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                    <title><![CDATA[Diabetic Ketoacidosis]]></title>

                    <link>https://www.benthamscience.com</link>

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                    RSS Feed for Disease Wise Article | BenthamScience

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                    <pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 21:15:41 +0000</pubDate>

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                    <title><![CDATA[Diabetic Ketoacidosis]]></title>

                    <url>https://www.benthamscience.com</url>

                    <link>https://www.benthamscience.com</link>

                    </image><item><title><![CDATA[Spinal Cord Image Denoising Using Dncnn Algorithm]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/146944</link><description><![CDATA[<p>Background: Spinal image denoising plays a vital role in the accurate diagnosis of disc herniation (DH). </p> <p> Objective: Traditional denoising algorithms perform less due Limited Directional Selectivity problem and do not adequately capture directional information in pixels. Traditional algorithms' edge representation and texture details are insufficient for the earlier detection of DH. Limited Directional Selectivity leads to inaccurate diagnosis and classification of Disc Herniation (DH) stages. The DH stages are (i) Degeneration (ii) Prolapse (iii) Extrusion and (iv) Sequestration. Moreover, detection of DH size below 2mm using MR image is the major problem. </p> <p> Methods: To solve the above problem, spinal cord MR images fed to the proposed Parrot optimization tuned Denoising Convolutional Neural Network (Po- DnCNN) algorithm for perspective enhancement of nucleus pulposus region in the spinal cord, vertebrae. The perspective enhancement of Spinal cord image led to the accurate classification of stages and earlier detection of DH by using the proposed Hippopotamus optimization- Fast Hybrid Vision Transformer (Ho–FastViT) algorithm. For this study, spinal cord MR images are obtained from the Grand Challenge website – SPIDER dataset. </p> <p> Results: The proposed Po-DnCNN method and Ho-FastViT results are analysed quantitatively and qualitatively based on the edge, contrast, classification of the stage, and enhancement of the projected nucleus pulposus region in the spinal cord and vertebrae. The predicted DH results using the proposed method are compared with the manual Pfirrman Grade value of the spinal card method. </p> <p> Conclusion: Proposed method is better than traditional methods for earlier detection of DH. Po-DnCNN and Ho-FastViat methods give high accuracy of about 98% and 97% compared to traditional methods.</p>]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[SGLT2 Inhibitors and Diabetic Kidney Disease: Targeting Multiple and
Interrelated Signaling Pathways for Renal Protection]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/135496</link><description><![CDATA[Almost 20-40% of all patients suffering from diabetes mellitus experience chronic kidney disease, which is related to higher mortality (cardiovascular and all-cause). The implication of several pathophysiological mechanisms (hemodynamic, tubular, metabolic and inflammatory) in the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease generates an urgent need to develop multitarget therapeutic strategies to face its development and progression. SGLT2 inhibitors are undoubtedly a practice-changing drug class for individuals who experience type 2 diabetes and diabetic kidney disease. In vitro studies, exploratory research, sub-analyses of large randomized controlled trials, and investigation of several biomarkers have demonstrated that SGLT2 inhibitors achieved multiple beneficial activities, targeting several renal cellular and molecular pathways independent of their antihyperglycemic activity. These mainly include the reduction in intraglomerular pressure through the restoration of TGF, impacts on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, improvement of renal hypoxia, adaptive metabolic alterations in substrate use/energy expenditure, improvement of mitochondrial dysfunction, and reduction of inflammation, oxidative stress and fibrosis. This manuscript thoroughly investigates the possible mechanisms that underlie their salutary renal effects in patients with diabetes, focusing on several pathways involved and the interplay between them. It also explores their upcoming role in ameliorating the evolution of chronic kidney disease in patients with diabetes.]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[A Narrative Review on Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Children]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/138227</link><description><![CDATA[<p>Background: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening complication in children with diabetes mellitus. There are considerable differences in the management approaches for DKA between different countries. One of the main areas of differences between guidelines is the administration of fluid, with most guidelines adopting a restrictive approach. The British Society of Paediatric Endocrinology updated its guideline in 2020 to adopt a more permissive approach to fluid administration, which has sparked controversy among some paediatricians. </p> <p> Objectives: The purpose of this article is to provide a narrative review on the management of DKA. </p> <p> Methods: A PubMed search was performed with clinical queries using the key term “diabetic ketoacidosis”. The search strategy included randomized controlled trials, clinical trials, meta-analyses, observational studies, guidelines, and reviews. The search was restricted to English literature and the age range of 18 years and younger. Moreover, we reviewed and compared major guidelines. </p> <p> Results: Selected international guidelines for DKA, namely International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD), National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), British Society for Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes (BSPED), and South Thames Retrieval Service (STRS) were reviewed. There are considerable differences in the management approaches for DKA between different countries. One of the main areas of differences between guidelines is the administration of fluid, with most guidelines adopting a restrictive approach. This is based on the concern over cerebral oedema, a lethal sequela allegedly to be caused by excessive fluid administration. However, recent new clinical studies suggest that there is no causal relationship between intravenous fluid therapy and DKA-related cerebral injury. The British Society of Paediatric Endocrinology updated its guideline in 2020 to adopt a more permissive approach to fluid administration, which has sparked controversy among some paediatricians. </p> <p> Conclusion: The management of DKA involves early recognition, accurate diagnosis, meticulous fluid and insulin treatment with close monitoring of blood glucose, ketones, electrolytes, renal function, and neurological status. There is still limited clinical evidence to support either a restrictive or permissive approach in the fluid management of paediatric DKA patients. Clinicians should exercise caution when applying different guidelines in their clinical practice, considering the specific circumstances of individual paediatric patients.</p>]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Chest CT Radiomics is Feasible in Evaluating Muscle Change in Diabetes
Patients]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/136897</link><description><![CDATA[<p>Background: Non-invasive imaging methods are still lacking for the evaluation of muscle changes in diabetes. <p> Purpose: To investigate the feasibility of muscle CT radiomics in evaluating muscle changes in diabetes. <p> Materials and Methods: 60 diabetics and 60 health controls (HC) were assessed with the method of muscle CT radiomics. 93 CT images of radiomics features of the pectoralis major muscle (PMM) were obtained by using the software 3D Slicer and were then compared between diabetics and HC cases. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression method was used to establish a prediction model. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the performance of the model. <p> Results: Diabetics and HC cases differed in 19 radiomics features (P&#60;0.05). By using the LASSO method, 6 features were finally selected. The AUC of the model in the discrimination of diabetics and HC were 0.92 and 0.90, respectively, for the training cohort and validation cohort. <p> Conclusion: Muscle CT radiomics is feasible in evaluating muscle changes in diabetes.</p>]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Effects of Diabetes and Hyperlipidemia in Physiological Conditions - A Review]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/138735</link><description><![CDATA[<p>Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an autoimmune manifestation defined by persistent hyperglycemia and alterations in protein, fatty substances, and carbohydrate metabolism as an effect of problems with the secretion of insulin action or both. Manifestations include thirst, blurred eyesight, weight loss, and ketoacidosis, which can majorly lead to coma. There are different types of diabetes according to class or by cellular level. They are interrelated with hyperlipidemia as they are involved in the metabolism and regulation of physiological factors. Most parameters are seen at cellular or humoral levels, yet the underlying concern remains the same. </p> <p> Objective: To create a systematic correlation between the disease and locate the exact mechanism and receptors responsible for it. So, this article covers a proper way to resolve the conditions and their manifestation through literacy and diagrammatic. </p> <p> Conclusion: Hence, this will be an insight for many scholars to understand the exact mechanism involved in the process.</p>]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Preparation of Menthyl 3-amino-4-(2,4,5-trifluorophenyl) Butyrate and Investigation of its Hypoglycemic Activity]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/136308</link><description><![CDATA[<p>Background: 3-Amino-4-(2,4,5-trifluorophenyl) butyric acid has potential pharmacological effects in promoting insulin secretion. Menthol promotes drug transdermal absorption and hypoglycemic effects. </p> <p> Objective: The objective of the study was to combine the 3-amino-4-(2,4,5- trifluorophenyl) butyric acid and menthol to develop a new candidate drug molecule that can be used as a hypoglycemic drug in type II diabetes. </p> <p> Methods: In this study, the molecular structure of 3-amino-4-(2,4,5-trifluorophenyl) butyric acid in sitagliptin was modified by replacing pyrazine imidazole with menthol. The structure of the target compound was characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The anti-diabetic activity of BHF in N000180 BKS.Cg-Dock7m+/ +Leprdb/Nju mice with spontaneous diabetes was preliminarily studied. </p> <p> Results: A potential multi-target drug molecule, 3-amino-4-(2,4,5-trifluorophenyl) butyrate (BHF), was synthesized by combining 3-amino-4-(2,4,5-trifluorophenyl) butyric acid and menthol. BHF is suitable for hyperglycemic mice and has a significant hypoglycemic effect; the low dose of 10 mg/kg-1 started to be effective, and the high dose of 40 mg/kg-1 was more effective than the positive drug metformin. </p> <p> Conclusion: In this study, BHF has been synthesized and presented significant antidiabetic activities.</p>]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Dietary Factors Associated with Glycemic Control in Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/133906</link><description><![CDATA[Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic metabolic disease that results from the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic &#946;-cells, leading to insulin deficiency and hyperglycemia. It is a common chronic disease in childhood, with a prevalence of 1 in 300 children in the United States and an increasing incidence of 2-5% annually, worldwide. Managing T1DM requires regular insulin administration, adjustment of food intake and exercise, and a comprehensive understanding of nutrition. This review aims to explore the relationship between dietary factors, physical activity, obesity, genetics, and glycemic control in children and adolescents with T1DM. To conduct this review, we conducted a thorough search of publications from December 2004 through April 2022 using PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Embase databases. Key topics included obesity, children, adolescents, nutrients, carbohydrates, proteins, fat, water-soluble vitamins, fat-soluble vitamins, dietary patterns, fruits and vegetables, physical activity, genetics, food habits, carbohydrate count and environmental factors]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[SGLT-2 Inhibitors: The Next-generation Treatment for Type 2
Diabetes Mellitus]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/135360</link><description><![CDATA[Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has become a worldwide concern in recent years, primarily in highly developed Western societies. T2DM causes systemic complications, such as atherosclerotic heart disease, ischemic stroke, peripheral artery disease, kidney failure, and diabetes-related maculopathy and retinopathy. The growing number of T2DM patients and the treatment of long-term T2DM-related complications pressurize and exhaust public healthcare systems. As a result, strategies for combating T2DM and developing novel drugs are critical global public health requirements. Aside from preventive measures, which are still the most effective way to prevent T2DM, novel and highly effective therapies are emerging. In the spotlight of next-generation T2DM treatment, sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors are promoted as the most efficient perspective therapy. SGLT-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) include phlorizin derivatives, such as canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, empagliflozin, and ertugliflozin. SGLT-2, along with SGLT-1, is a member of the SGLT family of proteins that play a role in glucose absorption via active transport mediated by Na<sup>+</sup>/K<sup>+</sup> ATPase. SGLT-2 is only found in the kidney, specifically the proximal tubule, and is responsible for more than 90% glucose absorption. Inhibition of SGLT-2 reduces glucose absorption, and consequently increases urinary glucose excretion, decreasing blood glucose levels. Thus, the inhibition of SGLT-2 activity ultimately alleviates T2DM-related symptoms and prevents or delays systemic T2DM-associated chronic complications. This review aimed to provide a more detailed understanding of the effects of SGLT2i responsible for the acute improvement in blood glucose regulation, a prerequisite for T2DM-associated cardiovascular complications control.]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation in Type 1 Diabetes Treatment:
Current Advances and Future Opportunity]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/135081</link><description><![CDATA[Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is characterized by hyperglycemia, and caused by a lack of insulin secretion. At present there is no cure for T1D and patients are dependent on exogenous insulin for lifelong, which seriously affects their lives. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be differentiated to β cell-like cells to rescue the secretion of insulin and reconstruct immunotolerance to preserve the function of islet β cells. Due to the higher proportion of children and adolescents in T1D patients, the efficacy and safety issue of the application of MSC’s transplant in T1D was primarily demonstrated and identified by human clinical trials in this review. Then we clarified the mechanism of MSCs to relieve the symptom of T1D and found out that UC-MSCs have no obvious advantage over the other types of MSCs, the autologous MSCs from BM or menstrual blood with less expanded ex vivo could be the better choice for clinical application to treat with T1D through documentary analysis. Finally, we summarized the advances of MSCs with different interventions such as genetic engineering in the treatment of T1D, and demonstrated the advantages and shortage of MSCs intervened by different treatments in the transplantation, which may enhance the clinical efficacy and overcome the shortcomings in the application of MSCs to T1D in future.]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Phosphate Homeostasis and Disorders of Phosphate Metabolism]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/128362</link><description><![CDATA[Phosphate is indispensable for human life and evolutionary changes over several millions of years have established tightly regulated mechanisms to ensure phosphate homeostasis. In this process, calcium and phosphate metabolism have come to be intricately linked together. Three hormones (PTH, FGF23 and Calcitriol) maintain the fine balance of calcium and phosphate metabolism through their actions at three sites (the gut, the kidneys and the skeleton). Disorders that disrupt this balance can have serious clinical consequences. Acute changes in serum phosphate levels can result in life threatening complications like respiratory failure and cardiac arrythmias. Chronic hypophosphataemia predominantly affects the musculoskeletal system and presents as impaired linear growth, rickets, osteomalacia and dental problems. Hyperphosphataemia is very common in the setting of chronic kidney disease and can be difficult to manage. A thorough understanding of calcium and phosphate homeostasis is essential to diagnose and treat conditions associated with hypo and hyperphosphataemia. In this review, we will discuss the calcium and phosphate metabolism, aetiologies and management of hypo and hyperphosphataemia.]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Influence of Anaerobic Exercise in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Biomarkers: A
Systematic Review]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/137717</link><description><![CDATA[<p>Aim: Physical exercise is part of the type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) treatment. However, this practice is still neglected due to the wide variety of glycemic responses under the influence of anaerobic exercise. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the influence of anaerobic exercise on biomarkers of T1DM. <p> Methods: The systematic review was conducted on PubMed, Lilacs, and Embase, according to PRISMA. For this purpose, three groups of descriptors were used: Adults with T1DM, anaerobic physical exercise, and glycemic control. The search filter was set to human beings older than 18 years of age, longitudinal and cross-sectional studies, with studies published from 2000 to 2023 in English, Spanish, or Portuguese. Titles and abstracts were read independently by two reviewers, and then the articles were selected for this review. The Kappa coefficient was measured to evaluate the selection. <p> Results: A total of 738 articles were identified, and five were selected to be part of the review after applying the steps of the procedure. Some benefits were observed in fatigue reduction, absence of diabetic ketoacidosis requiring hospitalization, and enhancement of glucose monitoring during exercise. In the anaerobic workouts of the groups with T1DM, glycemic mean values ranged from 124.5-185.0 mg/dl, and glycated hemoglobin records ranged from 6.7-8.1%. <p> Conclusion: Anaerobic exercise improved the biomarkers of T1DM, especially glycemic control, and the reduction of symptomatic hypoglycemic episodes. Anaerobic exercise can be performed by individuals with T1DM, suggesting an individualized training prescription and encouraging its practice associated with aerobic exercise.</p>]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Empagliflozin-A Sodium Glucose Co-transporter-2 Inhibitor: Overview of
its Chemistry, Pharmacology, and Toxicology]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/137709</link><description><![CDATA[<p>Background: Empagliflozin is a sodium glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor that has gained significant attention in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Understanding its chemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology is crucial for the safe and effective use of this medication. <p> Objective: This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the chemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology of empagliflozin, synthesizing the available literature to present a concise summary of its properties and implications for clinical practice. <p> Methods: A systematic search of relevant databases was conducted to identify studies and articles related to the chemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology of empagliflozin. Data from preclinical and clinical studies, as well as post-marketing surveillance reports, were reviewed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the topic. <p> Results: Empagliflozin is a selective SGLT2 inhibitor that works by constraining glucose reabsorption in the kidneys, causing increased urinary glucose elimination. Its unique mechanism of action provides glycemic control, weight reduction, and blood pressure reduction. The drug's chemistry is characterized by its chemical structure, solubility, and stability. Pharmacologically, empagliflozin exhibits favorable pharmacokinetic properties with rapid absorption, extensive protein binding, and renal elimination. Clinical studies have demonstrated its efficacy in improving glycemic control, reducing cardiovascular risks, and preserving renal function. However, adverse effects, for instance, urinary tract infections, genital infections, and diabetic ketoacidosis have been reported. Toxicological studies indicate low potential for organ toxicity, mutagenicity, or carcinogenicity. <p> Conclusion: Empagliflozin is a promising SGLT2 inhibitor that offers an innovative approach to the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Its unique action mechanism and favorable pharmacokinetic profile contribute to its efficacy in improving glycemic control and reducing cardiovascular risks. While the drug's safety profile is generally favorable, clinicians should be aware of potential adverse effects and monitor patients closely. More study is required to determine the longterm safety and explore potential benefits in other patient populations. Overall, empagliflozin represents a valuable addition to the armamentarium of antidiabetic medications, offering significant benefits to patients suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study covers all aspects of empagliflozin, including its history, chemistry, pharmacology, and various clinical studies, case reports, and case series.</p>]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[To Explore the Putative Molecular Targets of Diabetic Nephropathy
and their Inhibition Utilizing Potential Phytocompounds]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/131928</link><description><![CDATA[<p>Background: This review critically addresses the putative molecular targets of Diabetic Nephropathy (DN) and screens effective phytocompounds that can be therapeutically beneficial, and highlights their mechanistic modalities of action. <p> Introduction: DN has become one of the most prevalent complications of clinical hyperglycemia, with individual-specific variations in the disease spectrum that leads to fatal consequences. Diverse etiologies involving oxidative and nitrosative stress, activation of polyol pathway, inflammasome formation, Extracellular Matrix (ECM) modifications, fibrosis, and change in dynamics of podocyte functional and mesangial cell proliferation adds up to the clinical complexity of DN. Current synthetic therapeutics lacks target-specific approach, and is associated with the development of inevitable residual toxicity and drug resistance. Phytocompounds provides a vast diversity of novel compounds that can become an alternative therapeutic approach to combat the DN. <p> Methods: Relevant publications were searched and screened from research databases like GOOGLE SCHOLAR, PUBMED and SCISEARCH. Out of 4895 publications, the most relevant publications were selected and included in this article. <p> Result: This study critically reviews over 60 most promising phytochemical and provides with their molecular targets, that can be of pharmacological significance in context to current treatment and concomitant research in DN. <p> Conclusion: This review highlights those most promising phytocompounds that have the potential of becoming new safer naturally-sourced therapeutic candidates and demands further attention at clinical level.</p>]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Association of COVID with Mycosis in General]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/137573</link><description><![CDATA[<P>Background: The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 is a respiratory disease which created havoc worldwide, was accompanied by another peculiar, otherwise rare, secondary fungal infection Mucormycosis which was observed at exceptionally high incidence in India during the second wave of COVID-19. The article explores possible links between the two infectious diseases to understand a higher-than-normal occurrence of Mucormycosis in COVID-19 patients. Coronavirus enters the patients through ACE-2 and many other receptors like- NRP-1, TfR, CD-126, and CD-26. Virus bind to cells possessing these receptors and affect their proper functioning, disturbing homeostatic metabolism and resulting in conditions like hyperglycemia, Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), low serum pH, iron overload, anemia, hypoxia, and immunosuppression as explained in the article. All these outcomes provide a very supportive environment for the attack and spread of Mucormycosis fungi. The major receptor for Mucormycosis in humans is the GRP-78. Its expression is upregulated by coronavirus entry and by hyperferritinemia, hyperglycemia, and acidic conditions prevalent in COVID patients, thus providing an easy entry for the fungal species. Upregulation of GRP-78 furthermore damages pancreatic &#946;-cells and intensifies hyperglycemia, showing quite a synergic relationship. Inordinate rise of Mucormycosis cases in India might be explained by facts like- India possessing a large proportion of diabetic patients, emergence of a very deadly strain of coronavirus- Delta strain, higher doses of steroids and antibodies used to treat patients against this strain, overburdened health care services, sudden much higher need of oxygen supply and use of industrial oxygen could explain the Mucormycosis outbreak observed in India during the second wave of COVID-19. <P> Objective: The present review discusses the functional interdependence between COVID-19 and Mucormycosis and summarizes the possible synergic links between COVID and Mucormycosis. <P> Conclusion: The receptors and metabolic pathways affected by COVID-19 result in severe physiological conditions- hyperglycemia, DKA, anemia, iron overload, immunosuppression, and hypoxia. All these conditions not only increase the expression of GRP-78, the major receptor for entry of fungi but also play a crucial role in providing quality media for Mucormycosis fungus to establish and grow. Hence explains the fungal epidemic observed in India during the second wave of COVID-19 in India.</P>]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Why have SGLT2 Inhibitors Failed to Achieve the Desired Success in
COVID-19?]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/139495</link><description><![CDATA[The SARS-CoV-2 virus emerged towards the end of 2019 and caused a major worldwide pandemic lasting at least 2 years, causing a disease called COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 caused a severe infection with direct cellular toxicity, stimulation of cytokine release, increased oxidative stress, disruption of endothelial structure, and thromboinflammation, as well as angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) down-regulation-mediated renin-angiotensin system (RAS) activation. In addition to glucosuria and natriuresis, sodium-glucose transport protein 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors (SGLT2i) cause weight loss, a decrease in glucose levels with an insulin-independent mechanism, an increase in erythropoietin levels and erythropoiesis, an increase in autophagy and lysosomal degradation, Na<sup>+</sup>/H<sup>+</sup>-changer inhibition, prevention of ischemia/reperfusion injury, oxidative stress and they have many positive effects such as reducing inflammation and improving vascular function. There was great anticipation for SGLT2i in treating patients with diabetes with COVID-19, but current data suggest they are not very effective. Moreover, there has been great confusion in the literature about the effects of SGLT2i on COVID-19 patients with diabetes . Various factors, including increased SGLT1 activity, lack of angiotensin receptor blocker co-administration, the potential for ketoacidosis, kidney injury, and disruptions in fluid and electrolyte levels, may have hindered SGLT2i's effectiveness against COVID-19. In addition, the duration of use of SGLT2i and their impact on erythropoiesis, blood viscosity, cholesterol levels, and vitamin D levels may also have played a role in their failure to treat the virus. This article aims to uncover the reasons for the confusion in the literature and to unravel why SGLT2i failed to succeed in COVID-19 based on some solid evidence as well as speculative and personal perspectives.]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Ketosis-prone Diabetes Presenting with Acute Esophageal Necrosis or
“Black Esophagus”: An Intriguing New Clinical Association]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/136627</link><description><![CDATA[<p>Background: Ketosis-prone diabetes (KPD) is an intermediate subtype of diabetes mellitus, usually affecting Afro-American adults, presenting with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), without the classic phenotype of autoimmune type 1 diabetes. Patients require insulin therapy at onset for the acute decompensation, then usually remain insulin-free for prolonged periods with diet alone or with other antidiabetic drugs. DKA can be rarely complicated by upper gastrointestinal bleeding and mucosal necrosis, a severe complication named acute esophageal necrosis (AEN) burdened by high mortality. The association of KPD presenting with DKA complicated by AEN is here reported for the first time, to the knowledge of the authors, in the medical literature. <p> Case Presentation: Here we report an interesting case of middle-aged African woman, newly diagnosed with KPD, presenting with DKA hematemesis. The patient was first treated at Intensive Care Unit for the ketoacidosis with intravenous fluids combined with continuous insulin infusion, and then switched to subcutaneous regimen. At the same time, esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) was performed to diagnose acute esophageal necrosis, which was promptly managed with proton pump inhibitors infusion, fasting, and parenteral nutrition. After the correct clinical evaluation, the patient was switched to oral antidiabetic and basal insulin at discharge and an EGD follow-up was scheduled. <p> Conclusions: KPD remains an under-recognized and under-diagnosed type of diabetes which can present as DKA. Since DKA could be a possible trigger of AEN, a rare but potentially lifethreatening condition, that clinicians should be aware of, in patients presenting with upper gastrointestinal bleeding and ketoacidosis. The prompt management and classification of DKA, combined with the EGD execution for early AEN diagnosis and follow-up, is essential.</p>]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Body Fat Distribution Contributes to Defining the Relationship between
Insulin Resistance and Obesity in Human Diseases]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/133680</link><description><![CDATA[The risk for metabolic and cardiovascular complications of obesity is defined by body fat distribution rather than global adiposity. Unlike subcutaneous fat, visceral fat (including hepatic steatosis) reflects insulin resistance and predicts type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In humans, available evidence indicates that the ability to store triglycerides in the subcutaneous adipose tissue reflects enhanced insulin sensitivity. Prospective studies document an association between larger subcutaneous fat mass at baseline and reduced incidence of impaired glucose tolerance. Case-control studies reveal an association between genetic predisposition to insulin resistance and a lower amount of subcutaneous adipose tissue. Human peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorgamma (PPAR-γ) promotes subcutaneous adipocyte differentiation and subcutaneous fat deposition, improving insulin resistance and reducing visceral fat. Thiazolidinediones reproduce the effects of PPAR-γ activation and therefore increase the amount of subcutaneous fat while enhancing insulin sensitivity and reducing visceral fat. Partial or virtually complete lack of adipose tissue (lipodystrophy) is associated with insulin resistance and its clinical manifestations, including essential hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, reduced HDL-c, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and kidney disease. Patients with Prader Willi syndrome manifest severe subcutaneous obesity without insulin resistance. The impaired ability to accumulate fat in the subcutaneous adipose tissue may be due to deficient triglyceride synthesis, inadequate formation of lipid droplets, or defective adipocyte differentiation. Lean and obese humans develop insulin resistance when the capacity to store fat in the subcutaneous adipose tissue is exhausted and deposition of triglycerides is no longer attainable at that location. Existing adipocytes become large and reflect the presence of insulin resistance.]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Alkaloids as Promising Agents for the Management of Insulin Resistance:
A Review]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/136419</link><description><![CDATA[<P>Background: Insulin resistance is one of the main factors that lead to the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The effect of alkaloids on insulin resistance has been extensively examined according to multiple scientific researches. </P><P> Objective: In this work, we aimed to summarize the interesting results from preclinical and clinical studies that assessed the effects of natural alkaloids (berberine, nigelladine A, piperine, trigonelline, capsaicin, nuciferine, evodiamine, mahanine, and magnoflorine) on impaired insulin sensitivity and worsened insulin resistance, which play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. </P><P> Methods: In the current review, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Springer, and Google Scholar databases were used. The inclusion criteria were based on the following keywords and phrases: insulin sensitivity, insulin resistance, alkaloids and insulin resistance, alkaloids and type 2 diabetes, mechanisms of action, and alkaloids. </P><P> Results: The outcomes reported in this review demonstrated that the selected alkaloids increased insulin sensitivity and reduced insulin resistance <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> evidence, as well as in clinical trials, through improving insulin-signaling transduction mainly in hepatocytes, myocytes, and adipocytes, both at cellular and molecular levels. Insulin signaling components (InsR, IRS-1, PI3K, Akt, <i>etc.</i>), protein kinases and phosphatases, receptors, ion channels, cytokines, adipokines, and microRNAs, are influenced by alkaloids at transcriptional and translational levels, also in terms of function (activity and/or phosphorylation). Multiple perturbations associated with insulin resistance, such as ectopic lipid accumulation, inflammation, ER stress, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, gut microbiota dysbiosis, and &#946;-cell failure, are reversed after treatment with alkaloids. Furthermore, various indices and tests are employed to assess insulin resistance, including the Matsuda index, insulin sensitivity index (ISI), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and insulin tolerance test (ITT), which are all enhanced by alkaloids. These improvements extend to fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, and HbA1c levels as well. Additionally, the Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) and the Homeostasis Model Assessment of &#946;-cell function (HOMA-&#946;) are recognized as robust markers of insulin sensitivity and &#946;-cell function, and it is noteworthy that alkaloids also lead to improvements in these two markers. </P><P> Conclusion: Based on the findings of the current review, alkaloids may serve as both preventive and curative agents for metabolic disorders, specifically type 2 diabetes. Nonetheless, there is an urgent need for additional clinical trials to explore the potential benefits of alkaloids in both healthy individuals and those with type 2 diabetes. Additionally, it is crucial to assess any possible side effects and interactions with antidiabetic drugs.</P>]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[The Effects of Obesity on Bone Turnover Markers in Diabetic Patients with
Diabetic Ketosis or Ketoacidosis]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/131632</link><description><![CDATA[<p>Purpose: Despite the fact that diabetes individuals are often associated with a higher risk of bone fracture, our previous research demonstrated that Diabetic ketosis (DK) or ketoacidosis (DKA) induced significant alterations in bone biomarkers. It is unknown whether there is a difference in bone metabolism between obese and non-obese diabetic populations while they are in DK or DKA; hence the current study will investigate this further to aid in the prognosis and prediction of bone fracture risk in patients with different BMIs. <p> Methods: We categorized patients into four groups based on their BMI utilizing data from our hospital's medical record system from 2018 to 2020 in the Department of Endocrinology: obese DK or DKA patients (OB+DK/DKA, n = 41), non-obese DK or DKA patients (DK/DKA, n = 201), obese type 2 diabetes patients without DK or DKA (OB+T2D, n = 93), and patients with type 2 diabetes only (T2D only, n = 304). The comparisons were made on glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), body mass index (BMI), fasting plasma C-peptide (FPCP), and plasma lipids, in addition to bone metabolism indicators such as total 25-OH-VitD3 (25-OH-VitD3), N-terminal middle molecular fragment of osteocalcin (NMID), -C terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type 1 collagen (-CTX), parathyroid hormone (PTH), and blood calcium (Ca<sup>2+</sup>). <p> Results: The OB+DK/DKA group had a lower average age (p &#60; 0.05) than the DK/DKA group, while the DK/DKA group had a significantly lower FPCP (p &#60; 0.05). The 25-OH-VitD3 levels of DK/DKA patients were considerably lower than those of the T2D-only group (p &#60; 0.05). In contrast, NMID and Ca<sup>2+</sup> levels were significantly lower than those of non-ketosis or acidosis patients (p &#60; 0.05), and PTH levels in the DK/DKA group were significantly lower than those of OB+ T2D patients (p &#60; 0.05). In contrast, the &#946;-CTX of the DK or DKA group (OB+DK/DKA and DK+DKA) was significantly greater than that of the non-DK or DKA group (p &#60; 0.05), although there was no significant difference in blood phosphorus between OB+DK/DKA and DK/ DKA (p > 0.05). The levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free T4 (FT4) did not differ significantly among the four groups (p > 0.05); however, the levels of total T3 (TT3), T4 (TT4), and free T3 (FT3) were significantly lower in the DK/DKA group (p &#60; 0.05); the ratio of TT3 to TT4 (TT3/TT4) was significantly decreased in the DK/DKA group, whereas the ratio of FT3/FT4 was significantly lower (p &#60; 0.05). <p> Conclusion: Obese patients with DK or DKA have a younger onset age, superior pancreatic function, and better blood glucose management than non-obese patients with DK/DKA. Despite having higher bone absorption signals than non-DK/DKA patients, OB+DK/DKA patients have stronger bone formation markers than non-obese DK/DKA patients, according to a recent study. Changes in markers of bone metabolism may be linked to non-thyroidal illness syndrome in cases of DK or DKA.</p>]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Mucormycosis: A Serious Catastrophe Involving COVID-19 Patients]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/133294</link><description><![CDATA[With the global pandemic, COVID-19, spurred on by the \"Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2),\" India has been greatly impacted. With a rare fungus known as Mucormycosis, the second wave of COVID-19 significantly impacted the Indian population after the initial phase. Mucormycosis is also known as \"black fungus\" because of the necrosis of infected skin tissue, which causes it to become black. It is caused by Mucoromycetes, members of the Zygomycetes order and the Mucorales class. COVID-19's effects on various comorbid ailments, such as diabetes, heart problems, and immune-compromised states, range from mild to severe to life-threatening. Mucormycosis moulds are more likely to affect patients who have hyperglycemia, ketoacidosis, solid organ or bone marrow transplantation, liver cirrhosis, or neutropenia. To eliminate Mucormycosis, four primary variables must be addressed: early diagnosis, eradication of predisposing factors, prompt antifungal treatment with surgical removal of all diseased tissues, and adjuvant therapies. Here, the present review discusses the clinical aetiology, symptoms, diagnosis, and therapy for black fungus. The study leads to the conclusion that the use of immunosuppressant medication to combat COVID-19 also elevates the possibility of being infected with mucormycotic.]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Ketosis-prone Diabetes and Hypogonadism: A New Clinical Association to
be Aware of ?]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/132591</link><description><![CDATA[<p>Background: Ketosis-prone diabetes (KPD) is an emerging entity, sharing features of both type 1 diabetes mellitus and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Patients with KPD usually present with diabetic ketoacidosis without the classic phenotype of autoimmune type 1 diabetes. In most cases, they are Afro-American adults, who require insulin therapy for the management of acute decompensation, then usually encountering insulin-free remission for prolonged periods of time with diet or with non-insulin agents. Meanwhile, hypogonadism is a known condition that could be associated with higher risk of developing both type 1 and type 2 diabetes and could be a risk factor for decompensated diabetes. The association of KPD and hypogonadism is reported for the first time in literature. <p> Case Presentation: Here we report two peculiar cases of young African patients, affected by KPD and hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, respectively Klinefelter’s syndrome and primary ovarian failure. Both patients were treated promptly for the ketoacidosis with intravenous fluids combined with continuous insulin infusion, and then switched to subcutaneous regimen. After the correct clinical evaluation, oral antidiabetic drugs were added. <p> Conclusion: KPD remains an under-recognized and under-diagnosed type of diabetes. As hypogonadism is strongly linked to dysmetabolic disorders, the evaluation of sex hormones should be performed at the onset of diabetes. Further studies should investigate the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and its role in the development of KDP and its manifestations and complications.</p>]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Renal Protection and Safety of Sodium-glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors in
Chronic Kidney Disease]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/133392</link><description><![CDATA[<P>Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has a clinical characteristic of progressive loss of kidney function and becomes a serious health and social concern. SGLT2i (sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors), a class of anti-diabetic medications, are shown to reduce cardiovascular and renal events. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess whether SGLT2i could become a new treatment strategy for CKD for its renal protection and safety. <P> Methods: Based on predetermined criteria, a bibliographical search was performed on May 31, 2022, by searching the following databases: ISI Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library. Statistical analysis was conducted to assess renal protection and safety of SGLT2i by using Cochrane Review Manager Version 5.3. <P> Results: Thirty randomised controlled trials fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were eligible for this meta-analysis. Our study found that the SGLT2i can sustainably reduce the urine albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR) at different time points and prevent the progression to macroalbuminuria. Before 24 weeks, SGLT2i can decrease the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) compared to the control group. Interestingly, after 24 weeks, SGLT2i can continuously maintain the increase in eGFR when compared with the control group. Furthermore, SGLT2i can reduce the event rates of incident or worsening nephropathy, a decline in estimated eGFR of ≥ 50%, doubling of serum creatinine level, acute renal failure and renal failure. Interestingly, the renoprotective effects of SGLT2i are independent of its glycemic effects. SGLT2i can reduce the morbidity rate of any related adverse events, any related severe adverse events and SGLT2i have not increased the event rates of urinary tract infection, bone fractures, amputation, and acute pancreatitis when compared with the control group. <P> Conclusion: SGLT2i can protect renal function and are safe drug for CKD. SGLT2i are promising therapeutic agents for CKD patients.</P>]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Clinical Profile and Follow-up: North Emirate
Hospitals’ Experience]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/131590</link><description><![CDATA[<p>Background: Type 1 Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder in children and adolescents due to insulin deficiency. The disease is more common below 19 years of age with two peaks of incidence, one at 4-6 years and the other peak at early puberty (10-14 years). There is a gradual increase in the incidence of type 1 DM and a rise in incidence at 10,200 cases per year in the Middle East. Chronic type-1 diabetic patients develop microvascular and macrovascular complications. <p> Methods: The present retrospective cross-sectional study aims to describe the experience on the clinical profile, morbidity profile, and comorbidities of Type1 DM in children below 15 years of age admitted to the SAQR and Fujairah hospitals in the Northern part of United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 1st January 2017 to 31st December 2019. The study material was the digital medical records of children below 15 years who got admitted to emergency and pediatric wards with type 1 Diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in SAQR and Fujairah hospitals. <p> Results: Total admissions during the study period were 98. At the time of diagnosis, 12.2% of children were below five years of age, whereas 87.75% were more than five years. All 98 children were UAE nationals, of which 52% were males and 48% were females. 50% of our study population has a strong family history of either type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus, of which 12.2% of siblings of the study population had T1DM. The first symptoms in 58% and 57% of children were polyuria and polydipsia. Among 90% of children under follow-up for three years, one child developed microalbuminuria, three developed systolic hypertension, and 8% were lost to follow-up. <p> Conclusion: The present study highlights the need for future prospective studies in the UAE to know the actual burden of the disease with an emphasis on early screening.</p>]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Discharge Planning for People with Inpatient Hyperglycaemia: A Review
on Pharmacological Management]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/129802</link><description><![CDATA[Inadequate glycaemic control post-discharge is the root cause of readmission in people with diabetes mellitus (DM) and is often linked to improper discharge planning (DP). A structured DP plays a crucial role in ensuring continuing home care and avoiding readmissions. DP should help patients in self-care and provide appropriate guidance to maintain optimal glycaemic control. There is a scarcity of reports and recommendations on the proper DP for people with DM on insulin therapy. The present review provides important consideration based on experts’ opinions from the National Insulin and Incretin summit (NIIS), focusing on the effective treatment strategies at the time of discharge, especially for insulin therapy. A review of literature from PubMed and Embase was conducted. The consensus was derived, and recommendations were made on effective DP for patients with DM. Recommendations were drawn at the NIIS for post-discharge treatment for medical and surgical cases, stress-induced hyperglycaemia, elderly, pregnant women, and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases. The committee also recommended a comprehensive checklist to assist the physicians during discharge.]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding the Potential Function of Perivascular Adipose Tissue
in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms: Current Research Status and
Future Expectation]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/127984</link><description><![CDATA[An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a progressive dilatation of the vascular wall occurring below the aortic fissure, preferably occurring below the renal artery. The molecular mechanism of AAA has not yet been elucidated. In the past few decades, research on abdominal aortic aneurysm has been mainly focused on the vessel wall, and it is generally accepted that inflammation and middle layer fracture of the vessel wall is the core steps in the development of AAA. However, perivascular adipose tissue plays a non-negligible role in the occurrence and development of AAA. The position of PVAT plays a supporting and protective role on the vascular wall, but the particularity of the location makes it not only have the physiological function of visceral fat; but also can regulate the vascular function by secreting a large number of adipokines and cytokines. An abdominal aortic aneurysm is getting higher and higher, with a vascular rupture, low rescue success rate, and extremely high lethality rate. At present, there is no drug to control the progression or reverse abdominal aortic aneurysm. Therefore, it is critical to deeply explore the mechanism of abdominal aortic aneurysms and find new therapeutic ways to inhibit abdominal aortic aneurysm formation and disease progression. An abdominal aortic aneurysm is mainly characterized by inflammation of the vessel wall and matrix metalloprotein degradation. In this review, we mainly focus on the cytokines released by the perivascular adipose tissue, summarize the mechanisms involved in the regulation of abdominal aortic aneurysms, and provide new research directions for studying abdominal aortic aneurysms.]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Stem Cell Therapy in Combination with Naturopathy: Current Progressive
Management of Diabetes and Associated Complications]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/127964</link><description><![CDATA[<p>Background: Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder having a global prevalence of nearly doubled over the last 30 years and has become one of the major health concerns worldwide. The number of adults with diabetes increased to 537 million in 2021. <p> Introduction: The overarching goal of diabetic research and treatment has always been to restore insulin independence and an average blood glucose level. Chemotherapeutic antidiabetic agents can manage diabetes but often show toxicity and drug resistance. Natural phytomedicines may be useful along with stem cell therapy for diabetes management. Even if the whole pancreatic organ and islet transplantation, are becoming benchmark techniques for diabetes management and control, a considerable scarcity of eligible donors of pancreatic tissues and organs severely limits their use. Stem cell treatment provides a bunch of possibilities for treating people with diabetes. <p> Methods: For this purpose, comprehensive article searching was conducted, with relevant material obtained using search engines such as Scopus, PubMed, MEDLINE, Google, and others, using appropriate keywords. <p> Results: Stem cell therapies, including induced pluripotent stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells, are now becoming a popular area of investigation. Recent advancements in stem cell therapy might provide a feasible treatment option. Furthermore, in recent years, some novel bioactive compounds derived from plants have demonstrated antidiabetic action with higher potency than oral hypoglycaemic medications. Recent regenerative medicine and stem cell treatment advancements might subsequently provide a feasible diabetic management option. On the other hand, medicinal herbs have been considered a better choice for the extensive treatment of diabetes. <p> Conclusion: If proper attention is not given to control diabetes by antidiabetic chemotherapeutic agents, natural phytomedicine, and sophisticated treatment like stem cell therapy, then the lifespan of patients will be decreased, and some associated secondary problems will also arise. So, the present review attempts to discuss naturopathy as an alternative resource in combination with stem cell therapy for the progressive management of diabetes and associated disorders.</p>]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[When Serum C-Peptide Measurement Drives Adequate Diabetes Mellitus
Diagnosis and Therapy: A Case Report]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/129167</link><description><![CDATA[<p> Background: Therapeutic targets in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) are oriented towards nephron- and cardio-protection and the prescription of antihyperglycemic agents with proven renal and cardiovascular benefits are increasing over time. Failure to promptly diagnose insulinopenic diabetes may adversely affect the adequacy of treatment and have harmful consequences, including severe hyperglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis. </p> <p> Case Presentation: Herein we present the case of a 57-year-old woman referred to our clinic due to poor glycemic control (HbA1c 80 mmol/mol, therapeutic target <53 mmol/mol), class III obesity (BMI 41 kg/m2; normal value <25 kg/m<sup>2</sup>), and high cardiovascular risk misdiagnosed with T2D several years before. C-peptide measurement (0.3 ng/dL; reference range 1.1 – 4.4 ng/mL) confirmed the diagnosis of an insulinopenic form of diabetes, and the islet autoimmunity was consequently measured (GADA 2,000 UA/mL, reference range <5 UA/mL; IA2 17.1 UA/mL, reference range <7.5 UA/mL) and defined the diagnosis of an autoimmune form of diabetes. </p> <p> Discussion: Deprescribing insulin therapy in T2D patients in favor of other antihyperglycemic medications has become a growing therapeutic opportunity to provide adequate glucose control, promote weight loss, improve insulin sensitivity, and ameliorate cardiovascular and renal outcomes. However, a blunted insulin reserve poses significant restriction on the prescription of non-insulin agents (e.g., diabetic ketoacidosis due to gliflozins). According to our experience, the routine testing of insulin reserve provides detailed information on diabetes pathophysiology with positive implications for the appropriateness of pharmacological prescriptions. </p> <p> Conclusion: As part of our routine evaluation of diabetic patients, C-peptide measurement is a valuable and inexpensive tool to reclassify diabetes types and provide more appropriate disease management.</p>]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[SGLT2 Inhibitors and Kidney Diseases: A Clinical Perspective]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/128462</link><description><![CDATA[]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Management of Type 2 Diabetes in Acute Coronary Syndromes: Current State and
Future Perspectives]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/129428</link><description><![CDATA[]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), a Leading Risk Factor for Mucormycosis
(Black Fungus), during the Era of Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19):
An Overview]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/121595</link><description><![CDATA[<P>Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) and steroid medication, coincided with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), results in a weakened immune system, allowing some commonly found pathogens to become more harmful. Mucormycosis (black fungus) is a type of opportunistic infection caused by fungi belonging to the Mucorales family. DM is the most prominent risk factor for mucormycosis. Excessive blood sugar and decreased insulin levels lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a devastating complication of DM that can be fatal if left untreated. <P> Methods: Diabetic ketoacidosis is more common in type 1 diabetic patients, although it can also be fall in type 2 diabetic patients. DKA occurs when the body lacks enough insulin to allow blood sugar to enter the cells and is used for energy. Instead, the liver breaks down fat for fuel-producing chemicals known as ketones. <P> Results: When too many ketones are created too quickly, they can reach dangerously high levels in the body. Mucormycosis is a rare but serious infectious disease that requires medication or surgical removal. <P> Conclusion: The confluence of diabetes and COVID-19 makes managing mucormycosis a serious and dead issue. Although the effectiveness of prophylactic antifungal therapy has yet to be demonstrated, hyperglycemia control appears to be the most important step in managing mucormycosis in DKA patients.</P>]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Fetal Encephalomalacia Secondary to Acute Maternal Blood Loss: A Case Study]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/126459</link><description><![CDATA[<p>Background: Fetal neurons are sensitive to ischemia which could happen secondary to acute maternal blood loss. The damage to the fetal brain with loss of brain neurons in early gestation leads to encephalomalacia. We describe here a case report of fetal encephalomalacia secondary to acute maternal blood loss. <p> Case Presentation: A 23-year-old gravida 3, para 2 woman sustained a forearm laceration at 18 weeks of gestation. Her hemoglobin dropped to 7.9 mg/dL. A surgical laceration repair was completed, and she was transfused with blood. At the OB visit the following week, her fetal US showed abnormal brain, evident by the increased size of the lateral ventricles. A follow-up MRI at 30 weeks of gestation confirmed fetal encephalomalacia. A complete investigation, including free cell maternal DNA for chromosomal anomalies, TORCH infection, and Covid PCR, all were negative. Conclusion: <p> We concluded from the case that any history of significant acute maternal blood loss that required blood transfusion should necessitate a fetal ultrasound to look for fetal well-being, especially for any brain structural changes in the developing brain.]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Black Fungus: An Alarming Infection During Novel Coronavirus: A Review]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/121996</link><description><![CDATA[Mucormycosis is the most emerging angioinvasive fungal infection of filamentous fungi of the Zygomycetes class, which, when neglected, causes severe disseminated infection along with significant chances of morbidity and mortality. The diagnosis and treatment remain challenging for the doctors. It has been observed that people who have been suffering from different diseases, such as hematological malignancies and uncontrolled diabetes, or who have gone through different surgeries, such as hematopoietic stem cell transplant, and solid transplantation, are the most affected ones. On the other hand, people who have recovered from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) typically show the symptoms of mucormycosis after 1-2 weeks of successful recovery. Standard treatment of mucormycosis is traditionally considered an amphotericin B intravenous (IV) drug as initial therapy, although posaconazole and isavuconazole are also used. The core objective of the review is to typically focus on the area of the sudden cause of mucormycosis in the patients who have already recovered from SARS-CoV-2.]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Individual Case Safety Reports Analysis for Patients with Diabetes Mellitus
on Insulin in Africa and the Middle East]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/118744</link><description><![CDATA[<p>Background: The growing numbers of patients with diabetes mellitus in Africa and the Middle East on antidiabetic therapies necessitate an understanding of adverse event (AE) reporting in these regions. <p> Objective: The aim of the study was to provide an AE reporting overview in patients using insulin in Africa and the Middle East by characterizing and comparing individual case safety reports (ICSRs) features. <p> Methods: The cross-sectional study analyzed ICSR data from a global pharmaceutical company’s pharmacovigilance database for January to December 2018 to describe and compare patient demographics, report sources, reporter types, ICSR seriousness, suspect products, indication for insulin use and AE preferred terms, by country. <p> Results: Overall 7076 ICSRs were analyzed, 63.6% from the Middle East. Most ICSRs were nonserious (91.5%), from solicited sources (83.5%), and reported by consumers (70.7%). Patients from the Middle East were, on average, 34.2 years of age, had gestational diabetes mellitus as indication (64.3%), insulin detemir as suspect product (76.5%), and exposure during pregnancy as AE preferred term (89.1%). Patients from Africa were 48.1 years old on average, a higher proportion of type 2 diabetes mellitus was observed (52.2%), human insulin was the suspect product (51.6%), and blood glucose increased the AE preferred term (23.1%). Few macrovascular and microvascular complications were reported (< 1% in both regions). Associations between the region and patient age, gender, report sources, reporter types, indications for insulin use, suspect products, and AE preferred term were significant (p < 0.001). <p> Conclusion: ICSRs features were region-specific and dependent on patient age, gender, report sources, reporter types, suspect products, and AE preferred terms.</p>]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Neuroinflammation, Diabetes and COVID-19: Perspectives Coming from
Ca<sup>2+</sup>/cAMP Signalling]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/119853</link><description><![CDATA[A link between inflammatory diseases, e.g., epilepsy, dementia, diabetes, and COVID-19, has been established. For instance, observational studies involving several individuals reported that people with epilepsy show an enhanced incidence of manifesting dysfunctions related to cognition, e.g., dementia, while people with dementia have a higher incidence of manifesting epilepsy, thus an evident bidirectional relationship between epilepsy and dementia might occur. In addition, epilepsy commonly cooccurs in patients with diabetes, indicating an association between these two disorders. Intriguingly, some reports have also observed a poor prognosis of people with both diabetes and COVID-19. It is recognized that a dyshomeostasis of both Ca<sup>2+</sup> and cAMP signalling pathways could be a molecular connection for these disorders. Therefore, clarifying this clinical relationship among epilepsy, dementia, diabetes, and COVID-19 may outcome in novel hypotheses for identifying the etiology of these disorders.]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Non-glycemic Adverse Effects of Insulin]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/113781</link><description><![CDATA[Insulin is primarily considered for its glycemic effects in patients with diabetes. There are, however, non-glycemic adverse effects of insulin that may significantly impact patient health and interfere with glycemic control. Insulinogenic edema primarily occurs with rapid improvement in glycemic control either in patients with newly discovered diabetes or in patients with poorly-controlled diabetes. Insulin-induced sympathetic activation, vasodilation, changes in vascular permeability, and most importantly, sodium retention play significant etiologic roles in the development of edema. Clinically, it is usually self-limited, but significant complications can develop. Allergic reactions to all insulin preparations and various compounds used in insulin formulations with a wide range of severity have been reported. Frequently, changing the type of insulin or delivery method is sufficient, but more advanced treatments such as insulin desensitization and anti-IgE antibody treatment may be needed. Lipohypertrophy and lipoatrophy frequently develop with the overuse of injection sites. Lipohypertrophy can affect tissue insulin absorption and glycemic control.]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Advanced Protein Drugs and Formulations]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/119338</link><description><![CDATA[Previously, the application of proteins was uncommon as therapeutically active molecules. Some of the first applications of proteins as drugs have been insulin and vaccines for overcoming a physiological deficiency and the prevention of diseases, respectively. Nowadays, proteins have many applications, not only as drugs but also as drug delivery systems to be administered by different routes. Due to their nature, the behavior of proteins varies while the conditions of the environment are modified. For this reason, it is necessary to study their behavior for predicting the correct manufacturing, storing, or combination with other possible molecules in a formulation or into the body. The application of techniques for predicting the behavior of proteins in different environments has led to associating this type of behavior into the body with the occurrence of diseases, such as celiac disease or Alzheimer's disease. Thus, this work shows an overview of the main types of proteins applied as active therapeutically molecules, proteins-based drug delivery systems, and techniques for predicting their stability into the primary storing container and the body.]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[The Impact of Traditional Chinese Medicine on Mitophagy in Disease Models]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/118349</link><description><![CDATA[Mitophagy plays an important role in maintaining mitochondrial quality and cell homeostasis through the degradation of damaged, aged, and dysfunctional mitochondria and misfolded proteins. Many human diseases, particularly neurodegenerative diseases, are related to disorders of mitochondrial phagocytosis. Exploring the regulatory mechanisms of mitophagy is of great significance for revealing the molecular mechanisms underlying the related diseases. Herein, we summarize the major mechanisms of mitophagy, the relationship of mitophagy with human diseases, and the role of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in mitophagy. These discussions enhance our knowledge of mitophagy and its potential therapeutic targets using TCM.]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Safety and Efficacy of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Children and
Young Adults with Haematological Malignancies: Review and Future Perspectives]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/115605</link><description><![CDATA[Despite the marked improvement in overall survival rates of paediatric patients with haematological malignancies that has been achieved during the last decades, there is still a pressing need for novel therapeutic approaches for the subset of patients with relapsed or refractory disease. Immune checkpoint inhibitors aim to induce potent anti-tumour immune responses by targeted blocking of inhibitory receptors and have shown promising results in preclinical models and studies on the adult population. However, paediatric malignancies present unique features, and so far, experience with these agents is limited. In the current review, we present an overview of efficacy and safety data from case reports, case series, and clinical trials employing the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors in children, adolescents, and young adults with haematological malignancies. We also discuss new possibilities involving novel targets and combination treatments and provide a summary of the currently registered clinical trials.]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Methemoglobinaemia in Diabetic Ketoacidosis Patient]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/119712</link><description><![CDATA[Background: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is a common X-linked genetic disorder. <p> Case Presentation: In this paper, we report a case of a 41-years-old male patient with non-insulin-dependent diabetes and a family history of G6PD deficiency never known to have any previous hemolytic episodes, presented as a case of diabetic ketoacidosis with features of hemolytic anemia due to G6PD deficiency manifesting as methemoglobinemia and anemia. <p> Conclusion: Our patient successfully managed with ascorbic acid and red blood cell transfusion. Clinicians should, therefore, be aware of the possibility of this uncommon association between diabetic ketoacidosis, G6PD deficiency, and methemoglobinemia which may be present in patients with G6PD deficiency and severe hemolysis.]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Exercise and Nutraceuticals: Eminent Approach for Diabetic Neuropathy]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/116389</link><description><![CDATA[Diabetic neuropathy is an incapacitating chronic pathological condition that encompasses a large group of diseases and manifestations of nerve damage. It affects approximately 50% of patients with diabetes mellitus. Autonomic, sensory, and motor neurons are affected. Disabilities are severe, along with poor recovery and diverse pathophysiology. Physical exercise and herbal- based therapies have the potential to decrease the disabilities associated with diabetic neuropathy. Aerobic exercises like walking, weight lifting, the use of nutraceuticals and herbal extracts are found to be effective. Literature from the public domain was studied emphasizing various beneficial effects of different exercises, herbal and nutraceuticals for their therapeutic action in diabetic neuropathy. Routine exercises and administration of herbal and nutraceuticals, either the extract of plant material containing the active phytoconstituent or isolated phytoconstituent at safe concentration, have been shown to have promising positive action in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy. Exercise has shown promising effects on vascular and neuronal health. It has proven to be well effective in the treatment as well as prevention of diabetic neuropathy by various novel mechanisms, including Herbal and nutraceuticals therapy. They primarily show the anti-oxidant effect, secretagogue, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and neuroprotective action. Severe adverse events are rare with these therapies. The current review investigates the benefits of exercise and nutraceutical therapies in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy.]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Decreased Plasma Level of Lipoprotein Lipase Predicted Verbal Disfluency in Chinese Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients with Early Cognitive Deficits]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/118109</link><description><![CDATA[<p>Background: Lipoprotein Lipase (LPL) is the rate-limiting enzyme catalyzing the hydrolysis of triglycerides and contributes to the amyloid-&#946; formation, which shows promise as a pathological factor of cognitive decline in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). This study aimed to investigate the pathogenetic roles of LPL and rs328 polymorphism in Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) in patients with T2DM. </P><P> Methods: Chinese patients with T2DM were recruited and divided into two groups based on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment score. Demographic data were collected, LPL was measured and neuropsychological test results were examined. </P><P> Results: Seventy-nine patients with diabetes and MCI had significantly decreased plasma LPL levels (p = 0.007) when compared with health-cognition controls (n = 91). Correlation analysis revealed that LPL was positively correlated with clock drawing test (r = 0.158, p = 0.043) and logical memory test (r = 0.162, p = 0.037), while lipoprotein a (r = -0.214, p = 0.006) was inversely associated with LPL. Logistic regression analysis further demonstrated that LPL concentration was an independent factor for diabetic MCI (p = 0.036). No significant differences were observed in the distributions of rs328 variants between patients with MCI and the controls. Moreover, no remarkable association was found among plasma LPL levels, cognitive performances, and lipid levels between the genotypic subgroups. The trail making test A was increased in the GC group when compared with the CC genotype in the control group. </P><P> Conclusion: Decreased plasma level of LPL could probably predict early cognitive deficits, especially verbal disfluency.</p>]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Dementia: Decoding the Causal link of Diabetes Mellitus in Alzheimer’s Disease]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/114157</link><description><![CDATA[Dementia and diabetes are the two major disorders that are linked at both biochemical and molecular levels, which is due to the existing similarities between pancreatic beta-cells and neuronal cells at the transcriptional and translational levels. Both diseases have similar causative genes or factors, and dementia is one of the advanced complications in about 50-52% of patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Further, patients with T2DM are at a higher risk of neuronal degeneration and Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Dementia, which is most common in AD, is associated with diminished insulin receptors by nearly 80%. The impairment in insulin signaling thus leads to the development of dementia and AD. Biochemical changes in ‘tau’ protein and amyloid-- beta proteins make them critical players in the formation of plaques in patients with dementia and AD. Here, we decode various cellular and molecular mechanisms associated with the development of dementia in patients with diabetes and AD.]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Heart Failure and Diabetes: Perspective of a Dangerous Association]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/115213</link><description><![CDATA[<p>The relationship between diabetes and risk of heart failure has been described in previous trials, releasing the importance of the hyperglycemic state that, added to other risk factors, favors the development of coronary heart disease. The mechanism by which, in the absence of hypertension, obesity and/or dyslipidemia, diabetic patients develop cardiomyopathy has been less studied. </P><P> Recently, the Sodium Glucose Co-transporter type 2 inhibitors (SGLT2 inhibitors) used for the treatment of heart failure patients with or without diabetes has been a breakthrough in the field of medicine. </P><P> This review describes the established pathophysiology of diabetic cardiomyopathy and SGLT2 inhibitors, their mechanisms of action, and benefits in this group of patients.</p>]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Intracerebral Hemorrhage and Diabetes Mellitus: Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption, Pathophysiology and Cognitive Impairments]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/114471</link><description><![CDATA[There is a surge in diabetes incidence, with an estimated 463 million individuals been diagnosed worldwide. Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a major stroke-related comorbid condition that increases the susceptibility of disabling post-stroke outcomes. Although less common, intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is the most dramatic subtype of stroke associated with higher mortality, particularly in the DM population. Previous studies have focused mainly on the impact of DM on ischemic stroke. Few studies have focused on the impact of DM on ICH and discussed the blood- -brain barrier disruption, brain edema, and hematoma formation. However, more recently, investigating the role of oxidative damage and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production in preclinical studies involving DM-ICH animal models has gained attention. But, little is known about the correlation between neuroinflammatory processes, glial cells activation, and peripheral immune cell invasion with DM-ICH injury. DM and ICH patients experience impaired abilities in multiple cognitive domains by relatively comparable mechanisms, which could get exacerbated in the setting of comorbidities. In this review, we discuss both the pathology of DM as a comorbid condition for ICH and the potential molecular therapeutic targets for the clinical management of the ICH and its recovery.]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Cerebrovascular Complications of Diabetes: SGLT-2 Inhibitors as a Promising Future Therapeutics]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/110777</link><description><![CDATA[Sodium-Glucose co-transporter inhibitors are a novel class of drugs widely used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus medical management. This class of drugs has a simple mechanism of action by which they decrease blood glucose levels. They prevent the uptake or re-absorption of glucose in the blood by inhibiting the SGLT2 co-transport channels located in the renal proximal convoluted tubule. Since SGLT2 is the low affinity, high capacity glucose transporter, it allows the co-transport of sodium and glucose through it. SGLT2s are accountable for around 90% of the renal glucose reuptake. Cerebrovascular complications or accidents (CVAs) are the world's leading cause of mortality, resulting in around 6 million deaths annually. Diabetics are prone to develop mitochondrial dysfunction and neurodegeneration due to hyperglycemia and oxidative stress end products. Due to hyperglycemic condition in diabetes, it is always an elevated risk of cerebrovascular dysfunction due to hyperglycemia as it includes endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis, hypercoagulability, oxidative stress, renal reperfusion injury which may lead to neuronal degeneration and cognitive impairment. A diabetic individual is more prone to develop risk factors for transient ischemic attacks than a non-diabetic patient. These inhibitors reduce hyperglycemia by blocking renal glucose reabsorption, therefore promoting an increase in renal glucose excretion. This review discusses the potential role of SGLT2 inhibitors in treating CVAs associated with T2DM.]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Pregnancy Complicated by the Most Frequent Forms of Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young: A Narrative Review on Its Pharmacological Implications]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/109871</link><description><![CDATA[<p>Background: Monogenic Diabetes (MFD) represents close to 2% of all the cases of diabetes diagnosed in people younger than 45 years old. Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY), neonatal diabetes, and several syndromic forms of diabetes are included among the most accounts for about typical forms of MDF. MODY is the most frequent type of MFD, with MODY 1, 2, 3, and 5 being the most prevalent forms. The aim of this narrative review is to describe pregnancy associated changes in the pharmacological profile of the antidiabetic drugs used in women with the most frequent MODY subtypes. </P><P> Methods: A comprehensive literature search was carried out to identify eligible studies from MEDLINE/ PubMed, EMBASE, and SCIELO databases from 1970 to 2019 first semester. </P><P> Results: Pregnancy introduces changes in the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic profile of some of the treatments used in MODY. MODY 3 (also known as HNF1-A MODY) is the most frequent MDF. MODY 3 patients are highly sensitive to Sulfonylureas (SU). This is also the case for MODY pregnant women. This high sensitivity to SU is also registered in patients with MODY 1 (HNF4-A MODY). Pharmacodynamic changes have been proposed to explain this behavior (Epac2 hyperactivity). However, changes in expression/activity of the metabolizing CYP2C9 cytochrome and/or alterations in the drug transporters oatp1 (Slc21a1), Lst-1 (Slc21a6), OATPD (SLC21A11), and oat2 may better explain, at least in part, this phenomenon by an increase in the concentration of the active drug. </P><P> Conclusion: The impact of changes in the pharmacological behavior of drugs like SU and other metabolized/transported by mechanisms altered in a pregnancy complicated by MODY is unknown. However, switching-to-insulin recommendation formulated for MODY 1 and 3 seems to be justified. Further research in this field is needed for a better understanding of changes in drug activity associated with this particular subset of patients with MFD.</p>]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Evaluation of Early Administration of Insulin Glargine in the Acute Management of Diabetic Ketoacidosis]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/114689</link><description><![CDATA[Background: Few studies have evaluated the early use of insulin glargine in the management of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) patients. Early insulin glargine use in DKA was safe and associated with a trend towards faster DKA resolution. </p> Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of early insulin glargine administration for acute management of DKA in critically ill patients. </p> Methods: This single-center retrospective cohort study included patients, who were >18 years of age with DKA, admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for at least 12 h, and received intravenous insulin infusion for at least 6 h. The primary endpoint was the association between the time to insulin glargine administration and time to DKA resolution. Linear and logistic regression analyses were performed. </p> Results: Of the 913 patients evaluated, 380 were included in the study. The overall mean age was 45±17 years, 196 (51.6%) were female, and 262 (70%) patients had type 1 diabetes mellitus. The mean blood glucose level was 584.9±210 mg/dL, pH was 7.16±0.17, anion gap was 28.17±6.9 mEq/L, and serum bicarbonate level was 11.19±5.72 mEq/L. Every 6-h delay in insulin glargine administration was associated with a 26-min increase in time to DKA resolution (95% confidence interval [CI], 14.76-37.44; p<0.0001), 3.2-h increase in insulin infusion duration (95% CI, 28.8-36; p<0.0001), and 6.5-h increase in ICU LOS (95% CI, 5.04-7.92; p<0.0001). </p> Conclusion: Early administration of insulin glargine is potentially safe and may be associated with a reduction in time to DKA resolution and a shorter duration of insulin infusion.]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Conventional and Non-Conventional Targets of Natural Products in the Management of Diabetes Mellitus and Associated Complications]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/111082</link><description><![CDATA[<p>Background: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a severe endocrine metabolic disease coupled with various long-term complications. A plethora of targets have been identified, however, with possible adverse effects. Therefore, researchers are in the perpetual quest for safe and more effective therapeutics. Natural products, particularly derived from plants, have proven to exert anti-diabetic effects via diverse mechanisms. </P><P> Methods: An overview of DM pathogenesis and its associated micro- and macro-vascular complications is presented. Possible underlying mechanisms of herbal remedies in DM management are provided, highlighting some key therapeutic targets. The review also appraises the recent progress of herbal products in treating DM through regulating inflammation and gut microbiota. Finally, currently available pharmacological treatments are discussed. </P><P> Results: The results show that numerous plants have proven to be promising sources of insulin secreting agents, &#945;-glucosidase and &#945;-amylase inhibitors. Among the non- conventional targets, inhibition of key enzymes such as lipase, cholinesterases and angiotensin converting enzyme has been directly and/or indirectly linked to DM and DM complications. For instance, hypericin, pseudohypericin and I3,II8-biapigenin isolated from Hypericum perforatum L., and palmatine and columbamine isolated from Dichocarpum auriculatum (Franch.) W. T. Wang & P. K have been found to be powerful lipase and cholinesterase inhibitors, respectively. Moreover, a number of plant-derived compounds such as feruloylated oligosaccharides from maize bran, baicalein and berberine are reported to mediate anti-diabetic property via modulation of gut microbiota. </P><P> Conclusion: The information amassed in this review is anticipated to provide useful scientific baseline information to support advanced research in natural antidiabetic drug development.</p>]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Renin Angiotensin System (RAS) and Immune System Profile in Specific Subgroups with COVID-19]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/109646</link><description><![CDATA[<p>Background: The identification of vulnerable subgroups and risk factors associated with the susceptibility to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV- 2) infection and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is of utmost importance in a pandemic scenario. Potential interactions between renin-angiotensin system (RAS), immune markers and COVID-19 play a role in disease outcome in specific groups of patients. </P><P> Objective: This review aimed to describe the particularities of the RAS and the immune system profile of particular subgroups of patients. </P><P> Methods: This non-systematic review summarizes evidence on SARS-CoV-2 infection in specific subgroups of patients and possible relationships between immune system, RAS and the pathophysiology of COVID-19. </P><P> Results: The RAS and the immune system exert a role in the pathogenesis and prognosis of COVID-19, mainly in cases of hypertension, diabetes, obesity and other chronic diseases. The overactivation of the ACE/Ang II/AT1R axis and the enhancement of inflammation contribute to deleterious effects of COVID-19. Likewise, pregnant women and elderly patients usually display immune responses that are less effective in withstanding exposition to viruses, while children are relatively protected against severe complications of COVID-19. Women, conversely, exhibit stronger antiviral responses and are less sensitive to the effects of increased Ang II. </P><P> Future Perspectives: The recognition of vulnerable subgroups and risk factors for disease severity is essential to better understand the pandemic. Precision medicine tools, including proteomics and metabolomics approaches, identified metabolic patterns of the severe form of disease and might be the alternative to diagnose, evaluate and predict the prognosis and the efficiency of therapies.</p>]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Efficacy and Cardiovascular Safety of SGLT2 Inhibitors]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/110422</link><description><![CDATA[Patients with diabetes continued to exhibit a high risk for cardiovascular and renal events despite achieving satisfactory glycemic, blood pressure and lipid targets. Studies evaluating new diabetes medications focused on cardiovascular events, largely overlooking heart failure (HF). The latter has recently been recognised as a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with diabetes mellitus. There had been an unmet need for drugs with cardiovascular (including HF) and renal protection, with an expectation that an ideal diabetic drug should improve these endpoints. Moreover, an ideal drug should have weight reducing benefits. Recently published outcome trials have shown that sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) can reduce cardiovascular and renal events, together with statistically significant weight reduction. As a result, many recently published international guidelines have recommended SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1RAs in patients with diabetes and pre-existing cardiovascular disease (CVD). In this review, we will critically analyse the efficacy and cardiovascular (CV) safety of SGLT2 inhibitors, based on the available literature to help position them in the clinical decision process.]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Efficacy and Cardiovascular Safety of DPP-4 Inhibitors]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/109304</link><description><![CDATA[Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors or gliptins belong to the class of incretin mimetics. These drugs have been available on the market for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) for over a decade. Sitagliptin, linagliptin, vildagliptin, saxagliptin and alogliptin are widely available globally, whilst anagliptin, gemigliptin and teneliptin are used mainly in the Asian countries. The glycemic control conferred by DPP-4 inhibitors varies among individual molecules with an average reduction of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) ranging between –0.5 to –1.0% with monotherapy. Additive effects on HbA1c reduction may result from combination therapy with other antidiabetics. Weak evidence from various studies suggests that DPP-4 inhibitors may be useful in treating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). DPP-4 inhibitors safety is not established in pregnancy, and there is only meagre evidence of its use in T2DM among children. In line with the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) recommendations, sitagliptin, linagliptin, saxagliptin and alogliptin have undergone rigorous cardiovascular outcome trials (CVOTs) in recent years, and the safety data for vildagliptin is available through retrospective analysis of various studies in meta-analysis. Small clinical trial, and meta-analysis based data are available for the CV safety of other DPP-4 inhibitors. In general, the CVOTs and other safety data do not reveal serious warning signals except for saxagliptin (higher risk of hospitalization from heart failure [hHF]), although there is no robust data on the risk of hHF among patients with moderate to severe HF at baseline treated with other DPP-4 inhibitors. This review critically appraises the efficacy and cardiovascular safety of DPP-4 inhibitors to empower clinicians to use this class of antidiabetic medications judiciously.]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Diabetes Mellitus and SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Pathophysiologic Mechanisms and Implications in Management]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/112933</link><description><![CDATA[Introduction: Currently, diabetes mellitus (DM), as well as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), are major public health issues worldwide. </p> Background: It has been suggested that patients with DM are more vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection and suffer from more severe forms of the disease. </p> Methods: A literature search was performed using PubMed, Scopus, and Google search engines. </p> Results: Angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) is the major receptor of SARS-CoV-2 in the human host. The differential expression of ACE2 in the lungs of patients with DM makes them more susceptible to COVID-19. Additionally, acute or chronic hyperglycemia renders individuals in an immune-suppressive state, with impaired innate and adaptive immunity function, also contributing to the severity of COVID-19 infection among patients with DM. Other factors contributing to a more severe course of COVID-19 include the coexistence of obesity in T2DM, the endothelial inflammation induced by the SARS-CoV-2 infection, which aggravates the endothelial dysfunction observed in both T1DM and T2DM, and the hypercoagulability presented in COVID-19 infection that increases the thrombotic tendency in DM. </p> Conclusion: This review summarizes the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying the coexistence of both pandemics as well as the current recommendations and future perspectives regarding the optimal treatment of inpatients and outpatients with DM in the era of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Notably, the currently recommended drugs for the treatment of severe COVID-19, dexamethasone and remdesivir, may cause hyperglycemia, an adverse effect that physicians should bear in mind when caring for patients with DM and COVID-19.]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[COVID-19 in People with Diabetes: Perspectives from Saudi Arabia]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/111362</link><description><![CDATA[Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and diabetes have major impacts on the health of the population across the world. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, people with diabetes have been identified to be more vulnerable to infection and at greater risk for hospitalization. As diabetes is one of the major health issues in Saudi Arabia, the current study describes the perspectives of COVID-19 in people with diabetes and the steps taken by the government to minimize its impact. Most patients with COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia experience mild illness, while people with diabetes are at increased risk of disease severity and mortality. The government of Saudi Arabia has taken several measures to control and mitigate the effect of the pandemic, as the Saudi population is gradually returning back to normal life. However, currently, there are limited studies from Saudi Arabia on COVID-19 among people with diabetes and the effectiveness of interventions. We emphasize the necessity for comprehensive research, which would provide a better understanding of the incidence of COVID-19 and its association with diabetes to develop evidence- based programs and policies in the country.]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Diabetes and Its Complications: Therapies Available, Anticipated and Aspired]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/111145</link><description><![CDATA[Worldwide, diabetes ranks among the ten leading causes of mortality. Prevalence of diabetes is growing rapidly in low and middle income countries. It is a progressive disease leading to serious co-morbidities, which results in increased cost of treatment and over-all health system of the country. Pathophysiological alterations in Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) progressed from a simple disturbance in the functioning of the pancreas to triumvirate to ominous octet to egregious eleven to dirty dozen model. Due to complex interplay of multiple hormones in T2D, there may be multifaceted approach in its management. The ‘long-term secondary complications’ in uncontrolled diabetes may affect almost every organ of the body, and finally may lead to multi-organ dysfunction. Available therapies are inconsistent in maintaining long term glycemic control and their long term use may be associated with adverse effects. There is need for newer drugs, not only for glycemic control but also for prevention or mitigation of secondary microvascular and macrovascular complications. Increased knowledge of the pathophysiology of diabetes has contributed to the development of novel treatments. Several new agents like Glucagon Like Peptide - 1 (GLP-1) agonists, Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV (DPP-4) inhibitors, amylin analogues, Sodium-Glucose transport -2 (SGLT- 2) inhibitors and dual Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor (PPAR) agonists are available or will be available soon, thus extending the range of therapy for T2D, thereby preventing its long term complications. The article discusses the pathophysiology of diabetes along with its comorbidities, with a focus on existing and novel upcoming antidiabetic drugs which are under investigation. It also dives deep to deliberate upon the novel therapies that are in various stages of development. Adding new options with new mechanisms of action to the treatment armamentarium of diabetes may eventually help improve outcomes and reduce its economic burden.]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[The Impact of a New Best Practice Advisory on the Management of Diabetic Ketoacidosis]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/111140</link><description><![CDATA[<P>Background: According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) hospitalization rates have been steadily increasing. Due to the increasing incidence and the economic impact associated with its morbidity and treatment, effective management is key. We aimed to streamline the management of DKA in our intensive care units (ICU) by implementing a Best-Practice Advisory (BPA) that notifies providers when DKA has resolved. </P><P> Methods: A BPA was implemented on 9/15/2018. We conducted a retrospective review of patients admitted to the ICU with DKA a year before and after 9/15/2018. Adults (≥18 age) meeting DKA criteria on admission and treated with continuous insulin infusion (CII) were included. Pre-intervention group included patients admitted before BPA implementation and post-intervention group included patients admitted after. Summary and univariate analyses were performed. </P><P> Results: A total of 282 patients were included; 162 (57%) pre-intervention and 120 (43%) post-intervention. Mean (±SD) age of the patients was 44 (±17) years. There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics such as age, sex, race, BMI, HbA1c, initial blood glucose, anion gap or bicarbonate concentration between both the groups (p>0.05). Mean (±SD) total time on CII in hours was significantly lower in the post-intervention group {14.8 (±7.7) vs. 17.5 (±14.3) p=0.041, 95% CI: 0.11-5.3}. The incidence of hypoglycemia was lower in the post-intervention group {n=4 (3%) vs. 17 (10%), p=0.024}. There was no significant difference in hypokalemia, mortality, LOS or ICU stay between both the groups (p>0.05). </P><P> Conclusion: The BPA introduced in our DKA management algorithm successfully reduced the total time on insulin and the incidence of hypoglycemia.</P>]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Treatment Strategies Against Diabetic Foot Ulcer: Success so Far and the Road Ahead]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/111085</link><description><![CDATA[Background: Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is one of the leading complications of type-2 diabetes mellitus. It is associated with neuropathy and peripheral arterial disease of the lower limb in patients with diabetes. There are four stages of wound healing, namely hemostasis phase, inflammatory phase, proliferative phase and maturation phase. In the case of DFU, all these stages are disturbed which lead to delay in healing and consequently to lower limb amputation. Conventional dosage forms like tablets, creams, ointments, gels and capsules have been used for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcer for many years. <p> Introduction: In this review, the global prevalence as well as etiopathogenesis related to diabetic foot ulcer have been discussed. The potential role of various synthetic and herbal drugs, as well as their conventional dosage forms in the effective management of DFU have been discussed in detail. <p> Methods: Structured search of bibliographic databases from previously published peer-reviewed research papers was explored and data has been represented in terms of various approaches that are used for the treatment of DFU. <p> Results: About 148 papers, including both research and review articles, were included in this review to produce a comprehensive as well as a readily understandable article. A series of herbal and synthetic drugs have been discussed along with their current status of treatment in terms of dose and mechanism of action. <p> Conclusion: DFU has become one of the most common complications in patients having diabetes for more than ten years. Hence, understanding the root cause and its successful treatment is a big challenge because it depends upon multiple factors such as the judicious selection of drugs as well as proper control of blood sugar level. Most of the drugs that have been used so far either belong to the category of antibiotics, antihyperglycaemic or they have been repositioned. In clinical practice, much focus has been given to dressings that have been used to cover the ulcer. The complete treatment of DFU is still a farfetched dream to be achieved and it is expected that combination therapy of herbal and synthetic drugs with multiple treatment pathways could be able to offer better management of DFU.]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[COVID-19 in People with Diabetes: Epidemiological Perspectives and Public Health Actions in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/110814</link><description><![CDATA[It is evident that COVID-19 and diabetes have a significant influence on population health across the world, including the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. COVID-19 patients with diabetes have been observed to be more prone to developing severe infections and higher risk of mortality compared to non-diabetics. As diabetes is one of the major health issues, widely prevalent in the MENA countries, the current review focused on understanding the epidemiology of COVID-19 in people with diabetes, and the interventions implemented by the governments to minimize the impact of it. Considering the importance and need, the MENA countries have enforced several prevention and control measures to mitigate the impact of the pandemic. Though there has been a considerable amount of research on COVID-19, only a few countries from the MENA region focused on the epidemiology of COVID-19 among patients with diabetes and its effects. Hence, we emphasize the need for intensive research which is an urgent need to have a clear understanding of COVID-19 and its association with diabetes to develop and implement evidence- based programs and policies in the MENA region.]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Cardio-Protective Effects of Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter 2 Inhibitors: Focus on Heart Failure]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/111137</link><description><![CDATA[<P>Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with a considerable risk of cardiovascular and renal diseases, including heart failure. Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have demonstrated unprecedented cardiorenal protective effects in large-scale clinical trials of patients with or without diabetes and either established cardiovascular disease (CV) or multiple CV risk factors. </P><P> Objective: Herein we aim to focus on the role of SGLT2 inhibitors regarding the improvement in heart failure outcomes and the proposed mechanisms of action by which these drugs confer their beneficial effect. </P><P> Methods: PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar databases were searched to identify eligible articles that are comprehensively summarized and discussed in this study. </P><P> Results: The most commonly discussed mechanisms of action are diuresis and natriuresis, reduction in preload, afterload, and ventricular mass, as well as stimulation of erythropoietin production and improved myocardial energetics. SGLT2 inhibitors improve outcomes in patients with established heart failure (HF) and reduce the risk of death and HF admissions in patients with established chronic HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), either with or without diabetes. </P><P> Conclusion: Potential key mechanisms that may explain the notable cardioprotective benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors have been outlined. These agents have recently received class Ia recommendation in specific groups of people with DM to lower the risk of hospitalization for HF and risk of death, while these benefits may also extend to people without diabetes. It remains to be seen whether they will also emerge as treatment approaches in the acute phase of CV episodes.</P>]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Diabetes and its Complications - Contemporary Treatment and Potential Side Effects of Drugs to Treat Diabetes]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/113883</link><description><![CDATA[]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Cardiovascular Effects of Hypoglycemic Agents in Diabetes Mellitus]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/109640</link><description><![CDATA[Background: Despite substantial improvements over the years, diabetes mellitus is still associated with cardiovascular disease, heart failure, and excess mortality. <p> Objective: The objective of this article is to examine existing data on the reduction of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in diabetes. Control of glycemia, lipid levels, and blood pressure are described in brief. The main scope of this article is, however, to review the glucose-independent cardiovascular effect of antidiabetic pharmacological agents (mainly other than insulin). <p> Methods: The article is a narrative review based on recently published reviews and meta-analyses complemented with data from individual trials, when relevant. <p> Results and Discussion: Older data suggest a cardioprotective role of metformin (an inexpensive and safe drug); a role to date not convincingly challenged. The cardiovascular effects of thiazolidinediones, sulphonylurea, and glinides are debatable. Recent large-scale cardiovascular outcome trials suggest a neutral profile of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors, yet provide compelling evidence of cardioprotective effects of glucagon-like 1 receptor antagonists and sodium-glucose transporter 2 inhibitors. <p> Conclusion: Metformin may have a role in primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease; glucagon-like 1 receptor antagonists and sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors play a role in secondary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Sodium-glucose transporter 2 inhibitors have a role to play in both primary and secondary prevention of heart failure; yet, they carry a small risk of the potentially dangerous adverse effect, euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis.]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Sodium Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitor Treatment and the Risk of Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Denmark: A Retrospective Cohort Study of Five Years of Use]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/109286</link><description><![CDATA[Background: Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have been associated with increased risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in both people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Few studies using data from high-quality registries exist that attempt to determine the real- world impact of the increasing use of this drug. <p> Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and risk of DKA in connection with SGLT2i treatment in Denmark between 2013-2017. <p> Methods: A nationwide retrospective cohort of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus using SGLT2i or glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RA) was established and analysed using both Cox-proportional hazard regression and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. <p> Results: The 37,058 individuals included in the cohort, were made up of SGLT2i (10,923), GLP1- RA (18,849), SGLT2i+insulin (2,069), and GLP1-RA+insulin (10,178) users. The incidence rate (IR) of DKA was 0.84 (95% CI 0.49-1.44) and 0.53 (95% CI 0.36-0.77) for the SGLT2i and GLP1-RA groups, respectively. There was no statistically significant increase in the risk for DKA with SGLT2i use (HR 1.02, 95% CI, 0.44-2.36). However, for the SGLT2i+insulin and GLP1- RA+insulin groups, IRs were 3.47 (95% CI 1.92-6.27) and 0.97 (95% CI 0.68-1.37) respectively, and the risk was statistically significantly higher (HR 5.42, 95% CI 2.16-13.56). <p> Conclusion: We observed no significant increase in the risk of DKA for SGLT2i users compared to GLP1-RA. However, a significantly higher IR of DKA was observed with concomitant insulin use, and the risk of DKA was considerably higher for the SGLT2 group using insulin.]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Association Between Intra-Hospital Uncontrolled Glycemia and Health Outcomes in Patients with Diabetes: A Systematic Review of Observational Studies]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/104082</link><description><![CDATA[Background: Many people are still getting affected by uncontrolled glycemic events during hospital admission, which encompasses hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, and high glycemic variability. <p> Introduction: Primary studies have shown an association of glycemic dysregulation with increased length of hospital stay and mortality among overall patients, however, there is no systematic review of current evidence on the association between uncontrolled in-hospital glycemia in patients with diabetes and health outcomes. This study aimed to systematically review the current evidence on the association between uncontrolled in-hospital glycemia in patients with diabetes and health outcomes. <p> Methods: The association between glycemic dysregulation and health outcomes for inpatients with diabetes was systematically reviewed. PubMed, Embase, and LILACS databases were searched. Two independent reviewers were involved in each of the following steps: screening titles, abstracts, and fulltexts; assessing the methodological quality; and extracting data from included reviews. Descriptive analysis method was used. <p> Results: Seven cohort studies were included, and only two had a prospective design, consisting of 7,174 hospitalized patients with diabetes. In-hospital occurrence of hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, and glycemic variability were assessed, and outcomes were mortality, infections, renal complications, and adverse events. Among the exposure and outcomes, an association was observed between severe hypoglycemia and mortality, hyperglycemia and infection, and hyperglycemia and adverse events. <p> Conclusion: In-hospital uncontrolled glycemia in patients with diabetes is associated with poor health outcomes. More studies should be conducted for proper investigation because diabetes is a complex condition. Effects of glycemic dysregulation should be investigated on the basis of overall health of a patient instead from only organ-target perspective, which makes the investigation difficult.]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[A Review of Statistical and Machine Learning Techniques for Microvascular Complications in Type 2 Diabetes]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/106504</link><description><![CDATA[<P>Background and Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder that has emerged as a serious public health issue worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), without interventions, the number of diabetic incidences is expected to be at least 629 million by 2045. Uncontrolled diabetes gradually leads to progressive damage to eyes, heart, kidneys, blood vessels, and nerves. </P><P> Methods: The paper presents a critical review of existing statistical and Artificial Intelligence (AI) based machine learning techniques with respect to DM complications, mainly retinopathy, neuropathy, and nephropathy. The statistical and machine learning analytic techniques are used to structure the subsequent content review. </P><P> Results: It has been observed that statistical analysis can help only in inferential and descriptive analysis whereas, AI-based machine learning models can even provide actionable prediction models for faster and accurate diagnosis of complications associated with DM. </P><P> Conclusion: The integration of AI-based analytics techniques, like machine learning and deep learning in clinical medicine, will result in improved disease management through faster disease detection and cost reduction for the treatment.</P>]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[A Case Report: Euglycemic Diabetic Ketoacidosis Presenting as Chest Pain in a Patient on a Low Carbohydrate Diet]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/105249</link><description><![CDATA[<P>Introduction: Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 [SGLT2] inhibitors reduce cardiovascular events and mortality in patients with diabetes, particularly patients with established cardiovascular disease. Euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis [euDKA], a complication of SGLT2 therapy, can be exacerbated by a low carbohydrate diet. </P><P> Case Report: A 61-year-old man with a history of type 2 diabetes, taking an SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin 10 mg orally daily, presented to the emergency room with a 2-day history of nausea and chest pain. A week prior to presentation, he had started a ketogenic diet. He was initially admitted with a diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome. On initial assessment in the emergency room, his cardiac enzymes were normal and there were no ischemic changes in his ECG. As there was concern for unstable angina, he underwent cardiac catheterization, which showed a known total occlusion with collaterals and arteries with a non-obstructive disease without any evidence of acute plaque rupture. His baseline laboratory assessments revealed an elevated anion gap of 17, increased urinary and plasma ketones, and metabolic acidosis. His plasma glucose level was 84 mg/dL. The diagnosis of euDKA was made, and treatment with intravenous fluids and insulin was initiated. His chest pain and nausea subsequently resolved. </P><P> Conclusion: We present a case of euDKA triggered by a ketogenic diet while on SGLT2 inhibitor therapy presenting as chest pain. The recognition of euDKA is important in the context of increased SGLT2 use for the management of cardiovascular risk for patients with diabetes.</P>]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[The Role of MicroRNAs in the Induction of Pancreatic Differentiation]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/107520</link><description><![CDATA[Stem cell-based therapy is one of the therapeutic options with promising results in the treatment of diabetes. Stem cells from various sources are expanded and induced to generate the cells capable of secreting insulin. These insulin-producing cells [IPCs] could be used as an alternative to islets in the treatment of patients with diabetes. Soluble growth factors, small molecules, geneencoding transcription factors, and microRNAs [miRNAs] are commonly used for the induction of stem cell differentiation. MiRNAs are small non-coding RNAs with 21-23 nucleotides that are involved in the regulation of gene expression by targeting multiple mRNA targets. Studies have shown the dynamic expression of miRNAs during pancreatic development and stem cell differentiation. MiR- 7 and miR-375 are the most abundant miRNAs in pancreatic islet cells and play key roles in pancreatic development as well as islet cell functions. Some studies have tried to use these small RNAs for the induction of pancreatic differentiation. This review focuses on the miRNAs used in the induction of stem cells into IPCs and discusses their functions in pancreatic &#946;-cells.]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Pills of Emergency Medicine: Deal or Not Deal?]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/113210</link><description><![CDATA[]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[An Approach to Diabetic Ketoacidosis in an Emergency Setting]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/108025</link><description><![CDATA[<P>Background: Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) is one of the most commonly encountered diabetic complication emergencies. It typically affects people with type 1 diabetes at the onset of the disease. It can also affect people with type 2 diabetes, although this is uncommon. </P><P> Methods: Research and online content related to diabetes online activity is reviewed. DKA is caused by a relative or absolute deficiency of insulin and elevated levels of counter-regulatory hormones. </P><P> Results: Goals of therapy are to correct dehydration, acidosis, and to reverse ketosis, gradually restoring blood glucose concentration to near normal. </P><P> Conclusion: It is essential to monitor potential complications of DKA and, if necessary, to treat them and any precipitating events.</P>]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Current Approaches in Diabetes Treatment and Other Strategies to Reach Normoglycemia]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/108202</link><description><![CDATA[<P>Cells are mainly dependent on glucose as their energy source. Multicellular organisms need to adequately control individual glucose uptake by the cells, and the insulin-glucagon endocrine system serves as the key glucose regulation mechanism. Insulin allows for effective glucose entry into the cells when blood glucose levels are high, and glucagon acts as its opponent, balancing low blood glucose levels. A lack of insulin will prevent glucose entry to the cells, resulting in glucose accumulation in the bloodstream. Diabetes is a disease which is characterized by elevated blood glucose levels. All diabetes types are characterized by an inefficient insulin signaling mechanism. This could be the result of insufficient insulin secretion, as in the case of type I diabetes and progressive incidents of type II diabetes or due to insufficient response to insulin (known as insulin resistance). We emphasize here, that Diabetes is actually a disease of starved tissues, unable to absorb glucose (and other nutrients), and not a disease of high glucose levels. Indeed, diabetic patients, prior to insulin discovery, suffered from glucose malabsorption. </P><P> In this mini-review, we will define diabetes, discuss the current status of diabetes treatments, review the current knowledge of the different hormones that participate in glucose homeostasis and the employment of different modulators of these hormones. As this issue deals with peptide therapeutics, special attention will be given to synthetic peptide analogs, peptide agonists as well as antagonists.</P>]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Perceptions in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus with or Without the Use of Insulin Pump: An Online Study]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/98330</link><description><![CDATA[Background: Technological developments concerning the treatment of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus have been rapid in the latest years. Insulin infusion systems along with continuous glucose monitoring, as well as long-acting insulin analogues, are part of this progress. <p></p> Objective: The aim of this study is to present the illness perceptions in type 1 diabetes mellitus, with or without the use of an insulin pump. Sexual life and body image among therapy groups subjected to subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) therapy and multiple daily injections (MDI) therapy were also examined. <p></p> Methods: A modified version of the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire was used. One hundred and nine adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus, (males / females ratio 1:2.3) completed the online survey. Thirty six of them (33%) used CSII therapy and 73 of them (67%) used MDI therapy. <p></p> Results: Statistically important differences among the CSII and MDI therapy groups were found in treatment control, illness comprehensibility, representations of control, representation of body image and in the perception of sex life. There was no statistically significant difference among the different types of therapy for participants’ negative perception of diabetes. <p></p> Discussion and Conclusion: Negative perceptions of MDI users in treatment control, illness comprehensibility, representations of control, body image and sex life with the insulin pump, differentiate CSII and MDI therapy groups to a significant degree. According to the research, these parameters seem to interfere with accepting CSII therapy for MDI users and discourage them.]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Monogenic Diabetes: Genetics and Relevance on Diabetes Mellitus Personalized Medicine]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/103312</link><description><![CDATA[Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a complex disease with significant impression in today&#039;s world. Aside from the most common types recognized over the years, such as type 1 diabetes (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM), recent studies have emphasized the crucial role of genetics in DM, allowing the distinction of monogenic diabetes. <P></p> Methods: Authors did a literature search with the purpose of highlighting and clarifying the subtypes of monogenic diabetes, as well as the accredited genetic entities responsible for such phenotypes. <P></p> Results: The following subtypes were included in this literature review: maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY), neonatal diabetes mellitus (NDM) and maternally inherited diabetes and deafness (MIDD). So far, 14 subtypes of MODY have been identified, while three subtypes have been identified in NDM - transient, permanent, and syndromic. <P></p> Discussion: Despite being estimated to affect approximately 2% of all the T2DM patients in Europe, the exact prevalence of MODY is still unknown, accentuating the need for research focused on biomarkers. Consequently, due to its impact in the course of treatment, follow-up of associated complications, and genetic implications for siblings and offspring of affected individuals, it is imperative to diagnose the monogenic forms of DM accurately. <P></p> Conclusion: Currently, advances in the genetics field allowed the recognition of new DM subtypes, which until now, were considered slight variations of the typical forms. Thus, it is imperative to act in the close interaction between genetics and clinical manifestations, to facilitate diagnosis and individualize treatment.]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Effects of &#946;-glucan from Aureobasidium pullulans in a Streptozotocininduced Rat Diabetes Model]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/100636</link><description><![CDATA[<p>Background: The alleviating effects of diabetic nephropathy and hepatopathy of &#946;-glucan were evaluated in this study. </P><P> Objective: The anti-diabetic effects of &#946; -glucan from Aureobasidium pullulans were assessed in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced rat diabetes model at 62.5 and 125 mg/kg doses. In addition, the possibility of changes in the effects of &#946;-glucan according to the severity of diabetes was also assessed at one dosage (62.5 mg/kg): severe, >360 mg/dL; slight, 130-200 mg/dL. </P><P> Methods: Test articles were administered orally to STZ-induced diabetic rats from 21 days after STZ dosing for 4 weeks. Each of five or six female rats per group was selected using blood glucose levels at 21 days after STZ dosing. Changes in body weight were recorded during the study, along with blood glucose, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels. On the day of sacrifice, livers and kidneys were weighed and observed microscopically for changes in the percentage of degenerative regions and numbers of degenerative tubules in the kidney. </P><P> Results: &#946;-glucan showed no hypoglycemic effects in the STZ-induced diabetic rat model. However, it had favorable effects on decreasing diabetic complications related to diabetic nephropathy and hepatopathy. </P><P> Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, it was concluded that &#946;-glucan showed favorable effects in decreasing diabetic complications in STZ-induced rat diabetes model.</p>]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Water Soluble Vitamins and their Role in Diabetes and its Complications]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/100814</link><description><![CDATA[<P>Background: Diabetes is a metabolic disorder associated with abnormally high levels of glucose in the blood due to inadequate production of insulin or inadequate sensitivity of cells to the action of insulin. Diabetes has become an increasing challenge in the world. The predicted diabetic population according to the World Health Organization is 8.7% between the age group 20-70 years. There are many complications linked to prolonged high blood glucose levels, such as microvascular complications and macrovascular complications. Vitamins play an important role in glucose metabolism and the potential utility of supplementation is relevant for the prevention and/or management of diabetes mellitus and its complications. </P><P> Methods: Literature search was performed using various dataset like PUBMED, EBSCO, ProQuest, Scopus and selected websites like the National Institute of Health and the World Health Organization. </P><P> Result: Water-soluble vitamins have been thoroughly studied for their activity in diabetes and diabetic complications. </P><P> Conclusion: Water-soluble vitamins like B1, B3, B6, B7, B9 and B12 have notable effects in diabetes mellitus and its related complications like nephropathy, neuropathy, retinopathy and cardiomyopathy.</P>]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Characteristics and Outcomes of Children with Type-I Diabetes Mellitus Hospitalized for Ketoacidosis]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/100698</link><description><![CDATA[<P>Background: Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a common autoimmune disorder that often presents in children. In these patients, diabetic ketoacidosis is one of the most common and serious acute complications associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Nevertheless, limited studies are conducted in Ethiopia. </P><P> Objective: The aim of this study was to assess patient-related characteristics and outcomes of diabetic ketoacidosis, and their relative difference among children with newly diagnosed and previously known type-I diabetes mellitus. </P><P> Methods: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study of 63 type-1 diabetes patients admitted for ketoacidosis at Jimma university medical center, a tertiary hospital. Data was collected using a checklist, and entered into Epidata 4.2.0.0 and analyzed using STATA 13.0. Descriptive statistics was performed; Mann-Whitney and Chi-square test statistics were employed for comparison. </P><P> Result: Of the total, 39 were newly diagnosed type-I diabetes patients. Polydipsia and Polyuria (each in 74.6%) were the predominant symptoms at presentation. ketoacidosis precipitants were undocumented in the majority of the patients (53.97%). Mean (±SD) Random blood sugar was 434.05 (±117.62)mg/dl. Ketoacidosis was mild in severity in 63.49%. Family history of diabetes, unknown precipitants and the first episode of ketoacidosis were significantly different among the new and known type-I diabetes patients. No mortality was documented. </P><P> Conclusion: The observed patient characteristics are typical of those reported in many studies and standard resources. Despite no mortality was documented, the need for early diagnosis and management should not be overlooked. Further study, with large sample size, is recommended to point-out the real characteristics difference among new and known type-I diabetes mellitus patients admitted for ketoacidosis.</P>]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Turning Foes to Friends: Knocking Down Diabetes Associated SGLT2 Transporters and Sustaining Life]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/103744</link><description><![CDATA[<P>Background: The discovery of Sodium-Glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors had rewritten the treatment of diabetes mellitus with an impressive fall in the incidence of death and associated complications. </P><P> Introduction: The SGLT2 inhibitors by inhibiting the SGLT2 in the proximal nephron, helps in reducing the reabsorption of approximately 90% of the filtered glucose and increased urinary glucose excretion (UGE). </P><P> Methods: The literature related to SGLT2 inhibitors has been thoroughly explored from various available public domains and reviewed extensively for this article. Detailed and updated information related to SGLT2 inhibitors with a major focus on the recently approved Ertuglifolzin is structured in this review. </P><P> Result: The present review is an effort to understand the management of diabetes mellitus over the past few decades with a special focus on the role of SGLT2 receptor in the causes of therapeutic and preventive strategies for diabetes mellitus. Pragmatic placement of the currently available Canagliflozin, Dapagliflozin, and Empagliflozin as oral antidiabetic agents has been done. Well accommodated stereochemistry and a high docking score of Ertugliflozin in ligand-receptor simulation studies attribute to its high potency. </P><P> Conclusion: This review highlights the unique mechanism of SGLT2 Inhibitors coupled with pleiotropic benefits on weight and blood pressure, which make it an attractive choice of therapy to diabetic patients, not controlled by other medications.</P>]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Mannitol Reduces Spinal Cord Edema in Rats with Acute Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/100057</link><description><![CDATA[<P>Background: The research about anti-edema effects of mannitol on acute traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats is rare. </P><P> Objective: This study aimed to explore the effect of mannitol on spinal cord edema after SCI in rats. </P><P> Methods: Seventy-eight adult female rats were assigned to three groups randomly: a sham control group (n = 18), a contusion and normal saline contrast group (n=30), and a contusion and mannitol treatment group (n=30). We used the open-field test to estimate the functional recovery of rats weekly. Spinal cord water content was measured to determine the spinal cord edema. The ultrastructure features of the injured dorsolateral spinal cord were determined on the 7th day after SCI by HE staining. </P><P> Results: The mannitol group had greatly improved Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) scores when compared with the saline contrast group. The spinal cord water content was increased significantly after SCI, and there was no significant difference in the water content between the NaCl and mannitol groups 1 day after SCI. The water content at 3 and 7 days after SCI was significantly lower in the mannitol group than in the NaCl group (p < 0.05). Mannitol can reduce spinal cord edema by increasing the number of red blood cells in the injured spinal cord and decrease the ratio (dorsoventral diameter/ mediolateral diameter) of spinal cord 7 days post-SCI. </P><P> Conclusion: Mannitol increases recovery of motor function in rats, reduces spinal cord edema and increases the number of red blood cells in the injured spinal cord, decreasing the ratio of spinal cord to reduce pressure.</P>]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Uncommon Association Between Diabetic Ketoacidosis, Thyrotoxicosis, Cutaneous Abscess and Acute Pericarditis in an Immunocompetent Patient: A Single Case Report and Literature Review]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/101907</link><description><![CDATA[<p>Introduction: The typical factors precipitating diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) include infections (30%), cessation of antidiabetic medication (20%), and a new diagnosis of diabetes (25%). The etiology remains unknown in 25% of cases. Less frequent causes cited in the literature include severe thyrotoxicosis and, infrequently, pericarditis. Few publications have described the role of human T lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) in endocrine and metabolic disorders. Based on a clinical case associated with several endocrine and metabolic disorders, we suggest a potential role for HTLV-1, an endemic virus in the Amazonian area, and review the literature concerning the role of this virus in thyroiditis, pericarditis and diabetes mellitus. </P><P> Case Report: A fifty-year-old Surinamese woman without any medical history was admitted for diabetic ketoacidosis. No specific anti-pancreatic autoimmunity was observed, and the C-peptide level was low, indicating atypical type-1 diabetes mellitus. DKA was associated with thyrotoxicosis in the context of thyroiditis and complicated by nonbacterial pericarditis and a Staphylococcus aureus subcutaneous abscess. The patient was infected with HTLV-1. </P><P> Conclusion: To our knowledge, this uncommon association is described for the first time. Few studies have analyzed the implications of HTLV-1 infection in thyroiditis and diabetes mellitus. We did not find any reports describing the association of pericarditis with HTLV-1 infection. Additional studies are necessary to understand the role of HTLV-1 in endocrine and cardiac disorders.</p>]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[A Systematic Review on Organophosphate Pesticide and Type II Diabetes Mellitus]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/99590</link><description><![CDATA[Organophosphate (OP) pesticides are extremely poisonous and they affect the glucose breakdown in numerous and mechanism. There are higher evidence of stimulating diabetes mellitus through OP pesticides especially the type II diabetes. The upsurge in the level of glucose (hyperglycemia), and insulin resistance along with their related outcomes are discussed in this review. The data related to investigational and clinical techniques endorse a connection amid such molecular mechanism and compounds of OPs. Numerous studies conducted till March 2018 have reported OP’ exposures and diabetes-related outcomes. The acute and chronic exposure in case of these insecticides and diabetesrelated outcomes are defined in this study. Initially, it was declared that OPs prompt to hyperglycemia. Then, a high association of glucose in blood beside insulin was found out. The affirmation from some clinical as well as investigational studies supported a connection amid exposure to OP and diabetes, yet in maximum number of instances, non-specific diabetes occurs.]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Computer-Based versus Paper-Based Insulin Infusion Algorithms in Diabetic Ketoacidosis]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/99588</link><description><![CDATA[<p>Background: Paper-based and computer-based insulin infusion algorithms facilitate appropriate glycemic therapy. The data comparing these algorithms in the management of diabetic ketoacidosis in the intensive care unit (ICU) setting are limited. We aimed to determine the differences in time to diabetic ketoacidosis resolution and incidence of hypoglycemia between computer and paper-based insulin infusion. </P><P> Methods: Single-institution retrospective review of patients admitted to the ICU with diabetic ketoacidosis between 4/1/2015 and 7/20/2018. Our institution introduced computer-based insulin infusion (Glucommander) to the intensive care unit on 3/28/2016. Patients were grouped into either paper-based group (preintervention) or a computer-based group (postintervention). Summary and univariate analyses were performed. </P><P> Results: A total of 620 patients (paper-based=247; computer-based=373) with a median (IQR) age of 40 (26-56) years were included; 46% were male. Patients in the computer-based group were significantly older (p=0.003); otherwise, there were no significant differences in gender, race, body mass index and HbA1c. The mean (±SD) time to diabetic ketoacidosis resolution in the computer-based group was significantly lower than the paper-based group (p=0.02). The number of patients in the paper-based group who developed severe hypoglycemia (<50 mg/dl) was significantly higher {8% vs 1%; p<0.0001}. </P><P> Conclusion: Our analyses demonstrate statistically significant decreases in time to DKA resolution and hypoglycemic events in DKA patients who were managed using a computer-based insulin infusion algorithm providing a more effective and safer option when compared to paper-based insulin infusion.</p>]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Evaluation of Thiol/Disulfide Homeostasis in Pediatric Patients with Diabetic Ketoacidosis]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/104612</link><description><![CDATA[<p>Aims and Objective: This study aimed to investigate the value of Thiol/Disulfide homeostasis in pediatric diabetic ketoacidosis patients suffering from type 1 diabetes mellitus. </P><P> Materials and Methods: This study featured children who were diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis and who were consecutively admitted to pediatric intensive care within one year of their diagnosis. Thiol/disulfide homeostasis was evaluated in 45 pediatric patients suffering from DKA, as well as 45 healthy controls of parallel gender and age. Thiol/disulfide homeostasis parameters were measured using a novel automated measurement method and the correlation between demographic data and parameters was measured. </P><P> Results: Pediatric patients were found to have low native thiols, total thiols and disulfide levels with type 1 diabetes after DKA (331.82±106.40, 362.71±113.31, 17.02±5.33 μmol/L, respectively) as compared to the control group (445.08±24.41, 481.21± 28.47, 18.06±5.12 μmol/L, respectively). </P><P> Conclusion: Thiol/disulfide homeostasis was distorted in pediatric patients with DKA. Furthermore, it was found that they are not likely to return to normal, immediately after treatment.</p>]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Is it Worth CANVASing for CREDENCE? A Benefit-risk Analysis]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/101889</link><description><![CDATA[<P>Background and Aims: A number of significant positive and negative signals emerged from the CANVAS Program and CREDENCE trial with the use of canagliflozin. These signals are confusing. A Likelihood of being Helped of Harmed (LHH) analysis was conducted to determine the risk, benefit ratio associated with canagliflozin use and address the signals as a continuum. </P><P> Materials and Methods: LHH was calculated from the number needed to treat (NNT) and number needed to harm (NNH) available from the absolute risk reductions reported with the outcomes of interest, in these two trials. </P><P> Results: In the CANVAS Program, LHH for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) points at a significant benefit with canagliflozin use in comparison to amputation (1.65), fractures (1.65) and euglycaemic diabetic ketoacidosis (euDKA) (16.67) risks. Only genital fungal infections were significant more in both sexes (0.21-M and 0.1-F) when LHH was matched against the positive outcomes. In contrast, the hHF benefits were outweighed by amputation (0.95) and fracture risks (0.95). </P><P> In CREDENCE trial, the LHH for Primary composite, Renal composite and MACE, all supported the benefits in comparison to any adverse events encountered in the trial. </P><P> The LHH from pooled data (CANVAS Program and CREDENCE trial) was in favour of all the benefits (hHF and renal composites) except for MACE matched against amputation (0.66). </P><P> Conclusion: The outcome benefits were in favour of canagliflozin in comparison to all reported adverse events, when hHF and renal composite were under consideration, in both the individual and pooled LHH analysis. However, the MACE benefits were overwhelmed by amputation risk in the pooled analysis.</P>]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[A Systematic Review on Synthetic Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals Used to Manage Diabetes]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/100413</link><description><![CDATA[<P>Background: Diabetes is a multifactorial disease and a major cause for many microvascular and macrovascular complications. The disease will ultimately lead to high rate mortality if it is not managed properly. Treatment of diabetes without any side effects has always remained a major challenge for health care practitioners. </P><P> Introduction: The current review discusses the various conventional drugs, herbal drugs, combination therapy and the use of nutraceuticals for the effective management of diabetes mellitus. The biotechnological aspects of various antidiabetic drugs are also discussed. </P><P> Methods: Structured search of bibliographic databases for previously published peer-reviewed research papers was explored and data was sorted in terms of various approaches that are used for the treatment of diabetes. </P><P> Results: More than 170 papers including both research and review articles, were included in this review in order to produce a comprehensive and easily understandable article. A series of herbal and synthetic drugs have been discussed along with their current status of treatment in terms of dose, mechanism of action and possible side effects. The article also focuses on combination therapies containing synthetic as well as herbal drugs to treat the disease. The role of pre and probiotics in the management of diabetes is also highlighted. </P><P> Conclusion: Oral antihyperglycemics which are used to treat diabetes can cause many adverse effects and if given in combination, can lead to drug-drug interactions. The combination of various phytochemicals with synthetic drugs can overcome the challenge faced by the synthetic drug treatment. Herbal and nutraceuticals therapy and the use of probiotics and prebiotics are a more holistic therapy due to their natural origin and traditional use.</P>]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Liraglutide as Adjunct to Insulin Treatment in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/98812</link><description><![CDATA[<P>Background: A few Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) have evaluated the use of liraglutide in Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). Through the present systematic review and meta-analysis, we aim at critically appraising and summarizing those RCTs, providing precise effect estimates. </P><P> Methods: We searched major databases and grey literature from their inception to October 2018, for RCTs with a duration ≥ 12 weeks, comparing liraglutide with placebo or any other comparator as adjunct to insulin in patients with T1D, investigating major efficacy and safety endpoints. This review is reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. </P><P> Results: We included 5 trials with 2,445 randomized participants. Liraglutide provided modest reductions in HbA1c, with liraglutide 1.8 mg producing the greatest decrease (MD = -0.24%, 95% CI -0.32 to -0.16, I2=0%). Significant weight reduction, up to 4.87 kg with liraglutide 1.8 mg was also observed (95% CI -5.31 to -4.43, I2=0%). Decrease in total daily insulin dose, primarily driven by a decrease in bolus insulin requirements, was demonstrated. Liraglutide decreased non-significantly the odds for severe hypoglycemia (OR=0.80, 95% CI 0.57-1.14, I2=0%), while it increased significantly the odds for gastrointestinal adverse events (for nausea, OR=4.70, 95% CI 3.68-6.00, I2=37%, and for vomiting, OR=2.50, 95% CI 1.54-4.72, I2=27%). A significant increase in heart rate was also demonstrated. No association with diabetic ketoacidosis or malignancies was identified. </P><P> Conclusion: In patients with T1D, liraglutide might prove be an adjunct to insulin, improving glycemic control, inducing body weight loss and decreasing exogenous insulin requirements and severe hypoglycemia.</P>]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Impact of Glycemic Variability and Hypoglycemia on the Mortality and Length of Hospital Stay among Elderly Patients in Brazil]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/99058</link><description><![CDATA[<P>Background: Glycemic variability (GV) is an alternative diabetes-related parameter that has been associated with mortality and longer hospitalization periods. There is no ideal method for calculating GV. In this study, we used standard deviation and coefficient of variation due to their suitability for this sample and ease of use in daily clinical practice. </P><P> Objective: This study aimed to investigate the association between GV, hypoglycemia, and the 90-day mortality and length of hospital stay (LOS) among non-critically ill hospitalized elderly patients. </P><P> Methods: The medical records of 2,237 elderly patients admitted to the Zilda Arns Elderly Hospital over a 2.5-year period were reviewed. Hypoglycemia was defined as a glucose level <70 mg/dL (hypoglycemia alert value) and represented by the proportion of days in which the patient presented with this condition relative to the LOS. The Charlson comorbidity index was used to evaluate prognosis. Data were analyzed using multiple linear and logistic multivariate regression analyses. </P><P> Results: Adjusted analysis of 687 patients (305 men [44.4%] and 382 women [55.6%], mean age of 77.86±9.25 years) revealed that GV was associated with a longer LOS (p=0.048). Mortality was associated with hypoglycemia (p=0.005) and mean patient-day blood glucose level (p=0.036). Variables such as age (p<0.001), Charlson score (p<0.001), enteral diet (p<0.001), and corticosteroid use (p=0.007) were also independently associated with 90-day mortality. </P><P> Conclusion: Increased GV during hospitalization is independently associated with a longer LOS and hypoglycemia in non-critically ill elderly patients, while the mean patient-day blood glucose is associated with increased mortality.</P>]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Role of Ischemia Modified Albumin Serum Levels as an Oxidative Stress Marker in Children with Diabetic Ketoacidosis]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/101269</link><description><![CDATA[<P>Aim and Objective: Ischemia modified albumin (IMA) is a biomarker that has been introduced recently for use in the evaluation of oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to measure the ischemia modified albumin serum levels in pediatric patients with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) during acidosis and after the patient recovered from acidosis and to compare these with the control group. </P><P> Materials and Methods: Pediatric patients with Type I diabetes mellitus (T1DM) who were admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit with the diabetic ketoacidosis were assigned as the study group and healthy children who were admitted to the outpatient clinic and decided as healthy after clinic and laboratory evaluation were selected as the control group. IMA and adjusted IMA levels were evaluated in the blood samples from the control group and the study group when admitted first time to the intensive care unit during the acidosis period (DKA before treatment, DKA-BT), and after recovering from acidosis (DKA after treatment, DKA-AT). </P><P> Results: A total of 24 pediatric patients with diabetic ketoacidosis and 30 healthy control children matching age and sex were included in the current study. The albumin levels in pediatric patients with T1DM during DKA-BT were higher than the albumin levels after acidosis (4.101&#177;0.373, 3.854&#177;0.369 g/dL, respectively) (p<0.05). However, there was no significant difference when these values were compared to the control group. Mean values of IMA and Adj-IMA were statistically higher in DKAAT compared to the control group (0.748&#177;0.150 vs 0.591&#177;0.099, p< 0.001; 0.708&#177;0.125 vs 0.607&#177;0.824, p< 0.001, respectively). IMA and adjusted IMA levels measured after recovered from acidosis were significantly higher compared to the level of IMA during DKA (0.748&#177;0.150 vs 0.606&#177;0.105 as absorbance unit, p<0.001; 0.708&#177;0.125 vs 0.625&#177;0.100, p<0.05, respectively). </P><P> Conclusion: In children with T1DM, even though acidosis recovered following the treatment in diabetic ketoacidosis, which is an oxidative stress marker, the ischemia modified albumin levels and adjusted ischemia modified albumin levels were high.</P>]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Role of C1858T Polymorphism of Lymphoid Tyrosine Phosphatase in Egyptian Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/91579</link><description><![CDATA[<P>Background: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) is a multifactorial autoimmune disease. The Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase Non-receptor 22 (PTPN22) gene is an important negative regulator of signal transduction through the T-cell Receptors (TCR). A PTPN22 polymorphism, C1858T, has been found to be a risk determinant for several autoimmune diseases, including T1DM, in different populations. </P><P> Objective: The present study was aimed to analyze a possible association between the C1858T polymorphism in Egyptian children with T1DM. </P><P> Methods: This case-control study included 240 children divided evenly between T1DM patients and controls. The PTPN22 C1858T polymorphism was genotyped using polymerase chain reaction with Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP). </P><P> Results: Both the 1858CΤ and 1858ΤΤ genotypes and the 1858T allele were found more frequently in patients (32.5% and 18.7%, respectively) than in controls (10% and 5.0%, respectively), P=0.013 and P=0.007, respectively. Among females, the 1858T allele was more common in patients (18%) than in controls (2.6%), P=0.014. </P><P> Conclusion: These findings suggest that the PTPN22 1858T allele could be a T1DM susceptibility factor in the Egyptian population and that it might play a different role in susceptibility to T1DM according to gender in T1DM patients.</P>]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Mechanisms of Protective Effects of SGLT2 Inhibitors in Cardiovascular Disease and Renal Dysfunction]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/100505</link><description><![CDATA[<P>Type 2 diabetes mellitus is one of the most common forms of the disease worldwide. Hyperglycemia and insulin resistance play key roles in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Renal glucose reabsorption is an essential feature in glycaemic control. Kidneys filter 160 g of glucose daily in healthy subjects under euglycaemic conditions. The expanding epidemic of diabetes leads to a prevalence of diabetes-related cardiovascular disorders, in particular, heart failure and renal dysfunction. Cellular glucose uptake is a fundamental process for homeostasis, growth, and metabolism. In humans, three families of glucose transporters have been identified, including the glucose facilitators GLUTs, the sodium-glucose cotransporter SGLTs, and the recently identified SWEETs. Structures of the major isoforms of all three families were studied. Sodium-glucose cotransporter (SGLT2) provides most of the capacity for renal glucose reabsorption in the early proximal tubule. A number of cardiovascular outcome trials in patients with type 2 diabetes have been studied with SGLT2 inhibitors reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. </P><P> The current review article summarises these aspects and discusses possible mechanisms with SGLT2 inhibitors in protecting heart failure and renal dysfunction in diabetic patients. Through glucosuria, SGLT2 inhibitors reduce body weight and body fat, and shift substrate utilisation from carbohydrates to lipids and, possibly, ketone bodies. These pleiotropic effects of SGLT2 inhibitors are likely to have contributed to the results of the EMPA-REG OUTCOME trial in which the SGLT2 inhibitor, empagliflozin, slowed down the progression of chronic kidney disease and reduced major adverse cardiovascular events in high-risk individuals with type 2 diabetes. This review discusses the role of SGLT2 in the physiology and pathophysiology of renal glucose reabsorption and outlines the unexpected logic of inhibiting SGLT2 in the diabetic kidney.</P>]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Protease Inhibitors for the Treatment of HIV/AIDS: Recent Advances and Future Challenges]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/99040</link><description><![CDATA[Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a chronic disease characterized by multiple life-threatening illnesses caused by a retro-virus, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). HIV infection slowly destroys the immune system and increases the risk of various other infections and diseases. Although, there is no immediate cure for HIV infection/AIDS, several drugs targeting various cruxes of HIV infection are used to slow down the progress of the disease and to boost the immune system. One of the key therapeutic strategies is Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) or &#039; AIDS cocktail&#039; in a general sense, which is a customized combination of anti-retroviral drugs designed to combat the HIV infection. Since HAART’s inception in 1995, this treatment was found to be effective in improving the life expectancy of HIV patients over two decades. Among various classes of HAART treatment regimen, Protease Inhibitors (PIs) are known to be widely used as a major component and found to be effective in treating HIV infection/AIDS. For the past several years, a variety of protease inhibitors have been reported. This review outlines the drug design strategies of PIs, chemical and pharmacological characteristics of some mechanism-based inhibitors, summarizes the recent developments in small molecule based drug discovery with HIV protease as a drug target. Further discussed are the pharmacology, PI drug resistance on HIV PR, adverse effects of HIV PIs and challenges/impediments in the successful application of HIV PIs as an important class of drugs in HAART regimen for the effective treatment of AIDS.]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[The Application of Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells for Regenerative  Therapy of Spinal Cord Injury ]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/97660</link><description><![CDATA[Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating event, and there are still no effective therapies currently available. Neural stem cells (NSCs) have gained increasing attention as promising regenerative therapy of SCI. NSCs based therapies of various neural diseases in animal models and clinical trials have been widely investigated. In this review we aim to summarize the development and recent progress in the application of NSCs in cell transplantation therapy for SCI. After brief introduction on sequential genetic steps regulating spinal cord development in vivo, we describe current experimental approaches for neural induction of NSCs in vitro. In particular, we focus on NSCs induced from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs). Finally, we highlight recent progress on the NSCs, which show great promise in the application to regeneration therapy for SCI.]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[The Action of Polyphenols in Diabetes Mellitus and Alzheimer's Disease: A Common Agent for Overlapping Pathologies]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/92175</link><description><![CDATA[<P>Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and Alzheimer&#039;s disease (AD) are two prevalent diseases in modern societies, which are caused mainly by current lifestyle, aging and genetic alterations. It has already been demonstrated that these two diseases are associated, since individuals suffering from DM are prone to develop AD. Conversely, it is also known that individuals with AD are more susceptible to DM, namely type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Therefore, these two pathologies, although completely different in terms of symptomatology, end up sharing several mechanisms at the molecular level, with the most obvious being the increase of oxidative stress and inflammation. </P><P> Polyphenols are natural compounds widely spread in fruits and vegetables whose dietary intake has been considered inversely proportional to the incidence of DM and AD. So, it is believed that this group of phytochemicals may have preventive and therapeutic potential, not only by reducing the risk and delaying the development of these pathologies, but also by improving brain’s metabolic profile and cognitive function. </P><P> The aim of this review is to understand the extent to which DM and AD are related pathologies, the degree of similarity and the relationship between them, to detail the molecular mechanisms by which polyphenols may exert a protective effect, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and highlight possible advantages of their use as common preventive and therapeutic alternatives.</P>]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Ketoacidosis Due to Empagliflozin, a Paradigm Shift: Case Report and Review of Literature]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/91946</link><description><![CDATA[<P>Introduction: Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2(SGLT2)-inhibitors are new antihyperglycemic agents that have shown a reduction in cardiovascular events in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Recent warnings have been developed about an increased risk of euglycemic and moderate hyperglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis with the use of SGLT2 inhibitors, but its real incidence is not available yet. </P><P> Case Report: We present a case of DKA with moderate hyperglycemia in a patient treated with metformin and empagliflozin. </P><P> Conclusion: DKA in patients treated with SGLT2 inhibitors can be presented as euglycemic and moderated hyperglycemia. This special presentation poses a physician’s challenge.</P>]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Safety of SGLT2 Inhibitors in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/96428</link><description><![CDATA[<P>Background: Recently, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved sodium/ glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. However, regarding adverse drug reactions (ADRs) of SGLT2 inhibitors in large group of population, very less information is available. Thus, we have tried to find out the risk profile of SGLT2 inhibitors. </P><P> Materials and Methods: A total of 1,042 studies have been published from Nov. 2012-Nov. 2017 regarding SGLT2 inhibitors. After inclusion and exclusion criteria, 27 studies have been selected for the analysis of risk. </P><P> Results and Discussion: The emerging evidence indicates various adverse drug reactions such as foot and toe amputation, cancer, diabetic ketoacidosis, bone fracture risk and urinary as well as mycotic genital infection. The causality assessment has shown a correlation between SGLT2 inhibitors and diabetic ketoacidosis and urinary tract infection. </P><P> Conclusion: In conclusion, Marketing Authorization Holder (MAH) and Regulatory Authorities (RA) should monitor various adverse drug reactions such as diabetic ketoacidosis and urinary tract infection with the use of SGLT2 inhibitor.</P>]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Drug Development Strategy for Type 2 Diabetes: Targeting Positive Energy Balances]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/95256</link><description><![CDATA[Newer classes of medications have been proven useful in glycemic control in type 2 diabetes (T2D), but many do not appear capable to slow down the progressive loss of ß-cell function, or to improve population-level glycemic control. Positive energy balance, e.g. surplus energy intake over expenditure, is at the core for developing metabolic syndrome and T2D. Currently available glycemic control drugs come to the market based on their 1-2 years risk-benefit profiles, but most of them do not correct positive energy balance and lose efficacy in the long-term. This denouement is destined by a positive energy balance of T2D. There is continuous endeavor/investment in new drugs for T2D. In this review, we compared the effects of commonly used oral hypoglycemic agents on energy balance and discussed several novel therapeutic targets/approaches for T2D that could potentially correct positive energy balance: changing the composition of intestinal host-microbiota to alleviate excess caloric consumption, controlling chylomicron uptake into intestinal lacteals to reduce excessive caloric intake, and activating pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) to ameliorate glucose metabolism and increase energy expenditure. We further reviewed how nicotine affects body weight and ameliorates positive energy balance, and ways to encourage people to adopt a more healthy lifestyle by exercising more and/or decreasing caloric intake. These potential targets/approaches may hopefully correct positive energy balance, delay disease progression, reverse some pathophysiological changes, and eventually prevent and/or cure the disease. Drug development strategies applying new insights into T2D process and therapeutic index to correct positive energy balance need to be seriously considered.]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Estrogen and Serotonin: Complexity of Interactions and Implications for Epileptic Seizures and Epileptogenesis]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/91352</link><description><![CDATA[A burgeoning literature documents the confluence of ovarian steroids and central serotonergic systems in the injunction of epileptic seizures and epileptogenesis. Estrogen administration in animals reduces neuronal death from seizures by up-regulation of the prosurvival molecule i.e. Bcl-2, anti-oxidant potential and protection of NPY interneurons. Serotonin modulates epileptiform activity in either direction i.e administration of 5-HT agonists or reuptake inhibitors leads to the activation of 5-HT3 and 5-HT1A receptors tending to impede focal and generalized seizures, while depletion of brain 5-HT along with the destruction of serotonergic terminals leads to expanded neuronal excitability hence abatement of seizure threshold in experimental animal models. Serotonergic neurotransmission is influenced by the organizational activity of steroid hormones in the growing brain and the actuation effects of steroids which come in adulthood. It is further established that ovarian steroids bring induction of dendritic spine proliferation on serotonin neurons thus thawing a profound effect on serotonergic transmission. This review features 5-HT1A and 5-HT3 receptors as potential targets for ameliorating seizure-induced neurodegeneration and recurrent hypersynchronous neuronal activity. Indeed 5-HT3 receptors mediate cross-talk between estrogenic and serotonergic pathways, and could be well exploited for combinatorial drug therapy against epileptogenesis.]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Early Occurrence Cases of Diabetes Mellitus: Clinical Picture in Two Major Tertiary Care Hospitals in India]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/89946</link><description><![CDATA[Introduction: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) is one of the most common endocrine diseases in childhood. However, very limited information is available on this disease. </P><P> Objectives: This study was done to assess risk factors, clinical features and management practices in T1D patients. </P><P> Methods: A review of records of 39 T1D cases admitted over the past five years in two hospitals was done. </P><P> Results: The mean age at diagnosis among males (n=21) was 19.9&#177;10.3 years and among females (n=18) was 12.3&#177;7.5 years (t=2.614, p=0.013). Mean age at diagnosis of patients who were underweight (n=7) was 9.9&#177;4.4 years, compared to 17.8±10.1 years among patients (n=32) with normal or overweight status (t=2.028, p=0.05). The family history of T1D was present among 7(18.0%) cases. The most common symptoms among the cases were fatigue 22(56.4%), polyuria 19(48.7%) and polydipsia 18(46.1%). The most common sign was weight loss 27(69.2%). The most common complications were diabetic nephropathy and skin infections seen each among 10(25.6%) cases. Mean duration of T1D was significantly more among patients with diabetic nephropathy (p<0.001), compared to those without. Mean HbA1c value among patients was 12.9&#177;2.7. It was significantly more among patients with Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) (p=0.012). A short-acting insulin was used in the management of T1D among 59.5% cases. The outcome of the management showed a loss of one patient who developed DKA. </P><P> Conclusion: Routine growth monitoring and blood glucose analysis is required among T1D cases. The present study provides a database of risk factors, clinical features, and management practices among patients with T1D in this region and addresses several issues important to both patients and their care providers.]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Towards Standardized Stem Cell Therapy in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/95273</link><description><![CDATA[]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[SGLT-2 Inhibitors in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/92240</link><description><![CDATA[Background: Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 (SGTL-2) inhibitors are a new class of antidiabetics, which have been approved for the treatment of patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Besides their beneficial metabolic effects, they exert favourable results in cardiovascular events and risk factors along with renoprotection. However, SGLT-2 inhibitors have not been yet approved as an adjunct therapy to insulin in patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM). This review aims at presenting both clinical and experimental data that reinforce the role of SGLT-2 inhibitors as adjunctive treatment in patients with T1DM along with the main restrictions of their use, namely Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). </P><P> Methods: We conducted a comprehensive research of the relevant literature regarding the off-label use of SGLT-2 inhibitors in clinical practice, presenting the major benefits and the potential risks. </P><P> Results: SGLT-2 inhibitors are associated with improved glycemic control, reduction in body weight, and decrease in insulin dosage, along with their beneficial cardiovascular and renal effects. However, we cannot overlook the association with increased incidence of DKA events, in the presence of well known predisposing factors. Further investigation is required, in order to establish them as adjunctive treatment in those patients. </P><P> Conclusion: This novel class of antidiabetics seems to be a very attractive treatment option in patients with T1DM, due to their multiple beneficial effects, but the increased risk of DKA should be taken into account.]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[The Complications of Bariatric Surgery Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in the World: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/89495</link><description><![CDATA[Background: In this Meta-analysis, we aimed to quantify the incidence of complications of different methods of bariatric surgery on diabetic patients. </P><P> Introduction: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is increasing worldwide specifically in obese cases. Additionally, obesity worsens T2DM. Complications of each bariatric surgery method were assessed separately; but, a meta-analysis of these complications and comparison between procedures in T2DM patients have not been investigated previously. The result of this study will help surgeons to choose the most appropriate surgical technique, considering individual conditions for a diabetic patient. </P><P> Methods: We searched PubMed, Scopus, and ISI for original papers including bariatric surgical procedures for diabetic population and the reported consequences. Data analyses were done using Stata software. </P><P> Results: Mortality percentage between diabetic and non-diabetic patients was statistically nonsignificant (P = 0.987). Early and late complications were higher in diabetic group in comparison with non-diabetic (6.0% vs. 1.8%, P = 0.024 and 0.6% vs. 0.3%, P = 0.04, respectively). Most prevalent findings in malabsorptive (7.8%, P < 0.001) and restrictive procedures (80%, P < 0.001) were major complications and hypoglycemic episodes, respectively. </P><P> Conclusion: As our study showed, most of the complications are not necessarily higher in diabetic population but dependent on the method of surgery.]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar State: A Pragmatic Approach to Properly Manage Sodium Derangements]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/89181</link><description><![CDATA[Introduction: Although hypovolemia remains the most relevant problem during acute decompensated diabetes in its clinical manifestations (diabetic ketoacidosis, DKA, and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state, HHS), the electrolyte derangements caused by the global hydroelectrolytic imbalance usually complicate the clinical picture at presentation and may be worsened by the treatment itself. </P><P> Aim: This review article is focused on the management of dysnatremias during hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state with the aim of providing clinicians a useful tool to early identify the sodium derangement in order to address properly its treatment. </P><P> Discussion: The plasma sodium concentration is modified by most of the therapeutic measures commonly required in such patients and the physician needs to consider these interactions when treating HHS. Moreover, an improper management of plasma sodium concentration (PNa+) and plasma osmolality during treatment has been associated with two rare potentially life-threatening complications (cerebral edema and osmotic demyelination syndrome). Identifying the correct composition of the fluids that need to be infused to restore volume losses is crucial to prevent complications. </P><P> Conclusion: A quantitative approach based on the comparison between the measured PNa+ (PNa+ M) and the PNa+ expected in the presence of an exclusive water shift (PNa+ G) may provide more thorough information about the true hydroelectrolytic status of the patient and may therefore, guide the physician in the initial management of HHS. On the basis of data derived from our previous studies, we propose a 7-step algorithm to compute an accurate estimate of PNa+ G.]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Progress of Oral Insulin and Related Drug Delivery Systems and their Pharmacokinetics]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/90619</link><description><![CDATA[Background: As society has developed and living standards have improved, diabetes has become a severe public health issue. Insulin plays a crucial role in managing hyperglycemia caused by type I diabetes and particular type II diabetes. Many researchers are seeking alternative, more acceptable methods of insulin delivery, such as oral insulin. An oral formulation has become a new goal for insulin delivery in recent years. </p><p> Methods: The PubMed and CNKI databases were searched for “oral insulin, ” “drug delivery systems, ” and “pharmacokinetics, ” and 85 relevant articles were selected from the results as material for this review. These papers were authoritative and had a higher number of citations. </p><p> Results: Oral insulin would be highly advantageous but is poorly absorbed. The main reason for low absorptivity is the hydrolysis of insulin by enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract. Lack of active transport vectors that pass through the intestinal epithelium is also a non-negligible problem. Additional issues need to be considered to facilitate appropriate research, such as long-term efficacy and safety, clinical data, and toxicological characteristics. </p><p> Conclusion: This review summarized recent advances in oral insulin and the pharmacokinetic profile of the suitable delivery system, providing valuable reference material for future research.]]></description> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Towards Standardized Stem Cell Therapy in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review]]></title><link>https://www.benthamscience.comarticle/90163</link><description><![CDATA[Objective: To compile and analyze the published studies on cell therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) to obtain a better insight into management of T2DM that involved stem cell therapy. <p> Methods: We searched all published studies in Pubmed/Medline, and Cochrane library, using keywords: ‘stem cell’ AND ‘therapy’ AND ‘diabetes type 2’. Inclusion criteria: original articles on the use of stem cells in humans with T2DM. Exclusion criteria: articles in the non-English literature, studies on T2DM complications that did not assess both adverse events and any of the common diabetes study outcomes. Data collection: type of study, number of cases, and all data that were related to outcome and adverse events. Data were analyzed descriptively to conclude the possible cause of adverse reactions, and which protocols gave a satisfactory outcome. <p> Results: We collected 25 original articles, out of which 17 studies did not have controls and were classified as case reports, while there were 8 studies that were controlled clinical trials. Most studies used autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells (BM-MNCs) or autologous or allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from various sources. Adverse events were mild and mostly intervention related. Efficacy of autologous BM-MNCs that were given via interventional route was comparable to Wharton jelly or umbilical cord MSCs that were given via intravenous (IV), Intra muscular (IM), or subcutaneous (SC) route. <p> Conclusion: Further controlled studies that compare BM-MNCs to BM-MSCs or WJ-MSCs or UCSCs are recommended to prove their comparable efficacy. In addition, studies that compare various routes of administration (IV, IM or SC) versus the more invasive interventional routes are needed.]]></description> </item></channel></rss>