An overweight woman with galactorrhoea

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Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 Mimetics for Treating Atherosclerosis

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is an atypical member of the FGF family. Acting in an endocrine fashion, it increases glucose uptake, modulates lipid metabolism, and sensitizes insulin response in metabolically active organs, including the liver and adipose tissue. Emerging evidence shows a strong correlation between circulating FGF21 levels and the incidence and severity of atherosclerosis. Animal studies have demonstrated a beneficial role of FGF21 in protecting against aberrant lipid profile, while recent development in FGF21 mimetics has provided further insight into the lipid-lowering effects of FGF21 signaling. The present review summarizes the physiological roles of FGF21, and discusses major breakthroughs and limitations of FGF21 mimetic-based therapeutic strategies for treating atherosclerosis.published_or_final_versio

Managing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in diabetes: challenges and opportunities

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus are two common health problems worldwide. Globally, it has been estimated that a quarter of the adult population in the world currently suffers from NAFLD.1 In Asia, probably attributed to the obesity epidemic, the prevalence of NAFLD was similar, or even slightly higher, when compared to that in the Western population (27% in Asia vs. 24.1% in North America and 23.7% in Europe), and the incidence was around 52 per 1,000 person-years.1 Similarly, there are more than 380 million people with diabetes worldwide, and the International Diabetes Federation estimates that this will rise to almost 592 million within a generation.published_or_final_versio

In search of the ideal basal insulin: Does the new-generation ultra-long-acting insulin, degludec, provide the answer?

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Inhaled steroids and bone metabolism in clinical perspective

Inhaled corticosteroids have become the mainstay of maintenance treatment in asthma adults, and they are also being advocated for early use in children. The systemic side effects of inhaled steroids are much less than those from systemic steroids needed for comparable asthma control. Long term use of systemic corticosteroids is known to cause osteoporosis, and the risks from inhaled therapy are currently under study. There are reports of changes in biochemical parameters of bone metabolism due to inhaled corticosteroids, suggesting depression of bone formation and increase in bone resorption. However, the significance of biochemical changes in relation to bone mass and architecture is not known. Cross-sectional studies of bone mass suggest that dosages of more than 1 mg daily in adults may be associated with a decrease in bone mineral density. Longitudinal studies are needed to confirm the findings and define more clearly the profile and risk factors of bone loss. Current data in children show that inhaled corticosteroid in the usual therapeutic dose range has no detrimental effect on long term statural growth, while effects of peak bone mass are not yet known. The magnitude of measurable adverse effects were found to be dose-dependent, hence, the use of a minimum effective dose is recommended. Patients on inhaled corticosteroid therapy should maintain optimal intake of calcium and vitamin D. Physical activity should be encouraged and oestrogen replacement therapy in postmenopausal women considered.published_or_final_versio

Impaired glucose tolerance as a risk factor for diabetes mellitus and hypertension in the Hong Kong Chinese population: a 5-year prospective study

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Mutations in the hepatocyte nuclear factor-1α gene in southern Chinese subjects with early-onset type 2 diabetes

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Cholesteryl ester transfer protein gene polymorphisms in Chinese patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

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Serum beta-2 microglobulin concentration predicts cardiovascular and all-cause mortality.

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Apolipoprotein(a) polymorphism in Hong Kong Chinese: genetic and hormonal effects

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