The predictive role of serum uric acid levels before pregnancy in the development of gestational diabetes mellitus.

Objective: With the prevalence of obesity, growing age of first pregnancy, highly processed high-calorie diet, consumption of saturated fats as well as sedentary and stressful life, the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is increasing. We aimed to determine the predictive role of pre-pregnancy serum uric acid levels and the occurrence of GDM during pregnancy. Methods: This study was a descriptive-analytical study that was performed retrospectively through case-control. The Subjects of this study were women over 18 years of age who were 24-28 weeks pregnant. All subjects of this study were evaluated for GDM based on the ADA guideline and were divided into case and control groups. All data relating to the period of 6 months before pregnancy of the study participants including blood uric acid level, blood pressure, etc. were collected and analyzed. Results: In this study, 454 normal individuals without GDM and 478 others with GDM were examined. The mean serum uric acid showed to be 4.47 ± 1.33 mg/dl in patients with GDM but 3.7 ± 1.25 mg/dl in patients without GDM (p value = 0.001). The results of the regression test showed that the incidence of GDM in people with blood uric acid levels of 4.1-5, 5.1-6, and more than 6 mg/dl is 2.46, 3.42, and 4.9 times higher in people with uric acid levels less than 3 mg/dl, respectively. Conclusion: The present study identified that serum uric acid levels in the period of 6 months before pregnancy can be used as an independent predictor marker for future GDM.

Haematological indices as predictors of atrial fibrillation following isolated coronary artery bypass grafting, valvular surgery, or combined procedures: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: New postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is one of the most critical and common complications after cardiovascular surgery precipitating early and late morbidities. Complete blood count (CBC) is an imperative blood test in clinical practice, routinely used in the examination of cardiovascular diseases. AIM: This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to determine the strength of evidence for evaluating the association of haematological indices in CBC tests with atrial fibrillation following isolated coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), isolated valvular surgery, or a combination of these treatments. METHODS: We conducted a meta-analysis of studies evaluating pre- and postoperative haematological indices in patients with POAF. A comprehensive subgroup analysis was performed to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. RESULTS: A literature search of all major databases retrieved 732 studies. After screening, 22 studies were analysed including a total of 6098 patients. Pooled analysis showed preoperative platelet count (PC) (weighted mean difference [WMD] = -7.07 × 10^9/L and p < 0.001), preoperative mean platelet volume (MPV) (WMD = 0.53 FL and p < 0.001), preoperative white blood cell count (WBC) (WMD = 0.130 × 10^9/L and p < 0.001), preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (WMD = 0.33 and p < 0.001), preoperative red blood cell distribution width (RDW) (WMD = 0.36% and p < 0.001), postoperative WBC (WMD = 1.36 × 10^9/L and p < 0.001), and postoperative NLR (WMD = 0.74 and p < 0.001) as associated factors with POAF. CONCLUSIONS: Haematological indices may predict the risk of POAF before surgery. These easily-performed tests should definitely be taken into account in patients undergoing isolated CABG, valvular surgery, or combined procedures.

Baseline and postoperative levels of C-reactive protein and interleukins as inflammatory predictors of atrial fibrillation following cardiac surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a leading arrhythmia with high incidence and serious clinical implications after cardiac surgery. Cardiac surgery is associated with systemic inflammatory response including increase in cytokines and activation of endothelial and leukocyte responses. AIM: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the strength of evidence for evaluating the association of inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukins (IL), with POAF following isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), isolated valvular surgery, or a combination of these procedures. METHODS: We conducted a meta-analysis of studies evaluating measured baseline (from one week before surgical procedures) and postoperative levels (until one week after surgical procedures) of inflammatory markers in patients with POAF. A compre-hensive search was performed in electronic medical databases (Medline/PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Science Direct, and Google Scholar) from their inception through May 2017 to identify relevant studies. A comprehensive subgroup analysis was performed to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. RESULTS: A literature search of all major databases retrieved 1014 studies. After screening, 42 studies were analysed including a total of 8398 patients. Pooled analysis showed baseline levels of CRP (standard mean difference [SMD] 0.457 mg/L, p < 0.001), baseline levels of IL-6 (SMD 0.398 pg/mL, p < 0.001), postoperative levels of CRP (SMD 0.576 mg/L, p < 0.001), postoperative levels of IL-6 (SMD 1.66 pg/mL, p < 0.001), postoperative levels of IL-8 (SMD 0.839 pg/mL, p < 0.001), and postoperative levels of IL-10 (SMD 0.590 pg/mL, p < 0.001) to be relevant inflammatory parameters significantly associated with POAF. CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative inflammation is proposed to be involved in the pathogenesis of POAF. Therefore, perioperative assessment of CRP, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 can help clinicians in terms of predicting and monitoring for POAF.

Association of SNP rs.2414096 CYP19 gene with polycystic ovarian syndrome in Iranian women.

BACKGROUND: Genetic factors are believed to play an important role in the etiology of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) which is the most common endocrinological disorder of women in their reproductive age. Androgen metabolism is impaired in PCOS and, thus, CYP19 gene which is involved in this pathway can be a candidate gene. Previous studies have shown a relationship between single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of CYP19 in hyperandrogenism and PCOS in some racial groups. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to elucidate the role of CYP19 gene in PCOS in Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this case-control study, 70 PCOS women and 70 non-PCOS women as normal control were selected. Following the informed consent, 5 ml blood was taken from individuals and subsequently, genomic DNA was extracted by salting out method. Furthermore, a set of polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was carried out using specific primers for SNP rs.2414096 followed by enzyme digestion, with HSP92II. RESULTS: Genotype frequencies of SNP rs. 2414096 in PCOS women were as follows: AA (14.4%), AG (44.3%), and GG (41.4%) while in normal group, genotypes were 24.3%, 52.8%, and 22.9%, respectively. Allele frequencies in PCOS group were 49.3% for A and 50.7% for G, whereas normal group had a different percentage of A (36.4%) and G (63.6%). The calculations for both genotypic and allelic frequencies showed statistical significance difference. CONCLUSION: Variants of SNP rs. 2414096 in CYP19 could play a role in the development of PCOS in Iranian women.

Strategies Preventing Contrast-Induced Nephropathy After Coronary Angiography: A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of 125 Randomized Controlled Trials.

This systematic review with meta-analysis sought to determine the strength of evidence for the effects of hydration (sodium bicarbonate [SB] and normal saline [NS]), supplementations ( N-acetylcysteine [NAC] and vitamin C), and some common drugs (adenosine antagonists [AAs], statins, loop diuretics, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors [ACEIs]) on the incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) and requirement for hemodialysis after coronary angiography. After screening, a total of 125 trials that reported outcomes were identified. Pooled analysis indicated beneficial effects of SB versus NS (odds ratio [OR] = 0.73; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.56-0.94; P = .01), NAC (OR = 0.79; 95% CI: 0.70-0.88; P = .001), vitamin C (OR = 0.64; 95% CI: 0.45-0.89; P = .01), statins (OR = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.35-0.57; P = .001), AA (OR = 0.28; 95% CI: 0.14-0.47; P = .001), loop diuretics (OR = 0.97; 95% CI: 0.33-2.85; P = .9), and ACEI (OR = 1.06; 95% CI: 0.69-1.61; P = .8). Overall, hydration with SB, use of supplements, such as NAC and vitamin C, and administration of statins and AA should always be considered for the prevention of CIN after coronary angiography.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia and vanishing testis: rare case of male pseudohermaphroditism.

BACKGROUND: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and vanishing testes are uncommon diseases that can result from hormonal and mechanical factors. Classic CAH is determined by ambiguous genitalia and increase in amount of 17-Hydroxyprogesterone. Simultaneous occurrence of CAH and vanishing testes is a rare condition. CASE: A 22-year-old boy, known case of CAH who was diagnosed as female pseudohermaphroditism due to ambiguous genitalia, was referred to Shahid Sadoughi Hospital, Yazd, Iran with colicky abdominal pain and hematuria. Ultrasonography has been performed and prostate tissue was reported. Karyotyping was done because of uncertainty in primary diagnosis, which revealed 46XY. For finding location of testes, ultrasonography and MRI were done and nothing was found in abdomen, inguinal canal or scrotum. Inhibin B serum level was measured to find out whether testis tissue was present in the body, which was <1 pg/ml and vanishing testis was confirmed. CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent further sequels and karyotyping for all patients with CAH is recommended. Lifelong treatment with synthetic glucocorticoid replacement is necessary.

Mutation analysis of exon1 of bone morphogenetic protein-15 gene in Iranian patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome.

BACKGROUND: With the prevalence of 6-10%, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is considered the most common endocrinological disorder affecting women in their reproductive age. It has been suggested that genetic factors participate in the development of PCOS. Follicular development has been considered as one of the impaired processes in PCOS. Bone morphogenetic protein-15 (BMP-15) gene is a candidate gene in follicular development and its variants may play role in pathogenesis of PCOS. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether BMP-15 gene mutations are present in Iranian women with PCOS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study 5 ml venous blood samples was taken from 70 PCOS women referring to Afzalipour Hospital, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran, between January to December 2014. Genomic DNA was extracted from the blood sample by salting out method. Then a set of PCR reactions for exon1 of BMP-15 gene was performed using specific primers followed by genotyping with direct sequencing. RESULTS: Two different polymorphisms were found in the gene under study. In total 20 patients (28.6%) were heterozygote (C/G), and 2 patients (2.86%) were homozygous (G/G) for c.-9C>G in 5´UTR promoter region of BMP-15 gene (rs3810682). In addition, in the coding region of exon1, three patients (4.3%) were heterozygote (G/A) for c.A308G (rs41308602). Two PCOS patients (2.86%) appeared to have both c.-9C>G (C/G) and c.A308G (G/A) variants simultaneously. CONCLUSION: Our research detected two polymorphisms of BMP-15 gene among PCOS patients, indicating that even though it cannot be concluded that variants of BMP-15 gene are the principal cause of polycystic ovarian syndrome; they could be involved in pathogenic process in development of PCOS.

Impact of antioxidant supplementations on cardio-renal protection in cardiac surgery: an updated and comprehensive meta-analysis and systematic review.

This systematic review with meta-analysis sought to determine the strength of evidence in terms of the impact of common antioxidant supplementations, such as N-acetylcysteine (NAC), vitamin C, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on perioperative outcomes after cardiac surgery with particular focus on the incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) and acute kidney injury (AKI) with associated mortality. A total of 29 trials were identified that reported incidence of AF and 17 trials that reported incidence of AKI. Pooled analysis reported that NAC (OR=0.5; P=.001), vitamin C (OR=0.4; P=.001), and PUFA (OR=0.8; P=.01) administration were associated with significantly reduced incidence of AF. In terms of postoperative AKI, only NAC was shown to be a beneficial supplement that was able to significantly reduce the incidence of AKI (OR=0.7; P=.01), and NAC could also significantly decrease overall mortality (OR=0.3; P=.03) following cardiac surgery. The use of NAC in patients undergoing cardiac surgery should be strongly recommended due to its combined cardio-renal protective effects and reduced mortality. Also, PUFA and vitamin C might be able to significantly decrease the incidence of arrhythmia; however, reno-protective effects and impact on overall mortality of these supplements seem to be less impressive.

HbA1c negatively correlates with LCAT activity in type 2 diabetes.

AIMS: Abnormal high-density lipoproteins (HDL) metabolism is a major cardiovascular risk factor in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). Lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) increases HDL size by transferring 2-acyl groups from lecithin or phosphatidylethanolamine to unesterified cholesterol. The purpose of this study was to determine the independent correlates of LCAT activity in DM2 patients. METHODS: A total of 45 (male: 20) consecutive adult DM2 patients aging 50.0+/-7.0 years (range: 40-64 years) with a median diabetes duration of 4 years (range: 2-18) were studied. Exclusion criteria were: smoking, positive history of cardiovascular, thyroid, renal or liver disease, pregnancy, treatment with metformin, insulin, lipid lowering drugs, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, aspirin or antioxidant supplements. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS: From a comprehensive list of variables studied, only HbA1c (rho=-0.951) and oxidized LDL (rho=-0.779) had statistically significant correlation with LCAT activity (p<0.001). These two variables were themselves strongly correlated to each other (rho=0.809, p<0.001). To eliminate potential confounding effects, we performed multivariate analysis, where HbA1c emerged as a strong independent predictor of LCAT activity (adjusted OR=-0.928, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Glycemia-induced glycation of HDL decreases LCAT activity. The fact that HbA1c is an accurate measure of glycation and can therefore reflect glycated HDL levels explains the association found in the present study. In conclusion, HbA1c provides an easy-to-assess, accurate measure of LCAT activity in DM2.