Relationship of the metabolic score for insulin resistance and the risk of stroke in patients with hypertension: A cohort study

Comparing the impact of cumulative insulin resistance surrogates exposure on stroke: optimizing prevention strategies

BACKGROUND

Insulin resistance (IR) plays a major role in increasing the risk of stroke. The objective of this research is to systematically evaluate and compare the impact of cumulative exposure over time to four commonly used IR surrogates-triglyceride-glucose (CumTyG) index, metabolic score for IR (CumMetS-IR), estimated glucose disposal rate (CumeGDR) and triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (CumTG/HDL-C) ratio-on stroke risk, providing insights for optimizing monitoring strategies for primary stroke prevention.

METHODS

The study population was sourced from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS2011-2018). Cumulative exposure to IR (CumIR) surrogates was calculated as the mean value of IR surrogates measured in the first and third waves of CHARLS, multiplied by the total exposure duration. The primary endpoint was incident stroke, determined through questionnaires in the third and fourth waves of CHARLS. Multivariable Cox regression models were applied to estimate and compare HRs and 95% CIs for stroke across quartiles of CumIR surrogates.

RESULTS

A total of 4,669 participants with no history of stroke at baseline were included. During a median follow-up of 6 years, 347 new stroke events (7.43%) were recorded. The incidence rates of stroke in the highest quartiles of CumTyG index, CumTG/HDL-C ratio, and CumMetS-IR, as well as the lowest quartile of CumeGDR, were 9.67%, 9.93%, 10.45%, and 13.02%, respectively. In terms of risk assessment, the multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that the highest quartiles of CumTyG index, CumTG/HDL-C ratio, and CumMetS-IR and the lowest quartile of CumeGDR were associated with stroke risk, with corresponding HR (95% CI) of 1.48(1.05-2.10), 1.61(1.15-2.24), 1.72(1.21-2.43), and 3.57(2.25-5.68), respectively. In terms of event prediction, receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that CumeGDR had the highest predictive accuracy for incident stroke compared with other common IR surrogates.

CONCLUSIONS

In assessing stroke risk and predicting events in middle-aged and elderly populations, cumulative exposure to eGDR demonstrates significant advantages over other common IR surrogates. Incorporating eGDR as an IR monitoring marker is recommended for primary stroke prevention.

The role of oxidative stress in the association between metabolic score for insulin resistance and stroke: evidence from two large population-based studies

OBJECTIVE

This study endeavors to unveil the association between the Metabolic Score for Insulin Resistance (METS-IR) and stroke among adults utilizing data of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), and whether oxidative stress (OS) mediates their association.

METHODS

Our study cohort comprised 101,316 individuals from NHANES and 17,708 individuals from CHARLS. The intricate relationships among the METS-IR, stroke, and OS biomarkers were evaluated via logistic regression, restricted cubic splines (RCS), as well as mediation analysis.

RESULTS

The final analysis included 22,542 American and 9521 Chinese participants, among whom 844 and 887 were diagnosed with stroke, respectively. Regression analysis indicated a positive association of METS-IR with stroke [NHANES: OR = 1.01, 95 % CI (1.01, 1.02), p < 0.001; CHARLS: OR = 1.02, 95 % CI (1.02, 1.03), p < 0.001], with higher METS-IR quartiles being associated with elevated stroke incidence [NHANES: OR = 1.39, 95 % CI (1.11, 1.73), p = 0.004; CHARLS: OR = 1.74, 95 % CI (1.39, 2.17), p < 0.001]. Participants with elevated METS-IR and serum uric acid (SUA) exhibited the greatest probability of stroke. Mediation analysis proved that OS partially mediated this association [Mediation effect: NHANES β = -8.45e-5, 95 % CI (-1.41e-4, -4.01e-5), p < 0.001; CHARLS β = -4.02e-5, 95 % CI (-8.14e-5, -7.76e-6), p = 0.012].

CONCLUSION

The METS-IR was positively associated with stroke in NHANES and CHARLS cohorts, and OS partially mediated this association.

Dietary live microorganisms and depression-driven mortality in hypertensive patients: NHANES 2005-2018

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between dietary microorganism intake and mortality risk among hypertensive adults with depression in the United States.

METHODS

This study utilizes data from the 2005-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, focusing on individuals with hypertension. The Kaplan-Meier (K-M) curve is employed to preliminarily explore the relationship between dietary microorganism intake, depression, and mortality risk in hypertensive individuals. The Cox proportional hazards model is used for both individual and combined analyses of these relationships. Mediation analysis assesses the mediating effect of depression on the association between dietary microorganisms and mortality, while subgroup and sensitivity analysis evaluates the stability of the model.

RESULTS

This cohort study included 11,602 hypertensive participants (5,904 men and 5,698 women), with 1,201 having depression. During follow-up period, 2,085 died from all causes, 692 due to cardiovascular events. Preliminary analysis using the K-M curve reveals that hypertensive individuals with higher dietary microorganism intake and those without depression have lower mortality risks. Cox proportional hazards model analysis shows that increased dietary microorganism intake is associated with reduced mortality risk in hypertensive individuals (HRALL-cause=0.654, 95%CI: 0.555-0.771; HRCVD-cause:0.675, 95%CI: 0.472,0.967). High intake of diets rich in dietary microorganisms may mitigate the ALL-cause mortality risk of depression in hypertensive populations(HRALL-cause=0.493, 95%CI: 0.256-0.947). Mediation analysis revealed that depression serves as a partial mediator in the process of dietary microorganisms improving the long - term prognosis of the hypertensive population. Results of subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis showed that the beneficial effect of dietary microorganism intake on prognosis remained stable in most of the hypertensive population.

CONCLUSION

Patients with depression among those suffering from hypertension can reduce the risk of all-cause mortality caused by depression by increasing their intake of dietary microorganisms. This provides clinicians with a new non-pharmacological intervention approach and offers a direction for the optimization of clinical combined treatment regimens.

Association between TG/HDL-C and hypertension in Chinese middle-aged and older adults: findings from CHARLS

BACKGROUND

The triacylglycerol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (TG/HDL-C) has been recognized as one of the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. We aimed to investigate the relationship between TG/HDL-C and hypertension in a Chinese middle-aged and elderly population.

METHODS

We used data from the CHARLS database 2011-2018 to explore the relationship between TG/HDL-C and hypertension through cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. Hypertension was identified by self-report or taking anti-hypertensive medications. Participants aged below 45, or with missing data on TG/HDL-C or hypertension record, or taking lipid-lowering medication were excluded. Participants were divided into three or two groups based on triplets TG/HDL-C and median TG/HDL-C in cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis, subgroup analysis, and restricted cubic splines were used in statistics.

RESULTS

In the cross-sectional analysis, a total of 12,824 participants were included, after adjusting for potential confounders, there was a significant association between higher TG/HDL-C and increased prevalence of hypertension (OR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.65-2.09, p < 0.001), systolic blood pressure (SBP) above 140 mmHg (OR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.25-1.50, p < 0.0001), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) above 90 mmHg (OR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.29-1.67, p < 0.0001), and pulse pressure (PP) above 60 mmHg (OR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.07-1.29, p < 0.0011). The longitudinal analysis included 7909 participants, there was a significant association between higher TG/HDL-C and increased incidence of hypertension (OR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.32-1.73,p < 0.001). Restricted cubic splines show nonlinear relationship between TG/HDL-C and hypertension.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrated significant positive association between TG/HDL-C and the prevalence & incidence of hypertension, in a nationwide representative middle-aged and elderly population in China.

Association of Metabolic Score for Visceral Fat (METS-VF) with Gout Risk in Patients with Hypertension and Hyperuricemia: A Multicenter Study Based on the Chinese Population

Background

Gout, a rheumatic disease precipitated by hyperuricemia, has become a global health concern due to its increasing prevalence, especially in China. Hyperuricemia and hypertension are significant risk factors for gout, and their coexistence amplifies this risk. Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) plays a crucial role in cardiometabolic diseases, and the metabolic score for visceral fat (METS-VF) is a non-invasive tool for estimating VAT and predicting cardiometabolic risk.

Methods

We conducted a multicenter cross-sectional study involving 8877 patients with hypertension and hyperuricemia from three Chinese medical centers between March 2021 and September 2024. We calculated the METS-VF and other obesity indices and analyzed their associations with gout risk using logistic regression models. The predictive performance of these indices was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and clinical decision curve analysis (DCA).

Results

The METS-VF demonstrated a significant positive association with gout risk, independent of traditional risk factors. Each 1-standard deviation increase in the METS-VF was associated with an 82% higher odds of gout (OR=1.82, 95% CI: 1.62 to 2.03). The METS-VF outperformed other obesity indices in predicting gout risk, with a higher area under the ROC curve (AUC) value. DCA indicated that the METS-VF provided a significant net benefit across a wide range of threshold probabilities for predicting gout risk in both genders.

Conclusion

The METS-VF's robust association with gout risk in our multicenter study, independent of conventional risk factors, positions it as a potent predictor for gout. Further investigation is warranted to clarify the underlying mechanisms and the long-term predictive validity of the METS-VF across diverse populations.

Cross-sectional study on the association between neutrophil-percentage-to-albumin ratio (NPAR) and prevalence of stroke among US adults: NHANES 1999-2018

The neutrophil-to-albumin ratio (NPAR) is a relatively novel composite biomarker of inflammation, which has been used for prognostication in cardiovascular diseases and may also be associated with stroke. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2018, including 48,734 individuals with complete NPAR and stroke data. The association between stroke prevalence and NPAR values was assessed through multivariate regression analysis. The relationship between these variables was further visualized using restricted cubic splines (RCS). Additionally, potential factors influencing this relationship were explored through subgroup analysis. The regression model revealed a significant association between NPAR and stroke prevalence, even after adjusting for other covariates [1.06 (1.04, 1.08)]. Stroke prevalence was 62% higher in the highest NPAR group compared to the lowest [1.62 (1.40, 1.89)]. The RCS analysis further confirmed this positive correlation. Subgroup analysis showed that this association was not significantly influenced by other factors. This study establishes a strong association between NPAR and stroke prevalence. However, further studies are needed to clarify the underlying mechanisms and establish a direct causal link.

Association between the hemoglobin A1c/High-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and stroke incidence: a prospective nationwide cohort study in China

BACKGROUND

Stroke has emerged as an escalating public health challenge among middle-aged and older individuals in China, closely linked to glycolipid metabolic abnormalities. The Hemoglobin A1c/High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HbA1c/HDL-C) ratio, an integrated marker of glycolipid homeostasis, may serve as a novel predictor of stroke risk.

METHODS

Our investigation utilized data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study cohort (2011-2018). Stroke cases were identified based on self-reported, physician-confirmed diagnoses. Logistic regression models were established to determine the correlation between HbA1c/HDL-C and stroke prevalence (2011) as well as between cumulative mean HbA1c/HDL-C (2011-2015) and new stroke incidence (2015-2018). Additionally, smoothed curve fitting, subgroup analyses, and interaction tests were conducted to ensure the robustness of the findings.

RESULTS

In the cross-sectional analysis, 8,502 participants were enrolled, of whom 189 had a history of stroke. Our findings revealed a significant positive linear relationship between HbA1c/HDL-C and stroke prevalence after adjusting for covariates (OR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.09-1.45). When HbA1c/HDL-C was categorized into tertiles, only the highest tertile (T3) showed a significant correlation with stroke prevalence compared to the lowest tertile (T1) (OR:1.71, 95% CI: 1.05-2.77). In the longitudinal analysis of 5,165 participants, 336 cases of new-onset stroke were identified over a follow-up period of 7 years. Adjusting for confounders, individuals with higher cumulative mean HbA1c/HDL-C exhibited an increased likelihood of new stroke incidence (OR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.01-1.29). Using the T1 of cumulative mean HbA1c/HDL-C as a reference, the fully adjusted OR for stroke was 1.65 (95% CI: 1.21-2.24) in T2 and 1.54 (95% CI: 1.08-2.19) in T3. The predictive value of the HbA1c/HDL-C in stroke risk assessment have been significantly improved compared to the traditional HDL-C and HbA1c. Consistent associations were observed across most stratified subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated baseline and cumulative mean HbA1c/HDL-C levels are significantly associated with an increased risk of stroke among middle-aged and older individuals in China, underscoring the potential of HbA1c/HDL-C as a clinical marker for long-term stroke risk assessment and prevention strategies.

Distribution and Related Influencing Factors of AMH Level in Family-Planning Women of Childbearing Age: A Cross-Sectional Study from Beijing, China

Purpose

This study aimed to analyze the distribution and factors influencing anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels among family-planning women of childbearing age in Beijing, China.

Patients and Methods

We collected the data of 3,236 family-planning women of childbearing age who underwent pre-pregnancy examinations at Xicheng District Maternal and Child Health Hospital in Beijing between October 2021 and July 2024. Collected data included age, education level, ethnicity, height, weight, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. We calculated the body mass index (BMI) of each participant. The collected blood test results included AMH, fasting blood glucose (FBG), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), creatinine (Cr), and alanine aminotransferase, and hemoglobin levels and platelet count. A structured questionnaire was used to document the subjects' dietary and lifestyle habits, environmental factors, and emotional and mental stress statuses. The patients were divided into age groups (≥36 years versus ≤35 years) and factors compared between them. Two different factors influencing AMH level were analyzed using a logistics model.

Results

The AMH level decreased with age, with a median AMH of <2.0 ng/mL for subjects aged ≥36 years. Significant intergroup differences were noted in ethnicity, education level, FBG, creatinine level, BMI, diastolic blood pressure, hemoglobin level, smoking rate, and life-related stress level. A logistic regression analysis suggested that age was a negative factor affecting AMH level in both groups (P=0.000 and 0.002, respectively). Hemoglobin and educational levels were also important influential factors of AMH in patients aged ≤ 35 years but not in those aged ≥ 36 years.

Conclusion

AMH levels gradually decreased with age. Although nutritional status and educational level significantly impacted AMH levels among women ≤ 35 years of age, their effects decreased thereafter. Thus, 35 years of age is considered an important reproductive boundary for women of childbearing age.

Association Between Four Non-Insulin-Based Insulin Resistance Indices and the Risk of Post-Stroke Depression

Purpose

Research suggests that insulin resistance (IR) is associated with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and depression. The use of insulin-based IR assessments is complicated. Therefore, we explored the relationship between four non-insulin-based IR indices and post-stroke depression (PSD).

Patients and Methods

A total of 638 consecutive AIS patients were enrolled in this prospective cohort study. Clinical data were collected to compute indices such as the triglyceride glucose (TyG) index, triglyceride glucose-body mass index (TyG-BMI), insulin resistance metabolic score (METS-IR), and triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (TG/HDL-C). One month post-stroke, neuropsychological assessments were conducted using the 17-item Hamilton Depression Scale. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the relationship between the four non-insulin-based IR indices and PSD.

Results

Ultimately, 381 patients completed the 1-month follow-up, including 112 (29.4%) with PSD. The PSD group exhibited significantly higher levels of the four IR indices compared to the non-PSD group. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that these indicators were independently associated with PSD occurrence, both before and after adjusting for potential confounders (all P < 0.001). Tertile analyses indicated that the highest tertile group had a greater risk of PSD occurrence than the lowest tertile group for four IR indicators, even after adjusting for potential confounders (all P < 0.05). Restricted cubic spline analysis revealed a linear dose-response relationship between the four IR indices and PSD. In the subgroup analysis, only the TyG index showed a significant interaction with diabetes (P for interaction = 0.014). The area under curve values for the TyG index, TyG-BMI, METS-IR, and TG/HDL-C were 0.700, 0.721, 0.711, and 0.690, respectively.

Conclusion

High TyG index, TyG-BMI, METS-IR, and TG/HDL-C at baseline were independent risk factors for PSD in AIS. Each of these indicators exhibits predictive value for PSD occurrence, aiding in the early identification of high-risk groups.

Association between metabolic score for insulin resistance and stroke: a nationally representative cross-sectional study from NHANES 2007-2018

Background

Stroke is a significant cerebrovascular disease and remains one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Insulin resistance has been strongly linked to the incidence of stroke. Employing characteristics of metabolic syndrome, the Metabolic Score for Insulin Resistance (METS-IR) accurately measures insulin resistance. Nonetheless, the relationship between METS-IR and stroke risk is not well-established.

Methods

We analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) covering the years 2007-2018. Participants providing complete METS-IR data and self-reported stroke information were included in the study. We utilized weighted multivariate regression to explore the relationship between METS-IR and stroke, performing subgroup analyses as well.

Results

A total of 14,794 participants were included, with an average METS-IR of 43.44 ± 12.68. The overall prevalence of self-reported stroke was 3.79%, with higher rates observed in upper METS-IR tertiles. An increase of one unit in METS-IR was associated with a 1% increase in stroke risk (OR = 1.01; 95% CI: 1.01-1.02). Interaction tests indicated no significant effects of gender, smoking status, alcohol consumption, hypertension, diabetes, physical activity, or serum cholesterol levels on this relationship. Notably, for participants younger than 60 years, the association was significantly stronger (OR = 1.02; 95% CI: 1.01-1.03), with a marked interaction (p = 0.0061).

Conclusion

Our findings indicate a positive correlation between higher METS-IR and increased stroke risk. Early intervention targeting insulin resistance may be a viable preventive measure against stroke, particularly in individuals under 60 years of age.

Is Insulin Resistance a High-Risk Factor for Postmenopausal Endometrial Cancer: Insights from the Triglyceride Glucose (TyG) Index and the Metabolic Score for Insulin Resistance (METS-IR)

Purpose

To evaluate the insulin resistance in patients with menopause who were newly diagnosed with endometrial cancer and its association with disease development.

Methods

The study included 356 patients with menopause who underwent hysteroscopy at Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital between September 2013 and July 2018. Data on age, height, weight, menarche and menopausal age, pregnancies, births, and family history of tumors, hypertension, and diabetes were collected. Blood tests provided fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein levels. Pathological testing determined whether patients had endometrial cancer or precancerous lesions. Differences in influencing factors between patients with endometrial cancer or precancerous lesions and those with normal or benign conditions were analyzed using univariate analysis. Quartile grouping of the Metabolic Score for Insulin Resistance (METS-IR) and Triglyceride-Glucose (TyG) index were applied to examine the impact of different insulin resistance on the development of endometrial cancer or precancerous lesions.

Results

Univariate analysis revealed that the proportion of patients with hypertension and diabetes was significantly higher among those with endometrial cancer and precancerous lesions. METS-IR and TyG levels were significantly increased in patients with endometrial cancer and precancerous lesions. The quartile grouping results of METS-IR and TyG suggested that age, BMI, FBG, TG, hypertension, and diabetes prevalence rates increased with an increase in METS-IR or TyG, whereas lipid indicators were negatively correlated and unstable Logistic regression suggested that none of the above influencing factors and METS-IR or TyG were related to the pathological results of the patients.

Conclusion

Patients with endometrial or precancerous lesions showed evidence of insulin resistance compared to others, though this was not directly associated with disease presence. This study provides relevant information for preventing of endometrial cancer in the future. Larger studies are needed to evaluate the role of METS-IR and TyG in endometrial cancer prevention.

Association of visceral adiposity index and lipid accumulation product with frailty in U.S. adults: a cross-sectional study from NHANES

BACKGROUND

Frailty poses a considerable public health challenge because of its association with negative health consequences. Although obesity is recognized as a contributor to frailty, conventional measures fail to adequately account for the effects of visceral adiposity. The study aimed to investigate the associations between the visceral adiposity index (VAI) or lipid accumulation product (LAP) and frailty.

METHODS

This study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which included 5,279 participants aged ≥ 20 years. The VAI and LAP were calculated via recognized formulas, and frailty was evaluated via a deficit accumulation approach. We employed logistic regression and restricted cubic splines to assess the associations among LAP, VAI and frailty.

RESULTS

Out of 5,279 participants, 1,836 individuals were categorized as frail. According to the fully adjusted models, the highest VAI and LAP values were significantly associated with frailty, with adjusted ORs of 1.84 (95% CI: 1.40-2.42) and 2.47 (95% CI: 1.89-3.24), respectively, compared with the lowest values. A nonlinear relationship was identified between the LAP and frailty, with an inflection point of 1.589 (ln-transformed), whereas the VAI was linearly associated with frailty. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these associations.

CONCLUSION

The VAI and LAP are significantly related to frailty, highlighting the importance of visceral adiposity in frailty risk. These results increase the understanding of the metabolic underpinnings of frailty and may guide the development of targeted prevention strategies.

The association between thyroid function and insulin resistance as measured by the metabolic score for insulin resistance (METS-IR): insights from NHANES 2007-2012

BACKGROUND

Altered thyroid function has been linked to insulin resistance (IR), but its relationship with the Metabolic Score for Insulin Resistance (METS-IR), a novel non-insulin-based index of IR, remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between thyroid function status and METS-IR in a U.S.

POPULATION

METHODS

This cross-sectional study utilized data from 6,507 adults (aged ≥ 20 years) participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2007 to 2012. Thyroid function status was categorized into five groups based on thyroid-stimulating hormone and free thyroxine levels. METS-IR was calculated from measures of fasting glucose, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and body mass index (BMI). Multivariate regression analyzed the relationship between thyroid status and METS-IR after adjusting for potential confounders.

RESULTS

Higher thyroid-stimulating hormone levels were positively associated with METS-IR (β = 0.003, 95% CI 0.001-0.004, p = 0.021). Subclinical hypothyroidism in males and subclinical hyperthyroidism in females showed significant correlations with higher METS-IR. Thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO Ab) positivity strengthened the association between overt hypothyroidism and METS-IR.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates significant associations between thyroid function status, particularly subclinical thyroid dysfunction, and insulin resistance as measured by METS-IR in a U.S.

POPULATION

Thyroid status may serve as an early marker of insulin resistance risk.

The association between the metabolic score for insulin resistance and mortality in patients with cardiovascular disease: a national cohort study

Background

The metabolic score for insulin resistance (METS-IR) is a novel index for evaluating insulin resistance and identifying high-risk cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients. This study aims to assess the prognostic value of METS-IR in predicting mortality risk in CVD patients.

Methods

We analyzed data from 2,515 CVD patients in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Associations between METS-IR and all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality were evaluated using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models and restricted cubic splines (RCS). Threshold effects and sensitivity analyses were conducted to ensure robustness.

Results

Over a median follow-up of 91.4 months, 1,090 patients died, including 447 from cardiovascular causes. A U-shaped relationship was identified between lnMETS-IR and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, with thresholds at 3.70 and 3.67. Below thresholds, an increase of lnMETS-IR was associated with a 75% reduction in the risk of all-cause mortality (HR: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.14-0.46) and a 79% reduction in the risk of cardiovascular mortality (HR: 0.21, 95% CI: 0.07-0.56). While above thresholds, an increase of lnMETS-IR was associated with a 180% increase in the risk of all-cause mortality (HR: 2.80, 95% CI: 1.61-4.88) and a 233% increase in the risk of cardiovascular mortality (HR: 3.33, 95% CI: 1.43-7.75).

Conclusions

This study identified a U-shaped association between lnMETS-IR and mortality among CVD patients, underscoring the potential of METS-IR as a valuable prognostic marker for mortality risk in patients with CVD.

Changes in the metabolic score for insulin resistance index for risk prediction of stroke in middle-aged and older Chinese population

Background

As a major noncommunicable disease, stroke poses a major threat to public health. In the context of predictive, preventative, and personalised medicine (PPPM/3PM), early identification of high-risk individuals is crucial for targeted prevention and personalised treatment for stroke. This study aimed to investigate the association between changes in the Metabolic Score for Insulin Resistance Index (METS-IR) and incident stroke. From the perspective of PPPM/3PM, we hypothesised that monitoring dynamic changes of the METs-IR levels and targeting cumulative METs-IR index contribute to risk prediction, targeted prevention, and personalised management of stroke.

Methods

All data were obtained from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), a nationwide prospective cohort study. The individuals were categorised into four subgroups based on the quartiles (Q) of the cumulative METS-IR index as a reflection of changes in the METS-IR values from 2012 to 2015. Logistic regression was employed to examine the association between cumulative METS-IR index and stroke incidence. Additionally, restricted cubic spline regression analysis was used to assess potential linearity.

Results

Among the 4288 participants, 275 (6.4%) experienced a stroke. The risk of stroke events increased with higher cumulative METS-IR index levels. Compared with the lowest quartile (Q1), the OR of having a stroke was 1.20 (0.81, 1.78) for Q2, 1.51 (1.04, 2.21) for Q3 and 2.17 (1.52, 3.10) for the highest quartile (Q4). After adjusting for multiple potential confounders, Q4 (OR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.04, 2.35) remained significantly associated with stroke. The association between the cumulative METS-IR index and stroke incidence was linear in males, females, and the overall population (all P values for nonlinearity > 0.05).

Conclusions

A higher cumulative METS-IR index was associated with an increased risk of incident stroke among middle-aged and older Chinese individuals. In the context of PPPM/3PM, incorporating metabolic health into stroke risk assessment advances the prediction, prevention and personalised management of stroke.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13167-024-00388-y.

Correlation between triglyceride-glucose index and early neurological deterioration in patients with acute mild ischemic stroke

Objective

The Triglyceride-glucose Index (TyG) index is a dependable metric for assessing the degree of insulin resistance, serving as a standalone predictor of ischemic stroke risk, but its precise relationship with early neurological deterioration (END) remains incompletely expounded within the context of acute mild ischemic stroke patients. This research is to examine the correlation of the TyG index with END among patients experiencing acute mild ischemic stroke in China.

Methods

This retrospective analysis was conducted to systematically gather data regarding patients experiencing their maiden episode of acute mild ischemic stroke and hospitalized at the Neurology Department of Nanjing Meishan Hospital, located in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China, over the period extending from January 2020 to December 2022. The severity of stroke was determined through the utilization of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores upon their admission. Demographic characteristics were collected, and measurements of fasting blood glucose, blood lipids, and glycosylated hemoglobin Alc levels were taken. END was defined as a one-point rise in the motor item function score on the NIHSS or a two-point increase in the overall score during the initial 72 h of hospitalization. For evaluating the correlation of the TyG index with END, a multivariate logistic regression analysis was carried out. To investigate whether there is a nonlinear relationship between the TyG index and END, smoothed curves were utilized.

Results

The study included 402 patients diagnosed with acute mild ischemic stroke, with a mean age of 66.15 ± 10.04 years. Within this population, 205 were males (51.00%) and 197 were females (49.00%). Among these patients, 107 (26.62%) experienced END within 72 h of admission. Patients who developed END showed higher levels of the TyG index in comparison to those who remained stable (9.18 ± 0.46 vs. 8.87 ± 0.46, p < 0.001). In a comprehensive multivariate logistic regression analysis, the TyG index positively correlates with END (OR = 3.63, 95% CI: 1.75-7.54, p = 0.001). Furthermore, individuals in the fourth TyG index quartile exhibited a 2.36-fold heightened risk of END compared to those in the first quartile (95% CI: 1.38-8.19, p = 0.008). TyG index has a linear correlation with END in the generalized additive model (Log likelihood ratio test, p = 0.525).

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate that TyG index has a significant, independent, and positive correlation with END in Chinese individuals diagnosed with acute mild ischemic stroke. This underscores the TyG index's potential usefulness as a valuable risk stratification tool for stroke patients.

Association between various insulin resistance indices and cardiovascular disease in middle-aged and elderly individuals: evidence from two prospectives nationwide cohort surveys

Background

The estimated glucose disposal rate (eGDR), triglyceride glucose (TyG), triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio, and metabolic score for insulin resistance (METS-IR) are dependent indicators of insulin resistance (IR). We aimed to evaluate the association between these indicators and the current or feature incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in middle-aged and elderly individuals. This study tests the hypothesis that IR indices positively or negatively correlate with CVD, and that the potential predictive performance of the IR indices was not the same.

Methods

Middle-aged and elderly individuals from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) with complete data on eGDR, TyG, TG/HDL-C, and METS-IR at baseline were obtained. The association between the four indices and CVD was evaluated using multivariate logistic regression analysis. In addition, an adjusted restricted cubic spline (RCS) was applied. Finally, the potential predictive performance of the IR indices was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results

We included 7,220 participants (mean age: 61.9 ± 10.7 years; 54.0% male) from the NHANES cohort and 6,426 participants (mean age: 57.9 ± 8.4 years; 45.2% male) from the CHARLS cohort in the study. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that a decreasing eGDR significantly increased the incidence of CVD both presently and in the future. Similarly, a higher TyG level and METS-IR were significantly associated with a higher incidence of CVD at both timeframes. However, the TG/HDL-C ratio was not significantly associated with CVD, heart disease, or stroke. No significant interactions were observed between the continuous or quartile variables of eGDR, TyG, TG/HDL-C, or METS-IR, and the incidence of various endpoints across most subgroups. The ROC curve indicated the superior predictive performance of the IR indices. Furthermore, the eGDR was superior to other IR indices for the prediction of CVD both at present and in the future in middle-aged and elderly individuals.

Conclusion

As continuous variables, eGDR, TyG, and METS-IR were significantly associated with the incidence of CVD, both currently and in the future, among middle-aged and elderly individuals. Notably, incorporating eGDR, TyG, or METS-IR and the basic model significantly increased the predictive value for CVD. Among these indices, the eGDR index stands out as the most promising parameter for predicting CVD, both at present and in the future.

Joint association of METS-IR and uric acid with stoke, mediated by C-reactive protein

Objectives

To explore the dose-response relationship between the Metabolic Score of Insulin Resistance (METS-IR), uric acid (UA) and the risk of stroke incidence, the mediating role of C-reactive protein (CRP) in the above relationship, as well as the joint effect of METS-IR and UA on the risk of stroke incidence.

Methods

Participants from the CHARLS study were included in this cohort study. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the associations of METS-IR and UA with the risk of incident stroke. The dose-response relationships of METS-IR and UA with stroke risk were assessed by restricted cubic spline regression. The mediation models were employed to estimate the potential mediating effects of CRP on the associations of METS-IR and UA with stroke risk. Logistic regression analysis was carried out to analyse the association of stroke and MRTS-IR combined with UA.

Result

During a 9-year follow-up from 2011 to 2018, 570 incident cases of stroke were documented among 7,343 total participants. Per interquartile range increases in METS-IR and UA were associated with the increased risk of incident stroke, with the OR (95% CI) of 1.61 (1.44, 1.80) and 1.18 (1.05, 1.32) respectively. A dose-response function showed that METS-IR had a nonlinear relationship (P for nonlinear=0.047) and UA had a linear relationship (P for nonlinear=0.247) with the stroke risk. CRP had significant mediated effects on the associations of METS-IR and UA with stroke risk, and the proportion of mediation was 9.01% and 26.34% respectively (all P < 0.05). The results of joint effect showed that participants with high levels of METS-IR and UA had the highest increased risk of stroke compared to the participants with low levels of METS-IR and UA.

Conclusion

METS-IR and UA levels were positively associated with an increased risk of stroke onset, and CRP mediated these relationships. Improving insulin sensitivity and regulating CRP and uric acid levels may be important for preventing the risk of stroke occurrence.

Linear positive association of metabolic score for insulin resistance with stroke risk among American adults: a cross-sectional analysis of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey datasets

BACKGROUND

Insulin Resistance (IR) is associated with stroke. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between metabolic score for insulin resistance (METS-IR) level, a new biomarker for assessing IR, and stroke.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999 to 2020 and included participants aged ≥ 20 years. All participants provided complete stroke and METS-IR related data. The study employed statistical techniques, including multivariate logistic regression analysis, restricted cubic splines (RCS), and stratified analyses to evaluate the relationship between the amounts of METS-IR and the risk of stroke.

RESULTS

The study included 14,029 participants aged 20 years or older. The fully adjusted model revealed a statistically significant correlation between METS-IR and stroke (OR=1.21, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.46; P<0.05). Specifically, for every 10-unit increase in METS-IR, there was a 21% increase in the prevalence of stroke. The prevalence of stroke was 60% higher in the Q4 group compared to the Q1 group, as indicated by a significant association with METS-IR (OR=1.60, 95% CI: 1.01, 2.54; P<0.05). The RCS analysis revealed a strong linear correlation between METS-IR and the incidence of stroke (P<0.05). Subgroup analyses showed that gender, age, race, alcohol consumption, smoking, diabetes, and hypertension exhibited correlation with this positive association, and a significant interaction was observed in age (P for interaction < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study indicate that elevated METS-IR levels are strongly linked to a greater risk of stroke in adults.

Exploring the Relationship Between Different Obesity Metabolism Indices and Hyperuricemia in Patients with Hypertension and Coronary Heart Disease

Background

Previous studies have established a strong association between obesity, high metabolism, and the development of hyperuricemia. However, the relationship between obesity metabolism indices and hyperuricemia in high-risk patients with hypertension and coronary heart disease (CHD) remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate this relationship in patients with both hypertension and CHD, and to identify the obesity metabolism index with the best diagnostic value.

Methods

A two-center study encompassed 6344 participants with hypertension and CHD. Multiple logistic regression was utilized to examine the correlation between six obesity metabolism indices and hyperuricemia, with restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis to identify non-linear relationships. Diagnostic value was assessed via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and decision curve analysis (DCA).

Results

Multivariable logistic regression revealed a significant correlation between increased obesity metabolism indices and hyperuricemia. Furthermore, RCS analysis revealed a nonlinear dose-response relationship (P for nonlinear < 0.001). Moreover, ROC and DCA results showed that METS-VF index, which combined visceral obesity and metabolic parameters, became the most reliable diagnostic tool.

Conclusion

The study underscores a strong association between elevated obesity metabolism indices and hyperuricemia in patients with hypertension and CHD. The METS-VF index, amalgamating visceral obesity and metabolic parameters, emerged as the most reliable diagnostic tool.

METS-IR as an important predictor of neurological impairment severity in patients with severe cerebral infarction: a multicenter study based on the Chinese population

Background

Insulin resistance (IR) is linked to an increased risk of neurological impairment following a stroke and may contribute to poor neurological prognosis in affected patients. The metabolic score for the insulin resistance index, shortened as the METS-IR, generally serves as a surrogate index for IR. However, its association with the severity of neurological impairment in patients with severe cerebral infarction (CI) in neurological intensive care units (ICU) has not been fully established.

Methods

Patients with a diagnosis of CI, admitted to the neurological ICUs of Yangzhou University's Affiliated Hospital and Xuzhou Medical University's Affiliated Hospital, were included in the study. A multivariate logistic regression model and restricted cubic splines (RCS) were employed to explore the relationship between the METS-IR index and the severity of neurological impairment in these patients. The predictive capabilities of the METS-IR index and the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index for outcome measures were compared through the ROC curve. Furthermore, a decision curve analysis was executed, and the integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) index was computed to evaluate the enhancements in predictive performance and clinical utility of various scoring systems with the inclusion of the METS-IR index. Subgroup analysis was conducted regarding age, BMI, and smoking status.

Results

The study ultimately included 504 participants. Adjusted logistic regression and RCS results showed that as the METS-IR index increases, the risk of neurological impairment in patients with severe CI consistently grows (P for overall = 0.0146, P-nonlinear: 0.0689). The METS-IR index's predictive capability for neurological impairment (AUC = 0.669) was superior to that of the TyG index (AUC = 0.519).

Conclusion

From the study results, the METS-IR index can serve as an important predictor for neurological impairment in ICU patients with severe CI. It can aid in the identification and early intervention of neurological impairment in these patients.

Association between metabolic score for insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease mortality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: evidence from the NHANES 1999-2018

Aim

To explore the association between Metabolic Score for Insulin Resistance (METS-IR) and the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) death in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

This retrospective cohort study extracted data on 1,218 RA patients from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The weighted univariate and multivariate Cox regression model was established to explore the association between METS-IR and CVD mortality. Subgroup analysis was performed in terms of age, gender, body mass index, diabetes, and CVD. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence levels (CIs) were presented.

Results

Increased METS-IR was associated with a significantly higher risk of CVD mortality (HR=4.59, 95%CI: 1.98-10.67), and METS-IR>2.48 was associated with higher odds of CVD mortality compared with METS-IR ≤ 2.25 (HR=3.57, 95%CI: 2.04-6.24). METS-IR was positively associated with the risk of CVD mortality (HR=3.83, 95%CI: 1.62-9.08), and METS-IR>2.48 was associated with a significantly higher risk of CVD mortality in contrast to METS-IR ≤ 2.25 (HR=3.38, 95%CI: 1.87-6.09).

Conclusion

Increased METS-IR was associated with a significantly higher risk of CVD mortality in RA patients. Clinicians could consider incorporating the METS-IR score into routine assessment of the prognosis of RA patients.

The association of triglyceride-glucose index and combined obesity indicators with chest pain and risk of cardiovascular disease in American population with pre-diabetes or diabetes

Aim

To investigate the correlation of the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and its combined obesity indicators with chest pain and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the pre-diabetes and diabetes population.

Methods

This cross-sectional investigation encompassed 6488 participants with diabetes and pre-diabetes who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2007 and 2016. The association of the TyG and combined obesity index with chest pain and CVD was investigated using weighted logistic regression models and restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to compare different indicators.

Results

In multivariate logistic regression fully adjusted for confounding variables, our analyses revealed significant associations between TyG, TyG-BMI, TyG-WC, and TyG-WHtR and chest pain, with adjusted ORs (95% CI) of 1.21 (1.05, 1.39), 1.06 (1.01, 1.11), 1.08 (1.04, 1.14), and 1.27 (1.08, 1.48), respectively. For total-CVD, the adjusted ORs (95% CI) were 1.32 (1.08, 1.61), 1.10 (1.03, 1.17), 1.13 (1.06, 1.19), and 1.63 (1.35, 1.97), respectively, among which TyG, TyG-WC, and TyG-WHtR present curvilinear associations in RCS analysis (all P-nonlinear < 0.05). Furthermore, the ROC curve showed that TyG-WC had the most robust predictive efficacy for total-CVD, coronary heart disease (CHD), and myocardial infarction (MI), while TyG-WHtR had the best predictive ability for angina and heart failure.

Conclusion

There are significant associations of TyG and its related indicators with chest pain and total-CVD among the pathoglycemia population. TyG-WC and TyG-WHtR demonstrated superior predictive capability for the incidence of cardiovascular events.

Association between metabolic score for insulin resistance and regression to normoglycemia from prediabetes in Chinese adults: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Metabolic score for insulin resistance (METS-IR) is a surrogate index to estimate insulin sensitivity. The aim of this study was to examine the association between METS-IR and regression to normoglycemia in Chinese adults with prediabetes.

METHODS

A total of 15,415 Chinese adults with prediabetes defined by their fasting blood glucose were included in this retrospective study. The association between METS-IR and regression to normoglycemia from prediabetes was evaluated using the Cox proportional hazards regression model. A Cox proportional hazards regression with cubic spline function was performed to explore the nonlinear association between METS-IR and regression to normoglycemia. Kaplan-Meier curves was used to describe the probability of regression to normoglycemia from prediabetes.

RESULTS

In multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses, the increase in METS-IR was independently associated with a reduced probability of regression to normoglycemia from prediabetes (all p < 0.01 in models 1-3). A nonlinear association between METS-IR and the probability of regression to normoglycemia was observed, with an inflection point of 49.3. The hazard ratio on the left side of the inflection point was 0.965 (95% CI 0.953-0.976). Subgroup analyses demonstrated the robustness of our findings.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated a negative and nonlinear association between METS-IR and regression to normoglycemia in Chinese adults with prediabetes. When METS-IR is below 49.3, reducing METS-IR could significantly increase the probability of regression to normoglycemia from prediabetes.

Non-insulin-based insulin resistance indices predict early neurological deterioration in elderly and middle-aged acute ischemic stroke patients in Northeast China

Insulin resistance (IR) has a strong association with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) occurrence and poor prognosis of afflicted patients. However, the relation between early neurological deterioration (END) risk and IR in elderly and middle-aged patients remains to be thoroughly studied. Here, we investigated the relationship between four indicators of IR and the risk of END in middle-aged patients patients with AIS. The study retrospectively analyzed 1696 elderly and middle-aged patients having AIS between January 2019 and June 2023. Within 7 days of admission, the patients were then stratified relying upon alternations in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale. Subsequently, we employed logistic regression analyses for assessing each index correlation with END on the basis of the tertiles of TyG index (TyGI), triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein ratio (TG/HDL), TyG-BMI, alongside IR metabolic score (METS-IR). These four indicators were significantly heightened in the END group (n = 680) in comparison to the non-END group (n = 1016). When grouping using tertiles, the four aforementioned indicators emerged as independent risk factors for END occurrence, whether or not adjusted for confounding factors. The results revealed a progressive elevation in END occurrence risk with the rise in the tertile of each indicator. Finally, we utilized receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for assessing the indicators' predictive power. TyG-BMI, TyGI, TG/HDL, and METS-IRs' area under the curve (AUC) were, respectively, 0.736 (95% CI: 0.712-0.761; P < 0.001), 0. 694 (95% CI: 0.668-0.721; P < 0.001), 0.684 (95% CI: 0.658-0.711; P < 0.001), and 0.722 (95% CI: 0.697-0.747; P < 0.001). IR is associated with END risk in middle-aged AIS patients. TyG-BMI, TyGI, TG/HDL, and METS-IR are independent risk factors of END in elderly and middle-aged AIS patients. Simultaneously, these four IR indicators have significant predictive power for END.

Association Between Insulin Resistance Markers and Poor Prognosis in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke After Intravenous Thrombolysis

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to investigate the significance of insulin resistance markers in predicting poor prognosis in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients after intravenous thrombolysis and to establish the corresponding nomogram.

METHODS

From January 2019 to March 2023, the data of 412 patients with AIS who received intravenous alteplase thrombolytic therapy in the Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University were selected. Patients were randomly divided into training groups (70%, 288 cases) and validation groups (30%, 124 cases). In the training group, multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to establish the best nomogram prediction model. The predictive ability of the nomogram was further evaluated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, calibration curve, decision curve analysis, and reclassification analysis. Furthermore, the model was further validated in the validation set.

RESULTS

Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that systolic blood pressure, diabetes, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, triglyceride-glucose index, triglyceride-glucose-body mass index, ratio of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were associated with poor prognosis in AIS patients after intravenous thrombolysis ( P <0.05). Compared with conventional factors, the nomogram showed stronger prognostic ability, area under receiver operating characteristic curves were 0.948 (95% CI: 0.920-0.976, P <0.001) and 0.798 (95% CI: 0.747-0.849, P <0.001), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Triglyceride-glucose index, triglyceride-glucose-body mass index, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels upon admission can serve as markers for poor prognosis in AIS patients after intravenous thrombolysis. The nomogram enables a more accurate prediction of poor prognosis in AIS patients after intravenous thrombolysis.

Association between metabolic score for insulin resistance and clinical outcomes: insights from the Tehran lipid and glucose study

BACKGROUND

We aimed to assess the relationship between Metabolic Score for Insulin Resistance (METS-IR) and the incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, mortality, diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in a population from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

METHOD

Individuals aged ≥ 20 years were enrolled. Cox proportional hazards regression models were applied to assess the association between METS-IR and incident CHD, stroke, all-cause mortality, diabetes, hypertension, and CKD.

RESULTS

Over a median follow-up period of 9-18 years, 1080 (10.6%), 267 (2.6%), 1022 (9.6%), 1382 (16.4%), 2994 (58.5%), and 2002 (23.0%) CHD, stroke, all-cause mortality, diabetes, hypertension, and CKD events occurred, respectively. Compared to the lowest quartile (reference), the hazard ratios (HR) associated with the highest quartile of METS-IR were 1.527 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.208-1.930, P for trend 0.001), 1.393 (0.865-2.243, > 0.05), 0.841 (0.682-1.038, > 0.05), 3.277 (2.645-4.060, < 0.001), 1.969 (1.752-2.214, < 0.001), and 1.020 (0.874-1.191, > 0.05) for CHD, stroke, all-cause mortality, diabetes, hypertension, and CKD, respectively. METS-IR, as a continuous variable, was significantly associated with the risk of incident CHD [HR, 95% CI: 1.106, 1.034-1.184], diabetes [1.524, 1.438-1.616], and hypertension [1.321, 1.265-1.380]. These associations were also independent of metabolic syndrome (METS) and remained unchanged in a subgroup of individuals without METS and/or diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

Increasing levels of METS-IR were significantly associated with a greater risk of incident CHD, diabetes, and hypertension; therefore, this index can be a useful tool for capturing the risk of these clinical outcomes.

Association between a metabolic score for insulin resistance and hypertension: results from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2016 analyses

Background

The Metabolic Score for Insulin Resistance (METS-IR) offers a promising and reliable non-insulin-based approach to assess insulin resistance and evaluate cardiometabolic risk. However, evidence for the association between METS-IR and hypertension was still limited.

Methods

Participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database from 2007-2016 were selected for weighted multivariable regression analyses, subgroup analyses and restricted cubic spline (RCS) modeling to assess the association between the METS-IR and hypertension, as well as systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP).

Results

This study enrolled 7,721 adults aged ≥20 years, 2,926 (34.03%) of whom was diagnosed as hypertension. After adjusting for all potential covariates, an increased METS-IR (log2 conversion, denoted as log2METS-IR) was independently associated with a higher prevalence of hypertension (odd ratio [OR] 3.99, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.19~5.01). The OR for hypertension in subjects with the highest quartile of METS-IR was 3.89-fold (OR 3.89, 95% CI 3.06~4.94) higher than that in those with the lowest quartile of METS-IR. This positive correlation became more significant as METS-IR increased (p for trend < 0.001). Log2METS-IR was significantly correlated with increase in SBP (β 6.75, 95% CI 5.65~7.85) and DBP (β 5.59, 95% CI 4.75~6.43) in a fully adjusted model. Consistent results were obtained in subgroup analyses. Hypertension, SBP and DBP all exhibited a non-linear increase with the rise in METS-IR. The minimal threshold for the beneficial association of METS-IR with hypertension, SBP and DBP were all identified to be 46.88.

Conclusion

The findings of this study revealed a significant positive association between METS-IR and hypertension among US adults, suggesting METS-IR as a potential tool for assessing hypertension risk.

Increased stress hyperglycemia ratio at hospital admission in stroke patients are associated with increased in-hospital mortality and length of stay

OBJECTIVE

Recently, the stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR) has been introduced as a metric to signify relative hyperglycemia. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between SHR and in-hospital mortality and length of stay occurring during hospitalization in stroke patients.

METHODS

The retrospective cohort study comprised a total of 4,018 patients diagnosed with acute stroke. The SHR is expressed by the formula: SHR = ABG (mmol/L) / [1.59 × HbA1c (%) - 2.59]. Outcomes included in-hospital mortality and length of stay. Multivariable logistic and linear regression analyses were conducted. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to distinguish between the variables, and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was compared.

RESULTS

In this analysis, a total of 4,018 individuals participated, including 2,814 male patients, accounting for 70.0%. Overall, in-hospital mortality and length of stay tended to rise as SHR increased. A higher prevalence of in-hospital mortality was observed with each standard deviation (SD) increase of the SHR (odds ratio [OR]: 1.26, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05-1.52). Moreover, after considering the confounders, a significant positive association between SHR levels and length of stay was observed (β = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.40-1.00). ROC analysis showed that among stroke patients, SHR (AUC = 0.693) was more effective than admission blood glucose (ABG) (AUC = 0.646) and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (AUC = 0.523), which were more predictive of in-hospital mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated SHR levels are associated with increased in-hospital mortality and prolonged length of stay in stroke patients.

Magnitude and time course of insulin resistance accumulation with the risk of cardiovascular disease: an 11-years cohort study

BACKGROUND

The risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) depended on the magnitude and exposure duration of insulin resistance (IR). This study aimed to investigate the associations of cumulative metabolic score for IR (cumMETS-IR) with incident CVD, and to further explore the modulated effects of time course of METS-IR accumulation.

METHODS

We enrolled 47,270 participants without CVD and underwent three examinations during 2006-2010 from the Kailuan study. CumMETS-IR from 2006 to 2010 were calculated as the mean values of METS-IR between consecutive examinations multiplying by time intervals between visits. Time course of METS-IR accumulation was calculated as the slope of METS-IR versus time. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for CVD risk were calculated with multivariable-adjusted Cox regressions.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 10.99 years, we identified 3184 cases of incident CVD. The risk of incident CVD increased with increasing cumMETS-IR (HR, 1.77; 95% CI 1.58-1.98 for the Q4 versus Q1 group), exposure duration (HR, 1.60; 95% CI 1.45-1.77 for 6 years versus 0 years), and cumulative burden (HR, 1.49; 95% CI 1.37-1.61 for burden ≥ 0 versus < 0). A positive slope was associated with 14% higher risk of CVD (HR, 1.14; 95% CI 1.07-1.22). When combining cumMETS-IR and slope, those with cumMETS-IR ≥ median (142.78) and slope ≥ 0 had the highest risk of CVD (HR,1.38; 95% CI 1.25-1.53).

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of CVD increased with elevated cumMETS-IR and an increasing trend over time, emphasizing the importance of maintaining optimal METS-IR levels across life span.

Exploring the Role of Insulin Resistance in Fueling Stroke Vulnerability and Worsening Post-stroke Prognosis: A Narrative Review of Current Literature

Stroke remains one of the world's greatest causes of disability and death. Insulin resistance (IR) impairs insulin's beneficial effects on the brain and can change the course of illness in post-stroke patients. This review aims to find sufficient evidence to support the causal association of IR in ischemic stroke and with post-stroke prognosis (PSP). The review will also list probable mechanisms to better understand how IR affects stroke pathology. Various articles from PubMed Central, MEDLINE, and PubMed databases were reviewed, and then after careful consideration, 17 articles were selected. The studies, using various genetic and metabolic markers, have linked IR to increased incidence of ischemic stroke. Among the various types of strokes investigated from this standpoint, silent lacunar infarct stands out as a widely researched subtype. Even though the exact pathogenesis is still unclear, current evidence shows an interplay of atherosclerosis, embolism, and platelet dysfunction. The development of early neurological decline (END) in post-stroke patients has been used to link IR to poor PSP. It is also acknowledged to have contributed in some way to poor three-month outcomes. Modifying inflammatory pathways and developing glucotoxicity are some of the pathways by which IR affects PSP. After reviewing the studies, significant evidence was found to support the role of IR in causing ischemic stroke as well as in poor PSP. Additional investigation is required to assess its influence on three-month prognosis and its significance in various stroke subcategories.

Triglyceride-glucose index predicts death in patients with stroke younger than 65

Background

The triglyceride-glucose index (TGI), a reliable surrogate indicator of insulin resistance (IR), has been proven to be a predictor of the incidence of ischemic stroke. The role of TGI in predicting the outcomes of stroke patients remains controversial. Susceptibility to IR-related diseases varies among patients of different ages. The study aims to evaluate the predictive value of TGI levels on clinical outcomes of patients with ischemic stroke of different ages.

Method

This was a retrospective cohort study including patients with ischemic stroke in the Department of Neurology at West China Hospital. TGI was calculated as ln [fasting triglyceride (mg/dL) × fasting glucose (mg/dL)/2]. The patients were subdivided into 3 tertiles according to TGI levels. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to estimate the association between TGI levels and post-stroke outcomes among the whole patients, younger patients (<65), and older patients (>=65). The outcomes included death and unfavorable functional outcome (modified Rankin scale score 3-6) at 3 and 12 months after stroke.

Results

A total of 3,704 patients (men, 65.08%, mean age, 61.44 ± 14.15; women 34.92%, mean age, 65.70 ± 13.69) were enrolled in this study. TGI levels were not associated with 3 month or 12 month death in the whole patients. Patients with higher TGI levels (T2 and T3) had a higher risk of 3 month death than those had lower TGI levels (T1) in the younger group (T2 vs. T1: OR 2.64, 95% CI 1.03-6.79, p = 0.043; T3 vs. T1: OR 2.69, 95% CI 1.00-7.10, p = 0.049) but not in the older group. Additionally, Kaplan-Meier estimate analysis illustrated that the 12 month death risk was significantly higher in the group with the highest TGI among younger patients (p for log-rank test = 0.028) but not among older patients. There was an interactive effect between TGI and age on 3 month death (p for interaction = 0.013) and 12 month death (p for interaction = 0.027). However, TGI was not associated with unfavorable functional outcome at 3 month or 12 month after stroke.

Conclusion

Elevated TGI independently predicts death at 3 months and 12 months in patients under 65 with ischemic stroke. Regulating TGI is expected to be an approach to enhance prognosis in young individuals affected by ischemic stroke.

The metabolic score for insulin resistance in the prediction of major adverse cardiovascular events in patients after coronary artery bypass surgery: a multicenter retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

The metabolic score for insulin resistance (METS-IR) is a simple, convenient, and reliable marker for resistance insulin (IR), which has been regarded as a predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cardiovascular events. However, few studies examined the relationship between METS-IR and prognosis after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). This study aimed to investigate the potential value of METS-IR as a prognostic indicator for the major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients after CABG.

METHOD

1100 CABG patients were enrolled in the study, including 760 men (69.1%) and 340 women (30.9%). The METS-IR was calculated as Ln [(2 × FPG (mg/dL) + fasting TG (mg/dL)] × BMI (kg/m²)/Ln [HDL-C (mg/dL)]. The primary endpoint of this study was the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including a composite of all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), coronary artery revascularization, and stroke.

RESULT

The following-up time of this study was 49-101 months (median, 70 months; interquartile range, 62-78 months). During the follow-up period, there were 243 MACEs (22.1%). The probability of cumulative incidence of MACE increased incrementally across the quartiles of METS-IR (log-rank test, p < 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated a hazard ratio (95% CI) of 1.97 (1.36-2.86) for MACE in quartile 4 compared with participants in quartile 1. The addition of the METS-IR to the model with fully adjusting variables significantly improved its predictive value [C-statistic increased from 0.702 to 0.720, p < 0.001, continuous net reclassification improvement (NRI) = 0.305, < 0.001, integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) = 0.021, p < 0.001].

CONCLUSION

METS-IR is an independent and favorable risk factor for predicting the occurrence of MACE and can be used as a simple and reliable indicator that can be used for risk stratification and early intervention in patients after CABG.

Association of triglyceride-glucose index with early neurological deterioration events in patients with acute ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND

The Triglyceride and Glucose (TyG) index has been found to have a strong correlation with the recurrence of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and poor patient outcomes. Nevertheless, the relationship between the TyG index and early neurological deterioration (END) has not been fully explored. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the potential association between the TyG index and END.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 2129 patients diagnosed with AIS between January 2019 and December 2022 at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University. Patients were divided into END and non-END groups based on changes in National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores within 7 days of admission, and the differences in the indicators between the two groups were examined using univariate analysis. The patients were then divided into three groups based on the tertile of the TyG index (T1: TyG index < 8.662; T2: 8.662 ≤ TyG index < 9.401; T3: TyG index ≥ 9.401), and logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between the TyG index and END. Finally, the predictive ability of the TyG index was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

RESULTS

A total of 724 patients experienced END. The results of the analysis showed that the TyG index was significantly higher in the END group compared to the non-END group. Furthermore, the TyG index was found to be an independent risk factor for the development of END (OR, 1.561; 95% 1.166-2.090, P = 0.003). After adjusting for confounders, the risk of END was 3.953 (95% CI 2.793-5.595; P < 0.001) and 5.906 (95% CI 3.676-9.488; P < 0.001) times higher in the T2 and T3 groups, respectively, in contrast to the T1 group. The area under the ROC curve of the TyG index was 0.711 (0.688-0.733), indicating an excellent predictive indicator.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study uncovered that higher TyG index levels were associated with END development in AIS patients.

The Metabolic Score for Insulin Resistance (METS-IR) Predicts Cardiovascular Disease and Its Subtypes in Patients with Hypertension and Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Objective

We aimed to evaluate the METS-IR (metabolic score for insulin resistance) index for the prediction of incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its subtypes (coronary artery disease and stroke) in patients with hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted with 2031 adults with hypertension and OSA, participants from the Urumqi Research on Sleep Apnea and Hypertension study (UROSAH). The hazard ratios and 95% CIs (credibility interval) for CVD and its subtypes were estimated using multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models.

Results

After a median follow-up of 6.80 years (interquartile range: 5.90-8.00 years), a total of 317 (15.61%) participants developed new-onset CVD, including 198 (9.75%) incident coronary heart disease (CHD) and 119 (5.86%) incident stroke. After adjusting for as many relevant confounding factors as possible, each SD increase in METS-IR was associated with a 30% increased risk of new onset overall CVD events, a 32% increased risk of new onset CHD, and a 27% increased risk of new onset stroke. When METS-IR was assessed as tertiles, after adjustment for fully confounding factors, the highest tertiles versus the lowest tertiles were associated with a greater hazard of CVD (HR 2.05; 95% CI 1.52,-2.77), CHD (HR 1.96; 95% CI 1.35-2.84), and stroke (HR 2.24; 95% CI 1.35-3.72). The results of various subgroups and sensitivity analyses were similar. When METS-IR was added, CVD predictions were reclassified and identified more accurately than baseline models for the C-index, continuous net reclassification improvement, and integrated discrimination index. CHD and stroke showed similar results.

Conclusion

METS-IR is a powerful predictor of CVD and its subtypes in patients with hypertension and OSA, which can facilitate the identification of high-risk individuals and provide individualized CVD prevention.