Search Results (12)

Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) is a public health concern that is constantly expanding, with a fast-growing prevalence, and it affects about a quarter of the world’s population. This condition is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular, hepatic, and oncologic diseases, such as hypertension, hepatoma, and atherosclerosis. Sarcopenia was long considered to be an aging-related syndrome, but today, it is acknowledged to be secondarily related to chronic diseases such as metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular conditions, and liver diseases, among other comorbidities associated with insulin resistance and chronic inflammation, besides inactivity and poor nutrition. The physiopathology involving MAFLD and sarcopenia has still not been solved. Inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and insulin resistance seem to be some of the keys to this relationship since this hormone target is mainly the skeletal muscle. This review aimed to comprehensively discuss the main metabolic and physiological pathways involved in these conditions. MAFLD and sarcopenia are interconnected by a complex network of pathophysiological mechanisms, such as insulin resistance, skeletal muscle tissue production capacity, chronic inflammatory state, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction, which are the main contributors to this relationship. In addition, in a clinical analysis, patients with sarcopenia and MAFLD manifest more severe hepatitis fibrosis when compared to patients with only MAFLD. These patients, with both disorders, also present clinical improvement in their MAFLD when treated for sarcopenia, reinforcing the association between them. Lifestyle changes accompanied by non-pharmacological interventions, such as dietary therapy and increased physical activity, undoubtedly improve this scenario. Full article

Background/Objectives: Gastrointestinal disorders include a broad spectrum of clinical conditions due to various symptoms. Abdominal pain claims attention as it can be associated with multiple diseases, and some of them can lead to chronic abdominal pain, such as chronic gastritis and irritable bowel syndrome. Moreover, dyspepsia is also a prevalent condition, and its symptoms are postprandial fullness, epigastric pain or burn, and early satiety. Conventional therapeutic approaches for gastrointestinal disorders exist, but the Mentha plant has a millenary tradition. Mentha aerial parts and leaves hold therapeutic and pharmacological value, and its components are characterized as non-essential oil with superabundant phenolic compounds, and essential oil classified as volatile secondary metabolites like menthol and menthone. Studies have shown that Mentha species can exert benefits by modulating the inflammatory process and scavenging free radicals, which can benefit gastrointestinal tract disorders. The aim of this review was to systematically investigate the effects of Mentha species on gastrointestinal disorders. Methods: Sixteen clinical trials included patients diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome, functional dyspepsia, and functional abdominal pain, as well as some healthy volunteers. The COCHRANE tool was utilized to assess the bias of the included studies. Results: Most studies reported significant outcomes for Mentha oil-treated groups, such as better control of abdominal pain and discomfort, even though two trials did not report superior outcomes. Conclusions: Due to the increasing interest in natural compounds, further clinical trials are necessary to confirm the status of Mentha for improvement in gastrointestinal disorders. Full article

Cardiovascular diseases are the primary cause of mortality worldwide. In this scenario, atherosclerotic cardiovascular outcomes dominate since their incidence increases as populations grow and age. Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects arteries. Although its pathophysiology is heterogeneous, some genes are indissociably associated with its occurrence, and understanding their effects on the disease’s occurrence could undoubtedly define effective screening and treatment strategies. One such gene is NEDD4L. The NEDD4L gene is related to ubiquitin ligase enzyme activities. It is essential to regulate vascular inflammation, atherosclerosis plaque stability, endothelial and vascular smooth cell function, and lipid metabolism, particularly in controlling cholesterol levels. However, the evidence is dubious, and no review has yet synthesized the effects of targeting NEDD4L on atherosclerosis. Therefore, our review aims to fill this gap by analyzing the literature on NEDD4L concerning atherosclerosis occurrence. To achieve this goal, we performed a systematic literature search of reputable databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase. The inclusion criteria comprised peer-reviewed original studies using in vitro and animal models due to the unavailability of relevant clinical studies. Systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and articles that did not focus on the relationship between NEDD4L and atherosclerosis and those unrelated to this health condition were excluded. Studies not written in the English language were also excluded. The search strategy included studies from January 2000 to January 2025 in the final analysis to capture recent advancements. Following screening, five studies were included. Most of the included studies underscored NEDD4L’s role in increasing atherosclerosis plaque formation, but other studies indicated that stimulating NEDD4L may positively counter atherosclerosis plaque formation. Therefore, future research endeavors must address several limitations, which have been tentatively highlighted throughout the manuscript, for more informative research based on preclinical studies and to successfully translate the findings into clinical trials. Full article

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remains a leading cause of cognitive decline and mortality worldwide, characterized by neurodegeneration, synaptic deficiencies, and neuroinflammation. Despite advancements in early detection, diagnosis, and treatment, AD presents substantial challenges due to its complex pathology, heterogeneity, and the limited efficacy of current therapies. Consequently, there is a pressing need for novel therapeutic agents to target the multifaceted aspects of AD pathology, enhance current treatments, and minimize adverse effects. AdipoRon, an adiponectin receptor agonist, has garnered interest for its potential neuroprotective effects, including reducing neuroinflammation, improving mitochondrial function, and mitigating tau hyperphosphorylation. This review aimed to evaluate the effects of AdipoRon-based adiponectin replacement therapy against AD, using a comprehensive approach grounded in the PICO framework—Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcomes. A total of six studies were reviewed, including in vitro and in vivo investigations examining AdipoRon’s impact on various AD models. These studies involved different cell lines and transgenic mouse models, assessing various outcomes such as cognitive function, neuroinflammation, tau phosphorylation, synaptic deficiencies, and relevant molecular pathways. By synthesizing data from these studies, our review thoroughly explains AdipoRon’s neuroprotective effects, mechanisms of action, and potential as a therapeutic agent for AD. This analysis aims to highlight the current state of knowledge, identify gaps in the research, and suggest directions for future studies and clinical applications. Full article

Background: The visceral adiposity index (VAI) is a composite marker designed to quantify visceral adiposity and its metabolic implications. It integrates anthropometric (such as waist circumference and BMI) and metabolic parameters (including triglyceride levels and HDL cholesterol), providing a more comprehensive assessment of visceral fat distribution than traditional measures alone. Higher VAI values are indicative of increased visceral adiposity and have been linked to heightened cardiovascular risk and metabolic disturbances. In recent years, understanding the complex interplay between metabolic factors and cardiovascular health has become increasingly important. Methods: This cross-sectional study delves into the influence of neck circumference (NC), blood pressure (BP), C-reactive protein (CRP), and insulin resistance on the VAI among outpatient cardiology patients, offering insights into sex-specific disparities and the utility of VAI as a diagnostic tool for assessing visceral adiposity and associated cardiovascular risks. Results: The sample comprised 268 outpatient cardiology patients (152 men, 116 women). Men, averaging 55.4 years old (SD = 14.4), exhibited significantly higher VAI values than women, with robust correlations found between VAI and markers of insulin resistance (Insulin: ρ = −0.167, p = 0.006; HOMA-IR: ρ = −0.163, p = 0.007). Analysis across VAI quartiles highlighted distinct patterns, revealing lower NC and elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP) values in higher VAI categories. Despite these associations, multiple linear regression controlling for age and sex demonstrated a limited predictive capacity of NC, BP, CRP, and lipid profiles on VAI (R2 range: 0.001–0.011). Conclusions: These findings underscore sex-specific disparities and suggest that VAI serves as a modest yet valuable tool in assessing visceral adiposity and associated cardiovascular risks. Full article

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a viral infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 that induces a generalized inflammatory state. Organokines (adipokines, osteokines, myokines, hepatokines, and cardiokines) can produce beneficial or harmful effects in this condition. This study aimed to systematically review the role of organokines on COVID-19. PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases were searched, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed, and 37 studies were selected, comprising more than 2700 individuals infected with the virus. Among COVID-19 patients, organokines have been associated with endothelial dysfunction and multiple organ failure due to augmented cytokines and increased SARS-CoV-2 viremia. Changes in the pattern of organokines secretion can directly or indirectly contribute to aggravating the infection, promoting immune response alterations, and predicting the disease progression. These molecules have the potential to be used as adjuvant biomarkers to predict the severity of the illness and severe outcomes. Full article

Sarcopenia is a multifactorial condition related to the loss of muscle mass and strength due to aging, eating habits, physical inactivity, or even caused by another disease. Affected individuals have a higher risk of falls and may be associated with heart disease, respiratory diseases, cognitive impairment, and consequently an increased risk of hospitalization, in addition to causing an economic impact due to the high cost of care during the stay in hospitals. The standardization of appropriate treatment for patients with sarcopenia that could help reduce pathology-related morbidity is necessary. For these reasons, this study aimed to perform a systematic review of the role of nutrition and drugs that could ameliorate the health and quality of life of sarcopenic patients and PRISMA guidelines were followed. Lifestyle interventions have shown a profound impact on sarcopenia treatment but using supplements and different drugs can also impact skeletal muscle maintenance. Creatine, leucine, branched-chain amino acids, omega 3, and vitamin D can show benefits. Although with controversial results, medications such as Metformin, GLP-1, losartan, statin, growth hormone, and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors have also been considered and can alter the sarcopenic’s metabolic parameters, protect against cardiovascular diseases and outcomes, while protecting muscles. Full article

The coronavirus of severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2), known as COVID-19, has spread rapidly around the world, leading to social detachment and the home office replacing face-to-face work. The performance of police officers faces limitations to the new requirements while recognizing the need to ensure health and quality of life. Thus, the present study aimed to verify the panorama of the spread of COVID-19 among federal police officers by analyzing the presence of symptoms, individual protection measures (IPM), and suspect screening measures (SSM). For this, data were collected through a questionnaire customized for this situation and measurements of clinical data from 56 federal police officers in the municipality of Marília (São Paulo, Brazil) were performed. The mean value of the body mass index (27.2 ± 5.4 kg/m²) suggests overweight and obesity, in addition to the presence of hypertension at 16.1%, diabetes at 3.6%, asthma at 3.6%, and obesity at 25%, which represents an important risk of complications for COVID-19. The use of a mask is the most frequent IPM (96.4%) and most of the sample has used a cloth or home mask (90.9%). However, 47.3% have not performed the correct cleaning of the masks and 5.5% have not taken any care with mask hygiene. In conclusion, although the IPM was adopted by most of the research participants, some did not adopt important measures such as wearing a mask, which can increase the risk of contamination and contagion due to the work environment and routine. The highest risk factors observed were obesity and hypertension, but even in these conditions, the absence of important IPMs was still verified. Full article

Modifications in the microbiota caused by environmental and genetic reasons can unbalance the intestinal homeostasis, deregulating the host’s metabolism and immune system, intensifying the risk factors for the development and aggravation of non-alcoholic fat liver disease (NAFLD). The use of probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics have been considered a potential and promising strategy to regulate the gut microbiota and produce beneficial effects in patients with liver conditions. For this reason, this review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of probiotics, prebiotics, and symbiotics in patients with NAFLD and NASH. Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were consulted, and PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) guidelines were followed. The clinical trials used in this study demonstrated that gut microbiota interventions could improve a wide range of markers of inflammation, glycemia, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, obesity, liver injury (decrease of hepatic enzymes and steatosis and fibrosis). Although microbiota modulators do not play a healing role, they can work as an important adjunct therapy in pathological processes involving NAFLD and its spectrums, either by improving the intestinal barrier or by preventing the formation of toxic metabolites for the liver or by acting on the immune system. Full article

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints. Organokines can produce beneficial or harmful effects in this condition. Among RA patients, organokines have been associated with increased inflammation and cartilage degradation due to augmented cytokines and metalloproteinases production, respectively. This study aimed to perform a review to investigate the role of adipokines, osteokines, myokines, and hepatokines on RA progression. PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, and Cochrane were searched, and 18 studies were selected, comprising more than 17,000 RA patients. Changes in the pattern of organokines secretion were identified, and these could directly or indirectly contribute to aggravating RA, promoting articular alterations, and predicting the disease activity. In addition, organokines have been implicated in higher radiographic damage, immune dysregulation, and angiogenesis. These can also act as RA potent regulators of cells proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, controlling osteoclasts, chondrocytes, and fibroblasts as well as immune cells chemotaxis to RA sites. Although much is already known, much more is still unknown, principally about the roles of organokines in the occurrence of RA extra-articular manifestations. Full article

Flavonoids are natural phytochemicals that have therapeutic effects and act in the prevention of several pathologies. These phytochemicals can be found in seeds, grains, tea, coffee, wine, chocolate, cocoa, vegetables and, mainly, in citrus fruits. Neohesperidin, hesperidin and hesperetin are citrus flavonoids from the flavanones subclass that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential. Neohesperidin, in the form of neohesperidin dihydrochalcone (NHDC), also has dietary properties as a sweetener. In general, these flavanones have been investigated as a strategy to control bone diseases, such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. In this literature review, we compiled studies that investigated the effects of neohesperidin, hesperidin and its aglycone, hesperetin, on bone health. In vitro studies showed that these flavanones exerted an antiosteoclastic and anti- inflammatory effects, inhibiting the expression of osteoclastic markers and reducing the levels of reactive oxygen species, proinflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinase levels. Similarly, such studies favored the osteogenic potential of preosteoblastic cells and induced the overexpression of osteogenic markers. In vivo, these flavanones favored the regeneration of bone defects and minimized inflammation in arthritis- and periodontitis-induced models. Additionally, they exerted a significant anticatabolic effect in ovariectomy models, reducing trabecular bone loss and increasing bone mineral density. Although research should advance to the clinical field, these flavanones may have therapeutic potential for controlling the progression of metabolic, autoimmune or inflammatory bone diseases. Full article

Neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular disease (CVD), hypertension, insulin resistance, cancer, and other degenerative processes commonly appear with aging. Ginkgo biloba (GB) is associated with several health benefits, including memory and cognitive improvement, in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and cancer. Its antiapoptotic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory actions have effects on cognition and other conditions associated with aging-related processes, such as insulin resistance, hypertension, and cardiovascular conditions. The aim of this study was to perform a narrative review of the effects of GB in some age-related conditions, such as neurodegenerative diseases, CVD, and cancer. PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases were searched, and the PRISMA guidelines were applied. Fourteen clinical trials were selected; the studies showed that GB can improve memory, cognition, memory scores, psychopathology, and the quality of life of patients. Moreover, it can improve cerebral blood flow supply, executive function, attention/concentration, non-verbal memory, and mood, and decrease stress, fasting serum glucose, glycated hemoglobin, insulin levels, body mass index, waist circumference, biomarkers of oxidative stress, the stability and progression of atherosclerotic plaques, and inflammation. Therefore, it is possible to conclude that the use of GB can provide benefits in the prevention and treatment of aging-related conditions. Full article