Background: Individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are more prone to experiencing severe cardiovascular (CV) events, often occurring at a younger age, due to a complex interplay of risk factors. T2DM diagnosis inherently classifies patients as belonging to a higher CV risk group. In light of the increased susceptibility to severe CV outcomes, our study aims to assess the distribution of CV risk categories and the attainment of therapeutic targets among Romanian patients diagnosed with T2DM. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was performed, including 885 patients diagnosed with T2DM who were consecutively admitted to a secondary care hospital unit between January and July 2019. Data collection included demographics, lipid profile, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), blood pressure (BP), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and medication specifics for T2DM and associated conditions. Patients were stratified into CV risk categories based on the ESC/EAS guidelines, encompassing moderate, high, and very high risk categories. The rationale for selecting these guidelines for CV risk categories was that they were current and provided best practice recommendations for T2DM patients during the cross-sectional evaluation. We assessed therapeutic target achievement rates for LDL-C, HbA1C, and BP for each CV risk category. Additionally, we examined utilization rates of statins and novel cardio- and reno-protective, non-insulin antidiabetic medications. Results: The group’s average age was 62.9 ± 7.7 years and comprised 53.7% females. An average HbA1c level of 7.1 ± 1.3% was observed in the group. Within the cohort, 83% had hypertension, with a mean systolic BP of 132 ± 16.2 mm Hg and mean diastolic BP of 80 ± 9.6 mm Hg. Additionally, 64.6% of patients were obese, with a mean body mass index of 32.3 ± 5.3 kg/m2. Mean LDL-C levels varied across the different CV risk categories: 106.6 ± 35.6 mg/dL in the very high risk category, 113 ± 39.3 mg/dL in the high risk category, and 124.3 ± 38.3 mg/dL in the moderate risk category. Most treatment schemes included metformin (87.0%) and statins (67.0%), with variable use rates for other glucose-lowering and CV risk-modifying therapies. The percentage of patients using GLP-1 RAs was 8.1%, while 3.9% used SGLT2 inhibitors. Conclusions: Most Romanian patients with T2DM are at very high or high CV risk. Despite reaching glycemic control targets, most patients are not achieving the composite target, which includes, besides glycemic control, BP values and lipid profile. Many patients with T2DM are not benefiting from DM therapies with additional cardiorenal benefits or statins.
Abstract Background. Familial hypercholesterolemia(FH) is one of the most frequent and important monogenic cholesterol pathologies. Traditional and nontraditional cardiovascular risk factors increase the prevalence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease(ASCVD) in this population. The aims of the study were: (a)to identify FH patients in the North-Eastern part of Romania and to analyze demographic, clinical and paraclinical data (b)to evaluate the risk of new cardiovascular events at follow-up in FH patients stratified by lipid-lowering agents. Methods. This first prospective study in the North-Eastern part of Romania was carried out between October 2017 and October 2019; out of 980 patients with dyslipidemia evaluated with the Dutch Lipid Network(DLCN) and Simon Broome(SM) scores, 61 patients with DLCN score above 3 and possible/probable FH (SM score) were included. Results. The 61 subjects with clinical diagnosis of FH (6.2% of all patients examined) recorded a mean age of 48.5±12.5 years, with more female patients than male patients. Hypertension was the main cardiovascular risk factor for both genders, followed by physical inactivity and obesity for the female group and active smoking for the male group. The measured DLCN score recorded: “possible” FH identified in 39.4%, “probable” FH in 45.9% and “definite” FH in 14.7%. As far as treatment was concerned, the effective lipid-lowering drugs were statin alone and statin in association with fenofibrate, which improved both the lipid profile values and the subclinical atherosclerosis markers (ankle-brachial index, carotid intima-media thickness and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein). New ASCVDs that emerged during the study were most commonly represented by coronary heart disease and stroke. At the same time, the new CV events were delayed in patients receiving the lipid-lowering drugs, without significant differences between them. Conclusions. In patients with suspected FH, the lipid-lowering agents during the follow-up delayed the new cardiovascular events, yet failed to reach the goals proposed by the guidelines.
Abstract Background. Familial hypercholesterolemia(FH) is one of the most frequent and important monogenic cholesterol pathologies. Traditional and non-traditional cardiovascular risk factors increase the prevalence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease(ASCVD) in this population. The aims of the study were:(a) to identify FH patients in the North-Eastern part of Romania and to analyze demographic, clinical and paraclinical data (b) to evaluate the risk of new cardiovascular events at follow-up in FH patients stratified by lipid-lowering agents. Methods. This first prospective study in the North-Eastern part of Romania was carried out between October 2017 and October 2019; out of 980 patients with dyslipidemia evaluated with the Dutch Lipid Network(DLCN) and Simon Broome(SM) scores, 61 patients with DLCN score above 3 and possible/probable FH(SM score) were included. Results. 980 patients were examined and 61 (6.2%) were received the clinical diagnosis of FH. The mean age was 48.5±12.5 years, with more female patients than male patients (63.9% versus 36%). Hypertension was the main cardiovascular risk factor for both genders, followed by physical inactivity and obesity for the female group and active smoking for the male group. The measured DLCN score recorded: “possible” FH identified in 39.4%, “probable” FH in 45.9% and “definite” FH in 14.7%. The effective lipid-lowering drugs used were statin alone and statin in association with fenofibrate, which improved both the lipid profile values and the subclinical atherosclerosis markers (ankle-brachial index, carotid intima-media thickness and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein). New ASCVDs that emerged during the study were most commonly represented by coronary heart disease and stroke. At the same time, the new cardiovascular events were delayed in patients receiving the lipid-lowering drugs, without significant differences between them. Conclusions. In patients with suspected FH, the lipid-lowering agents during the follow-up period delayed the new cardiovascular events, yet failed to reach the goals proposed by the guidelines.
Background: In the last few decades, it has been emphasized that dopamine, a well-known neurotransmitter with multiple roles in central nervous system, is also implicated in the activity of peripheral tissues and organs, more specifically influencing the gastrointestinal system (GI). Methods: We registered a protocol under the CRD42024547935 identifier in the Prospero register of systematic reviews. Furthermore, using the Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, and Study Design strategy to guide our study rationale, and under the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses recommendations, we conducted a qualitative systematic literature search based on the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases using the “gastric cancers AND dopamine” search criteria. We obtained 68 articles from PubMed, 142 articles from Scopus, and 99 articles from the Web of Science database. Results: Within gastric cancer biology, dopamine has notable effects on STAT-3 and DARPP-32. STAT-3, a transcription factor involved in cellular proliferation and invasion, plays a significant role in cancer progression. Conclusions: Understanding the roles of dopamine in cancer, beyond aspects such as cancer cell invasion, immune response modulation, or tumor growth, could guide the development of new cancer therapies by modulating its pathways, especially the DARPP-32/CXCR4/CXCL-12 complex axis, in order to improve the morbidity and mortality caused by this type of cancer.
Worldwide, metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a significant public health concern, especially since more than fifty percent of people with type 2 diabetes are affected by it. This pathological condition includes all states of fatty liver disease, from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to steatohepatitis (NASH). Prolonged evolutions can lead to cirrhosis and cancer, so treatment must be started early. Hepatic steatosis may be improved by sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2 inhibitors), which prevent glucose reabsorption in the proximal renal tubule and increase urinary excretion, thus lowering plasma glucose levels. Experimental studies in animal models have suggested that SGLT2 inhibitors may have beneficial modulatory effects on NAFLD and NASH, while numerous clinical trials have demonstrated their favorable effects on the liver enzymes, body mass index, blood lipids, blood glucose, and insulin resistance in NAFLD patients. This review highlights the state of knowledge regarding the epidemiology, diagnosis and pathogenetic pathways of MAFLD, focusing primarily on the effectiveness of SGLT2 inhibitors as a promising drug class in the treatment of NAFLD.
Abstract Background. Familial hypercholesterolemia(FH) is one of the most frequent and important monogenic cholesterol pathologies. Traditional and non-traditional cardiovascular risk factors increase the prevalence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease(ASCVD) in this population. The aims of the study were:(a) to identify FH patients in the North-Eastern part of Romania and to analyze demographic, clinical and paraclinical data (b) to evaluate the risk of new cardiovascular events at follow-up in FH patients stratified by lipid-lowering agents. Methods. This first prospective study in the North-Eastern part of Romania was carried out between October 2017 and October 2019; out of 980 patients with dyslipidemia evaluated with the Dutch Lipid Network(DLCN) and Simon Broome(SM) scores, 61 patients with DLCN score above 3 and possible/probable FH(SM score) were included. Results. 980 patients were examined and 61 (6.2%) were received the clinical diagnosis of FH. The mean age was 48.5±12.5 years, with more female patients than male patients (63.9% versus 36%). Hypertension was the main cardiovascular risk factor for both genders, followed by physical inactivity and obesity for the female group and active smoking for the male group. The measured DLCN score recorded: “possible” FH identified in 39.4%, “probable” FH in 45.9% and “definite” FH in 14.7%. The effective lipid-lowering drugs used were statin alone and statin in association with fenofibrate, which improved both the lipid profile values and the subclinical atherosclerosis markers (ankle-brachial index, carotid intima-media thickness and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein). New ASCVDs that emerged during the study were most commonly represented by coronary heart disease and stroke. At the same time, the new CV events were delayed in patients receiving the lipid-lowering drugs, without significant differences between them. Conclusions. In patients with suspected FH, the lipid-lowering agents during the follow-up period delayed the new cardiovascular events, yet failed to reach the goals proposed by the guidelines.
Abstract Background. Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is one of the most frequent and important monogenic cholesterol pathologies. Traditional and nontraditional cardiovascular risk factors increase the prevalence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in this population. Objective. (a)To identify FH patients in the North-Eastern part of Romania and to analyze demographic, clinical and paraclinical data (b)to identify of new cardiovascular events in FH patients throughout the follow-up based on the administrated lipid lowering drugs. Methods. This first prospective study in the North-Eastern part of Romania was carried out between October 2017 and October 2019; out of 980 patients with dyslipidemia evaluated with the Dutch Lipid Network (DLCN) and Simon Broome (SM) scores, only 61 patients with DLCN score above 3 and possible/probable FH (SM score) were included. Results. The 61 FH subjects recorded a mean age of 48.5±12.5 years, with more female patients than male patients. Hypertension was the main cardiovascular risk factor for both sexes, followed by physical inactivity and obesity for the female FH group and active smoker for the male FH group. The measured DLCN score recorded: “possible” FH identified in 39.4%, “probable” FH in 45.9% and “definite” FH in 14.7%. After the administration of the lipid-lowering agents for 24 months, low-density cholesterol lipoprotein(LDL-C) levels and carotid intima-media thickness(cIMT) have decreased, while the ankle-brachial index(ABI) and high-density cholesterol lipoprotein(HDL-C) levels have increased. Also, the cIMT values over 0.9mm, total cholesterol(TC), triglyceride(TG), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hsCRP) levels were associated with an increased risk of ASCVD. In addition, statins administrated in monotherapy have delayed de new cardiovascular events. Conclusions. To obtain a reduction of cardiovascular events, FH patients need cascade screening for early identification and a specific management with possible administration of monoclonal antibodies, despite the significant socio-economic barriers.
(1) Background. We aimed to assess long-term efficacy and safety in inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes (T2DM) of two SGLT-2 inhibitors: empagliflozin (Empa) and dapagliflozin (Dapa), combined with metformin, other oral antidiabetics or insulin, according to the protocols in Romania. (2) Methods. The data of 100 patients treated for T2DM with associated dyslipidemia and/or cardiovascular diseases at the University Hospital and Consultmed Medical Center in Iasi were retrospectively reviewed (2017-2021). In total, 48 patients had received dapagliflozin (10 mg with oral antidiabetics or insulin) and 52 patients received empagliflozin (10 mg /25 mg with oral antidiabetics). (3) Results. In both groups, the lowering of BMI was significant: Dapa group (32.04 ± 4.49 vs. 31.40 ± 4.18 kg/m
Abstract Background. Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is one of the most frequent and important monogenic cholesterol pathology. Traditional and nontraditional cardiovascular risk factors increase the prevalence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in this population. Objective. To establish the prevalence and the cardiovascular risk factors of FH population, to identify the ASCVD through the clinico-biological and imaging modifications during the 24-months follow-up. Methods. This first prospective study in the north-eastern part of Romania, carried out between October 2017-October 2019, out of 980 patients with dyslipidemia evaluated with the Dutch Lipid Network (DLCN) and Simone Broome (SM) scores, only 61 patients with DLCN score above 3 and FH possible/probably (SM score) were included. Results. The 61 FH subjects recorded a mean age of 48.46±12.53 years, with more women compared to men. Regarding the traditional cardiovascular risk factors, we identified that high blood pressure was the main factor in all patients, followed by sedentary lifestyle, obesity, smoker status, personal cardiovascular history and type 2 diabetes. The measured DLCN score recorded: “possible” FH identified in 39.4%, the “probable”FH in 45.9% and the “definite” FH in 14.7%. After the administration of the lipid-lowering agents for 24 months, TC and LDL-C levels, carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and ankle-brachial index (ABI) decreased and HDL-C levels increased, but without reaching the guideline goals. In addition, the high-dose of statin alone, the high-dose of statin with fenofibrate, subjects with „possible” FH, the normal values of cIMT and ABI, had a reduced time of ASCVD occurrence. Also, the high cIMT values, physical inactivity, high TC, TG and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels were associated with an increased risk of ASCVD. Conclusions. To reduce cardiovascular risk, the FH patients need a cascade screening and a specific management. Even though it was the first observational study in the north-eastern part of Romania, further molecular genetics studies are needed to confirm the FH cases.
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