Albuminuria, Disease Duration, and Glycated Hemoglobin Are Related With Bone Mineral Density in Type 1 Diabetes: A Cross-sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE: Studies have found a significant decrease in bone mineral density (BMD) in individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) compared to healthy controls. Factors associated with this phenomenon have yet to be defined; therefore, this study aimed to explore the association of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), disease duration, albuminuria, and glomerular filtration rate with BMD in adults with T1D. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out in tertiary care center. BMD analysis was performed by dual x-ray absorptiometry. Linear models were constructed considering variables associated with BMD. Approval from the ethics committees and informed consent were obtained. RESULTS: We included 128 participants, of whom 59% were women, and 16% had menopause. The median age was 33 (26-42) years. The average age of diabetes diagnosis was 15.3 ± 6.3 years, and the median disease duration was 19.5 (12-27) years. In the adjusted analysis, higher albuminuria (P < .01) and disease duration (P < .05) were associated with a lower BMD in the femoral neck and total hip, independently of age, sex, and body mass index (BMI). Higher HbA1c (P < .01) was associated with a lower spine BMD after adjustment for age, sex, and BMI. CONCLUSION: Studied factors specific to T1D, including albuminuria, disease duration, and HbA1c have an association with BMD regardless of BMI, age, and sex.

Associated factors to the consumption of non-nutritive sweeteners in the Mexican adult population.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the associated factors to the consumption of non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) in the Mexican adult population since its consumption has increased exponentially worldwide. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An online survey was applied to 5 038 Mexican adults to evaluate the frequency of NNS consumption and classify the population in tertiles. The sociodemographic, lifestyle and health status characteristics of the participants were compared by gradient of NNS consumption, and a multiple linear regression analysis was performed to determine the associated factors to the NNS consumption. RESULTS: The variables that showed a positive association (p≤0.01) with the consumption of NNS were economic income, BMI, smoking, physical activity, diet quality, the presence of chronic diseases (diabetes, hypertension, or dyslipidemias), and the consumption of fruit. The age and the consumption of confectionery and sugar-sweetened beverages were negatively associated (p<0.01) with the consumption of NNS. CONCLUSION: The results of this study help to characterize the target population that is a consumer of NNS since it is recommended not encourage the preference for sweet taste and to promote a decrease in the consumption of both caloric and NNS, preferring the natural flavor of food.

Validity and reliability of simple surrogate indexes to evaluate beta-cell function and insulin sensitivity.

BACKGROUND: Simple surrogate indexes (SSI) to assess beta-cell function, insulin sensitivity (IS) and insulin resistance (IR) are an easy and economic tool used in clinical practice to identify glucose metabolism disturbances. AIM: To evaluate the validity and reliability of SSI that estimate beta-cell function, IS and IR using as a reference the parameters obtained from the frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test (FSIVGTT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included 62 subjects aged 20-45 years, with a normal body mass index and without diabetes or prediabetes. SSI were compared with the acute insulin response to glucose (AIRg), insulin sensitivity index (Si) and disposition index (DI) obtained from the FSIVGTT using the minimal model approach. Half of the participants (n = 31) were randomly selected for a second visit two weeks later to evaluate the reliability of all the variables. RESULTS: HOMA1-%B and HOMA2-%B had a significant correlation with AIRg (Spearman Rho (rs) = 0.33 and 0.37 respectively, p < 0.01). The SSI evaluating IS/IR that showed stronger correlation (rs > 0.50) with Si were fasting insulin, HOMA1-IR, HOMA2-IR, HOMA1-%S, HOMA2-%S, QUICKI, and the McAuley index. The parameters that showed good reliability with an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) > 0.75 were AIRg, HOMA1-%S, HOMA2-%S, and QUICKI. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that most of the SSI are useful and reliable.

Identification of glucose and insulin patterns during A 5-H glucose tolerance test and association with cardiometabolic risk factors.

Background: Insulin resistance is key in the pathogenesis of the metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. Objective: We aimed to identify glucose and insulin patterns after a 5-h oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in individuals without diabetes and to explore cardiometabolic risk factors, beta-cell function, and insulin sensitivity in each pattern. Methods: We analyzed the 5-h OGTT in a tertiary healthcare center. We identified classes using latent class trajectory analysis and evaluated their association with cardiometabolic risk factors, beta-cell function, and insulin sensitivity surrogates by multinomial logistic regression analysis. Results: We included 1088 5-h OGTT performed between 2013 and 2020 and identified four classes. Class one was associated with normal insulin sensitivity and secretion. Class two showed hyperglycemia, dysinsulinism, and a high-risk cardiometabolic profile (obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, and low high-density lipoprotein [HDL] cholesterol). Class three included older individuals, a higher proportion of males, and a greater prevalence of hypertension, hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and postprandial hypoglycemia. Finally, class four showed hyperglycemia, dysinsulinism, and hyperinsulinemia; this class had the worst cardiometabolic profile (a high proportion of males, greater age, hypertension, obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, and low HDL cholesterol, p < 0.001 vs. other classes). Conclusions: The latent class analysis approach allows the identification of groups with an adverse cardiometabolic risk factor, and who might benefit from frequent follow-ups and timely multidisciplinary interventions.

A higher bacterial inward BCAA transport driven by Faecalibacterium prausnitzii is associated with lower serum levels of BCAA in early adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Elevations of circulating branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) are observed in humans with obesity and metabolic comorbidities, such as insulin resistance. Although it has been described that microbial metabolism contributes to the circulating pool of these amino acids, studies are still scarce, particularly in pediatric populations. Thus, we aimed to explore whether in early adolescents, gut microbiome was associated to circulating BCAA and in this way to insulin resistance. METHODS: Shotgun sequencing was performed in DNA from fecal samples of 23 early adolescents (10-12 years old) and amino acid targeted metabolomics analysis was performed by LC-MS/MS in serum samples. By using the HUMAnN2 algorithm we explored microbiome functional profiles to identify whether bacterial metabolism contributed to serum BCAA levels and insulin resistance markers. RESULTS: We identified that abundance of genes encoding bacterial BCAA inward transporters were negatively correlated with circulating BCAA and HOMA-IR (P < 0.01). Interestingly, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii contributed to approximately ~ 70% of bacterial BCAA transporters gene count. Moreover, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii abundance was also negatively correlated with circulating BCAA (P = 0.001) and with HOMA-IR (P = 0.018), after adjusting for age, sex and body adiposity. Finally, the association between Faecalibacterium genus and BCAA levels was replicated over an extended data set (N = 124). CONCLUSIONS: We provide evidence that gut bacterial BCAA transport genes, mainly encoded by Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, are associated with lower circulating BCAA and lower insulin resistance. Based on the later, we propose that the relationship between Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and insulin resistance, could be through modulation of BCAA.

Comparison of Two Electronic Systems for Obtaining Diabetes Care Indicators in Clinical Practice.

We compared the completeness of data captured by physicians in a diabetes outpatient clinic using a general electronic health record system versus one that was specifically geared to diabetes. Use of a diabetes-oriented data system was found to allow for greater capture of crucial variables required for diabetes care than a general electronic record and was well accepted by health care providers.

Quality of life is significantly impaired in both secretory and non-functioning pituitary adenomas.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the quality of life (QoL) in patients with pituitary adenomas in comparison with healthy Mexican population QoL scores. DESIGN & MEASUREMENTS: Cross-sectional study using the short form 36 questionnaire (SF-36) in 175 patients with pituitary adenomas grouped by adenoma subtype and disease activity, and compared them with the healthy Mexican population normative QoL scores. PATIENTS: A total of 44 patients with non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFPA), 48 with acromegaly, 53 with prolactinomas and 30 with Cushing disease (CD) were enrolled in this study. RESULTS: Mental and physical components scores (MCS & PCS) of SF-36 questionnaire were lower in patients with active disease in all adenoma subtypes (P < 0.03). A significant negative relationship between prolactin levels and MCS (r = -0.30, P < 0.01) and PCS (r = -0.41, P < 0.01) were found in prolactinomas. Patients with CD showed 24 hours urine-free cortisol levels negatively correlated with MCS (r = -0.43, P < 0.01) but not with PCS. No significant correlation was found between IGF-1 ULN and QoL scores in acromegaly. NFPA patients had lower QoL scores than patients with controlled CD, acromegaly or prolactinoma (P < 0.02). Active CD and prolactinoma have lower QoL scores in comparison of NFPA (P < 0.05). Having an adenoma, secretory or non-functioning, decrease QoL scores in comparison of results in the healthy Mexican population register. Using an adjusted-multivariate model, we confirmed that disease activity in all secretory adenomas is an independent risk factor, reducing SF-36 scores significantly. CONCLUSION: Activity in all secretory pituitary adenomas' patients decrease mental and physical QoL. However, independently of disease activity, secretory and NFPA significantly decrease QoL in comparison with healthy Mexican population QoL register.

Development and validation of a predictive model for incident type 2 diabetes in middle-aged Mexican adults: the metabolic syndrome cohort.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Mexico. Here, we aimed to report incidence rates (IR) of type 2 diabetes in middle-aged apparently-healthy Mexican adults, identify risk factors associated to ID and develop a predictive model for ID in a high-risk population. METHODS: Prospective 3-year observational cohort, comprised of apparently-healthy adults from urban settings of central Mexico in whom demographic, anthropometric and biochemical data was collected. We evaluated risk factors for ID using Cox proportional hazard regression and developed predictive models for ID. RESULTS: We included 7636 participants of whom 6144 completed follow-up. We observed 331 ID cases (IR: 21.9 per 1000 person-years, 95%CI 21.37-22.47). Risk factors for ID included family history of diabetes, age, abdominal obesity, waist-height ratio, impaired fasting glucose (IFG), HOMA2-IR and metabolic syndrome. Early-onset ID was also high (IR 14.77 per 1000 person-years, 95%CI 14.21-15.35), and risk factors included HOMA-IR and IFG. Our ID predictive model included age, hypertriglyceridemia, IFG, hypertension and abdominal obesity as predictors (Dxy = 0.487, c-statistic = 0.741) and had higher predictive accuracy compared to FINDRISC and Cambridge risk scores. CONCLUSIONS: ID in apparently healthy middle-aged Mexican adults is currently at an alarming rate. The constructed models can be implemented to predict diabetes risk and represent the largest prospective effort for the study metabolic diseases in Latin-American population.

[Prevalence of non-nutritive sweeteners consumption in a population of patients with diabetes in Mexico]. / Prevalencia del consumo de edulcorantes no nutritivos (ENN) en una población de pacientes con diabetes en México.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) consumption in a sample of patients with diabetes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We applied two questionnaires, one of food frequency adapted to products containing NNS and the other of beliefs related to NNS. The prevalence of NNS consumption was determined and correlated with the body mass index, energy and sugar consumption, waist circumference, glycated hemoglobin, triglycerides, diabetes type, education and socioeconomic status. RESULTS: The prevalence of NNS consumption was 96%; the consumption was greater in men and in patients with type 1 diabetes. A negative correlation was found between the consumption and age and a positive correlation with glycated hemoglobin and education. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of NNS consumption is high due to the great availability of products in the market.

Sitaglitpin phosphate treatment in patients with reactive hypoglycemia secondary to dysinsulinism. Controlled, randomized, double-blind study. / Tratamiento con fosfato de sitagliptina en pacientes con hipoglucemia reactiva secundaria a disinsulinismo. Estudio controlado, aleatorizado y doble ciego.

Objective: We evaluated the effect of sitagliptin in correction of symptomatic reactive hypoglycemia. Methods: Randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Thirteen patients treated with sitagliptin and 15 with placebo, with mean age of 34.3 ± 10.6 years and body mass index of 24.6 ± 5.1 kg/m2, mostly women (n = 24, 85.7%), were evaluated. Results: Basal glycemia was similar in placebo versus sitagliptin (92.3 ± 18.9 vs. 93.4 ± 17.3 mg/dl; p = 0.41) as was median and interquartile range of insulin (15.2 [8.8-43.7] vs. 14.7 µU/ml [7.0-39.0]; p = 0.44). Patients with sitagliptin recovered the first phase insulin secretion (FISP). This was related with higher glucose level at the end of the oral glucose tolerance test (79.5 [74.2-83.0] vs. 83.5 [81.2-89.7]; p = 0.003) with a similar insulin median level (13.0 [5.0-34.4] vs. 13.8 [4.8-30.6]; p = 0.32). Symptomatology was significantly lower under sitagliptin treatment (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Sitagliptin improved FISP and reduced post-prandial symptomatology. These results suggest a novel therapeutic option for patients with reactive hypoglycemia related with FISP.

Glycated Hemoglobin, Fasting, Two-hour Post-challenge and Postprandial Glycemia in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus: Are We Giving Them the Right Interpretation and Use?

This brief review is aimed to point out the importance of considering glycated hemoglobin, fasting blood glucose, post-glucose-load glycemia, and postprandial glycemia into an evolutive and dynamic criteria that may grant a better concept and understanding of the diagnostic and therapeutic status of individual patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus.

Albuminuria and Glomerular Filtration Rate in Individuals with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: Contribution of Metabolic Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The development of metabolic syndrome has been described in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus as the disease progresses over time. The purpose of this study is to assess the relationship between metabolic syndrome, albuminuria, and glomerular filtration rate, as well as to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome, in a group of Mexican patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study that included patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus who were diagnosed over 10 years ago and who are seen at the Diabetes Intensive Control Clinic of the Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Medicas y Nutricion Salvador Zubiran in Mexico City. The presence of metabolic syndrome was determined by using the National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) criteria. RESULTS: A total of 81 individuals were studied. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 18.5% (n = 15). A higher albuminuria was found in subjects with metabolic syndrome (34.9 mg/24 hours; 8.3-169.3) than in those without metabolic syndrome (9.0 mg/24 hours; 5.0-27.0; p = 0.02). Glomerular filtration rate was lower in patients with metabolic syndrome (95.3 ml/minute; [64.9-107.2] vs. 110.2 ml/minute [88.1-120.3]; p = 0.04). After classifying the population according to the number of metabolic syndrome criteria, a progressive increase in albuminuria and a progressive decrease in glomerular filtration rate were found with each additional metabolic syndrome criterion (p = 0.008 and p = 0.032, respectively). After adjusting for age, time from diagnosis, systolic blood pressure, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, and treatment with angiotensin receptor blockers or angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, we found that age, time from diagnosis, triglycerides, and HDL-cholesterol were independent factors associated with glomerular filtration rate (R2 = 0.286; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Metabolic syndrome was associated with a higher albuminuria and a reduction in glomerular filtration rate in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Metabolic syndrome was present in 18.5% of this group of Mexican individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Factors associated with postprandial lipemia and apolipoprotein A-V levels in individuals with familial combined hyperlipidemia.

BACKGROUND: Alterations in postprandial metabolism have been described in familial combined hyperlipidemia (FCH); however, their underlying mechanisms are not well characterized. We aimed to identify factors related to the magnitude of postprandial lipemia and apolipoprotein (apo) A-V levels in subjects with FCH. METHODS: FCH cases (n = 99) were studied using a standardized meal test. Abdominal obesity was assessed using the waist to hip ratio (WHR). A linear regression model was performed to investigate the variables associated with the triglycerides incremental area under the curve (iAUC). Independent associations between metabolic variables and apo A-V iAUC were also investigated in a randomly selected subgroup (n = 44). The study sample was classified according to the presence of fasting hypertriglyceridemia (≥150 mg/dL) and abdominal obesity (WHR ≥0.92 in men and ≥0.85 in women) to explore differences in parameters. RESULTS: The fasting apo B-48 levels (r = 0.404), and the WHR (r = 0.359) were independent factors contributing to the triglycerides iAUC (r2 = 0.29, P < 0.001). The triglycerides iAUC was independently associated with the apo A-V iAUC (r2 = 0.54, P < 0.01). Patients with both hypertriglyceridemia and abdominal obesity showed the most robust triglycerides and apo A-V postprandial responses. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with FCH the fasting apo B-48 level is the main factor associated with postprandial lipemia. Abdominal obesity also contributes to the magnitude of the postprandial response.The triglycerides postprandial increment is the principal factor associated with the apo A-V postprandial response.

Stiff Person Syndrome and Brittle Type 1 Diabetes: Report of 2 Cases.

Background/Objective: Stiff person syndrome (SPS) and type 1 diabetes (T1D) are heterogeneous disorders characterized by antibodies (Abs) against glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD). Case Report: We describe 2 patients with T1D and autoimmune thyroid disease who presented with muscle rigidity and intermittent spasms that affected gait and with elevated circulating anti-GAD titers. Classic SPS and stiff limb syndrome were diagnosed, respectively. Muscle spasms resolved with immunotherapy and muscle relaxants in both patients, and the ability to ambulate without an assistive device was restored in 1 patient. Patients also had brittle diabetes with high glycemic variability, requiring the use of flash glucose monitoring with an insulin pump and a second-generation basal insulin analog, respectively. Discussion: GAD Ab-associated syndromes include SPS, T1D, and other endocrinopathies. The clinical heterogeneity implies variable susceptibility of γ-aminobutyric acid-ergic neurons and pancreatic beta cells to anti-GAD or other autoantibodies. Conclusion: Our case series represent the heterogeneity in natural history, clinical course, and response to therapy in patients with Abs against GAD-spectrum disorders.

Pituitary Abscess Causing Panhypopituitarism in a Patient With Neurobrucellosis: Case Report.

Background/Objective: Pituitary abscess is an uncommon life-threatening disease that could lead to panhypopituitarism. It is important to suspect its prevalence in regions with endemic infectious diseases. Case Report: A 55-year-old man, a farmer, with a background of consumption of unpasteurized dairy products, presented with headache, impaired consciousness, and fever that started in February 2023. Initial test results were consistent with neuroinfection. Brain MRI showed ventriculitis; the pituitary gland was heterogeneous with the presence of an 8 × 8 mm abscess. The pituitary hormone axis was evaluated, and it showed results compatible with the results of panhypopituitarism with central hypothyroidism, central hypocortisolism, central hypogonadism, and growth hormone deficiency. Hormone replacement treatment with hydrocortisone and levothyroxine was started. The Rose Bengal test for Brucella spp. and 2-mercaptoethanol Brucella agglutination test showed positive results. After neurobrucellosis (NB) was diagnosed, antibiotic treatment was commenced. The patient was discharged 6 weeks later and treatment with prednisone, levothyroxine, recombinant somatropin, testosterone, as well as doxycycline, and rifampin was continued for another 4 months. Discussion: NB and pituitary abscess are rare manifestations of brucellosis and are challenging to diagnose due to their nonspecific clinical presentation and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings. NB diagnosis relies on neurologic symptoms and serological evidence of Brucella infection. Magnetic resonance imaging is the preferred diagnostic tool for pituitary abscesses. Medical management may be sufficient, while transsphenoidal drainage is not always necessary. Hormonal deficits typically remain permanent. Conclusion: Pituitary abscess could be suspected in patients presenting with symptoms of neuroinfection, panhypopituitarism, and heterogenous image in the magnetic resonance imaging differential diagnosis. Opportune management can lead to reduced mortality and improved recovery of the pituitary hormone function.

[Results of a community-based life style intervention program for children]. / Resultados de un programa comunitario de intervención en el estilo de vida en niños.

OBJECTIVE: Describe the three-year results of a program designed for the adoption of a healthy life style in primary school students on the body mass index (BMI) and the consumption of food. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Community randomized and controlled trial. Two communities in the State of Mexico with similar socio-demographic characteristics were randomized to implement the intervention (n=816) or serve as a control (n=408). The intervention was carried out in primary schools and it consisted of education on healthy habits, modification of distributed food and physical activity. The primary outcome was the change in BMI. RESULTS: After three years, intervention resulted in a lower increase of BMI (1.6 vs. 1.9 Kg/m², p< 0.01) and a decreased consumption of total calories, bread, fat and sugar consumption in the schools. CONCLUSIONS: School programs are useful to address childhood obesity, but its benefits are not immediate.

Effect of Liposuction on Body Weight and Serum Concentrations of Leptin, Lipids, Glucose, and Insulin: A Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal obesity has been associated with an increased risk of insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes. Central fat removal procedures such as liposuction, lipectomy, and abdominoplasty are among the most common surgical procedures. The impact of the latter on the former is controversial and understudied. The authors aimed to explore the effect of subcutaneous fat elimination procedures on insulin resistance measures and adipokine levels. METHODS: Relevant studies regarding the effects of surgical subcutaneous fat removal on glucose, insulin, adipokines, and lipid metabolism, as well as blood pressure, were identified by searching PubMed and Ovid-Cochrane without limits in date, type of publication, or language. After the selection process, 24 studies were obtained. The results of the articles were summarized using descriptive statistics. For the final analysis, a randomized effects model was used to evaluate heterogeneity; averages and meta-analytic differences were expressed with a confidence interval of 95%. RESULTS: All studies reported a reduction in weight (-2.64 kg; 95% CI, -4.32 to -0.96; P = 0.002; I 2 = 36%; P of I 2 < 0.001) and body mass index after liposuction. A significant improvement in triglycerides (-10.06 mg/dL; 95% CI, -14.03 to -6.09; P < 0.001; I 2 = 48%; P of I 2 = 0.05), serum glucose concentration (-4.25 mg/dL; 95% CI, -5.93 to -2.56; P < 0.001; I 2 = 68%; P of I 2 < 0.001), serum insulin concentration (-2.86 µIU/mL; 95% CI, -3.75 to -1.97; P < 0.001; I 2 = 59%; P of I 2 = 0.003), and serum leptin concentration (-7.70 ng/mL; 95% CI, -11.49 to -3.92; P = 0.0001; I 2 = 96%; P of I 2 < 0.001) was consistently observed. CONCLUSION: In addition to weight loss, there is a significant decrease in leptin, triglyceride, glucose, and insulin serum concentrations after liposuction, a fact that should be considered in future discussions.

Metabolic actions of fibroblast growth factor 21.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: FGF21 has emerged as a hormone involved in energy homeostasis. A large number of recent reports have expanded the role of FGF21 from a response factor to prolonged fasting to a key hormone that regulates free fatty acid (FFAs) levels. The therapeutic role of recombinant human FGF21 for type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia is under study. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent evidence suggests that supraphysiological concentrations of FFAs induce FGF21 secretion (i.e., starvation and intense physical activity) through the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) pathway. The rise in FGF21 levels is aimed at improving energy production (ketogenesis) and utilization (oxidation) of FFAs. FGF21 increment may protect against chronic exposure to high concentrations of FFAs, which causes lipotoxicity in muscle, pancreas, and liver. In addition, FGF21 induces appetite and inhibits growth, probably as part of the adaptive starvation response. The autocrine function of FGF21 in adipose tissue increases PPARγ activity and glucose uptake. Increased plasma FGF21 levels have been found in insulin resistance states in humans. However, the reason for this rise in FGF21 values is still under study. SUMMARY: We propose that FGF21 serves as a defense mechanism against supraphysiological concentrations of FFAs. In addition, FGF21 might have a therapeutic indication in humans.

Prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome components in Mexican adults without type 2 diabetes or hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the number of Mexican adults with undiagnosed diabetes and arterial hypertension and their association with obesity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included a sub-sample of 6 613 subjects aged 20 years or more who participated in the 2006 National Health and Nutrition Survey (ENSANUT 2006). Subjects with a previous diagnosis of diabetes or hypertension (n=1 861) were excluded. Prevalences and standard errors were estimated, taking into account the complex sample design. RESULTS: 6.4 million adults have obesity and undiagnosed impaired fasting glucose. Almost two million more have fasting glucose levels diagnostic for diabetes. As for arterial blood pressure, 5.4 million adults had prehypertension. Another 5.4 million adults had blood pressure levels suggestive of probable hypertension. A total of 21.4 million Mexican adults with obesity had at least one further component of the metabolic syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: A large proportion of adults with obesity-related metabolic comorbidities remains undiagnosed in Mexico.

[Primary adrenal malignacies]. / Tumores suprarrenales malignos primarios.

BACKGROUND: Primary adrenal malignancies are rare and have a dismal prognosis. We report our experience in both adrenocortical carcinomas and malignant pheochromocytomas who received medical care at our Institution between 1994 and 2009. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The data bases of hospital discharges, surgery and pathology were reviewed looking for patients with diagnosis of primary adrenal malignant tumors. Clinical presentation, laboratory and image characteristics, surgical details, histopathology findings and outcome were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of eight patients were identified, two men and six women with a mean age of 48.1 +/- 15.7 years (31-80). Six patients presented with adrenocortical carcinomas and two had malignant pheochromocytomas. Of the six cortical tumors four were functioning. Five were stage II, two were stage III and one was stage IV. All patients underwent surgery as initial treatment. Six patients underwent open and two, laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Three patients received adjuvant chemotherapy. In a mean follow up of 32 +/- 27 months, only three patients with stage II were alive and free of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: As in other series, primary adrenal carcinoma in our population proved to be a rare endocrine neoplasm with poor prognosis despite complete surgical resection. Treatment at initial stages provides better outcome.