Increasing the complexity of lipoprotein characterization for cardiovascular risk in type 2 diabetes.

The burden of cardiovascular disease is particularly high among individuals with diabetes, even when LDL cholesterol is normal or within the therapeutic target. Despite this, cholesterol accumulates in their arteries, in part, due to persistent atherogenic dyslipidaemia characterized by elevated triglycerides, remnant cholesterol, smaller LDL particles and reduced HDL cholesterol. The causal link between dyslipidaemia and atherosclerosis in T2DM is complex, and our contention is that a deeper understanding of lipoprotein composition and functionality, the vehicle that delivers cholesterol to the artery, will provide insight for improving our understanding of the hidden cardiovascular risk of diabetes. This narrative review covers three levels of complexity in lipoprotein characterization: 1-the information provided by routine clinical biochemistry, 2-advanced nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based lipoprotein profiling and 3-the identification of minor components or physical properties of lipoproteins that can help explain arterial accumulation in individuals with normal LDLc levels, which is typically the case in individuals with T2DM. This document highlights the importance of incorporating these three layers of lipoprotein-related information into population-based studies on ASCVD in T2DM. Such an attempt should inevitably run in parallel with biotechnological solutions that allow large-scale determination of these sets of methodologically diverse parameters.

Cyclophilin B serum levels present variations across the menstrual cycle.

Cyclophilins are a family of chaperones involved in inflammation and cell death. Cyclophilin B is released by inflammatory cells and acts through the receptor CD147, affecting matrix metalloproteases release, whilst cyclophilin D participates in hypoxia-induced apoptosis. Previous studies related hormones like estradiol or prolactin to these proteins, however, their blood concentrations across the menstrual cycle have not been determined. In this work, eleven healthy women (BMI: 21.8 kg/m2) were monitored during a single menstrual cycle, making blood extractions at follicular, periovulatory and mid-luteal phases. Hormone and cyclophilin levels were determined in each phase. Statistical differences were determined by repeated measures ANOVA and estimated marginal means tests, or by Friedman and Dunn-Bonferroni tests for parametric and non-parametric variables, respectively. Bivariate correlations were evaluated with the Spearman coefficient. Cyclophilin B concentrations presented significant differences during the menstrual cycle (p = 0.012). The highest levels of this protein were found at follicular extraction, followed by a decrease at periovulatory phase and a slight increase at mid-luteal phase. Cyclophilin D showed the same profile, although statistical significance was not reached. This immunophilin exhibited a positive correlation with luteinizing hormone at periovulatory phase (r = 0.743, p = 0.009) and with follicle stimulating hormone at mid-luteal phase (r = 0.633, p = 0.036). This is the first study describing the changes in cyclophilin B concentrations across the menstrual cycle, as well as the association of luteinizing and follicle stimulating hormones with cyclophilin D. These results suggest a role of these proteins in the cyclic inflammatory events that affect female reproductive system that should be explored.

Prevalence, outcomes and costs of a contemporary, multinational population with heart failure.

OBJECTIVE: Digital healthcare systems could provide insights into the global prevalence of heart failure (HF). We designed the CardioRenal and Metabolic disease (CaReMe) HF study to estimate the prevalence, key clinical adverse outcomes and costs of HF across 11 countries. METHODS: Individual level data from a contemporary cohort of 6 29 624 patients with diagnosed HF was obtained from digital healthcare systems in participating countries using a prespecified, common study plan, and summarised using a random effects meta-analysis. A broad definition of HF (any registered HF diagnosis) and a strict definition (history of hospitalisation for HF) were used. Event rates were reported per 100 patient years. Cumulative hospital care costs per patient were calculated for a period of up to 5 years. RESULTS: The prevalence of HF was 2.01% (95% CI 1.65 to 2.36) and 1.05% (0.85 to 1.25) according to the broad and strict definitions, respectively. In patients with HF (broad definition), mean age was 75.2 years (95% CI 74.0 to 76.4), 48.8% (40.9-56.8%) had ischaemic heart disease and 34.5% (29.4-39.6%) had diabetes. In 51 442 patients with a recorded ejection fraction (EF), 39.1% (30.3-47.8%) had a reduced, 18.8% (13.5-24.0%) had a mildly reduced and 42.1% (31.5-52.8%) had a preserved left ventricular EF. In 1 69 518 patients with recorded estimated glomerular filtration rate, 49% had chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages III-V. Event rates were highest for cardiorenal disease (HF or CKD) and all cause mortality (19.3 (95% CI 11.3 to 27.1) and 13.1 (11.1 to 15.1), respectively), and lower for myocardial infarction, stroke and peripheral artery disease. Hospital care costs were highest for cardiorenal diseases. CONCLUSIONS: We estimate that 1-2% of the contemporary adult population has HF. These individuals are at significant risk of adverse outcomes and associated costs, predominantly driven by hospitalisations for HF or CKD. There is considerable public health potential in understanding the contemporary burden of HF and the importance of optimising its management.

Prevalence, outcomes, and cost of chronic kidney disease in a contemporary population of 2·4 million patients from 11 countries: The CaReMe CKD study.

Background: Digital healthcare systems data could provide insights into the global prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD). We designed the CaReMe CKD study to estimate the prevalence, key clinical adverse outcomes and costs of CKD across 11 countries. Methods: Individual-level data of a cohort of 2·4 million contemporaneous CKD patients was obtained from digital healthcare systems in participating countries using a pre-specified common protocol; summarized using random effects meta-analysis. CKD and its stages were defined in accordance with current Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria. CKD was defined by laboratory values or by a diagnosis code. Findings: The pooled prevalence of possible CKD was 10·0% (95% confidence interval 8.5‒11.4; mean pooled age 75, 53% women, 38% diabetes, 60% using renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors). Two out of three CKD patients identified by laboratory criteria did not have a corresponding CKD-specific diagnostic code. Among CKD patients identified by laboratory values, the majority (42%) were in KDIGO stage 3A; and this fraction was fairly consistent across countries. The share with CKD based on urine albumin-creatinine ratio (UACR) alone (KDIGO stages one and two) was 29%, with a substantial heterogeneity between countries. Adverse events were common; 6·5% were hospitalized for CKD or heart failure, and 6·2% died, annually. Costs for renal events and heart failure were consistently higher than costs for atherosclerotic events in CKD patients across all countries. Interpretation: We estimate that CKD is present in one out of ten adults. These individuals experience significant adverse outcomes with associated costs. The prevalence of CKD is underestimated when using diagnostic codes alone. There is considerable public health potential in diagnosing CKD and providing treatments to those currently undiagnosed. Funding: The study was sponsored by AstraZeneca.

Prevention of Cardiorenal Complications with Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter Type 2 Inhibitors: A Narrative Review.

Heart failure (HF) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are the most frequent first cardiorenal conditions in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), which can be exacerbated by other comorbidities, such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity. To improve their clinical outcomes, patients with T2D need to achieve and maintain glycemic targets, as well as prevent cardiorenal disease onset and progression. Several clinical trials evaluating the sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) dapagliflozin, empagliflozin, canagliflozin, and ertugliflozin have shown consistent risk reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events and/or hospitalization for HF, together with lower risk of kidney disease progression. The benefits associated with SGLT2i in T2D are distinct from other antihyperglycemic drugs since they have been proposed to exert pleiotropic metabolic and direct effects on the kidney and the heart. In this review, we summarize and discuss the evidence regarding the mechanisms of action, the efficacy and safety profiles, and the clinical guidelines on the use of the therapeutic class of SGLT2i, highlighting their role in cardiorenal prevention beyond glycemic control.

Risk of outcomes in a Spanish population with chronic kidney disease.

Objectives: To assess mortality and cardiovascular and renal outcomes among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) (primary objective), with a particular focus on heart failure (HF) risk following diagnosis of CKD (secondary objective) in Spain. Methods: We conducted an observational study comprising cross-sectional and longitudinal retrospective analyses using secondary data from electronic health records. For the primary objective, adults with prevalent CKD [estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 or ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2 with a urine albumin:creatinine ratio (UACR) ≥30 mg/g at the index date (1 January 2017)] were included. For the secondary objective, adults with incident CKD in 2017 were enrolled. Results: In the prevalent population, 46 786 patients with CKD without HF [75.8 ± 14.4 years, eGFR 51.4 ± 10.1 mL/min/1.73 m2; 75.1% on renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (RASis)] and 8391 with CKD and HF (79.4 ± 10.9 years, eGFR 46.4 ± 9.8 mL/min/1.73 m2) were included. In the prevalent population, the risk of all-cause death {hazard ratio [HR] 1.107 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.064-1.153]}, HF hospitalization [HR 1.439 (95% CI 1.387-1.493)] and UACR progression [HR 1.323 (95% CI 1.182-1.481)] was greater in those patients with CKD and HF versus CKD only. For the incident population, 1594 patients with CKD without HF and 727 with CKD and HF were included. Within 24 months from the CKD diagnosis (with/without HF at baseline), 6.5% of patients developed their first HF hospitalization. Although 60.7% were taking RASis, only 3.4% were at maximal doses and among diabetics, 1.3% were taking sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors. Conclusions: The presence of HF among CKD patients markedly increases the risk of outcomes. CKD patients have a high risk of HF, which could be partially related to insufficient treatment.

Cost of healthcare utilization associated with incident cardiovascular and renal disease in individuals with type 2 diabetes: A multinational, observational study across 12 countries.

AIM: To examine how the development of cardiovascular and renal disease (CVRD) translates to hospital healthcare costs in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) initially free from CVRD. METHODS: Data were obtained from the digital healthcare systems of 12 nations using a prespecified protocol. A fixed country-specific index date of 1 January was chosen to secure sufficient cohort disease history and maximal follow-up, varying between each nation from 2006 to 2017. At index, all individuals were free from any diagnoses of CVRD (including heart failure [HF], chronic kidney disease [CKD], coronary ischaemic disease, stroke, myocardial infarction [MI], or peripheral artery disease [PAD]). Outcomes during follow-up were hospital visits for CKD, HF, MI, stroke, and PAD. Hospital healthcare costs obtained from six countries, representing 68% of the total study population, were cumulatively summarized for CVRD events occurring during follow-up. RESULTS: In total, 1.2 million CVRD-free individuals with T2D were identified and followed for 4.5 years (mean), that is, 4.9 million patient-years. The proportion of individuals indexed before 2010 was 18% (n = 207 137); 2010-2015, 31% (361 175); and after 2015, 52% (609 095). Overall, 184 420 (15.7%) developed CVRD, of which cardiorenal disease was most frequently the first disease to develop (59.7%), consisting of 23.0% HF and 36.7% CKD, and more common than stroke (16.9%), MI (13.7%), and PAD (9.7%). The total cumulative cost for CVRD was US$1 billion, of which 59.0% was attributed to cardiorenal disease, 3-, 5-, and 6-fold times greater than the costs for stroke, MI, and PAD, respectively. CONCLUSION: Across all nations, HF or CKD was the most frequent CVRD manifestation to develop in a low-risk population with T2D, accounting for the highest proportion of hospital healthcare costs. These novel findings highlight the importance of cardiorenal awareness when planning healthcare.

Effectiveness and safety of dapagliflozin in real-life patients: data from the DAPA-RWE Spanish multicentre study.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to evaluate dapagliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in clinical practice in Spain. METHODS: This is a retrospective study including adults with T2D under stable antidiabetic therapy, with either dapagliflozin or sitagliptin ≥6 months, before inclusion. Data about the effectiveness and safety of dapagliflozin are presented. RESULTS: A total of 594 patients (61.8±9.9 years, 21.7% cardiovascular disease) were included. After 6 months, HbA1c, weight, blood pressure, urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio and uric acid significantly decreased (1.63%, 2.88 kg, 4.82/2.70 mmHg, -17.38 mg/g and -0.30 mg/dL, respectively), whereas glomerular filtration rate and haematocrit significantly increased (3.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 and 1.8%, respectively). No cases of hypoglycaemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, Fournier gangrene, fractures or amputations were reported. CONCLUSION: Thus, dapagliflozin provides a comprehensive cardiometabolic protection in patients with T2D.

Epidemiology, clinical profile, management, and two-year risk complications among patients with chronic kidney disease in Spain / Epidemiología, perfil clínico, manejo y riesgo de complicaciones a 2 años en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica en España

Objectives: To describe the epidemiology, clinical profile, treatments, and to determine cardiovascular and renal outcomes after two years of follow-up in a contemporary chronic kidneay disease (CKD) population in Spain. This was also analyzed among the DAPA-CKD-like population (patients who met most inclusion criteria of DAPA-CKD trial). Methods: Observational, retrospective, population-based study using BIG-PAC database. The CKD population was defined as patients ≥18 years, with at least one diagnostic code of CKD prior to the index date (January 1st, 2018). CKD was defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60mL/min/1.73m2 (CKD-EPI), or albuminuria >30mg/g. Results: We identified 56,435 CKD patients after exclusions (76.4 years, 52.2% men, urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio 390.8mg/g, eGFR 49.7mL/min/1.73m2). CKD prevalence was 4.91% and incidence 2.10 per 1000 patient-years. Regarding treatments, 69.2% were taking renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (only 4.2% at maximal doses) and 3.5% of diabetic patients SGLT-2 inhibitors. During the two years of follow-up, rates of heart failure, all-cause death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and CKD were 17.9, 12.1, 7.2, 6.3, and 5.9 events per 100 patient-years, respectively. During this period, 44% of patients were hospitalized, and 6.8% died during hospitalization. Cardiovascular outcomes were more common in the DAPA-CKD-like population. Conclusions: In Spain, CKD population is older and comorbidities, including diabetes and heart failure, are common. Cardiovascular and renal outcomes are frequent. There is room for improvement in CKD management, particularly through the use of drugs with proven cardiovascular and renal benefit. (AU)

Objetivos: Describir la epidemiología, el perfil clínico, los tratamientos y los eventos cardiovasculares y renales, tras 2 años de seguimiento en una población contemporánea con enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) en España. También se analizó en la población tipo DAPA-CKD (pacientes que cumplían la mayoría de criterios del estudio DAPA-CKD). Métodos: Estudio observacional, retrospectivo, poblacional, empleando la base de datos BIG-PAC. La población con ERC se definió como pacientes ≥18 años, con al menos un código diagnóstico de ERC antes de la fecha índice (01/01/2018). La ERC se definió como filtrado glomerular estimado (FGe)<60ml/min/1,73m2 (CKD-EPI) o albuminuria >30mg/g. Resultados: Se identificaron 56.435 pacientes con ERC, tras exclusiones (76,4 años, 52,2% varones, cociente albúmina-creatinina 390,8mg/g, FGe 49,7ml/min/1,73m2). La prevalencia fue del 4,91% y la incidencia 2,10/1.000 pacientes/año. El 69,2% tomaba inhibidores del sistema renina-angiotensina (solo el 4,2% a dosis máximas) y el 3,5% de los diabéticos inhibidores SGLT-2. Tras 2 años, las tasas de insuficiencia cardiaca, muerte, infarto de miocardio, ictus y ERC fueron 17,9; 12,1; 7,2; 6,3; 5,9 eventos/100 pacientes/año, respectivamente. Además, el 44% hospitalizaron y el 6,8% murieron durante la hospitalización. Los eventos cardiovasculares fueron más frecuentes en la población tipo DAPA-CKD. Conclusiones: En España, la población con ERC es mayor, y las comorbilidades, incluyendo diabetes e insuficiencia cardiaca, comunes. Los eventos cardiovasculares y renales son frecuentes. Hay margen de mejora en el manejo de la ERC, especialmente a través del empleo de fármacos con beneficio cardiovascular y renal. (AU)

Epidemiology, clinical profile, management, and two-year risk complications among patients with chronic kidney disease in Spain.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the epidemiology, clinical profile, treatments, and to determine cardiovascular and renal outcomes after two years of follow-up in a contemporary chronic kidneay disease (CKD) population in Spain. This was also analyzed among the DAPA-CKD-like population (patients who met most inclusion criteria of DAPA-CKD trial). METHODS: Observational, retrospective, population-based study using BIG-PAC database. The CKD population was defined as patients ≥18 years, with at least one diagnostic code of CKD prior to the index date (January 1st, 2018). CKD was defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60mL/min/1.73m2 (CKD-EPI), or albuminuria >30mg/g. RESULTS: We identified 56,435 CKD patients after exclusions (76.4 years, 52.2% men, urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio 390.8mg/g, eGFR 49.7mL/min/1.73m2). CKD prevalence was 4.91% and incidence 2.10 per 1000 patient-years. Regarding treatments, 69.2% were taking renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (only 4.2% at maximal doses) and 3.5% of diabetic patients SGLT-2 inhibitors. During the two years of follow-up, rates of heart failure, all-cause death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and CKD were 17.9, 12.1, 7.2, 6.3, and 5.9 events per 100 patient-years, respectively. During this period, 44% of patients were hospitalized, and 6.8% died during hospitalization. Cardiovascular outcomes were more common in the DAPA-CKD-like population. CONCLUSIONS: In Spain, CKD population is older and comorbidities, including diabetes and heart failure, are common. Cardiovascular and renal outcomes are frequent. There is room for improvement in CKD management, particularly through the use of drugs with proven cardiovascular and renal benefit.

Costs and healthcare utilisation of patients with chronic kidney disease in Spain.

BACKGROUND: Data about the impact of chronic kidney disease (CKD) on health care costs in Spain are scarce This study was aimed to evaluate cumulative costs and healthcare utilisation in CKD in Spain. METHODS: Observational, retrospective, population-based study, which included adults who received care for CKD between 2015 and 2019. Healthcare and medication costs were summarized on a yearly basis starting from the index date (1st January 2015), and then cumulatively until 2019. RESULTS: We identified 44,214 patients with CKD (year 2015: age 76.4 ± 14.3 years, 49.0% women, albumin-to-creatinine ratio 362.9 ± 176.8 mg/g, estimated glomerular filtration rate 48.7 ± 13.2 mL/min/1.73 m2). During the 2015-2019 period, cumulative CKD associated costs reached 14,728.4 Euros, being cardiovascular disease hospitalizations, particularly due to heart failure and CKD, responsible for 77.1% of costs. Total medication cost accounted for 6.6% of the total cost. There was a progressive decrease in cardiovascular disease hospital costs per year (from 2741.1 Euros in 2015 to 1.971.7 Euros in 2019). This also occurred with cardiovascular and diabetic medication costs, as well as with the proportion of hospitalizations and mortality. Costs and healthcare resources use were higher in the DAPA-CKD like population, but also decreased over time. CONCLUSIONS: Between 2015 and 2019, costs of patients with CKD in Spain were high, with cardiovascular hospitalizations as the key determinant. Medication costs were responsible for only a small proportion of total CKD costs. Improving CKD management, particularly with the use of cardiovascular and renal protective medications may be helpful to reduce CKD burden.

DAPA-RWE: a retrospective multicenter study comparing dapagliflozin and sitagliptin in patients with Type 2 diabetes treated under routine clinical practice in Spain.

Background: Weight reduction and glycemic control are key goals during Type 2 diabetes management. However, there are few country-specific, real-world data on cotransporter 2 inhibitors. Materials & methods: DAPA-RWE was a retrospective, multicenter study comparing the efficacy of dapagliflozin versus sitagliptin in Type 2 diabetes patients in Spain. Results: The study population comprised 1046 patients (594 with dapagliflozin, 452 with sitagliptin). Age was 61.8 ± 10.0 and 66.2 ± 11.4 years and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) 8.9 and 8.8%, respectively. The main end point (reduction in weight and HbA1c) was reached by 24.4 and 56.1% of patients, respectively; p < 0.05. This was confirmed with a propensity score matching analysis balanced for obesity-related variables at baseline. Conclusion: DAPA-RWE confirmed dapagliflozin to be more effective than sitagliptin in reducing HbA1c and weight.

Epidemiology, clinical profile, management, and two-year risk complications among patients with chronic kidney disease in Spain.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the epidemiology, clinical profile, treatments, and to determine cardiovascular and renal outcomes after two years of follow-up in a contemporary chronic kidneay disease (CKD) population in Spain. This was also analyzed among the DAPA-CKD-like population (patients who met most inclusion criteria of DAPA-CKD trial). METHODS: Observational, retrospective, population-based study using BIG-PAC database. The CKD population was defined as patients ≥18 years, with at least one diagnostic code of CKD prior to the index date (January 1st, 2018). CKD was defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60mL/min/1.73m2 (CKD-EPI), or albuminuria >30mg/g. RESULTS: We identified 56,435 CKD patients after exclusions (76.4 years, 52.2% men, urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio 390.8mg/g, eGFR 49.7mL/min/1.73m2). CKD prevalence was 4.91% and incidence 2.10 per 1000 patient-years. Regarding treatments, 69.2% were taking renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (only 4.2% at maximal doses) and 3.5% of diabetic patients SGLT-2 inhibitors. During the two years of follow-up, rates of heart failure, all-cause death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and CKD were 17.9, 12.1, 7.2, 6.3, and 5.9 events per 100 patient-years, respectively. During this period, 44% of patients were hospitalized, and 6.8% died during hospitalization. Cardiovascular outcomes were more common in the DAPA-CKD-like population. CONCLUSIONS: In Spain, CKD population is older and comorbidities, including diabetes and heart failure, are common. Cardiovascular and renal outcomes are frequent. There is room for improvement in CKD management, particularly through the use of drugs with proven cardiovascular and renal benefit.

Costs and healthcare utilisation of patients with heart failure in Spain.

BACKGROUND: Increasing the knowledge about heart failure (HF) costs and their determinants is important to ascertain how HF management can be optimized, leading to a significant decrease of HF costs. This study evaluated the cumulative costs and healthcare utilisation in HF patients in Spain. METHODS: Observational, retrospective, population-based study using BIG-PAC database, which included data from specialized and primary care of people ≥18 years, from seven autonomous communities in Spain, who received care for HF between 2015 and 2019. The healthcare and medication costs were summarized on a yearly basis starting from the index date (1st January 2015), and then cumulatively until 2019. RESULTS: We identified 17,163 patients with HF (year 2015: mean age 77.3 ± 11.8 years, 53.5% men, 51.7% systolic HF, 43.6% on NYHA functional class II). During the 2015-2019 period, total HF associated costs reached 15,373 Euros per person, being cardiovascular disease hospitalizations the most important determinant (75.8%), particularly HF hospitalizations (51.0%). Total medication cost accounted for 7.0% of the total cost. During this period, there was a progressive decrease of cardiovascular disease hospital costs per year (from 2834 Euros in 2015 to 2146 Euros in 2019, P < 0.001), as well as cardiovascular and diabetic medication costs. CONCLUSIONS: During the 2015-2019 period, costs of HF patients in Spain were substantial, being HF hospitalizations the most important determinant. Medication costs represented only a small proportion of total costs. Improving HF management, particularly through the use of drugs that reduce HF hospitalization may be helpful to reduce HF burden.

New Metrics to Assess Type 2 Diabetes After Bariatric Surgery: The "Time-Within-Remission Range".

Almost one third of patients do not achieve type 2 diabetes remission after bariatric surgery or are unable to sustain this effect long term. Our objective was to delve further into the dynamic responses of diabetes after bariatric surgery and to evaluate the "time-within-remission range" as a variable of metabolic control. A descriptive cohort study was done using a computerised multicentre and multidisciplinary registry. All data were adjusted by propensity score. A total of 1186 subjects with a follow-up of 4.5 ± 2.5 years were included. Type of surgery, diabetes remission, recurrence of diabetes, "time-within-remission range" and key predictors of diabetes outcomes were assessed. All patients (70% women, 51.4 ± 9.2 years old, body mass index (BMI) 46.3 ± 6.9 kg/m2) underwent primary bariatric procedures. "Time-within-remission range" were 83.3% (33.3-91.6) after gastric bypass, 68.7% (7.1-87.5) after sleeve gastrectomy and 90% (83.3-92.8) after malabsorptive techniques (p < 0.001 for all). Duration of diabetes, baseline HbA1c and insulin treatment were significantly negatively correlated with the "time-within-remission range". The association of bariatric techniques with "time-within-remission range", using gastric bypass as a reference, were: odds ratio (OR) 3.70 (2.34-5.84), p < 0.001 for malabsorptive techniques and OR 0.55 (0.40-0.75), p < 0.001 for sleeve gastrectomy. Characteristics of type 2 diabetes powerfully influence the outcomes of bariatric surgery. The "time-within-remission range" unveils a superiority of gastric bypass compared to sleeve gastrectomy.

Corticotropin-releasing hormone promoter polymorphisms in patients with rheumatoid arthritis from northwest Spain.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the possible implications of polymorphism in the CRH promoter in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) susceptibility, we examined a series of patients with RA from a defined area of Northwest Spain. METHODS: A total of 177 patients with RA and 147 ethnically matched controls from the Lugo region of Northwest Spain were studied. Patients and controls were genotyped for CRH polymorphisms in the 5' regulatory region of the gene at position 1273 (alleles A1 and A2) and at position 225 (alleles B1 and B2) by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Patients were stratified for age at onset of disease and rheumatoid factor status. RESULTS: When the whole group of patients was examined, no significant differences in CRH allele or genotype frequency were found compared with controls. However, the CRH allele A2 was significantly increased in patients with late onset seronegative RA compared with the seronegative group with younger age of disease onset (p = 0.03). In addition, 4 (36.4%) of the 11 patients with late onset seronegative RA carried the CRH-A2 allele versus only 2 (6.6%) of 31 patients with seronegative RA beginning before age 61 (OR 8.3, 95% CI 1.4-47.0; p = 0.015). CONCLUSION: In Northwest Spain, polymorphism in the CRH gene regulatory region may play a role as a disease susceptibility marker for late onset seronegative RA.