Search Results (1,398)

Telomeres are protective DNA sequences located at chromosome ends, essential to maintaining genomic stability. This narrative review examines how maternal lifestyle factors during pregnancy influence fetal telomere length (TL). Positive associations have been identified between offspring’s TL and maternal consumption of nutrients such as vitamins C and D, folate, and magnesium. Additionally, adherence to a Mediterranean diet and regular physical activity during pregnancy are correlated with increased placental TL, supporting fetal genomic integrity. Conversely, maternal dietary patterns high in carbohydrates, fats, or alcohol, as well as exposure to triclosan and sleep-disordered breathing, negatively correlate with offspring’s TL. Maternal infections may also shorten TL through heightened inflammation and oxidative stress. However, evidence regarding the impact of other lifestyle factors—including maternal stress, smoking, caffeine intake, polyunsaturated fatty acid consumption, obesity, and sleep quality—remains inconsistent. Given that shorter telomere length has been associated with cardiovascular, pulmonary, and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as certain types of cancer, these findings highlight the vital importance of maternal health during pregnancy in order to prevent potential adverse effects on the fetus. Further studies are required to elucidate the precise timing, intensity, and interplay of these influences, enabling targeted prenatal interventions to enhance offspring health outcomes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Low folate intake before and during pregnancy increases the risk of neural tube defects and other adverse outcomes. Gene variants such as MTHFR 677C>T (rs1801133) may increase risks associated with suboptimal folate intake. Our objective was to use BALB/cJ Mthfr^677C>T mice to evaluate the effects of the TT genotype and low folate diets on embryonic development and MTHFR protein expression in pregnant mice. Methods: Female 677CC (mCC) and 677TT (mTT) mice were fed control (2 mg folic acid/kg (2D)), 1 mg folic acid/kg (1D) and 0.3 mg folic acid/kg (0.3D) diets before and during pregnancy. Embryos and maternal tissues were collected at embryonic day 10.5. Embryos were examined for developmental delays and defects. Methyltetrahydrofolate (methylTHF) and total homocysteine (tHcy) were measured in maternal plasma, and MTHFR protein expression was evaluated in maternal liver. Results: MethylTHF decreased due to the experimental diets and mTT genotype. tHcy increased due to 0.3D and mTT genotype; mTT 0.3D mice had significantly higher tHcy than the other groups. MTHFR expression was lower in mTT liver than mCC. MTHFR protein expression increased due to low folate diets in mCC mice, whereas in mTT mice, MTHFR expression increased only due to 1D. Developmental delays were increased in the litters of mTT mice fed 1D and 0.3D. Conclusions: The Mthfr^677C>T mouse models the effects of the MTHFR 677TT genotype in humans and provides a folate-responsive model for examination of the effects of folate intake and the MTHFR 677C>T variant during gestation. Full article

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been found worldwide in water, soil, plants, and animals, including humans. A primary route of exposure for humans and animals to PFAS is through the diet and drinking water. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), a long-chain PFAS with a relatively long half-life, has been associated with adverse health effects in humans and laboratory animals. There are few toxicokinetic studies on PFOS in domestic livestock raised for human food consumption, which are critical for assessing human food safety. This work aimed to develop a simple daily accumulation model (DAM) for predicting PFOS residues in edible beef cattle muscle. A one-compartment toxicokinetic model in a spreadsheet format was developed using simple calculations to account for daily PFAS into and out of the animal. The DAM was used to simulate two case studies to predict resultant PFOS residues in edible beef cattle tissues. The results demonstrated that the model can reasonably predict PFOS concentrations in beef cattle muscle in a real-world scenario. The DAM was then used to simulate dietary PFOS exposure in beef cattle throughout a typical lifespan in order to derive a generic bioaccumulation factor. The DAM is expected to work well for other PFAS in beef cattle, PFAS in other livestock species raised for meat, and other chemical contaminants with relatively long half-lives. Full article

This study investigated the immunonutritional potential of high-molecular-weight (Mw~85 kDa), non-degraded chitosan (NCS) and gamma-radiation-degraded, low-molecular-weight chitosan (RCS) incorporated into aquafeeds for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). RCS was produced by γ-irradiation (10 kGy) in the presence of 0.25% (w/v) H₂O₂, yielding low-viscosity, colloidally stable nanoparticles with Mw ranging from 10 to 13 kDa. Five diets were formulated: a control, NCS at 0.50%, and RCS at 0.025%, 0.050%, and 0.075%. No adverse effects on growth were observed, confirming safety. Immune gene expression (e.g., ifng1, nfκb, tnf), antioxidant markers (e.g., reduced MDA, increased GSH and GR), and nonspecific humoral responses (lysozyme, IgM, and bactericidal activity) were significantly enhanced in the NCS-0.50, RCS-0.050, and RCS-0.075 groups. Notably, these benefits were achieved with RCS at 10-fold lower concentrations than NCS. Following challenge with Edwardsiella tarda, fish fed RCS-0.050 and RCS-0.075 diets exhibited the highest survival rates and relative percent survival, highlighting robust activation of innate and adaptive immunity alongside redox defense. These results support the use of low-Mw RCS as a biologically potent, cost-effective alternative to traditional high-Mw chitosan in functional aquafeeds. RCS-0.050 and RCS-0.075 show strong potential as immunonutritional agents to enhance fish health and disease resistance in aquaculture. Full article

Hypertension is an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. High salt intake when consumed with excess fructose enhances hypertension and resultant cardiovascular disease. Usually, the small intestine absorbs dietary fructose, and the proximal tubule of kidney reabsorbs filtered fructose into the circulation with the help of different transporters including SGLT4 and SGLT5. Very recently, SGLT5 mRNA has also been found to be expressed in the heart. High-fructose diet stimulates the sympathetic nervous system and renin–angiotensin–aldosterone (RAAS) activity, of which both are responsible for endothelial dysfunction and are associated with salt-sensitive hypertension. Few studies exist regarding the effects of SGLT4 and SGLT5 on cardiovascular function and blood pressure. However, SGLT4 gene knockout does not alter fructose-associated impact on blood pressure. In contrast, blood pressure does not increase in SGLT5 knockout rats even during fructose consumption. Given that limiting fructose and salt consumption as a public health strategy has proven challenging, we hope that studies into SGLT4 and SGLT5 transporters will open new research initiatives to address salt-sensitive hypertension and cardiovascular disease. This review highlights current information about SGLT4 and SGLT5 on fructose absorption, salt-sensitive hypertension, cardiovascular disease and points the way for the development of therapeutic fructose inhibitors that limit adverse effects. Full article

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a gut–brain axis chronic disorder, characterized by recurrent abdominal pain and altered bowel habits in the absence of organic pathology. Nutrition plays a central role in symptom management, yet no single dietary strategy has demonstrated universal effectiveness. This narrative review critically evaluates current nutritional approaches to IBS. The low-Fermentable Oligo-, Di-, Mono-saccharides and Polyols (FODMAP) diet is the most extensively studied and provides short-term symptom relief, but its long-term effects on microbiota diversity remain concerning. The Mediterranean diet, due to its anti-inflammatory and prebiotic properties, offers a sustainable, microbiota-friendly option; however, it has specific limitations in the context of IBS, particularly due to the adverse effects of certain FODMAP-rich foods. A gluten-free diet may benefit individuals with suspected non-celiac gluten sensitivity, although improvements are often attributed to fructan restriction and placebo and nocebo effects. Lactose-free diets are effective in patients with documented lactose intolerance, while a high-soluble-fiber diet is beneficial for constipation-predominant IBS. IgG-based elimination diets are emerging but remain controversial and require further validation. In this review, we present the 10 dietary commandments for IBS, pragmatic and easily retained recommendations. It advocates a personalized, flexible, and multidisciplinary management approach, avoiding rigidity and standardized protocols, with the aim of optimizing adherence, symptom mitigation, and health-related quality of life. Future research should aim to evaluate, in real-world clinical settings, the impact and applicability of the 10 dietary commandments for IBS in terms of symptom improvement and quality of life Full article

Background/Objectives: Latinos, particularly those of Mexican ancestry, experience high rates of type 2 diabetes and sleep disturbances, exacerbating adverse health outcomes. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of excessive daytime sleepiness and its associations with diet, cardiometabolic risk factors, and glycemic control in this population. Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized data from the El Banco por Salud biobank, including 1685 participants (aged 52.6 ± 14.5 years, BMI: 32.4 ± 7.0 kg/m²) recruited from Federally Qualified Community Health Centers. Excessive daytime sleepiness was assessed using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, while dietary information was obtained via the Brief Dietary Assessment Tool for Hispanics. Primary outcomes included cardiometabolic risk factors and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. Results: Excessive daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale > 10) was present in 22.0% of participants and was associated with higher BMI (p < 0.001), larger waist circumference (p = 0.002), poorer diet quality, increased dyslipidemia (p = 0.036), and elevated HbA1c (p = 0.007). Linear regression analyses confirmed that excessive daytime sleepiness was significantly associated with higher HbA1c levels, both in unadjusted (R² = 0.011; p < 0.001) and adjusted for demographic, anthropometric, and socioeconomic factors (R² = 0.107; p = 0.004) models. Conclusions: Excessive daytime sleepiness among Latinos of Mexican ancestry is associated with unhealthy dietary patterns and poor glycemic control, highlighting the need for targeted interventions addressing sleep and dietary habits in this vulnerable population. Full article

Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) are formed by the non-enzymatic glycation of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids due to the consumption of high-carbohydrate diets; their production is also promoted by a sedentary lifestyle as well as cigarette smoking. Elevated levels of AGEs in the circulatory system and internal organs of the body are commonly observed in a number of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, aortic aneurysm, atrial fibrillation, myocardial infarction, and heart failure, which are associated with the development of oxidative stress and myocardial inflammation. The adverse effects of AGEs on the cardiovascular system are elicited by both non-receptor mechanisms involving the cross-linking of extracellular and intracellular proteins, and by receptor-mediated mechanisms involving the binding of AGEs with advanced glycation end-product receptors (RAGEs) on the cell membrane. AGE–RAGE interactions along with the cross-linking of proteins promote the generation of oxidative stress, the production of inflammation, the occurrence of intracellular Ca²⁺-overload, and alterations in the extracellular matrix leading to the development of cardiovascular dysfunction. AGEs also bind with two other protein receptors in the circulatory system: soluble RAGEs (sRAGEs) are released upon the proteolysis of RAGEs due to the activation of matrix metalloproteinase, and endogenous secretory RAGEs (esRAGEs) are secreted as a spliced variant of endogenous RAGEs. While the AGE–RAGE signal transduction axis serves as a pathogenic mechanism, both sRAGEs and esRAGEs serve as cytoprotective interventions. The serum levels of sRAGEs are decreased in ischemic heart disease, vascular disease, and heart failure, as well as in other cardiovascular diseases, but are increased in chronic diabetes and renal disease. Several interventions which can reduce the formation of AGEs, block the AGE–RAGE axis, or increase the levels of circulating sRAGEs have been shown to exert beneficial effects in diverse cardiovascular diseases. These observations support the view that the AGE–RAGE axis not only plays a critical role in pathogenesis, but is also an excellent target for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Full article

The “That Girl” self-optimization trend on TikTok, promoting beauty and productivity, had over 17.4 billion views by August 2024. “That Girl” video clips showcase perfectly organized daily routines, fitness activities, and healthy eating—allegedly to inspire other users to aspire to similar flawlessness. Based on social comparison theory, the “That Girl” archetype serves as an upward comparison target. We expected detrimental effects of viewing “That Girl” content on young women in terms of positive and negative affect and body satisfaction. Expanding other research in this area, possible effects on self-discipline and dieting intentions were explored. Focusing on immediate intraindividual changes, a preregistered two-group online experiment using a pre–post measurement design was conducted. Female participants (N = 76) watched four minutes of either 16 video clips showing “That Girl” content or nature videos (control condition). Mixed ANOVAs provided evidence of a significant adverse influence of watching “That Girl” videos on female recipients regarding all dependent variables with medium or large effect sizes. Post-hoc analyses revealed that these effects were driven by participants who reported upward comparisons to “That Girls”. Based on these results, the positive impact on self-improvement—as proclaimed by contributors of the “That Girl” trend—is critically questioned. Full article

Retinal degeneration is associated with dietary factors and environmental light exposure. This study investigated the effects of a high-fructose high-fat (HFHF) diet on susceptibility to blue light (BL)-induced retinal damage. Male ICR mice were randomized into three groups: control, BL alone, and BL plus HFHF diet (BL + HFHF). The BL + HFHF group consumed the HFHF diet for 40 weeks, followed by 8 weeks of low-intensity BL exposure (465 nm, 37.7 lux, 0.8 μW/cm²) for 6 h daily. The BL group underwent the same BL exposure while kept on a standard diet. Histopathological analysis showed that, under BL exposure, the HFHF diet significantly reduced the number of photoreceptor nuclei and the thickness of the outer nuclear layer and inner/outer segments compared to the BL group (p < 0.05). While BL exposure alone caused oxidative DNA damage, rhodopsin loss, and Müller cell activation, the combination with an HFHF diet significantly amplified the oxidative DNA damage and Müller cell activation. Moreover, the HFHF diet increased blood–retinal barrier permeability and triggered apoptosis under BL exposure. Mechanistically, the BL + HFHF group exhibited increased retinal advanced glycated end product (AGE) deposition, accompanied by the activation of the receptor for AGE (RAGE), NFκB, and the NLRP3 inflammasome-dependent IL-1β pathway. In conclusion, this study underscores that unhealthy dietary factors, particularly those high in fructose and fat, may intensify the hazard of BL and adversely impact visual health. Full article

Background/Objectives: An increasing number of apparently healthy individuals are adhering to a gluten-free lifestyle without any underlying medical indications, although the evidence for the health benefits in these individuals remains unclear. Although it has already been shown that a low- or gluten-free diet alters the gut microbiota, few studies have examined the effects of this diet on healthy subjects. Therefore, our aim was to evaluate whether and how a prolonged low-gluten diet impacts gut microbiota composition and function in healthy adults, bearing in mind its intimate link to the host’s health. Methods: Forty healthy volunteers habitually consuming a gluten-containing diet (HGD, high-gluten diet) were included in a randomised control trial consisting of two successive 8-week dietary intervention periods on a low-gluten diet (LGD). After each 8-week period, gut microbiota composition was assessed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, molecular quantification by qPCR, and a cultural approach, while its metabolic capacity was evaluated through measuring faecal fermentative metabolites by ¹H NMR. Results: A prolonged period of LGD for 16 weeks reduced gut microbiota richness and decreased the relative abundance of bacterial species with previously reported potential health benefits such as Akkermansia muciniphila and Bifidobacterium sp. A decrease in certain plant cell wall polysaccharide-degrading species was also observed. While there was no major modification affecting the main short-chain fatty acid profiles, the concentration of the intermediate metabolite, ethanol, was increased in faecal samples. Conclusions: A 16-week LGD significantly altered both composition and metabolic production of the gut microbiota in healthy individuals, towards a more dysbiotic profile previously linked to adverse effects on the host’s health. Therefore, the evaluation of longer-term LDG would consolidate these results and enable a more in-depth examination of its impact on the host’s physiology, immunity, and metabolism. Full article

Background: Prematurely born newborns with low birth weight constitute a group of patients who require special care from the first days of life. Prematurity and low birth weight affect about 13.4 million infants. Risk factors include placental disorders but also factors related to the mother, such as smoking, alcohol drinking, drug use, malnutrition, or certain diseases. It is imperative to educate women of reproductive age (15–49) about the basic factors influencing embryonic development, such as oral health, diet, medicine intake, and harmful habits. Even though most women are aware of the negative impact of harmful habits on the fetus, still too little attention is paid to oral health in pregnant women. Poor oral health may influence the well-being of the future mother, as well as of the child. Therefore, women of reproductive age and those who are pregnant must have adequate knowledge on this subject. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of Polish women of reproductive age (15–49) regarding oral health during pregnancy, including the impact of dental treatment, oral hygiene, and maternal oral conditions on pregnancy outcomes and the health of the newborn. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 508 women, in the reproductive age, whose age ranged from 18 to 49 years old. The surveys were conducted from April 2020 to November 2020. The questionnaire was originally developed based on the available literature and consisted of seven sections: basic information, general health and habits, pregnancy status and dental care, knowledge of treatment options during pregnancy, oral health status and its association with the risk of preterm birth, prematurity and the child’s oral health, and breastfeeding and oral development. Results: After excluding incomplete questionnaires, a total of 499 questionnaires were included in the analysis. Women participating in the study had a fairly good understanding of the impact of oral health on the fetus and the role of breastfeeding in the development of the stomatognathic system (from 50% to 70% correct answers). However, even though most respondents had completed higher education (344/68.94%), their knowledge of oral health, preterm birth, and low birth weight was very limited (including the impact of inflammation on the intrauterine development of the child or bacteria and transfer across the placenta). In these sections, the percentage of correct answers ranged from less than 20% to 50%. When analyzing knowledge by age, education, number of births, and place of residence, the highest levels of knowledge were observed among respondents with higher education, particularly those aged 27–32. Conclusions: Respondents had a fairly good understanding of the general impact of oral health during pregnancy and recognition of the importance of breastfeeding for infants. However, their knowledge about the impact of bacteria and inflammation in the mother’s oral cavity on prematurity and low birth weight was limited. Therefore, educating women of reproductive age and pregnant women on this topic is essential, as it may help reduce the adverse consequences of prematurity. Full article

Cyclopes, the smallest of all known anteaters, has an insectivorous diet and is arboreal, rarely descending to the ground. There are scarce reports on diseases and pathogenic agents affecting this taxon. Hemopathogens are pathogenic agents that inhabit the blood of various vertebrate species. Protozoa such as Trypanosoma spp., Leishmania spp., Hepatozoon spp., and members of the order Piroplasmida, as well as hemoplasmas and Rickettsial bacteria of the genera Anaplasma and Ehrlichia, are among the most important in this group. The transmission of these pathogens generally occurs through arthropod vectors, which act as intermediate hosts. In addition, infections caused by hemopathogens can have adverse effects on host health, contributing to population declines in susceptible species. This study investigated infection by protozoa and hemotropic bacteria in blood samples from free-ranging silky anteaters from Brazil, Peru, and Colombia using molecular detection methods. Sixteen samples were obtained during expeditions conducted in these countries. DNA was extracted from blood samples, and PCR assays were performed to detect parasites from the order Piroplasmida, Hepatozoon spp., trypanosomatid agents including Leishmania spp., Trypanosoma evansi, T. cruzi, and T. vivax, as well as hemotropic bacteria of the genera Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, and Mycoplasma sp. Nucleotide sequencing was performed on positive samples. Of the total samples analyzed, 62.5% (10/16) tested positive for hemotropic Mycoplasma, 50% (8/16) for T. evansi, and 6.2% (1/16) for T. cruzi. There is a significant gap in knowledge regarding the diversity of hemopathogens affecting the genus Cyclopes, and future studies are needed to understand how these infections may impact the health of individuals. Full article

Cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality across the globe, with a substantial increase in cases anticipated over the next few decades. Given the constraints and adverse effects associated with standard cancer therapies, the contribution of diet and nutraceuticals to cancer prevention and treatment is receiving increased scrutiny. A diet rich in plant-based foods, extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), and bioactive compounds, including the Mediterranean Diet, has been associated with reduced cancer risk and improved treatment outcomes. This review aims to explore the complex mechanisms of the MedDiet and nutraceuticals (polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenoids) in cancer prevention, to determine their potential as cancer treatment adjuvants. Promising results show that key compounds such as bergamot polyphenolic fraction (BPF), cynaropicrin, oleuropein, quercetin, resveratrol, and serotonin can modulate oxidative stress, inflammation, the tumor microenvironment, the cell cycle, and drug resistance. A significant observation is that many of these substances demonstrate dual dose-dependent activity; they function as antioxidants in healthy cells but induce pro-oxidant and pro-apoptotic effects in cancerous cells. Their ability to boost chemotherapy’s effectiveness and safety while lessening side effects and offering combined advantages is also explored. To summarize, this review suggests that the Mediterranean Diet and nutraceutical supplements may help prevent and manage cancer, but more research is needed to confirm their benefits. Full article

Background/Objectives: Although there is an increasing interest among athletes in adopting plant-based diets, there is insufficient research available to determine how a vegan diet affects soccer performance. Methods: This interventional pilot study examined the effect of an 8-week vegan diet (VEG, n = 10) on nutritional status and athletic performance in semi-professional soccer players compared to controls (CON, n = 8). The study employed a controlled, non-randomized, longitudinal pilot study design during the season to compare the two groups. Results: Both groups displayed overall differences in nutrient intake, including insufficient energy and carbohydrates (t2: 46.2 [40.3–52.2] En% (VEG) vs. 37.6 [34.1–41.1] En% (CON); p = 0.036, Cohen’s d = 1.321). Notably, biochemical parameters 25(OH)D and ferritin levels fell within the normal ranges for both groups. The VEG group exhibited favorable changes in total and LDL cholesterol levels. Both groups had increased performances on the treadmill over the entire course of the study (VEG: +0.87 km/h (6.6%); CON: +0.96 km/h (7%); p > 0.05). The initial relative VO_2max at t0 was comparable between the groups. Primarily due to the significant weight loss in the VEG group (−1.94 kg, p = 0.007) rather than a change in absolute VO_2max values, we found an increased relative VO_2max in the VEG group, which was significantly different from that of the CON group (57.0 [53.7–60.3] mL/kg/min (VEG) vs. 51.6 [48.1–55.0] mL/kg/min (CON); p = 0.041, Cohen’s d = 1.675). Conclusions: These findings suggest that a short-term vegan diet does not adversely affect training-induced performance improvements and may be suitable for semi-professional soccer players. Full article