Current Issue : July-September Volume : 2026 Issue Number : 3 Articles : 5 Articles
Metabolic syndrome (MtS) is a growing global health concern, with genetic factors playing a significant role in its development. This study aimed to examine the association between ADIPOQ polymorphisms and MtS, as well as their relationships with adiponectin levels in the Vietnamese population. Metabolic parameters and genotyping data were collected from 160 individuals diagnosed with MtS according to the 2005 International Diabetes Federation criteria, and 160 control subjects. The results reveal a significant association between rs266729 and MtS, with a log-additive OR = 1.46 (95% CI: 1.02–2.09, p = 0.038). Carriers of the G allele also exhibit lower median adiponectin levels: 6.69 (3.84–10.52) μg/mL for C/C, 6.55 (3.32–9.52) μg/mL for G/C, and 4.28 (3.14–6.38) μg/mL for G/G, p for trend = 0.036. In contrast, the associations of rs2241766 and rs1501299 with MtS did not reach statistical significance in this cohort. However, adiponectin levels also show a trend of progressively decreasing with increasing numbers of minor alleles in the genotypes, particularly in the control group, p for trend = 0.02 and 0.044, respectively. These findings underscore the importance of genetic variations in regulating adiponectin, especially during the early stages of metabolic disturbances, and call for further research to assess their clinical significance....
Background: Diabetic retinopathy remains a leading cause of preventable blindness worldwide, yet screening and management practices vary widely. Evidence suggests that systemic therapies, including fenofibrate, may slow diabetic retinopathy progression, but their use is inconsistent across clinical settings. This study aimed to establish an evidence- informed consensus among endocrinology experts on the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of diabetic retinopathy, with a particular focus on recommendations for the use of systemic therapy to prevent disease progression. Methods: A modified three- round Delphi process was conducted with 19 endocrinology experts from diverse geographic regions. A core panel of 10 experts and an extended panel of 9 reviewed and rated 19 evidence- based statements. Consensus was defined as > 75% agreement. Results: All 19 statements achieved consensus, with 14 receiving > 80% agreement. The panel endorsed frequent diabetic retinopathy screening based on diabetes type and risk level, early initiation of fenofibrate in patients with mild to moderate non- proliferative diabetic retinopathy, and continued therapy to sustain retinal protection. Fenofibrate was recognized for its pleiotropic effects, and the experts agreed that the transient rise in serum creatinine with fenofibrate is not indicative of renal damage and should not prompt discontinuation. Conclusions: This consensus highlights the need for multidisciplinary care, coordinated pathways, and patient education in diabetic retinopathy care. It also offers unified, evidence- informed recommendations for endocrinologists for the early initiation of fenofibrate to reduce diabetic retinopathy progression. While further studies are needed, these findings offer a practical framework for improving diabetic retinopathy management globally....
Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the tooth-supporting structures, and its closely linked to diabetes mellitus through a well-established bidirectional relationship. Diabetes exacerbates periodontal destruction via systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune dysfunction, while periodontitis can impair glycemic control by increasing systemic inflammatory burden. The pathogenesis of periodontitis remains only partially understood, involving microbial dysbiosis, host immune responses, and metabolic disturbances. The 2018 classification system defines stages and grades based on disease severity and progression risk. Epidemiological data reveal a high global prevalence, particularly among individuals with type 2 diabetes. Studies have shown that periodontal therapy contributes to improved glycemic control and may reduce cardiovascular risk. Despite its clinical significance, periodontitis remains underdiagnosed in the context of diabetic care. Effective management requires integrated medical and dental collaboration, targeting both glycemic regulation and periodontal health. This dual approach offers mutual benefits for reducing complications and improving long-term outcomes in diabetic patients. In this review, we present the current knowledge on the relationship between diabetes and periodontitis, focusing on epidemiology, pathogenesis, and management....
Background: Pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) are a core manifestation of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1), yet their true prevalence, biological behavior, and optimal management remain debated. Earlier reports suggested increased aggressiveness compared with sporadic PitNETs, while more recent surveillance-based studies indicate a predominantly indolent phenotype. Methods: We conducted a retrospective single-center study including all patients with clinical, familial, or genetic MEN1 referred to the Endocrinology Unit of the University of Naples “Federico II”, ENETS Center of Excellence, between January 2004 and June 2025. Demographic, clinical, radiological, hormonal, and therapeutic data were systematically collected. PitNETs were classified by size and hormonal activity. Results: Among 103 MEN1 patients (61 women), 50 (48.5%) were diagnosed with PitNETs at a mean age of 35.1 years. Microadenomas predominated (60%), and tumors were equally distributed between functioning and non-functioning lesions. Prolactin-secreting PitNETs were the most common functioning subtype (42%), followed by rare GH-, ACTH-, or mixed-secreting PitNETs. Dopamine agonists, mainly cabergoline, were prescribed in 38% of cases, while neurosurgical intervention was required in 14%, exclusively for macroadenomas. During follow-up, recurrence occurred in 8% of patients. No significant sex-related differences were observed in prevalence, tumor size, functional status, treatment approach, or outcomes. Conclusions: In our MEN1 cohort, PitNETs were frequent but largely indolent, with a predominance of microadenomas and limited need for surgery. Our findings support individualized, subtype-driven surveillance strategies, with conservative management for clinically non-functioning microadenomas and closer monitoring of prolactin-secreting PitNETs due to variable medical responsiveness....
Thyroid dysfunction is a common endocrine disease among women of childbearing age, which seriously affects reproductive health. From an immunological perspective, this in-depth analysis clarifies the complex relationship between thyroid function and female reproduction. We studied the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis regulation by thyroid hormones through direct and indirect mechanisms, including metabolic mediators such as prolactin and leptin. Recent studies have shown that inflammatory cytokines (IL-1a, IL-1b, IL-6, IFN-g, and TNF-a) severely disrupt the production pathways of thyroid hormones, establishing an essential link between immune activation and reproductive problems. Since the placenta serves as an active immune interface affected by thyroid activity, there are significant physiological obstacles (including increased iodine clearance and elevated deiodinase activity), immunological challenges (such as altered cytokine profiles), and pathological barriers to optimal thyroid adaptation during pregnancy. This literature review indicates that thyroid problems substantially affect reproductive outcomes by altering the immune response at the maternal-fetal interface, influencing placental development, trophoblast invasion, and vascular remodeling. This review addresses a notable research deficiency through a modern perspective on thyroid dysfunction and reproductive issues, especially inflammatory cytokines related to preeclampsia. We believe that thyroid dysfunction can alter the expression of specific angiogenic factors (including sFlt-1, PlGF, and VEGF) and modify the immune cell profile at the maternal-fetal interface (particularly NK cells, macrophages, and T regulatory cells), creating a new framework for understanding and addressing thyroid-related reproductive diseases through targeted immunomodulatory strategies....
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