Laparoscopic gastric banding prevents type 2 diabetes and arterial hypertension and induces their remission in morbid obesity: a 4-year case-controlled study

Hypertension Remission after Colorectal Cancer Surgery: A Single-Center Retrospective Study

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of colorectal cancer surgery on hypertension. Patients who underwent colorectal cancer surgery were retrospectively enrolled. Hypertension before and 1 year after colorectal cancer surgery was recorded. As a result, eighty patients had remission of hypertension, 307 patients had no remission 1 year after colorectal cancer surgery, and the remission rate was 20.7%. In conclusion, patients with concurrent colorectal cancer and hypertension had a 20.7% remission rate 1 year after colorectal cancer surgery. Age, but not the type of surgery, was a predictive factor for the remission of hypertension.

Biliopancreatic Diversion (BPD), Long Common Limb Revisional Biliopancreatic Diversion (BPD + LCL-R), Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass [RYGB] and Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG) mediate differential quantitative changes in body weight and qualitative modifications in body composition: a 5-year study

AIMS

Bariatric surgeries induce profound weight loss (decrease in body mass index, BMI), through a decrease in fat mass (FM) and to a much lesser degree of fat-free mass (FFM). Some reports indicate that the weight which is lost after gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is at least partially regained 2 years after surgery. Here we compare changes in BMI and body composition induced by four bariatric procedures in a 5 years follow-up study.

METHODS

We analyzed retrospectively modifications in BMI, FM and FFM obtained through Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), sleeve gastrectomy (SG), biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) and a long common limb revisional biliopancreatic diversion (reduction of the gastric pouch and long common limb; BPD + LCL-R). Patients were evaluated at baseline and yearly for 5 years. Of the whole cohort of 565 patients, a subset of 180 patients had all yearly evaluations, while the remaining had incomplete evaluations. Setting University Hospital.

RESULTS

In a total of 180 patients evaluated yearly for 5 years, decrease in BMI and FM up to 2 years was more rapid with RYGB and SG than BPD and BPD + LCL-R; with RYGB and SG both BMI and FM slightly increased in the years 3-5. At 5 years, the differences were not significant. When analysing the differences between 2 and 5 years, BPD + LCL-R showed a somewhat greater effect on BMI and FM than RYGB, BPD and SG. Superimposable results were obtained when the whole cohort of 565 patients with incomplete evaluation was considered.

CONCLUSIONS

All surgeries were highly effective in reducing BMI and fat mass at around 2 years; with RYGB and SG both BMI and FM slightly increased in the years 3-5, while BPD and BPD + LCL-R showed a slight further decreases in the same time interval.

High plasma renin activity associates with obesity-related diabetes and arterial hypertension, and predicts persistent hypertension after bariatric surgery

Background

Information about the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) in obese individuals before and after bariatric surgery is scarce. Aim of this study was to analyze the RAAS in severely obese subjects, in relation to anthropometric and metabolic variables, with special reference to glucose tolerance.

Methods

239 subjects were evaluated at baseline, and 181 one year after bariatric surgery [laparoscopic gastric banding (LAGB)].

Results

At baseline, renin (plasma renin activity, PRA) was increased from normal to glucose tolerance and more in diabetes, also correlating with ferritin. After LAGB, the decrease of PRA and aldosterone was significant in hypertensive, but not in normotensive subjects, and correlatied with decrease of ferritin. PRA and glucose levels were predictive of persistent hypertension 1 year after LAGB.

Conclusions

These data support the role of RAAS in the pathophysiology of glucose homeostasis, and in the regulation of blood pressure in obesity. Ferritin, as a proxy of subclinical inflammation, could be another factor contributing to the cross-talk between RAAS and glucose metabolism.

Long-term effect of bariatric surgery on body composition in patients with morbid obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis

We performed a meta-analysis to provide quantitative estimates of fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) changes in patients following bariatric surgery over 1 year. A systematic search of PubMed, SCOPUS and Web of Science databases was conducted; the pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using a random-effects model. Thirty-four studies including Roux en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), sleeve gastrectomy (SG) biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) and gastric banding (GB) were analyzed. RYGB decreased in body FM (-28.99 kg [31.21, -26.77]) or FM% (-12.73% [-15.14, -10.32]) or FFM (-9.97 kg [-10.93, -9.03]), which were greater than SG and GB. Moreover, the FFM% in RYGB group (11.72% [7.33, 16.11]) was more than SG (5.7% [4.44, 6.95]) and GB (8.1% [6.15, 10.05]) groups. Bariatric surgeries, especially RYGB, might be effective for a decrease in FM and maintenance of FFM in patients with morbid obesity in over 1 year.

Influence of Cinnamon on Glycemic Control in Individuals With Prediabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Context

The identification of adjunct safe, durable, and cost-effective approaches to reduce the progression from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a clinically relevant, unmet goal. It is unknown whether cinnamon’s glucose-lowering properties can be leveraged in individuals with prediabetes.

Objective

The objective of this work is to investigate the effects of cinnamon on measures of glucose homeostasis in prediabetes.

Design, Setting, Participants, and Intervention

This double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial randomly assigned adult individuals meeting any criteria for prediabetes to receive cinnamon 500 mg or placebo thrice daily (n = 27/group). Participants were enrolled and followed at 2 academic centers for 12 weeks.

Main Outcome Measures

Primary outcome was the between-group difference in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) at 12 weeks from baseline. Secondary end points included the change in 2-hour PG of the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and the change in the PG area under the curve (AUC) derived from the OGTT.

Results

From a similar baseline, FPG rose after 12 weeks with placebo but remained stable with cinnamon, leading to a mean between-group difference of 5 mg/dL (P < .05). When compared to the respective baseline, cinnamon, but not placebo, resulted in a significant decrease of the AUC PG (P < .001) and of the 2-hour PG of the OGTT (P < .05). There were no serious adverse events in either study group.

Conclusions

In individuals with prediabetes, 12 weeks of cinnamon supplementation improved FPG and glucose tolerance, with a favorable safety profile. Longer and larger studies should address cinnamon’s effects on the rate of progression from prediabetes to T2D.

Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Perioperative Nutrition, Metabolic, and Nonsurgical Support of Patients Undergoing Bariatric Procedures - 2019 Update: Cosponsored by American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists/American College of Endocrinology, The Obesity Society, American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, Obesity Medicine Association, and American Society of Anesthesiologists

OBJECTIVE

The development of these updated clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) was commissioned by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), The Obesity Society (TOS), American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), Obesity Medicine Association (OMA), and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Boards of Directors in adherence with the AACE 2017 protocol for standardized production of CPGs, algorithms, and checklists.

METHODS

Each recommendation was evaluated and updated based on new evidence from 2013 to the present and subjective factors provided by experts.

RESULTS

New or updated topics in this CPG include: contextualization in an adiposity-based chronic disease complications-centric model, nuance-based and algorithm/checklist-assisted clinical decision-making about procedure selection, novel bariatric procedures, enhanced recovery after bariatric surgery protocols, and logistical concerns (including cost factors) in the current health care arena. There are 85 numbered recommendations that have updated supporting evidence, of which 61 are revised and 12 are new. Noting that there can be multiple recommendation statements within a single numbered recommendation, there are 31 (13%) Grade A, 42 (17%) Grade B, 72 (29%) Grade C, and 101 (41%) Grade D recommendations. There are 858 citations, of which 81 (9.4%) are evidence level (EL) 1 (highest), 562 (65.5%) are EL 2, 72 (8.4%) are EL 3, and 143 (16.7%) are EL 4 (lowest).

CONCLUSIONS

Bariatric procedures remain a safe and effective intervention for higher-risk patients with obesity. Clinical decision-making should be evidence based within the context of a chronic disease. A team approach to perioperative care is mandatory, with special attention to nutritional and metabolic issues.

Clinical practice guidelines for the perioperative nutrition, metabolic, and nonsurgical support of patients undergoing bariatric procedures - 2019 update: cosponsored by American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists/American College of Endocrinology, The Obesity Society, American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery, Obesity Medicine Association, and American Society of Anesthesiologists

OBJECTIVE

The development of these updated clinical practice guidelines (CPG) was commissioned by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, The Obesity Society, the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, the Obesity Medicine Association, and the American Society of Anesthesiologists boards of directors in adherence to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists 2017 protocol for standardized production of CPG, algorithms, and checklists.

METHODS

Each recommendation was evaluated and updated based on new evidence from 2013 to the present and subjective factors provided by experts.

RESULTS

New or updated topics in this CPG include contextualization in an adiposity-based, chronic disease complications-centric model, nuance-based, and algorithm/checklist-assisted clinical decision-making about procedure selection, novel bariatric procedures, enhanced recovery after bariatric surgery protocols, and logistical concerns (including cost factors) in the current healthcare arena. There are 85 numbered recommendations that have updated supporting evidence, of which 61 are revised and 12 are new. Noting that there can be multiple recommendation statements within a single numbered recommendation, there are 31 (13%) Grade A, 42 (17%) Grade B, 72 (29%) Grade C, and 101 (41%) Grade D recommendations. There are 858 citations, of which 81 (9.4%) are evidence level (EL) 1 (highest), 562 (65.5%) are EL 2, 72 (8.4%) are EL 3, and 143 (16.7%) are EL 4 (lowest).

CONCLUSIONS

Bariatric procedures remain a safe and effective intervention for higher-risk patients with obesity. Clinical decision-making should be evidence-based within the context of a chronic disease. A team approach to perioperative care is mandatory with special attention to nutritional and metabolic issues.

Baseline hs-CRP predicts hypertension remission in metabolic syndrome

BACKGROUND

Inflammation, overweight and other cardiovascular risk factors might negatively impact on hypertension remission in metabolic syndrome (MetS), independently of the pharmacological treatment. Here, the potential influence of systemic inflammation (assessed by serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hs-CRP]) on hypertension remission will be investigated in a cohort of hypertensive patients with MetS.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Hypertensive patients with MetS (n = 100) were enrolled, treated under current behavior/dietary/pharmacological recommendations and followed up for 12 months. All patients received medications and nutritional advice based on Mediterranean-like dietary pattern in addition to psychological and physical activity counselling. At baseline (T0), 6 (T1) and 12 (T2) months of follow-up, clinical data, haematological and biochemical profiles and serum hs-CRP were measured.

RESULTS

As compared to T0, at T2 patients displayed improvements in anthropometric and metabolic profiles. At T2, the hypertension remission rate was 13.0%. Serum hs-CRP did not change overtime in the overall cohort. Surprisingly, patients who experienced hypertension remission were less treated with antihypertensive drugs, but developed a weak improvement in anthropometric measures during follow-up. The hypertension remission group had lower baseline levels of hs-CRP as compared to non-remission. Low baseline hs-CRP (<2 µg/mL, cut-off value identified by ROC curve) predicted hypertension remission, independently of antihypertensive treatment implementation, baseline systolic blood pressure and waist circumference improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

Remission of hypertension in MetS is independently associated with baseline low CRP levels, which might suggest a critical role for inflammation in sustaining high blood pressure levels.

Cost-Effectiveness of Bariatric Surgery versus Medication Therapy for Obese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in China: A Markov Analysis

AIMS/INTRODUCTION

The present study estimated the cost-effectiveness of bariatric surgery versus medication therapy for the management of recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in obese patients from a Chinese health insurance payer perspective.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A Markov model was established to compare the 40-year time costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) between bariatric surgery and medication therapy. The health-care costs in the bariatric surgery group, proportion of patients in each group with remission of diabetes, and state transition probabilities were calculated based on observed resource utilization from the hospital information system (HIS). The corresponding costs in the medication therapy group were derived from the medical insurance database. QALYs were estimated from previous literature. Costs and outcomes were discounted 5% annually.

RESULTS

In the base case analysis, bariatric surgery was more effective and less costly than medication therapy. Over a 40-year time horizon, the mean discounted costs were 86,366.55 RMB per surgical therapy patient and 113,235.94 CNY per medication therapy patient. The surgical and medication therapy patients lived 13.46 and 10.95 discounted QALYs, respectively. Bariatric surgery was associated with a mean health-care savings of 26,869.39 CNY and 2.51 additional QALYs per patient compared to medication therapy. Uncertainty around the parameter values was tested comprehensively in sensitivity analyses, and the results were robust.

CONCLUSIONS

Bariatric surgery is a dominant intervention over a 40-year time horizon, which leads to significant cost savings to the health insurance payer and increases in health benefits for the management of recently diagnosed T2DM in obese patients in China.

A 23-year study of mortality and development of co-morbidities in patients with obesity undergoing bariatric surgery (laparoscopic gastric banding) in comparison with medical treatment of obesity

Background and aim

Several studies have shown that bariatric surgery reduces long term mortality compared to medical weight loss therapy. In a previous study we have demonstrated that gastric banding (LAGB) is associated with reduced mortality in patients with and without diabetes, and with reduced incidence of obesity co-morbidities (cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer) at a 17 year follow-up. The aim of this study was to verify at a longer time interval (23 years) mortality and incidence of co-morbidities in patients undergoing LAGB or medical weight loss therapy.

Patients and methods

As reported in the previous shorter-time study, medical records of obese patients [body mass index (BMI) > 35 kg/m² undergoing LAGB (n = 385; 52 with diabetes) or medical treatment (controls, n = 681; 127 with diabetes), during the period 1995–2001 (visit 1)] were collected. Patients were matched for age, sex, BMI, and blood pressure. Identification codes of patients were entered in the Italian National Health System Lumbardy database, that contains life status, causes of death, as well as exemptions, prescriptions, and hospital admissions (proxies of diseases) from visit 1 to June 2018. Survival was compared across LAGB patients and matched controls using Kaplan–Meier plots adjusted Cox regression analyses.

Results

Final observation period was 19.5 ± 1.87 years (13.4–23.5). Compared to controls, LAGB was associated with reduced mortality [HR = 0.52, 95% CI 0.33–0.80, p = 0.003], significant in patients with diabetes [HR = 0.46, 95% CI 0.22–0.94, p = 0.034], borderline significant in patients without diabetes [HR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.35–1.05, p = 0.076]. LAGB was associated with lower incidence of diabetes (15 vs 75 cases, p = 0.001), of CV diseases (61 vs 226 cases, p = 0.009), of cancer (10 vs 35, p = 0.01), and of renal diseases (0 vs 35, p = 0.001), and of hospital admissions (92 vs 377, p = 0.001).

Conclusion

The preventive effect of LAGB on mortality is maintained up to 23 years, even with a decreased efficacy compared with the shorter-time study, while the preventive effect of LAGB on co-morbidities and on hospital admissions increases with time.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12933-018-0801-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Long-term mortality in obese subjects undergoing malabsorptive surgery (biliopancreatic diversion and biliointestinal bypass) versus medical treatment

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Aim of this study was to analyze long-term mortality in obese patients receiving malabsorptive bariatric surgery (BS)[biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) and biliointestinal bypass (BIBP)] in comparison to medical treatment of obesity.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Medical records of 1877 obese patients [body mass index (BMI) > 35 kg/m², aged 18-65 years, undergoing BS (n = 472, 111 with diabetes) or non-surgical medical treatment (n = 1405, 385 with diabetes), during the period 1999-2008 (visit 1)] were collected; non-surgical patients were matched for age, sex, BMI, and blood pressure, and life status and causes of death were ascertained through December 2016. Survival was compared across surgery patients and non-surgical patients using Kaplan-Meier plots and Cox regression analyses.

RESULTS

Observation period was 12.1 ± 3.41 years (mean ± SD). Compared to non-surgical patients, BS patients had reduced all-cause mortality (34/472 (7.2%) vs 181/1,405 (12.9%) patients, χ² = 11.25, p = 0.001; HR = 0.64, 95% C.I. 0.43-0.93, p = 0.019). Cardiovascular and cancer causes of death were significantly less frequent in surgery vs no-surgery (HR = 0.26, 95% C.I. 0.09-0.72, p = 0.003; HR = 0.21, 95% C.I. 0.09-0.45, p < 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Patients who have undergone BPD and BIBP have lower long-term all-cause, cardiovascular-caused and cancer-caused mortality compared to non-surgical medical weight-loss treatment patients. Malabsorptive bariatric surgery significantly reduces long-term mortality in severely obese patients.

Effectiveness of bariatric surgery in diabetes prevention in high-risk Asian individuals

INTRODUCTION

Obesity is a key risk factor in the development of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Bariatric surgery causes a large amount of durable weight loss in those with clinically severe obesity. We reported the effect of weight loss via bariatric surgery on DM prevention in those at high risk of developing DM.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of 44 patients with obesity (mean body mass index 43.8 kg/m2) and pre-DM who underwent bariatric surgery and were followed up for up to three years. We also reviewed a non-surgical cohort of patients with obesity and pre-DM seen at the weight management clinic.

RESULTS

91% of patients attained normal glycaemic status at one year after bariatric surgery. At the three-year follow-up, 87.5% of the patients maintained normoglycaemia. None of the patients developed T2DM after surgery. 26.9% of patients achieved absolute weight loss at one year after bariatric surgery and maintained this at two and three years post surgery (p < 0.001 vs. baseline). The homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance index in patients also decreased from 5.50 at baseline to 1.20, 1.14 and 1.44 at one, two and three years, respectively (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Bariatric surgery produces significant weight loss, and leads to reversion from the pre-diabetic state to normal glycaemic status and reduction of the incident DM rate in those with pre-DM and morbid obesity.

Improving efficacy of the adjustable gastric band: studies of the use of adjuvant approaches in a rodent model

BACKGROUND

The laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (AGB) has been effective in reducing excess weight by approximately 50% for at least 16 years. However, as with all weight loss approaches, reduction in weight resulting from bariatric surgery is associated with a compensatory reduction in energy expenditure, which may confound and limit weight loss. Adjuvant therapies that reduce food intake and increase energy expenditure may be used to improve weight loss outcomes by ameliorating, or even reversing, this reduction in energy expenditure.

METHODS

Rats were either fitted with an AGB or were sham operated and received one of 2 adjunctive pharmacologic treatments, (1) thyroxine or (2) bupropion/naltrexone (Contrave), at a range of doses and matched with vehicle controls (n = 6-8/group) over a 4-week period of combined treatments. Metabolic parameters including food intake, weight, fat mass, and energy expenditure in brown adipose tissue (BAT), whole body calorimetry, and physical activity were assessed.

RESULTS

Inflation of the AGB caused a reduction in weight gain that was further enhanced by cotreatment with either thyroxine or Contrave (P<.05). Thyroxine completely ameliorated the reduction in AGB-induced BAT thermogenesis and significantly improved weight loss, particularly in fat mass. Contrave also augmented the loss of weight and fat mass associated with the AGB and increased BAT thermogenesis in banded rats even at doses below that required to change food intake.

CONCLUSION

Adjuvant therapies can improve the efficacy of the AGB, at least in part by negating the compensatory reduction in energy expenditure, but also via a combined effect on food intake.

Costs and outcomes of increasing access to bariatric surgery for obesity: cohort study and cost-effectiveness analysis using electronic health records

Background

Bariatric surgery is known to be an effective treatment for extreme obesity but access to these procedures is currently limited.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the costs and outcomes of increasing access to bariatric surgery for severe and morbid obesity.

Design and methods

Primary care electronic health records from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink were analysed for 3045 participants who received bariatric surgery and 247,537 general population controls. The cost-effectiveness of bariatric surgery was evaluated in severe and morbid obesity through a probabilistic Markov model populated with empirical data from electronic health records.

Results

In participants who did not undergo bariatric surgery, the probability of participants with morbid obesity attaining normal body weight was 1 in 1290 annually for men and 1 in 677 for women. Costs of health-care utilisation increased with body mass index category but obesity-related physical and psychological comorbidities were the main drivers of health-care costs. In a cohort of 3045 adult obese patients with first bariatric surgery procedures between 2002 and 2014, bariatric surgery procedure rates were greatest among those aged 35–54 years, with a peak of 37 procedures per 100,000 population per year in women and 10 per 100,000 per year in men. During 7 years of follow-up, the incidence of diabetes diagnosis was 28.2 [95% confidence interval (CI) 24.4 to 32.7] per 1000 person-years in controls and 5.7 (95% CI 4.2 to 7.8) per 1000 person-years in bariatric surgery patients (adjusted hazard ratio was 0.20, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.30;p < 0.0001). In 826 obese participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus who received bariatric surgery, the relative rate of diabetes remission, compared with controls, was 5.97 (95% CI 4.86 to 7.33;p < 0.001). There was a slight reduction in depression in the first 3 years following bariatric surgery that was not maintained. Incremental lifetime costs associated with bariatric surgery were £15,258 (95% CI £15,184 to £15,330), including costs associated with bariatric surgical procedures of £9164 per participant. Incremental quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) were 2.142 (95% CI 2.031 to 2.256) per participant. The estimated cost per QALY gained was £7129 (95% CI £6775 to £7506). Estimates were similar across gender, age and deprivation subgroups.

Limitations

Intervention effects were derived from a randomised trial with generally short follow-up and non-randomised studies of longer duration.

Conclusions

Bariatric surgery is associated with increased immediate and long-term health-care costs but these are exceeded by expected health benefits to obese individuals with reduced onset of new diabetes, remission of existing diabetes and lower mortality. Diverse obese individuals have clear capacity to benefit from bariatric surgery at acceptable cost.

Future work

Future research should evaluate longer-term outcomes of currently used procedures, and ways of delivering these more efficiently and safely.

Funding

The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Services and Delivery Research programme. Martin C Gulliford and A Toby Prevost were supported by the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospitals. Peter Littlejohns was supported by the South London Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care. The funders did not engage in the design, conduct or reporting of the research.

Long-term mortality and incidence of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes in diabetic and nondiabetic obese patients undergoing gastric banding: a controlled study

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Aim of this retrospective study was to compare long-term mortality and incidence of new diseases [diabetes and cardiovascular (CV) disease] in morbidly obese diabetic and nondiabetic patients, undergoing gastric banding (LAGB) in comparison to medical treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Medical records of obese patients [body mass index (BMI) > 35 kg/m(2) undergoing LAGB (n = 385; 52 with diabetes) or medical treatment (controls, n = 681; 127 with diabetes), during the period 1995-2001 (visit 1)] were collected. Patients were matched for age, sex, BMI, and blood pressure. Identification codes of patients were entered in the Italian National Health System Lumbardy database, that contains life status, causes of death, as well as exemptions, drug prescriptions, and hospital admissions (proxies of diseases) from visit 1 to September 2012. Survival was compared across LAGB patients and matched controls using Kaplan-Meier plots adjusted Cox regression analyses.

RESULTS

Observation period was 13.9 ± 1.87 (mean ± SD). Mortality rate was 2.6, 6.6, and 10.1 % in controls at 5, 10, and 15 years, respectively; mortality rate was 0.8, 2.5, and 3.1 % in LAGB patients at 5, 10, and 15 years, respectively. Compared to controls, surgery was associated with reduced mortality [HR 0.35, 95 % CI 0.19-0.65, p < 0.001 at univariate analysis, HR 0.41, 95 % CI 0.21-0.76, p < 0.005 at adjusted analysis], similar in diabetic [HR 0.34, 95 % CI 0.13-0.87, p = 0.025] and nondiabetic [HR 0.42, 95 % CI 0.19-0.97, p = 0.041] patients. Surgery was also associated with lower incidence of diabetes (15 vs 48 cases, p = 0.035) and CV diseases (52 vs 124 cases, p = 0.048), and of hospital admissions (88 vs 197, p = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

Up to 17 years, gastric banding is associated with reduced mortality in diabetic and nondiabetic patients, and with reduced incidence of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Decrease in microvesicle-associated tissue factor activity in morbidly obese patients after bariatric surgery

BACKGROUND

Tissue factor (TF) is the main in vivo initiator of the blood coagulation cascade. Active circulating TF was detected on small, negatively charged membrane vesicles, the so-called microvesicles (MVs), which are released upon cell activation and apoptosis from a variety of cells. Increased coagulation activation was found in morbidly obese patients, and elevated levels of TF-bearing MVs may contribute to the prothrombotic state in these patients.

AIM

To determine MV-associated TF activity levels in morbidly obese patients before and after weight loss due to bariatric surgery.

METHODS

MV-TF activity was measured with a factor Xa generation assay in morbidly obese patients before and 2 years after bariatric surgery. In addition, clinical parameters were determined.

RESULTS

Seventy-four morbidly obese patients (mean age: 42 (±11) years; 61 females) were included in this study. After bariatric surgery, the body mass index decreased from (median, 25-75th percentile) 45.5 (42.3-50.2) to 30.5 (28.0-34.4 kg m(-2); P<0.001), and a significant improvement in metabolic parameters was observed. Preoperative MV-TF activity correlated with C-reactive protein levels (r=0.3; P=0.02). Postoperatively, the mean MV-TF activity decreased significantly from 0.20 pg ml(-1) (0.18-0.47) to 0.02 (0.00-0.28; P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

We could demonstrate a significant decrease in MV-TF activity after weight loss in morbidly obese patients. Decreased MV-TF activity might contribute to an improved coagulation profile in these patients after weight loss.

Insulin cessation and diabetes remission after bariatric surgery in adults with insulin-treated type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

The impact of bariatric surgeries on insulin-treated type 2 diabetes (I-T2D) in the general population is largely undocumented. We assessed changes in insulin treatment after bariatric surgery in a large cohort of I-T2D patients, comparing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGB) with laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB), controlling for differences in weight loss between procedures.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Of 113,638 adult surgical patients in the Bariatric Outcomes Longitudinal Database (BOLD), 10% had I-T2D. Analysis was restricted to 5,225 patients with I-T2D and at least 1 year of postoperative follow-up. Regression models were used to identify factors that predict cessation of insulin therapy. To control for differences in weight loss patterns between RYGB and LAGB, a case-matched analysis was also performed.

RESULTS

Of I-T2D patients who underwent RYGB (n = 3,318), 62% were off insulin at 12 months compared with 34% (n = 1,907) after LAGB (P < 0.001). Regression analysis indicated that RYGB strongly predicted insulin cessation at both 1 and 12 months postoperatively. In the case-matched analysis at 3 months, the proportion of insulin cessation was significantly higher in the RYGB group than in the LAGB group (P = 0.03), and the diabetes remission rate was higher at all time points after this surgery. RYGB was a weight-independent predictor of insulin therapy cessation early after surgery, whereas insulin cessation after LAGB was linked to weight loss.

CONCLUSIONS

I-T2D patients have a greater probability of stopping insulin after RYGB than after LAGB (62% vs. 34%, respectively, at 1 year), with weight-independent effects in the early months after surgery. These findings support RYGB as the procedure of choice for reversing I-T2D.

Incidence of type 2 diabetes after bariatric surgery: population-based matched cohort study

BACKGROUND

The effect of currently used bariatric surgical procedures on the development of diabetes in obese people is not well defined. We aimed to assess the effect of bariatric surgery on development of type 2 diabetes in a large population of obese individuals.

METHODS

We did a matched cohort study of adults (age 20–100 years) identified from a UK-wide database of family practices, who were obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) and did not have diabetes. We enrolled 2167 patients who had undergone bariatric surgery between Jan 1, 2002, and April 30, 2014, and matched them--according to BMI, age, sex, index year, and HbA1c--with 2167 controls who had not had surgery. Procedures included laparoscopic gastric banding (n=1053), gastric bypass (795), and sleeve gastrectomy (317), with two procedures undefined. The primary outcome was development of clinical diabetes, which we extracted from electronic health records. Analyses were adjusted for matching variables, comorbidity, cardiovascular risk factors, and use of antihypertensive and lipid-lowering drugs.

FINDINGS

During a maximum of 7 years of follow-up (median 2·8 years [IQR 1·3–4·5]), 38 new diagnoses of diabetes were made in bariatric surgery patients and 177 were made in controls. By the end of 7 years of follow-up, 4·3% (95% CI 2·9–6·5) of bariatric surgery patients and 16·2% (13·3–19·6) of matched controls had developed diabetes. The incidence of diabetes diagnosis was 28·2 (95% CI 24·4–32·7) per 1000 person-years in controls and 5·7 (4·2–7·8) per 1000 person-years in bariatric surgery patients; the adjusted hazard ratio was 0·20 (95% CI 0·13–0·30, p<0·0001). This estimate was robust after varying the comparison group in sensitivity analyses, excluding gestational diabetes, or allowing for competing mortality risk.

INTERPRETATION

Bariatric surgery is associated with reduced incidence of clinical diabetes in obese participants without diabetes at baseline for up to 7 years after the procedure.

FUNDING

UK National Institute for Health Research.

Prevention of type 2 diabetes in obese at-risk subjects: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Different intervention strategies can prevent new cases of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in obese subjects. The present systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the effectiveness of different strategies in prevention of type 2 diabetes in obese subjects. Studies were grouped into five different strategies: (1) physical activity ± diet; (2) anti-diabetic drugs (glitazones, metformin, glinides, alfa-glucosidase inhibitors); (3) antihypertensive drugs (ACE inhibitors, ARB); (4) weight loss-promoting drugs and lipid-lowering drugs (orlistat, bezafibrate, phentermine/topiramate controlled release); and (5) bariatric surgery. Only controlled studies, dealing with subjects BMI ≥ 30 kg/m(2), were included in the analysis, whether randomized or non-randomized studies. Appropriate methodology (PRISMA statement) was adhered to. Publication bias was formally assessed. Eighteen studies (43,669 subjects, 30,774 with impaired glucose tolerance and/or impaired fasting glucose), published in English language as full papers, were analyzed to identify predictors of new cases of T2DM and were included in a meta-analysis (random-effects model) to study the effect of different strategies. Intervention effect (new cases of diabetes) was expressed as odds ratio (OR), with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs). In obese subjects, non-surgical strategies were able to prevent T2DM, with different effectiveness [OR from 0.44 (0.36-0.52) to 0.86 (0.80-0.92)]; in morbidly obese subjects, bariatric surgery was highly effective [OR = 0.10 (0.02-0.49)]. At meta-regression analysis, factors associated with effectiveness were weight loss, young age and fasting insulin levels. Publication bias was present only when considering all studies together. These data indicate that several strategies, with different effectiveness, can prevent T2DM in obese subjects.

Prevention of type 2 diabetes; a systematic review and meta-analysis of different intervention strategies

AIM

Different intervention strategies can prevent type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness of different strategies.

METHODS

Studies were grouped into 15 different strategies: 1: diet plus physical activity; 2: physical activity; 3-6: anti-diabetic drugs [glitazones, metformin, beta-cell stimulating drugs (sulphanylureas, glinides), alfa-glucosidase inhibitors]; 7-8: cardiovascular drugs (ACE inhibitors, ARB, calcium antagonists); 9-14 [diets, lipid-affecting drugs (orlistat, bezafibrate), vitamins, micronutrients, estrogens, alcohol, coffee]; 15: bariatric surgery. Only controlled studies were included in the analysis, whether randomized, non-randomized, observational studies, whether primarily designed to assess incident cases of diabetes, or performed with other purposes, such as control of hypertension, of ischemic heart disease or prevention of cardiovascular events. Appropriate methodology [preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement] was used. Seventy-one studies (490 813 subjects), published as full papers, were analysed to identify predictors of new cases of T2DM, and were included in a meta-analysis (random-effects model) to study the effect of different strategies. Intervention effect (new cases of diabetes) was expressed as odds ratio (OR), with 95% confidence intervals (C.I.s). Publication bias was formally assessed.

RESULTS

Body mass index was in the overweight range for 13 groups, obese or morbidly obese in lipid-affecting drugs and in bariatric surgery. Non-surgical strategies, except for beta-cell stimulating drugs, estrogens and vitamins, were able to prevent T2DM, with different effectiveness, from 0.37 (C.I. 0.26-0.52) to 0.85 (C.I. 0.77-0.93); the most effective strategy was bariatric surgery in morbidly obese subjects [0.16 (C.I. 0.11,0.24)]. At meta-regression analysis, age of subjects and amount of weight lost were associated with effectiveness of intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate that several strategies prevent T2DM, making it possible to make a choice for the individual subject.

Characteristics influencing weight reduction among veterans in the MOVE!® Program

Obesity is a common health problem for veterans. This study explored background and program characteristics associated with a 5% weight reduction for veterans enrolled in MOVE!(®), a weight management program. For data analysis, 404 veteran records were examined using logistic regression. Background characteristics included socio-demographic variables, comorbidity, body mass index, rurality, and Veterans Administration (VA) priority group. Program characteristics included the program type (group attendee or self-managed) as well as the number and type of provider contacts. Thirteen percent of participants achieved a 5% weight reduction. Age in years (odds ratio [OR] = 1.04) and the number of group visits (OR = 1.05) were significant predictors for achieving a 5% weight reduction. Given the importance of weight reduction, health professionals should consider these significant predictors when planning weight-reduction programs for veterans.

Comparison of the effectiveness of four bariatric surgery procedures in obese patients with type 2 diabetes: a retrospective study

AIM

The aim of the present retrospective study was to evaluate the efficacy of four bariatric surgical procedures to induce diabetes remission and lower cardiovascular risk factors in diabetic obese patients. Moreover, the influence of surgery on weight evolution in the diabetic population was compared with that observed in a nondiabetic matched population.

METHODS

Among 970 patients who were operated on in our center since 2001, 81 patients were identified as type 2 diabetes. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (GB), intervention type Mason (MA), gastric bypass (RYGB), and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) were performed, respectively, in 25%, 17%, 28%, and 30% of this diabetic population.

RESULTS

The resolution rate of diabetes one year after surgery was significantly higher after SG than GB (62.5% versus 20%, P < 0.01), but not significantly different between SG and RYGB. In terms of LDL-cholesterol reduction, RYGB was equivalent to SG and superior to CGMA or GB. Considering the other cardiovascular risk factors, there was no significant difference according to surgical procedures. The weight loss was not statistically different between diabetic and nondiabetic matched patients regardless of the surgical procedures used.

CONCLUSION

Our data confirm that the efficacy of surgery to treat diabetes is variable among the diverse procedures and SG might be an interesting option in this context.

Changes in predicted cardiovascular disease risk after biliopancreatic diversion surgery in severely obese patients

OBJECTIVE

To determine the impact of biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS) surgery on cardiovascular risk profile and predicted cardiovascular risk in severely obese patients.

MATERIALS/METHODS

We compared 1-year follow-up anthropometric and metabolic profiles in severely obese who underwent BPD-DS (n = 73) with controls (severely obese without surgery) (n =3 3). The 10-year predicted risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) was estimated using the Framingham risk-tool. We assigned 10-year and lifetime predicted risks to stratify subjects into 3 groups: 1) high short-term predicted risk (≥ 10% 10-year risk or diagnosed diabetes), 2) low short-term (<10% 10-year risk)/low lifetime predicted risk or 3) low short-term/high lifetime predicted risk.

RESULTS

During the follow-up period, body weight and body mass index decreased markedly in the surgical group (-52.1 ± 1.9 kg and -19.0 ± 0.6 kg/m(2) respectively, p<0.001) vs. (-0.7 ± 1.0 kg and -0.3 ± 0.4 kg/m(2), p = 0.51). Weight loss in the surgical group was associated with a reduction in HbA1C (6.2% vs. 5.1%), HOMA-IR (61.5 vs. 9.3), all lipoprotein levels, as well as blood pressure (p<0.001). The 10-year CHD predicted risk decreased by 43% in women and 33% in men, whereas the estimated CHD risk in the non surgical group did not change. Before surgery, none of the women and only 18% of men showed low short-term/low lifetime predicted risk, whereas a significant proportion of subjects had high short-term predicted risk (36% in women and 12% in men). Following surgery, 52% of women and 55% of men have a low short-term/low lifetime predicted risk.

CONCLUSIONS

These results highlight the cardiovascular benefits of BPD-DS and suggest a positive impact on predicted CHD risk in severely obese patients. Long-term studies are needed to confirm our results and to ascertain the effects on CHD risk estimates after BPD-DS surgery.

Effect of weight loss on sympatho-vagal balance in subjects with grade-3 obesity: restrictive surgery versus hypocaloric diet

Few and mostly uncontrolled studies indicate that weight loss improves heart rate variability (HRV) in grade-3 obesity. The aim of this study was to compare in grade-3 obesity surgery and hypocaloric diet on clinical and metabolic variables and on autonomic indices of HRV. Twenty-four subjects (body mass index, BMI 45.5 ± 9.13 kg/m(2)) underwent surgery (n = 12, gastric banding, LAGB) or received hypocaloric diet (n = 12, 1,000-1,200 kg/day). Clinical [BMI, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate] and metabolic variables [glucose, cholesterol, HDL- and LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, AST and ALT transaminases] and 24-h Holter electrocardiographic-derived HRV parameters [R-R interval, standard deviation of R-R intervals (SDNN); low/high-frequency (LF/HF) ratio, and QT interval] were measured at baseline and after 6 months. The two groups were identical at baseline. BMI (-7.5 ± 3.57 kg/m(2), mean ± SD), glucose (-24.1 ± 26.77 mg/dL), SBP (-16.7 ± 22.19 mmHg) and DBP (-6.2 ± 8.56 mmHg) decreased in LAGB subjects (p < 0.05) and remained unchanged in controls. At 6 months, SDNN increased in LAGB subjects (+25.0 ± 37.19 ms, p < 0.05) and LF/HF ratio diminished (2.9 ± 1.84 vs. 4.9 ± 2.78; p = 0.01), with no change in controls; LF (daytime) and HF (24 h and daytime) increased in LAGB subjects, with no change in controls. Decrease in BMI correlated with SBP and DBP decrease (p < 0.05), and DBP decrease correlated with HR decrease (p < 0.05) and QT shortening (p < 0.05). Weight loss is associated with improvement of glucose metabolism, of blood pressure, and with changes in time and frequency domain parameters of HRV; all these changes indicate recovery of a more physiological autonomic control, with increase in parasympathetic and reduction in sympathetic indices of HRV.

Immune cell-mediated inflammation and the early improvements in glucose metabolism after gastric banding surgery

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

The contribution of immune cells to the inflammasome that characterises type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity is under intense research scrutiny. We hypothesised that early changes in glucose metabolism following gastric banding surgery may relate to systemic inflammation, particularly cell-mediated immunity.

METHODS

Obese participants (BMI 43.4 ± 4.9 kg/m(2), n = 15) with diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) underwent laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding surgery. Measurements taken before, and at 2 and 12 weeks after surgery included: fasting glucose, glucose levels 2 h after a 75 g oral load, glucose incremental AUC, oral glucose insulin sensitivity index (OGIS), circulating immune cell numbers and activation, and adipokine levels. Subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue were collected at surgery, and macrophage number and activation measured.

RESULTS

There were significant reductions in fasting and 2 h glucose, as well as improved OGIS at 2 and 12 weeks. At 12 weeks, 80% of the diabetic participants reverted to normal glucose tolerance or IGT, and all IGT participants had normalised glucose tolerance. The 12 week fall in fasting glucose was significantly related to baseline lymphocyte and T lymphocyte numbers, and to granulocyte activation, but also to the magnitude of the 12 week reduction in lymphocyte and T lymphocyte numbers and TNF-α levels. In a model that explained 75% of the variance in the change in fasting glucose, the 12 week change in T lymphocytes was independently associated with the 12 week fall in fasting glucose.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Rapid improvements in glucose metabolism after gastric banding surgery are related to reductions in circulating pro-inflammatory immune cells, specifically T lymphocytes. The contribution of immune cell-mediated inflammation to glucose homeostasis in type 2 diabetes and its improvement after bariatric surgery require further investigation.

Metabolic syndrome, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus after gastric banding: the role of aging and of duration of obesity

BACKGROUND

Bariatric surgery leads to resolution of arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus; isolated reports indicate that response to bariatric surgery is lower in aged patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of age and of duration of obesity on the frequency of co-morbidities in morbid obesity, as well as on improvement of co-morbidities.

METHODS

A total of 837 consecutive patients with known duration of obesity, undergoing gastric banding, were considered for this study; they were divided into quartiles of age and of duration of obesity. Presence of co-morbidities (diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, metabolic syndrome), metabolic variables (cholesterol and HDL-C, triglycerides, blood glucose), anthropometric variables, and loss of weight during 24 months were considered.

RESULTS

Older patients had a higher frequency of co-morbidities; duration of obesity only affected frequency of co-morbidities, but not response to surgery. At logistic regression, duration of obesity had a moderate independent effect on the frequency of diabetes. Older patients lost less weight than younger patients, but diabetes mellitus and arterial hypertension improved to the same extent in patients of different ages, and metabolic syndrome disappeared more in older patients, associated with a greater decrease of blood glucose. Frequency of removal of gastric banding and loss to follow-up were not different in different quartiles of age or in different quartiles of duration of obesity.

CONCLUSION

Older patients, despite lower weight loss, have a response to bariatric surgery that is similar to that of younger patients; age and duration of obesity should not be considered as limits to indications to bariatric surgery.

Effect of early weight loss on type 2 diabetes mellitus after 2 years of gastric banding

OBJECTIVE

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is an established bariatric surgical procedure that produces meaningful weight loss and improvements in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2. This study examined the effect of LAGB on T2DM status in severely obese patients with T2DM.

METHODS

This was a 2-year interim analysis of patients with T2DM who required daily hypoglycemic medication at baseline (N = 89) in the 5-year, open-label, prospective, observational LAP-BAND AP® EXperience (APEX) trial. Type 2 diabetes mellitus status was classified as "remission," "improved," "stable," or "worse" based on physician- and patient-reported changes in T2DM control and changes in hypoglycemic medication use.

RESULTS

At baseline, 89 (22.5%) of 395 patients required daily hypoglycemic medication; 66 patients had data available after 2 years. Remission of T2DM occurred in 32 (48.5%) patients, improvement occurred in 31 (47.0%) patients, and no change occurred in 3 (4.5%) patients. Overall, 95.5% of patients experienced remission or improvement in T2DM status. Duration of T2DM in patients with remission or improvement after 2 years was 4.0 and 6.7 years, respectively (P = 0.082 between groups), and was associated with change in T2DM status (logistic regression, P = 0.069). Baseline BMI, change in BMI, and percent weight loss were not significantly different between the T2DM response groups. Percent excess weight loss was numerically, but not statistically significantly, greater in remitted (-56.1%) compared with the improved response (-42.9%) group (P = 0.134), and was correlated with change in T2DM status (logistic regression, P = 0.052). After 2 years, patients experienced remission or improvement of other obesity comorbidities. The rate of revisional surgery or explantation was 3.4%, and it was not significantly different between patients with and without T2DM (P = 0.687).

CONCLUSION

Shorter duration of T2DM and greater percent excess weight loss were associated with an increased likelihood of remission or improvement in T2DM status through LAGB after 2 years. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is a potential adjunctive treatment for obese patients with T2DM.

Methylation and expression of immune and inflammatory genes in the offspring of bariatric bypass surgery patients

BACKGROUND

Maternal obesity, excess weight gain and overnutrition during pregnancy increase risks of obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease in the offspring. Maternal biliopancreatic diversion is an effective treatment for severe obesity and is beneficial for offspring born after maternal surgery (AMS). These offspring exhibit lower severe obesity prevalence and improved cardiometabolic risk factors including inflammatory marker compared to siblings born before maternal surgery (BMS).

OBJECTIVE

To assess relationships between maternal bariatric surgery and the methylation/expression of genes involved in the immune and inflammatory pathways.

METHODS

A differential gene methylation analysis was conducted in a sibling cohort of 25 BMS and 25 AMS offspring from 20 mothers. Following differential gene expression analysis (23 BMS and 23 AMS), pathway analysis was conducted. Correlations between gene methylation/expression and circulating inflammatory markers were computed.

RESULTS

Five immune and inflammatory pathways with significant overrepresentation of both differential gene methylation and expression were identified. In the IL-8 pathway, gene methylation correlated with both gene expression and plasma C-reactive protein levels.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that improvements in cardiometabolic risk markers in AMS compared to BMS offspring may be mediated through differential methylation of genes involved in immune and inflammatory pathways.

Gastric bypass surgery is followed by lowered blood pressure and increased diuresis - long term results from the Swedish Obese Subjects (SOS) study

Objective

To compare two bariatric surgical principles with regard to effects on blood pressure and salt intake.

Background

In most patients bariatric surgery induces a sustained weight loss and a reduced cardiovascular risk profile but the long-term effect on blood pressure is uncertain.

Methods

Cohort study with data from the prospective, controlled Swedish Obese Subjects (SOS) study involving 480 primary health care centres and 25 surgical departments in Sweden. Obese patients treated with non-surgical methods (Controls, n = 1636 and n = 1132 at 2 y and 10 y follow up, respectively) were compared to patients treated with gastric bypass (GBP, n = 245 and n = 277, respectively) or purely restrictive procedures (vertical banded gastroplasty or gastric banding; VBG/B, n = 1534 and n = 1064, respectively).

Results

At long-term follow-up (median 10 y) GBP was associated with lowered systolic (mean: −5.1 mm Hg) and diastolic pressure (−5.6 mmHg) differing significantly from both VBG/B (−1.5 and −2.1 mmHg, respectively; p<0.001) and Controls (+1.2 and −3.8 mmHg, respectively; p<0.01). Diurnal urinary output was +100 ml (P<0.05) and +170 ml (P<0.001) higher in GBP subjects than in weight-loss matched VBG/B subjects at the 2 y and 10 y follow-ups, respectively. Urinary output was linearly associated with blood pressure only after GBP and these patients consumed approximately 1 g salt per day more at the follow-ups than did VBG/B (P<0.01).

Conclusions

The purely restrictive techniques VBG/B exerted a transient blood pressure lowering effect, whereas gastric bypass was associated with a sustained blood pressure reduction and an increased diuresis. The daily salt consumption was higher after gastric bypass than after restrictive bariatric surgery.

Long-term remission of type 2 diabetes in morbidly obese patients after sleeve gastrectomy

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term effects of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and other related co-morbidities in severely obese patients.

METHODS

From May 2003 to July 2008, 33 morbidly obese diabetic patients (20 with body mass index [BMI]>50 kg/m(2)) underwent LSG. A total of 23 females and 10 males participated, with a mean age of 49.3±8 years, mean preoperative BMI of 52.1±8.5 kg/m(2), mean fasting plasma glucose (FPG) of 143.2±47.9 mg/dL, mean glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) of 7.3%±1.4%, and a mean T2DM duration of 7 years. All patients had a 36-month follow-up, and 13 had a 60-month follow-up.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine patients (87.8%) discontinued antidiabetic medications 3 months after LSG, (mean BMI of 42.8±7.8 kg/m(2); FPG of 104.5±22.1 mg/dL; HbA1c of 5.3%±.4%). At 36 months, 22 of 26 LSG patients (84.6%) had normal FPG and HbA1c values without antidiabetic therapy. At the 60-month follow-up, 10 of 13 patients (76.9%) had normal FPG and HbA1c values without antidiabetic therapy. The Framingham risk score decreased significantly from 9.7% preoperatively to 4.7% postoperatively. No new diabetic retinopathy occurred during the whole period of observation.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms the efficacy of LSG in the treatment of T2DM and indicates that, at both 36- and 60-month follow-ups, LSG can provide a significant percentage of treated patients with a prolonged remission of T2DM, with diminished cardiac risk factors and no development of diabetic retinopathy. These results compare favorably with those reported after standard medical therapy.

Bariatric surgery and bone disease: from clinical perspective to molecular insights

The use of bariatric surgery for the treatment of morbid obesity has increased annually for the last decade. Although many studies have demonstrated the efficacy and durability of bariatric surgery for weight loss, there are limited data regarding long-term side effects of these procedures. Recently, there has been an increased focus on the impact of bariatric surgery on bone metabolism. Bariatric surgery utilizes one or more of three mechanisms of action resulting in sustained weight loss. These include restriction (gastric banding, vertical banded gastroplasty and sleeve gastrectomy), malabsorption surgery with or without associated restriction (Roux en Y gastric bypass, duodenal switch, biliopancreatic diversion and jejunoileal bypass) and changes in gut-derived hormones that control energy metabolism also referred to as neuro-hormonal control of energy metabolism (Roux en Y gastric bypass, duodenal switch, biliopancreatic diversion, jejunoileal bypass, surgical procedures as above and gastric sleeve). Weight reduction has been associated with increased bone resorption but the mechanisms behind this have not yet been fully elucidated. Each of the mechanisms of action of bariatric surgery (restriction, malabsorption, neuro-hormonal control of energy metabolism) may uniquely affect bone resorption. In this paper we will review the current state of knowledge regarding the relationship between bariatric surgery and bone metabolism with emphasis on possible mechanisms of action such as malnutrition, hormonal interactions and mechanical unloading of the skeleton. Further, we suggest a future research agenda.

Bariatric surgery for type 2 diabetes

Bariatric surgery provides substantial, sustained weight loss and major improvements in glycaemic control in severely obese individuals with type 2 diabetes. However, uptake of surgery in eligible patients is poor, and the barriers are difficult to surmount. We examine the indications for and efficacy and safety of conventional bariatric surgical procedures and their effect on glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes. How surgical gastrointestinal interventions achieve these changes is of great research interest, and is evolving rapidly. Old classifications about restriction and malabsorption are inadequate, and we explore understanding of putative mechanisms. Some bariatric procedures improve glycaemic control in people with diabetes beyond that expected for weight loss, and understanding this additional effect could provide insights into the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes and assist in the development of new procedures, devices, and drugs both for obese and non-obese patients.

Use of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and adjustable gastric banding for suboptimally controlled diabetes in Hong Kong

Bariatric surgery has recently been considered as an option for treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We assessed the effect of laparoscopic gastric banding and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in a cohort of 39 T2DM Chinese patients with body mass index (BMI) over 30 kg/m(2) . Their mean body weights and BMI before surgery were 108 kg and 40 kg/m(2) , respectively, and 18 patients (46%) had suboptimal diabetic control (HbA1c >7%). After a mean follow-up of 27 months, 4 of 11 insulin-dependent patients (36%) were able to stop their insulin therapy, and 18 patients (46%) achieved remission of T2DM (HbA1c <6.5% without the use of medication). Glycaemic control remained poor in only nine other patients (27%). Logistic regression analysis showed that a short history of T2DM and high BMI could predict remission of diabetes after restrictive procedures. Our results suggest that restrictive surgery can significantly improve glycaemic control in obese T2DM patients.

The growing role of bariatric surgery in the management of type 2 diabetes: evidences and open questions

The use of bariatric surgery in the clinical management of type 2 diabetes has been recently endorsed in the clinical practice recommendations released by the most influential diabetologic associations. However, authoritative critic voices about the application of metabolic surgery in type 2 diabetes continue to appear in diabetologic literature. In this review, we will try therefore to understand what the reasons for this apparent dichotomy. In this paper, we revised what we believe are now clear evidences about the role of bariatric surgery in the treatment of type 2 diabetes in patients with morbid obesity: the efficacy of bariatric surgery in metabolic control, the existence of plausible weight-independent metabolic mechanisms at least in some bariatric procedure, and the importance of the early referral to surgery in patients with firm indications. However, we stressed also the lack of clear high-quality long-term data about the effects of bariatric surgery in the prevention of both macro- and micro-vascular hard endpoints in patients with type 2 diabetes. The accrual of these results will be critical to completely clarify the risk/benefit ratio of bariatric surgery in diabetes, as compared to current pharmacologic therapies. This may be particularly important in patients in which data on long-term efficacy are still not completed, such as in patients with lower BMI levels.

Impact of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding on type 2 diabetes

Bariatric surgery is becoming an accepted option for obese people with type 2 diabetes. Our aim was to assess the impact of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) through a systematic review of the literature. Data was sourced from Scopus, MEDLINE and EMBASE published from 2000 through May 2011, and five unpublished studies that were performed by industry for regulatory approval were also included. Studies were selected on the basis that they provide some detail of diabetes status before and after LAGB. There were 35 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. There was considerable heterogeneity in study design, sample size, length of follow-up, attrition rates and classification of diabetes status. Weight loss was progressive over the first 2 years with a weighted average of 47% excess weight loss at 2 years. Remission or improvement in diabetes varied from 53% to 70% over different time periods. Results were broadly consistent, demonstrating clinically relevant improvements in diabetes outcomes with sustained weight loss in obese people with type 2 diabetes following LAGB surgery. However, there were significant shortcomings in the reviewed literature with few high-quality studies, inconsistent reporting of diabetes outcomes and high attrition rates. Long-term studies that address these limitations are needed.

Metabolic surgery for type 2 diabetes

Conventional bariatric operations, including Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, and biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) appear to be a safe and effective treatment for many severely obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). These operations improve glucose homeostasis through a variety of mechanisms, however, not only due to reduced food intake and body weight. Research to elucidate the weight-independent antidiabetic mechanisms of gastrointestinal (GI) surgery and to clarify the molecular mechanisms responsible for the benefits of GI surgery on glucose homeostasis is a compelling research objective. We review the existing knowledge regarding the clinical outcomes and of the mechanisms of GI surgery to treat T2DM.

Surgical approaches to the treatment of obesity: bariatric surgery

As the obesity epidemic continues to grow in the Unites States, so does the search for the ideal nonsurgical or surgical solution. Bariatric surgery continues to be the most sustainable form of weight loss available to morbidly obese patients. In addition, bariatric surgery has established an acceptable safety profile with respect to morbidity and mortality. With the number of elective bariatric cases growing in recent years, it is unsurprising that results have improved and better data are emerging regarding improvement of obesity-related comorbid conditions. Additionally, ample evidence suggests that bariatric surgery may increase longevity, particularly through reducing cardiovascular deaths. Although the specific mechanisms involved in the remission of these medical conditions remain to be fully elucidated, it has become clear that bariatric surgery has established a significant and firm role in the treatment of medical comorbidities that result directly from obesity. However, until commercial insurance carriers provide improved coverage for bariatric surgery, patient access to these treatments will remain limited.

Gastric emptying of orally administered glucose solutions and incretin hormone responses are unaffected by laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) provides weight loss in obese individuals and is associated with improved glucose homeostasis and resolution of type 2 diabetes. However, in most available reports, potentially inappropriate methodology has been applied when measuring the impact of LAGB on glucose intolerance. In order to clarify the applicability of the diagnostic 75 g-oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) to measure the effect of LAGB on glucose metabolism, we investigated the effect of LAGB on gastric emptying for liquids as well as pancreatic and incretin hormone responses.

METHODS

Eight obese patients (three with normal glucose tolerance, three with impaired glucose tolerance, and two with type 2 diabetes; age 47.5 ± 1.1 years (mean±SEM); body mass index 44 ± 1 kg/m²; HbA(1)c 6.2 ± 0.4%) underwent a 75 g-oral glucose tolerance test with 1 g acetaminophen before and ~6 weeks after LAGB.

RESULTS

A small weight reduction was seen after LAGB (125 ± 8 vs. 121 ± 8 kg, P = 0.014). No differences in determinants of gastric emptying were observed before and after LAGB (area under the serum acetaminophen curve 10.1 ± 0.6 vs. 9.8 ± 0.5 mM x 4 h, P = 0.8; peak acetaminophen concentration 62 ± 3 vs. 61 ± 3 μM, P = 0.8; acetaminophen peak time 98 ± 6 vs. 100 ± 6 min, P = 0.9). No differences in plasma glucose, insulin, C-peptide, glucagon, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, or glucagon-like peptide-1 responses to the OGTT were observed before as compared to after LAGB.

CONCLUSIONS

OGTT can be used to evaluate glucose tolerance in obese patients before and after LAGB without bias from changes in gastric emptying. LAGB has no direct impact on incretin hormone secretion.

Laparoscopic mini-gastric bypass for type 2 diabetes: the preliminary report

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has become an epidemic health problem worldwide. Compared to Western countries, in Asia, T2DM occurs in patients with a lower body mass index (BMI) due to central obesity and decreased pancreatic β-cell function. The efficacy of laparoscopic mini-gastric bypass (LMGB) in obese patients with T2DM has been proven by numerous studies. Treatment outcomes of LMGB for non-obese T2DM patients are also estimated to be excellent. The aim of the present pilot study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of LMBG in non-obese T2DM patients (BMI 25-30 kg/m(2)).

METHODS

Ten consecutive patients underwent LMGB at our hospital from August 2009 to October 2009. Preoperative data including glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and 2 h postprandial glucose (2-h PPG) were compared with data collected at 1, 3, and 6 postoperative months.

RESULTS

All procedures were completed laparoscopically. Mean age of the patients was 46.9 years, mean BMI was 27.2 kg/m(2), mean operative time was 150.5 min, and mean postoperative hospital stay was 5.3 days. Neither mortality nor major complications occurred. Mean preoperative glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-h PPG, and C-peptide level were 9.7%, 222 mg/dl, 343 mg/dl, and 2.78 ng/ml, respectively. At the sixth postoperative month, HbA1c, FPG, 2-h PPG, and C-peptide level measured 6.7%, 144 mg/dl, 203 mg/dl, and 2.18 ng/ml.

CONCLUSIONS

This preliminary study demonstrated the resolution of hyperglycemia in 70% of non-obese T2DM patients (BMI 25-30 kg/m(2)). Although long-term follow-up data are required, early operative outcomes were satisfactory in terms of glycemic control and safety of the procedure.

Effects of weight loss in metabolically healthy obese subjects after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding and hypocaloric diet

Weight loss in metabolically healthy obese (MHO) subjects may result in deterioration of cardio-metabolic risk profile. We analyzed the effects of weight loss induced by laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) on cardio-metabolic risk factors in MHO and insulin resistant obese (IRO) individuals. This study included 190 morbidly obese non-diabetic subjects. Obese individuals were stratified on the basis of their insulin sensitivity index (ISI), estimated from an OGTT, into MHO (ISI index in the upper quartile) and IRO (ISI in the three lower quartiles). Anthropometric and cardio-metabolic variables were measured at baseline and 6-months after LAGB. Six months after LAGB, anthropometric measures were significantly reduced in both MHO and IRO. Percent changes in body weight, BMI, and waist circumference did not differ between the two groups. Fasting glucose and insulin levels, triglycerides, AST, and ALT were significantly reduced, and HDL cholesterol significantly increased, in both MHO and IRO subjects with no differences in percent changes from baseline. Insulin sensitivity increased in both MHO and IRO group. Insulin secretion was significantly reduced in the IRO group only. However, the disposition index significantly increased in both MHO and IRO individuals with no differences in percent changes from baseline between the two groups. The change in insulin sensitivity correlated with the change in BMI (r = -0.43; P<0.0001). In conclusion, our findings reinforce the recommendation that weight loss in response to LAGB intervention should be considered an appropriate treatment option for morbidly obese individuals regardless of their metabolic status, i.e. MHO vs. IRO subjects.

Metabolic surgery for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in patients with BMI <35 kg/m2: an integrative review of early studies

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) resolution in morbidly obese patients following metabolic surgery suggests the efficacy of T2DM surgery in non-morbidly obese patients (body mass index [BMI] <35 kg/m(2)). This literature review examined research articles in English over the last 30 years (1979-2009) that addressed surgical resolution of T2DM in patients with a mean BMI <35. Weighted and simple means (95% CI) were calculated to analyze study outcomes. Sixteen studies met inclusion criteria; 343 patients underwent one of eight procedures with 6-216 months follow-up. Patients lost a clinically meaningful, not excessive, amount of weight (from BMI 29.4 to 24.2; -5.1), moving from the overweight into the normal weight category. There were 85.3% patients who were off T2DM medications with fasting plasma glucose approaching normal (105.2 mg/dL, -93.3), and normal glycated hemoglobin, 6% (-2.7). In subgroup comparison, BMI reduction and T2DM resolution were greatest following malabsorptive/restrictive procedures, and in the preoperatively mildly obese (30.0-35.0) vs overweight (25.0-25.9) BMI ranges. Complications were few with low operative mortality (0.29%). Novel and/or known mechanisms of T2DM resolution may be engaged by surgery at a BMI threshold <or=30. The majority of low-BMI patients experienced resolution of laboratory and clinical manifestations of T2DM without inappropriate weight loss.

Long-term metabolic outcome and quality of life after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding in obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus or impaired fasting glucose

BACKGROUND

The long-term outcome of type 2 diabetes mellitus after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is unknown.

METHODS

A longitudinal cohort study was undertaken of patients with grade 3 obesity and type 2 diabetes or impaired fasting glucose (IFG) undergoing LAGB. Metabolic outcomes and quality of life (QoL) were assessed before and 5 years after LAGB.

RESULTS

At 5 years, data for 22 out of 23 patients with type 2 diabetes and 51 out of 53 with IFG were available. Mean(s.d.) excess weight loss was 41(25) and 41(27) per cent in patients with type 2 diabetes and IFG respectively, and was associated with a significant decrease in haemoglobin (Hb) A1c, fasting and postprandial blood glucose, insulin and triglyceride levels, and in liver steatosis. There were significant increases in insulin sensitivity, beta-cell function, disposition index, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and QoL (Nottingham Health Profile). Good metabolic control (HbA1c 7 per cent or less) was obtained in 13 diabetic patients, but complete diabetes remission was maintained in only four. Longer duration of diabetes, and poor preoperative glucose control and beta-cell function at baseline were associated with a less favourable outcome.

CONCLUSION

LAGB improved metabolic outcomes and QoL in patients with grade 3 obesity with IFG or type 2 diabetes but rarely led to prolonged remission in long-standing diabetes.