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COMMENTARIES
POSTED IN JUNE 2009
Sustained Physical Activity
and Metabolic Syndrome
Author: Xiaolin Yang
The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is recognized as
one of the leading worldwide health problems [1]. It is a constellation
of metabolic risk factors that is associated with increased
risk for developing cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
Clustered metabolic risk factors include abdominal obesity,
dyslipidemia, elevated blood pressure, glucose intolerance,
and insulin resistance. Evidence from observational epidemiological
studies indicates that MetS begins early in life [2]. Childhood
overweight and obesity are found to be closely related to insulin
resistance, which result in the development of MetS. These
studies suggest that the overall prevalence of MetS can be
identified in children and adolescents. Obesity and insulin
resistance may develop MetS during the early years of life
and throughout in adulthood.
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Atherosclerosis Risk Factors in Young Formerly Treated for Idiopathic Nephrotic
Syndrome
Authors: Maria Hanna Kniazewska M.D., Ph.D.
Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS), defined as albuminuria
exceeding compensatory capabilities of an organism with accompanying
edemas, hypoalbuminemia and hyperlipidemia, is the most common
glomerulopathy in children. Various histopathological findings
have been reported in children with INS and more than 80% of
cases have minimal-change disease (MCD). Almost the same percentage
of children with INS responds to corticosteroid therapy [1].
Glucocorticosteroids (GC) administered for 4 to 6 months in
gradually reduced doses are the treatment of choice for steroid-sensitive
INS. GCs cause such adverse effects as inter alia obesity,
hypertension, and lipid and carbohydrate metabolism disorders
that are independent risk factors of atherosclerosis.
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The Social Geography of Atherosclerosis: Social Deprivation
of Urban Neighborhoods Is Related To Cardiovascular Disease
and Subclinical Atherosclerosis
Author: Nico Dragano
Like their historic ancestors, modern cities pose both threats
and benefits for the health of their inhabitants and, as in
former times, the threats and benefits are not equally dispersed
among the population. Empirical studies from cities worldwide
have consistently shown that social, economic, and political
structures determine the geographical distribution of morbidity
and mortality in cities. Usually the highest disease rates
are observed in deprived neighborhoods – a pattern which
is also apparent among cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and preclinical
atherosclerosis [1].
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