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Whether preoperative parameters can predict weight loss following bariatric surgery is a matter of debate. We conducted a longitudinal and prospective pilot study on 35 patients that underwent bariatric surgery, with a 12-month follow-up. In the preoperative period, a high HOMA-beta index, lower fasting blood glucose, and lower HbA1c were correlated with a lower BMI at 12 months. Traditional preoperative factors, such as weight and BMI, were correlated with the postoperative BMI values. The presence of well-controlled diabetes may influence weight loss after surgery.

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AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the efficacy and safety of Abexol and atorvastatin in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).Material and methods: The present study had a monocentric, randomized, double-blinded, comparative design with 4 parallel groups - group 1 (Abexol), group 2 (atorvastatin), group 3 (combined therapy) and group 4 (placebo) - to which dietary recommendations and physical activity practice were provided twice a day, for 24 weeks. Significant changes in the ultrasound analysis of the liver were considered a primary efficacy variable. Insulin resistance improvement (HOMA2-IR) was considered as a co-primary efficacy criterion. Significant changes in the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lipid profile variables and the anthropometric variables were evaluated as secondary variables of effectiveness. Statistical analysis of all data was according to the intention to treat method. RESULTS: The groups were statistically homogeneous at baseline conditions. At the end of the 6 months of treatment about 50% of the patients in all groups showed a decrease of at least one degree in echogenicity, while the rest remained the same. There were no significant changes in the values of liver enzymes or anthropometric variables evaluated. Treatment with atorvastatin and combined therapy significantly reduced levels of low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and total cholesterol. The treatments were safe and well tolerated, although in the atorvastatin group the number of adverse events reported was greater than in the rest of the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Abexol and atorvastatin showed comparable efficacy and safety in patients with NAFLD, with advantages for treatment with atorvastatin with respect to its effects on the lipid profile of these patients.

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BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) encompasses a spectrum of diseases ranging from steatosis to steatohepatitis and cirrhosis. Given the increasing incidence of NAFLD and the long-term consequences of this disease, it is important to identify the risk factors and therapeutic measures. Abexol is a mixture of beeswax alcohols with antioxidant, gastro-protective and anti-inflammatory effects. The aim was to conduct a pooled analysis of clinical trials data of the effects of Abexol treatment in patients with NAFLD. METHODS: The present analysis includes the data of all patients with NAFLD obtained from medium-term randomized, double-blinded, placebo controlled clinical studies with Abexol. One hundred patients with NAFLD received Abexol (100 mg/day) or placebo for 6 months. Significant changes in the ultrasound analysis of the liver were considered a primary efficacy variable. Secondary endpoints were decreased homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index and insulin levels, and improved clinical symptoms. Statistical analysis of all data was according to the intention-to-treat method. RESULTS: Both groups were statistically homogeneous at baseline conditions. At 6 months of treatment, the number of Abexol-treated patients exhibiting a normal liver echo pattern on ultrasonography was greater than that of the placebo patients (P < 0.05). Abexol significantly reduced (P < 0.05) insulin levels and HOMA index. The proportion of Abexol patients showing symptom improvement was higher (P < 0.01) than that of the placebo group. Treatments were safe and well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of Abexol during 6 months significantly ameliorates liver fat accumulation and insulin resistances, meanwhile improving clinical evolution in patients with NAFLD. The treatment was safe and well tolerated in these patients.

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OBJECTIVE: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common disorder in women of reproductive age. This study investigated the effects of L-carnitine on the clinical and laboratory findings of women with PCOS. METHODS: Eighty women diagnosed with PCOS between 2017 and 2018 by the Rotterdam Criteria were enrolled in the study; six were lost during the study. The participants were given L-carnitine 3 g daily (Pursinapharma, Iran) for three months. Blood samples were taken after overnight fasting at baseline and three months into the study to assess the levels of fasting glucose, insulin, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), free testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and the insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR). The patients were weighed before and after treatment and had their body mass index (BMI) calculated. Menstrual cycles and manifestations of hirsutism were also assessed. RESULTS: The data showed a significant improvement in insulin sensitivity and decreases in serum LDL levels and the BMI after three months of treatment. There was a significant increase in serum HDL levels. More regular menstrual cycles and decreased hirsutism were also observed. CONCLUSION: It appears that treatment with L-carnitine might decrease the risk of cardiovascular events by normalizing metabolic profiles and the BMI.

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Objetivo: Determinar el efecto de las bebidas dietéticas en los niveles de glucosa e insulina en jóvenes estudiantes de medicina de la Universidad del Norte. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio experimental aleatorizado con una muestra de 16 estudiantes de sexo femenino de tercer semestre del programa de Medicina de la Universidad del Norte. Su participación fue voluntaria, previa firma del consentimiento informado. Se determinaron las variables antropométricas: peso, talla e índice cintura/ cadera. Se extrajo muestras para la determinación de la glucosa e insulina en ayunas. Posteriormente se distribuyeron aleatoriamente en dos grupos. Al grupo control se le suministró una gaseosa normal de 600cc y al grupo experimental, una gaseosa dietética de igual volumen. Al término de 2 horas se extrajeron nuevas muestras para determinar niveles de glucosa e insulina postprandiales. Se recolectaron los datos y se realizó el análisis estadístico utilizando el software IBM SPSS v22.0. Resultados: Se encontró una relación lineal positiva estadísticamente significativa entre los niveles de insulina (r = 0,908; p=0,002) y entre los índices HOMA (r= 0,913; p=0,002), HOMAR (r= 0,920;p=0,001), HOMA beta (r= 0,838;p=0,009)y OUICKI (r= 0,996;p=0,001) pre- y postprandial en el grupo que recibió la bebida dietética. Conclusiones: Los datos demuestran que los niveles de glucosa, insulina y el índice HOMA se comportan de forma lineal según el tipo de gaseosa consumido. No obstante se necesitan más estudios para determinar la interrelación entre dichas variables.

Objective: To determine the effect of diet sodas in glucose and insulin levels in young medical students from the Universidad del Norte. Materials and methods: A randomized experimental study with a sample of 16 female students with an average age of 18 years, belonging to the third semester of Medicine pro-gram at Universidad del Norte. The subject's participation was voluntary prior signature of informed consent. We assed the following anthropometric variables: weight, height, waist / hip ratio. Blood samples were obtainedfor determination of fasting glucose. We randomly divided the sample into two groups. The control group was provided a 600 cc of a regular soda, and the group experimental, an equal volume of diet soda. After 2 hours, new blood samples were taken in order to determine postprandial glucose and insulin levels. Data was collected and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v22.0 software. Results: A statistically significant positive linear relationship between the levels of basal and postprandial insulin (r = 0.908; p = 0.002) and between pre and post-prandial HOMA index (r = 0.913;p = 0.002), HOMAR (r= 0,920;p=0,001), HOMA beta (r= 0,838;p=0,009), y OUICKI (r= 0,996; p=0,001) was found in the group receiving dietary drink. Conclusions: Data from this study show that the levels of glucose, insulin and HOMA index behave in lineal ways according to the type of soda consumed, however further studies are needed to determine the inter-relationship between these variables.

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OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess insulin resistance parameters using successive homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) and clinical evaluations in healthy new users of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA). METHODS: A prospective 12-month study was carried out to compare 31 DMPA users with 25 copper intrauterine device (Cu-IUD; TCu380A) users, matched for age (± 1 year) and body mass index (BMI; ± 1 kg/m(2)). Participants met the following criteria: age 18 to 40 years, BMI < 30 kg/m(2), fasting glucose < 5.5 mmol/l, 2-h glucose after a 75 g oral glucose load < 140 mg/dl. BMI, waist circumference, fasting glucose, fasting insulin and HOMA of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were evaluated at baseline and after 6 and 12 months of contraceptive use. Insulin resistance was defined as a HOMA-IR value > 2.7. RESULTS: The DMPA group showed significant increases in BMI, waist circumference, fasting insulin and HOMA-IR throughout the observation period in relation to baseline. Significant increases in BMI and waist circumference were observed in the DMPA group at 12 months compared with the Cu-IUD group. Five DMPA users had abnormal HOMA-IR values, three of whom had gained > 5 kg in weight at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: HOMA-IR represents a useful tool to indicate changes in carbohydrate metabolism in non-obese DMPA users, especially when accompanied by measurement of clinical parameters such as BMI and waist circumference.

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Resumen Introducción: el síndrome metabólico (SM) es una condición clínica que aumenta el riesgo de enfermedad cardiovascular y se relaciona con resistencia a la insulina (RI). Aunque los consensos establecen la necesidad de puntos de corte específicos del perímetro de la cintura (PC) para cada país, con el fin de identificar sujetos con SM, en Colombia no han sido definidos. Objetivo: definir los puntos de corte del PC en hombres y en mujeres que mejor discriminan la presencia de RI, establecer la prevalencia de SM y verificar la relación entre el PC y RI. Material y métodos: en el contexto del estudio Diagnóstico del Riesgo Cardiovascular Global, Medellín 2007-2008, se realizó una evaluación clínica, antropométrica y de laboratorio. Con el índice de resistencia a la insulina HOMA (IR-HOMA) se definió la presencia de RI a partir del percentil 75. Se construyeron curvas de las características operativas del receptor (COR), se obtuvo el área bajo la curva (AUC) para cada sexo y se usó el índice de Youden para establecer el PC que mejor discriminaba la presencia de RI. Resultados: se incluyeron 800 sujetos, de los cuales 44.8% fueron hombres, con un promedio de edad de 50.3±12.1 e índice de masa corporal (IMC) de 26.1±4.7. Los sujetos con RI tuvieron mayor PC, triglicéridos y presión arterial, además, menor colesterol HDL que aquellos sin RI. Los valores que mejor discriminan la presencia de RI fueron 92 cm en hombres (sensibilidad 82.28%; especificidad 70.14%) y 84 cm en mujeres (sensibilidad 78.15%; especificidad 73.98%) (índice de Youden de 0.52 en ambos sexos). Para los hombres y mujeres el AUC fue 0.828 (IC 95% 0.780-0.876) y 0.815 (IC 95% 0.770-0.859), respectivamente, valor de p< 0.001. Se encontró correlación entre el PC e IR-HOMA (ρ=0.65 en los hombres y ρ=0.62 en las mujeres) y una prevalencia del SM del 44.9%. Conclusión: los valores de PC que mejor discriminaron la presencia de RI son 92 cm para hombres y 84 cm para mujeres. Este criterio podría ser utilizado para identificar sujetos con SM a nivel poblacional. (Acta Med Colomb 2013; 38: 118-126).

Abstract Introduction: the metabolic syndrome (MS) is a clinical condition that increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and is associated with insulin resistance (IR). Although consensus establish the need of specific cut points of waist circumference (WC) for each country in order to identify subjects with MS, these have not been defined in Colombia. Objective: to define the WC cut points in men and women that best discriminate the presence of IR, to establish the prevalence of MS and verify the relation between WC and IR. Material and methods: in the context of the Diagnosis of the Global Cardiovascular Risk study, Medellin 2007-2008, we conducted an anthropometric and laboratory clinical evaluation. With the HOMA insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index, we defined the presence of IR starting from the 75th percentile. Curves of the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) were made and the area under the curve (AUC) for each sex was obtained and the Youden index was used to establish the WC that best discriminated the presence of IR. Results: 800 subjects were included, of whom 44.8% were male, with a mean age of 50.3 ± 12.1 years and body mass index (BMI) of 26.1 ± 4.7. Subjects with IR had higher WC, triglycerides and blood pressure and also lower HDL cholesterol than those without IR. The values that best discriminate the presence of IR were 92 cm in men (sensitivity 82.28%, specificity 70.14%) and 84 cm in women (sensitivity 78.15%, specificity 73.98%) (Youden index of 0, 52 in both sexes). For men and women, the AUC was 0.828 (95% CI 0.780-0.876) and 0.815 (95% CI 0.770 to 0.859), respectively, p <0.001. A correlation between the WC and IR-HOMA ( ρ= 0.65 in men and ρ= 0.62 in women) as well as MS prevalence of 44.9% was found. Conclusion: WC values that best discriminated the presence of IR are 92 cm for men and 84 cm for women. This criterion could be used to identify subjects with MS at the population level. (ActaMed Colomb 2013; 38: 118-126).

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A disfunção das células-beta e a resistência insulínica são anormalidades metabólicas inter-relacionadas na etiologia do diabetes tipo 2. Em diversos países, tem sido observado o aumento da prevalência de obesidade e diabetes em associação com a presença da resistência insulínica. Nesse contexto, é útil a mensuração da resistência insulínica e da capacidade funcional das células-beta nos indivíduos. Os índices Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA) têm sido amplamente utilizados, representando uma das alternativas para avaliação desses parâmetros, principalmente por figurarem um método rápido, de fácil aplicação e de menor custo. Esta revisão discute sobre a origem e a evolução dos índices HOMA, bem como as particularidades do método, abordando aspectos relacionados à sua validação e aos pontos de corte existentes para sua interpretação.

Beta-cell dysfunction and insulin resistance are interrelated metabolic abnormalities in the aetiology of Type 2 Diabetes. In several countries, increases in the prevalence of obesity and diabetes have been observed in association with the presence of insulin resistance. In this context, measurement of insulin resistance and beta-cell function is useful. The HOMA indexes (Homeostasis Model Assessment) have been widely used, representing an alternative for the evaluation of these parameters, particularly as a fast, easy and cheap method. This review discusses the origin and evolution of the HOMA index, as well as details of the method, analyzing features related to its validation and the cutoff limits for its interpretation.

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