Citations
The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is often used as an inflammatory marker in chronic diseases such as cancer or cardiovascular diseases. However, there are few studies about the association between the NLR and diabetes mellitus (DM) or impaired fasting glucose (IFG) patients in Korea. This study investigated the association between the fasting plasma glucose (FPG) level and NLR in Koreans.
This cross-sectional retrospective study included 3,219 healthy subjects who visited Konyang University Hospital in South Korea for regular health examinations. Participants with a history of insulin administration, anti-diabetic drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs, or underlying diseases related to inflammation were excluded.
All statistical evaluation was performed by dividing participants into males and females. Based on FPG levels, the subjects were classified into three groups, with normal fasting glucose (n=1,969), IFG (n=1,138), and DM (n=122). The NLR had no significant mean differences among these groups for both sexes. Multiple linear regression analysis between FPG level and NLR showed an independent and significantly negative association (β±standard error, −0.67±0.24; P=0.006) in normal subjects after adjustment. Log(serum C-reactive protein [S-CRP]) showed an independently and significantly positive association with FPG in male IFG/DM patients. Total leukocyte (white blood cell [WBC]) showed an independently and significantly positive association with FPG in female IFG/DM patients.
In normal subjects, NLR shows an independently and significantly negative association with FPG. In IFG/DM patients, NLR was not significantly related to FPG. WBC count in female patients and S-CRP level in male patients were significantly positively associated with FPG only in IFG/DM.
Citations
Combined therapy with alendronate and calcitriol may have additive effects on bone density. An observational study was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Maxmarvil, a combinative agent of alendronate (5 mg) and calcitriol (0.5 µg), and to identify factors associated with efficacy.
A total of 568 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis were enrolled by family physicians in 12 hospitals. The study subjects took Maxmarvil daily for 12 months. Questionnaires about baseline characteristics, socioeconomic status, and daily calcium intake were completed at the first visit. Adverse events were recorded every 3 months and bone mineral density (BMD) in the lumbar spine was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at baseline and after 12 months. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of Maxmarvil, and the factors related to BMD improvement.
A total of 370 patients were included in final analysis. The median BMD was 0.81 ± 0.12 g/cm2 at pre-treatment and 0.84 ± 0.13 g/cm2 after one year. The average BMD improvement was 3.4% ± 6.4% (P < 0.05), and 167 (45.1%) patients showed improvement. Factors associated with improved BMD were continuation of treatment (odds ratio [OR], 2.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15 to 5.07) and good compliance (OR, 2.54; 95% CI, 1.29 to 5.00). Adverse events were reported by 35 of the 568 patients, with the most common being abdominal pain and dyspepsia.
Maxmarvil was found to be safe, well tolerated and effective in osteoporosis treatment. Continuation of treatment and good compliance were the factors associated with efficacy.
Citations
First
Prev
