Metabolic Diseases: Biological Mechanisms

Abstract

Obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2D), lipid disorders, and hypertension are chronic and disabling diseases that afflict hundreds of millions of individuals worldwide. In this article, they are collectively referred to as “cardiometabolic diseases,” because they have “common ground:” They increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality. Considerable research has been performed to understand the etiology of cardiometabolic diseases and to translate this research into effective treatment paradigms. However, it has been challenging to understand the initiation and progression of cardiometabolic diseases. This difficulty is attributed to the complexities involved in metabolic regulation, a resultant “snowballing” effect, and a downward spiral as disease progresses. The first line of therapy for treating obesity, T2D, and/or dyslipidemia is lifestyle intervention, which can impact significantly on disease and decrease CV risk, but is usually not effective because of lack of patient compliance. Patients are then given a plethora of drugs to treat the individual risk factors. However, new therapies are critically needed, because most patients require multiple drugs, some drugs may treat one CVD risk factor and exacerbate another, and most patients do not meet treatment goals. A “magic bullet” that treats the underlying causes that contribute to cardiometabolic risk has been a longstanding goal but remains elusive. Ongoing research to uncover novel targets holds promise for future therapeutics that might treat multiple facets of cardiometabolic diseases. This introductory review focuses on the epidemiology and etiology of cardiometabolic diseases, current therapies, and future treatment strategies.

An Assessment of Peer Coaching to Drive Professional Development and Reflective Teaching

“…These programs are described by Burnam (1993), Arbeeny and Hartman (2008), and Samson and McCrea (2008). The majority use similar collegial coaching in which the goal is to improve existing practice.…”

“…Teams choose to focus on all areas or to designate one area for concentrated observation. The post observation meeting is facilitated by an observation checklist (Samson & Mcrea, 2008), an evaluation form (Burnam, 1993), or a written report (Arbeeny & Hartman, 2008 (Finley, Skarl, Cox, & van Derpol, 2005). Members of the instruction department formed an enhancement team designed to encourage classroom experimentation.…”

“…The small number of participants (N=8) prevents generalized conclusions based on the pilot, but the survey responses provide measurement of the program's success and direction for future programming. Collection of data through a participant survey responded to the need identified by Arbeeny and Hartman (2008) for libraries to, "assess their peer coaching programs and report the data in library literature" (p. 44).…”

In-Silico Study of the Immune Systems Associated Genes in Case of Type-2 Diabetes with Insulin Action and Resistance and in Obesity

“…Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a global epidemic, strongly correlated which is more common among the obese [1,2]. Adipose tissue inflammation associated with obesity is known as a major cause for the decreased insulin sensitivity in case of T2D [1,3,4].…”

“…So far, there are a number of previous study where a number of factors have been investigated to understand the biological mechanism of obesity and T2D and the relationship between each other [1,2,[14][15][16]. T2D is mainly characterized by a progressive status of chronic and inflammation of low grade and inflammatory responses are triggered by many factors.…”