Continuum of glucose and bone metabolism impairment across autonomous cortisol secretion: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND Autonomous cortisol secretion(ACS)is linked to a higher prevalence of metabolic abnormalities and an increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events.AIM To evaluate glucose and bone metabolism in patients with ACS using a continuous glucose monitoring system(CGMS)and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry(DXA).METHODS Patients diagnosed with ACS,including Cushing syndrome,mild ACS(MACS),and nonfunctional adrenal incidentaloma(NFAI),were recruited for this study.Glucose variability and glycemic status were assessed using CGMS.Regional bone mineral content(BMC),bone mineral density(BMD),and bone area(BA)were evaluated using DXA.CGMS-and DXA-derived parameters were compared across the subgroups of ACS.Correlation analysis was performed to examine relationships between varying degrees of cortisol secretion,measured by cortisol after 1 mg overnight dexamethasone suppression test(DST)or 24-hour urine free cortisol(24h UFC),and CGMS-or DXA-derived parameters.RESULTS A total of 64 patients with ACS were included in this study:19 with Cushing syndrome,11 with MACS,and 34 with NFAI.Glucose variability,time above range(TAR),and time in range(TIR)along with specific areal BMC,BMD,and BA,differed significantly between groups of Cushing syndrome and NFAI.A significant positive correlation was observed between glucose variability or TAR and cortisol after 1 mg overnight DST or 24h UFC.By contrast,TIR,along with regional BMC,BMD,and BA,were negatively correlated with varying degrees of cortisol secretion.CONCLUSION Glucose and bone metabolism impairments are on a continuum alteration from NFAI to MACS and Cushing syndrome.Prompt attention should be given to these patients with ACS,especially those with mild hormone secretion.Parameters of glucose variability and glycemic status along with bone condition in regions rich in cancellous bone will provide valuable information.

Correlation between key indicators of continuous glucose monitoring and the risk of diabetic foot

BACKGROUND Continuous glucose monitoring(CGM)metrics,such as time in range(TIR)and glycemic risk index(GRI),have been linked to various diabetes-related complications,including diabetic foot(DF).AIM To investigate the association between CGM-derived indicators and the risk of DF in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).METHODS A total of 591 individuals with T2DM(297 with DF and 294 without DF)were enrolled.Relevant clinical data,complications,comorbidities,hematological parameters,and 72-hour CGM data were collected.Logistic regression analysis was employed to examine the relationship between these measurements and the risk of DF.RESULTS Individuals with DF exhibited higher mean blood glucose(MBG)levels and increased proportions of time above range(TAR),TAR level 1,and TAR level 2,but lower TIR(all P<0.001).Patients with DF had significantly lower rates of achieving target ranges for TIR,TAR,and TAR level 2 than those without DF(all P<0.05).Logistic regression analysis revealed that GRI,MBG,and TAR level 1 were positively associated with DF risk,while TIR was inversely correlated(all P<0.05).Achieving TIR and TAR was inversely correlated with white blood cell count and glycated hemoglobin A1c levels(P<0.05).Additionally,achieving TAR was influenced by fasting plasma glucose,body mass index,diabetes duration,and antidiabetic medication use.CONCLUSION CGM metrics,particularly TIR and GRI,are significantly associated with the risk of DF in T2DM,emphasizing the importance of improved glucose control.

Impact of triglyceride-glucose index on the long-term prognosis of advanced gastric cancer patients receiving immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer(GC)is the fifth most common malignancy and the third leading cause of death worldwide.Despite advancements in immunotherapies,patient prognosis remains poor,necessitating the identification of key prognostic factors to optimize the treatment approaches.Insulin resistance,as indicated by the triglyceride glucose(TyG)index,is increasingly recognized for its impact on cancer progression and immune modulation,and its potential role in GC prognosis is of particular interest.AIM To investigate whether the TyG index,a surrogate marker of insulin resistance,can predict the prognosis of patients with advanced GC receiving immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy.METHODS This retrospective study included 300 patients with advanced GC who received sintilimab combined with chemotherapy.The patients were categorized into two groups according to high or low TyG index,and independent prognostic factors for overall survival(OS)were determined using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis,which led to the development of a nomogram model.RESULTS Of the included patients,136 had a high TyG index and 164 had a low TyG index.The median progression-free survival of the high TyG index group was significantly longer than that of the low TyG index group.Similarly,the median OS of the high TyG index group was significantly longer than that of the low TyG index group.The ob-jective response and disease control rates in the two groups were 18.38%vs 9.15%and 58.82%vs 46.95%,res-pectively.No significant difference was noted in the incidence of adverse reactions at any level between the two groups(P>0.05).In multivariate analysis,the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score,programmed cell death ligand 1 expression,and TyG index acted as independent prognostic factors for OS.Of these factors,the hazard ratio of the TyG index was 0.36(95%confidence interval:0.36-0.55,P<0.001),and the nomogram model re-emphasized its importance as the main predictor of patient prognosis,followed by programmed cell death ligand 1 expression and the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score.CONCLUSION The TyG index is a long-term predictor of the efficacy of immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy,and patients with a high index have a better prognosis.

Impact of setting distinct target blood glucose levels on endogenous insulin suppression and pharmacodynamics of insulin preparations

BACKGROUND Insulin therapy plays a crucial role in managing diabetes.Regulatory guidelines mandate assessing the pharmacokinetics(PK)and pharmacodynamics(PD)of new insulin formulations with euglycemic clamp techniques before entry into the market.Typically,blood glucose(BG)levels are maintained at 5%below baseline to suppress endogenous insulin secretion in healthy volunteers.However,in scenarios where BG baseline is relatively low,maintaining it at 5%below baseline can increase hypoglycemic risk.Consequently,we adjusted to maintain it at 2.5%below a baseline of<4.00 mmol/L.It remains uncertain whether this adjustment impacts endogenous insulin inhibition or the PD of study insulin.AIM To evaluate and compare the PD and C-peptide status using two different target BG setting methods.METHODS Data came from euglycemic clamp trials assessing the PK/PD of insulin aspart(IAsp)in healthy participants.Target BG was set at 2.5%below baseline for those with a basal BG of<4.00 mmol/L(group A),and at 5%below baseline for others(group B).The area under the curve(AUC)of IAsp(AUC_(IAsp,0-8 h))and GIR from 0 to 8 hours(AUCGIR,0-8 h)was used to characterize the PK and PD of IAsp,respectively.The C-peptide reduction and PK/PD of IAsp were compared between the two groups.RESULTS Out of 135 subjects,15 were assigned to group A and 120 to group B;however,group B exhibited higher basal Cpeptide(1.59±0.36 vs 1.32±0.42 ng/mL,P=0.006).Following propensity score matching to adjust for basal Cpeptide differences,71 subjects(15 in group A and 56 in group B)were analyzed.No significant differences were observed in demographics,IAsp dosage,or clamp quality.Group B showed significantly higher baseline(4.35±0.21 vs 3.91±0.09 mmol/L,P<0.001),target(4.13±0.20 vs 3.81±0.08 mmol/L,P<0.001),and clamped(4.10±0.17 vs 3.80±0.06 mmol/L,P<0.001)BG levels.Both groups exhibited comparable C-peptide suppression(32.5%±10.0%vs 35.6%±12.1%,P=0.370)and similar IAsp activity(AUCGIR,0-8 h:1433±400 vs 1440±397 mg/kg,P=0.952)under nearly equivalent IAsp exposure(AUC_(IAsp,0-8 h):566±51 vs 571±85 ng/mL×h,P=0.840).CONCLUSION Maintaining BG at 2.5%below a baseline of<4.00 mmol/L did not compromise the endogenous insulin suppression nor alter the observed pharmacodynamic effects of the study insulin.

Proximal small intestinal bypass outperforms Roux-en-Y and jejunoileal bypass in glucose regulation in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

BACKGROUND The efficacy of various bariatric surgeries varies in reducing blood glucose levels.Given the distinct mechanisms and anatomical alterations associated with each procedure,it is crucial to compare their glycemic control outcomes.We hypothesize that proximal small intestinal bypass(PSIB)is superior in blood glucose reduction over Roux-en-Y gastric bypass(RYGB)and jejunoileal bypass(JIB).AIM To compare the effectiveness of PSIB,RYGB,and JIB in lowering blood glucose.METHODS Rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes were randomly divided into PSIB,RYGB,JIB,and sham-operated groups.Body weight,food intake,fasting blood glucose level,oral glucose tolerance test,insulin tolerance test,liver enzymes,and blood lipids were measured.RESULTS Postoperatively,only the JIB group had a lower body weight compared to the sham group.The food intake of the rats in all three surgical groups was significantly less than that in the sham group.Fasting blood glucose was reduced in all surgical groups and was lower in the PSIB group than in the RYGB and JIB groups.Glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity improved in all three surgical groups compared to the sham group,but the improvement appeared earliest in the PSIB group.At six weeks postsurgery,the PSIB group showed a reduction in alanine transaminase levels and maintained a normal lipid profile.CONCLUSION PSIB demonstrated excellent hypoglycemic effects in the early postoperative period,and had better efficacy than RYGB and JIB.

Retinal microcirculation changes in prediabetic patients with shortterm increased blood glucose using optical coherence tomography angiography

BACKGROUND Retinal microcirculation alterations are early indicators of diabetic microvascular complications.Optical coherence tomography angiography(OCTA)is a noninvasive method to assess these changes.This study analyzes changes in retinal microcirculation in prediabetic patients during short-term increases in blood glucose using OCTA.AIM To investigate the changes in retinal microcirculation in prediabetic patients experiencing short-term increases in blood glucose levels using OCTA.METHODS Fifty volunteers were divided into three groups:Group 1[impaired fasting glucose(IFG)or impaired glucose tolerance(IGT)],Group 2(both IFG and IGT),and a control group.Retinal microcirculation parameters,including vessel density(VD),perfusion density(PD),and foveal avascular zone(FAZ)metrics,were measured using OCTA.Correlations between these parameters and blood glucose levels were analyzed in both the fasting and postprandial states.RESULTS One hour after glucose intake,the central VD(P=0.023),central PD(P=0.026),and parafoveal PD(P<0.001)were significantly greater in the control group than in the fasting group.In Group 1,parafoveal PD(P<0.001)and FAZ circularity(P=0.023)also increased one hour after glucose intake.However,no significant changes were observed in the retinal microcirculation parameters of Group 2 before or after glucose intake(P>0.05).Compared with the control group,Group 1 had a larger FAZ area(P=0.032)and perimeter(P=0.018),whereas Group 2 had no significant differences in retinal microcirculation parameters compared with the control group(P>0.05).Compared with Group 1,Group 2 had greater central VD(P=0.013)and PD(P=0.008)and a smaller FAZ area(P=0.012)and perimeter(P=0.010).One hour after glucose intake,Group 1 had a larger FAZ area(P=0.044)and perimeter(P=0.038)than did the control group,whereas Group 2 showed no significant differences in retinal microcirculation parameters compared with the control group(P>0.05).Group 2 had greater central VD(P=0.042)and PD(P=0.022)and a smaller FAZ area(P=0.015)and perimeter(P=0.016)than Group 1.At fasting,central PD was significantly positively correlated with blood glucose levels(P=0.044),whereas no significant correlations were found between blood glucose levels and OCTA parameters one hour after glucose intake.CONCLUSION A short-term increase in blood glucose has a more pronounced effect on retinal microcirculation in prediabetic patients with either IFG or IGT.

Accuracy of FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring in patients with type 2 diabetes who migrated from highlands to plains

BACKGROUND The FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring(FGM)system entered the Chinese market in 2017 to complement the self-monitoring of blood glucose.Due to its increased usage in clinics,the number of studies investigating its accuracy has increased.However,its accuracy has not been investigated in highland populations in China.AIM To evaluate measurements recorded using the FreeStyle Libre FGM system compared with capillary blood glucose measured using the enzyme electrode method in patients with type 2 diabetes(T2D)who had migrated within 3 mo from highlands to plains.METHODS Overall,68 patients with T2D,selected from those who had recently migrated from highlands to plains(within 3 mo),were hospitalized at the Department of Endocrinology from August to October 2017 and underwent continuous glucose monitoring(CGM)with the FreeStyle Libre FGM system for 14 d.Throughout the study period,fingertip capillary blood glucose was measured daily using the enzyme electrode method(Super GL,China),and blood glucose levels were read from the scanning probe during fasting and 2 h after all three meals.Moreover,the time interval between reading the data from the scanning probe and collecting fingertip capillary blood was controlled to<5 min.The accuracy of the FGM system was evaluated according to the CGM guidelines.Subsequently,the factors influencing the mean absolute relative difference(MARD)of this system were analyzed by a multiple linear regression method.RESULTS Pearson’s correlation analysis showed that the fingertip and scanned glucose levels were positively correlated(R=0.86,P=0.00).The aggregated MARD of scanned glucose was 14.28±13.40%.Parker's error analysis showed that 99.30%of the data pairs were located in areas A and B.According to the probe wear time of the FreeStyle Libre FGM system,MARD_(1 d) and MARD_(2-14 d) were 16.55%and 14.35%,respectively(t=1.23,P=0.22).Multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that MARD did not correlate with blood glucose when the largest amplitude of glycemic excursion(LAGE)was<5.80 mmol/L but negatively correlated with blood glucose when the LAGE was≥5.80 mmol/L.CONCLUSION The FreeStyle Libre FGM system has good accuracy in patients with T2D who had recently migrated from highlands to plains.This system might be ideal for avoiding the effects of high hematocrit on blood glucose monitoring in populations that recently migrated to plains.MARD is mainly influenced by glucose levels and fluctuations,and the accuracy of the system is higher when the blood glucose fluctuation is small.In case of higher blood glucose level fluctuations,deviation in the scanned glucose levels is the highest at extremely low blood glucose levels.

A Review: Biosensor Progression in Glucose Monitoring for Patients with Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition that can come to the surface at any point throughout a person’s life. Although Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes have different triggers that cause them to arise, a person can experience similar complications from either if not monitored and treated accordingly. Through the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial, it was found that a significant way to monitor diabetes is through glucose levels in a person’s body. The research surrounding glucose monitoring dates to the mid-1800s, with the first successful reagent for glucose testing being developed in 1908. Since then, glucose sensing has become one of the most rapidly growing areas of research and development in biosensor technology, creating a competitive market for more advanced, accurate, and convenient glucose monitoring. This article reviews the history of biosensors used for glucose monitoring, and major advancements in biosensor technology to enhance performance and improve quality of life for patients with diabetes.

Continuous glucose monitoring metrics in pregnancy with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Managing diabetes during pregnancy is challenging,given the significant risk it poses for both maternal and foetal health outcomes.While traditional methods involve capillary self-monitoring of blood glucose level monitoring and periodic HbA1c tests,the advent of continuous glucose monitoring(CGM)systems has revolutionized the approach.These devices offer a safe and reliable means of tracking glucose levels in real-time,benefiting both women with diabetes during pregnancy and the healthcare providers.Moreover,CGM systems have shown a low rate of side effects and high feasibility when used in pregnancies complicated by diabetes,especially when paired with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion pump as hybrid closed loop device.Such a combined approach has been demonstrated to improve overall blood sugar control,lessen the occurrence of preeclampsia and neonatal hypoglycaemia,and minimize the duration of neonatal intensive care unit stays.This paper aims to offer a comprehensive evaluation of CGM metrics specifically tailored for pregnancies impacted by type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Amylase intrapancreatic infusion delays insulin release during an intravenous glucose tolerance test,proof of acini–islet–acinar interactions

BACKGROUND The possible existence of an acini–islet–acinar(AIA)reflex,involving mutual amylase and insulin interactions,was investigated in the current acute experiment on pigs.AIM To confirm the existence of an AIA reflex and justify the placement of the exocrine and endocrine pancreatic components within the same organ.METHODS The study was performed on six pigs under general anesthesia.An intravenous glucose tolerance test was performed,with a bolus infusion of 50%glucose to the jugular vein,while amylase(5000 U/kg)or vehicle intrapancreatic infusions were administered via the pancreaticoduodenalis cranialis artery during 30 min with a 1 mL/min flow rate.RESULTS The amylase infusion to pancreatic arterial circulation inhibited and delayed the insulin release peak which is usually associated with the highest value of blood glucose and is typically observed at 15 min after glucose infusion,for>1 h.The intrapancreatic infusion of the vehicle(saline)did not have any effect on the time frame of insulin release.Infusion of 1%bovine serum albumin changed the insulin release curve dramatically and prolonged the high range of insulin secretion,far beyond the glucose peak.CONCLUSION Intrapancreatic arterial infusion of amylase interrupted the integrated glucose–insulin interactions.This confirms an AIA reflex and justifies placement of the exocrine and endocrine pancreatic components within the same organ.

Sodium-dependent glucose transporter 2 inhibitors effects on myocardial function in patients with type 2 diabetes and asymptomatic heart failure

BACKGROUND Sodium-dependent glucose transporter 2 inhibitors(SGLT2i)have shown efficacy in reducing heart failure(HF)burden in a very heterogeneous groups of patients,raising doubts about some contemporary assumptions of their mechanism of action.We previously published a prospective observational study that evaluated mechanisms of action of SGLT2i in patients with type 2 diabetes who were in HF stages A and B on dual hypoglycemic therapy.Two groups of patients were included in the study:the ones receiving SGLT2i as an add-on agent to metformin and the others on dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors as an add-on to metformin due to suboptimal glycemic control.AIM To evaluate the outcomes regarding natriuretic peptide,oxidative stress,inflammation,blood pressure,heart rate,cardiac function,and body weight.METHODS The study outcomes were examined by dividing each treatment arm into two subgroups according to baseline parameters of global longitudinal strain(GLS),N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide,myeloperoxidase(MPO),high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hsCRP),and systolic and diastolic blood pressure.To evaluate the possible predictors of observed changes in the SGLT2i arm during follow-up,a rise in stroke volume index,body mass index(BMI)decrease,and lack of heart rate increase,linear regression analysis was performed.RESULTS There was a greater reduction of MPO,hsCRP,GLS,and blood pressure in the groups with higher baseline values of mentioned parameters irrespective of the therapeutic arm after 6 months of follow-up.Significant independent predictors of heart rate decrease were a reduction in early mitral inflow velocity to early diastolic mitral annular velocity at the interventricular septal annulus ratio and BMI,while the predictor of stroke volume index increase was SGLT2i therapy itself.CONCLUSION SGLT2i affect body composition,reduce cardiac load,improve diastolic/systolic function,and attenuate the sympathetic response.Glycemic control contributes to the improvement of heart function,blood pressure control,oxidative stress,and reduction in inflammation.

Fecal microbiota transplantation:whole grain highland barley improves glucose metabolism by changing gut microbiota

Highland barley(HB)is a high-altitude cereal with rich nutritional components and potential health benefits.To clarify its hypoglycemic effect and mechanism,we investigated the effect of whole grain HB and fecal microbiota transplantation(FMT)on glucose metabolism and gut microbiota in high-fat diet and streptozotocin(HFD/STZ)-induced diabetic mice.The results showed that HB(40%)significantly decreased fasting blood glucose and the area under the glucose tolerance curve,significantly increased insulin secretion and improved insulin resistance in HFD/STZ-induced diabetic mice(P<0.05).Inflammatory factors and blood lipid indices were also significantly alleviated after 12 weeks of 40%HB intervention(P<0.05).Additionally,beneficial bacteria,such as Bifidobacterium and Akkermansia,were significantly enriched in the gut of diabetic mice after whole grain HB intervention.Meanwhile,the results of further FMT experiments verified that the fecal microbiota after the 40%HB intervention not only significantly increased the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium and Akkermansia but also effectively improved glucose metabolism and alleviated the inflammatory state in HFD/STZ-induced diabetic mice.Collectively,our study confirmed the bridge role of gut microbiota in improving glucose metabolism of whole grain HB,which could promote the development of precision nutrition.

Effects of the kinetic pattern of dietary glucose release on nitrogen utilization, the portal amino acid profile, and nutrient transporter expression in intestinal enterocytes in piglets

Background Promoting the synchronization of glucose and amino acid release in the digestive tract of pigs could effectively improve dietary nitrogen utilization.The rational allocation of dietary starch sources and the exploration of appropriate dietary glucose release kinetics may promote the dynamic balance of dietary glucose and amino acid supplies.However,research on the effects of diets with different glucose release kinetic profiles on amino acid absorption and portal amino acid appearance in piglets is limited.This study aimed to investigate the effects of the kinetic pattern of dietary glucose release on nitrogen utilization,the portal amino acid profile,and nutrient transporter expression in intestinal enterocytes in piglets.Methods Sixty-four barrows(15.00±1.12 kg)were randomly allotted to 4 groups and fed diets formulated with starch from corn,corn/barley,corn/sorghum,or corn/cassava combinations(diets were coded A,B,C,or D respectively).Protein retention,the concentrations of portal amino acid and glucose,and the relative expression of amino acid and glucose transporter m RNAs were investigated.In vitro digestion was used to compare the dietary glucose release profiles.Results Four piglet diets with different glucose release kinetics were constructed by adjusting starch sources.The in vivo appearance dynamics of portal glucose were consistent with those of in vitro dietary glucose release kinetics.Total nitrogen excretion was reduced in the piglets in group B,while apparent nitrogen digestibility and nitrogen retention increased(P<0.05).Regardless of the time(2 h or 4 h after morning feeding),the portal total free amino acids content and contents of some individual amino acids(Thr,Glu,Gly,Ala,and Ile)of the piglets in group B were significantly higher than those in groups A,C,and D(P<0.05).Cluster analysis showed that different glucose release kinetic patterns resulted in different portal amino acid patterns in piglets,which decreased gradually with the extension of feeding time.The portal His/Phe,Pro/Glu,Leu/Val,Lys/Met,Tyr/Ile and Ala/Gly appeared higher similarity among the diet treatments.In the anterior jejunum,the glucose transporter SGLT1 was significantly positively correlated with the amino acid transporters B0AT1,EAAC1,and CAT1.Conclusions Rational allocation of starch resources could regulate dietary glucose release kinetics.In the present study,group B(corn/barley)diet exhibited a better glucose release kinetic pattern than the other groups,which could affect the portal amino acid contents and patterns by regulating the expression of amino acid transporters in the small intestine,thereby promoting nitrogen deposition in the body,and improving the utilization efficiency of dietary nitrogen.

Boosted Electrocatalytic Glucose Oxidation Reaction on Noble-Metal-Free MoO_(3)-Decorated Carbon Nanotubes

Electrocatalytic glucose oxidation reaction(GOR)has attracted much attention owing to its crucial role in biofuel cell fabrication.Herein,we load MoO_(3)nanoparticles on carbon nanotubes(CNTs)and use a discharge process to prepare a noblemetal-free MC-60 catalyst containing MoO_(3),Mo_(2)C,and a Mo_(2)C–MoO_(3)interface.In the GOR,MC-60 shows activity as high as 745μA/(mmol/L cm^(2)),considerably higher than those of the Pt/CNT(270μA/(mmol/L cm^(2)))and Au/CNT catalysts(110μA/(mmol/L cm^(2))).In the GOR,the response minimum on MC-60 is as low as 8μmol/L,with a steady-state response time of only 3 s.Moreover,MC-60 has superior stability and anti-interference ability to impurities in the GOR.The better performance of MC-60 in the GOR is attributed to the abundant Mo sites bonding to C and O atoms at the MoO_(3)–Mo_(2)C interface.These Mo sites create active sites for promoting glucose adsorption and oxidation,enhancing MC-60 performance in the GOR.Thus,these results help to fabricate more effi cient noble-metal-free catalysts for the fabrication of glucose-based biofuel cells.

Li-promoted C_(3)N_(4) catalyst for efficient isomerization of glucose into fructose at 50℃ in water

Efficient and selective glucose-to-fructose isomerization is a crucial step for production of oxygenated chemicals derived from sugars,which is usually catalyzed by base or Lewis acid heterogeneous catalyst.However,high yield and selectivity of fructose cannot be simultaneously obtained under mild conditions which hamper the scale of application compared with enzymatic catalysis.Herein,a Li-promoted C_(3)N_(4) catalyst was exploited which afforded an excellent fructose yield(40.3 wt%)and selectivity(99.5%)from glucose in water at 50℃,attributed to the formation of stable Li–N bond to strengthen the basic sites of catalysts.Furthermore,the so-formed N_(6)–Li–H_(2)O active site on Li–C_(3)N_(4) catalyst in aqueous phase changes the local electronic structure and strengthens the deprotonation process during glucose isomerization into fructose.The superior catalytic performance which is comparable to biological pathway suggests promising applications of lithium containing heterogeneous catalyst in biomass refinery.

Effects of high glucose and severe hypoxia on the biological behavior of mesenchymal stem cells at various passages

BACKGROUND Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)have been extensively studied for therapeutic potential,due to their regenerative and immunomodulatory properties.Serial passage and stress factors may affect the biological characteristics of MSCs,but the details of these effects have not been recognized yet.AIM To investigate the effects of stress factors(high glucose and severe hypoxia)on the biological characteristics of MSCs at different passages,in order to optimize the therapeutic applications of MSCs.METHODS In this study,we investigated the impact of two stress conditions;severe hypoxia and high glucose on human adipose-tissue derived MSCs(hAD-MSCs)at passages 6(P6),P8,and P10.Proliferation,senescence and apoptosis were evaluated measuring WST-1,senescence-associated beta-galactosidase,and annexin V,respectively.RESULTS Cells at P6 showed decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis under conditions of high glucose and hypoxia compared to control,while the extent of senescence did not change significantly under stress conditions.At P8 hAD-MSCs cultured in stress conditions had a significant decrease in proliferation and apoptosis and a significant increase in senescence compared to counterpart cells at P6.Cells cultured in high glucose at P10 had lower proliferation and higher senescence than their counterparts in the previous passage,while no change in apoptosis was observed.On the other hand,MSCs cultured under hypoxia showed decreased senescence,increased apoptosis and no significant change in proliferation when compared to the same conditions at P8.CONCLUSION These results indicate that stress factors had distinct effects on the biological processes of MSCs at different passages,and suggest that senescence may be a protective mechanism for MSCs to survive under stress conditions at higher passage numbers.

Application and management of continuous glucose monitoring in diabetic kidney disease

Diabetic kidney disease(DKD)is a common complication of diabetes mellitus that contributes to the risk of end-stage kidney disease(ESKD).Wide glycemic var-iations,such as hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia,are broadly found in diabetic patients with DKD and especially ESKD,as a result of impaired renal metabolism.It is essential to monitor glycemia for effective management of DKD.Hemoglobin A1c(HbA1c)has long been considered as the gold standard for monitoring glycemia for>3 months.However,assessment of HbA1c has some bias as it is susceptible to factors such as anemia and liver or kidney dysfunction.Continuous glucose monitoring(CGM)has provided new insights on glycemic assessment and management.CGM directly measures glucose level in interstitial fluid,reports real-time or retrospective glucose concentration,and provides multiple glycemic metrics.It avoids the pitfalls of HbA1c in some contexts,and may serve as a precise alternative to estimation of mean glucose and glycemic variability.Emerging studies have demonstrated the merits of CGM for precise monitoring,which allows fine-tuning of glycemic management in diabetic patients.Therefore,CGM technology has the potential for better glycemic monitoring in DKD patients.More research is needed to explore its application and management in different stages of DKD,including hemodialysis,peritoneal dialysis and kidney transplantation.

Comparative efficacy of sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus:A real-world experience

BACKGROUND Sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors(SGLT-2i)are a class of drugs with modest antidiabetic efficacy,weight loss effect,and cardiovascular benefits as proven by multiple randomised controlled trials(RCTs).However,real-world data on the comparative efficacy and safety of individual SGLT-2i medications is sparse.AIM To study the comparative efficacy and safety of SGLT-2i using real-world clinical data.METHODS We evaluated the comparative efficacy data of 3 SGLT-2i drugs(dapagliflozin,canagliflozin,and empagliflozin)used for treating patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.Data on the reduction of glycated hemoglobin(HbA1c),body weight,blood pressure(BP),urine albumin creatinine ratio(ACR),and adverse effects were recorded retrospectively.RESULTS Data from 467 patients with a median age of 64(14.8)years,294(62.96%)males and 375(80.5%)Caucasians were analysed.Median diabetes duration was 16.0(9.0)years,and the duration of SGLT-2i use was 3.6(2.1)years.SGLT-2i molecules used were dapagliflozin 10 mg(n=227;48.6%),canagliflozin 300 mg(n=160;34.3%),and empagliflozin 25 mg(n=80;17.1).Baseline median(interquartile range)HbA1c in mmol/mol were:dapagliflozin-78.0(25.3),canagliflozin-80.0(25.5),and empagliflozin-75.0(23.5)respectively.The respective median HbA1c reduction at 12 months and the latest review(just prior to the study)were:66.5(22.8)&69.0(24.0),67.0(16.3)&66.0(28.0),and 67.0(22.5)&66.5(25.8)respectively(P<0.001 for all comparisons from baseline).Significant improvements in body weight(in kilograms)from baseline to study end were noticed with dapagliflozin-101(29.5)to 92.2(25.6),and canagliflozin 100(28.3)to 95.3(27.5)only.Significant reductions in median systolic and diastolic BP,from 144(21)mmHg to 139(23)mmHg;(P=0.015),and from 82(16)mmHg to 78(19)mmHg;(P<0.001)respectively were also observed.A significant reduction of microalbuminuria was observed with canagliflozin only[ACR 14.6(42.6)at baseline to 8.9(23.7)at the study end;P=0.043].Adverse effects of SGLT-2i were as follows:genital thrush and urinary infection-20(8.8%)&17(7.5%)with dapagliflozin;9(5.6%)&5(3.13%)with canagliflozin;and 4(5%)&4(5%)with empagliflozin.Diabetic ketoacidosis was observed in 4(1.8%)with dapagliflozin and 1(0.63%)with canagliflozin.CONCLUSION Treatment of patients with SGLT-2i is associated with statistically significant reductions in HbA1c,body weight,and better than those reported in RCTs,with low side effect profiles.A review of large-scale real-world data is needed to inform better clinical practice decision making.

Influence of blood glucose fluctuations on chemotherapy efficacy and safety in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients complicated with lung carcinoma

BACKGROUND Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)have large fluctuations in blood glucose(BG),abnormal metabolic function and low immunity to varying degrees,which increases the risk of malignant tumor diseases and affects the efficacy of tumor chemotherapy.Controlling hyperglycemia may have important therapeutic implications for cancer patients.AIM To clarify the influence of BG fluctuations on chemotherapy efficacy and safety in T2DM patients complicated with lung carcinoma(LC).METHODS The clinical data of 60 T2DM+LC patients who presented to the First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University between January 2019 and January 2021 were retrospectively analyzed.All patients underwent chemotherapy and were grouped as a control group(CG;normal BG fluctuation with a mean fluctuation<3.9 mmol/L)and an observation group(OG;high BG fluctuation with a mean fluctuation≥3.9 mmol/L)based on their BG fluctuations,with 30 cases each.BGrelated indices,tumor markers,serum inflammatory cytokines and adverse reactions were comparatively analyzed.Pearson correlation analysis was performed to analyze the correlation between BG fluctuations and tumor markers.RESULTS The fasting blood glucose and 2-hour postprandial blood glucose levels in the OG were notably elevated compared with those in the CG,together with markedly higher mean amplitude of glycemic excursions(MAGE),mean of daily differences,largest amplitude of glycemic excursions and standard deviation of blood glucose(P<0.05).In addition,the OG exhibited evidently higher levels of carbohydrate antigen 19-9,carbohydrate antigen 125,carcinoembryonic antigen,neuron-specific enolase,cytokeratin 19,tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin-6,and highsensitivity C-reactive protein than the CG(P<0.05).Pearson analysis revealed a positive association of MAGE with serum tumor markers.The incidence of adverse reactions was significantly higher in the OG than in the CG(P<0.05).CONCLUSION The greater the BG fluctuation in LC patients after chemotherapy,the more unfavorable the therapeutic effect of chemotherapy;the higher the level of tumor markers and inflammatory cytokines,the more adverse reactions the patient experiences.

Rethinking the necessity of low glucose intervention for cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury

Glucose is the essential and almost exclusive metabolic fuel for the brain.Ischemic stroke caused by a blockage in one or more cerebral arteries quickly leads to a lack of regional cerebral blood supply resulting in severe glucose deprivation with subsequent induction of cellular homeostasis disturbance and eventual neuronal death.To make up ischemiamediated adenosine 5′-triphosphate depletion,glucose in the ischemic penumbra area rapidly enters anaerobic metabolism to produce glycolytic adenosine 5′-triphosphate for cell survival.It appears that an increase in glucose in the ischemic brain would exert favorable effects.This notion is supported by in vitro studies,but generally denied by most in vivo studies.Clinical studies to manage increased blood glucose levels after stroke also failed to show any benefits or even brought out harmful effects while elevated admission blood glucose concentrations frequently correlated with poor outcomes.Surprisingly,strict glycaemic control in clinical practice also failed to yield any beneficial outcome.These controversial results from glucose management studies during the past three decades remain a challenging question of whether glucose intervention is needed for ischemic stroke care.This review provides a brief overview of the roles of cerebral glucose under normal and ischemic conditions and the results of managing glucose levels in non-diabetic patients.Moreover,the relationship between blood glucose and cerebral glucose during the ischemia/reperfusion processes and the potential benefits of low glucose supplements for non-diabetic patients are discussed.