The prevalence of diabetes and metabolic syndrome and associated risk factors in Sudanese individuals with gallstones: a cross sectional survey

Predictive role of insulin resistance surrogates in gallstone disease

Several studies have confirmed the association between insulin resistance (IR) surrogates and the risk of cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between 4 IR surrogates: triglyceride-glucose index (TyG), triglyceride-glucose index with waist circumference (TyG-WC), triglyceride-glucose index with body mass index (TyG-BMI), and triglycerides/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, and the risk of gallstone disease. This retrospective cross-sectional study involved a total of 19,696 participants who were divided into gallstone and non-gallstone groups based on ultrasound findings. Biochemical parameters and ultrasound results were collected and statistically analyzed. Nonparametric U test, Chi-square test, and subgroup analysis were used to examine the differences in expression of the 4 IR surrogates between the 2 groups. Logistic regression models and receiver operating characteristic curves were employed to evaluate the relationships and predictive ability of the 4 surrogates for gallstone disease. The levels of the 4 surrogates of IR were significantly higher in individuals with gallstone disease (GSD) compared to those without GSD (P < .001). After adjusting for age, gender, and personal medical history, TyG-WC and TyG-BMI emerged as significant predictors of gallstones in both genders. The predictive ability of these IR surrogates was stronger for gallstone disease in females than in males. In females, the area under the curve for TyG-WC and TyG-BMI were 0.683 and 0.629, respectively, while for males, these values were 0.544 and 0.528. When age was included with TyG-WC and TyG-BMI to predict GSD, the area under the curve values increased to 0.734 and 0.733 for females, and 0.684 and 0.682 for males. The study found that TyG-WC and TyG-BMI were identified as independent risk factors for the prevalence of GSD. Additionally, combined with age, TyG-WC and TyG-BMI showed good predictive value for the prevalence of GSD in females.

2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics: A Report of US and Global Data From the American Heart Association

BACKGROUND

The American Heart Association (AHA), in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health, annually reports the most up-to-date statistics related to heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular risk factors, including core health behaviors (smoking, physical activity, nutrition, sleep, and obesity) and health factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, glucose control, and metabolic syndrome) that contribute to cardiovascular health. The AHA Heart Disease and Stroke Statistical Update presents the latest data on a range of major clinical heart and circulatory disease conditions (including stroke, brain health, complications of pregnancy, kidney disease, congenital heart disease, rhythm disorders, sudden cardiac arrest, subclinical atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, valvular disease, venous thromboembolism, and peripheral artery disease) and the associated outcomes (including quality of care, procedures, and economic costs).

METHODS

The AHA, through its Epidemiology and Prevention Statistics Committee, continuously monitors and evaluates sources of data on heart disease and stroke in the United States and globally to provide the most current information available in the annual Statistical Update with review of published literature through the year before writing. The 2025 AHA Statistical Update is the product of a full year's worth of effort in 2024 by dedicated volunteer clinicians and scientists, committed government professionals, and AHA staff members. This year's edition includes a continued focus on health equity across several key domains and enhanced global data that reflect improved methods and incorporation of ≈3000 new data sources since last year's Statistical Update.

RESULTS

Each of the chapters in the Statistical Update focuses on a different topic related to heart disease and stroke statistics.

CONCLUSIONS

The Statistical Update represents a critical resource for the lay public, policymakers, media professionals, clinicians, health care administrators, researchers, health advocates, and others seeking the best available data on these factors and conditions.

The Association between Gallstone Disease and Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Gallstone Disease (GSD) is a multifactorial risk factor for various complications.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine the relationship between GSD and Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) through a systematic review and meta-analysis approach.

METHODS

A thorough search was conducted across Web of Science, Scopus, MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases. Only studies published between 1980 and December 2023 were included. Chi-square, I2, and forest plots were used to assess heterogeneity. Begg's and Egger's tests were used to evaluate publication bias. Statistical significance was considered at p <0.05, and all analyses were performed using Stata 17.

RESULTS

This meta-analysis involved 21 studies and comprised 2,138,282 participants; there has been a significant association found between GSD and an increased risk of CVD (with a relative risk of 1.46, 95% confidence interval: 1.32-1.63, p <0.001). The analysis found no evidence of publication bias based on Begg's test (p =0.085) and Egger's test (p =0.231). Subgroup analysis of the studies showed a higher risk of CVD in studies with a sample size of less than 10,000 participants, conducted in 2016 or later, utilizing a cross-sectional design, in Asian countries; the analysis had a moderate quality score, with a follow-up period of equal to or less than ten years.

CONCLUSION

There has been a significant association found between GSD and CVD and their incidence is related to each other. Taking proactive steps to implement targeted interventions for individuals with gallstone disease could potentially reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease within this population.

Different types and numbers metabolic abnormalities and risk of gallbladder stone disease in adults

Background

Metabolic abnormalities in the body increase the risk of gallbladder stones and their complications, which brings a great economic and social burden. The relationship between different types and amounts of metabolic abnormalities and gallstone risk in different sexes is poorly documented and controversial.

Methods

Based on the baseline survey data of the Chinese Multi-Ethnic Cohort (CMEC) study, 4,075 Chinese adults aged 30-79 years with complete abdominal ultrasound results and metabolic index data. Logistic regression model was used to evaluate the correlation between five metabolic abnormalities and gallstones, and to explore the gender difference.

Results

The detection rate of gallbladder stones was found to be 7.0%, with a higher rate in women (8.6%) than in men (4.1%). Logistic results showed adjustment odds ratio (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of dysglycemia + hypertension + central obesity in 3 metabolic combinations was 4.459 (1.653, 12.029). The four metabolic combinations, dysglycemia + dyslipidemia + hypertension + central obesity, dysglycemia + dyslipidemia + hypertension + abnormal blood uric acid and dysglycemia + dyslipidemia + central obesity + abnormal blood uric acid adjusted OR and 95%CI were 3.342 (1.459, 7.659), 5.439 (1.555, 19.018) and 2.971 (1.187, 7.435), respectively. Gender-stratified analysis found that "any three or more metabolic abnormalities and their components were associated with gallstone risk, more significantly in women.

Conclusion

Different types and amounts of five metabolic abnormalities were associated with the risk of gallstone development, and the differences were more significant in women than men.

Associations between novel anthropometric indices and the prevalence of gallstones among 6,848 adults: a cross-sectional study

Background

Traditional anthropometric measures, including body mass index (BMI), are insufficient for evaluating gallstone risk. This study investigated the association between novel anthropometric indices and gallstone risk among 6,848 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in the United States.

Methods

Measures calculated included weight (WT), BMI, waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WtHR), conicity index (CI), A Body Shape Index (ABSI), Body Roundness Index (BRI), Abdominal Volume Index (AVI), and Weight-adjusted Waist Index (WWI). Logistic regression and smooth curve fitting assessed the relationships between these indices and gallstones, complemented by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to evaluate their discriminative power.

Results

The results indicated significant differences between study groups, with a positive and independent correlation identified between gallstones and all measures except ABSI. Specifically, per 1 SD increase in WC, WT, BMI, WtHR, and AVI was associated with a 57%, 59%, 52%, 53%, and 53% increased risk of gallstones, respectively. Dose-response analysis confirmed a positive correlation between these indices and gallstone risk. ROC analysis highlighted WtHR and BRI as having superior discriminative abilities (AUC = 0.6703). Further, among participants with a BMI < 30 kg/m2, elevated levels of WT, WtHR, CI, BRI, and WWI significantly increased the risk of gallstones (P < 0.001). Likewise, elevated BMI heightened the risk at low levels of WT, WC, WtHR, BRI, AVI, and CI (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study supports the positive association between various anthropometric indicators and gallstones, recommending that newer anthropometric indices be considered more extensively to enhance gallstone prevention and treatment strategies.

Comparison of Triglyceride-Glucose Index between Patients with Gallstone and Healthy Individuals

Background

Triglyceride-glucose index is a product of triglycerides and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and is a new index of insulin resistance found to correlate with direct measurements. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between gallstones and triglyceride-glucose index (TGI).

Methods

A total of 210 patients were included in this retrospective study. Overall, 105 patients with gallstones were included in the patient group. Patients with diabetes mellitus, chronic diseases, malignant diseases, and patients using cholesterol-lowering drugs were excluded from the study. Healthy individuals (105 cases) were selected for the control group. TGI was calculated separately for each individual using the following formula: (TGI) = ln (fasting TG (mg/dL) × fasting glucose (mg/dL)/2).

Results

Plasma triglyceride levels were significantly higher in patients with gallstones compared to the control group (P=0.001). Plasma HDL, LDL, and total cholesterol did not differ between the groups (P>0.05). Fasting blood glucose was significantly higher in patients with gallstones compared to the control group (P=0.001). The triglyceride glucose index was significantly higher in patients with gallstones compared to the control group (P<0.001). When the relationship between body mass index and TGI was analyzed, TGI was lower in patients with normal BMI compared to overweight or obese patients (P<0.001).

Conclusion

Increased triglyceride/glucose index in patients with gallstones is an indicator of insulin resistance. It is instrumental in demonstrating the presence of insulin resistance in patients with gallstones and may be a useful guide in earlier detection, prevention, and treatment of insulin resistance.

2024 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics: A Report of US and Global Data From the American Heart Association

BACKGROUND

The American Heart Association (AHA), in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health, annually reports the most up-to-date statistics related to heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular risk factors, including core health behaviors (smoking, physical activity, nutrition, sleep, and obesity) and health factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, glucose control, and metabolic syndrome) that contribute to cardiovascular health. The AHA Heart Disease and Stroke Statistical Update presents the latest data on a range of major clinical heart and circulatory disease conditions (including stroke, brain health, complications of pregnancy, kidney disease, congenital heart disease, rhythm disorders, sudden cardiac arrest, subclinical atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, valvular disease, venous thromboembolism, and peripheral artery disease) and the associated outcomes (including quality of care, procedures, and economic costs).

METHODS

The AHA, through its Epidemiology and Prevention Statistics Committee, continuously monitors and evaluates sources of data on heart disease and stroke in the United States and globally to provide the most current information available in the annual Statistical Update with review of published literature through the year before writing. The 2024 AHA Statistical Update is the product of a full year's worth of effort in 2023 by dedicated volunteer clinicians and scientists, committed government professionals, and AHA staff members. The AHA strives to further understand and help heal health problems inflicted by structural racism, a public health crisis that can significantly damage physical and mental health and perpetuate disparities in access to health care, education, income, housing, and several other factors vital to healthy lives. This year's edition includes additional global data, as well as data on the monitoring and benefits of cardiovascular health in the population, with an enhanced focus on health equity across several key domains.

RESULTS

Each of the chapters in the Statistical Update focuses on a different topic related to heart disease and stroke statistics.

CONCLUSIONS

The Statistical Update represents a critical resource for the lay public, policymakers, media professionals, clinicians, health care administrators, researchers, health advocates, and others seeking the best available data on these factors and conditions.

Association Between Gallstone Disease and Risk of Mortality of Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Gallstone disease (GD) is increasing in the world and has various complications.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to examine the relationship between GD and the risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer using a systematic review and meta-analysis approach.

METHODS

A comprehensive and systematic search was done in various databases, such as Web of Science (WOS), Scopus, MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase. The search included studies published from 1980 to December 2023. Heterogeneity was assessed using Chi-square, I2, and forest plots, while publication bias was evaluated through Begg's and Egger's tests. All analyses were performed using Stata 15, with statistical significance set at p <0.05.

RESULTS

A pooled analysis of five studies involving 161,671 participants demonstrated that individuals with GD had a significantly higher risk of mortality from CVD (RR 1.29, 95% CI: 1.11-1.50, p <0.001). Importantly, no evidence of publication bias was found based on the results of Begg's test (p =0.806) and Egger's test (p =0.138). Furthermore, the pooled analysis of seven studies, encompassing a total of 562,625 participants, indicated an increased risk of cancer mortality among individuals with GD (RR 1.45, 95% CI: 1.16-1.82, p <0.001). Similarly, no publication bias was detected through Begg's test (p =0.133) and Egger's test (p =0.089).

CONCLUSION

In this study, the evidence of a significant association between GD and an elevated risk of mortality from CVD and canceris provided. These findings suggest that implementing targeted interventions for individuals with gallstone disease could reduce mortality rates among these patients.

The Correlation between Islet β Cell Secretion Function and Gallbladder Stone Disease: A Retrospective Study Based on Chinese Patients with Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to analyze the correlation between islet β cell function and gallbladder stone (GBS) in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients.

METHODS

A total of 438 newly diagnosed T2DM patients in Peking University International Hospital from January 2017 to August 2022 were retrospectively analyzed and divided into a non-GBS group and a GBS group.

RESULTS

(1) The homeostasis model assessment of the insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) of the GBS group was higher than that of the non-GBS group (p < 0.05), while the homeostasis model assessment of β cell (HOMA-β), disposition index (DI0), and Matsuda index of the GBS group were lower than those of the non-GBS group (all p < 0.05). (2) For male patients, HOMA-IR is an independent risk factor for GBS (OR = 2.00, 95% CI:1.03, 3.88, p < 0.05), and the Matsuda index value is a protective factor for GBS (OR = 0.76, 95% CI:0.60, 0.96, p < 0.05). For female patients, HOMA-IR is an independent risk factor for GBS (OR = 2.80, 95% CI:1.03, 7.58, p < 0.05) and the Matsuda index value is a protective factor for GBS (OR = 0.59, 95% CI:0.39, 0.90, p < 0.05). (3) For male patients, the area under curve (AUC) for predicting GBS was 0.77 (95% CI 0.67, 0.87), with a specificity of 75.26%, a sensitivity of 80.00%, and an accuracy of 75.64%. For female patients, the AUC for predicting GBS was 0.77 (95% CI 0.63, 0.88), with a specificity of 79.63%, a sensitivity of 71.43%, and an accuracy of 78.69%.

CONCLUSIONS

Insulin resistance may be an independent risk factor for the incidence of GBS in patients with newly diagnosed T2DM, both male or female, which provides a new clinical basis and research direction for the prevention and treatment of GBS in patients with T2DM. This study has established a predictive model of GBS in T2DM and found it to be accurate, thus representing an effective tool for the early prediction of GBS in patients with T2DM.

Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in African populations: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The metabolic syndrome (MS) is a leading cause of death worldwide. Several studies have found MS to be prevalent in various African regions. However, no specific estimates of MS prevalence in African populations exist. The aim of this study was to estimate the overall prevalence of MS in the African populations.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Africa Index Medicus, and African Journal Online Scopus to find studies published up to the 15th of August 2022. Pooled prevalence was calculated based on six diagnostic methods. The pooled prevalence of MS was estimated using a random-effects model. Our risk of bias analysis was based on the Hoy et al. tool. A Heterogeneity (I2) assessment was performed, as well as an Egger test for publication bias. PROSPERO number CRD42021275176 was assigned to this study.

RESULTS

In total, 297 studies corresponding to 345 prevalence data from 29 African countries and involving 156 464 participants were included. The overall prevalence of MS in Africa was 32.4% (95% CI: 30.2-34.7) with significant heterogeneity (I2 = 98.9%; P<0.001). We obtained prevalence rates of 44.8% (95% CI: 24.8-65.7), 39.7% (95% CI: 31.7-48.1), 33.1% (95% CI: 28.5-37.8), 31.6% (95% CI: 27.8-35.6) and 29.3% (95% CI: 25.7-33) using the WHO, revised NCEP-ATP III, JIS, NCEP/ATP III and IDF definition criteria, respectively. The prevalence of MS was significantly higher in adults >18 years with 33.1% (95%CI: 30.8-35.5) compared to children <18 years with 13.3% (95%CI: 7.3-20.6) (P<0.001). MS prevalence was significantly higher in females with 36.9% (95%CI: 33.2-40.7) compared to males with 26.7% (95%CI: 23.1-30.5) (P<0.001). The prevalence of MS was highest among Type 2 diabetes patients with 66.9% (95%CI: 60.3-73.1), followed by patients with coronary artery disease with 55.2% (95%CI: 50.8-59.6) and cardiovascular diseases with 48.3% (95%CI: 33.5-63.3) (P<0.001). With 33.6% (95% CI: 28.3-39.1), the southern African region was the most affected, followed by upper-middle income economies with 35% (95% CI: 29.5-40.6).

CONCLUSION

This study, regardless of the definition used, reveals a high prevalence of MS in Africa, confirming the ongoing epidemiological transition in African countries. Early prevention and treatment strategies are urgently needed to reverse this trend.

Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics-2023 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association

BACKGROUND

The American Heart Association, in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health, annually reports the most up-to-date statistics related to heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular risk factors, including core health behaviors (smoking, physical activity, diet, and weight) and health factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose control) that contribute to cardiovascular health. The Statistical Update presents the latest data on a range of major clinical heart and circulatory disease conditions (including stroke, congenital heart disease, rhythm disorders, subclinical atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, heart failure, valvular disease, venous disease, and peripheral artery disease) and the associated outcomes (including quality of care, procedures, and economic costs).

METHODS

The American Heart Association, through its Epidemiology and Prevention Statistics Committee, continuously monitors and evaluates sources of data on heart disease and stroke in the United States to provide the most current information available in the annual Statistical Update with review of published literature through the year before writing. The 2023 Statistical Update is the product of a full year's worth of effort in 2022 by dedicated volunteer clinicians and scientists, committed government professionals, and American Heart Association staff members. The American Heart Association strives to further understand and help heal health problems inflicted by structural racism, a public health crisis that can significantly damage physical and mental health and perpetuate disparities in access to health care, education, income, housing, and several other factors vital to healthy lives. This year's edition includes additional COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) publications, as well as data on the monitoring and benefits of cardiovascular health in the population, with an enhanced focus on health equity across several key domains.

RESULTS

Each of the chapters in the Statistical Update focuses on a different topic related to heart disease and stroke statistics.

CONCLUSIONS

The Statistical Update represents a critical resource for the lay public, policymakers, media professionals, clinicians, health care administrators, researchers, health advocates, and others seeking the best available data on these factors and conditions.

Human Hepatocyte Nuclear Factors (HNF1 and LXRb) Regulate CYP7A1 in HIV-Infected Black South African Women with Gallstone Disease: A Preliminary Study

Female sex, high estrogen levels, aging, obesity, and dyslipidemia are some of the risk factors associated with gallstone formation. HIV-infected patients on combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) are more prone to hypercholesterolemia. Bile acid synthesis is initiated by cholesterol 7-alpha hydroxylase (CYP7A1) and regulated by hepatocyte nuclear factors (HNF1α, HNF4α, and LXRb). The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of HNF1α, HNF4α, LXRb, and miRNAs (HNF4α specific: miR-194-5p and miR-122^*_1) that regulate CYP7A1 transcription in HIV-infected Black South African women on cART and presenting with gallstones relative to HIV-negative patients with gallstone disease. Females (n = 96) presenting with gallstone disease were stratified based on HIV status. The gene expression of CYP7A1, HNF1α, HNF4α, LXRb, miR-194-5p, and miR-122^*_1 was determined using RT-qPCR. Messenger RNA and miRNA levels were reported as fold change expressed as 2^-ΔΔCt (RQ min; RQ max). Fold changes >2 and <0.5 were considered significant. HIV-infected females were older in age (p = 0.0267) and displayed higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) (p = 0.0419), CYP7A1 [2.078-fold (RQ min: 1.278; RQ max: 3.381)], LXRb [2.595-fold (RQ min: 2.001; RQ max: 3.000)], and HNF1α [3.428 (RQ min: 1.806; RQ max: 6.507] levels. HNF4α [0.642-fold (RQ min: 0.266; RQ max: 1.55)], miR-194-5p [0.527-fold (RQ min: 0.37; RQ max: 0.752)], and miR-122*_1 [0.595-fold (RQ min: 0.332; RQ max: 1.066)] levels were lower in HIV-infected females. In conclusion, HIV-infected women with gallstone disease displayed higher LDL-c levels and increased bile acid synthesis, which was evidenced by the elevated expression of CYP7A1, HNF1α, and LXRb. This could have been further influenced by cART and aging.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Gallbladder Stones and Polyps in Liaoning, China

Objective

To investigate the incidence and risk factors of gallbladder stones and polyps in individuals undergoing physical examinations in Liaoning province, China.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of adults who underwent routine health examinations at Xikang Medical Center in Liaoning Province (Shenyang, Dandong, and Dalian) from 01/2016 to 12/2020. The routine health examination included anthropometry, blood tests, and liver ultrasound. Based on liver ultrasound results, patients were grouped into those with gallbladder stones, those with gallbladder polyps, those with both stones and polyps, and those with neither.

Results

Of the 284,129 included subjects, 6,537 (2.30%) were diagnosed with gallbladder stones, and 18,873 (6.64%) were diagnosed with gallbladder polyps. The overall prevalence in Liaoning province increased each year, peaking in 2020. The prevalence of gallbladder stones was higher among females than males (2.39% vs. 2.23%, respectively), while the prevalence of gallbladder polyps was higher among males. The gallbladder polyp group had higher BMI, FBG, SBP, DBP, TG, TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, AST, ALP, GGT, BUN, Scr, SUA. Except for HDL-C, all factors were also higher in the gallbladder stone group. Patients with fatty liver had a higher prevalence of gallbladder stones and polyps than participants without fatty liver.

Conclusion

The prevalence of gallbladder stones and polyps in Liaoning varies by sex, economic status of the city of residence, BMI, and metabolic indicators.

Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics-2022 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association

BACKGROUND

The American Heart Association, in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health, annually reports the most up-to-date statistics related to heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular risk factors, including core health behaviors (smoking, physical activity, diet, and weight) and health factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose control) that contribute to cardiovascular health. The Statistical Update presents the latest data on a range of major clinical heart and circulatory disease conditions (including stroke, congenital heart disease, rhythm disorders, subclinical atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, heart failure, valvular disease, venous disease, and peripheral artery disease) and the associated outcomes (including quality of care, procedures, and economic costs).

METHODS

The American Heart Association, through its Statistics Committee, continuously monitors and evaluates sources of data on heart disease and stroke in the United States to provide the most current information available in the annual Statistical Update. The 2022 Statistical Update is the product of a full year's worth of effort by dedicated volunteer clinicians and scientists, committed government professionals, and American Heart Association staff members. This year's edition includes data on the monitoring and benefits of cardiovascular health in the population and an enhanced focus on social determinants of health, adverse pregnancy outcomes, vascular contributions to brain health, and the global burden of cardiovascular disease and healthy life expectancy.

RESULTS

Each of the chapters in the Statistical Update focuses on a different topic related to heart disease and stroke statistics.

CONCLUSIONS

The Statistical Update represents a critical resource for the lay public, policymakers, media professionals, clinicians, health care administrators, researchers, health advocates, and others seeking the best available data on these factors and conditions.

The positive effect of short-term nano-curcumin therapy on insulin resistance and serum levels of afamin in patients with metabolic syndrome

OBJECTIVE

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a cluster of cardio-metabolic risk factors. MS is known as a highly prevalent disease worldwide. According to the existing evidence, consuming curcumin has positive effects on lipids profile, glucose, and body weight. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of nano-curcumin therapy on insulin resistance and serum level of afamin in patients with MS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty MS patients (15 males and 15 females) received 80 mg/daily nano-curcumin for two months. The samples of fasting blood were collected from the participants at the beginning and 60 days after initiation of the intervention to measure biomarkers.

RESULTS

Comparing pre- and post-treatment with nano-curcumin values revealed a significant decrease in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (p=0.017), insulin, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (p=0.006), and afamin (p=0.047). Moreover, there was a significantly negative relationship between afamin and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (p=0.044), as well as a significantly positive relationship between afamin and systolic (SBP) (p<0.001) and diastolic (DBP) (p<0.001) blood pressures.

CONCLUSION

Results suggest that taking nano-curcumin for 60 days may have positive effects on afamin, FPG, insulin, and HOMA-IR in patients with MS, but would not significantly affect other metabolic profiles. More studies with larger sample sizes are required to confirm these findings.