Search Results (194)

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

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

The Discrete Event System Specification (DEVS) formalism provides a mathematical foundation for modeling hierarchical discrete-event systems. However, the Depth-First Search (DFS) scheduling used in the classical DEVS abstract simulator conflicts with the concurrency semantics of Hardware Description Language (HDL) simulators such as Verilog or VHDL. This mismatch induces timing distortions, including pipeline skew and zero-time feedback loops. To address these limitations, this study proposes a new DEVS simulation kernel that adopts Breadth-First Search (BFS) scheduling, integrating the delta-round concept. This approach employs an event-parking mechanism that separates event computation from application, structurally aligning with HDL’s Active–NBA–Reactive phases and enabling semantically simultaneous updates without introducing additional ε-time. Case studies demonstrate that the proposed BFS-based DEVS kernel eliminates timing discrepancies in pipeline and feedback-loop structures and establishes a formal foundation for semantic alignment between DEVS and HDL simulators. 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: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) comprises a cluster of metabolic abnormalities that increase the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiometabolic morbidity. Although widely recognized, evidence on its documentation and follow-up in primary care is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the extent of MetS documentation in electronic medical records (EMRs), examine follow-up patterns and metabolic changes over time, and assess the incidence and predictors of new-onset T2DM according to baseline MetS severity. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 8170 adults aged 30–50 years, insured by Clalit Health Services in Southern Israel, who met ATP III criteria for MetS in 2008 and were followed through 2015. MetS severity was classified as mild (three components), moderate (four), or severe (five). Changes in metabolic indices were assessed longitudinally, and predictors of T2DM were analyzed using Kaplan–Meier survival and multivariable Cox regression models. Results: Although all participants met the diagnostic criteria, only 1.6% had a recorded MetS diagnosis. Over the eight years of follow-up, 26% developed T2DM, with incidence increasing from 21% among those with mild MetS to 49% among those with severe MetS (p < 0.0001). Fasting plasma glucose rose significantly (median +13 mg/dL, p < 0.001), BMI remained stable, and modest improvements were observed in blood pressure and lipid levels. Elevated fasting glucose (HR 2.13, p < 0.001), higher BMI (HR 1.33, p = 0.010), and lower HDL (HR 1.26, p = 0.045) independently predicted diabetes onset. Conclusions: MetS remains markedly under-documented and insufficiently integrated into primary care follow-up. Despite regular clinical follow-up, improvements in metabolic indices were limited. These findings highlight the need for structured strategies to enhance MetS recognition and long-term management within routine practice. Full article

Background and Objectives: This study investigated the antioxidant, lipid-lowering, and hepatoprotective effects of two fenugreek seed varieties, Trigonella foenum-graecum (TFG) and Trigonella corniculata (TC), and analyzed their bioactive potential using various solvents, doses, and biochemical parameters. Materials and Methods: Antioxidant analyses, including ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), total phenolic content (TPC), and 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays, were conducted, and interventional studies were performed on rats divided into groups receiving disease + standard basal diet (G₀), standard basal diet only (G₁), and disease + standard basal diet supplemented with TC or TFG at 400 mg/kg/day (G₂, G₃) and 800 mg/kg/day (G₄, G₅). Biochemical blood tests assessing lipid profiles and liver function parameters, coupled with histopathological examination of the liver and heart tissues, were also performed. Results: Antioxidant assessments indicated that TFG exhibited greater free radical scavenging ability, higher total phenolic content, and stronger ferric-reducing power than TC did. In the in vivo experiments, both TFG and TC significantly enhanced lipid profiles by reducing total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol VLDL-c, and triglycerides while boosting high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) levels (p < 0.001). Liver function tests indicated significant decreases in bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels with dose and plant effects, particularly at 800 mg/kg (G₅). Histopathological examination revealed that TFG at a dose of 800 mg/kg led to an almost normal liver structure and intact myocardial fibers with minimal inflammation, whereas TC groups displayed slight vacuolation of hepatocytes and some inflammatory responses. Conclusions: In conclusion, TFG shows the superior functional food properties of TFG in managing oxidative stress and hyperlipidemia in comparison to TC. Future studies should aim to elucidate the molecular mechanisms, optimize dosing regimens, and evaluate long-term safety and efficacy to support clinical applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition in older men and represents a major contributor to lower urinary tract symptoms, prostate enlargement, and features of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Androgen receptor (AR) signaling and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling play central roles in BPH pathology, yet the clinical relevance of AR coactivators and structural genes remains incompletely understood. Methods: Prostate tissues from 76 BPH patients and five non-hyperplastic controls were analyzed by quantitative PCR to assess AR coactivators (SRC-1, SRC-2, SRC-3, PCAF, p300) and ECM-related genes (COL1A1, COL3A1). Results: BPH tissues showed marked overexpression of AR coactivators and collagen genes compared to controls (fold changes ≥ 7.8). Higher prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels (≥10 ng/mL) and enlarged prostate volumes (≥100 mL) were associated with increased expression of PCAF, p300, SRC-1, and COL1A1. PSA and prostate volume correlated positively with triglycerides and VLDL, and inversely with HDL. Strong associations between collagen genes and p160 coactivators suggest coordinated androgenic and stromal remodeling activity. COL1A1 expression was reduced in patients under pharmacological treatment, particularly with alpha-blockers or combination therapies. PCAF and p300 were elevated in patients with MetS, hyperlipidemia, or hyperglycemia. Conclusions: These findings define a molecular signature in BPH linking androgenic, metabolic, and stromal pathology. SRC-1, PCAF, p300, and COL1A1 emerge as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets, providing new insights into the molecular mechanisms of BPH progression. Full article

An InGaAs/GaAsSb heterojunction dopingless Tunnel FET with a heterogate dielectric is proposed and investigated in this work, aiming to extend the advantages of dopingless TFETs in low-power applications. By employing the InGaAs/GaAsSb heterojunction with a quasi-broken gap energy band structure in dopingless TFET, the HDL-TFET achieves extremely high band-to-band tunneling efficiency. A dual-electrode structure is adopted to improve carrier distribution, which further enhances tunneling efficiency and increases on-state current (I_ON). To suppress off-state tunneling, optimize ambipolar current, and reduce parasitic capacitance, a heterogate dielectric structure is introduced. Results show that the HDL-TFET exhibits an I_ON up to 8.33 × 10⁻⁵ A/μm and a steep subthreshold swing (SS_avg) of 10.18 mV/dec at a low operating voltage of 0.5 V. It also achieves an off-state current (I_OFF) as low as 3.42 × 10⁻¹⁵ A/μm and I_ON/I_OFF ratio up to 2.44 × 10¹⁰, with no obvious ambipolar current. Compared with previously reported works, the proposed HDL-TFET demonstrates significant advantages. Additionally, the introduction of the heterogate dielectric and dual-electrode structure significantly improves the RF performance of the device, with a peak transconductance (G_m) of 333 μS/μm, and a peak cutoff frequency (f_T) and gain bandwidth product (GBP) up to 64 GHz and 49 GHz, respectively. Full article

Background/Objectives: Coronary artery disease (CAD) remains the leading cause of death primarily in patients over 65 years old, with an increasing incidence, especially in Eastern European countries. Primary and secondary prevention protocols are based on a large number of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors, but low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) remains the main treatment target and one of the central determinants of CV risk. Apolipoprotein B (apoB) is the main structural protein in all atherogenic lipoproteins, and, unlike LDL-C, which only reflects the cholesterol content of LDL, apoB directly quantifies the total number of all circulating atherogenic particles. Over the past decade, a growing amount of data has supported the utility of apoB for CV risk assessment; however, its superiority over LDL-C remains unclear. Our study aimed to investigate the predictive value of apoB for both the presence and the severity of CAD in a statin-treated cohort from an Eastern European hospital and to compare it with standard lipid biomarkers. Methods: A total of 121 statin-treated patients, who were evaluated using coronary angiography, were consecutively enrolled and subdivided into three groups: 52 patients with significant coronary artery disease (S-CAD), 36 patients with non-significant coronary artery disease (NS-CAD), and 33 patients without coronary atherosclerosis (N-CAD). Apolipoprotein B was measured at the moment of enrollment using the immunoturbidimetric assay. Results: The mean values of LDL-C, TC, non-HDL-C, and apoB increased progressively across the three studied groups. Unlike traditional lipid biomarkers, apoB levels differed significantly not only between N-CAD and S-CAD, but also between N-CAD and NS-CAD. The diagnostic superiority of apoB extended beyond group mean differences, as it also demonstrated the strongest correlation with CAD severity. ApoB showed a moderate correlation with the Gensini score (r = 0.43, p < 0.001), which was markedly higher compared to LDL-C, TC, or non-HDL-C, all of which presented only a weak correlation (r = 0.26, r = 0.23, and r = 0.28, respectively). Additionally, in a logistic regression analysis, apoB demonstrated the highest predictive power for the presence of significant CAD (per SD increase: OR 2.386, 95% CI 1.52–3.75, p = 0.000), and it was the only biomarker able to predict left main disease (per SD increase: OR 2.433, 95% CI 1.38–4.30, p = 0.002) and three vessel disease (per SD increase: OR 1.639, 95% CI 1.012–2.654, p = 0.044). Residual apoB was also calculated and remained significantly associated with the presence of coronary atherosclerosis. Conclusions: ApoB proved to be a reliable predictor for CAD, independent of LDL-C. Compared to standard lipid biomarkers, apoB was superior in detecting NS-CAD and showed a better correlation with the severity of CAD. Additionally, in our study, only apoB was significantly correlated with left main disease and three vessel disease. Full article

The Paraoxonase (PON) gene family consists of three paralogues (PON1, PON2 and PON3) that are tandemly located on chromosome 7. In this review paper, the structure and function of the encoded proteins is summarized. In addition, an overview is given on the generated animal models. Finally, their involvement in the pathogenesis of different diseases is discussed, starting from an extended screening of the literature using PUBMED and Web of Science. PON1 and PON3 are mainly expressed in the liver and released into the bloodstream, bound to high-density lipoprotein. PON2 is expressed in various tissues, including the liver, lungs, heart, placenta and testes, but remains intracellular. The name of the enzyme family reflects PON1′s ability to neutralize paraoxon, but they also exhibit lactonase and esterase activities. All three PON enzymes play a role in reducing lipid peroxides in High-Density Lipoproteïne (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein(LDL), giving them antioxidant properties. This links them to Metabolic dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), a metabolic liver condition marked by the excessive accumulation of triglycerides (TG) in liver cells. In addition to their association with MASLD, the PON genes are, due to their antioxidant properties, also associated with other conditions including cardiovascular diseases, chronic kidney disease, neurological and immunological conditions up to some forms of cancer. In the latter, the antioxidant properties can result in tumor progression by protecting malignant cells from oxidative damage thus supporting survival, proliferation and metastasis indicating them as potential drug targets for treatment of cancer. Therefore, further research on this protein family can provide novel insights into their function and their potential therapeutic applicability. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dyslipidemia is a global health concern. It refers to increased blood levels of LDL-C, triglycerides, and total cholesterol, accompanied by decreased blood HDL-C levels. Many pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches have been designed to improve dyslipidemia management. However, nutritional therapies have gained more attention due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In this scenario, the carotenoid crocin stands out as a prominent anti-dyslipidemia phytochemical. Its unique structure permits lipid-lowering effects via various mechanisms, including the enhancement of lipid breakdown, reduction in lipid formation, bolstering of antioxidant defenses to diminish lipid toxicity, and decreased absorption of dietary fats. However, no recent systematic review or meta-analysis has addressed its anti-dyslipidemia effects with statistical power. Therefore, we aim to fill this gap with our current meta-analysis, as well as dose and time–response assessments. Methods: PubMed, SpringerLink, ScienceDirect, Cochrane, and Google Scholar databases were searched, and PRISMA guidelines were followed. Ten studies comprising eleven results were included. Results: Crocin did not improve LDL-C (0.2120, 95% CI: −0.0799 to 0.5040), HDL-C (−0.1937, 95% CI: −0.4896 to 0.1022), triglyceride (−0.2063, 95% CI: −0.5764 to 0.1638), or total cholesterol (0.1528, 95% CI: −0.1074 to 0.4129). The dose–response or time–response was also not statistically significant. Conclusions: More clinical studies with robust designs must be conducted to thoroughly assess crocin’s effectiveness in modulating lipid levels with the utmost care. Full article

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of an exclusively vegetarian diet, combined with physical activity and lifestyle interventions, on metabolic parameters in patients with metabolic syndrome, with a focus on preventing premature aging and improving overall health status. Materials and Methods: A total of 150 participants (82 females, 68 males; aged 36–80 years, with a mean age of 61.45 years) diagnosed with metabolic syndrome were enrolled. Participants followed an exclusively vegetarian diet (≈2100 kcal/day; 65% carbohydrates, 23% lipids, 15% proteins, 52.4 g dietary fiber, and 0 mg cholesterol) along with a structured lifestyle program that included physical activity (2.5 h/day, intensity 2–6 METs), psychological counseling, smoking cessation support, weight and blood pressure management, hydrotherapy, massage, phytotherapy, and stress-reduction sessions. Baseline and post-intervention assessments were performed to measure total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, glycemia, BMI, and blood pressure. Results: After 10 days of intervention, significant improvements were observed across all measured parameters: total cholesterol decreased by 41.21 mg/dL (−19.54%), triglycerides decreased by 72.86 mg/dL (−34.9%), LDL cholesterol decreased by 26.24 mg/dL (−19.71%), fasting glycemia decreased by 30.4 mg/dL (−21.61%), BMI decreased by 3%, systolic blood pressure decreased by 10.82 mmHg, and diastolic blood pressure decreased by 6.44 mmHg. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that a structured lifestyle intervention, centered on a vegetarian diet and physical activity, has a significant beneficial effect on metabolic health. This approach improves cardiovascular risk factors, glycemic control, and body composition, and may play a preventive role against premature aging. Full article

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) represents a multifactorial condition requiring multi-target therapeutic strategies beyond traditional single-marker approaches. In this work, we present a fully in silico nutraceutical screening pipeline that integrates molecular prediction, systemic aggregation, and technological design. A curated panel of ten MASLD-relevant targets, spanning nuclear receptors (FXR, PPAR-α/γ, THR-β), lipogenic and cholesterogenic enzymes (ACC1, FASN, DGAT2, HMGCR), and transport/regulatory proteins (LIPG, FABP4), was assembled from proteomic evidence. Bioactivity records were extracted from ChEMBL, structurally standardized, and converted into RDKit descriptors. Predictive modeling employed a stacked ensemble of Random Forest, XGBoost, and CatBoost with isotonic calibration, yielding robust performance (mean cross-validated ROC-AUC 0.834; independent test ROC-AUC 0.840). Calibrated probabilities were aggregated into total activity (TA) and weighted TA metrics, combined with structural clustering (six structural clusters, twelve MOA clusters) to ensure chemical diversity. We used physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling to translate probabilistic profiles into minimum simulated doses (MSDs) and chrono-specific exposure (%T>IC50) for three prototype concepts: HepatoBlend (morning powder), LiverGuard Tea (evening aqueous form), and HDL-Chews (postprandial chew). Integration of physicochemical descriptors (MW, logP, TPSA) guided carrier and encapsulation choices, addressing stability and sensory constraints. The results demonstrate that a computationally integrated pipeline can rationally generate multi-target nutraceutical formulations, linking molecular predictions with systemic coverage and practical formulation specifications, and thus provides a transferable framework for MASLD and related metabolic conditions. Full article

This experiment investigated the effects of seaweed polysaccharide (SP) and seaweed enzymatic hydrolysate (SEH) on the growth performance, serum biochemical indices, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal function of Muscovy ducks. A total of 240 healthy 1 day female Muscovy ducks (48.85 ± 0.45 g) were randomly divided into 3 treatment groups, with 4 replicates per group and 20 ducks per replicate. The control (CON) group received a basic diet supplemented with 20 mL/kg of water, the SP group received a basic diet supplemented with 20 mL/kg of SP, and the SEH group received a basic diet supplemented with 20 mL/kg of SEH. The experimental period lasted for 28 d. The results indicate that, compared to the CON group, the average daily feed intake (ADFI) and feed to gain (F/G) of the SP and SEH groups of ducks significantly decreased at 28 d (p < 0.05). In the SP group, serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), as well as the concentrations of glucose (GLU), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TCHO), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). In the SEH group, the activities of ALT and AST were also significantly lower (p < 0.05). Additionally, serum total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the SEH group were significantly higher than those in the CON group (p < 0.05), while the malondialdehyde (MDA) content was significantly reduced (p < 0.05). Compared to the CON group, serum levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in the SP group were significantly increased (p < 0.05), whereas the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were significantly decreased (p < 0.05). In the SP and SEH groups, the villus height (VH) and the villus height to crypt depth (V/C) of the Muscovy ducks significantly increased (p < 0.05), while the crypt depth (CD) significantly decreased (p < 0.05). A significant increase in the abundance of Barnesiella was observed in the SP and SEH groups (p < 0.05), whereas the abundances of UCG-005 and Romboutsia significantly decreased (p < 0.05). LEfSe analysis indicated that g__Bacillus and g__Veillonella were significantly abundant in the SP group (p < 0.05), while g__Coriobacteriaceae_UCG_002 was significantly abundant in the SEH group (p < 0.05). In summary, the addition of SP and SEH to the feed can promote the healthy growth of ducks by improving intestinal morphology, regulating the structure of intestinal microbiota, enhancing antioxidant capacity and immune function, and optimizing metabolic indicators. This occurs while reducing feed intake and feed-to-weight ratio, and there is a certain specificity in their mechanisms of action. Full article

Background/Objectives: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a global health issue with immediate and long-term maternal–fetal complications. Current diagnostic approaches, such as the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT), have limitations in accessibility, sensitivity, and timing. This study aimed to identify key nodes and structural interactions associated with GDM using graph theory and network analysis to improve early predictive strategies. Methods: A literature review inspired by PRISMA guidelines (2004–2025) identified 44 clinically relevant factors. A directed graph was constructed using Python (version 3.10.12), and centrality metrics (closeness, betweenness, eigenvector), k-core decomposition, and a Minimum Dominating Set (MDS) were computed. The MDS, derived using an integer linear programming model, was used to determine the smallest subset of nodes with systemic dominance across the network. Results: The MDS included 20 nodes, with seven showing a high out-degree (≥4), notably Apo A1, vitamin D, vitamin D deficiency, and sedentary lifestyle. Vitamin D exhibited 15 outgoing edges, connecting directly to protective factors like HDL and inversely to risk factors such as smoking and obesity. Sedentary behavior also showed high structural influence. Closeness centrality highlighted triglycerides, insulin resistance, uric acid, fasting plasma glucose, and HDL as nodes with strong predictive potential, based on their high closeness and multiple incoming connections. Conclusions: Vitamin D and sedentary behavior emerged as structurally dominant nodes in the GDM network. Alongside metabolically relevant nodes with high closeness centrality, these findings support the utility of graph-based network analysis for early detection and targeted clinical interventions in maternal health. Full article