Relationship of body iron stores with the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: Although numerous reports have shown the influence of the iron overload state on the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), there have been few reports on the prevalence of NAFLD according to the body iron stores. The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship of body iron stores with the development of NAFLD in apparently healthy women. METHODS: The present cross-sectional study was performed with data obtained from 5,249 women (mean age: 40.6+/-8.9 years), that received an annual health check-up. All components of metabolic syndrome criteria, anthropometric parameters, fasting insulin levels, level of C-reactive protein and serum iron tests were measured in each subject. RESULTS: The prevalence of NAFLD was significantly different according to body iron status (normal iron store/iron store depletion/iron deficient erythropoiesis/iron deficiency anemia: 10.6%/4.1%/6.5%/11.2%, p<0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that age (odds ratio [OR]=1.284; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1161.507) per 10 years), being overweight (OR=1.952; 95% CI: 1.3952.732), diabetes mellitus (OR=1.694; 95% CI: 1.198-2.397), hypertriglyceridemia (OR=2.434; 95% CI: 1.737-3.409), abdominal obesity (OR=3.559; 95% CI: 2.538-4.992), insulin resistance (OR=2.665; 95% CI: 1.979-3.587), anemia (OR=2.015; 95% CI: 1.150-3.532) and stored iron depletion (OR=0.580; 95% CI: 0.405-0.830) were profoundly associated with the development of NAFLD. CONCLUSION: The present study reveals a possible correlation between the development of NAFLD and body iron stores, and stored iron depletion and anemia seem to be key factors for this correlation.

The Relationship Between Serum Adiponectin Level and Serum Alanine Aminotransferase Elevation in Korean Male with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease / 대한간학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) comprises a large part of chronic liver diseases. Recently it was reported that adipokines are closely associated with the common risk factors for NAFLD, such as obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. We aimed to evaluate the changes in serum adiponectin, resistin and leptin concentrations related to alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevations in Korean men with NAFLD. METHODS: We studies 38 men who were diagnosed with fatty liver by abdominal ultrasonography. None had a history of excessive alcohol consumption, autoimmune hepatitis, inherited or metabolic liver disease or viral hepatitis. The subjects were divided into two groups. One group had normal levels of ALT (n=28) and the other had increased ALT (n=10). We compared anthropometrical parameters, biochemical items and serum adipokine levels between these two groups. RESULTS: Serum adiponectin levels were lower in the increased ALT group than in the normal ALT group (3.89 +/- 1.77 vs 7.01 +/- 2.54 microgram/dL, P=0.001). But there were no significant differences in serum leptin and resistin levels between two groups (4.02 +/- 2.04 vs 3.26 +/- 1.41 ng/mL, p=0.245, 80.14 +/- 14.8 vs 80.5 +/- 11.34 ng/mL, P=0.937, respectively). Multiple linear regression analyses demonstrated that the serum adiponectin level is inversely correlated with serum ALT level and that the serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level is positively correlated with the serum ALT level. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that hypoadiponectinemia is associated with an ALT elevation in patients with NAFLD. Adiponectin may play an indirect role in the development of NAFLD.

Change of serum ghrelin concentration according to severity of hepatosteatosis / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: Recently, ghrelin has been reported to be associated with insulin resistance. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition in which insulin resistance relatively plays a pivotal role. The aim of this study was to evaluate the change of serum ghrelin concentration according to severity of hepatosteatosis. METHODS: Sixty five apparently normal male adults who underwent health screen examinations were classified into three groups, Group I: normal (27 subjects), Group II: mild (24 subjects) and Group III: moderate to severe fatty liver (14 subjects), according to ultrasonographic findings of liver. We analyzed the association between serum ghrelin concentration and severity of hepatosteatosis by ANOVA test. And the independent correlation between serum ghrelin concentration and insulin resistance related factors, HOMA (homeostatic model assessment), BMI (body mass index), WC (waist circumference), HC (hip circumference), WHR (waist to hip circumference ratio) were analyzed by multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS: Serum ghrelin concentration tended to decrease according to severity of hepatosteatosis (Group I: 230.9+/-94.3, Group II: 195.2+/-97.2, Group III: 164.3+/-71.4 pmol/L). But this was statistically insignificant (p=0.081). The independent correlation between serum ghrelin concentration and insulin resistance related factors were not observed. CONCLUSIONS: Our study did not prove the correlation between insulin resistance related factors and serum ghrelin concentration in NAFLD according to severity of hepatosteatosis. However, we found a tendency to decrease serum ghrelin concentration according to severity of hepatosteatosis. So, further studies are required for certification these correlations.

Is Gastric Cancer a New Indication for Surveillance Colonoscopy? Colon Cancer is Increased in Gastric Cancer Patients / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: It has been reported that the risk of gastric polyp is increased in various colonic polyposis syndromes or in series of patients with sporadic colonic polyps. However, there are only a few large case controlled studies of colon cancer incidence in gastric cancer patients who underwent colonoscopy. The aims of this study were to determine the incidence of colorectal neoplasm and to evaluate the necessity of colonoscopic surveillance in patients with gastric cancer. METHODS: We performed colonoscopy in 105 patients with gastric cancer who agreed to undergo colonoscopy before or after 6 months from gastric resection between January 2002 and December 2004 in Kangbuk Samsung hospital. As a control group, 269 consecutive, age and sex matched patients without gastric neoplasm on gastroscopy who underwent colonoscopy within 6 months for the evaluation of various gastrointestinal symptoms during the year 2004 were included. Endoscopic reports and pathological results were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: In the patient group, adenomatous polyps were diagnosed in 24/105 patients (22.9%) and colorectal adenocarcinoma in 10/105 patients (9.5%). In the control group, adenomatous polyps were diagnosed in 78/269 patients (29.0%) and colorectal adenocarcinoma in 2/269 patients (0.7%). The incidence of colorectal adenocarcinoma between the patient group and control group showed significant differences (odds ratio 11.04, p=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: The risk of colorectal adenocarcinoma increases significantly in patients with gastric cancer. We suggest that the patients with gastric cancer might carry a high risk for colorectal cancer whom require surveillance colonoscopy.

Factors affecting serum levels of adipokines in Korean male patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: Adipokines are associated with various metabolic disorders including insulin resistance, obesity and dyslipidemia. Metabolic disorders have also been reported to be associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We aimed to estimate changes in serum adipokines levels according to the degrees of steatosis and to determine independent factors influencing serum adipokines levels in Korean male patients with NAFLD. METHODS: 65 Korean male patients were subjected. The degrees of steatosis were stratified into the three groups, Group I: normal liver (27 subjects), Group II: mild fatty liver (24 subjects) and Group III: moderate to severe fatty liver (14 subjects), according to ultrasonographic liver findings. The anthropometric parameters, fasting serum adipokine levels including leptin, adiponectin and resistin were measured in all subjects. The level of insulin resistance was estimated using the HOMA-IR. RESULTS: Serum leptin levels were significantly different among the three groups (mean+/-SD: Group I (2.052+/-1.071), Group II (2.879+/-1.016), Group III (4.457+/-1.965 ng/mL), p<0.001). Serum adiponectin and resistin levels were not significantly different among the three groups (p=0.184, p=0.649, respectively). BMI and HOMA-IR were independent factors of changes in serum leptin levels (p=0.026, p=0.001, respectively), but independent factors of changes in serum adiponectin and resistin levels were not observed. CONCLUSIONS: Our study support a indirect role to induce metabolic disorder for leptin in the pathogenesis of NAFLD, but do not support roles for adiponectin and resistin in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. BMI and HOMA-IR were only independent factors of changes in serum leptin levels.

Levofloxacin-Azithromycin Combined Triple Therapy for Helicobacter pylori Eradication / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Antibiotic resistance and poor compliance are the main causes of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication failure. This study evaluated the eradication rate, tolerability, and compliance of levofloxacin- azithromycin combined triple therapy for H. pylori eradication. METHODS: 1) First-line eradication: A total of 78 H. pylori-positive patients were enrolled. Seventeen military men in Armed Forces Capital Hospital were treated with 7 days of levofloxacin-azithromycin combined triple therapy (omeprazole 20 mg bid, levofloxacin 500 mg od, and azithromycin 500 mg od), and 61 patients in Kangbuk Samsung Hospital were treated with standard PPI-based triple therapy (omeprazole 20 mg bid, amoxicillin 1.0 g bid, and clarithromycin 500 mg bid) for 7 days. 2) Second-line eradication: A consecutive series of 59 patients who failed H. pylori eradication with standard PPI-based triple therapy in Kangbuk Samsung Hospital were randomized to two groups. Thirty patients were retreated with 7 days of bismuth-based quadruple therapy (omeprazole 20 mg bid, bismuth 120 mg qid, metronidazole 500 mg tid, and tetracycline 500 mg qid), and remaining 29 patients were retreated with levofloxacin-azithromycin combined triple therapy. Patient's compliance and tolerability were evaluated at the end of treatment. The status of H. pylori infection was assessed 8 weeks later then. The successful eradication of H. pylori was defined as negative results from histology and CLO test, or 13C-urea breath test. RESULTS: First-line eradication rate of levofloxacin-azithromycin triple therapy was lower than that of standard PPI-based triple therapy, but there was no statistically significant difference (70.6% vs. 80.3%, p=0.390). Second-line eradication rate of levofloxacin-azithromycin combined triple therapy was significantly lower than that of bismuth-based quadruple therapy (ITT/PP 65.5%/73.1% vs. 90%/90%, p<0.0001). The compliances of all patients were more than 85%. Two of patients with levofloxacin-azithromycin combined triple therapy complained self-limiting side effects (mild dizziness; mild insomnia with general weakness). CONCLUSIONS: Levofloxacin-azithromycin combined triple therapy should not be recommended as the first-line or second-line H. pylori eradication regimen in Korea.

Relationships between serum osteoprotegerin levels and insulin resistance, cardiovascular risk factors and bone metabolism in type 2 diabetic patients / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is a soluble glycoprotein which inhibits osteoclastogenesis through binding to receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL). OPG-knockout mice develop early-onset osteoporosis and arterial calcification. Recent studies report that serum OPG levels are elevated in diabetic patients with cardiovascular disease and are associated with the presence and severity of coronary artery disease. We examined the relationships between serum OPG levels and insulin resistance, bone metabolism and cardiovascular risk factors in diabetic patients. METHODS: In 84 diabetic patients (33 men, 51 women, mean age 56.7 years old) were studied. Blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), fasting blood glucose, postprandial 2-hour blood glucose, fasting insulin and lipid profiles were measured. Serum OPG levels were measured with sandwich ELISA method. Bone mineral density (BMD)s were checked and serum osteocalcin and urine deoxypyridinoline levels were checked as bone turnover markers. 24-hour urine microalbumin were checked and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) were evaluated with echocardiography. From simple chest X-ray, the presence of aortic calcification were confirmed by a trained radiologist. Homeostatic model assessment (HOMA)-insulin resistance (IR), quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) were calculated as insulin resistance indices. RESULTS: Serum OPG levels were positively correlated with age, LVMI, HOMA and negatively correlated with lumbar spine BMD and QUICKI. After adjustment for age, only LVMI showed persistent correlation with serum OPG levels and when multiple regression analysis was performed with LVMI as the dependent variable, BMI and OPG were the significant predictors of LVMI (R2=0.054, p=0.012). Dividing the subjects into 3 groups according to 24-hour urine microalbumin levels, mean values for serum OPG levels increased as 24-hours urine microalbumin levels increased, but without statistical significance. Mean serum OPG levels were higher in patients with aortic calcification, without statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Serum OPG levels were positively correlated with insulin resistance indices and negatively correlated with lumbar spine BMD in diabetic patients, suggesting a compensatory mechanism to counteract bone loss progression. Serum OPG levels were independent predictor for LVMI in diabetic patients, warranting further research on OPG as the marker for future cardiovascular mortality in diabetic patients.

Comparison of insulin resistance and serum hsCRP levels according to the fasting blood glucose and blood pressure in nondiabetic and normotensive range / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: Insulin resistance is a strong contributor to cardiovascular diseases. The increasing prevalence of diabetes and the subsequent complications confers a great importance to the early detection and intervention of diabetes. However, the exact roles of blood glucose and blood pressure in nondiabetic and normotensive range to vascular complications are not precisely defined. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels have consistently been associated with various cardiovascular endpoints in a number of studies. The aim of this study was to find out whether the insulin resistance and hsCRP, a non-traditional cardiovascular risk factor, increase according to the fasting glucose and blood pressure levels in nondiabetic and normotensive individuals. METHODS: In 7,979 participants (4,847 males, 3,132 females, mean age 46 yrs) undergoing medical checkup program in Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, blood pressures, body mass index (BMI), fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, lipid batteries and hsCRP levels were checked. All participants were subdivided into 5 groups according to fasting glucose level and into 4 groups according to the blood pressures. Homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) were calculated. RESULTS: HOMA-IR and QUICKI increased according to the increment in fasting glucose and blood pressure in nondiabetic and normotensive range (p<0.01). Log (hsCRP) level significantly increased in proportion to the increment in fasting glucose and blood pressure in nondiabetic and normotensive range (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Insulin resistance correlated with increment in the fasting glucose and blood pressure even in nondiabetic and normotensive range. Cardiovascular risk might be increased in proportion to the increment of fasting glucose and blood pressure even in the normal range. There may not be the glycemic and hypertensive threshold for the cardiovascular risk.

The Relationship of the Hypertension, Insulin Resistance, and Metabolic Syndrome in the Serum Uric Acid Level

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The relationship between serum uric acid and metabolic syndrome variables has not been reported in Korea. Therefore, whether the circulating levels of serum uric acid are independently related to hypertension, insulin resistance and the variables of metabolic syndrome were assessed. SUCJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 53,477 health screen examinees were enrolled and divided into four groups (Quartile 1:6.29 mg/dL) according to their serum uric acid level. The blood pressure, lipid profiles, fasting plasma glucose, waist circumference, HOMA, high sensitivity CRP and apolipoprotein were compared between the four groups. RESULTS: There was a positive association between blood pressure and the serum uric acid level (p<0.001). After adjustment for covariates the prevalence of hypertension due to uric acid was 1.192 (95% CI, 1.038-1.368 p=0.013), and 1.408 (95% CI, 1.221-1.623 p<0.001) times higher in subjects in the third and fourth uric acid level quartiles, respectively, compared to the subjects in the first quartile. Insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome variables were positively correlated with the serum uric acid level. The number of metabolic syndrome variables was also increased with an elevated serum uric acid level. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that serum uric acid levels were independently associated with hypertension, insulin resistance and the variables of metabolic syndrome in the Korean population. Although the serum uric acid level was normal value, the risk of metabolic syndrome was increased with an elevated serum uric acid level. However, because of the cross-sectional nature of our study, these findings should be confirmed in prospective cohort studies.

Relationship between Peripheral Leukocyte Count and the Severity of Stable Angina Determined by Coronary Angiography

BACKGROUND: Inflammation has been demonstrated to be an important risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The relationship of the peripheral leukocyte count to the severity of stable angina remains to be clarified. The present study analyzed the relationship of the peripheral leukocyte count to the severity of stable angina determined by coronary angiography. METHODS: The data from 108 patients with stable angina, and 92 subjects with normal coronary angiograms were reviewed, and the role of the peripheral leukocyte count as a risk factor for stable angina evaluated. In addition, the correlation of the peripheral leukocyte count and the severity of stable angina, as assessed by the Gensini's score in the stable angina group, were analyzed. RESULTS: Age, the prevalence of hypertension and diabetes, and the fasting blood sugar were significantly higher, and the HDL was lower in the stable angina than the control group. A multivariate analysis showed that a peripheral leukocyte count over 6, 800/mm3 was an independent variable, but with no statistical significance (p=0.067), and diabetes (OR=3.02, 95% CI: 1.29~7.02) and old age (OR=3.62, 95% CI: 1.33~9.87) were independent risk factors for stable angina. A positive correlation between peripheral leukocyte count and Gensini's score was noted in the stable angina group even after adjusting for age, fasting blood sugar, blood pressure and lipid profiles (R2=0.198, p=0.015). CONCLUSION: An increased peripheral leukocyte count is considered not so much an indicator of the pathogenesis of stable angina, but as a predictor for disease progression. Furthermore, it is considered that the above correlation will be helpful in screening high-risk groups that require relatively active interventional therapy.

Eosinophilic Peritonitis in a Patient with Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD)

Eosinophilic peritonitis is defined as when there are more than 100 eosinophils present per milliliter of peritoneal effluent, of which eosinophils constitute more than 10% of its total WBC count. Most cases occur within the first 4 weeks of peritoneal catheter insertion and they usually have a benign and self-limited course. We report a patient of eosinophilic peritonitis that was successfully resolved without special treatment. An 84-year-old man with end stage renal disease secondary to diabetic nephropathy was admitted for dyspnea and poor oral intake. Allergic history was negative. and physical examination was unremarkable. Complete blood count showed a hemoglobin level of 11.1 g/dL, WBC count was 24, 500/mm3 (neutrophil, 93%; lymphocyte, 5%; monocyte, 2%), platelet count was 216, 000/mm3, serum BUN was 143 mg/dL, Cr was 5.7 mg/dL and albumin was 3.5 g/dL. Creatinine clearance was 5.4 mL/min. Three weeks after peritoneal catheter insertion, he was started on peritoneal dialysis with a 6-hour exchange of 2L 1.5% peritoneal dialysate. After nine days, he developed turbid peritoneal effluents with fever (38.4degrees C), abdominal pain and tenderness. Dialysate WBC count was 180/mm3 (neutrophil, 20%; lymphocyte, 4%; eosinophil, 76% [eosinophil count: 136/mm3]). Cultures of peritoneal fluid showed no growth of aerobic or anaerobic bacteria, or of fungus. Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) was commenced, and he was started on intraperitoneal ceftazidime (1.0 g/day) and cefazolin (1.0 g/day). After two weeksr, the dialysate had cleared up and clinical symptoms were improved. Dialysate WBC count decreased to 8/mm3 and eosinophils were not detected in peritoneal fluid. There was no recurrence of eosinophilic peritonitis on follow-up evaluation, but he died of sepsis and pneumonia fifteen weeks after admission.