bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of acylated ghrelin profiles with chronic inflammatory markers in overweight and obese postmenopausal women: a MONET study
Authors: St-Pierre David H , Bastard Jean-Philippe , Coderre Lise , Brochu Martin , Karelis Antony D , Lavoie Marie-Éve , Malita Florin , Fontaine Jonathan , Mignault Diane , Cianflone Katherine , Imbeault Pascal , Doucet Éric , Rabasa-Lhoret Rémi 
Published: September 2007

Objective: Recent reports have suggested that the existence of associations between hormonal dysregulation and chronic upregulation of inflammatory markers, which may cause obesity-related disturbances. Thus, we examined whether acylated ghrelin (AcylG) and total ghrelin (TotG) levels could be associated with the following inflammatory markers: C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and soluble TNF receptor 1 (sTNF-R1).
Design: Cross-sectional study consisting of 50 overweight and obese postmenopausal women.
Methods: AcylG and TotG levels were assessed at 0, 60, 160, 170, and 180 min of the euglycemic/hyperinsulinemic clamp (EHC). We evaluated insulin sensitivity, body composition, and blood lipid profiles as well as fasting concentrations of CRP, TNF-α, and sTNF-R1.
Results: In fasting conditions, sTNF-R1 was negatively correlated with AcylG (r = −0.48, P < 0.001) levels. In addition, AcylG/TotG was associated negatively with sTNF-R1 (r = −0.44, P = 0.002) and positively with TNF-α (r = 0.38, P = 0.009) values. During the EHC, TotG (at all time points) and AcylG (at 60 and 160 min) values were significantly decreased from fasting concentrations. AcylG maximal reduction and area under the curve (AUC) values were correlated to sTNF-R1 (r = −0.35, P = 0.02 and r = −0.34, P = 0.02, respectively). Meanwhile, the AcylG/TotG AUC ratio was associated negatively with sTNF-R1 (r = −0.29, P < 0.05) and positively with TNF-α (r = 0.36, P = 0.02). Following adjustments for total adiposity, sTNF-R1 remained correlated with fasting and maximal reduction AcylG values. Similarly, AcylG/TotG ratios remained significantly correlated with sTNF-R1 and TNF-α. Importantly, 23% of the variation in sTNF-R1 was independently predicted by fasting AcylG.
Conclusion: These results are the first to suggest that both fasting and EHC-induced AcylG profiles are correlated with fasting values of sTNF-R1, a component of the TNF-α system. Thus, AcylG may act, at least in part, as one mediator of chronic inflammatory activity in human obesity.
Visceral adipose tissue zinc finger protein 36 mRNA levels are correlated with insulin, insulin resistance index, and adiponectinemia in women
Authors: Bouchard Luigi , Vohl Marie-Claude , Deshaies Yves , Rhéaume Caroline , Daris Marleen , Tchernof André 
Published: September 2007

Introduction: Adipose tissue is now recognized as an endocrine organ and secretes numerous molecules and proteins potentially involved in the physiopathology of the metabolic syndrome. Recently, we have determined the transcriptome of omental adipose tissue, leading to the identification of a new candidate gene for obesity-related metabolic complications, zinc finger protein 36 (ZFP36), which is known to down-regulate tumor necrosis factor-α TNF-α) expression.
Objective: The objective of this study was to further examine the relationship between ZFP36 gene expression levels, obesity-related phenotypes, and adipokines.
Methods: Abdominal subcutaneous and omental adipose tissue samples were obtained from 46 women undergoing elective gynecological surgery. Adipose tissue ZFP36 mRNA abundance was assessed by quantitative real-time PCR. Body fat accumulation and distribution were measured by dual X-ray absorptiometry and computed tomography. Fasting blood levels of glucose, insulin, and lipids, and circulating TNF-α, interleukin-6 (IL-6), resistin, and adiponectin were also measured.
Results: No correlation was observed between s.c. ZFP36 mRNA levels and any of the phenotypes tested. However, although omental ZFP36 mRNA levels were not correlated with measures of body fatness and lipid profile, they were negatively correlated with fasting insulin levels (R = −0.31; P = 0.05), the insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR; R = −0.31; P = 0.05), and 2-h post-glucose insulinemia (R = −0.32; P = 0.05). Omental ZFP36 mRNA abundance was also positively correlated with adiponectinemia (R = 0.35; P = 0.03) but not with circulating TNF-α, IL-6, and resistin concentrations.
Conclusion: These results suggest that ZFP36 gene expression in omental adipose tissue, but not in abdominal s.c. fat, may offer partial protection against the development of insulin resistance and diabetes.
Effect of exercise training on plasma visfatin and eotaxin levels
Authors: Choi K M , Kim J H , Cho G J , Baik S H , Park H S , Kim S M 
Published: September 2007

Objective: Visfatin, a novel adipokine, was revealed to be associated with obesity and to have insulin-mimetic effect. Eotaxin, which is an important chemokine in asthma, was recently reported to be associated with obesity in mice and humans. We evaluated the effect of exercise training on plasma visfatin and eotaxin levels in association with cardiovascular risk factors.
Design: Forty-eight non-diabetic Korean women were evaluated before and after a 12 week exercise program including aerobic exercise (45 min/session, 300 Kcal/day) and muscle strength training (20 min/session, 100 Kcal/day) five times per week.
Results: Plasma visfatin concentrations were elevated in obese subjects (body mass index, BMI≥25 kg/m2) when compared with non-obese subjects (16.4 ± 13.4 ng/ml vs 7.7 ± 5.2 ng/ml, P = 0.006), and eotaxin concentrations were elevated in subjects with central obesity (waist circumference, WC≥80 cm) when compared with those without central obesity (73.6 ± 17.8 pg/ml vs 64.2 ± 4.2 pg/ml, P = 0.005). In multiple regression analyses, visfatin levels were associated with BMI (R2 = 0.255) and eotaxin levels were associated with WC and body weight (R2 = 0.307). After the exercise program, body weight, blood pressure, fasting glucose, and insulin resistance of participants were decreased. Furthermore, plasma visfatin levels were significantly decreased from 13.6 ± 12.0 to 7.7 ± 7.9 ng/ml (P = 0.026) and eotaxin levels were reduced from 72.0 ± 16.7 to 66.9 ± 14.2 pg/ml (P = 0.018).
Conclusions: Exercise training with weight loss induced a significant reduction of plasma visfatin and eotaxin levels in non-diabetic Korean women.
Interstitial IGF-I in exercising skeletal muscle in women
Authors: Berg U , Gustafsson T , Sundberg C J , Kaijser L , Carlsson-Skwirut C , Bang P 
Published: September 2007

Objective: To study interstitial IGF-I concentrations in resting and exercising skeletal muscle in relation to the circulating components of the IGF–IGF binding protein (IGFBP) system.
Design and methods: Seven women performed endurance exercise with 1 leg (Ex-leg) for 1 h. The resting leg (Rest-leg) served as a control. IGF-I was determined in microdialysate (MD) and was compared with veno-arterial (v-a) concentrations of circulating IGF–IGFBP components.
Results: Median (range) basal MD-IGF-I was 0.87 (0.4–1.5) μg/l or 0.4 (0.2)% of total-IGF-I (t-IGF-I) determined in arterial serum and in the same concentration range as free dissociable IGF-I (f-IGF-I). Rest-leg MD-IGF-I decreased, reaching significance after exercise. Ex-leg MD-IGF-I was unchanged during exercise and declined after exercise at the level of significance (P = 0.05). There was a release of f-IGF-I from the Ex-leg into the circulation at the end of and shortly after exercise. A small but significant increase in circulating IGFBP-1 was detected at the end of exercise and IGFBP-1 increased further after exercise. Although interleukin-6 (IL-6) has been associated with IGFBP-3 proteolysis, the circulating molecular forms of IGFBP-3 remained unchanged in spite of an IL-6 release from the muscle compartment.
Conclusions: Circulating IGFBP-1 is related to interstitial IGF-I in resting muscle although the temporal relationship may not be simple. Further studies should explore the role of local release of IGF-I and its impact on IGF-I activity during contraction.
The activation of somatostatinergic receptors by either somatostatin-14 or cortistatin-17 often inhibits ACTH hypersecretion in patients with Cushing’s disease
Authors: Giordano R , Picu A , Bonelli L , Broglio F , Prodam F , Grottoli S , Muccioli G , Ghigo E , Arvat E 
Published: September 2007

Object: Somatostatin (SS) is known to inhibit GH and insulin, while its effect on corticotrope secretion is controversial: inhibition of ACTH secretion by agonists activating somatostatinergic receptors (sst)-2 and sst-5 was reported in vitro. Cortistatin (CST) not only binds all sst receptor subtypes but also possesses central actions that are not shared by SS.
Design: In nine patients with Cushing’s disease (CD), ACTH, cortisol, GH, insulin, and glucose levels were studied during 120-min i.v. infusion of SS-14 (2.0 μg/kg per h), CST-17 (2.0 μg/kg per h) or saline.
Results: Both SS or CST significantly affected the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. Cortisol was decreased to the same extent by either SS or CST (P < 0.05). Both SS and CST decreased ACTH, although statistical difference was reached only during CST (P < 0.05). Analyzing the individual responses as Δareas under curve (ΔAUCs), a clear and consensual inhibition of ACTH and cortisol under either SS or CST was recorded in five out of nine patients. Both SS or CST inhibited (P < 0.05) insulin, that even showed a rebound (P < 0.01) at the end of infusion. GH was not modified by either peptide.
Conclusion: SS and CST often display similar inhibitory effects on the HPA axis in CD. The activation of sst receptors by both peptides is followed in almost 50% of patients by a remarkable inhibition of ACTH and cortisol hypersecretion. These findings reinforce the view that sst receptors are involved in the control of the secretory activity of tumoral corticotropic cells.
Fine needle cytology of complex thyroid nodules
Authors: Cappelli C , Pirola I , Castellano M , Gandossi E , De Martino E , Delbarba A , Agosti B , Tironi A , Rosei E Agabiti 
Published: September 2007

Objective: To evaluate whether a preliminary aspiration (ASP) of the cystic component and/or using spinal needles in complex thyroid nodules (CTN) could improve the adequacy of cytological sampling.
Methods: Between January 2004 and December 2006, 386 consecutive patients with CTN were enrolled in this prospective investigation. Ultrasound (US) fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of the solid component of the nodule (one nodule per patient) was performed using two different 25 gauge needles, with (Yale Spinal, YS) or without (Neolus, NS) a stylet, in alternate sequence on consecutive patients. In addition, a subgroup of patients presenting larger cystic component (∼50%) was submitted to total aspiration of the cystic component (ASP+) or not submitted (ASP−) before US-FNAC, in alternate sequence within each needle type group. All the samplings were performed by a single endocrinologist.
Results: Adequate specimens were observed in 163 (84.5%) and 183 (94.8%) nodules investigated by NS and YS respectively. Sampling with the stylet needle was associated with an overall significant reduction of non-diagnostic specimens (15.5% vs 5.2% by NS and YS respectively, P < 0.001). The favourable result obtained with YS was independent from preliminary aspiration of the cystic component (ASP+: 14.8% vs 5.7% by NS and YS; ASP−: 16.2% vs 4.8%, not significant). A logistic regression analysis, taking into account nodule size and presence of intranodal vascularity at eco-colour evaluation of the solid component, confirmed that needle type was the only significant predictor of successful sampling (odds ratio 3.6 (95% confidence interval 1.7–7.6), P < 0.001).
Conclusions: Our data show that adopting stylet needles to perform FNAC in CTN may significantly improve the percentage of adequate sampling. On the other hand, preliminary aspiration of CTN with large cystic component does not add any advantage.
Interleukin-18 in plasma and adipose tissue: effects of obesity, insulin resistance, and weight loss
Authors: Bruun Jens M , Stallknecht Bente , Helge Jørn W , Richelsen Bjørn 
Published: September 2007

Objective: Interleukin (IL)-18 is associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular disease. The present study compared 1) IL-18 in adipocytes versus stromal vascular (SV) cells, 2) IL-18 in plasma and adipose tissue (AT) in obese versus lean subjects, and 3) IL-18 in plasma, AT, and skeletal muscle (SM) in obese subjects after weight loss.
Subjects and methods: At baseline, plasma and AT IL-18 in 23 obese subjects were compared with that in 12 lean subjects. The obese subjects were submitted to a 15-week life-style intervention (hypocaloric diet and daily exercise) after which plasma samples, AT, and SM biopsies were obtained. Analyses were performed by ELISA and RT-PCR respectively.
Results: IL-18 expression in isolated adipocytes was ~2% of that in SV cells. Plasma IL-18 was higher in obese subjects (P < 0.001) and associated with insulin resistance (HOMA; P < 0.001). AT expression of IL-18, CD14, and CD68 was higher in obese (P < 0.01). The intervention reduced body weight (P < 0.001), plasma IL-18 (P < 0.001), and increased insulin sensitivity (HOMA; P < 0.05). AT and SM expression of IL-18 remained unchanged after the intervention. Changes in plasma IL-18 were associated with changes in insulin sensitivity (P < 0.05) but not with BMI or AT expression of IL-18.
Conclusion: Plasma IL-18 is associated with changes in insulin resistance and reduced after weight loss. AT expression of IL-18 is increased in obesity but not affected by weight loss, indicating that changes in plasma IL-18 are related to insulin resistance rather than changes in obesity per se.
Evaluation of maternal thyroid function during pregnancy: the importance of using gestational age-specific reference intervals
Authors: Stricker Rt , Echenard M , Eberhart R , Chevailler M-C , Perez V , Quinn F A , Stricker Rn 
Published: September 2007

Background: Maternal thyroid dysfunction has been associated with a variety of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Laboratory measurement of thyroid function plays an important role in the assessment of maternal thyroid health. However, occult thyroid disease and physiologic changes associated with pregnancy can complicate interpretation of maternal thyroid function tests (TFTs).
Objective and methods: To 1) establish the prevalence of laboratory evidence for autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) in pregnant women; 2) establish gestational age-specific reference intervals for TFTs in women without AITD; and 3) examine the influence of reference intervals on the interpretation of TFT in pregnant women. Serum samples were collected from 2272 pregnant women, and TFT performed. Gestational age-specific reference intervals were determined in women without AITD, and then compared with the non-pregnant assay-specific reference intervals for interpretation of testing results.
Results: Thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO-Ab) and thyroglobulin antibodies (Tg-Ab) were positive in 10.4 and 15.7% of women respectively. TPO-Ab level was related to maternal age, but TPO-Ab status, Tg-Ab status, and Tg-Ab level were not. Women with TSH > 3.0 mIU/l were significantly more likely to be TPO-Ab positive. Gestational age-specific reference intervals for TFT were significantly different from non-pregnant normal reference intervals. Interpretation of TFT in pregnant women using non-pregnant reference intervals could potentially result in misclassification of a significant percentage of results (range: 5.6–18.3%).
Conclusion: Laboratory evidence for thyroid dysfunction was common in this population of pregnant women. Accurate classification of TFT in pregnant women requires the use of gestational age-specific reference intervals.
The comparison of serum vascular endothelial growth factor levels between patients with metastatic and non-metastatic thyroid cancer, and patients with nontoxic multinodular goiter
Authors: Klubo-Gwiezdzinska Joanna , Junik Roman , Kopczynska Ewa , Juraniec Olga , Kardymowicz Hanna 
Published: September 2007

Background: One of the important proangiogenic factors involved in the growth of normal and neoplastic tissues is vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).
Aim: We hypothesized that serum VEGF concentration would differ between patients with metastatic and non-metastatic thyroid cancer, multinodular goiter, and healthy subjects. We also hypothesized that endogenous TSH stimulation would affect serum VEGF level.
Subjects and methods: The study group consisted of 71 patients (62 females and 9 males), aged 44.9 ± 12.3 years, with differentiated thyroid cancer (50 papillary, 17 follicular, and 4 oxyphilic), treated in our department during the years 2003–2006. All patients had undergone total or near-total thyroidectomy and radioactive iodine treatment, that had resulted in remission in 59 patients and persistent/recurrent disease in 12 patients. The study included two control groups: 30 patients with nontoxic multinodular goiter and 30 healthy subjects.
Results: Serum VEGF concentrations were significantly higher in patients with distant metastases than those in remission or healthy patients. (423.4 vs 217.6 vs 235.55 pg/ml respectively, P < 0.05). This was not observed in patients with locoregional metastases. During endogenous TSH stimulation, VEGF decreased significantly (215.3 vs 169.6 pg/ml, P < 0.05). Patients with multinodular goiter showed significantly lower VEGF concentrations than the remaining study groups.
Conclusions: Serum VEGF concentration might be used as an additional marker of thyroid cancer with distant metastases, but its interpretation should be undertaken very cautiously. Endogenous TSH stimulation decreases VEGF levels in patients either with or without thyroid tissue, suggesting that its regulatory effects are through receptors located outside the thyrocytes.
Thyroid hormone is a critical determinant of myocardial performance in patients with heart failure: potential therapeutic implications
Authors: Pantos Constantinos , Dritsas Athanasios , Mourouzis Iordanis , Dimopoulos Antonios , Karatasakis Georgios , Athanassopoulos Georgios , Mavrogeni Sofia , Manginas Athanasios , Cokkinos Dennis V 
Published: September 2007

Objective: Previous experimental studies have provided evidence showing that changes in thyroid hormone signaling correspond to alterations in myocardial function in animal models of heart failure. The present study further explores whether thyroid hormone alterations are correlated with the functional status of the myocardium in patients with heart failure.
Methods: In this study, 37 patients with mean ejection fraction (EF%) of 26.2 (8.2) were included. Myocardial performance was assessed by echocardiography and cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Total tri-iodothyronine (T3), thyroxine, and TSH levels were measured in plasma.
Results: Total T3 was strongly correlated with VO2max (r = 0.78, P = 2 × 10−8). Furthermore, multivariate analysis revealed that total T3 was an independent predictor of VO2max (P = 0.000 005). A weaker but significant correlation was also found between total T3 and EF% (r = 0.56, P = 0.0004), systolic (r = 0.43, P = 0.009) and diastolic (r = 0.46, P = 0.004) blood pressure.
Conclusions: changes in thyroid hormone were closely correlated to myocardial functional status in patients with heart failure. These data probably indicate a possible role of thyroid hormone in the pathophysiology of heart failure and confirm previous experimental reports.
AcroBel – the Belgian registry on acromegaly: a survey of the ‘real-life’ outcome in 418 acromegalic subjects
Authors: Bex Marie , Abs Roger , T’Sjoen Guy , Mockel Jean , Velkeniers Brigitte , Muermans Katja , Maiter Dominique 
Published: September 2007

Objectives: To constitute a registry on acromegaly, AcroBel, to evaluate the epidemiology and quality of care of acromegaly in Belgium and Luxembourg.
Design: A nationwide survey from June 2003 till September 2004 aiming to collect data from all patients with acromegaly who had visited the participating endocrine clinics after 1 January 2000.
Methods: Retrospective data collection coupled to a visit within the survey period, allowing sampling of metabolic parameters and centralised determination of GH and IGF-I.
Results: Four hundred and eighteen patients (51% men) were included, of which 96 were new cases, giving a mean incidence of 1.9 cases per million (c.p.m.) per year. The global prevalence was 41 c.p.m. but varied between 21 and 61 among different areas. Twenty-eight deaths were reported at a median age of 68 years in men and 74 years in women. The standardised mortality rate was significantly increased only in irradiated patients (2.70; confidence interval 1.60–4.55). Central measurements were available in 316 (75%) patients. Mean GH was ≤ 2 μg/l in 65% and IGF-I was normal for age in 56%, while both criteria were fulfilled in 49%. Multimodal treatment was more effective than primary medical therapy, since 56.5% were controlled versus 24.3% (P < 0.0001).
Conclusions: AcroBel provides an excellent tool to analyse the prevalence, incidence, treatment modalities and outcome of acromegaly in Belgium. This real-life survey reveals that only half of acromegalic patients received an adequate therapy resulting in cure or disease control when stringent biochemical criteria are used.
Regional fat distribution in adolescents with anorexia nervosa: effect of duration of malnutrition and weight recovery
Authors: De Álvaro María Teresa García , Muñoz-Calvo María Teresa , Barrios Vicente , Martínez Guillermo , Martos-Moreno Gabriel Ángel , Hawkins Federico , Argente Jesús 
Published: September 2007

Objective: This study addresses the influence of the duration of malnutrition and the effect of weight recovery on regional fat mass distribution in moderately malnourished adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN).
Study design: We measured total and regional fat mass and leptin levels in 42 restrictive AN female adolescents and 23 controls. AN patients, followed over 2 years, were divided into three groups: prolonged moderate malnutrition (PM; secondary amenorrhea for over 1 year, n = 14); SM, short period of moderate malnutrition (secondary amenorrhea for less than 1 year, n = 13); and R, recovered from AN (BMI, body mass index and menses recovered for over 6 months, n = 15).
Results: Total, trunk, and extremity fat mass were reduced in the PM and SM groups (P < 0.05), whereas only PM patients showed altered regional fat distribution with a low trunk to extremity fat ratio (P < 0.05). BMI increased after 12 months only in the SM group (P < 0.05), with menses resumption in 69% of these patients and BMI normalization at 24 months. Their regional fat distribution was similar to controls throughout the study. No difference in any parameter was found between the R group and the controls.
Conclusion: Prolonged malnutrition, but not weight recovery, is associated with an abnormal regional fat distribution pattern in moderately malnourished AN adolescents.