Hospital Practices and Research

Abstract Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by impaired glucose homeostasis, insulin resistance, and progressive β-cell dysfunction, leading to significant multisystem complications and high global prevalence.
Objectives: This study was conducted to (I) measure and compare concentrations of ghrelin, leptin, and insulin in individuals with T2DM and non-diabetic controls; (II) analyze differences in metabolic profiles between the two groups; and (III) explore potential associations among insulin levels, BMI, and other hormonal and metabolic parameters assessed in the study.
Methods: A case-control study was conducted, comprising 80 individuals diagnosed with T2DM (cases) and 80 non-diabetic controls matched for age, sex, and body mass index (BMI). Clinical data were collected via standardized interviews, and venous blood samples were obtained to assess serum concentrations of ghrelin, leptin, insulin, glucose, lipid profile components, urea, and creatinine.
Results: Compared with the control group, participants with T2DM exhibited significantly higher insulin levels (28.8 ± 23.9 vs. 18.8 ± 13.5 μIU/ml; P = 0.025) and slightly elevated leptin concentrations (7.1 ± 2.7 vs. 5.9 ± 2.2 ng/ml; P = 0.081). Conversely, ghrelin concentrations were significantly lower among cases compared with controls (1189 ± 580 vs. 1531 ± 822 pg/ml; P = 0.038). Glucose (187.4 ± 74.1 vs. 98.3 ± 17.0 mg/dl; P<0.001) and triglyceride levels (212.5 ± 78.9 vs. 143.2 ± 50.4 mg/dl; P<0.001) were also markedly elevated in the cases group. Significant positive correlations were observed between insulin and both glucose (P = 0.011) and triglycerides (P = 0.049), whereas a weak, non-significant inverse correlation was identified between ghrelin and insulin levels (r = -0.213, P = 0.057).
Conclusion: Individuals with T2DM display distinct metabolic and hormonal alterations compared to non-diabetic controls, reflecting a complex endocrine interplay. The presence of both positive and inverse associations among insulin, leptin, and ghrelin highlights the multifaceted regulatory mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of T2DM.

Abstract Background: Vitamin D deficiency is involved in a broad spectrum of diseases including chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Objectives: This study was designed to assess serum vitamin D, renal biomarkers, protein profile, and electrolytes in CKD patients with a clinical trial of vitamin D therapy.
Methods: This case-control follow-up interventional study comprised 42 CKD patients and 42 apparently healthy controls. Patients and controls were matched for age and gender. Patients were assigned to receive, a weekly oral dose of vitamin D3 (50000 IU) for 3 successive months. The follow-up therapy was conducted under direct and full physician supervision.
Results: Vitamin D was significantly lower in CKD patients compared to controls (29.6±12.4 versus 35.2±9.9 ng/dL, P=0.033). Significant increases were shown in the urea, creatinine, and uric acid in patients compared to controls whereas glomerular filtration rate (GFR), total protein, albumin, and calcium were significantly lower in patients. A significant improvement was noted for vitamin D and calcium where they registered mean values of 43.8±9.1 ng/dL and 9.65±0.70 mg/dL at the end of the therapeutic period compared to 29.6±12.4 ng/dL and 8.61±0.77 mg/dL in patients before vitamin D therapy (P=0.028 and P=0.033, respectively).
Conclusion: General amelioration of the metabolic profile of CKD patients in response to vitamin D therapy has been shown. Besides a significant improvement in vitamin D and calcium. Consequently, vitamin D is a useful candidate in clinical settings for the improvement of renal function and controlling of CKD, and more importantly its complications.