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A special issue of Biomedicines (ISSN 2227-9059). This special issue belongs to the section "Endocrinology and Metabolism Research".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2024) | Viewed by 10604

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Special Issue Editor

Dr. Sandip Mukherjee

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Guest Editor

Division of Geriatrics and Nutritional Science, Washington University in St. Louis, 660 S. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
Interests: obesity; metabolism; insulin resistance; adipose tissue; liver; NAD metabolism; mitochondria

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The prevalence of obesity has significantly increased in the past few decades because of sedentary life styles and limited physical activity. Obesity is now considered a global epidemic disease. Obesity is a chronic disease that can cause or aggravate co-morbidities including type two diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hypertension, cardiovascular disease (CVD), metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MAFLD), metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), and certain other diseases.

The major contributor of obesity-induced metabolic dysfunction includes dysfunction of adipose tissue, liver, skeletal muscle, gut, and brain. Unfortunately, we do not have a comprehensive knowledge about these individual organs and their cross-talk during pathological conditions. Enormous research has been conducted and is also actively pursuing a search for novel targets which could be pharmacologically targeted to combat these diseases.

The Special Issue aims to summarize research studies involving obesity and associated comorbidities. The major focus is studies reporting novel pathways or targets in obesity. Translational studies including pre-clinical studies with rodents and human subjects are also encouraged in this issue.

Original research articles include (but not limited to) deciphering novel pathways with molecular mechanisms, unravelling the role of unknown or less-characterized proteins in obesity metabolism, and exploring the function of adipose tissue, liver, heart, and muscle.

Dr. Sandip Mukherjee
Guest Editor

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Keywords

obesity
metabolism
adipose tissue
liver
inflammation
hyperglycemia
hyperlipidemia
cardiovascular diseases
new drug targets
translational studies

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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12 pages, 478 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Implication of NT-proBNP in the Assessment of the Clinical Phenotype of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Without Established Cardiovascular Disease

by Ioannis Gastouniotis, Christos Fragoulis, Alexis Antonopoulos, Alexandrina Kouroutzoglou, Marina Noutsou, Anastasia Thanopoulou, Christina Chrysohoou and Konstantinos P. Tsioufis

Biomedicines 2024, 12(12), 2718; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12122718 - 27 Nov 2024

Viewed by 440

Abstract

Background: Natriuretic peptide (NP) levels have been proposed for characterization and risk stratification of heart failure (HF) among patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, their role in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM) has not been well studied and understood. The aim of this study was to assess phenotypical, functional characteristics and imaging parameters in relation to N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) values in T2DM patients without known CVD that may predispose to overt HF. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 100 consecutive T2DM patients (mean overall age of 67 ± 9 years, 40% women and 60% men) who were enrolled from the outpatient diabetic clinic. Patients underwent a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), and echocardiographic and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR); serum NT-proBNP was also measured. Results: The mean (standard deviation) NT-proBNP was 149 (±186) pg/mL. Patients in the highest tertile of NT-proBNP values (>107 pg/mL) had lower values of predicted maximum oxygen consumption compared to the lowest quartile (<55 pg/mL) (84% vs. 92%, p = 0.018) in the CPET and higher ratio of early diastolic mitral inflow velocity to early diastolic mitral annulus velocity (E/e′) (9.0 vs. 7.2, p = 0.05) in echocardiography. Finally, there was a negative correlation between right ventricle end diastolic volume in CMR and predicted maximum oxygen consumption (b = −0.225 ± 0.11, p = 0.046). Conclusions: NT-proBNP levels seemed to be a useful marker in people with T2DM, as elevated levels reflected ongoing appearance of HF with preserved ejection fraction and were related to CPET and echocardiographic indices of impaired left ventricular diastolic and right ventricular systolic function. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Obesity-Related Metabolic Diseases)

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15 pages, 1879 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of the Liver Steatosis and Fibrosis Risk in Metabolic Syndrome and Its Individual Components, Considering the Varying Definitions Used in Clinical Practice throughout Time: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study

by Szymon Suwała and Roman Junik

Biomedicines 2024, 12(8), 1739; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12081739 - 2 Aug 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 768

Abstract

Multiple modifications of metabolic syndrome diagnostic criteria have been made—NCEP: ATP III (from 2001, modified in 2004), IDF (2005), IDF Consortium (2009), or Polish Scientific Society Consortium standards (2022) are now frequently in use. Hepatosteatosis and hepatofibrosis are commonly mentioned aspects of metabolic syndrome that greatly increase the likelihood of developing complications. The objective of the study was to assess different diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome based on the prevalence of liver steatosis and fibrosis. A retrospective analysis was conducted on the medical data of 2102 patients. Out of all the single criteria, meeting the obesity criterion based on waist circumference showed the highest increase in the risk of hepatosteatosis (by 64–69%, depending on the definition used)—hypertriglyceridemia increased the risk of hepatofibrosis by 71%. Regardless of the specific criteria used, patients with metabolic syndrome had a 34–36% increased likelihood of developing hepatosteatosis—the probability of hepatofibrosis varied between 42% and 47% for the criteria established in 2004, 2005, and 2009, while the Polish 2022 criteria were not statistically significant (p = 0.818). It seems appropriate to establish consistent metabolic syndrome diagnostic criteria—the 2009 IDF guidelines are the most effective in assessing hepatosteatosis and fibrosis risk. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Obesity-Related Metabolic Diseases)

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13 pages, 3404 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Does the Location of Fat Accumulation Affect the Degree of Aortic and Renal Arterial Calcification?

by Ivan Ordulj, Mirko Tandara, Kristian Jerković, Frano Šarić, Miodrag Beneš, Sanja Lovrić Kojundžić, Maja Marinović Guić and Danijela Budimir Mršić

Biomedicines 2024, 12(4), 860; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12040860 - 12 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1426

Abstract

The vascular risk associated with obesity is particularly associated with visceral adiposity, but recent studies suggest that ectopic fat might contribute to the increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Our study aimed to explore the connection between arterial calcification of the aorta and renal arteries with visceral and ectopic fat deposits, including liver, pancreatic, and renal sinus fat. Retrospective analysis of thoracoabdominal multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) scans of 302 patients included measurements of calcification volumes of thoracic and abdominal aorta, and of both renal arteries. On the same scans, the visceral fat volume, liver-to-spleen ratio, pancreatic-to-spleen ratio, and both renal sinus fat areas were retrieved. Logistic regression showed the left kidney sinus fat area to be the most strongly associated with calcifications in the aorta and both renal arteries (coef. from 0.578 to 0.913, p < 0.05). The visceral fat positively predicted aortic calcification (coef. = 0.462, p = 0.008), and on the contrary, the pancreatic fat accumulation even showed protective effects on thoracic and abdominal aorta calcification (coef. = −0.611 and −0.761, p < 0.001, respectively). The results suggest that ectopic fat locations differently impact the calcification of arteries, which should be further explored. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Obesity-Related Metabolic Diseases)

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17 pages, 332 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Role of Incretins in Muscle Functionality, Metabolism, and Body Composition in Breast Cancer: A Metabolic Approach to Understanding This Pathology

by Brenda-Eugenia Martínez-Herrera, Michelle-Guadalupe Muñoz-García, Laura-Liliana José-Ochoa, Luis-Aarón Quiroga-Morales, Luz-María Cervántes-González, Mario-Alberto Mireles-Ramírez, Raúl Delgadillo-Cristerna, Carlos-M. Nuño-Guzmán, Caridad-Aurea Leal-Cortés, Eliseo Portilla-de-Buen, Benjamín Trujillo Hernández, Eduardo Gómez-Sánchez, Martha-Cecilia Velázquez-Flores, Mario Salazar-Páramo, Miguel-Ricardo Ochoa-Plascencia, Daniel Sat-Muñoz and Luz-Ma.-Adriana Balderas-Peña

Biomedicines 2024, 12(2), 280; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12020280 - 25 Jan 2024

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Abstract

A poorly studied issue in women with breast cancer is the role of incretins (GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1)) in the quantity and quality of muscle mass in lean and obese individuals. The current report aims to analyze the patterns of association and the role of incretin in muscle functionality and body composition in women with cancer compared with healthy women (mammography BI-RADS I or II) to elucidate whether GIP and GLP-1 can be used to estimate the risk, in conjunction with overweight or obesity, for breast cancer. We designed a case–control study in women with a breast cancer diagnosis confirmed by biopsy in different clinical stages (CS; n = 87) and healthy women with a mastography BI-RADS I or II within the last year (n = 69). The women were grouped according to body mass index (BMI): lean (<25 kg/m²BS), overweight (≥25–<30 kg/m²BS), and obese (≥30 kg/m²BS). We found that GLP-1 and GIP levels over 18 pg/mL were associated with a risk of breast cancer (GIP OR = 36.5 and GLP-1 OR = 4.16, for the entire sample), particularly in obese women (GIP OR = 8.8 and GLP-1 OR = 6.5), and coincidentally with low muscle quality indexes, showed an association between obesity, cancer, incretin defects, and loss of muscle functionality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Obesity-Related Metabolic Diseases)

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22 pages, 1940 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Metabolic Syndrome among Non-Diabetic Saudi Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Basmah Eldakhakhny, Sumia Enani, Hanan Jambi, Ghada Ajabnoor, Jawaher Al-Ahmadi, Rajaa Al-Raddadi, Lubna Alsheikh, Wesam H. Abdulaal, Hoda Gad, Anwar Borai, Suhad Bahijri and Jaakko Tuomilehto

Biomedicines 2023, 11(12), 3242; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11123242 - 7 Dec 2023

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Abstract

(1) Introduction: given the high prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in Saudi Arabia, especially in Jeddah, this study aims to understand the dietary and lifestyle-related risk factors among Jeddah’s non-diabetic adults. (2) Material and Methods: Employing a cross-sectional design, non-diabetic adults were sourced from public healthcare centers. Demographics, lifestyle, and dietary habits were surveyed. Blood pressure, anthropometrics, and fasting blood samples measuring plasma glucose, serum triglycerides, and HDL cholesterol were collected. The age cut-off for MetS was ascertained using the receiver operating characteristic curve. Variables influencing MetS were evaluated using univariate logistic regression, and consequential factors underwent multivariate analysis, adjusted for age and sex. (3) Results: Among 1339 participants, 16% had MetS, with age being the strongest predictor (p < 0.001). The optimal age cut-off was 32 years. For those <32, elevated BP in men and waist circumference (WC) in women were most prevalent. For those >32, elevated WC was dominant in both sexes. Univariate logistic regression revealed that higher income and education correlated with lower MetS prevalence, while marriage and smoking were risk factors. Adjusting for age and sex, only very high income had a significant low-risk association (p = 0.034). (4) Conclusion: MetS is notable in the studied group, with age as the pivotal predictor. High income reduces MetS risk, while marital status and smoking could increase it. Since this was a cross-sectional study, cohort studies are needed to validate our findings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Obesity-Related Metabolic Diseases)

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9 pages, 464 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multimarker Approach as More Reliable Method Than Single Vitamin D in Relationship with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Montenegrin Postmenopausal Women

by Aleksandra Klisic, Milena Cojic, Dimitrios Patoulias and Ana Ninic

Biomedicines 2023, 11(10), 2610; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11102610 - 23 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 974

Abstract

Objective: Previous studies suggested that ethnic differences, sex and obesity could modify the relationship between 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], glycometabolic markers and/or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). We aimed to examine the potential relationship between [25(OH)D] and T2D in postmenopausal women in Montenegro. In addition, we aimed to explore if a set of biomarkers, rather than [25(OH)D] as a single biomarker, could better explain its potential association with T2D. Patients and Methods: A total of 116 postmenopausal, otherwise healthy women and 48 postmenopausal women with T2D were included. Univariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analysis, along with principal component analysis (PCA), were applied to test the associations between examined biomarkers/set of biomarkers with T2D. Results: Women with T2D had lower serum [25(OH)D] levels than healthy controls (p = 0.024). No independent relationship between [25(OH)D] and T2D was found. PCA extracted three significant factors that were associated with T2D, i.e., age-glycometabolic-related factor (i.e., with positive loadings of age, glucose and insulin; OR = 11.321, p < 0.001), obesity-inflammation- related factor (i.e., with positive loadings of hsCRP and WC, and negative loading of [25(OH)D]; (OR = 2.079, p < 0.001)) and lipid-related factor (i.e., with positive loadings of TG and LDL-c, and negative loading of HDL-c; OR = 1.423, p = 0.044). Conclusions: The relationship between [25(OH)D] and T2D is modulated by central obesity (as measured by WC) and inflammation (as measured with hsCRP) in postmenopausal women. Their joint measurement, rather than [25(OH)D] itself, could provide better information for the risk assessment for T2D in postmenopausal women. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Obesity-Related Metabolic Diseases)

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16 pages, 1409 KiB

Open AccessReview

NAFLD in the 21st Century: Current Knowledge Regarding Its Pathogenesis, Diagnosis and Therapeutics

by Dimitris Kounatidis, Natalia G. Vallianou, Eleni Geladari, Maria Paraskevi Panoilia, Anna Daskou, Theodora Stratigou, Irene Karampela, Dimitrios Tsilingiris and Maria Dalamaga

Biomedicines 2024, 12(4), 826; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12040826 - 9 Apr 2024

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2742

Abstract

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major public health issue worldwide. It is the most common liver disease in Western countries, andits global prevalence is estimated to be up to 35%. However, its diagnosis may be elusive, because liver biopsy is relatively rarely performed and usually only in advanced stages of the disease. Therefore, several non-invasive scores may be applied to more easily diagnose and monitor NAFLD. In this review, we discuss the various biomarkers and imaging scores that could be useful in diagnosing and managing NAFLD. Despite the fact that general measures, such as abstinence from alcohol and modulation of other cardiovascular disease risk factors, should be applied, the mainstay of prevention and management is weight loss. Bariatric surgery may be suggested as a means to confront NAFLD. In addition, pharmacological treatment with GLP-1 analogues or the GIP agonist tirzepatide may be advisable. In this review, we focus on the utility of GLP-1 analogues and GIP agonists in lowering body weight, their pharmaceutical potential, and their safety profile, as already evidenced inanimal and human studies. We also elaborate on other options, such as the use of vitamin E, probiotics, especially next-generation probiotics, and prebiotics in this context. Finally, we explore future perspectives regarding the administration of GLP-1 analogues, GIP agonists, and probiotics/prebiotics as a means to prevent and combat NAFLD. The newest drugs pegozafermin and resmetiron, which seem to be very promising, arealso discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Obesity-Related Metabolic Diseases)

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