Lipoprotein(a), type 2 diabetes and nephropathy; the mystery continues

Design, optimization, and in vivo evaluation of invasome-mediated candesartan for the control of diabetes-associated atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease characterized by the accumulation of arterial plaque. Diabetes mellitus stands out as a major risk factor for atherosclerosis. Candesartan is a potent angiotensin II receptor antagonist that enhances arterial blood flow and reduces insulin resistance. However, oral candesartan has limited activity because of its low bioavailability, water solubility, hepatic first-pass degradation, and efficacy. The current study aims to develop nasal candesartan-loaded invasome (CLI) drops to improve candesartan's permeation, release, and bioavailability as a potential treatment for diabetes-associated atherosclerosis. Design expert software was used to prepare various CLI formulations to determine the impact of the concentrations of ethanol, cineole, and phospholipid. The desirability index was used to estimate the optimized formulation composition to maximize entrapment efficiency and minimize vesicle size. The optimized formulation had a 1% ethanol concentration, a 1.5% cineole concentration, and a 2.32% phospholipid concentration. The selected optimized formulation was then tested in a rat model of diabetes and atherosclerosis to evaluate its activity. The results showed that nasal CLI drops significantly raised serum HDL levels by a ratio of 1.42 and lowered serum glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and VLDL levels by 69.70%, 72.22%, 36.52%, 58.0%, and 65.31%, respectively, compared with diabetic atherosclerotic rats, throwing an insight on the potential for promising anti-diabetic and anti-atherosclerotic activities. Additionally, atherosclerotic lesions were improved in rats treated with CLI, as shown in histopathology. In conclusion, the results of this investigation showed that treatment with nasal CSN-loaded invasome formulation drops prevented the initiation and progression of diabetes-associated atherosclerosis.

Role of Circular RNAs in Atherosclerosis through Regulation of Inflammation, Cell Proliferation, Migration, and Apoptosis: Focus on Atherosclerotic Cerebrovascular Disease

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a disease dangerous to human health and the main pathological cause of ischemic cardiovascular diseases. Although its pathogenesis is not fully understood, numerous basic and clinical studies have shown that AS is a chronic inflammatory disease existing in all stages of atherogenesis. It may be a common link or pathway in the pathogenesis of multiple atherogenic factors. Inflammation is associated with AS complications, such as plaque rupture and ischemic cerebral infarction. In addition to inflammation, apoptosis plays an important role in AS. Apoptosis is a type of programmed cell death, and different apoptotic cells have different or even opposite roles in the process of AS. Unlike linear RNA, circular RNA (circRNA) a covalently closed circular non-coding RNA, is stable and can sponge miRNA, which can affect the stages of AS by regulating downstream pathways. Ultimately, circRNAs play very important roles in AS by regulating inflammation, apoptosis, and some other mechanisms. The study of circular RNAs can provide new ideas for the prediction, prevention, and treatment of AS.

Silibinin augments the effect of clopidogrel on atherosclerosis in diabetic ApoE deficiency mice

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus (DM) abolishes the antithrombotic effect of Clopidogrel. Here, we investigated the synergistic effect of Silibinin on Clopidogrel-mediated atherosclerosis treatment in diabetic mice.

METHODS

ApoE-/- mice were fed with high-fat diet (HFD) to establish the atherosclerotic model with diabetes. Animals were treated with Clopidogrel, Silibinin, or the combined to evaluate the protective effects on atherosclerosis and diabetes through Oil-red-O staining, qRT-PCR, Western blot, and metabolic measurements. Platelet activation and aggregation ex vivo assays were performed to detect the anti-thrombotic effect of different administrations.

RESULTS

Silibinin significantly enhanced the inhibitory effect of Clopidogrel on atherosclerosis in DM mice. Co-administration of Silibinin with Clopidogrel remarkedly reduced the aortic lesion, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction in aorta roots, and diabetic symptoms were significantly improved by the Silibinin-Clopidogrel treatment in HFD-fed ApoE-/- mice. Interestingly, the anti-thrombotic effect of Clopidogrel was further augmented by the Silibinin treatment in atherosclerotic mice.

CONCLUSION

In atherosclerotic mouse model, Silibinin significantly improves the effect of Clopidogrel on atherosclerosis.

Biguanides: Species with versatile therapeutic applications

Biguanides are compounds in which two guanidine moieties are fused to form a highly conjugated system. Biguanides are highly basic and hence they are available as salts mostly hydrochloride salts, these cationic species have been found to exhibit many therapeutic properties. This review covers the research and development carried out on biguanides and accounts the various therapeutic applications of drugs containing biguanide group-such as antimalarial, antidiabetic, antiviral, anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-tubercular, antifilarial, anti-HIV, as well as other biological activities. The aim of this review is to compile all the medicinal chemistry applications of this class of compounds so as to pave way for the accelerated efforts in finding the drug action mechanisms associated with this class of compounds. Importance has been given to the organic chemistry of these biguanide derivatives also.

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthesis pathway is involved in coronary artery stenosis and restenosis

The inflammatory events related to prostaglandins may play an important role in the progression of vessel stenosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the monocyte PTGES and 15-PGDH gene expression levels and the serum 13,14-dihyro-15-keto-PGF2α value involved in PGE2 metabolism in patients with coronary artery stenosis and restenosis. Moreover, the effects of miR-520, miR-1297 and miR-34 were studied on the gene expression levels. A total of sixty subjects referred for coronary angiography including healthy controls (stenosis <5%), subjects with stent no restenosis) SNR, stenosis <5%) and subjects in stent restenosis (ISR, restenosis >70%) were participated in the study. The gene expression levels and the serum 13,14-dihyro-15-keto- PGF2α value were measured by RT-qPCR and ELISA techniques, respectively. Moreover, the effects of miRNAs on the gene expression levels were investigated by the monocyte transfection of miR/PEI complexes. The PTGES and 15-PGDH gene expression levels and serum 13,14-dihyro-15-keto- PGF2α value increased significantly (P <0.05). Based on the miR-520 and miR-34 expression levels, the miR/PEI transfection studies were confirmed significantly the gene expression changes. The monocyte PGE2 synthesis pathway is actively considered in the SNR and ISR patients and might be related to miR-34 and miR-520 functions.

Effect of Coronary Artery Bifurcation Angle on Atherosclerotic Lesion Localization Distance to the Bifurcation Site

Objectives

Although percutaneous coronary interventions become a common treatment modality for coronary artery diseases, lesion localization make these procedures more complex. As the lesion localizes near to the bifurcation site, more complex PCI procedures, overqualified equipments are needed and complication risk increases. Previous studies have demonstrated the strong correlation between wide angulation and significant coronary stenosis. However, a paucity of data exists about the association between bifurcation angle and lesion localization distance. In this study we analysed the effect of coronary bifurcation angle and left main coronary artery length on the atherosclerotic lesion localization.

Methods

Patients, who underwent coronary angiography between 01.01.2017- 31.12.2019 were scanned. Patients having atherosclerotic lesions causing more than 50% luminal narrowing and Medina classification score (0,0,0) were evaluated. After exclusion, 467 patients were included. 5 bifurcation subgroups (LAD-CX, LAD-Dx, CX-OM, RCA-RV, RPD-RPL) were formed. Distance of lesion to the bifurcation site, bifurcation angle and left main coronary artery length were analysed by 2 experienced cardiologists with invasive quantitaive coronary angiography (QCA) by using “extreme angio and cardiac pacs” software system.

Results

There was a strong inverse correlation between bifurcation angle and lesion localization distance to the bifurcation site (r = −0.706; p < 0.0001). There was a nonsignificant negative correlation between Left-main coronary artery length and lesion localization. Regression analysis revealed that bifurcation angle is an independent risk factor for predicting the localization of an atheroslerotic lesion in 5 mm length from the point of bifurcation site (β = −0.074, p < 0.0001). A cut-off value of 80.5° coronary bifurcation angle was found to have 84.1% sensitivity and 81.3% specificity in prediction of atherosclerotic lesion localization in 5 mm length from the point of bifurcation site.

Conclusion

In this study we showed that as the bifurcation angle increases, atherosclerotic lesions tend to approach to the bifurcation site. Since invertentions encompassing bifurcation sites are more complex, lesions with increased angulation may need extra care as they are more likely to present with further complications. Furthermore, bifurcation angle is an independent risk factor for lesion localization.

The contribution of syndemic conditions to cardiovascular disease risk

The syndemic conditions of low education, childhood maltreatment, depression, HIV, alcohol and cocaine use, and obesity have been established as independent risk factors for cardiovascular risk, but research examining the association between syndemic conditions and cardiovascular risk in high-risk populations is lacking. A total of N = 503 participants underwent an ultrasound of the carotid artery to assess for atherosclerotic plaque. Participants, HIV-infected (n = 202) and HIV-uninfected (n = 301) with and without a history of cocaine use, were a mean age of 36.13 years (SD = 9.51); 50% were male, and 62% were African-American. Each syndemic condition was associated with 8% greater odds of atherosclerotic plaque (OR = 1.08), 9% greater odds of systolic blood pressure (OR = 1.09), and 10% greater odds of diastolic blood pressure (OR = 1.10). Multilevel research, interventions, and public policy initiatives are needed to activate stakeholders at each level to maximize their impact at a community level among populations with high rates of syndemic conditions.

Current perspective on the role of insulin and glucagon in the pathogenesis and treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus

According to the World Health Organization, 422 million adults worldwide live with diabetes mellitus (DM), a significant portion of whom have type 2 diabetes. The discovery of insulin as a key regulator of glucose metabolism has revolutionized our understanding of DM and provided several therapeutic avenues. Most studies have so far predominantly focused on the role of insulin in type 2 diabetes. However, the balance between insulin and glucagon is essential in ensuring glucose homeostasis. In this review, we begin by evaluating the principal differences between insulin and glucagon with regard to their mechanism and control of their secretion. Next, we discuss their mode of action and effects on metabolism. We further explore how the two hormones impact the natural history of type 2 diabetes. Finally, we outline how current and emerging pharmacological agents attempt to exploit the properties of insulin and glucagon to benefit patients with type 2 diabetes.

NORMAL FEMORAL ARTERY INTIMA-MEDIA THICKNESS AMONG HEALTHY NIGERIAN ADULTS; RELATIONSHIP WITH AGE, GENDER AND BODY MASS INDEX

BACKGROUND

Ultrasonographic intima media thickness is now the imaging modality of choice for the clinical evaluation of large arterial wall thickening (atherosclerosis). It is a proven simple, reliable, accurate, reproducible, affordable and ionizing radiation-free marker of atherosclerosis. Carotid intima media thickness (IMT) values have been widely employed as a surrogate marker of atherosclerosis; normal values have been documented for Nigerians and values above the nomogram are regarded as evidence of atherosclerosis. However, recent scientific evidence shows that the femoral artery intima-media thickness is a better indicator of atherosclerosis, compared to the IMT of the carotid artery. Despite the femoral IMT being a better indicator of atherosclerosis, there is paucity of data on femoral intima media thickness among healthy Nigerian adults.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the femoral IMT among a healthy, normotensive, normoglycemic adult Nigerian cohort, and its relationship with age, sex and body mass index among the study population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study among a cohort of normotensive, non-diabetic adult healthy volunteers. The socio-demographic characteristics, anthropometric and clinical parameters, as well as the B-mode ultrasonographic IMT of both common femoral arteries were evaluated. The data was analysed using IBM SPSS version 23.0. The student t-test and One-way-ANOVA were used to test the association between age, sex and FIMT as appropriate. The correlations between the FIMT and age and BMI were assessed by Pearson's correlation coefficients; linear regression analysis was done to determine the equation relating FIMT to factors with significant correlation coefficients among the subjects. p values <0.05 were taken as statistically significant.

RESULTS

A total of 106 femoral arteries in 53 individuals were evaluated in this preliminary study. The mean age was 50.7(SD14.4) years (range 27-77 years). Twenty-eight (52.8%) were males and 25 (47.2%) were females. The mean Femoral Intima Media Thickness (FIMT) for the whole group was 0.53(SD0.05) mm. The FIMT in males, 0.54(SD0.05) mm was not significantly different from that in females, 0.52(SD0.06) mm (p= 0.221). The mean left FIMT, 0.54(SD0.05) mm was significantly higher than the right FIMT, 0.52(SD0.06) mm (p<0.001)There was a significant positive Pearson correlation coefficient between FIMT and age, (r=0.719, p<0.001). The linear regression equation was FIMT = 0.39 + 0.003*Age (years) indicating a mean increase of 0.003 mm in FIMT for every one-year increase in age.There was no significant correlation between BMI and FIMT, (r=0.008, p=0.952).

CONCLUSION

The overall mean FIMT among a cohort of South-West Nigerian adults without cardiovascular risk factors was 0.53(0.05) mm. The mean FIMT in males was not significantly different from that in females, but the mean FIMT on the left was significantly higher than that on the right. There was a significant positive correlation between FIMT and age, with an increase in FIMT of 0.003mm for every one-year increase in age. There was no correlation between FIMT and BMI. Screening FIMT may help in the early discovery of increased IMT, which would be of value in re-classification of cardiovascular risk.

Metformin ameliorates diabetic nephropathy in a rat model of low-dose streptozotocin-induced diabetes

The present study aimed to explore the renoprotective effect of metformin on diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetic rats. A rat model of type 2 diabetic nephropathy (T2DN) was successfully induced via a high-fat diet combined with a single low-dose of streptozotocin. Metformin was administered intragastrically for 13 weeks, and fasting blood glucose (FBG), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), HDL-c, LDL-c, urinary and serum creatinine levels were subsequently examined at the end of administration. Renal function was determined after the treatment protocol. Expression levels of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) were assessed via immunohistochemical analysis. Superoxide dismutase activity, malondialdehyde content and glutathione peroxidase levels were assessed in kidney tissues using commercially available kits. The results of the present study demonstrated that metformin administration significantly decreased the levels of serum blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, creatinine clearance, urinary albumin excretion and fasting blood glucose in rats with T2DN. Furthermore, TG, TC and LDL-c levels were significantly decreased following metformin treatment, whereas HDL-c was increased. Metformin treatment significantly increased SOD activity and significantly decreased malondialdehyde levels, as compared with the model group. It was also demonstrated that metformin administration significantly decreased the expression levels of TGF-β1 and attenuated the morphological changes associated with T2DN in rats. These data clearly demonstrated the renoprotective effects of metformin against the development and progression of T2DN in rats. The underlying mechanism of this protective effect may be associated with glycemic control, lipid metabolism, and anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory functions.

Association between serum uric acid, urinary albumin excretion, and glycated hemoglobin in Type 2 diabetic patient

Background:

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease characterized by insulin deficiency or peripheral resistance resulting in hyperglycemia. Poor glycemic control leads to diabetic complications. Hyperuricemia has been reported with increased risk of renal insufficiency. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between serum uric acid concentration, degree of urinary albumin excretion (UAE) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in Type 2 DM (T2DM) patients.

Materials and Methods:

Serum uric acid concentrations, urine microalbumin, and HbA1c were measured in fifty T2DM patients. We then evaluated relationship between uric acid concentrations, degree of UAE and glycemic control as well as other confounding variables.

Results:

Serum uric acid concentration correlated positively with UAE (r = 0.323, P < 0.05), age (r = 0.337, P < 0.05), age at onset (r = 0.341, P < 0.05), and duration of DM (r = 0.312, P < 0.05). Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that serum uric acid concentration (β = 0.293, P < 0.0001), duration of DM (β = 0.261, P < 0.0001), HbA1c (β = 0.173, P < 0.005), and systolic blood pressure (β = 0.268, P < 0.005) were independent determinants of UAE.

Conclusions:

Serum uric acid concentration is associated with microalbuminuria and HbA1c in T2DM patients.

Effect of aqueous extract of Vernonia amygdalina on atherosclerosis in rabbits

BACKGROUND

Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina (V. amygdalina) have been shown to affect the serum lipid profile of some laboratory animals in previous studies. Its impact on serum lipid profile and the histological changes in atherosclerosis has not been studied. Our aim was to determine the effects of V. amygdalina on atherosclerotic lesions induced in rabbits on high-cholesterol diet.

METHODS

18 male rabbits were randomly divided into three groups of control, atherogenic diet, and atherogenic diet + 200 mg/kg of V. amygdalina. The rabbits were fed a normal diet (control group) or a diet supplemented by 0.5% cholesterol and 1% methionine (second and third groups, respectively) for 12 weeks. The fasting sera of all animals were collected at baseline and at the end of the 12 weeks, to determine the levels of lipid profile and the aortas underwent pathomorphological examination.

RESULTS

The two groups on the atherogenic diet had significantly increased serum total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) compared to the control group. The serum triglyceride (TG) was not statistically different in all three groups. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was significantly increased in the V. amygdalina group, compared to the control group but there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups on atherogenic diet. The two groups of rabbits that were on high-cholesterol diet (atherogenic diet group, as well as the atherogenic diet + 200 mg/kg of V. amygdalina) developed histological evidence of atherosclerosis. However, there was no histological difference between the lesions observed in these two groups.

CONCLUSION

The use of 200 mg/kg of aqueous extract of V. amygdalina in rabbits did not appear to exert a significant effect on the serum lipid profile. It also did not appear to have any beneficial effect on the development of atherosclerotic lesions.

Diabetes mellitus and renal failure: Prevention and management

Nowadays, diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension are considered as the most common causes of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). In this paper, other than presenting the role of DM in ESRD, glucose metabolism and the management of hyperglycemia in these patients are reviewed. Although in several large studies there was no significant relationship found between tight glycemic control and the survival of ESRD patients, it is recommended that glycemic control be considered as the main therapeutic goal in the treatment of these patients to prevent damage to other organs. Glycemic control is perfect when fasting blood sugar is less than 140 mg/dL, 1-h postprandial blood glucose is less than 200 mg/dL, and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is 6-7 in patients with type 1 diabetes and 7-8 in patients with type 2 diabetes. Administration of metformin should be avoided in chronic renal failure (CRF) because of lactic acidosis, the potentially fatal complication of metformin, but glipizide and repaglinide seem to be good choices.

Herbal versus synthetic drugs; beliefs and facts

Herbal therapy is a holistic therapy, integrating emotional, mental and spiritual levels. Life style, emotional, mental and spiritual considerations are part of any naturopathic approach. The use of herbs does not generally involve "drug" actions or adverse effects. Although medicinal plants are widely used and assumed to be safe, however, they can potentially be toxic. Where poisoning from medicinal plants has been reported, it usually has been due to misidentification of the plants in the form, in which they are sold, or incorrectly preparation and administration by inadequately trained personnel. There are some "drug like" plants remedies that their actions approach that of pharmaceuticals. Herbalists use these plants in treatment strategies and in countries such as Britain their vast availability is restricted by law. Digitalis is one of these examples and the number of these plants is not a lot. The mechanisms by which the herbs generally act are not established, however, most of medicinal plants possess antioxidant activities. The plants have been shown to effective by this property is various conditions including cancer, memory deficit and Alzheimer, atherosclerosis, diabetes and other cardiovascular diseases. Antioxidant activities of herbal medicines are also effective in reducing the toxicities of toxic agents or other drugs.

Atherosclerosis: process, indicators, risk factors and new hopes

Background:

Atherosclerosis is the major cause of morbidities and mortalities worldwide. In this study we aimed to review the mechanism of atherosclerosis and its risk factors, focusing on new findings in atherosclerosis markers and its risk factors. Furthermore, the role of antioxidants and medicinal herbs in atherosclerosis and endothelial damage has been discussed and a list of important medicinal plants effective in the treatment and prevention of hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis is presented.

Methods:

The recently published papers about atherosclerosis pathogenesis and herbal medicines effective in the treatment and prevention of hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis were searched.

Results:

Inflammation has a crucial role in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The disease is accompanied by excessive fibrosis of the intima, fatty plaques formation, proliferation of smooth muscle cells, and migration of a group of cells such as monocytes, T cells, and platelets which are formed in response to inflammation. The oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) to Ox-LDL indicates the first step of atherosclerosis in cardiovascular diseases. Malondialdehyde factor shows the level of lipoperoxidation and is a sign of increased oxidative pressure and cardiovascular diseases. In special pathological conditions such as severe hypercholesterolemia, peroxynitrite concentration increases and atherosclerosis and vascular damage are intensified. Medicinal plants have shown to be capable of interacting these or other pathogenesis factors to prevent atherosclerosis.

Conclusions:

The pathogenesis factors involved in atherosclerosis have recently been cleared and the discovery of these factors has brought about new hopes for better prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis.

New concepts in nutraceuticals as alternative for pharmaceuticals

Nutraceuticals are products, which other than nutrition are also used as medicine. A nutraceutical product may be defined as a substance, which has physiological benefit or provides protection against chronic disease. Nutraceuticals may be used to improve health, delay the aging process, prevent chronic diseases, increase life expectancy, or support the structure or function of the body. Nowadays, nutraceuticals have received considerable interest due to potential nutritional, safety and therapeutic effects. Recent studies have shown promising results for these compounds in various complications. In the present review much effort has been devoted to present new concepts about nutraceuticals based on their diseases modifying indications. Emphasis has been made to present herbal nutraceuticals effective on hard curative disorders related to oxidative stress including allergy, alzheimer, cardiovascular, cancer, diabetes, eye, immune, inflammatory and Parkinson's diseases as well as obesity. The recently published papers about different aspects of nutraceuticals as alternative for pharmaceuticals were searched using scientific sites such as Medline, PubMed, and Google Scholar. The used terms included nutraceutical and allergy, alzheimer, cardiovascular, cancer, diabetes, eye, immune, inflammatory or Parkinson.

A systematic review of the role of renin angiotensin aldosterone system genes in diabetes mellitus, diabetic retinopathy and diabetic neuropathy

BACKGROUND

The renin angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) plays a vital role in regulating glucose metabolism and blood pressure, electrolyte and fluid homeostasis. The aim of this systematic review is to assess the association of the RAAS genes with diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications of retinopathy, neuropathy and cardiovascular disease (CVD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The relevant English-language studies were identified using the key words of DM, type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), T2DM, renin angiotensin aldosterone polymorphisms or genotypes and RAAS from the search engines of MEDLINE/PubMed, and Scopus from January 1, 1995 to July 30, 2014. Inclusion criteria for selecting relevant studies were reporting the role of RAAS gene variants in the pathogenesis of T1DM or T2DM, diabetic retinopathy (DR), diabetic neuropathy and cardiovascular complication of DM.

RESULTS

The reviewers identified 204 studies of which 73 were eligible for inclusion in the present systematic review. The review indicates the angiotensinogen (AGT) M235T polymorphism might not affect the risk of DM. The role of angiotensin converting enzyme insertion/deletion (ACE I/D) and angiotensin II type 1 receptor gene (AT1R) A1166C polymorphisms in the pathogenesis of DM could not be established. Studies indicate the absence of an association between three polymorphisms of AGT M235T, ACE I/D and AT1R A1166C and DR in DM patients. A protective role for ACE II genotype against diabetic peripheral neuropathy has been suggested. Also, the ACE I/D polymorphism might be associated with the risk of CVD in DM patients.

CONCLUSION

More studies with adequate sample size that investigate the influence of all RAAS gene variants together on the risk of DM and its complications are necessary to provide a more clear picture of the RAAS genes polymorphisms involvement in the pathogenesis of DM and its complications.

Metformin: Current knowledge

Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic disorders in which the blood glucose is higher than normal levels, due to insufficiency of insulin release or improper response of cells to insulin, resulting in high blood pressure. The resultant hyperglycemia produces sever complications. Metformin drug has been shown to prevent diabetes in people who are at high risk and decrease most of the diabetic complications. Recent reports on metformin, not only indicate some implications such as renoprotective properties have been suggested for metformin, but some reports indicate its adverse effects as well that are negligible when its benefits are brought into account. We aimed here to review the new implications of metformin and discuss about the concerns in the use of metformin, referring to the recently published papers.

Association of serum lipids with level of blood pressure in type 2 diabetic patients

Introduction: Dyslipidemia and high blood pressure in diabetic patients increase the risk of microvascular and macrovascular complications.

Objectives: This study was conducted to investigate the association between serum lipids and level of blood pressure in type 2 diabetic patients (T2D).

Patients and Methods: A prospective analytical study was carried out in 60 patients with T2D of both genders. None of the patients had a history of hypertension, and none was treated with antihypertensive drugs. Resting systolic blood pressures and fifth phase diastolic blood pressures were measured three times while the subjects were seated, and the results were averaged second and third measurements. Sixty patients with T2D were enrolled to the study. None of the patients who had a history of gout, was treated with allopurinol or treated with antihypertensive drugs previously.

Results: Of 60 participants, mean of serum creatinine was 0.98±0.22 mg/dL. Mean of systolic and diastolic blood pressure was 133±13 mmHg and 84±7.4 mmHg respectively. In this study, a significant positive correlation of serum cholesterol with systolic (r=0.598, p=0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (r=0.584, p=0.001) was seen. Also the associations of serum LDL-C with systolic and diastolic blood pressure were as follow (r = 0.335, p<0.001) and (0.491, p<0.001) respectively. Associations of HDL-C with systolic and diastolic blood pressure were not significance as follow -0.05 and 0.04 respectively.

Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that serum cholesterol has a strong association with levels of systolic and diastolic blood pressure in T2D patients. More attention to serum lipids and treatment of dyslipidemia could halt the progress of diabetic kidney disease.

Suppressive impact of anethum graveolens consumption on biochemical risk factors of atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolemic rabbits

BACKGROUND

We aimed to determine the effects of Anethum graveolens (Dill) powder on postprandial lipid profile, markers of oxidation and endothelial activation when added to a fatty meal.

METHODS

In an experimental study, 32 rabbits were randomly designated into four diet groups: normal diet, high cholesterol diet (1%), high cholesterol diet plus 5% (w/w) dill powder and high cholesterol diet plus lovastatin (10 mg/kg, bw). The concentrations of glucose, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoproteins-cholesterol (LDL-C), alanine aminotransferase (alt), aspartate aminotransferase (ast), fibrinogen, factor VII, apolipoprotein B (ApoB), nitrite and nitrate were measured in blood samples following 15 h of fasting and 3 h after feeding.

RESULTS

Concurrent use of A. graveolens powder or lovastatin significantly decreased ALT, TC, glucose, fibrinogen and LDL-C values in comparison with hypercholesterolemic diet group (P < 0.05). Consumption of A. graveolens or lovastatin did not change factor VII, ApoB, nitrite and nitrate levels significantly in comparison with hypercholesterolemic diet group. Intake of A. graveolens significantly decreased serum AST compared to hypercholesterolemic diet.

CONCLUSIONS

A. graveolens might have some protective values against atherosclerosis and that it significantly affects some biochemical risk factors of this disease. Our findings also confirm the potential harmful effects of oxidized fats and the importance of dietary polyphenols in the meal.

Renoprotective effects of metformin

Metformin as a biguanid drug entered to the market 50 years ago and now is generally recommended as the first-line treatment in type 2 diabetes, especially in overweight patients, however in recent years new indications for its use have emerged . It improves peripheral and liver sensitivity to insulin, reduces basal hepatic glucose production, increases insulin-stimulated uptake and utilization of glucose by peripheral tissues, decreases hunger and causes weight reduction.Recently, much attention has been made toward the possible kidney protective efficacy of metformin. Recent studies have proven that metformin, possesses antioxidant properties, too.

Association of serum uric acid with proteinuria in type 2 diabetic patients

BACKGROUND

Various findings suggest that uric acid is an inflammatory factor and may have a role in endothelial dysfunction and act as a mediator of diabetic nephropathy. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationships between serum uric acid level and level of proteinuria in type 2 diabetic (T2D) patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in 60 patients with T2D without a history of gout. None was treated with allopurinol. Venous blood samples were obtained in fasting state for determinations of serum creatinine, uric acid, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (reference range 3.8-5.5%); 24-h urine proteinuria was also measured.

RESULTS

Mean age of the patients was 57 ± 8.3 years. Mean ± standard error (SE) of serum creatinine was 0.98 ± 0.028 mg/dL, mean ± SE of serum uric acid was 4.5 ± 0.15 mg/dL, and mean ± SE of proteinuria was 388 ± 28.7 mg/day (median = 303.5 mg/day). There was no significant difference in serum uric acid, HbA1c, and creatinine level between males and females (P > 0.05). There was a significant positive association between body mass index (BMI) and serum uric acid levels (r = 0.428, P = 0.001). After adjustment for weight, a significant positive association of serum uric acid with level of proteinuria was seen (r = 0.47, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Serum uric acid had a significant positive association with diabetic nephropathy. It might be hypothesized that serum uric acid plays a role in diabetic nephropathy in T2D.