International Journal of Endocrinology
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Acceptance rate12%
Submission to final decision101 days
Acceptance to publication16 days
CiteScore4.500
Journal Citation Indicator0.540
Impact Factor2.8

Associations of Combined Exposure to Metabolic and Inflammatory Indicators with Thyroid Nodules in Adults: A Nested Case-Control Study

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International Journal of Endocrinology publishes original research articles and review articles that provide insights into the endocrine system and its associated diseases at a genomic, molecular, biochemical and cellular level.

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Chief Editor, Dr. Zhongjian Xie, is based at the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, China. He is mainly engaged in research on the skeletal and extraskeletal function of vitamin D and calcium.

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We currently have a number of Special Issues open for submission. Special Issues highlight emerging areas of research within a field, or provide a venue for a deeper investigation into an existing research area.

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Review Article

Coenzyme Q10: A Key Antioxidant in the Management of Diabetes-Induced Cardiovascular Complications—An Overview of Mechanisms and Clinical Evidence

Background. Diabetes mellitus (DM) presents a significant global health challenge with considerable cardiovascular implications. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has gained recognition for its potential as a natural antioxidant supplement in the management of diabetes and its associated cardiovascular complications. Aim. This comprehensive review systematically examines the scientific rationale underlying the therapeutic properties of CoQ10 in mitigating the impact of diabetes and its cardiovascular consequences. The analysis encompasses preclinical trials (in vitro and in vivo) and clinical studies evaluating the efficacy and mechanisms of action of CoQ10. Result & Discussion. Findings reveal that CoQ10, through its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory attributes, demonstrates significant potential in reducing oxidative stress, ameliorating lipid profiles, and regulating blood pressure, which are crucial aspects in managing diabetes-induced cardiovascular complications. CoQ10, chemically represented as C59H90O4, was administered in capsule form for human studies at doses of 50, 100, 150, 200, and 300 mg per day and at concentrations of 10 and 20 μM in sterile powder for experimental investigations and 10 mg/kg in powder for mouse studies, according to the published research. Clinical trials corroborate these preclinical findings, demonstrating improved glycemic control, lipid profiles, and blood pressure in patients supplemented with CoQ10. Conclusion. In conclusion, CoQ10 emerges as a promising natural therapeutic intervention for the comprehensive management of diabetes and its associated cardiovascular complications. Its multifaceted impacts on the Nrf2/Keap1/ARE pathway, oxidative stress, and metabolic regulation highlight its potential as an adjunct in the treatment of diabetes and related cardiovascular disorders. However, further extensive clinical investigations are necessary to fully establish its therapeutic potential and assess potential synergistic effects with other compounds.

Research Article

Association between Glycosylated Hemoglobin and Serum Uric Acid: A US NHANES 2011–2020

Background. Serum uric acid (SUA) and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were closely related to the body’s metabolism. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between HbA1c and SUA in adults. Methods. This study selected 7293 participants aged ≥20 from 2011 to 2020 in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The multivariate linear regression model was used to test the association between HbA1c and SUA. Subgroup analysis was performed according to age, gender, race, and body mass index (BMI). This study solved the relationship between HbA1c and SUA by fitting a smooth curve. Finally, the inflection point in the nonlinear relationship was calculated by the recursive algorithm, and the relationship between HbA1c and SUA on both sides of the inflection point was analyzed by the two-segment piecewise linear regression model. Results. All 7293 participants found a negative correlation between HbA1c and SUA by completely adjusting the model (β = −7.93 and 95% CI: −9.49–−6.37). In addition, when this study was stratified by gender, age, race, and BMI status, this negative correlation was still statistically significant. In the subgroup analysis, we found that the relationship between the two had different results due to gender differences. In men, HbA1c had a significant negative correlation with SUA. However, in women, the HbA1c value was positively correlated with SUA before 6.8%, and the HbA1c value was negatively correlated with SUA after 6.8%, which indicates that the relationship between HbA1c and SUA in women has changed in prediabetes and diabetes. Conclusion. This study shows that HbA1c is positively correlated with SUA in American adults before 7%. There is a negative correlation after the HbA1c value of 7%.

Review Article

Comparative Effectiveness of Antidiabetic Drugs as an Additional Therapy to Metformin in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review of Metabolic Approaches

Background. Metformin is commonly prescribed to treat polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients, but in some cases, it may not be effective even at high doses or may cause intolerable side effects. Therefore, recent studies have examined the impact of combining metformin with other antidiabetic medications. Methods. A systematic search was performed in Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase up to 30 June 2023. All interventional studies that assessed the efficacy of different antidiabetic agents were included. Results. Among the 3488 records found in the primary search, 16 papers were included. Our study showed that dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4i) had the most significant impact on glycemic profile, while thiazolidinediones (TZDs) had the most influence on lipid levels. However, it was observed that patients taking only metformin experienced a greater increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1RAs) effectively modified various anthropometric measurements, such as weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio. The effects of different antidiabetic drugs on hormone levels were inconclusive, although testosterone levels were more affected by GLP1RA, sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), and TZDs. None of the combined therapies showed a significant change in blood pressure. Conclusion. Since PCOS is a metabolic disorder, choosing the best combination of antidiabetic drugs in the clinical course of PCOS patients will be very important. Today, it seems that we need a new metabolic approach for better treatment of the metabolic aspects of these patients.

Research Article

Retrospective Analysis of the Efficacy and Safety of Ultrasound-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation in the Treatment of Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma: A Follow-Up Study of Continuous Postoperative Surveillance and Large-Sample Data

Objective. To retrospectively evaluate the efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the treatment of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) through a follow-up study of continuous postoperative surveillance and large-sample data. Methods. The efficacy of ultrasound-guided RFA was evaluated by measuring the tumor volume reduction rate (VRR), tumor disappearance rate, and disease progression in 358 patients with low-risk unifocal PTMC who underwent ultrasound-guided RFA at Hangzhou Weja Hospital, while the safety was evaluated by measuring their complications. Results. The VRR was −745.69 ± 1012.69 (%), −150.35 ± 395.5 (%), 46.47 ± 138.74 (%), 92.95 ± 27.88 (%), 97.78 ± 10.99 (%), and 99.27 ± 3.82 (%), respectively, at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after RFA. The corresponding tumor disappearance rate was 1.68%, 9.78%, 43.85%, 82.68%, 92.59%, and 95.63%, respectively. No local recurrence, new tumors, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, and deaths caused by recurrent/metastatic PTMC were found at the last follow-up. Except for 3 cases (0.84%) with thickening or hoarseness of voice and 3 cases (0.84%) with coughing during drinking water, no other complications were found. Conclusions. Ultrasound-guided RFA has good efficacy and safety for the treatment of low-risk unifocal PTMC and can be promoted for use in patients who meet the required indications.

Research Article

Prevalence of Hypogonadism and Associated Risk Factors among Newly Diagnosed ART Naïve HIV-Infected Males in Mwanza, Tanzania

Background. Hypogonadism is frequent among HIV-infected males and might have significant clinical impact leading to sexual impairment and metabolic derangement. There is limited information about the magnitude of hypogonadism and its associated factors among people living with HIV in Tanzania. We aimed to determine the prevalence of hypogonadism and associated risk factors among newly diagnosed ART naïve HIV-infected men in Mwanza, Tanzania. Methods. Newly diagnosed ART naïve HIV-infected men were enrolled at Voluntary Counseling and Testing Centres of four selected hospitals in the Mwanza region and subjected to thorough clinical and general physical examination including anthropometric measurements. A prestructured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic characteristics and clinical data. Serum total testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and estradiol were estimated. Serum total testosterone <300 ng/dl or testosterone >300 ng/dl with high LH and FSH (compensatory hypogonadism) was taken as markers of hypogonadism. Data were analyzed using STATA version 15. Results. Of the 388 enrolled participants, hypogonadism was found in 47.9%, with secondary hypogonadism (83.9%, 156/186) being the most frequent form. Logistic regression analysis showed a significant association between hypogonadism and CD4+ count (OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.1–3.6; ), decreased libido (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.1–2.4; ), age of above 46 years (OR 2.3; 95% CI 1.1–4.6; ), herbal medicine use (OR 2.4; 95% CI 1.5–3.9; ), WHO clinical stage 3 (OR 2.7; 95% CI 1.4–5.2; ), and weight loss (OR 1.8; 95% CI 1.1–3.0; ). Conclusion. Hypogonadism was found in nearly half (47.9%) of ART naïve HIV-infected men. The majority (83.9%) had secondary hypogonadism. There was a significant association of hypogonadism with older age, herbal medicine use, weight loss, advanced clinical stage, CD4+ count, and decreased libido.

Research Article

Effect of the AADE7 Self-Care Behaviors Framework on Diabetes Education Management in a Shared Care Model

Background. Diabetes self-management education (DSME) provides diabetic patients with knowledge of diabetes, requires attention and recording of dietary habits, and increases the frequency and accuracy of blood glucose monitoring. DSME also achieves better blood glucose control, thus benefiting diabetic patients and reducing the risk of diabetes complications. However, few studies have systematically examined whether DSME follows AADE 7 Self-Care Behaviors (AADE7™). Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the control effect of AADE7™-based management on laboratory test indicators of diabetic patients. Methods. The patients with diabetes who received shared care management in our hospital between June 2014 and April 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. According to the process of outpatient consultation, each patient received health education provided by diabetes education nurses and dietitians after consultation. Health education was a process from assessment to health guidance. The basic information of all patients was recorded, and AADE7™ behavior assessment and health education session were conducted through interviews. A total of 13,650 were given shared care management, requiring more than 6 follow-up visits per year, as well as health education. It was reassessed annually according to AADE standards. The impact of the patients’ behavior change after the AADE7™-based management on the relevant test indicators was observed. Results. After eight years of intervention, a total of 8319 samples were obtained after excluding the outliers. Stepwise regression analysis was performed, and the results showed that, with other conditions held constant, a greater number of days per week to follow a healthy diet, to take hypoglycemic medication as prescribed, to monitor blood glucose, and to exercise and higher education level were associated with lower levels of glycosylated hemoglobin. The change from drinking to nondrinking was associated with lower triglycerides. If low blood glucose was monitored, patients who reviewed and took immediate action showed lower levels of low-density lipoprotein, urine microalbumin, and urine microalbumin/creatinine ratio compared with those without review and immediate action. Significance tests for each term showed value <0.05. Conclusions. The AADE7™ framework is a tool supporting patient-centered self-management and education. In the AADE7™ standards, successful self-management is considered as a key outcome in the care of patients with diabetes and related diseases. This tool can effectively improve patient compliance and increase the rate of blood glucose compliance rates in patients with diabetes and therefore is worthy of clinical promotion.

International Journal of Endocrinology
 Journal metrics
See full report
Acceptance rate12%
Submission to final decision101 days
Acceptance to publication16 days
CiteScore4.500
Journal Citation Indicator0.540
Impact Factor2.8
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