Search Results (620)

Background/Objectives: Childhood cancer survivors (CCS) experience chronic health problems and significant metabolic burden. Timely identification of CCS at higher metabolic risk requires novel biomarkers. Irisin, a novel myokine/adipokine has been associated with metabolic, bone and reproductive diseases, but its role in the health of CCS is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine irisin concentrations in children and adolescent CCS (vs. controls) and their association with metabolic, bone and hormonal parameters. Methods: Children and adolescent CCS, aged 8–18 years, as well as healthy controls, underwent a detailed physical, body composition, biochemical, hormonal and serum irisin assessment at least 6 months post-treatment. Results: A total of 59 children and adolescents (36 CCS, 23 controls; mean age ± SD 12.8 ± 2.9 years; 10 prepubertal, 49 pubertal) participated in the study. Serum irisin concentrations (ng/mL) were significantly lower in CCS than controls [median (IQR) 6.54 (4.12) vs. 11.70 (8.75) ng/mL, respectively, p < 0.001]. In the total study sample, serum irisin was correlated negatively with LH (r_s = −0.314, p < 0.05), CRP (r_s = −0.366, p < 0.005), age (r_s = −0.323, p < 0.05) and positively with ALP (r_s = 0.328, p < 0.05). Serum irisin was also positively correlated with ApoB and Lpa (r_s = 0.410 and 0.421, respectively, p < 0.05) in CCS, and with PTH (r = 0.542, p < 0.005) in controls. Multivariate linear regression analysis indicated parathyroid hormone (PTH) as the only independent variable affecting irisin concentrations. Conclusions: Study results reinforce the irisin–PTH interplay hypothesis. Future studies are needed to clarify the potential role of irisin as a bone biomarker of CCS in childhood and adolescence. Full article

Bone grafting is essential for the regeneration of bone defects where natural healing is inadequate. Octacalcium phosphate (OCP)/calcium citrate (CC)/pig gelatin (pig Gel) composites promote hydroxyapatite (HAp) formation in simulated body fluid (SBF); however, the rapid degradation of pig Gel leads to their degradation in SBF within 7 d. To address this, we developed a 35% OCP/35% CC/30% methacrylated gelatin (GelMA) composite by leveraging the tuneable photo-crosslinking ability of GelMA to enhance the initial structural stability in SBF. However, the optimal synthetic photo-crosslinking conditions and the apatite-forming abilities of the OCP/CC/GelMA composite require investigation. In this study, we employed photo-crosslinking to synthesize homogeneous OCP/CC/GelMA composites with initial structural stability in SBF and evaluated their HAp-forming ability in SBF as an indicator of osteogenic potential, in comparison with the OCP/CC/pig Gel composites. Both GelMA- and pig Gel-based composites were prepared and immersed in SBF for 7 d to assess HAp formation. Although the OCP/CC/GelMA composite showed reduced HAp nucleation compared to the OCP/CC/pig Gel composites, it exhibited enhanced initial structural stability in SBF while retaining its HAp-forming ability. These findings highlight the OCP/CC/GelMA composite as a stable and promising scaffold for bone regeneration, laying the groundwork for further research. Full article

Background: Female collegiate runners may be at high risk for disordered eating and poor bone health, which are characteristics of the female athlete triad. Intuitive eating can promote healthy eating behavior and adequate calorie intake, central variables in calculating energy availability, an underlying cause of low bone mass in athletes. Poor bone health can contribute to injury, preventing optimal performance for athletes. The purpose of this study was to assess intuitive eating, energy availability, and bone mineral density in female college runners with comparison to non-athletes. Methods: Female college athletes (n = 13, 19.5 ± 1.4 yrs) and non-athletes (n = 12, 19.9 ± 1.3 yrs) completed the Intuitive Eating Scale, Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire, and menstrual history survey. Bone mineral density and body composition were measured using a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometer (DEXA). A 3-day diet record and exercise log were used to assess dietary intake, estimate energy expenditure, and calculate energy availability. Results: Intuitive eating was inversely correlated with disordered eating (r = −0.596, p = 0.002). Intuitive eating scores were not correlated to calorie intake, energy availability, bone mass, or percent body fat. Runners consumed significantly more calories, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and protein (g/kg) than non-athletes. Energy availability and bone mineral density were not significantly different between runners and non-athletes. Conclusions: Intuitive eating is associated with healthy eating behaviors in college-age females and was not related to energy availability, bone density, or body composition in this population. Future research could explore the use of intuitive eating principles in reducing disordered eating and addressing low energy availability in female runners and non-athletes. Full article

Background and Objectives: Magnesium (Mg)-based materials, such as the WE43 alloy, show potential in biomedical applications owing to their advantageous mechanical properties and biodegradability; however, their quick corrosion rate and hydrogen release restrict their general clinical utilization. This study aimed to develop a novel Mg-Zn-Ca alloy system based on WE43 alloy, evaluating the influence of Zn and Ca additions on microstructure, mechanical properties, cytocompatibility, and electrochemical behavior for potential use in biodegradable orthopedic applications. Materials and Methods: The WE43-Zn-Ca alloy system was developed by alloying standard WE43 (Mg–Y–Zr–RE) with 1.5% Zn and Ca concentrations of 0.2% (WE43_0.2Ca alloy) and 0.3% (WE43_0.3Ca alloy). Microstructural analysis was performed utilizing scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in conjunction with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), while the chemical composition was validated through optical emission spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Mechanical properties were assessed through tribological tests. Electrochemical corrosion behavior was evaluated using potentiodynamic polarization in a 3.5% NaCl solution. Cytocompatibility was assessed in vitro on MG63 cells using cell viability assays (MTT). Results: Alloys WE43_0.2Ca and WE43_0.3Ca exhibited refined, homogeneous microstructures with grain sizes between 70 and 100 µm, without significant structural defects. Mechanical testing indicated reduced stiffness and an elastic modulus similar to human bone (19.2–20.3 GPa), lowering the risk of stress shielding. Cytocompatibility tests confirmed non-cytotoxic behavior for alloys WE43_0.2Ca and WE43_0.3Ca, with increased cell viability and unaffected cellular morphology. Conclusions: The study validates the potential of Mg-Zn-Ca alloys (especially WE43_0.3Ca) as biodegradable biomaterials for orthopedic implants due to their favorable combination of mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and cytocompatibility. The optimization of these alloys contributed to obtaining an improved microstructure with a reduced degradation rate and a non-cytotoxic in vitro outcome, which supports efficient bone tissue regeneration and its integration into the body for complex biomedical applications. Full article

Objectives: The early detection of low bone mineral density (BMD) is essential for preventing osteoporosis and related complications. While dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) remains the gold standard for diagnosis, its cost and limited availability restrict its use in large-scale screening. This study investigated whether raw bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) data combined with explainable machine learning (ML) models could accurately classify osteopenia in women aged 40 to 55. Methods: In a cross-sectional design, 138 women underwent same-day BIA and DXA assessments. Participants were categorized as osteopenic (T-score between −1.0 and −2.5; n = 33) or normal (T-score ≥ −1.0) based on DXA results. Overall, 24.1% of the sample were classified as osteopenic, and 32.85% were postmenopausal. Raw BIA outputs were used as input features, including impedance values, phase angles, and segmental tissue parameters. A sequential forward feature selection (SFFS) algorithm was employed to optimize input dimensionality. Four ML classifiers were trained using stratified five-fold cross-validation, and SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) were applied to interpret feature contributions. Results: The neural network (NN) model achieved the highest classification accuracy (92.12%) using 34 selected features, including raw impedance measurements, derived body composition indices such as regional lean mass estimates and the edema index, as well as a limited number of categorical variables, including self-reported physical activity status. SHAP analysis identified muscle mass indices and fluid distribution metrics, features previously associated with bone health, as the most influential predictors in the current model. Other classifiers performed comparably but with lower precision or interpretability. Conclusions: ML models based on raw BIA data can classify osteopenia with high accuracy and clinical transparency. This approach provides a cost-effective and interpretable alternative for the early identification of individuals at risk for low BMD in resource-limited or primary care settings. Full article

Background/Objectives: To investigate associations between Follistatin (FST) gene polymorphisms (SNPs) and baseline musculoskeletal traits, and their interactions with 16-week exercise interventions. Methods: A cohort of 470 untrained Northern Han Chinese adults (208 males, 262 females), sourced from the “Research on Key Technologies for an Exercise and Fitness Expert Guidance System” project, was analyzed. These participants were previously randomly assigned to one of four exercise groups (Hill, Running, Cycling, Combined) or a non-exercising Control group, and completed their respective 16-week protocols. Body composition, bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD), and serum follistatin levels were all assessed pre- and post-intervention. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was utilized for the body composition, BMC, and BMD measurements. FST SNPs (rs3797296, rs3797297) were genotyped using matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometer (MALDI-TOF MS) or microarrays. To elucidate the biological mechanisms, we performed in silico functional analyses for rs3797296 and rs3797297. Results: Baseline: In females only, the rs3797297 T allele was associated with higher muscle mass (β = 1.159, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.202–2.116, P_{_adj} = 0.034) and BMC (β = 0.127, 95% CI: 0.039–0.215, P_{_adj} = 0.009), with the BMC effect significantly mediated by muscle mass. Exercise Response: Interventions improved body composition, particularly in females. Gene-Exercise Interaction: A significant interaction occurred exclusively in women undertaking hill climbing: the rs3797296 G allele was associated with attenuated muscle mass gains (β = −1.126 kg, 95% CI: −1.767 to −0.485, P_{_adj} = 0.034). Baseline follistatin correlated with body composition (stronger in males) and increased post-exercise (primarily in males, Hill/Running groups) but did not mediate SNP effects on exercise adaptation. Functional annotation revealed that rs3797297 is a likely causal variant, acting as a skeletal muscle eQTL for the mitochondrial gene NDUFS4, suggesting a mechanism involving muscle bioenergetics. Conclusions: Findings indicate that FST polymorphisms associate with musculoskeletal traits in Northern Han Chinese. Mechanistic insights from functional annotation reveal potential pathways for these associations, highlighting the potential utility of these genetic markers for optimizing training program design. Full article

Background: Sport plays an important role in the health promotion of people with cerebral palsy (CP). However, risk factors may impair sport performance and health in non-ambulatory athletes. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to explore body composition and bone health in a group of world-class Boccia players with CP. Methods: Five BC2-class players with CP, aged 15–42 years old, were assessed using Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA) for body composition and bone mineral density (BMD) and content (BMC). The fat mass index (kg/m²) was used to define obesity, and the BMD Z-score used to analyze bone health. A preliminary indicator of sarcopenia was considered using the appendicular lean mass index. Results: Players 1 and 3 exhibited similar body compositions (obesity class 1 and BMD Z-score are below the expected range for age). Player 5 exhibited multiple health-related risk factors. The results regarding youth players (Player 2 and Player 4) should be analyzed with caution. Conclusions: Overall, due to Boccia’s specific characteristics, players may benefit from close monitoring by multidisciplinary teams and supplementary strategies (e.g., strength training, individualized diet plans) to promote quality of life and performance. However, further research is needed to confirm the data, since these preliminary findings do not allow for broader generalizations. Full article

Background: Magnesium (Mg²⁺) plays a fundamental role in various physiological processes, including neuromuscular function, glucose metabolism, cardiovascular regulation, and bone health. Despite its significance, the influence of sex on magnesium metabolism, requirements, and health outcomes remains unexplored. The aim of this review is to analyze sex-based differences in magnesium homeostasis, with a particular focus on hormonal regulation, body composition, and disease susceptibility. Methods: This narrative review, based on a non-systematic MEDLINE search conducted in January 2025, prioritized clinical trials from the past 15 years on human subjects and explored gender-specific aspects of magnesium intake, status, metabolism, and supplementation. Results: Hormonal fluctuations, particularly variations in estrogen levels, affect magnesium absorption, distribution, and retention, thereby influencing magnesium balance across different life stages such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. Additionally, dietary intake and lifestyle factors often differ between men and women, further impacting magnesium status. Emerging evidence suggests that suboptimal magnesium levels may differentially contribute to conditions such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic disorders in each sex. Conclusions: In conclusion, acknowledging sex-specific differences in magnesium metabolism is essential for developing personalized dietary guidelines and therapeutic strategies. Tailored nutritional approaches could significantly improve magnesium status, enhance overall health, and reduce the burden of chronic diseases linked to magnesium imbalance. Full article

Background: Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) of the liver is a highly aggressive cancer that arises from malignant cells in the bile ducts. Radical surgery remains the only curative option, but major liver resection carries high perioperative risks. This study investigates the predictive value of preoperative bone mineral density (BMD), measured via CT, for perioperative complications, mortality, and long-term outcomes. Methods: The analysis included 202 patients who underwent curative-intent surgery for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA; n = 97) or perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA; n = 105) between 2010 and 2019. Preoperative bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed using computed tomography segmentation at the level of the 12th thoracic vertebra. Osteopenia was defined according to established cutoffs. Results: Osteopenia was highly prevalent in both iCCA (53/97, 54%) and pCCA (54/105, 51%) subcohorts. Patients suffering from osteopenia were significantly older than those without (71.1 [62–76.6] years vs. 61.3 [52.9–69.2] years; p < 0.001). Alteration in BMD did not demonstrate a significant prognostic effect in terms of perioperative morbidity (Mann–Whitney U; comprehensive complication index—CCI: 34 [9–56] vs. 40 [21–72] p = 0.185; iCCA: p = 0.803; pCCA: p = 0.165). The median overall survival in our cohort was 19 [14–25] months. Patients with osteopenia did not exhibit a significantly different overall survival compared to those with normal bone mineral density (log-rank p = 0.234). Conclusions: In contrast to our previous observations in other oncological patient cohorts, osteopenia alone had no significant negative impact on clinical outcomes in our large European cohort of patients undergoing curative-intent surgery for CCA. To validate these findings, further prospective studies are warranted. Full article

Background: Sarcopenia and osteoporosis are common age-related conditions that markedly increase fracture risk and morbidity in the elderly. Leptin, an adipokine secreted by adipose tissue, has been implicated in musculoskeletal health, but its clinical relevance in aging populations remains uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate the associations between serum leptin levels, skeletal muscle mass, muscle strength, bone mineral density (BMD), and fracture risk in elderly women. Methods: This observational analysis included 79 community-dwelling women aged 65 years and older. Participants underwent assessments of body composition, serum leptin concentration, grip strength, and femoral neck BMD. Sarcopenia and obesity were classified based on established criteria. Correlation analyses and binomial logistic regression were performed to examine the relationships among leptin levels, musculoskeletal parameters, and fracture occurrence. Results: Leptin concentrations were significantly associated with fat-related parameters, including BMI, fat index, and total body fat percentage, but showed no significant correlation with skeletal muscle mass (ASM), grip strength, or BMD. Obese participants demonstrated higher leptin levels and fat parameters compared with non-obese participants, but no significant differences were observed in grip strength or BMD. Binomial logistic regression analysis identified femoral neck BMD and grip strength as significant independent predictors of fracture risk, whereas leptin and ASM were not identified as such. Conclusions: In elderly women, serum leptin levels primarily reflect adiposity rather than musculoskeletal health. Leptin is not an independent predictor of spinal fracture risk. These findings highlight the critical importance of maintaining bone density and muscle strength for fracture prevention in aging populations. Full article

Background: Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body and is essential not only for bone health but also for many other physiological functions. In fact, dietary calcium intake is important not only for bone health but also for fat mass and overall body composition. This study aimed to evaluate the potential effects of dietary calcium intake on bone mineral density (BMD), body composition, and fragility fractures. Methods: In a cohort of 173 consecutive elderly men and 939 women aged 55 and over, living in Siena, Italy, daily dietary calcium intake was evaluated using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) specifically validated for the Italian population. Bone mineral density at various skeletal sites and body composition were measured in all participants using a Lunar Prodigy densitometer. Additionally, the serum levels of vitamin D and bone turnover markers were assessed, and the presence of prevalent atraumatic fractures was documented. Results: Across all age groups, calcium intake was consistently higher in males (898.40 ± 312.87 mg/day) than in females (821.95 ± 351.3 mg/day); the prevalence of subjects in the lowest tertile of calcium intake was significantly higher among females than males (31.4% vs. 14.5% p < 0.05). Moreover, dietary calcium intake showed an inverse relationship with body fat mass in women (p < 0.05) and a positive association with lean mass in men (p < 0.05). Two hundred twenty-eight (24.3%) women and forty-eight (27.8%) men had a history of one or more fractures, and in both sexes, subjects with prevalent fractures had significantly lower dietary calcium intake values than those without fractures. Conclusions: This study indicates that inadequate calcium intake remains widespread in the Italian population, especially among subjects with low BMD and a history of fractures. Furthermore, this study confirms that dietary calcium intake significantly affects body composition. Full article

This research activity proposes to produce composite hydrogel–bioactive glass. The primary purpose of this research is to develop and optimize 3D-printed scaffolds using doped bioglass, aimed at enhancing bone regeneration in bone defects. The bioglass, a bioactive material known for its bone-bonding ability (SiO₂–P₂O₅–CaO–Na₂O), co-doped with europium and silver was synthesized and doped to improve its biological properties. This doped bioglass was then combined with a biocompatible hydrogel, chosen for its adequate cellular response and printability. The composite material was printed to form a scaffold, providing a structure that not only supports the damaged bone but also encourages osteogenesis. A variety of methods were employed to assess the rheological, compositional, and morphological characteristics of the samples: Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Additionally, simulated body fluid (SBF) immersion for bioactivity monitoring and immunocytochemistry for cell viability were used to evaluate the biological response of the scaffolds. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aims to assess dietary quality among Chinese pregnant women across three gestational trimesters using different assessment indices while investigating the relationship between dietary patterns and longitudinal alterations in maternal body composition parameters and bone mineral density (BMD) during pregnancy. Methods: A total of 556 healthy pregnant women were recruited. Dietary intake was assessed utilizing a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Diet quality was evaluated through three indices: the Dietary Balance Index for Pregnant Women (DBI-P), the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII), and the Eastern Health Diet Index (EHDI). Multiple linear regression models and mediation analyses were constructed to elucidate the relationships between dietary indices, body composition parameters, and BMD. Results: In the first trimester, excessive dietary intake was associated with increased maternal fat mass but reduced BMD, while insufficient intake correlated with declines in muscle mass, water compartments, and inorganic salt levels. Pro-inflammatory diets further exacerbated reductions in non-fat body composition, including protein and muscle mass. By the second trimester, low-quality diets continued to negatively affect muscle mass and water balance, whereas no significant dietary effects on body composition or BMD were observed in the third trimester. Mediation analyses revealed that body composition partially mediated the relationship between dietary imbalance and reduced BMD. Conclusions: Unbalanced, pro-inflammatory, and low-quality diets during early-to-mid pregnancy contribute to adverse changes in maternal body composition and bone health, especially in the first and second trimesters, with the DBI-P index demonstrating superior applicability for assessing dietary impacts in Chinese pregnant women. Full article

Aminopeptidase N (APN), an enzyme expressed in the small intestinal mucosa, is involved in dietary protein digestion. Previous studies have shown that oral administration of fermented milk containing lactic acid bacteria (LAB) enhances mucosal APN activity in young mice. This study aimed to investigate whether LAB strains stimulate mucosal APN activity in aged mice and to evaluate its relevance to age-related changes in body composition. The underlying molecular mechanisms were also explored in vitro. Experiment 1: Aged C57BL/6J mice were fed diets supplemented with heat-killed LAB strains—Enterococcus faecalis OU-23 (EF), Leuconostoc mesenteroides OU-03 (LM), or Lactiplantibacillus plantarum SNK12 (LP). Compared to the aged Control group, the ileal APN activity was significantly higher in the LP group. LP administration also elevated serum Gla-osteocalcin levels and decreased serum CTX-1 levels. Experiment 2: IEC-6 cells were co-cultured with LP that had been treated with RNase, DNase, or lysozyme. APN activity was significantly lower in cells co-cultured with DNase- or lysozyme-treated LP compared to those co-cultured with untreated LP. A specific LAB strain may enhance mucosal APN activity in the aged intestine, potentially contributing to improved bone metabolism. This effect may be mediated by bacterial DNA and peptidoglycan. Full article

Bending fatigue significantly affects the mechanical stability and lifespan of biomedical implants, such as bone plates and orthopaedic fixation devices, which undergo cyclic loading in the human body. This study examines the microstructure, porosity, and bending fatigue properties of PBF-LB/M SS316L. Samples were analysed across three faces (top, front, and side) using optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to observe microstructural features and porosity. Elemental composition was measured by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Phase structures and grain orientations were characterised via X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). Four-point bending fatigue tests, conducted under two loading conditions, below and slightly above the yield point, demonstrated that defects inherent to the PBF-LB/M process, particularly micropores and unmelted powder particles, strongly influence fatigue crack initiation. Real-time monitoring of crack initiation and propagation on the external sample surface was performed using a high-speed digital microscope. These findings indicate the influence of microstructural defects on fatigue performance in PBF-LB/M SS316L, supporting the design and development of more reliable patient-specific biomedical implants. Full article