Differential effects of three echovirus strains on cell lysis and insulin secretion in beta cell derived lines.

In an earlier study, infection of human pancreatic islets with epidemic strains of echovirus (E4, E16, E30), with proven but differently ability to induce islet autoimmunity, resulted either in a severe damage (i.e., E16 and E30) or proceeded without visible changes in infected islets (i.e., E4). In this study, the ability of these strains to replicate in beta cells and the consequence of such an infection for beta cell lysis and beta cell function was studied in the pancreatic beta cell lines INS-1, MIN6, and NIT-1. The strains of E16 and E30 did replicate in INS1, MIN6, and NIT1 cells and resulted in a pronounced cytopathic effect within 3 days following infection. By contrast, E4 replicated in all examined insulinoma cells with no apparent cell destruction. The insulin release in response to high glucose stimulation was hampered in all infected cells (P < 0.05) when no evidence of cytolysis was present; however, the adverse effect of E16 and E30 on insulin secretion appeared to be higher than that of the E4 strain. The differential effects of echovirus infection on cell lysis, and beta cell function in the rodent insulinoma INS1, MIN6, and NIT 1 cells reflect those previously obtained in primary human islets and support the notion that the insulin-producing beta cells can harbor a non-cytopathic viral infection.

Efficacy and safety of Obex® in overweight and obese subjects: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Obex® may be helpful in reducing body weight and fat. The current study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Obex® in the treatment of overweight and obese subjects. METHODS: A double-blind, randomised, controlled phase III clinical trial was conducted involving 160 overweight and obese subjects (BMI ≥ 25.0 and < 40 kg/m2) aged 20 to 60 years, who received Obex® (n = 80) and placebo (n = 80) plus non-pharmacological treatment (physical activity and nutritional counseling). One sachet of Obex® or placebo were administered before the two main meals each day for 6 months. In addition to anthropometric measurements and blood pressure, fasting plasma and 2 h glucose levels during the oral glucose tolerance test, lipid profile, insulin, liver enzymes, creatinine, and uric acid (UA) were determined, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) beta-cell function (HOMA-ß) were assessed and insulin sensitivity (IS) was calculated with three indirect indexes. RESULTS: After 3 months of Obex®, 48.3% of the participants (28/58) achieved complete success in reducing both weight and waist circumference by greater than or equal to 5% from baseline, as opposed to 26.0% (13/50) of individuals receiving placebo (p = 0.022). Compared to baseline, at 6 months no differences were found between the groups concerning anthropometric and biochemical measurements, except for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) levels, which were higher in subjects receiving Obex® compared to those receiving placebo (p = 0.030). After 6 months of treatment, both groups showed reduced cholesterol and triglyceride levels (p < 0.012) compared to baseline value. However, only those intake Obex® showed reduced insulin concentrations and HOMA-IR, improved IS (p < 0.05), and decreased creatinine and UA levels (p < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: The consumption of Obex® together with lifestyle changes increased HDL-c, contributed to a rapid reduction of weight and waist circumference, as well as improved insulin homeostasis, which did not occur in the placebo group, and appears to be safe as an adjunct at conventional obesity treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical trial protocol was registered in the Cuban public registry of clinical trials under code RPCEC00000267 on 17/04/2018 and also registered in the international registry of clinical trials, ClinicalTrials.gov, under code: NCT03541005 on 30/05/2018.

Type 1 diabetes associated and tissue transglutaminase autoantibodies in patients without type 1 diabetes and coeliac disease with confirmed viral infections.

Coeliac disease and type 1 diabetes are autoimmune diseases that may share the same initiating environmental factors. In this study, the occurrence of type 1 diabetes associated autoantibodies (GADA and IA-2A) and tissue transglutaminase autoantibodies (TGA) was determined in patients with confirmed viral infections and no signs of type 1 diabetes or coeliac disease. Serum samples from 82 Cuban patients tested positive for PCR and IgG specific to enterovirus (HEV, serotype echovirus 16, 20 samples), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV, 20 samples), cytomegalovirus (CMV, 21 samples), and hepatitis C virus (HCV, 21 samples); and sera from 164 controls negative serologically to EBV, CMV, HCV, and echovirus 16 were enrolled in the study. All subjects were screened for GADA, IA-2A, and TGA. The prevalence of TGA in patients infected with HEV, EBV, CMV, or HCV was 55% (11/20), 25% (5/20), 9.5% (2/21), and 9.5% (2/21), respectively. GADA and IA-2A were found in 15% (3/20) and 25% (5/20) of patients infected with HEV. None of the patients infected by EBV, CMV, and HCV had GADA or IA-2A. All children infected with HEV who were positive for type 1 diabetes-associated autoantibodies were also TGA-positive. None of the sera from uninfected subjects were positive for GADA, IA-2A or TGA. In conclusion, TGA can develop during infection with HEV, EBV, CMV, or HCV, while the emergence of islet cell related autoantibodies is restricted to HEV infections. The findings suggest that HEV may be a shared environmental factor for the development of islet and gut-related autoimmunity.

An Exploratory Study of Itolizumab on the Preservation of Beta Cell Function in Adults with Recent-Onset Type 1 Diabetes.

We conducted a phase I-IIa, randomized, monocentric, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to evaluate the safety and impact of the combination treatment of Itolizumab and insulin on preserving beta cell function in adults with recent-onset type 1 diabetes. Twelve patients were randomly assigned to three treatment groups, each receiving a different Itolizumab dose (0.4/0.8/1.6 mg/kg body weight, respectively) and a placebo group. All patients received concomitant intensive multiple-dose insulin therapy. Endogenous insulin secretion was assessed by the measurement of C-peptide during the mixed-meal tolerance test. No serious adverse events were reported. No changes in the total daily insulin doses, glycated hemoglobin levels, and stimulated C-peptide were observed between the Itolizumab and placebo groups at 52 weeks. A significant decrease in stimulated C-peptide was observed during the follow-up period (p = 0.012). One subject treated with 1.6 mg of Itolizumab showed a marked increase in the levels of stimulated C-peptide three years after completion of the trial. Taken together, this is the first study to demonstrate that combination treatment with Itolizumab and insulin is safe in humans and does not affect the residual function of beta cells up to 52 weeks. The findings from our study show preliminary evidence that high doses of Itolizumab could potentially arrest the loss of beta cell function in the long term. Further studies with a longer follow-up and larger numbers of patients are envisaged to assess the effect with high dose Itolizumab.

Relationship of type 1 diabetes to ancestral proportions and HLA DR/DQ alleles in a sample of the admixed Cuban population.

BACKGROUND: Incidence of type 1 diabetes varies widely around the world, probably due to ethnic differences across populations among other factors. AIMS: To determine whether there is an association between disease and ancestry proportions; and to control disease-HLA associations for possible confounding by admixture or population stratification. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 100 cases and 129 controls participated in the study. Ancestry informative markers, which have considerable differences in frequency between European, West African and Native American populations were used. Type 1 diabetes associated HLA susceptibility/protection alleles were ascertained by PCR using specific primers. Statistical analyses were conducted using STRUCTURE 2.1, ADMIXMAP 3.7, SPSS 16.0 and STRAT 1.0 packages. RESULTS: The results of logistic regression implemented in ADMIXMAP 3.7 indicated that European ancestry was associated with type 1 diabetes mellitus with an odds ratio of 5.7 corresponding to one unit change in European admixture proportion. Association was found between HLA alleles and disease, DQA1*0501, *0301 DQB1*0201 and DRB1*0301, *0401 being susceptibility alleles and DRB1*1501, DQA1*0102/3 and DQB1*0602 being protective alleles. CONCLUSIONS: We found an association between European ancestry and type 1 diabetes in our sample, indicating the contribution of ethnicity to incidence differences. Previously reported associations of HLA DR/DQ alleles with disease are confirmed for the admixed Cuban population.

Extracellular Vesicles Released by Enterovirus-Infected EndoC-ßH1 Cells Mediate Non-Lytic Viral Spread.

While human enteroviruses are generally regarded as a lytic virus, and persistent non-cytolytic enterovirus infection in pancreatic beta cells has been suspected of playing a role in type 1 diabetes pathogenesis. However, it is still unclear how enteroviruses could exit the pancreatic beta cell in a non-lytic manner. This study aimed to investigate the role of beta cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the non-lytic enteroviral spread and infection. Size-exclusion chromatography and antibody-based immunoaffinity purification were used to isolate EVs from echovirus 16-infected human beta EndoC-ßH1 cells. EVs were then characterized using transmission electron microscopy and Multiplex Bead-Based Flow Cytometry Assay. Virus production and release were quantified by 50% cell culture infectious dose (CCID50) assay and qRT-PCR. Our results showed that EVs from echovirus 16-infected EndoC-ßH1 cells harbor infectious viruses and promote their spread during the pre-lytic phase of infection. Furthermore, the EVs-mediated infection was not inhibited by virus-specific neutralizing antibodies. In summary, this study demonstrated that enteroviruses could exit beta cells non-lytically within infectious EVs, thereby thwarting the access of neutralizing antibodies to viral particles. These data suggest that enterovirus transmission through EVs may contribute to viral dissemination and immune evasion in persistently infected beta cells.

Echovirus 6 Infects Human Exocrine and Endocrine Pancreatic Cells and Induces Pro-Inflammatory Innate Immune Response.

Human enteroviruses (HEV), especially coxsackievirus serotype B (CVB) and echovirus (E), have been associated with diseases of both the exocrine and endocrine pancreas, but so far evidence on HEV infection in human pancreas has been reported only in islets and ductal cells. This study aimed to investigate the capability of echovirus strains to infect human exocrine and endocrine pancreatic cells. Infection of explanted human islets and exocrine cells with seven field strains of E6 caused cytopathic effect, virus titer increase and production of HEV protein VP1 in both cell types. Virus particles were found in islets and acinar cells infected with E6. No cytopathic effect or infectious progeny production was observed in exocrine cells exposed to the beta cell-tropic strains of E16 and E30. Endocrine cells responded to E6, E16 and E30 by upregulating the transcription of interferon-induced with helicase C domain 1 (IF1H1), 2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthetase 1 (OAS1), interferon-ß (IFN-ß), chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 10 (CXCL10) and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 5 (CCL5). Echovirus 6, but not E16 or E30, led to increased transcription of these genes in exocrine cells. These data demonstrate for the first time that human exocrine cells represent a target for E6 infection and suggest that certain HEV serotypes can replicate in human pancreatic exocrine cells, while the pancreatic endocrine cells are permissive to a wider range of HEV.

[Diagnostic concordance between seven definitions of metabolic syndrome in overweight and obese adults]. / Concordancia diagnóstica entre siete definiciones de síndrome metabólico en adultos con sobrepeso y obesidad.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the level of diagnostic concordance between seven definitions of metabolic syndrome (MS) in a group of overweight and obese adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 350 subjects aged from 19 to 70 years were recruited for study from a clinic for overweight and obese subjects. The definitions of MS used were those given by the WHO (World Health Organization), EGIR (European Group for the Study of Insulin Resistance), NCEP- ATPIII (Adult Treatment Panel), AHA/NHLBI (American Heart Association), IDF (International Diabetes Federation), and JIS (Joint Interim Statement) as well as the Szabo criteria. Concordance between the definitions was calculated with the Kappa coefficient. Insulin resistance (IR) was assessed using the HOMA-IR index. RESULTS: According to the Szabo, WHO, EGIR, NCEP-ATPIII, AHA/NHLBI, IDF, and JIS criteria, MS frequency was 74.3%, 42.0%, 46.8%, 56.0%, 52.9%, 58.6%, and 58.6%, respectively. The concordance between the Szabo and AHA/NHLBI criteria was 0.559, while the Kappa coefficient between the Szabo criteria and the rest of the guides (NCEP-ATPIII, IDF, and JIS) was from 0.612 to 0.657, respectively. The concordance of the WHO with the EGIR was 0.602, but it was between 0.358 and 0.422 with the other guidelines. IR was distributed similarly in all guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: There is a considerable concordance between the NCEP-ATPIII, IDF, and JIS guidelines and the Szabo criteria. The Szabo criteria could be an option for the active surveillance of MS in populations.

Effects of Obex in Overweight and Obese Subjects With or Without Impaired Fasting Glucose: A Pilot Study.

Obex is a dietary supplement to help weight loss. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Obex in overweight/obese participants with or without impaired fasting glucose. This was an open-label pilot study conducted with 40 overweight and obese subjects, 23-60 years old with a body mass index of 25-44 kg/m2 (20 participants with impaired fasting glucose [IFG] and 20 with normal glucose levels). Participants received Obex at a dose of one sachet before the two main meals of each day for 3 months. In addition to anthropometric measures and blood pressure (BP), fasting plasma glucose, lipid profile, insulin, creatinine, and uric acid were determined. Insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and beta-cell function (HOMA-B) were assessed. Three indirect indices were used to calculate insulin sensitivity. Compared to baseline, Obex significantly reduced body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, waist/hip ratio, and waist/height ratio in both groups of participants (p <.05). In individuals without IFG, Obex improved HDL-c (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) (p <.0001) and lowered BP (p <.05). After 3 months of Obex, subjects with IFG showed a reduction in fasting glucose concentrations (p <.0001). Compared to baseline, this group also showed improved insulin sensitivity and HDL-c (p <.05). In conclusion, the consumption of Obex contributed to weight reduction, improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, as well as HDL-c, and appears to be safe in overweight/obese adults with impaired fasting glucose. Obex may be beneficial for weight loss, indicating that further studies are required.

Effect of standard nicotinamide in the prevention of type 1 diabetes in first degree relatives of persons with type 1 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Nicotinamide has been used with success to prevent type 1 diabetes in animal models and humans. This vitamin B3 derivative has attracting effects on beta-cell protection and regeneration. AIM/HYPOTHESIS: To evaluate the effect of standard nicotinamide administration on type 1 diabetes prevention in first degree relatives of persons with type 1 diabetes as well as on the concentrations of islet-cell-related autoantibodies, insulin secretion and peripheral sensitivity. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A randomized double-blind placebo controlled intervention trial was conducted in 40 first degree relatives of type 1 diabetic patients. Persistence of ICA ( >or= 10 JDF units) was among inclusion criteria. Participants were randomly allocated oral standard nicotinamide (1.2 g/m2) or placebo for 5 years. Groups were also stratified by age. Islet associated antibodies, fasting blood glucose, fasting plasma insulin concentrations, OGTT, IVGTT and HLA-DR genotyping were performed in all participants. The main criterion to stop treatment was type 1 diabetes development as defined by WHO. RESULTS: Type 1 diabetes development frequencies were similar between the treatment groups. ICA frequencies at the end of the study, first phase insulin release, and insulin sensitivity did not differ between groups as well. None of the participants suffered from any adverse events described for nicotinamide. CONCLUSIONS: Type 1 diabetes prevention trial using standard nicotinamide is feasible but fails to prevent or delay the disease onset at the dose we used.

Los cuestionarios como herramienta en la medición de la actividad física en personas con diabetes mellitus y obesidad en la población cubana / Questionnaires as a tool to measure physical activity in people with diabetes mellitus and obesity in the Cuban population

Introducción: Los cuestionarios son instrumentos estandarizados que se utilizan en la vigilancia global de la actividad física en las personas con diabetes mellitus y obesidad. Estos constituyen una técnica costo-efectiva más viable pero menos precisa en comparación con los métodos objetivos que se utilizan para medir la actividad física a nivel poblacional. Sin embargo, son la herramienta más empleada por los especialistas por su interacción directa con los pacientes que se incluyen en las investigaciones sobre la diabetes y la obesidad. Objetivos: Identificar los cuestionarios como una opción factible en Cuba para medir el nivel de actividad física en estudios epidemiológicos en personas con diabetes mellitus y obesidad. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión integradora de la bibliografía durante el periodo 2013-2020, a partir de los criterios de inclusión. La búsqueda se efectuó a través de PubMed, Cochrane, LILIACS y SciELO. Las palabras o criterios empleados fueron: actividad física, actividad física/cuestionarios, actividad física/técnicas de medición, enfermedades no transmisibles, diabetes mellitus y obesidad. Se identificaron 68 artículos, de los cuales fueron seleccionados 29 que contribuyeron al resultado final. Conclusiones: Las nuevas evidencias expuestas propician elementos sólidos para identificar los cuestionarios validados por sensores de movimiento como una opción factible que debe ser utilizada en Cuba para medir el nivel de actividad física en estudios epidemiológicos en personas con diabetes mellitus y obesidad(AU)

Introduction: The questionnaires are standardized instruments, which are used in full monitoring of physical activity in people with diabetes mellitus and obesity. They are a more viable cost-effect technique, but less precise in comparison with the objective methods that are used to measure physical activity in the population level. However, they are the most used tool by the specialists due to its direct interaction with patients included in researches on diabetes and obesity. Objectives: Identify the questionnaires as a feasible option in Cuba to measure the level of physical activity in epidemiological studies in people with diabetes mellitus and obesity. Methods: An integrative review of the bibliography was carried out from the inclusion criteria during the period 2013-2020. The search was carried out through PubMed, Cochrane, LILACS and SciELO to answer the question of the review: What is the physical activity´s measurement technique that can be used in people with diabetes mellitus and obesity in the Cuban population, taking into account the new empirical evidence on the subject? Physical activity, physical activity / questionnaires, physical activity / measurement techniques, non-communicable diseases, diabetes mellitus and obesity; were the words or criteria used. 68 articles were identified, and 29 of them were selected so, they contributed to the final result. Conclusions: The new evidences presented provide solid elements to identify the questionnaires validated by motion sensors as a feasible option that should be used in Cuba to measure the level of physical activity in epidemiological studies of people with diabetes mellitus and obesity(AU)

Asociación entre el fenotipo hipertrigliceridemia-obesidad abdominal, la resistencia a la insulina y las variables cardiometabólicas en el síndrome de ovario poliquístico / Association among the hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype, insulin resistance and the cardiometabolic variables in the polycystic ovary syndrome

Introducción: El síndrome de ovario poliquístico se asocia con frecuencia a alteraciones cardiometabólicas; y su asociación con el fenotipo hipertrigliceridemia-obesidad abdominal ha sido poco estudiada en Cuba. Objetivo: Identificar la frecuencia del fenotipo hipertrigliceridemia-obesidad abdominal en mujeres de edad mediana con síndrome de ovario poliquístico y su asociación con la resistencia a la insulina, trastornos del metabolismo de la glucosa y ateroesclerosis subclínica. Método: Estudio descriptivo, transversal, en 30 mujeres. Se tomaron variables clínicas: edad, peso, talla, índice de masa corporal, circunferencia de cintura y cadera, índice cintura/cadera, tensión arterial, además de concentraciones de glucosa, insulina, colesterol total, triglicéridos, HDL-c y LDL-c, e índice HOMA-IR. La aterosclerosis subclínica se evaluó por doppler carotideo y ecocardiograma (hipertrofia ventricular izquierda y grasa epicárdica). El fenotipo hipertrigliceridemia-obesidad abdominal se definió como triglicéridos elevados (≥ 1,7 mmol/L) y circunferencia de la cintura ≥ 80 cm. Resultados: La frecuencia del fenotipo hipertrigliceridemia-obesidad abdominal fue 43,3 por ciento (13/30). Los valores medios de circunferencia abdominal, tensión arterial, así como de glucemia (p < 0,003), insulinemia (p = 0,028), triglicéridos (p < 0,0001), e índice HOMA-IR (p = 0,012) fueron más elevados en el grupo de mujeres con esa condición. A pesar de no haber diferencias significativas la frecuencia de mujeres con incremento del grosor íntima-media carotídeo y de grasa epicárdica fue superior en aquellas con el fenotipo. Conclusiones: La presencia del fenotipo hipertrigliceridemia-obesidad abdominal es frecuente en mujeres con síndrome de ovario poliquístico, y se asocia con alteraciones del metabolismo de la glucosa y la resistencia a la insulina. Este pudiera ser utilizado en la práctica clínica como un marcador de riesgo para alteraciones cardiometabólicas(AU)

Introduction: The polycystic ovary syndrome is frequently associated to cardiometabolic alterations; and its relation with the hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype has been poorly studied in Cuba. Objective: Identify the frequency of the hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype in middle age women with polycystic ovary syndrome and its association with insulin resistance, disorders in the glucose metabolism and subclinical atherosclerosis. Methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional study in 30 women. As clinical variables there were used: age, weight, size, body mass index, waist-hip circumference, waist/hip index, blood pressure; glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-c and LDL-c concentrations, and HOMA-IR index. Subclinical atherosclerosis was assessed by a carotid doppler and an echocardiogram (left ventricular hypertrophy and epicardial fat). The hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype was defined as high triglycerides levels (≥ 1.7 mmol/L) and CC ≥ 80 cm. Results: The frequency of the hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype was 43.3 percent (13/30). The mean values of abdominal circumference, blood pressure, as well as glycemia (p < 0.003), insulinaemia (p = 0.028), triglycerides (p < 0.0001), and HOMA-IR index (p = 0.012) were higher in the group of women with that condition. Although there were not significant differences, the frequency of women with increase of the carotid intima-media thickness and epicardical fat was higher in those with the phenotype. Conclusions: The presence of the hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype is frequent in women with the polycystic ovary syndrome, and it is associated with alterations of the glucose metabolism and insulin resistance. This can be used in the clinical practice as a marker of risk for cardiometabolic alterations(AU)

Nivel de actividad física y su relación con factores clínicos y complicaciones crónicas en personas con diabetes mellitus / Level of physical activity and its relation to clinical factors and chronic complications in people with diabetes mellitus

Introducción: La prevalencia de inactividad física en Cuba es de 40,4 por ciento pero se desconoce la frecuencia en personas con diabetes mellitus. Entre los factores asociados con la actividad física están la edad y la existencia de antecedentes familiares de diabetes mellitus, entre otros. Objetivos: Determinar el nivel de actividad física y su relación con factores clínicos y complicaciones crónicas en personas con diabetes mellitus. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal, en una muestra de 131 personas con diabetes mellitus, mayores de 18 años, en el Policlínico "Héroes del Moncada"; donde se evaluó el nivel de actividad física a través de la versión corta del cuestionario IPAQ. Se utilizó la prueba de Chi cuadrado entre variables cualitativas y la correlación de Pearson para las variables cuantitativas. Resultados: De los pacientes estudiados, 54,9 por ciento tenían un nivel de actividad física bajo. Existió correlación negativa entre el grado de actividad física y la edad (p<0,0001), así como positiva con el peso corporal (p<0,0001). El nivel de actividad física bajo fue más frecuente en las personas con edades comprendidas entre 60 y 79 (59,7 por ciento), mientras que el alto prevaleció en los de 40-59 años (61,3 por ciento) (p<0,05). Los individuos con un solo familiar de primer grado diabético fueron más representados en el nivel de actividad física bajo (75 por ciento). No se encontró relación entre el nivel de actividad física y el número de complicaciones de la diabetes mellitus. Conclusiones: El nivel de actividad física en las personas con diabetes mellitus fue bajo, de forma similar al de la población general en Cuba y se asoció con la edad, los antecedentes familiares de diabetes y el exceso de peso corporal(AU)

Introduction: The prevalence of physical inactivity in Cuba is 40.4% but the frequency in people with diabetes mellitus is unknown. Factors associated with physical activity include age and a family history of diabetes mellitus, among others. Objectives: Determine the level of physical activity and its relation to clinical factors and chronic complications in people with diabetes mellitus. Methods: An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted in a sample of 131 people over the age of 18 with diabetes mellitus, in "Heroes of the Moncada" Polyclinic where the level of physical activity was assessed through the short version of IPAQ questionnaire. The Chi square test between qualitative variables and Pearson's correlation was used for quantitative variables. Results: Of the patients studied, 54.9 percent had a low level of physical activity. There was negative correlation between the degree of physical activity and the age (p<0.0001), as well as positive with body weight (p<0.0001). Low level of physical activity was more common in people aged 60 to 79 (59.7 percent), while high level prevailed in those aged 40-59 (61.3 percent) (p<0.05).Individuals with just one diabetic first-degree family member were more represented at the low physical activity level (75 percent).No relationship was found between the level of physical activity and the number of complications of diabetes mellitus. Conclusions: The level of physical activity in people with diabetes mellitus was low, similar to that of the general population in Cuba and was associated with age, family history of diabetes and excess body weight(AU)

Utilidad del fenotipo hipertensión-obesidad abdominal para identificar personas con riesgo cardiovascular global moderado y alto / Use of the hypertension- abdominal obesity phenotype to identify people with moderate and high overall cardiovascular risk

Introducción: La obesidad está relacionada con un riesgo elevado de enfermedades no transmisibles. Una tendencia creciente en la prevalencia de la obesidad desde principios de la década de 1980 ha planteado una importante carga de salud de la población en todo el mundo. Objetivos: Determinar la utilidad del fenotipo hipertensión-obesidad abdominal para identificar personas con riesgo cardiovascular global moderado o alto en adultos con exceso de peso corporal y si esta es superior a la de otros binomios fenotípicos descritos y al síndrome metabólico. Métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal que incluyó 257 personas de 35 a 70 años. Variables estudiadas: edad, sexo, peso, talla, índice de masa corporal, circunferencia de la cintura, presión arterial, colesterol, triglicéridos, colesterol-HDL y glucemia en ayunas. Se determinó la presencia del síndrome metabólico según los criterios de la declaración provisional conjunta [Joint Interim Statement (JIS), siglas en inglés], además se estudiaron los fenotipos hipertensión-obesidad abdominal, hipertrigliceridemia-obesidad abdominal e hiperglucemia-obesidad abdominal. El riesgo cardiovascular global fue evaluado mediante las tablas de Gaziano. Resultados: El 81,7 por ciento (210/257) de los sujetos presentó el fenotipo hipertensión-obesidad abdominal y la frecuencia de riesgo cardiovascular moderado-alto fue de 28,0 por ciento (72/257). El fenotipo hipertensión-obesidad abdominal detectó la mayor proporción de sujetos con riesgo cardiovascular moderado-alto (64 de los 72); el riesgo cardiovascular moderado-alto estaba presente en la mayoría con este fenotipo (88,8 por ciento), diferente de aquellos sin el fenotipo (11,1 por ciento). La sensibilidad (88,9 por ciento) y el valor predictivo negativo (83,0 por ciento) muestran que el fenotipo hipertensión-obesidad abdominal es un binomio útil para detectar individuos con riesgo cardiovascular moderado-alto. Conclusiones: La utilidad del fenotipo hipertensión-obesidad abdominal es superior a la de otros binomios fenotípicos y al síndrome metabólico para identificar personas con riesgo cardiovascular moderado-alto. La elevada sensibilidad y el alto valor predictivo negativo del fenotipo hipertensión-obesidad abdominal, así como la simplicidad de su determinación, lo convierten en una buena opción para pesquisar sujetos con este riesgo(AU)

Introduction: Obesity is linked to a high risk of non-communicable diseases. A growing trend in the prevalence of obesity since the early 1980s has posed a significant population´s health burden worldwide. Objectives: Determine the usefulness of the hypertension- abdominal obesity´s phenotype to identify cases with moderate or high overall cardiovascular risk in adults with excess body weight and whether it is superior to that of other phenotypic binomials described and to the metabolic syndrome. Methods: Observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study that included 257 people from 35 to 70 years old. Variables studied: age, sex, weight, size, body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol and fasting blood glucose. The presence of metabolic syndrome was determined according to the criteria of the Joint Interim Statement (JIS), and hypertension- abdominal obesity phenotypes, abdominal hypertriglyceridemia-obesity and hyperglycemia- abdominal obesity were also studied. The overall cardiovascular risk was assessed using Gaziano's tables. Results: 81.7 percent (210/257) of subjects had the hypertension-abdominal obesity´s phenotype and the frequency of moderate-high cardiovascular risk was 28.0 percent (72/257).The hypertension- abdominal obesity´s phenotype detected the highest proportion of subjects at moderate-high cardiovascular risk (64 of the 72); moderate-high cardiovascular risk was present in most of the subjects with this phenotype (88.8 percent), different from those without the phenotype (11.1 percent).Sensitivity (88.9 percent) and the negative predictive value (83.0 percent) show that the hypertension- abdominal obesity´s phenotype is a useful binomial for detecting individuals with moderate-high cardiovascular risk. Conclusions: The usefulness of the hypertension- abdominal obesity phenotype is superior to that of other phenotypic binomials and to the metabolic syndrome in order to identify people with moderate-high cardiovascular risk. The high sensitivity and high negative predictive value of the hypertension- abdominal obesity phenotype, as well as the simplicity of its determination, make it a good option for researching subjects with this risk(AU)

Utilidad del cuestionario corto BPAAT para medir la actividad física en una población cubana / Usefulness of the Short BPAAT Questionnaire for Measuring Physical Activity in a Cuban Population

RESUMEN Introducción: El cuestionario abreviado de evaluación de la actividad física para la atención primaria (BPAAT, por sus siglas en inglés) se diseñó con el objetivo de evaluar las mismas dimensiones de actividad física que mide el cuestionario internacional de actividad física (IPAQ, por sus siglas en inglés), pero de manera más efectiva. Objetivo: Determinar la utilidad del cuestionario corto BPAAT para medir actividad física en una población cubana. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo y transversal, con una muestra de 230 personas, de dos áreas de salud del municipio "Plaza de la Revolución" para evaluar la utilidad de este cuestionario. Previo a su empleo en el estudio, se realizó la adaptación cultural del cuestionario. La concordancia entre los cuestionarios IPAQ y BPAAT se estimó con el coeficiente kappa. Se determinó si la proporción de sujetos suficientemente activos (SA) era superior al 71 por ciento en los cuestionarios. Resultados: El grupo más representado fue el de 50-64 años (41,7 por ciento). El nivel promedio de actividad física acumulada en la semana fue de 1236,7 equivalentes calóricos (MET's), lo que se corresponde con la categoría moderada. El nivel de concordancia entre los cuestionarios fue de considerable (k = 0,774). Existió correlación negativa entre el grado de actividad física, la edad (p = 0,001) y el índice de masa corporal (p < 0,0001). Conclusiones: El cuestionario BPAAT tiene un grado de concordancia considerable con la versión corta del IPAQ. La mayoría de los sujetos a los que se les aplico el BPAAT estuvo en la categoría suficientemente activos, por lo que resulta adecuado como instrumento de medición de la actividad física en la población estudiada(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: The Brief Physical Activity Assessment Tool (BPAAT, as it stands in English) for primary care was designed with the aim of evaluating the same physical activity dimensions as measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ, as it stands in English), but more effectively. Objective: To determine the usefulness of the short BPAAT questionnaire to measure physical activity in a Cuban population. Methods: A cross-sectional and observational-descriptive study was carried out with a sample of 230 people from two health areas of Plaza de la Revolution Municipality, in order to evaluate the usefulness of this questionnaire. Prior to its use in the study, the cultural adaptation of the questionnaire was done. Agreement between the IPAQ and BPAAT questionnaires was estimated with the Kappa coefficient. It was determined whether the proportion of sufficiently active subjects (AS) was greater than 71 percent in the questionnaires. Results: The most represented group was that of 50-64 years (41.7 percent). The average level of physical activity accumulated in a week was 1236.7 caloric equivalents (MET's), which is in correspondence with the moderate category. The level of agreement between the questionnaires was considerable (k = 0.774). There was a negative correlation between degree of physical activity, age (p = 0.001), and body mass index (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: The BPAAT questionnaire has a considerable degree of agreement with the short version of the IPAQ. Most of the subjects to whom the BPAAT was applied were in the SA category, making it suitable as a tool for measuring physical activity in the population studied(AU)

Índice glucosa-triglicéridos como marcador de resistencia a la insulina en pacientes con diagnóstico de hipertensión arterial esencial / Glycemia-triglyceride index as marker of insulin resistance in essential hypertensive patients

Introducción: El índice glucemia-triglicéridos se utiliza para el diagnóstico presuntivo de la resistencia insulínica, que en los pacientes hipertensos se relaciona con la severidad de la hipertensión arterial. Objetivo: Determinar la utilidad del índice glucemia-triglicéridos como marcador de resistencia a la insulina en pacientes adultos con diagnóstico de hipertensión arterial esencial. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal en 232 pacientes con diagnóstico de hipertensión arterial esencial. Se calculó el índice glucemia-triglicéridos y se comparó con el índice HOMA. Para este análisis se utilizó la curva ROC, la correlación de Pearson y el Índice de Kappa, se consideró significativo un valor de p menor a 0,05. Resultados: Se obtuvo un punto de corte de 8,1 que mostró una sensibilidad de 98,6 con una especificidad de 41,4. La curva ROC mostró un área bajo la curva con valor de 0,694 ≈ 0,7. Se observó correlación positiva (p=0,008) Índice de Kappa=88,4 por ciento. Conclusiones: El índice glucemia-triglicéridos resulto ser útil en pacientes con hipertensión arterial como marcador de resistencia a la insulina con un punto de corte de 8,1(AU)

Introduction: The glycemia-triglyceride index is used for the presumptive diagnosis of insulin resistance, which in hypertensive patients is related to the severity of high blood pressure. Objective: To determine the utility of the glycemia-triglyceride index as a marker of insulin resistance in adult patients diagnosed with essential arterial hypertension. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in 232 patients diagnosed with essential arterial hypertension. The glycemia-triglyceride index was calculated and compared with HOMA index. For this analysis, ROC curve, Pearson correlation and Kappa index were used, p value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: We obtained an 8.1 cut-off point, showing 98.6 sensitivity and 41.4 specificity. The area below the ROC curve showed 0.694 ≈ 0.7 value. Positive correlation was observed (p = 0.008). Kappa index = 88.4 percent. Conclusions: The glycemia-triglyceride index turned out to be useful in patients with essential hypertension as a marker of insulin resistance with a cut-off point of 8.1(AU)

Utilidad de la prueba de tolerancia de comida mixta con Nutrial I para la evaluación de la función de las células beta en diabetes tipo 1 / Usefulness of the tolerance test of mixed food with Nutrial I for the assessment of beta cells function in diabetes type 1

RESUMEN Introducción: La prueba de tolerancia de comida mixta es considerada la prueba de oro para la medición de la producción de insulina endógena en pacientes con diabetes tipo 1. Objetivo: Determinar la utilidad de la prueba de tolerancia de comida mixta con Nutrial I para evaluar la función de las células ß en diabéticos tipo 1 de diagnóstico reciente y la relación de esa función con algunas características clínicas y bioquímicas. Métodos: Se estudiaron variables bioquímicas como la glucemia, hemoglobina glucosilada (HbA1c), péptido C y fracciones lipídicas. La prueba de tolerancia de comida mixta con Nutrial I se aplicó a 18 sujetos con diabetes tipo 1 de diagnóstico reciente y a 8 voluntarios con edades comprendidas entre 19 y 35 años. El consumo del suplemento Nutrial I se calculó según el peso del paciente. Se obtuvieron muestras para glucemia y péptido C a los -10, 0, 30, 60, 90 y 120 minutos. Resultados: Se observaron concentraciones elevadas de glucemia y disminuidas de péptido C durante la prueba de tolerancia de comida mixta en los diabéticos tipo 1 de diagnóstico reciente, en comparación con los voluntarios, así como, diferencias en las áreas bajo la curva de péptido C (AUC-pc) (p= 0,001). En los diabéticos tipo 1 de diagnóstico reciente se evidenció una correlación negativa entre el AUC-pc con los niveles de glucemia en ayunas (r= -0,747; p ( 0,0001) y la HbA1c (r= -0,535; p= 0,022). Por el contrario, se encontró una correlación positiva entre el AUC-pc y el péptido C en ayunas (r= 0,722; p= 0,001). El AUC-pc después de la prueba de tolerancia de comida mixta es mayor en los sujetos con glucemia en ayunas si GA < 7 mmol/L con respecto a los sujetos con glucemia en ayunas ( 7 mmol/L (p= 0,012). Conclusiones: El empleo del Nutrial I en la prueba de tolerancia de comida mixta fue útil en la evaluación de la función de las células β en diabéticos tipo 1 de diagnóstico reciente. Los valores bajos de glucemia en ayunas durante esta prueba son marcadores indirectos de una función residual de células ( más conservada en los diabéticos tipo 1 de diagnóstico reciente(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: The tolerance test of mixed food is considered the gold standard for the measurement of endogenous insulin production in patients with diabetes type 1. Objective: To determine the usefulness of the tolerance test of mixed food with Nutrial I to assess the ß-cells function in patients with diabetes type 1 of recent diagnosis and the relation of this function with some clinical and biochemical characteristics. Methods: There were studied biochemical variables as the blood glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), C-peptide and lipid fractions. The tolerance test of mixed food with Nutrial I was applied to 18 individuals with diabetes type 1 of recent diagnosis and in 8 volunteers aged between 19 and 35 years old. The consumption of Nutrial I supplement was calculated according to the weight of the patient. Samples were obtained for blood glucose and C-peptide at -10, 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes. Results: There were observed high concentrations of glycemia and decreased amounts of C-peptide during the tolerance test of mixed food in recently diagnosed type 1 diabetics in comparison with the volunteers, as well as differences in areas under the curve of C-peptide (AUC-pc) (p= 0.001). In the recently diagnosed type 1 diabetics was evident a negative correlation between the AUC-pc with fasting plasma glucose levels (r= -0,747; p(0.0001) and HbA1c (r= -0,535; p= 0.022). On the contrary, it was found a positive correlation between the AUC-pc and fasting C-peptide (r = 0.722; p = 0.001). The AUC-pc after the tolerance test of mixed food was greater in subjects with fasting blood glucose < 7 mmol/L with respect to the subjects with fasting blood glucose ( 7 mmol/L (p= 0.012). Conclusions: The use of Nutrial I in the tolerance test of mixed food was useful in the assessment of the role of the β-cells in patients with recently diagnosed diabetes type 1. Low values of fasting blood glucose during this test are indirect markers of a residual function of (cells more preserved in type 1 diabetics of recent diagnosis(AU)

Slowly progressing type 1 diabetes: persistence of islet cell autoantibodies is related to glibenclamide treatment.

BACKGROUND: Several experimental studies in rats have demonstrated that sulfonylurea treatment increases autoantigen expression in B-cells. This phenomenon may be deleterious for the preservation of residual beta cell function in patients with slowly progressing type 1 diabetes or latent autoimmune diabetes of adult (LADA). AIM/HYPOTHESIS: The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the exclusion of glibenclamide in the treatment of ICA positive type 2 diabetic patients may diminish or halt the humoral autoimmune response against B-cells as well as improve metabolic control and insulin secretion. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Fourteen type 2 diabetic patients with pancreatic autoimmunity (ICA+ and GABA+) and treated with insulin and glibenclamide (duration of disease 2.0 +/- 2.2, range 0.1-7 years and age 53 +/- 12.5, range 36-75 years) were studied. Patients were randomly assigned to two treatment groups, Group 1: insulin monotherapy (n = 8, age 53 +/- 6.4 years) (Exclusion of glibenclamide) and, Group 2: insulin plus glibenclamide (n = 6, age 53.5 +/- 16.9) (Unmodified treatment). Both groups were investigated at the beginning of the study and after one year for the following parameters: ICA and anti-GAD65 antibodies, fasting glucose and fasting C-peptide. RESULTS: In group 1, six out of eight patients became ICA negative while all patients in group 2 remained ICA positive (p = 0.0097). Fasting glucose concentrations improved in group 1 (4.6 +/- 2.8) in relation to group 2 (11.5 +/- 5.5, p = 0.0023) after one year of treatment. No differences were found for anti-GAD antibodies and fasting C-Peptide between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: These data show that exclusion of glibenclamide in the treatment of ICA+ type 2 diabetic patients partially decreases specific autoimmunity against endocrine pancreatic cells and improves metabolic control. This may reflect decreased expression of B-cell autoantigens suggesting that insulin monotherapy is a better choice for the treatment of LADA.

Evidence of association between type 1 diabetes and exposure to enterovirus in Cuban children and adolescents.

A possible etiologic role of enteroviruses for type 1 diabetes has been researched for 40 years, but evidence to date is inconclusive. This article summarizes new evidence from Cuban research supporting a role for enteroviruses, both in preclinical stages of autoimmune reactions against pancreatic ß cells and at clinical onset, in a population with low type 1 diabetes incidence. Possible pathogenetic mechanisms are also discussed, such as acute cytolytic damage and molecular mimicry. Although direct causal effects of enteroviruses in type 1 diabetes are difficult to demonstrate, arguments supporting their role in type 1 diabetes pathogenesis should not be ignored; and confirmation could contribute to development of more effective preventive strategies.