Correlations between homocysteine levels and atherosclerosis in Japanese type 2 diabetic patients

Elevated total plasma homocysteine (tHcy) level and aortic stiffness are associated with high mortality in type 2 diabetic patients. We tested the hypothesis that tHcy correlates with aortic stiffness and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic patients. The study consisted of 40 Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and high tHcy levels (mean age +/- SD, 57 +/- 7 years) and a control group of 45 age-matched patients with normal tHcy levels (mean age +/- SD, 57 +/- 6 years). Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (BaPWV) was measured by an automatic oscillometric method. Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity was used as an index of atherosclerosis. Body mass index values (P < .05), waist circumferences (P < .05), and the waist-to-hip ratios (P < .05) were larger in the high-tHcy group than in the normal-tHcy group. The BaPWV was higher in the high-tHcy group than in the normal-tHcy group (P < .0001). Fasting plasma glucose (P < .005) and insulin concentrations (P < .0001), and the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index (P < .0001) were higher in the high-tHcy group than in the normal-tHcy group. Multiple regression analysis showed that tHcy levels were independently predicted by BaPWV and the HOMA index. In conclusion, our results indicate that the elevated level of tHcy in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus is characterized by increased aortic stiffness and insulin resistance, and that the BaPWV and the HOMA index are independent predictors of tHcy.     

Correlations of urinary albumin excretion and atherosclerosis in Japanese type 2 diabetic patients

Microalbuminuria and aortic stiffness are associated with high mortality in type 2 diabetic patients. We tested the hypothesis that the presence of microalbuminuria correlates with aortic stiffness and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic patients. The study consisted of 36 Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes and microalbuminuria (age: 56+/-9 years, mean+/-S.D.) and a control group of 44 age-matched patients with normoalbuminuria (56+/-7 years). Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (BaPWV) was measured by automatic oscillometric method. BaPWV was used as an index of atherosclerosis. The BaPWV was higher in the microalbuminuria group than in the normoalbuminuria group (p<0.005). Fasting plasma glucose (p<0.05) and insulin concentrations (p<0.005), and the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index (p<0.0005), were higher in the microalbuminuria group than in the normoalbuminuria group. Multiple regression analysis showed that urinary albumin excretion was independently predicted by BaPWV and HOMA index. Our results indicate that the presence of microalbuminuria in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes is characterized by increased aortic stiffness and insulin resistance, and that the BaPWV, HOMA index are independent predictors of urine albumin excretion.     

Correlations of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and atherosclerosis in Japanese type 2 diabetic patients

BACKGROUND: The elevated level of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (HSCRP) and aortic stiffness are associated with high mortality in type 2 diabetic patients. We tested the hypothesis that the HSCRP correlates with aortic stiffness and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study consisted of 46 Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes and high HSCRP group (0.3-1.0 mg/dl, age: 57+/-5 years, mean+/-s.d.) and a control group of 55 age-matched patients with low HSCRP group (<0.3 mg/dl, 57+/-6 years). Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (BaPWV) was measured by automatic oscillometric method and was used as an index of atherosclerosis. RESULTS: The body mass index (BMI) values (P<0.05) and waist circumferences (P<0.0005) and the waist-to-hip ratios (P<0.05) were higher in the high HSCRP group than in the low HSCRP group. The BaPWV was higher in the high HSCRP group than in the low HSCRP group (P<0.0001). Fasting plasma glucose (FPG; P<0.005) and insulin concentrations (P<0.0001), and the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index (P<0.0001), were higher in the high HSCRP group than in the low HSCRP group. Multiple regression analysis showed that HSCRP levels were independently predicted by BaPWV and HOMA index. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that the elevated level of HSCRP in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes is characterized by increased aortic stiffness and insulin resistance, and that the BaPWV and HOMA index are independent predictors of HSCRP.     

Diabetic retinopathy is associated with visceral fat accumulation in Japanese type 2 diabetes mellitus patients

The presence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and increased of visceral fat accumulation (VFA) are associated with high mortality in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. This preliminary study was therefore designed to test the hypothesis that DR is associated with insulin resistance and VFA in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients without insulin treatment. A total of 102 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients were divided into 2 groups: DR group (age, 60 ± 6 years [mean ± SD]; n = 31) and no diabetic retinopathy (NDR) group (59 ± 5 years, n = 71). The level of blood glucose was assessed by fasting plasma glucose, fasting immunoreactive insulin, homeostasis model assessment index, and hemoglobin A_1c. The fat distribution was evaluated by measuring the VFA by abdominal computed tomography at the umbilical level. The body mass index and waist circumference were higher in the DR group than in the NDR group (P < .001 and P < .0005, respectively). Plasma levels of triglyceride were higher, whereas high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was lower, in the DR group than in the NDR group (P < .005 and P < .0001, respectively). Fasting plasma glucose (P < .0005), insulin concentrations (P < .0001), homeostasis model assessment index (P < .0001), and VFA (P < .0001) levels were higher in the DR group than in the NDR group. Multivariate logistic analysis revealed that DR was independently predicted by high VFA and insulin resistance. The results of this preliminary study indicate that the presence of DR was associated with high VFA and insulin resistance in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.     

高血压合并2型糖尿病患者动脉弹性与氧化应激和血管内皮功能的相关性

目的 研究高血压合并糖尿病患者肱-踝脉搏波传导速度与血清中丙二醛、超氧化物歧化酶和一氧化氮的相关性,探讨氧化应激、血管内皮功能变化在动脉硬化过程中的作用.方法 研究对象168例分为正常对照组(n=40)、原发性高血压组(n=70)和高血压合并2型糖尿病组(n=58),各组分别用比色法检测血清丙二醛、超氧化物歧化酶和一氧化氮含量,应用动脉硬化自动检测仪测定肱-踝脉搏波传导速度.结果 与对照组比较,原发性高血压组和高血压合并2型糖尿病组中丙二醛水平和肱.踝脉搏波传导速度明显增高(P<0.01),超氧化物歧化酶和一氧化氮水平明显降低(P<0.01);与原发性高血压组比较,高血压合并2型糖尿病组丙二醛水平和肱-踝脉搏波传导速度明显增高(P<0.05),超氧化物歧化酶和一氧化氮水平降低(P<0.05).相关分析显示肱-踝脉搏波传导速度与年龄、收缩压、舒张压、胆固醇、空腹血糖、高敏C反应蛋白和丙二醛呈正相关(相关系数r分别为0.418、0.672、0.469、0.179、0.392、0.277和0.571,均P<0.05),与超氧化物歧化酶和一氧化氮呈负相关(r分别为-0.438和-0.571,均P<0.05).多元逐步回归分析显示收缩压、丙二醛、空腹血糖和年龄是肱-踝脉搏波传导速度的独立危险因素.结论 高血压合并糖尿病患者动脉弹性明显减弱,且与体内氧化应激增强和血管内皮功能损伤有关,提示氧化应激和血管内皮功能在动脉硬化过程中起重要作用.     

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein is associated with hippocampus volume in nondementia patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

The elevated level of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (HSCRP) is associated with cognitive dysfunction, for which changes in the hippocampus plausibly play a pivotal role. We tested the hypothesis that an elevated level of HSCRP correlates with hippocampus volume and insulin resistance in nondementia patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Subjects included 45 nondementia patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, who were divided into 2 groups: high-HSCRP group (age, 65 ± 6 years [mean ± SD]; n = 17) and normal-HSCRP group (65 ± 7 years, n = 28). Hippocampus volume has been quantitated with computer-assisted analysis using a magnetic resonance imaging voxel-based specific regional analysis system developed for the study of Alzheimer disease (VSRAD), which yields a z score as the end point for assessment of hippocampal volume. The z score was higher in the high-HSCRP group than in the normal-HSCRP group (P < .0001). The fasting plasma glucose (P < .05) and insulin concentrations (P < .0001) and the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index (P < .0001) were higher in the high-HSCRP group than in the normal-HSCRP group. Multiple regression analysis showed that HSCRP levels were independently predicted by z score and HOMA index. Our results indicate that the elevated level of HSCRP in Japanese nondementia patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus is characterized by increased hippocampus volume and insulin resistance, and that the z score and HOMA index are independent predictors of HSCRP.     

White matter lesions are associated with the results of I-metaiodobenzylguanidine myocardial scintigraphy in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients

White matter lesions (WMLs) and cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction are associated with high mortality in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. This preliminary study was therefore designed to test the hypothesis that WML is associated with insulin resistance and cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients without insulin treatment. Based on brain magnetic resonance imaging findings, 55 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients were divided into 2 groups: a WML-positive group (59 ± 5 years [mean ± SD], n = 21) and a WML-negative group (58 ± 6 years, n = 34). Cardiovascular autonomic function was assessed by baroreflex sensitivity, heart rate variability, plasma norepinephrine concentrations, and cardiac ¹²³I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scintigraphy. Baroreflex sensitivity was lower in the WML-positive group than in the WML-negative group (P < .01). Early and delayed ¹²³I-MIBG myocardial uptake values were lower (P < .005 and P < .001, respectively) and the percentage washout rate (WR) of ¹²³I-MIBG was higher (P < .0001) in the WML-positive group than in the WML-negative group. The fasting plasma glucose (P < .005) and insulin concentrations (P < .0001) and the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index values (P < .0001) were higher in the WML-positive group than in the WML-negative group. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that HOMA index and percentage WR of ¹²³I-MIBG were associated with WML patients. Our results suggested that WML was associated with depressed cardiovascular autonomic function and insulin resistance and that HOMA index and the percentage WR of ¹²³I-MIBG were independent associations for WML in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.     

Tyrosine hydroxylase gene microsatellite polymorphism associated with insulin resistance in depressive disorder

A high association between type 2 diabetes mellitus and depressive illness has been reported. Insulin resistance during depressive illness might contribute to the linkage between depression and type 2 diabetes. To determine whether the genetic polymorphisms of the tyrosine hydroxylase ([TH] HUMTH01) and insulin (INS-VNTR) genes contribute to insulin resistance in depressive illness, we analyzed the association between the polymorphisms and insulin resistance in 41 Japanese patients with depressive disorder, 204 normal control subjects, 161 cohort subjects with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and without depressive symptomatology, and 59 NGT subjects with depressive symptomatology. The depressive patients had a significantly lower insulin sensitivity index (SI) than the control subjects (P= .016). Depressive NGT subjects had a significantly higher homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) insulin resistance index [HOMA(R)] than the nondepressive NGT subjects (P < .0001). The depressive patients and NGT subjects had more HUMTH01 allele 7 (TH7) than the controls and nondepressive NGT subjects. SI was significantly lower in patients with the TH7/7 homozygote versus patients with the other genotypes and the controls. TH7 was associated with higher HOMA(R) as compared with the other alleles in the NGT subjects. Insulin resistance was associated with depressive disorders. The HUMTH01 and INS-VNTR were associated with insulin resistance and depressive symptoms.     

Microalbuminuria, cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction, and insulin resistance in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Urinary albumin excretion/microalbuminuria and cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction are associated with high mortality in type 2 diabetic patients. We tested the hypothesis that the presence of microalbuminuria would correlate with cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic patients. The study group consisted of 15 Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes and microalbuminuria (age: 56 +/- 10 years, mean +/- SD). The control group consisted of 19 age-matched patients with normalbuminuria (56 +/- 7 years). Cardiovascular autonomic function was assessed by baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), heart rate variability, plasma norepinephrine concentration, and cardiac 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scintigraphy. BRS was lower in the microalbuminuria group than in the normalbuminuria group (P < .05). Early and delayed 123I-MIBG myocardial uptake values were lower (P < .05 and P < .005, respectively) and the percent washout rate of 123I-MIBG was higher (P < .0005) in the microalbuminuria group than in the normalbuminuria group. Fasting plasma glucose (P < .05) and insulin concentrations (P < .05), and the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index (P < .01) were higher in the microalbuminuria group than in the normalbuminuria group. Multiple regression analysis showed that urinary albumin excretion was independently predicted by the myocardial uptake of 123I-MIBG at delayed phase, fasting plasma insulin concentration, and the HOMA index. Our results indicate that the presence of microalbuminuria in our Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes is characterized by depressed cardiovascular autonomic function and insulin resistance, and that the myocardial uptake of 123I-MIBG at delayed phase, fasting plasma insulin, and HOMA index are independent predictors of urinary albumin excretion.     

Neither homeostasis model assessment nor quantitative insulin sensitivity check index can predict insulin resistance in elderly patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus

To clarify whether homeostasis model assessment (HOMA IR) and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) may be indicators of insulin resistance in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, their relationship with the glucose infusion rate during the euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp study (clamp IR) was assessed. This study comprised 56 Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus; of these, 28 were 70 yr of age or older (group 1) and 28 were less than 70 yr of age (group 2). Their blood sugars were in poor control (fasting plasma glucose levels: group 1, 9.0 +/- 2.6 mmol/liter; group 2, 8.9 +/- 2.3 mmol/liter; hemoglobin A1c: group 1, 9.5 +/- 2.0%; group 2, 9.2 +/- 1.7%). Log-transformed HOMA IR was significantly correlated with the clamp IR in group 2 patients (r = -0.51, P < 0.01), but not in group 1 patients (r = -0.28, P = 0.15). There was a significant positive correlation between QUICKI and clamp IR in group 2 patients (r = 0.50, P < 0.01). However, no significant correlation was observed between QUICKI and clamp IR in group 1 patients (r = 0.31, P = 0.12). There was a significant correlation between log-transformed HOMA IR (r = -0.37, P < 0.01) or QUICKI (r = 0.37, P < 0.01) and clamp IR when both groups were combined. In conclusion, neither HOMA IR nor QUICKI should be used as an index of insulin resistance in elderly patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus. The results of this study suggest the need for developing a new noninvasive method for evaluating insulin resistance in those patients.     

Beta-cell function evaluated by HOMA as a predictor of secondary sulphonylurea failure in Type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Secondary failure to oral hypoglycaemic agents, a common evolution of long-standing Type 2 diabetes, is usually assessed by non-standardized indices requiring fine clinical assessment, including hyperglycaemia resistant to maximum doses of sulphonylureas despite appropriate diet and follow-up. The goal of this study was to evaluate if HOMA, a modelized plasma insulin/glucose ratio allowing simple evaluation of residual insulin secretion and sensitivity, is a better predictor of the insulin requiring stage than clinical indices. MATERIALS AND METHODS: HOMA was measured in 84 Type 2 diabetic patients aged 58 +/- SD 6 years, with diabetes duration 11 +/- 4 years, hospitalized because of hyperglycaemia resistant to maximal doses of sulphonylureas (e.g. glibenclamide > or = 15 mg/day), with no apparent external reason for hyperglycaemia. Despite reinforced appropriate diet recommendations, 62 of these patients remained hyperglycaemic (insulin-requiring group). RESULTS: Age, duration of diabetes, body mass index (BMI) and HOMA value for insulin sensitivity (71 +/- 6% vs. 76 +/- 7%, normal values 59-161%) were comparable in the two groups. HbA(1c) was higher (10.0 +/- 0.2% vs. 8.3 +/- 0.3%, P < 0.001) and HOMA insulin secretion values lower (25 +/- 2% vs. 43 +/- 6%, normal values 70-150%, P < 0.01) in the insulin-requiring group. Of the following potential predictors: HbA(1c) > 8%, duration of diabetes > or = 10 years, HbA(1c) combined with diabetes duration, insulin sensitivity < or = 40%, insulin secretion < or = 20%, the latter showed the best positive predictivity (86% patients with low insulin secretion were insulin-requiring). CONCLUSIONS: (i) HOMA is a simple and good predictor of the insulin-requiring stage in Type 2 diabetes mellitus; (ii) this stage of diabetes is characterized by a further decline of insulin secretion rather than of insulin sensitivity. Diabet. Med. 18, 584-588 (2001)     

Correlation between the glucose clamp technique and the homeostasis model assessment in hypertension

The homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) has been extensively used as a reliable surrogate marker for measuring insulin resistance in patients with diabetes mellitus and in normal subjects. Comparative data in another insulin resistance state, hypertension, is lacking. The goal of the present study was to obtain that information by testing the correlation of HOMA with the euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp in 36 hypertensive and 27 normotensive subjects. Clamp-derived insulin sensitivity was calculated as the glucose disposal rate over steady-state plasma insulin concentration. Homeostasis model assessment was computed using the formula (fasting glucose x fasting insulin)/22.5. There was significant correlation between the clamp and HOMA for both the hypertensive (r = -0.64, P < .0001) and normotensive subjects (r = -0.58, P = .002). The HOMA can be used reliably as a less expensive and less cumbersome alternative for measuring insulin resistance in hypertension.     

Hypertriglyceridemia is associated with increased insulin resistance in subjects with normal glucose tolerance: evaluation in a large cohort of subjects assessed with the 1999 World Health Organization criteria for the classification of diabetes

The current study retrospectively examined the association between insulin resistance and plasma triglycerides (TG) in a group of subjects with normal glucose tolerance. Among 1,434 subjects consecutively undergoing a standard oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) between 1993 and 1998, 567 (age, 15 to 78 years) were classified as having a normal glucose tolerance according to the 1999 World Health Organization (WHO) criteria and were selected for the study. Serum insulin was measured by radioimmunoassay (INSI-CTK, Dia Sorin, Saluggia, Italy). Intra-assay and interassay coefficients of variation for the method were less than 4% and less than 8.5%, respectively. Insulin resistance was calculated by a homeostasis model assessment (HOMA(IR) = fasting serum insulin [mU/mL] x fasting blood glucose [mmol/L]/22.5). A very significant correlation was found between HOMA(IR) and plasma TG (r = 0.27, P < 1.02E(-10)). Multiple regression analyses confirmed plasma TG as independent variables explicative of HOMA(IR). When subjects were evaluated according to tertiles of TG, those in the upper two tertiles were older (P <.001) and presented higher body mass index (BMI) values (P <.0001) in comparison to subjects in the lower tertile. A positive trend (analysis of variance [ANOVA]) was found in regard to systolic (P <.05) and diastolic blood pressure (P <.0001), fasting blood glucose (P <.01), fasting serum insulin (P <.0001), and total cholesterol (P <.0001), while a negative trend was found in regard to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (P <.0001). Insulin resistance, calculated as HOMA(IR), was higher in the upper two tertiles of TG in comparison to the lower tertile (P <.001 and P <.0001, respectively), with a statistically significant trend for the entire group (first tertile, 1.85 +/- 0.94; second tertile, 2.28 +/- 1.10; third tertile, 2.65 +/- 1.71; ANOVA: P <.0001). In conclusion, this study shows an association between high levels of circulating TG and insulin resistance in patients with normal glucose tolerance seen in an atherosclerosis prevention clinic. This association is also present at levels of plasma TG considered to be normal and is associated with a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors.     

Is HOMA index a predictor of nocturnal nondipping in hypertensives with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus?

OBJECTIVE: Insulin resistance is involved in glucose intolerance, type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension. We aimed to analyze relationship between insulin resistance and nocturnal nondipping. METHODS: Patients underwent physical and biochemical evaluation, clinic and ambulatory blood pressure measurements. The homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index was calculated. RESULTS: Ninety-six essential hypertensive patients, of whom 42 were dippers, with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus were included. Nighttime average heart rate and mean arterial pressure of nondippers were higher than dippers (P<0.0001 and 0.001). Nondippers had higher fasting plasma glucose, serum insulin levels and HOMA indices than dipper patients (P=0.006, <0.0001 and <0.0001). Ten dippers and 36 nondippers were insulin resistant (P<0.0001). Clinic (r=+0.22, P=0.031), daytime average (r=+0.27, P=0.007), nighttime average (r=+0.33, P=0.001), 24-h average systolic (r=+0.25, P=0.015) and nighttime average diastolic blood pressures (r=+0.31, P=0.002) were positively correlated with homeostasis model assessment index. Nighttime mean arterial pressure and heart rates (daytime, nighttime, 24-h average) showed positive correlation with homeostasis model assessment index. In multivariate analysis, high homeostasis model assessment index was associated with increased nondipping risk (odds ratio: 1.85, confidence interval: 1.24-2.76, P=0.003). After adjustment of several factors, average nighttime systolic (P<0.0001), diastolic (P<0.0001) and 24-h diastolic blood pressure (P=0.029) and heart rate (P=0.001) measurements of insulin resistant patients were higher than nonresistant patients. CONCLUSIONS: Insulin resistance is related with diurnal blood pressure variation. The HOMA index may be a predictor of nocturnal nondipping in patients with essential hypertension and newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus.     

Smoking is associated with urinary albumin excretion: an evaluation of premenopausal patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Cigarette smoking and an increase in urinary albumin excretion are associated with high mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. We tested the hypothesis that the presence of a smoking habit correlates with increased urinary albumin excretion in premenopausal Japanese women with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The study consisted of 20 premenopausal Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the current-smokers group (age, 45 +/- 4 years, mean +/- SD). The control group consisted of 35 age-matched never-smoker patients (age, 45 +/- 5 years). Serum triglyceride levels were higher and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were lower in the current-smokers group than in the never-smokers group (P < .05 and P < .01, respectively). Furthermore, fasting plasma insulin concentrations and the homeostasis model assessment index were higher in the current-smokers group than in the never-smokers group (P < .005 and P < .001, respectively). Urinary albumin excretion also was higher in the current-smokers group than in the never-smokers group (P < .0001). Multivariate logistic analysis revealed that urinary albumin excretion is independently associated with current smoking in Japanese premenopausal with type 2 diabetes mellitus (odds ratio, 1.79; 95% confidence interval, 1.08-3.87; P < .01). The results of this study show that current smoking is associated with an increased level of urinary albumin excretion, suggesting that smoking was a risk factor in the development of increased urinary albumin excretion in these patients.     

Hepatocyte growth factor levels are associated with the results of I-metaiodobenzylguanidine myocardial scintigraphy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Elevated hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) levels and cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction are associated with a high mortality rate in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. We tested the hypothesis that elevated HGF is associated with insulin resistance and cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus not receiving insulin treatment. The study group consisted of 21 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with high HGF levels (>0.26 ng/mL, 58 ± 5 years old, high-HGF group). The control group consisted of 25 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with normal HGF levels (≤0.26 ng/mL, 58 ± 9 years old, normal-HGF group). Cardiovascular autonomic function was assessed by baroreflex sensitivity, heart rate variability, plasma norepinephrine concentrations, and cardiac ¹²³I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scintigraphy. Early and delayed ¹²³I-MIBG myocardial uptake values were lower (P < .005 and P < .01, respectively) and the percentage of washout rate of ¹²³I-MIBG was higher (P < .001) in the high-HGF group than in the normal-HGF group. The fasting plasma insulin concentrations (P < .0001) and the homeostasis model assessment index values (P < .0001) were higher in the high-HGF group than in the normal-HGF group. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the level of HGF was independently predicted by the homeostasis model assessment index values and the myocardial uptake of ¹²³I-MIBG at the delayed phase. Our results demonstrate that high levels of HGF are associated with depressed cardiovascular autonomic function and insulin resistance in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.     

Usefulness of colour tissue Doppler imaging in assessing aortic elastic properties in Type 1 diabetic patients.

AIMS: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with macrovascular disease and impaired aortic function. We hypothesized that the change in aortic elastic properties could be investigated with colour tissue Doppler imaging (CTDI) in Type 1 diabetic patients and that these findings could be related to the aortic stiffness index. METHODS: We examined by echocardiography 66 patients with Type 1 DM (mean age 35 +/- 10 years, mean duration of disease 20 +/- 9 years) without a history of arterial hypertension or coronary artery disease (negative thallium-201 stress test) and 66 age- and sex-matched normal subjects. Arterial pressure was measured before echocardiography was performed. Internal aortic systolic and diastolic diameters by M-mode echocardiography and aortic systolic upper wall tissue velocity (Sao, cm/s) by CTDI were measured 3 cm above the aortic valve. Aortic distensibility and aortic stiffness index were calculated using accepted formulae. RESULTS: Aortic stiffness, distensibility and Sao velocity differed significantly between the studied groups. In the diabetic group, duration of diabetes correlated with aortic stiffness (r = 0.53, P < 0.001), distensibility (r = -0.61, P < 0.001) and Sao velocity (r = -0.48, P < 0.001). There was a negative correlation between aortic stiffness and Sao velocity (r = -0.49, P < 0.001). Multiple stepwise linear regression analysis in the diabetic group revealed that aortic S velocity (beta = 0.30, P = 0.005) and duration of diabetes (beta = -0.49, P = 0.001) were the main predictors of aortic distensibility (overall R(2) = 0.48). CONCLUSIONS: Aortic elastic properties can be directly assessed by measuring the movements in the upper aortic wall. Reduced aortic S velocity is associated with increased aortic stiffness in Type 1 diabetic patients.     

Arterial wall stiffness is associated with peripheral circulation in patients with type 2 diabetes

The prevalence of peripheral vascular disease (PVD) in diabetic patients is manyfold higher than that of age- and sex-matched nondiabetic subjects. This study was designed to evaluate the relationship between quantitatively determined peripheral circulation in the lower extremities and arterial wall thickness or stiffness in 68 patients with type 2 diabetes. Peripheral circulation during treadmill-exercise was monitored by transcutaneous oxygen tension (TcPO2) and was expressed as percentage of post-exercise TcPO2 adjusted by that of pre-exercise (TcPO2 index). Arterial wall thickness (intima-media thickness; IMT) and stiffness (stiffness beta) were measured by ultrasonography. TcPO2 index was negatively (r=-0.350, P=0.0007) correlated with stiffness beta, not with IMT, of the femoral artery. In patients without insulin therapy (n=52), both fasting plasma insulin concentration (r=-0.323, P=0.0023) and HOMA IR, an insulin resistance index, (r=-0.281, P=0.0084) were negatively correlated with TcPO2 index. Multiple regression analyses showed that association of stiffness beta of the femoral artery or HOMA IR with the TcPO2 index was independent of other factors including age, smoking index, ankle brachial pressure index and IMT of femoral artery. Thus, arterial wall stiffness of femoral artery appears to be a major determinant of peripheral circulation in patients with type 2 diabetes.     

阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征与2型糖尿病的相关性研究

目的 探讨阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征(OSAHS)与2型糖尿病并存率较高的可能原因及机制.方法 2008年5月至2009年12月在南京医科大学第一附属医院睡眠中心就诊,经多导睡眠监测104例患者被诊断患有鼾症,分为单纯性鼾症组(即对照组,n=19)及OSAHS组(n=85),根据呼吸暂停低通气指数和最低脉搏氧饱和度将OSAHS患者进一步分为轻度(n=50)及中-重度OSAHS亚组(n=35).比较各组2型糖尿病的发生率.分析多导睡眠监测参数呼吸暂停低通气指数、最低脉搏氧饱和度、平均脉搏氧饱和度,外周循环中代谢参数空腹血糖、真胰岛素与胰岛素原和稳态模型胰岛素抵抗指数(HOMA-IR),以及体重指数、腰围及颈围等的相关性.采用卡方检验、方差分析、Spearman相关分析和Logistic回归分析进行数据统计.结果 所有OSAHS患者中15.3%(13/85)并存有2型糖尿病.中-重度OSAHS组2型糖尿病发病率[25.7%(9/35)]明显高于对照组[5.3%(1/19),X2=4.942,P=0.026)]和轻度OSAHS组[8.0%(4/50),X2=4.011,P=0.045)].Spearman相关分析显示HOMA-IR、胰岛素原水平与最低脉搏氧饱和度、平均脉搏氧饱和度呈显著负相关,与呼吸暂停低通气指数的相关性未达统计学意义.单因素Logistic回归分析提示HOMA-IR和胰岛素原是中-重度OSAHS的危险因素.多因素逐步Logistic回归分析提示HOMA-IR与中一重度OSAHS的发生独立相关.结论 OSAHS与2型糖尿病密切相关,夜间脉搏氧饱和度较低的OSAHS患者易于产生胰岛素抵抗,而胰岛素抵抗在OSAHS与2型糖尿病并存机制中发挥重要作用.     

伴腹型肥胖的2型糖尿病患者的临床特点分析

目的:探讨伴腹型肥胖的2型糖尿病(T2DM)患者的临床特点。方法:选取T2DM住院患者171例,按腰围分为腹型肥胖组(AO组,男性>90 cm,女性>85 cm)和非腹型肥胖组(NAO组,男性≤90 cm,女≤85 cm),比较各组的糖代谢、脂代谢、新稳态模型(HOMA2)胰岛B细胞分泌指数(HOMA2-B)和胰岛素敏感性指数(HOMA2-S)。结果:AO组血压、三酰甘油(TG)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)、C反应蛋白(CRP)、血糖和C肽(CP0、CP30、CP120)均较NAO组显著升高,而高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)、HOMA2-S则明显降低。结论:伴腹型肥胖的T2DM患者多伴TG水平升高,且血糖失控和胰岛素抵抗程度更重。