Diagnostic Value of Thyrotropin Releasing Hormone Test in 129 Patients with Suspected Tumoral Hyperprolactinemia

In 129 hyperprolactinemic (PRL 100ng/mL) and 100 normoprolactinemic patients (PRL 0–25 ng/mL), max. PRL (the difference between maximal prolactin (PRL) after thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) injection and basal value) was compared with basal PRL and computed tomography (CT) of the sellar region. In 122 hyperprolactinemic patients max. PRL was <100%, while tumor was found in 106 of them. In the remainder seven hyperprolactinemic patients max. PRL was 100% and CT showed no tumor. A significant difference in max. PRL between hyperprolactinemic patients without and those with verified adenoma was found and showed a significant negative correlation with basal PRL. Between 122 hyperprolactinemic patients with max. PRL <100%, mean basal PRL and duration of clinical symptoms were significantly lower in 16 patients with normal CT compared to 106 patients with tumor. All normoprolactinemic patients showed max. PRL 100% and no tumor on CT. PRL stimulation disturbance precedes tumor visualization and represents a decisive diagnostic parameter in hyperprolactinemic patients with no tumor signs

Diagnostic Value of Thyrotropin Releasing Hormone Test in 129 Patients with Suspected Tumoral Hyperprolactinemia

In 129 hyperprolactinemic (PRL 100ng/mL) and 100 normoprolactinemic patients (PRL 0–25 ng/mL), max. PRL (the difference between maximal prolactin (PRL) after thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) injection and basal value) was compared with basal PRL and computed tomography (CT) of the sellar region. In 122 hyperprolactinemic patients max. PRL was <100%, while tumor was found in 106 of them. In the remainder seven hyperprolactinemic patients max. PRL was 100% and CT showed no tumor. A significant difference in max. PRL between hyperprolactinemic patients without and those with verified adenoma was found and showed a significant negative correlation with basal PRL. Between 122 hyperprolactinemic patients with max. PRL <100%, mean basal PRL and duration of clinical symptoms were significantly lower in 16 patients with normal CT compared to 106 patients with tumor. All normoprolactinemic patients showed max. PRL 100% and no tumor on CT. PRL stimulation disturbance precedes tumor visualization and represents a decisive diagnostic parameter in hyperprolactinemic patients with no tumor signs

Effect of coadministration of enriched Korean Red Ginseng (Panax ginseng) and American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L) on cardiometabolic outcomes in type-2 diabetes: A randomized controlled trial

Background: Diabetes mellitus and hypertension often occur together, amplifying cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and emphasizing the need for a multitargeted treatment approach. American ginseng (AG) and Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) species could improve glycemic control via complementary mechanisms. Additionally, a KRG-inherent component, ginsenoside Rg3, may moderate blood pressure (BP). Our objective was to investigate the therapeutic potential of coadministration of Rg3-enriched Korean Red Ginseng (Rg3-KRG) and AG, added to standard of care therapy, in the management of hypertension and cardiometabolic risk factors in type-2 diabetes. ----- Methods: Within a randomized controlled, parallel design of 80 participants with type-2 diabetes (HbA1c: 6.5-8%) and hypertension (systolic BP: 140-160 mmHg or treated), supplementation with either 2.25 g/day of combined Rg3-KRG + AG or wheat-bran control was assessed over a 12-wk intervention period. The primary endpoint was ambulatory 24-h systolic BP. Additional endpoints included further hemodynamic assessment, glycemic control, plasma lipids and safety monitoring. ----- Results: Combined ginseng intervention generated a mean ± SE decrease in primary endpoint of 24-h systolic BP (-3.98 ± 2.0 mmHg, p = 0.04). Additionally, there was a greater reduction in HbA1c (-0.35 ± 0.1% [-3.8 ± 1.1 mmol/mol], p = 0.02), and change in blood lipids: total cholesterol (-0.50 ± 0.2 mmol/l, p = 0.01), non-HDL-C (-0.54 ± 0.2 mmol/l, p = 0.01), triglycerides (-0.40 ± 0.2 mmol/l, p = 0.02) and LDL-C (-0.35 ± 0.2 mmol/l, p = 0.06) at 12 wks, relative to control. No adverse safety outcomes were observed. ----- Conclusion: Coadministration of Rg3-KRG + AG is an effective addon for improving BP along with attaining favorable cardiometabolic outcomes in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Ginseng derivatives may offer clinical utility when included in the polypharmacy and lifestyle treatment of diabetes

Association between arsenic exposure and biomarkers of type 2 diabetes mellitus in a Croatian population: A comparative observational pilot study.

Chronic exposure to high inorganic As levels in drinking water has been related to many diseases, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). The association with low and moderate As levels, however, remains controversial and has yet not been studied in European populations.This study aimed to investigate possible association between As exposure and biomarkers of T2D in Croatian population. Observation recruited 86 adults from Eastern Croatia, where groundwater is contaminated with inorganic As, and 116 adults from Western Croatia, where As levels in drinking water are low. Both populations were divided in patient groups (T2D or prediabetes) and healthy controls. Exposure was assessed by determining total As in blood and urine and As metabolites in urine.Eastern Croatian population had a significantly higher content of As in urine than Western, whereas the opposite was true for arsenobetain. Total As and As metabolites in urine positively correlated with hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and negatively with albuminuria.This study provides important preliminary data on the levels of As in urine and blood and their association with biomarkers of T2D in Croatian population exposed to low or moderate levels of As through drinking water as a solid basis for further research of the pathophysiological effects of such As exposure on the status and complications of diabetes