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Frederique Van de Velde Department of Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium

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Marlies Bekaert Department of Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium

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Anja Geerts Department of Hepatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium

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Anne Hoorens Department of Pathology, Ghent University Hospital

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Arsène-Hélène Batens Department of Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium

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Samyah Shadid Department of Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium

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Margriet Ouwens Department of Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
Institute of Clinical Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, German Diabetes Center at the Heinrich-Heine-University Duesseldorf, Leibniz Center for Diabetes Research, Duesseldorf, Germany
German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Munich-Neuherberg, Germany

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Yves Van Nieuwenhove Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium

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Bruno Lapauw Department of Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium

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Purpose

Obese subjects with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are more prone to develop additional metabolic disturbances such as systemic insulin resistance (IR) and type 2 diabetes. NAFLD is defined by hepatic steatosis, lobular inflammation, ballooning and stage of fibrosis, but it is unclear if and which components could contribute to IR.

Objective

To assess which histological components of NAFLD associate with IR in subjects with obesity, and if so, to what extent.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 78 obese subjects (mean age 46 ± 11 years; BMI 42.2 ± 4.7 kg/m2). Glucose levels were analysed by hexokinase method and insulin levels with electrochemiluminescence. Homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated. Liver biopsies were evaluated for histological components of NAFLD.

Results

A positive association between overall NAFLD Activity Score and HOMA-IR was found (r s = 0.259, P = 0.022). As per individual components, lobular inflammation and fibrosis stage were positively associated with HOMA-IR, glucose and insulin levels (P < 0.05), and HOMA-IR was higher in patients with more inflammatory foci or higher stage of fibrosis. These findings were independent of age, BMI, triglyceride levels, diabetes status and sex (all P < 0.043). In a combined model, lobular inflammation, but not fibrosis, remained associated with HOMA-IR.

Conclusion

In this group of obese subjects, a major contributing histological component of NAFLD to the relation between NAFLD severity and IR seems to be the grade of hepatic lobular inflammation. Although no causal relationship was assessed, preventing or mitigating this inflammatory response in obesity might be of importance in controlling obesity-related metabolic disturbances.

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Charlotte Höybye Patient Area Endocrinology and Nephrology, Infection and Inflammation Theme, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden

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Laia Faseh Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden

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Christos Himonakos Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
Department of Medicine, Karlstad Hospital, Karlstad, Sweden

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Tomasz Pielak NUTOPI Sp. z o. o., Poznan, Poland

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Jesper Eugen-Olsen Clinical Research Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark

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Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) syndrome is associated with adverse levels of several risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVD), including metabolic inflammation. However, the impact of GHD and GH treatment on low-grade inflammation is unknown. The aim of the study was to establish the level of the low-grade inflammation biomarker soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) in adults with GHD and the response to long-term GH treatment. Measurements of suPAR and CRP were performed in bio-bank serum samples from 72 adults, 34 males and 38 females, with GHD before and during at least 5 years of GH treatment. Mean age was 52.5 ± 15.5 years, BMI 27.3 ± 5 kg/m2. Clinical evaluations and blood sampling were performed at routine visits. Data on demography, anthropometry, lab results and clinical events were retrieved from post-marketing surveillance study databases and medical records. suPAR and high-sensitive (hs) CRP were analysed using ELISA and immunochemistry, respectively. At baseline blood pressure, lipid profile and fasting glucose were within the normal reference range. Baseline geometric mean and 95% CI of suPAR was 2.9 (2.7–3.3) ng/mL and of CRP 2.3 (0.6–4.0) mg/L. Mean follow-up was 8 ± 2 years. The suPAR levels remained stable during follow-up, although individual increases were seen on occurrence or presence of co-morbidities. In contrast, levels of CRP decreased. In conclusion, the decrease in CRP and indirectly the absence of an expected increase in suPAR over time indicates a favourable effect of GH on low-grade inflammation.

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M A Webb NIHR Leicester-Loughborough Diet, Lifestyle and Physical Activity Biomedical Research Unit, University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK
The Leicester Diabetes Centre, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK

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H Mani Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK
Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Leicester Royal Infirmary, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
Diabetes and Endocrinology Department, Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Kettering, UK

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S J Robertson The Leicester Diabetes Centre, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK

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H L Waller Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK

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D R Webb NIHR Leicester-Loughborough Diet, Lifestyle and Physical Activity Biomedical Research Unit, University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK
Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK

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C L Edwardson NIHR Leicester-Loughborough Diet, Lifestyle and Physical Activity Biomedical Research Unit, University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK
Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK

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D H Bodicoat NIHR Leicester-Loughborough Diet, Lifestyle and Physical Activity Biomedical Research Unit, University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK
Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK

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T Yates NIHR Leicester-Loughborough Diet, Lifestyle and Physical Activity Biomedical Research Unit, University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK
Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK

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K Khunti NIHR Leicester-Loughborough Diet, Lifestyle and Physical Activity Biomedical Research Unit, University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK
The Leicester Diabetes Centre, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK
Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK

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M J Davies NIHR Leicester-Loughborough Diet, Lifestyle and Physical Activity Biomedical Research Unit, University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK
The Leicester Diabetes Centre, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK
Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK

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Aims

Physical activity has been proposed to be an effective non-pharmacological method of reducing systemic inflammation and therefore may prove particularly efficacious for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) who have been shown to have high levels of inflammation and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess whether modest changes in daily step count could significantly reduce levels of inflammatory markers in women with PCOS.

Subjects and Methods

Sixty-five women with PCOS were assessed at baseline and again at 6 months. All had been provided with an accelerometer and encouraged to increase activity levels. Multivariate linear regression analyses (adjusted for age, ethnicity, baseline step count, change in BMI and change in accelerometer wear-time) were used to assess changes in daily step count against clinical and research biomarkers of inflammation, CVD and T2DM.

Results

Mean step count/day at baseline was 6337 (±270). An increase in step count (by 1000 steps) was associated with a 13% reduction in IL6 (β: −0.81 ng/L; 95% CI, −1.37, −0.25, P = 0.005) and a 13% reduction in CRP (β: −0.68 mg/L; 95% CI, −1.30, −0.06, P = 0.033). Additionally, there was a modest decrease in BMI (β: 0.20 kg/m2; 95% CI, −0.38, −0.01, P = 0.038). Clinical markers of T2DM and CVD were not affected by increased step count.

Conclusions

Modest increases in step count/day can reduce levels of inflammatory markers in women with PCOS, which may reduce the future risk of T2DM and CVD.

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Lars Peter Sørensen
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Tina Parkner Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Department of Biostatistics, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Aarhus University Hospital, Nørrebrogade 44, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark

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Esben Søndergaard
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Bo Martin Bibby Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Department of Biostatistics, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Aarhus University Hospital, Nørrebrogade 44, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark

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Holger Jon Møller Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Department of Biostatistics, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Aarhus University Hospital, Nørrebrogade 44, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark

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Søren Nielsen
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Monocyte/macrophage-specific soluble CD163 (sCD163) concentration is associated with insulin resistance and increases with deteriorating glycemic control independently of BMI. This led to the proposal of the hypothesis that obesity-associated white adipose tissue inflammation varies between individuals. The objective was to examine the effect of male overweight/obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) on associations between adiposity parameters and sCD163. A total of 23 overweight/obese non-diabetic men, 16 overweight/obese men with T2DM, and a control group of 20 normal-weight healthy men were included. Body composition and regional body fat distribution were determined by whole-body dual X-ray absorptiometry scan and abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan. Serum sCD163 concentrations were determined by ELISA. Associations between adiposity parameters and sCD163 were investigated using multiple linear regression analysis. In the normal-weight healthy men, there was no significant association between adiposity parameters and sCD163, whereas in the overweight/obese non-diabetic men, measures of general and regional adiposity were positively associated with sCD163. In the overweight/obese men with T2DM, only visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and the ratio of VAT to abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), a measure of relative body fat distribution between VAT and SAT depots, were positively associated with sCD163. In a multivariate analysis, including VAT, upper-body SAT, and lower-body fat, adjusted for BMI and age, VAT remained a significant predictor of sCD163 in the overweight/obese T2DM men, but not in the overweight/obese non-diabetic men. Our results indicate that VAT inflammation is exaggerated in men with T2DM, and that propensity to store excess body fat viscerally is particularly detrimental in men with T2DM.

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Aditya Dutta Institute of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Max Healthcare, Saket, New Delhi, India

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Ganesh Jevalikar Institute of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Max Healthcare, Saket, New Delhi, India

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Rutuja Sharma Institute of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Max Healthcare, Saket, New Delhi, India

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Khalid J Farooqui Institute of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Max Healthcare, Saket, New Delhi, India

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Shama Mahendru Institute of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Max Healthcare, Saket, New Delhi, India

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Arun Dewan Institute of Internal Medicine, Max Healthcare, Saket, New Delhi, India

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Sandeep Bhudiraja Institute of Internal Medicine, Max Healthcare, Saket, New Delhi, India

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Ambrish Mithal Institute of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Max Healthcare, Saket, New Delhi, India

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Aim

To study the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction and its association with disease severity in hospitalized patients of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19).

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, thyroid function tests (TFT) of 236 hospitalized patients of COVID-19 along with demographic, comorbid, clinical, biochemical and disease severity records were analysed. Patients were divided into previous euthyroid or hypothyroid status to observe the effect of prior hypothyroidism on the severity of COVID-19.

Results

TFT abnormalities were common. Low free T3 (FT3), high thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and low TSH were seen in 56 (23.7%), 15 (6.4%) and 9 (3.8%) patients, respectively. The median levels of TSH (2.06 vs 1.26 mIU/mL, P = 0.001) and FT3 (2.94 vs 2.47 pg/mL, P < 0.001) were significantly lower in severe disease. Previous hypothyroid status (n = 43) was associated with older age, higher frequency of comorbidities, higher FT4 and lower FT3. TFT did not correlate with markers of inflammation (except lactate dehydrogenase); however, FT3 and TSH negatively correlated with outcome severity score and duration of hospital stay. Cox regression analysis showed that low FT3 was associated with severe COVID-19 (P = 0.032, HR 0.302; CI 0.101–0.904), irrespective of prior hypothyroidism.

Conclusions

Functional thyroid abnormalities (low FT3 and low TSH) are frequently seen in hospitalized patients of COVID-19. Although these abnormalities did not correlate with markers of inflammation, this study shows that low FT3 at admission independently predicts the severity of COVID-19.

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Cheryl M Isherwood Section of Chronobiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom

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M Denise Robertson Section of Metabolic Medicine, Food and Macronutrients, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom

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Debra J Skene Section of Chronobiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom

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Jonathan D Johnston Section of Chronobiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom

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Obesity is a major cause of type 2 diabetes. Transition from obesity to type 2 diabetes manifests in the dysregulation of hormones controlling glucose homeostasis and inflammation. As metabolism is a dynamic process that changes across 24 h, we assessed diurnal rhythmicity in a panel of 10 diabetes-related hormones. Plasma hormones were analysed every 2 h over 24 h in a controlled laboratory study with hourly isocaloric drinks during wake. To separate effects of body mass from type 2 diabetes, we recruited three groups of middle-aged men: an overweight (OW) group with type 2 diabetes and two control groups (lean and OW). Average daily concentrations of glucose, triacylglycerol and all the hormones except visfatin were significantly higher in the OW group compared to the lean group (P < 0.001). In type 2 diabetes, glucose, insulin, C-peptide, glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide and glucagon-like peptide-1 increased further (P < 0.05), whereas triacylglycerol, ghrelin and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 concentrations were significantly lower compared to the OW group (P < 0.001). Insulin, C-peptide, glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide and leptin exhibited significant diurnal rhythms in all study groups (P < 0.05). Other hormones were only rhythmic in 1 or 2 groups. In every group, hormones associated with glucose regulation (insulin, C-peptide, glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide, ghrelin and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1), triacylglycerol and glucose peaked in the afternoon, whereas glucagon and hormones associated with appetite and inflammation peaked at night. Thus being OW with or without type 2 diabetes significantly affected hormone concentrations but did not affect the timing of the hormonal rhythms.

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Henrik H Thomsen Medical Research Laboratories, Departments of Clinical Biochemistry, Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical Genetics, Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Clinical Institute, Aarhus University Hospital, Nørrebrogade 44, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark

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Holger J Møller Medical Research Laboratories, Departments of Clinical Biochemistry, Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical Genetics, Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Clinical Institute, Aarhus University Hospital, Nørrebrogade 44, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark

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Christian Trolle Medical Research Laboratories, Departments of Clinical Biochemistry, Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical Genetics, Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Clinical Institute, Aarhus University Hospital, Nørrebrogade 44, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark

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Kristian A Groth Medical Research Laboratories, Departments of Clinical Biochemistry, Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical Genetics, Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Clinical Institute, Aarhus University Hospital, Nørrebrogade 44, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark

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Anne Skakkebæk Medical Research Laboratories, Departments of Clinical Biochemistry, Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical Genetics, Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Clinical Institute, Aarhus University Hospital, Nørrebrogade 44, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark

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Anders Bojesen Medical Research Laboratories, Departments of Clinical Biochemistry, Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical Genetics, Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Clinical Institute, Aarhus University Hospital, Nørrebrogade 44, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark

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Christian Høst Medical Research Laboratories, Departments of Clinical Biochemistry, Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical Genetics, Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Clinical Institute, Aarhus University Hospital, Nørrebrogade 44, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark

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Claus H Gravholt Medical Research Laboratories, Departments of Clinical Biochemistry, Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical Genetics, Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Clinical Institute, Aarhus University Hospital, Nørrebrogade 44, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
Medical Research Laboratories, Departments of Clinical Biochemistry, Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical Genetics, Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Clinical Institute, Aarhus University Hospital, Nørrebrogade 44, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark

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Soluble CD163 (sCD163) is a novel marker linked to states of low-grade inflammation such as diabetes, obesity, liver disease, and atherosclerosis, all prevalent in subjects with Turner syndrome (TS) and Klinefelter syndrome (KS). We aimed to assess the levels of sCD163 and the regulation of sCD163 in regards to treatment with sex hormone therapy in males with and without KS and females with and without TS. Males with KS (n=70) and age-matched controls (n=71) participating in a cross-sectional study and 12 healthy males from an experimental hypogonadism study. Females with TS (n=8) and healthy age-matched controls (n=8) participating in a randomized crossover trial. The intervention comprised of treatment with sex steroids. Males with KS had higher levels of sCD163 compared with controls (1.75 (0.47–6.90) and 1.36 (0.77–3.11) respectively, P<0.001) and the levels correlated to plasma testosterone (r=−0.31, P<0.01), BMI (r=0.42, P<0.001), and homeostasis model of assessment insulin resistance (r=0.46, P<0.001). Treatment with testosterone did not significantly lower sCD163. Females with TS not receiving hormone replacement therapy (HRT) had higher levels of sCD163 than those of their age-matched healthy controls (1.38±0.44 vs 0.91±0.40, P=0.04). HRT and oral contraceptive therapy decreased sCD163 in TS by 22% (1.07±0.30) and in controls by 39% (0.55±0.36), with significance in both groups (P=0.01 and P=0.04). We conclude that levels of sCD163 correlate with endogenous testosterone in KS and are higher in KS subjects compared with controls, but treatment did not significantly lower levels. Both endogenous and exogenous estradiol in TS was associated with lower levels of sCD163.

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Fahim Ebrahimi Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Basel Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
Department of Clinical Research, University of Basel Hospital, Basel, Switzerland

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Sandrine A Urwyler Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Basel Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
Department of Clinical Research, University of Basel Hospital, Basel, Switzerland

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Philipp Schuetz Department of Clinical Research, University of Basel Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University Department of Medicine, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland

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Beat Mueller Department of Clinical Research, University of Basel Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University Department of Medicine, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland

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Luca Bernasconi Department of Laboratory Medicine, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland

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Peter Neyer Department of Laboratory Medicine, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland

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Marc Y Donath Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Basel Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
Department of Clinical Research, University of Basel Hospital, Basel, Switzerland

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Mirjam Christ-Crain Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Basel Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
Department of Clinical Research, University of Basel Hospital, Basel, Switzerland

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Background

Anti-inflammatory treatment with interleukin-1 (IL-1) antagonism decreases both cortisol and adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) levels in individuals with obesity in short term. However, it remains unknown whether these effects persist upon prolonged treatment.

Methods

In this double-blind, parallel-group trial involving patients with features of the metabolic syndrome, 33 patients were randomly assigned to receive 100 mg of anakinra (recombinant human IL-1 receptor antagonist) subcutaneously twice-daily and 34 patients to receive placebo for 4 weeks. For this analysis, change in cortisol and ACTH levels from baseline to 4 weeks were predefined end points of the trial.

Results

The mean age was 54 years, baseline cortisol levels were 314 nmol/L (IQR 241–385) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were 3.4 mg/L (IQR 1.7–4.8). Treatment with anakinra led to a significant decrease in cortisol levels at day 1 when compared to placebo with an adjusted between-group difference of 28 nmol/L (95% CI, −7 to −43; P = 0.03). After 4 weeks, the cortisol-lowering effect of anakinra was attenuated and overall was statistically not significant (P = 0.72). Injection-site reactions occurred in 21 patients receiving anakinra and were associated with higher CRP and cortisol levels.

Conclusions

IL-1 antagonism decreases cortisol levels in male patients with obesity and chronic low-grade inflammation on the short term. After prolonged treatment, this effect is attenuated, probably due to injection-site reactions (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02672592).

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Angela Köninger
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Philippos Edimiris
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Laura Koch
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Antje Enekwe
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Claudia Lamina Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Division of Genetic Epidemiology, Vitateq Biotechnology GmbH, University of Duisburg-Essen, D-45122 Essen, Germany

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Sabine Kasimir-Bauer
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Rainer Kimmig
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Hans Dieplinger Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Division of Genetic Epidemiology, Vitateq Biotechnology GmbH, University of Duisburg-Essen, D-45122 Essen, Germany
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Division of Genetic Epidemiology, Vitateq Biotechnology GmbH, University of Duisburg-Essen, D-45122 Essen, Germany

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Oxidative stress seems to be present in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between characteristics of PCOS and serum concentrations of afamin, a novel binding protein for the antioxidant vitamin E. A total of 85 patients with PCOS and 76 control subjects were investigated in a pilot cross-sectional study design between 2009 and 2013 in the University Hospital of Essen, Germany. Patients with PCOS were diagnosed according to the Rotterdam ESHRE/ASRM-sponsored PCOS Consensus Workshop Group. Afamin and diagnostic parameters of PCOS were determined at early follicular phase. Afamin concentrations were significantly higher in patients with PCOS than in controls (odds ratio (OR) for a 10 mg/ml increase in afamin=1.3, 95% CI=1.08–1.58). This difference vanished in a model adjusting for age, BMI, free testosterone index (FTI), and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) (OR=1.05, 95% CI=0.80–1.38). In patients with PCOS, afamin correlated significantly with homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), fasting glucose, BMI, FTI, and SHBG (P<0.001), but in a multivariate linear model, only HOMA-IR remained significantly associated with afamin (P=0.001). No correlation was observed between afamin and androgens, LH, FSH, LH/FSH ratio, antral follicle count, ovarian volume, or anti-Müllerian hormone. In conclusion, elevated afamin values may indicate a state of oxidative stress and inflammation, strongly associated with IR and offering an indicator of impaired glucose tolerance in patients with PCOS irrespective of obesity.

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Mengxue Yang Department of Endocrinology, The Fifth People’s Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
Department of Endocrinology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China

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Bowen Sun Department of Endocrinology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China

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Jianhui Li Department of Endocrinology, Ningbo No. 2 Hospital, Ningbo, China

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Bo Yang Department of Endocrinology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China

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Jie Xu School of Public Health, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China

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Xue Zhou Department of Endocrinology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China

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Jie Yu School of Public Health, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China

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Xuan Zhang Department of Endocrinology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China

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Qun Zhang Department of Endocrinology, Ningbo No. 2 Hospital, Ningbo, China

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Shan Zhou Department of Endocrinology, Ningbo No. 2 Hospital, Ningbo, China

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Xiaohua Sun Department of Endocrinology, Ningbo No. 2 Hospital, Ningbo, China

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Objectives

The pathogenesis of Graves’ disease (GD) remains unclear. In terms of environmental factors, GD development may be associated with chronic inflammation caused by alteration of the intestinal flora. This study explored the association of intestinal flora alteration with the development of GD among the Han population in southwest China.

Design and methods

Fifteen GD patients at the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical College between March 2016 and March 2017 were randomly enrolled. Additionally, 15 sex- and age-matched healthy volunteers were selected as the control group during the same period. Fresh stool samples were collected, and bacterial 16S RNA was extracted and amplified for gene sequencing with the Illumina MiSeq platform. The sequencing results were subjected to operational taxonomic unit-based classification, classification verification, alpha diversity analysis, taxonomic composition analysis and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA).

Results

The diversity indices for the GD group were lower than those for the control group. The GD group showed significantly higher abundances of Firmicutes, Proteobacteria and Actinobacillus and a higher Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio than the control group. PLS-DA suggested the satisfactory classification of the flora between the GD group and the control group. The abundances of the genera Oribacterium, Mogibacterium, Lactobacillus, Aggregatibacter and Mogibacterium were significantly higher in the GD group than in the control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The intestinal flora of GD patients was significantly different from that of the healthy population. Thus, alteration of intestinal flora may be associated with the development of GD.

Open access