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Introduction: Exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA) during early development particularly in-utero has been linked to a wide range of pathology. Over the last two decades the importance of vitamin D in maternal and child health has been highlighted. The aim of this pilot study was to examine the relationship of BPA and its naturally occurring metabolite BPA-glucuronide (BPA-g) with 25-hydoxy vitamin D (25OHD) levels in South African mother-child pairs. Methods: Third-trimester serum maternal samples and matching cord blood samples were analyzed for BPA and BPA-g using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and 25OHD3 and 25OHD2 using high performance liquid chromatography. A total of 58 maternal and child pairs were analyzed. Results: More than fifty percent of maternal-child pairs were noted to be vitamin D deficient or insufficient using the Endocrine Society Practice guidelines cut-off of 50 nmol/L. Spearman rank correlation and Kruskal Wallis analysis did not show statistically significant relationship between cord 25OHD (total) and maternal and cord BPA-g concentrations. Analysis of covariance after controlling for confounders showed a significant relationship between cord BPA-g levels and cord 25OHD levels (p=0.03) as well as between maternal BPA-g levels (p=0.04) and cord total 25OHD levels (p=0.04). Discussion: The findings of the current study indicate a possible relationship with BPA/BPA-g and fetal/early infant Vitamin D levels that needs to be further investigated in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The editorial discusses recent advancements in laboratory testing for the diagnosis and monitoring of endocrine disorders and metabolic diseases. It highlights the use of immunoassays, mass spectrometry, chip technology, and artificial intelligence in improving diagnostic capabilities. The research topic covers various areas such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, diabetes mellitus, thyroid-related disorders, and reproductive endocrinology, showcasing new methods and biomarkers for disease detection and monitoring. The authors emphasize the importance of laboratory investigations in improving patient management and treatment outcomes. [Extracted from the article]

This document discusses novel and promising therapies for diabetic dyslipidemia, which is a major risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in diabetic patients. The dyslipidemia of diabetes is characterized by high triglyceride levels, low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and elevated levels of apolipoprotein B (apoB). Current guidelines recommend statins as the primary therapy for lowering LDL cholesterol, but there are other therapies being explored, such as bempedoic acid, inhibitors of apolipoprotein C-III, angiopoietin-like 3 (ANGPTL3), and lipoprotein(a). These therapies show promise in reducing ASCVD events, but further clinical trials are needed to confirm their efficacy and safety. [Extracted from the article]

Abstract Background The 516G > T polymorphism in exon 4 of the CYP2B6 gene has been associated with increased plasma Efavirenz (EFV) concentrations. EFV concentrations greater than the recommended therapeutic range have been associated with the increased likelihood of developing adverse CNS effects. The aims of this study were to a) determine the presence of the 516G > T and other CYP2B6 exon 4 polymorphisms in a South African group of HIV-infected individuals b) investigate the relationship between the EFV plasma concentrations, the CYP2B6 516G > T polymorphism and the occurrence of CNS related side effects in this group of patients and c) develop and validate a rapid method for determination of EFV in plasma. Method Data from 80 patients is presented. Genetic polymorphisms in exon 4 of the CYP2B6 gene were identified using PCR amplification of this region followed by sequencing of the amplification products. EFV concentrations were analysed by UPLC-MS/MS. Assessment of the presence of CNS related side effects following EFV initiation were elicited with the use of a questionnaire together with physical examination. Results Plasma EFV concentrations displayed high inter-individual variability amongst subjects with concentrations ranging from 94 μg/l to 23227 μg/l at 2 weeks post initiation of treatment. For the 516G > T polymorphism the following frequencies were observed 23% of patients were TT homozygous, 36% GG and 41% GT. The TT homozygous patients had significantly higher EFV concentrations vs. those with the wild (GG) genotype (p < 0.05). Patients who experienced no side effects had significantly lower EFV plasma concentrations vs. the group of patients which experienced the most severe side effects (p < 0.05). Conclusion The significant association between the 516G > T polymorphism and plasma EFV concentrations has been demonstrated in this study. A rapid and sensitive method for the measurement of plasma EFV concentration was developed and validated.

The article presents information on pre-diabetes and metabolic syndrome (MetS). Pre-diabetes is defined by the American Diabetes Association as a fasting plasma glucose and represents individuals who are at great risk of developing type 2 diabetes that can lead to cardiovascular risk. MetS is a group of specific cardiovascular disease risk factors. Insulin resistance is reportedly common to pre-diabetes and MetS and is a key factor for the pathogenesis of both conditions.