Vitamin D and Dysfunctional Adipose Tissue in Obesity.

Vitamin D deficiency and dysfunctional adipose tissue are involved in the development of cardiometabolic disturbances (eg, hypertension, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, and dyslipidemia). We evaluated the relation between vitamin D and adipocytokines derived from adipose tissue. We studied 50 obese individuals who were classified into different subgroups according to medians of observed anthropometric parameters (body mass index, body fat percentage, waist circumference, and trunk fat mass). There was a negative correlation between vitamin D level and leptin and resistin (r = -.61, P < .01), while a positive association with adiponectin concentrations was found (r = .7, P < .001). Trend estimation showed that increase in vitamin D level is accompanied by intensive increase in adiponectin concentrations (growth coefficient: 12.13). In conclusion, a positive trend was established between vitamin D and the protective adipocytokine adiponectin. The clinical relevance of this relationship needs to be investigated in larger studies.

Obesity and vitamin D deficiency: trends to promote a more proatherogenic cardiometabolic risk profile.

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with cardiometabolic risk factors (eg, hypertension, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, and dyslipidemia). We studied 50 obese patients (body mass index [BMI]: 43.5 ± 9.2 kg/m(2)) and 36 normal weight participants (BMI: 22.6 ± 1.9 kg/m(2)). The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (25-hydroxyvitamin D, 25(OH)D < 50 nmol/L) was 88% among obese patients and 31% among nonobese individuals; 25(OH)D levels were lower in the obese group (27.3 ± 13.7 vs 64.6 ± 21.3 nmol/L; P < .001). There was a negative correlation between vitamin D level and anthropometric indicators of obesity: BMI (r = -0.64; P < .001), waist circumference (r = -0.59; P < .001), and body fat percentage (r = -0.64; P < .001) as well as with fasting plasma insulin (r = -0.35; P < .001) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (r = -0.35; P < .001). In conclusion, we observed a higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among obese participants and this was associated with a proatherogenic cardiometabolic risk profile.

Uncommon metastatic site from breast cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies in women and the main leading cause of cancer death. The most frequent sites of metastases from breast cancer are bones, lungs, the central nervous system, the liver and soft tissue. Colonic metastases from breast cancer are rare. CASE REPORT: We presented a 70-year-old woman with bulky obstructing lesion of sigmoid colon. A physician in charge on our department examined the patient and past history of breast cancer was found up. Surgery was performed with removal of sigmoid colon and three of six lymph nodes were positive. Pathological examination, including immunohistochemical stains, confirmed the diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer to sigmoid colon. The multidisciplinary oncology team suggested postoperative chemotherapy. The patient received four cycles of chemotherapy with paclitaxel followed by anastrozole. On the first control visit no disease activity was detected. CONCLUSION: In patients with the past history of breast cancer the symptoms of hematochezia or anemia may indicate colonic metastases.

Application of alternative medicine in gastrointestinal cancer patients.

BACKGROUND/AIM: [corrected] Alternative medicine is a set of therapeutic procedures which are no part of official practice. At present, the use of alternative medicine among cancer patients is significant and the purpose of this study was to get more information on the methods and products of alternative medicine. Thus, the aim of the study was to determine the frequency of the use of alternative medicine among gastrointestinal cancer patients. METHODS: The research was conducted using an anonymous questionnaire in writing. We included 205 patients with the diagnosis of gastrointestinal malignancy in the study but the questionnaire was fulfilled by 193 patients and the presented data were based on their answers. The questions were about the sociodemographic characteristics of the patients, the reasons for their use of alternative medicine, and their information sources about alternative medicine. We divided existing alternative therapies into 6 categories: herbal therapy, special diets, psychotherapy, body-mind therapy, spiritual therapy, and other supplements. RESULTS: A total of 48 (24.9%) patients did not use any type of alternative therapy; 145 (75.1%) patients used at least one product and 124 (64.25%) patients used herbal preparations (beetroot juice was consumed by 110 [56.99%] patients); 136 (70.5%) patients were informed about alternative therapies by other patients; 145 (75.1%) used alternative medicine to increase the chances for cure; 88 (45.6%) of interviewed patients would like to participate in future research in this field. CONCLUSION: The use of alternative medicine is evidently significant among cancer patients. Further research should be conducted in order to find out interactions of these products with other drugs and potential advantages and disadvantages of this form of treatment.