0000000000429297

AUTHOR

Nicola Abate

In vivo triglyceride synthesis in subcutaneous adipose tissue of humans correlates with plasma HDL parameters

Backgrounds and aims: Low concentrations of plasma HDL-C are associated with the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. Here we aimed to explore the relationship between the in vivo fractional synthesis of triglycerides (fTG) in subcutaneous (s.q.) abdominal adipose tissue (AT), HDL-C concentrations and HDL particle size composition in non-diabetic humans. Methods: The fTG in s.q. abdominal AT was measured in 16 non-diabetic volunteers (7 women, 9 men; Age: 49 ± 20 years; BMI: 31 ± 5 kg/m; Fasting Plasma Glucose: 90 ± 10 mg/dl) after 2H2O labeling. HDL-C concentration and subclasses, large (L-HDL), intermediate (I-HDL) and small (S-HDL) were measured. Re…

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Liraglutide decreases carotid intima-media thickness in patients with type 2 diabetes: 8-month prospective pilot study.

Background Liraglutide, a long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analog, has several non- glycemic properties, but its effect on carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), a recognized marker of subclinical atherosclerosis, is still unknown. Methods A prospective study of 8 months duration in 64 patients with type-2 diabetes and no prior history of coronary artery disease evaluated whether adding liraglutide to metformin affects carotid IMT, measured by color doppler ultrasound. Results After 8 months, fasting glucose decreased by 2.1 mmol/l and HbA1c by 1.9% (p < 0.01 for all). Liraglutide reduced total-cholesterol and triglycerides by 10%, and LDL-cholesterol by 19%, whereas HDL-cholester…

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Liraglutide Reduces Oxidative Stress And Restores Heme Oxygenase-1 and Ghrelin Levels in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Prospective Pilot Study

Abstract Context: Liraglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 analog and glucose-lowering agent whose effects on cardiovascular risk markers have not been fully elucidated. Objective: We evaluated the effect of liraglutide on markers of oxidative stress, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and plasma ghrelin levels in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Design and Setting: A prospective pilot study of 2 months' duration has been performed at the Unit of Diabetes and Cardiovascular Prevention at University of Palermo, Italy. Patients and Intervention(s): Twenty subjects with T2DM (10 men and 10 women; mean age: 57 ± 13 y) were treated with liraglutide sc (0.6 mg/d for 2 wk, followed by 1.2 mg/d…

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Adipokines and Lipoproteins: Modulation by Antihyperglycemic and Hypolipidemic Agents

Abstract Adipose tissue is an endocrine organ that secretes a number of hormones and metabolically active substances that impact energy metabolism and insulin sensitivity. These inflammatory markers are collectively referred to as adipocytokines, or adipokines. Adipose tissue's functional capacity and metabolic activity vary among individuals, thus partly explaining the incomplete overlap between obesity and the metabolic syndrome. The functional failure of adipose tissues results in changed energy delivery and impaired glucose consumption, triggering self-regulatory mechanisms to maintain homeostasis. Antihyperglycemic, hypolipidemic, antiobesity, and angiotensin II receptor blocker drugs …

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Resistin: An Inflammatory Cytokine. Role in Cardiovascular Diseases, Diabetes and the Metabolic Syndrome

Resistin is an adipocyte- and monocyte-derived cytokine which has been implicated in the modulation of insulin action, energy, glucose and lipid homeostasis. Resistin has been associated with insulin resistance and many of its known complications. As a molecular link between metabolic signals, inflammation, and vascular dysfunction, resistin can be proposed as playing a significant role in the heightened inflammatory state induced by metabolic stress linked to excessive caloric intake, thus contributing to the risk for metabolic syndrome (MetS), type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). In this review, we highlighted the role of resistin, as an inflammatory cytokine, in the…

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