Role of herbs at the crossroads of metabolic syndrome and mental illness

The potential use of herbs in treating and managing comorbidities is emerging. Mental illnesses (MIs) are a widespread cause of distress and dysfunction and substantially impact one's quality of life. While the precise reason for the onset of mental illness is elusive, several chronic health complications, including metabolic syndrome (MetS), affect an individual's well-being. Thus, it is beneficial to identify the intercepts and explore the role of herbs in combating MetS-associated MIs or vice versa. This study explores the relationship between Mets and mental illness and assesses which herbs may have properties that benefit both conditions. The research design and selection process were done among the mental disorder individuals with two sets of keywords and expanded controlled vocabulary phrases, nine databases for systematic literature searches, critical assessment of the papers obtained, and meta-analysis. Our findings suggest that the excess levels of inflammatory cytokines such as C-reactive protein, interleukin, and leptin resistance in MetS strongly correlate with MIs such as depression. The resulting cross-sectional pooled odds ratio was 1.75 (95% CI 1.60-1.92), indicating a strong relationship between Mets and MIs. This study provides an essential theoretical foundation for therapeutic options and prospective intervention methods for comorbid Mets and mental illness. Some herbs have a relevant effect in treating both cases, broadening the breadth of knowledge to guide future research on this topic.

Classification, Diagnosis and Management Status of Carbohydrate Metabolic Rare Disorders / 罕见病研究

Approximately 30%-40% of rare diseases are related to the endocrine and metabolic system, and abnormal metabolism of carbohydrate accounts for a significant proportion among others. Carbohydrate metabolic rare disorders often develop insidiously. The clinical symptoms of these disorders sometimes overlap with common diseases. Therefore, delayed diagnosis, misdiagnosis, and mismanagement happen often. The diagnosis and treatment of carbohydrate metabolic rare disorders is usually difficult in clinical practice. Efficient and practical screening models, identification of specific clinical features and biochemical changes, and genomic sequencing are critical to improve diagnostic efficiency. Most carbohydrate metabolic rare disorders are still lack in effective and targeted therapies. So, the symptomatic treatment is still main practice. The targeted medications and gene therapies based on precision diagnosis are directions for the diagnosis and management of rare disorders of carbohydrate metabolism in the future. In this paper, we classify the carbohydrate metabolic rare disorders based on their causes. We also discuss the current status and prospective of diagnosis and management of those diseases.

Association between neck circumference and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: cross-sectional analysis from ELSA-Brasil

Abstract BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become a public health problem worldwide. Neck circumference (NC) is a simple anthropometric adiposity parameter that has been correlated with cardiometabolic disorders like NAFLD. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between NC and NAFLD, considering their obesity-modifying effect, among participants from the Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil) baseline study. DESIGN AND SETTINGS: Cross-sectional study at the ELSA-Brasil centers of six public research institutions. METHODS: This analysis was conducted on 5,187 women and 4,270 men of mean age 51.8 (± 9.2) years. Anthropometric indexes (NC, waist circumference [WC] and body mass index [BMI]), biochemical and clinical parameters (diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia) and hepatic ultrasound were measured. The association between NC and NAFLD was estimated using multinomial logistic regression, considering potential confounding effects (age, WC, diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia). Effect modification was investigated by including the interaction term NC x BMI in the final model. RESULTS: The frequency of NAFLD and mean value of NC were 33.6% and 33.9 (± 2.5) cm in women, and 45.8% and 39.4 (± 2.8) cm in men, respectively. Even after all adjustments, larger NC was associated with a greater chance of moderate/severe NAFLD (1.16; 95% confidence interval [CI] for women; 1.05, 95% CI for men; P < 0.001). Presence of multiplicative interaction between NC and BMI (P < 0.001) was also observed. CONCLUSION: NC was positively associated with NAFLD in both sexes, regardless of traditional adiposity indexes such as BMI and WC. The magnitude of the association was more pronounced among women.

Effect of Qinggan Zishen Prescription on Metabolic Disorder in Obesity-related Hypertension and Its Mechanism Based on Network Pharmacology / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the effect of Qinggan Zishen prescription on metabolic disorders in obesity-related hypertension （OBH） patients and analyze the potential pharmacological mechanism based on network pharmacology. MethodA total of 85 eligible OBH patients who were treated in the outpatient or wards of Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese medicine from September 2018 to January 2020 were selected and randomized into the observation group （45 cases） and control group （40 cases）. All patients were treated with western medicine during a four-week introduction period， and then the observation group was treated with Qinggan Zishen prescription on the basis of western medicine. The study lasted 6 months， and indicators， such as triglycerides （TG）， total cholesterol （TC）， high-density lipoprotein cholesterol （HDL-C）， low-density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDL-C）， glycosylated hemoglobin （HbA1c）， fasting blood glucose （FBG）， fasting insulin （FINS）， waist circumference （W）， hip circumference （H） were detected and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance （HOMA-IR），body mass index （BMI）， waist-hip ratio （WHR） were calculated before and after intervention. At the same time， the regulation network of the Qinggan Zishen prescription was visualized and the protein-protein interaction （PPI） network was constructed. The core targets of the network were obtained for Gene Ontology （GO） term enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes （KEGG） pathway enrichment analysis. ResultAfter intervention for 6 months， the levels of W， H， WHR， FINS， and HOMA-IR in the observation group were reduced as compared with those in the control group （P<0.05， P<0.01）. According to network pharmacology， the main components of Qinggan Zishen prescription in treating OBH were luteolin， quercetin， and berberine and the key targets were amyloid precursor protein （APP）， vascular endothelial growth factor A （VEGFA）， and estrogen receptor 1 （ESR1）. Moreover， the key biological pathway was advanced glycation end product （AGE）/advanced glycation end product receptor （RAGE） signaling pathway. ConclusionQinggan Zishen prescription can improve the metabolic disorder of OBH patients through multiple components， multiple targets， and multiple pathways， which provides new mindset for follow-up studies.

Milk yield and composition in dairy cows with post-partum disorders / [Produção e composição do leite em vacas com desordens no pós-parto]

This study aimed to determine the impact of different post-partum disorders on milk yield and composition. One hundred and fifteen Holstein cows from a commercial dairy farm located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul in southern Brazil were monitored up to 62 days post-partum. During this period, body condition score evaluation and animal clinical examination were conducted. Percentages of fat, protein, and lactose, as well as somatic cells score, were determined in milk samples. The AST activity and concentrations of NEFA, calcium, and BHBA, were analyzed in blood samples. The occurrence of clinical disorders was identified in 30 (26%) cows. Subclinical disorders were identified in 64 (56%) cows. Only 21 (18%) cows did not suffer any kind of disorder within the studied period. In this study, no significant differences were found in milk production, protein, and somatic cell count in clinical, subclinical, and healthy cows. Milk fat and the fat: protein quotient (F:P) were higher in cows with clinical disorders and the 6 to 21 days in milk, and lactose were lower in cows with clinical disorders and the 22 to 42 days in milk (P<0.05).(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar o impacto de diferentes distúrbios após o parto na produção de leite e em sua composição. Cento e quinze vacas Holandesas de uma fazenda de gado leiteiro, localizada em estado da região Sul do Brasil, foram monitoradas até 62 dias após o parto. Durante esse período, foram realizadas avaliações do escore de condição corporal e exame clínico nos animais. As porcentagens de gordura, proteína e lactose, bem como o escore de células somáticas, foram determinadas nas amostras de leite. A atividade do AST e as concentrações de NEFA, cálcio e BHBA foram analisadas em amostras de sangue. A ocorrência de distúrbios clínicos foi identificada em 30 (26%) vacas, os distúrbios subclínicos foram identificados em 64 (56%) vacas. Apenas 21 (18%) vacas não sofreram nenhum tipo de distúrbio ao longo do período estudado. Neste estudo, não foram encontradas diferenças significativas na produção do leite, proteína e na contagem de células somáticas em vacas com doenças clínicas, subclínicas e saudáveis. No leite, a gordura e o quociente gordura e proteína (G:P) foram maiores em vacas com doença clínica no período de seis a 21 dias de lactação, e a lactose foi menor em vacas com doença clínica no período de 22 a 42 dias de lactação (P<0,05).(AU)

Inherited Metabolic Diseases as a Multisystem Model of Mental Disorders Research

Abstract Recent biological and genetic research data confirm shared pathological mechanisms of inherited metabolic diseases and mental disorders. We suggest that for further research a model of synergistic heterozygosity can become a convenient tool. In that case the use of inherited metabolic disorders as a multisystem research model can provide both significant theoretical and practical results. At the initial stage of this hypothesis evaluation, it seems efficient to screen for mental symptoms the families of patients with inherited metabolic disorders.

Clinical Manifestation in Females with X-linked Metabolic Disorders: Genetic and Pathophysiological Considerations

Abstract Inborn errors of metabolism are predominantly autosomal-recessive disorders, but several follow an X-linked pattern of inheritance. They are called X-linked recessive, if the female carriers are asymptomatic, and are called X-linked dominant disorders, if almost all females are affected. Conditions, in which some females have symptoms while others are asymptomatic lifelong are simply referred to as X-linked. The aim of this review is to point out the variability in clinical manifestation of affected females in some X-linked metabolic disorders and to discuss on the basis of these examples possible mechanisms that may explain the broad phenotypic spectrum, such as the type of the underlying mutation, the issue of autonomous versus non-autonomous gene expression and the degree of skewing of X-inactivation. The use of the terms "X-linked dominant" and "X-linked recessive" will be discussed.

Liujunzi decoction ameliorats cisplatin-induced anorexia via adjusting metabolic disorders in rats / 中国药理学与毒理学杂志

OBJECTIVE Cisplatin is a formidable chemotherapy agent widely applying in antineoplastic treatments, but its side effects often limit the clinical usage. Metabolic disorders are one of the side effects induced by cisplatin, which closely relate to the onset of chemotherapy-induced anorexia (CIA) in cancer patients but lacks effective controls. Liujunzi decoction (LJZD) is a traditional Chinese formula that has a promising effect in treating CIA. However, whether LJZD ameliorates CIA through adjusting cisplatin-induced metabolic disorders remain unknow. The present study evalu?ated the mechanism of cisplatin-induced metabolic disorders, and the effect of LJZD in ameliorating these disturbances. METHODS 42 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats (180-220 g) were randomly divided into 3 groups:normal control group (distilled water+saline), model group (distilled water+cisplatin), LJZD group (4.8 g·kg-1 Liujunzi decoction ingredients+cisplatin). Intragastrical administered each drug twice a day (7:00-19:00) since day 0 for 4 d, animals were intraperito?neal injected with cisplatin 6 mg·kg-11 h after administration while normal control groups were injected with same volume of saline. On day 3, each group was anesthetized with pentobarbital sodium 45 mg · kg-1 (ip), and blood samples were collected from aorta abdominalis. Then the samples were analyzed using an LC-ESI-MS/MS system. Significantly regu?lated metabolites between groups were determined by VIP≥1 and absolute Log2FC (fold change)≥1. Identified metabo?lites were mapped to Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway database using Metaboanalyst 5.0 (https://www.metaboanalyst.ca/). RESULTS A total of 133, 77 and 32 differential metabolites were filtrated in control vs model, control vs LJZD and model vs LJZD groups respectively. Comparing to control, the levels of hexadecanoic acid (Log2FC=6.3153), linoleic acid (Log2FC=5.3478), and 8, 11-icosadienoic acid (Log2FC=5.2342) significantly increased, and the levels of N-acetyl-L-tyrosine (Log2FC = -2.6283), cinnamic acid (Log2FC = -2.3381), N-acetylphenylalanine (Log2FC = -2.2501) significantly decreased in model group. The KEGG pathway enrichments of these metabolites indi?cated that, cisplatin-induced metabolic disorders by disturbing metabolism pathways such as linoleic acid metabolism, biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, and phenylalanine metabolism, which suggested that the onset of CIA was partly associated with the metabolic disorders of linoleic acid, unsaturated fatty acids, and phenylalanine. Compared to control, treatment of LJZD significantly increased the levels of 4-hydroxytryptamine (Log2FC =12.0186), hexadecanoic acid (Log2FC = 5.7412), linoleic acid (Log2FC = 5.1877) and significantly decreased the levels of N-acetylmethionine (Log2FC=-1.7317), 2-aminoethanesulfinic acid (Log2FC=-1.6578), N-acetyl-L-tyrosine (Log2FC=-1.5355). And com?paring to the model group, 4-hydroxytryptamine (Log2FC = 12.0186), 7, 12-diketocholic acid (Log2FC = 2.0998), N-acetylneuraminic acid (Log2FC = 2.0560) markedly increased, and 3-hydroxy-3-methylpentane-1 (Log2FC = -1.9202), 5-dioic acid (Log2FC = -1.7166), N-isovaleroylglycine, hexanoyl glycine (Log2FC = -1.4958) markedly decreased in LJZD group. It was worth noting that, there were 23 differential metabolites filtrated both in control vs model and model vs LJZD groups, which were the key metabolites of LJZD in treating CIA. Among these 23 common metabolites, there were 16 metabolites excluding the control vs LJZD group, that was, LJZD had no effect in normal rats while being able to ameliorated cisplatin-induced metabolic disorders by regulating these 16 metabolites. Cisplatin-induced downregula?tion of 11 metabolites such as hydrocinnamic acid, (±)12(13)epoxy-9Z-octadecenoic acid, cinnamic acid were upregulated after LJZD treatment, and cisplatin-induced upregulation of imidazoleacetic acid, 2'-deoxycytidine-5'-monophosphate and other 5 metabolites were downregulated by LJZD. The KEGG pathway analysis indicated that the linoleic acid metabolism, histidine metabolism, and pyrimidine metabolism were the most enriched metabolic pathway. Thus, cisplatin-induced metabolic disturbances mainly by disturbing linoleic acid metabolism, histidine metabolism, and pyrimidine metabolism, and LJZD interacted with these metabolic pathways to reduce metabolic disorders and thus ameliorated CIA. CONCLUSION Cisplatin-induced anorexia was closely related to the metabolic disorders of linoleic acid metabo?lism, biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, and phenylalanine metabolism. The mechanism of LJZD in ameliorating CIA was in concerned with the metabolic adjustments, relating to the regulation of linoleic acid metabolism, histidine metabolism, and pyrimidine metabolism.

Clinical utility of low branched-chain amino acid modular diets in patients with isovaleric aciduria and maple syrup urine disease

@#Introduction: Modular diets (MDs) with low amount of offending amino acids have been developed using locally available food ingredients as alternatives to commercial formulas for the treatment of branched-chain organic acidurias (BCOAs). Herein, we conducted a clinical investigation of MDs in patients with BCOAs. Methods: Modular diet A (MDA), with low leucine was produced for maple syrup urine disease (MSUD), and modular diet B (MDB) products, MDB-1, -2, -3, and -4, with low leucine, valine, methionine and threonine were made for isovaleric aciduria (IVA)/methylmalonic aciduria (MMA)/propionic aciduria (PA). Children aged 4-18 years, with MSUD, IVA, PA or MMA were invited to participate in the study. The research subjects switched from metabolic formula protocol to modular diet protocol. They were followed-up at 0, 1, 2, 4, and 6 months. Clinical efficacies of MDs were determined by completion of study, compliance to MDs, clinical outcomes and complications, and parental satisfaction. Results: Six children (2 MSUD and 4 IVA) participated and completed the study. Compliance to MDA was 100% in MSUD subjects with G-tube feeding, while compliance to MDB varied among self-fed individuals with IVA. One subject with MSUD was clinically stable throughout the study, while the other experienced metabolic instability. All IVA individuals showed clinical and laboratory stability during the study. One MSUD and three IVA families preferred the metabolic formula, whereas the other IVA family reported no preference and the other MSUD subject preferred MDs. Conclusion: We provided a proof of concept in developing modular diets for BCOAs, and showed favourable outcomes when using MDs in IVA and varying clinical benefits in MSUD.

Bases moleculares de la diabetes mellitus y su relación con la glicosilación no enzimática y el estrés oxidativo / Molecular Bases of Diabetes Mellitus and its Relationship with non-enzymatic Glycosylation and Oxidative Stress

RESUMEN El término diabetes mellitus define alteraciones metabólicas de múltiples etiologías caracterizadas por hiperglucemia crónica y trastornos en el metabolismo de los hidratos de carbono, las grasas y las proteínas, resultado de defectos en la secreción de insulina, en la acción de ella o en ambas. Cuando la insulina se une a su receptor, este desencadena múltiples vías de señalización molecular, que median sus acciones biológicas. Las alteraciones en el receptor o en las moléculas efectoras río abajo, provocan niveles aumentados de glucosa en sangre. En el cuerpo humano se producen espontáneamente fenómenos de glicosilación no enzimática, que favorecen la formación de radicales libres. En la presente revisión se expone una actualización sobre la relación entre las bases moleculares de las acciones de la insulina y los mecanismos involucrados en regular sus efectos con los procesos de glicosilación no enzimática y el estrés oxidativo concomitante. El estudio de estas interrelaciones y sus vínculos metabólicos permitirá una mayor comprensión de cuáles son las causas asociadas a las complicaciones de esta entidad.

ABSTRACT The term diabetes mellitus defines metabolic alterations of multiple etiologies characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and disorders in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. When insulin binds to its receptor, it triggers multiple molecular signaling pathways, which mediate its biological actions. Alterations in the receptor or downstream effect or molecules cause increased levels of glucose in the blood. Non-enzymatic glycosylation phenomena occur spontaneously in the human body, favoring the formation of free radicals. This review presents an update on the relationship between the molecular bases of insulin actions and the mechanisms involved in regulating its effects with non-enzymatic glycosylation processes and concomitant oxidative stress. The study of these interrelationships and their metabolic links will allow a better understanding of the causes associated with the complications of this entity.

COVID-19 and the Heart / COVID-19 y el corazón

Abstract Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has resulted in a global health crisis. Prior to the arrival of this viral pandemic, the world was already plagued with a significant burden of cardiovascular disease. With the introduction of the novel virus, the world now faces a double jeapordy. Early reports have suggested an increased risk of death in individuals with underlying cardio-metabolic disorders. The exact effects of COVID-19 on the cardiovascular system are not well determined, however lessons from prior viral epidemics suggest that such infections can trigger acute coronary syndromes, arrhythmias and heart failure via direct and indirect mechanisms. In this article, we aimed to discuss the effects and potential underlying mechanisms of COVID -19 as well as potential implications of treatments targeted against this virus on the cardiovascular system.

Resumen El síndrome respiratorio agudo severo coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) que causa la enfermedad por coronavirus (COVID-19) ha provocado una crisis en la salud global. Antes de la llegada de esta pandemia, se tenia una carga importante de enfermedad cardiovascular a nivel mundial. Con la introducción del nuevo virus, el mundo ahora se enfrenta a un doble peligro. Los primeros informes han sugerido un mayor riesgo de muerte en personas con trastornos cardio-metabólicos de base. Los efectos causados por el COVID-19, en el sistema cardiovascular aun no están bien determinados, sin embargo, el conocimiento sobre otras epidemias virales previamente ocurridas en el mundo, sugieren que estas infecciones pueden desencadenar síndromes coronarios agudos, arritmias e insuficiencia cardíaca a través de mecanismos directos e indirectos. En este artículo, nuestro objetivo fue analizar los efectos y los posibles mecanismos subyacentes de COVID -19, así como las posibles implicaciones de los tratamientos dirigidos contra este virus en el sistema cardiovascular.

Molecular mechanism of Shenqi Jiangtang Granules in treatment of lipid metabolism disorder based on glucolipid metabolic disorders theory / 中草药

Objective: To analyze the molecular biological mechanism of Shenqi Jiangtang Granules (SJG) in the treatment of lipid metabolism disorder based on network pharmacology and glucolipid metabolic disorders (GLMD) theory. Methods: The targets of SJG's active components for treatment of lipid metabolism disorder were screened and predicted by utilizing PubChem Search, Genecards database and Swiss target prediction online tool. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was established by using STRING database. Cytoscape 3.3.0 software was adopted to construct a disease-active component-potential target network. Gene ontology (GO) biological process and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Gnomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were performed using Clue GO. Results: A total of 115 active components of SJG and 22 targets related to lipid metabolism disorder were screened. The active components of SJG regulated intermediate-density lipoprotein particle remodeling, glycolytic process by regulation of transcription from RNA polymerase II promoter and leukotriene production involved in inflammatory response, and participated in AGE-RAGE signaling pathway, NF-κB signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway and bile secretion. Conclusion: This study reflects the characteristics of multi-components, multi-targets, and multi-pathways of SJG, and provides new ideas and clues for new application of SJG, which is consistent with the GLMD theory.

Testing Modalities for Inborn Errors of Metabolism – What a Clinician Needs to Know?

The present century is being hailed as the century for genetic therapies, and inborn errors of metabolism is leading the way. As we gearourselves for treating children with genetic and metabolic disorders, the key is to recognize them early and accurately for best outcomes.In these changing times with advent of technology, clinicians are now more aware, exposed and well equipped with the armamentariumof diagnostic modalities. However, it is difficult to choose between the tests without a baseline knowledge about testing for genetic andmetabolic disorders. The key question for a clinician when dealing with a suspected metabolic disorder case is ‘what test to order’ and‘how to proceed.’ The current article provides a rational view on the various laboratory testing modalities available for diagnosis of inbornerrors of metabolism. The article provides details of the basic and advanced metabolic tests that can be ordered in appropriate settings

L-carnitine supplementation descreases hepatic triglyceride accumulation in Holstein cows during the transition period / La suplementación con L-carnitina disminuye la acumulación de triglicéridos hepáticos en vacas Holstein durante el periodo de transición / Suplementação com L-carnitina diminui o acúmulo de triglicerídeos hepáticos em vacas Holandesas durante o período de transição

Abstract Background: The increased use of body reserves observed during peripartum leads to higher needs of L-carnitine by cows, which is restrictive under the production conditions of Colombian high tropics. Objective: To evaluate the lipotropic potential of L-carnitine in Holstein dairy cows during the transition period to lactation. Methods: Twenty-one Holstein cows were fed 0, 100, or 200 g/d L-carnitine fumarate from d 260 of gestation to d 20 postpartum. Hepatic triacylglycerides concentration, total carnitine, free carnitine, acylcarnitine, and serum levels of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), β-hydroxybutyrate (β-HB) and urea were determined by spectrophotometry. Repeated measures analysis was used to determine the effects of dose, measurement period, and their interactions. Results: Hepatic triglycerides and the different forms of carnitine showed no difference between sampling periods (p>0.05). Hepatic triglycerides concentration was low and decreased in response to 200 g/d L-carnitine fumarate supplementation (p<0.05). This decrease in hepatic triglycerides could be due to increased fatty acid oxidation. L-carnitine supplementation significantly increased (p<0.05) blood urea concentration, possibly through stimulation of the urea cycle, as previously described in other species. Conclusion: Supplementation with L-carnitine decreased the hepatic concentration of triglycerides, possibly due to increased liver oxidation of fatty acids.

Resumen Antecedentes: El incremento en la utilización de reservas corporales durante el periparto en vacas exige una alta disponibilidad de L-carnitina, la cual puede ser limitante bajo las condiciones propias de producción del trópico alto colombiano. Objetivo: Evaluar el potencial lipotrópico de la L-carnitina en vacas lecheras Holstein durante el periodo de transición a la lactancia. Métodos: Se suministraron dosis de 0, 100 y 200 g/d de fumarato de L-carnitina a 21 vacas Holstein a partir del d 260 de gestación y hasta el d 20 postparto. Se determinaron las concentraciones hepáticas de triacilglicéridos, carnitina total, carnitina libre y acil carnitina, y las concentraciones plasmáticas de ácidos grasos no esterificados (NEFA), β-hidroxibutirato (β-HB) y urea. Un análisis de medidas repetidas fue usado para determinar los efectos de la dosis, el periodo de medición, y sus interacciones. Resultados: Las concentraciones hepáticas de triglicéridos y de las diferentes formas de carnitina no difirieron significativamente (p>0,05) entre periodos de muestreo. La concentración hepática de triglicéridos fue baja, y mostró una disminución significativa (p<0,05) en respuesta a la suplementación con 200 g/d de fumarato de L-carnitina. La disminución en los triglicéridos hepáticos podría deberse a un aumento en la oxidación de ácidos grasos. La suplementación con L-carnitina aumentó significativamente (p<0,05) la concentración de urea en sangre, posiblemente a través de un mecanismo de estimulación del ciclo de la urea, descrito previamente en otras especies. Conclusión: La suplementación con L-carnitina disminuyó la concentración hepatica de trigliceridos, debido posiblemente a un aumento en la oxidación de ácidos grasos en hígado.

Resumo Antecedentes: O aumento do uso de reservas corporais durante o periparto requer alta disponibilidade de L-carnitina, que pode ser limitante nas condições de produção no trópico alto colombiano. Objetivo: Avaliar o potencial lipotrópico da L-carnitina em vacas leiteiras Holstein durante o período de transição para a lactação. Métodos: Quantidades de 0, 100 e 200 g/d de fumarato de L-carnitina foram administradas a 21 vacas holandesas durante o d 260 da gestação e até ao d 20 pós-parto. Foram determinadas as concentrações hepáticas de triacilglicerídeos, carnitina total, carnitina livre e acil carnitina e as concentrações plasmáticas de ácidos graxos não esterificados (NEFA), β-hidroxibutirato (β-HB) e ureia. Uma análise das medidas repetidas foi usada para determinar os efeitos da dose, período de medição e suas interações. Resultados: As concentrações hepáticas de triglicerídeos e as diferentes formas de carnitina não diferiram significativamente entre os períodos de amostragem (p>0,05). A concentração hepática de triglicerídeos foi baixa e mostrou diminuição significativa (p<0,05) em resposta à suplementação com 200 g/d de fumarato de L-carnitina. A diminuição dos triglicerídeos hepáticos pode ser devido a um aumento na oxidação de ácidos graxos. A suplementação com L-carnitina aumentou significativamente (p<0,05) a concentração de ureia no sangue, possivelmente através de um mecanismo de estimulação do ciclo da ureia previamente descrito em outras espécies. Conclusão: A suplementação com L-carnitina diminuiu a concentração hepática de triglicerídeos, possivelmente devido ao aumento da oxidação de ácidos graxos no fígado.

Age and sex variation in visceral adipose tissue

Background: Adipose tissue mainly visceral fat is said to be harmful and acts as a harbinger of metabolic disorders. A changing trend is seen in the recent decades with decreasing incidence of metabolic disorders in men even though visceral fat is said to be higher in them. Sex hormones may influence the deposition pattern of adipose tissue. The aim of this study was to observe effects of age on visceral fat and to know if the difference in gender pattern of fat distribution is maintained throughout life or disappears after menopause.Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in Thrissur on 385 apparently healthy subjects using Omron body composition analyser. Data was analysed using SPSS 20.0 version. The tests employed were NOVA, independent samples t-test.Results: In each age group, men had significantly higher visceral fat than females. As age increased, visceral fat increased significantly in both genders. In each group, except for younger age groups, VF levels were equal in men and women.Conclusions: Visceral fat is higher in men and this difference is seen in all age groups. As age increases, visceral fat levels also increased in men and women. The distribution of visceral fat is such that a greater number of men have high to very high levels at a younger age group, a feature observed in women only in the peri and post-menopausal age. Adoption of an active lifestyle coupled with healthy diet should protect against onset of metabolic disorders.

Acid based disorders in intensive care unit: a hospital-based study

Background: Acid base disorders are common in the ICU patients and pose a great burden in the management of the underlying condition.Methods: Identifying the type of acid-base disorders in ICU patients using arterial blood gas analysis This was a retrospective case-controlled comparative study. 46 patients in intensive care unit of a reputed institution and comparing the type of acid-base disorder amongst infectious (10) and non-infectious (36) diseases.Results: Of the study population, 70% had mixed acid base disorders and 30% had simple type of acid base disorders. It was found that sepsis is associated with mixed type of acid-base disorders with most common being metabolic acidosis with respiratory alkalosis. Non-infectious diseases were mostly associated with metabolic alkalosis with respiratory acidosis. Analysis of individual acid base disorders revealed metabolic acidosis as the most common disturbance.Conclusions: These results projected the probability of acid bases disorders in various conditions and help in the efficient management. Mixed acid base disorders are the most common disturbances in the intensive care setup which is metabolic acidosis with respiratory alkalosis in infectious diseases and metabolic acidosis is the most common simple type of acid base disorder.

Sudden death and critical illness due to carbohydrate metabolic disorders / 中国实用儿科杂志

Carbohydrates are the important energy source of body,including glucose,galactose,fructose and glycogen. Congenital enzymes defects will cause carbohydrates metabolic disorders. Most of the carbohydrate metabolic disorders could lead to hypoglycemia. Most patients presented with chronic disease course. But some patients with serious diseases,such as glycogen storage disease type I,fructose-1,6-bisphosphate deficiency,presented as acute onset with critical illness,resulting in hypoglycemia and multiple organ damage(encephalopathy,cardiomyopathy,hepatopathy and myopathy). Most of the carbohydrate metabolic disorders have good prognosis if the prompt diagnosis and proper intervention are available. Sudden death occurred in some severe cases. Post-morterm study by metabolic autopsy is important to conform the diagnosis and directive genetic counseling.

Paying attention to the underlying inherited metabolic disorders and endocrine diseases for the cases of critical illness and sudden death / 中国实用儿科杂志

Sudden death syndrome is the leading cause of child death in high income countries. It affects neonates to adults. The seemly healthy person suddenly died during a daily activity,sleep or exercise. Underlying genetic disorders are main causes of sudden cardiac death or brain death. Sudden unexplained death syndrome was first noted in 1977 in the United States of America. In some countries such as the United States of America,England,Thailand and Japan,the etiological studies were performed in the cases died suddenly. Those studies showed that heart attack and encephalopathy due to varied genetic disorders are the two major causes. Sudden cardiac death accounts for more than half of the cases. Sudden death or sudden death-like syndrome,would be the first manifestation of underlying inherited metabolic disorders and endocrine disorders,such as primary carnitine deficiency,long QT syndrome,arrhythmia,hypomagnesemia,hypokalemia,hyperkalemia,hypocalcemia,hypoglycemia,mitochondrial diseases,etc. Inherited metabolic disorders and endocrine disorders include thousands of diseases,such as amino acids,organic acids,glucose,fatty acids and electrolytes metabolic disturbance. Some patients presented as acute critical illness and sudden death. Some disorders could be detected by newborn screening or selective screening using biochemical,electrophysiological,imaging,pathological or genetic techniques. The mortality and disability could be reduced by effective intervention of diet and medicine.

Inulin Can Alleviate Metabolism Disorders in ob/ob Mice by Partially Restoring Leptin-related Pathways Mediated by Gut Microbiota / 基因组蛋白质组与生物信息学报·英文版

Inulin has been used as a prebiotic to alleviate glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in mice and humans by modulating the gut microbiota. However, the mechanism underlying the alleviation of metabolic disorders by inulin through interactions between the gut microbiota and host cells is unclear. We use ob/ob mice as a model to study the effect of inulin on the cecal microbiota by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and its interaction with host cells by transcriptomics. The inulin-supplemented diet improved glucose and lipid metabolism disorder parameters in ob/ob mice, alleviating fat accumulation and glucose intolerance. The α diversity of gut microbial community of ob/ob mice was reduced after inulin treatment, while the β diversity tended to return to the level of wild type mice. Interestingly, Prevotellaceae UCG 001 (family Prevotellaceae) was obviously enriched after inulin treatment. A comparative analysis of the gene expression profile showed that the cecal transcriptome was changed in leptin gene deficiency mice, whereas the inulin-supplemented diet partially reversed the changes in leptin gene-related signaling pathways, especially AMPK signaling pathway, where the levels of gene expression became comparable to those in wild type mice. Further analysis indicated that Prevotellaceae UCG 001 was positively correlated with the AMPK signaling pathway, which was negatively correlated with markers of glycolipid metabolism disorders. Our results suggest that the inulin-supplemented diet alleviates glucose and lipid metabolism disorders by partially restoring leptin related pathways mediated by gut microbiota.

Application of tandem mass spectrometry in newborn genetic metabolic disease screening / 中华检验医学杂志

Inherited metabolic disorders, also known as congenital metabolic diseases, refer to a group of diseases that cause a series of clinical symptoms due to gene mutations, such as enzyme deficiency, dysfunction of cell membrane or receptor deficiency, resulting in biochemical metabolic disorders, accumulation of intermediate or bypass metabolites, or lack of final metabolites. Inherited metabolic disordersoften occur in childhood, progressively aggravating, irreversible nervous system damage, and even death. Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) has been widely used in newborn screening abroad and in China. This technology not only expands the screening spectrum of newborn screening, but also improves the screening efficiency, specificity and sensitivity, which opens up a new field for disease screening. With deepening the understanding of the mechanism of inherited metabolic disorders and mass spectrometry technology, its clinical application becomes more significant in diseases screening and diagnosing.