scholarly journals Economic insecurity during the Great Recession and metabolic, inflammatory and liver function biomarkers: analysis of the UK Household Longitudinal Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 71 (10) ◽  
pp. 1005-1013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire L Niedzwiedz ◽  
Srinivasa Vittal Katikireddi ◽  
Aaron Reeves ◽  
Martin McKee ◽  
David Stuckler

BackgroundEconomic insecurity correlates with adverse health outcomes, but the biological pathways involved are not well understood. We examine how changes in economic insecurity relate to metabolic, inflammatory and liver function biomarkers.MethodsBlood analyte data were taken from 6520 individuals (aged 25–59 years) participating in Understanding Society. Economic insecurity was measured using an indicator of subjective financial strain and by asking participants whether they had missed any bill, council tax, rent or mortgage payments in the past year. We investigated longitudinal changes in economic insecurity (remained secure, increase in economic insecurity, decrease in economic insecurity, remained insecure) and the accumulation of economic insecurity. Linear regression models were calculated for nine (logged) biomarker outcomes related to metabolic, inflammatory, liver and kidney function (as falsification tests), adjusting for potential confounders.ResultsCompared with those who remained economically stable, people who experienced consistent economic insecurity (using both measures) had worsened levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, triglycerides, C reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen and glycated haemoglobin. Increased economic insecurity was associated with adverse levels of HDL-cholesterol (0.955, 95% CI 0.929 to 0.982), triglycerides (1.077, 95% CI 1.018 to 1.139) and CRP (1.114, 95% CI 1.012 to 1.227), using the measure of financial strain. Results for the other measure were generally consistent, apart from the higher levels of gamma-glutamyl transferase observed among those experiencing persistent insecurity (1.200, 95% CI 1.110 to 1.297).ConclusionEconomic insecurity is associated with adverse metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers (particularly HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides and CRP), heightening risk for a range of health conditions.

1994 ◽  
Vol 72 (6) ◽  
pp. 937-946 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phoung Nhi Broies ◽  
Bernard Campillo

The effect of a regular oral diet supplying 167 kJ/kg per d (40 kcal/kg per d) on nutritional state, liver function and serum lipid profile was assessed in thirty severely malnourished alcoholic cirrhotic in-patients. Their diet was monitored by a trained dietitian and they were vigorously encouraged to eat all meals served. One month after their entry into the study, protein and energy intakes were significantly higher (P0·001) in keeping with an improvement of their nutritional status as evaluated by means of height-creatinine index, muscular mid-arm circumference, tricipital skinfold thickness (P0·01 for all) and fat mass (P0·001). Assessment of liver function tests showed that levels of aspartate amino-transferase (EC2.6.1.1), y-glutamyl transferase (EC2.3.2.2) and bilirubin decreased (P <0·05,P> 0·02 andP> 0·05 respectively) while prothrombin time values increased (P< 0·05). Similarly, serum albumin increased modestly while transthyretin did not change. Orosomucoid and C-reactive protein decreased (P< 0·001 andP< 0·01 respectively), indicating an improvement of the inflammatory state. Apolipoprotein Al and high-density-lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol correlated with several tests of liver function and improved significantly during the study period (P< 0·001 andP< 0·02 respectively). Moreover, changes in cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol correlated with those in transthyretin (P< 0·02 andP< 0·05 respectively). The changes in ApoAl and HDL-cholesterol were greater in patients whose fat mass increased significantly. Our findings show that adequate oral nutrition resulted in a better nutritional status in cirrhotics after 1 month of hospitalization. The serum lipid variables appeared to be more useful indicators of functional liver improvement than the classic liver function tests which rather indicate liver damage.


2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Đinh Thị Thảo ◽  
Trần Thái Hà ◽  
Nguyễn Viết Tân ◽  
Vi Thị Nhung ◽  
Nguyễn Cẩm Thạch

Mục tiêu: Đánh giá ảnh hưởng của thời gian bảo quản đến kết quả phân tích các chỉ số urea, creatinine, triglycerid, cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), acid uric, bilirubin toàn phần, bilirubin trực tiếp trong mẫu máu toàn phần và huyết tương. Đối tượng và phương pháp: Gồm 162 mẫu máu toàn phần được chống đông bằng Li-heparin của 81 bệnh nhân (mỗi bệnh nhân lấy 2 ống mẫu) đến khám tại Khoa Khám bệnh - Bệnh viện Trung ương Quân đội 108 từ ngày 15/01/2021 đến ngày 15/02/2021. Với mỗi bệnh nhân: Ngay sau khi lấy máu, ống mẫu 1 được ly tâm, phân tích thường quy các chỉ số hóa sinh (phần còn lại sau phân tích gọi là mẫu 1), ống mẫu 2 được tách lấy huyết tương (mẫu 2). Sau đó, cả 2 mẫu được lưu trong tủ lạnh ở nhiệt độ 4oC. Sử dụng các mẫu này để phân tích các chỉ số hóa sinh tại các thời điểm 24, 48, và 72 giờ sau khi lấy máu. Kết quả: Nồng độ AST của các mẫu 1 được lưu trong 24, 48, 72 giờ cao hơn nồng độ AST phân tích thường quy (p<0,05). Nồng độ bilirubin toàn phần, bilirubin trực tiếp của mẫu 1 và mẫu 2 giảm dần theo thời gian lưu mẫu (p<0,05). Kết luận: Nồng độ các chỉ số AST, bilirubin toàn phần, bilirubin trực tiếp của các mẫu lưu (huyết tương và mẫu máu sau phân tích không loại bỏ các thành phần hữu hình) không ổn định theo thời gian bảo quản ở 4oC. Nồng độ các chỉ số urea, creatinine, triglycerid, cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, ALT, GGT, acid uric (huyết tương và mẫu máu sau phân tích không loại bỏ các thành phần hữu hình) ổn định đến 72 giờ ở 4oC. Từ khóa: Hóa sinh, bảo quản bệnh phẩm, Bệnh viện Trung ương Quân đội 108.


Medicina ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. 4
Author(s):  
Adi Lukas Kurniawan ◽  
Chien-Yeh Hsu ◽  
Jane C.-J. Chao ◽  
Rathi Paramastri ◽  
Hsiu-An Lee ◽  
...  

Background and objectives: Insulin resistance (IR) is frequently associated with chronic low-grade inflammation and has an important role as a mediator in the development of liver disease. Thus, this study aimed to explore the relationship between two indexes of IR and abnormal liver function parameters. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study obtained data of 41,510 men and 92,357 women aged ≥30 years from a private health screening institute in Taiwan. Two IR indexes namely triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and triglycerides to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio were used to examine their relationship to predict abnormal liver function parameters (aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)). Results: Positive trend was shown for the association of TyG index in the highest quintile (Q5) and risk of high AST (OR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.33–1.57), high ALT (OR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.73–1.97), high GGT (OR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.93–2.15), and high ALP (OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.07–1.19) compared with the median quintile (Q3) in the fully adjusted model. Similarly, participants in the Q5 of the TG/HDL-C ratio were associated with 1.38 (95% CI: 1.27–1.49), 1.71 (95% CI: 1.61–1.82), 1.75 (95% CI: 1.66–1.84), and 1.21 (1.16–1.27) odds for having high AST, ALT, GGT, and ALP respectively. The AUC (95% CI) value of the TyG index for predicting high AST, high ALT, and high GGT was 0.699 (0.692–0.705), 0.738 (0.734–0.742), and 0.752 (0.749–0.755), respectively. Meanwhile, the AUC (95% CI) of the TG/HDL-C ratio for predicting high AST, high ALT, and high GGT was 0.680 (0.673–0.686), 0.738 (0.734–0.742), 0.734 (0.731–0.738), respectively. Conclusions: Our study supported that the TyG index and TG/HDL-C ratio may be useful as non-invasive methods to predict the existence of impaired liver function in the early stage.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Qing-Lei Zeng ◽  
Zu-Jiang Yu ◽  
Fanpu Ji ◽  
Guang-Ming Li ◽  
Guo-Fan Zhang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Liver injuries have been reported in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study aimed to investigate the clinical role played by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Methods In this multicentre, retrospective study, the parameters of liver function tests in COVID-19 inpatients were compared between various time-points in reference to SARS-CoV-2 shedding, and 3 to 7 days before the first detection of viral shedding was regarded as the reference baseline. Results In total, 70 COVID-19 inpatients were enrolled. Twenty-two (31.4%) patients had a self-medication history after illness. At baseline, 10 (14.3%), 7 (10%), 9 (12.9%), 2 (2.9%), 15 (21.4%), and 4 (5.7%) patients already had abnormal alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), albumin, and total bilirubin (TBIL) values, respectively. ALT and AST abnormal rates and levels did not show any significant dynamic changes during the full period of viral shedding (all p > 0.05). The GGT abnormal rate (p = 0.008) and level (p = 0.033) significantly increased on day 10 of viral shedding. Meanwhile, no simultaneous significant increases in abnormal ALP rates and levels were observed. TBIL abnormal rates and levels significantly increased on days 1 and 5 of viral shedding (all p < 0.05). Albumin abnormal decrease rates increased, and levels decreased consistently from baseline to SARS-CoV-2 clearance day (all p < 0.05). Thirteen (18.6%) patients had chronic liver disease, two of whom died. The ALT and AST abnormal rates and levels did not increase in patients with chronic liver disease during SARS-CoV-2 shedding. Conclusions SARS-CoV-2 does not directly lead to elevations in ALT and AST but may result in elevations in GGT and TBIL; albumin decreased extraordinarily even when SARS-CoV-2 shedding ended.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. e001229
Author(s):  
Sylvia H Ley ◽  
Jorge E Chavarro ◽  
Stefanie N Hinkle ◽  
Mengying Li ◽  
Michael Y Tsai ◽  
...  

IntroductionLonger duration of lactation is associated with lower cardiometabolic disease risk, but pathogenic pathways involved in the disease progression are unclear, especially among high-risk women. We aimed to examine the associations of lifetime lactation duration with cardiometabolic biomarkers among middle-aged women with a history of gestational diabetes (GDM).Research design and methodsWomen with a history of GDM participating in the Nurses’ Health Study II, a prospective cohort study, were identified and followed through biennial questionnaires beginning in 1991. Lactation history was asked in three follow-up questionnaires to calculate lifetime duration. In 2012–2014, fasting blood samples were collected through the Diabetes & Women’s Health Study to measure inflammatory (C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL) 6), liver enzyme (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase), and lipid biomarkers (total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol).ResultsAt follow-up blood collection, women were at median age 58.2 (95% CI 51 to 65) years and 26.3 (95% CI 15.7 to 34.1) years since GDM index pregnancy. After multiple adjustment including prepregnancy body mass index (BMI), longer duration of lactation was significantly associated with lower CRP (least squares (LS) mean 1.90 mg/L (95% CI 1.47 to 2.45) for 0-month lactation, 1.98 mg/L (95% CI 1.68 to 2.32) for up to 12-month lactation, 1.67 mg/L (95% CI 1.42 to 1.97) for 12–24 month lactation, and 1.39 mg/L (95% CI 1.19 to 1.62) for >24-month lactation; p trend=0.003) and IL-6 (1.25 pg/L (95% CI 0.94 to 1.68), 1.19 pg/L (95% CI 0.99 to 1.42), 1.04 pg/L (95% CI 0.87 to 1.25), and 0.93 pg/L (95% CI 0.78 to 1.11); p trend=0.04). Longer duration of lactation was associated with lower risk for chronic inflammation using CRP 3 mg/L cut-off in middle-aged women (OR 0.81 (95% CI 0.69 to 0.940 per 1-year increase) with multiple adjustment.ConclusionsLonger lifetime duration of lactation was associated with favorable inflammatory biomarker concentrations in middle-aged women with a history of GDM. Chronic inflammatory pathways may be responsible for previously reported associations between lactation and long-term risk for cardiometabolic diseases.


2020 ◽  
pp. postgradmedj-2020-138930
Author(s):  
Ram Krishan Saini ◽  
Neha Saini ◽  
Sant Ram ◽  
Shiv Lal Soni ◽  
Vikas Suri ◽  
...  

BackgroundCharacteristics of laboratory findings of COVID-19 patients are of great significance for diagnosis and treatment. Studies that have analysed the variations in hepatic profile in correlation with the inflammatory markers in SARS-CoV-2 are limited.MethodsWe retrospectively analysed liver function tests and inflammatory markers of 170 admitted patients with confirmed COVID-19 in the tertiary care centre, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), India, using Roche Cobas Autoanalyzer.ResultsNumber of patients with normal liver enzyme levels were 63 (41.5%), while with raised levels of any of the liver enzymes were 89 (58.5%), out of which 43 (48.31%) had liver injury which manifested as increased severity in terms of intensive care unit (ICU) requirement (p=0.0005). Significantly raised levels of liver enzymes and liver injury were observed with age (p<0.0001) and in males (p=0.004). Significantly decreased levels of albumin and total proteins and increased levels of total bilirubin (p<0.0001) were seen in patients with abnormal liver enzyme levels and liver injury as compared to patients with normal levels. Significant increase in the levels of alanine transaminase and gamma-glutamyl transferase was seen on the 7th day, CRP and ferritin (p<0.0001) peaks were observed on 2nd and 3rd day respectively. A significant positive correlation was found between the levels of these inflammatory markers and liver function parameters.ConclusionsMore than half of patients admitted to the hospital with SARS-CoV-2 infection had an abnormal liver function which was found to be associated with raised levels of inflammatory markers. Significantly higher proportions of patients with abnormal liver function were elderly and males and were at higher risk of progressing to severe disease.


2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olorunfemi R. Molehin ◽  
Anne A. Adeyanju ◽  
Stephen A. Adefegha ◽  
Oluwasanmi O. Aina ◽  
Blessing A. Afolabi ◽  
...  

AbstractBackground:Elevation of phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) activity converts cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) to 5′-GMP, a mechanism that could be associated with drug-mediated hepatotoxicity. This study investigated whether selective inhibition of PDE5 by sildenafil could offer protection against hepatotoxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4).Methods:CCl4(0.5 mL/kg) was administered intraperitoneally to induce hepatotoxicity. The control group received normal saline. Sildenafil (5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg/kg, p.o.) was administered to CCl4-treated rats.Results:CCl4significantly increased the serum levels of gamma glutamyl transferase (γ-GT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and reduced total protein (TP) (p<0.05). Pretreatment with sildenafil moderately reduced ALP, AST, and ALT activities with modest increase in TP level. CCl4-induced changes in the antioxidant status of the liver were significantly improved by sildenafil, especially at the lowest dose of 5 mg/kg by elevating the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and preventing lipid peroxidation (p<0.05). Sildenafil did not significantly alter the total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. However, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level was significantly increased by sildenafil (p<0.05).Conclusions:The results from this study suggest that sildenafil, when used at low doses, may be a useful pharmacological protective agent against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity.


Author(s):  
A G Shaper ◽  
S J Pocock ◽  
D Ashby ◽  
M Walker ◽  
T P Whitehead

In a clinical survey of 7735 middle-aged men, alcohol consumption has been related to 25 biochemical and haematological measurements obtained from a single blood sample. Most measurements showed some association with alcohol consumption, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) being the most strongly associated. Lead, mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular volume, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), urate and aspartate transaminase also showed substantial associations with alcohol intake. Using a discriminant analysis technique, a simple score based on five variables (GGT, HDL-C, urate, MCH and lead) provided the best discrimination between heavy drinkers (e.g. more than three pints of beer daily) and occasional drinkers, but still failed to identify more than half of the heavy drinkers. This combined score may prove a useful measure of an individual's biochemical/haematological response to alcohol consumption for use in epidemiological and clinical studies of alcohol-related disorders. The use of such indices should complement but not replace measures of alcohol intake derived from questionnaires.


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