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Bachar Afandi

Publications and source records attributed to Bachar Afandi.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

Impact of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors on aging biomarkers and plasma ceramide levels in type 2 diabetes: beyond glycemic control.

BACKGROUND: Aging is a complex biological process marked by the decline of physiological functions and heightened susceptibility to chronic illnesses, notably cardiometabolic disorders. Ceramides (Cer) are lipid derivatives linked to aging and metabolic diseases. Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), widely used in managing type 2 diabetes, have an unclear impact on aging biomarkers and Cer profiles. OBJECTIVE: This study explored the association between SGLT2i use, plasma Cer levels (CerC16:0, CerC18:0, CerC22:0, CerC24:0, and CerC24:1), and aging biomarkers-Human Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), 5-Methylcytosine (5MC), and Human H2AFX (Histone H2AX) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: In this retrospective study, 95 participants were divided into three groups: patients on SGLT2i (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;34), patients on non-SGLT2i anti-diabetic treatments (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;36), and healthy controls (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;25). Plasma Cer and aging biomarkers were quantified using Liquid Chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) and ELISA, respectively. Principal component analysis (PCA) assessed group-based clustering, while ANCOVA evaluated group differences with confounder adjustment. RESULTS: SGLT2i-treated patients showed significantly lower CerC16:0, CerC22:0, and CerC24:1 levels (p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.01) and decreased 5MC and H2AX (p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.05) compared to non-SGLT2i patients. IGF-1 was significantly elevated in the SGLT2i group (p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.01), suggesting a possible protective effect on metabolic health. PCA distinguished control from diabetic groups but revealed overlap between SGLT2i and non-SGLT2i groups. CONCLUSION: Beyond glucose control, SGLT2i may improve plasma Cer and aging markers in diabetic patients, supporting their broader therapeutic potential in aging and age-related diseases. Further large-scale studies are warranted to confirm these effects and underlying mechanisms.

Humans↗

Cushing's syndrome caused by unsupervised use of ocular glucocorticoids.

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of Cushing's syndrome in an adult patient caused by prolonged and unsupervised use of glucocorticoid ocular drops. METHODS: We present the clinical and laboratory findings and describe the clinical course of our patient. RESULTS: A 33-year-old man with extensive ophthalmologic complaints and procedures, who had used glucocorticoid ocular drops for an extended period, was referred to the endocrinologist for new onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Clinically, the patient appeared cushingoid with a buffalo hump, thin skin, bruises, and purple striae, and his blood pressure was 130/90 mm Hg. Laboratory evaluation revealed a very low serum cortisol level with a concomitantly low-normal level of adrenocorticotropic hormone (corticotropin). In addition, the response to a corticotropin stimulation test was abnormal, an indication of suppression of the adrenal glands. After the patient discontinued the use of the glucocorticoid eyedrops, his cushingoid features gradually faded, and his blood pressure and serum glucose levels normalized. CONCLUSION: Prolonged unsupervised use of glucocorticoid ocular drops may result in Cushing's syndrome and its numerous associated complications. Physicians and pharmacists should be aware of this possibility and must educate patients about the potentially serious adverse effects of such use.

Acanthosis Nigricans↗