Metabolic Syndrome, Independent Predictor for Coronary Artery Disease

Role of anthropometric indices as a screening tool for predicting metabolic syndrome among apparently healthy individuals of Karachi, Pakistan

Introduction

Anthropometric indices are affordable and non-invasive methods for screening metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, determining the most effective index for screening can be challenging.

Objective

To investigate the accuracy of anthropometric indices as a screening tool for predicting MetS among apparently healthy individuals in Karachi, Pakistan.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in Karachi, Pakistan, from February 2022 to August 2022. A total of 1,065 apparently healthy individuals aged 25 years and above were included. MetS was diagnosed using International Diabetes Federation guidelines. Anthropometric indices were defined based on body mass index (BMI), neck circumference (NC), mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), waist circumference (WC), waist to height ratio (WHtR), conicity index, reciprocal ponderal index (RPI), body shape index (BSI), and visceral adiposity index (VAI). The analysis involved the utilization of Pearson's correlation test and independent t-test to examine inferential statistics. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was also applied to evaluate the predictive capacities of various anthropometric indices regarding metabolic risk factors. Moreover, the area under the curve (AUC) was computed, and the chosen anthropometric indices' optimal cutoff values were determined.

Results

All anthropometric indices, except for RPI in males and BSI in females, were significantly higher in MetS than those without MetS. VAI [AUC 0.820 (95% CI 0.78-0.86)], WC [AUC 0.751 (95% CI 0.72-0.79)], WHtR [AUC 0.732 (95% CI 0.69-0.77)], and BMI [AUC 0.708 (95% CI 0.66-0.75)] had significantly higher AUC for predicting MetS in males, whereas VAI [AUC 0.693 (95% CI 0.64-0.75)], WHtR [AUC 0.649 (95% CI 0.59-0.70)], WC [AUC 0.646 (95% CI 0.59-0.61)], BMI [AUC 0.641 (95% CI 0.59-0.69)], and MUAC [AUC 0.626 (95% CI 0.57-0.68)] had significantly higher AUC for predicting MetS in females. The AUC of NC for males was 0.656 (95% CI 0.61-0.70), while that for females was 0.580 (95% CI 0.52-0.64). The optimal cutoff points for all anthropometric indices exhibited a high degree of sensitivity and specificity in predicting the onset of MetS.

Conclusion

BMI, WC, WHtR, and VAI were the most important anthropometric predictors for MetS in apparently healthy individuals of Pakistan, while BSI was found to be the weakest indicator.

Factors Influencing Gallstone Formation: A Review of the Literature

Gallstone disease is a common pathology of the digestive system with nearly a 10–20% incidence rate among adults. The mainstay of treatment is cholecystectomy, which is commonly associated with physical pain and may also seriously affect a patient’s quality of life. Clinical research suggests that cholelithiasis is closely related to the age, gender, body mass index, and other basic physical characteristics of patients. Clinical research further suggests that the occurrence of cholelithiasis is related to obesity, diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver, and other diseases. For this reason, we reviewed the following: genetic factors; excessive liver cholesterol secretion (causing cholesterol supersaturation in gallbladder bile); accelerated growth of cholesterol crystals and solid cholesterol crystals; gallbladder motility impairment; and cardiovascular factors. Herein, we summarize and analyze the causes and mechanisms of cholelithiasis, discuss its correlation with the pathogenesis of related diseases, and discuss possible mechanisms.

Does psychosocial stress modify the association of fine particulate matter and ozone with cardiovascular health indicators?

Fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) and ozone (O₃) air pollution can cause abnormal changes in blood pressure (BP), blood glucose and lipids, which are important indicators for cardiovascular health. Psychosocial stress could be a potential effect modifier for adverse health effects of air pollution, but research evidence is scarce. A cross-sectional study with 373 elderly subjects was conducted in Beijing during 2018-2019. We collected psychosocial stress information on anxiety, perceived stress and depression, obtained daily environmental data, measured resting BP, blood glucose and lipids in study participants, and analyzed the associations of PM_2.5 or O₃ with cardiovascular health indicators and the modification effect by psychosocial stress. Results showed that PM_2.5 was significantly associated with increased systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and pulse pressure (PP) ; and O₃ was significantly associated with elevated DBP, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and total triglyceride (TG). In addition, the associations of PM_2.5 with TG, and O₃ with SBP and TG were higher in participants with high psychosocial stress, whereas the associations of O₃ with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were higher in participants with low psychosocial stress. For an interquartile range (IQR) (56.8 μg/m³) increase in PM_2.5 at 4-d moving average, TG increased by 21.43% (95% CI: 2.90, 43.29) in high perceived-stress group, and decreased by 20.05% (95% CI: -30.31, -8.28) in low perceived-stress group (p for interaction = 0.04). For an IQR (63.0 μg/m³) increase in O₃ at 2-d moving average, TG increased by 32.01% (95% CI: 7.65, 61.89) in high perceived-stress group, and increased by 7.95% (95% CI: -9.80, 29.20) only in low perceived-stress group (p for interaction = 0.04). For an IQR (64.0 μg/m³) increase in O₃ at 3-d moving average, HDL-C decreased by 4.55% (95% CI: -12.15, 3.72) in high perceived-stress group, and increased by 0.57% (95% CI: -6.99, 8.75) in low perceived-stress group (p for interaction=0.002). In conclusion, our results indicated that short-term exposures to PM_2.5 and O₃ were associated with significant changes in BP, blood glucose and lipids, and psychosocial stress may increase the susceptibility of the participants to the adverse cardiovascular effects of PM_2.5 and O₃.

Risk Factors of Metabolic Syndrome among Polish Nurses

The metabolic syndrome, also known as syndrome X or the insulin resistance, is defined by the World Health Organization as a pathologic condition characterized by abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. Both all over the world and in Poland, there is a shortage of nurses; most of those employed are in the pre-retirement age. However, the requirements in this profession and the patient’s right to care at the highest level remain unchanged and do not take into account the poor condition or age of working nurses, so special attention should be paid to the state of health in this professional group. There is an emphasis on the importance of the adopted attitude toward health and the resulting behaviors, such as regular weight control, following dietary recommendations, regular physical activity and participation in preventive examinations. The aim of the study was to assess the frequency of the occurrence of the metabolic syndrome, its individual components and determining the factors influencing its development in Polish nurses. The research conducted among the nurses in question included DXA (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) measurements, assessment of glucose concentration, lipid profile, blood pressure and a questionnaire survey. Almost half of the surveyed nurses have metabolic syndrome, which significantly increases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases or diabetes. After multivariate analysis, it was found that being overweight and obesity were significant factors influenced the MS (metabolic syndrome) occurrence among Polish nurses. Being overweight increases the chances of MS occurrence 8.58 times in relation to BMI (Body Mass Index) <25, obesity increases the chances of MS occurrence 8.085 times in relation to BMI <25, and obesity class II/III increases the chances of MS occurrence 16.505 times in relation to BMI <25. Preventive and supportive measures for this professional group are needed.

The Influence of Metabolic Syndrome Risk Factors on Carotid Intima Media Thickness in Children

Pediatric obesity is a major health concern today, which pre-disposes individuals to metabolic syndrome (MS), and the risk of premature cardiovascular disease (CVD). Use of carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) is recognized as non-invasive way to assess vascular health. The objective of this study was to determine which MBS risk factors has an influence on increasing one's risk of an increased CIMT in children. In southern Maine 189 children (age: 10.52 ± .52 years) had their MBS risk factors and CIMT assessed. Based on CIMT, children were divided into quartiles and compared to MBS risk factors. Children in the highest quartile for CIMT had the highest waist circumference (P < .05) compared to all other groups, using a one-way analysis of variance. No other MBS risk factors had an influence on CIMT. It appears early identification of children with an elevated WC may be beneficial in identifying children at risk of premature CVD.

The Synergistic Effect of Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) Polymorphisms and Metabolic Syndrome on Coronary Artery Disease in the Korean Population

The most common type of cardiovascular disease is coronary artery disease (CAD), in which a plaque builds up inside the coronary arteries that can lead to a complete blockage of blood flow to the heart, resulting in a heart attack. The CAD may be affected by various factors including age, gender, and lipoprotein disposition as well as genetic factors and metabolic syndrome. In this study, we investigated whether three PAI-1 polymorphisms (−844 G > A, −675 4G > 5G, and +43 G > A) and CAD-related clinical parameters are associated with CAD susceptibility. Genotyping of 463 CAD patients and 401 controls was performed using polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. We report that the 4G5G genotype (crude odds ratio(COR), 1.392; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.036–1.871; p = 0.028) and dominant model (4G4G vs. 4G5G + 5G5G; COR, 1.401; 95% CI, 1.060–1.850; p = 0.018; adjust odds ratio, 1.371; 95% CI, 1.027–1.831; p = 0.032) of PAI-1 −675 polymorphisms were associated with increased CAD risk. Haplotype and genotype combinations of PAI-1 −675 and +43 polymorphisms show an increased risk of CAD according to alterations of the −675 polymorphism allele or genotype. Moreover, the PAI-1 -675 polymorphisms show a synergistic effect with the metabolic syndrome component of CAD risk. This study suggests that polymorphisms in the PAI-1 genes along with the metabolic syndrome component of CAD can be useful biomarkers for CAD diagnosis and treatment.

The Relationship of Functional Status of Cortisol, Testosterone, and Parameters of Metabolic Syndrome in Male Schizophrenics

Background

The cross-sectional study is aimed at investigating the relationship between cortisol, testosterone, and metabolic characteristics among male schizophrenics.

Methods

174 patients were grouped based on their risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) into the non-MetS, high-risk-MetS (HR-MetS), or MetS groups. Metabolic indices (body mass index (BMI), mean arterial pressure (MAP), cholesterol, triglyceride, and fasting blood glucose (FBG)) were associated with cortisol and testosterone levels using correlation analysis. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to associate the correlations between the WHO Quality of Life–BREF (WHOQOL–BREF) score and the five metabolic indices.

Results

The WHOQOL–BREF score for the non-MetS group significantly differed from the scores of the HR-MetS and MetS groups. The triglyceride level was positively correlated with the cortisol level, while all five metabolic indices were negatively correlated with testosterone level. Stepwise regression analysis produced a model predicting WHOQOL–BREF scores with four variables including MAP, intelligence quotient (IQ), FBG, and age. The correlation analysis then showed that there was a weak linear correlation between the testosterone level and all five metabolic indices.

Conclusions

Among the five metabolic indices, the risks of hypertension and hyperglycemia are correlated with the quality of life in male schizophrenics rather than those of obesity or hyperlipidemia.

Intermittent Fasting for Twelve Weeks Leads to Increases in Fat Mass and Hyperinsulinemia in Young Female Wistar Rats

Fasting is known to cause physiological changes in the endocrine pancreas, including decreased insulin secretion and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. However, there is no consensus about the long-term effects of intermittent fasting (IF), which can involve up to 24 hours of fasting interspersed with normal feeding days. In the present study, we analyzed the effects of alternate-day IF for 12 weeks in a developing and healthy organism. Female 30-day-old Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups: control, with free access to standard rodent chow; and IF, subjected to 24-hour fasts intercalated with 24-hours of free access to the same chow. Alternate-day IF decreased weight gain and food intake. Surprisingly, IF also elevated plasma insulin concentrations, both at baseline and after glucose administration collected during oGTT. After 12 weeks of dietary intervention, pancreatic islets displayed increased ROS production and apoptosis. Despite their lower body weight, IF animals had increased fat reserves and decreased muscle mass. Taken together, these findings suggest that alternate-day IF promote β -cell dysfunction, especially in developing animals. More long-term research is necessary to define the best IF protocol to reduce side effects.

Relationship between Random Blood Glucose, Fasting Blood Glucose, and Gensini Score in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction

Objective

To examine the relationship between admission random blood glucose (RBG), fasting blood glucose (FBG), and Gensini score in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) to clarify the effects of RBG and FBG on the severity of coronary artery disease.

Method

A total of 958 consecutive AMI patients who underwent emergency coronary angiography at the Cardiology Department of Zhongda Hospital (affiliated with Southeast University) were enrolled in this study from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2018. The Gensini score of each patient was calculated according to the results of coronary angiography. The RBG, FBG, baseline data, hematological indexes, echocardiography parameters, coronary angiography data, and the use of intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) were recorded. Patients with an RBG level >11.1 mmol/L were classified into the stress hyperglycemia group, and those with an FBG level >7.0 mmol/L were classified into the elevated FBG group. The Gensini scores in the stress hyperglycemia and elevated FBG groups were compared to those in the control group, and correlations between the RBG and FBG levels and the Gensini scores of AMI patients were evaluated. Independent risk factors for the Gensini score were analyzed by multiple linear and multiple logistic regression analyses.

Results

The Gensini scores of the stress hyperglycemia group and the elevated FBG group were higher than those of the control group. RBG and FBG were positively correlated with the Gensini score, and there were significant differences between RBG and FBG in different Gensini score groups. After adjusting for confounding factors, multiple linear regression analysis showed that sex, diabetes, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and FBG were independent risk factors for the Gensini score. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that age and FBG were independent risk factors in group 2 compared to group 1, eGFR and FBG were independent risk factors in group 3, and eGFR and FBG were independent risk factors in group 4. Diabetes and RBG were not independent risk factors for the Gensini score.

Conclusion

The Gensini scores of patients in the stress hyperglycemia group and the elevated FBG group were significantly higher than those in the control group. RBG and FBG were positively correlated with the Gensini score in AMI patients, and FBG was an independent risk factor for the Gensini score in AMI patients.

Sex hormones, aging and cardiometabolic syndrome

It is well documented that the metabolic syndrome predisposes patients to increased cardiovascular risk. Emerging data indicates that cardiovascular risk conferred by metabolic syndrome is highly dependent on sex and sex hormone status throughout the lifetime. Both male and female sex hormones, as well as sex chromosomes themselves, contribute to the development of obesity and intervene in the control of insulin homeostasis and blood pressure. Furthermore, men and women develop age-associated cardiometabolic risk in a sex-specific fashion in association with changes in these sex hormonal levels. Therefore, the current notion of the metabolic syndrome as a sex-independent diagnosis is antiquated, and novel studies and clinical trials utilizing these known sex differences in the development of metabolic dysregulation and cardiometabolic risk are warranted.

Association between gallstone and cardio-cerebrovascular disease: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Increasing evidence connects gallstone disease (GD) to cardio-cerebrovascular disease (CVD). The aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine whether and to what extent an association between GD and CVD existed. PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library were systemically searched up to March 3rd, 2018. A total of 10 studies (1,272,177 participants; 13,833 records; 5 prospective cohorts and 5 retrospective cohorts) were included. It was demonstrated that GD was associated with an increased risk of incidence [hazard ratio=1.24, 95% (CI) confidence interval: 1.17–1.31] and prevalence (unadjusted odds ratio=1.23, 95% CI: 1.21–1.25) of CVD. In conclusion, the presence of GD was associated with an increased risk of CVD incidence and prevalence. The association may be influenced by age and sex. These findings suggest that individuals identified with cardio-cerebrovascular disease should be evaluated for GD.

Association between interleukin-6/6R gene polymorphisms and coronary artery disease in Russian population: influence of interleukin-6/6R gene polymorphisms on inflammatory markers

This study determined the genotype effects of interleukin (IL)-6/IL-6R single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on circulating levels of different cytokines in healthy and coronary artery disease (CAD) patients with different allele frequencies. In the control patients, rs1800795 showed significant differences in IL-18 concentrations between CC and CG and CC and GG genotypes (P=0.003 and 0.004, respectively). Furthermore, circulatory IL-1β was significantly different between GC and GG genotypes from the same SNP (P=0.038). In the diseased patients, significance was determined only for IL-2 (P=0.021) between the C and G homozygote allele carriers of rs1800795. The diseased GC and GG genotype carriers were statistically different for IL-2 (P=0.049) from the rs1800796 and for IL-4 (P=0.049) from the rs2228044. IL-4 was also statistically significant between the GC and CC genotypes from the rs2228043 of the IL-6R gene (P=0.025). The last combination of genotypes in the same gene for the same SNP was statistically significant for IL-10 (P=0.036). According to the logistic regression, only gender (odds ratio [OR] =2.43) and triglycerides (OR =1.98) could be taken as determinants of CAD, while examined SNPs genotypes were not identified as risk factors for CAD. In general, the IL-6 polymorphism genotypes were mainly associated with inflammatory cytokines, while the IL-6R polymorphism genotypes were associated with anti-inflammatory cytokines.

The Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Coronary Artery Disease Patients

BACKGROUND

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a worldwide health problem, which is growing in Iranian adults. MetS is associated with risk of type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease (CAD). In this study, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of MetS and its individual components in CAD patients.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was performed on 200 CAD patients who had undergone elective coronary angiography at the cardiology department. Anthropometric indices including waist circumference (WC) and body mass index were measured. Blood samples were obtained to determine glucose and lipid profile. MetS components were defined according to the modified Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) criteria.

RESULTS

The prevalence of MetS among patients was 49.5% (women: 55.9%; men: 40.2%; P < 0.05). The prevalence increased with age. The low high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (low HDL-C) (84.8%), high fasting blood glucose (high FBG) (77.8%) and high WC (75.8%) were the most prevalent risk factors in CAD patients with MetS.

CONCLUSIONS

Recent data indicate that the dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia and abdominal obesity are crucial predictors of MetS in CAD patients. Further prospective studies are recommended for more clarification.

Interleukin-6 polymorphisms and risk of coronary artery diseases in a Chinese population: A case-control study

Objective:

We aimed to evaluate the relationship between IL-6-174G>C, -572G>C and -597G>A polymorphisms and development of coronary artery diseases in a Chinese population.

Methods:

A total of 275 patients with coronary artery disease and 296 healthy control subjects were collected between January 2013 and November 2014. The IL-6 genotyping for -174G>C, -592G>C and -597G>A polymorphic sites was determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) according to the manufacturer instructions.

Results:

Using unconditional regression analysis, we observed that the AC and CC genotypes of IL-6 -592A>C were associated with the increased risk of developing coronary artery disease when compared with the AA genotype, and the adjusted ORs (95%CI) were 1.63(1.12-2.38) and 2.70(1.57-4.67), respectively. Additionally, the C allele of IL-6 -592A>C (OR=1.65, 95%CI=1.29-2.11) was correlated with a higher risk of developing coronary artery disease in comparison to the A allele. However, no relationship was found between IL-6-174G>C and -597G>A polymorphisms and coronary artery disease susceptibility.

Conclusion:

This study suggests that IL-6 -592G>C polymorphism is correlated with the risk of coronary artery disease. More well-designed prospective studies based on large sample size, multiple SNPs or haplotypes are required to confirm the current findings.