Non-invasive methods for iron overload evaluation in dysmetabolic patients.

INTRODUCTION: Although hyperferritinemia may reflect the inflammatory status of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), approximately 33% of hyperferritinemia cases reflect real hepatic iron overload. AIM: To evaluate a non-invasive method for assessing mild iron overload in patients with NAFLD using 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) relaxometry, serum hepcidin, and the expression of ferritin subunits. METHODS: This cross-sectional study assessed patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD. MRI relaxometry was performed using a 3T scanner in all patients, and the results were compared with iron content determined by liver biopsy. Ferritin, hepcidin, and ferritin subunits were assessed and classified according to ferritin levels and to siderosis identified by liver biopsy. RESULTS: A total of 67 patients with NAFLD were included in the study. MRI revealed mild iron overload in all patients (sensitivity, 73.5%; specificity, 70%). For mild (grade 1) siderosis, the transverse relaxation rate (R2*) threshold was 58.9 s-1 and the mean value was 72.5 s-1 (SD, 33.9), while for grades 2/3 it was 88.2 s-1 (SD, 31.9) (p < 0.001). The hepcidin threshold for siderosis was > 30.2 ng/mL (sensitivity, 87%; specificity, 82%). Ferritin H and ferritin L subunits were expressed similarly in patients with NAFLD, regardless of siderosis. There were no significant differences in laboratory test results between the groups, including glucose parameters and liver function tests. CONCLUSIONS: MRI relaxometry and serum hepcidin accurately assessed mild iron overload in patients with dysmetabolic iron overload syndrome.

Extrinsic compression of pancreatic duct by intragastric balloon treatment and its potential to cause acute pancreatitis: Two case reports and clinical discussion.

We describe two cases of increased pancreatic enzyme levels after intragastric balloon (IGB) placement possibly related to extrinsic pancreatic duct compression, followed by a short review of the literature. Case 1 is the first, to our knowledge, of a patient with asymptomatic increase of pancreatic enzymes due to pancreatic duct compression, with unknown clinical significance. We hypothesize that this finding maybe can be relatively common in IGB users and almost certainly an important risk factor for the development of acute pancreatitis (AP). On the other hand, case 2 reports an AP that occurred one day after IGB placement, presented with nausea and vomiting, making AP a differential diagnosis of initial IGB intolerance.

Metabolic surgery for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in patients with BMI lower than 35 kg/m2 : Why caution is still needed.

Bariatric surgery has shifted from being a risky procedure to an evidence-based one, with proven benefits on all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes control. The procedure has an overall positive result on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), with a substantial number of patients achieving disease remission. This has resulted in several studies assessing possible weight-independent effects of bariatric surgery on glycemic improvement, in addition to recommendation of the procedure to patients with class 1 obesity and T2DM, for whom the procedure was classically not indicated, and adoption of a new term, "metabolic surgery," to highlight the overall metabolic benefit of the procedure beyond weight loss. Recently, the Diabetes Surgery Summit (DSS) has included metabolic surgery in its T2DM treatment algorithm. Although the discussion brought by this consensus is highly relevant, the recommendation of metabolic surgery for patients with uncontrolled T2DM and a body mass index of 30 to 35 kg/m2 still lacks enough evidence. This article provides an overall view of the metabolic benefits of bariatric/metabolic surgery in patients with class 1 obesity, compares the procedure against clinical treatment, and presents our rationale for defending caution on recommending the procedure to less obese individuals.

Obesity Prevention: Strategies and Challenges in Latin America.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this study is to present changes of policies and norms aimed to reduce obesity levels that have been adopted in some Latin American countries. RECENT FINDINGS: The global increase of the excess weight within the population has been demanding governmental actions aimed at preventing health impacts generated by obesity. Over recent years, many Latin American countries have established a number of regulations aimed at reducing weight in the population using interventions that could effectively prevent childhood obesity, including the taxation of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), increasing physical activity in open spaces, and, especially, front-of-package labeling. Some strategies are part of the Action Plan for Prevention of Child and Adolescence Obesity signed by all countries in Latin America, which currently have among the highest prevalence of childhood obesity in the world. Among them are the implementation of fiscal policies on energy-dense and nutrient-poor foods and taxes on SSBs; improvements in nutrition labeling, highlighting the front-of-package (FOP) labeling to promote the choice of healthier products at the time of purchase; and promotion of an active lifestyle, such as encouraging the use of bicycle paths or physical activity programs at school. The real impact of these prevention strategies implemented in Latin America on the prevalence of obesity is still unknown.

Brown adipose tissue: what have we learned since its recent identification in human adults / Tecido adiposo marrom: o que aprendemos desde sua recente identificação em humanos adultos

Brown adipose tissue, an essential organ for thermoregulation in small and hibernating mammals due to its mitochondrial uncoupling capacity, was until recently considered to be present in humans only in newborns. The identification of brown adipose tissue in adult humans since the development and use of positron emission tomography marked with 18-fluorodeoxyglucose (PET-FDG) has raised a series of doubts and questions about its real importance in our metabolism. In this review, we will discuss what we have learnt since its identification in humans as well as both new and old concepts, some of which have been marginalized for decades, such as diet-induced thermogenesis. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2014;58(9):889-99.

O tecido adiposo marrom, órgão essencial para a termorregulação de animais hibernantes e pequenos devido à sua capacidade desacopladora, era até poucos anos considerado presente apenas em recém-nascidos na espécie humana. A identificação do tecido adiposo marrom em adultos com o desenvolvimento e uso da tomografia de emissão de pósitron marcado com 18-fluorodesoxiglicose (PET-FDG) gerou questões sobre sua real importância para nosso metabolismo. Nesta revisão, discutiremos o que aprendemos nesse tempo, assim como conceitos antigos e novos, alguns marginalizados por décadas, como a termogênese induzida por dieta. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2014;58(9):889-99.

Brown adipose tissue: what have we learned since its recent identification in human adults.

Brown adipose tissue, an essential organ for thermoregulation in small and hibernating mammals due to its mitochondrial uncoupling capacity, was until recently considered to be present in humans only in newborns. The identification of brown adipose tissue in adult humans since the development and use of positron emission tomography marked with 18-fluorodeoxyglucose (PET-FDG) has raised a series of doubts and questions about its real importance in our metabolism. In this review, we will discuss what we have learnt since its identification in humans as well as both new and old concepts, some of which have been marginalized for decades, such as diet-induced thermogenesis.

Tratamento da obesidade para a promoção da saúde cardiovascular: qual a verdade dos fatos / Treatment of obesity to promote heart health: What is the truth of facts

Obesidade é uma doença crônica de proporções epidêmicas em todo o mundo, cuja prevalência cresce de forma alarmante inclusive entre muitos jovens. O excesso de gordura no organismo, sobretudo de gordura visceral, é associado a diversas comorbidades consideradas fatores de risco cardiovascular, como hipertensão arterial sitêmica, diabetes mellitus tipo 2, dislipidemia aterogênica e apneia obstrutiva do sono, além de ser considerada fator de risco independente para outras doenças cardíacas, tais como doença coronariana, fibrilação atrial, insuficiência cardíaca, arritmias ventriculares e morte súbita. O tratamento da obesidade é baseado em mudanças do estilo de vida ( dieta hipocalórica e aumento da atividade física), associação ou não a medicamentos (orlistate e sibutramina)e, em casos extremos, à cirurgia bariátrica. A perda de peso intencional resulta de forma geral na melhora das comorbidades classicamente associadas à obesidade, como mostrado em diversos estudos. Existem controvérsias em relação à evolução da insuficiência cardíaca em pacientes que perdem peso. O uso de sibutramina pode aumentar o número de eventos cardíacos não fatais em pacientes de alto risco com doença cardiovascular já estabelecida. A perda de peso induzida pela cirurgia bariátrica melhora as comorbidades e diminui a mortalidade cardiovascular e por qualquer causa. A possível diminuição da mortalidade cardiovascular associada ao tratamento não cirúrgico da obesidade ainda está em investigação. Diante do exposto, conclui-se que o tratamento (e a prevenção) da obesidade deve ser encarado como ponto essencial na promoção da saúde cardiovascular.

Obesity is a chronic disease with worldwide epidemic proportion and its prevelence grows at alarming rates even among the youth. Excess body fat, mainly visceral fat, is associated with several comorbidities well know as cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, atherogenic dyslipidemia and obstructive sleep apnea, and is also considered an independent risk factor for various heart diseases, such as coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death. Treatment of obesity is based on lifestyle changes ( hypocaloric diet and increased physical activity ), with or without drugs ( orlistat and sibutramine ) and, in extreme cases, bariatric surgery. Intentional weight loss generally results in improvement of comorbidities classically associated with obesity, as shown in several studies. Controversy exists regarding the prognostic of heart failure in patients who lose weight. Use of sibutramine can worsen non fatal cardiac outcomes in high risk patients with established cardiovascular disease. weight loss induced by bariatric surgery improves comorbities and decreases cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. The possible reduction in cardiovascular mortality associated with the nonsurgical treatment of obesity in still under investigation. Thus, we conclude that the treatment (and prevention) of obesity should be regarded as an essential key to promote cardiovascular health.

Improvement of insulin resistance and reduction of cardiovascular risk among obese patients with type 2 diabetes with the duodenojejunal bypass liner.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the duodenojejunal bypass liner (DJBL) in the improvement of insulin resistance and reduction of cardiovascular risk among morbidly obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, using the triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol ratio, percentage of weight loss, and glycemic control. METHODS: We used the TG/HDL ratio with a cutoff value of 3.5 to identify patients with insulin resistance. The value of the initial ratio was compared with the ratio obtained 6 months after implantation to evaluate whether an improvement in insulin resistance occurred. We also evaluated the improvement of glycated hemoglobin levels and the weight loss resulted from the use of the device and correlated that with the improvement of the TG/HDL ratio. RESULTS: All patients implanted with the device presented a statistically significant reduction of the HbA1c levels, with most patients (70.3%) obtaining diabetes control with HbA1c levels lower than 7% at the end of the study. All patients also presented a significant weight reduction, with an average loss of 12.6% of their initial weight. We observed an important improvement in insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome, with a significant reduction of the TG/HDL ratio from 5.75 to 4.36 (p < 0.001) and 42.6% of the patients presenting a TG/HDL ratio lower than 3.5 at the end of the study. CONCLUSIONS: The DJBL, when used for a period of 6 months, is effective in the control of diabetes, weight loss, improvement of insulin resistance, and decrease of cardiovascular risk among morbidly obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Is a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome applicable to children?

OBJECTIVE: To present the components of the metabolic syndrome in children and adolescents and to discuss how they are assessed in the pediatric population in addition to presenting the major metabolic syndrome classifications for the age group. SOURCES: A review of literature published from 1986 to 2008 and found on MEDLINE databases. SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS: The prevalence of childhood obesity has been increasing globally over recent decades and as a result its complications, such as diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension and dyslipidemia, have also increased. The concept of metabolic syndrome, already common with adults, is now beginning to be applied to children through classifications using the criteria for adults modified for the younger age group. Notwithstanding, these classifications differ in terms of the cutoff points used and whether they employ body mass index or waist circumference to define obesity. The review presents these classifications, highlighting the points on which they differ and the debate about them. CONCLUSIONS: If childhood obesity goes untreated, it will have severe consequences in the future. A number of models for classifying metabolic syndrome in children have been published, but there is considerable diversions between them. The criteria for classifying metabolic syndrome in children therefore need to be standardized in order to identify those people at greatest risk of future complications.

O diagnóstico de síndrome metabólica é aplicável às crianças? / Is a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome applicable to children?

OBJETIVO: Abordar os componentes da síndrome metabólica (SM) na criança e no adolescente discutindo como eles são avaliados na população infantil e apresentando as principais classificações de SM nessa faixa etária. FONTES DOS DADOS: Revisão da literatura utilizando as bases de dados MEDLINE no período de 1986 a 2008. SÍNTESE DOS DADOS: A prevalência de obesidade infantil nas últimas décadas tem aumentado no mundo todo e, consequentemente, suas complicações, como diabetes melito, hipertensão arterial e dislipidemia. O conceito de SM, já usado em adultos, começa a ser aplicado em crianças por meio de classificações que utilizam os critérios para adultos modificados para faixas etárias menores. No entanto, essas classificações apresentam divergências quanto ao valor de pontos de corte usados nos critérios e quanto à utilização do índice de massa corporal ou da medida da circunferência abdominal para definir a obesidade. Esta revisão apresenta essas classificações mostrando os pontos discordantes e a discussão em torno delas. CONCLUSÕES: Se não for tratada, a obesidade infantil terá consequências graves no futuro. Alguns modelos de classificação de SM em crianças já foram apresentados, e observam-se consideráveis divergências entre eles. Assim, torna-se necessária a padronização desses critérios para a identificação dos indivíduos com maior risco de complicações futuras.

OBJECTIVE: To present the components of the metabolic syndrome in children and adolescents and to discuss how they are assessed in the pediatric population in addition to presenting the major metabolic syndrome classifications for the age group. SOURCES: A review of literature published from 1986 to 2008 and found on MEDLINE databases. SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS: The prevalence of childhood obesity has been increasing globally over recent decades and as a result its complications, such as diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension and dyslipidemia, have also increased. The concept of metabolic syndrome, already common with adults, is now beginning to be applied to children through classifications using the criteria for adults modified for the younger age group. Notwithstanding, these classifications differ in terms of the cutoff points used and whether they employ body mass index or waist circumference to define obesity. The review presents these classifications, highlighting the points on which they differ and the debate about them. CONCLUSIONS: If childhood obesity goes untreated, it will have severe consequences in the future. A number of models for classifying metabolic syndrome in children have been published, but there is considerable diversions between them. The criteria for classifying metabolic syndrome in children therefore need to be standardized in order to identify those people at greatest risk of future complications.

Autosomal dominant familial neurohypophyseal diabetes insipidus caused by a novel mutation in arginine-vasopressin gene in a Brazilian family / Diabetes insípido neuro-hipofisário familial causado por uma nova mutação no gene da arginina-vasopressina em uma família brasileira

Autosomal dominant familial neurohypophyseal diabetes insipidus (adFNDI) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by polyuria and polydipsia due to deficiency of arginine vasopressin (AVP). More than 50 mutations causing adFNDI have been already reported in the AVP gene. The aim of the present study is to analyze the AVP gene in four generations of one Brazilian kindred with adFNDI. The proband was a 31-year old female with huge hypotonic polyuria (10 L/day) dated from childhood. Molecular analysis included amplification of all exons and exon-intron regions of the AVP gene by PCR and direct sequencing. Sequencing analysis showed a novel point mutation in heterozygous: G88V (GGC>GTC). All affected patients presented the same mutation also in heterozygous, while it was absent in four normal members. We expand the repertoire of mutations in AVP describing the novel G88V mutation in one Brazilian kindred with adFNDI.

Diabetes insípido neuro-hipofisário com herança autossômica dominante (adFNDI) é uma doença autossômica dominante rara, caracterizada por poliúria e polidipsia devido à deficiência de arginina-vasopressina (AVP). Mais de 50 mutações causando adFNDI foram descritas no gene AVP. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o gene AVP em quatro gerações de uma família brasileira com DINF. O caso-índice é de uma paciente de 31 anos, com volumosa poliúria hipotônica desde a infância (10 L/dia). A análise molecular incluiu amplificação por PCR e seqüenciamento automático dos éxons e regiões éxon-íntron do gene AVP. A análise do seqüenciamento mostrou uma nova mutação de ponto em heterozigose: G88V (GGC>GTC). Todos os pacientes afetados apresentaram a mesma mutação, que não foi encontrada em quatro indivíduos normais da família. Expandimos a lista de mutações no gene AVP, descrevendo a nova mutação G88V em uma família brasileira com adFNDI.

Autosomal dominant familial neurohypophyseal diabetes insipidus caused by a novel mutation in arginine-vasopressin gene in a Brazilian family.

Autosomal dominant familial neurohypophyseal diabetes insipidus (adFNDI) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by polyuria and polydipsia due to deficiency of arginine vasopressin (AVP). More than 50 mutations causing adFNDI have been already reported in the AVP gene. The aim of the present study is to analyze the AVP gene in four generations of one Brazilian kindred with adFNDI. The proband was a 31-year old female with huge hypotonic polyuria (10 L/day) dated from childhood. Molecular analysis included amplification of all exons and exon-intron regions of the AVP gene by PCR and direct sequencing. Sequencing analysis showed a novel point mutation in heterozygous: G88V (GGC>GTC). All affected patients presented the same mutation also in heterozygous, while it was absent in four normal members. We expand the repertoire of mutations in AVP describing the novel G88V mutation in one Brazilian kindred with adFNDI.

[Effects of growth hormone on anthropometric and metabolic parameters in android obesity]. / Efeito do hormônio de crescimento sobre parâmetros antropométricos e metabólicos na obesidade andróide.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of GH on body weight, body composition and cardiovascular risk factors in android obese men. Forty non-diabetic subjects aged 20 to 50 years-old with android obesity (WHR > 1) were divided in two groups, on a prospective randomized double-blind basis to receive treatment with GH (0.050 U/kg/day) or placebo for three months. Bioimpedance analysis, DEXA, indirect calorimetry and cardiovascular risk factors were done at the beginning and at the end of the study. Anthropometric measurements were evaluated monthly. Body weight was reduced (3.5 +/- 2.9 kg), as well as BMI (1.2 +/- 1.0 kg/m2), WHR (0.04 +/- 0.01) and fat mass (2.4 +/- 1.0 kg), total cholesterol (4.0 +/- 3.3 mg/dL) and LDL-cholesterol (5.7 +/- 2.7 mg/dL) in GH-treated patients. Percentual changes were statistically different from placebo. Benefits and risks of long-term GH use in obese patients are still largely unknown.

Efeito do hormônio de crescimento sobre parâmetros antropométricos e metabólicos na obesidade andróide / Effects of growth hormone on anthropometric and metabolic parameters in android obesity

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar os efeitos do GH sobre peso, composição corporal, metabolismo de repouso e fatores de risco cardiovascular na obesidade visceral. O estudo foi prospectivo randomizado duplo-cego em 40 homens não diabéticos de 20 a 50 anos com RAQ (relação abdômen-quadril) > 1 tratados com GH (0,050 U/kg/dia) ou placebo por três meses. Foram avaliados peso, composição corporal por bioimpedância e DEXA, metabolismo de repouso através da calorimetria indireta e exames de fatores de risco cardiovasculares no início e fim do tratamento. O grupo de obesos tratados com GH teve reduções de peso (3,5 ± 2,9 kg), IMC (1,2 ± 1,0 kg/m²), RAQ (0,04 ± 0,01) e massa adiposa (2,4 ± 1,0 kg). As reduções porcentuais foram significantemente diferentes das observadas no grupo placebo. Também houve diminuição nos níveis de colesterol total (4,0 ± 3,3 mg/dL) e LDL-colesterol (5,7 ± 2,7 mg/dL) no grupo GH, em relação ao grupo placebo. Os outros fatores de risco não se alteraram significantemente. Concluímos que obesos tratados com GH por três meses apresentaram uma redução significante de peso corporal, gordura visceral e massa adiposa, e melhora do perfil lipídico. O benefício/risco do GH a longo prazo em obesos é desconhecido.

Systemic hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia in relation to body mass index: evaluation of a Brazilian population.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of systemic hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertriglyceridemia in a Brazilian population in relation to body mass index. METHOD: Retrospective evaluation of 1213 adults (mean age: 45.2 +/- 12.8; 80.6% females) divided into groups according to body mass index [normal (18.5 - 24.4 kg/m2); overweight (25 - 29.9 kg/m2); grade 1 obesity (30 - 34.9 kg/m2); grade 2 obesity (35 - 39.9 kg/m2), and grade 3 obesity (> or = 40 kg/m2)]. The prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertriglyceridemia were analyzed in each group. The severity of cardiovascular risk was determined. High-risk patients were considered those reporting 2 or more of the following factors: systemic hypertension, HDL < or = 35 mg/dL, total cholesterol > or = 240 mg/dL, triglycerides > or = 200 mg/dL when HDL < or = 35 mg/dL, and glycemia > or = 126 mg/dL. Moderate-risk patients were those reporting 2 or more of the following factors: systemic hypertension, HDL < or = 45, triglycerides > or = 200 mg/dL, and total cholesterol > or = 200 mg/dL. RESULTS: The prevalence of systemic hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypertriglyceridemia, and low HDL-cholesterol levels increased along with weight, but the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia did not. The odds ratio adjusted for gender and age, according to grade of obesity compared with patients with normal weight were respectively 5.9, 8.6, and 14.8 for systemic hypertension, 3.8, 5.8, and 9.2 for diabetes mellitus and 1.2, 1.3, and 2.6 for hypertriglyceridemia. We also verified that body mass index was positively related to cardiovascular high risk (P < .001) CONCLUSION: In our population, cardiovascular risk increased along with body mass index.

Systemic hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia in relation to body mass index: evaluation of a Brazilian population

OBJETIVO: Determinar prevalência de hipertensão arterial, diabete melito, hipercolesterolemia e hipertrigliceridemia em uma população brasileira de acordo com grau de obesidade. MÉTODO: Estudo retrospectivo em 1213 adultos (média de idade: 45,2 ± 12,8 anos; 80,6 % sexo feminino) em grupos de acordo com índice de massa corpórea (normal:18,5-24,4 Kg/m2; sobrepeso 25-29,9 Kg/m2; obesidade classe1: 30-34,9 Kg/m2; classe 2: 35-39,9 Kg/m2 ; classe 3:³ 40 Kgm2). Analisamos presença de hipertensão arterial, diabete melito, hipercolesterolemia e hipertrigliceridemia em cada grupo. Determinamos severidade do risco cardiovascular, considerando risco alto pacientes com 2 ou mais dos seguintes fatores: hipertensão arterial, HDL < 35mg/dl, colesterol total >240mg/dl, triglicérides >200mg/dl quando HDL < 35mg/dl e glicemia >126mg/dl; risco moderado aqueles com 2 ou mais dos seguintes fatores: hipertensão arterial, HDL < 45, triglicérides >200mg/dl e colesterol total >200mg/dl. RESULTADOS: Houve aumento significativo da prevalência de hipertensão arterial, diabete melito, hipertrigliceridemia, HDL-colesterol baixo, porém não houve maior prevalência de hipercolesterolemia. O odds ratio, ajustado para idade e sexo, para obesidade em relação aos indivíduos de peso normal foi 5,9, 8,6 e 14,8 para hipertensão; 3,8, 5,8 e 9,2 para diabete melito e 1,2, 1,3 e 2,6 para hipertrigliceridemia. Após estabelecer severidade do risco cardiovascular, verificamos que o índice de massa corpórea se correlacionou de forma significativa com alto risco cardiovascular (p< 0.0001). CONCLUSÃO: Em nossa população, observamos aumento do risco cardiovascular com aumento do índice de massa corpórea.