The objective of this paper is to review the evidence testing the possible benefit of vitamin D r... more The objective of this paper is to review the evidence testing the possible benefit of vitamin D replacement on diabetes control and complications. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM 2) has become a significant global health care problem and its reported incidence is increasing at an alarming rate. Despite the improvement in therapy and development of new drugs, treatment is still not optimal especially with the associated adverse effects of most of the available drugs. New efforts are shifted toward disease prevention and a search for safer drugs. New mounting evidence is associating low vitamin D to diabetes mellitus and as such many studies were conducted to test the effect of vitamin D replacement on incidence of diabetes, diabetes control as well as diabetes complications. Although these studies present several limitations, vitamin D replacement seems to have beneficial effect on all aspects of diabetes: incidence, control and complications. Further longer term and more powered controlled trials are necessary to draw firmer conclusions on this beneficial role of vitamin D treatment on DM.
Http Dx Doi Org 10 1080 09291010802594471, Dec 29, 2008
... a , Asma Arabi a & Sami T. Azar a * pages 91-97. ... Winter peaks in respiratory dise... more ... a , Asma Arabi a & Sami T. Azar a * pages 91-97. ... Winter peaks in respiratory diseases and congestive heart failure hospitalizations have been demonstrated (Stewart et al. 200218. Stewart, S, McIntyre, K, Capewell, S and McMurray, J J. 2002. Heart failure in a cold climate. ...
Therapeutic Advances in Endocrinology and Metabolism, 2015
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a complication of pregnancy that is characterized by impai... more Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a complication of pregnancy that is characterized by impaired glucose tolerance with onset or first recognition during pregnancy. The reported prevalence of GDM varies between 0.6% and 20% of pregnancies depending on screening method, gestational age and the population studied. GDM is characterized by pancreatic β-cell function that is insufficient to meet the body's insulin needs. Available evidence suggests that β-cell defects in GDM result from the same spectrum of causes that underline hyperglycemia in general, including autoimmune disease, monogenic causes and insulin resistance. Adipokines are proteins secreted from the adipocytes and are believed to have a metabolic influence. Our review suggests that, in GDM, various adipokines, mainly leptin and adiponectin, are dysregulated. These two adipokines might have both prognostic and pathophysiological significance in this disease.
Multiple myeloma is a malignant plasma cell disorder that accounts for approximately 10% of all h... more Multiple myeloma is a malignant plasma cell disorder that accounts for approximately 10% of all hematologic cancers. It is characterized by accumulation of clonal plasma cells, predominantly in the bone marrow. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is increasing; therefore, it is expected that there will be an increase in the diagnosis of multiple myeloma with concomitant diabetes mellitus. The treatment of multiple myeloma and diabetes mellitus is multifaceted. The coexistence of the two conditions in a patient forms a major challenge for physicians.
The objective of this paper is to review the evidence testing the possible benefit of vitamin D r... more The objective of this paper is to review the evidence testing the possible benefit of vitamin D replacement on diabetes control and complications. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM 2) has become a significant global health care problem and its reported incidence is increasing at an alarming rate. Despite the improvement in therapy and development of new drugs, treatment is still not optimal especially with the associated adverse effects of most of the available drugs. New efforts are shifted toward disease prevention and a search for safer drugs. New mounting evidence is associating low vitamin D to diabetes mellitus and as such many studies were conducted to test the effect of vitamin D replacement on incidence of diabetes, diabetes control as well as diabetes complications. Although these studies present several limitations, vitamin D replacement seems to have beneficial effect on all aspects of diabetes: incidence, control and complications. Further longer term and more powered controlled trials are necessary to draw firmer conclusions on this beneficial role of vitamin D treatment on DM.
Aim To assess the response of postprandial (PP) hypertriglyceridemia to genfibrozil in healthy ma... more Aim To assess the response of postprandial (PP) hypertriglyceridemia to genfibrozil in healthy male subjects with isolated low HDL-Cholesterol but without the metabolic syndrome (MS). Patients and methods 14 male subjects with isolated low HDL (HDL-C ≤ 33), normal fasting triglycerides and LDL-C levels and without any feature of the MS, were studied. 13 male subjects with HDL-C > 38 mg/dl served as controls. They also had normal fasting triglycerides and LDL-C levels and without any feature of the MS. The 2 groups were statistically similar with respect to age, blood pressure, BMI, body fat composition, waist circumference, waist to hip ratio, fasting insulin, fasting and PP blood sugar, baseline fasting TG level and baseline LDL-C. Postprandial TG levels were measured at 2, 4, and 6 hours following a morning meal. Ten of the patients with PP hypertriglyceridemia were treated with gemfibrozil 600 mg PO twice/day for one month. Results Patients had markedly higher levels of the pe...
Osteoporosis is more common in women than in men. The prevalence in men is not defined yet; howev... more Osteoporosis is more common in women than in men. The prevalence in men is not defined yet; however it is becoming much more recognized as its prevalence and impact have become explicable. It is estimated that around 1% of bone mineral density is lost in men every year. Studies show that secondary osteoporosis is the major cause thus, making it important to define the disorders associated with male osteoporosis. Diabetes is a risk factor for bone fractures. In male patients with diabetes measures should be undertaken such as encouraging exercise, assuring adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, and treating diabetic complications.
OBJECTIVES: In this study we intended to find a correlation between hypertrig- lyceridemia and pe... more OBJECTIVES: In this study we intended to find a correlation between hypertrig- lyceridemia and peripheral neuropathy (PN) in patients with a high triglyceride level and no neurological complaints. Methods: We recruited 24 patients (21 males and 3 females) having a triglyceride level above 300 mg/dl with no neurologic complaints and none of the other common causes of PN and they
Pseudotumor Cerebri is a disease of cerebrospinal fluid pressure regulation. This disease has als... more Pseudotumor Cerebri is a disease of cerebrospinal fluid pressure regulation. This disease has also been associated with endocrine disorders like Cushing's syndrome, hypoparathyroidism, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and Addison's disease. In this paper we report a 30-year-old male patient with hypoparathyroidism presenting with pseudotumor cerebri and diminished anterior pituitary function that improved after a ventricular-peritoneal (VP) shunt insertion.
ABSTRACT Polyglandular Autoimmune Syndromes (PAS) form different clusters of autoimmune disorders... more ABSTRACT Polyglandular Autoimmune Syndromes (PAS) form different clusters of autoimmune disorders characterized by the coexistence of at least two glandular autoimmune mediated diseases [1]. They are generally classified into three types: a very rare juvenile type 1(PAS I) and a relatively common adult type with (PAS II) or without adrenal failure (PAS III) [2, 3]. PAS I, also known as autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy (APECED), is associated with candidiasis, hypoparathyroidism, and adrenal failure. PAS II is associated with adrenal failure, thyroid diseases and type 1 diabetes mellitus. In this review we will shed light on both types of PAS including their clinical picture and ways of management.
The American Journal of the Medical Sciences, 2002
Leptin is the protein product of the obese (ob) gene, a lipostatic hormone that contributes to bo... more Leptin is the protein product of the obese (ob) gene, a lipostatic hormone that contributes to body weight regulation through suppressing appetite and/or stimulating energy expenditure in humans and/or rodents. In humans, serum leptin concentrations are increased in relation to increased body fat content. Studies have shown a higher leptin level in women compared with men. However, the gender influence on serum leptin concentrations has never been evaluated in patients with type 1 diabetes. In this study, serum leptin levels and percentage body fat mass were measured in men and women with type 1 diabetes. Fasting serum leptin levels were higher in women (16.7 + 11.6 ng/mL) than in men (3.0 +/- 1.5 ng/mL; P < 0.05) and were independent of exogenous insulin intake and of glucose control. Percentage body fat and fat mass were significant determinants of leptin concentration, whereas age and duration of diabetes were not related to leptin concentration. Subgroups of men (n = 12) and women (n = 11) with total body fat between 20 and 30% were compared. Leptin levels were also higher in women compared with men (13.5 +/- 8.3 ng/mL versus 3.2 +/- 1.7 ng/mL; P < 0.05, respectively). In conclusion, our findings indicate that gender is an important determinant of serum leptin concentration in type 1 diabetics, this gender difference is partly explained by body fat distribution and that type 1 diabetic women may be more resistant than type 1 diabetic men to leptin's alleged lipostatic actions.
... Baba, Khaled El MD*; Zantout, Mira S. BS; Azar, Sami T. MD. Continued Medical Education. Ar... more ... Baba, Khaled El MD*; Zantout, Mira S. BS; Azar, Sami T. MD. Continued Medical Education. Article Outline. Collapse Box ... Chief Editor's Note: This article is the 4th of 18 that will be published in 2009 for which a total of up to 18 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits can be earned. ...
... Endocrinologic Diseases in Hemoglobinopathies. El Baba, Khaled MD*; Zantout, Mira S. BSc; Az... more ... Endocrinologic Diseases in Hemoglobinopathies. El Baba, Khaled MD*; Zantout, Mira S. BSc; Azar, Sami T. MD. ... Chief Editor's Note: This article is the 3rd of 18 that will be published in 2009 for which a total of up to 18 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits can be earned. ...
The objective of this paper is to review the evidence testing the possible benefit of vitamin D r... more The objective of this paper is to review the evidence testing the possible benefit of vitamin D replacement on diabetes control and complications. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM 2) has become a significant global health care problem and its reported incidence is increasing at an alarming rate. Despite the improvement in therapy and development of new drugs, treatment is still not optimal especially with the associated adverse effects of most of the available drugs. New efforts are shifted toward disease prevention and a search for safer drugs. New mounting evidence is associating low vitamin D to diabetes mellitus and as such many studies were conducted to test the effect of vitamin D replacement on incidence of diabetes, diabetes control as well as diabetes complications. Although these studies present several limitations, vitamin D replacement seems to have beneficial effect on all aspects of diabetes: incidence, control and complications. Further longer term and more powered controlled trials are necessary to draw firmer conclusions on this beneficial role of vitamin D treatment on DM.
Http Dx Doi Org 10 1080 09291010802594471, Dec 29, 2008
... a , Asma Arabi a & Sami T. Azar a * pages 91-97. ... Winter peaks in respiratory dise... more ... a , Asma Arabi a & Sami T. Azar a * pages 91-97. ... Winter peaks in respiratory diseases and congestive heart failure hospitalizations have been demonstrated (Stewart et al. 200218. Stewart, S, McIntyre, K, Capewell, S and McMurray, J J. 2002. Heart failure in a cold climate. ...
Therapeutic Advances in Endocrinology and Metabolism, 2015
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a complication of pregnancy that is characterized by impai... more Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a complication of pregnancy that is characterized by impaired glucose tolerance with onset or first recognition during pregnancy. The reported prevalence of GDM varies between 0.6% and 20% of pregnancies depending on screening method, gestational age and the population studied. GDM is characterized by pancreatic β-cell function that is insufficient to meet the body's insulin needs. Available evidence suggests that β-cell defects in GDM result from the same spectrum of causes that underline hyperglycemia in general, including autoimmune disease, monogenic causes and insulin resistance. Adipokines are proteins secreted from the adipocytes and are believed to have a metabolic influence. Our review suggests that, in GDM, various adipokines, mainly leptin and adiponectin, are dysregulated. These two adipokines might have both prognostic and pathophysiological significance in this disease.
Multiple myeloma is a malignant plasma cell disorder that accounts for approximately 10% of all h... more Multiple myeloma is a malignant plasma cell disorder that accounts for approximately 10% of all hematologic cancers. It is characterized by accumulation of clonal plasma cells, predominantly in the bone marrow. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is increasing; therefore, it is expected that there will be an increase in the diagnosis of multiple myeloma with concomitant diabetes mellitus. The treatment of multiple myeloma and diabetes mellitus is multifaceted. The coexistence of the two conditions in a patient forms a major challenge for physicians.
The objective of this paper is to review the evidence testing the possible benefit of vitamin D r... more The objective of this paper is to review the evidence testing the possible benefit of vitamin D replacement on diabetes control and complications. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM 2) has become a significant global health care problem and its reported incidence is increasing at an alarming rate. Despite the improvement in therapy and development of new drugs, treatment is still not optimal especially with the associated adverse effects of most of the available drugs. New efforts are shifted toward disease prevention and a search for safer drugs. New mounting evidence is associating low vitamin D to diabetes mellitus and as such many studies were conducted to test the effect of vitamin D replacement on incidence of diabetes, diabetes control as well as diabetes complications. Although these studies present several limitations, vitamin D replacement seems to have beneficial effect on all aspects of diabetes: incidence, control and complications. Further longer term and more powered controlled trials are necessary to draw firmer conclusions on this beneficial role of vitamin D treatment on DM.
Aim To assess the response of postprandial (PP) hypertriglyceridemia to genfibrozil in healthy ma... more Aim To assess the response of postprandial (PP) hypertriglyceridemia to genfibrozil in healthy male subjects with isolated low HDL-Cholesterol but without the metabolic syndrome (MS). Patients and methods 14 male subjects with isolated low HDL (HDL-C ≤ 33), normal fasting triglycerides and LDL-C levels and without any feature of the MS, were studied. 13 male subjects with HDL-C > 38 mg/dl served as controls. They also had normal fasting triglycerides and LDL-C levels and without any feature of the MS. The 2 groups were statistically similar with respect to age, blood pressure, BMI, body fat composition, waist circumference, waist to hip ratio, fasting insulin, fasting and PP blood sugar, baseline fasting TG level and baseline LDL-C. Postprandial TG levels were measured at 2, 4, and 6 hours following a morning meal. Ten of the patients with PP hypertriglyceridemia were treated with gemfibrozil 600 mg PO twice/day for one month. Results Patients had markedly higher levels of the pe...
Osteoporosis is more common in women than in men. The prevalence in men is not defined yet; howev... more Osteoporosis is more common in women than in men. The prevalence in men is not defined yet; however it is becoming much more recognized as its prevalence and impact have become explicable. It is estimated that around 1% of bone mineral density is lost in men every year. Studies show that secondary osteoporosis is the major cause thus, making it important to define the disorders associated with male osteoporosis. Diabetes is a risk factor for bone fractures. In male patients with diabetes measures should be undertaken such as encouraging exercise, assuring adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, and treating diabetic complications.
OBJECTIVES: In this study we intended to find a correlation between hypertrig- lyceridemia and pe... more OBJECTIVES: In this study we intended to find a correlation between hypertrig- lyceridemia and peripheral neuropathy (PN) in patients with a high triglyceride level and no neurological complaints. Methods: We recruited 24 patients (21 males and 3 females) having a triglyceride level above 300 mg/dl with no neurologic complaints and none of the other common causes of PN and they
Pseudotumor Cerebri is a disease of cerebrospinal fluid pressure regulation. This disease has als... more Pseudotumor Cerebri is a disease of cerebrospinal fluid pressure regulation. This disease has also been associated with endocrine disorders like Cushing's syndrome, hypoparathyroidism, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and Addison's disease. In this paper we report a 30-year-old male patient with hypoparathyroidism presenting with pseudotumor cerebri and diminished anterior pituitary function that improved after a ventricular-peritoneal (VP) shunt insertion.
ABSTRACT Polyglandular Autoimmune Syndromes (PAS) form different clusters of autoimmune disorders... more ABSTRACT Polyglandular Autoimmune Syndromes (PAS) form different clusters of autoimmune disorders characterized by the coexistence of at least two glandular autoimmune mediated diseases [1]. They are generally classified into three types: a very rare juvenile type 1(PAS I) and a relatively common adult type with (PAS II) or without adrenal failure (PAS III) [2, 3]. PAS I, also known as autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy (APECED), is associated with candidiasis, hypoparathyroidism, and adrenal failure. PAS II is associated with adrenal failure, thyroid diseases and type 1 diabetes mellitus. In this review we will shed light on both types of PAS including their clinical picture and ways of management.
The American Journal of the Medical Sciences, 2002
Leptin is the protein product of the obese (ob) gene, a lipostatic hormone that contributes to bo... more Leptin is the protein product of the obese (ob) gene, a lipostatic hormone that contributes to body weight regulation through suppressing appetite and/or stimulating energy expenditure in humans and/or rodents. In humans, serum leptin concentrations are increased in relation to increased body fat content. Studies have shown a higher leptin level in women compared with men. However, the gender influence on serum leptin concentrations has never been evaluated in patients with type 1 diabetes. In this study, serum leptin levels and percentage body fat mass were measured in men and women with type 1 diabetes. Fasting serum leptin levels were higher in women (16.7 + 11.6 ng/mL) than in men (3.0 +/- 1.5 ng/mL; P < 0.05) and were independent of exogenous insulin intake and of glucose control. Percentage body fat and fat mass were significant determinants of leptin concentration, whereas age and duration of diabetes were not related to leptin concentration. Subgroups of men (n = 12) and women (n = 11) with total body fat between 20 and 30% were compared. Leptin levels were also higher in women compared with men (13.5 +/- 8.3 ng/mL versus 3.2 +/- 1.7 ng/mL; P < 0.05, respectively). In conclusion, our findings indicate that gender is an important determinant of serum leptin concentration in type 1 diabetics, this gender difference is partly explained by body fat distribution and that type 1 diabetic women may be more resistant than type 1 diabetic men to leptin's alleged lipostatic actions.
... Baba, Khaled El MD*; Zantout, Mira S. BS; Azar, Sami T. MD. Continued Medical Education. Ar... more ... Baba, Khaled El MD*; Zantout, Mira S. BS; Azar, Sami T. MD. Continued Medical Education. Article Outline. Collapse Box ... Chief Editor's Note: This article is the 4th of 18 that will be published in 2009 for which a total of up to 18 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits can be earned. ...
... Endocrinologic Diseases in Hemoglobinopathies. El Baba, Khaled MD*; Zantout, Mira S. BSc; Az... more ... Endocrinologic Diseases in Hemoglobinopathies. El Baba, Khaled MD*; Zantout, Mira S. BSc; Azar, Sami T. MD. ... Chief Editor's Note: This article is the 3rd of 18 that will be published in 2009 for which a total of up to 18 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits can be earned. ...
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