Effects of Perioperative Glycemic Management Protocol on Glycemic Outcomes of Type 2 Diabetic Patients Undergoing Major Abdominal Surgery: A Prospective Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to reveal the effects of a glycemic control protocol directed by nurses during the perioperative period on glycemic outcomes in diabetic patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. DESIGN: This was a prospective cohort study METHODS: The study was conducted at the Department of General Surgery of a research and training hospital in Turkey. The study included 47 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who underwent elective major abdominal surgery between September 2017 and December 2018. The number of patients in the intervention and the control groups was 22 and 25, respectively. Routine clinical glycemic control was implemented in the control group, whereas a glycemic management protocol developed by a multidisciplinary team was implemented in the intervention group. We collected data on the control group first, followed by the introduction of the glycemic management protocol to clinical staff and glycemia data collection using the new protocol. Blood glucose (BG) levels in patients and the factors that may affect BG were measured in the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative periods. Data on glycemic control was also collected. Furthermore, we measured the satisfaction of the nurses implementing the glycemic management protocol. FINDINGS: The rate of hyperglycemia in intensive care unit was 21% in the intervention group and 59% in the control group (P < .05). Time spent in the target BG range during insulin infusion was 76% in the intervention group and 35% in the control group (P < .05). The time required to achieve target BG range during insulin infusion was 6 hours for the intervention group and 15 hours for the control group, indicating that less time was required to achieve the target BG range in the intervention group (P < .05). Moreover, the insulin consumption rate in the intensive care unit was lower in the intervention group (P < .05). The satisfaction levels of the nurses that used the glycemic management protocol was 92.61 ± 7.93%. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this study showed that the implementation of a glycemic management protocol by nurses for patients undergoing major abdominal surgery decreases the rate of hyperglycemia, insulin consumption rate, and the time required to achieve the targeted BG range during the perioperative period. Therefore, it is recommended to use a glycemia management protocol to control glycemia in patients during the surgical process.

Expert Opinion on the Utility of Telemedicine in Obesity Care: Recommendations on a Hybrid Multidisciplinary Integrated Care Follow-Up Algorithm.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The proposed expert opinion was prepared by a panel of obesity and law specialists from Turkey to review the utility of telemedicine in obesity care and to provide a guidance document with recommendations on a hybrid multidisciplinary integrated care follow-up algorithm and the legislation governing telemedicine practice to assist obesity specialists in practicing the telemedicine. RECENT FINDINGS: The efficacy and feasibility of telemedicine interventions in supporting obesity management programs even during pandemics confirm that obesity is a particularly well-suited field for telemedicine, emphasizing the strong likelihood of continued utilization of telemedicine in obesity management, beyond the pandemic period. Telemedicine has great potential to address several barriers to ongoing weight-management care, such as challenges of access to specialized care, cost, and time limitations as well as patient adherence to treatment. However, telemedicine practice should complement rather than replace the in-person visits which are unique in building rapport and offering social support. Accordingly, the participating experts recommend the use of a hybrid integrated care model in the management of obesity, with the use of telemedicine, as an adjunct to in-person visits, to enable the provision of suggested intensive obesity management via frequent visits by a multidisciplinary team of obesity specialists. Further research addressing the utility of telemedicine in terms of optimal modality and duration for successful long-term obesity management outcomes is necessary to develop specific guidelines on telemedicine practice. In addition, the legislation governing the norms and protocols on confidentiality, privacy, access, and liability needs to be improved.

Triglyceride-glucose index levels in patients with Klinefelter syndrome and its relationship with endothelial dysfunction and insulin resistance: a cross-sectional observational study

ABSTRACT Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, which is a simple surrogate marker of insulin resistance that is associated with various cardiometabolic diseases, in patients with Klinefelter syndrome (KS). Subjects and methods: A total of 30 patients with KS (mean age: 21.53 ± 1.66 years) and 32 healthy controls (mean age: 22.07 ± 1.01 years) were included in the study.The clinical and laboratory parameters,TyG index, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) level, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) score, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level were measured in patients with KS and healthy subjects. Results: Patients with KS had higher HOMA-IR score (p = 0.043), ADMA levels (p < 0.001), and TyG index (p = 0.031) and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (p < 0.001) than healthy subjects. TyG index was positively correlated with plasma ADMA (r = 0.48, p < 0.001) and HOMA-IR (r = 0.36, p = 0.011). Multivariate analyses showed that total testosterone level (β = −0.44, p = 0.001) and TyG index (β = 0.29, p = 0.045) were independent determinants of plasma ADMA levels. Conclusion: Patients with KS had higher TyG indices than healthy subjects. Moreover, TyG index was independently associated with endothelial dysfunction in patients. TyG index may be a practical and useful measure to show the increased endothelial dysfunction in patients with KS.

Clinical characteristics of adult and paediatric patients with familial hypercholesterolemia: A real-life cross-sectional study from the Turkish National Database.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is the most common cause of premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Türkiye is among the countries with the highest rate of ASCVD. However, no population-based study has been published so far on the prevalence of FH, demographic and clinical characteristics, burden of ASCVD, treatment compliance, and attainment of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) targets. METHODS: We performed a study using the Turkish Ministry of Health's national electronic health records involving 83,063,515 citizens as of December 2021 dating back 2016. Adults fulfilling the diagnostic criteria of definite or probable FH according to the Dutch Lipid Network Criteria (DLNC), and children and adolescents fulfilling the criteria of probable FH according to the European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS) Consensus Panel report formed the study population (n = 157,790). The primary endpoint was the prevalence of FH. RESULTS: Probable or definite FH was detected in 0.63% (1 in 158) of the adults and 0.61% (1 in 164) of the total population. The proportion of adults with LDL-C levels >4.9 mmol/L (190 mg/dL) was 4.56% (1 in 22). The prevalence of FH among children and adolescents was 0.37% (1 in 270). Less than one-third of the children and adolescents, and two-thirds of young adults (aged 18-29) with FH were already diagnosed with dyslipidaemia. The proportion of adults and children and adolescents on lipid-lowering treatment (LLT) was 32.1% and 1.5%, respectively. The overall discontinuation rate of LLT was 65.8% among adults and 77.9% among children and adolescents. Almost no subjects on LLT were found to attain the target LDL-C levels. CONCLUSIONS: This nationwide study showed a very high prevalence of FH in Türkiye. Patients with FH are diagnosed late and treated sub-optimally. Whether these findings may explain the high rates of premature ASCVD in Türkiye needs further investigation. These results denote the urgent need for country-wide initiatives for early diagnosis and effective management of FH patients.

Triglyceride-glucose index levels in patients with Klinefelter syndrome and its relationship with endothelial dysfunction and insulin resistance: a cross-sectional observational study.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, which is a simple surrogate marker of insulin resistance that is associated with various cardiometabolic diseases, in patients with Klinefelter syndrome (KS). Subjects and methods: A total of 30 patients with KS (mean age: 21.53 ± 1.66 years) and 32 healthy controls (mean age: 22.07 ± 1.01 years) were included in the study. The clinical and laboratory parameters, TyG index, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) level, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) score, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level were measured in patients with KS and healthy subjects. Results: Patients with KS had higher HOMA-IR score (p = 0.043), ADMA levels (p < 0.001), and TyG index (p = 0.031) and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (p < 0.001) than healthy subjects. TyG index was positively correlated with plasma ADMA (r = 0.48, p < 0.001) and HOMA-IR (r = 0.36, p = 0.011). Multivariate analyses showed that total testosterone level (ß = -0.44, p = 0.001) and TyG index (ß = 0.29, p = 0.045) were independent determinants of plasma ADMA levels. Conclusion: Patients with KS had higher TyG indices than healthy subjects. Moreover, TyG index was independently associated with endothelial dysfunction in patients. TyG index may be a practical and useful measure to show the increased endothelial dysfunction in patients with KS.

Advances in the Pharmacological Management of Diabetic Nephropathy: A 2022 International Update.

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) worldwide. Its pathogenesis encompasses functional alterations involving elevated intraglomerular and systemic pressure, increased activity of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and oxidative stress, and the eventual development of renal fibrosis. The management of DN involves the optimization of blood pressure (BP) and blood glucose targets. However, treatment of these risk factors slows down but does not stop the progression of DN. Innovative pharmacologic therapies for dyslipidemia and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) could play a key role in bridging this gap and attenuating the residual risk of DN beyond traditional risk factor management. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2is), and inhibitors of mineralocorticoid receptor-mediated sodium reabsorption are recently introduced drug classes that have been shown to have positive effects on kidney function in individuals with T2DM. The aim of this review is to provide an update on the therapeutic options available in order to prevent or slow the onset and progression of DN in diabetic patients.

The Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of COVID-19 Patients with Pre-Existing Thyroid Dysfunction: A Nationwide Study.

To which extent the pre-existing hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism has an impact on coronavirus infection 2019 (COVID-19) outcomes remains unclear. The objective of this study was to evaluate COVID-19 morbidity and mortality in patients with pre-existing thyroid dysfunction. A retrospective cohort of patients with a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-confirmed COVID-19 infection (n=14 966) from March 11 to May 30, 2020, was established using the database of the Turkish Ministry of Health. We compared the morbidity and mortality rates of COVID-19 patients with pre-existing hypothyroidism (n=8813) and hyperthyroidism (n=1822) to those patients with normal thyroid function (n=4331). Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to identify the factors associated with mortality. Mortality rates were higher in patients with hyperthyroidism (7.7%) and hypothyroidism (4.4%) than those with normal thyroid function (3.4%) (p<0.001 and p=0.008, respectively). Pre-existing hyperthyroidism was significantly associated with an increased risk of mortality (OR 1.54; 95% CI, 1.02-2.33; p=0.042) along with advanced age, male gender, lymphopenia and chronic kidney disease (p<0.001 for all). Although a potential trend was noted, the association between pre-existing hypothyroidism and mortality was not significant (OR 1.36; 95% CI, 0.99-1.86; p=0.055). In conclusion, this study showed an association between pre-existing hyperthyroidism with higher COVID-19 mortality. A potential trend towards increased mortality was also observed for hypothyroidism. The risk was more pronounced in patients with hyperthyroidism.

Critical questions in diabetes management: What are the most compelling challenges and how can we handle them?

Background: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is growing worldwide, showing almost a 10-fold increase in the last five decades. Despite advances in the understanding of the disease mechanisms, preventive measures, and treatment options, morbidity and mortality remain high. Moreover, the burden of uncontrolled glycemia and associated complications have a significant impact on healthcare costs. To be ready for the future and emerging issues in the management of diabetes and related disorders, a holistic approach is essential for the prevention of the next generations. So many challenges in the management of diabetes exist globally, which differ according to the health infrastructure, and cultural, economic, and sociodemographic status of the nations. Conclusions: In this minireview and commentary on previously unaddressed needs relating to the management of diabetes, we discuss the ubiquitous and most compelling challenges and suggest potential solutions in the care of patients with diabetes.

Role of Chemerin in Cardiovascular Diseases.

(1) Background: Obesity is closely connected to the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Excess fat accumulation is associated with metabolic malfunctions that disrupt cardiovascular homeostasis by activating inflammatory processes that recruit immune cells to the site of injury and reduce nitric oxide levels, resulting in increased blood pressure, endothelial cell migration, proliferation, and apoptosis. Adipose tissue produces adipokines, such as chemerin, that may alter immune responses, lipid metabolism, vascular homeostasis, and angiogenesis. (2) Methods: We performed PubMed and MEDLINE searches for articles with English abstracts published between 1997 (when the first report on chemerin identification was published) and 2022. The search retrieved original peer-reviewed articles analyzed in the context of the role of chemerin in CVDs, explicitly focusing on the most recent findings published in the past five years. (3) Results: This review summarizes up-to-date findings related to mechanisms of chemerin action, its role in the development and progression of CVDs, and novel strategies for developing chemerin-targeting therapeutic agents for treating CVDs. (4) Conclusions: Extensive evidence points to chemerin's role in vascular inflammation, angiogenesis, and blood pressure modulation, which opens up exciting perspectives for developing chemerin-targeting therapeutic agents for the treatment of CVDs.

Current gaps in management and timely referral of cardiorenal complications among people with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Middle East and African countries: Expert recommendations.

The upsurge of type 2 diabetes mellitus is a major public health concern in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and Africa (AFR) region, with cardiorenal complications (CRCs) being the predominant cause of premature morbidity and mortality. High prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors, lack of awareness among patients and physicians, deficient infrastructure, and economic constraints lead to a cascade of CRCs at a significantly earlier age in MENA and AFR. In this review, we present consensus recommendations by experts in MENA and AFR, highlighting region-specific challenges and potential solutions for management of CRCs. Health professionals who understand sociocultural barriers can significantly increase patient awareness and encourage health-seeking behavior through simple educational tools. Increasing physician knowledge on early identification of CRCs and personalized treatment based on risk stratification, alongside optimum glycemic control, can mitigate therapeutic inertia. Early diagnosis of high-risk people with regular and systematic monitoring of cardiorenal parameters, development of region-specific care pathways for timely referral to specialists, followed by guideline-recommended care with novel antidiabetics are imperative. Adherence to guideline-recommended care can catalyze utilization of sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists with demonstrated cardiorenal benefits-thus paving the way for overcoming care gaps in a cost-effective manner. Leveraging digital technology like electronic medical records can help generate real-world data and provide insights on voids in adoption of newer antidiabetic medications. A patient-centric approach, collaborative care among physicians from different specialties, alongside involvement of policy makers are key for improving patient outcomes and quality of care in MENA and AFR.

Atherosclerosis Development and Progression: The Role of Atherogenic Small, Dense LDL.

Atherosclerosis is responsible for large cardiovascular mortality in many countries globally. It has been shown over the last decades that the reduction of atherosclerotic progression is a critical factor for preventing future cardiovascular events. Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) have been successfully targeted, and their reduction is one of the key preventing measures in patients with atherosclerotic disease. LDL particles are pivotal for the formation and progression of atherosclerotic plaques; yet, they are quite heterogeneous, and smaller, denser LDL species are the most atherogenic. These particles have greater arterial entry and retention, higher susceptibility to oxidation, as well as reduced affinity for the LDL receptor. Increased proportion of small, dense LDL particles is an integral part of the atherogenic lipoprotein phenotype, the most common form of dyslipidemia associated with insulin resistance. Recent data suggest that both genetic and epigenetic factors might induce expression of this specific lipid pattern. In addition, a typical finding of increased small, dense LDL particles was confirmed in different categories of patients with elevated cardiovascular risk. Small, dense LDL is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, which emphasizes the clinical importance of both the quality and the quantity of LDL. An effective management of atherosclerotic disease should take into account the presence of small, dense LDL in order to prevent cardiovascular complications.

Higher rate of COVID-19 mortality in patients with type 1 than type 2 diabetes: a nationwide study.

INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 disease has a worse prognosis in patients with diabetes, but comparative data about the course of COVID-19 in patients with type 1 (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) are lacking. The purpose of this study was to find out the relative clinical severity and mortality of COVID-19 patients with T1DM and T2DM. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A nationwide retrospective cohort of patients with confirmed (PCR positive) COVID-19 infection (n = 149,671) was investigated. After exclusion of individuals with unspecified diabetes status, the adverse outcomes between patients with T1DM (n = 163), T2DM (n = 33,478) and those without diabetes (n = 115,108) were compared by using the propensity score matching method. The outcomes were hospitalization, the composite of intensive care unit (ICU) admission and/or mechanical ventilation, and mortality. RESULTS: The patients with T1DM had higher mortality than the age- and gender-matched patients with T2DM (n = 489) and those without diabetes (n = 489) (p < 0.001). After further adjustment for the HbA1c, and microvascular and macrovascular complications, the odds of mortality (OR: 3.35, 95% CI: 1.41-7.96, p = 0.006) and ICU admission and/or mechanical ventilation (OR: 2.95, 95% CI: 1.28-6.77, p = 0.011) were significantly higher in patients with T1DM compared to those with T2DM. Older age (OR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.01-1.12, p = 0.028) and lymphopaenia (OR: 5.13, 95% CI: 1.04-25.5, p = 0.045) were independently associated with mortality in patients with T1DM. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with T1DM had worse prognosis of COVID-19 compared to T2DM patients or those without diabetes. These cases should be cared for diligently until more data become available about the causes of increased COVID-19 mortality in T1DM.

Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of COVID-19 Patients with Overweight and Obesity: Turkish Nationwide Cohort Study (TurCObesity).

PURPOSE: While obesity is related to more severe outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), factors leading to poor prognosis still remain unclear. The present study evaluated the outcomes of COVID-19 patients who were overweight or obese and variables associated with severe disease in a large group of consecutive cases. METHODS: A nationwide retrospective cohort study was performed using the Turkish National Healthcare Database. Demographic characteristics, laboratory tests, comorbidities, and medications of patients registered between March 11 and May 30, 2020, were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 14, 625 patients (median age:42, IQR:26 years; female 57.4%) with normal weight (34.7%), overweight (35.6%), and obesity (29.7%) were included. Hospitalization, ICU admission, intubation/mechanical ventilation, pulmonary involvement, and mortality were significantly higher in patients who were overweight or obese. In adjusted analyses, both overweight (OR, 95% CI: 1.82, 1.04-3.21; p=0.037) and obesity (OR, 95% CI: 2.69, 1.02-1.05; p<0.001) were associated with a higher intubation/mechanical ventilation rate but only obesity was associated with increased mortality (OR, 95% CI: 2.56, 1.40-4.67; p=0.002). Old age, male gender, chronic kidney disease, and high C reactive protein levels were independently associated with COVID-19 mortality in overweight or obese patients. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 patients who were overweight or obese were more likely to have adverse outcomes but only obesity was a predictor of mortality. Such patients should receive urgent medical attention and active management, especially the elderly, men, and people with chronic kidney disease.

No association of Gaucher disease with COVID-19-related outcomes: a nationwide cohort study.

BACKGROUND: It is well documented that patients with chronic metabolic diseases, such as diabetes and obesity, are adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, when the subject is rare metabolic diseases, there are not enough data in the literature. AIM: To investigate the course of COVID-19 among patients with Gaucher disease (GD), the most common lysosomal storage disease. METHODS: Based on the National Health System data, a retrospective cohort of patients with confirmed (polymerase chain reactionpositive) COVID-19 infection (n = 149 618) was investigated. The adverse outcomes between patients with GD (n = 39) and those without GD (n = 149 579) were compared with crude and propensity score-matched (PSM) groups. The outcomes were hospitalisation, the composite of intensive care unit (ICU) admission and/or mechanical ventilation and mortality. RESULTS: The patients with GD were significantly older and had a higher frequency of hypertension (HT), Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), dyslipidaemia, asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic kidney disease, coronary artery disease, heart failure and cancer. Although hospitalisation rates in Gaucher patients were found to be higher in crude analyses, the PSM models (model 1, age and gender matched; model 2, matched for age, gender, HT, T2DM and cancer) revealed no difference for the outcomes between patients with GD and the general population. According to multivariate regression analyses, having a diagnosis of GD was not a significant predictor for hospitalisation (P = 0.241), ICU admission/mechanical ventilation (P = 0.403) or mortality (P = 0.231). CONCLUSION: According to our national data, SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with GD does not have a more severe course than the normal population.

The role of GLP-1 receptor agonists during COVID-19 pandemia: a hypothetical molecular mechanism.

INTRODUCTION: A number of anti-diabetic treatments have been favored during the continuing spread of the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Glucagon like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RAs) are a group of antidiabetic drugs, the glucose reducing effect of which is founded on augmenting glucose-dependent insulin secretion with concomitant reduction of glucagon secretion and delayed gastric emptying. Apart from their glucose lowering effects, GLP1-RAs also exert a plethora of pleiotropic activities in the form of anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic and anti-obesogenic properties, with beneficial cardiovascular and renal impact. All these make this class of drugs a preferred option for managing patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), and potentially helpful in those with SARS-CoV2 infection. AREAS COVERED: In the present article we propose a hypothetical molecular mechanism by which GLP1-RAs may interact with SARS-CoV-2 activity. EXPERT OPINION: The beneficial properties of GLP1-RAs may be of specific importance during COVID-19 infection for the most fragile patients with chronic comorbid conditions such as T2D, and those at higher cardiovascular and renal disease risk. Yet, further studies are needed to confirm our hypothesis and preliminary findings available in the literature.

Lower COVID-19 Mortality in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Taking Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitors: Results from a Turkish Nationwide Study.

INTRODUCTION: To investigate the effect of preexisting treatment with dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4is) on COVID-19-related hospitalization and mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: A multicenter, retrospective cohort study was conducted using patient data extracted from the Turkish National Electronic Database. All patients who tested positive for COVID-19 (PCR test) between 11 March through to 30 May 2020 were screened for eligibility (n = 149,671). Following exclusion of patients based on pre-determined inclusion criteria, patients with T2DM using a DPP-4i or glucose-lowering medications other than a DPP-4i were compared for mortality and hospitalization. The propensity score method was used to match age, gender, micro- and macrovascular complications, and medications in the two groups. Independent associates of mortality were analyzed using multivariable analysis on the whole T2DM population. RESULTS: A total of 33,478 patients with T2DM who tested postive for COVID-19 who met the inclusion criteria were included in the analysis. Median (interquartile range) age was 54 (22) years and 42.4% were male. Of these, 9100 patients using DPP-4is (n = 4550) or other glucose-lowering drugs (n = 4550) were matched in two groups. After matching, analysis revealed a lower mortality in the DPP-4i group (9.5 vs. 11.8%; p < 0.001). In the multivariable model, the use of DPP-4is (odds ratio [OR] 0.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.35-0.91; p = 0.02) was associated with lower mortality in the whole sample, while age, male gender, computed tomography finding of COVID-19, obesity, low glomerular filtration rate, and an insulin-based regimen also predicted increased risk of death. There was no association between the preexisting treatment with DPP-4is and COVID-19-related hospitalization in the matched analysis or multivariate model. The rate of admission to the intensive care unit and/or mechanical ventilation favored the DPP-4i group (21.7 vs. 25.2%; p = 0.001), although this association became saturated in the multivariate analysis (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.39-1.08; p = 0.099). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study demonstrate an association between DDP-4i use and reduced mortality in people with T2DM who tested PCR positive for COVID-19.

Betatrophin Levels Are Related to the Early Histological Findings in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

Betatrophin, a liver hormone, regulates glucose and lipid metabolism. We investigated the betatrophin levels in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and searched for any relationship with histological severity and metabolic parameters. Fifty males with NAFLD [Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) (n = 32); non-NASH (n = 18)] and 30 healthy controls were included. Plasma betatrophin was measured by ELISA method. Insulin sensitivity was assessed by HOMA-IR index. Histological features were scored by the semi quantitative classification and combined as the NAFLD activity score (NAS). Betatrophin levels in the non-NASH group were significantly higher than the controls. Betatrophin was positively correlated to the age, waist circumference, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR index and gamma glutamyl transpeptidase levels, and negatively correlated to the steatosis and NAS. In the stepwise linear regression analysis, the triglyceride (ß = 0.457, p < 0.001), glucose (ß = 0.281, p = 0.02) and NAS (ß = -0.260, p = 0.03) were the independent determinants of betatrophin. Betatrophin levels are higher in the early stages of NAFLD and tend to decrease when the disease progresses. This could be an important preliminary mechanistic finding to explain the increased frequency of glucose intolerance during the course of NAFLD.