Serum tumor markers:Can they clinically implicate in type 2 diabetes mellitus?

“Serum tumor markers expression(CA19-9,CA242,and CEA)and its clinical implications in type 2 diabetes mellitus”authored by Meng and Shi presents an observational case-control study investigating the correlation between tumor markers and type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).The study explores the diagnostic accuracy of tumor markers,particularly cancer antigen 19-9(CA19-9),CA242,and carcinoembryonic antigen,in poorly controlled T2DM patients with hemoglobin A1c levels exceeding 9%,employing receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.Though study offers valuable insights into the potential utility of tumor markers in clinical practice,caution is advised regarding routine tumor marker testing due to challenges such as limited availability and cost.Additionally,the study overlooks potential confounding factors like smoking and alcohol consumption.Variations in CA19-9 and CA242 expression underscore the complex interplay between tumor markers and systemic diseases,warranting further investigation into their diagnostic and prognostic implications.While Meng and Shi represent a significant contribution to the field,more extensive research is needed to fully elucidate the role of tumor markers in diabetes management and beyond.

Chiglitazar and Thiazolidinedione in patients with type 2 diabetes:Which is better?

This published Meta-Analysis by Lin et al is an indirect comparison between two drugs Chiglitazar and Thiazolidinedione which are commonly used for glycemic control in type-Ⅱ diabetes mellitus.In terms of safety and efficacy,this Meta-Analysis is inconclusive.

Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin,kidney injury molecule-1,and periostin:Novel urinary biomarkers in diabetic nephropathy

BACKGROUND Globally,diabetic nephropathy(DN)is the primary cause of chronic kidney disease.Currently,renal function is monitored indirectly using measures of serum creatinine,estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR),and proteinuria.Novel urinary biomarkers utilized in the early stages of DN have been described;these indicators can be used in the early identification of the disease,which is important for initiating treatment to halt or impediment the advance of diabetic nephropathy.AIM To estimate neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin(NGAL),kidney injury molecule-1(KIM-1),and periostin(POSTN)levels as novel urinary biomarkers in DN.METHODS In this hospital based cross-sectional study,a total of 160 patients of both genders aged 18 years or more;40 healthy participants and 120 patients with diabetes mellitus(DM)were included.Patients with DM were divided into normoalbuminuria(n=40),microalbuminuria(n=40),and macroalbuminuria(n=40)groups as per urine albumin creatinine ratio(uACR).Blood urea,serum creatinine,uACR were measured.Urine NGAL,KIM-1,and POSTN were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.The eGFR was calculated and compared with urinary markers.RESULTS NGAL,KIM-1,and POSTN levels increased significantly in normo,micro,and macroalbuminuria with the highest in the macroalbuminuria group.Albumin creatinine ratio(ACR)showed a positive correlation with NGAL,KIM-1,and POSTN levels.The eGFR showed a weak negative correlation with ACR,NGAL,KIM-1,and POSTN.NGAL was significantly lower in stage 1 compared to stage 2,3,and 4 kidney disease.KIM-1 was significantly decreased in stage 1 compared to stage 4 kidney disease.POSTN was significantly decreased in stage 1 compared to stage 3 and 4 kidney disease.The receiver operator curve analysis of ACR,NGAL,KIM-1,and POSTN showed good sensitivity of 80%,75.8%,63.3%,and 80%respectively with a cut-off of 12.5 mg/g,4.5μg/L,1.5 ng/mL,and 37.5 ng/mL.CONCLUSION Urinary NGAL and POSTN are independent markers of DN.

Outcome of COVID-19 infection in patients on antihypertensives:A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND Patients with coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)infection frequently have hypertension as a co-morbidity,which is linked to adverse outcomes.Antihypertensives may affect the outcome of COVID-19 infection.AIM To assess the effects of antihypertensive agents on the outcomes of COVID-19 infection.METHODS A total of 260 patients were included,and their demographic data and clinical profile were documented.The patients were categorized into nonhypertensive,angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker(ACEI/ARB),calcium channel blocker(CCB),a combination of ACEI/ARB and CCB,and beta-blocker groups.Biochemical,hematological,and inflammatory markers were measured.The severity of infection,intensive care unit(ICU)intervention,and outcome were recorded.RESULTS The mean age of patients was approximately 60-years-old in all groups,except the nonhypertensive group.Men were predominant in all groups.Fever was the most common presenting symptom.Acute respiratory distress syndrome was the most common complication,and was mostly found in the CCB group.Critical cases,ICU intervention,and mortality were also higher in the CCB group.Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that age,duration of antihypertensive therapy,erythrocyte sedimentation rate,high-sensitivity C-reactive protein,and interleukin 6 were significantly associated with mortality.The duration of antihypertensive therapy exhibited a sensitivity of 70.8%and specificity of 55.7%,with a cut-off value of 4.5 years and an area under the curve of 0.670(0.574-0.767;95%confidence interval)for COVID-19 outcome.CONCLUSION The type of antihypertensive medication has no impact on the clinical sequence or mortality of patients with COVID-19 infection.However,the duration of antihypertensive therapy is associated with poor outcomes.