Modified upper abdominal cluster transplantation in patients with end-stage liver diseases associated with insulin dependent type 2 diabetes mellitus

Objective Modified upper abdominal cluster transplantation ( MCT) ,which was inspired by classical cluster transplant technique,has been proven more effective and feasible in the treatment of patients with end stage liver diseases associated with insulin - dependent

Simultaneous liver, pancreas-duodenum and kidney transplantation in a patient with hepatitis B cirrhosis, uremia and insulin dependent diabetes mellitus

Simultaneous liver,pancreas-duodenum,and kidney transplantation has been rarely reported in the literature. Here we present a new and more efficient en bloc technique that combines classic orthotopic liver and pancreas-duodenum transplantation and heterotopic kidney transplantation for a male patient aged 44 years who had hepatitis B related cirrhosis,renal failure,and insulin dependent diabetes mellitus(IDDM). A quadruple immunosuppressive regimen including induction with basiliximab and maintenance therapy with tacrolimus,mycophenolate mofetil,and steroids was used in the early stage post-transplant. Postoperative recovery was uneventful and the patient was discharged on the 15 th postoperative day with normal liver and kidney function. The insulin treatment was completely withdrawn 3 wk after operation,and the blood glucose level remained normal. The case findings support that abdominal organ cluster and kidney transplantation is an effective method for the treatment of end-stage liver disease combined with uremia and IDDM.

Chinese herbal medicine decreases incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in diabetes mellitus patients with regular insulin management

BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes mellitus(DM)is an independent risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),while insulin is a potent mitogen.Identifying a new therapeutic modality for preventing insulin users from developing HCC is a critical goal for researchers.AIM To investigate whether regular herbal medicine use can decrease HCC risk in DM patients with regular insulin control.METHODS We used data acquired from the Taiwan,Chinaese National Health Insurance research database between 2000 and 2017.We identified patients with DM who were prescribed insulin for>3 months.The herb user group was further defined as patients prescribed herbal medication for DM for>3 months per annum during RESULTS We initially enrolled 657144 DM patients with regular insulin use from 2000 to 2017.Among these,46849 patients had used a herbal treatment for DM,and 140547 patients were included as the matched control group.The baseline variables were similar between the herb users and nonusers.DM patients with regular herb use had a 12%decreased risk of HCC compared with the control group[adjusted hazard ratio(aHR)=0.88,95%CI=0.80–0.97].The cumulative incidence of HCC in the herb users was significantly lower than that of the nonusers.Patients with a herb use of>5 years cumulatively exhibited a protective effect against development of HCC(aHR=0.82,P<0.05).Of patients who developed HCC,herb users exhibited a longer survival time than nonusers(aHR=0.78,P=0.0001).Additionally,we report the top 10 herbs and formulas in prescriptions and summarize the potential pharmacological effects of the constituents.Our analysis indicated that Astragalus propinquus(Huang Qi)plus Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge(Dan Shen),and Astragalus propinquus(Huang Qi)plus Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim.(Tian Hua Fen)were the most frequent combination of single herbs.Meanwhile,Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan plus Dan Shen was the most frequent combination of herbs and formulas.CONCLUSION This large-scale retrospective cohort study reveals that herbal medicine may decrease HCC risk by 12%in DM patients with regular insulin use.

Comparative effects of insulin pump and injection on gestational diabetes mellitus pregnancy outcomes and serum biomarkers

BACKGROUND Insulin injection is the basic daily drug treatment for diabetic patients.AIM To evaluate the comparative impacts of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion(CSII).METHODS Based on the treatment modality received,the patients were allocated into two cohorts:The CSII group and the multiple daily injections(MDI)group,with each cohort comprising 210 patients.Comparative assessments were made regarding serum levels of serum-secreted frizzled-related protein 5,homocysteine,and C1q/TNF-related protein 9.Furthermore,outcomes such as fasting plasma glucose,2-hour postprandial glucose levels,pain assessment scores,and the incidence of complications were evaluated post-treatment.RESULTS The CSII group displayed notably lower fasting plasma glucose and 2-h postprandial glucose levels in comparison to the MDI group(P<0.05).Subsequent analysis post-treatment unveiled a significantly higher percentage of patients reporting no pain in the CSII group(60.00%)in contrast to the MDI group(36.19%)(P<0.05).Additionally,the CSII group exhibited a markedly reduced occurrence of fetal distress and premature rupture of membranes compared to the MDI group(P<0.05).However,there were no significant variances observed in other pregnancy outcomes between the two groups(P>0.05).A statistical analysis revealed a significant difference in the incidence of complications between the groups(χ^(2)=11.631,P=0.001).CONCLUSION The utilization of CSII via an insulin pump,as opposed to MDI,can significantly enhance the management of insulin administration in patients with GDM by diversifying the sites of insulin delivery.This approach not only promotes optimal glycemic control but also regulates metabolic factors linked to blood sugar,reducing the likelihood of adverse pregnancy outcomes and complications.The clinical relevance and importance of CSII in GDM management highlight its wide-ranging clinical usefulness.

Outpatient insulin use in type 2 diabetes mellitus and acute respiratory distress syndrome outcomes:A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND The impact of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)on acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS)is debatable.T2DM was suspected to reduce the risk and complications of ARDS.However,during coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19),T2DM predisposed patients to ARDS,especially those who were on insulin at home.AIMTo evaluate the impact of outpatient insulin use in T2DM patients on non-COVID-19 ARDS outcomes.METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database.Adult patients diagnosed with ARDS were stratified into insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus(DM)(IDDM)and non-insulindependent DM(NIDDM)groups.After applying exclusion criteria and matching over 20 variables,we compared cohorts for mortality,duration of mechanical ventilation,incidence of acute kidney injury(AKI),length of stay(LOS),hospitalization costs,and other clinical outcomes.RESULTS Following 1:1 propensity score matching,the analysis included 274 patients in each group.Notably,no statistically significant differences emerged between the IDDM and NIDDM groups in terms of mortality rates(32.8%vs 31.0%,P=0.520),median hospital LOS(10 d,P=0.537),requirement for mechanical ventilation,incidence rates of sepsis,pneumonia or AKI,median total hospitalization costs,or patient disposition upon discharge.CONCLUSION Compared to alternative anti-diabetic medications,outpatient insulin treatment does not appear to exert an independent influence on in-hospital morbidity or mortality in diabetic patients with non-COVID-19 ARDS.

Research Progress on the Efficacy and Safety of Different Basal Insulins in the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of different basal insulins in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).Methods:The current research progress on different basal insulins was evaluated,with efficacy indicators including fasting plasma glucose(FPG)and glycated hemoglobin(HbAic),and safety indicators focusing mainly on weight change and the incidence of hypoglycemia.Results:Several different basal insulins showed similar metabolic control effects in terms of fasting plasma glucose and glycated hemoglobin.However,the risk of hypoglycemia was lower with insulin glargine 300(Glar-300),insulin degludec 100(Deg-100),and insulin degludec 200(Deg-200)compared to insulin glargine 100(Glar-100).Additionally,Glar-300 had the least impact on weight.Conclusion:For the treatment of T2DM,different basal insulins have similar therapeutic effects,but there are differences in the incidence of hypoglycemic events and their impact on weight.Rational insulin selection and dosage adjustments should be made based on the different patient groups.

The Effect of Tuberculosis Infection on Pancreatic Beta-Cell Function in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate how individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus’ pancreatic β-cell function index and insulin resistance index are affected by tuberculosis infection. Methods: The study group consisted of 89 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and tuberculosis infection who were admitted to Jingzhou Chest Hospital between March 2019 and March 2021. Gender and duration of diabetes were matching conditions. The control group was made up of 89 patients with type 2 diabetes who were admitted to Jingzhou Central Hospital’s endocrinology department during the same period. The two patient groups provided general information such as gender, age, length of diabetes, and blood biochemical indexes such as glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting glucose (FPG), and fasting C-peptide (FC-P). The HOMA calculator was used to calculate the HOMA-β and the HOMA-IR, and intergroup comparisons and correlation analyses were carried out. Results: Regarding gender, age, disease duration, FC-P, and HbA1c, the differences between the two groups were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). However, BMI, FPG, HOMA-β, and HOMA-IR showed statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). In comparison to the control group, the study group’s HOMA-β was lower and its HOMA-IR was greater. According to Spearman’s correlation analysis, HOMA-β had a negative association (P th FPG, HbA1c, and the length of the disease, and a positive correlation with BMI and FC-P. A positive correlation was found between HOMA-IR and BMI, FPG, and FC-P (P < 0.01), as well as a correlation with the length of the disease (P > 0.05) and HbA1c. Conclusions: In type 2 diabetes mellitus combined with tuberculosis infection, the patients had higher FPG levels and lower FC-P levels, the secretory function of pancreatic β-cells was more severely impaired, and insulin resistance was more obvious.

Effects of vitamin D supplementation on glucose and lipid metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and risk factors for insulin resistance

BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)is a chronic metabolic disease featured by insulin resistance(IR)and decreased insulin secretion.Currently,vitamin D deficiency is found in most patients with T2DM,but the relationship between vitamin D and IR in T2DM patients requires further investigation.AIM To explore the risk factors of IR and the effects of vitamin D supplementation on glucose and lipid metabolism in patients with T2DM.METHODS Clinical data of 162 T2DM patients treated in First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University between January 2019 and February 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.Based on the diagnostic criteria of IR,the patients were divided into a resistance group(n=100)and a non-resistance group(n=62).Subsequently,patients in the resistance group were subdivided to a conventional group(n=44)or a joint group(n=56)according to the treatment regimens.Logistic regression was carried out to analyze the risk factors of IR in T2DM patients.The changes in glucose and lipid metabolism indexes in T2DM patients with vitamin D deficiency were evaluated after the treatment.RESULTS Notable differences were observed in age and body mass index(BMI)between the resistance group and the non-resistance group(both P<0.05).The resistance group exhibited a lower 25-hydroxyvitamin D_(3)(25(OH)D_(3))level,as well as notably higher levels of 2-h postprandial blood glucose(2hPG),fasting blood glucose(FBG),and glycosylated hemoglobin(HbA1c)than the non-resistance group(all P<0.0001).Additionally,the resistance group demonstrated a higher triglyceride(TG)level but a lower high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol(HDL-C)level than the non-resistance group(all P<0.0001).The BMI,TG,HDL-C,25(OH)D_(3),2hPG,and HbA1c were found to be risk factors of IR.Moreover,the posttreatment changes in levels of 25(OH)D_(3),2hPG,FBG and HbA1c,as well as TG,total cholesterol,and HDL-C in the joint group were more significant than those in the conventional group(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION Patients with IR exhibit significant abnormalities in glucose and lipid metabolism parameters compared to the noninsulin resistant group.Logistic regression analysis revealed that 25(OH)D_(3)is an independent risk factor influencing IR.Supplementation of vitamin D has been shown to improve glucose and lipid metabolism in patients with IR and T2DM.

Effects of insulin aspart and metformin on gestational diabetes mellitus and inflammatory markers

BACKGROUND Gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)refers to hyperglycemia caused by insulin resistance or insufficient insulin secretion during pregnancy.Patients with GDM have a high risk of pregnancy complications,which can adversely affect both maternal and fetal health.Therefore,early diagnosis,treatment and monitoring of GDM are essential.In recent years,a new treatment scheme represented by insulin aspart combined with metformin has received increasing attention.AIM To explore the effects of insulin aspart combined with metformin on patients with GDM and inflammatory markers.METHODS From April 2020 to September 2022,124 patients with GDM in Sanya Women and Children’s Hospital Managed by Shanghai Children’s Medical Center were collected and analyzed retrospectively.The control group(CG)comprised 62 patients treated with insulin aspart alone,and 62 patients treated with insulin aspart and metformin formed the observation group(OG).Before and after treatment,improvement of blood-glucose-related indexes[fasting blood glucose(FBG),2-h postprandial glucose(2h PG)and hemoglobin A1c(HbA1c)],serum related factor[serum homocysteine(Hcy)],serum inflammatory cytokines[tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α,interleukin(IL)-6 and C-reactive protein(CRP)]were compared between the two groups.The clinical efficacy,adverse pregnancy outcomes and incidence of pregnancy complications were compared between the two groups.RESULTS After treatment,the levels of FBG,2h PG,HbA1c,Hcy,TNF-α,IL-6 and CRP in both groups were significantly decreased(P<0.05),and the levels of FBG,2h PG,HbA1c,Hcy,TNF-α,IL-6 and CRP in the OG were lower than in the CG(P<0.05).The total clinical effectiveness in the OG was higher than that in the CG(P<0.05).The total incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes and complications in the OG was significantly lower than in the CG(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Insulin aspart combined with metformin are effective for treatment of GDM,which can reduce blood-glucoserelated indexes,Hcy and serum inflammatory cytokines,and risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes and complications.

Cellular and molecular overview of gestational diabetes mellitus:Is it predictable and preventable?

BACKGROUND In contrast to overt diabetes mellitus(DM),gestational DM(GDM)is defined as impaired glucose tolerance induced by pregnancy,which may arise from exaggerated physiologic changes in glucose metabolism.GDM prevalence is reported to be as high as 20%among pregnancies depending on the screening method,gestational age,and the population studied.Maternal and fetal effects of uncontrolled GDM include stillbirth,macrosomia,neonatal diabetes,birth trauma,and subsequent postpartum hemorrhage.Therefore,it is essential to find the potential target population and associated predictive and preventive measures for future intensive peripartum care.AIM To review studies that explored the cellular and molecular mechanisms of GDM as well as predictive measures and prevention strategies.METHODS The search was performed in the Medline and PubMed databases using the terms“gestational diabetes mellitus,”“overt diabetes mellitus,”and“insulin resistance.”In the literature,only full-text articles were considered for inclusion(237 articles).Furthermore,articles published before 1997 and duplicate articles were excluded.After a final review by two experts,all studies(1997-2023)included in the review met the search terms and search strategy(identification from the database,screening of the studies,selection of potential articles,and final inclusion).RESULTS Finally,a total of 79 articles were collected for review.Reported risk factors for GDM included maternal obesity or overweight,pre-existing DM,and polycystic ovary syndrome.The pathophysiology of GDM involves genetic variants responsible for insulin secretion and glycemic control,pancreaticβcell depletion or dysfunction,aggravated insulin resistance due to failure in the plasma membrane translocation of glucose transporter 4,and the effects of chronic,low-grade inflammation.Currently,many antepartum measurements including adipokines(leptin),body mass ratio(waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio),and biomarkers(microRNA in extracellular vesicles)have been studied and confirmed to be useful markers for predicting GDM.For preventing GDM,physical activity and dietary approaches are effective interventions to control body weight,improve glycemic control,and reduce insulin resistance.CONCLUSION This review explored the possible factors that influence GDM and the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms of GDM and provided predictive measures and prevention strategies based on results of clinical studies.

Study on the Correlation Between SFRP-5 Expression Level, Insulin Resistance, and Glycolipid Metabolism in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Objective:To investigate the correlation between serum secretory frizzled-related protein 5(SFRP-5)expression levels and insulin resistance and glucolipid metabolism in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM).Methods:Baseline data were collected from 58 patients with GDM and 51 healthy controls who were admitted Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University from May 2020 to June 2022.sSTRA5 concentrations in peripheral blood of pregnant women were measured,and SFRP-5 levels in patients with different GDM types and normal controls were analyzed by logistic regression models.Results:The levels of triglyceride(TG),total cholesterol(TC),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),fasting blood glucose(FBG),fasting insulin(FINS),hemoglobin A1c(HbA1c),and homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance(HOMA-IR)were higher in the observation group than in the control group,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05),while the expression levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)and serum SFRP-5 were lower than in the control group,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05);serum SFRP-5,TG,TC,FBG,and HOMA-IR were all risk factors for GDM(P<0.05).Conclusion:Elevated serum sSTRA5 may be involved in the regulation of insulin resistance in the body and the regulation of blood glucose in the body by affecting lipid metabolism and inflammatory response.

Relationship Between Serum microRNA-372-3p and Glucose Transporter 4 Levels and Insulin Resistance in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Objective:To observe the changes in insulin resistance in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)based on the detection of serum microRNA-372-3p and glucose transporter protein 4(GLUT4)levels.Methods:We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 42 patients who were diagnosed with GDM and hospitalized in our hospital during the period from January 2017 to December 2021 and another 42 patients who had normal pregnancy during the same period by collecting their clinical data.We analyzed their serum microRNA expression profiles and miR-372-3p levels to study the relationship between GDM and insulin resistance.Results:The relative expression of miR-372-3p in the serum of patients in the GDM group was significantly higher than that of patients in the control group,but the GLUT 4 level of the GDM group was significantly lower than that of the control group(P<0.05).Compared with the control group,the GDM group had significantly higher levels of fasting blood glucose(FBG),fasting insulin(FINS),2-hour postprandial blood glucose(2h-BG),total cholesterol(TC),triglyceride(TG),and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance(HOMA-IR)index but significantly lower homeostasis model assessment ofβ-cell function(HOMA-β)index(P<0.05).The relative expression of miR-372-3p in serum was independently and positively correlated with HOMA-IR,while the level of GLUT4 was independently and negatively correlated with HOMA-IR(P<0.05).Conclusion:Glycosylated hemoglobin test in the early stages of pregnancy(12–13 weeks of gestation)is important to ensure the health of pregnant women and fetuses.The screening and intervention for elevated glucose in pregnant women act as a guideline for the treatment of GDM.Patients with insulin resistance and related complications such as hyperinsulinemia and hypoglycemia should be given priority.

A Study of Factors Related to the Incidence of Cataract in Patients with Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus

Purpose: To investigate the factors related to the development of cataract in patientswith non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus(NIDDM).Methods: 792 NIDDM patients received ophthalmologic examinations including visualacuity, external status of the eyes, slit lamp microscopy and ophthalmoscopy. Glucose,urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr), urine acid (UA), N-acetyl-β2-D-glucosaminidase(NAG), β2-microglobulin(β2-MG) and serum albumin in blood were quantitativelytested. Glucose, pH value, protein, cells, cast and ketobodies in urine were assayed.Diagnosis of cataract was based on lens opacities classification system Ⅱ. Any patientmeeting "NⅡ", "CⅡ" or "PⅡ" level was diagnosed as cataract.Results: The incidence of cataract in this group of NIDDM was 62.37 % (494/792),which significantly related to the duration of the disease course, but not to the sex of thepatient. The occurrence rate of cataract in patients suffering from NIDDM of less thanfive years duration, from five to ten years, and more than ten years was 49.67 % (228/459), 71.84 % (125/174), and 88.68 % (141/159), respectively. The occurrence ofcataract in patients diagnosed of the disease from five to ten years and more than tenyears was much higher than that of those with the course of the disease less than fiveyears( P ＜ 0.05 and P ＜ 0. 001, respectively) . Rising concentrations of blood ureanitrogen, creatinine, glycosylated hemoglobin HbA1c(G-HbA1c), N-acetyl-β2-D-glucosaminidase(NAG) and β2-microglobulin(β2-MG) indicated malfunction of thekidneys, and the rate of cataract occurrence in these patients was higher.Conclusion: This study indicates that prolongation of the duration of non-insulindependent diabetes mellitus, renal dysfunction, as well as poor blood glucose control,may accelerate the development of cataract.

The relationship between obese protein and noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

To explore the role of obese protein (OP), the product of the obese gene, in the development of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Metbods: Plasma obese protein level was measured by radioimmunoassay in 21 normal subjects, 24 adult obese patients and 20 patients with NIDDM. Results: The levels of the plasma obese protein in NIDDM patients (81. 0±17. 5 pg/ml) were very significantly lower than those in normal subjects (194. 3±17. 7 pg/ml) and obese patients (109.1±16. 4 pg/ml ) (P<0.01). The levels of the plasma obese protein in non-obese NIDDM patients were very significantly lower than those in non-obese normal subjects (P<0.01), and the levels of the plasma obese protein in obese NIDDM patients were very significantly lower than those in obese patients (P<0. 01). The leve1s of the plasma obese protein in NIDDM patients were significantly correlated with polyphagia (P<0.05), but not correlated with the body weight indexes after strict dieting, and the plasma levels of cholesterol, triglyceride, fasting glucose, hemoglobiti A, and the insulin levels during glucose tolerance test (P>0.05). Couclusion: Low plasma level of obese protein is one of the important factors contributing to obesity,and plasma obese protein may be closely related to the generation of NIDDM.

The relationship between insulin resistance/β-cell dysfunction and diabetic retinopathy in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus： the Desheng Diabetic Eye Study

AIM： To investigate the relationship between insulin resistance （IR）/β-cell dysfunction and diabetic retinopathy （DR） in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus （T2DM）, and to explore further whether there were differences in the relationship among diabetic patients with higher and lower body mass index （BMI）. METHODS： Cross-sectional study. A total of 1466 subjects with T2DM were recruited in a local Desheng Community of urban Beijing from November 2009 to June 2012 for the cohort of Beijing Desheng Diabetic Eye Study. Standardized evaluation was carried out for each participant, including questionnaire, ocular and anthropometric examinations, and laboratory tests. Seven fields 30° color fundus photographs were used for DR grading according to the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study protocols. Homeostatis Model Assessment （HOMA） method was employed for IR and β-cell function assessment. RESULTS： After excluding those participants who were treated with insulin （n=352） or had missing data of fasting insulin （n=96）, and further excluding those with poor quality of retinal photographs （n=10）, a total of 1008 subjects were included for the final analysis, 406 （40.3%） were men and 602 （59.7%） were women, age ranging fiom 34 to 86 （64.87±8.28）y. Any DR （levels 14 and above） was present in 278 （27.6%） subjects. After adjusting for possible covariates, the presence of any DR did not correlate with HOMA IR [odds ratio （OR） 1.51, 95% confidence interval （Cl） 0.87-2.61, P=0.14] or HOMA β-cell （OR 0.71, 95%CI 0.40-1.26, P=0.25）. After stratification by BMI, the presence of any DR was associated positively with HOMA IR （OR 2.46, 95%CI： 1.18-5.12, P=0.016）, and negatively with HOMA β-cell （OR 0.40, 95%CI： 0.19-0.87, P=0.021） in the group of patients with higher BMI （225 kg/m2）. In the group of patients with lower BMI （〈25 kg/m2）, the presence of any DR was not associated with HOMA IR （OR 1.00, 95%C1： 0.43-2.33, P=I.00） or HOMA β-cell （OR 1.41, 95%CI： 0.60-3.32, P=0.43）. CONCLUSION： The data suggest that higher IR and lower 13-cell function are associated with the presence of DR in the subgroup of diabetic patients with higher BMI. However, this association is not statistically significant in diabetic patients with lower BMI.

Effects of Portulaca Oleracea on Insulin Resistance in Rats with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Objective: To study the effects of Portulaca oler acea, a Chinese medicinal herb, on insulin resistance in rats with type 2 diabet es mellitus (T2DM). Methods: Experimental model of T2DM was established by injection of streptozotocin (25mg/kg) and feeding with high calorie forage. The effects o f Portulaca oleracea on oral glucose tolerance, serum levels of insulin, triglyc eride, total cholesterol, high density lipoproteins cholesterol and free f atty acids, and insulin sensitivity index were all observed. Results: Portulaca oleracea could reduce the body weight, improve the impaired glucose tolerance and lipid metabolism, decrease serum free fatty acids, attenuate hyperinsulinemia and elevate insulin sensitivity. Conclusion: Portulaca oleracea could improve insulin resistance i n rats with T2DM, and the mechanism might be related to its actions in improving lipid metabolism and decreasing free fatty acids.

Analysis of Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase Activation in the Adipose Tissue of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Patients and Insulin Resistance

The P85 regulatory subunit protein and gene expression and P110 catalylic subunit activity of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI-3K) were investigated in adipose tissue of patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in order to explore the molecular mechanisms of insulin resistance (IR) of GDM. Samples from patients with GDM (n=50), and controls (n=50) were collected. Fasting insulin (FIN) was determined by radioimmunoassay. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) was measured by oxidase assay. Western blot technique was used to detect the levels of PI-3K P85 subunit in adipose tissues of patients with GDM. The mRNA expression of PI-3K P85 subunit was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method in the adipose tissue. PI-3K activity was examined by immunoprecipitation, thin-layer chromatography and gamma scintillation counting. The results were analyzed statistically. It was found that the levels of FPG, FIN and HOMA-IR in GDM group were significantly higher than those in control group (all P0.05). PI-3K activity was significantly decreased to 82.89% in GDM group as compared with control group (P<0.01) and negatively correlated with HOMA-IR (r=-0.75, P<0.01). It was concluded that PI-3K in GDM patients may be involved in the insulin signaling pathway, resulting in IR of GDM.

Relationship between Tyrosine Phosphorylation and Protein Expression of Insulin Receptor and Insulin Resistance in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Summary： The relationship between tyrosine phosphorylation （TP） and protein expression of insulin receptor （InsR） and insulin resistance （IR） in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus （GDM） was investigated. The InsR expression and TP in skeleton muscle tissue were determined by Western blotting and immunoprecipitation in women with GDM （GDM group, n=22）, normal pregnant women （normal pregnancy group, n=22） and normal non-pregnant women （normal non-pregnant group, n=13）. Fasting plasma glucose （FPG） and fasting insulin （FINS） were measured by oxidase assay and immunoradioassay. The results showed that the levels of FPG （5.61±0.78 mmol/L）, FINS （15.42±5.13 mU/L） and Ho- meostasis model assessment-IR （HOMA-IR） （1.21±0.52） in GDM group were significantly higher than those in normal pregnancy group （4.43±0.46 mmol/L, 10.56±3.07 mU/L and 0.80±0.31 respectively） （P〈0.01）. The levels of FINS and HOMA-IR in normal pregnancy group were significantly higher than those in normal non-pregnant group （7.56±2.31 mU/L and 0.47±0.26 respectively） （P〈0.01）. There was no significant difference in the InsR expression level among the three groups （P〉0.05）. TP of InsR with insulin stimulation was significantly decreased in GDM group （0.20±0.05） as compared with normal pregnancy group （0.26±0.06） （P〈0.01）. TP of InsR with insulin stimulation in normal pregnancy group was lower than that in normal non-pregnant group （0.31±0.06） （P〈0.01）. TP of InsR with insulin stimu- lation was negatively related with HOMA-IR in GDM group （r=-0.525, P〈0.01）. There was no correlation between the protein expression of InsR and HOMA-IR in GDM group （r=-0.236, P〉0.05）. It was suggested that there is no significant correlation between the protein expression of InsR in skeletal muscle and IR in GDM, but changes in TP of InsR are associated with IR in GDM.

Diabetes mellitus and Parkinson's disease:dangerous liaisons between insulin and dopamine

The relationship between diabetes mellitus and Parkinson's disease has been described in several epidemiological studies over the 1960 s to date.Molecular studies have shown the possible functional link between insulin and dopamine,as there is strong evidence demonstrating the action of dopamine in pancreatic islets,as well as the insulin effects on feeding and cognition through central nervous system mechanism,largely independent of glucose utilization.Therapies used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus appear to be promising candidates for symptomatic and/or disease-modifying action in neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson's disease,while an old dopamine agonist,bromocriptine,has been repositioned for the type 2 diabetes mellitus treatment.This review will aim at reappraising the different studies that have highlighted the dangerous liaisons between diabetes mellitus and Parkinson's disease.

Gestational diabetes mellitus and COVID-19:The epidemic during the pandemic

During the global coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic,people worldwide have experienced an unprecedented rise in psychological distress and anxiety.In addition to this challenging situation,the prevalence of diabetes mellitus(DM),a hidden epidemic,has been steadily increasing in recent years.Lower-middle-income countries have faced significant barriers in providing accessible prenatal care and promoting a healthy diet for pregnant women,and the pandemic has made these challenges even more difficult to overcome.Pregnant women are at a higher risk of developing complications such as hypertension,preeclampsia,and gestational diabetes,all of which can have adverse implications for both maternal and fetal health.The occurrence of gestational diabetes has been on the rise,and it is possible that the pandemic has worsened its prevalence.Although data is limited,studies conducted in Italy and Canada suggest that the pandemic has had an impact on gestational diabetes rates,especially among women in their first trimester of pregnancy.The significant disruptions to daily routines caused by the pandemic,such as limited exercise options,indicate a possible link between COVID-19 and an increased likelihood of experiencing higher levels of weight gain during pregnancy.Notably,individuals in the United States with singleton pregnancies are at a significantly higher risk of excessive gestational weight gain,making this association particularly important to consider.Although comprehensive data is currently lacking,it is important for clinical researchers to explore the possibility of establishing correlations between the stress experienced during the pandemic,its consequences such as gestational gain weight,and the increasing incidence of gestational DM.This knowledge would contribute to better preventive measures and support for pregnant individuals during challenging times.