Eduardo Hernández-Salazar

[Effect of oral zinc administration on insulin sensitivity, leptin and androgens in obese males].

BACKGROUND Zinc is important for insulin synthesis, storage and secretion. When zinc concentration decrease, there is a concomitant reduction in insulin secretion and peripheral insulin sensitivity. AIM To assess the effects of zinc sulfate on insulin sensitivity, leptin and androgens in obese individuals. MATERIAL AND METHODS A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed in 14 obese volunteers between 21 and 30 years old, with body mass index (BMI) (3) 27 kg/m2. During one month, seven subjects received 100 mg/day of zinc sulfate orally (ZnG) and the other seven received placebo, as control group (CG). At baseline and after the intervention, insulin sensitivity was measured using a euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp technique. Blood glucose, serum lipids, zinc, androgens and leptin were also measured in a fasting blood sample. RESULTS After the intervention, a rise in zinc concentrations from 11.8 to 16.9 umol/L; p=0.001 and in leptin levels from 15.2 to 27.7 ng/mL; p=0.029, was observed in the ZnG. No changes were observed in the CG. There were no significant changes in insulin sensitivity and androgens after the intervention with zinc sulfate. CONCLUSIONS Zinc increased the leptin concentrations in obese individuals, but did not modify insulin sensitivity and androgens.

Effect of Celecoxib, a Cyclooxygenase-2–Specific Inhibitor, on Insulin Sensitivity, C-Reactive Protein, Homocysteine, and Metabolic Profile in Overweight or Obese Subjects

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to assess the effect of celecoxib, a cyclooxygenase- 2-specific inhibitor, on insulin sensitivity, C-reactive protein, homocysteine, and metabolic profile in overweight or obese subjects. METHODS A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was carried out on 12 overweight or obese (body mass index, 25-35 kg/m(2)) male volunteers. Six subjects received celecoxib 200 mg orally in the morning for a period of 4 weeks. Six other individuals took a placebo for the same period of time, as the control group. Before and after the 4-week study period, insulin sensitivity, C-reactive protein, homocysteine levels, and metabolic profile were estimated. To assess insulin sensitivity, the euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp technique was performed. RESULTS There were no significant differences in the basal measurements between both groups. C-reactive protein, homocysteine, and metabolic profile were not modified by the pharmacologic intervention with placebo or celecoxib. The insulin sensitivity after celecoxib was significantly higher compared with the basal estimation (3.8 +/- 1.2 vs. 2.8 +/- 1.2 mg/kg/min; p = 0.028). The placebo did not modify the insulin sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS The specific inhibition of the cyclooxygenase-2 by celecoxib increased the insulin sensitivity in overweight or obese subjects, without modification in C-reactive protein, homocysteine levels, and metabolic profile.

Obesity and dyslipidaemia in primary care physicians

Objective — The objective of the study was to identify the prevalence of obesity and dyslipidaemia in primary care physicians. Methods — A cross-sectional study was carried out in 775 primary care physicians (301 men and 474 women), self-described as healthy.Waist circumference was measured and body mass index was calculated. Glucose concentration and lipid profile (total, low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and triglycerides) were measured. Results — Of 775 physicians, 63.3% were overweight or obese. There were significant differences in waist circumference (P < 0.001), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.001) and triglyceride concentrations (P < 0.001) when the population of physicians was divided in accordance with the body mass index categories.Waist circumference was considered as a risk in 78.9% of physicians. At least one abnormality in the lipid profile was observed in 90.9% of the total subjects studied. Impaired fasting glucose was found in 2.1% of the population. Conclusion — In Mexico the prevalence of obesity and dyslipidaemia in primary care physicians was higher than expected.