Adropin in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Introduction: Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) frequently develop metabolic complications. Among the newly found factors responsible for metabolic disorders, adropin seems to be of a great significance. Material and methods: In total 134 women aged 17–45 years were enrolled. The PCOS group consisted of 73 women, diagnosed on the basis of Executive Committee of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology — American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ESHRE-ASRM) criteria. All PCOS women presented phenotype A of PCOS. The control group consisted of 61 women with regular menstrual cycles, matched for nutritional status. All women underwent anamnesis, physical examination, anthropometric measurements, abdominal and transvaginal ultrasound, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Serum adropin levels were determined by ELISA. Biochemical [fasting glucose and insulin, oral glucose tolerance test, lipid and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG)] and hormonal (testosterone, androstenedione, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone and oestradiol) measurements were performed. Insulin resistance indices [(Homeostasis Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index (QUICKI), Matsuda] and free androgen index (FAI) were calculated according to the standard formula. Results: Serum adropin levels were lower in the PCOS group (0.475 ± 0.200 vs. 0.541 ± 0.220, p = 0.069), but the results were not statistically significant. Positive correlations among adropin and androstenedione levels were observed in the PCOS group (r = 0.27, p = 0.025). Conclusions: Women with PCOS have a different metabolic profile in comparison to women without this syndrome. We did not observe a statistically significant difference in adropin concentration between the PCOS and the healthy control group. Therefore, more studies regarding adropin in PCOS are needed.

Częstość występowania metabolicznej otyłości z prawidłową masą ciała w populacji polskiej

Introduction: In the 1980s, the idea evolved that some individuals with normal weight (Metabolically Obese, Normal-Weight), who probably have increased abdominal fat, have metabolic disturbances related to obesity. This observation initiated the concept of the metabolically obese but normal-weight syndrome (MONW). Since then, there have been only a few studies in non-obese subjects. MONW men and women should be regarded as at high risk for cardiovascular disease. Material and method: A group of 854 randomly chosen non-obese men and women, 20–40 years of age, was selected from three different areas of Poland — Szczecin, Krakow and Wroclaw. All subjects were interviewed and underwent physical examination, anthropometric measurements (waist circumference, hip circumference, BMI and WHR) as well as densitometry (total body DPX, total fat, android/gynoid deposit). Serum level of fasting glucose and insulin, indices of insulin sensibility (QUICKI) and insulin resistance (HOMA, FIRI), total cholesterol, triglycerides and HDL-C were measured using commercially available kits. LDL-C level was calculated using Friedewald’s formula. Results: The total amassed fatty tissue and its android deposit was found to be significantly greater in MONW men and women. MONW women were found to exhibit increased levels of triglycerides and LDL-C but lower levels of HDL-C. In women with excess abdominal fat (EAF), fasting glucose and insulin levels, HOMA and FIRI were considerably higher, while QUICKI was lower. Triglyceride and LDL-C levels were also higher while HDL-C levels were lower. In men with EAF, increased levels of total cholesterol and LDL-C were confirmed. Conclusions: The occurrence of MONW is contingent upon the diagnosis criterion and increases when the criterion represents the value of HOMA — 21.76% in women and 31.42% in men. The frequency of MONW occurrence is lower when the criterion for abdominal fat content limit is used, amounting to 15.78% in women and 7.83% in men. (Endokrynol Pol 2012; 63 (6): 447–455)Wstęp: W latach 80. zaobserwowano, że u nieotyłych osób, które gromadzą nadmierną ilość tkanki tłuszczowej w okolicy brzucha, rozwijają się powikłania metaboliczne charakterystyczne dla otyłości. Powstała wówczas koncepcja zespołu metabolicznej otyłości z prawidłową masą ciała — MONW (Metabolically Obese Normal-Weight). W Polsce badania takie nie były dotychczas prowadzone. Identyfikacja ludzi obciążonych tym zespołem pozwoliłaby na wczesne podjęcie działań prewencyjnych. Materiał i metody: Zbadano 854 nieotyłych kobiet i mężczyzn, wybranych losowo w 3 regionach kraju – Szczecina, Krakowa, Wrocławia w wieku 20–40 lat. Przeprowadzono wywiad lekarski, badanie fizykalne, pomiary antropometryczne (obwód talii, bioder, BMI, WHR), badanie denzytometryczne (total body DPX; total fat; android/gynoid deposit). Ilość i dystrybucję tkanki tłuszczowej oceniano przy użyciu podwójnej absorpcjometrii energii RTG-DXA. W surowicy krwi oznaczono stężenie glukozy i insuliny na czczo, stężenie cholesterolu całkowitego, triglicerydów oraz HDL-C i wyliczono stężenie LDL-C oraz wartości wskaźników insulinowrażliwości (QUICKI) i insulinooporności (HOMA, FIRI). Wyniki: U kobiet i mężczyzn całkowita ilość tkanki tłuszczowej i jej androidalnego depozytu były istotnie wyższe w grupie z MONW. Stężenia glukozy i insuliny na czczo oraz wartości HOMA i FIRI były istotnie wyższe, a QIUCKI istotnie niższe u badanych z MONW. U kobiet z MONW stwierdzano istotnie wyższe stężenia trójglicerydów oraz LDL-C natomiast znacząco niższe stężenia HDL-C. Istotnych różnic nie było u mężczyzn. Wnioski: Częstość występowania metabolicznej otyłości z prawidłową masą ciała zależy od kryterium rozpoznania i jest większa, gdy kryterium to stanowi wielkość HOMA — 21,76% kobiet i 31,42% mężczyzn i mniejsza, gdy posługiwano się kryterium granicznej ilości tłuszczu brzusznego — częstość rozpoznania MONW wynosi — 15,78% u kobiet i 7,83% u mężczyzn. (Endokrynol Pol 2012; 63 (6): 447–455

Accumulation of abdominal fat in relation to selected proinflammatory cytokines concentrations in non-obese Wrocław inhabitants

Wstęp: Osoby z zespołem metabolicznej otyłości z prawidłową masa ciała (MONW), mimo prawidłowego wskaźnika masy ciała (BMI), są narażone na powikłania typowe dla otyłości. Może to wynikać z subklinicznego stanu zapalnego, wynikającego z nadmiernego gromadzenia tkanki tłuszczowej brzusznej. Celem pracy była ocena związku pomiędzy nagromadzeniem tkanki tłuszczowej, szczególnie okolicy brzusznej, a stężeniem wybranych cytokin prozapalnych — interleukiny 6, 18 i białka C-reaktywnego (CRP), biorących udział w aterogenezie.Materiał i metody: Badaniem objęto 342 osoby (218 kobiet, 124 mężczyzn w wieku 20–40 lat, z BMI > 27 kg/m2), mieszkańców Wrocławia. Grupę podzielono ze względu na wartość wskaźnika insulinooporności (HOMA): 90 osób — grupa MONW ( HOMA < 1.69), 252 osoby — grupa kontrolna. Oceniono parametry antropometryczne, stężenia IL-6, IL-18, CRP, glukozy, insuliny oraz wskaźniki insulinowrażliwości i insulinooporności.Wyniki: Stężenie CRP było istotnie wyższe w grupie kobiet MONW niż kontrolnej (3,26 vs. 1,97, p = 0,03). Stężenia IL-6 i IL-18 nie różniły się pomiędzy grupami, zarówno u kobiet, jak i u mężczyzn. Dodatnią korelację zanotowano między stężeniem IL-6 a wskaźnikiem centralizacji tłuszczu u kobiet. Stwierdzono dodatnią korelację między stężeniem CRP a BMI, wskaźnikiem talia– biodra, obwodem talii u obu płci. U kobiet istniała także dodatnia korelacja między CRP a wskaźnikami HOMA i FIRI i ujemna ze wskaźnikiem QUICKI.Wnioski: Zwiększone gromadzenie tłuszczu okolicy brzusznej u zdrowych, młodych osób, wiąże się z podwyższonym stężeniem CRP. (Endokrynol Pol 2014; 65 (6): 449–455)Introduction: Metabolically obese normal weight (MONW) subjects, despite their normal BMI, present metabolic disturbances characteristic of abdominal obesity. One of the reasons might be subclinical inflammation caused by the fat tissue excess. The aim of this study was to assess the association between the accumulation of fat (especially abdominal) and the concentration of selected proinflammatory cytokines — interleukins (IL-6, IL-18) and C-reactive protein (CRP).Material and methods: The study population consisted of 342 subjects (218 women, 124 men; age 20–40 years, BMI < 27 kg/m2) recruited from a community centre in Wroclaw. The group was divided based on the homeostasis assessment insulin resistance index (HOMA) value: 90 MONW subjects with HOMA > 1.69 and 252 subjects as control group. Anthropometric parameters, serum IL-6, IL-18, CRP, glucose, insulin concentrations and insulin sensitivity/resistance indexes were evaluated.Results: CRP levels were significantly higher (3.26 vs. 1.97, p = 0.03) in MONW women than in the control group. Serum IL-6, IL-18 levels in males and females did not differ in both groups. IL-6 showed a significant correlation with the abdominal to gynoidal fat tissue deposit ratio in women. There were correlations between the CRP and BMI, WHR, waist circumference, total fat, abdominal fat deposit, and abdominal to gynoidal fat deposit ratio in both sexes. In women, positive correlations between CRP and HOMA, FIRI and negative with QUICKI index were present.Conclusions: Increased accumulation of abdominal adipose tissue in non-obese, young and healthy subjects is related to increased CRP levels. (Endokrynol Pol 2014; 65 (6): 449–455

Trans unsaturated fatty acids are components of atheromatous plaque

Wstęp. Przeprowadzono badania chromatograficzne blaszek miażdżycowych pobranych od 21 pacjentów w Klinice Chirurgii Naczyniowej PAM w Szczecinie, których operowano z powodu powikłań zaawansowanej miażdżycy tętnic brzusznych i udowych. Cel pracy. Celem analizy było ustalenie czy izomery trans nienasyconych kwasów tłuszczowych (występujące w utwardzonych tłuszczach spożywczych pochodzenia roślinnego) są istotnymi składnikami blaszki miażdżycowej. Materiał i metody. Kwasy tłuszczowe ekstrahowano mieszaniną Folcha, zmydlano metanolowym 2-procentowym roztworem KOH i metylowano 14-procentowym BF3 w metanolu, otrzymując estry metylowe kwasów tłuszczowych. Analizę badanego materiału przeprowadzono przy użyciu chromatografu gazowego Perkin-Elmer 8500, stosując program Chromed PI. Oceny zależności pomiędzy otrzymanymi parametrami dokonano na podstawie współczynnika korelacji rang Spearmana, przyjmując za istotne statystycznie wartości p < 0,05. Wyniki. W badanym materiale stwierdzono obecność różnych izomerów kwasów tłuszczowych, w tym także charakterystycznych dla utwardzanych tłuszczów roślinnych (zwłaszcza margaryn). Kwas elaidynowy (trans 9 C18:1) okazał się dominującym trans izomerem wśród jednonienasyconych kwasów tłuszczowych. Głównym reprezentantem wielonienasyconych kwasów tłuszczowych był jeden ze sprzężonych dienów kwasu linolowego: cis 9 trans 11 C18:2. Wnioski. Wyniki badań wskazują na zależność pomiędzy występowaniem w diecie izomerów trans nienasyconych kwasów tłuszczowych a ich udziałem w metabolizmie blaszki miażdżycowej, a nawet w ewentualnym indukowaniu procesu aterogenezy.Background. Chromatographic studies on fatty acid composition of atheromatous plaques obtained from 21 patients treated surgically in the Department of Vascular Surgery (Pomeranian Academy of Medicine, Szczecin, Poland) for complications of atherosclerosis of abdominal aorta, iliac or femoral arteries, were carried out. Aim of the study. The aim of the study was to assess if the trans unsaturated fatty acids (occurring in hardened fats of plant origin) are substantial components of the atheromatous plaques. Material and methods. Fatty acids were extracted using Folch mixture, saponified in 2% KOH solution and methylated with 14% solution of BF3 in methanol, obtaining fatty acid methyl esters. The analysis of obtained material was carried out with a gas chromatograph Perkin-Elmer 8500, applying Chromed PI software. Correlations between obtained parameters were calculated using the Spearman&#8217;s correlation coefficient, taking p < 0.05 as statistically significant. Results. The presence of varied isomers of fatty acids in the analysed material (among them typical for the hardened plant fats) was established. Elaidic acid (trans-9 C18:1) served as a major trans isomer among monounsaturated fatty acids. The main representative of polyunsaturated fatty acids was one of conjugated diens of linoleic acid: cis-9, trans-11 C18:2. Conclusions. The results of the study show the relationship between trans unsaturated fatty acids content in the diet and their importance in the metabolism of atheromatous plaque and possible induction of atherogenesis

Metastasis of adrenocortical carcinoma to the heart

Not required for Clinical Vignette

Możliwe interakcje fluorków, wapnia i kwasów tłuszczowych w blaszkach miażdżycowych izolowanych z tętnic szyjnych

Background. Quantitative and qualitative changes in the mineral composition of the arterial wall seem to be engaged in the formation of the atherosclerotic plaque. The aim of this study was to determine the content of fluoride and calcium in atherosclerotic plaques and to understand the process of fluorine ions binding into the plaque. Material and methods. Plaques were obtained from patients operated for atherosclerosis of carotid arteries. Median content of fluoride and calcium in the atherosclerotic plaques were 0.75 and 207 &#956;mol/g, respectively. Results. No correlation between the content of fluoride and calcium (R = 0.11, p = 0.60) was disclosed. Conclusions. We are of the opinion that fluoride reacts with fatty acids of the plaque, disrupting carbon bonds of the fatty acid molecule. Fluoride is a component of the atherosclerotic plaque but apparently is not deposited together with calcium ions. Fluoride is capable of interacting with fatty acids of the atherosclerotic plaque.Wstęp. Zmiany ilościowe oraz jakościowe składników mineralnych w ścianie tętniczej mogą być jednym z czynników stymulujących rozwój blaszki miażdżycowej. Celem niniejszej pracy było oznaczenie zawartości fluorku oraz wapnia w blaszce oraz zbadanie sposobu wiązania jonu fluorkowego w złogu miażdżycowym. Materiał i metody. Pomiary zawartości fluorku i wapnia prowadzono w blaszkach miażdżycowych uzyskanych od chorych operowanych z powodu zaawansowanej miażdżycy tętnic szyjnych. Zmierzona mediana zawartości fluorku w blaszce osiągnęła 0,75 &#956;mola/gram. Wyniki. Nie odnotowano istotnej statystycznie korelacji pomiędzy zawartością fluorku oraz wapnia w blaszce miażdżycowej (R = 0,11, p = 0,60). Wnioski. Fluorek może reagować z zawartymi w blaszce miażdżycowej kwasami tłuszczowymi, prawdopodobnie przyczyniając się do degradacji wiązania pomiędzy atomami węgla w cząsteczce kwasu tłuszczowego. Fluorek jest składnikiem blaszki miażdżycowej, ale nie odkłada się w niej w połączeniu z jonami wapnia i może on oddziaływać w blaszce z zawartymi w niej kwasami tłuszczowymi

Conjugated linoleic acids regulate triacylglycerol and cholesterol concentrations in macrophages/foam cells by the modulation of CD36 expression

Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease characterised by the accumulation of lipids and their metabolites in the artery wall. During inflammation circulating LDL are taken up by macrophages through two major scavenger receptors: CD36 and scavenger receptor A (SRA). Fatty acids that are common in food, e.g. linoleic acid and n-3 unsaturated fatty acids can modulate expression of CD36 on the macrophage surface. Conjugated linoleic acid isomers (CLA) that originate from the human diet, have demonstrated antiatherogenic properties in several experiments. Animal study evidenced that CLA could induce resolution of plaque by activation of peroxisome proliferator activated receptors and down-regulation of pro-inflammatory genes. Less unequivocal results were obtained in human studies (on the CLA effects on the inflammatory process). Therefore in this study we investigated the influence of CLA on CD36 expression and lipid accumulation in human macrophages. Macrophages were incubated with 30 µM cis-9,trans-11 CLA, trans-10,cis-12 CLA or linoleic acid for 48 h. After that, expression of CD36 as well as accumulation of lipids were measured by flow cytometry, microscopy and a spectroscopic method. We demonstrate that both cis-9,trans-11 C 18:2 CLA and linoleic acid slightly elevated expression of CD36, whereas second isomer - trans-10,cis-12 CLA - did not. Nevertheless, only trans-10,cis-12 CLA triggered delipidation of macrophages, that is decreased triacylglycerols concentration. Also in human adipocytes, trans-10,cis-12 CLA causes cell delipidation by reduction of PPAR receptor expression. We propose a similar mechanism for human macrophages/foam cells

The Digestive Health among Participants of the Woodstock Rock Festival in Poland—A Cross-Sectional Survey

Alterations of gut microbiota, intestinal barrier and the gut-brain axis may be involved in pathophysiology of functional gastrointestinal disorders. Our aim was to assess the prevalence of digestive tract symptoms and identify common variables potentially disrupting the gut-brain axis among participants of the Woodstock Festival Poland, 2017. In total 428 people filled in a questionnaire assessing health of their digestive tract. The investigator collected answers on an electronic device, while the study participant responded using a paper version of the same questionnaire. Liver and gallbladder related symptoms were the most prevalent among our study group (n = 266, 62%), however symptoms related to altered intestinal permeability were found to be the most intensive complaints. In females the intensity of gastrointestinal complaints was higher compared to men (p &lt; 0.05), as well as the incidence of factors with the potential to alter gut-brain axis (p &lt; 0.0001). Chronic psychological distress, intake of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and antibiotics, were the most common associations with gastrointestinal symptoms, which were the most prevalent in females. Further attention should be focused on stress as one of the main factors negatively influencing public health

The Relationship between Eicosanoid Levels and Serum Levels of Metabolic and Hormonal Parameters Depending on the Presence of Metabolic Syndrome in Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Background: The purpose of our investigation was to analyze the relationship between the serum levels of inflammatory mediators (HETE, HODE) and the levels of selected metabolic and hormonal parameters in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with regard to concomitant metabolic syndrome (MetS). Methods: The study involved 151 men with BPH. Blood samples were taken for laboratory analysis of the serum levels of metabolic and hormonal parameters. Gas chromatography was performed using an Agilent Technologies 7890A GC System. Results: We found that waist circumference was the only parameter related to the levels of fatty acids, namely: 13(S)-HODE, 9(S)-HODE, 15(S)-HETE, 12(S)-HETE, and 5-HETE. In the patients with BPH and MetS, triglycerides correlated with 9(S)-HODE, 15(S)-HETE, 12(S)-HETE, and 5-HETE, which was not observed in the patients without MetS. Similarly, total cholesterol correlated with 9(S)-HODE, and 15(S)-HETE in the patients with BPH and MetS, but not in those without MetS. In the group of BPH patients with MetS, total testosterone positively correlated with 13(S)-HODE, and free testosterone with 9(S)-HODE. Conclusions: Based on this study, it can be concluded that lipid mediators of inflammation can influence the levels of biochemical and hormonal parameters, depending on the presence of MetS in BPH patients

Modulatory effect of inulin with soya isoflavones on plasma lipid profile and liver SCD-18 index in rats with induced type-2 diabetes mellitus

Obesity and type-2 diabetes are often associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Soya isoflavones act as antidiabetic agents and protect against NAFLD. There are data suggesting that inulin may increase the plasma concentration and effect of soya isoflavones. The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of soya isoflavones, as opposed to the effect of soya isoflavones with inulin, on plasma lipid profile, liver morphology, and liver fatty acids in rats with induced type-2 diabetes mellitus. Data were collected on thirty-six male Sprague- Dawley rats divided into control and diabetic groups. Animals in the diabetic (DM) group were on a high-fat diet and were injected with low doses of streptozotocin. Animals in the control groups were fed a regular diet and were injected with a buffer. After the injections, the animals were divided into three groups of nondiabetic rats (nDM)-controls (c-nDM), rats treated with isoflavones (IS-nDM), and rats treated with isoflavones plus inulin (IS+IN-nDM)-and three parallel diabetic (DM) subgroups: controls (c-DM), rats treated with isoflavone (IS-DM), and rats treated with isoflavones plus inulin (IS+IN-DM). Hepatic steatosis and fibrosis were examined using hematoxylin-eosin staining and Mallory’s trichrome methods respectively. Liver fatty acids were extracted and analyzed by gas chromatography. A lipid blood test was performed. The study showed significant changes in liver fatty acids, liver morphology, and plasma lipid profile. The estimated SCD-18 index significantly decreased in both the control and DM groups after isoflavone supplementation. The level of liver steatosis and fibrosis also decreased after isoflavone supplementation in the DM groups. The plasma lipid profile showed increased levels of HDL-C after isoflavone supplementation in the DM groups. These results support the protective use of isoflavones in liver steatosis and as beneficial to plasma lipid profile in individuals with diabetes. A novelty of this work is its comparison of supplementation using soya isoflavones with supplementation using both soya isoflavones and inulin. Surprisingly, additional supplementation with inulin modulates the positive effect of isoflavone