® + 140 mg quercetin/8 h for 2 days). Then, they performed incremental exercise to exhaustion (IE) followed by occlusion of the circulation in one leg for 60 s. Afterwards, the cuff was released, and a 30 s sprint was performed, followed by 90 s circulatory occlusion (same leg). Vastus lateralis muscle biopsies were obtained at baseline, 20 s after IE (occluded leg) and 10 s after Wingate (occluded leg), and bilaterally at 90 s and 30 min post exercise. Compared to the controls, the Zynamite PX® group showed increased basal protein expression of Thr287-CaMKIIδD (2-fold, p = 0.007) and Ser9-GSK3ß (1.3-fold, p = 0.005) and a non-significant increase of total NRF2 (1.7-fold, p = 0.099) and Ser40-NRF2 (1.2-fold, p = 0.061). In the controls, there was upregulation with exercise and recovery of total NRF2, catalase, glutathione reductase, and Thr287-CaMKIIδD (1.2-2.9-fold, all p < 0.05), which was not observed in the Zynamite PX® group. In conclusion, Zynamite PX® elicits muscle signaling changes in resting skeletal muscle resembling those described for exercise training and partly abrogates the stress kinases responses to exercise as observed in trained muscles.

Influence of a new botanical combination on quality of life in menopausal Spanish women: Results of a randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to evaluate the beneficial effects of a botanical extract combination containing soy isoflavone extract (100mg), Aframomum melegueta seed dry extract (50 mg), and Punica granatum skin dry extract (100mg) on health-related Quality of Life in healthy Spanish menopausal women with hot flashes, anxiety, and depressive symptoms using the validated Cervantes Scale. METHODS AND RESULTS: Fifty-seven outpatient women (45-65 years) with menstrual problems associated with climacteric syndrome were enrolled from April 2018 to April 2019 in the context of a prospective, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Women were randomized to receive treatment with either the botanical combination (250 mg daily divided into two doses) or placebo for eight weeks. At the beginning and end of the study, health-related Quality of Life was assessed using the Cervantes Scale. Subjects treated with the botanical extract, compared to subjects in the placebo group, showed a significant improvement in the Global health-related Quality of Life score (38% [11.3-50.0]% vs. 18.8% [0-37.7]%; P = 0.04) on the Cervantes Scale and, specifically, in the menopause and health domain (13.6% [0-45.4]% vs. 40.7% [20.6-61.0]%; P = 0.05). By contrast, there were no significant changes in the psychic, sexuality, and couple relationship related domains of the Cervantes Scale. Patients who concluded the study did not report substantial side effects. CONCLUSION: Short-term intake of the botanical combination improved the Global Quality of Life of climateric women, according to the Cervantes Scale. Since this is a pilot trial, results should be analysed with caution. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT04381026; ClinicalTrial.gov (retrospectively registered).

HDL cholesterol levels in children with mild hypercholesterolemia: effect of consuming skim milk enriched with olive oil and modulation by the TAQ 1B polymorphism in the CETP gene.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to examine the changes in serum lipids in children with mild hypercholesterolemia after the use of skim milk or olive-oil-enriched skim milk in their diet and the modulation of lipid levels by the Taq 1B polymorphism in the cholesteryl-ester transfer protein gene. METHODS: Thirty-six prepubertal children with mild hypercholesterolemia were randomly assigned in a crossover design into 2 groups of 16 and 20 individuals. Both groups received, in sequential inverse order, the 2 types of milk for 2 periods of 6 weeks. RESULTS: Carriers of at least 1 B2 allele had an adjusted basal HDL cholesterol level significantly higher than children with the B1B1 genotype (1.291 mmol/l, 95% CI: 1.184-1.397, vs. 1.082 mmol/l, 95% CI: 0.931-1.233; p = 0.027). In contrast, there were no significant differences in the adjusted basal levels of apolipoprotein A-I (B2 carriers: 1.292 g/l, 95% CI: 1.218-1.367; B1B1 genotype: 1.215 g/l, 95% CI: 1.109-1.320; p = 0.223). The intake of olive-oil-enriched skim milk caused significant increases in HDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein A-I, both in B2 (0.089 mmol/l, 95% CI: 0.032-0.146, p = 0.005; 0.55 g/l, 95% CI: 0.012-0.098; p = 0.018) and in B1B1 carriers (0.179 mmol/l, 95% CI: 0.096-0.262; p < 0.001; and 0.095 g/l, 95% CI: 0.032-0.157; p = 0.003). This increase in HDL cholesterol was significantly higher in the B1B1 group (p = 0.049). CONCLUSION: The consumption of skim milk enriched with olive oil increases the HDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein A-I levels in children with hypercholesterolemia, this effect being more intense in carriers of the B1B1 genotype.

Central nervous system activities of extract Mangifera indica L.

ETHNOBOTANICAL RELEVANCE: Leaves of Mangifera indica L. have folk-uses in tropical regions of the world as health teas, as a remedy for exhaustion and fatigue, as a vegetable, and as a medicine. Mangifera indica leaf extract (MLE) had previously been demonstrated to alter brain electrical activity in-vivo. The aim of the present series of studies was to investigate whether mangiferin, a major compound in leaves and in MLE, is responsible for the neurocognitive activity of MLE, and if the CNS activities of MLE have translational potential. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MLE, tradename Zynamite, is produced by Nektium Pharma, Spain. Isolated mangiferin was tested in-vitro in radioligand binding and enzyme inhibition studies against 106 CNS targets. Changes in the electroencephalograms (EEG's) of MLE and mangiferin were recorded in-vivo from four brain regions. Two double blind randomized placebo-controlled crossover clinical trials were conducted, each with 16 subjects. At 90 min and at 60 min respectively, after oral intake of 500 mg MLE, EEG recordings, psychometric tests, mood state, and tolerability were studied. RESULTS: Isolated mangiferin is a selective inhibitor of catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) with an IC50 of 1.1 µM, with no activity on the CNS targets of caffeine. Both mangiferin and MLE induce similar changes in long-term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampus in-vitro, and induce a similar pattern of EEG changes in-vivo. In both translational clinical trials MLE was well tolerated, with no cardiovascular side-effects. In both studies MLE caused significant spectral changes in brain electrical activity in cortical regions during cognitive challenges, different to the attenuated spectral changes induced by caffeine. There were no significant changes in the psychometric tests other than reaction time for all groups. In the second study there was a trend to faster reaction time within group for MLE (p = 0.066) and the percentage improvement in reaction time for MLE compared to placebo was significant (p = 0.049). In the first study MLE improved all scores for Profile of Mood States (POMS), with the score for "fatigue" significantly improved (p = 0.015); in the second study the POMS score for "dejection" was improved in the caffeine group, p = 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: Mangiferin is a COMT inhibitor of moderate potency and is the major CNS-active compound in MLE. Both mangiferin and MLE increase hippocampal LTP in-vitro, and induce a similar pattern of changes in brain electrical activity in-vivo. While the translational clinical trials of MLE are limited by being single dose studies in a small number of subjects, they provide the first clinical evidence that the extract is well tolerated with no cardiovascular side-effects, can induce changes in brain electrical activity, may give a faster reaction time, and decrease fatigue. These CNS activities support the reported folk-uses use of mango leaf tea as a substitute for tea and as a traditional remedy for fatigue and exhaustion. Extract Mangifera indica L., Zynamite, has nootropic potential, and larger clinical studies are needed to realise this potential.

Supplementation with a Mango Leaf Extract (Zynamite®) in Combination with Quercetin Attenuates Muscle Damage and Pain and Accelerates Recovery after Strenuous Damaging Exercise.

Prolonged or unusual exercise may cause exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD). To test whether Zynamite®, a mango leaf extract rich in the natural polyphenol mangiferin, administered in combination with quercetin facilitates recovery after EIMD, 24 women and 33 men were randomly assigned to two treatment groups matched by sex and 5 km running performance, and ran a 10 km race followed by 100 drop jumps to elicit EIMD. One hour before the competition, and every 8 hours thereafter for 24 hours, they ingested placebo (728 mg of maltodextrin) or 140 mg of Zynamite® combined with 140 mg of quercetin (double-blind). Although competition times were similar, polyphenol supplementation attenuated the muscle pain felt after the competition (6.8 ± 1.5 and 5.7 ± 2.2 a.u., p = 0.035) and the loss of jumping performance (9.4 ± 11.5 and 3.9 ± 5.2%, p = 0.036; p = 0.034) and mechanical impulse (p = 0.038) 24 hours later. The polyphenols attenuated the increase of serum myoglobin and alanine aminotransferase in men, but not in women (interaction p < 0.05). In conclusion, a single dose of 140 mg Zynamite® combined with 140 mg of quercetin, administered one hour before competition, followed by three additional doses every eight hours, attenuates muscle pain and damage, and accelerates the recovery of muscle performance.

Mangifera indica L. Leaf Extract in Combination With Luteolin or Quercetin Enhances VO2peak and Peak Power Output, and Preserves Skeletal Muscle Function During Ischemia-Reperfusion in Humans.

It remains unknown whether polyphenols such as luteolin (Lut), mangiferin and quercetin (Q) have ergogenic effects during repeated all-out prolonged sprints. Here we tested the effect of Mangifera indica L. leaf extract (MLE) rich in mangiferin (Zynamite®) administered with either quercetin (Q) and tiger nut extract (TNE), or with luteolin (Lut) on sprint performance and recovery from ischemia-reperfusion. Thirty young volunteers were randomly assigned to three treatments 48 h before exercise. Treatment A: placebo (500 mg of maltodextrin/day); B: 140 mg of MLE (60% mangiferin) and 50 mg of Lut/day; and C: 140 mg of MLE, 600 mg of Q and 350 mg of TNE/day. After warm-up, subjects performed two 30 s Wingate tests and a 60 s all-out sprint interspaced by 4 min recovery periods. At the end of the 60 s sprint the circulation of both legs was instantaneously occluded for 20 s. Then, the circulation was re-opened and a 15 s sprint performed, followed by 10 s recovery with open circulation, and another 15 s final sprint. MLE supplements enhanced peak (Wpeak) and mean (Wmean) power output by 5.0-7.0% (P < 0.01). After ischemia, MLE+Q+TNE increased Wpeak by 19.4 and 10.2% compared with the placebo (P < 0.001) and MLE+Lut (P < 0.05), respectively. MLE+Q+TNE increased Wmean post-ischemia by 11.2 and 6.7% compared with the placebo (P < 0.001) and MLE+Lut (P = 0.012). Mean VO2 during the sprints was unchanged, suggesting increased efficiency or recruitment of the anaerobic capacity after MLE ingestion. In women, peak VO2 during the repeated sprints was 5.8% greater after the administration of MLE, coinciding with better brain oxygenation. MLE attenuated the metaboreflex hyperpneic response post-ischemia, may have improved O2 extraction by the Vastus Lateralis (MLE+Q+TNE vs. placebo, P = 0.056), and reduced pain during ischemia (P = 0.068). Blood lactate, acid-base balance, and plasma electrolytes responses were not altered by the supplements. In conclusion, a MLE extract rich in mangiferin combined with either quercetin and tiger nut extract or luteolin exerts a remarkable ergogenic effect, increasing muscle power in fatigued subjects and enhancing peak VO2 and brain oxygenation in women during prolonged sprinting. Importantly, the combination of MLE+Q+TNE improves skeletal muscle contractile function during ischemia/reperfusion.

Uromastyx acanthinura as a natural treatment in a mouse model of type 2 diabetes.

AIMS: Oral testimonies from North Africa attribute anti-diabetic effects to medicinal preparations of the lizard Uromastyx acanthinura (UA). No scientific evidence of such effects is currently available. The acute effects of oral administration of UA to C57Bl/6J mice with diet-induced diabetes were tested and, if effectiveness was shown, the effect of subchronic UA administration was assessed in the same model. METHODS: Mice were fed a diet containing 60% fat for at least 12 weeks. To assess acute effects, different doses of UA or saline were orally administered with 2g of glucose/kg during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) on different days in a randomised crossover design. The most effective dose was then fed together with the high-fat diet for 90 days and compared to high-fat diet alone in a parallel design. Body weight (BW), food consumption, welfare, and external appearance were assessed weekly. HbA1c, OGTT, and intraperitoneal insulin tolerance tests (IPITT) were performed at baseline and after treatment. Severity of neuropathy was evaluated by cold allodynia response in the acetone test. RESULTS: UA significantly decreased glucose levels as compared to saline 15min after administration. After 90 days of treatment, no differences were seen in OGTT or HbA1c between the groups, while IPITT showed higher glucose levels in UA-treated animals. Although weight increase was similar in both groups, weight tended to be higher in the treated group, which had a significantly higher daily food consumption. Cold allodynia response improved in frequency and intensity in the UA group. CONCLUSIONS: Orally administered UA acutely decreased blood glucose in diabetic mice. Paradoxically, long-term administration of UA increased food consumption, weight, and insulin resistance. Improved nociceptive response suggested an effect on pain and/or neuropathy. Although additional studies are needed to elucidate the properties and potential applications of UA, our results highlight the value of ethnomedical approaches to African traditional medicine as starting point to evaluate new bioactive components.

Effect of liraglutide on physical performance in type 2 diabetes (LIPER2): A randomised, double-blind, controlled trial.

Preclinical studies and small clinical trials suggest that glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1) may have a positive effect on ventricular function. Liraglutide is a GLP1-analogue used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. LIPER2 is a phase IV, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-design trial, assessing the effect of 6 months' liraglutide 1.8 mg/d on measures of cardiac function and physical performance in patients with type 2 diabetes. A total of 30 patients with type 2 diabetes will be included, if their HbA1c is between 7 and 10% while on oral agents (including metformin if tolerated and not contraindicated), a maximum of 2 intermediate or long-acting insulin injections per day or a combination of both. After their baseline examinations, patients are randomised to receive a daily subcutaneous liraglutide or placebo injection (titrated to 1.8 mg/d if tolerated) for 6 months. The primary end-point is the maximal oxygen consumption during cycle ergometry at the end of the study period. Other end-points include distance covered during a 6-min walk test, left ventricular ejection fraction and other measures of ventricular systolic and diastolic functions assessed by echocardiography, heart rate, blood pressure, pro-brain natriuretic peptide, C-reactive protein, HbA1c, lipids, apolipoprotein B, body weight and waist girth. Safety end-points include adverse event reporting, blood count, kidney and liver function, amylase, lipase, electrolytes, calcitonin, CA19.9 and pregnancy test for fertile women. At the time of this report, recruitment is still ongoing. Results are expected to be reported in December 2016.

Design, construction, and implementation of an online platform for patients with type 1 diabetes: EncoDiab.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to develop, build, and implement a virtual platform equipped with practical tools, relevant contents, and communication rooms, with the aim of facilitating patients' self-management of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The design of the platform was based on the suggestions of T1DM patients who were being managed at two reference hospitals. Patients' needs and preferences were identified in group discussion sessions. Before having access to the platform, patients underwent a baseline assessment, which included physical examination and the administration of validated questionnaires for evaluation of clinical background, quality of life, treatment satisfaction, and well-being. RESULTS: A total of 33 patients were included in the study; 54.5% of them were men, their median age was 34 (18-50) years, the median duration of diabetes was 15 (1-38) years, and the median A1C was 7.4% (6%-12.6%). Based on their suggestions and requests, the online platform EncoDiab was built and organized into four domains: a personal domain, two domains shared by the patients and the staff of each of the two participating hospitals, and one domain that was accessible to all participants. The platform included practical tools (a body mass index calculator, a carbohydrate counting tool, and an insulin-dose calculator), a library with relevant information (documents on prevention and treatment of acute complications, nutrition, exercise, etc), and a chat room. CONCLUSION: Although the study is still ongoing, our current results demonstrate the feasibility of building and implementing an online platform for helping T1DM patients in the self-management of their disease in the public health setting.

Potential implications of the choice among three alternative treatment targets for apolipoprotein B100 in the management of patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease.

This study analyses discordance rates between attainment of therapeutic goals for apolipoprotein B100 (apoB) and both low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and non-high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (non-HDL-C) in a sample of 152 patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease from Gran Canaria (Spain), using treatment targets recommended by the American Diabetes Association/American College of Cardiology (ADA/ACC), the European Society of Cardiology/European Atherosclerosis Society (ESC/EAS) and by a Spanish population-based study. Among subjects with LDL-C levels at therapeutic goal, apoB was above target in 16.3% (ADA/ACC), 6.5% (ESC/EAS) and 39.1% (population-based criteria), and among subjects with non-HDL-C levels at therapeutic goal, apoB was above target in 10.5% (ADA/ACC), 1.2% (ESC/EAS) and 29.6% (population-based criteria). These findings show that clinical management would be very differently altered depending on the criteria used to set treatment targets for apoB. Cut-off points derived from population data identify a greater number of subjects suitable for a more intensive lipid-lowering therapy.

Prognostic value of ACE I/D, AT1R A1166C, PAI-I 4G/5G and GPIIIa a1/a2 polymorphisms in myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery disease (CAD) has turned into a prevalent cause of morbi-mortality contributing some polymorphisms in the recurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE). METHODS: Three hundred and fifty six patients with first myocardial infarction (MI) were followed up during a 60-month period to find out if ACE I/D, AT1R A1166C, PAI-I 4G/5G and GPIIIa a1/a2 polymorphisms, in combination with other classical cardiovascular risk factors, can contribute to the relapse of MACE. RESULTS: Two hundred and eighty five (80.1%) men and 71 (19.9%) women were followed up after first MI. The primary clinical endpoint, a composite of MACE, was reached in 106 (29.8%) patients. In the Cox univariate survival analysis those risk factors influencing a poorer prognosis were age (p = 0.004), a positive family history of CAD (p = 0.007), diabetes (p = 0.004), smoking (p = 0.024), fibrinolytic therapy (p = 0.012) and having 2 or 3 vessels CAD (p = 0.046). Cox proportional hazards regression model showed that patients with the DD genotype had a 1.5 increased risk of having an unfavorable outcome when compared with No-DD genotype patients (RR 1.561, 95% CI 1.048-2.326, p = 0.028) and that patients with the ACE DD genotype plus the AT1R No-AA genotype, the GPIIIa No-a1a1 genotype or a combination of both, had a twice higher risk than any other genotype of MACE in the follow-up (RR 1.978, 95% CI 1.286-3.043, p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with the ACE DD genotype plus 1 or 2 unfavorable genotypes, the AT1R No-AA, the GPIIIa No-a1a1 or a combination of both, have twice higher the risk of MACE during their clinical follow-up.

[Effect of omega-3 acids on clinical evolution, plasma inflammatory biomarkers and B-type natriuretic peptide levels in patients with coronary heart disease]. / Efecto de los ácidos grasos omega-3 en la evolución clínica, biomarcadores inflamatorios y el péptido natriurético cerebral de pacientes con cardiopatía isquémica.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The consumption of fish has been associated with a minor risk of cardiovascular mortality. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-one patients with clinical and angiographic evidence of coronary illness and no data of heart failure were followed up. One gram per day of omega-3-acid ethyl esters was added to their usual cardiologic treatment. Demographic, clinical and analytical data (lipid, ESR, CRP, lipoprotein[a], fibrinogen, and BNP levels) were evaluated at the beginning and at 9 months. RESULTS: Six patients had cardiologic events in the follow up although none presented acute coronary syndrome. Significant differences were seen in HDL cholesterol (mg/dL) (38,5[9,6] vs. 42,1 (11,0), p=0,000), hemoglobin (g/dL) (13,2 [1,7] vs. 13,9 (1,7), p=0,009) and pro-BNP (pg/dL) (745,5 [1,035,7] vs. 235,8 [194,0], p=0,008) levels. No significant differences existed either in the inflammatory parameters or in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. CONCLUSION: One gram day of omega-3-acid ethyl esters added to the usual cardiologic treatment in patients with coronary heart disease improves pro BNP levels of patients with preserved left ventricular function without modifying serum inflammatory parameters.

Interaction between cholesteryl ester transfer protein and hepatic lipase encoding genes and the risk of type 2 diabetes: results from the Telde study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Diabetic dyslipidaemia is common in type 2 diabetes (T2D) and insulin resistance and often precedes the onset of T2D. The Taq1B polymorphism in CETP (B1 and B2 alleles) (rs708272) and the G-250A polymorphism in LIPC (rs2070895) are associated with changes in enzyme activity and lipid concentrations. Our aim was to assess the effects of both polymorphisms on the risk of T2D. METHODS AND RESULTS: In a case-control study from the population-based Telde cohort, both polymorphisms were analysed by PCR-based methods. Subjects were classified, according to an oral glucose tolerance test, into diabetic (N = 115) and pre-diabetic (N = 116); 226 subjects with normal glucose tolerance, matched for age and gender, were included as controls. Chi-square (comparison between groups) and logistic regression (identification of independent effects) were used for analysis. The B1B1 Taq1B CETP genotype frequency increased with worsening glucose metabolism (42.5%, 46.1% and 54.3% in control, IGR and diabetic group; p = 0.042). This polymorphism was independently associated with an increased risk of diabetes (OR: 1.828; IC 95%: 1.12-2.99; p = 0.016), even after adjusting by confounding variables, whereas the LIPC polymorphism was not. Regarding the interaction between both polymorphisms, in the B1B1 genotype carriers, the absence of the minor (A) allele of the LIPC polymorphism increased the risk of having diabetes. CONCLUSION: The presence of the B1B1 Taq1B CETP genotype contributes to the presence of diabetes, independently of age, sex, BMI and waist. However, among carriers of B1B1, the presence of GG genotype of the -250 LIPC polymorphism increases this risk further.

Uromastyx acanthinura as a natural treatment in a mouse model of type 2 diabetes / Uromastyx acanthinura como tratamiento natural en un modelo murino de diabetes tipo 2

Aims: Oral testimonies from North Africa attribute anti-diabetic effects to medicinal preparations of the lizard Uromastyx acanthinura (UA). No scientific evidence of such effects is currently available. The acute effects of oral administration of UA to C57Bl/6J mice with diet-induced diabetes were tested and, if effectiveness was shown, the effect of subchronic UA administration was assessed in the same model. Methods: Mice were fed a diet containing 60% fat for at least 12 weeks. To assess acute effects, different doses of UA or saline were orally administered with 2 g of glucose/kg during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) on different days in a randomised crossover design. The most effective dose was then fed together with the high-fat diet for 90 days and compared to high-fat diet alone in a parallel design. Body weight (BW), food consumption, welfare, and external appearance were assessed weekly. HbA1c, OGTT, and intraperitoneal insulin tolerance tests (IPITT) were performed at baseline and after treatment. Severity of neuropathy was evaluated by cold allodynia response in the acetone test. Results: UA significantly decreased glucose levels as compared to saline 15 min after administration. After 90 days of treatment, no differences were seen in OGTT or HbA1c between the groups, while IPITT showed higher glucose levels in UA-treated animals. Although weight increase was similar in both groups, weight tended to be higher in the treated group, which had a significantly higher daily food consumption. Cold allodynia response improved in frequency and intensity in the UA group. Conclusions: Orally administered UA acutely decreased blood glucose in diabetic mice. Paradoxically, long-term administration of UA increased food consumption, weight, and insulin resistance. Improved nociceptive response suggested an effect on pain and/or neuropathy. Although additional studies are needed to elucidate the properties and potential applications of UA, our results highlight the value of ethnomedical approaches to African traditional medicine as starting point to evaluate new bioactive components (AU)

Objetivos: Testimonios orales Norteafricanos atribuyen efectos hipoglucemiantes a preparados medicinales del lagarto Uromastyx acanthinura (UA), para los que no existen evidencias científicas actualmente. El objetivo de este trabajo fue el de investigar los efectos agudos de UA administrado oralmente en ratones diabéticos C57Bl/6J inducidos por dieta grasa, y si se demostrase su efectividad evaluar el efecto de su administración subcrónica en el mismo modelo animal. Métodos: Fue administrada una dieta a los animales con un contenido graso del 60% durante al menos 12 semanas. Para evaluar los efectos agudos diferentes dosis de UA o suero salino fueron administrados conjuntamente con 2 g/kg de glucosa durante sobrecargas orales de glucosa (SOG), en diferentes días, siguiendo un diseño cruzado aleatorizado. La dosis más efectiva en esta fase fue entonces administrada mezclada en la dieta durante 90 días y comparada con dieta solo en un diseño paralelo. El peso corporal y el consumo de alimento fueron evaluados semanalmente. HbA1c, SOG, y test de tolerancia intraperitoneal a la insulina (TTIPI) fueron realizados al inicio y tras el tratamiento. La gravedad de la neuropatía fue determinada mediante la evaluación de la alodinia al frío. Resultados: El UA redujo significativamente las concentraciones de glucosa de manera aguda en comparación con el control a los 15 min tras su administración. Tras 90 días de tratamiento no se observaron diferencias en las SOG o HbA1c entre grupos, mientras que para los test de tolerancia intraperitoneal a la isulina valores más altos de glucosa fueron determinados en los animales tratados con UA. Aunque ambos grupos aumentaron su peso, este tendió a ser mayor en los tratados, que a su vez consumieron significativamente más comida por día. La respuesta a la alodinia al frío mejoró en frecuencia e intensidad en los tratados con UA. Conclusiones: El UA administrado oralmente redujo de manera aguda la glucosa en sangre en ratones con diabetes. Paradójicamente, su administración crónica aumentó el consumo de alimento, el peso y la resistencia a la insulina. La mejora en la respuesta nociceptiva sugiere un efecto en el dolor y/o la neuropatía. Aunque son necesarios más estudios para aclarar las propiedades y posibles aplicaciones de este producto, nuestros resultados subrayan el valor de los enfoques etnomédicos hacia la medicina tradicional africana como origen para la evaluación de nuevos compuestos bioactivos (AU)

Differences in cardiovascular risk profile of diabetic subjects discordantly classified by diagnostic criteria based on glycated hemoglobin and oral glucose tolerance test.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the cardiovascular risk profile of subjects categorized differently by A1C- and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)-based diagnostic criteria for diabetes according to the recommendations of the American Diabetes Association (ADA). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: An OGTT, A1C, and several cardiovascular risk factors were assessed in 964 individuals without known diabetes participating in a cross-sectional epidemiological survey in Gran Canaria, Spain. RESULTS: Taking the OGTT as the gold standard, the sensitivity and specificity of an A1C value ≥ 6.5% were 38.7 and 99.6%, respectively. Subjects who fulfilled A1C-based criterion presented greater measures of BMI and waist circumference, lower values for HDL cholesterol, and higher values for fasting plasma glucose, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, and fibrinogen than subjects with diabetic OGTT but A1C <6.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Newly diagnosed diabetic individuals who fulfill A1C-based diagnostic criterion for the disease display a more unfavorable cardiovascular risk profile than individuals who only meet the glucose-based criteria.

Serum glucose and lipid levels in adult congenital heart disease patients.

Atherosclerosis has been correlated with known cardiovascular risk factors such as serum glucose or lipid levels. Because congenital heart disease patients tend to survive until adulthood, atherosclerosis has also become a matter of concern in these patients. One hundred fifty-eight congenital heart disease patients and 152 patients selected at random from the population were studied and compared to determine serum glucose, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides levels. Both groups had similar socioeconomic status levels and the same environmental influences. Significant differences were seen between congenital heart disease patients and the control group, after sex, age, and body mass index adjustment, in fasting plasma glucose (97.7 [94.2-101.2] vs 86.9 [83.2-90.7], P < .001), total cholesterol (171.5 [165.7-177.3] vs 199.8 [90.7-206.0], P < .001), LDL cholesterol (103.9 [98.8-108.8] vs 123.8 [118.5-129.1], P < .001), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (48.1 [46.2-50.0] vs 54.2 [52.1-56.2], P < .001) levels. Nonsignificant differences were seen in triglycerides concentrations. Those patients with ventricular septal defect, coarctation of the aorta, and cyanosis had the lowest total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol concentrations. Congenital heart disease patients have lower plasma cholesterol concentrations and higher serum glucose levels than noncongenital ones.

The GGN and CAG repeat polymorphisms in the exon-1 of the androgen receptor gene are, respectively, associated with insulin resistance in men and with dyslipidemia in women.

The human androgen receptor (AR) gene possesses two trinucleotide repeats of CAG and GGN in exon-1. The GGN repeat affects the amount of AR protein translated, while the CAG repeat affects the efficiency of AR transcriptionaly. In this study, we have genotyped these polymorphic tracts in a representative sample of 557 Caucasian adult individuals (314 women and 243 men) from the Canary Islands, Spain (the ENCA Study), and investigated their association with fasting serum levels of lipids, glucose and insulin. The number of CAG repeats in women (expressed as the average length of the two alleles) was inversely correlated with serum levels of LDL-cholesterol (Spearman rho=-0.179; P<0.01). Women with an average number of CAG repeats in the upper tertile showed significantly lower levels of LDL-cholesterol than those grouped in the lower and middle tertile, after adjusting for age, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, smoking and alcohol drinking. The number of GGN repeats in men was correlated with fasting insulin levels (Spearman rho=-0.206; P<0.01), the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR; Spearman rho=-0.230; P<0.01) and the McAuley index of insulin sensitivity (Spearman rho=0.194; P<0.01). Men with a number of GGN repeats in the upper tertile showed lower levels of insulin and HOMA and a higher level of the McAuley index than those grouped in the lower and middle tertile, after adjusting for the variables listed above. These results support the hypothesis that the longer alleles of the CAG and GGN polymorphisms in the exon-1 of the AR gene, indicative of lower androgenic signaling, respectively protect women from developing dyslipemia and men from developing insulin resistance.