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Irisin is a novel hormone secreted by skeletal muscle after exercise, which may ameliorate insulin resistance. In this study, we aimed to explore the relationship between circulating irisin levels and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) as well as related metabolic traits in a Chinese population. A total of 203 subjects were recruited. Of these, 68 subjects with normal glucose tolerance (NGT), 63 subjects with impaired glucose regulation (IGR) and 72 subjects with new-onset T2DM. Circulating irisin levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Detailed clinical investigations and biochemistry measurements were carried out in all of the subjects. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to assess the association between irisin levels and related metabolic characteristics. All subjects were classified into normal weight and overweight/obese subgroups according to body mass index (BMI). No significant differences in circulating irisin levels were identified among the three groups ( P = 0.9741). After adjusting for covariates, multiple linear regression analysis revealed that serum irisin level was independently and significantly associated with total cholesterol ( P = 0.0005), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( P = 0.0014), fasting fatty acids ( P = 0.0402) and uric acid ( P = 0.0062). By dividing the serum irisin levels into three tertile groups, the values of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting fatty acids and uric acid were all increased significantly with the increase of irisin ( P < 0.05). Moreover, serum irisin levels remain closely related to total cholesterol in both normal weight and overweight/obese subgroups. Our study suggests that circulating irisin concentrations are significantly associated with lipid and uric acid metabolism in a Chinese population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Toll-like receptor 4 ( TLR4) plays an important role in innate immunity. Activation of innate immune response and subsequent chronic low-grade inflammation are thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association of TLR4 variants with type 2 diabetes in the Chinese population. Methods Seven tag single nucleotide polymorphisms ( SNPs) of TLR4 based on HapMap Chinese data were genotyped in the Shanghai Chinese, including 3404 type 2 diabetes patients and 3401 controls. The controls were extensively phenotyped for the traits related to glucose metabolism and insulin secretion. Results In total participants, we identified that rs10759932 and rs1927911 were associated with type 2 diabetes (odds ratio 1.106, P = 0.009 for rs10759532, odds ratio 1.092, P = 0.013 for rs1927911). rs11536889 showed a trend association with type 2 diabetes (odds ratio 0.957, P = 0.057). This SNP was also associated with 2-h plasma glucose ( P = 0.033) and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol ( P = 0.031). In female participants, rs10759932, rs1927911 and rs11536889 were associated with type 2 diabetes (odds ratio 1.176, P = 0.002 for rs10759932, odds ratio 1.136, P = 0.009 for rs1927911, odds ratio 0.882, P = 0.024 for rs11536889). Besides, rs11536889 was significantly associated with 2-h plasma glucose ( P = 0.050) and HOMA- B ( P = 0.046) with adjusting for age and body mass index in female normal subjects. Conclusions We conclude that genetic variants of TLR4 are associated with type 2 diabetes in the Chinese population, especially in female subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carotid intima-media thickness has been widely used as a surrogate end-point for cardiovascular disease, myocardial infarction, and stroke. This study aimed to assess the effects of active and passive smoking exposure on the development of cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Seven hundred twenty-two patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were recruited for the study. A standardized questionnaire on smoking status, pack-years of smoking, and the number of years of smoking cessation was provided to the patients, and their responses were collected for analysis. The carotid intima-media thickness, carotid plaque, and the internal diameter of the common carotid artery were determined by high-resolution B-mode ultrasonography. Compared to non-smokers, passive female smokers had a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (odds ratio = 3.50, 95% confidence interval : 1.29-9.49, P = 0.009); they also had a significantly larger common carotid artery ( P = 0.041) and risk of carotid plaque (odds ratio = 2.20, 95% confidence interval : 1.1980-4.0505, P = 0.01). Both active and passive male smokers had a significantly greater carotid intima-media thickness than non-smokers ( P = 0.003 and P = 0.005, respectively). Male active smokers had a significantly higher risk of carotid plaque (odds ratio = 2.88, 95% confidence interval : 1.4788-5.6094, P = 0.001). In conclusion, cumulative active and passive smoking exposures are significant risk factors for carotid atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Our results highlight the importance of endorsing a smoke-free environment for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study which analyzed whether genetic variants of FNDC5 were associated with diabetic microvascular complications in Chinese population. Topics include other factors that contribute to the progression of diabetic complications, the approval of the study by the institution review board of the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital in accordance with Helsinki Declaration II principles, and the association between irisin and diabetic retinopathy.