Metformin: Midlife maturity, maiden charm

Assessment of serum prolactin levels in acute myocardial infarction: The role of pharmacotherapy

BACKGROUND

Hyperprolactinemia may reflect neuroendocrine stress reaction against acute coronary syndromes.

AIM

The aim of the present study was evaluation of the serum prolactin level in the acute myocardial infarction (MI) regarding the current pharmacotherapy in management of MI.

SETTING AND DESIGN

Cross-sectional clinical based study.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

This cross-sectional clinical study involved all patients with acute MI in a coronary care unit, a total number of 44 patients (45% males and 55% females) with age ranged from 40 to 75 years. A full history for modifiable risk factors and current therapy with aspirin, clopidogrel and or metformin, all patients are nonsmokers. The anthropometric measurements; for estimations of body mass index (kg/m(2)), electrocardiography was obtained. Fasting blood samples were taken in the morning from all patients and the sera used for estimations of routine investigation and determination of ischemic cardiac biomarkers like cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and serum prolactin level.

RESULTS

This study shows a significant increase in the serum prolactin in acute MI as compared with the control. In acute MI serum cTnI elevation was correlated with serum prolactin increments. In metformin-treated group, there was a lowest prolactin serum level.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum prolactin level increased in acute MI, and positively correlated with cardiac troponin level and reflects underlying cardiovascular complications.

Incretin enhancement without hyperinsulinemia: α-glucosidase inhibitors

The α-glucosidase inhibitors are a time-tested, but under-utilized, class of oral hypoglycemic effects. Recent understanding of the importance of the incretin pathway, coupled with evidence about the incretin enhancing effects of these molecules, is covered in this editorial. The authors call for greater recognition of the beneficial effects of this class of drugs in the management of Type 2 diabetes.