New classification and diagnostic criteria for insulin resistance syndrome

Severe Insulin Resistance Syndromes: Clinical Spectrum and Management

Insulin resistance is a condition wherein cells fail to adequately respond to insulin. It is a prevalent medical condition associated with several diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, obesity, and polycystic ovary syndrome. Insulin resistance may be involved in metabolic disturbances, such as hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, dyslipidemia, hyperuricemia, endothelial dysfunction, elevated inflammatory markers, and a prothrombotic state. Severe insulin resistance syndromes are a heterogeneous group of rare disorders. These disorders are characterized by profound insulin resistance, substantial metabolic abnormalities, and different clinical manifestations and complications. They may be hereditary or acquired, caused by defects in insulin action and cellular responsiveness to insulin. Severe insulin resistance syndromes may also be due to aberrations in adipose tissue function and development. The majority of these disorders are associated with an increased risk of severe complications and mortality. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, complications and prognosis of severe insulin resistance syndromes, as well as to categorize these syndromes by disease process, including defects in insulin receptor, intracellular insulin signaling defects, lipodystrophies, etc.

Atherosclerosis and Insulin Resistance: Is There a Link Between Them?

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, especially in regions like Eastern Europe, South Asia, and Latin America. A significant portion of these cases (80%) is linked to atherosclerosis, which can lead to severe conditions like ischemic heart disease and stroke, with atherosclerosis (ATS) responsible for the majority of cases. This review explores the multifaceted relationship between insulin resistance (IR) and ATS, highlighting their roles as both independent and interrelated contributors to cardiovascular risk. ATS is characterized by lipid accumulation and chronic inflammation within arterial walls, driven by factors such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, and genetic predisposition, with endothelial dysfunction as a key early event. The early detection of subclinical ATS is critical and can be achieved through a combination of non-invasive imaging techniques-such as coronary artery calcium scoring and carotid ultrasound-and comprehensive risk profiling. IR, marked by impaired glucose uptake in liver, muscle, and adipose tissue, often precedes early diabetes and is associated with metabolic disturbances, including dyslipidemia and chronic inflammation. The diagnosis of IR relies on surrogate indices such as HOMA-IR, the QUICKI, and the TyG index, which facilitate screening in clinical practice. Compelling evidence indicates that IR independently predicts the progression of atherosclerotic plaques, even in non-diabetic individuals, and operates through both traditional risk factors and direct vascular effects. Understanding and targeting the IR-ATS axis is essential for the effective prevention and management of cardiovascular disease.

Neonatal and Syndromic Forms of Diabetes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Neonatal and syndromic diabetes are rare but important conditions. These conditions often result in severe insulin deficiency or insulin resistance. In this review, we aim to discuss the clinical characteristics and genetics of neonatal and syndromic forms of diabetes.

RECENT FINDINGS

Beyond the development of diabetes mellitus, many other organ systems are affected. Understanding the pathophysiology of these conditions have improved our collective understanding of the genetics and developmental biology related to glucose metabolism and beyond. This review will provide new information for researchers and provide a helpful resource for clinicians when evaluating a patient for neonatal and syndromic forms of diabetes.

Metabolic syndrome therapy in pediatric age - between classic and modern. From diets to pipeline drugs

The metabolic syndrome, made up of the sum of the entities that define it (obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemias and non-alcoholic hepatic steatosis) has gained an important place in the research of the last decades. This aspect is mainly due to the complexity of management in pediatric practice. The main directions in his approach therefore bring together the concern of counteracting the noise or systemic, of the multiple intercurrents at the physiopathological level, as well as the negative imprint exerted on the quality of life. Its appearance and evolution are currently controversial topics, but the influence of genetic predisposition and lifestyle (diet, physical activity, psychological balance) are certainties. Considering the escalation of the incident at the global level, it is self-evident that it is necessary to know the pathogenesis and practice countermeasures for prophylactic or therapeutic purposes. The present work aims to summarize general aspects related to the metabolic syndrome encountered in pediatric age, with an emphasis on complementary therapeutic perspectives and their effectiveness, by analyzing the latest data from the specialized literature, accessed with the help of international databases (e.g., PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, Google Scholar).

Predictive value of triglyceride-glucose index for the occurrence of acute respiratory failure in asthmatic patients of MIMIC-IV database

This study aims to investigate the association between the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and the occurrence of acute respiratory failure in asthma patients. This retrospective observational cohort study utilized data from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV 2.2) database. The primary outcome was the development of acute respiratory failure in asthma patients. Initially, the Boruta algorithm and SHapley Additive exPansions were applied to preliminarily determine the feature importance of the TyG index, and a risk prediction model was constructed to evaluate its predictive ability. Secondly, Logistic regression proportional hazards models were employed to assess the association between the TyG index and acute respiratory failure in asthma patients. Finally, subgroup analyses were conducted for sensitivity analyses to explore the robustness of the results. A total of 751 asthma patients were included in the study. When considering the TyG index as a continuous variable, logistic regression analysis revealed that in the unadjusted Model 1, the odds ratio (OR) was 2.381 (95% CI: 1.857-3.052; P < 0.001), in Model II, the OR was 2.456 (95% CI: 1.809-3.335; P < 0.001), and in the multivariable-adjusted model, the OR was 1.444 (95% CI: 1.029-2.028; P = 0.034). A consistent association was observed between the TyG index and the risk of acute respiratory failure in asthma patients. No significant interaction was found between the TyG index and various subgroups (P > 0.05). Furthermore, machine learning results indicated that an elevated TyG index was a significant feature predictive of respiratory failure in asthma patients. The baseline risk model achieved an AUC of 0.743 (95% CI: 0.679-0.808; P < 0.05), whereas the combination of the baseline risk model with the TyG index yielded an AUC of 0.757 (95% CI: 0.694-0.821; P < 0.05). The TyG index can serve as a predictive indicator for acute respiratory failure in asthma patients, albeit confirmation of these findings requires larger-scale prospective studies.

Triglyceride and Glucose Index as an Optimal Predictor of Metabolic Syndrome in Lebanese Adults

Background: Globally, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is on the rise, especially in Arab countries, which emphasizes the need for reliable ethnic-specific biochemical screening parameters. Methods: Two hundred twenty-one Lebanese adults were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Biochemical parameters including Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA), Triglyceride and Glucose index (TyG), ratio of Triglycerides to High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (TG/HDL-C), Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP), and Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI) were assessed for their prediction of MetS. Analysis of covariance, logistic regression, expected-versus-observed case ratio were used to determine model calibration, concordance statistic, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), sensitivity, specificity, and negative and positive predictive values (PPV, NPV). Results: The prevalence of MetS was 44.3%. All biochemical parameters were significantly associated with MetS, with a strong model discrimination (c-statistic between 0.77 and 0.94). In both sex categories, TyG best predicted MetS (females: cut-off value, 8.34; males: cut-off value, 8.43) and showed good estimation among females, but overestimation among males. HOMA had the lowest discriminatory power in both sex categories. Conclusions: This study suggests that TyG best predicts MetS, while HOMA has the lowest predictive power. Future larger studies need to focus on harmonizing ethnic specific cut-offs and further validating our results.

A case of systemic lupus erythematosus in a patient with Noonan syndrome with recurrent severe hypoglycaemia

Noonan syndrome (NS) is a dominantly inherited genetic disorder with mutations in genes encoding components or regulators of the Rat sarcoma virus/mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Its diagnosis is based on characteristic features, including typical facial features, a short stature, congenital heart disease, mild developmental delay, and cryptorchidism. Patients with NS sometimes develop autoimmune diseases, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis and, rarely, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We herein present a 29-year-old Japanese female with NS complicated by SLE and repeated severe hypoglycaemia. The patient was diagnosed with SLE based on thrombocytopenia, nephritis, a positive antinuclear antibody titre (1:640), and a positive anti-dsDNA antibody. The patient was treated with a glucocorticoid, mycophenolate mofetil, and tacrolimus, which attenuated both SLE and hypoglycaemia. Since insulin receptor antibody levels were higher to the upper normal range and decreased after treatment, hypoglycaemia probably appeared to be attributed to type B insulin resistance syndrome. We herein present the first case of SLE in NS complicated by type B insulin resistance syndrome. Although NS is a rare disease, we need to consider the complication of autoimmune diseases, including SLE.

Monogenic diabetes in children: An underdiagnosed and poorly managed clinical dilemma

Monogenic diabetes, constituting 1%-2% of global diabetes cases, arises from single gene defects with distinctive inheritance patterns. Despite over 50 ass-ociated genetic disorders, accurate diagnoses and management of monogenic diabetes remain inadequate, underscoring insufficient clinician awareness. The disease spectrum encompasses maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY), characterized by distinct genetic mutations affecting insulin secretion, and neonatal diabetes mellitus (NDM) - a heterogeneous group of severe hyperglycemic disorders in infants. Mitochondrial diabetes, autoimmune monogenic diabetes, genetic insulin resistance and lipodystrophy syndromes further diversify the monogenic diabetes landscape. A tailored approach based on phenotypic and biochemical factors to identify candidates for genetic screening is recommended for suspected cases of MODY. NDM diagnosis warrants immediate molecular genetic testing for infants under six months. Identifying these genetic defects presents a unique opportunity for precision medicine. Ongoing research aimed to develop cost-effective genetic testing methods and gene-based therapy can facilitate appropriate identification and optimize clinical outcomes. Identification and study of new genes offer a valuable opportunity to gain deeper insights into pancreatic cell biology and the pathogenic mechanisms underlying common forms of diabetes. The clinical review published in the recent issue of World Journal of Diabetes is such an attempt to fill-in our knowledge gap about this enigmatic disease.

Exogenous Nucleotides Ameliorate Insulin Resistance Induced by Palmitic Acid in HepG2 Cells through the IRS-1/AKT/FOXO1 Pathways

Nucleotides (NTs) act as pivotal regulatory factors in numerous biological processes, playing indispensable roles in growth, development, and metabolism across organisms. This study delves into the effects of exogenous NTs on hepatic insulin resistance using palmitic-acid-induced HepG2 cells, administering interventions at three distinct dosage levels of exogenous NTs. The findings underscore that exogenous NT intervention augments glucose consumption in HepG2 cells, modulates the expression of glycogen-synthesis-related enzymes (glycogen synthase kinase 3β and glycogen synthase), and influences glycogen content. Additionally, it governs the expression levels of hepatic enzymes (hexokinase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, and glucose-6-phosphatase). Moreover, exogenous NT intervention orchestrates insulin signaling pathway (insulin receptor substrate-1, protein kinase B, and forkhead box protein O1) and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity in HepG2 cells. Furthermore, exogenous NT intervention fine-tunes the expression levels of oxidative stress-related markers (malondialdehyde, glutathione peroxidase, and NADPH oxidase 4) and the expression of inflammation-related nuclear transcription factor (NF-κB). Lastly, exogenous NT intervention regulates the expression levels of glucose transporter proteins (GLUTs). Consequently, exogenous NTs ameliorate insulin resistance in HepG2 cells by modulating the IRS-1/AKT/FOXO1 pathways and regulate glucose consumption, glycogen content, insulin signaling pathways, AMPK activity, oxidative stress, and inflammatory status.

Application of ERAS in older patients with gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness and feasibility of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) in older gastric cancer (GC) patients by observing the changes in postoperative intestinal function recovery, nutritional indicators, and inflammatory markers following the surgery.

METHODS

A total of 61 older GC patients who underwent laparoscopic radical gastrectomy were selected as the subjects of this study. They were divided into an ERAS group (n = 28) and a conventional control group (n = 33) based on the different management modes during the perioperative period. General data, inflammatory response indicators, nutritional indicators, and perioperative indicators of the 2 groups were collected and compared. The changes in relevant indicators were analyzed, and the underlying reasons for these changes were explored.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in general data and preoperative indicators between the 2 groups (P > .05). In the ERAS group, the inflammatory markers decreased more rapidly, and the nutritional indicators recovered more quickly after surgery. The differences between the 2 groups were statistically significant on the 5th and 7th postoperative days (P < .05). The ERAS group had significantly shorter postoperative hospital stay (10.07 ± 1.41 vs 13.04 ± 3.81), shorter time to first flatus (3.70 ± 0.72 vs 4.18 ± 1.17), shorter drainage tube retention time (8.96 ± 1.53 vs 10.93 ± 3.36), and shorter nasogastric tube retention time (3.36 ± 1.72 vs 6.14 ± 3.99) compared to the control group (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

The application of the ERAS program in older GC patients is effective and feasible, and significantly contributes to faster postoperative recovery in older patients.

A Qualitative Research Study of Experiences and Perceptions of People Living with Insulin Resistance Syndrome or Lipoatrophic Diabetes in Japan

INTRODUCTION

There are few reports on the experiences and perceptions of people living with the rare diseases of insulin resistance syndrome or lipodystrophy. This study was designed to identify treatment experiences and perceptions of disease-related burdens among affected people, as well as their needs and priorities. We discussed how to meet identified needs and expectations, in addition to the types of therapeutic drugs and support required.

METHODS

Qualitative data regarding participants' experiences and perceptions of the diseases were collected through individual interviews, advisory board meetings, and individual follow-up activities. Verbatim transcripts from recorded participants' statements were qualitatively analysed.

RESULTS

Four women aged 30-41 years participated in the study, two with insulin resistance syndrome and two with lipoatrophic diabetes. The diseases not only took a heavy physical toll on these women, but they and their families were also affected psychologically, with some experiencing stigmatisation. There was a lack of information for participants about their disease and little public awareness of the disease. The needs identified include initiatives to promote an accurate understanding of these diseases, information booklets, consultation service for those affected by the diseases, less burdensome treatment options, and opportunities for peer communication.

CONCLUSION

People living with insulin resistance syndrome or lipoatrophic diabetes have significant physical/psychological burdens and unmet needs. The following are highly desirable to alleviate the burdens: promoting proper understanding of the diseases; establishing a framework for dissemination of disease and treatment information to those living with the diseases; development of therapeutic drugs for these diseases; educational materials that raise public awareness; and opportunities for peer communication.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000043693). A Japanese translation is available for this article.

SHORT Syndrome: an Update on Pathogenesis and Clinical Spectrum

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review describes the unique pathogenesis of SHORT syndrome, a rare genetic form of insulin resistance syndrome, and recent advances in understanding the underlying mechanisms. SHORT syndrome results from dysfunction of PI3K, but the mechanisms behind the clinical manifestations are not entirely understood. Elucidating these mechanisms may contribute to the understanding of the roles of insulin signaling and PI3K signaling in humans. There are paucity of data on treatment and outcomes.

RECENT FINDINGS

The clinical spectrum of the disorder appears wider than previously understood, and overlaps with other clinical syndromes. PI3K malfunction is associated with insulin resistance, decreased lipogenesis, increased energy expenditure, and possible IGF1 resistance. SHORT syndrome may be underdiagnosed, and should be considered in individuals with growth failure, craniofacial dysmorphism, and lipodystrophy. Much is still unknown about the optimal management and long-term outcomes.