The role of interleukins in insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus
Bruno Fève
&
Jean-Philippe Bastard
p305 | doi:10.1038/nrendo.2009.62
Obesity is associated with a systemic, chronic, inflammatory response that involves the production of various cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor and interleukins. Several interleukins, in particular IL-6 and IL-1, have been suggested to contribute to the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus, by acting both on insulin signaling pathways and on pancreatic beta and alpha cells. This article provides insights into the latest findings regarding the role of these interleukins in the pathology and physiology of obesity-related insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Graves orbitopathy: a perspective
Petros Perros
&
Gerasimos E. Krassas
p312 | doi:10.1038/nrendo.2009.61
This article provides an overview of the pathogenesis, diagnosis and management of Graves orbitopathy (GO), an inflammatory eye disease commonly associated with Graves disease. In the past few years, advances have been made regarding both the pathogenesis and the management of this condition, including an improved understanding of the role of TSH receptors and insulin-like growth factor I receptors in the development of GO, the publication of evidence-based guidelines on its diagnosis and management, and promising results from preliminary studies on novel treatment strategies.
The future of obesity reduction: beyond weight loss
Robert Ross
&
Alison J. Bradshaw
p319 | doi:10.1038/nrendo.2009.78
Until recently, weight loss has been viewed as the principal determinant of success in obesity reduction. This Review details a growing body of evidence that links adoption of a healthy lifestyle (but minimal or no weight loss) with appreciable reductions in obesity, in particular abdominal obesity, and related cardiometabolic risk.
Endocrine and musculoskeletal abnormalities in patients with Down syndrome
Yousra Hawli,
Mona Nasrallah
&
Ghada El-Hajj Fuleihan
p327 | doi:10.1038/nrendo.2009.80
Down syndrome can be associated with major impairments in skeletal maturation and bone mass accrual, which increases the risk of fragility fractures. Here, the authors outline various endocrine and metabolic factors that could contribute to suboptimal bone health in children and adolescents with Down syndrome, review indications and limitations of bone density measurement in children and discuss available therapeutic strategies to improve bone health in such patients.
Trans fatty acids: effects on metabolic syndrome, heart disease and diabetes
Renata Micha
&
Dariush Mozaffarian
p335 | doi:10.1038/nrendo.2009.79
Trans fatty acids, which are largely consumed from partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, adversely affect circulating lipid and lipoprotein levels and endothelial function, trigger systemic inflammation, and might increase visceral adiposity, body weight, and insulin resistance. The authors provide an overview of these adverse effects and their relationships with clinical endpoints, with a focus on potential effects on insulin resistance and diabetes.