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Introduction: Fluorine 18‐fluoro‐glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F‐FDG PET/CT) is commonly used for the staging of head and neck cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between 18F‐FDG PET/CT, haematological parameters and prognosis in patients with advanced head and neck cancer. Methods: This was a single‐institutional retrospective study of 83 patients with advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) who underwent 18F‐FDG PET/CT imaging before initial treatment between 2014 and 2018. 18F‐FDG PET/CT after treatment was performed in 57 patients. The prognostic parameters of the pre‐ and post‐treatment maximum standardised uptake value (SUVmax), metabolic tumour volume (MTV), total lesion glycolysis (TLG) of primary tumours and haematological parameters were analysed to evaluate the association between overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS). Results: Pre‐MTV, pre‐TLG and post‐SUVmax were significantly associated with poor OS and PFS (p < 0.05). Haematological parameters, including pretreatment neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and C‐reactive protein/albumin ratio, were associated with 18F‐FDG PET/CT parameters. In multivariate analysis, post‐SUVmax was an independent prognostic factor for OS and PFS. Conclusion: A correlation between PET/CT metabolic and haematological parameters was observed. The volume and intensity of 18F‐FDG uptake region, in addition to haematological parameters, are feasible markers for predicting the progression of HNSCC in daily practice. Further, post‐SUVmax could be an independent parameter for predicting poor survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study explores the relationship between phase angle (PhA), an indicator of cellular health, and metabolic health parameters among junior sumo wrestlers in Japan. Given the demanding lifestyle and high‐energy diets of sumo wrestlers that predispose them to metabolic syndrome post‐retirement, this study focuses on a younger cohort. The primary aim is to evaluate if PhA could serve as an early indicator of metabolic health issues within this unique demographic. A total of 14 sumo wrestlers aged 9–17 years were assessed to determine the relationship between PhA and various metabolic markers, including glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), using a TANITA MC‐780A‐N body composition analyzer and standard blood tests. Bivariate regression analysis and Pearson's correlation revealed a negative relationship between PhA and HbA1c even after adjusting for age and weight (ß = −0.496, r2 = 0.776, r = −0.756, p = 0.004). The results indicate a significant negative relationship between PhA and HbA1c levels, suggesting that lower PhA values, which indicate poorer cellular integrity, are associated with higher HbA1c levels, signifying impaired glycemic control. These findings underscore the potential of PhA as a valuable biomarker for monitoring metabolic health in young sumo wrestlers, with implications for early intervention and management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dynamic fluorescence molecular tomography (DFMT), as a noninvasive optical imaging method, can quantify metabolic parameters of living animal organs and assist in the diagnosis of metabolic diseases. However, existing DFMT methods do not have a high capacity to reconstruct abnormal metabolic regions, and require additional prior information and complicated solution methods. This paper introduces a problem decomposition and prior refactor (PDPR) method. The PDPR decomposes the metabolic parameters into two kinds of problems depending on their temporal coupling, which are solved using regularization and parameter fitting. Moreover, PDPR introduces the idea of divide‐and‐conquer to refactor prior information to ensure discrimination between metabolic abnormal regions and normal tissues. Experimental results show that PDPR is capable of separating abnormal metabolic regions of the liver and has the potential to quantify metabolic parameters and diagnose liver metabolic diseases in small animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most prevalent ovulation disorders is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). According to the anti‐inflammatory and beneficial effects of propolis, this triple‐blind controlled trial was designed to evaluate the effect of propolis on metabolic factors, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein, and testosterone in women with PCOS. Recruited patients from the gynecologist clinic were randomized based on a stratified permuted four‐block randomization procedure to supplement with propolis tablets, two tablets/day (500 mg propolis/day) (n = 30) or identical placebo tablets (n = 30) for 12 weeks in 2021 until 2022. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, blood samples, and a checklist to record the measured parameters. A total of 57 patients completed the trial. ANCOVA test showed that hip circumference (HC)) p = 0.03), fasting insulin (p = 0.007), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (p = 0.004), testosterone (p = 0.004), and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL)/high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) (p = 0.02) were significantly decreased in the propolis versus the placebo group after adjustment for confounders. Although fasting blood glucose (p = 0.04) decreased significantly in the propolis group compared to the placebo, after adjusting for confounders, significance was lost (p = 0.09). Supplementation with propolis elicited positive effects on fasting insulin and insulin resistance, in addition to reducing the testosterone level, LDL/HDL, and HC, in PCOS women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Worldwide, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and ranks second among the leading causes of cancer death. This study aims to devise and validate a scoring system based on metabolic parameters to predict the risk of advanced colorectal neoplasia (ACN) in a large Chinese population. Methods: This was a cohort study of 495 584 symptomatic subjects aged 40 years or older who have received colonoscopy in Hong Kong from 1997 to 2017. The algorithm's discriminatory ability was evaluated as the area under the curve (AUC) of the mathematically constructed receiver operating characteristic curve. Results: Age, male gender, inpatient setting, abnormal aspartate transaminase/alanine transaminase, white blood cell, plasma gamma‐glutamyl transferase, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and hemoglobin A1c were significantly associated with ACN. A scoring of < 2.65 was designated as "low risk (LR)." Scores at 2.65 or above had prevalence higher than the overall prevalence and hence were assigned as "high risk (HR)." The prevalence of ACN was 32% and 11%, respectively, for HR and LR groups. The AUC for the risk score in the derivation and validation cohort was 70.12%. Conclusions: This study has validated a simple, accurate, and easy‐to‐use scoring algorithm, which has a high discriminatory capability to predict ACN in symptomatic patients. Future studies should examine its predictive performance in other population groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consumption of phytochemical‐rich foods relates to the prevention of chronic diseases. In this study we assessed the dietary phytochemical index (PI) in metabolic parameters, liver enzymes, and severity of fibrosis among nonalcoholic fatty liver disease patients. This cross‐sectional study was conducted on 210 patients with NAFLD. Fibrosis‐4 index (FLB4), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score (NFS), FBS, lipids profile, AST, ALT, ALP, and GGT were measured. PI was calculated through the information obtained from a validated semi‐quantitative food frequency. Multiple regression models were used to estimate mean difference changes in the evaluated variables associated with various dietary PI. Participants' mean ± SD of age and BMI were 39.23 ± 10.52 and 24.40 ± 2.64, respectively. We found that DPI is inversely associated with serum TG, TC, and LDL‐C and directly associated with serum HDL‐C and a higher score in DPI is associated with lower scores in NFS and FIB‐4. Multivariate linear regression showed that there is an inverse association between DPI and AST, ALT, ALP, GGT, NFS, and FIB‐4. Higher dietary PI could impact on reduction of NAFLD progression and improvement of metabolic parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To examine associations of metabolic parameters (mean 30 years' time‐weighted HbA1c and low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol [LDL‐c], current methionine sulfoxide [MetSO], advanced glycation end products [AGEs], inflammatory markers and hypoglycaemia) with pain, fatigue, depression and quality of life (QoL) in people with long‐term type 1 diabetes. Methods: A total of 104 persons with type 1 diabetes ≥45 years duration were included. Participants completed questionnaires measuring bodily pain (RAND‐36 bodily pain domain with lower scores indicate higher levels of bodily pain), fatigue (Fatigue Questionnaire), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire), overall QoL (World Health Organization Quality of Life—BREF) and diabetes‐related QoL (Audit of Diabetes‐Dependent Quality of Life). In this observational study, mean time‐weighted HbA1c and LDL‐c were calculated based on longitudinal measures obtained from medical records of up to 34 years, while current HbA1c, LDL‐c and inflammatory markers were analysed in blood samples and collagen MetSO and AGEs in skin biopsies. History of hypoglycaemia was self reported. Associations between metabolic parameters and questionnaire scores were analysed using linear regression analyses and are reported as standardized regression coefficients (beta). Results: Of the metabolic variables, higher mean time‐weighted HbA1c was associated with higher levels of bodily pain and total fatigue (beta [p‐value]) −0.3 (<0.001) and 0.2 (0.001). Conclusions: Long‐term chronic hyperglycaemia may have a negative influence on pain and fatigue in people with type 1 diabetes. These results may assist health care workers in emphasizing the importance of strict glycaemic control in people with diabetes and identifying and treating type 1 diabetes‐related pain and fatigue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the effects of rutin flavonoid in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. In this trial (double-blind, placebo-controlled), 50 T2DM patients (supplement, n = 25 and placebo, n = 25) were randomized and supplemented with 500 mg rutin or placebo per day for 3-months. At the beginning and at the end of the study, metabolic parameters including fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMO-IR), quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), homeostasis model assessment of β-cell function (HOMA-β), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (CHOL), high-density and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c and LDL-c), and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), inflammatory and oxidative stress markers such as interleukin 6 (IL-6), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and malondialdehyde (MDA) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were assessed. The results showed a significant decrease in FBG, insulin, HbA1c, HOMO-IR, LDL-c, TG, VLDL, CHOL, LDL-c. HDL-c ratio, AIP, IL-6, and MDA and a significant increase in HDL-c, QUICKI index, BDNF, and TAC compared with the initial value (p for all <.05). In the adjusted model, the mean changes of FBG, insulin, HbA1c, HOMO-IR, LDL-c, CHOL, LDL.HDL ratio, AIP, MDA, and IL-6 were significantly lower and mean changes of QUICKI index, HDL-c, and TAC were significantly higher in the rutin group compared with the placebo group (adjusted p for all <.05). It seems that rutin may have beneficial effects on improving metabolic parameters, BDNF, and inflammatory and oxidative stress factors in T2DM patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of long‐term nucleos(t)ide analogs treatment on host metabolism is a concern. Hence, we conducted this study to compare the effect of entecavir (ETV) and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) on metabolic parameters among chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. In this real‐life retrospective study, 2030 CHB outpatients treated with ETV or TDF at Nanfang Hospital, China, were included. For treatment‐naïve patients, pretreatment and semiannual metabolic parameters were collected. For treatment‐experienced patients, metabolic parameters were collected at the first visit. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to balance the effects of potential confounding factors. Among 122 treatment‐naïve patients and 1908 treatment‐experienced patients, ETV‐treated patients were older with a higher percentage of metabolic syndrome. After PSM, the characteristics were comparable between the two groups. For treatment‐naïve patients, four lipid parameters, including total cholesterol (TC), low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), high‐density lipoprotein, and triglyceride levels showed a decreasing trend during the 42‐month TDF treatment, while they remained relatively stable or increased during ETV treatment. At Month 30, the levels of TC and LDL among TDF‐treated patients were significantly lower than those among ETV‐treated patients (TC: 4.7 mmol/L vs. 3.9 mmol/L, p = 0.004; LDL: 3.0 mmol/L vs. 2.4 mmol/L, p = 0.009). For treatment‐experienced patients, we also observed lower levels of lipid parameters in patients with different durations of TDF treatment. The levels of glucose and uric acid were similar among ETV‐ and TDF‐treated patients. TDF has a lipid‐lowering effect in CHB patients, which provides a basis for the selection of antiviral drugs for aging CHB patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that leads to cartilage damage with mostly accompanied by metabolic disorders. This study aimed to investigate the effects of curcumin supplementation on metabolic parameters (lipid profile and glycemic indices), inflammatory factors, visfatin levels, and obesity values in women with RA. This randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial was conducted on 48 women with RA. The patients were treated with curcumin (500 mg once a day) or placebo for 8 weeks. Fasting blood samples, anthropometric measurements, dietary intakes, and physical activity levels of subjects were collected at baseline and the end of the study. Curcumin supplementation significantly decreased homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR), erythrocyte sedimentation rate, serum levels of high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein and triglycerides, weight, body mass index, and waist circumference of patients compared with the placebo at the end of the study (p <.05 for all). HOMA‐IR and triglyceride levels significantly increased within the placebo group. Changes in fasting blood sugar, insulin, other lipids profile, and visfatin levels were not significant in any of the groups (p >.05). These results support the consumption of curcumin, as a part of an integrated approach to modulate metabolic factors, inflammation, and adiposity in women with RA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This discovery study investigated in healthy subjects whether a short‐term cold exposure may alter circulating microRNAs and metabolic parameters and if co‐expression networks between these factors could be identified. This open randomized crossover (cold vs no cold exposure) study with blind end‐ point evaluation was conducted at 1 center with 10 healthy adult male volunteers. Wearing a cooling vest perfused at 14°C for 2 h reduced the local skin temperature without triggering shivering, increased norepinephrine and blood pressure while decreasing copeptin, C‐peptide and heart rate. Circulating microRNAs measured before and after wearing the cooling vest twice (4 time points) identified 196 mature microRNAs with excellent reproducibility over 72 h. Significant correlations of microRNA expression with copeptin, norepinephrine and C‐peptide were found. A co‐expression‐based microRNA‐microRNA network, as well as microRNA pairs displaying differential correlation as a function of temperature were also detected. This study demonstrates that circulating miRNAs are differentially expressed and coregulated upon cold exposure in humans, supporting their use as predictive and dynamic biomarkers of cardio‐metabolic disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In nature, plants are often exposed to a multitude of environmental constraints that severely limit crop productivity. Water deficit is one of the factors that most affects agricultural production. The aim of this work is to evaluate the effect of water deficit on morphology, development, nutritional behavior, as well as chlorophyll fluorescence and certain important metabolic parameters (soluble sugars, organic acids, starch, carotenoid, and vitamin C) of the cultivated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum cv Plovdiv). In this study, the water supply was reduced by 60% compared to control conditions. The conditions of water deficit showed that the size of the different organs (leaves, fruits) was reduced. A reduction in the number, width, and length of the leaves, respectively, 9%, 36%, and 37%, then the leaf surface was also observed. Reduction of fluorescence (Fo, Fm, and Fv) and total index performance were among the other symptoms of plants with water deficiency. For fruit, we observed a significant decrease in diameter, fresh weight, and moisture content during the cell division period, the cell expansion period, and the fruit ripening period. In contrast, the composition of the Plovdiv fruit changed only during cell division and expansion phase. On the other hand, the water deficit induces an increase in the total carotenoid and vitamin C content of the fruits.. Besides, water deficit induced a reduction of fruit size, moisture content, and production dry matter during different phases of development. Decrease levels of soluble sugars and organic acid but increase in vitamin C and carotenoid content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To determine whether non-obese prepubertal children with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) present changes in lipid metabolism, and adipokines, and to assess the short-term effects of growth hormone (GH) treatment on these parameters.Methods: Prospective observational follow-up and case-control (36 GHD children and 38 healthy children) study lasted for six months. Means of values from groups were compared, control group versus GHD baseline group, and GHD baseline group versus GHD after six months of GH replacement therapy. Lipid profile, glucose, insulin, homeostatic model assessment - insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), leptin, adiponectin and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) were all analysed.Results: Growth hormone deficiency children show higher baseline levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, Apo B and sICAM-1, but lower levels of free fatty acids, insulin and HOMA-IR. After six months of treatment, cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, Apo B, T cholesterol/HDL cholesterol, insulin, HOMA-IR and leptin levels decreased. The changes in insulin and HOMA-IR levels correlated inversely with the changes in HDL cholesterol and Apo A1 levels. A correlation was also observed between the changes in adiponectin levels and the changes in HDL cholesterol and Apo A1 levels. Variations in leptin levels were correlated with changes in triglycerides.Conclusion: Prepubertal non-obese GHD children present altered lipid profiles and adipokine levels. Replacement therapy with GH improves these variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment evaluated the effects of subnutrition during early gestation on hematology in cows (Bos Taurus) and on hematological, metabolic, endocrine, and vitality parameters in their calves. Parda de Montaña and Pirenaica dams were inseminated and assigned to either a control (CONTROL, 100% requirements) or a nutrient‐restricted group (SUBNUT, 65%) during the first third of gestation. Dam blood samples were collected on days 20 and 253 of gestation, and calf samples were obtained during the first days of life. Pirenaica dams presented higher red series parameters than Parda de Montaña dams, both in the first and the last months of gestation. During early pregnancy, granulocyte numbers and mean corpuscular hemoglobin were lower in Pirenaica‐SUBNUT than in Pirenaica‐CONTROL cows. Calves from the SUBNUT cows did not show a physiological reduction in red series values in early life, suggesting later maturation of the hematopoietic system. Poor maternal nutrition affected calf endocrine parameters. Newborns from dystocic parturitions showed lower NEFA concentrations and weaker vitality responses. In conclusion, maternal nutrition had short‐term effects on cow hematology, Pirenaica cows showing a higher susceptibility to undernutrition; and a long‐term effect on their offspring endocrinology, SUBNUT newborns showing lower levels of IGF‐1 and higher levels of cortisol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Empagliflozin is a sodium‐glucose‐cotransporter‐2 inhibitor that improves cardiovascular risk and promotes weight loss in patients with type‐2 diabetes. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with obesity and increased cardiovascular risk; therefore, empagliflozin may be of benefit for these women. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of empagliflozin vs metformin on anthropometric and body composition, hormonal and metabolic parameters in women with PCOS. Materials and methods: A randomized open‐label study was conducted in women with PCOS who were randomized to either empagliflozin 25 mg (n = 19) or metformin 1500 mg (n = 20) daily for 12 weeks. The main outcomes assessed were changes in anthropometric and body composition, hormonal and metabolic parameters. Results: Univariate analysis showed significant differences in weight (empagliflozin: −1.4 ± 3.2% vs metformin: 1.2 ± 2.3%; P = 0.006), body mass index (empagliflozin: −1.4 ± 3.2% vs metformin: 1.1 ± 2.2%; P = 0.006), waist circumference (empagliflozin: −1.6 ± 2.8% vs metformin: 0.2 ± 2.1%; P = 0.029) and hip circumference (empagliflozin: −2.0 ± 3.0% vs metformin: 1.1 ± 1.9%; P = 0.001), basal metabolic rate (empagliflozin: −1.8 ± 2.9% vs metformin: 0.1 ± 1.9%, P = 0.024) and fat mass (empagliflozin: −0.7 ± 4.9% vs metformin, 3.2 ± 5.0%; P = 0.023) between the empagliflozin and the metformin groups. These differences were confirmed in linear regression analysis after adjustment for relevant covariates. There were no significant changes in hormonal or metabolic parameters between both groups. Conclusion: There was a significant improvement in anthropometric parameters and body composition, in overweight and obese women with PCOS after 12 weeks of treatment with empagliflozin compared to metformin, although no changes were seen in hormonal or metabolic parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is an acute life‐threatening metabolic complication of diabetes that imposes substantial burden on our healthcare system. There is a paucity of published data in Australia assessing factors influencing time to resolution of DKA and length of stay (LOS). Aims: To identify factors that predict a slower time to resolution of DKA in adults with diabetes. Methods: Retrospective audit of patients admitted to St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne between 2010 to 2014 coded with a diagnosis of ‘Diabetic Ketoacidosis’. The primary outcome was time to resolution of DKA based on normalisation of biochemical markers. Episodes of DKA within the wider Victorian hospital network were also explored. Results: Seventy‐one patients met biochemical criteria for DKA; median age 31 years (26–45 years), 59% were male and 23% had newly diagnosed diabetes. Insulin omission was the most common precipitant (42%). Median time to resolution of DKA was 11 h (6.5–16.5 h). Individual factors associated with slower resolution of DKA were lower admission pH (P < 0.001) and higher admission serum potassium level (P = 0.03). Median LOS was 3 days (2–5 days), compared to a Victorian state‐wide LOS of 2 days. Higher comorbidity scores were associated with longer LOS (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Lower admission pH levels and higher admission serum potassium levels are independent predictors of slower time to resolution of DKA. This may assist to stratify patients with DKA using markers of severity to determine who may benefit from closer monitoring and to predict LOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aims of this study are to evaluate the prognostic value of metabolic parameters derived from (18) F-FDG PET-CT performed before definitive radiation therapy (RT) (prePET) in patients with mucosal primary head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (MPHNSCC) and to assess the additive prognostic values of FDG PET-CT performed during RT (iPET).Methods: One hundred patients with MPHNSCC treated with radical RT underwent staging prePET and iPET performed during the third week of treatment. The maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax ), metabolic tumour volume (MTV) and total lesional glycolysis (TLG) of primary tumour were analysed for both prePET and iPET, and results were correlated with loco-regional recurrence-free survival (LRFS), disease-free survival (DFS), metastatic failure-free survival (MFFS) and overall survival (OS), using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Optimal cut-offs (OC) for prePET and iPET were derived from Receiver Operating Characteristic curves. Patients with metabolic parameters above/below the individual OC of prePET as well as iPET (i.e. combined prePET and iPET (comPET)) were evaluated against their outcomes.Results: Median age was 61 years (range 39-81), median follow-up of 20 months (range 4-70, mean 27), and AJCC 7th Edition clinical stage II, III and IV were 8, 24 and 68 patients respectively. Metabolic values below individual OC in comPET were found to be associated with statistically significant improvements (P < 0.05) in DFS, LRFS and OS. In addition, patients with SUVmax above the OC in comPET were associated with worse MFFS (P = 0.011) and confirmed on both univariate (P = 0.019) and multivariate analyses (P = 0.04).Conclusion: Addition of iPET significantly improves the prognostic values of all three metabolic parameters and can potentially be used in future adaptive local and systemic therapy trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims/Introduction: The changes in metabolic parameters in type 2 diabetic patients who fast during Ramadan have not been studied in Singapore. This study aimed to examine the trends of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), systolic blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides in diabetic patients with varying degrees of glycemic control and different types of therapeutic approaches during Ramadan. Methods: The present retrospective study used a national electronic database to examine the metabolic parameter of Malay patients with type 2 diabetes. Eligible patients were stratified into three groups based on their mean HbA1c control before Ramadan: group 1 (HbA1c ≥10%), group 2 (HbA1c 7.1-9.9%) and group 3 (HbA1c ≤7%). Patients with a glomerular filtration rate <15 mL/min were excluded. The trends of metabolic parameters were traced before, during and after Ramadan. Results: Of 13,565 patients examined, 5,172 patients (38.1%) were eligible for this study. Mean change of HbA1c varied from -1.4% to +0.2% during Ramadan, with the greatest reduction observed in group 1 (P < 0.001). A minimal systolic blood pressure reduction was observed in groups 2 and 3 (2 mmHg; P < 0.01). Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides changes were insignificant. A small, 0.1%, reduction in mean HbA1c was observed in patients taking oral antidiabetic agents during Ramadan (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Blood glucose was most affected during Ramadan, particularly in patients with mean baseline HbA1c ≥10%. The type of antidiabetic agent used did not seem to contribute to glycemic changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background This study investigates changes in metabolic parameters in prepubertal children after 14-16 weeks of treatment with low-dose risperidone. Method Thirty-one children (mean age 5.46 ± 1.98 years) were treated with risperidone (0.25-1 mg/day; 0.01-0.07 mg/kg/day). Patients were excluded if they were using any medication other than risperidone or were diagnosed with any medical problem in addition to a non-psychotic disorder. Results Weight (Δ: 2.51 ± 1.94 kg), height (Δ: 0.03 ± 0.04 cm), BMI (Δ: 0.82 ± 1.4), BMI percentile (Δ: 9.72 ± 16.40), BMI z-score (Δ: 0.33 ± 1.03), triglyceride (Δ: 1.50 ± 23.97 mg/dl), very low density lipoprotein (Δ: 2.99 ± 4.76 mg/dl), insulin (Δ: 3.07 ± 3.38 mIU/ml), and leptin (Δ: 3.02 ± 4.69 ng/ml) were significantly increased ( p < .05). Conclusion The metabolic side effects of risperidone must be carefully monitored in prepubertal children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of high-dose rosuvastatin, low-dose rosuvastatin plus fenofibrate and low-dose rosuvastatin plus omega-3 fatty acids with regard to the lipid profile in patients with mixed hyperlipidemia. The primary endpoint was changes in non-high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (non-HDL-C) levels. Study participants were randomly allocated to receive rosuvastatin 40 mg ( n = 30, R group), rosuvastatin 10 mg plus fenofibrate 200 mg ( n = 30, RF group) or rosuvastatin 10 mg plus n-3 fatty acids 2 g ( n = 30, RN group). Non-HDL-C levels were reduced in all groups: in R group by 54%, in RF group by 42% and in RN group by 42%. Significant reductions in total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL)-C and triglyceride levels were observed in all groups. The reductions in total and LDL-C were greatest in the R group while a more pronounced reduction of triglycerides in the RF group compared with that in the R and the RN group was observed. HDL-C levels were significantly increased only in the RF group. In conclusion, high doses of rosuvastatin and small doses of rosuvastatin plus either fenofibrate or n-3 fatty acids exhibit favorable effects on both LDL-C and non-HDL-C levels. However, rosuvastatin monotherapy more potently reduces these parameters. The combination of rosuvastatin plus fenofibrate leads to a greater decrease in triglyceride levels and a greater increase in HDL-C levels compared with the other two treatments. While awaiting the results of ongoing trials high doses of rosuvastatin may represent the treatment of choice in individuals with mixed dyslipidemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Thiazolidinediones may influence the atherogenic process by improving cardiovascular risk factors. The present study was designed to determine the long-term effect of rosiglitazone on arterial compliance and metabolic parameters in patients with Type 2 diabetes. Methods In an open-label, prospective study, 65 diabetic patients received rosiglitazone orally (4–8 mg/day) for 6 months. After 6 months, the patients continued an open follow-up study and were divided into two groups: group 1 included patients continuing rosiglitazone for 2 years, group 2 included patients discontinuing rosiglitazone and receiving other oral glucose-lowering agents. Lipid profile, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), insulin, C-peptide, fibrinogen, high-sensitivity-CRP and homeostasis model assessment–insulin resistance were measured. Arterial elasticity was assessed using pulse wave contour analysis. Results In patients treated with rosiglitazone for 2 years: the large artery elasticity index (LAEI) increased from 10.0 ± 4.6 to 13.9 ± 4.7 ml/mmHg × 100 after 2 years ( P = 0.003). The small artery elasticity (SAEI) index increased significantly from 3.2 ± 1.2 to 5.1 ± 1.9 ( P < 0.0001). In patients who discontinued rosiglitazone: LAEI did not change after 6 months, but decreased from 12.1 ± 5.4 to 8.9 ± 3.9 ml/mmHg × 10 ( P < 0.0001) at the end of 2 years. SAEI increased during the first 6 months of treatment, from 3.9 ± 1.8 to 5.1 ± 1.5 ml/mmHg × 100 ( P < 0.0001) and decreased after discontinuation of rosiglitazone ( P = 0.042). Conclusions Prolonged treatment with rosiglitazone improved arterial elasticity. However, significant deterioration in LAEI and SAEI was observed in patients who discontinued rosiglitazone. The beneficial vascular effect of rosiglitazone on arterial elasticity was independent of glycaemic control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between canine body condition and metabolic parameters like serum lipids, blood glucose and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentrations. We selected 127 dogs (42 males and 85 females) that were taken to our veterinary medicine service during routine visits. The mean age was 6.67 ± 5.24 years. Body condition (BC) was measured by Laflamme scale and dogs were considered as obese when BC score was over 6. The following variables were collected: total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, basal glucose and ALT. 66.1% of the dog cohort were obese. Total cholesterol and triglycerides were found to be higher (p < 0.05) in obese dogs with respect to normal weight dogs. In conclusion, obesity in dogs is associated with higher serum lipid levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]