ABSTRACT
Evidence for involvement of the central nervous system (CNS) in the regulation of glucose metabolism dates back to the 19th century, although the majority of the research on glucose metabolism has focused on the peripheral metabolic organs. Due to recent advances in neuroscience, it has now become clear that the CNS is indeed vital for maintaining glucose homeostasis. To achieve normoglycemia, specific populations of neurons and glia in the hypothalamus sense changes in the blood concentrations of glucose and of glucoregulatory hormones such as insulin, leptin, glucagon-like peptide 1, and glucagon. This information is integrated and transmitted to other areas of the brain where it eventually modulates various processes in glucose metabolism (i.e., hepatic glucose production, glucose uptake in the brown adipose tissue and skeletal muscle, pancreatic insulin and glucagon secretion, renal glucose reabsorption, etc.). Errors in these processes lead to hyper- or hypoglycemia. We here review the current understanding of the brain regulation of glucose metabolism.
ABSTRACT
Low levels of mitochondrial stress are beneficial for organismal health and survival through a process known as mitohormesis. Mitohormetic responses occur during or after exercise and may mediate some salutary effects of exercise on metabolism. Exercise-related mitohormesis involves reactive oxygen species production, mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt), and release of mitochondria-derived peptides (MDPs). MDPs are a group of small peptides encoded by mitochondrial DNA with beneficial metabolic effects. Among MDPs, mitochondrial ORF of the 12S rRNA type-c (MOTS-c) is the most associated with exercise. MOTS-c expression levels increase in skeletal muscles, systemic circulation, and the hypothalamus upon exercise. Systemic MOTS-c administration increases exercise performance by boosting skeletal muscle stress responses and by enhancing metabolic adaptation to exercise. Exogenous MOTS-c also stimulates thermogenesis in subcutaneous white adipose tissues, thereby enhancing energy expenditure and contributing to the anti-obesity effects of exercise training. This review briefly summarizes the mitohormetic mechanisms of exercise with an emphasis on MOTS-c.
ABSTRACT
Solitary fibrous tumors (SFT) are rare mesenchymal tumors that most commonly develop in the pleura; they rarely involve the diaphragm. MRI has not been widely used to evaluate SFTs of the thoracic cavity, though it may be highly useful in assessing local invasion, predicting malignant potential, and helping in the differential diagnosis. However, MRI findings of malignant SFTs of the diaphragmatic pleura have been described in only two cases. We report a rare case of a malignant solitary fibrous tumor of the diaphragmatic pleura in an 82-year-old man. We describe the clinical and characteristic imaging features, including computed tomography, conventional MRI, and diffusion-weighted imaging. Contrast-enhanced MRI is more accurate than is CT in identifying the origin of SFTs, predicting whether they ae benign or malignant, and assessing local invasion. This imaging modality proved helpful in deciding on the treatment strategy for these rare tumors.
ABSTRACT
Background@#Short stature is defined as a height below the 3rd percentile or more than two standard deviations below the mean for a given age, sex, and population. There have been inconsistent results regarding craniofacial morphology in short-statured children. This study aimed to analyze the differences between short-statured children with growth hormone deficiency, idiopathic short-statured children, and normal children. @*Methods@#Thirty-one short-statured children with growth hormone deficiency, 32 idiopathic short-statured children, and 32 healthy children were enrolled in this study. The measurements of their craniofacial structures from lateral cephalograms were evaluated. @*Results@#There were statistically significant differences among the three groups seven variables (anterior cranial base length, posterior cranial base length, total cranial base length, upper posterior facial height, posterior total facial height, mandibular ramus length, and overall mandibular length) in the linear measurement and five variables (saddle angle, gonial angle, mandibular plane angle, position of mandible, and maxilla versus mandible) in the angular measurement. @*Conclusion@#Compared to the control group, many linear and angular measurements of the craniofacial structures were significantly different in the two short-statured groups (p<0.05). Treatment plans by orthodontists should include these craniofacial structure characteristics.
ABSTRACT
Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) is a high-grade soft tissue sarcoma that arises from mesenchymal tissue. Primary UPS of the small intestine is extremely rare, and only a few cases have been reported in the literature. Its presentation is usually nonspecific; however, it may occasionally present as intussusception with intermittent abdominal pain. It is a highly aggressive tumor with a propensity for early distant metastasis to the peritoneum, lymph nodes, other abdominal organs, lungs and brain. To our knowledge, there are no reported cases of endobronchial metastasis from small intestine UPS. We report a rare case of UPS of the small intestine with endobronchial metastasis presenting as intussusception.
ABSTRACT
Shock thyroid is a rare manifestation of the CT hypotension complex and can be diagnosed when thyroid and perithyroidal edemas are observed on CT during the onset of shock. Shock thyroid can be a useful CT sign for decompensated shock. This condition is reversible and recovers rapidly with adequate treatment. We present the case of an 84-year-old female with septic shock, exhibiting CT features consistent with a shock thyroid. We also reviewed the clinical and radiological findings reported in the literature. The present case emphasizes that shock thyroid can be an early indicator of impending hemodynamic instability and has important prognostic and therapeutic implications.
ABSTRACT
Intermittent fasting has become an increasingly popular strategy in losing weight and associated reduction in obesity-related medical complications. Overwhelming studies support metabolic improvements from intermittent fasting in blood glucose levels, cardiac and brain function, and other health benefits, in addition to weight loss. However, concerns have also been raised on side effects including muscle loss, ketosis, and electrolyte imbalance. Of particular concern, the effect of intermittent fasting on hormonal circadian rhythms has received little attention. Given the known importance of circadian hormonal changes to normal physiology, potential detrimental effects by dysregulation of hormonal changes deserve careful discussions. In this review, we describe the changes in circadian rhythms of hormones caused by intermittent fasting. We covered major hormones commonly pathophysiologically involved in clinical endocrinology, including insulin, thyroid hormones, and glucocorticoids. Given that intermittent fasting could alter both the level and frequency of hormone secretion, decisions on practicing intermittent fasting should take more considerations on potential detrimental consequences versus beneficial effects pertaining to individual health conditions.
ABSTRACT
Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) is a high-grade soft tissue sarcoma that arises from mesenchymal tissue. Primary UPS of the small intestine is extremely rare, and only a few cases have been reported in the literature. Its presentation is usually nonspecific; however, it may occasionally present as intussusception with intermittent abdominal pain. It is a highly aggressive tumor with a propensity for early distant metastasis to the peritoneum, lymph nodes, other abdominal organs, lungs and brain. To our knowledge, there are no reported cases of endobronchial metastasis from small intestine UPS. We report a rare case of UPS of the small intestine with endobronchial metastasis presenting as intussusception.
ABSTRACT
Shock thyroid is a rare manifestation of the CT hypotension complex and can be diagnosed when thyroid and perithyroidal edemas are observed on CT during the onset of shock. Shock thyroid can be a useful CT sign for decompensated shock. This condition is reversible and recovers rapidly with adequate treatment. We present the case of an 84-year-old female with septic shock, exhibiting CT features consistent with a shock thyroid. We also reviewed the clinical and radiological findings reported in the literature. The present case emphasizes that shock thyroid can be an early indicator of impending hemodynamic instability and has important prognostic and therapeutic implications.
ABSTRACT
Intermittent fasting has become an increasingly popular strategy in losing weight and associated reduction in obesity-related medical complications. Overwhelming studies support metabolic improvements from intermittent fasting in blood glucose levels, cardiac and brain function, and other health benefits, in addition to weight loss. However, concerns have also been raised on side effects including muscle loss, ketosis, and electrolyte imbalance. Of particular concern, the effect of intermittent fasting on hormonal circadian rhythms has received little attention. Given the known importance of circadian hormonal changes to normal physiology, potential detrimental effects by dysregulation of hormonal changes deserve careful discussions. In this review, we describe the changes in circadian rhythms of hormones caused by intermittent fasting. We covered major hormones commonly pathophysiologically involved in clinical endocrinology, including insulin, thyroid hormones, and glucocorticoids. Given that intermittent fasting could alter both the level and frequency of hormone secretion, decisions on practicing intermittent fasting should take more considerations on potential detrimental consequences versus beneficial effects pertaining to individual health conditions.
ABSTRACT
Background@#Medical nutrition therapy is a fundamental part of diabetes management; however, it is very difficult for patients to maintain the recommended diet programs. We investigated whether providing home-delivered therapeutic meals designed by registered dietitians could be useful in lowering blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. @*Methods@#During a 12-day study period, we monitored the blood glucose levels of 19 patients with type 2 diabetes by continuous glucose monitoring. For the first six days, the participants maintained their usual lifestyles and were allowed to eat freely (free meal period). During the last six days, two out of the three main meals per day were replaced with home-delivered therapeutic meals designed for diabetes management (therapeutic meal period), during which snacks and exercise were freely allowed. Blood glucose levels and estimated glycated hemoglobin (eHbA1c) were compared between the two periods. @*Results@#Between the free meal period and the therapeutic meal period, mean blood glucose level and eHbA1c dropped by 11.9 mg/dL (P < 0.001) and 0.4% (P = 0.002), respectively. These results were mainly due to the decrease in postprandial glucose levels rather than preprandial glucose levels. @*Conclusion@#Providing home-delivered therapeutic meals designed for diabetes management was effective in lowering the blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.
ABSTRACT
Background@#There are limited data on the impact of diabetes control on the risk of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis. @*Methods@#We analyzed 6,434 consecutive asymptomatic individuals without previous history of coronary artery disease who underwent coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) (mean age, 53.7±7.6 years and 4,694 men [73.0%]). The degree and extent of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis were assessed by CCTA, and ≥50% diameter stenosis was defined as significant. A cardiac event was defined as a composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, unstable angina, or coronary revascularization. Study participants were categorized as normal (n=5,319), controlled diabetes (glycosylated hemoglobin [HbA1c] <7%, n=747), or uncontrolled diabetes (HbA1c ≥7%, n=368), respectively. @*Results@#Compared with normal individuals, there were no statistically significant differences in the risk of for any atherosclerotic plaque (odds ratio [OR], 1.16; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.98 to 1.38; p=0.086) and significant coronary artery stenosis (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.82 to 1.42; p=0.583) in controlled diabetic individuals. In contrast, uncontrolled diabetic individuals had consistently higher risks of any atherosclerotic plaque (OR, 2.16; 95% CI, 1.70 to 2.75; p<0.001) and significant coronary artery stenosis (OR, 3.34; 95% CI, 2.52 to 4.43; p<0.001) than normal individuals. During a follow-up of median 5.4 years, there was no significant difference in cardiac events between normal and controlled diabetic individuals (p=0.365). However, uncontrolled diabetes was associated with an increased risk of cardiac events compared with normal individuals (P<0.001) and controlled diabetic individuals (p=0.023). @*Conclusion@#Asymptomatic uncontrolled diabetes was associated with significant subclinical coronary atherosclerosis with subsequent high risk for cardiac events.
ABSTRACT
Background@#Medical nutrition therapy is a fundamental part of diabetes management; however, it is very difficult for patients to maintain the recommended diet programs. We investigated whether providing home-delivered therapeutic meals designed by registered dietitians could be useful in lowering blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. @*Methods@#During a 12-day study period, we monitored the blood glucose levels of 19 patients with type 2 diabetes by continuous glucose monitoring. For the first six days, the participants maintained their usual lifestyles and were allowed to eat freely (free meal period). During the last six days, two out of the three main meals per day were replaced with home-delivered therapeutic meals designed for diabetes management (therapeutic meal period), during which snacks and exercise were freely allowed. Blood glucose levels and estimated glycated hemoglobin (eHbA1c) were compared between the two periods. @*Results@#Between the free meal period and the therapeutic meal period, mean blood glucose level and eHbA1c dropped by 11.9 mg/dL (P < 0.001) and 0.4% (P = 0.002), respectively. These results were mainly due to the decrease in postprandial glucose levels rather than preprandial glucose levels. @*Conclusion@#Providing home-delivered therapeutic meals designed for diabetes management was effective in lowering the blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.
ABSTRACT
Hemosiderosis is characterized by the deposition of excess iron in body tissues. The choroid plexus is an important part of the central nervous system that can be the primary site of iron overload. T2*-weighted gradient echo (GRE) sequence provides high sensitivity for demonstrating cerebral microhemorrhagic foci and iron deposition. In the present study, we describe the case of a 15-year-old boy with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, in whom repeated transfusion led to iron accumulation in the brain. GRE sequence effectively demonstrated hemosiderin deposition in the choroid plexus.
Subject(s)
Adolescent , Humans , Male , Brain , Central Nervous System , Choroid Plexus , Choroid , Hemosiderin , Hemosiderosis , Iron Overload , Iron , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-LymphomaABSTRACT
Acromegaly is a rare endocrine disorder caused by excessive secretion of the growth hormone. There is a wide range of clinical manifestations from somatic symptoms to respiratory or cardiac failure. Among them, cardiovascular involvement is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. There are relatively few cases reporting cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) findings of cardiomyopathy in patients with acromegaly. Thus, we report a case of acromegaly showing dilated cardiomyopathy focusing on the findings of CMR.
Subject(s)
Humans , Acromegaly , Cardiomyopathies , Cardiomyopathy, Dilated , Growth Hormone , Heart Failure , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , MortalityABSTRACT
An error was found in the Fig. 1 of the article. Binding of intraflagellar transport complex (IFT)-A/B and motor proteins kinesin-2 and dynein-2 was misarranged by an inadvertent mistake.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Blood levels of many hormones show rhythmic fluctuations with variable duration of cycles. Clusterin/apolipoprotein J is a glycoprotein which is highly expressed in the plasma and has modulatory roles in immune and inflammatory reactions, neurobiology, lipid metabolism, and leptin signaling. In this study, we examined the diurnal fluctuations of plasma clusterin concentrations in lean and obese young men. METHODS: For the study, 14 subjects (five lean and five obese men; two lean and two obese women) were admitted to the research ward and blood samples were drawn every 30 minutes during light-on period (6:00 AM to 10:00 PM) and every hour during light-off period. RESULTS: Notably, plasma clusterin concentrations displayed a unique ultradian rhythm with five cycles a day in both men and women. During the light-on period, circulating clusterin levels showed fluctuating curves with 4 hours regular intervals with sharp peaks and troughs. In contrast, single oscillation curve during light-off exhibited a smoothened/lower peak and longer (8-hour) duration. In obese men, these cycles were phase-advanced by approximately 1 hour, and had reduced amplitude of fluctuating curves and blunted diurnal pattern. Cyclic fluctuations of plasma clusterin were preserved under fasting and unexpected meal condition, suggesting that rhythmic oscillations in plasma clusterin levels are not generated by meal-related cues. CONCLUSION: These findings firstly demonstrate a novel pattern of plasma clusterin fluctuations with extremely regular cycles.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Male , Circadian Rhythm , Clusterin , Cues , Fasting , Glycoproteins , Leptin , Lipid Metabolism , Meals , Neurobiology , Obesity , PlasmaABSTRACT
The gut microbiota has an important role in the gut barrier, inflammation and metabolic functions. Studies have identified a close association between the intestinal barrier and metabolic diseases, including obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Recently, Akkermansia muciniphila has been reported as a beneficial bacterium that reduces gut barrier disruption and insulin resistance. Here we evaluated the role of A. muciniphila-derived extracellular vesicles (AmEVs) in the regulation of gut permeability. We found that there are more AmEVs in the fecal samples of healthy controls compared with those of patients with T2D. In addition, AmEV administration enhanced tight junction function, reduced body weight gain and improved glucose tolerance in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced diabetic mice. To test the direct effect of AmEVs on human epithelial cells, cultured Caco-2 cells were treated with these vesicles. AmEVs decreased the gut permeability of lipopolysaccharide-treated Caco-2 cells, whereas Escherichia coli-derived EVs had no significant effect. Interestingly, the expression of occludin was increased by AmEV treatment. Overall, these results imply that AmEVs may act as a functional moiety for controlling gut permeability and that the regulation of intestinal barrier integrity can improve metabolic functions in HFD-fed mice.
ABSTRACT
Obesity has become a common healthcare problem worldwide. Cilia are tiny hair-like organelles on the cell surface that are generated and anchored by the basal body. Non-motile primary cilia have been considered to be evolutionary rudiments until a few decades, but they are now considered as important signaling organelles because many receptors, channels, and signaling molecules are highly expressed in primary cilia. A potential role of primary cilia in metabolic regulation and body weight maintenance has been suspected based on rare genetic disorders termed as ciliopathy, such as Bardet-Biedl syndrome and Alström syndrome, which manifest as obesity. Recent studies have demonstrated involvement of cilia-related cellular signaling pathways in transducing metabolic information in hypothalamic neurons and in determining cellular fate during adipose tissue development. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about cilia and cilia-associated signaling pathways in the regulation of body metabolism.
Subject(s)
Adipose Tissue , Alstrom Syndrome , Bardet-Biedl Syndrome , Basal Bodies , Body Weight Maintenance , Cilia , Delivery of Health Care , Energy Metabolism , Hedgehogs , Metabolism , Neurons , Obesity , Organelles , Wnt Signaling PathwayABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: This is a subgroup analysis of Korean patients from a phase 3 clinical trial investigating the efficacy and safety of ipragliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus inadequately controlled with metformin. METHODS: This multicenter, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group study was carried out between November 2011 and January 2013. Patients entered a 2-week placebo pretreatment period, followed by a 24-week treatment period with either ipragliflozin (50 mg/day) or placebo, while continuing metformin. Efficacy outcomes (glycosylated hemoglobin [HbA1c], fasting plasma glucose [FPG], and body weight) and safety outcomes (treatment-emergent adverse events [TEAEs]) were measured and compared between the two treatment groups for patients enrolled in all 18 study sites in Korea. RESULTS: Eighty-two Korean patients received ipragliflozin (n=43) or placebo (n=39) during the study period. Mean changes in HbA1c levels from baseline to the end of treatment were –0.97% in the ipragliflozin group and –0.31% in the placebo group, with an adjusted between-group difference of –0.60% (P<0.001). Compared to placebo, FPG and body weight also decreased significantly (both P<0.001) from baseline after treatment in the ipragliflozin group, with between-group differences of –21.4 mg/dL and –1.53 kg, respectively. Decreased weight was the most common TEAE in the ipragliflozin group (7.0%); there were no reports of genital and urinary tract infection. CONCLUSION: Ipragliflozin treatment in addition to metformin led to significant improvement in glycemic outcomes and reduction in body weight in Korean patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, compared with metformin treatment alone; the safety profile was comparable in both groups.