Pro-inflammatory and atherogenic circulating factors in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease associated to metabolic syndrome

BackgroundIt is not elucidated if liver fat deposits associated to metabolic syndrome (MS) aggravate the atherogenic state. We evaluated, in MS patients, if the presence of non-alcoholic hepatic steatosis (HS) determines differences in inflammatory markers and VLDL characteristics.MethodsSeventy-five patients with MS were divided into 2 groups depending on the presence or absence of HS, assessed by ultrasound. Lipid profile, free fatty acids (FFA), VLDL composition, adiponectin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and soluble adhesion molecules (sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1) were measured.ResultsHS patients presented increased triglycerides levels, HOMA-IR and FFA. Patients with HS showed a reduction in adiponectin (p = 0.04) and increase in hs-CRP (p = 0.02), independently of insulin-resistance (IR). FFA correlated positively with TNF-α (p = 0.04) and inversely with adiponectin (p = 0.01). hs-CRP correlated with all inflammatory markers, independently of IR: TNF-α (r = 0.34, p = 0.02), sVCAM-1 (r = 0.29 p = 0.03), sICAM-1 (r = 0.56, p = 0.01), adiponectin (r = ?0.34, p = 0.04). HS patients presented higher VLDL mass and number of particles. Adiponectin correlated with VLDL cholesterol content (r = ?0.47, p = 0.04), independently of IR. VLDL, once secreted, would suffer from changes, becoming more atherogenic.ConclusionsSimple HS would play an important role increasing cardiovascular risk, independently of IR. hs-CRP may represent a useful biomarker of this condition.     

Predominance of large VLDL particles in metabolic syndrome, detected by size exclusion liquid chromatography

ObjectiveTo study size heterogeneity of triglyceride rich lipoproteins (TRL) in metabolic syndrome (MS).Design and methodsThirty MS patients and 14 healthy subjects were included. In fasting serum we measured: lipid profile, free fatty acids (FFA) and adiponectin; TRL were isolated (d < 1.006 g/mL) and analysis by size exclusion HPLC followed by UV detection was performed; each subfraction was expressed as percentage of total TRL.ResultsMS patients, even those with normal triglycerides, presented higher proportion of very large VLDL (90 nm diameter) and large VLDL (60 nm) and slightly lower of typical VLDL (37 nm) (p < 0.04); increased FFA (p = 0.04) and lower adiponectin (p = 0.001). FFA correlated with large VLDL% (r = 0.58; p = 0.003), independently of insulin-resistance and waist. Furthermore, the lower the adiponectin, the greater the predominance of large VLDL (r = ? 0.40; p = 0.04).ConclusionMS was associated with large VLDL, described as more atherogenic beyond triglyceride levels. Size exclusion HPLC would represent a useful tool for assessing subfractions' lipoprotein profile.     

Relationship between obesity and metabolic syndrome among Argentinean elementary school children

BackgroundArgentina has experienced marked increases in the prevalence of childhood overweight (OW)/obesity over the last few decades.ObjectivesWe examined (1) the distribution of the mean values of lipids, glucose, and HOMA-IR according to the presence of OW/obesity, age, and sex and (2) the association between metabolic syndrome and OW/obesity, Tanner stage, gender, and HOMA-IR.MethodsData were collected from 1009 children (508 males) in 10 elementary schools between April and September 2007. BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, Tanner, lipids, insulin, and glucose were determined. Criteria analogous to ATPIII were used for metabolic syndrome in children.ResultsOver 1009 children (508 males) aged 9.4 ± 2.0 years were evaluated. One hundred and sixty-five (16.4%) were obese (> 95th percentile), and 166 (16.5%) were OW (85-95th). Twenty-five (2.5%) were severely obese (BMI > 99th). Most of the children (62%; 613/979) were at Tanner 1. Triglycerides, insulin, and HOMA-IR were higher (p < 0.001) and HDL-C lower (p < 0.001) in OW/obesity in both age groups and genders. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 5.8% overall, 32% in severely obese, 16.4% in OW/obese and 0.4% in normal weight children. Multiple logistic regression showed that BMI (OR 24.48; 95% CI 9.14–65.57), and HOMA-IR (OR 2.09; 95% CI 1.04–4.18) were associated with metabolic syndrome adjusted by gender and Tanner stage. Multiple linear regression also showed that BMI and HOMA-IR were independently associated with the number of metabolic syndrome components (R² = 0.46).ConclusionsA substantial number of OW/obese children have the metabolic syndrome. HOMA-IR and BMI were strong predictors of metabolic syndrome in children suggesting that OW/obese school children are at a higher risk for future cardiovascular disease.     

The alarm secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor increases with progressive metabolic dysfunction

BackgroundSecretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) is an alarm antiprotease secreted by neutrophils and mucous membranes that potently inhibits the inflammatory cascade; however, the role of SLPI in human disease remains largely unknown. We hypothesized that SLPI is related to chronic low-grade inflammatory diseases, such as metabolic syndrome (MS) or type-2 diabetes (T2DM).MethodsWe examined associations between circulating SLPI (ELISA) and quantitative traits of MS (ATPIII criteria) in 261 Caucasian men with various degrees of metabolic dysfunction. Subjects had neither MS nor T2DM (n = 140), either diagnosis (n = 44) or both diagnoses (n = 77).ResultsCirculating SLPI increased with progressive metabolic dysfunction, with a mean increase of 4.4 ng/ml (95% IC 2.4 to 6.3 ng/ml; p < 0.001) for each unit increase in the criteria used to define MS. Circulating SLPI showed independent associations with uric acid [β = 5.1 (95% CI 3.4 to 6.7), p < 0.00001], serum lipids, pulse pressure and inflammatory markers.ConclusionsCirculating SLPI increases with progressive metabolic dysfunction and is related to metabolic and inflammatory parameters in men.     

Association of exonic variants of Klotho with metabolic syndrome in Asian Indians

BackgroundKlotho, an anti-aging gene, is a functional candidate for metabolic syndrome. We conducted a cross-sectional study to evaluate the association of the genetic variants of Klotho with metabolic syndrome and surrogates of insulin resistance in Asian Indians.MethodsWe recruited 428 clinically normal subjects for the study. Genotyping was done by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism.ResultsSignificant and borderline associations of the KL-VS (OR = 15.88 [95%CI, 2.56–98.70], p = 0.003) and C1818T (OR = 0.28 [95%CI, 0.07–1.07], p = 0.063) variants of the Klotho gene, respectively, were observed with metabolic syndrome. The association of the KL-VS variant with metabolic syndrome could be linked to its observed influence on high blood glucose (OR = 6.92 [95% CI = 1.75–27.44], p = 0.006), high blood pressure (OR = 5.21 [95%CI = 1.00–38.43], p = 0.046), insulin resistance (OR = 3.59, [95%CI = 1.01–12.79], p = 0.048) and trend towards its association with hypertriglyceridemia (OR = 3.69 [95%CI = 0.92–14.77], p = 0.065).ConclusionsThe genetic variants of Klotho might predict risk for metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance in Asian Indians. However, larger studies in other ethnic populations are warranted to determine the role of these gene variants in the etiology of metabolic syndrome.     

The relationship between insulin-like growth factor-1 and metabolic syndrome, independent of adiponectin

BackgroundInsulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is associated with obesity and aging, and was recently linked to metabolic syndrome (MetS) and insulin resistance. However, little is known about the relationship between IGF-1 and adiponectin (adiponectin), another marker of MetS.MethodsWe measured the plasma IGF-1 and adiponectin levels of 3099 subjects (1869 males, 55.9 ± 10.8 y). We applied the Korean-modified International Diabetes Foundation (k-IDF) criteria for determination of, and risk assessment for, MetS.ResultsK-IDF criteria-based MetS occurred in 37.0% (n = 1146) of patients. IGF-1 (91.5 vs. 97.3 ng/ml, p < 0.001) and adiponectin (3.95 vs. 4.23 μg/ml, p < 0.001) were significantly lower in MetS patients than without MetS. Lower IGF-1 was associated with increasing numbers of MetS abnormalities, independent of adiponectin (p for trend < 0.001, F = 12.615, p < 0.001 in ANCOVA). MetS prevalence in individuals with both high IGF-1 and adiponectin levels (6.7%, n = 206) was significantly lower than in other groups. Both high IGF-1 and adiponectin group was associated with reduced MetS risk after adjusting for other confounding factors (OR 0.694, 95% CI 0.493–0.977, p = 0.036).ConclusionsIGF-1 was associated with MetS independent of adiponectin in our study. The independent relationship between IGF-1 and MetS provides insight into the pathophysiologic mechanisms of MetS.     

Plasma leptin levels and digital pulse volume in obese patients without metabolic syndrome--a pilot study

BackgroundThe mechanism of obesity leading to endothelial function is complex, and involves many adipokines and inflammatory cytokines. The data is especially lacking in obese patients without metabolic syndrome. We assessed the relationship among endothelial dysfunction, anthropometric indices, adipokines and inflammatory cytokines in this population.MethodsObese patients without metabolic syndrome were included in this study. The plasma resistin, leptin, retinol-binding-protein 4 and inflammatory cytokines were examined. Endothelial function was assessed by a fingertip peripheral arterial tonometry (PAT) device. Data are expressed as the natural logarithm (ln) of the PAT ratio. Endothelial dysfunction was defined by a ln (PAT ratio) < 0.30.ResultsA total of 35 patients were enrolled, 11 of whom were with endothelial dysfunction. There was a significant difference of ln leptin (p = 0.007), ln [leptin/visceral fat thickness] (p = 0.004) and ln [leptin/subcutaneous fat thickness] (p < 0.001) between patients with and without endothelial dysfunction. Multivariate linear regression analyses showed that ln [leptin/subcutaneous fat thickness] was significantly related to the ln (PAT ratio) (p = 0.002). Using ln [leptin/subcutaneous fat thickness] to detect endothelial dysfunction, the area of receiver operating characteristic curves was 0.843 (p = 0.002). Using 6.10 as a cutoff point, the sensitivity and specificity to determine endothelial dysfunction were 91% and 78%, respectively.ConclusionAbnormal digital vascular function occurs in obese patients without metabolic syndrome. Low plasma leptin/subcutaneous fat ratio is associated with endothelial dysfunction in this population.     

Plasma adiponectin as an independent predictor of early death after acute intracerebral hemorrhage

BackgroundHyperadiponectinemia or hypoadiponectinemia is associated with different diseases. There is a paucity of data on circulating plasma adiponectin concentrations in human intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). We investigated the plasma adiponectin concentrations in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage, and analyzed the correlation of adiponectin with the severity of brain injury and early mortality after ICH.MethodsThirty controls and 86 patients with acute ICH were included. Plasma samples were obtained on admission and at days 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 after ICH. Their concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsAfter ICH, plasma adiponectin level of the patients increased immediately within 6 h, peaked within 24 h, plateaued at day 2, and decreased gradually thereafter. It was substantially higher than that in the controls in a period of 7 days. A multivariate analysis showed plasma adiponectin level was an independent predictor for 1-week mortality (odds ratio, 1.199; 95% CI: 1.035–1.389; P = 0.015) and that it was associated with Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score (t = ? 3.596, P = 0.001) and plasma C-reactive protein level (t = 4.194, P < 0.001). A receiver operating characteristic curve identified that a plasma adiponectin level > 16.4 μg/ml predicted the 1-week mortality of patients with a sensitivity of 65.6% and a specificity of 90.7% (AUC, 0.789; 95% CI: 0.688–0.870). The predictive value of adiponectin concentration was significantly lower than that of GCS score (P = 0.007) and hematoma volume (P = 0.022). Adiponectin could not improve the predictive values of GCS score (P = 0.317) and hematoma volume (P = 0.226).ConclusionsAdiponectin is an independent indicator of early death and may play an anti-inflammatory role after intracerebral hemorrhage.     

Closing the anion gap: contribution of D-lactate to diabetic ketoacidosis

BackgroundA high anion gap in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) suggests that some unmeasured anions must contribute to the generation of the anion gap. We investigated the contribution of d-lactate to the anion gap in DKA.MethodsDiabetic patients with and without DKA and high anion gap were recruited. Plasma d-lactate was quantified by HPLC. Plasma methylglyoxal was assayed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.ResultsThe plasma fasting glucose, β-hydroxybutyrate, and blood HbA1c levels were highly elevated in DKA. Plasma anion gap was significantly increased in DKA (20.59 ± 6.37) compared to either the diabetic (7.50 ± 1.88) or the control group (6.53 ± 1.75) (p < 0.001, respectively). Moreover, plasma d-lactate levels were markedly increased in DKA (3.82 ± 2.50 mmol/l) compared to the diabetic (0.47 ± 0.55 mmol/l) or the control group (0.25 ± 0.35 mmol/l) (p < 0.001, respectively). Regression analysis demonstrated that d-lactate was associated with acidosis and anion gap (r = 0.686, p < 0.001).ConclusionsPlasma d-lactate levels are highly elevated and associated with metabolic acidosis and the high anion gap in DKA. Laboratory monitoring of d-lactate will provide valuable information for assessment of patients with DKA.     

Diagnostic accuracy, reproducibility and robustness of fibrosis blood tests in chronic hepatitis C: a meta-analysis with individual data

ObjectivesTo evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of liver fibrosis tests and its influencing factors in a meta-analysis with individual data.Design and methodsFour independent centers provided four blood tests and Metavir staging from 825 patients with chronic hepatitis C.ResultsFibroMeter AUROC (0.840) for significant fibrosis was superior to those of Fibrotest (0.803, p = 0.049), APRI (0.789, p = 0.001) and Hepascore (0.781, p < 0.001). The misclassification rate was lower for FibroMeter (23%) than for Fibrotest and Hepascore (both 28%, p < 0.001). The variation in the diagnostic cut-offs of tests among centers, reflecting the overall reproducibility, was: FibroMeter: 4.2%, APRI: 24.0%, Fibrotest: 24.2%, Hepascore: 35.0%. Accordingly, the proportion of patients diagnosed with significant fibrosis changed: FibroMeter: 0.8%, Hepascore: 2.4% (p = 0.02 vs FibroMeter), Fibrotest: 5.8% (p < 10^? 3), APRI: 18.2% (p < 10^? 3).ConclusionsThis study on clinical applicability shows significant differences in diagnostic accuracy, inter-center reproducibility, and robustness of biomarkers to changes in population characteristics between blood tests.     

Diverging sex-specific long-term effects of cigarette smoking on fasting insulin and glucose levels in non-diabetic people

ObjectivesWe determined in non-diabetic persons the associations of current smoking with future glucose and insulin concentrations.Design and methodsMiddle-aged non-diabetic adults (n = 1071) were studied in whom these values were measured at baseline and 5.2-years later.ResultsAge-adjusted fasting insulin concentrations in 137 smoking men remained lower than never smokers at both surveys. While age-adjusted fasting glucose values in male never smokers declined at follow-up (p = 0.037), they rose in male smokers. In 94 female smokers, age-adjusted fasting insulin values marginally declined, and fasting glucose was reduced (by 0.09 mmol/L, p = 0.055) during follow-up. In contrast in never-smoking women, insulin and glucose concentrations rose (p < 0.001 in both). Age-adjusted insulin levels in former smokers exhibited similar trends as never smokers. Trends were essentially unchanged when adjustment included body mass index. Current male smokers demonstrated evidence of reduced insulin sensitivity, female smokers of improved one, as assessed by QUICKI.ConclusionSmoking among Turks induces at long-term lower fasting insulin levels which represent improved insulin sensitivity in women, yet a reduced one in men.     

The pharmacokinetics and pharmacogenetics of the antiemetic cyclizine in palliative care patients

ContextCyclizine, an antihistaminic antiemetic, is commonly used in palliative care. Its pharmacokinetics have been poorly studied, and its metabolic pathway is unknown but may involve the genetically controlled cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6). If this is the case, the metabolic ratio of cyclizine to norcyclizine and efficacy/adverse effects may vary between patients according to their CYP2D6 genotype.ObjectivesTo deduce the pharmacokinetics and antiemetic/sedative effects of cyclizine and relate these and its metabolic ratio to the CYP2D6 genotype in palliative care patients.MethodsPalliative care patients initiated on continuous cyclizine subcutaneous (SC) infusions had blood samples taken and efficacy/toxicity scores measured during the approach to steady state. Another group of patients at steady state receiving oral cyclizine had a single blood sample taken. Samples were analyzed to elucidate pharmacokinetic parameters and CYP2D6 genetics.ResultsSC dosing group: The median (interquartile range) cyclizine half-life, volume of distribution, and clearance were 13 (7–48) hours, 23 (12–30) L/kg, and 15 (11–26) mL/min/kg, respectively. Nausea and sedation scores were 3.0 (1.2–5.7) and 5.0 (2.6–8.1), respectively, overall and did not vary with genotype (P = 0.76 and 0.11, respectively). The median overall metabolic ratio at steady state was 4.9 (3.8–9.2) and did vary with CYP2D6 genotype (P = 0.02). Oral dosing group: The median metabolic ratio was 2.1 (1.5–2.9) and did not vary with CYP2D6 genotype (P = 0.37).ConclusionPalliative care patients have similar cyclizine pharmacokinetics to those reported in other patient groups. Cyclizine metabolism to norcyclizine may include CYP2D6 as the metabolic ratio varied with CYP2D6 genotype in the SC group.     

Persistent elevation of paraoxonase-1 specific enzyme activity after weight reduction in obese non-diabetic men with metabolic syndrome

BackgroundParaoxonase-1 (PON1) is an esterase associated with the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in serum. To date, there have been few reports about circulating PON1 protein concentration and specific activity in subjects with metabolic syndrome (MetS). More importantly, it is unknown whether weight loss could alter PON1 protein expression or specific activity in obese non-diabetic men with MetS.MethodsWe prospectively enrolled a total of 40 obese non-diabetic men with MetS. Among them, 22 subjects finished the 3-month course of weight loss program and complied for longer follow-ups post-weight loss at the 3rd, 12th, and 18th month from the beginning of the program. Twenty-six healthy volunteers served as controls. Serum circulating PON1 concentration was measured by an enzyme linked immunosorbent kit (ELISA) and PON1 activity was measured by an automated PON1 activity assay.ResultsObese non-diabetic men with MetS (n = 40) had a higher PON1 protein concentration (31.0 ± 11.3 vs. 24.8 ± 9.7 μg/ml, p = 0.025) but lower specific enzyme activity (7.5 ± 4.0 vs. 11.2 ± 7.2 mU/μg, p = 0.023) than those of the controls. Multivariate regression analysis of baseline PON1 specific activity revealed that adiponectin was a significant positive predictor (p = 0.044) while monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) was a negative predictor (p = 0.031). After a 3-month weight loss program, obese MetS men (n = 22) had a significant weight reduction (95.8 ± 9.0 to 86.3 ± 10.4 kg, with a 9.9 ± 5.4% decrease, p < 0.001). PON1 protein decreased significantly after weight loss and kept declining through the 3rd month till the 18th month follow-up. PON1 specific enzyme activity (baseline 7.5 ± 2.6 mU/μg) increased significantly after weight loss and kept increasing through the 12th month till the 18th month follow-ups (11.8 ± 6.4 mU/μg, p = 0.001 vs. baseline).ConclusionsWeight loss by a 3-month diet and exercise program time-sequentially increased PON1 specific enzyme activity in obese non-diabetic men with MetS.     

Association of serum carotenoids with high molecular weight adiponectin and inflammation markers among Japanese subjects

BackgroundSeveral studies have reported that serum concentrations of carotenoids and adiponectin are inversely associated with the risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, no studies have investigated the association between serum concentrations of adiponectin and carotenoids in the general population.MethodsWe investigated cross-sectionally whether serum carotenoids are associated with serum high molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin and some inflammatory markers in 437 Japanese subjects (116 men and 321 women) who attended a health examination.ResultsIn multiple linear regression analysis adjusted for confounding factors, serum β-carotene concentrations were significantly associated with serum HMW adiponectin concentrations in both sexes (standardized β coefficient = 0.197, p = 0.036 for men; standardized β coefficient = 0.146, p = 0.012 for women). Serum α-carotene and β-carotene concentrations were significantly associated with serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations in men. In women, there were significant negative associations between serum carotenoids concentrations and serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentrations. Additional adjustment for serum concentrations of IL-6 or CRP did not significantly affect the association between carotenoids and HMW adiponectin in non-smoking men as well as in women.ConclusionSerum β-carotene concentrations were positively associated with serum HMW adiponectin concentrations even after adjustment for possible confounding factors including inflammatory markers.     

Serum vascular adhesion protein-1 is higher in subjects with early stages of chronic kidney disease

ObjectivesAn increased level of serum vascular adhesion protein-1 (VAP-1) has been found in patients with diabetes mellitus and vascular disorders. This study examined whether serum VAP-1 levels are associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD).Design and methodsWe included 262 subjects aged 30 and above with fasting plasma glucose level < 7 mmol/L checked within 1 year. First morning urine specimens were collected. Microalbuminuria was defined if urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio ≥ 30 μg/mg creatinine. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated. CKD stages were defined according to the suggestions of the National Kidney Foundation. Serum VAP-1 levels were analyzed by immunofluorometric assay.ResultsSerum VAP-1 levels were positively associated with the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio ( r = 0.29, p < 0.0001) and negatively associated with estimated GFR (r = ?0.24, p =  0.0001). Subjects with CKD stage 2 (N =  51) and stage 3 (N =  91) had significantly higher levels of serum VAP-1 than those without CKD (p =  0.0003 and p =  0.035, adjusted for age and gender, respectively). A high serum VAP-1 level was associated with the presence of CKD (OR 1.63 for 1 SD increase of VAP-1, p =  0.018), adjusting for age, sex, and smoking. Ordered logit models revealed that high serum VAP-1 levels correlated with advanced stages of CKD.ConclusionsSerum levels of VAP-1 are associated with the severity of kidney damage or stages of kidney disease. The true mechanism which links the serum VAP-1 and CKD remains to be elucidated in further studies.     

Metabolic syndrome and chronic kidney disease in a rural Chinese population

BackgroundMetabolic syndrome is a common risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide public health problem. We investigated the association between metabolic syndrome and CKD in a rural Chinese population.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study using data from the Handan Eye Study.Results4944 of participants aged ≥ 30 y were included in this analysis. Participants with metabolic syndrome had a higher prevalence of CKD (20.9% vs.15.8%, P < 0.001) than those without. As the number of metabolic syndrome components increased, so did the prevalence of CKD (P < 0.001). The multivariate-adjusted odds ratio (OR) of chronic kidney disease in participants with metabolic syndrome was 1.293 (95% CI 1.093–1.529) compared with those without. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, high blood pressure (OR 1.348; 95% CI 1.122–1.619) and high fasting glucose (OR 1.501; 95% CI 1.235–1.794) were independently associated with the risk for CKD. Compared with participants without any component, multivariate adjusted OR for CKD was 1.316 (95%CI 1.004–1.723), 1.397(95%CI 1.038–1.882), 1.672 (95%CI 1.183–2.363) for those with 2, 3, 4 or 5 components, respectively.ConclusionIn this rural Chinese population aged ≥ 30 y, metabolic syndrome was associated with CKD.     

Serum nitric oxide metabolites in subjects with metabolic syndrome

ObjectivesEvidence are available showing that higher nitric oxide production is associated with metabolic disorders. The aim of this study was to determine serum nitric oxide metabolites (NO_x) concentration in subjects with metabolic syndrome (MetS).Design and methodsIn a cross-sectional study, NO_x was measured in 3505 subjects, aged 20–94 years, using the Griess reaction. After excluding subjects taking medications for hypertension and dyslipidemia, data for 3148 subjects were analyzed.ResultsThere was a direct association between the numbers of metabolic risk factors and serum NO_x values in both genders (p for trend < 0.05). After multivariable adjustment, serum NO_x concentration was significantly higher in subjects with MetS [(31.9 (29.4–34.6) vs. 29.8 (27.6–32.1), p < 0.01) or type 2 diabetes (34.6 (31.3–38.2) vs. 30.2 (27.9–32.6), p < 0.001) as compared to their corresponding controls.ConclusionsHigher NO_x concentrations in subjects with MetS and type 2 diabetes support the existing hypothesis that NO overproduction affects insulin's metabolic actions.     

Evaluation of a gel-permeation high-performance liquid chromatography for determining triglyceride levels in serum major lipoproteins, compared with the ultracentrifugation/precipitation method

ObjectivesTo evaluate the gel permeation high-performance liquid chromatography (GP-HPLC) method for determination of triglyceride (TG) levels in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL).Design and methodsThe GP-HPLC and the ultracentrifugation(UC)/precipitation methods were used and compared.ResultsThere was no significant difference in measured levels of LDL-triglyceride between the two methods, but the HDL-triglyceride levels measured by the GP-HPLC technique were significantly higher than the UC/precipitation one (145 ± 47 mg/L and 121 ± 45 mg/L respectively, n = 38, p < 0.0001).ConclusionsA GP-HPLC technique provides LDL-TG levels comparable to those obtained by the UC/precipitation method.     

Gender differences in the association between smoking and dyslipidemia: 2005 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

BackgroundSmoking has been reported to be associated with abnormal lipid metabolism. However, it remains uncertain whether adverse metabolic effects of smoking on dyslipidemia differ with gender. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between smoking and dyslipidemia in men and women.MethodsWe analyzed data from 2166 men and 3003 women aged ≥ 20 years assessed in the Third Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2005). Dyslipidemia was defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III.ResultsThe prevalence of dyslipidemia was higher in men than in women. The odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of dyslipidemia associated with current smoking were 1.35 (0.98–1.85) in men and 1.92 (1.19–3.10) in women (p for interaction with gender < 0.001). After stratification by components of dyslipidemia, women smokers showed higher odds ratios of having high triglyceride and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol than men smokers. The association between current heavy-smoking (≥ 20 pack-years) and dyslipidemia was stronger in women than in men.ConclusionsThe association between smoking and dyslipidemia was significantly different between men and women. Women smokers might be more susceptible to develop dyslipidemia than men smokers.