Search Results (514)

Serum creatinine (sCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) reflect glomerular filtration only and are subject to non-renal confounders including lean body mass, limiting early detection of renal dysfunction in geriatric dogs. We evaluated serum cystatin C (sCysC) and the urinary N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase-to-creatinine ratio (NAG index) as early renal markers in healthy geriatric dogs. Sixty-one neutered geriatric dogs, free of clinical disease and of extrarenal laboratory abnormalities, were stratified into three groups: controls (n = 36), subclinical (normal sCr, ≥1 elevated biomarker; n = 17) and azotaemic chronic kidney disease (CKD; sCr > 1.5 mg/dL; n = 8). sCysC was measured by a canine-specific ELISA and the NAG index by colorimetric assay. Of the 61 dogs, 17 (27.9%) had at least one elevated biomarker with normal sCr, and all 17 also had normal BUN, indicating pre-azotaemic changes identified predominantly by sCysC. The NAG index was elevated in 6/17 (35.3%) subclinical dogs and SDMA in none (0/17). Because sCysC status partly informed group allocation and no independent measure of glomerular filtration rate was obtained, these findings characterise an altered renal biochemical phenotype rather than establish diagnostic accuracy, and require prospective validation. Full article

Background: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy present a major global health challenge. Green nanotechnology offers a strategy to enhance the stability and efficacy of bioactive natural products. This study evaluated gold nanoparticles green-synthesized with Pfaffia glomerata extract (AuNPs-PG) against gestational hypertension and fetal complications in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Methods: P. glomerata root extract was characterized by UHPLC-MS/MS. AuNPs-PG were green-synthesized with 2 mmol/L HAuCl₄ (1:5 v/v) at 40 °C and characterized by UV-Vis and DLS. Pregnant Wistar-Kyoto and SHRs were divided into naive, negative control (NC), amlodipine (5 mg/kg), and AuNPs-PG groups (0.03, 0.1, and 0.3 mg/kg) treated daily on gestational days 1–18 to evaluate maternal cardiovascular, renal, biochemical, and reproductive outcomes. Results: UHPLC-MS/MS identified 38 compounds. AuNPs-PG showed a plasmon band at 520–550 nm and 88.1 nm hydrodynamic diameter. In SHRs, 0.3 mg/kg AuNPs-PG reduced systolic blood pressure by 18.5% and mean arterial pressure by 15.4%, while mitigating vascular dysfunction by lowering phenylephrine vasoconstriction by 52.7% and boosting acetylcholine vasodilation by 239.3%. Treatment shortened QTc interval by 26.4%, normalized T-wave inversion, and restored renal excretion, increasing urinary volume by 75.0% and sodium by 94.2%. Furthermore, AuNPs-PG elevated placental growth factor by 180.9%, lowered malondialdehyde by 63.5%, and preserved placental histology. Consequently, mean fetal weight increased by 21.6%, implantation index by 50.5%, and offspring-to-mother ratio by 129.6%. Conclusions: AuNPs-PG (0.3 mg/kg) effectively mitigate maternal and fetal complications in gestational hypertension. Gold nanoparticles serve as nanocarriers, whereas surface-adsorbed phytochemicals drive the biological effects. Full article

Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) seed oil (PSO) is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids and bioactive compounds, but evidence regarding its biological effects in small ruminants remains limited. This study evaluated the effects of oral PSO supplementation in 45 clinically healthy weaned male Pırlak lambs with a mean initial age of 119.64 ± 35.25 days and a mean initial body weight of 37.55 ± 9.77 kg, allocated to three groups: control (n = 9), 0.5 mL/kg PSO (n = 18), and 1 mL/kg PSO (n = 18). PSO was administered orally once daily for 45 days. Body weight was measured, and blood samples were collected on days 0, 15, 30, and 45. Serum growth hormone, immunoglobulin G (IgG), oxidative status, and selected biochemical parameters were evaluated. PSO supplementation did not significantly affect body weight gain or serum growth hormone concentrations. Total oxidant status was lower in both PSO groups than in the control group on day 30, whereas the oxidative stress index was lower in the 1 mL/kg group than in the control group on day 45. Serum IgG concentrations were higher in the PSO groups throughout the study, although between-group differences were already present at baseline. Serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) concentrations increased over time, particularly in the 1 mL/kg group, whereas low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) concentrations remained unchanged. Serum glucose concentrations decreased over time and were lower on day 45 than at baseline. No consistent dose-dependent adverse changes were observed in liver or kidney function indicators. Oral PSO supplementation did not improve growth performance but was associated with selective changes in oxidative balance and lipid metabolism without evident hepatic or renal adverse effects. Longer-term studies are required to confirm these effects and clarify their biological significance. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the hormonal, hematologic, and biochemical outcomes of a conservative protocol for androgen therapy for transgender males. Methods: This was an observational, prospective, and comparative study conducted in the gender identity clinic of a tertiary university hospital. Testosterone therapy consisted of testosterone cypionate administered intramuscularly every month at an initial dosage of 25 mg/month, which was increased to 50 mg/month at month 3, 100 mg/month at month 6, and 250 mg/month at month 9. Assessments consisted of a complete blood count, biochemical tests, urine analysis, and hormonal tests. We also administered the Transgender Congruence Scale (TCS) post hoc. Results: We recruited 40 transgender males with a mean (SD) age of 22.5 (8.4) years. Only changes in the hematocrit were statistically significant as early as month 9. There were no significant changes in the biochemical parameters related to cardiovascular risk, including serum lipids, over time. There was a significant increase in total, free, and bioavailable testosterone, while SHBG levels significantly decreased; the free androgen index, urine androstanediol glucuronide, androstenedione, and prostate-specific antigen as a marker of androgenization also significantly increased over time. Among the 20 evaluable individuals, 14 (70%) scored ≥4 on the appearance congruence subscale, and 16 (80%) scored ≥4 on the gender identity subscale of the TCS. Conclusions: Our results suggest that this conservative treatment paradigm with testosterone is associated with a reduced adverse impact on hematocrit and lipids but is sufficient to achieve the gender congruence and identity acceptance desired by transgender males. Full article

Introduction: Lifestyle interventions are a fundamental component of type 2 diabetes mellitus management; however, evidence from real-world clinical settings regarding multicomponent interventions that simultaneously evaluate behavioral, metabolic, and anthropometric outcomes remains limited. Objective: To evaluate the effect of a multicomponent lifestyle intervention program on dietary habits, biochemical parameters, physical activity, and anthropometric indicators in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Peruvian Amazon. Methods: A quasi-experimental study with a non-randomized control group and pre–post assessments was conducted among 144 adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (72 in the intervention group and 72 in the control group) receiving care at a hospital in the Peruvian Amazon. The three-month intervention included nutrition education sessions, practical workshops, group-based physical activity sessions involving traditional dance and Zumba, home visits, and follow-up through telephone calls and WhatsApp. Dietary habits, fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid profile, physical activity (PA), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were assessed. Intervention effects were estimated using linear mixed-effects regression models adjusted for age, sex, and disease duration. Results: Compared with the control group, participants receiving the intervention experienced greater improvements in dietary habits (β = 17.85; 95% CI: 16.80 to 18.89; p < 0.001), together with greater reductions in FBG (β = −84.23 mg/dL; 95% CI: −100.45 to −68.01; p < 0.001) and HbA1c (β = −2.32 percentage points; 95% CI: −2.74 to −1.90; p < 0.001). Greater reductions were also observed in triglycerides (β = −53.68 mg/dL), total cholesterol (β = −31.73 mg/dL), BMI (β = −1.67 kg/m²), WC (β = −5.31 cm), and WHtR (β = −0.034) (all p < file0.001). PA increased to a greater extent among participants receiving the intervention (β = 3015.40 MET-min/week; 95% CI: 2769.81 to 3260.99; p < 0.001), whereas no significant between-group difference in change was observed for serum creatinine (p = 0.075). Conclusions: Participation in a three-month multicomponent lifestyle intervention was associated with greater improvements in dietary habits, physical activity, glycemic control, lipid profile, and anthropometric indicators compared with usual care among adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Peruvian Amazon. Full article

Background: Vaspin (SERPINA12) is an adipokine implicated in the regulation of insulin sensitivity and metabolic homeostasis. Evidence regarding its association with obesity-related metabolic disturbances remains inconsistent, and potential sex-specific differences are not fully understood. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 81 adults aged 30–60 years (38 women and 43 men), divided into a metabolic syndrome group (MS+) and a control group (MS−). Anthropometric, biochemical, total antioxidant status and blood pressure parameters were assessed, and insulin resistance was estimated using the HOMA-IR index. Results: In MS+ men, serum vaspin concentrations were higher than in MS− men (p = 0.004) and were associated with BMI, waist circumference, body fat percentage, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, and diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.05 for all). In multivariable regression analysis (adjusted for age), insulin levels, lean body mass, and diastolic blood pressure explained up to 15.2% of the variability in serum vaspin concentrations in men (p = 0.035), whereas no significant model was observed in women. ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curve analysis demonstrated better discriminative performance of serum vaspin for identifying metabolic syndrome in men than in women (AUC: 0.784 ± 0.094 vs. 0.416 ± 0.115, respectively; p = 0.013). Conclusions: Circulating vaspin concentrations are more strongly associated with metabolic disturbances in men than in women These findings suggest that sex-specific regulation of vaspin may contribute to differences in metabolic dysfunction associated with visceral obesity. Overall, these results indicate that vaspin may reflect visceral obesity-related metabolic dysfunction rather than general adiposity. Further studies are needed to clarify the mechanistic role of vaspin and to determine whether it has potential as a biomarker of metabolic dysfunction. Full article

Objective: To investigate the effects of parathyroidectomy (PTX) on muscle mass, muscle strength, and motor function at different postoperative stages in uremic patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). Methods: A total of 47 uremic patients with SHPT who underwent PTX were enrolled in this study. General clinical data, including age and blood biochemical parameters, were collected. Pre- and postoperative measurements of lean body mass, the appendicular skeletal muscle index (ASMI), skinfold thickness, grip strength, and 6-m walk time were recorded. Patients were divided into three groups—short-term, mid-term, and long-term—based on the timing of postoperative follow-up, and the patterns of change in muscle mass, strength, and function at different time points following PTX were analyzed. Results: In the short-term postoperative period, patients’ grip strength increased significantly, and their 6-m walk time decreased significantly (p < 0.05), whilst lean body mass, the ASMI and skinfold thickness showed no significant changes compared with preoperative levels (p > 0.05). In the mid-term postoperative period, lean body mass, the ASMI and grip strength all increased significantly, whilst the 6-m walk time decreased significantly (p < 0.05); there was no significant change in skinfold thickness (p > 0.05). In the long-term postoperative period, skinfold thickness and grip strength increased significantly, and the 6-m walk time was significantly reduced (p < 0.05), whilst lean body mass and the ASMI showed no statistically significant difference compared to preoperative levels (p > 0.05). Conclusions: PTX can effectively improve muscle strength and lower limb motor function in uremic patients with SHPT, and these improvements persist during long-term postoperative follow-up; improvements in muscle mass-related indicators exhibit a phased pattern, with significant increases observed in the mid-postoperative period, suggesting that the improvement in muscle mass following PTX is subject to a certain time-dependent effect. Full article

Background/Objectives: Diet is recognized as an important determinant of cardiometabolic health, yet evidence from Middle Eastern populations remains scarce. This cross-sectional study investigated the association between a Prudent dietary pattern and multiple indicators of obesity, type-2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease in a metabolically healthy Qatari cohort. Methods: Data were obtained from 6919 Qatari adults from the Qatar Biobank study. Participants with diagnosed metabolic disorders, pregnancy, or non-fasting blood samples were excluded. Anthropometric, biochemical, and clinical measurements were collected using standardized protocols. Dietary intake was assessed using a 102-item food frequency questionnaire, and a Prudent dietary pattern was derived through factor loadings analysis. Participants were categorized into low and high intake groups of the Prudent dietary pattern. Associations between the Prudent dietary pattern and cardiometabolic markers were examined using generalized linear models adjusted for age, sex, adiposity, and physical activity with Bonferroni correction applied for multiple testing. Results: After correction for multiple testing, greater adherence to the Prudent dietary pattern was significantly associated with lower fat mass index (β = −0.02, p = 0.0001), fasting insulin (β = −0.05, p = 0.0021), and higher fat-free mass (β = 0.01, p = 5.7 × 10⁻⁵). Conclusions: Overall, in a metabolically healthy Qatari population, greater compliance to a Prudent dietary pattern was favorably associated with fat and muscle mass, and insulin regulation after adjusting for age, sex, BMI and physical activity. These findings support the role of dietary habits in greater cardiometabolic health in Middle Eastern Arab populations. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of Fibrafid, a plant-based functional feed additive, on growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, and intestinal histomorphometry of broilers fed standard or moderately nutrient-reduced diets. A total of 432 one-day-old Ross 308 chicks (initial body weight, 44.9 ± 0.30 g) were randomly allocated to a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement comprising two dietary nutrient densities (standard or diets with 1.5% lower metabolizable energy and 5% lower digestible amino acid density) and three Fibrafid inclusion levels (0, 1.5, or 2.5 kg/ton). Each treatment comprised six replicates of 12 birds (six males and six females) and was evaluated from day 1 to 24. Dietary nutrient reduction affected growth performance and breast meat quality pH and ultimate lightness values, whereas Fibrafid supplementation, particularly at 2.5 kg/ton, improved overall gain by 5.3%, grower-phase feed conversion ratio by 4.0%, EPEF by 8.08%, relative thymus weight by 64.8%, while reducing abdominal fat deposition by 27.1% relative to the unsupplemented control (p < 0.05). Several breast meat quality traits were also improved, including greater water-holding capacity and myofibril fragmentation index and lower drip and cooking losses (p < 0.05). Jejunal morphology was enhanced, as indicated by increased villus dimensions and goblet cell density (p < 0.05). Significant Diet × Fibrafid interactions were observed for grower performance, EPEF, overall feed intake, and several intestinal morphological variables (p < 0.05). In conclusion, Fibrafid supplementation, particularly at 2.5 kg/ton, was associated with improved growth performance, EPEF, selected carcass and breast meat quality traits, and jejunal morphology during the first 24 days of age. These findings suggest that Fibrafid may be a promising natural feed additive for broiler diets formulated at standard or moderately reduced nutrient densities. However, further studies extending to market age and evaluating nutrient digestibility, intestinal microbiota, blood biochemical indices, and economic returns are warranted to clarify its mechanisms and practical value under commercial production conditions. Full article

The present study was designed to evaluate the structural and biochemical efficacy of Omega-3 fatty acids in preventing renal injury in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic kidney injury and to correlate systemic oxidative stress parameters with histological and ultrastructural parameters. Twenty-eight male Wistar Albino rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 7) as follows: Control, Omega-3 (500 mg/kg, orally), Diabetes Mellitus (DM; 50 mg/kg STZ, i.p.), and DM+Omega-3 (STZ, followed by 500 mg/kg Omega-3 for 42 days). Biochemical analysis of renal function (blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine) and oxidative status (malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSI)) was measured by ELISA. Histopathological scoring and Caspase-3 staining were performed by Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) and immunohistochemically, respectively. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) was used to examine the renal tissues. Our results showed that the DM group presented with severe hyperglycemia, uremia, and a significant oxidative shift, as evidenced by increased MDA/TOS levels and depleted antioxidant defenses. Light microscopy showed extensive glomerular damage, tubular degeneration and inflammatory infiltration in the kidneys of diabetic rats. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed strong Caspase-3 expression in the tubular and glomerular compartments. TEM showed severe podocyte effacement and damage to the glomerular basement membrane (GBM). Notably, Omega-3 supplementation significantly reversed renal dysfunction, restored the pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance and reduced histopathological injury scores. Moreover, Omega-3 treatment efficiently blocked Caspase-3-mediated apoptotic signaling and preserved the ultrastructural integrity of the glomerular filtration barrier (GFB) and tubular mitochondria. Our results demonstrate the potent nephroprotective effects of Omega-3 fatty acids in reducing oxidative stress, preventing programmed cell death and maintaining the stability of the renal parenchyma’s microarchitecture. These findings suggest that Omega-3 fatty acids could be an effective adjuvant therapeutic agent for the management of diabetic nephropathy. Full article

Background: Celiac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated enteropathy associated with extra-intestinal manifestations. Sleep disorders may be frequent in CD patients. We aimed to investigate the quality of sleep in CD patients and to assess its relationship with clinical and biochemical parameters. Methods: We included patients with a proven diagnosis of CD under a gluten free diet at least twelve months prior to enrolment. All the participants completed the Sleep Scale from the Medical Outcomes Study (MOS sleep scale) and the Sleep Problems Index II was calculated. A high SLP9 score indicated a bad quality of sleep and values >20 revealed sleep disturbance. Moreover, blood samples were collected and demographic and clinical data were recorded from each subject. Linear logistic regression was used for uni- and multivariate analyses; the b coefficient and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Results: We enrolled 53 patients, with the mean age being 42.75 ± 11.19 and 84.9% being females. The average hours of sleep per night were 6.47 ± 1.11. The mean SLP9 was 37.44 ± 20.65. Forty patients (75.5%) showed sleep disturbance, and 81.1% of patients had vitamin D insufficiency. According to univariate analysis, high SLP9 values (worse sleep) were inversely related to the number of sleep hours (b = −0.38, 95%CI: −11.8 to −2.2, p = 0.005) and to vitamin D levels (b = −0.57, 95%CI: −2.7 to −0.46, p = 0.009). In multivariate analysis only serum levels of vitamin D were inversely related to SLP9 (b = −0.47, 95%CI −12.8 to −0.43, p = 0.05). Conclusions: Low serum levels of vitamin D are independently associated with poor sleep quality in celiac patients. These findings need to be confirmed in future experimental and clinical studies. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of dietary sea buckthorn flavonoid (SF) supplementation on growth performance, serum biochemical, antioxidant, and immune indices, rumen fermentation, and ruminal bacterial composition in Hu sheep fed a high-concentrate diet. Thirty 6-month-old fattening Hu sheep were randomly assigned to a high-concentrate control diet (HC) or the same diet supplemented with 0.30% SF (HT; n = 15 per group) for 45 days. Compared with the HC group, SF supplementation increased average daily gain (p = 0.04) and reduced the feed conversion ratio (p = 0.01) without affecting average daily feed intake. Serum total protein, alanine aminotransferase, total antioxidant capacity, IgA, IgG, IL-2, IL-8, and IL-1β were increased in the HT group (p ≤ 0.05). Ruminal acetate and valerate concentrations increased (p = 0.01 and p = 0.03, respectively), and total volatile fatty acid concentration showed an increasing tendency (p = 0.06), whereas rumen pH was unaffected. The relative abundances of Succiniclasticum and Acidaminococcus increased in the HT group (p < 0.05), indicating modulation of specific ruminal bacterial taxa. In conclusion, supplementation with 0.30% SF improved growth efficiency, antioxidant status, selected immune indices, and specific rumen fermentation and bacterial responses in Hu sheep fed a high-concentrate diet. However, the isolated increase in serum alanine aminotransferase may indicate hepatic metabolic adaptation or mild liver stress. Dose–response and time-course studies incorporating liver-specific biomarkers and histopathological evaluation are required to clarify the hepatic safety of sea buckthorn flavonoid supplementation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is an increasingly prevalent disease closely linked to dietary habits and body composition, particularly reflected in lean mass and markers such as appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM). Low ASM can subsequently trigger metabolic abnormalities such as metabolic syndrome (MetS). This study aimed to evaluate the relationships between the diet quality index, ASM, and MetS in individuals with MASLD from the Yucatan Peninsula. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in subjects with a MASLD diagnosis. Diet quality index, anthropometric and biochemical parameters were evaluated. Body composition analysis was utilized to estimate ASM. Correlations between ASM and anthropometric/biochemical parameters were analyzed. Furthermore, comparative analyses were performed between groups stratified by the presence of MetS and low ASM. Results: Fifty subjects were included in the study. Participants exhibited a significantly low diet quality index (57.6 ± 9.78 vs. 100, p < 0.001), alongside a high prevalence of both low ASM and MetS. ASM was positively correlated with BW, WC, and protein mass (p < 0.001), as well as with creatinine and ALT (p < 0.05), and negatively correlated with body fat percentage and TG (p < 0.05). Subjects with low ASM showed significant differences in BW, waist circumference, protein mass, and energy intake compared to those with normal ASM (p < 0.05). Individuals with MetS had higher glucose and blood pressure compared to non-MetS (p < 0.05). Additionally, among patients with MASLD and MetS, those with low ASM exhibited higher glucose and systolic blood pressure compared to those with normal ASM (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that adults with MASLD from the Yucatan Peninsula exhibited suboptimal diet quality according to the DQI-I, with a high prevalence of low ASM and MetS. These findings highlight the potential role of the muscle–liver axis in metabolic dysfunction in MASLD. Full article

Background: The adverse cardiometabolic outcomes that have been associated with early menopause include obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome. Other studies have also linked metabolic dysfunction with vitamin D deficiency. However, the independent association of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations with metabolic syndrome and type of menopause is unclear. Thus, the present study was designed to assess the association between vitamin D status and metabolic syndrome in women with early menopause compared with those with natural menopause. Methods: A total of 301 postmenopausal women were enrolled. Metabolic syndrome was assessed independently according to the NCEP-ATP III and IDF diagnostic definitions. They were classified into two groups: early menopause (EM, n = 79) and physiological menopause (PHYSM, n = 222). Demographic, anthropometric, biochemical, and lifestyle characteristics were recorded. The criteria for diagnosing metabolic syndrome were those of the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). Serum 25(OH)D was also categorized as deficiency, insufficiency, or sufficiency. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to determine independent predictors of metabolic syndrome. Multivariable linear regression analyses were used to determine the association between serum 25(OH)D and individual metabolic parameters. Results: Women with early menopause had a higher body mass index than those with physiological menopause, whereas current smoking was more prevalent among women with physiological menopause. No significant differences were observed between the groups in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome, 25(OH)D concentrations, lipid profile, blood pressure, glycaemic indices, or other biochemical parameters. In multivariable analyses, menopausal status was not independently associated with metabolic syndrome according to either the NCEP-ATP III or IDF criteria. Body mass index was the only independent predictor of metabolic syndrome in the adjusted IDF model (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.0–1.4; p = 0.047). Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were independently associated only with lower fasting glucose levels and were not independently associated with metabolic syndrome or its other components. Although vitamin D categories showed significant associations with metabolic syndrome in unadjusted analyses, these associations were attenuated after adjustment for demographic, anthropometric, menopausal, and lifestyle-related factors. Conclusions: Menopausal type was not independently associated with the prevalence of metabolic syndrome or vitamin D status. Although metabolic syndrome prevalence differed across vitamin D categories in unadjusted analyses, these associations were attenuated after adjustment for demographic, anthropometric, menopausal, and lifestyle-related factors. Obesity appeared to be the strongest independent predictor of metabolic syndrome within this cohort. Given the retrospective observational design, these findings should be interpreted cautiously, and prospective longitudinal studies are warranted to confirm these associations. Full article

Background: We compared biochemical, micronutrient-related and complete blood count (CBC)-derived inflammatory profiles among children with obesity, undernutrition and normal weight, and explored the discriminatory performance of selected routine laboratory markers for the obesity phenotype. Methods: In this single-centre retrospective comparative study, medical records of children aged 2–17 years evaluated between January 2023 and December 2025 were reviewed. Participants were classified as obese, undernourished or normal weight using World Health Organization (WHO) body mass index-for-age (BMI-for-age) references. Liver enzymes, lipid parameters, iron-related indices, micronutrient levels, zinc, insulin and CBC-derived inflammatory indices were compared across groups using non-parametric omnibus tests. Exploratory receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were performed for selected markers. Results: A total of 690 children were included: 100 with obesity, 90 with undernutrition and 500 with normal weight. The obesity group was significantly older than the normal-weight group (median 11.0 vs. 7.5 years; p < 0.001). Obesity was characterised by higher alanine aminotransferase (ALT), insulin, triglycerides, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), together with lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and aspartate aminotransferase-to-alanine aminotransferase (AST/ALT) ratio (all p < 0.05). In exploratory, age-unadjusted ROC analyses, the AST/ALT ratio yielded the highest AUC among the evaluated biomarkers (AUC 0.859; 95% CI 0.823–0.895; optimal cut-off ≤ 1.52; sensitivity 77.0%; specificity 77.6%), followed by SIRI (AUC 0.751; 95% CI 0.700–0.802). Conclusions: Pediatric obesity was associated with a distinct liver enzyme-metabolic-inflammatory laboratory profile, whereas undernutrition exhibited a different micronutrient-biochemical pattern. Because the study was retrospective and age-unadjusted, these findings should be interpreted as exploratory and hypothesis-generating. Prospective studies with age-balanced sampling, pubertal staging and liver imaging are required before clinical implementation. Full article