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Backgrounds Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) may be involved in pathogenesis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The aim was to compare GLP-1 and GIP production in fasting state and during 3 h mixed meal tolerance test (MMTT) measured by mean area under the curve (AUC) between pregnant women with normal and impaired fasting glucose in an early phase of pregnancy, and healthy non-pregnant controls. Methods This study was undertaken as a case–control study. Repeated measurement of fasting plasma glucose ≥ 5.1 mmol/L and Results Fasting GLP-1 and GIP concentration or their AUC during MMTT did not significantly differ between pregnant women with impaired fasting plasma glucose [GLP-1AUC 19.0 (53.1) and GIPAUC 302 (100) pg/mL/min] and healthy pregnant women [GLP-1AUC 16.7 (22.3) and GIPAUC 297 (142) pg/mL/min] or non-pregnant controls [GLP-1AUC 16.8 (9.8) and for GIPAUC 313 (98) pg/mL/min]. Although women with impaired fasting glucose were more obese and showed decreased beta-cell function, there were not significant correlations between incretin production and parameters of insulin secretion, insulin resistance, or obesity. Conclusions Women with impaired fasting plasma glucose did not show altered incretin production in the first trimester of pregnancy. In contrast to type 2 diabetes, impaired incretin secretion does not seem to play a major role in the early development of GDM.

AimsGestation is linked to changes in gut microbiota composition and function. Since gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) can develop at any time of the pregnancy, we stratified the women into four groups according to the time and test used for the diagnosis. We focused on the gut microbiota pattern in early pregnancy to detect changes which could be linked to later GDM development.MethodsWe collected stool samples from 104 pregnant women including obese individuals (first trimester body mass index median was 26.73). We divided the women into four groups according to routine screening of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels and oral glucose tolerance test (oGTT) in the first and third trimesters, respectively. We processed the stool samples for bacterial 16S rRNA and fungal ITS1 genes sequencing by Illumina MiSeq approach and correlated the gut microbiota composition with plasma short-chain fatty acid levels (SCFA).ResultsWe found that gut bacterial microbiota in the first trimester significantly differs among groups with different GDM onset based on unweighted UniFrac distances (p=0.003). Normoglycemic women had gut microbiota associated with higher abundance of family Prevotellaceae, and order Fusobacteriales, and genus Sutterella. Women diagnosed later during pregnancy either by FGP levels or by oGTT had higher abundances of genera Enterococcus, or Erysipelotrichaceae UCG-003, respectively. We observed significant enrichment of fungal genus Mucor in healthy pregnant women whereas Candida was more abundant in the group of pregnant women with impaired oGTT. Using correlation analysis, we found that Holdemanella negatively correlated with Blautia and Candida abundances and that Escherichia/Shigella abundance positively correlated and Subdoligranulum negatively correlated with plasma lipid levels. Coprococcus, Akkermansia, Methanobrevibacter, Phascolarctobacterium and Alistipes positively correlated with acetate, valerate, 2-hydroxybutyrate and 2-methylbutyrate levels, respectively, in women with GDM.ConclusionsWe conclude that there are significant differences in the gut microbiota composition between pregnant women with and without GDM already at the early stage of pregnancy in our cohort that included also overweight and obese individuals. Specific microbial pattern associated with GDM development during early pregnancy and its correlation to plasma lipid or SCFA levels could help to identify women in higher risk of GDM development.

Dyslipidemia treatment represents a very dynamically growing segment of pharmacotherapy, including a production of biological agents. Nowadays, they are targeting at various proteins that are involved in the synthesis, transport, or metabolism of lipoproteins. This review provides a statement of current options for the biological treatment of dyslipidemias and for other products that have the potential to broaden its spectrum in the near future.

We review current knowledge on lipid metabolism changes during pregnancy with special focus on changes in gestational diabetes. In physiological pregnancy, total plasma cholesterol, triglyceride and HDL-cholesterol level rises, the atherogenic index (LDL-cholesterol / HDL-cholesterol remains unchanged. Compared with healthy women, women with GDM show more pronounced signs of mixed dyslipidaemia - increased levels of triglyceride, changes in cholesterol and lipoprotein concentrations with a shift towards greater small dense LDL subtractions, which is typical for insulin resistance states. Dyslipidaemia, particularly hypertriglyceridemia, is thought to be one of the key drivers of foetal macrosomia and that is why measurements of plasma lipids may be valuable in detecting the metabolic abnormality in GDM and in predicting foetal outcome. Dyslipidaemia in GDM is seen as proatherogenic and potentially harmful for the baby and therefore it should be monitored more carefully.

Gestation is linked to changes in gut microbiota composition and function. Since gestationalWe collected stool samples from 104 pregnant women including obese individuals (first trimester body mass index median was 26.73). We divided the women into four groups according to routine screening of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels and oral glucose tolerance test (oGTT) in the first and third trimesters, respectively. We processed the stool samples for bacterial 16S rRNA and fungal ITS1 genes sequencing by Illumina MiSeq approach and correlated the gut microbiota composition with plasma short-chain fatty acid levels (SCFA).We found that gut bacterial microbiota in the first trimester significantly differs among groups with different GDM onset based on unweighted UniFrac distances (p=0.003). Normoglycemic women had gut microbiota associated with higher abundance of family Prevotellaceae, and order Fusobacteriales, and genusWe conclude that there are significant differences in the gut microbiota composition between pregnant women with and without GDM already at the early stage of pregnancy in our cohort that included also overweight and obese individuals. Specific microbial pattern associated with GDM development during early pregnancy and its correlation to plasma lipid or SCFA levels could help to identify women in higher risk of GDM development.

Introduction: Ultrasound-guided percutaneous ethanol injection therapy (US-PEIT) is a minimally invasive procedure that may be performed as an alternative to surgery for the treatment of recurrent symptomatic thyroid cysts for which simple aspiration failed. The present study aimed at assessing US-PEIT in a large cohort of patients, identifying factors influencing treatment outcome. Methods: Retrospective analysis of 193 patients with 200 thyroid cysts who underwent US-PEIT in 2004-2018. Results: The initial median cyst volume was 8.5 mL [5.5-16.0]; median final volume at 12 months after the completion of therapy was 0.5 mL [0.2-1.3]. A Volume Reduction Rate (VRR) of 95.0% [86.7-98.0] was achieved. For successful US-PEIT, relatively small total amount of ethanol was needed, on average corresponding to 20.0% [16.7-28.6] of the initial cyst volume. VRR positively correlated with the initial cyst volume and negatively with the presence of complex cyst. Multiple regression analysis showed the presence of complex cyst as an independent predictor of treatment efficacy. Conclusion: US-PEIT of thyroid cysts of all sizes was very successful with using total amounts of ethanol, corresponding to ≈20% of the initial cyst volume.

Our review summarizes the possible differential diagnoses of hypoglycemia. It confirms the absolute necessity of fulfilling all the three Whipple hypoglycemia criteria. Briefly is mentioned Clinical symptoms of hypoglycemia are briefly mentioned and several ways to classify the hypoglycemic events are offered. Highlighted is the recommended approach to distinguish patients as seemingly ill and healthy and also as hypoglycemia occurring in diabetic and non-diabetic. All the classifications and recommendations are summarized in attached tables and schemes.

Adiponectin, adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (A-FABP), and fibroblast growth factor-19 (FGF-19) belong to proteins involved in glucose metabolism regulation. The aims of the study were to compare the plasma levels of these proteins in women with early diagnosed gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) to those in healthy controls and to investigate their changes during pregnancy after early intervention.The study was undertaken as a case-control study. Early GDM diagnosis was based on repeated fasting plasma glucose ≥5.1 andlt;7.0 mmol/L during the first trimester of pregnancy and exclusion of overt diabetes. Age-matched controls comprised healthy pregnant and non-pregnant women. In addition to adipokines, clinical parameters and measures of glucose control were assessed.Women with GDM (Women with GDM showed altered adipokine production even in the first trimester of pregnancy. Early therapeutic intervention not only improved glucose control but also normalized impaired adipokine production.

Diabetes is one of the main risk factors for vascular damage, including endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness. The aim of this study was to compare selected parameters of vascular damage in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in different age categories and to determine their relationship to indicators of glycometabolic control. A total of 160 patients with T2D were included in this cross-sectional study. They were divided into four age quartiles (with mean ages of 42.1 ± 4.5, 51.6 ± 1.4, 59.2 ± 3.0, and 69.8 ± 3.8, respectively). All subjects were evaluated for indicators of glycometabolic control and for arterial stiffness parameters along with markers of endothelial damage—tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and von Willebrand factor (vWF). The oldest compared to the youngest participants showed significantly increased parameters of arterial stiffness (augmentation pressure 13.4 ± 8.6 vs. 6.7 ± 4.4 mm Hg, augmentation index 26.2 ± 11.3 vs. 19.6 ± 9.2 mm Hg, aortic pulse pressure 47.7 ± 17.1 vs. 33.7 ± 10.4 mm Hg, and pulse wave velocity 11.9 (10.1–14.3) vs. 8.2 (7.7–9.8) m/s) despite having similar glycometabolic control. Arterial stiffness parameters were mainly associated with age and blood pressure. Age and systolic blood pressure were major determinants of arterial stiffness regardless of glycometabolic control. The oldest patients also had the highest levels of vWF (153.7 ± 51.9 vs. 121.7 ± 42.5 %) but the lowest levels of PAI-1 (81.8 ± 47.5 vs. 90.0 ± 44.9 ng/mL). Markers of endothelial dysfunction correlated with metabolic parameters, but did not correlate with arterial stiffness. Age and systolic blood pressure are major determinants of arterial stiffness in patients with T2D regardless of glycometabolic control, whereas an unfavorable metabolic profile is mainly related to endothelial dysfunction. These results suggest a differential contribution of cardiometabolic risk factors to vascular damage in T2D patients over their lifetime.

Type 1 diabetes is often associated with the early manifestation of atherosclerosis, which represents the morphological basis for macrovascular complications of diabetics. Atherosclerosis in patients with type 1 diabetes shows certain specific features that result from different proportions of risk factors, the presence of diabetes and its complications. The paper deals with the possibilities of influencing and detecting the atherosclerotic process in these risk patients.

Coronary risk evaluation by conventional factors (age, gender, smoking, blood pressure and cholesterol) may further be specified by facets of the metabolic syndrome, namely insulin resistance, hypertriglyceridemia and obesity. Although obesity is usually defined as elevated body mass index (BMI), recent data indicate a superior role of waist circumference or hypertri-glyceridemic waist (HTGW) over BMI in the assessment of cardiometabolic risk. In dyslipidemic patients, the specific contributions of risky waist, HTGW or BMI have not been evaluated as yet. 686 dyslipidemic subjects (322 males and 364 females) were enrolled into a cross-sectional study. In each subject basic antropometry (i.e. waist circumference, HTGW, BMI) and laboratory parameters of lipid profile and insulin resistance were determined. Cardiometabolic risk was given by fulfilling the criteria (harmonized definition) of metabolic syndrome. The significance of risky waist, HTGW and BMI were assessed by comparing the respective predictive values for the presence of metabolic syndrome. Dyslipidemic patients with risky waist, HTGW or high BMI have a more atherogenic lipid profile and higher insulin resistance compared to those without risky waist, HTGW or high BMI. Risky waist is stronger predictor of metabolic syndrome (PPV 66 %, NPV 90 %) and thus posesa greater cardiometabolic risk than higher BMI per se does (PPV 42 %, NPV 97 %). The contribution of triglycerides (i.e. HTGW) to these predictive values is marginal (PPV 66 %, NPV 92 %). The present results highlight the superior role of waist circumference as a screening tool over BMI for the evaluation of cardiometabolic risk in dyslipidemic subjects. HTGW brings little additional benefit in risk stratification. Lower BMI proved to be optimal for identifying the subjects with inferior risk.

Background: Diseases caused by atherosclerosis play the most important role in mortality and morbidity worldwide. Serum adipocyte fatty acid binding protein (A-FABP) seems to be a new promising marker to determine the risk of atherosclerosis. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate relationships between serum A-FABP levels in studied individuals and to assess the possibility of modeling the intima media thickness of the common carotid artery (C-IMT) using A-FABP levels and other observed characteristics. Methods: Seventy two Caucasian individuals were enrolled and divided into 3 groups: dyslipidemic patients with or without metabolic syndrome (MetS+, n=17; MetS-, n= 34) and controls (n=21). Results: There was confirmed the well-established risk profile of individuals with MetS (unfavorable lipid and lipoprotein profile, as well as increased parameters of insulin resistence and C-IMT). A-FABP concentrations in this group were significantly higher in comparison with both MetS- and controls. Conclusion: Using multiple linear regression models of C-IMT values for all individual data, healthy controls and dyslipidemic patients without metabolic syndrome (MetS-) A-FABP levels were not revealed as an important predictor of C-IMT in our model. In contrast, age, gender, waist circumference, nonHDL cholesterol levels and ApoB/ApoA1 ratio were important repressors of C- IMT in study individuals. This finding may be attributed to the overwhelming effect of other more robust risk factors for atherosclerosis in these individuals.

We report a new variant in the LDLRAP1 gene associated with autosomal recessive hypercholesterolemia in a woman of central European ancestry.

To compare circulating pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF) levels in type 2 diabetes patients (T2D) with and without metabolic syndrome (MetS+/-) to healthy controls and assess PEDF association with plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and von Willebrand factor (vWF) as markers of endothelial dysfunction. Fifty T2D individuals and forty healthy controls were included. PEDF, PAI-1, vWF, anthropological parameters, lipids, and markers of insulin resistance were investigated in all subjects. Compared to controls only MetS+ diabetics had higher PEDF levels [14.2 (10.2-16.0) mg/l vs. 11.1 (8.6-14.4) mg/l; p

Background: To evaluate the association between hypertriglyceridemic waist (HTGW), a promising marker of visceral adiposity and cardiovascular (CV) risk, and different indicators of vascular damage...

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), chronic inflammatory disorders affecting the gastrointestinal tract, include Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. There are increasing clinical and experimental data showing that obesity, especially visceral adiposity, plays a substantial role in the pathogenesis of IBD. Obesity seems to be an important risk factor also for IBD disease severity and clinical outcomes. Visceral adipose tissue is an active multifunctional metabolic organ involved in lipid storage and immunological and endocrine activity. Bowel inflammation penetrates the surrounding adipose tissue along the mesentery. Mesenteric fat serves as a barrier to inflammation and controls immune responses to the translocation of gut bacteria. At the same time, mesenteric adipose tissue may be the principal source of cytokines and adipokines responsible for inflammatory processes associated with IBD. This review is particularly focusing on the potential role of adipokines in IBD pathogenesis and their possible use as promising therapeutic targets.

Background: Adiponectin, adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (A-FABP), and fibroblast growth factor-19 (FGF-19) belong to proteins involved in glucose metabolism regulation. The aims of the study were to compare the plasma levels of these proteins in women with early diagnosed gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) to those in healthy controls and to investigate their changes during pregnancy after early intervention. Methods: The study was undertaken as a case-control study. Early GDM diagnosis was based on repeated fasting plasma glucose ≥5.1 and

Prediabetes is a glucose metabolism disorder considered as a distinct nosological entity which strongly predicts the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. This nosological entity itself is a serious condition indicating an increased risk of atherosclerotic and oncological complications. In patients with prediabetes, other components of metabolic syndrome are usually present, such as arterial hypertension, obesity or dyslipidaemia, further increasing an individual's risk of morbidity and mortality. Prediabetes is a long-developing disorder which offers enough time for early diagnosis and intervention; it may even be reversible. This review summarizes current knowledge on the definition, detection, epidemiology, cardiovascular and other consequences of prediabetes. It also gives suggestions for future research, along with recommendations for clinical practice.

Background and aim Diabetes mellitus is a very common metabolic disease with a rising incidence. It is one of the most serious comorbidities in renal transplant recipients. New-onset diabetes after renal transplantation (NODAT) is associated with poor graft function, higher rates of cardiovascular complications and a poor prognosis. Adipocytokines, synthetized by adipose tissue influence metabolic pathways and disorders in various ways. In this review article, we chose the most researched adipocytokines and evaluated their relationship to posttransplant diabetes mellitus. The aim of this paper is to summarize current knowledge and discuss their perspective role in diagnostics or therapy of the new onset diabetes mellitus after transplantation.

In this study we compared levels of selected adipokines between patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and healthy individuals and we determined their relationship with early vascular damage markers.Seventy-seven subjects: 56 patients with T2D (34 men and 22 women) and 21 healthy controls (8 men and 13 women) were examined in this cross-sectional study. Selected adipokines [adiponectin, adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (A-FABP), fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF-21), C1q/TNF-related protein 9 (CTRP-9), and allograft inflammatory factor-1 (AIF-1)] with possible cardiovascular impact were measured in all participants. To identify markers of vascular damage von Willebrand factor (vWF), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and arterial stiffness parameters were examined in all the subjects.When compared with healthy controls, T2D had significantly higher levels of A-FABP [50.0 (38.1-68.6) vs. 28.6 (23.6-32.9) ng/mL, P 0.0001] and lower levels of adiponectin [5.9 (4.3-9.0) vs. 11.3 (8.7-14.8) μg/mL, P 0.0001]. Differences in other adipokines were not statistically significant. Adiponectin level correlated negatively with vWF levels (ρ = -0.29, P 0.05) and PAI-1 (ρ = -0.36, P 0.05) and A-FABP positively with vWF (ρ = 0.61, P 0.05) and PAI-1 (ρ = 0.47, P 0.05) and augmentation index (ρ = 0.26, P 0.05). Multivariate regression analysis showed independent association between A-FABP and vWF (b = 0.24, P 0.05).Patients with T2D have significantly higher levels of A-FABP and lower levels of adiponectin. These adipokines correlate with indicators of vascular damage and could contribute to cardiovascular risk in patients with T2D. A-FABP may participate in direct endothelium damage.

BackgroundLow level of cardiorespiratory fitness has been recognized as an important independent and modifiable risk factor of increased morbidity and mortality. However, in standard outpatient settings, patients are not routinely screened for fitness and advantages of such testing for the management of type 2 diabetes have not been defined.AimTo describe the toleration of a fast, simple and practicable fitness test (2-min step-in-place test) by overweight/obese type 2 diabetics and their performance indicated by 2-min step-in-place test score (STS). To study short-term anthropometric, functional and metabolic changes following the implementation of the test in the selected population.MethodsA total of 33 overweight/obese type 2 diabetics underwent, besides routine examination at the outpatient clinic, the fitness test (group A). Patients were asked to increase their regular physical activity with focus on walking without change in diet and chronic medication. Three to four months later, the subjects were tested again. An identical number of age- and sex-matched obese diabetics followed in our outpatient clinic (without fitness testing), was randomly selected from the Hospital Information System (control group B).FindingsAll patients subjected to fitness testing completed the protocol successfully. STS score was found to have a considerable range with differences between males and females at the borderline of statistical significance. The data are compliant with lower aerobic endurance of obese diabetics compared with healthy population. Within study period, the tested group presented with improvements in STS (referring especially to the males) as well as in several laboratory parameters of glucose and lipid homeostasis, glomerular function and subclinical inflammation with no reflection in anthropometry. Group B demonstrated no significant change. In conclusion, 2-min step-in-place test is fast, undemanding and well-tolerated by patients and personnel. Following its validation based on cardiopulmonary exercise testing, the test may prove recommendable for screening or self-monitoring purposes.

Diabetic dyslipidemia is one of the main risk factors for atherosclerosis. Although its participation in diabetic microvascular complications is not that dominant, dyslipidemia may play an important role in formation and progression of these complications. Pathophysiological mechanisms by which diabetic dyslipidemia affects the etiopathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy, retinopathy, neuropathy and diabetic foot are presented. The data from clinical studies and treatment possibilities for particular microvascular complications using lipid-lowering therapy are discussed.Key words: diabetes mellitus - diabetic foot - dyslipidemia - nephropathy - neuropathy - retinopathy.

Endokrinni nebo take Graves-Basedowova orbitopatie (EO) je zavažna, progresivni ocni komplikace asociovana s autoimunitnim onemocněnim stitne žlazy. Typickými přiznaky jsou retrakce horniho vicka, periorbitalni edem, porucha pohyblivosti ocniho bulbu, diplopie, zanětlivý otok měkkých tkani orbity vedouci k protruzi oka a ve važnějsich připadech až ztrata zraku v důsledku utlaku zrakoveho nervu ci poskozeni rohovky. Standardem lecby je kortikoterapie, podani per os je limitovano nežadoucimi ucinky, proto je upřednostňovano podani v podobě intravenozniho pulzu. V roce 2016 bylo vydano jednotne doporuceni European Thyroid Association a European Group on Graves´ Orbithopaty (EUGOGO) pro endokrinni orbitopatii a take doporuceni American Thyroid Association pro lecbu hypertyreozy, ktere zahrnuje lecbu EO.

K lecbě recidivujicich symptomatických cyst stitne žlazy, kde je prosta evakuace neuspěsna, lze s výhodou využit sklerotizaciabsolutnim alkoholem pod ultrasonografickou kontrolou (US-PEIT). Metoda je vhodna u nemocných, kteři maji zvýsene operacniriziko. Take ji lze použit u pacientů, kteři se nechtěji podrobit operacnimu výkonu. Terapeutický uspěch v publikovanýchsouborech se pohybuje mezi 68 až 100 %. Podle Medical Guidelines for Clinical Practice for the Diagnosis and Management ofThyroid Nodules byla US-PEIT schvalena jak v USA, tak v Evropě v roce 2010 jako plnohodnotna alternativa chirurgickeho řeseni.

Hyperuricemia has been described as associated with the risk of development metabolic syndrome; however the relationship between the uric acid level and particular parameters of metabolic syndrome remained unclear. We performed a cross-sectional study on a cohort of 833 dyslipidemic patients and correlated their levels of uric acid with parameters of insulin resistance, lipid metabolism, C-reactive protein, anthropometric parameters. We also defined patients with hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype and compered their uric acid levels with those without this phenotype. We found that levels of uric acid are associated with parameters of metabolic syndrome. Specifically, dyslipidemia characteristic for metabolic syndrome (low HDL cholesterol and high triglycerides) correlates better with uric acid levels than parameters of insulin resistance. Also waist circumference correlates better with uric acid levels than body mass index. Patients with hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype had higher levels of uric acid when compared with patients without this phenotype. Serum uric acid levels are even in low levels linearly correlated with parameters of metabolic syndrome (better with typical lipid characteristics than with parameters of insulin resistance) and could be associated with higher cardiovascular risk.

Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] is an LDL-like particle that contains an apolipoprotein B100 molecule covalently bound to a plasminogen-like glycoprotein, apolipoprotein (a) [apo(a)]. Epidemiological evidence supports a direct and causal association between Lp(a) levels and coronary risk. On the contrary, a few prospective findings demonstrate inverse association of Lp(a) levels with risk of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). The aim of our study was to evaluate the association of Lp(a) with indicators of insulin resistance (IR) and metabolic syndrome (MS), which precede development of T2DM. We enrolled 607 asymptomatic dyslipidemic subjects (295 men and 312 women, mean age 45.6±14.0 years) into our cross-sectional study. Lp(a) concentrations correlated inversely with TG, AIP, insulin, HOMA, C-peptide, BMI, waist circumference, and number of MS components (p

Backgrounds: Adiponectin, adipocyte-fatty acid binding protein (A-FABP), and Wnt1 inducible signaling pathway protein-1 (WISP-1) are adipokines closely associated with insulin resistance. The aim of the study was to compare their levels in women with gestational diabetes (GDM), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and healthy controls and determine their relation to metabolic parameters. Methods: Women with GDM, T2DM and healthy women were included in this cross-sectional study. In addition to adipokines, anthropometric, lipid parameters, markers of insulin resistance and glucose control were assessed in all participants. Results: Compared to healthy controls (n = 35) significantly lower levels of adiponectin were detected in women with GDM (n = 50), whereas in women with T2DM (n = 50) higher levels of A-FABP and WISP-1 and lower levels of adiponectin were found. Women with T2DM had also lower levels of adiponectin and higher levels of A-FABP compared to women with GDM. A-FABP and adiponectin were independently associated with levels of triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol and C-peptide insulin resistance index. WISP-1 correlated only with waist circumference. Conclusions: Adverse adipokines production reflecting dysfunctional fat tissue is less presented in women with GDM than in women with T2DM, but more expressed compared to healthy women.

This article summarised opinion of the European Society for Atherosclerosis on the causal relationship between low density lipoprotein (LDL) and the development of atherosclerosis. The fact that there is a clear causal relationship between the LDL concentration and the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASKVO) is evidenced by congenital lipid metabolism disorders and results of prospective epidemiological studies, Mendelian randomized trials, and randomized controlled trials. It is documented that the effect of LDL exposure on ASKVO development is cumulative; the additive effect of other risk factors is also discussed. In conclusion the facts, underlying the rational approach to the therapy of patients with dyslipidemia, are summarized. Key words: atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease - LDL - low density lipoprotein - EAS.

Graves orbitopathy (GO) is an extrathyroidal manifestation of autoimmune thyroid disease. Early treatment with glucocorticoids in appropriately selected patients is recommended for active, moderate to severe, and sight-threatening disease. The recently published European Group on Graves Orbitopathy guidelines re-evaluated the recommended doses of intravenous methylprednisolone (ivMP) in response to the potential for adverse effects. We retrospectively reviewed our patient cohort treated with our ivMP protocol and analyzed the side effects of this treatment when given during hospitalization in our tertiary referral center.Between May 2007 and May 2017, a total of 171 consecutive patients with active, moderate to severe, or sight-threatening GO were treated with ivMP in a cumulative dose of 7.5 grams, given monthly in three hospital sessions. Adverse events were reported using Version 4 of Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events.Ninety-two percent of patients who started the treatment were able to finish it; 5% did not finish the study due to adverse events, and 3% did not finish the treatment protocol because of noncompliance. The most common adverse events were asymptomatic changes in laboratory values (liver enzymes), psychiatric disorders, and infectious complications. None of the patients in the study died during the ivMP treatment, including those patients who experienced adverse effects or discontinued the protocol because of noncompliance.High-dose ivMP for active, moderate to severe, and sight-threatening GO, when applied cautiously in carefully selected and monitored patients, is generally safe during the treatment period.AE = adverse effect; CAS = clinical activity score; CTCAE = Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events; DM = diabetes mellitus; EUGOGO = European Group on Graves Orbitopathy; GC = glucocorticoid; GO = Graves orbitopathy; ivMP = intravenous methylprednisolone.

INTRODUCTION: Thyroid tissue ectopically located in the ovary can be reported accidentally after adnexectomy, but as a primary cause of hyperthyroidism this diagnosis is rare. The clinical search for a functional ectopic thyroid tissue requires intense clinical focus and a multidisciplinary approach. CASE DESCRIPTION: This case report demonstrates a patient with a history of Graves’ disease who had undergone thyroidectomy combined with postoperative (131)I radioablation. Despite the previous treatment, she developed an outburst of hyperthyroidism ten years later. Only very close follow-up enabled us to disclose the right condition. The ovarian source of thyroid hormone production was removed by laparoscopic adnexectomy and a right sided benign ovarian struma was confirmed. CONCLUSION: Most patients treated by thyroidectomy and radioiodine do not require extended periods of follow-up or postoperative investigations, but when the clinical or laboratory signs change, clinicians should be prepared to perform the necessary re-evaluation in order to provide the best care.

With the increasing prevalence of obesity and especially abdominal obesity, a simple clinical tool is needed that identifies the cardiometabolic risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. The aim of our study was to evaluate a broad spectrum of metabolic variables and IMT in subjects with and without hypertriglyceridemic waist (HTGW) and compare it with the harmonized definition of metabolic syndrome (MS) with both a higher (MS-I) and lower waist circumference (MS-II) for Europids. We enrolled 607 asymptomatic dyslipidemic subjects (295 men and 312 women) into our cross-sectional study. The subjects with HTGW had an atherogenic lipid profile (significantly higher triglycerides, AIP, non-HDL-C, lower HDL-C and ApoA-1, and the women also higher TC and ApoB), increased markers of insulin resistance (insulin, HOMA, C-peptide, proinsulin), inflammation (hsCRP), thrombosis (fibrinogen, PAI-1), SBP and DBP, and lower adiponectin (p

Background: Ultrasound-guided percutaneous ethanol injection (US-guided PEI) is used in patients with recurring symptomatic thyroid cysts in whom simple drainage was not successful. It is an alternative non-surgical approach in patients refusing or at risk during surgery. Methods and Results: US-guided PEI was performed in 33 patients, with a success rate of 100% and significantly decreased cyst volume after 1, 3 and 6 months after the last PEI compared with the initial volume. The mean number of PEI procedures was 1.5±0.7 with a mean 96% ethanol volume of 2.4±1.2 mL. In the entire group, the initial cyst volume was significantly reduced to the final volume at 6 months after PEI (10.82±5.03 mL vs. 0.78±0.84 mL; P

Background: The study aimed to evaluate the relationship of paraoxonase 2 (PON2) gene Cys311Ser variants with blood pressure values, endothelial/hemostatic marker levels, and other laboratory parameters in asymptomatic dyslipidemic subjects. The same analyses were also performed with the common variants of PON2 Cys311Ser and –T1131C apolipoprotein A5 (ApoA5) polymorphisms, and PON2 Cys311Ser and apolipoprotein E (ApoE) polymorphisms. Methods: Two hundred and sixty-four individuals were included in the study. The laboratory parameters were assessed by routine kit methods, while methods based on polymerase chain reaction were used for PON2, ApoA5, and ApoE genotyping. Results: PON2 311 SS homozygous individuals had significantly lower systolic blood pressure values (SBP, pPON2 311S subjects showed the lowest values of SBP in combination with “neutral” ApoE3 allele (p Conclusions: The presence of the PON2 311 C variant could represent an elevated risk of atherosclerotic complications in asymptomatic dyslipidemic individuals. Nevertheless, considering the study limitations, these relationships are necessary to be confirmed in further research.

Svalove symptomy při uživani statinů (statin associated muscle symptoms, SAMS) snižuji adherenci pacientů k teto ucinne terapii. Jedna se o nespecificke svalove bolesti, ktere mohou, ale nemuseji být provazeny elevaci kreatinkinazy. Jejich výskyt je odlisný dle typu studie, ve ktere byl zkouman. Zvýsene riziko rozvoje SAMS maji pacienti vyssiho věku, ženskeho pohlavi, s konkomitantni medikaci, komorbiditami, zvýsenou fyzickou aktivitou, přijmem alkoholu a geneticky predisponovani. Přestože mechanizmy vzniku SAMS nejsou zcela zřejme, důsledky jejiho vzniku jsou jednoznacně negativni – snižena compliance pacientů, a tim zvýseni jejich kardiovaskularniho rizika. Doporucujeme vyzkouset různa schemata davkovani a výměnu statinů. Podavani koenzymu Q10 a vitaminu D nema jednoznacne opodstatněni. Na zavěr tohoto přehledu je uvedena kratka kazuistika pacientky se SAMS po několika statinech.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationships of the T-1131C (rs662799) polymorphism variants of apolipoprotein A5 (Apo A5) gene and variants of apolipoprotein E (Apo E) gene common polymorphism (rs429358, rs7412) to selected hemostatic markers.We examined 590 asymptomatic dyslipidemic patients, subsequently divided into MetS+ (n=146) and MetS- (n=444) groups according to the criteria for identification of the metabolic syndrome (MetS). We compared variant frequencies and differences in levels of hemostatic markers according to Apo A5, Apo E and Apo A5/Apo E common variants.The -1131C Apo A5 minor variant was associated with elevated tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) in comparison to TT genotype (p0.001), but not in the MetS+ group. The analysis of Apo A5/Apo E common variants in all subjects revealed that the presence of -1131C minor allele has always been associated with higher levels of tPA in comparison with T allele, regardless of Apo E genotype. Also the presence of minor Apo E2 allele led to elevated tPA concentrations in both T and C carriers. In addition, common -1131C/E2 variant was associated with the highest tPA levels.We demonstrated a remarkable association especially between the -1131C Apo A5 variant and increased tPA levels in asymptomatic dyslipidemic patients.

Background and objectives: The visceral adiposity index (VAI), estimating visceral adiposity dysfunction through a simple formula, could serve as a useful tool for identifying individuals at higher cardiometabolic risk. Its relationship with insulin resistance (IR), assessed using the homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR), and metabolic syndrome (MetS) components remains unclear. The study aimed to investigate the association of VAI with both HOMA-IR and MetS. Materials and Methods: After undergoing anthropometric and biochemical studies, 783 individuals were divided into three groups according to a number of present MetS components. The VAI cut-offs signaling MetS and HOMA-IR were determined by maximizing the sum of the sensitivity and specificity. Correlation analysis was performed to explore the associations between VAI and other tested parameters. A logistic stepwise regression analysis was applied to identify statistically significant determinants of HOMA-IR. Given the variability of reference values, two thresholds of HOMA-IR were applied, namely 2.0 and 3.8. Results: VAI increased significantly between the groups with a rising number of MetS components. The VAI cut-off for MetS was 2.37, with a sensitivity of 0.86 and a specificity of 0.78. The same cut-off point identified subjects with HOMA-IR = 3.8, with a sensitivity of 0.79 and a specificity of 0.66. The VAI cut-off for HOMA-IR = 2.0 was 1.89, with a sensitivity of 0.74 and a specificity of 0.68. The strongest correlations of VAI were noted with HOMA-IR (r = 0.51) and insulin (r = 0.49), respectively, while the strongest correlation of HOMA-IR was with waist circumference (r = 0.54). Not one of the routine parameters was a significant predictor in the regression analysis. Conclusions: The obtained results show an existing association of VAI with HOMA-IR. The high sensitivity and specificity of the cut-offs may allow the application of VAI in common clinical practice.

Background: The differential diagnosis of the pathogenetic causes of hirsutism in combination with hypertension is a challenge for clinicians. Methods and Results: This case report demonstrates a patient suffering from two hormonally active tumors - an adrenal adenoma with primary aldosteronism and a Leydig cell ovarian tumor with hyperandrogenism. The task of the authors was easier due to the perimenopausal age of the proband. Adrenal selective venous sampling was very helpful in the diagnosis of these active endocrine tumors. Both were resolved by a single laparoscopic surgery. Conclusion: The combination of the two described tumors is a unique clinical finding. The resolution using laparoscopy in a single procedure provided an elegant and efficient therapeutic approach.

Introduction: Glucocorticoids represent the therapy of choice for active and moderate-to-severe Graves' orbitopathy (GO). In some patients, rituximab, a monoclonal antibody against the cluster of differentiation (CD) 20 receptor of B-lymphocytes, can serve as a second-line or an alternative treatment. The effect of very low-dose of rituximab on the clinical activity of GO and corresponding clinical or laboratory changes is reported. Material and methods: Changes of Clinical Activity Score (CAS) for GO, proptosis, levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibodies, and depletion of CD19+ and CD20+ B-lymphocytes were determined in ten patients (two men and eight women) with active moderate-to-severe GO treated with a single 100-mg dose of rituximab. Correlations between differences of clinical and laboratory parameters were performed. Results: A significant decrease of CAS was found during subsequent examinations compared to the baseline values. A significant depletion of CD19+ and CD20+ B-lymphocytes was detected after rituximab administration. Differences between follow-up and baseline levels of CD20+ positively correlated with differences in CAS after six (p < 0.05) and 12 months (p < 0.01). Differences in CD19+ levels correlated with differences in CAS after 12 months (p < 0.05) of the treatment. Two patients developed dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON) requiring orbital decompression. No other rituximab side effects were reported during the whole study duration. Conclusions: A single very low-dose of rituximab appears to be very well tolerated and effective enough to reduce clinical activity in active moderate-to-severe GO patients without impending DON.

Both apolipoprotein B (apoB) and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) are accepted as alternative risk factors or targets for lipid-lowering therapy, which correlate more strongly with cardiovascular events than low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the differences in plasma levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and of von Willebrand factor (vWF) as endothelial hemostatic markers and carotid intima-media thickness (C-IMT) as a morphologic marker for atherosclerotic vascular disease among dyslipidemic individuals with apoB levels higher, estimated or lower based on regression equation of apoB vs non-HDL-C.A total of 594 dyslipidemic subjects without atherosclerotic manifestation were divided into 3 groups (according to tertiles of apoB levels above, within, and below the line of identity): H-apoB (n = 200), E-apoB (n = 194), and L-apoB (n = 200). PAI-1, vWF, C-IMT and lipids, anthropometric parameters, markers of insulin resistance, and inflammation were measured. Differences in variables between groups were analyzed using analysis of variance.There was a strong association between apoB and non-HDL-C. The correlations of apoB and of non-HDL-C with markers of endothelial damage and C-IMT were very similar. Despite these facts, individuals with higher apoB levels had significantly higher levels of PAI-1 compared with individuals with estimated (P .05) or lower apoB (P .001). There were no significant differences in vWF, C-IMT, markers of insulin resistance, obesity, and inflammation.Individuals with apoB higher than predicted by non-HDL-C had significantly higher levels of PAI-1, which may contribute to the increased risk of future atherothrombotic events.

Pheochromocytomas (PHEOs) and paragangliomas (PGLs) are rare neuroendocrine tumors. About 30% or more of them are thought to be of inherited origin due to germ-line mutations in at least 10 well-characterized genes. There are data linking specific genotypes of these tumors to specific locations, typical biochemical phenotypes or future clinical behaviors. Conversely, clinical features, catecholamine production and immunohistochemistry evaluation can help with the proper order of genetic testing for PHEO and PGL. The identification of a germ-line mutation can lead to an early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, regular surveillance and better prognosis not only for the patient but also for their family members. Moreover, the latest discoveries in molecular pathogenesis of these tumors will provide an important basis for future personalized therapy.

Parathyroid carcinoma is a rare cause of primary hyperparathyroidism. It may be suspected based on severe clinical signs, significant laboratory findings, and the tumor size. High-resolution ultrasonography with Doppler imaging has become the principal imaging method in the preoperative diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism. The ultrasound finding is not specific, but three of the described pictures are different from the typical appearance of benign adenoma of the thyroid gland and were suspicious in the context of clinical findings. According to the ultrasound criteria, one finding was benign and only the histological examination revealed carcinoma.

Introduction: Adiponectin is adipocytokin with anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic effects. However, studies examining the relationship between adiponectin and cardiovascular diseases have shown inconsistent results. Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the plasma levels of adiponectin in clinically asymptomatic subjects with various dyslipidemic phenotypes. The associations between adiponectin and risk factors for atherosclerosis, markers of insulin resistance, and the intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery (IMT) were also evaluated. Methods: 234 asymptomatic subjects were divided into four dyslipidemic phenotypes (DLP) according to apolipoprotein B (apoB) and triglycerides (TG): DLP1 (n=58, apoB

Pheochromocytomas (PHEOs) and paragangliomas (PGLs) are rare, catecholamine-producing tumors that are usually sporadic. However, about 30% of these tumors have been identified as being of inherited origin. To date, nine genes have been confirmed as participating in PHEO or PGL tumorigenesis. Germline mutations were found in 100% of syndromic cases and in about 90% of patients with positive familial history. In nonsyndromic patients with apparently sporadic tumors, genetic mutations have been found in up to 27%, and genetic testing is now recommended for all patients with PHEOs and PGLs. Patients with syndromic lesions, a positive family history, or both should be tested for the appertaining gene. Recent discoveries have shown that the order of tested genes in nonsyndromic, nonfamilial cases can be based on histologic evaluation, location, and the biochemical phenotype of PHEOs and PGLs--the "rule of three." Identification of a gene mutation may lead to early diagnosis and treatment, regular surveillance, and a better prognosis for patients and their relatives.