Search Results (764)

The quality of high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) is characterized by lipid and protein composition, oxidation and glycation extent, and particle size, while the quantity of HDL-C is just the cholesterol amount in HDL. The inverse association between HDL-C and cardiovascular disease (CVD) and hypertension has been well established; however, the U-shaped mortality risk observed from HDL-C underscores that HDL quality and function are equally important. The present cross-sectional study assessed the correlations of serum lipid and glucose profiles, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and HDL characteristics, with blood pressure (BP) distribution in ordinary middle-aged Korean participants (n = 50; mean age 47.0 ± 11.7 years; males: n = 25, 49.2.0 ± 11.7 years; females: n = 25, 44.8 ± 11.5 years), with particular focus on HDL quality and its antioxidant capacity. This study observed that serum elevated triglyceride (TG) and glucose levels were directly proportional to elevated systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP), whereas serum total cholesterol (TC), LDL-C, and HDL-C were not correlated with BP. However, HDL-C/TC (%) was negatively associated with SBP (p = 0.036), while TG/HDL-C and glucose/HDL-C ratios were positively associated with both SBP and DBP, suggesting that TG and glucose proportions relative to HDL-C are probable predictors of hypertension. Elevations of TG, oxidation, and glycation in LDL were positively associated with elevations of BP, whereas LDL particle size was negatively correlated with BP. Similarly, elevations of TG and glycation in HDL₂ and HDL₃ were positively correlated with elevations of BP, while the particle size of HDL₂ was negatively correlated with BP. The heightened HDL₂-associated paraoxonase (PON) activity and ferric ion reduction ability (FRA) negatively correlated with LDL oxidation and particle size, whereas elevated HDL₃-associated PON and FRA activities were inversely related to LDL glycation. An enhanced glycation in HDL₂ was negatively correlated with HDL₂-associated PON activity and FRA, while an increase in HDL₂ particle size was only dependent on the associated PON activity but not on FRA. In conclusion, observational outcomes demonstrated that improved HDL quality and functionality (characterized by large particle size, reduced glycation, and higher FRA and PON activities) were inversely correlated with LDL oxidation, glycation, particle shrinkage, and the risk of hypertension. Full article

Due to improper nutrition, high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) can be subjected to structural changes, acquiring a dysfunctional phenotype. Therefore, research efforts are currently focused on improving HDL functionality despite its blood level. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of phycocyanin concentrate (as part of a food matrix) on the functional properties of HDL. Male Wistar rats were fed a high-fat diet containing 2% cholesterol for 113 days. Experimental animals were treated with 30 and 300 mg/kg b.w. of phycocyanin concentrate mixed with soy protein isolate. Serum and hepatic cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and the content of protein, triglycerides, choline-containing phospholipids, malondialdehyde, sphingosine-1-phosphate, and paraoxonase-1 in HDL fractions were assessed. The decrease in protein in HDL particles is characteristic for dysfunctional phenotype of these particles. Phycocyanin concentrate diet prevented the depletion of protein in HDL particles, regardless of the dosage. The functionality of HDL is associated with paraoxonase-1 activity, which inhibits lipid peroxidation in lipoproteins. Our results have shown a significant increase in the level of paraoxonase-1 in HDL particles in groups treated with phycocyanin. HDL particles become more enriched with triglycerides with the development of hyperlipidemia. Triglycerides in HDL particles and in serum decreased by two times in animals receiving 30 mg/kg b.w. of phycocyanin. The MDA content in HDL particles decreased in all animals receiving a high-fat diet with the addition of 2% cholesterol. The introduction of 300 mg/kg of phycocyanin returned this indicator to the values of the Control group. Thus, biomarkers of dysfunctional changes in HDL in rodent hyperlipidemia models may be a useful tool for assessing lipid metabolism disorders. Also, the results confirm the potential ability to use phycocyanin concentrate as part of lipid-lowering products. Full article

Obesity is closely linked to dyslipidemia, hepatic injury, and chronic inflammation through disturbances in the gut–liver axis. Here, we evaluated the anti-obesity effects of L. rhamnosus (Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus) CU262 in a high-fat diet (HFD) mouse model and elucidated mechanisms using an integrated multi-omics strategy. Male C57BL/6 mice received CU262 during 12 weeks of HFD feeding. Phenotypes, serum/liver biochemistry, gut microbiota (16S rRNA sequencing), fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and hepatic transcriptomes (RNA-seq) were assessed. CU262 significantly attenuated weight gain and adiposity; improved serum TC, TG, LDL-C and HDL-C; lowered ALT/AST and FFA; and mitigated oxidative stress and inflammatory imbalance (↓ IL-6/TNF-α, ↑ IL-10). CU262 restored alpha diversity, reduced the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, enriched beneficial taxa (e.g., Akkermansia), and increased acetate and butyrate. Liver transcriptomics showed CU262 reversed HFD-induced activation of cholesterol/steroid biosynthesis and endoplasmic reticulum stress, with downregulation of key genes (Mvk, Mvd, Fdps, Nsdhl, and Dhcr7) and Pcsk9, yielding negative enrichment of steroid and terpenoid backbone pathways and enhancement of oxidative phosphorylation and glutathione metabolism. Correlation analyses linked Akkermansia and SCFAs with improved lipid/inflammatory indices and repression of cholesterol-synthetic and stress-response genes. These findings demonstrate that CU262 alleviates HFD-induced metabolic derangements via microbiota-SCFA-hepatic gene network reprogramming along the gut–liver axis, supporting its potential as a functional probiotic for obesity management. Full article

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a widespread hepatic condition characterised by hepatic lipid accumulation and inflammation. Emerging research highlights the contribution of the intestinal microbiota and its metabolic byproducts to the pathogenesis of MASLD through the gut–liver axis. Apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I), the principal structural component of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), is linked to various metabolic disorders; however, its function in MASLD has not yet been clearly elucidated. This study sought to examine whether apoA-I protects against MASLD, with a focus on the possible role of the gut microbiota and propionic acid (PPA). The contribution of the gut microbiota was evaluated using faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and antibiotic cocktail (ABX)-mediated depletion. Microbial composition was assessed via 16S rRNA sequencing, and concentrations of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were quantified. The effects of PPA on MASLD were examined using in vivo and in vitro models. The results showed that apoA-I overexpression alleviated MASLD in a gut microbiota-dependent manner, restored microbial homeostasis, and elevated PPA levels. PPA supplementation improved MASLD phenotypes. Mechanistically, PPA treatment was associated with the activation of the GPR43–Ca²⁺–CAMKII–ATGL pathway, suggesting that PPA plays a role in stimulating hepatic lipolysis and enhancing mitochondrial β-oxidation. These findings reveal a novel pathway through which apoA-I ameliorates MASLD by modulating the gut microbiota and increasing PPA levels, which activate a hepatic lipolysis cascade. The apoA-I–microbiota–PPA axis represents a promising therapeutic target for MASLD intervention. Full article

Objective: Acteoside (ACT) has different pharmacological properties such as antioxidant, hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. Impaired mitophagy has been recognized as an important pathogenic factor in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Nevertheless, the possible therapeutic role of ACT in MASLD and the exact effect of ACT on mitophagy regulation are not explored. This study aims to elucidate the therapeutic efficacy of ACT in a high-fat and high-sugar (HFHS) diet-induced mouse model of MASLD and to determine whether its effects are related to the activation of PINK1/Parkin-related mitophagy markers. Methods: C57BL/6J mice were randomly allocated to control, model, rosuvastatin (RSF, 3 mg/kg), and ACT (30, 60, and 120 mg/kg) groups. Following a 14-week continuous intervention, biochemical parameters, liver histology, and mitophagy-related markers were assessed. Results: ACT administration significantly improved serum lipid profiles, liver function and insulin resistance, marked by reduced levels of MDA, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, LDL-C, TC, TG, AST, ALT, HOMA-IR (p < 0.05), while increasing HDL-C and enhancing hepatic GSH-Px and SOD activities (p < 0.05). Histological examination revealed a notable attenuation of hepatic steatosis and lipid accumulation. At the molecular level, ACT promoted mitophagy activation, as indicated by upregulated PINK1, LC3II/I, and Parkin expression and downregulated P62 and p-P62. Electron microscopy further validated the restoration of mitochondrial morphology and reduction in lipid droplets. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that ACT ameliorates MASLD progression by improving metabolic homeostasis, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, and alleviating PINK1/Parkin-related mitophagy impairment to restore mitophagy homeostasis. Our study highlights the potential of ACT as a new therapeutic agent for MASLD. Full article

Weaning is one of the most stressful stages in pig production, especially for Iberian piglets, which grow more slowly than other cosmopolitan breeds and therefore, have a lower weaning weight when raised in intensive systems. Stress at weaning, caused by separation from the sow, dietary change, and regrouping with unfamiliar piglets, can negatively impact welfare, immune function, and performance. Pre-weaning socialization, which allows piglets from different litters to interact before weaning, has been proposed as a strategy to reduce aggression and facilitate the adaptation to the post-weaning period. However, its physiological effects in Iberian pigs remain largely unknown. In this study, 8 Iberian sows and their litters were assigned to either a control group (CTRL) or a socialization group (SOC) where litters were mingled (socialized) two weeks before weaning. Salivary and serum biomarkers of stress, inflammation, immunity and metabolism were measured at weaning (pwD0) and 7 days post-weaning (pwD7), and growth performance was recorded until 60 days of age. Socialized piglets showed reduced salivary Adenosine Deaminase (ADA) activity at pwD0 and pwD7 and lower salivary chromogranin A (CgA) and serum Haptoglobin (Hp) levels at pwD7. In contrast, they presented higher concentrations in serum of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol, glucose, and urea at pwD7 compared to controls. Attending to the sex effect, Butyryl-cholinesterase (BChE) serum concentration was higher in males and urea, and creatinine were higher in females. Growth rates were higher in socialized piglets in the first two weeks post-weaning but lower thereafter. These findings may suggest that pre-weaning socialization could reduce the stress associated with early post-weaning in Iberian piglets, thus potentially improving welfare and adaptation during this period. Full article

Background/Objectives: High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) regulates muscle energy metabolism and function, enhancing glucose uptake and promoting glycogen synthesis. However, studies on the association between HDL-C levels and sarcopenia remain controversial. We therefore investigated the association between HDL-C levels and sarcopenia in elderly Koreans. Methods: This cross-sectional study was based on previously collected, anonymous health checkup data. Participants included 3776 individuals aged 65 years and older who underwent body composition analysis using a bioelectrical impedance meter during a health checkup in 2024. Sarcopenia was defined as an appendicular skeletal muscle index of <7.0 kg/m² for males and <5.7 kg/m² for females. Logistic regression analyses were performed for each variable, including HDL-C levels, to identify sarcopenia association expressed as odds ratios (ORs). Participants were further divided into four quartiles according to HDL-C levels, and comparative multivariable analyses were performed, with the quartile with the lowest HDL-C level serving as the reference. Results: Of the 3776 Koreans with a mean age of 70.5 years, sarcopenia was diagnosed in 23.1% (n = 872) of participants. Sarcopenia prevalence showed a steadily increasing trend from the lowest quartile group (Q1, n = 977) with HDL-C levels ≤48 mg/dL to the highest quartile group (Q4, n = 974) at ≥67 mg/dL (p < 0.001). After adjusting for sarcopenia-associated risk factors, a significant association was found between the condition and HDL-C levels (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.00–1.02; p = 0.008). Q4 showed a consistent sarcopenia association compared with Q1, even after adjusting for all variables (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.05–1.75; p = 0.018). Conclusions: In Koreans aged 65 years and older, we found an association between high HDL-C levels and sarcopenia. Full article

Serum Amyloid A (SAA) is an acute-phase apolipoprotein that acts as both a sensitive biomarker of systemic inflammation and an active modulator of lipid metabolism and vascular homeostasis. This review summarises current insights into the interaction between SAA and high-density lipoproteins (HDL), with particular emphasis on its role in inflammation-driven cardiovascular disease (CVD). The incorporation of SAA into HDL markedly alters its composition and function. The displacement of apolipoprotein A-I impairs cholesterol efflux capacity, reduces antioxidative activity, and promotes a pro-inflammatory phenotype, transforming protective HDL into a dysfunctional particle. These changes contribute to endothelial dysfunction, foam cell formation, and atherogenesis. Elevated SAA levels are also associated with adverse cardiovascular and metabolic outcomes, including coronary artery disease, type 2 diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. Isoform-specific variations in SAA–HDL interactions are emerging as key modulators of these effects. This review also discusses emerging therapeutic and nutritional strategies to modulate the SAA–HDL axis, including anti-inflammatory therapies, HDL mimetics, and diet-based interventions. Future research should prioritise the standardisation of SAA measurement, characterisation of isoform-specific functions, and translational studies integrating SAA into cardiovascular risk stratification and therapy. Full article

Background/Objectives: Both HIV infection and antiretroviral therapy contribute to dyslipidemia and abnormal body fat distribution in people living with HIV (PLWH). Exercise training is an effective intervention to protect against these metabolic changes. However, little is known about the mechanisms underlying the impact of exercise training on lipid metabolism in PLWH. This study aimed to comparatively evaluate the effect of high-intensity functional circuit training on the plasma lipidome of PLWH and HIV-negative subjects (control). Methods: PLWH (n = 13) and control (n = 14) were submitted to 8 weeks of exercise training. Body composition, anthropometric, and biochemical parameters were measured. Plasma was obtained in a fasting state for lipidomic analysis. Results: Anthropometric and biochemical parameters revealed lower levels of leptin, HDL-C, body fat %, and BMI combined with elevated aspartate transaminase (AST) and Homeostasis Model Assessment of β-cell function (HOMA_beta) in PLWH when compared to control subjects that persisted from baseline to post-exercise training. Nonetheless, contrasting levels of adiponectin, fasting insulin, and phosphatidylcholine-containing lipids observed at baseline were equalized after training in PLWH. In control subjects, significant reductions in concentrations of triglycerides alongside phosphatidylinositol and glycosylated ceramides were observed post-exercise training. By contrast, PWLH displayed an increase in diglycerides, acylcarnitines, and free cholesterol levels after exercise training, together with decreased concentrations of free fatty acids, cholesteryl esters, and glycosylated ceramides. Conclusions: In addition to specific lipidome alterations in each group, particularly driven by improved insulin resistance in PLWH, this study showed concomitant modulation of several glycerophospholipids and sphingolipids, suggesting health-promoting effects of short-term exercise training. Collectively, these modulated lipid species represent interesting targets for future lipidomic-based studies evaluating not only the effects of exercise training but also the molecular mechanisms resulting in a healthier plasma lipidome profile. Full article

Background and Objectives: Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) remains a significant complication following invasive coronary procedures. The HALP score—a composite index derived from hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte, and platelet counts—reflects nutritional and inflammatory status and may serve as a predictive biomarker for CIN. The aim of our study is to evaluate the relationship between the HALP score and the development of CIN in non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients undergoing coronary angiography (CAG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 577 NSTEMI patients who underwent CAG or PCI between December 2022 and June 2025. Patients were divided into two groups based on CIN development. The HALP score was calculated and compared between groups. Results: Of the 577 NSTEMI patients included, 74 (12.8%) developed CIN. Patients who developed CIN were significantly older and had a higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM), worse baseline renal function, and lower levels of hemoglobin, albumin, HDL cholesterol, and lymphocytes (p < 0.001). They also showed higher neutrophil counts, troponin-T levels, and received greater volumes of contrast media (CM). Oral antidiabetic drug (OAD) use was positively associated with CIN, while angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin II receptor blocker use showed a negative association in univariate analysis. The HALP score was significantly lower in the CIN (+) group than CIN (−) group (15.88 ± 28.48 vs. 53.86 ± 28.48, p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified older age, DM, reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, elevated creatinine, increased neutrophils, lower hemoglobin, albumin, and lymphocytes, and higher CM volume as independent predictors of CIN. The HALP score remained a strong inverse predictor of CIN (OR: 0.895; 95% CI: 0.865–0.924; p < 0.001) and the Mehran score was positively associated with CIN risk (OR: 1.578; 95% CI: 1.154–2.087; p < 0.001). Covariate-adjusted receiver operating characteristic (AROC) analysis demonstrated that the HALP score showed good predictive accuracy (AUC: 0.780), with 74.3% sensitivity and 83.3% specificity at a cutoff of 24.1. Conclusions: The HALP score is a simple, accessible, and cost-effective biomarker with strong predictive value for CIN in NSTEMI patients undergoing invasive coronary procedures. Full article

Objective: Cardiovascular diseases have a high prevalence among the elderly, together with frailty syndrome, and both conditions negatively affect quality of life and limit patient autonomy. This study aimed to explore potential relationships between cardiovascular and metabolic parameters, renal function, and frailty domains to identify potential intervention targets. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between January 2024 and April 2025 at the National Institute of Gerontology and Geriatrics “Ana Aslan”, including 359 patients aged over 40 years. Demographic, anthropometric, and clinical data were collected through interviews, medical records, and standardized assessments of frailty components (weakness, exhaustion, slow gait, balance impairment, reduced activity, cognitive decline, and weight loss), as well as cardiovascular diseases and comorbidities. Results: Most participants were aged 65–79 years. ROC curve identified triglycerides as a good indicator of both alcohol consumption (AUC = 0.631, p = 0.042) and smoking status (AUC = 0.676, p = 0.004), while HDL cholesterol showed an inverse association with smoking status (AUC = 0.356, p = 0.019). Reduced renal function was significantly associated with smoking status, balance, gait impairment, and reduced functional mobility. The Up and Go Test indicated a good discriminatory ability for renal function decline (AUC = 0.656, p < 0.001). Muscle strength, MMSE, and Tinetti scores showed inverse associations with renal function. Conclusions: Renal impairment appears to be a reliable indicator across multiple frailty domains, acting as an accelerator of frailty progression. Triglycerides reflect lifestyle-related factors, while the Up and Go Test may serve as a practical screening tool for renal dysfunction in frail older adults. These findings suggest the need to adapt traditional cardiovascular risk management to the frail geriatric population. Full article

Citri grandis exocarpium (Citri grandis) has been consumed by human beings for fifteen hundred years. It is commonly consumed as a health drink and dietary supplement in China. However, its nutritional and healthcare functions are still not fully understood. Objective: Our previous study found that oral administration of Citri grandis extract can significantly decrease the blood lipid levels of hyperlipidemic mice fed a high-fat diet. The aim of this study was to confirm the preventative effects of Citri grandis extract against atherosclerosis. Methods: Atherosclerotic lesion models were induced in HUVECs and apoE^−/− C57BL/6J mice. ApoE^−/− mice fed a high-fat diet were orally administered Citri grandis extract (0.4, 0.8, and 1.6 g/kg/d BW) and Simvastatin (1 mg/kg/d BW) on the first day of model establishment. After a 16-week treatment, serum samples and aorta and liver tissues were collected. Observation of pathological changes in aortic and liver tissues was performed using a light microscope with oil red O, H&E, Masson’s trichrome staining, and TEM. Biochemical detection was employed to determine the serum levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, and HDL-C as well as the activities of AST and ALT. In addition, expression studies of TGF-β, PI3K, AKT1, PPAR-γ, LXR-α, and ABCA1 were performed via qPCR and Western blot analysis. Results: Compared with cholesterol-induced HUVECs, Citri grandis extract significantly enhanced cell viability, attenuated the morphological changes in HUVECs, and reduced LDH release. Furthermore, after treatment with Citri grandis extract, the levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C significantly decreased in the atherosclerosis model apoE^−/− mice after 16 weeks, and aortic plaque, lipid deposition, and endothelial injury were obviously ameliorated. The mRNA and protein expression of TGF-β, PPAR-γ, LXR-α, and ABCA1 in aortic and liver of atherosclerosis apoE^−/− mice were upregulated (p < 0.05, p < 0.01), while those of PI3K and Akt1 were suppressed (p < 0.05, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Citri grandis extract can significantly decrease the high circulating lipid levels and the liver lipid deposition of high-fat-diet-fed apoE^−/− mice and reduce aorta lipid accumulation and atherosclerotic plaques by regulating the expression of TGF-β1, PI3K, AKT1, PPAR-γ, LXR-α, and ABCA1. Citri grandis extract can be used as a healthcare dietary supplement for the prevention of abnormal lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis. Full article

Inactivated Selenium-enriched yeast (YSe), as an organic source of selenium with multiple physiological activities, has attracted widespread attention. However, its potential to alleviate alcoholic liver injury (ALD) and its underlying mechanisms remain largely unexplored. This study explores the protective effects of inactivated YSe intervention on ALD in mice and clarifies its mechanism of action. The results indicated that, at the same selenium dose, inactivated YSe intervention was superior to inorganic selenium (sodium selenite) in alleviating ALD. Specifically, high-dose inactivated YSe significantly reduced the levels of serum ALT and AST in alcohol-exposed mice (38.69% and 24.67%, respectively), increased the level of HDL-C (16.83%), and effectively improved alcohol-induced lipid metabolism disorders and liver oxidative damage. At the same time, it significantly increased the concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in feces. 16S rRNA sequencing indicates that inactivated YSe intervention enhances the abundance of beneficial flora (such as Blautia, Oscillibacter, Anaerotruncus, Butyricicoccus, and Ruminiclostridium) and simultaneously inhibits potentially harmful microbiota (such as xylanophium, Escherichia–Shigella and oscilliumspirates) to restore the homeostasis of the intestinal microbiota in ALD mice. Liver metabolomics analysis revealed that inactivated YSe intervention significantly altered the liver metabolic profile. The core pathways that are regulated by YSe after alcohol disruption include glutathione metabolism, purine metabolism, riboflavin metabolism, etc. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that inactivated YSe can effectively alleviate ALD in mice by regulating the structure of the intestinal flora and restoring liver metabolic homeostasis, providing a scientific basis for its potential functional food component in the prevention and auxiliary management of ALD. Full article

Background/Objectives: Obesity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), but traditional risk calculators such as Systematic COronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE2) may not fully capture the elevated risks in individuals with obesity, especially when metabolic health is considered. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of QRESEARCH risk estimator version 3 (QRISK3) in estimating 10-year cardiovascular risk in individuals with varying obesity phenotypes compared to SCORE2. Methods: A total of 88 participants (25 men, 63 women; mean age 37.4 ± 11.8 years) were categorized into four obesity phenotypes according to metabolic and anthropometric criteria. The 10-year CVD risk was calculated using SCORE2 and QRISK3 algorithms. Functional cardiovascular assessment included blood pressure (BP) measurement and electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation for conduction abnormalities and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). Biochemical analysis included carbohydrate metabolism (fasting glucose, postprandial glucose, HbA1c) and lipid profile (total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, triglycerides, atherogenic index). Results: SCORE2 underestimated CVD risk (3–8%), whereas QRISK3 predicted higher values (6–16%), particularly in metabolically unhealthy phenotypes. LVH occurred in 26–45% of participants, with elevated BP and early subclinical ECG changes even in metabolically healthy obesity individuals. Carbohydrate metabolism disturbances were observed in metabolically unhealthy participants with normal or elevated BMI, while lipid abnormalities—including elevated total cholesterol, LDL-C, triglycerides, and atherogenic index—were prominent in these metabolically unhealthy phenotypes. Insulin resistance, assessed via the triglyceride–glucose index, exceeded reference ranges in all obesity phenotypes, with the highest values seen in metabolically unhealthy individuals. Conclusions: QRISK3 provides a more precise and thorough assessment of 10-year cardiovascular risk in individuals with obesity than SCORE2. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating anthropometric and metabolic data into cardiovascular risk assessments and support the clinical use of QRISK3 for more personalized risk stratification, especially in populations with obesity and metabolic disturbances. Early identification of high-risk individuals using QRISK3 could lead to more timely and targeted preventive interventions, improving long-term cardiovascular outcomes. Full article

This study investigates the therapeutic potential of grape skin polysaccharides (GSP) for type 2 diabetes (T2D). Employing a T2D model developed via a high-fat diet combined with STZ, three intervention groups were established: low-dose GSP (25 mg/kg), high-dose GSP (100 mg/kg), and metformin control (300 mg/kg). Following a 30-day oral administration period, marked enhancements in body weight and glucose/lipid metabolic parameters were noted in both the high-dose GSP group and the metformin-treated cohort. Specifically, compared with the model group, high-dose GSP improved insulin resistance by 48.48%, increased hepatic glycogen content by 63.38% and HDL–C levels by 13.16%, while reducing TG, TC, and LDL–C by 65.5%, 20.80%, and 32.63%, respectively. GSP also enhanced GSH–Px activity by 10.15% and SOD activity by 26.48%, while reducing MDA levels by 30.91%, thereby alleviating pathological damage in the liver, kidneys, and intestines. These results suggested that the regulatory effect of GSP is concentration-dependent. GSP also regulated gut microbiota by not only reducing Thermodesulfobacteriota and increasing Bacillota/Bacteroidetes abundance, but also enhancing acid-producing bacteria to elevate short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels, thereby further improving insulin sensitivity. Collectively, these preclinical data support the potential of GSP as a functional food ingredient or adjunct therapy for T2D management, pending further clinical validation. Full article