Taurine, a cysteine-derived zwitterionic sulfonic acid, is a common ingredient in energy drinks and is naturally found in fish and other seafood. In humans, taurine is produced mainly in the liver, and it can also be obtained from food. In target tissues, such as the retina, heart, and skeletal muscle, it functions as an essential antioxidant, osmolyte, and antiapoptotic agent. Taurine is also involved in energy metabolism and calcium homeostasis. Taurine plays a considerable role in bone growth and development, and high-profile reports have demonstrated the importance of its metabolism for bone health. However, these reports have not been collated for more than 10 years. Therefore, this review focuses on taurine–bone interactions and covers recently discovered aspects of taurine’s effects on osteoblastogenesis, osteoclastogenesis, bone structure, and bone pathologies (e.g., osteoporosis and fracture healing), with due attention to the taurine–cartilage relationship.
High levels of triglycerides (TG) and triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TGRLs) confer a residual risk of cardiovascular disease after optimal low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)–lowering therapy. Consensus has been made that LDL-C is a non-arguable primary target for lipid lowering treatment, but the optimization of TGRL for reducing the remnant risk of cardiovascular diseases is urged. Omega-3 fatty acids and fibrates are used to reduce TG levels, but many patients still have high TG and TGRL levels combined with low high-density lipoprotein concentration that need to be ideally treated. Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is a key regulator for TGs that hydrolyzes TGs to glycerol and free fatty acids in lipoprotein particles for lipid storage and consumption in peripheral organs. A deeper understanding of human genetics has enabled the identification of proteins regulating the LPL activity, which include the apolipoproteins and angiopoietin-like families. Novel therapeutic approach such as antisense oligonucleotides and monoclonal antibodies that regulate TGs have been developed in recent decades. In this article, we focus on the biology of LPL and its modulators and review recent clinical application, including genetic studies and clinical trials of novel therapeutics. Optimization of LPL activity to lower TG levels could eventually reduce incident atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in conjunction with successful LDL-C reduction.
Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by
High producer variant of lipoprotein lipase may protect from hepatocellular carcinoma in alcohol-associated cirrhosis Franziska Schmalz, Janett Fischer, Hamish Innes, Stephan Buch, Christine Möller, Madlen Matz-Soja, Witigo von Schönfels, Benjamin Krämer, Bettina Langhans, Alexandra Klüners, Michael Soyka, Felix Stickel, Jacob Nattermann, Christian P. Strassburg, Thomas JHEP Reports.2023; 5(4): 100684. CrossRef
Measurement of Serum Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Triglyceride-Rich Remnant Cholesterol as Independent Predictors of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: Possibilities and Limitations Dieter Lütjohann, Hans-Ulrich Klör, Frans Stellaard Nutrients.2023; 15(9): 2202. CrossRef
A plethora of negative long-term outcomes have been associated with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). The causes are multiple and involve supra-physiological gluco- and mineralocorticoid replacement, excess adrenal androgens both intrauterine and postnatal, elevated steroid precursor and adrenocorticotropic hormone levels, living with a congenital condition as well as the proximity of the cytochrome P450 family 21 subfamily A member 2 (CYP21A2) gene to other genes. This review aims to discuss the different long-term outcomes of CAH.
Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia: New biomarkers and adult treatments Bleuenn Dreves, Yves Reznik, Antoine Tabarin Annales d'Endocrinologie.2023;[Epub] CrossRef
Interpretation of Steroid Biomarkers in 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency and Their Use in Disease Management Kyriakie Sarafoglou, Deborah P Merke, Nicole Reisch, Hedi Claahsen-van der Grinten, Henrik Falhammar, Richard J Auchus The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.2023;[Epub] CrossRef
Approach of Heterogeneous Spectrum Involving 3beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase 2 Deficiency Andreea Gabriela Nicola, Mara Carsote, Ana-Maria Gheorghe, Eugenia Petrova, Alexandru Dan Popescu, Adela Nicoleta Staicu, Mihaela Jana Țuculină, Cristian Petcu, Ionela Teodora Dascălu, Tiberiu Tircă Diagnostics.2022; 12(9): 2168. CrossRef
Effetti di Crinecerfont sulla secrezione di ACTH nell’iperplasia surrenalica congenita: uno studio di fase 2 Marianna Rita Stancampiano, Silvia Laura Carla Meroni, Giovanna Weber, Gianni Russo L'Endocrinologo.2022; 23(6): 662. CrossRef
Accurate measurement of cortisol is critical in adrenal insufficiency as it reduces the risk associated with misdiagnosis and supports the optimization of stress dose. Comprehensive assays have been developed to determine the levels of bioactive free cortisol and their clinical and analytical efficacies have been extensively discussed because the level of total cortisol is affected by changes in the structure or circulating levels of corticoid-binding globulin and albumin, which are the main reservoirs of cortisol in the human body. Antibody-based immunoassays are routinely used in clinical laboratories; however, the lack of molecular specificity in cortisol assessment limits their applicability to characterize adrenocortical function. Improved specificity and sensitivity can be achieved by mass spectrometry coupled with chromatographic separation methods, which is a cutting-edge technology to measure individual as well as a panel of steroids in a single analytical run. The purpose of this review is to introduce recent advances in free cortisol measurement from the perspectives of clinical specimens and issues associated with prospective analytical technologies.
Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by
Osteopathic Manipulation as a Method of Cortisol Modification: A Systematic Review Dylan Thibaut, Valentine Santarlas, Joseph Hoppes, Alejandra Vásquez-Castillo, Alexa Morrow, Eddie Oviedo, James Toldi Cureus.2023;[Epub] CrossRef
Pitfalls in the Diagnosis and Management of Hypercortisolism (Cushing Syndrome) in Humans; A Review of the Laboratory Medicine Perspective Kade C. Flowers, Kate E. Shipman Diagnostics.2023; 13(8): 1415. CrossRef
Corticotropin-stimulated steroid profiles to predict shock development and mortality in sepsis: From the HYPRESS study Josef Briegel, Patrick Möhnle, Didier Keh, Johanna M. Lindner, Anna C. Vetter, Holger Bogatsch, Dorothea Lange, Sandra Frank, Ludwig C. Hinske, Djillali Annane, Michael Vogeser, Michael Bauer, Thorsten Brenner, Patrick Meybohm, Markus Weigand, Matthias Gr Critical Care.2022;[Epub] CrossRef
Pituitary surgery has advanced considerably in recent years with the exploration and development of various endoscopic approaches and techniques. Different endoscopic skull base approaches are being applied to access sellar tumors in different locations. Moreover, extracapsular dissection and cavernous sinus exploration have enabled gross total resection of sellar tumors where it could not have been achieved in the past. Techniques for skull base reconstruction have also progressed, allowing surgeons to remove larger and more complicated tumors than before. This review article discusses different endoscopic skull base approaches, surgical techniques for removing pituitary adenomas, and reconstruction methods for repairing postoperative low-flow and high-flow cerebrospinal fluid leakage.
Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by
Serum and hair steroid profiles in patients with nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma undergoing surgery: A prospective observational study Seung Shin Park, Yong Hwy Kim, Ho Kang, Chang Ho Ahn, Dong Jun Byun, Man Ho Choi, Jung Hee Kim The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.2023; 230: 106276. CrossRef
Pituitary disease and anaesthesia Kim Rhodes, Robert John, Astri Luoma Anaesthesia & Intensive Care Medicine.2023;[Epub] CrossRef
Орфанні ендокринні захворювання: сучасні тенденції хірургічного лікування в Україні M.D. Tronko, B.B. Guda Endokrynologia.2022; 27(4): 287. CrossRef
Background Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the central players interacting with multiple cell types in liver fibrosis. The crosstalk between HSCs and macrophages has recently become clearer. Irisin, an exercise-responsive myokine, was known to have a potentially protective role in liver and renal fibrosis, especially in connection with stellate cells. This study investigated the effects of irisin on the interaction between HSCs and macrophages.
Methods Tamm-Horsfall protein-1 (THP-1) human monocytes were differentiated into macrophages, polarized into the inflammatory M1 phenotype with lipopolysaccharide. Lieming Xu-2 (LX-2) cells, human HSCs, were treated with conditioned media (CM) from M1 macrophages, with or without recombinant irisin. HSCs responses to CM from M1 macrophages were evaluated regarding activation, proliferation, wound healing, trans-well migration, contractility, and related signaling pathway.
Results CM from M1 macrophages significantly promoted HSC proliferation, wound healing, transwell migration, and contractility, but not activation of HSCs. Irisin co-treatment attenuated these responses of HSCs to CM. However, CM and irisin treatment did not induce any changes in HSC activation. Further, irisin co-treatment alleviated CM-induced increase of phopho-protein kinase B (pAKT), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1).
Conclusion These findings suggested that irisin may play a protective role in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis, especially when working in the crosstalk between HSCs and macrophages.
The effect of sarcopenia and serum myokines on prognosis and survival in cirrhotic patients: a multicenter cross-sectional study Salih Boga, Abdullah Emre Yildirim, Enver Ucbilek, Ali Riza Koksal, Sevil Tokdemir Sisman, Ibrahim Durak, Ilker Sen, Beril Dogu, Erdinc Serin, Ayse Bolat Ucbilek, Makbule Ozge Yildirim, Sukru Mehmet Erturk, Huseyin Alkim, Canan Alkim European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology.2022; 34(12): 1261. CrossRef
Background High cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) protects against age-related diseases. However, the mechanisms mediating the protective effect of high intrinsic CRF against metabolic, cardiac, and brain impairments in non-obese versus obese conditions remain incompletely understood. We aimed to identify the mechanisms through which high intrinsic CRF protects against metabolic, cardiac, and brain impairments in non-obese versus obese untrained rats.
Methods Seven-week-old male Wistar rats were divided into two groups (n=8 per group) to receive either a normal diet or a highfat diet (HFD). At weeks 12 and 28, CRF, carbohydrate and fatty acid oxidation, cardiac function, and metabolic parameters were evaluated. At week 28, behavior tests were performed. At the end of week 28, rats were euthanized to collect heart and brain samples for molecular studies.
Results The obese rats exhibited higher values for aging-related parameters than the non-obese rats, indicating that they experienced obesity-induced premature aging. High baseline CRF levels were positively correlated with several favorable metabolic, cardiac, and brain parameters at follow-up. Specifically, the protective effects of high CRF against metabolic, cardiac, and brain impairments were mediated by the modulation of body weight and composition, the lipid profile, substrate oxidation, mitochondrial function, insulin signaling, autophagy, apoptosis, inflammation, oxidative stress, cardiac function, neurogenesis, blood-brain barrier, synaptic function, accumulation of Alzheimer’s disease-related proteins, and cognition. Interestingly, this effect was more obvious in HFD-fed rats.
Conclusion The protective effect of high CRF is mediated by the modulation of several mechanisms. These effects exhibit greater efficacy under conditions of obesity-induced premature aging.
Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by
Interplay between obesity and aging on myocardial geometry and function: Role of leptin-STAT3-stress signaling Wei Jin, Fei Tu, Feng Dong, Qinqin Deng, Miyesaier Abudureyimu, Wei Yu, Guo-jun Cai, Jian-ming Pei, Zhaohui Pei, Jun Ren Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - General Subjects.2023; 1867(2): 130281. CrossRef
Epidemiological, mechanistic, and practical bases for assessment of cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle status in adults in healthcare settings Jaime A. Gallo-Villegas, Juan C. Calderón European Journal of Applied Physiology.2023; 123(5): 945. CrossRef
Background The prevalence of young-onset diabetes (YOD) has been increasing worldwide. As the incidence of YOD increases, it is necessary to determine the characteristics of YOD and the factors that influence its development and associated complications.
Methods In this retrospective study, we recruited patients who were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus between June 2001 and December 2021 at a tertiary hospital. The study population was categorized according to age: YOD (age <40 years), middle-age-onset diabetes (MOD, 40≤ age <65 years), and late-onset diabetes (LOD, age ≥65 years). We examined trends in glycemic control by analyzing fasting glucose levels during the first year in each age group. A Cox proportional-hazards model was used to determine the relative risk of developing complications according to glycemic control trends.
Results The fasting glucose level at the time of diagnosis was highest in the YOD group (YOD 149±65 mg/dL; MOD 143±54 mg/dL; and LOD 140±55 mg/dL; p=0.009). In the YOD group, glucose levels decreased at 3 months, but increased by 12 months. YOD patients and those with poor glycemic control in the first year were at a higher risk of developing complications, whereas the risk in patients with LOD was not statistically significant.
Conclusion YOD patients had higher glucose levels at diagnosis, and their glycemic control was poorly maintained. As poor glycemic control can influence the development of complications, especially in young patients, intensive treatment is necessary for patients with YOD.
Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by
Characteristics of Glycemic Control and Long-Term Complications in Patients with Young-Onset Type 2 Diabetes (Endocrinol Metab 2022;37:641-51, Han-sang Baek et al.) Han-sang Baek, Ji-Yeon Park, Jin Yu, Joonyub Lee, Yeoree Yang, Jeonghoon Ha, Seung Hwan Lee, Jae Hyoung Cho, Dong-Jun Lim, Hun-Sung Kim Endocrinology and Metabolism.2022; 37(6): 945. CrossRef
ISPAD
Clinical Practice Consensus Guidelines 2022: Management of the child, adolescent, and young adult with diabetes in limited resource settings
Anju Virmani, Stuart J. Brink, Angela Middlehurst, Fauzia Mohsin, Franco Giraudo, Archana Sarda, Sana Ajmal, Julia E. von Oettingen, Kuben Pillay, Supawadee Likitmaskul, Luis Eduardo Calliari, Maria E. Craig Pediatric Diabetes.2022; 23(8): 1529. CrossRef
Characteristics of Glycemic Control and Long-Term Complications in Patients with Young-Onset Type 2 Diabetes (Endocrinol Metab 2022;37:641-51, Han-sang Baek et al.) May Thu Hla Aye, Sajid Adhi Raja, Vui Heng Chong Endocrinology and Metabolism.2022; 37(6): 943. CrossRef
Heera Yang, Hyunju Park, Hyun Jin Ryu, Jung Heo, Jung-Sun Kim, Young Lyun Oh, Jun-Ho Choe, Jung Han Kim, Jee Soo Kim, Hye Won Jang, Tae Hyuk Kim, Sun Wook Kim, Jae Hoon Chung
Endocrinol Metab. 2022;37(4):652-663. Published online July 22, 2022
Background Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter mutations are associated with increased recurrence and mortality in patients with thyroid carcinoma. Previous studies on TERT promoter mutations were retrospectively conducted on a limited number of patients.
Methods We prospectively collected data on all consecutive patients who underwent thyroid carcinoma surgery between January 2019 and December 2020 at the Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea. We included 2,092 patients with thyroid carcinoma.
Results Of 2,092 patients, 72 patients (3.4%) had TERT promoter mutations. However, the frequency of TERT promoter mutations was 0.5% in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) ≤1 cm and it was 5.8% in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) >1 cm. The frequency of TERT promoter mutations was significantly associated with older age at diagnosis (odds ratio [OR], 1.12; P<0.001), larger primary tumor size (OR, 2.02; P<0.001), and aggressive histological type (OR, 7.78 in follicular thyroid carcinoma; OR, 10.33 in poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma; OR, 45.92 in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma; P<0.001). Advanced T stage, advanced N stage, and distant metastasis at diagnosis were highly prevalent in mutated thyroid cancers. However, initial distant metastasis was not present in patients with TERT promoter mutations in PTMC. Although the C228T mutation was more highly detected than the C250T mutation (64 cases vs. 7 cases), there were no significant clinicopathological differences.
Conclusion This study is the first attempt to investigate the frequency of TERT promoter mutations in a real-world setting. The frequency of TERT promoter mutations in PTC was lower than expected, and in PTMC, young patients, and female patients, the frequency was very low.
Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by
Deciphering the Functions of Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase in Head and Neck Cancer Tsung-Jang Yeh, Chi-Wen Luo, Jeng-Shiun Du, Chien-Tzu Huang, Min-Hung Wang, Tzer-Ming Chuang, Yuh-Ching Gau, Shih-Feng Cho, Yi-Chang Liu, Hui-Hua Hsiao, Li-Tzong Chen, Mei-Ren Pan, Hui-Ching Wang, Sin-Hua Moi Biomedicines.2023; 11(3): 691. CrossRef
TERT Promoter and BRAF V600E Mutations in Papillary Thyroid Cancer: A Single-Institution Experience in Korea Min Jhi Kim, Jin Kyong Kim, Gi Jeong Kim, Sang-Wook Kang, Jandee Lee, Jong Ju Jeong, Woong Youn Chung, Daham Kim, Kee-Hyun Nam Cancers.2022; 14(19): 4928. CrossRef
Frequency of TERT Promoter Mutations in Real-World Analysis of 2,092 Thyroid Carcinoma Patients (Endocrinol Metab 2022;37:652-63, Heera Yang et al.) Hyunju Park, Jae Hoon Chung Endocrinology and Metabolism.2022; 37(6): 949. CrossRef
Frequency of TERT Promoter Mutations in Real-World Analysis of 2,092 Thyroid Carcinoma Patients (Endocrinol Metab 2022;37:652-63, Heera Yang et al.) Sue Youn Kim, Chan Kwon Jung Endocrinology and Metabolism.2022; 37(6): 947. CrossRef
Background Patients with thyroid cancer undergo less extensive surgery and additional therapies compared to those with other cancers. We aimed to compare the quality of life (QoL) between patients with thyroid cancer and healthy subjects using representative data from Korea. Differences in QoL of thyroid cancer survivors according to the duration after cancer diagnosis was also evaluated.
Methods This population-based cohort study included 50,278 subjects who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2007 and 2017. QoL was compared between patients with thyroid cancer and healthy subjects using self-reported data from the EuroQoL (EQ)-5 dimension (5D) and EQ-visual analog scale (VAS). Propensity score matching was used to match thyroid cancer survivors to healthy subjects (1:5 matching).
Results Linear regression with univariate analysis showed that the presence of thyroid cancer was positively correlated with better EQ-5D index scores (β-coefficient=0.010, p=0.046). After adjusting for multiple covariables, statistical significance was maintained. EQ-VAS fails to demonstrate any significant correlation. Among the EQ-5D categories, patients with thyroid cancer showed better self-care than healthy subjects. Thyroid cancer duration did not correlate with the EQ-5D index score. In subgroup analyses, compared to patients with thyroid cancer duration of <5 years, no significant difference was observed in the correlation between the EQ-5D index score and survival duration in those with thyroid cancer duration of 5 to 9 years and ≥10 years.
Conclusion Using a large-scale nationwide population-based database, our study demonstrated better QoL, especially in terms of self-care, among thyroid cancer survivors than among healthy subjects without cancer.
Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by
Quality of Life Considerations in Patients Treated for Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Jie Liu Clinical Thyroidology.2023; 35(4): 160. CrossRef
Background Since image-based fracture prediction models using deep learning are lacking, we aimed to develop an X-ray-based fracture prediction model using deep learning with longitudinal data.
Methods This study included 1,595 participants aged 50 to 75 years with at least two lumbosacral radiographs without baseline fractures from 2010 to 2015 at Seoul National University Hospital. Positive and negative cases were defined according to whether vertebral fractures developed during follow-up. The cases were divided into training (n=1,416) and test (n=179) sets. A convolutional neural network (CNN)-based prediction algorithm, DeepSurv, was trained with images and baseline clinical information (age, sex, body mass index, glucocorticoid use, and secondary osteoporosis). The concordance index (C-index) was used to compare performance between DeepSurv and the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) and Cox proportional hazard (CoxPH) models.
Results Of the total participants, 1,188 (74.4%) were women, and the mean age was 60.5 years. During a mean follow-up period of 40.7 months, vertebral fractures occurred in 7.5% (120/1,595) of participants. In the test set, when DeepSurv learned with images and clinical features, it showed higher performance than FRAX and CoxPH in terms of C-index values (DeepSurv, 0.612; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.571 to 0.653; FRAX, 0.547; CoxPH, 0.594; 95% CI, 0.552 to 0.555). Notably, the DeepSurv method without clinical features had a higher C-index (0.614; 95% CI, 0.572 to 0.656) than that of FRAX in women.
Conclusion DeepSurv, a CNN-based prediction algorithm using baseline image and clinical information, outperformed the FRAX and CoxPH models in predicting osteoporotic fracture from spine radiographs in a longitudinal cohort.
Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by
A Meaningful Journey to Predict Fractures with Deep Learning Jeonghoon Ha Endocrinology and Metabolism.2022; 37(4): 617. CrossRef
New Horizons: Artificial Intelligence Tools for Managing Osteoporosis Hans Peter Dimai The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.2022;[Epub] CrossRef
Background Muscle atrophy is caused by an imbalance between muscle growth and wasting. Delta-like 1 homolog (DLK1), a protein that modulates adipogenesis and muscle development, is a crucial regulator of myogenic programming. Thus, we investigated the effect of exogenous DLK1 on muscular atrophy.
Methods We used muscular atrophy mouse model induced by dexamethasone (Dex). The mice were randomly divided into three groups: (1) control group, (2) Dex-induced muscle atrophy group, and (3) Dex-induced muscle atrophy group treated with DLK1. The effects of DLK1 were also investigated in an in vitro model using C2C12 myotubes.
Results Dex-induced muscular atrophy in mice was associated with increased expression of muscle atrophy markers and decreased expression of muscle differentiation markers, while DLK1 treatment attenuated these degenerative changes together with reduced expression of the muscle growth inhibitor, myostatin. In addition, electron microscopy revealed that DLK1 treatment improved mitochondrial dynamics in the Dex-induced atrophy model. In the in vitro model of muscle atrophy, normalized expression of muscle differentiation markers by DLK1 treatment was mitigated by myostatin knockdown, implying that DLK1 attenuates muscle atrophy through the myostatin pathway.
Conclusion DLK1 treatment inhibited muscular atrophy by suppressing myostatin-driven signaling and improving mitochondrial biogenesis. Thus, DLK1 might be a promising candidate to treat sarcopenia, characterized by muscle atrophy and degeneration.