Insulin resistance and occurrence and prognosis of ischemic stroke A non-randomized concurrent control and intra-group comparison

BACKGROUND： Clinical evidence has demonstrated that insulin resistance might be an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke, which has not been recognized. At present, insulin resistance has been proven to be an independent risk factor for coronary arteriosclerotic heart disease. However, the relationship between the onset and prognosis of ischemic stroke remains unclear. OBJECTIVE： This study was designed to analyze the relationship between insulin resistance and ischemic stroke and the correlation between insulin resistance and stroke risk factor, and to investigate the relationship between insulin resistance and ischemic stroke prognosis as well as whether insulin resistance is an independent prognostic factor. DESIGN： A non-randomized concurrent control experiment. SETTING： Department of Geriatric Disease, Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical College. PARTICIPANTS： A total of 106 inpatients with ischemic stroke of the cervical internal carotid artery, who had suffered from the disease within the previous 72 hours, were admitted to the Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical College from March to December in 2005 and, recruited for the present study. All 106 inpatients corresponded to the diagnostic criteria of ischemic stroke, formulated at the Fourth National Cerebrovascular Disease Conference in 1995, and were confirmed as having had an ischemic stroke by CT/MRI examinations. The patient group consisted of 54 males and 52 females. An additional 50 healthy individuals, who received health examinations simultaneously, were included as controls. Among the control subjects, there were 26 males and 24 females. Informed consent for laboratory measurements was obtained from all subjects; this study was approved by the Hospital Ethics Committee. METHODS： Following admission, all subjects were inquired of age, gender, previous history, blood pressure, body temperature, admission time, and smoking habits. Meanwhile, they were scored on clinical neurological function deficits. At 24 hours after admission, blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were measured under the fasting condition. The control subjects were subjected to the same examinations and evaluation upon admission. In the two groups, insulin resistance degree was evaluated by the insulin sensitivity index （ISI）. According to the ISI, patients were assigned into severe and mild insulin resistance subgroups. The insulin resistance degree and its correlations to stroke risk factors and stroke prognosis were analyzed separately by t-test, linear correlation analysis and logistic regression analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Comparisons of fasting blood glucose and insulin levels, ISI, blood pressure, and blood lipid level between the two groups; comparisons of neurological function deficit scores, daily living activity scores and complication incidence between the severe and mild insulin resistance patients at 4 weeks after onset. RESULTS： All 106 patients and 50 healthy subjects were included in the final analysis. On admission, in the patient group, the blood glucose and insulin levels were significantly higher, while the ISI was significantly lower, compared with the control group （t = 10.38-12.29, P 〈 0.05）; At 4 weeks after admission, in the patient group, blood glucose level was decreased, but there was no significant difference compared with the control group （P 〉 0.05）, insulin level was decreased, but it was significantly higher compared with the control group （t = 6.46, P 〈 0.05）, and ISI was increased, but it was significantly lower compared with the control group （t = 66, P 〈 0.05）. On admission and at 4 weeks after admission, ISI was negatively correlated with triglyceride level （r = -0.494, -0.459, P 〈 0.05） and positively correlated to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level （r = 0.448, 0.310, P 〈 0.05）; however, it was not correlated with total cholesterol or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels （P 〉 0.05）. In the severe insulin resistance patients, clinical neurological function deficit scores and complication incidence were significantly higher, while daily living activity scores were significantly lower, compared with the mild insulin resistance patients （t = 5.352 9, 4.260 4, 0.070 6, P 〈 0.05）. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that ISI was finally excluded as an independent prognostic factor. CONCLUSION： Ischemic stroke patients presented with insulin resistance. Insulin resistance was correlated with conventional risk factors for stroke, including hypertension and lipid metabolism disorder. Insulin resistance was correlated with the prognosis of acute cerebral infarction patients, but it was not an independent predictive factor.

The Association of Visceral Adiposity Index with Insulin Resistance in Adults with Prediabetes

Visceral adiposity mediates insulin resistance, but their association among adults with prediabetes is scarce in the literature. This study is aimed to determine the association of visceral adiposity index (VAI) with insulin resistance in adults with prediabetes. This cross-sectional study was done among 117 adults with newly detected prediabetes [m/f;23/94;mean ± SD: Age 36.30 ± 9.99 years, BMI 28.89 ± 4.35 kg/m2] based on American Diabetes Association 2018 criteria and 141 matched healthy controls [m/f: 28/113;mean ± SD: 35.30 ± 6.88 years, BMI 25.03 ± 4.58]. Waist circumference, body mass index, fasting triglyceride, HDL cholesterol, fasting blood glucose and insulin were measured in each group to calculate VAI and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). People with prediabetes had significantly higher median value of VAI {3.08 (2.26) vs. 1.86 (2.31);p < 0.001} with higher frequency of high VAI (>1) (98.3% vs. 85.8%;p < 0.001) than the control population. HOMA-IR level was significantly higher in prediabetes with high VAI (cut-off of 2.64) than control with normal VAI [2.78 (2.22, 4.15) vs. 2.20 (1.53, 3.36);p = 0.002]. VAI was positively correlated with HOMA-IR in females with prediabetes (r = 0.299, p = 0.003). VAI had predictive association with prediabetes [OR (95% CI: 9.504 (2.173, 41.576);p = 0.03] and high insulin resistance (HOMA-IR ≥ 2.6) in females with prediabetes [OR (95% CI) = 3.50 (1.476, 8.297);p = 0.004] only. It could satisfactorily discriminate prediabetes in both sexes (male: AUC = 0.767, p = 0.001;female: AUC = 0.641, p < 0.001) and high insulin resistance in females with prediabetes (AUC = 0.641;p = 0.019) only. So, VAI was associated with prediabetes and insulin resistance only in females with prediabetes.

Study on the Difference of Body Mass Index and Insulin Sensitivity Index in Salt-sensitive Hypertension Patients of Different Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome Types

OBJECTIVE: To explore the difference of body mass index(BMI) and insulin sensitivity index(ISI) in saltsensitive hypertension patients of different traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) syndrome types, so as to elucidate the effect of the distribution of each syndrome on the degree of insulin resistance in salt-sensitive hypertension patients. METHODS: A total of 131 patients with salt-sensitive hypertension were included in the study. Factor analysis and cluster analysis were used to study the characteristics of TCM viscera, syndrome elements and syndrome differentiation. Furthermore, the following parameters were observed and corresponding differences were analyzed, including BMI, waist circumference, abdominal circumference, neck circumference and insulin sensitivity index among group s of different TCM syndrome types. RESULTS: There were 131 cases of saltsensitive hypertension. The results of factor analysis showed that the total variance contribution of F1-5 common factors was 75.8%. According to the pattern differentiation of zang-fu organs, a basic theory of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), the main zang-fu organs involved in the five common factors are: liver, spleen, and kidney.The main syndrome factors that had been extracted include yin de?ciency, ?re, qi stagnation, yang hyperactivity,dampness, phlegm, qi reversal, heat, retained fluid, essence deficiency, qi descending, qi deficiency, and yang deficiency. Among them, factor 1 accounted for 18.32%, factor 2 accounted for 21.37%, factor 3 accounted for20.43%, factor 4 accounted for 20.61%, and factor 5 accounted for 22.14%. The proportion of zang-fu organs involvement was: 21.37% of the spleen, 17.56% of the kidney, 18.32% of the liver and spleen, and 42.75% of the spleen and kidney. Syndrome elements: yin de?ciency 18.32%, phlegm-dampness 21.37%, qi stagnation 39.69%, qi de?ciency 42.75%, retained ?uid 20.61%, yang de?ciency 60.31%, essence de?ciency 17.56%, qi sinking 17.56%,heat 21.37%, qi reversal 21.37%. Results of cluster analysis: there were 3 categories when the distance variance was 20-Category 1: Factor 1; Category 2: Factor 2; Category 3: Factor 3, Factor 4, Factor 5. Combined with the clinical practice of TCM, the classi?cation based on TCM syndromes was:Category 1, yin de?ciency and yang hyperactivity pattern(accounting for 18.32%); Category 2, excessive accumulation of phlegm-dampness(accounting for 21.37%); Category 3, spleen-kidney yang de?ciency and pattern of water-rheum collecting internally(accounting for 60.31%), including 24 cases of yin-de?ciency and yang-hyperactivity(YDYH), 28 cases of excessive phlegmdampness syndrome(EPDS), 79 cases of spleen and kidney yang-de?ciency and ?uid retention stagnating in the interior(SKFR). There was no difference in the distribution of age and sex among groups. In addition, no signi?cant difference was found regarding BMI, waist circumference, abdominal circumference, neck circumference among groups of salt-sensitive hypertension of different TCM syndrome types. Meanwhile, ISI was signi?cantly lower in cases of spleen and kidney yang-de?ciency and ?uid retention stagnating in the interior than in the other 2 groups,with statistical difference. CONCLUSION: Insulin resistance is the most serious in salt-sensitive hypertension patients with spleen and kidney yang-de?ciency and ?uid retention stagnating in the interior. Besides, obesity is not a critical factor in determining the distribution of TCM syndrome types in patients with salt-sensitive hypertension.

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.

Surrogate markers of insulin resistance:A review

Insulin resistance is a hallmark of obesity,diabetes,and cardiovascular diseases,and leads to many of the abnormalities associated with metabolic syndrome. Our understanding of insulin resistance has improved tremendously over the years,but certain aspects of its estimation still remain elusive to researchers and clinicians.The quantitative assessment of insulin sensitivity is not routinely used during biochemical investigations for diagnostic purposes,but the emerging importance of insulin resistance has led to its wider application research studies.Evaluation of a number of clinical states where insulin sensitivity is compromised calls for assessment of insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is increasingly being assessed in various disease conditions where it aids in examining their pathogenesis,etiology and consequences. The hyperinsulinemic euglycemic glucose clamp is the gold standard method for the determination of insulin sensitivity,but is impractical as it is labor-and time-intensive.A number of surrogate indices have therefore been employed to simplify and improve the determination of insulin resistance.The object of this review is to highlight various aspects and methodologies for current and upcoming measures ofinsulin sensitivity/resistance.In-depth knowledge of these markers will help in better understanding and exploitation of the condition.

Over expression of resistin in adipose tissue of the obese induces insulin resistance

AIM: To compare resistin mRNA expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and its correlation with insulin resistance (IR) in postmenopausal obese women. METHODS: A total of 68 postmenopausal women (non obese = 34 and obese = 34) were enrolled for the study. The women of the two groups were age matched (49-70 years). Fasting blood samples were collected at admission and abdominal SAT was obtained during surgery for gall bladder stones or hysterectomy. Physical parameters [age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI)] were measured. Biochemical (plasma insulin and plasma glucose) parameters were estimated by enzymatic methods. RNA was isolated by the Trizol method.SAT resistin mRNA expression was done by real time- reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) by using Quanti Tect SYBR Green RT-PCR master mix. Data was analyzed using independent Student's t test, correlation and simple linear regression analysis. RESULTS: The mean weight (52.81 ± 8.04 kg vs 79.56 ± 9.91 kg; P < 0.001), BMI (20.23 ± 3.05 kg/m 2 vs 32.19 ± 4.86 kg/m 2 ; P < 0.001), insulin (8.47 ± 3.24 U/mL vs 14.67 ± 2.18 U/mL; P < 0.001), glucose (97.44 ± 11.31 mg/dL vs 109.67 ± 8.02 mg/dL; P < 0.001) and homeostasis model assessment index (2.01 ± 0.73 vs 3.96 ± 0.61; P < 0.001) were significantly higher in postmenopausal obese women compared to postmenopausal non obese women. The mean serum resistin level was also significantly higher in postmeno-pausal obese women compared to postmenopausal non obese women (9.05 ± 5.15 vs 13.92 ± 6.32, P < 0.001). Furthermore, the mean SAT resistin mRNA expression was also significantly (0.023 ± 0.008 vs 0.036 ± 0.009; P < 0.001) higher and over expressed 1.62 fold (upregulated) in postmenopausal obese women compared to postmenopausal non obese women. In postmeno-pausal obese women, the relative SAT resistin mRNA expression showed positive (direct) and significant correlation with BMI (r = 0.78, P < 0.001) and serum resistin (r = 0.76, P < 0.001). Furthermore, the SAT resistin mRNA expression in postmenopausal obese women also showed significant and direct association (r = 0.45, P < 0.01) with IR, while in postmenopausal non obese women it did not show any association (r = -0.04, P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Increased SAT resistin mRNA expres-sion probably leads to inducing insulin resistance and thus may be associated with obesity-related disorders in postmenopausal obese women.

Cardiometabolic risk factors in young Indian men and their association with parameters of insulin resistance and beta-cell function

BACKGROUND There is an unmet need to evaluate the burden of cardiometabolic risk factors in young South Asian adults,who are not preselected for glycaemia.AIM To evaluate young North Indian men(aged 20-50 years)for burden of cardiometabolic risk factors,in relation to parameters of homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance(HOMA-IR)and beta-cell function(oral disposition index[oDI]).METHODS Study participants were invited in a fasting state.Sociodemographic,anthropometric,and medical data were collected,and 75 g oral glucose tolerance test was performed with serum insulin and plasma glucose estimation at 0,30,and 120 min.Participants were divided into quartiles for HOMA-IR and oDI(category 1:Best HOMA-IR/oDI quartile;category 3:Worst HOMA-IR/oDI quartile)and composite HOMA-IR/oDI phenotypes(phenotype 1:Best quartile for both HOMA-IR and oDI;phenotype 4:Worst quartile for both HOMA-IR and oDI)were derived.RESULTS We evaluated a total of 635 men at a mean(±SD)age of 33.9±5.1 years and body mass index of 26.0±3.9 kg/m^(2).Diabetes and prediabetes were present in 34(5.4%)and 297(46.8%)participants,respectively.Overweight/obesity,metabolic syndrome,and hypertension were present in 388(61.1%),258(40.6%),and 123(19.4%)participants,respectively.The prevalence of dysglycaemia,metabolic syndrome,and hypertension was significantly higher in participants belonging to the worst HOMA-IR and oDI quartiles,either alone(category 3 vs 1)or in combination(phenotype 4 vs 1).The adjusted odds ratios for dysglycaemia(6.5 to 7.0-fold),hypertension(2.9 to 3.6-fold),and metabolic syndrome(4.0 to 12.2-fold)were significantly higher in individuals in the worst quartile of HOMA-IR and oDI(category 3),compared to those in the best quartile(category 1).The adjusted odds ratios further increased to 21.1,5.6,and 13.7,respectively,in individuals with the worst,compared to the best composite HOMA-IR/oDI phenotypes(phenotype 4 vs 1).CONCLUSION The burden of cardiometabolic risk factors is high among young Asian Indian men.Our findings highlight the importance of using parameters of insulin resistance and beta-cell function in phenotyping individuals for cardiometabolic risk.

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and insulin resistance in children

Various pathological conditions can cause fatty liver in children. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH) in children has been known since 1983. However, NASH diagnosed in childhood does not have a favorable outcome.The pathological characteristics of NASH are significantly different between children and adults. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)/NASH is accompanied by insulin resistance, which plays a pivotal role in its pathophysiology in both children and adults. In NASH,a "two-hit" model involving triglyceride accumulation(first hit) and liver damage(second hit) has been accepted. Insulin resistance was found to correlate with changes in fat levels; however, it did not correlate with fibrosis or NAFLD activity score in children. Therefore,insulin resistance may be important in the first hit.Because there is obvious familial clustering in NASH,genetic predisposition as well as environmental factors including diet might be the second hit of NAFLD/NASH.

ASSOCIATION OF INSULIN RESISTANCE AND C-REACTIVE PROTEIN WITH CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE IN PATIENTS WITH NORMAL GLUCOSE TOLERANCE

Objective To examine insulin resistance and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) association with clinical and angiographic severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with normal glucose tolerance. Methods In 638 consecutive patients with normal glucose tolerance, 221 had atypical chest pain and normal coronary artery (control group), 279 had stable angina and CAD (SAP group), and 138 suffered acute myocardial infarction (MI group). The degree of CAD was further divided into borderline lesion (lumen diameter narrowing 50%-69%), significant 1-, 2- or 3-vessel disease (luminal diameter narrowing ≥70%). Fasting serum glucose, insulin and hsCRP levels and lipid profiles were measured, and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated. Multivariate analysis was performed to assess risk factors for 3-vessel disease or acute MI. Results Serum hsCRP, lipoprotein (a) levels, and insulin resistance index (IRI) were higher in AMI group than those in SAP and control groups. Serum hsCRP level and IRI were also higher in 3-vessel disease than those in other groups. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that insulin resistance, cigarette smoking, serum hsCRP, and lipoprotein (a) levels were independent risk factors for acute MI. Lipoprotein (a) elevation was an independent risk factor for 3-vessel disease. Conclusion Insulin resistance and high serum hsCRP level were associated with occurrence of acute MI and angiographic severity of coronary disease in patients with normal glucose tolerance.

Association of vitamin D and magnesium with insulin sensitivity and their influence on glycemic control

Insulin resistance increases the risk of developing diabetes,and the degree of resistance influences the glycemic control of patients with diabetes.Numerous researchers have focused on improving insulin sensitivity in order to prevent diabetes-related complications and other chronic diseases.Several studies have also linked vitamin D levels to insulin secretion and resistance,given that both vitamin D and its receptor complex play important roles in regulating pancreaticβ-cells.It has been suggested that vitamin D supplementation improves vitamin D levels,but further research is needed to confirm this as neither insulin function nor glycemic control improves when vitamin D levels increase.Magnesium is a cofactor for many enzymes.Although the role of magnesium in the management of diabetes has long been evaluated,it has not yet been determined whether magnesium supplements improve insulin function.However,several researchers have found that patients with good glycemic control have high magnesium levels.Magnesium is closely related to vitamin D and is necessary for the transport and activation of vitamin D in humans.Combined supplementation with vitamin D and magnesium improves glycemic control in patients with diabetes.

PLASMA RESISTIN LEVELS AND SINGLE-NUCLEOTIDE POLYMORPHISMS IN RESISTIN GENE 5 FLANKING REGION IN PATIENTS WITH STROKE

Objective To analyze the role of resistin in insulin resistance (IR) through investigating the variation of plasma resistin levels and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in resistin gene 5’ flanking region in stroke patients.Methods In 103 atherothrombotic cerebral infarction (ACI) patients, 85 lacunar infarction (LI) patients, 70 intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) patients, and 86 healthy controls, plasma resistin and insulin levels were measured by ELISA , SNPs in resistin gene 5’ flanking region were detected by PCR and direct DNA sequencing. The subjects’ body height and weight, the body mass index, quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), blood pressure, and the concentration of fasting plasma glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, creatinine, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein were also determined. Results QUICKI was significantly lower in the ACI and ICH patients (0.316±0.037 and 0.309±0.032, respectively) than that in the controls (0.342±0.043, P<0.001), while plasma resistin level was significantly higher in the ACI and ICH patients (6.36±3.79 and 7.15±4.27 ng/mL, respectively) than that in the controls (5.28±2.56 ng/mL, P<0.05), but such difference was not observed in the LI patients compared with controls. There was a statistically negative correlation between plasma resistin level with QUICKI (r=-0.228, P<0.001). The distributions of allele and genotype frequencies of resistin gene -420C>G and -537A>C SNPs were not significantly different among the different groups, and those SNPs were not correlated with other clinical and biochemical parameters.Conclusions Plasma resistin is associated with stroke by participating in the development of IR. The SNPs in resistin gene 5’ flanking region has no impact on the plasma resistin level.

Effect of resistance exercise on insulin sensitivity of skeletal muscle

Insulin resistance(IR)is the common pathophysiological basis of many metabolic diseases.IR is characterized by decreased glucose uptake in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue,especially in skeletal muscle.Skeletal muscle is the main target tissue of glucose uptake under insulin stimulation.Glucose uptake by skeletal muscle is complex,and it is controlled by many pathways.The PI3K/AKt/GSK-1 signaling pathway is not only the main pathway for insulin signal transduction but also an important mechanism for regulating blood glucose.From the binding of insulin to its receptors on the surface of target cells to the transportation of glucose from extracellular fluid to skeletal muscle,a series of signal transduction processes is completed,any of which potentially affects the physiological effects of insulin and leads to IR.Resistance exercise(RT)can reduce skeletal muscle IR and effectively improve blood glucose control and glycosylated hemoglobin level in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).However,the exact mechanism by which RT improves skeletal muscle IR remains unclear.Therefore,this paper discusses the above problems by tracking the progress of the literature to deepen the correlation between RT and skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity and provide further evidence for the application of exercise therapy in IR.In conclusion,RT mainly improves insulin sensitivity of skeletal muscle by increasing muscle mass,microvascular blood flow,and glucose transporter-4 expression in skeletal muscle,as well as by reducing lipid accumulation and inflammation in skeletal muscle.Thus,it is potentially useful in the prevention and treatment of T2DM.

Comparison of body mass index, anti-müllerian hormone and insulin resistance parameters among different phenotypes of polycystic ovary syndrome

Background:Diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)depends on 2003 Rotterdam Criteria.According to these criteria there are four possible combinations resulting in various phenotypes.We aimed(i)to confirm that the levels of body mass index(BMI),anti-müllerian hormone(AMH)levels and insulin resistance(IR)are higher in PCOS patients and higher in phenotype-A among PCOS patients,and(ii)to determine cut-off values for the diagnosis of PCOS and phenotype-A.Materials and methods:This study was conducted in an IVF Center,between November 2019 and January 2021.Data of infertile women participating in the study was evaluated retrospectively.Parameters such as menstruation pattern,clinical hyperandrogenism,age,BMI,follicle stimulating hormone(FSH),luteinizing hormone(LH),estradiol,thyroid stimulating hormone(TSH),prolactin,AMH,dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate(DHEA-S),fasting blood glucose,fasting insulin levels,antral follicle counts(AFC)and ovarian volumes were recorded for each patient.Women were grouped as PCOS and non-PCOS,and PCOS group was further divided into 4 subgroups according to their phenotypes.Data of infertile patients with PCOS patients were compared with infertile non-PCOS patients and PCOS phenotypes were compared among each other.Results:Data of 244 infertile patients was included in the study.BMI,AMH,AFC,and HOMA-IR were statistically higher in PCOS patients,compared to non-PCOS patients.We found the AMH level of>3.105 ng/ml to be having 90.8%sensitivity and 90%specificity to diagnose a patient as PCOS.Among different phenotypes,also BMI,AMH,and insulin resistance index(HOMA-IR)levels were significantly higher in infertile PCOS phenotype-A when compared to other three phenotypes(p:0.003,p:0.000,and p:0.000,respectively).The AMH cut-off value to estimate phenotype-A was found as 6.095 ng/ml with 69.2%sensitivity and 86.7%specificity.We did not found threshold levels of BMI and HOMA-IR with high sensitivity to identify phenotype-A.Conclusion:Properly diagnosing PCOS and determining the phenotype are crucial due to the long-term health conditions.Therefore,we suggest that serum AMH level could be included in PCOS diagnosis criteria,and the value of 3.105 ng/ml would have a 90.8%sensitivity and 90%specificity.Also,to identify phenotype-A,AMH level could be used.Therefore,we speculate that AMH may serve to identify PCOS and PCOS phenotype-A in places where ultrasound imaging is not straightforward to perform or not easily accessible.

Insulin Resistance in Pregnancy Is Correlated with Decreased Insulin Receptor Gene Expression in Omental Adipose: Insulin Sensitivity and Adipose Tissue Gene Expression in Normal Pregnancy

Aims: To determine correlations of insulin sensitivity to gene expression in omental and subcutaneous adipose tissue of non-obese, non-diabetic pregnant women. Methods: Microarray gene profiling was performed on subcutaneous and omental adipose tissue from 14 patients and obtained while fasting during non-laboring Cesarean section, using Illumina HumanHT-12 V4 Expression BeadChips. Findings were validated by real-time PCR. Matusda-Insulin sensitivity index (IS) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were calculated from glucose and insulin levels obtained from a frequently sampled oral glucose tolerance test, and correlated with gene expression. Results: Of genes differentially expressed in omental vs. subcutaneous adipose, in omentum 12 genes were expressed toward insulin resistance, whereas only 5 genes were expressed toward insulin sensitivity. In particular, expression of the insulin receptor gene (INSR), which initiates the insulin signaling cascade, is strongly positively correlated with IS and negatively with HOMA-IR in omental tissue (r = 0.84). Conclusion: Differential gene expression in omentum relative to subcutaneous adipose showed a pro-insulin resistance profile in omentum. A clinical importance of omental adipose is observed here, as downregulation of insulin receptor in omentum is correlated with increased systemic insulin resistance.

A nutraceutical combination improves insulin sensitivity in patients with metabolic syndrome

AIM:To test the efficacy of a proprietary nutraceutical combination in reducing insulin resistance associated with the metabolic syndrome(MetS).METHODS:Sixty-four patients with MetS followed at a tertiary outpatient clinic were randomly assigned to receive either placebo or a proprietary nutraceutical combination(AP)consisting of berberine,policosanol and red yeast rice,in a prospective,double-blind,placebo-controlled study.Evaluations were performed at baseline and after 18 wk of treatment.The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance(HOMAIR)index was the primary outcome measure.Secondary endpoints included lipid panel,blood glucose and insulin fasting,after a standard mixed meal and after an oral glucose tolerance test(OGTT),ow-mediated dilation(FMD),and waist circumference.RESULTS:Fifty nine patients completed the study,2 withdrew because of adverse effects.After 18 wk there was a signif icant reduction in the HOMA-IR index in the AP group compared with placebo(ΔHOMA respectively-0.6 ± 1.2 vs 0.4 ± 1.9;P < 0.05).Total and low density lipoprotein cholesterol also significantly decreased in the treatment arm compared with placebo(Δlow density lipoprotein cholesterol-0.82 ± 0.68 vs-0.13 ± 0.55 mmol/L;P < 0.001),while triglycerides,high density lipoprotein cholesterol,and the OGTT were not affected.In addition,there were significant reductions in blood glucose and insulin after the standard mixed meal,as well as an increase in FMD(ΔFMD 1.9 ± 4.2 vs 0 ± 1.9 %;P < 0.05)and a significant reduction in arterial systolic blood pressure in the AP arm.CONCLUSION:This short-term study shows that AP has relevant beneficial effects on insulin resistance and many other components of MetS.

Insulin resistance in H pylori infection and its association with oxidative stress

AIM: To determine the insulin resistance (IR) and oxidative status in H pylori infection and to find out if there is any relationship between these parameters and insulin resistance. METHODS: Fifty-five H pylori positive and 48 H pylori negative patients were enrolled. The homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) was used to assess insulin resistance. Serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) were determined in all subjects. RESULTS: The total antioxidant capacity was significantly lower in H pylori positive group than in H pylori negative group (1.36 ± 0.33 and 1.70 ± 0.50, respectively; P < 0.001), while the total oxidant status and oxidative stress index were significantly higher in H pylori positive group than in H pylori negative group (6.79 ± 3.40 and 5.08 ± 0.95, and 5.42 ± 3.40 and 3.10 ± 0.92, respectively; P < 0.001). Insulin resistance was significantly higher in H pylori positive group than in H pylori negative group (6.92 ± 3.86 and 3.61 ± 1.67, res- pectively; P < 0.001). Insulin resistance was found to be significantly correlated with total antioxidant capacity (r = -0.251, P < 0.05), total oxidant status (r = 0.365, P < 0.05), and oxidative stress index (r = 0.267, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Insulin resistance seems to be associated with increased oxidative stress in H pylori infection. Further studies are needed to clarify the mechanisms underlying this association and elucidate the effectof adding antioxidant vitamins to H pylori eradication therapy on insulin resistance during H pylori infection.

Association between triglyceride-glucose index and colorectal polyps:A retrospective cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND Colorectal polyps(CPs)are frequently occurring abnormal growths in the colorectum,and are a primary precursor of colorectal cancer(CRC).The triglyceride-glucose(TyG)index is a novel marker that assesses metabolic health and insulin resistance,and has been linked to gastrointestinal cancers.AIM To investigate the potential association between the TyG index and CPs,as the relation between them has not been documented.METHODS A total of 2537 persons undergoing a routine health physical examination and colonoscopy at The First People's Hospital of Kunshan,Jiangsu Province,China,between January 2020 and December 2022 were included in this retrospective cross-sectional study.After excluding individuals who did not meet the eligibility criteria,descriptive statistics were used to compare characteristics between patients with and without CPs.Logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the associations between the TyG index and the prevalence of CPs.The TyG index was calculated using the following formula:Ln[triglyceride(mg/dL)×glucose(mg/dL)/2].The presence and types of CPs was determined based on data from colonoscopy reports and pathology reports.RESULTS A nonlinear relation between the TyG index and the prevalence of CPs was identified,and exhibited a curvilinear pattern with a cut-off point of 2.31.A significant association was observed before the turning point,with an odds ratio(95% confidence interval)of 1.70(1.40,2.06),P<0.0001.However,the association between the TyG index and CPs was not significant after the cut-off point,with an odds ratio(95% confidence interval)of 0.57(0.27,1.23),P=0.1521.CONCLUSION Our study revealed a curvilinear association between the TyG index and CPs in Chinese individuals,suggesting its potential utility in developing colonoscopy screening strategies for preventing CRC.

Effects of Supplemented Taohe Chengqi Decoction (桃核承气汤) in Treating Insulin Resistance in Rats with Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus

Objective: To investigate the effect of supplemented Taohe Chengqi Decoction (桃核承气汤,STHCQD) in treating non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Methods: The model of rats withNIDDM was formed with injection of streptozotocin and fed on high calorie diet to study the effects of STHCQDon the release of insulin sensitivity. Results: (l ) Fasting serum glucose, serum insulin, intake of food and waterwere significantly decreased (P < 0. 05 -- 0. 01 ) in STHCQD-treated diabetic rats as compared with untreated diabetic rats, while the insulin sensitivity was significantly increased (P < 0. 05 ). (2) The liver cell membranesfrom STHCQD-treated diabetic rats released the quantity of insulin receptor which inhibited adenylate cyclaseactivity, but this effect was blunted in untreated diabetic rats (P < 0. 05). (3) A significantly increased glucoseoxidation in adipocyte of STHCQD-treated diabetic rats was found as compared with those of untreated diabeticrats (P< 0. 05). Conclusions: STHCQD therapy Increased sensitivity and responsiveness of target cells to insulin, i. e. it might decrease insulin resistance at receptor sites and POst--receptor sites in rats with NIDDM, butcould not.reverse the insulin resistance.

Immunosuppressive therapy in pancreas and islet transplant: Need for simultaneous assessment of insulin sensitivity and secretion

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease possible to treat via pancreas/islet transplantation but most immunosuppressive drugs are diabetogenic. In this letter, we review current up to date methods to assess insulin action and secretion (using the surrogate indexes) suggesting their use in large studies in populations of pancreas/ islets transplanted patients.

Correlation of body mass index with Th1/Th2 balance, adhesion molecules and insulin signal transduction in infertile patients

Objective: To study the correlation of body mass index with Th1/Th2 balance, adhesion molecules and insulin signal transduction in infertile patients. Methods: A total of 132 patients who received diagnostic curettage due to infertility in Tangshan Maternal and Child Health Hospital between June 2015 and March 2016 were selected as the research subjects and divided into the normal group with BMI<25 kg/m2, the overweight group with BMI 25-30 kg/m2 and the obesity group with BMI > 30 kg/m2 according to BMI, and the levels of Th1/Th2 cytokines in serum as well as the expression of Th1/Th2 transcription factors, adhesion molecules and insulin signal pathway molecules in endometrial tissue were detected. Results:IFN-γ and TNF-α levels in serum of obesity group and overweight group were significantly higher than those of control group while IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 levels in serum as well as CD44V6, N-cadherin, FAK, ICAM-1, GLUT-4, IRS-1, PI3K and AKT mRNA expression in endometrial tissue were significantly lower than those of control group;IFN-γ and TNF-α levels in serum of obesity group were significantly higher than those of overweight group while IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 levels in serum as well as CD44V6, N-cadherin, FAK, ICAM-1, GLUT-4, IRS-1, PI3K and AKT mRNA expression in endometrial tissue were significantly lower than those of overweight group. Conclusion: Weight gain can aggravate the Th1/Th2 disorder, reduce the adhesion molecule expression and hinder the insulin signal transduction in infertile patients.