Review Paper � CME. Insulin Resistance, Diabetes, Hypertension, and Renin?Angiotensin System Inhibition: Reducing Risk for Cardiovascular Disease

Assessment of six surrogate insulin resistance indexes for predicting hypertension risk in rural Chinese adults

Insulin resistance (IR) is a complex abnormality and associated with hypertension. We aimed to assess the associations of six alternate IR measures and risk of hypertension, and to compare the predictive values for hypertension. We assessed 11,223 non-hypertensive Chinese adults enrolled in The Rural Chinese Cohort Study during 2007-2008. Six surrogate IR indexes were new visceral adiposity index (NVAI), Chinese visceral adiposity index (CVAI), weight-adjusted waist index (WWI), lipid accumulation product (LAP), triglyceride glucose (TyG) index, and visceral adiposity index (VAI). The relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) of the six IR indicators and hypertension were estimated by using modified Poisson regression models with three adjusted models. During a median follow-up of 11.1 years, 3373 (30.05%) study participants developed hypertension. The cumulative incidence of hypertension showed an increasing trend with higher levels of all six IR surrogates. Significant associations of all the IR measures with incident hypertension were found in fully adjusted model, and the highest quartile group RRs (95% CIs) for hypertension were, 2.19 (1.88-2.55), 1.60 (1.42-1.81), 1.38 (1.25-1.53), 1.47 (1.31-1.65), 1.18 (1.04-1.34) and 1.25 (1.08-1.44) for NVAI, CVAI, WWI, LAP, TyG index and VAI, respectively, compared with lowest quartile group. Further, NVAI had the maximum predictive power for hypertension among six IR measures with the largest AUC of 0.706 (0.697-0.714). NVAI, CVAI, WWI, LAP, and TyG index were all independently associated with greater risk of incident hypertension, among which NVAI is the most powerful predictor for hypertension in rural Chinese adults. Association of the surrogate insulin resistance indexes with the risk of hypertension.

Obesity, Sarcopenia, Sarcopenic Obesity, and Hypertension: Mediating Role of Inflammation and Insulin Resistance

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to assess the association between obesity, sarcopenia, and sarcopenic obesity with hypertension and to explore the potential mediation of inflammation indicators and insulin resistance.

METHODS

Data from the UK Biobank, a large-scale prospective cohort, were utilized. Obesity was defined using percentage of fat mass, whereas sarcopenia was defined as low muscle mass and low muscle strength. The primary outcome assessed was new-onset hypertension within a 5-year follow-up period. The association analysis was examined using a Cox regression model.

RESULTS

A total of 183 091 participants were enrolled in this study. During 5 years of follow-up, 3 812 (2.08%) developed hypertension. In the fully adjusted model, compared to men without these conditions, those with obesity, sarcopenia, and sarcopenic obesity had 2.32 times (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 2.12-2.55), 3.10 times (95% CI, 2.35-4.08), and 3.66 times (95% CI, 2.98-4.50) higher risks of developing hypertension, respectively. Women with obesity, sarcopenia, and sarcopenic obesity had 2.27 times (95% CI, 2.03-2.54), 2.93 times (95% CI, 1.95-4.39), and 4.04 times (95% CI, 3.32-4.91) higher risks of hypertension, respectively. Significant mediating effects of C-reactive protein, neutrophils, white blood cells, triglyceride-glucose index, and triglyceride-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio were found, with mediations ranging from 6% to 13% for men and 2% to 21% for women in the association between sarcopenic obesity and hypertension.

CONCLUSIONS

Obesity, sarcopenia, and sarcopenic obesity significantly increased the risk of hypertension. Inflammation and insulin resistance appeared to mediate the association between sarcopenic obesity and hypertension.

Shiftwork and insulin resistance in professional drivers: exploring the association using non-insulin-based surrogate measures

BACKGROUND

Previous research has made use of the Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) index to explore the association between shiftwork (SW) and insulin resistance (IR). However, the limitations of the HOMA-IR index restrict its use. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between SW and IR in professional drivers using four alternative non-insulin-based IR surrogate measures (NIRS), and to determine the predictors of elevated NIRS.

METHODS

A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on professional drivers at four Egyptian companies, where 187 SW were compared to 193 dayworkers (DW). Measurements included: sociodemographic, work, and clinical characteristics. Laboratory and NIRS data included: triglyceride glucose (TyG), triglyceride glucose-body mass index (TyG-BMI), triglyceride to high density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C), and metabolic score of insulin resistance (METS-IR). Further assessments included insomnia severity index (ISI), and perceived stress scale (PSS-10).

RESULTS

Shiftwork-drivers showed significantly higher levels of NIRS compared to DW-drivers. Shiftwork was significantly associated with elevated TyG (OR: 5.04, 95% CI: 1.98-12.84), TyG-BMI (OR: 4.50, 95% CI: 2.45-8.26), and METS-IR (OR: 6.30, 95% CI: 2.72-14.58). Significant interactions between SW and insomnia or meal-timing habits existed, where SW-drivers with clinically significant insomnia had 11 times higher odds of elevated TyG compared to DW drivers without insomnia. Likewise, SW-drivers experiencing poor meal timing habits had 5.5- and 6.8-times higher odds of elevated TG/HDL-C and METS-IR, respectively, compared to DW divers without poor meal timing habits. Other significant predictors for elevated NIRS included: age, income, stress, overweight/obesity, and poor meal timing habits.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates a significant association between shiftwork and elevated insulin resistance in professional drivers. Insomnia and poor meal timing habits significantly increases the odds of insulin resistance among professional drivers, suggesting interventions targeting sleep quality, meal timing, and stress management.

Uric acid and metabolic syndrome: Importance of hyperuricemia cut-off

BACKGROUND

The relationship between HyperUricemia (HU) and Metabolic Sindrome (MS) and if Uric Acid (UA) should be inserted into MS definitions is a matter of debate. Aim of our study was to evaluate the correlation between UA and HU with Insulin Resistance (IR) and MS in a population of hypertensive patients. HU was defined with two cut-offs (the classic one of ≥6 mg/dL for women and ≥ 7 for men; the newly proposed URRAH one with ≥5.6 mg/dL for both sexes).

METHODS

We enrolled 473 Hypertensive patients followed by the Hypertension Unit of San Gerardo Hospital (Monza, Italy). IR was defined through TG/HDL ratio and NCEP-ATP-III criteria were used for MS diagnosis.

RESULTS

MS was found in 33.6 % while HU affected 14.8 % of subjects according to the traditional cut-off and 35.9 % with the URRAH cut-off. 9.7 % (traditional cut-off) and 17.3 % (URRAH's threshold) of the subjects had both HU and MS. UA level was significantly higher in MS group (5.7 vs 4.9 mg/dL, p < 0.0001) as well as for HU (29.0 vs 7.6 % and 51.6 vs 28.0 %, for classic and URRAH cut-off respectively, p < 0.0001 for both comparison). Logistic multivariable regression models showed that UA is related to MS diagnosis (OR = 1.608 for each 1 mg/dL), as well as HU with both cut-off (OR = 5.532 and OR = 3.379, p < 0.0001 for all comparison, for the classic cut-off and the URRAH one respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The main finding of our study is that UA and HU significantly relate to IR and MS. The higher the values of UA and the higher the cut-off used, the higher the strength of the relationship.

A comparison of various insulin resistance indices and the possibility of hypertension in military adults: CHIEF study

BACKGROUND

Insulin resistance is associated with the development of hypertension, whereas there were rare studies comparing various non-insulin based insulin resistance (NI-IR) indices for the possibility of hypertension among young and middle-aged adults.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included a total of 4,080 military personnel, aged 18-50 years, without antihypertensive medications therapy in 2014. All subjects received annual health examinations for blood pressure (BP) measurements. Stage I isolated diastolic hypertension (IDH) and isolated systolic hypertension (ISH) and combined hypertension were respectively defined as systolic BP (SBP) < 130 mmHg/diastolic BP (DBP) 80-89 mmHg, SBP 130-139 mmHg/DBP < 80 mmHg, and SBP 130-139 mmHg/DBP 80-89 mmHg. The cut-off values of stage II hypertension for SBP and DBP were 140-159 mmHg and 90-99 mmHg, respectively. Four NI-IR indices included the serum triglycerides (TG) to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio, TyG index, Metabolic Score for IR (METS-IR) and ZJU index which were defined according to their specific formula. Multiple logistic regression analysis with adjustments for age, sex, anthropometrics, substance use, kidney function, serum uric acid, atherogenic cholesterols and physical activity was performed to determine the associations.

RESULTS

There were 1,024 subjects with hypertension (25.1%) in which 739 were stage I hypertension, and 285 were stage II hypertension. For total hypertension, there were an association with TyG and METS-IR indices [odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals: 1.432 (1.215-1.688) and 1.553 (1.040-2.321), respectively]. For hypertension subtypes, TyG index was positively associated with overall, stage I, and stage II ISH [ORs: 1.447 (1.149-1.823), 1.317 (1.029-1.687), and 2.011 (1.351-2.994), respectively], while TG/HDL-C, METS-IR and ZJU indices were merely associated with stage II ISH [ORs: 1.053 (1.006-1.103), 3.001 (1.171-7.696) and 1.009 (1.000-1.017), respectively]. In addition, TyG and METS-IR indices were positively associated with stage II IDH [ORs: 1.813 (1.207-2.721) and 2.85 (1.080-7.520), respectively], and TyG index was also associated with combined hypertension [OR: 1.425 (1.007-1.833)].

CONCLUSION

Among young and middle-aged adults, insulin resistance assessed by the four NI-IR indices was positively associated with stage II ISH, while only TyG index had a significant association for both stage II IDH and combined hypertension.

Association of triglyceride-glucose index with incident hypertension among non-overweight healthy adults: A cohort study in China

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Overweight and obesity are well recognized as important and traditional risk factors for hypertension (HTN), but the prevalence of HTN tends to increase in non-overweight people. Triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index has been observed to be associated with HTN. However, whether such association still persists in non-overweight people remains unclear. The aim of our cohort study was to explore the link between TyG index and incident HTN in non-overweight Chinese population.

METHODS AND RESULTS

As many as 4678 individuals without HTN at baseline were involved, who underwent at least two years of health check-ups in the eight-year study period and maintained non-overweight at follow-up. According to baseline TyG index quintiles, participants were classified into five groups. Compared with the 1st quantile, those in the 5th quantile of TyG index had a 1.73-fold (HR 95% CI 1.13-2.65) risk of incident HTN. The results remained consistent when analyses were restricted to participants without abnormal TG or FPG level at baseline (HR 1.62, 95% CI 1.17-2.26). Furthermore, the subgroup analyses were conducted, the risk of incident HTN was still significantly increased with increasing TyG index for subgroups of older participants (age≥ 40 years), males, females and higher BMI group (BMI≥ 21 kg/m²).

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of incident HTN increased with increasing TyG index among Chinese non-overweight adults, so TyG index might be a reliable predictor of incident HTN among adults maintaining non-overweight.

Associations of the Triglyceride and Glucose Index With Hypertension Stages, Phenotypes, and Their Progressions Among Middle-Aged and Older Chinese

Objectives: To assess the associations of the triglyceride and glucose (TyG) index with hypertension stages, phenotypes, and their progressions. Methods: The data originated from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. Multinomial logistic regression investigated the associations of the TyG index with hypertension stages (stage 1, stage 2), phenotypes (isolated systolic hypertension [ISH], isolated diastolic hypertension [IDH], systolic diastolic hypertension [SDH]), their progressions. Results: Compared with the lowest quartile of TyG index, the highest quartile was associated with increased risks of stage 1 hypertension (OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.38-2.13), stage 2 (1.74, 1.27-2.38), ISH (1.66, 1.31-2.11), IDH (2.52, 1.26-5.05), and SDH (1.65, 1.23-2.23). Similar results were found when TyG index was a continuous variable. From 2011 to 2015, a higher baseline TyG index was associated with normotension to stage 1 (per-unit: 1.39, 1.16-1.65), normotension to ISH (per-unit: 1.28, 1.04-1.56), and normotension to IDH (per-unit: 1.94, 1.27-2.97). Conclusion: The TyG index was associated with different hypertension stages, phenotypes, their progressions, and could be served as a surrogate indicator for early hypertension management.

Association between triglyceride glucose-body mass index and hypertension in Chinese adults: A cross-sectional study

The triglyceride glucose-body mass index (TyG-BMI) has been considered an alternative marker of insulin resistance (IR). This cross-sectional study was designed to mainly investigate the association between TyG-BMI, triglyceride glucose combined with body mass index, and hypertension in Chinese adults. The relationship between TyG-BMI and hypertension was examined by multivariate logistic regression and restricted cubic spline model. Multiple logistic regression models were also performed to examine the associations between the individual components of TyG-BMI (BMI, TyG index, TG and FBG) and hypertension. The incremental ability of TyG-BMI versus its individual components for hypertension discrimination was evaluated by C-statistic and net reclassification index. Subgroup analysis was performed to examine potential interactions. A total of 92,545 participants (38.9% men, mean age 53.7 years) were included for final analysis. Logistic regression models showed TyG-BMI and its individual components were all significantly associated with the odds of hypertension (p for trend < .001). The restricted cubic spline regression manifested a linear association between TyG-BMI and hypertension (p for non-linear = .062). The addition of TyG-BMI, in comparison with each individual component, exhibited the maximum incremental value for the discrimination of hypertension on the basis of base model (C-statistic: 0.679, 95% CI: 0.675-0.683 for base model vs. 0.695, 95% CI: 0.691-0.699 for base model + TyG-BMI; net reclassification index: 0.226, 95% CI: 0.215-0.234). TyG-BMI was significantly associated with the odds of hypertension and can be a better discriminator of hypertension.

Is there any association between early trimester Triglyceride-glucose index and incidence of hypertensive disorder of pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes?

BACKGROUND

Insulin resistance (IR) is a normal feature of pregnancy and plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (HDP). The triglyceride-glucose index (TyG index) has been shown as a simple and reliable alternative IR marker. This work aimed to investigate the association between the TyG index and the incidence of HDP and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

METHODS

From January 2016 to December 2018, 289 women with HDP and 861 women without HDP were recruited at Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University to determine the relationship between the TyG index and the incidence of HDP and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

RESULTS

In the case-control study, the incidence of HDP was found to be significantly associated with the TyG index. Moreover, logistic regression indicated that the TyG index is an independent risk factor for HDP development and incidence of low birth weight (LBW) and fetal distress. In the cohort study, the results showed that the TyG index increased, there was a stepwise increase in HDP incidence, SBP, and DBP levels one week before delivery as well as in LBW and fetal distress incidence. The early trimester TyG index was positively associated with pre-pregnancy BMI, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) one week before delivery. Spline regression showed that there was a significant linear association between HDP incidence and early trimester TyG index when it was >8.5.

CONCLUSIONS

This work suggested that the early trimester TyG index was closely associated with the development of HDP and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Comparison of 10 obesity-related indices for predicting hypertension based on ROC analysis in Chinese adults

OBJECTIVE

To compare the predictive performance of the percentage body fat (PBF), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), waist-hip ratio (WHR), waist-height ratio (WHtR), a body shape index (ABSI), body roundness index (BRI), abdominal volume index (AVI), and conicity index (CI) for identifying hypertension.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 2,801 adults (1,499 men and 1,302 women) aged 18 to 81 in Ningbo, China. The receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis and multiple non-parametric Z tests were used to compare the areas under the curve (AUC). The maximum Youden's indices were used to determine the optimal cut-off points of 10 obesity-related indices (ORI) for hypertension risk.

RESULTS

The AUC of all the indices were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The AUC of all the indices in men and women were 0.67-0.73 and 0.72-0.79, respectively. Further non-parametric Z tests showed that WHR had the highest AUC values in both men [0.73 (95% CI: 0.70, 0.76)] and women (0.79 (95% CI: 0.75, 0.83)], and several central ORI (men: WHR, WC, BRI, AVI, and CI, 0.71-0.73; women: WC, WHR, and AVI, 0.77-0.79) were higher than general ORI (PBF and BMI, 0.68 in men; 0.72-0.75 in women), with adjusted P < 0.05. The optimal cut-off points for identifying hypertension in men and women were as follows: PBF (23.55%, 32.55%), BMI (25.72 kg/m2, 23.46 kg/m2), HC (97.59 cm, 94.82 cm), WC (90.26 cm, 82.78 cm), WHR (0.91, 0.88), WHtR (0.51, 0.55), ABSI (0.08 m7/6/kg2/3, 0.08 m7/6/kg2/3), BRI (4.05, 4.32), AVI (16.31 cm2, 13.83 cm2), and CI (1.23 m2/3/kg1/2, 1.27 m2/3/kg1/2). Multivariate logistic regression models showed that all indices were statistically significant (P < 0.05) with the adjusted ORs (per 1-SD increase) at 1.39-2.06 and ORs (over the optimal cut-off points) at 1.80-2.64.

CONCLUSIONS

All 10 ORI (PBF, BMI, HC, WC, WHR, WHtR, ABSI, BRI, AVI, and CI) can effectively predict hypertension, among which WHR should be recommended as the best predictor. Central ORI (WHR, WC, and AVI) had a better predictive performance than general ORIs (PBF and BMI) when predicting the risk of hypertension.

Comparison between distinct insulin resistance indices in measuring the development of hypertension: The China Health and Nutrition Survey

Aim

Our aim was to identify the relationship between several surrogate insulin resistance (IR) indices based on lipid products and the development of hypertension.

Materials and methods

A total of 3,281 participants aged ≥ 18 years enrolled in the China Health and Nutrition Survey from 2009 to 2015 and who were followed up for 6 years were included in the final analysis. Logistic regression was used to analyze the association between different IR indices and incident hypertension.

Results

There were 882 (28.9%) hypertensive participants in 2015. With regard to the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) based on insulin level, subjects in the highest quartile of HOMA-IR values were more likely to develop hypertension [RR = 1.58 (1.26-1.98), P < 0.001] after being adjusted by sex and age, smoke habits, alcohol consumption, community type, married status, and education years in 2009. Subjects in the highest quartile of the triglyceride-glucose index (TyG) combined with body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) had more than two times the risk of hypertension after full adjustment compared with individuals in the lowest quartile (both P < 0.001), and the trend continued when adjusted for the HOMA-IR. Compared with those in the lowest quartile of TyG-BMI values, females in the highest quartile had a higher risk of developing hypertension than males [2.82 (2.01-3.97) vs. 2.56 (1.80-3.64)] after the full adjustment, and the trend existed independent of IR. Young participants in the highest quartile of the HOMA-IR had significantly higher risks of hypertension compared with subjects in the lowest quartile [1.67 (1.31-2.14), P < 0.005], and this trend was not significant in the elderly participants.

Conclusion

The results from our large-scale study elucidate the superiority of the TyG-BMI and TyG-WC compared with the HOMA-IR in the prediction of hypertension, which may be related to lipid deposition. The sex-specific predictive value is distinct for different IR indicators.

Association of METS-IR with incident hypertension in non-overweight adults based on a cohort study in Northeastern China

BACKGROUND

Insulin resistance (IR) plays an important role in the progression of hypertension (HTN); therefore, early identification of IR is clinically important for preventing HTN. Our study aims to explore the relationship between the metabolic score for IR (METS-IR) and HTN in Chinese population who maintained non-overweight.

METHODS

A total of 4678 adults who underwent annual health check-up in our institution from 2010 to 2017, did not have HTN at the first check-up and maintained non-overweight at follow-up were selected as subjects. The baseline METS-IR was calculated and the outcome was incident HTN. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to evaluate hazards ratios of HTN for METS-IR. Additionally, sensitive analyses and stratification analyses were used to deeply verify the relationship of METS-IR with HTN. The dose-response association between METS-IR and HTN risk was investigated using restricted the cubic spline analysis fitted for the Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS

Compared with the first quartiles of METS-IR, the risk of incident HTN was increased by 58% [hazard ratio (HR) 1.58, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.12-2.22] and 96% (HR 1.96, 95% CI 1.40-2.76) in the Q3 group and the Q4 group, respectively. The results remained consistent when analyses were restricted to people without abnormal high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride or fasting plasma glucose level at baseline. A linear dose-response relationship between METS-IR and HTN risk was identified (HR 1.08, 95% CI 1.04-1.12).

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of incident HTN was associated with elevated METS-IR levels in non-overweight individuals. METS-IR could help predict the risk of HTN in non-overweight individuals.

Comparison of Fasting Insulin Level, Homeostatic Model of Insulin Resistance, and Lipid Levels between Patients with Primary Hypertension and Normotensive Subjects

BACKGROUND

Hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance occurs in obese patients with primary hypertension independent of diabetes and obesity. This study was aimed at assessing serum fasting insulin levels, the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and serum lipid levels in non-obese patients with primary hypertension when compared to normotensive subjects.

METHODS

This observational study comprised 100 patients over 18 years of age, divided into two groups. The hypertensive group comprised non-obese patients with primary hypertension (n=50); the normotensive group comprised normotensive age- and sex-matched individuals (n=50). Patients with diabetes, impaired fasting glucose, obesity, and other causative factors of insulin resistance were excluded from the study. Serum fasting insulin levels and fasting lipid profiles were measured, and insulin resistance was calculated using HOMA-IR. These data were compared between the two groups. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to assess the extent of a linear relationship between HOMA-IR and to evaluate the association between HOMA-IR and systolic and diastolic blood pressures.

RESULTS

Mean serum fasting insulin levels (mIU/L), mean HOMA-IR values, and fasting triglyceride levels (mg/dL) were significantly higher in the hypertensive versus normotensive patients (10.32 versus 6.46, P<0.001; 1.35 versus 0.84, P<0.001; 113.70 versus 97.04, P=0.005, respectively). The HOMA-IR levels were associated with systolic blood pressure (r value 0.764, P=0.0005).

CONCLUSION

We observed significantly higher fasting insulin levels, serum triglyceride levels, and HOMA-IR reflecting hyperinsulinemia and possibly an insulin-resistant state among primary hypertension patients with no other causally linked factors for insulin resistance. We observed a significant correlation between systolic blood pressure and HOMA-IR.

Gender difference in the association between TyG index and subclinical atherosclerosis: results from the I-Lan Longitudinal Aging Study

Background

Insulin resistance (IR) is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in non-diabetic patients through the association of hyperglycemia or associated metabolic factors. The triglyceride glucose (TyG) index, which was defined by incorporating serum glucose and insulin concentrations, was developed as a surrogate marker of insulin resistance. We aimed to investigate the association between the TyG index and the early phase of subclinical atherosclerosis (SA) between the sexes.

Methods

The I-Lan Longitudinal Aging Study (ILAS) enrolled 1457 subjects aged 50–80 years. For each subject, demographic data and the TyG index {ln[fasting triglyceride (mg/dL)  ×  fasting plasma glucose (mg/dL)]/²} were obtained. Patients were further stratified according to sex and the 50th percentile of the TyG index (≥  8.55 or  <  8.55). SA was defined as the mean carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) at the 75th percentile of the entire cohort. Demographic characteristics and the presence of SA were compared between the groups. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between TyG index and SA.

Results

Patients with a higher TyG index (≥  8.55) had a higher body mass index (BMI), hypertension (HTN) and diabetes mellitus (DM). They had higher lipid profiles, including total cholesterol (T-Chol) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), compared to those with a lower TyG index (<  8.55). Gender disparity was observed in non-diabetic women who had a significantly higher prevalence of SA in the high TyG index group than in the low TyG index group. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, a high TyG index was independently associated with SA in non-diabetic women after adjusting for traditional risk factors [adjusted odds ratio (OR): 1.510, 95% CI 1.010–2.257, p  =  0.045] but not in non-diabetic men. The TyG index was not associated with the presence of SA in diabetic patients, irrespective of sex.

Conclusion

A high TyG index was significantly associated with SA and gender disparity in non-diabetic patients. This result may highlight the need for a sex-specific risk management strategy to prevent atherosclerosis.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12933-021-01391-7.

The effects of insulin therapy on maternal blood pressure and weight in women with gestational diabetes mellitus

Background

Although insulin therapy achieves effective glycemic control, it may aggravate hyperinsulinemia. Nonetheless the benefits of insulin as first-line treatment for women with GDM are controversial. This work aimed to investigate the effect of insulin on maternal GDM.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study recruited 708 women with GDM of whom 616 underwent lifestyle intervention and 92 were prescribed insulin therapy. Differences in variables between the two groups were analyzed by univariate analysis and multivariate analysis. Propensity score matching was used to control for age, pre-pregnancy BMI, time and BP at GDM diagnosis, and family history of diabetes and hypertension. Paired sample test was applied to evaluate the changes in BP after intervention in the two groups of women.

Results

There was no significant difference in mode of delivery, newborn weight or incidence of macrosomia between women prescribed insulin and those who adopted lifestyle modifications. Insulin therapy was associated with a slight increase in maternal weight compared with the lifestyle intervention group and was attributed to short-term treatment (about 12 weeks). In addition, insulin therapy remarkably increased maternal blood pressure, an effect that persisted after matching age, pre-pregnancy BMI, time and BP at GDM diagnosis, and family history of diabetes and hypertension. Between commencing insulin therapy and delivery, systolic blood pressure significantly increased by 6mmHg (P = 0.015) and diastolic blood pressure by 9 mmHg (P < 0.001). Increase in BP was significantly higher in the insulin group compared with the lifestyle intervention group (P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis with enter selection confirmed that insulin therapy was closely correlated with development of gestational hypertension (GH).

Conclusions

This work suggested that short-term insulin therapy for GDM was associated with a slight increase in maternal weight but a significant risk of increasing maternal blood pressure.

The Aggressive Diabetic Kidney Disease in Youth-Onset Type 2 Diabetes: Pathogenetic Mechanisms and Potential Therapies

Youth-onset Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) represents a major burden worldwide. In the last decades, the prevalence of T2DM became higher than that of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM), helped by the increasing rate of childhood obesity. The highest prevalence rates of youth-onset T2DM are recorded in China (520 cases/100,000) and in the United States (212 cases/100,000), and the numbers are still increasing. T2DM young people present a strong hereditary component, often unmasked by social and environmental risk factors. These patients are affected by multiple coexisting risk factors, including obesity, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, hypertension, and inflammation. Juvenile T2DM nephropathy occurs earlier in life compared to T1DM-related nephropathy in children or T2DM-related nephropathy in adult. Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is T2DM major long term microvascular complication. This review summarizes the main mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of the DKD in young population and the recent evolution of treatment, in order to reduce the risk of DKD progression.

Comparison of Various Obesity-Related Indices for Identification of Metabolic Syndrome: A Population-Based Study from Taiwan Biobank

This study aimed to evaluate the performance of 11 obesity-related indices, including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, waist–hip ratio, a body shape index, abdominal volume index, body adiposity index, body roundness index, conicity index, visceral adiposity index (VAI), and triglyceride glucose (TyG) index, in identifying metabolic syndrome (MetS) in adults. The information of 5000 participants was obtained from the Taiwan Biobank. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the associations between MetS and obesity-related indices with odds ratio (ORs). The predictive performance of the indices to identify MetS was compared using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and areas under curves (AUCs). Multivariate-adjusted logistic regression showed that the ORs for MetS increased across the quartiles of each index. ROC curves analysis demonstrated that TyG index had the greatest AUC in men (AUC = 0.850) and women (AUC = 0.890). Furthermore, VAI had the greatest AUC in men (AUC = 0.867) and women (AUC = 0.925) aged 30−50 years, while TyG index had the greatest AUC in men (AUC = 0.849) and women (AUC = 0.854) aged 51−70 years. Among the studied obesity-related indices, TyG index and VAI exhibited the best performance for identifying MetS in adults. TyG index and VAI may be the relevant indices to assess MetS in clinical practice.

Sugar-sweetened beverages consumption in relation to hypertension among Iranian university students: the MEPHASOUS study

PURPOSE

This study aimed to assess the link between sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) consumption and hypertension among a large population in the Middle East.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study (a part of Mental and Physical Health Assessment of University Student: MEPHASOUS study), 66,634 university students from all provinces of Iran, aged ≥ 18 years, were included. A self-administered dietary habits questionnaire was used to assess SSBs consumption as well as other dietary intakes. Participants were categorized based on three levels of SSB consumption: < 1 time/wk, 1-3 times/wk, and ≤ 3 times/wk. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) of ≥ 140 and diastolic blood pressure of ≥ 90.

RESULTS

Compared with those in the bottom category, students in the top category of SSBs consumption were more likely to have hypertension (OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.54-1.90). This association remained significant even after adjusting for confounding variables; such that participants in the highest category of SSBs consumption had 2.17 times greater odds of hypertension compared with those in the lowest category (OR 2.17, 95% CI 1.91-2.47). Stratified analysis based on gender and BMI status revealed such significant association in men (OR 2.12, 95% CI 1.79-2.50) and women (OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.67-2.48), and in all categories of BMI including students with underweight (OR 2.53, 95% CI 1.81-3.52), normal-weight (OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.81-2.51), overweight (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.58-2.89) and obesity (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.00-2.53).

CONCLUSION

Our results support previous findings indicating a significant positive association between SSBs consumption and hypertension.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, cross-sectional analytic studies.

A high triglyceride glucose index is more closely associated with hypertension than lipid or glycemic parameters in elderly individuals: a cross-sectional survey from the Reaction Study

Background

Both lipid and glucose abnormalities are associated with hypertension (HTN). However, it is unclear whether the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is associated with HTN. Therefore the aim of this study is to investigate the association of the TyG index and HTN and to compare the discriminative power of the TyG index, lipid, glycemic parameters for the risk of HTN in elderly individuals.

Methods

The present study was nested in a longitudinal (REACTION) study from May 2011 to December 2011, which was designed to demonstrate the association of abnormal glucose metabolism with the risk of cancer in the Chinese population. In total, 47,808 participants were recruited in this cross-sectional study. The TyG index was divided into five groups: the < 20% group, the 20–39% group, the 40–59% group, the 60–79% group and the ≥ 80% group, according to quintile division of the subjects. Three multivariate logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between the TyG vs. lipid parameters, glycemic parameters and HTN.

Results

Multivariate logistic regression analysis shows that compared with lipid and glycemic parameters, the TyG index remains significantly associated with HTN in either total subjects or subjects separated into men and women (odds ratio (OR) 1.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.18–1.51, p < 0.0001 in total subjects; OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.11–1.74, p = 0.0042 in men; OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.11–1.49, p = 0.0010 in women). In a stratified analysis, an elevated TyG index is significantly associated with HTN in the subgroup of the oldest age (≥ 65) (OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.30–2.14, p < 0.0001), as well as with obesity (Body mass index (BMI) ≥ 28 kg/m²) (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.29–2.66, p = 0.0009) or lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (< 90 mL/(min·1.73 m²)) (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.33–2.21, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

The TyG index is significantly associated with HTN and shows the superior discriminative ability for HTN compared with lipid and glycemic parameters in the Chinese elderly population.

NAFLD and Atherosclerosis: Two Sides of the Same Dysmetabolic Coin?

The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is strongly increasing and may put patients at increased risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (asCVD). Both disease phenotypes often co-occur, in the case of obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus type 2, and the metabolic syndrome. We explore the pathogenesis of NAFLD, the epidemiology of asCVD in NAFLD patients, shared drivers of both phenotypes, and factors caused by NAFLD that contribute to asCVD. Genetic studies support that NAFLD may drive asCVD through mixed hyperlipidemia. Next, we discuss the prospects of lifestyle improvement and pharmacological treatment of NAFLD for asCVD risk reduction. Finally, we point out that earlier identification of patients with NAFLD should be pursued by increasing awareness of the association of these two phenotypes and collaboration between the involved physicians.

METS-IR, a novel simple insulin resistance indexes, is associated with hypertension in normal-weight Chinese adults

Insulin resistance (IR) plays a crucial role in the development of hypertension, so early recognition of IR is of substantial clinical importance for the management of hypertension. But traditional IR indexes are invasive, complex, and impractical. We aimed to evaluate the associations between three simple IR indexes and hypertension in different body mass index (BMI) categories. A total of 142 005 adults who did not take antihypertensive medication were included in this analysis. The ratio of triglycerides to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDLc), the product of fasting triglycerides and glucose (TyG), and metabolic score for IR (METS-IR) were calculated according to the corresponding formulas. The associations between them and hypertension were analyzed by logistic regression. Among the three indicators, only METS-IR had positive correlations with blood pressure levels (all P < 0.001). After full adjustment, METS-IR was significantly associated with hypertension in the normal BMI group but not in the elevated BMI group. The OR for hypertension in the normal BMI group in the highest quartile of METS-IR was 2.884 (95% CI: 2.468-3.369) in the total sample, 1.915 (95% CI: 1.614-2.271) in females and 2.083 (95% CI: 1.717-2.527) in males. Our findings indicate that METS-IR, a simple and cost-effective IR index, was strongly associated with hypertension in normal-weight Chinese subjects. It could help monitor and manage hypertension in normal-weight individuals.

Association of Three Simple Insulin Resistance Indexes with Prehypertension in Normoglycemic Subjects

Background: Insulin resistance (IR) is the common pathophysiology of prehypertension and prediabetes. Recognition of IR in one of the two disease states is critical for carrying out preventive strategies of another disease state. This study aimed to explore which simple IR indexes were significantly associated with prehypertension in subjects with normoglycemia. Methods: A total of 108,370 adults without elevated fasting plasma glucose and hypertension were included in this study. The three simple IR indexes [triglycerides to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, the product of fasting triglycerides and glucose, and metabolic score for IR (METS-IR)] were calculated. Partial correlation was used to analyze the correlation between the three indicators and blood pressure (BP) levels, and logistic regression analysis was used to explore their association with prehypertension. Results: Among the three indicators, only METS-IR had positive correlations with systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels. Furthermore, METS-IR was also significantly associated with prehypertension, irrespective of the categorization of waist circumference (WC). The odds ratios of the highest quartile were 2.223 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.044-2.417) in all subjects, 2.022 (95% CI: 1.501-2.725) in elevated WC subgroup, and 1.815 (95% CI: 1.620-2.034) in normal WC subgroup. Conclusions: METS-IR was associated with prehypertension in normoglycemic Chinese subjects, which bypasses the impact of WC and might be valuable for the management of prehypertension and the prevention of prediabetes in different ethnic groups.

Fatty Liver Disease, Women, and Aldosterone: Finding a Link in the Jackson Heart Study

Context:

Fatty liver disease is one of the most common forms of chronic liver disease. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system has been implicated in the pathogenesis of fatty liver.

Objective:

Determine the relationship between fatty liver and aldosterone in a large cohort study.

Design:

Community-based, observational cohort study of African Americans.

Setting:

The original Jackson Heart Study cohort enrolled African American participants from the Jackson, Mississippi, metropolitan area in Hinds, Madison, and Rankin Counties.

Participants:

Our study population consisted of 2507 Jackson Heart Study participants (1625 women and 882 men) who had liver attenuation measured per computed tomography scans, had aldosterone measurements, and were not taking angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, or mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists.

Intervention:

There was no intervention.

Main outcome measure:

Liver attenuation on computed tomography scans.

Results:

Univariate regression analysis demonstrated a statistically significant correlation between aldosterone levels and liver attenuation. Each doubling of aldosterone was associated with 1.08 Hounsfield unit decrease (95% confidence interval, 1.47 to −0.69, P < 0.001). A multivariable model adjusted for body mass index, age, alcohol intake, and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance determined that the association was statistically significant only for women.

Conclusion:

Our data demonstrate a positive association between aldosterone levels and fatty liver in African American women.

Fasting insulin, insulin resistance and risk of hypertension in the general population: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Studies on the association of fasting insulin concentrations or insulin resistance with subsequent risk of hypertension have yielded conflicting results.

OBJECTIVE

To quantitatively assess the association of fasting insulin concentrations or homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) with incident hypertension in a general population by performing a meta-analysis.

METHODS

We searched the PubMed and Embase databases until August 31, 2016 for prospective observational studies investigating the elevated fasting insulin concentrations or HOMA-IR with subsequent risk of hypertension in the general population. Pooled risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of hypertension was calculated for the highest versus the lowest category of fasting insulin or HOMA-IR.

RESULTS

Eleven studies involving 10,230 hypertension cases were identified from 55,059 participants. Meta-analysis showed that the pooled adjusted RR of hypertension was 1.54 (95% CI 1.34-1.76) for fasting insulin concentrations and 1.43 (95% CI 1.27-1.62) for HOMA-IR comparing the highest to the lowest category. Subgroup analysis results showed that the association of fasting insulin concentrations with subsequent risk of hypertension seemed more pronounced in women (RR 2.07; 95% CI 1.19-3.60) than in men (RR 1.48; 95% CI 1.17-1.88).

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis suggests that elevated fasting insulin concentrations or insulin resistance as estimated by homeostasis model assessment is independently associated with an exacerbated risk of hypertension in the general population. Early intervention of hyperinsulinemia or insulin resistance may help clinicians to identify the high risk of hypertensive population.

Treatment of hypertension in obese patients

Obesity is a global pandemic and with its rise, its associated co-morbidities are increasing in prevalence, particularly uncontrolled hypertension. Lifestyle changes should be an anchor for the management of obesity-related hypertension; however, they are difficult to sustain. Drug therapy is often necessary to achieve blood pressure control. Diuretics, inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin system, and dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers are often used as first trio, with subsequent additions of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists and/or dual alpha/beta blocking agents. While a number of agents are currently available, 50 % of hypertensive patients remain uncontrolled. A number of novel drug and invasive therapies are in development and hold significant potential for the effective management of obesity-related hypertension.

Diabetes prevention programs

Primary prevention of type 2 diabetes is effective for curbing its epidemic. Lifestyle intervention has been found to be a highly effective, safe, and cost-effective method for the prevention of diabetes in high-risk persons, the benefit of which can extend for many years. Among the pharmacologic agents studied for prevention of diabetes, metformin has been found to be the safest. Interventions using drugs are less preferred because the drugs' effects tend to dissipate after their use is stopped and adverse effects may also result. The major challenge is to translate current knowledge into prevention programs at the national level.

Secondary hypertension: obesity and the metabolic syndrome

The epidemic of obesity in the United States and around the world is intensifying in severity and scope and has been implicated as an underlying mechanism in systemic hypertension. Obese hypertensive individuals characteristically exhibit volume congestion, relative elevation in heart rate, and high cardiac output with concomitant activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. When the metabolic syndrome is present, insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia may contribute to hypertension through diverse mechanisms. Blood pressure can be lowered when weight control measures are successful, using, for example, caloric restriction, aerobic exercise, weight loss drugs, or bariatric surgery. A major clinical challenge resides in converting short-term weight reduction into a sustained benefit. Pharmacotherapy for the obese hypertensive patient may require multiple agents, with an optimal regimen consisting of inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, thiazide diuretics, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers if needed to attain contemporary blood pressure treatment goals.

Insulin management in overweight or obese type 2 diabetes patients: the role of insulin glargine

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity commonly co-exist. Improved clinical management of T2DM and improved glycaemic control with traditional therapies including insulin usually result in some weight gain - a frequently perceived barrier to the introduction of insulin by both patient and healthcare professionals. Weight gain of 2.5 kg per 1% change in haemoglobin A(1c) (HbA(1c)) is common in many studies. Strategies to minimize weight gain, particularly in obese patients, are essential to help patients better manage their diabetes and improve quality of life. Insulin analogues with lower risk of hypoglycaemia and better within-patient variability compared with human insulin may help facilitate reaching treatment goals. Moreover, weight gain can be minimized by earlier insulinization and the use of basal insulin, such as insulin glargine, instead of premixed insulin. Data specific to the obese patient with T2DM are presented; they are currently limited but do indicate that insulin glargine therapy is associated with improved glycaemic control as well as less weight gain than other insulins, such as premixed insulin and prandial insulin regimens. Retrospective subanalyses of earlier trials and ongoing studies would shed further light on the impact of insulin therapy in obese people with T2DM in addition to determination of optimal therapeutic strategies.