Search Results (143)

Background/Objectives: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major global public health challenge with a significant impact on human life. The current study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the magnitude of dyslipidemia and the factors associated with elevated LDL-C levels among Black South Africans with T2DM. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in a tertiary hospital. Blood samples for glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and lipid profile were collected from the study participants and analyzed using Siemens Atellica™ analyzer. The data was entered into Microsoft excel and analyzed using SPSS version 24. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was employed to identify variables significantly associated with the outcomes, with a p-value  ≤  0.05 and a 95% confidence interval. Results: A total of 194 study participants with T2DM were recruited in the study. The overall prevalence of dyslipidemia was 90.72%. Of those with dyslipidemia, 40.9% had an isolated dyslipidemia, 39.7% had a combined dyslipidemia and 19.3% had atherogenic dyslipidemia. Significant factors associated with elevated levels of LDL-C included age, non-adherence to treatment (NAT) and duration. However, after multivariate analysis, NAT was found to be an independent associated factor with elevated levels of LDL-C (AOR: 4.596; 95% CI: 0.177–2.874; p = 0.027). Conclusions: Our study found that dyslipidemia is highly prevalent among Black South African patients with T2DM at a tertiary hospital, despite the use of lipid-lowering therapy. NAT was significantly associated with elevated levels of LDL-C. However, it is important to note that the study employed a cross-sectional design, conducted at a single hospital, which may impair the generalizability of the findings. Full article

Background/Objectives: Exercise is a key pillar in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but adherence rates to physical activity are poor. Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy, termed magnetic mitohormesis (MM), has been shown in preclinical and early human studies to mimic the metabolic benefits of exercise without physical strain. However, its effects on glycemic control remain unknown. We evaluate the metabolic benefits of MM in patients with suboptimally-controlled T2DM. Methods: An exploratory study was conducted in 40 adults with T2DM (glycated hemoglobin, HbA1c 7.0–10.0%). MM treatment comprised 12 sessions organized weekly, where low-dose PEMF was delivered to alternate legs for 10 min per visit. Metabolic assessments—anthropometry, HbA1c, fasting glucose and insulin resistance (measured by Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance, HOMA-IR)—were measured at baseline and post-treatment. Subgroup analysis was performed to compare the effects of MM on patients with and without central obesity (defined as waist-to-hip ratio ≥ 1.0). Results: Participants had a mean age of 59.4 years and HbA1c of 8.1%. MM treatment was well tolerated with no adverse events, and 77.5% of patients completed all 12 sessions. There were no significant changes in HbA1c, fasting glucose or HOMA-IR for the overall cohort. However, in patients with central obesity, 88.9% showed a reduction in HbA1c post-treatment compared to 32.3% without central obesity (p < 0.01), and mean HbA1c decreased from 7.5% to 7.1% (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that MM is safe and well-tolerated in T2DM patients and may confer a preferential benefit for individuals with greater central obesity. Full article

Background/Objectives: The clinical impact of antipsychotics on the human body remains inadequately investigated, hence we aimed to compere the effects olanzapine (OLZ) and Clozapine (CLZ) on different body systems. Methods: 48 patients and 24 healthy individuals were involved, and followed over six months. PANSS, metabolic, cardiovascular, inflammatory, and neuronal transmitter parameters were determined. Results: No significant difference was found between the effects of the two drugs on blood mineral and cardiovascular parameters, except for CK-MB, which showed a greater increase in the OLZ group than in the CLZ group. Both drugs increased the lipid profile and HbA1C levels, with the effect of CLZ being more prominent. Both drugs increased the patients’ body weights, with no significant difference between their effects. Regarding renal and hepatic functions, OLZ had a more notable effect on creatinine and albumin levels than CLZ, while AST and ALT showed markedly greater increases in the CLZ-treated group than in the OLZ-treated group. Regarding the effects on neurotransmitters and inflammatory mediators, both drugs increased serotonin and ghrelin levels, in addition to decreasing leptin concentrations, and decreased the inflammatory mediators IL-1β, IL-6, and –TNF-α, with the effect of OLZ being more prominent. Regarding therapeutic efficacy, CLZ was more effective at reducing general and negative symptoms than OLZ. Conclusions: The present study revealed that CLZ had a greater impact on metabolic parameters and better therapeutic efficacy in attenuating both general and negative symptoms, whereas OLZ had more detectable anti-inflammatory effects, aid determining the appropriate treatment for schizophrenic patients. Full article

Background/Objectives: Arabinoxylan (AX) has shown potential benefits in glycemic control; however, findings remain inconclusive. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the impact of AX intake on glycemic control in preclinical and clinical studies. Methods: A database search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL. A total of 133 studies were included for systematic review and extracted data from 46 clinical studies and 25 preclinical studies were further analyzed for meta-analysis. Results: The AX consumption improved overall postprandial glycemic control in clinical studies, as evidenced by reductions in glucose iAUC (SMD: −0.41; 95% CI: [−0.57, −0.25]), insulin iAUC (SMD: −0.28; 95% CI: [−0.44, −0.12]), glucose iPeak (SMD: −0.52; 95% CI: [−0.80, −0.25]), and insulin iPeak (SMD: −0.24; 95% CI: [−0.41, −0.06]) compared to the control. For chronic glycemic control, fasting glucose (Hedges’ g: −1.18; 95% CI: [−1.56, −0.80]), insulin (Hedges’ g: −1.07; 95% CI: [−1.92, −0.23]), HbA1c (Hedges’ g: −2.93; 95% CI: [−5.48, −0.38]), and HOMA-IR (Hedges’ g: −2.44; 95% CI: [−3.66, −1.22]) reduced in preclinical studies, while improvements were limited to fasting glucose (MD: −0.10; 95% CI: [−0.16, −0.03]) in clinical studies. Subgroup analyses revealed that AX exerted a greater glycemic-lowering effect in metabolically impaired animals and individuals compared to healthy counterparts. Furthermore, extracted AX was found to be more effective than intrinsic AX in optimizing glycemic control. Conclusions: The consumption of AX improves glycemic control, particularly in metabolically impaired animals and human participants. Moreover, the benefit appears more pronounced with extract AX interventions. Full article

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder caused by progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and the presence of Lewy bodies. While PD is most recognized by its motor symptoms (resting tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability), cognitive decline (CD) may become apparent as PD progresses, leading to Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD). Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and insulin resistance (IR) are risk factors for dementia, especially Alzheimer’s disease; however, their influence on dementia in PD is underexplored. Therefore, we sought to determine the effect of T2DM and IR on dementia in PD. A systematic search of articles from 2005 to March 2025 was undertaken using Embase, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and citation searching. Case–control, cross-sectional, longitudinal, and non-human population studies assessing cognitive outcomes in individuals with PD, with and without T2DM and IR, were included (PROSPERO registration number CRD420251013367). In total, 27 studies met the inclusion criteria, with clinical sample sizes ranging from 23 to 544,162 participants. Among the 23 clinical studies, 15 identified T2DM as a contributor to cognitive decline (CD) in PD, and 4 specifically examined insulin resistance (IR). Elevated HbA1c was consistently associated with poorer cognitive performance and increased risk of Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD); HbA1c ≥ 7% independently predicted cognitive impairment (OR = 4.25, 95% CI: 1.59–11.34). Vascular and inflammatory markers, including elevated LDL-C, fibrinogen, and hs-CRP, further exacerbated CD. MoCA and MMSE scores were the most common cognitive measures, consistently showing worse outcomes in PD patients with T2DM. Preclinical studies supported these associations, showing that high-fat-diet-induced T2DM and IR aggravated dopaminergic neuronal loss by 38–45%, increased α-synuclein by 35%, and heightened microglial activation, providing mechanistic evidence for the observed clinical associations. This systematic review, the first to examine the impact of T2DM and IRs on the occurrence and advancement of CD in PD patients, demonstrates a possible association between the two. However, these results demonstrate the need for larger sample sizes and the inclusion of additional clinical variables, such as HbA1c levels and pharmacological interventions, providing further information about the link between metabolic dysfunction and CD in PD. To further strengthen this link, longitudinal studies with systematic follow-ups are essential to establish causal links and avoid misdiagnosis in clinical practice. Full article

Wearable sensors are central to health-monitoring systems, but the limited capacity of compact batteries poses a challenge for long-term and maintenance-free operation. In this study, we investigated ambient electromagnetic wave (AEMW) energy harvesting using a human body antenna (HBA) as a means to supply power to wearable sensors. The power density and frequency distribution of AEMWs were measured in diverse indoor, outdoor, and basement environments. We designed and fabricated a flexible HBA–circuit interface electrode, optimized for broadband impedance matching when worn on the body. Experimental comparisons using a simulated AEMW source demonstrated that the HBA outperformed a conventional small whip antenna, particularly at frequencies below 300 MHz. Furthermore, the outdoor measurements indicated that the power harvested by the HBA was estimated to be −31.9 dBm (0.64 μW), which is sufficient for the intermittent operation of low-power wearable sensors and Bluetooth Low Energy modules. The electromagnetic safety was also evaluated through numerical analysis, and the specific absorption rate was confirmed to be well below the international safety limits. These findings indicate that HBA-based AEMW energy harvesting provides a practical and promising approach to achieving battery-maintenance-free wearable devices. Full article

Background: The New Zealand pine bark has been demonstrated in vitro to inhibit digestive enzymes involved in carbohydrate digestion (alpha-amylase, alpha-glucosidase, and dipeptidyl-peptidase 4 (DPP-4)). Objective: This study aims to investigate the inhibitory effects of the New Zealand pine bark on sucrose uptake and glycaemic responses in humans. Methods: A single-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, crossover trial was carried out involving healthy adults (n = 40 (M: 12, F: 28), 30.1 ± 1.3 years, BMI 23.4 ± 0.5 kg/m², HbA1c 32.5 ± 0.6 mmol/mol, FBG 4.7 ± 0.1 mmol/L). A control (75 g of sucrose powder only), and two doses of the pine bark extract (50 and 400 mg) were provided on separate occasions, with 75 g of sucrose mixed in 250 mL of water. Blood samples were collected at −10, 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 min via a finger prick test. A linear mixed model for repeated measures (SPSS v30, IBM) was applied, and data presented as model-adjusted mean ± SEM. Results: Compared to control (247.5 ± 14.0 mmol/L⋅min), the iAUCglucose was significantly reduced with the 400 mg dose (211.8 ± 13.9 mmol/L⋅min, 14.4% reduction, and p = 0.037), but not with 50 mg dose (220.8 ± 14.2 mmol/L⋅min, 10.8% reduction, and p = 0.184). Compared to control (9.1 ± 0.2 mmol/L), glucose peak value was significantly reduced with the 50 mg dose (8.6 ± 0.2 mmol/L, 5.5% reduction, and p = 0.016) but not with the 400 mg dose (8.7 ± 0.2 mmol/L, 4.4% reduction, and p = 0.093). There were no statistically significant changes in postprandial insulin levels with the pine bark extract compared to control. Conclusions: The New Zealand pine bark extract attenuated sucrose uptake with improved glycaemic responses, and may therefore be useful as a hypoglycaemic adjunct to the diet. Full article

Background: N^ε-(carboxymethyl)-lysine (CML) is formed in the human body by non-enzymatically driven reactions including glycation, oxidation, and lipoxidation. CML is a ubiquitous product of normal physiology, but its levels are increased under disease conditions like chronic kidney disease (CKD) and diabetes mellitus (DM). Free CML is eliminated from the human body mainly through kidney excretion, and its accumulation in the kidney tissue is linked to CKD pathogenesis. Aim: The main goal of this study was to evaluate the relative contribution of CKD and Type 2 DM (T2DM) to the accumulation of CML in patients’ sera. Methods: The study included 22 patients with CKD without DM, 55 with CKD and comorbid T2DM, and 21 with T2DM without CKD. Serum CML levels were measured by ELISA. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to detect differences among groups. Spearman correlation analysis was performed, and the one-tailed Dunn test was considered to indicate statistical significance at p < 0.05. Results: The median serum CML levels (CKD, 658.4 ± 434.3 ng/mL; CKD + T2DM, 431.3 ± 327.9 ng/mL; T2DM, 273.9 ± 134.2 ng/mL) differed significantly (p < 0.05) among the three patient groups. A positive correlation was observed between serum CML and microalbuminuria (p = 0.004; r = 0.58), proteinuria (p = 0.002; r = 0.6), and age (p = 0.007; r = 0.52) only in the CKD patients. In all T2DM patients, independent of CKD status, serum CML correlated negatively (p < 0.05) with postprandial glucose and duration of diabetes, while its correlation with fasting glucose and HbA1c was negative only in the T2DM cohort without CKD. Conclusions: In patients with CKD, higher levels of CML were observed compared to those with T2DM. Serum CML correlated positively with proteinuria, albuminuria, and patient age in non-diabetic CKD patients, and negatively with blood glucose, HbA1c, and DM duration of T2DM in patients without CKD. Full article

This study aims to evaluate the anti-obesity effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera, AS), Chrysanthemum zawadskii Herbich var. latilobum (Maxim.) Kitamura (C), and their combination (AS:C = 3:1, ASC) in high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced obese animal models. Key metabolic parameters, including body weight, lipid metabolism, adipogenesis, energy expenditure, and glucose homeostasis, were assessed. HFD-fed mice were supplemented with AS25, C25, or ASC at different concentrations (ASC25, ASC50, and ASC100). Body weight, food efficiency ratio (FER), organ and adipose tissue weights were measured. Serum biochemical markers, including lipid profiles, glucose, insulin, and liver enzymes, were analyzed. Western blot analysis was conducted to assess the expression of key proteins involved in adipogenesis, lipogenesis, lipolysis, and energy metabolism. ASC complex supplementation, particularly at higher doses (ASC100), significantly reduced body weight gain, liver weight, and total white adipose tissue (WAT) accumulation. ASC complex groups exhibited improved lipid profiles, with reductions in triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Serum glucose, insulin, and HbA1c levels were significantly reduced, suggesting improved insulin sensitivity. Western blot analysis revealed that ASC complex supplementation downregulated key adipogenic markers, including PPARγ, C/EBPα, and SREBP1c, while enhancing adiponectin levels. ASC complex also promoted energy metabolism by increasing the phosphorylation of AMPK and UCP1 expression, indicative of enhanced thermogenesis and lipid oxidation. ASC complex supplementation demonstrates a potent anti-obesity effect by modulating adipogenesis, lipid metabolism, and energy expenditure. The findings suggest that ASC complex could serve as a promising natural therapeutic strategy for obesity and metabolic disorders. Further research, including clinical trials, is warranted to validate its efficacy and safety in human populations. Full article

Background/Objectives: The determination of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) is a cornerstone of the diagnosis and management of diabetes mellitus, serving as a reliable biomarker for assessing long-term glycaemic control. While high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is regarded as the gold standard for HbA1c measurement, its widespread adoption is limited by high costs, operational complexity, and resource requirements. Alternative methodologies, including immunoturbidimetric assays, have garnered interest as practical solutions. This study evaluates the analytical performance of an immunoturbidimetric method for HbA1c determination and its comparability with a validated HPLC method. Methods: The evaluation process was conducted in accordance with the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. The results from 178 human sample leftovers, covering the medical decision range, were compared with those obtained using the HPLC-based Menarini ADAMS A1c HA-8180T system. The analytical performance regarding repeatability and within-laboratory imprecision was also assessed. The probability risk of misinterpreting the analytical results was also calculated. Results: The Passing–Bablok regression indicated a strong correlation between the two methods, with a slope of 1.00 (95% CI: 1.00 to 1.04). The Bland–Altman analysis confirmed minimal systematic differences, showing a mean bias of −0.07% for NGSP and −0.74 mmol/mol for IFCC, both falling within the predefined total allowable error (ATE) limits. Imprecision studies demonstrated excellent repeatability and intermediate precision, with coefficients of variation (CV) ranging from 0.68% to 2.4% across all levels. The risk assessment of diagnostic misinterpretation indicated minimal deviation from an ideal analytical system, in which the measurement uncertainty was regarded as zero. Conclusions: The findings establish the immunoturbidimetric method as a reliable and cost-effective alternative to HPLC for routine HbA1c determination. Its strong analytical performance, combined with operational efficiency, makes it a valuable tool for laboratories, particularly in resource-limited settings, enhancing access to high-quality diabetes monitoring. Full article

Background/Objectives: Berberine is a naturally occurring compound found in several plants and has been traditionally used for its various health benefits. However, its poor bioavailability limits its therapeutic potential. Berberine LipoMicel^® is a novel micellar formulation of berberine, microencapsulated within an emulsified matrix, designed to enhance bioavailability and bioactivity. This study aims to evaluate its safety, ensuring that improved bioavailability does not introduce new safety concerns. Methods: To assess its safety, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study with a minimum 4-week washout period was conducted in 19 healthy participants over 30 days. The participants received 1000 mg of the treatment daily (i.e., 2 capsules/d), and their capillary blood was analyzed every week to monitor for changes in established safety markers related to liver and kidney function, including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total bilirubin (TB), creatinine, fasting glucose (GLU), HbA1c, and various electrolytes. Additionally, potential side effects were recorded through the collection of weekly health questionnaires to determine treatment tolerability. Results: Compared to placebo, no statistically significant changes in any of the safety markers related to liver or kidney health were detected. Within-group analysis revealed a significant reduction of total cholesterol (TC) in females after 30 days of Berberine LipoMicel^® treatment. Although not significant, both male and female participants showed a noticeable improvement in the mean AST, potentially signaling a hepatoprotective effect. As for tolerability, no adverse events were reported by any of the participants. Conclusions: Based on these findings, despite higher bioavailability of berberine in a newly formulated delivery system (LipoMicel^®), the treatment was found to be safe and well tolerated by human participants, with no significant deviations in blood chemistry that would indicate safety concerns over a period of 30 days. Full article

In individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), elevated levels of both plasma and urinary cystatin C (Cys-C) contribute to increased oxidation, which in turn accelerates the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). This process may worsen the development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease by promoting endothelial dysfunction and inflammation. Despite its potential significance, the relationship between Cys-C and oxidized LDL (ox-LDL) in T2DM remains poorly understood. This study investigated the relationship between plasma and urinary Cys-C and ox-LDL levels in T2DM patients. The cohort included 57 patients with T2DM (mean age 61.14 ± 9.99 years; HbA1c 8.66 ± 1.60% and BMI 35.15 ± 6.65 kg/m²). Notably, 95% of the patients had hypertension, 82% had dyslipidemia, 59% had an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m², 14% had coronary artery disease (CAD), and 5% had a history of stroke. Plasma and urinary Cys-C and ox-LDL levels were measured using ELISA. Adipokine and cytokine levels were measured using the multiplex^® MAP Human Adipokine Magnetic Bead Panels. Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed a significant positive correlation of plasma and urinary Cys-C with ox-LDL (r = 0.569, p = 0.0001 and r = 0.485, p = 0.0001, respectively). Multivariable regression analysis indicated that both plasma and urinary Cys-C were independently associated with ox-LDL, after adjusting for confounding factors (β = 0.057, p = 0.0001 and β = 0.486, p = 0.003, respectively). Stepwise linear regression identified TNFα and adiponectin as the strongest predictors of the relationship between urinary Cys-C and ox-LDL (β = 0.382, p = 0.0001; r² = 0.64), while adiponectin alone was the best predictor of the plasma Cys-C and ox-LDL association (β = 0.051, p = 0.005; r² = 0.46). Furthermore, adiponectin partly mediated the relationship between plasma Cys-C and ox-LDL, explaining 18% of the variance in this association. In contrast, TNFα partly mediated the relationship between urinary Cys-C and ox-LDL, accounting for 28% of the variance. This study emphasizes the complex interaction between Cys-C and ox-LDL in T2DM. It highlights the need for additional research involving larger patient cohorts to improve our understanding of the therapeutic potential of plasma and urinary Cys-C in conjunction with ox-LDL for managing complications associated with T2DM. Full article

Background and Objectives: MG53 is a myokine/cardiokine involved in membrane repair. Some preclinical studies suggest that it is associated with insulin resistance. Metabolic syndrome (MS) is manifested by dyslipidemia, hypertension (HT), visceral obesity, hyperinsulinism, and glucose intolerance. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between the MG53 protein and MS and its components. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted among 64 patients with MS and 64 age- and sex-matched healthy participants. MG53 levels were measured using Human-MG53, a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit (Cat# CSB-EL024511HU, Alfagen laboratory supplies, Cusabio, Bornova, İzmir.). Results: There was no significant connection between serum MG53 levels and the presence of MS (p = 0.969). We found no correlation between serum MG53 levels and the presence of HT, weight, waist circumference, body mass index, HDL-C, fasting blood glucose, and HbA1c levels. Conclusions: This study’s results suggest no association between serum MG53 levels and MS parameters in the studied ethnic population. Due to the limited number and controversy of available studies on this subject, our findings may provide perspective for conducting studies with more diverse populations to obtain more comprehensive results. Full article

Mushrooms are known to be a nutritional powerhouse, offering diverse bioactive compounds that promote and enhance health. Mushrooms provide a distinguishable taste and aroma and are an essential source of vitamin D₂, vitamin B complex, hydroxybenzoic acids (HBAs) and hydroxycinnamic acids (HCAs), terpenes, sterols, and β-glucans. Edible mushroom varieties such as Hericium erinaceus, Ganoderma sp., and Lentinula edodes are recognized as functional foods due to their remarkable potential for disease prevention and promotion of overall health and well-being. These varieties have antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, cytoprotective, cholesterol-lowering, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties, as well as controlling blood pressure, being an immunity booster, and strengthening bone properties. In addition, they contain essential non-digestible oligosaccharides (NDOs) and ergothioneine, a potential substrate for gut microflora. Supplementing our daily meals with those can add value to our food, providing health benefits. Novel edible mushrooms are being investigated to explore their bioactive substances and their therapeutic properties, to benefit human health. The scientific community (mycologists) is currently studying the prospects for unlocking the full health advantages of mushrooms. This review aims to promote knowledge of mushroom culturing conditions, their nutritional potential, and the value-added products of 11 varieties. Full article

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) play essential roles in the development and progression of vascular complications associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and both are independently linked to cardiovascular diseases (CVD). However, the relationship between ANP and ox-LDL in patients with T2DM remains unclear as previous studies have primarily focused on circulating levels in various diseases. This study investigated the relationship between ANP and ox-LDL levels in obese individuals with T2DM. The cohort included 57 patients with T2DM (mean age 61.14 ± 9.99 years; HbA1c 8.66 ± 1.60%; BMI 35.15 ± 6.65 kg/m²). Notably, 95% of the patients had hypertension, 82% had dyslipidemia, 59% had an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m², 14% had coronary artery disease (CAD), and 5% had a history of stroke. Plasma concentrations of ANP and ox-LDL were measured using ELISA. Adipokines and cytokines levels were measured using the multiplex^® MAP Human Adipokine Magnetic Beads Spearman’s correlation analysis which revealed a negative correlation between ANP and ox-LDL (r = −0.446, p = 0.001) as well as with the ox-LDL/apoB ratio (r = −0.423, p = 0.001) and ox-LDL/LDLc ratio (r = −0.307, p = 0.038). Multivariable regression analysis indicated that ANP was independently associated with ox-LDL (β = −115.736, p = 0.005). Stepwise linear regression further identified TNFα, leptin, and adiponectin as the strongest predictors influencing the relationship between ANP and ox-LDL levels (β = −64.664, p = 0.0311, and r² = 0.546 for the model). However, these factors did not significantly mediate this association. This study emphasizes the need for further exploration of the complex interaction between ANP and ox-LDL in larger patient populations. This could provide valuable insights into potential therapeutic approaches for managing vascular complications in obese individuals with T2DM. Full article