[Insulin resistance and atherosclerosis]. / Insulino-resistência e aterosclerose.

The western way of life favours the development of a state of insulin resistance, in genetically predisposed subjects. In this state, greater levels of insulin are necessary so that an answer can be obtained and, consequently, hyperinsulinism occurs. Insulin has several target tissues, thus insulin resistance is associated with the dysfunction of a multiplicity of tissues, organs and systems in the body (Syndrome X). All of those dysfunctions together with hyperinsulinism can greatly enhance the risk of atherosclerotic vascular disease. In this article we review the dysfunction at several levels, including blood pressure, endothelium, lipid metabolism and fibrinolytic system and the way they can, together with hyperinsulinism, induce atherogenesis. We review some of the therapeutic options that can reduce this state of insulin resistance as well as the morbidity and mortality associated with atherosclerosis.

Antihypertensive efficacy, safety, and tolerability of isradipine in hypertensive patients with diabetes.

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of isradipine in hypertensive diabetic patients. Twenty-eight patients (14 men and 14 women), of whom 15 had type II (non-insulin-dependent) and 13 had type I (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus, received isradipine for 6 months. A significant reduction was observed in both systolic and diastolic blood pressures (P < .00005). There were no significant differences between the type I and type II diabetes patients; metabolic control remained stable. Moderate or slight headaches were reported by four patients. In conclusion, the overall efficacy of isradipine and its tolerability were found to be very good.

[Influence of body fat topography on glucose homeostasis and serum lipids]. / Influência da topografia da gordura corporal na homeostase da glicose e nos lípidos séricos.

Predominant fat distribution in the upper body segment evaluated by waist to hip circunference ratio (WHR) has been associated with diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular morbidity excess. To investigate metabolic alterations underlying this risk excess, we selected 2 groups of 10 obese women without history of hypertension, menstrual irregularities or oral contraceptives, matched according to age (mean +/- SD): 30.5 +/- 5.3 vs 30.6 +/- 5.8 years and BMI 35.5 +/- 6.5 vs 35.7 +/- 6.7 Kg/m2. Each matched pair had a difference in WHR superior to 0.15 (0.83 +/- 0.04 vs 1.02 +/- 0.05). Insulin and C peptide were determined during an oral glucose tolerance test (75 g). At 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes differences were significant for glycaemia, insulinaemia and C peptide. Fasting triglycerides were 103 +/- 48 in the lower WHR group vs 164 +/- 84 mg/dl (p less than 0.05); total cholesterol 186.5 +/- 31 vs 215.2 +/- 29.4 mg/dl (p less than 0.05); LDL cholesterol/HDL cholesterol 2.46 +/- 0.89 vs 3.18 +/- 0.96 (p less than 0.05). No significant differences were found in androgenic activity. We conclude that preferential fat distribution in the upper segment is, by itself, an aggravating factor of metabolic alterations associated with obesity, particularly dyslipidaemia and hyperinsulinaemia.