Search Results (1,176)

The incidence and prevalence of obesity and related cardio-metabolic diseases are on the rise, posing a critical health care challenge to systems across the globe. Bariatric surgery is a therapeutic cornerstone for morbidly obese patients, besides novel medical treatments, partly by ameliorating metabolic inflammation, a hallmark of metabolic diseases. Acyl-CoA Binding Protein (ACBP), also known as diazepam-binding inhibitor (DBI), is a regulator of autophagy and metabolism, and has recently been shown to increase in individuals undergoing voluntary fasting and in patients with cancer cachexia-induced malnutrition. By analyzing a prospectively collected study with matched serum and liver samples from patients undergoing laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding at baseline and six months after surgery, we here demonstrate that ACBP serum levels significantly increase following bariatric surgery. Hepatic ACBP expression at baseline predicted weight loss six months after the procedure. The predictive value of ACBP warrants further study, as it could identify patients who benefit most from metabolic surgery in the future. Full article

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) affects 90% of diabetes cases and worsens cardiovascular health by causing oxidative stress, which leads to oxidized LDL (oxLDL) and foam cell formation, contributing to atherosclerosis. This study examined the relationship between CD36 gene variants, soluble CD36 (sCD36), oxLDL, and MDA-LDL in T2DM and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STE-T2DM) patients in western Mexico. The analysis included 400 T2DM patients, 400 STE-T2DM patients, and 400 healthy controls. Results showed that STE-T2DM patients were older, mainly male, and had higher rates of smoking, sedentarism, and hypertension. Both diabetic groups exhibited elevated triacylglycerols and low HDL, with significantly higher C-reactive protein in STE-T2DM (p < 0.0001). No significant differences in CD36 gene variant frequencies were found, but sCD36 levels were elevated in STE-T2DM, with associations to specific genotypes. oxLDL was higher in STE-T2DM compared to controls (p = 0.0268). Binary logistic regression analysis identified male sex, younger age, sedentarism, and rs3173798 T/T genotype as independent risk factors for myocardial infarction (AUC: 0.9267, p < 0.0001). Elevated sCD36 levels may reflect atherosclerosis progression in diabetes, indicating the need for further studies to clarify CD36’s role in cardiometabolic dysfunction. These findings highlight CD36’s involvement in oxidative stress responses through its interaction with oxLDL and MDA-LDL, suggesting its potential role as a molecular target in antioxidant defense mechanisms. Full article

Background and objectives: Overweight and obesity are global public health problems, as they increase the risk of chronic diseases, reduce quality of life, and generate a significant economic and healthcare burden. This study evaluates the capacity of nutritional patterns and psychological status to predict the presence of cardiometabolic risk among overweight and obese young adults, from a neural network approach. Method: The study included N = 188 overweight or obese students, who provided measures on their dietary intake, physical and psychological state, and sociodemographic profile. Neural networks were used to predict their metabolic status, classified into two categories based on anthropometric, biochemical, and cardiometabolic risk factors: metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO) versus metabolically healthy obesity (MHO). Results: The predictive models demonstrated differences in specificity and sensitivity capacity depending on the criteria employed for the classification of MUO/MHO and gender. Among the female subsample, MUO was predicted by poor diet (low consumption of mineral and vitamins, and high consumption of fats and sodium) and high levels of depression and stress, while among the male subsample high body mass index (BMI), depression, and anxiety were the key factors. Protective factors associated to MHO were lower BMI, lower psychopathology distress and more balanced diets. Predictive models based on the HOMA-IR criterion yielded very high specificity and low sensibility (high capacity to identify MHO but low accuracy to identify MUO). The models based on the IDF criterion achieved excellent discriminative capacity for men (specificity and sensitivity around 92.5%), while the model for women obtained excellent sensitivity and low specificity. Conclusions: The results provide empirical support for personalized prevention and treatment programs, accounting for individual differences with the aim of promoting healthy habits among young adults, especially during university education. Full article

There is increasing use of modern medicine globally to manage cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). However, many people, especially in low-to-middle-income countries, still rely on traditional medicinal plants for their daily health needs. However, limited studies have explored the use of these remedies. Therefore, this narrative review aimed to evaluate the potential of Sclerocarya birrea (S. birrea) in managing diabetes, dyslipidemia, inflammation, and hypertension, including its effects on oxidative stress. This study reviewed evidence from PubMed, Web of Science, and ResearchGate, published in these databases up to 30 April 2025. The evidence showed that S. birrea had the potential to preserve cardiometabolic health and reduce CVD-associated risk factors. Notably, S. birrea improved glucose metabolism, inflammation, hypertension, and oxidative stress. This plant exhibits antihyperglycemic effects by activating adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and inhibiting gluconeogenesis and the activities of carbohydrase. It also ameliorates dyslipidemia by modulating the activities of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) and increasing fatty acid oxidation. The anti-inflammatory potential of S. birrea is modulated by the activation of PPARα, which inhibits nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κβ) and decreases the production of inflammatory cytokines. Its antioxidant property is attributed to its ability to increase antioxidant enzymes like catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH), which are known to counteract oxidative damage. However, it is important to note that different parts of the plant had varying impacts on CVD risk factors, depending on whether the study was conducted preclinically or clinically. Therefore, its extract should be explored as a potential remedy for the management of CVD risk factors, especially in areas where access to healthcare is limited. Full article

Objective: This study systematically examined the effects of recreational football on body composition and cardiometabolic health in overweight or obese individuals via subgroup analyses of potential moderators. Methods: A systematic search was conducted across six databases (PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang Data) in May and July 2025 to identify controlled trials evaluating recreational football among overweight or obese individuals. A meta-analysis was performed to pool the effect estimates, reported as standardized mean differences (SMDs), with heterogeneity explored through subgroup analyses. Results: Recreational football interventions across 32 studies (1126 participants, aged 11–68) led to significant improvements in body composition and cardiometabolic health. The training programs ranged from 4 to 48 weeks, with sessions lasting 4 to 30 min. Key body composition outcomes included reductions in body weight (SMD = −0.51), body mass index (SMD = −0.41), body fat percentage (SMD = −0.53), fat mass (SMD = −0.40), and waist circumference (SMD = −1.43), along with increases in lean body mass (SMD = 0.18). The effects were more pronounced in females and younger participants (≤18 years). Cardiometabolic benefits included reductions in systolic blood pressure (SMD = −0.59), diastolic blood pressure (SMD = −0.75), and mean arterial pressure (SMD = −0.91), as well as resting heart rates (SMD = −0.85), especially among females, obese males, and those subject to shorter rest intervals. Participants’ peak oxygen uptake also improved (SMD = 0.81). Concerning lipid metabolism, participants’ total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides decreased significantly, particularly in females, younger and obese individuals, and those who trained more than twice per week. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased significantly only in females and those involved in frequent training. In regard to glucose metabolism, participants’ fasting insulin declined (SMD = −0.47), especially in regard to programs exceeding 12 weeks, whereas no significant changes were observed in fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, or the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance. According to the GRADE assessments, the certainty of the evidence ranged from very low to moderate across these outcomes. Conclusions: Recreational football improves the body composition and cardiometabolic health in overweight or obese individuals, resulting in reductions in adiposity, blood pressure, lipids, and insulin, with greater benefits observed in females, younger individuals, and those engaging in more frequent training. These findings support its potential as a practical intervention for weight and cardiometabolic risk management, in both clinical and community settings. Full article

Background: Insulin resistance (IR) is a key pathogenic mechanism underlying numerous cardiometabolic disorders. While sociodemographic and lifestyle determinants of IR are well-established, their association with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) remains understudied. This study explores the relationship between IR risk, as measured by TyG, METS-IR, and SPISE-IR indices, and HRQoL in a large cohort of Spanish workers. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 100,014 Spanish workers aged 18–69 years evaluated between January 2021 and December 2023. Exclusion criteria included incomplete clinical, laboratory, or questionnaire data. IR was assessed using TyG, METS-IR, and SPISE-IR indices. HRQoL was measured using the SF-12 questionnaire. Sociodemographic factors, physical activity (IPAQ), dietary habits (MEDAS-14), and social class (based on CNAE-11 and Spanish Society of Epidemiology criteria) were also evaluated. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS v29.0. Results: Higher IR risk was consistently associated with older age, male sex, lower social class, current smoking, low adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and physical inactivity. Lower HRQoL scores (both physical and mental components) were significantly associated with higher IR indices, particularly with METS-IR and SPISE-IR. These associations persisted after adjusting for sociodemographic and behavioral covariates. Conclusions: This study demonstrates a robust association between insulin resistance risk and diminished health-related quality of life. The integration of validated IR indices and subjective health perception tools such as the SF-12 may enhance early identification of at-risk individuals in occupational health settings. Full article

Oral contraceptives (OCs) containing estrogen and/or progesterone are the second most common form of female contraception in the United States. While endogenously synthesized estrogen is known to provide protective effects against cardiometabolic diseases, exogenous forms such as OCs have been linked to increased susceptibility to cardiometabolic diseases and an elevated risk of myocardial infarction. The gut microbiota is thought to be a critical regulator of cardiometabolic disease risk; however, its interactions with OC use remain understudied. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the effects of OC use on the intestinal microbiota and investigate microbial associations with intestinal estradiol levels, energy homeostasis, and hepatic oxidative stress markers. METHODS: Female C57BL/6J mice were fed a high-fat diet with or without OCs from 7 to 8 weeks of age and maintained for either 12 or 20 weeks. Duodenal, jejunal, cecal, and colonic microbiota, cecal short- and branched-chain fatty acids, and intestinal estradiol levels were assessed. RESULTS: Both 12- and 20-week of OC treatments significantly elevated colonic estradiol levels. Twenty weeks of OC treatment significantly altered the composition of both cecal and colonic microbiota and increased cecal isobutyric acid concentrations, whereas 12 weeks of OC treatment resulted in only trending shifts in the cecal microbiota and did not alter colonic microbiota or fatty acid compositions assessed. In 12-week treated mice, cecal Lactococcus was positively associated with non-resting energy expenditure, whereas in 20-week treated mice, cecal Lachnoclostridium was positively associated with resting energy expenditure. CONCLUSIONS: OC use induces time- and intestinal segment-dependent shifts in the gut microbiota and branched-chain fatty acid production. The OC-induced increase in colonic estradiol could further influence the gut microbiota and health when utilized long-term. These findings provide critical insight into how OC use may contribute to increased cardiometabolic risk through gut microbial alterations. Full article

Background: Age is considered an independent cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor, but limited data exist concerning the impact of age and years in the fire service on firefighter health and physical performance. Objectives: We assessed the impact of age and years in the fire service on structural firefighter health and physical performance. Methods: 142 firefighters completed an annual clinical assessment. General linear model (GLM) multivariate and univariate analyses were performed across age groups, with years of fire service experience as a covariate. Partial Eta squared (η_p²) values for the GLM statics and Cohen’s d for pairwise comparisons were used to assess effect size. Results: GLM analyses revealed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) for several demographic, body composition, blood biomarker, and physical performance parameters. Pairwise comparisons revealed that younger firefighters displayed more favorable health and fitness profiles than their older counterparts. Interestingly, when accounting for years of fire service experience, differences for only the following variables remained: body mass index, waist circumference, lean mass, visceral adipose tissue, triglycerides, cardiopulmonary exercise test time-to-exhaustion, and VO₂max. Conclusions: These findings suggest differences in CVD risk biomarkers, physical fitness levels, and body composition metrics across age groups. However, years of fire service experience appears to have a greater impact on these variables, suggesting that firefighters’ time in the fire service may accelerate the effects of aging on these outcomes. While age-specific health interventions are recommended to manage and mitigate CVD risk effectively, there also should be consideration for the years of fire service. Full article

Aim: To assess oxidative–inflammatory biomarker prediction of incident CKD after 1-year follow-up in a population with overweight/obesity and metabolic syndrome. Methods: Prospective nested case–control study comprising 117 CKD incident cases and 117 matched controls free of CKD after 1-year follow-up conducted in 55–75-year-old participants. Controls were time-matched 1:1 to cases by intervention group, age (≤65 vs. >65 years), and sex. Serum creatinine (SCr), cystatin C (CyC), and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) were measured at baseline, and CKD Epidemiology Collaboration equations for Caucasians were used to assess SCr, CyC, and CyC-SCr-based estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR). Baseline levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), carbonyls, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-1ra, IL-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), and leptin were determined from fasting serum samples. An inflammatory-oxidative stress score based on these biomarkers was calculated. Incident CKD was defined by eGFR-SCr <60 mL/min/1.73 m², and/or UACR ≥30 mg/g in the absence of CKD at baseline. Results: UACR positively correlated with pro-inflammatory markers (IL-1β; TNFα) and oxidative damage marker (MDA); eGFR-cyC showed negative correlations with IL-1β and IL-1ra, and eGFR-SCr with leptin. The odds ratios (OR; 95% CI) for incident CKD in the highest vs. the lowest tertile of IL-1ra IL-6 and TNFα were (2.22; 1.22–4.04), (7.03; 2.88–17.14), and (3.79; 1.79–8.02), respectively. The inflammatory–oxidative stress score was associated with incident CKD (OR per 1-SD increment: 2.06; 1.49–2.83). Conclusions: Inflammatory/oxidative stress is associated with CKD incidence in individuals with high cardiovascular risk, underscoring the importance in identify early inflammation to prevent this disease. Full article

Background/Objectives: Adolescence is a critical period for the early detection of metabolic syndrome (MetS), a condition that increases the risk of cardiometabolic diseases in adulthood. Timely identification of at-risk adolescents enables targeted prevention strategies. This study aimed to analyze the discriminative capacity and accuracy of six biochemical and/or anthropometric indices related to lipid metabolism and adiposity for the early detection of MetS in a sample of Spanish adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional study carried out according to the STROBE guidelines. A sample of 981 adolescents aged 11–16 years old were randomly recruited from schools in Southeastern Spain. The presence or absence of MetS was determined according to the International Diabetes Federation criteria. The following biochemical and/or anthropometric indices were evaluated: triglyceride glucose index, visceral adiposity index, logarithm children’s lipid accumulation product, triglyceride glucose-body mass index, triglyceride glucose-waist circumference, and triglyceride glucose-waist-to-hip ratio. Results: The triglyceride glucose-waist-to-hip ratio and triglyceride glucose-body mass index parameters were the strongest indicators associated with MetS in boys and girls, respectively, after adjusting for several factors. Moreover, all evaluated indices showed optimal AUC values, with the visceral adiposity index and triglyceride glucose-waist circumference index exhibiting the highest discriminative capacity in both genders. Conclusions: The evaluated biochemical and anthropometric indices—particularly visceral adiposity index and triglyceride-glucose-waist circumference—show promise as accessible biomarkers for identifying adolescents at metabolic risk. These indices may serve as practical tools in preventive health strategies aimed at improving metabolic health by screening adolescents at risk of MetS, thereby helping to reduce the future burden of non-communicable diseases. Full article

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading global cause of death, with long-term hospitalization becoming increasingly frequent in advanced or chronic cases. In this context, the interplay between systemic factors such as lipid metabolism, circulating metabolites, gut microbiota, and oral health is gaining attention for its potential role in influencing inflammation, cardiometabolic risk, and long-term outcomes. Despite their apparent independence, these domains are increasingly recognized as interconnected and influential in cardiovascular pathophysiology. Methods: This narrative review was conducted by analyzing studies published between 2015 and 2024 from databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Keywords such as “lipid profile,” “metabolomics,” “gut microbiota,” “oral health,” and “cardiovascular disease” were used. Original research, meta-analyses, and reviews relevant to hospitalized cardiac patients were included. A critical integrative approach was applied to highlight cross-domain connections. Results and Discussion: Evidence reveals significant interrelations between altered lipid profiles, gut dysbiosis (including increased TMAO levels), metabolic imbalances, and oral inflammation. Each component contributes to a systemic pro-inflammatory state that worsens cardiovascular prognosis, particularly in long-term hospitalized patients. Despite isolated research in each domain, there is a paucity of studies integrating all four. The need for interdisciplinary diagnostic models and preventive strategies is emphasized, especially in populations with frailty or immobilization. Conclusions: Monitoring lipid metabolism, metabolomic shifts, gut microbial balance, and oral status should be considered part of comprehensive cardiovascular care. Gut microbiota exerts a dual role in cardiac health: when balanced, it supports anti-inflammatory and metabolic homeostasis; when dysbiotic, it contributes to systemic inflammation and worsened cardiac outcomes. Future research should aim to develop integrative screening tools and personalized interventions that address the multifactorial burden of disease. A systemic approach may improve both short- and long-term outcomes in this complex and vulnerable patient population. Full article

Background: Menopause increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) accompanied by a decline in muscle function. Myokines, released by skeletal muscle, could play a significant role in cardiovascular health. Objectives and Methods: This study aimed to investigate the changes induced by a 16-week resistance training (RT) program and/or the docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-rich n-3 PUFA supplementation on myokine and cytokine circulating levels and to study their associations with parameters of body composition, muscle function, and glucose and lipid serum markers in postmenopausal women with overweight/obesity. Results: At baseline, interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were positively correlated with body fat and with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels and negatively associated with meterorin-like (METRNL) levels. Moreover, METRNL was inversely associated with insulin levels and with HOMA-IR. After the intervention, muscle quality improved with either treatment but more notably in response to RT. N-3 supplementation caused significant improvements in cardiometabolic health markers. TNF-α decreased in all experimental groups. Myostatin levels decreased in the RT and in the n-3 groups, and IL-6 increased in the n-3+RT group. Lastly, no interactions between treatments were observed. Conclusions: In postmenopausal women with overweight or obesity, RT could help improve skeletal muscle function, while DHA-rich n-3 supplementation might decrease CVD risk and might potentially improve muscle function. The modulation of myokine levels could be underlying some of the effects of DHA or RT; however, further research is necessary. Full article

Background and Aim: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) continues to pose a significant public health challenge worldwide. Among therapeutic options, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have proven effective in optimizing glycemic control and improving cardiometabolic profiles. Semaglutide, now available in an oral formulation, represents a modern strategy to improve patient adherence while supporting glucose and weight regulation. This study primarily investigated the effects of oral semaglutide on key metabolic indicators and secondary endpoints included cardiovascular risk markers (blood pressure and lipid profile) and patient-reported quality of life (QoL). Study Design and Methods: A longitudinal, prospective observational study was conducted involving patients with T2D across two Italian healthcare facilities. Participants were assessed at baseline (T0) and at three subsequent intervals—6 months (T1), 12 months (T2), and 18 months (T3)—following the initiation of oral semaglutide use. Key Findings: Out of 116 participants enrolled, 97 had complete and analyzable data. Across the 18-month follow-up, significant improvements were observed in glycemic parameters, with a notable reduction in HbA1c levels (T0 vs. T3, p = 0.0028; p ≤ 0.05, statistically significant). Self-reported outcomes showed enhanced quality of life, especially in treatment satisfaction and perceived flexibility (T0 vs. T3, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Daily administration of 14 mg oral semaglutide in individuals with T2D resulted in substantial benefits in glycemic regulation, weight reduction, cardiovascular risk management, and overall patient satisfaction. These findings reinforce its potential role as a sustainable and effective option in long-term diabetes care from both a clinical and public health perspective. Full article

Childhood obesity increases chronic disease risk, but no comprehensive synthesis has evaluated the impact of school-based combined nutrition education and physical activity interventions on cardiometabolic biomarkers in children aged 3 to 12 years. This systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251085194). Five databases were systematically searched through June 2025. Twelve randomized controlled trials involving 18,231 children were included and assessed using the PEDro scale. Ten trials demonstrated significant improvements in at least one cardiometabolic biomarker. Blood pressure (8 studies) outcomes showed systolic reductions of 1.41–6.0 mmHg in six studies. Glucose metabolism (5 studies) improved in two studies with reductions of 0.20–0.22 mmol/L. Lipid profiles (7 studies) improved in three studies, including total cholesterol (−0.32 mmol/L). Insulin levels (5 studies) decreased significantly in two investigations. Anthropometric improvements included BMI and body fat. Physical activity increased by >45 min/week and dietary habits improved significantly. Programs with daily implementation (90-min sessions 4x/week), longer duration (≥12 months), family involvement (parent education), and curriculum integration (classroom lessons) showed superior effectiveness. Interventions targeting children with overweight/obesity demonstrated higher changes compared to the general population. However, methodological limitations included a lack of assessor blinding, absence of subject/therapist blinding, and inadequate retention rates. School-based interventions combining nutrition and physical activity can produce significant improvements in cardiometabolic biomarkers, supporting comprehensive, sustained multicomponent programs for early chronic disease prevention. Full article

Introduction: Breakfast has emerged as a critical factor in preventing cardiovascular diseases, driven not only by its nutritional content but also by its alignment with circadian rhythms. However, gaps remain in the literature regarding its clinical impact and thematic evolution. Objective: To characterize the global scientific output on the relationship between breakfast quality and cardiovascular health through a systematic bibliometric analysis. Methodology: The PRISMA 2020 protocol was applied to select 1436 original articles indexed in Scopus and Web of Science (1957–2025). Bibliometric tools, including R (v4.4.2) and VOSviewer (v1.6.19) were used to map productivity, impact, collaboration networks, and emerging thematic areas. Results: Scientific output has grown exponentially since 2000. The most influential journals are the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Nutrients, and Diabetes Care. The United States, United Kingdom, and Japan lead in publication volume and citations, with increasing participation from Latin American countries. Thematic trends have shifted from traditional clinical markers to innovative approaches such as chrononutrition, digital health, and personalized nutrition. However, methodological gaps persist, including a predominance of observational studies and an underrepresentation of vulnerable populations. Conclusions: Breakfast is a dietary practice with profound implications for cardiometabolic health. This study provides a comprehensive overview of scientific literature, highlighting both advancements and challenges. Strengthening international collaboration networks, standardizing definitions of a healthy breakfast, and promoting evidence-based interventions in school, clinical, and community settings are recommended. Full article