Adipocytokines as features of the metabolic syndrome determined using confirmatory factor analysis.

PURPOSE: Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to test the hypothesis whether adipocytokines are associated with the risk factor cluster that characterizes the metabolic syndrome (MetS). METHODS: Data from 134 nondiabetic subjects were analyzed using CFA. Insulin sensitivity (SI) was quantified using intravenous glucose tolerance tests, visceral fat area by computed tomography and fasting high-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), serum amyloid A (SAA), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, adiponectin, resistin, leptin, interleukin (IL)-6, C-reactive protein (CRP), and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1 were measured. RESULTS: The basic model representing the MetS included six indicators comprising obesity, SI, lipids, and hypertension, and demonstrated excellent goodness of fit. Using multivariate analysis, MCP-1, SAA, and TNF-α were not independently associated with any of the MetS variables. Adiponectin, resistin, leptin, CRP, and IL-6 were associated with at least one of the risk factors, but when added to the basic model decreased all goodness-of-fit parameters. PAI-1 was associated with all cardiometabolic factors and improved goodness-of-fit compared with the basic model. CONCLUSIONS: Addition of PAI-1 increased the CFA model goodness of fit compared with the basic model, suggesting that this protein may represent an added feature of the MetS.

Impact of differences in glucose tolerance on the prevalence of a negative insulinogenic index.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of a negative insulinogenic index (change in plasma insulin/change in plasma glucose from 0 to 30 min) from an oral glucose tolerance test according to glucose tolerance category. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from the San Antonio Heart Study (n=2494), Japanese American Community Diabetes Study (JACDS; n=594) and Genetics of NIDDM Study (n=1519) were examined. Glucose tolerance was defined by ADA criteria. RESULTS: In the combined cohort, the prevalence of a negative insulinogenic index was significantly higher in diabetes 20/616 (3.2%) compared to normal glucose tolerance 43/2667 (1.6%) (p<0.05). Longitudinally, in the JACDS cohort, the prevalence did not change from baseline (3/594; 0.5%) to 5 (4/505; 0.7%) and 10 years (8/426; 1.9%) (p=0.9) and no subject had a repeat negative insulinogenic index. CONCLUSIONS: A negative insulinogenic index occurs at a low prevalence across glucose tolerance categories although more often in diabetes, but without recurrence over time.

Gestational diabetes or lesser degrees of glucose intolerance and risk of preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the association of 1-h oral glucose challenge test (OGCT) and 3-h oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) results with preeclampsia. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed among 26,105 women. RESULTS: Preeclampsia was associated with the upper OGCT quartiles [114-132 mg/dL: odds ratio (OR) = 1.25, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.09-1.44; >132 mg/dL: OR = 1.40, 95% CI 1.21-1.61] compared with <98 mg/dL adjusting for age, primigravidity, and gestational diabetes, and also to one abnormal OGTT value (adjusted OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.09-1.75) or gestational diabetes (adjusted OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.15-1.83). CONCLUSION: Higher glucose levels are associated with preeclampsia suggesting a pathophysiological role for glucose metabolism.

Insulin resistance is the best predictor of the metabolic syndrome in subjects with a first-degree relative with type 2 diabetes.

Although obesity is associated with insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome (MetS), some obese individuals are metabolically healthy. Conversely, some lean individuals are insulin resistant (IR) and at increased cardiometabolic risk. To determine the relative importance of insulin sensitivity, BMI and waist circumference (WC) in predicting MetS, we studied these two extreme groups in a high-risk population. One thousand seven hundred and sixty six subjects with a first-degree relative with type 2 diabetes were stratified by BMI and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA(IR)) into groups. IR groups had higher triglycerides, fasting glucose, and more diabetes than their BMI-group insulin sensitive (IS) counterparts. Within both IS and IR groups, obesity was associated with higher HOMA(IR) and diastolic blood pressure (BP), but no difference in other metabolic variables. MetS (Adult Treatment Panel III (ATPIII)) prevalence was higher in IR groups (P < 0.001) and more subjects met each MetS criterion (P < 0.001). Within each BMI category, HOMA(IR) independently predicted MetS (P < 0.001) whereas WC did not. Within IS and IR groups, age and WC, but not BMI, were independent determinants of MetS (P < 0.001). WC was a less meaningful predictor of MetS at higher values of HOMA(IR). HOMA(IR) was a better predictor of MetS than WC or BMI (receiver operating characteristic (ROC) area under the curve 0.76 vs. 0.65 vs. 0.59, P < 0.001). In conclusion, insulin sensitivity rather than obesity is the major predictor of MetS and is better than WC at identifying obese individuals with a healthier metabolic profile. Further, as many lean individuals with a first-degree relative with type 2 diabetes are IR and metabolically unhealthy, they may all benefit from metabolic testing.

Ethnic differences in serum lipoproteins and their determinants in South African women.

The objective of the study was to characterize ethnic differences in lipid levels and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particle size and subclasses in black and white South African women and to explore the associations with insulin sensitivity (S(I)), body composition, and lifestyle factors. Fasting serum lipids and LDL size and subclasses, body composition (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry), and S(I) (frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test) were measured in normal-weight (body mass index <25 kg/m(2)) black (n = 15) and white (n = 15), and obese (body mass index >30 kg/m(2)) black (n = 13) and white (n = 13) women. Normal-weight and obese black women had lower triglycerides (0.59 +/- 0.09 and 0.77 +/- 0.10 vs 0.89 +/- 0.09 and 0.93 +/- 0.10 mmol/L, P < .05) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (1.2 +/- 0.1 and 1.1 +/- 0.1 vs 1.7 +/- 0.1 and 1.6 +/- 0.3 mmol/L, P < .01) than white women. The LDL particle size was not different, but obese black women had more LDL subclass IV (17.3% +/- 1.0% vs 12.5% +/- 1.0%, P < .01). In white women, triglycerides and LDL particle size correlated with S(I) (P < .01), whereas cholesterol levels correlated with body fat (P < .05). Low socioeconomic status, low dietary protein intake, and injectable contraceptive use were the major determinants of unfavorable lipid profiles in black women. Black women had lower triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and more small dense LDL particles than white women. The major determinants of serum lipids in black women were socioeconomic status and lifestyle factors, whereas in white women, S(I) and body composition most closely correlated with serum lipids.

IL-1 receptor antagonism and muscle gene expression in patients with type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: We have previously reported that systemic blockade of IL-1beta in patients with type 2 diabetes with anakinra (a recombinant human interleukin-1-receptor antagonist, IL-1Ra), lowered glycated hemoglobin improved beta-cell function and reduced circulating levels of IL-6 and CRP (7). To investigate the effects of IL-1Ra in insulin-sensitive tissue, gene expression levels in skeletal muscle from type 2 diabetic patients treated with IL-1Ra were analysed. METHODS: Gene expression profiles in vastus lateralis muscle biopsies from five obese patients (BMI >27) were determined before and after 13 weeks of treatment with IL-1Ra (anakinra) using Affymetrix U133Plus2.0 GeneChips. Microarray data were normalized and analysed independently using four different algorithms; RMA, GCRMA, dChip and GCOS. Hypothesis tests were applied to the microarray data for each gene, and protein network analysis was used to identify biological networks/pathways affected by the treatment. Gene expression levels for candidate genes (COL1A1, CDKN1C, HSP70, HLA-A, IL-1 and IL-6) were determined by qRT-PCR in muscles of placebo- (n = 12) and anakinra-treated patients (n = 11). RESULTS: The concordance of the variations of the transcripts identified as significantly regulated after IL-1Ra treatment was low. No significantly altered expression levels could be demonstrated after false discovery rate correction. The protein interaction network did not reveal any altered networks/pathways. None of the candidate genes, quantified by qRT-PCR, were significantly altered when comparing the number of transcripts before and after treatment for each individual. conclusion: Treatment with IL-1Ra did not significantly affect gene expression levels in skeletal muscle in this limited and selected sample of obese patients with type 2 diabetes. Larger studies might confirm the lack of effect of anakinra on muscle tissue gene expression.

Sustained effects of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist treatment in type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: Interleukin (IL)-1 impairs insulin secretion and induces beta-cell apoptosis. Pancreatic beta-cell IL-1 expression is increased and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) expression reduced in patients with type 2 diabetes. Treatment with recombinant IL-1Ra improves glycemia and beta-cell function and reduces inflammatory markers in patients with type 2 diabetes. Here we investigated the durability of these responses. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Among 70 ambulatory patients who had type 2 diabetes, A1C >7.5%, and BMI >27 kg/m(2) and were randomly assigned to receive 13 weeks of anakinra, a recombinant human IL-1Ra, or placebo, 67 completed treatment and were included in this double-blind 39-week follow-up study. Primary outcome was change in beta-cell function after anakinra withdrawal. Analysis was done by intention to treat. RESULTS: Thirty-nine weeks after anakinra withdrawal, the proinsulin-to-insulin (PI/I) ratio but not stimulated C-peptide remained improved (by -0.07 [95% CI -0.14 to -0.02], P = 0.011) compared with values in placebo-treated patients. Interestingly, a subgroup characterized by genetically determined low baseline IL-1Ra serum levels maintained the improved stimulated C-peptide obtained by 13 weeks of IL-1Ra treatment. Reductions in C-reactive protein (-3.2 mg/l [-6.2 to -1.1], P = 0.014) and in IL-6 (-1.4 ng/l [-2.6 to -0.3], P = 0.036) were maintained until the end of study. CONCLUSIONS: IL-1 blockade with anakinra induces improvement of the PI/I ratio and markers of systemic inflammation lasting 39 weeks after treatment withdrawal.

Differential effects of abdominal adipose tissue distribution on insulin sensitivity in black and white South African women.

Black South African women are more insulin resistant than BMI-matched white women. The objective of the study was to characterize the determinants of insulin sensitivity in black and white South African women matched for BMI. A total of 57 normal-weight (BMI 18-25 kg/m(2)) and obese (BMI > 30 kg/m(2)) black and white premenopausal South African women underwent the following measurements: body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), body fat distribution (computerized tomography (CT)), insulin sensitivity (S(I), frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test), dietary intake (food frequency questionnaire), physical activity (Global Physical Activity Questionnaire), and socioeconomic status (SES, demographic questionnaire). Black women were less insulin sensitive (4.4 +/- 0.8 vs. 9.5 +/- 0.8 and 3.0 +/- 0.8 vs. 6.0 +/- 0.8 x 10(-5)/min/(pmol/l), for normal-weight and obese women, respectively, P < 0.001), but had less visceral adipose tissue (VAT) (P = 0.051), more abdominal superficial subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) (P = 0.003), lower SES (P < 0.001), and higher dietary fat intake (P = 0.001) than white women matched for BMI. S(I) correlated with deep and superficial SAT in both black (R = -0.594, P = 0.002 and R = 0.495, P = 0.012) and white women (R = -0.554, P = 0.005 and R = -0.546, P = 0.004), but with VAT in white women only (R = -0.534, P = 0.005). In conclusion, body fat distribution is differentially associated with insulin sensitivity in black and white women. Therefore, the different abdominal fat depots may have varying metabolic consequences in women of different ethnic origins.

Association between the 4 bp proinsulin gene insertion polymorphism (IVS-69) and body composition in black South African women.

The objective of the study was to examine the association between a functional 4 bp proinsulin gene insertion polymorphism (IVS-69), fasting insulin concentrations, and body composition in black South African women. Body composition, body fat distribution, fasting glucose and insulin concentrations, and IVS-69 genotype were measured in 115 normal-weight (BMI<25 kg/m2) and 138 obese (BMI>or=30 kg/m2) premenopausal women. The frequency of the insertion allele was significantly higher in the class 2 obese (BMI>or=35 kg/m2) compared with the normal-weight group (P=0.029). Obese subjects with the insertion allele had greater fat mass (42.3+/-0.9 vs. 38.9+/-0.9 kg, P=0.034) and fat-free soft tissue mass (47.4+/-0.6 vs. 45.1+/-0.6 kg, P=0.014), and more abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT, 595+/-17 vs. 531+/-17 cm2, P=0.025) but not visceral fat (P=0.739), than obese homozygotes for the wild-type allele. Only SAT was greater in normal-weight subjects with the insertion allele (P=0.048). There were no differences in fasting insulin or glucose levels between subjects with the insertion allele or homozygotes for the wild-type allele in the normal-weight or obese groups. In conclusion, the 4 bp proinsulin gene insertion allele is associated with extreme obesity, reflected by greater fat-free soft tissue mass and fat mass, particularly SAT, in obese black South African women.

Insulin response in relation to insulin sensitivity: an appropriate beta-cell response in black South African women.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to characterize differences in the acute insulin response to glucose (AIR(g)) relative to insulin sensitivity (S(I)) in black and white premenopausal normoglycemic South African women matched for body fatness. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis including 57 black and white South African women matched for BMI, S(I), AIR(g), and the disposition index (AIR(g) x S(I)) were performed using a frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test with minimal model analysis, and similar measures were analyzed using an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Body composition was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and computed tomography. RESULTS: S(I) was significantly lower (4.4 +/- 0.8 vs. 9.4 +/- 0.8 and 2.9 +/- 0.8 vs. 6.0 +/- 0. 8 x 10(-5) min(-1)/[pmol/l], P < 0.001) and AIR(g) was significantly higher (1,028 +/- 255 vs. 352 +/- 246 and 1,968 +/- 229 vs. 469 +/- 246 pmol/l, P < 0.001), despite similar body fatness (30.9 +/- 1.4 vs. 29.7 +/- 1.3 and 46.8 +/- 1.2 vs. 44.4 +/- 1.3%) in the normal-weight and obese black women compared with their white counterparts, respectively. Disposition index, a marker of beta-cell function, was not different between ethnic groups (3,811 +/- 538 vs. 2,966 +/- 518 and 3,646 +/- 485 vs. 2,353 +/- 518 x 10(-5) min, P = 0.10). Similar results were obtained for the OGTT-derived measures. CONCLUSIONS: Black South African women are more insulin resistant than their white counterparts but compensate by increasing their insulin response to maintain normal glucose levels, suggesting an appropriate beta-cell response for the level of insulin sensitivity.

Oral disposition index predicts the development of future diabetes above and beyond fasting and 2-h glucose levels.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine whether an oral disposition index (DI(O)) predicts the development of diabetes over a 10-year period. First, we assessed the validity of the DI(O) by demonstrating that a hyperbolic relationship exists between oral indexes of insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 613 Japanese-American subjects (322 men and 291 women) underwent a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at baseline, 5 years, and 10 years. Insulin sensitivity was estimated as 1/fasting insulin or homeostasis model assessment of insulin sensitivity (HOMA-S). Insulin response was estimated as the change in insulin divided by change in glucose from 0 to 30 min (DeltaI(0-30)/DeltaG(0-30)). RESULTS: DeltaI(0-30)/DeltaG(0-30) demonstrated a curvilinear relationship with 1/fasting insulin and HOMA-S with a left and downward shift as glucose tolerance deteriorated. The confidence limits for the slope of the log(e)-transformed estimates included -1 for DeltaI(0-30)/DeltaG(0-30) versus 1/fasting insulin for all glucose tolerance groups, consistent with a hyperbolic relationship. When HOMA-S was used as the insulin sensitivity measure, the confidence limits for the slope included -1 only for subjects with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) or impaired fasting glucose (IFG)/impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) but not diabetes. On the basis of this hyperbolic relationship, the product of DeltaI(0-30)/DeltaG(0-30) and 1/fasting insulin was calculated (DI(O)) and decreased from NGT to IFG/IGT to diabetes (P < 0.001). Among nondiabetic subjects at baseline, baseline DI(O) predicted cumulative diabetes at 10 years (P < 0.001) independent of age, sex, BMI, family history of diabetes, and baseline fasting and 2-h glucose concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: The DI(O) provides a measure of beta-cell function adjusted for insulin sensitivity and is predictive of development of diabetes over 10 years.

Macrophages, cytokines and beta-cell death in Type 2 diabetes.

The pathology of islets from patients with Type 2 diabetes displays an inflammatory process characterized by the presence of immune cell infiltration, cytokines, apoptotic cells, amyloid deposits and, eventually, fibrosis. Indeed, analysis of beta-cells from patients with Type 2 diabetes displays increased IL-1beta (interleukin 1beta) expression. Furthermore, increased islet-associated macrophages are observed in human Type 2 diabetic patients and in most animal models of diabetes. Importantly, increased numbers of macrophages are detectable very early in high-fat-fed mice islets, before the onset of diabetes. These immune cells are probably attracted by islet-derived chemokines, produced in response to metabolic stress, and under the control of IL-1beta. It follows that modulation of intra-islet inflammatory mediators, particularly interleukin-1beta, may prevent islet inflammation in Type 2 diabetes and therefore presents itself as a promising therapeutic approach.

Islet inflammation in type 2 diabetes: from metabolic stress to therapy.

Decreases in both mass and secretory function of insulin-producing beta-cells contribute to the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes. The histology of islets from patients with type 2 diabetes displays an inflammatory process characterized by the presence of cytokines, apoptotic cells, immune cell infiltration, amyloid deposits, and eventually fibrosis. This inflammatory process is probably the combined consequence of dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, and increased circulating adipokines. Therefore, modulation of intra-islet inflammatory mediators, in particular interleukin-1 beta, appears as a promising therapeutic approach.

[Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist-treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes]. / Interleukin-1 receptorantagonistbehandling af patienter med type 2-diabetes--sekundaerpublikation.

Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) expression is reduced in islets of patients with type 2 diabetes. 70 patients with type 2 diabetes were randomized to treatment with anakinra (IL-1Ra) or placebo for 13 weeks. Following treatment glycated hemoglobin was 0.46 percent lower, C-peptide secretion was enhanced, and systemic IL-6 and C-reactive protein levels were reduced in the anakinra group compared to the placebo group. Insulin resistance remained unchanged. Blocking IL-1 activity improved glycemia and b-cell secretory function and reduced markers of systemic inflammation.

Interleukin-1-receptor antagonist in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: The expression of interleukin-1-receptor antagonist is reduced in pancreatic islets of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and high glucose concentrations induce the production of interleukin-1beta in human pancreatic beta cells, leading to impaired insulin secretion, decreased cell proliferation, and apoptosis. METHODS: In this double-blind, parallel-group trial involving 70 patients with type 2 diabetes, we randomly assigned 34 patients to receive 100 mg of anakinra (a recombinant human interleukin-1-receptor antagonist) subcutaneously once daily for 13 weeks and 36 patients to receive placebo. At baseline and at 13 weeks, all patients underwent an oral glucose-tolerance test, followed by an intravenous bolus of 0.3 g of glucose per kilogram of body weight, 0.5 mg of glucagon, and 5 g of arginine. In addition, 35 patients underwent a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp study. The primary end point was a change in the level of glycated hemoglobin, and secondary end points were changes in beta-cell function, insulin sensitivity, and inflammatory markers. RESULTS: At 13 weeks, in the anakinra group, the glycated hemoglobin level was 0.46 percentage point lower than in the placebo group (P=0.03); C-peptide secretion was enhanced (P=0.05), and there were reductions in the ratio of proinsulin to insulin (P=0.005) and in levels of interleukin-6 (P<0.001) and C-reactive protein (P=0.002). Insulin resistance, insulin-regulated gene expression in skeletal muscle, serum adipokine levels, and the body-mass index were similar in the two study groups. Symptomatic hypoglycemia was not observed, and there were no apparent drug-related serious adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: The blockade of interleukin-1 with anakinra improved glycemia and beta-cell secretory function and reduced markers of systemic inflammation. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00303394 [ClinicalTrials.gov].).