Individual gut microbiological signature in obese diabetic spouses – case report and literature review

Introduction: Due to the fact that the gut microbiome signature becomes more pronounced in type 2 diabetes, a better understanding of the role of microflora in diabetes (existing dysbiosis) provides new insight into the pathophysiology of this disorder. This study focused on the gut microbiome profiles of a married couple with type 2 diabetes and obesity living for last 35 years in a shared household in terms of their nutritional status, lifestyle and diabetes treatment methods. At the same time, an attempt was made to answer the question of which factors have the most significant impact on the intestinal microbiome. Material and Methods: Medical interviews of subjects, anthropometric measurements, body composition, 24-hour nutritional interviews, glycemic control, and stool samples were analyzed. The quantitative and qualitative examination of the fecal intestinal flora was performed by the next-generation sequencing method. Results: There were no significant differences in the study of the gut microbiome between the two subjects. The dominant bacterial phyla were Firmicutes and Actinobacteria, while Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria shared smaller proportions, between 2 and 7%. Phylum Firmicutes was presented by the dominant Lachnospiraceae family (29–31%), Ruminococcaceae (16–19%), and Streptococcaceae (3–11%). The Actinobacteria phylum was proportionally less abundant and mainly represented by Bifidobacteriaceae (6–12%). Conclusions: May be the common living conditions have a significant influence on gut microbiota composition of diabetic spouses, despite differences in gender, comorbidities, diabetes therapy, diet and behaviors

Sexual health of male cardiac patients – present status and expectations of patients with coronary heart disease

Introduction: Due to the pathogenetic association between erectile disorders and cardiovascular diseases, cardiologists consult many patients with erectile dysfunction (ED). The aim of the study was to evaluate sexual function in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and the use of sexual knowledge in cardiology practice, both current use and that expected by patients. Material and methods : One thousand one hundred and thirty-six patients (average age: 60.73 ±9.20) underwent a dedicated survey which encompassed demographic data and the presence of modifiable ED risk factors. The presence of ED was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) Questionnaire. Results : Sexual problems were discussed by cardiologists with 45 (3.96%) patients. The frequency of initiating the topic was significantly associated with the respondents’ education level (p = 0.0031); however, it was not associated with the patients’ age, duration of CHD, presence of ED, or modifiable risk factors. Four hundred and sixteen (36.62%) respondents indicated that they expect their cardiologist to take an interest in their ED. Nine hundred and twenty-six (81.51%) patients claimed good sexual function to be important or very important to them. Attitude to sexual function was significantly associated with age (p < 0.0001), duration of CHD (p = 0.0018), education (p = 0.0011), presence of ED (p = 0.0041), diabetes (p = 0.0283) and hyperlipidaemia (p = 0.0014). Conclusions : The low frequency with which cardiologists initiate the topic of ED is in contrast to the expectations of patients with CHD. The majority of these patients regard good sexual maintenance as an important part of their life