Weight loss surgery in adolescents corrects high-density lipoprotein subspecies and their function.

Background/objectiveYouth with obesity have an altered high-density lipoprotein (HDL) subspecies profile characterized by depletion of large apoE-rich HDL particles and an enrichment of small HDL particles. The goal of this study was to test the hypothesis that this atherogenic HDL profile is reversible and that HDL function would improve with metabolic surgery.MethodsSerum samples from adolescent males with severe obesity mean±s.d. age of 17.4±1.6 years were studied at baseline and 1 year following vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG). HDL subspecies and HDL function were evaluated pre and post VSG using paired t-tests. A lean group of adolescents was included as a reference group.ResultsAfter VSG, body mass index decreased by 32% and insulin resistance as estimated by homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance decreased by 75% (both P<0.01). Large apoE-rich HDL subspecies increased following VSG (P<0.01) and approached that of lean adolescents despite participants with considerable residual obesity. In addition, HDL function improved compared with baseline (cholesterol efflux capacity increased by 12%, HDL lipid peroxidation potential decreased by 30% and HDL anti-oxidative capacity improved by 25%, all P<0.01).ConclusionsMetabolic surgery results in a significant improvement in the quantity of large HDL subspecies and HDL function. Our data suggest metabolic surgery may improve cardiovascular risk in adolescents and young adults

Extraparenchymal neurocysticercosis in the United States: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Neurocysticercosis is endemic in the developing world, but is becoming more common in the United States due to immigration.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>A 26-year-old Caucasian man presented with headache, nausea and vomiting and was found to have hydrocephalus and meningitis. Brain imaging and immunological studies were suggestive of neurocysticercosis. Endoscopic removal of the cyst resulted in resolution of symptoms. This case represents a combination of two rare presentations of extraparenchymal neurocysticercosis; intraventricular neurocysticercosis and subarachnoid neurocysticercosis.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Although neurocysticercosis is pleomorphic in its presentation, extraparenchymal neurocysticercosis may be challenging to diagnose and treat. Clinicians should be aware of this condition given increasing incidence in the United States.</p

Adiponectin and cancer: a systematic review

Recent studies have demonstrated that obesity is a significant risk factor for the development of several malignancies, but the mechanisms underlying this relationship remain to be fully elucidated. Adiponectin, an adipocyte secreted endogenous insulin sensitizer, appears to play an important role not only in glucose and lipid metabolism but also in the development and progression of several obesity-related malignancies. In this review, we present recent findings on the association of adiponectin with several malignancies as well as recent data on underlying molecular mechanisms that provide novel insights into the association between obesity and cancer risk. We also identify important research questions that remain unanswered

Cytomegalovirus Infection of the Colon Presenting as a Mass-Like Lesion

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is responsible for the most common opportunistic infections in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The colon is a common site for these infections in patients positive for human immunodeficiency virus. CMV rarely presents as an intraluminal inflammatory mass in the colon. Here we report the case of a CMV infection presenting as a mass-like lesion in an AIDS patient. The clinical diagnosis of CMV infection is largely based on the characteristic endoscopic appearance. Endoscopic procedures are encouraged early in the course of CMV infection in immunocompromised patients. CMV pseudotumors along with malignancy should be part of the endoscopic evaluation in patients with AIDS

Adiponectin Deficiency Promotes Tumor Growth in Mice by Reducing Macrophage Infiltration

Adiponectin is an adipocyte-derived plasma protein that has been implicated in regulating angiogenesis, but the role of adiponectin in regulating this process is still controversial. In this study, in order to determine whether adiponectin affects tumor growth and tumor induced vascularization, we implanted B16F10 melanoma and Lewis Lung Carcinoma cells subcutaneously into adiponectin knockout and wild-type control mice, and found that adiponectin deficiency markedly promoted the growth of both tumors. Immunohistochemical analyses indicated that adiponectin deficiency reduced macrophage recruitment to the tumor, but did not affect cancer cell mitosis, apoptosis, or tumor-associated angiogenesis. In addition, treatment with recombinant adiponectin did not affect the proliferation of cultured B16F10 tumor cells. Importantly, the restoration of microphage infiltration at an early stage of tumorigenesis by means of co-injection of B16F10 cells and macrophages reversed the increased tumor growth in adiponectin knockout mice. Thus, we conclude that the enhanced tumor growth observed in adiponectin deficient mice is likely due to the reduction of macrophage infiltration rather than enhanced angiogenesis

Cross-sectional study of availability and pharmaceutical quality of antibiotics requested with or without prescription (Over The Counter) in Surabaya, Indonesia

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