Acute worsening of microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus during rapid glycemic control:The pathobiology and therapeutic implications

While chronic hyperglycaemia resulting from poorly controlled diabetes mellitus(DM)is a well-known precursor to complications such as diabetic retinopathy,neuropathy(including autonomic neuropathy),and nephropathy,a paradoxical intensification of these complications can rarely occur with aggressive glycemic management resulting in a rapid reduction of glycated haemoglobin.Although,acute onset or worsening of retinopathy and treatment induced neuropathy of diabetes are more common among these complications,rarely other problems such as albuminuria,diabetic kidney disease,Charcot’s neuroarthropathy,gastroparesis,and urinary bladder dysfunction are also encountered.The World Journal of Diabetes recently published a rare case of all these complications,occurring in a young type 1 diabetic female intensely managed during pregnancy,as a case report by Huret et al.It is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of the pathobiology,prevalence,predisposing factors,and management strategies for acute onset,or worsening of microvascular complications when rapid glycemic control is achieved,which serves to alleviate patient morbidity,enhance disease management compliance,and possibly to avoid medico-legal issues around this rare clinical problem.This editorial delves into the dynamics surrounding the acute exacerbation of microvascular complications in poorly controlled DM during rapid glycaemic control.

Prevalence of Microvascular Complications and Associated Risk Factors among Diabetes Mellitus Patients Attending Nyeri County Referral Hospital, Kenya: A Cross-Sectional Study

Microvascular complications are one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). More than 50% of Nyeri County Referral Hospital (NCRH) admissions result from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and over 55% of hospital deaths are attributable to NCDs. In Kenya, Nyeri County has the highest prevalence of diabetes mellitus compared to other counties. This study therefore sought to assess the prevalence of microvascular complications and the associated risk factors among patients attending Nyeri County Referral Hospital in Kenya. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 314 DM patients on follow-up at NCRH from August 2022 to October 2022. Data were analyzed using STATA version 17. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses are used to determine the risk factors associated with Microvascular complications of DM. Among the 314 participants with DM, 58% were females. The overall prevalence of Microvascular complications (MVCs) is 36.62%. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy was the most frequent complication (27.4%). Inadequate physical exercise was a risk factor for all MVCs. Age, marital status, and level of education were risk factors for neuropathy while smoking and alcohol intake were risk factors for nephropathy. Non-smokers were 98% less likely to have nephropathy (OR = 0.024;95% CI 0.003 - 0.145). The odds of those who exercise once weekly getting retinopathic complications reduced by 83% (OR = 0.18, 95% CI 0.049 - 0.398) compared to those who exercise daily. The findings highlight the implication of lifestyle factors in the development of MVCs among DM patients. Therefore, benefits of microvascular complications prevention should thus be factored into the management of patients with diabetes mellitus.

Interplay of serum biomarkers bilirubin andγ-glutamyltranspeptidase in predicting cardiovascular complications in type-2 diabetes mellitus

This editorial synthesizes insights from a series of studies examining the interplay between metabolic and oxidative stress biomarkers in cardiovascular disease(CVD),focusing particularly on type-2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)and acute coronary syndrome(ACS).The central piece of this synthesis is a study that investigates the balance between oxidative stress and antioxidant systems in the body through the analysis of serum bilirubin andγ-glutamyltranspeptidase(γ-GGT)levels in T2DM patients with ACS.This study highlights serum bilirubin as a protective antioxidant factor,while elevatedγ-GGT levels indicate increased oxidative stress and correlate with major adverse cardiovascular events.Complementary to this,other research contributions revealγ-GGT’s role as a risk factor in ACS,its association with cardiovascular mortality in broader populations,and its link to metabolic syndrome,further elucidating the metabolic dysregulation in CVDs.The collective findings from these studies underscore the critical roles ofγ-GGT and serum bilirubin in cardiovascular health,especially in the context of T2DM and ACS.By providing a balanced view of the body’s oxidative and antioxidative mechanisms,these insights suggest potential pathways for targeted interventions and improved prognostic assessments in patients with T2DM and ACS.This synthesis not only corroborates the pivotal role ofγ-GGT in cardiovascular pathology but also introduces the protective potential of antioxidants like bilirubin,illuminating the complex interplay between T2DM and heart disease.These studies collectively underscore the critical roles of serum bilirubin andγ-GGT as biomarkers in cardiovascular health,particularly in T2DM and ACS contexts,offering insights into the body’s oxidative and antioxidative mechanisms.This synthesis of research supports the potential of these biomarkers in guiding therapeutic strategies and improving prognostic assessments for patients with T2DM and some CVD.

Role of nutrition in diabetes mellitus and infections

In this editorial,we have commented on the article that has been published in the recent issue of World Journal of Clinical Cases.The authors have described a case of unilateral thyroid cyst and have opined that the acute onset of infection may be linked to diabetes mellitus(DM).We have focused on the role of nutrition in the association between DM and infection.Patients with DM are at a high risk of infection,which could also be attributed to nutrition-related factors.Nutritional interventions for patients with diabetes are mainly based on a low-calorie diet,which can be achieved by adhering to a low-carbohydrate diet.However,dietary fiber supplementation is recommended to maintain the diversity of the gut microbiota.Furthermore,high-quality protein can prevent the increased risk of infection due to malnutrition.Supplementation of vitamins C,vitamins A,vitamins D,and folic acid improves blood sugar control and facilitates immune regulation.Mineral deficiencies augment the risk of infection,but the relationship with diabetes is mostly U-shaped and a good intake should be maintained.

Microplastic and nanoplastic exposure and risk of diabetes mellitus

The issue of plastic pollutants has become a growing concern.Both microplastics(MPs)(particle size<5 mm)and nanoplastics(NPs)(particle size<1μm)can cause DNA damage,cytotoxicity,and oxidative stress in various organisms.The primary known impacts of microplastic/nanoplastic are observed in the liver and respiratory system,leading to hepatotoxicity and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Although research on the effects of MPs and NPs on diabetes is still in its early stages,there are potential concerns.This editorial highlights the risk to diabetics from co-exposure to contaminants and MPs/NPs,supported by evidence from animal studies and the various chemical compositions of MPs/NPs.

Intricacies during pregnancy with gestational diabetes mellitus

The study by Cao et al aimed to identify early second-trimester biomarkers that could predict gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)development using advanced proteomic techniques,such as Isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.Their analysis revealed 47 differentially expressed proteins in the GDM group,with retinol-binding protein 4 and angiopoietin-like 8 showing significantly elevated serum levels compared to controls.Although these findings are promising,the study is limited by its small sample size(n=4 per group)and lacks essential details on the reproducibility and reliability of the protein quantification methods used.Furthermore,the absence of experimental validation weakens the interpretation of the protein-protein interaction network identified through bioinformatics analysis.The study's focus on second-trimester biomarkers raises concerns about whether this is a sufficiently early period to implement preventive interventions for GDM.Predicting GDM risk during the first trimester or pre-conceptional period may offer more clinical relevance.Despite its limitations,the study presents valuable insights into potential GDM biomarkers,but larger,well-validated studies are needed to establish their predictive utility and generalizability.

Effect of SPTLC1 on type 2 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND Although numerous single nucleotide polymorphism in multiple genes involve in the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2D),the single gene defects of T2D with strong family history is not clear yet.SPTLC1 are causative for hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy,which is clinical overlapping with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.Mice with adipocyte-specific deletion of SPTLC1 had impaired glucose tolerances and insulin sensitivity.Thus,it is necessary to investigate the SPTLC1 mutations in adult-onset T2D with strong family history.AIM To analyze the role of SPTLC1 mutation on adult-onset T2D with strong family history.METHODS By whole-exome sequence analysis of a patient with T2D and his family members,an uncertain variant in SPTLC1 was identified.Bioinformation analysis was used to evaluate the influence of mutation,rare variant gene-level associations for SPTLC1 in T2D,and the relationship between SPTLC1 mRNA and T2D in human islets from GSE25724.The effect of G371R of SPTLC1 on the characteristics of inflammatory cytokines and apoptosis was also tested on human embryonic kidney(HEK)293 cells.RESULTS A single nucleotide variation in SPTLC1(c.1111G>A:p.G371R)was identified in a family with T2D.The deleterious variant was predicted by functional analysis through hidden Markov models and mendelian clinically applicable pathogenicity software.This pathogenicity might be derived from the different amino acid properties.In HEK 293T cells,p.G371R of SPTLC1 induced the expression of tumor necrosis factor-αand the percent of apoptosis.Meanwhile,rare variant gene-level associations for SPTLC1 also refer to the high risk of T2D(the overall odds ratio=2.4968,P=0.0164).Data from GSE25724 showed that SPTLC1 mRNA was lower in pancreatic islets from T2D human islets(P=0.046),and was as sociated with the decreased level of insulin mRNA expression(Spearman r=0.615,P=0.025).CONCLUSION The study classified SPTLC1 p.G371R mutation as the likely pathogenic mutation from an adult-onset T2D patients with strong family history T2D.

Correlation between diabetic peripheral neuropathy and thyroid hormone sensitivity in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND Diabetic peripheral neuropathy(DPN)is a common complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM),significantly affecting patients’quality of life and imposing a substantial economic burden.Recent studies have highlighted the role of thyroid hormones in diabetes complications,particularly in elderly patients with T2DM.However,the relationship between thyroid hormone sensitivity and DPN remains unclear.AIM To investigate the correlation between thyroid hormone sensitivity and DPN in elderly patients with T2DM.METHODS In a cohort of 256 elderly patients with T2DM,propensity score matching was used to balance age,sex,and diabetes duration.Clinical data were collected to calculate thyroid hormone sensitivity and analyze its correlation with DPN.A random forest model was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of free triiodothyronine/free thyroxine(FT_(3)/FT_(4))for DPN.RESULTS Patients with DPN had a lower FT_(3)/FT_(4) ratio[(0.302±0.053)vs(0.316±0.049),P=0.040].Quartile stratification showed decreasing DPN prevalence with higher FT_(3)/FT_(4) ratios.Spearman’s correlation analysis showed that a lower FT_(3)/FT_(4) ratio was associated with higher glycated hemoglobin,fasting blood glucose,reduced nerve conduction velocity,and electrical skin conductance.Logistic regression indicated a positive relationship between the median FT_(3)/FT_(4) ratio and bilateral foot electrochemical skin conductance[odds ratio(OR):1.019;95%CI:1.005-1.034;P=0.007]and sural nerve sensory amplitude(OR:1.310;95%CI:1.008-1.703;P=0.043).Receiver operating characteristic analysis using a random forest model showed that incorporating FT_(3)/FT_(4) improved predictive performance for DPN,with an area under the curve of 0.74,sensitivity of 0.79,specificity of 0.64,and accuracy of 0.77.CONCLUSION In elderly patients with T2DM with euthyroidism,a lower FT_(3)/FT_(4) ratio is correlated with increased DPN incidence,affecting both large and small nerve fibers.FT_(3)/FT_(4) is an effective predictor of DPN.

Investigation and study on the epidemiology of gestational diabetes mellitus in Guizhou

BACKGROUND Gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)is a growing public health concern,particularly in regions with diverse ethnic populations.Understanding the incidence and risk factors of GDM is crucial for early prevention and management,especially in underrepresented areas like Guizhou Province,China,where geographic and ethnic diversity may influence the disease’s prevalence and risk profiles.AIM To investigate the incidence of GDM and identify its associated risk and protective factors among different ethnic groups in Guizhou Province,providing essential data for early prevention strategies.METHODS A multi-center retrospective study was conducted,dividing participants into GDM and non-GDM groups according to standardized diagnostic criteria.Data were collected from 103629 deliveries across 40 hospitals in Guizhou.Various demographic,clinical,and laboratory parameters were analyzed using logistic regression to identify risk and protective factors for GDM.RESULTS Among the 103629 deliveries,18957 cases of GDM were identified,with an incidence of approximately 18.3%.The risk of GDM was higher in the Han ethnic group compared to minority ethnic groups.The Dong ethnic group had the lowest incidence among the minorities.Key risk factors identified included older age(especially>35 years),higher pre-pregnancy body mass index(BMI),light physical activity,gravidity,family history of diabetes,hemoglobin,aspartate aminotransferase,alanine aminotransferase,and direct bilirubin.Protective factors included higher education level,total protein,and albumin.There were also differences based on blood type,with type A associated with higher risk.CONCLUSION The incidence rate in Guizhou is 18.3%.Older age(especially>35 years),Han ethnicity,lower education level,higher pre-pregnancy BMI,light physical activity,and higher gravidity are the main risk factors for GDM.Laboratory findings indicate that higher hemoglobin,higher liver function parameters(alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase,and direct bilirubin),and lower total protein and albumin are associated with a higher risk of GDM.Blood type A has a higher risk of GDM compared to blood types AB and O.

Pelvic floor dysfunction in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus

In this editorial,we comment on an article by Wang et al.Recent literature shows an increase in research on pelvic organ prolapse(POP).Although the true incidence of POP remains uncertain,its impact on quality of life is substantial.Anatomical studies report high incidence rates,surpassing those observed in symptom-based surveys.Weakness of the endopelvic fascia is a primary anatomical risk factor for POP.Additionally,gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)has emerged as a growing concern,as poor glycemic control increases complications for both mother and fetus.GDM and POP are interconnected,with factors like maternal obesity,macrosomia,and hormonal changes exacerbating pelvic floor dysfunction.Modifiable risk factors,such as obesity and chronic hyperglycemia,along with multiparity,instrumental deliveries,and obstetric trauma,further increase susceptibility.For patients with GDM,gynecological exams,Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification staging,and pelvic floor ultrasonography are valuable diagnostics,with proctological exams and magnetic resonance defecography aiding in multi-compartment prolapse diagnoses.Imaging,though uncomfortable during pregnancy,is safe in the early postpartum period.This editorial emphasizes the need for further research on the pathophysiology of GDM-related POP and offers recommendations for improving diagnosis and clinical management of patients with GDM.

Association between serum retinol-binding protein and lower limb atherosclerosis risk in type 2 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND Serum retinol-binding protein(RBP)is the primary transport protein of circulating vitamin A.RBP has a crucial role in maintaining nutrient metabolism and physiologic homeostasis.Several studies have indicated that serum RBP participates in the progression of diabetes and diabetes-related complications.However,the impact of serum RBP on lower limb atherosclerosis has not been determined in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).AIM To determine the association between serum RBP and lower limb atherosclerosis in individuals with T2DM.METHODS This retrospective study enrolled 4428 eligible T2DM patients and divided the patients into non-lower limb atherosclerosis(n=1913)and lower limb atherosclerosis groups(n=2515)based on lower limb arterial ultrasonography results.At hospital admission,baseline serum RBP levels were assessed,and all subjects were categorized into three groups(Q1-Q3)based on RBP tertiles.Logistic regression,restricted cubic spline regression,subgroup analysis,and machine learning were used to assess the association between RBP levels and lower limb atherosclerosis risk.RESULTS Among 4428 individuals with T2DM,2515(56.80%)had lower limb atherosclerosis.Logistic analysis showed that lower limb atherosclerosis risk increased by 1%for every 1 unit rise in serum RBP level(odds ratio=1.01,95%confidence interval:1.00-1.02,P=0.004).Patients in the highest tertile group(Q3)had a higher lower limb atherosclerosis risk compared to the lowest tertile group(Q1)(odds ratio=1.36,95%confidence interval:1.12-1.67,P=0.002).The lower limb atherosclerosis risk gradually increased with an increase in RBP tertile(P for trend=0.005).Restricted cubic spline analysis indicated a linear correlation between serum RBP levels and lower limb atherosclerosis risk(non-linear P<0.05).Machine learning demonstrated the significance and diagnostic value of serum RBP in predicting lower limb atherosclerosis risk.CONCLUSION Elevated serum RBP levels correlate with an increased lower limb atherosclerosis risk in individuals with T2DM.

Triglyceride-glucose related indices as predictors for major adverse cardiovascular events and overall mortality in type-2 diabetes mellitus patients

BACKGROUND Recent studies have indicated that triglyceride glucose(TyG)-waist height ratio(WHtR)and TyG-waist circumference(TyG-WC)are effective indicators for evaluating insulin resistance.However,research on the association in TyG-WHtR,TyG-WC,and the risk and prognosis of major adverse cardiovascular events(MACEs)in type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)cases are limited.AIM To clarify the relation in TyG-WHtR,TyG-WC,and the risk of MACEs and overall mortality in T2DM patients.METHODS Information for this investigation was obtained from Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes(ACCORD)/ACCORD Follow-On(ACCORDION)study database.The Cox regression model was applied to assess the relation among TyG-WHtR,TyG-WC and future MACEs risk and overall mortality in T2DM cases.The RCS analysis was utilized to explore the nonlinear correlation.Subgroup and interaction analyses were conducted to prove the robustness.The receiver operating characteristic curves were applied to analysis the additional predicting value of TyG-WHtR and TyG-WC.RESULTS After full adjustment for confounding variables,the highest baseline TyG-WHtR cohort respectively exhibited a 1.353-fold and 1.420-fold higher risk for MACEs and overall mortality,than the lowest quartile group.Similarly,the highest baseline TyG-WC cohort showed a 1.314-fold and 1.480-fold higher risk for MACEs and overall mortality,respectively.Each 1 SD increase in TyG-WHtR was significantly related to an 11.7%increase in MACEs and a 14.9%enhance in overall mortality.Each 1 SD increase in TyG-WC corresponded to an 11.5%in MACEs and a 16.6%increase in overall mortality.Including these two indexes in conventional models significantly improved the predictive power for MACEs and overall mortality.CONCLUSION TyG-WHtR and TyG-WC were promising predictors of MACEs and overall mortality risk in T2DM cases.

Associations between food insecurity with gestational diabetes mellitus and maternal outcomes mediated by dietary diversity:A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND Food insecurity(FI)during pregnancy negatively impacts maternal health and raises the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)and pregnancy-induced hypertension(PIH),resulting in adverse outcomes for both mother and baby.AIM To investigate the relationships between FI and pregnancy outcomes,particularly GDM and PIH,while also examining the mediating role of the dietary diversity score(DDS).METHODS A cross-sectional study was undertaken to examine this relationship,involving 600 pregnant women.Participants were women aged 18 years or older who provided complete data on FI and pregnancy outcomes.The FI was measured via the Household Food Security Survey Module,with GDM defined as fasting plasma glucose levels of≥5.1 mmol/L or a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test value of≥8.5 mmol/L.The DDS is determined by evaluating one's food consumption based on nine distinct food groups.A logistic regression model was used to explore the relationship between FI and PIH,and GDM.RESULTS Seventeen percent of participants reported experiencing FI during pregnancy.The study found a significant association between FI and an elevated risk of GDM[odds ratio(OR)=3.32,95%CI:1.2-5.4].Once more,food-insecure pregnant women had higher rates of PIH(OR=0.10,95%CI:0.02-0.45)and they also faced a higher likelihood of neonatal complications,such as neonatal intensive care unit’s admissions and the birth of infants with extremely low birth weight.The FI wasfurther linked to metabolic disruptions,such as elevated fasting blood sugar(FBS),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol,and triglyceride levels.Our results indicate that the DDS acts as a significant mediator in the relationship between FI and the incidence of GDM.In particular,the mediation analysis showed that approximately 65%of the effect was mediated through DDS(P=0.002).CONCLUSION These findings underscore the serious challenges that FI presents during pregnancy and its effects on maternal and infant health.Additionally,the study explored how DDS mediates the relationship between FI and the incidence of GDM.

Plantamajoside improves type 2 diabetes mellitus pancreaticβ-cell damage by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress through Dnajc1 up-regulation

BACKGROUND Plantamajoside(PMS)has shown potential in mitigating cell damage caused by high glucose(HG)levels.Despite this,the precise therapeutic effects of PMS on type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)and the underlying regulatory mechanisms require further exploration.AIM To investigate PMS therapeutic effects on T2DM in mice and elucidate its mechanisms of action through in vivo and in vitro experiments.METHODS An in vitro damage model of MIN6 cells was established using HG and palmitic acid(PA).PMS's protective effect on cell damage was assessed.Next,transcriptomics was employed to examine how PMS treatment affects gene expression of MIN6 cells.Furthermore,the effect of PMS on protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum and apoptosis pathways was validated.A T2DM mouse model was used to validate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of PMS in vivo.RESULTS PMS intervention ameliorated cell injury in HG+PA-induced MIN6 cell damage.Transcriptomic analysis revealed that protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum and apoptosis pathways were enriched in cells treated with PMS,with significant downregulation of the gene Dnajc1.Further validation indicated that PMS significantly inhibited the expression of apoptosis-related factors(Bax,CytC)and endoplasmic reticulum stress(ERS)-related factors[ATF6,XBP1,Ddit3(CHOP),GRP78],while promoting the expression of Bcl-2 and Dnajc1.Additionally,the inhibitory effects of PMS on ERS and apoptosis were abolished upon Dnajc1 silencing.Furthermore,in vivo experiments demonstrated that PMS intervention effectively improved pancreatic damage,suppressed the expression of apoptosis-related factors(Bax,CytC),and ERS-related factors[ATF6,XBP1,Ddit3(CHOP),GRP78],while promoting the expression of Bcl-2 and Dnajc1 in a T2DM model mice.CONCLUSION PMS intervention could alleviate pancreatic tissue damage effectively.The mechanism of action involves Dnajc1 activation,which subsequently inhibits apoptosis and ERS,ameliorating damage to pancreaticβ-cells.

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.

Mechanism of Gegen Qinlian Decoction in Treating Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Complicated with NAFLD Based on Network Pharmacology

[Objectives]To explore the mechanism of Gegen Qinlian Decoction in treating type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)complicated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)by analyzing the effective components of Gegen Qinlian Decoction.[Methods]TCMSP database was used to analyze the active components of Gegen Qinlian Decoction,and pubchem and Swiss ADME databases were also used to predict drug targets,extract T2DM complicated with NAFLD targets from OMIM and Genecards databases.Venny plot was drawn to obtain intersection targets,and finally Cytoscape was used to make core target maps and drug-target-disease network maps.Using DAVID and Metascape database to analyze the intersection targets,the gene ontology information of Go and KEGG was obtained.Microbial informatics technology was used to visualize GO,and Cytoscape was used to make drug-target-disease network map-enrichment pathway map.[Results]The network pharmacological analysis showed that Gegen Qinlian Decoction acted on the key targets of type 2 diabetes mellitus complicated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease,such as ALB and ALT1,through many components,and achieved the purpose of treating this disease.The chemical constituents of the drug include formononetin,5-hydroxyisomucronulatol-2,5-2-O-glucoside,cholesteryl laurate,isoliquiritigenin,etc.[Conclusions]This study provides a new idea and theoretical support for future drug research and clinical practice.

A Retrospective Analysis of Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists in Treating Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Complicated by Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Background: The objective of this study was to compare and analyze the variations in clinical indices before and after treatment of type 2 mellitus (T2DM) combined with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) that were treated with glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs). Methods: The electronic medical record system was utilized to search for a total of 16 patients with type 2 diabetes complicated by NAFLD who were hospitalized at the First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University from October 2022 to April 2023 and treated with GLP-1RA for the first time. The clinical indices were compared before and after 12 weeks of treatment with GLP-1RA. Results: The liver-spleen CT ratio (L/S), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in all patients treated with GLP-1RA after 12 weeks were significantly different (P 0.05). The patients were categorized into two groups based on the types of GLP-1RAs. The changes in L/S, TC, TG, and LDL-C in the long-acting group after treatment were statistically significant (P Conclusions: GLP-1RAs can improve liver function, regulate lipid metabolism, and reduce the severity of fatty liver in patients with T2DM complicated by NAFLD, which demonstrates the importance of clinical applications.

Ocular complications of diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus(DM) is a important health problem that induces ernestful complications and it causes significant morbidity owing to specific microvascular complications such as, retinopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy, and macrovascular complications such as, ischaemic heart disease, and peripheral vasculopathy. It can affect children, young people and adults and isbecoming more common. Ocular complications associated with DM are progressive and rapidly becoming the world's most significant cause of morbidity and are preventable with early detection and timely treatment. This review provides an overview of five main ocular complications associated with DM, diabetic retinopathy and papillopathy, cataract, glaucoma, and ocular surface diseases.

Gastrointestinal complications of diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus affects virtually every organ system in the body and the degree of organ involvement depends on the duration and severity of the disease,and other co-morbidities.Gastrointestinal(GI) involvement can present with esophageal dysmotility,gastro-esophageal reflux disease(GERD),gastroparesis,enteropathy,non alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) and glycogenic hepatopathy.Severity of GERD is inversely related to glycemic control and management is with prokinetics and proton pump inhibitors.Diabetic gastroparesis manifests as early satiety,bloating,vomiting,abdominal pain and erratic glycemic control.Gastric emptying scintigraphy is considered the gold standard test for diagnosis.Management includes dietary modifications,maintaining euglycemia,prokinetics,endoscopic and surgical treatments.Diabetic enteropathy is also common and management involves glycemic control and symptomatic measures.NAFLD is considered a hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome and treatment ismainly lifestyle measures,with diabetes and dyslipidemia management when coexistent.Glycogenic hepatopathy is a manifestation of poorly controlled type 1 diabetes and is managed by prompt insulin treatment.Though GI complications of diabetes are relatively common,awareness about its manifestations and treatment options are low among physicians.Optimal management of GI complications is important for appropriate metabolic control of diabetes and improvement in quality of life of the patient.This review is an update on the GI complications of diabetes,their pathophysiology,diagnostic evaluation and management.

Clinical Features and Microvascular Complications Risk Factors of Early-onset Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

The aim of this research was to study the clinical features and microvascular complications risk factors of early-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).We analyzed the clinical data from 1421 T2DM inpatients at Wuhan Union Hospital.Subjects were divided into early-onset T2DM group(diagnostic age<40 years)and late-onset T2DM group(diagnostic age>40 years).All subjects underwent a standardized assessment of microvascular complications.Data were compared with independent-samples t test or Chi-square test.Multiple logistic regression was used to determine the risk factors of microvascular complications.Patients with early-onset T2DM were more inclined to have a lower systolic blood pressure(SBP),a longer duration of diabetes and higher levels of body mass index(BM1),uric acid(UA),fasting plasma glucose(FPG),total cholesterol(TC),triglyceride(TG)and glycosylated hemoglobin(HbAlc)than those with lateonset T2DM(P<0.05).The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy(DR)was significantly higher and that of diabetic peripheral neuropathy(DPN)was significantly lower in early-onset group than in late-onset group(P<0.05).For DN,UA was an independent risk factor in early-onset T2DM.SBP and TG were independent risk factors in late-onset T2DM.For DR,duration of diabetes and SBP were independent risk factors in early-onset T2DM.Duration of diabetes,SBP and HbAlc were independent risk factors in late-onset T2DM.This study demonstrated that the clinical characteristics of early-onset T2DM were metabolic disorders,including glucose metabolism,lipid metabolism and amino acid metabolism.Early-onset T2DM was more likely to be associated with DR.The potential pathogenesis of early and late-onset T2DM might be different.The management of metabolic risk factors especially HbA1c,SBP,TG and UA is advised to be performed in the early stage of diabetes.