Search Results (4,883)

The increasing prevalence of chronic metabolic diseases poses a significant challenge in the modern world, impacting healthcare systems and individual life expectancy. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that older adults (65+ years) engage in 150–300 min of moderate-intensity or 75–150 min of vigorous-intensity physical activity, alongside muscle-strengthening and balance-training exercises at least twice a week. However, nearly one-third of the adult population (31%) is physically inactive, which increases the risk of developing obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and psychological issues. Physical activity in the form of aerobic exercise, resistance training, or a combination of both is effective in preventing and managing these metabolic diseases. In this review, we explored the effects of exercise training, especially on respiratory and pulmonary factors, including oxygen consumption, pulmonary ventilation, and blood gas analyses among adults. During exercise, oxygen consumption can increase up to 15-fold (from a resting rate of ~250 mL/min) to meet heightened metabolic demands, enhancing tidal volume and pulmonary efficiency. During exercise, the increased energy demand of skeletal muscle leads to increases in tidal volume and pulmonary function, while blood gases play a key role in maintaining the pH of the blood. In this review, we explored the influence of age, body composition (BMI and obesity), lifestyle factors (smoking and alcohol use), and comorbidities (diabetes, hypertension, neurodegenerative disorders) in the modulation of these physiological responses. We underscored exercise as a potent non-pharmacological intervention for improving cardiopulmonary health and mitigating the progression of metabolic diseases in aging populations. Full article

Background: Sodium–glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is), initially developed as antihyperglycemic agents, have emerged as multifunctional therapeutics with profound cardiorenal and metabolic benefits. Their unique insulin-independent mechanism, targeting renal glucose reabsorption, distinguishes them from conventional antidiabetic drugs. Mechanisms and Clinical Evidence: SGLT2is induce glycosuria, reduce hyperglycemia, and promote weight loss through increased caloric excretion. Beyond glycemic control, they modulate tubuloglomerular feedback, attenuate glomerular hyperfiltration, and exert systemic effects via natriuresis, ketone utilization, and anti-inflammatory pathways. Landmark trials (DAPA-HF, EMPEROR-Reduced, CREDENCE, DAPA-CKD) demonstrate robust reductions in heart failure (HF) hospitalizations, cardiovascular mortality, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression, irrespective of diabetes status. Adipose Tissue and Metabolic Effects: SGLT2is mitigate obesity-associated adiposopathy by shifting macrophage polarization (M1 to M2), reducing proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6), and enhancing adipose tissue browning (UCP1 upregulation) and mitochondrial biogenesis (via PGC-1α/PPARα). Modest weight loss (~2–4 kg) occurs, though compensatory hyperphagia may limit long-term effects. Emerging Applications: Potential roles in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and neurodegenerative disorders are under investigation, driven by pleiotropic effects on metabolism and inflammation. Conclusions: SGLT2is represent a paradigm shift in managing T2DM, HF, and CKD, with expanding implications for metabolic syndrome. Future research should address interindividual variability, combination therapies, and non-glycemic indications to optimize their therapeutic potential. Full article

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome is a severe, debilitating, and pervasive sleep disorder. OSA mainly affects people with obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hypertension, and dyslipidemia and is strongly associated with cardiovascular complications. Based on the bidirectional relationship between T2DM and OSA, the latter represents a risk factor for the former, and, vice versa, people with T2DM have a high risk of OSA. Mechanical and hormonal factors, inflammatory mediators, and a dysregulated autonomic nervous system contribute to the mechanisms underlying the disease. Treatment of OSA is necessary even if the available remedies are not always effective. In addition to traditional treatments, including lifestyle adaptations and bariatric surgery, CPAP equipment, i.e., a breathing device ensuring continuous positive pressure to keep the airways open during sleep, represents the most common treatment tool. More recently, pharmacological research has paved the way to newer seemingly effective therapeutic strategies involving, in particular, two hypoglycemic agent classes, i.e., sodium–glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2-is) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (GLP1-ras). This narrative review provides an update on all of the above. Full article

Cardiovascular–Kidney–Metabolic (CKM) syndrome symbolizes a single pathophysiologic entity including obesity, type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease. These conditions altogether accelerate adverse outcomes when they coexist. Recent evidence has shown that the function of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) and sodium–glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) alleviate stress on multiple organs. SGLT2i has been demonstrated to benefit heart failure, hemodynamic regulation, and renal protection while GLP-1RA on the other hand has been shown to demonstrate a strong impact on glycemic management, weight loss, and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. This review will aim to understand and evaluate the mechanistic rationalization, clinical evidence, and the potential therapeutic treatment of SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists to treat individuals who have CKM syndrome. This analysis also assesses whether combination therapy can be a synergistic approach that may benefit patients but is still underutilized because of the lack of clear guidelines, the associated costs, and disparities in accessibility. Therefore, in this review, we will be discussing the combination therapy’s additive and synergistic effects, current recommendations and clinical evidence, and mechanistic insights of these GLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists in CKM syndrome patients. Overall, early and combination usage of GLP-1RA and SGLT2i may be essential to demonstrating a significant shift in modern cardiometabolic therapy toward patient-centered care. Full article

Sodium–glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) and GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are now established as cornerstone therapies for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), given their cardiovascular and renal protective properties. However, their use in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) remains controversial due to concerns raised in early trials about potential increases in lower limb complications, particularly amputations. This narrative review examines current evidence on the association between SGLT2is and GLP-1 RAs in PAD-related outcomes, including limb events, amputation risk, and cardiovascular and renal endpoints. Drawing from randomized controlled trials, real-world cohort studies, and systematic reviews, we provide an integrated perspective on the safety and utility of SGLT2is and GLP-1 RAs in individuals with PAD, highlight patient selection considerations, and identify areas for future investigation. Full article

Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages globally, with over 60% of Americans drinking it daily. This review examines coffee’s multifaceted impact on health and well-being, drawing on decades of research. Overall, the consensus is that moderate coffee intake is more beneficial than harmful across a wide range of health outcomes. Numerous large-scale, prospective cohort studies from around the world have consistently shown that moderate coffee consumption—typically three to five cups per day—is associated with reduced overall mortality and lower risk of major diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, stroke, respiratory conditions, cognitive decline, and potentially several types of cancer, including liver and uterine cancers. Both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee have shown benefits. The addition of sugar and cream to coffee may attenuate coffee’s positive health effects. Despite historical concerns, coffee consumption is not linked to increased risks of cancer, hypertension, or arrhythmia. However, some concerns remain. For pregnant women, coffee consumption should be limited to lower amounts, such that the daily intake of caffeine does not exceed 200 mg/day. Also, excessive caffeinated coffee intake may cause anxiety or sleep disturbances. Coffee’s health-promoting mechanisms include improved glucose balancing, increased physical activity, increased fat oxidation, improved lung function, and reduced inflammation. Beyond mortality and chronic diseases, coffee consumption affects many aspects of well-being: it supports hydration, boosts mental acuity, enhances physical performance, and may aid bowel recovery after surgery. While the field is well-studied via long-term observational cohorts, future research should focus on randomized controlled trials, Mendelian randomization studies, and granular analyses of coffee types and additives. Full article

Obesity is a chronic disorder associated with serious comorbidities such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Conventional pharmacological treatments often suffer from limited efficacy, poor selectivity, and undesirable side effects, highlighting the need for more effective alternatives. Nanomedicine offers a promising approach by overcoming these limitations through targeted drug delivery and enhanced therapeutic precision. This review examines key nanotechnological strategies in obesity management, including targeting white adipose tissue (WAT) and the vascular marker prohibitin, promoting WAT browning, and utilizing photothermal therapy and magnetic hyperthermia as nanotheranostic tools. We discuss major nanomedicine platforms—such as liposomes, nanoemulsions, and polymeric nanoparticles—alongside emerging applications in gene nanotherapy and herbal formulations. Potential toxicity concerns are also addressed. In summary, nanomedicine holds substantial potential to revolutionize obesity treatment through targeted, effective, and multifunctional therapeutic strategies. Full article

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is increasingly recognized as a significant comorbidity in individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D), despite its historical association with type 2 diabetes. This review focuses on summarizing current findings regarding the role of insulin resistance in the development of MASLD in T1D, as well as examining the relationship between MASLD and diabetes-related complications. We will also briefly discuss the prevalence, diagnostic challenges, associated complications, and potential mechanisms underlying MASLD in T1D. Although insulin resistance is well established in MASLD among those with type 2 diabetes, its role in T1D requires further clarification. Emerging markers, such as the estimated glucose disposal rate, offer early insight into this relationship. MASLD in T1D is linked to both microvascular and macrovascular complications, including nephropathy, retinopathy, neuropathy, and cardiovascular disease. Variability in prevalence estimates reflects inconsistencies among imaging modalities, emphasizing the need for standardized, non-invasive diagnostic approaches. Recognizing and addressing MASLD and its links to insulin resistance and diabetes complications in T1D is vital for mitigating long-term complications and enhancing clinical outcomes. Full article

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a prevalent metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and long-term cardiovascular complications. Another hallmark of T2D is disrupted hormonal homeostasis—marked by elevated levels of insulin and leptin and reduced adiponectin—which plays a crucial role in modulating immune cell function. Individuals with T2D exhibit a skewed immune profile, with an elevated secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL17, and IL6, which are well-established drivers of vascular inflammation and dysfunction. Moreover, dysregulated metabolic hormones in T2D promote the acquisition of a pro-inflammatory phenotype in immune cells, suggesting that these hormones not only regulate energy balance but also serve as potent immune activators. Their dysregulation likely plays a significant—and perhaps underappreciated—role in the onset and progression of diabetic cardiovascular complications. Full article

Honey is a natural product of honeybees that has been consumed for centuries due to its nutritional value and potential health benefits. Recent scientific research has focused on its antioxidant capacity, which is linked to a variety of bioactive compounds such as phenolic acids, enzymes (e.g., glucose oxidase, catalase), flavonoids, ascorbic acid, carotenoids, amino acids, and proteins. Together, these components work synergistically to neutralize free radicals, regulate antioxidant enzyme activity, and reduce oxidative stress. This review decisively outlines the antioxidant effects of honey and presents compelling clinical and experimental evidence supporting its critical role in preventing diseases associated with oxidative stress. Honey stands out for its extensive health benefits, which include robust protection against cardiovascular issues, notable anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects, enhanced glycemic control in diabetes, immune modulation, neuroprotection, and effective wound healing. As a recognized functional food and dietary supplement, honey is essential for the prevention and adjunct treatment of chronic diseases. However, it faces challenges due to variations in composition linked to climatic conditions, geographical and floral sources, as well as hive management practices. The limited number of large-scale clinical trials further underscores the need for more research. Future studies must focus on elucidating honey’s antioxidant mechanisms, standardizing its bioactive compounds, and examining its synergistic effects with other natural antioxidants to fully harness its potential. Full article

Background and Objectives: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a progressive liver disorder associated with metabolic risk factors such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. If left untreated, the accumulation of excess hepatic fat can lead to inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and ultimately liver failure. Capsaicin (CAP), the primary pungent compound in chili peppers, has previously been shown to prevent weight gain in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity models. In this study, we investigated the potential of dietary CAP to prevent HFD-induced MASLD. Methods: C57BL/6 mice were fed an HFD (60% kcal from fat) with or without 0.01% CAP supplementation for 26 weeks. We evaluated CAP’s effects on hepatic fat accumulation, inflammation, and mitochondrial function to determine its role in preventing MASLD. Results: CAP acts as a potent and selective agonist of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channel. We confirmed TRPV1 expression in the liver and demonstrated that CAP activates hepatic TRPV1, thereby preventing steatosis, improving insulin sensitivity, reducing inflammation, and enhancing fatty acid oxidation. These beneficial effects were observed in wild-type but not in TRPV1 knockout mice. Mechanistically, CAP-induced TRPV1 activation promotes calcium influx and activates AMPK, which leads to SIRT1-dependent upregulation of PPARα and PGC-1α, enhancing mitochondrial biogenesis and lipid metabolism. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that dietary CAP prevents MASLD through TRPV1 activation. TRPV1 signaling represents a promising therapeutic target for the prevention and management of MASLD in individuals with metabolic disorders. Full article

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains Europe’s leading cause of mortality, responsible for >45% of deaths. Beyond established risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidaemia, smoking, obesity), psychosocial elements—depression, anxiety, financial stress, personality traits, and trauma—significantly influence CVD development and progression. Behavioural Cardiology addresses this connection by systematically incorporating psychosocial factors into prevention and rehabilitation protocols. This review examines the HEARTBEAT model, developed by Greece’s first Behavioural Cardiology Unit, which aligns with current European guidelines. The model serves dual purposes: primary prevention (targeting at-risk individuals) and secondary prevention (treating established CVD patients). It is a personalised medicine approach that integrates psychosocial profiling with traditional risk assessment, utilising tailored evaluation tools, caregiver input, and multidisciplinary collaboration to address personality traits, emotional states, socioeconomic circumstances, and cultural contexts. The model emphasises three critical implementation aspects: (1) digital health integration, (2) cost-effectiveness analysis, and (3) healthcare system adaptability. Compared to international approaches, it highlights research gaps in psychosocial interventions and advocates for culturally sensitive adaptations, particularly in resource-limited settings. Special consideration is given to older populations requiring tailored care strategies. Ultimately, Behavioural Cardiology represents a transformative systems-based approach bridging psychology, lifestyle medicine, and cardiovascular treatment. This integration may prove pivotal for optimising chronic disease management through personalised interventions that address both biological and psychosocial determinants of cardiovascular health. Full article

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and dementia may share common pathogenic factors such as atherosclerosis and hyperlipoproteinemia. Dyslipidemia-induced oxidative stress contributes to dementia comorbidity in CVD. Abelmoschus esculentus (AE, okra) potentiates in alleviating hyperlipidemia and diabetes-related cognitive impairment. This study evaluated the effects of AE in hyperlipidemic ApoE^−/− mice treated with streptozotocin (50 mg/kg) and fed a high-fat diet (17% lard oil, 1.2% cholesterol). AE fractions F1 or F2 (0.65 mg/kg) were administered for 8 weeks. AE significantly reduced serum LDL-C, HDL-C, triglycerides, and glucose, improved cognitive and memory function, and protected hippocampal neurons. AE also lowered oxidative stress markers (8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine, 8-OHdG) and modulated neuronal nuclei (NeuN) and doublecortin (DCX) expression. In vitro, AE promoted neurite outgrowth and neuronal differentiation in retinoic acid (RA)-differentiated human SH-SY5Y cells under metabolic stress (glucose and palmitate), alongside the upregulation of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), Nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). These findings suggest AE may counter cognitive decline via oxidative stress regulation and the enhancement of neuronal differentiation. Full article

Diabetes mellitus poses a significant global health challenge, primarily due to its chronic metabolic dysregulation, leading to widespread tissue and organ damage. This systemic impact results in a range of complications that markedly reduce patients’ quality of life. Therefore it is critical to understand the mechanisms underlying these complications. DJ-1 (also known as PARK7) is a highly conserved multifunctional protein involved in antioxidative defense, metabolic equilibrium, and cellular survival. Recent studies have highlighted that DJ-1 is critically involved in the pathogenesis and progression of diabetic complications, including macrovascular issues like cardiovascular disease and microvascular conditions such as diabetic nephropathy, retinopathy, and neuropathy, suggesting that it may serve as a promising therapeutic target. Importantly, drugs targeting DJ-1 have shown therapeutic effects. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current under-standing of DJ-1’s role in diabetes-related complications, emphasizing recent research advances. Full article

Growing interest in the future applications of nanotechnology in medicine has led to groundbreaking developments in nanosensors. Nanosensors are excellent platforms that provide reliable solutions for continuous monitoring and real-time detection of clinical targets. Nanosensors have attracted great attention due to their remarkable sensitivity, portability, selectivity, and automated data acquisition. The exceptional nanoscale properties of nanomaterials used in the nanosensors boost their sensing potential even at minimal concentrations of analytes present in a clinical sample. Along with applications in diverse sectors, the beneficial aspects of nanosensors have been exploited in healthcare systems to utilize their applications in diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases. Hence, in this review, we have presented an overview of the disease-prognostic applications of nanosensors in chronic diseases through a detailed literature analysis. We focused on the advances in various nanosensors in the field of major diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, and neurodegenerative diseases along with other prevalent diseases. This review demonstrates various categories of nanosensors with different nanoparticle compositions and detection methods suitable for specific diagnostic applications in clinical settings. The chemical properties of different nanoparticles provide unique characteristics to each nanosensors for their specific applications. This will aid the detection of potential biomarkers or pathological conditions that correlate with the early detection of various diseases. The potential challenges and possible recommendations of the applications of nanosensors for disease diagnosis are also discussed. The consolidated information present in the review will help to better understand the disease-prognostic potentials of nanosensors, which can be utilized to explore new avenues in improved therapeutic interventions and treatment modalities. Full article