New Therapeutic Targets and Treatment Options in Metabolic Syndrome

A special issue of Metabolites (ISSN 2218-1989). This special issue belongs to the section "Endocrinology and Clinical Metabolic Research".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 May 2023) | Viewed by 13897

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Second Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Interests: diabetology; internal medicine; clinical trials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Second Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Interests: internal medicine; hypertension; cardiovascular disease; clinical research
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Metabolic syndrome, despite not being a disease per se, is a very common metabolic disorder that represents a major public health concern, especially in the Western world. The increasing prevalence of obesity, diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance, hypertension and atherogenic dyslipidemia has resulted in a significantly increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome worldwide.

It has been established that metabolic syndrome is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and related mortality. Recently, there has been increasing evidence on the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome and newer therapeutic targets.

The present Special Issue entitled “New Therapeutic Targets and Treatment Options in Metabolic Syndrome” will welcome research papers, review papers (both narrative reviews and systematic reviews with or without meta-analysis) and editorials relevant to this topic.

We also welcome the submission of papers assessing the implications of metabolic syndrome in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) clinical course, outcomes or treatment approach.

Dr. Dimitrios Patoulias
Dr. Michael Doumas
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • metabolic syndrome
  • diabetes mellitus
  • dyslipidemia
  • obesity
  • hypertension
  • cardiovascular disease
  • morbidity
  • treatment

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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10 pages, 280 KiB  
Article
Metabolic Syndrome in Affective Disorders: Associations with Dark Triad Personality Traits
by Fiona Brugger, Elena M. D. Schönthaler, Andreas Baranyi, Eva Z. Reininghaus, Dirk von Lewinski and Nina Dalkner
Metabolites 2023, 13(8), 956; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo13080956 - 18 Aug 2023
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Abstract
Previous research has focused on the relationship between affective disorders (AD) and metabolic syndrome (MetS). Aside from biological and lifestyle factors, personality traits were identified as influencing aspects. In particular, the Dark Triad personality traits (DT; Machiavellianism, narcissism, psychopathy) were connected to both [...] Read more.
Previous research has focused on the relationship between affective disorders (AD) and metabolic syndrome (MetS). Aside from biological and lifestyle factors, personality traits were identified as influencing aspects. In particular, the Dark Triad personality traits (DT; Machiavellianism, narcissism, psychopathy) were connected to both AD and worse somatic health, thus possibly resulting in MetS. This observational study aimed to investigate the associations between DT and anthropometric parameters and differences in the DT traits concerning the presence of MetS in individuals with AD. A total of 112 individuals (females = 59, males = 51, diverse = 2, Mage = 47.5, SDage = 11.5) with AD filled out the Short Dark Triad questionnaire. Body Mass Index (BMI) and MetS criteria, including blood pressure, waist circumference, lipid, and glucose levels, were assessed. For Machiavellianism, a positive association with BMI (r = 0.29, p < 0.05) and a negative association with systolic blood pressure (r = −0.23, p < 0.05) were found. No relationship between the overall MetS and DT score (r = 0.08, p = 0.409) was observed. The results were limited by the lack of a control group and the cross-sectional study design, which does not allow for the determination of causality. Machiavellianism was associated with a higher BMI and lower systolic blood pressure, indicating a deteriorating health effect of this trait. Possibly, the higher prevalence of MetS in AD stems from aspects such as lifestyle or medication intake, which might also be influenced by DT. Further research is needed to disentangle underlying mechanisms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Therapeutic Targets and Treatment Options in Metabolic Syndrome)
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10 pages, 272 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Metabolic Syndrome Components on Erectile Function in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
by Alexandra Katsimardou, Dimitrios Patoulias, Ioanna Zografou, Fotios Siskos, Konstantinos Stavropoulos, Konstantinos Imprialos, Zoi Tegou, Aristi Boulmpou, Vivian Georgopoulou, Nikoleta Hatzipapa, Christodoulos Papadopoulos and Michael Doumas
Metabolites 2023, 13(5), 617; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo13050617 - 30 Apr 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1191
Abstract
Erectile dysfunction is commonly encountered in diabetic patients and in patients with metabolic syndrome; however, only a few studies have assessed patients with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) regarding their sexual function. The purpose of this study is to examine [...] Read more.
Erectile dysfunction is commonly encountered in diabetic patients and in patients with metabolic syndrome; however, only a few studies have assessed patients with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) regarding their sexual function. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of metabolic syndrome and its components on the erectile function of T2DM patients. A cross-sectional study including T2DM patients was conducted from November 2018 until November 2020. Participants were evaluated for the presence of metabolic syndrome and their sexual function was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire. A total of 45 consecutive male patients participated in this study. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed in 84.4% and erectile dysfunction (ED) in 86.7% of them. Metabolic syndrome was not associated with ED or ED severity. Among metabolic syndrome components, only high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) was associated with ED [x2 (1, n = 45) = 3.894, p = 0.048; OR = 5.5 (95% CI: 0.890–33.99)] and with the IIEF erectile function scores (median 23 vs. 18, U = 75, p = 0.012). Multiple regression analyses showed that HDL was non-significantly associated with the IIEF erectile function scores. In conclusion, among T2DM patients HDL is associated with ED. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Therapeutic Targets and Treatment Options in Metabolic Syndrome)
12 pages, 1070 KiB  
Article
Vitamin D Alleviates Anxiety and Depression in Elderly People with Prediabetes: A Randomized Controlled Study
by Evangelia Zaromytidou, Theocharis Koufakis, Georgios Dimakopoulos, Despina Drivakou, Stavroula Konstantinidou, Pantelitsa Rakitzi, Maria Grammatiki, Eleni Manthou, Athanasios Notopoulos, Ioannis Iakovou, Anna Gotzamani-Psarrakou and Kalliopi Kotsa
Metabolites 2022, 12(10), 884; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo12100884 - 20 Sep 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2158
Abstract
Older people are prone to frailness, present poor adherence to pharmacotherapy, and often have adverse drug effects. Therefore, it is important to develop effective and safe interventions to mitigate the burden of anxiety and depression disorders in this population. The aim of this [...] Read more.
Older people are prone to frailness, present poor adherence to pharmacotherapy, and often have adverse drug effects. Therefore, it is important to develop effective and safe interventions to mitigate the burden of anxiety and depression disorders in this population. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of vitamin D supplementation on the anxiety and depression status of elderly people with prediabetes. Participants were randomly assigned a weekly dose of vitamin D3 of 25,000 IU (n = 45, mean age 73.10 ± 7.16 years) or nothing (n = 45, mean age 74.03 ± 7.64 years), in addition to suggested lifestyle measures. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory subscales (STAI-T and STAI-S) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) were used to evaluate anxiety and depression levels, respectively, at baseline, 6, and 12 months. A total of 92.68% of the participants in the vitamin D group and 97.14% of the controls exhibited vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) at baseline. Mean STAI-T scores were lower in supplemented individuals than in the control group at 6 (38.02 ± 9.03 vs. 43.91 ± 7.18, p = 0.003) and 12 months (32.35 ± 7.77 vs. 44.97 ± 7.78, p < 0.001). The same pattern was evident for STAI-S scores at 6 (37.11 ± 7.88 vs. 43.20 ± 9.33, p = 0.003) and 12 months (32.59 ± 6.45 vs. 44.60 ± 9.53, p < 0.001). Supplemented participants demonstrated lower mean PHQ-9 scores compared to controls at 6 (15.69 ± 6.15 vs. 19.77 ± 8.96, p = 0.021) and 12 months (13.52 ± 5.01 vs. 20.20 ± 8.67, p < 0.001). Participants with deficiency and insufficiency at baseline experienced equal benefits of supplementation in terms of anxiety and depression scores. In conclusion, in a high-risk population, a weekly vitamin D supplementation scheme was effective in alleviating anxiety and depression symptoms. More studies are needed to elucidate the relevant mechanisms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Therapeutic Targets and Treatment Options in Metabolic Syndrome)
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Review

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17 pages, 686 KiB  
Review
The Role of Endocan in Cardiometabolic Disorders
by Aleksandra Klisic and Dimitrios Patoulias
Metabolites 2023, 13(5), 640; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo13050640 - 8 May 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1829
Abstract
Discovered two decades ago, endocan still represents an intriguing biomarker related to inflammation. Endocan is a soluble dermatan sulphate proteoglycan secreted by endothelial cells. Its expression is observed in tissues related to the enhanced proliferation, especially hepatocytes, lungs, kidneys, etc. Endocan has been [...] Read more.
Discovered two decades ago, endocan still represents an intriguing biomarker related to inflammation. Endocan is a soluble dermatan sulphate proteoglycan secreted by endothelial cells. Its expression is observed in tissues related to the enhanced proliferation, especially hepatocytes, lungs, kidneys, etc. Endocan has been investigated in many cardiometabolic disorders that are tightly connected with inflammation, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, obesity, polycystic ovary syndrome, metabolic syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, etc. In this narrative, comprehensive review of the currently available literature, special attention will be paid to the role of endocan in the broad spectrum of cardiometabolic disorders. Since endocan has emerged as a novel endothelial dysfunction marker, the discovery of potential therapeutic strategies for patients with certain cardiometabolic risk factors would be of great importance to delay or even prevent the onset and progression of related complications, mainly cardiovascular. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Therapeutic Targets and Treatment Options in Metabolic Syndrome)
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17 pages, 1192 KiB  
Review
Associations between Periodontitis, COVID-19, and Cardiometabolic Complications: Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Evidence
by Giuseppe Mainas, Luigi Nibali, Mark Ide, Wael Al Mahmeed, Khalid Al-Rasadi, Kamila Al-Alawi, Maciej Banach, Yajnavalka Banerjee, Antonio Ceriello, Mustafa Cesur, Francesco Cosentino, Alberto Firenze, Massimo Galia, Su-Yen Goh, Andrej Janež, Sanjay Kalra, Nitin Kapoor, Peter Kempler, Nader Lessan, Paulo Lotufo, Nikolaos Papanas, Ali A. Rizvi, Amirhossein Sahebkar, Raul D. Santos, Anca P. Stoian, Peter P. Toth, Vijay Viswanathan and Manfredi Rizzoadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Metabolites 2023, 13(1), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo13010040 - 26 Dec 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2924
Abstract
Periodontitis is a microbially driven, host-mediated disease that leads to loss of periodontal attachment and resorption of bone. It is associated with the elevation of systemic inflammatory markers and with the presence of systemic comorbidities. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a contagious disease [...] Read more.
Periodontitis is a microbially driven, host-mediated disease that leads to loss of periodontal attachment and resorption of bone. It is associated with the elevation of systemic inflammatory markers and with the presence of systemic comorbidities. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a contagious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Although the majority of patients have mild symptoms, others experience important complications that can lead to death. After the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, several investigations demonstrating the possible relationship between periodontitis and COVID-19 have been reported. In addition, both periodontal disease and COVID-19 seem to provoke and/or impair several cardiometabolic complications such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and neurological and neuropsychiatric complications. Therefore, due to the increasing number of investigations focusing on the periodontitis-COVID-19 relationship and considering the severe complications that such an association might cause, this review aims to summarize all existing emerging evidence regarding the link between the periodontitis-COVID-19 axis and consequent cardiometabolic impairments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Therapeutic Targets and Treatment Options in Metabolic Syndrome)
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19 pages, 353 KiB  
Review
Mechanisms and Outcomes of Metabolic Surgery in Type 2 Diabetes
by Mansor Fazliana and Zubaidah Nor Hanipah
Metabolites 2022, 12(11), 1134; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo12111134 - 17 Nov 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1779
Abstract
This review is aimed at synthesizing the mechanisms and outcomes of metabolic surgery on the endocrine system, microbiome, metabolomics, and at the molecular level. We review the hormonal, adipokine, microbiota, microRNA, and metabolomic changes in human and animal models following metabolic surgery for [...] Read more.
This review is aimed at synthesizing the mechanisms and outcomes of metabolic surgery on the endocrine system, microbiome, metabolomics, and at the molecular level. We review the hormonal, adipokine, microbiota, microRNA, and metabolomic changes in human and animal models following metabolic surgery for the treatment of obesity and diabetes. The most relevant studies in this area over the past 17 years have been considered for this review. In most cases, metabolic procedures, especially those that include intestinal bypass components, showed the remission of type 2 diabetes. This involves a variety of weight-independent mechanisms to improve glucose homeostasis, improving insulin sensitivity and secretion, gut microbiota, and bile acid cross-talk. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Therapeutic Targets and Treatment Options in Metabolic Syndrome)

Other

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12 pages, 732 KiB  
Study Protocol
Molecular, Metabolic, and Nutritional Changes after Metabolic Surgery in Obese Diabetic Patients (MoMen): A Protocol for a Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study
by Mansor Fazliana, Zubaidah Nor Hanipah, Barakatun Nisak Mohd Yusof, Nur Azlin Zainal Abidin, You Zhuan Tan, Farah Huda Mohkiar, Ahmad Zamri Liyana, Mohd Nawi Mohd Naeem, Norazlan Mohmad Misnan, Haron Ahmad, Mohd Shazli Draman, Poh Yue Tsen, Shu Yu Lim and Tikfu Gee
Metabolites 2023, 13(3), 413; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo13030413 - 10 Mar 2023
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Abstract
Metabolic surgery is an essential option in the treatment of obese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Despite its known advantages, this surgery still needs to be introduced in Malaysia. In this prospective study, the pathophysiological mechanisms at the molecular level will be [...] Read more.
Metabolic surgery is an essential option in the treatment of obese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Despite its known advantages, this surgery still needs to be introduced in Malaysia. In this prospective study, the pathophysiological mechanisms at the molecular level will be studied and the metabolomics pathways of diabetes remission will be explored. The present study aims to evaluate the changes in the anthropometric measurements, body composition, phase angle, diet intake, biochemistry parameters, adipokines, microRNA, and metabolomics, both pre- and post-surgery, among obese diabetic patients in Malaysia. This is a multicenter prospective cohort study that will involve obese patients (n = 102) with a body mass index (BMI) of ≥25 kg/m2 (Asian BMI categories: WHO/IASO/IOTF, 2000) who will undergo metabolic surgery. They will be categorized into three groups: non-diabetes, prediabetes, and diabetes. Their body composition will be measured using a bioimpedance analyzer (BIA). The phase angle (PhA) data will be analyzed. Venous blood will be collected from each patient for glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipids, liver, renal profile, hormones, adipokines, and molecular and metabolomics analyses. The serum microRNA will be measured. A gene expression study of the adipose tissue of different groups will be conducted to compare the groups. The relationship between the 1HNMR-metabolic fingerprint and the patients’ lifestyles and dietary practices will be determined. The factors responsible for the excellent remission of T2D will be explored in this study. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Therapeutic Targets and Treatment Options in Metabolic Syndrome)
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