Search Results (25)

Background: Consumers are increasingly interested in healthier, less processed food products, driving the meat industry to improve the quality and health benefits of its offerings. Growing concerns about additives and allergens have encouraged the replacement of these ingredients with natural alternatives, presenting both challenges and opportunities. However, consumer rejection of additives and the actual health effects of their replacement remain poorly understood. In previous work, two new meat products—cooked turkey breast and cooked ham—were developed, where additives and allergens were replaced with natural extracts. These products demonstrated potential health benefits in vitro, including improvements in protein quality and microbiota composition. Methods: This study assessed consumer perceptions of additives through a survey and evaluated the two new meat products in a double-blind, randomized clinical trial conducted over a 5-week period. Biomarkers of interest were measured in blood, faeces, and urine samples at baseline and at the end of this study. Additionally, a separate study tested the satiating effect of these products using VAS score surveys. Results: The additive perception survey revealed that consumers associate additive-free products with being more natural and less harmful to health, with differences observed based on age, gender, and knowledge of additives. In the clinical trial, both the intervention and control groups showed significant decreases in serum levels of ox-LDL and GPx, with no differences between the groups. However, significant differences between the groups were found in inflammation markers TNF-α and IL-1β. Furthermore, the intervention group exhibited a significant reduction in nitrate excretion and a decrease in nitrification-related gut bacteria. Finally, the reformulated products demonstrated a satiating effect, reducing hunger. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the new additive- and allergen-free reformulated meat products may offer potential oxidative and anti-inflammatory benefits to consumers. Full article

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most common type of liver disease worldwide. In a previous study, we confirmed that Lactobacillus helveticus HY7804 (HY7804) improves MASLD by suppressing the expression of mRNAs encoding genes related to hepatic lipogenesis, inflammation, and fibrosis in model mice. Here, we evaluated the ability of HY7804 to restore intestinal barrier function and modulate the gut microbiota, as well as improve MASLD symptoms. Mice fed an MASLD-inducing diet for 7 weeks received HY7804 (10⁹ CFU/kg/day), the Type strain, or positive control (Pioglitazone) during the same period. HY7804 alleviated physiological (p < 0.001) and blood biochemical indicators and reduced MASLD activity scores (p < 0.05) on histological analysis. In addition, HY7804 increased the expression of genes related to fatty acid oxidation (p < 0.001); decreased the expression of apoptosis-related genes (p < 0.001); rescued the expression of tight junction (TJ)-related genes (p < 0.05); and suppressed the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling (p < 0.01) in the intestine. Finally, HY7804 modulated the composition of the gut microbiota in MASLD-induced mice. HY7804 increased the abundance of MASLD-suppressive Bacteroidaceae and Bacteroides, which positively correlated with the expression of TJ- and fatty acid oxidation-related genes. By contrast, HY7804 decreased the abundance of bacteria related to the progression of MASLD, including Cloastridaceae, Clostridium, Streptococcaceae, Lactococcus, and Lachnospiraceae, which correlated with intestinal immune responses and MASLD symptoms. In conclusion, L. helveticus HY7804 may be suitable as a functional supplement that alleviates MASLD symptoms and improves intestinal health. Full article

Background: Patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) often experience comorbid psychological conditions, notably depression and anxiety. Evidence suggests that these conditions are linked to gut barrier dysfunction, dysbiosis, and chronic inflammation. All these factors are central to IBS pathophysiology and mood disturbances. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) play crucial roles in modulating inflammation and depression. This study examined the associations among intestinal permeability, PUFA profiles, low-grade inflammation, and depression severity in IBS patients with diarrhea (IBS-D). Methods: Forty-three IBS-D patients (7 men, 36 women; 44.56 ± 1.52 years) were categorized into depressed (IBS-D(d+)) and non-depressed (IBS-D(d−)) groups according to scores on the depression subscale of the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R). Biomarkers of small intestinal permeability (s-IP) were assessed in urine and blood, alongside erythrocyte membrane PUFA composition, dysbiosis, and inflammation indices. Results: IBS-D (d+) patients exhibited elevated s-IP and altered PUFA metabolism compared to their IBS-D (d−) counterparts. Additionally, in the first group, omega-3 PUFA concentrations inversely correlated with s-IP biomarkers, while the omega-6/omega-3 ratio showed a positive correlation. Moreover, depression severity is significantly associated with s-IP markers and omega-3 PUFA levels. Lastly, IBS-D (d+) patients exhibited higher levels of dysbiosis and pro-inflammatory cytokines than IBS-D (d−) patients. Conclusions: These findings highlight the interplay between intestinal barrier integrity and PUFA metabolism in IBS-D patients with depression, suggesting that s-IP markers and erythrocyte PUFA profiles could represent novel therapeutic targets for managing depression in this population. This study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03423069), with a date of registration of 30 January 2018. Full article

Background/Objectives: Microgreens are rich in nutrients and phytochemicals that can support healthy aging, including attenuation of cardiovascular disease risk. The nutrient and phytochemical contents of red beet (i.e., bull’s blood’ beet, Beta vulgaris) and red cabbage (Brassica oleracea var capitate) microgreens, as well as existing preclinical evidence suggest their cardioprotective effects, but the feasibility, gastrointestinal tolerability, and human health effects of daily microgreen consumption are unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and gastrointestinal tolerability of 2 weeks of daily microgreen consumption in healthy middle-aged/older (MA/O) adults. A secondary aim was to characterize potential health effects. Methods: Healthy MA/O adults (initial n = 26) were randomized to consume either 2 cups of ‘bull’s blood’ beet or red cabbage microgreens daily for 2 weeks in a crossover design, with each treatment period separated by 2 weeks. Feasibility was determined through participant retention and intervention compliance (i.e., total doses consumed divided by 14 days), while gastrointestinal tolerability was determined by a gastrointestinal health questionnaire and bowel movement log. Impacts of microgreen consumption on brachial and aortic hemodynamic parameters, and gut microbiota composition were evaluated. Results: Daily consumption for 2 weeks of ‘bull’s blood’ beet and red cabbage microgreens was found to be feasible as indicated by high participant retention (final n = 24) and overall treatment compliance of 95.6%. Gastrointestinal symptom severity was not impacted overall, though an improvement in gastrointestinal inflammation-associated symptom severity scores following the red cabbage microgreen intervention (p = 0.047) was observed. There were no changes in bowel movement quality, hemodynamic parameters, or on alpha or beta diversity of the gut microbiota. Conclusions: Daily consumption of ‘bull’s blood’ beet and red cabbage microgreens is feasible and tolerable in healthy MA/O adults. Future studies designed to evaluate their health impacts are needed. Full article

Glutathione (GSH), widely present in plant and animal cells and crucial for combating oxidative stress and inflammation, has not been evaluated in dairy cows. This study aims to evaluate the effects of rumen-protected glutathione (RPGSH) supplementation on lactation, nutrient metabolism, oxidative stress, inflammation, and health in transition dairy cows. Forty Holstein dairy cows (2.65 ± 0.78 of parity, 2.81 ± 0.24 of body condition score, 9207.56 ± 1139.18 kg of previous 305-day milk yield, 657.53 ± 55.52 kg of body weight, mean ± SD) were selected from a large cohort of 3215 cows on day 21 before expected calving (day −21 ± 3 d). Cows were randomly stratified into four dietary treatment groups (n = 10 per group): control (basal diet + 0 g/d RPGSH); T1 (basal diet + 1.5 g/d RPGSH); T2 (basal diet + 2 g/d RPGSH); and T3 (basal diet + 3 g/d RPGSH). Supplementation commenced approximately 21 days (±3) prepartum and continued through 21 days postpartum. Blood samples were collected at −21 ± 3, −14 ± 3, −7 ± 3, 0, 7, 14, and 21 d for analysis of serum metabolic parameters related to oxidative stress and inflammation. Milk composition was analyzed from samples collected on days 3, 7, 14, and 21 postpartum. Compared with the control group, supplementation with 2 g/d of RPGSH reduced somatic cell count (p < 0.05) and the incidence of postpartum diseases in dairy cows. No differences were observed among the groups in milk yield, milk fat, protein, lactose, total solids, dry matter intake, or energy-corrected milk. However, fat-corrected milk and feed efficiency were higher in the T2 group compared to the control (p < 0.05). Calcium and phosphorus levels did not differ among the groups. Compared to the control group, cows supplemented with 2 g/d RPGSH had lower β-hydroxybutyrate levels and higher glucose levels on days 14 and 21 postpartum (p < 0.05). From days 14 to 21 postpartum, RPGSH supplementation increased blood GSH, serum catalase, and total antioxidant capacity while reducing malondialdehyde, reactive oxygen species, haptoglobin, cortisol, C-reactive protein, and interleukin−6 levels compared with the control group (p < 0.05). The supplementation of 2 g/d RPGSH showed relatively better effects. RPGSH supplementation at 2 g/d improved lactation performance, nutrient metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation status in dairy cows, playing a crucial role in maintaining their health. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the effects of supplementing RPGSH additive in Holstein cows. Full article

Diabetic foot syndrome is often associated with inflammation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of improved blood supply on the change in the clinical status and culturable bacteriota of chronic wounds. Patients with diabetic foot and peripheral arterial disease with a Rutherford score of 5 or 6 were included (n = 23). The blood supply to the limb was assessed with laboratory tests and two time-point qualitative cultures using a wound biopsy. The baseline parameters of the blood supply to the limb were Transcutaneous Oxygen Perfusion (TCPO2) of 15.0 mmHg, an Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) of 0.7, and a Toe Brachial Index (TBI) of 0.1, with an average Wound, Infection, Inflammation (WIfI) score of 5.7 (high). The most frequently isolated pathogens were Staphylococcus aureus (26.1%), followed by the Enterobacteriaceae family and Pseudomonas spp. (13.0%, each). Negative cultures were present in 47.8% (n = 11). The control parameters of blood supply improved; TCPO2 was 38.5 mmHg, the ABI was 0.9, and the TBI was 0.3, with a reduction in the average WIfI score to 3.7 (mild), while total colony-forming units (CFUs) increased by 13.5%. No cases of reocclusion or restenosis were observed during the study; however, small amputations were performed in two patients (8.7%). Five (21.7%) ulcers were significantly reduced and two (8.7%) progressed, while a negative culture at follow-up was obtained in five fewer patients than at baseline and nine patients presented growth despite having an initial negative result. Quantitative reduction was obtained in four (17.4%) cases. Pathogen distribution at follow-up resembled baseline findings. Optimizing clinical environments (enhancing blood flow and controlling inflammation) in general over focusing singularly on microbiota composition or revascularization seems to be crucial and arguably outweighed the impact of microbial change alone; in particular, reperfusion may increase the conditions to bacterial growth at the first stage. Full article

Background and Objectives: The interplay of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) poses a critical clinical challenge. The resultant inflammatory milieu and its impact on outcomes remain incompletely understood, especially among vulnerable subgroups such as elderly patients, those with diabetes, and individuals with cancer. This study aimed to characterize inflammatory markers and composite inflammatory severity scores—such as Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II), Confusion, Urea, Respiratory rate, Blood pressure, and age ≥ 65 years (CURB-65), National Early Warning Score (NEWS), and the Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII)—in hospitalized Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients with and without CDI, and to evaluate their prognostic implications across key clinical subgroups. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, single-center study of 240 hospitalized adults with Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)-confirmed COVID-19 between February 2021 and March 2023. Of these, 98 had concurrent CDI. We collected baseline demographics, comorbidities, and laboratory parameters including C-reactive protein (CRP), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), ferritin, neutrophil and lymphocyte counts, albumin, platelet counts, and calculated indices (C-reactive protein to Albumin Ratio (CAR), Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI), SII). Patients were stratified by CDI status and analyzed for inflammatory marker distributions, severity scores (APACHE II, CURB-65, NEWS), and outcomes (Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission, mechanical ventilation, mortality). Subgroup analyses included diabetes, elderly (≥65 years), and cancer patients. Statistical comparisons employed t-tests, chi-square tests, and logistic regression models. Results: Patients with CDI demonstrated significantly higher CRP, IL-6, SII, and CAR, coupled with lower albumin and PNI (p < 0.05). They also had elevated APACHE II, CURB-65, and NEWS scores. CDI-positive patients experienced increased ICU admission (38.8% vs. 20.5%), mechanical ventilation (24.5% vs. 12.9%), and mortality (22.4% vs. 10.6%, all p < 0.05). Subgroup analyses revealed more pronounced inflammatory derangements and worse outcomes in elderly, diabetic, and cancer patients with CDI. Conclusions: Concurrent CDI intensifies systemic inflammation and adverse clinical trajectories in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Elevations in inflammatory markers and severity scores predict worse outcomes, especially in high-risk subgroups. Early recognition and targeted interventions, including infection control and supportive measures, may attenuate disease severity and improve patient survival. Full article

Background/Objective: Secreted frizzled-related protein 5 (Sfrp5) is an anti-inflammatory adipokine that has been implicated in the pathophysiology of obesity and its metabolic complications. Despite the fact that numerous studies have been carried out in adults, limited data on Sfrp5 exist for youth, especially in relation to overweight and obesity. Methods: In our study, we assessed the concentrations of Sfrp5, total oxidative (TOS) and antioxidative (TAS) status, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and several cytokines (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, TNF-α) in 120 children and adolescents (mean age ± SE: 11.48 ± 0.25 years; 48 prepubertal, 72 pubertal; 74 males and 46 females) before and 1 year after the implementation of a personalized, structured, lifestyle intervention program of healthy diet, sleep, and physical exercise. Results: Based on the body mass index (BMI), participants were categorized as having morbid obesity (n = 63, 52.5%), obesity (n = 21, 17.5%), overweight (n = 22, 18.33%), or normal BMIs (n = 14, 11.67%), based on the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) cut-off points. Following the 1-year lifestyle intervention program, a significant improvement in anthropometric measurements (BMI, BMI-z score, diastolic blood pressure, WHR, and WHtR), body-composition parameters, hepatic enzymes, lipid profile, inflammation markers, and the insulin-sensitivity profile (HbA1C, HOMA index) was observed in all subjects. Sfrp5 decreased in subjects with obesity (p < 0.01); however, it increased significantly (p < 0.05) in patients with morbid obesity. Linear regression analysis indicates that TNF-α and systolic blood pressure were the best positive predictors and hs-CRP was the best negative predictor for Sfpr5 concentration at initial assessment and glucose concentration for ΔSfrp5, while TNF-α and TAS were the best positive predictors for Sfpr5 concentration at annual assessment. Conclusions: These results indicate that Sfrp5 is associated with severe obesity and is increased following weight loss in children and adolescents with morbid obesity. It is also related to metabolic homeostasis, as well as inflammation and oxidative status. Full article

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) represents a restriction or occlusion of the portal vein by a blood clot, which can appear in liver cirrhosis, inherited or acquired thrombophilia, malignancies, abdominal infection, abdominal inflammation, and injury to the portal vein; it can evolve to local venous extension, recanalization, or portal cavernoma (PC). This research represents an observational study of patients admitted with a diagnosis of PVT between January 2018 and December 2022. We assessed the rate of and risk factors for PC. In total, 189 patients with PVT were included; the rate of PC was 14.8%. In univariate and multivariate analysis, the main risk factors for the presence of PC were etiology (thrombophilia, myeloproliferative disorders, local inflammatory diseases, and idiopathic causes), prior PVT, and complete versus incomplete or single-branch portal obstruction. In patients with superior mesenteric vein (SMV) thrombosis, distal obstruction was more prone to PC than proximal obstruction. The main predictive factors were etiology, prior PVT, complete PVT obstruction, and no prior non-selective beta-blocker (NSBB) use; in patients with SMV thrombosis, the distal extension was more significantly associated with the risk of PC. We propose a composite score for the prediction of PC which includes etiology, prior diagnosis of PVT, prior NSBB use, complete versus incomplete PVT, and distal versus proximal SMV thrombosis, with good accuracy (AUC 0.822) and an estimated sensitivity of 76.92% and specificity of 82.39% at a cut-off value of 4. Full article

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a chronic condition that causes persistent inflammation in the digestive system, is closely associated with the intestinal microbiome. Here, we evaluated the effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum HY7718 (HY7718) on IBD symptoms in mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. Oral administration of HY7718 led to significant improvement in the disease activity index score and the histological index, as well as preventing weight loss, in model mice. HY7718 upregulated the expression of intestinal tight junction (TJ)-related genes and downregulated the expression of genes encoding pro-inflammatory cytokines and genes involved in the TLR/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway. Additionally, HY7718 reduced the blood levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, as well as reversing DSS-induced changes to the composition of the intestinal microbiome. HY7718 also increased the percentage of beneficial bacteria (Lactiplantibacillus and Bifidobacterium), which correlated positively with the expression of intestinal TJ-related genes. Finally, HY7718 decreased the population of pathogens such as Escherichia, which correlated with IBD symptoms. The data suggest that HY7718 improves intestinal integrity in colitis model mice by regulating the expression of TJ proteins and inflammatory cytokines, as well as the composition of the intestinal microflora. Thus, L. plantarum HY7718 may be suitable as a functional supplement that improves IBD symptoms and gut health. Full article

Mastitis is one of the most important diseases in dairy cows, leading to substantial economic losses associated with decreased milk production and quality. Early detection of changes in metabolic and milk parameters is crucial for maintaining animal welfare and milk quality. This study aimed to detect patterns in metabolic and milk composition parameters in Serbian dairy cows affected by mastitis. It also examined the relationship between these factors in cows with clinical and subclinical mastitis, as well as in healthy cows. This study included 60 Holstein-Friesian cows with the same body score condition that were in the same lactation phase. They were divided into three groups of 20: clinical and subclinical mastitis and a control group of healthy cows. The categorization was based on clinical udder health and the California mastitis test. Blood serum metabolic profiles were measured using a Rayto spectrophotometer (Shenzhen, China), and milk composition was determined using MilcoScan^TM (Foss, Hilleroed, Denmark) and Fossomatic^TM (Foss, Hilleroed, Denmark) instruments. Significant increases in non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs), beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), total protein, globulin, urea, total bilirubin, magnesium, and enzyme activity were noted in mastitis-affected cows compared to healthy ones. Additionally, mastitis-affected cows had higher total protein and globulin levels and increased somatic cell counts (SCCs), while albumin concentrations were decreased. Furthermore, a negative correlation between total protein and lactose suggested inflammation leading to reduced lactose levels due to cell damage, infection, and lactose use by mastitis pathogens. Hence, indicators of the energy and protein status of the metabolic profile, together with the chemical composition of milk, may be significant diagnostic tools for detecting, monitoring, and predicting the outcome of mastitis in cows. Full article

The pathogenesis of obesity and dyslipidemia involves genetic factors, such as polymorphisms related to lipid metabolism alterations predisposing their development. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a nutrigenetic intervention on the blood lipid levels, body composition, and inflammation markers of adults with obesity and overweight. Eleven genetic variants associated with dyslipidemias in Mexicans were selected, and specific nutrigenetic recommendations for these polymorphisms were found. One hundred and one adults were recruited and assigned to follow either a standard or nutrigenetic diet for eight weeks. Anthropometric, biochemical, body composition, and inflammation markers were evaluated through standardized methods. Weighted genetic risk scores (wGRSs) were computed using the study polymorphisms. After intervention, both diets significantly decreased the anthropometric parameters and body composition (p < 0.05). Only the nutrigenetic diet group showed significant reductions in VLDL-c (p = 0.001), triglycerides (p = 0.002), TG:HDL (p = 0.002), IL-6 (p = 0.002), and TNF-α (p = 0.04). wGRSs had a high impact on the ΔTGs and ΔVLDL-c of both groups (standard diet: ΔTGs: Adj R² = 0.69, p = 0.03; ΔVLDL-c: Adj R² = 0.71, p = 0.02; nutrigenetic diet: ΔTGs: Adj R² = 0.49, p = 0.03 and ΔVLDL-c: R² = 0.29, p = 0.04). This nutrigenetic intervention improved lipid abnormalities in patients with excessive body weight. Hence, nutrigenetic strategies could be coadjuvant tools and enhance the standard dietary treatment for cardiometabolic diseases. Full article

The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and systemic immune-inflammatory index (SIRI, neutrophils × monocytes/lymphocytes) have been described as potential blood-derived inflammatory biomarkers in several diseases. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease that has been related to an increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease. In the present work, we analyze how these hematological composite scores of inflammation are related to classic CV risk factors and subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with RA. In this cross-sectional study that included 430 patients with RA, the NLR, MLR, PLR, and SIRI scores were calculated. Multivariable analysis was performed to examine the relationships of these composite blood scores with subclinical carotid atherosclerosis and with traditional cardiovascular factors, producing a complete profile of lipid molecules and insulin resistance or indices of beta-cell function, and a Systematic Coronary Risk Assessment (SCORE2) calculation. C-reactive protein and disease activity were significantly and positively associated with the four blood composite scores. SCORE2 was significantly associated with higher values of SIRI, NLR, and MLR, but not PLR. These relationships were maintained when SCORE 2 was considered categorical; patients in the very high CV risk category had higher values in all hematological composite scores, except PLR. In the multivariable analysis, SIRI and NLR were independently associated with higher levels of beta cell dysfunction. In conclusion, SCORE2 and the values of the hematological composite scores were positively correlated in patients with RA. In addition, there were some relationships of these scores with traditional CV risk factors, with their association with beta cell dysfunction being the most consistent. Full article

Background: Hemodialyzed patients with poor erythropoietin response tend to have low volume of visceral adipose tissue and score high on malnutrition-inflammation score. This study investigates in-depth the role of leptin and chosen cytokines in the development of malnutrition-inflammation syndrome (MIS) and erythropoietin resistance. Methods: Eighty-one hemodialyzed patients with erythropoietin-treated anemia were enrolled in the study. Their body composition was measured. Erythropoietin resistance index was calculated. Blood samples for leptin, IL-6, IL-18, TNF-alpha, and IL-1-alpha serum levels were drawn. Results: Leptin showed negative correlation with erythropoietin resistance index (ERI), whilst IL-6 showed the opposite. IL-6 seemed to be linked more to HD parameters and vintage, while TNF-alpha and leptin were more dependent on body composition. IL-18 and IL-1-alpha did not affect nutritional parameters nor ERI. Conclusion: Modulation of adipokine- and cytokine-related signaling is a promising target in tempering malnutrition in hemodialyzed, and thus achieving better outcomes in anemia treatment. Large clinical studies that target the inflammatory response in hemodialysis, especially regarding IL-6, TNF-alpha, and leptin, would be of great worth. Full article

Vitamin D (VD) deficiency is a hallmark of obesity and vascular dysfunction. We sought to test the hypothesis that VD deficiency may contribute to obesity-related vascular dysfunction by inducing adipokine hypomethylation and augmented expression. To this end, we collected blood and adipose tissues (ATs) from a cohort of 77 obese participants who were classified as having mild, moderate, or severe VD deficiency. The body composition, vascular reactivity, cardiometabolic profiles, and DNA methylation of 94 inflammation-related adipokines were measured. Our results show that higher degrees of VD deficiency were associated with lower DNA methylation and induced the expression of inflammatory adipokines such as B-cell lymphoma 6 (BCL6), C-X-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 8 (CXCL8), histone deacetylase 5 (HDAC5), interleukin 12A (IL12A), and nuclear factor κB (NFκB) in the ATs. They were also associated with higher BMI and total and visceral fat mass, impaired insulin sensitivity and lipid profiles, AT hypoxia, and higher concentrations of circulating inflammatory markers. Moderate and severe VD deficiency correlated with impaired vasoreactivity of the brachial artery and AT-isolated arterioles, reduced nitric oxide generation, and increased arterial stiffness. In a multivariate regression analysis, the VD deficiency level strongly predicted the adipokine methylation score, systemic inflammation, and microvascular dysfunction. In conclusion, our findings suggest that VD deficiency is a possible contributor to obesity-related adipokine hypomethylation, inflammation, and vascular dysfunction. Full article