Triglyceride glucose index as a predictor for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: insights from a longitudinal analysis in non-obese individuals.

Background: A substantial portion of non-obese population is afflicted with Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). The Triglyceride Glucose (TyG) index, a quantifier of insulin resistance magnitude, is determined by the product of fasting plasma glucose and triglyceride concentrations. The relationship between the TyG index and NAFLD within this cohort remains ambiguous. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis utilizing datasets acquired from the Dryad digital repository. Non-obese participants (BMI < 25 kg/m2) were enrolled at the Wenzhou Medical Center of Wenzhou People's Hospital between January 2010 and December 2014. Demographic information and biochemical parameters were systematically compiled, and the diagnosis of NAFLD was established through ultrasonographic evidence. Results: This study cohort included 16,172 non-obese participants with a 5-year follow-up, among whom 2,322 (14.36%) developed NAFLD. The disparity between TyG index quartiles in the accumulative incidence of new-onset NAFLD was distinct, with an increasing risk of new-onset NAFLD as the TyG index increased. Participants in highest quartile exhibited the maximum risk of NAFLD. In the fully adjusted model 3, the hazard ratios for NAFLD in Q2, Q3, and Q4 were 2.15 (1.62, 2.87), 2.89 (2.20, 3.80) and 4.58 (3.48, 6.02), respectively. Meanwhile, the TyG index and NAFLD risk showed a highly significant overall correlation (p < 0.0001) and nonlinearity (p < 0.0001) according to the limited cubic splines. In subgroup analysis, a significant interaction was noted between new-onset NAFLD and SBP (<140 mmHg vs. ≥140 mmHg; P for interaction = 0.0114). The SBP < 140 mmHg subgroup demonstrated an enhanced TyG index influence on NAFLD risk (HR = 2.83, 95% CI: 2.48-3.23, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: The TyG index serves as a straightforward instrument for assessing NAFLD risk in non-obese individuals, enabling prompt identification and management in this population segment.

Association between the ZJU index and risk of new-onset non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in non-obese participants: a Chinese longitudinal prospective cohort study.

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasingly observed in non-obese individuals. The ZJU (Zhejiang University) index has been established as a new and efficient tool for detecting NAFLD, but the relationship between the ZJU index and NAFLD within non-obese individuals still remains unclear. Methods: A post-hoc evaluation was undertaken using data from a health assessment database by the Wenzhou Medical Center. The participants were divided into four groups based on the quartile of the ZJU Index. Cox proportional hazards regression, Kaplan-Meier analysis and tests for linear trends were used to evaluate the relationship between the ZJU index and NAFLD incidence. Subgroup analysis was conducted to test the consistency of the correlation between ZJU and NAFLD in subsgroups. Receiver operative characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the predictive performance of the ZJU index, compared with the Atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and Remnant lipoprotein cholesterol (RLP-C) index. Results: A total of 12,127 were included in this study, and 2,147 participants (17.7%) developed NAFLD in 5 years follow-up. Participants in higher ZJU quartiles tended to be female and have higher liver enzymes (including ALP, GGT, ALT, AST), GLU, TC, TG, LDL and higher NAFLD risk. Hazard Ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for new-onset NAFLD in Q2, Q3, and Q4 were 3.67(2.43 to 5.55), 9.82(6.67 to 14.45), and 21.67(14.82 to 31.69) respectively in the fully adjusted model 3. With increased ZJU index, the cumulative new-onset NAFLD gradually increased. Significant linear associations were observed between the ZJU index and new-onset NAFLD (p for trend all<0.001). In the subgroup analysis, we noted a significant interaction in sex, with HRs of 3.27 (2.81, 3.80) in female and 2.41 (2.21, 2.63) in male (P for interaction<0.01). The ZJU index outperformed other indices with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.823, followed by AIP (AUC=0.747) and RLP-C (AUC=0.668). Conclusion: The ZJU index emerges as a promising tool for predicting NAFLD risk in non-obese individuals, outperforming other existing parameters including AIP and RLP-C. This could potentially aid in early detection and intervention in this specific demographic.

Dose optimization of vancomycin in obese patients: A systematic review.

Background: Dose optimization of vancomycin plays a substantial role in drug pharmacokinetics because of the increased incidence of obesity worldwide. This systematic review was aimed to highlight the current dosing strategy of vancomycin among obese patients. Methods: This systematic review was in concordance with Preferred Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The literature search was carried out on various databases such as Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE, ScienceDirect and EMBASE using Keywords and MeSH terms related to vancomycin dosing among obese patients. Google Scholar was also searched for additional articles. The English language articles published after January, 2000 were included in this study. The quality of the study was assessed using different assessment tools for cohort, and case reports. Results: A total of 1,029 records were identified. After screening, 18 studies were included for the final review. Of total, twelve studies are retrospective and remaining six are case-control studies. A total of eight studies were conducted in pediatrics while remaining studies were conducted in adult population. Most of the studies reported the dosing interval every 6-8 h. Differences in target trough concentration exist with respect to target ranges. The administration of loading dose (20-25 mg/kg) followed by maintenance dose (15-25 mg/kg) of vancomycin is recommended in adult patients to target therapeutic outcomes. Moreover, a dose of 40-60 mg/kg/day appears appropriate for pediatric patients. Conclusion: The initial dosing of vancomycin based on TBW could be better predictor of vancomycin trough concentration. However, the clinical significance is uncertain. Therefore, more studies are needed to evaluate the dosing strategy of vancomycin in overweight or obese patients.

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Two-Handed Mask Ventilation Techniques (C-E versus V-E) in Obese Patients Requiring General Anesthesia in an Indian Population.

Background: Two-handed mask ventilation techniques are often used in cases of difficult mask ventilation scenarios. A comparison of two methods of two-handed techniques in terms of tidal volume was undertaken in the context of the obese population. Aims and Objectives: To determine and compare the effectiveness of mask ventilation in obese Indian adult subjects by using either the C-E technique or the V-E technique after induction of general anaesthesia. Material and Methods: This was a randomised interventional study conducted on eighty obese patients. They were randomized into Group A ventilated with C-E technique and Group B with V-E technique. Expired tidal volume (VTe), Peak inspiratory pressure (PIP), SpO2, EtCO2 and vital signs were noted. Results: The BMI and hemodynamic parameters were comparable between the two groups. The expired tidal volume of 702 ± 77 mL with the V-E technique was significantly more than the C-E technique, which was 492 ± 71 mL. The ventilatory failure rate with the C-E technique was 15% and 0% with the V-E technique. There was no significant difference between the peak airway pressures for the two techniques: 20.3 ± 1.5 mm H2O for Group A and 20.5 ± 1.2 mm H2O for Group B. Conclusions: Mask ventilation with the two-handed V-E technique is associated with better tidal volumes and reduced failure rates in the obese population. So the V-E technique should be attempted first as a rescue measure in obese adult patients if the return of spontaneous breathing and tracheal intubation is impossible.

Association of triglyceride glucose index and its combination of obesity indices with prehypertension in lean individuals: A cross-sectional study of Chinese adults.

For normal-weight population, the management of prehypertension may be more beneficial by identifying insulin resistance (IR) status than relying solely on traditional indicators of obesity. We investigated the association of triglyceride glucose (TyG) index, a simple surrogate marker of IR, and its combination of obesity indices with prehypertension in lean individuals. A total of 105 070 lean adults without hypertension were included in this analysis. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WtHR), and TyG were calculated according to the corresponding formula; TyG-BMI, TyG-WC, and TyG-WHtR were calculated by multiplying the corresponding two parameters. Gardner-Altman plots, partial correlation, and logistic regression analyses were applied to explore the associations in continuous variables and quartiles. The prehypertensive ones had higher mean values of TyG, TyG-BMI, TyG-WC, and TyG-WHtR than normotensive individuals. All the four indicators showed positive correlations with systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. After full adjustment, only TyG-BMI and TyG-WC were significantly associated with prehypertension in both genders. Furthermore, TyG-BMI had the highest OR for prehypertension. Our study showed that TyG-BMI might be an accessible and complementary monitor in the hierarchical management of non-obese prehypertensive patients.

Evolution and Predictive Factors of Improvement of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in an Obese Population After Bariatric Surgery.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Our objectives were to determine in an obese population (body mass index > 35 kg/m²) the number of patients, after gastric bypass (GBP), who no longer met French Ministry of Health criteria for utilizing positive airway pressure (PAP), and the predictive factors of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) improvement. METHODS: Between June 2012 and August 2014 we diagnosed OSA in 129 incident patients requiring PAP therapy before GBP. A postoperative sleep recording was undertaken for 44 of these patients after a weight loss of at least 10%. RESULTS: Most of the patients showed severe OSA with a mean [standard deviation] apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of 52.8 [23.8] events/h. The body mass index was 46.1 [5.1] kg/m². All the patients were treated via PAP and most of them via auto-titrating PAP with a range of 4-16 cmH2O. Following the GBP, in 31 patients (70.5%) OSA was improved, allowing PAP to be stopped (AHI < 15 events/h). The Epworth Sleepiness Scale score, the modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale, the loudness of snoring, and sleep structure were improved. AHI was decreased by a mean of 40.9 [22.4] events/h (P < .001). In a multivariate logistic regression model, age (P = .018) and sleep oxygen desaturation index (P = .049) appeared to predict improvement of OSA. CONCLUSIONS: After GBP, 70.5% of the patients no longer met French Ministry of Health criteria for utilizing PAP, allowing discontinuation of this treatment. At diagnosis, a younger age and a less severe sleep oxygen desaturation were predictive factors of this improvement.

Questionable accuracy of home blood pressure measurements in the obese population - Validation of the Microlife WatchBP O3® and Omron RS6® devices according to the European Society of Hypertension-International Protocol.

OBJECTIVE: Two oscillometric devices, the Microlife WatchBP O3® and the Omron RS6®, designed for self-blood pressure measurement were evaluated according to the European Society of Hypertension (ESH)-International Protocol (IP) Revision 2010 in the obese population. METHODS: The Microlife WatchBP O3 measures blood pressure (BP) at the brachial level and the Omron RS6 measures BP at the wrist level. The ESH-IP revision 2010 includes a total of 33 subjects. The difference between observers' and device BP values was calculated for each measure. A total of 99 pairs of BP differences were classified into three categories (≤5, ≤10, and ≤15 mmHg). The protocol procedures were followed precisely in each of the two studies. RESULTS: Microlife WatchBP O3 and Omron RS6 failed to fulfill the criteria of the ESH-IP. The mean differences between the device and the mercury readings were: 0.3±7.8 mmHg and -1.9±6.4 mmHg for systolic BP and diastolic BP, respectively, for Microlife WatchBP O3, and 2.7±9.9 mmHg for SBP and 3.5±11.1 mmHg for diastolic BP for Omron RS6. CONCLUSION: Microlife WatchBP O3 and Omron RS6 readings differing from the mercury standard by more than 5, 10, and 15 mmHg failed to fulfill the ESH-IP revision 2010 requirements in obese subjects. Therefore, the two devices cannot be recommended for use in obese subjects.

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein, but not white blood cell count, independently predicted incident diabetes in a Japanese health screening population.

AIMS: To compare high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and white blood cell count (WBC) as a predictor of incident diabetes in a population where obesity is not prevalent. METHODS: This is a retrospective 6-year follow-up study in a Japanese health screening population including 1874 men and 1094 women. Using Cox regression methods, hazard ratios (HRs) of incident diabetes for hs-CRP and WBC adjusting for fasting plasma glucose (FPG), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and other confounders were calculated, and using areas under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUCs), diabetes-predicting abilities of hs-CRP and WBC were compared. Diabetes was defined as FPG ≥ 126 mg/dL and HbA1c ≥ 6.5 % or use of antidiabetic medication. RESULTS: During the 6-year follow-up period (mean ± SD, 4.8 ± 1.7 years), 71 men (3.8 %) and 19 women (1.7 %) developed incident diabetes. The fully adjusted HRs [95 % confidence intervals (CIs)] of incident diabetes for each 1 SD increase in log hs-CRP and WBC were 1.20 (0.92-1.56) (p = 0.174) and 1.01 (0.78-1.30) (p = 0.946), respectively. The fully adjusted HRs (95 % CIs) of incident diabetes for the highest tertile of hs-CRP and WBC compared with the lowest tertile were 2.57 (1.05-6.27) (p = 0.039) and 1.20 (0.53-2.70) (p = 0.665), respectively. The AUCs (95 % CIs) of hs-CRP and WBC for the discrimination of incident diabetes were 0.73 (0.68-0.77) and 0.67 (0.62-0.72), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Hs-CRP, but not WBC, was independently associated with incident diabetes in a Japanese health screening population where obesity is not prevalent.

New approach to beta cell function screening by nitric oxide assessment of obese individuals at the population level.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 27% of Americans today are obese, and this condition increases the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and diabetes. The UK Prospective Diabetes Study suggests that loss of beta cell function can begin at least 10 years before diagnosis, and mean beta cell function is already less than 50% at diagnosis. The aim of this research was to assess the possibility of detecting loss of beta cell function in obese patients by a novel approach involving nitric oxide assessment using a combination of technologies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and fifteen obese patients (93 women, 22 men) of mean age 39 (range 17-62) years, who were candidates for bariatric surgery were included in the study, and underwent laboratory tests, including fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin plasma, and examination with the Electro Sensor complex. The Electro Sensor complex offers a new way to assess nitric oxide production using five technologies managed by software, ie, the galvanic skin response, photoelectrical plethysmography, heart rate variability analysis, bioimpedance analysis, and blood pressure oscillometric measurements. The homeostasis model assessment 2% beta cell function (HOMA2% ß) algorithm was calculated from fasting blood glucose and fasting insulin plasma using free software provided by The University of Oxford Diabetes Trial Unit. The Electro Sensor complex percent beta (ESC% ß) algorithm was calculated from the Electro Sensor complex data and statistical neural network. Statistical analysis was performed to correlate ESC% ß and HOMA2% ß using the coefficient of correlation and Spearman's coefficient of rank correlation. Receiver-operating characteristic curves were also constructed to determine the specificity and sensitivity of ESC% ß in detecting a HOMA2% ß value < 100. RESULTS: The coefficient of correlation between ESC% ß and HOMA2% ß was 0.72 (using log values) and the Spearman's coefficient of rank correlation (rho) was 0.799 (P < 0.0001). ESC% ß had a sensitivity of 77.14% and specificity of 78.21% (cutoff ≤ 157, corresponding to 40% after conversion into a 0%-100% scale) to detect a HOMA2% ß value < 100 (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The ESC% ß algorithm has a high predictive correlation with HOMA2% ß, and good specificity and sensitivity to detect a HOMA2% ß value < 100. Therefore, the Electro Sensor complex enabling nitric oxide assessment represents a novel method of screening for beta cell function in the obese population on a large scale. Such a tool, which is easy to administer, noninvasive, and cost-effective, would be of great benefit for widespread screening of beta cell function in obese patients.