Search Results (315)

Background: Anaemia in adolescents can be influenced by parasitic infections, systemic inflammation, and nutritional status. Objective: To determine whether C-reactive protein (CRP), nutritional status, and infection with Ascaris lumbricoides, Giardia lamblia, or Trichuris trichiura are associated with anaemia in adolescent athletes from Tacna compared to non-athletes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 250 male football players aged 13–18 years and 150 age-matched non-athletes. Haemoglobin, haematocrit, ferritin, serum iron, CRP, and parasitic status were measured; mean comparisons and logistic regression were applied. Results: Anaemia was more prevalent among athletes than non-athletes (30% vs. 18%; p < 0.001). Infected athletes showed lower haemoglobin (11.9 ± 1.1 g/dL) and higher CRP (5.0 ± 1.9 mg/L) levels compared to non-infected athletes (13.8 ± 1.0 g/dL and 2.2 ± 1.1 mg/L; p < 0.001). Logistic regression identified CRP as an independent predictor of anaemia (adjusted OR = 1.20; 95% CI: 1.08–1.38; p < 0.001), while parasitic infections showed no direct association after adjustment. Underweight status was associated with a higher prevalence of anaemia (36%). Conclusions: Systemic inflammation emerged as the main factor associated with anaemia in this population, with parasitic infections contributing indirectly by increasing inflammation. Periodic deworming, iron supplementation, and CRP monitoring are recommended to reduce the burden of anaemia in adolescent athletes from endemic regions. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the association between serum ferritin levels and functional impairment in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). In addition, we investigated whether this relationship remained significant after controlling for core symptom severity and examined the correlations between ferritin levels and ADHD symptom levels. Methods: The sample included 88 children aged 6–13 years: 44 diagnosed with ADHD and 44 healthy controls (HCs) matched for age and sex. ADHD symptom severity was assessed using Turgay’s DSM-IV-Based ADHD and Disruptive Behavior Disorders Screening Scale (T-DSM-IV-S; parent-report) and the Clinical Global Impression—Severity (CGI-S) scale (clinician-rated). Functional impairment was measured using the Weiss Functional Impairment Rating Scale—Parent Report (WFIRS-P). Serum ferritin levels were determined through venous blood samples. Statistical analyses included group comparisons, Spearman correlations, and partial correlations controlling for symptom severity. Results: Children with ADHD had significantly lower serum ferritin levels and higher levels of both symptom severity and functional impairment compared to HCs. Ferritin levels were negatively correlated with ADHD symptom severity and with functional impairment in the Life Skills domain. However, after controlling for ADHD symptom severity, the association with Life Skills was no longer statistically significant. Conclusions: Ferritin levels were found to be associated with both ADHD symptom severity and functional impairment in the Life Skills domain. However, this relationship was not independent of symptom severity, suggesting that core ADHD symptoms may mediate the impact of iron status on daily functioning. Due to the study’s limitations (e.g., cross-sectional design, small sample size, gender imbalance, and lack of inflammatory and dietary data), our findings should be interpreted with caution, as they do not establish causality or resolve the ongoing inconsistencies in the literature. These results underscore the relevance of iron metabolism in the clinical presentation of ADHD and highlight the need for future research to determine whether improving iron status could serve as an adjunctive strategy in the management of functional impairments in this population. Full article

Background/Objectives: The role of intestinal dysbiosis as an important driver of inflammation in metabolic disorders is becoming increasingly evident. Beta-defensin 2 is an antimicrobial peptide that contributes to innate immunity, while recently it has been suggested as a novel biomarker of gut dysbiosis. However, its role in obesity remains unexplored. This study aimed to compare circulating beta-defensin 2 levels between individuals with overweight and obesity and lean controls. An additional objective was to explore potential correlations between beta-defensin 2 and other inflammatory markers in this population. Methods: The study population consisted of 81 participants (61.7% females) divided into obesity (n = 27), overweight (n = 34), and normal body mass index (n = 20) groups. All participants were free of infection and diabetes mellitus. Beta-defensin 2, interleukin-6, presepsin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and ferritin were evaluated in the study groups. Results: We did not find significant differences in beta-defensin 2 levels between the groups (p = 0.936). In contrast, hs-CRP levels were higher in people with obesity compared to the sum of participants in the overweight and control groups (p = 0.044), after adjusting for the effects of age, sex, smoking, and vitamin D status. Furthermore, a positive correlation was established between beta-defensin 2 and presepsin values (p = 0.012). Conclusions: The results of the present study demonstrate that obesity is characterized by an aggravation of inflammation, as expressed by elevated hs-CRP levels. Although the study design cannot prove causal relationships, our findings also suggest that beta-defensin 2 levels correlate with the magnitude of systemic inflammation in infection-free individuals living with obesity. The value of the combined evaluation of different biomarkers in obesity-related outcomes warrants further investigation by larger studies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Although there is an increasing interest among athletes in adopting plant-based diets, there is insufficient research available to determine how a vegan diet affects soccer performance. Methods: This interventional pilot study examined the effect of an 8-week vegan diet (VEG, n = 10) on nutritional status and athletic performance in semi-professional soccer players compared to controls (CON, n = 8). The study employed a controlled, non-randomized, longitudinal pilot study design during the season to compare the two groups. Results: Both groups displayed overall differences in nutrient intake, including insufficient energy and carbohydrates (t2: 46.2 [40.3–52.2] En% (VEG) vs. 37.6 [34.1–41.1] En% (CON); p = 0.036, Cohen’s d = 1.321). Notably, biochemical parameters 25(OH)D and ferritin levels fell within the normal ranges for both groups. The VEG group exhibited favorable changes in total and LDL cholesterol levels. Both groups had increased performances on the treadmill over the entire course of the study (VEG: +0.87 km/h (6.6%); CON: +0.96 km/h (7%); p > 0.05). The initial relative VO_2max at t0 was comparable between the groups. Primarily due to the significant weight loss in the VEG group (−1.94 kg, p = 0.007) rather than a change in absolute VO_2max values, we found an increased relative VO_2max in the VEG group, which was significantly different from that of the CON group (57.0 [53.7–60.3] mL/kg/min (VEG) vs. 51.6 [48.1–55.0] mL/kg/min (CON); p = 0.041, Cohen’s d = 1.675). Conclusions: These findings suggest that a short-term vegan diet does not adversely affect training-induced performance improvements and may be suitable for semi-professional soccer players. Full article

Background/Objectives: Patients undergoing hemodialysis frequently receive oral or intravenous iron supplementation to treat iron-deficiency anemia and enhance the efficacy of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. However, this approach may lead to iron overload. Experimental studies have suggested that iron overload may contribute to the development of sarcopenia through oxidative stress and inflammation. This study aimed to investigate the association between iron status and sarcopenia in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Methods: Serum ferritin levels were measured, and sarcopenia was assessed using the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia criteria in 104 stable outpatients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis therapy. Results: Sarcopenia was identified in 25 (24.0%) patients. Serum ferritin levels were significantly higher in patients with sarcopenia than in those without (median: 170.6 ng/mL vs. 92 ng/mL, p = 0.023). An increase of 10 ng/mL in serum ferritin levels was independently associated with sarcopenia. The high-ferritin group (≥132 ng/mL as a cutoff value determined using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis) exhibited a higher prevalence of sarcopenia compared with the low-ferritin group (37.3% vs. 11.3%, p = 0.001). Furthermore, serum ferritin levels were negatively correlated with skeletal muscle mass and skeletal muscle strength, which constitute the components of the sarcopenia diagnostic criteria. Conclusions: Elevated serum ferritin levels were independently associated with sarcopenia in patients undergoing hemodialysis. This finding implies that excessive iron supplementation may contribute to the progression of sarcopenia. Routine evaluation of iron status and careful assessment of the necessity for iron therapy are recommended in this population. Full article

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of oxidative stress parameters in fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and to investigate their potential associations with disease severity, functional impairment, anxiety, and depression. Materials and Methods: The study included 84 participants, consisting of 42 women diagnosed with fibromyalgia (FM) and 42 healthy female controls. Serum levels of total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured in all participants, and the oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated. Additionally, the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) were administered to assess mental health and functional status. Results: The levels of TOS, TAS, MDA, and the OSI were significantly higher in the fibromyalgia group compared to the control group (p < 0.001). The relationship between TAS, TOS, MDA, and OSI levels and BDI, BAI, and FIQ scale scores was investigated in the case group, but no significant associations were identified between oxidative stress markers and psychological or functional scores. When all participants were analyzed as a single group, significant correlations were found between TAS, TOS, MDA, and OSI levels and several biochemical parameters, including CRP, AST, free T4, HbA1c, ferritin, and folic acid. Conclusions: Our study adds to the growing body of evidence indicating elevated oxidative stress in female patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and suggests that TAS, TOS, MDA, and OSI may serve as potential biomarkers for its diagnosis. Full article

Syndecan-3 (SDC3), a transmembrane heparan sulfate proteoglycan involved in cell signaling and endocytosis, has recently been implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders. While preclinical studies have demonstrated its role in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), its diagnostic relevance in peripheral blood remains unexplored. In this human cohort study, we measured SDC3 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 22 clinically diagnosed AD patients and 20 cognitively unimpaired non-AD controls using a custom ELISA. The findings were compared with plasma p-tau217 levels and a panel of systemic laboratory markers. PBMC-expressed SDC3 was significantly elevated in AD patients and moderately correlated with AD status (r = 0.309, p = 0.0465) independent of age. Notably, SDC3 levels were inversely correlated with systemic inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein (CRP; r = −0.421, p = 0.0055) and D-dimer (r = −0.343, p = 0.038), suggesting an AD-associated immune phenotype distinct from acute-phase or vascular inflammation. Conversely, plasma p-tau217 levels did not significantly differ between groups but correlated with markers of tissue injury and inflammation (LDH, GOT, and ferritin), potentially reflecting systemic influences in non-AD controls. A multivariable logistic regression model incorporating SDC3, p-tau217, and age demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.85). These findings identify PBMC-expressed SDC3 as a promising blood-based biomarker candidate for AD, warranting further validation in larger, biomarker-confirmed cohorts. Full article

Background and Objectives: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent functional gastrointestinal disorder with diverse subtypes. Recent evidence has suggested a link between vitamin D deficiency and IBS; however, the associations between vitamin D levels, IBS subtypes, and hematological–biochemical parameters remain unclear. The aim of this research was to investigate the associations between vitamin D status, IBS subtypes, and sex, along with their relationships with biochemical and hematological parameters. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 240 patients diagnosed with IBS according to the Rome IV criteria at Van Yüzüncü Yıl University Medical Faculty Hospital. The patients were classified as diarrhea-predominant (IBS-D), constipation-predominant (IBS-C), or mixed-type (IBS-M). The patients’ serum vitamin D levels and hematological (hemoglobin, white blood cell and platelet counts, and mean corpuscular volume) and biochemical (ferritin, iron, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B12 levels) parameters were evaluated at baseline and after vitamin D supplementation. Sex-related differences were assessed. Results: Baseline vitamin D levels were low in all IBS subtypes, with no significant differences between the groups. Vitamin D supplementation resulted in a significant increase in serum vitamin D levels across all subtypes (p = 0.001). No significant correlations were identified between vitamin D levels and hematological or biochemical parameters. Sex differences in vitamin D levels were only significant in the IBS-M group, both at baseline and post-treatment (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent among all IBS subtypes and significantly improves with supplementation, independently of the subtype. Although no associations were found between vitamin D levels and laboratory parameters, the observed sex differences in patients with IBS-M highlight the need for further research into potential sex-related pathophysiological mechanisms. These findings support the integration of routine vitamin D assessment and supplementation into the clinical management of IBS, especially in patients with the IBS-M subtype and female sex, to potentially improve patient outcomes. Full article

Background: Congenital heart disease (CHD) affects approximately 9 per 1000 live births worldwide, with increasing prevalence due to improved survival. Today, over 90% of individuals with CHD reach adulthood, resulting in a growing population of adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD). Despite its clinical relevance, iron deficiency (ID) and anemia have been insufficiently studied in this group. Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence and clinical impact of iron deficiency and anemia in ACHD, particularly their relationship with exercise capacity. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 310 ACHD patients at University Hospital Düsseldorf between January 2017 and January 2019. Iron status was assessed using serum ferritin, transferrin saturation (TSAT), and hemoglobin levels. Exercise capacity was measured by cardiopulmonary exercise testing (VO₂ max). Prevalence and clinical associations were compared with those reported in heart failure populations, using ESC guideline criteria. Analyses were adjusted for age, sex, and defect complexity. Results: Iron deficiency (ID) was present in 183 patients (59.0%). Anemia was observed in 13 patients (4.2%), with 6 (46.2%) classified as microcytic and 5 (38.5%) as normocytic. Reduced exercise capacity, defined as VO₂ max <80% of predicted, was present in 51 patients (16.5%), occurring more frequently in those with complex CHD (31.3% vs. 11.3%, p < 0.001). ID was associated with a trend toward lower VO₂ max (21.3 vs. 23.5 mL/min/kg, p = 0.068), while anemia correlated with significantly reduced performance (19.8 ± 4.1 vs. 22.9 ± 6.3 mL/min/kg, p = 0.041). Conclusions: Iron deficiency is highly prevalent, and anemia—though less common—was consistently associated with reduced functional capacity in ACHD. These findings highlight the need for targeted screening and management strategies in this growing patient population. Full article

Background: Red meat, a significant source of heme iron, may influence iron status and metabolic health, particularly in Qatar, where consumption is high. Understanding these associations is essential for addressing iron deficiency and cardiovascular risk in this population. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study using data from 13,778 Qatari adults enrolled in the Qatar Biobank (men: n = 5770; women: n = 8008). Red meat intake was assessed via the Food Frequency Questionnaire and categorized as low (≤1/month), moderate (2–4/month), and high (≥5/month) intake. Hematological and metabolic biomarkers were analyzed. Two-sample t-tests compared biomarker levels by gender. Multiple linear regression examined associations between red meat intake and iron profile indicators, adjusting for age, gender, supplement use, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertension. Results: High red meat consumption was associated with increased ferritin (Coef = 134.685, p < 0.001) and hemoglobin (Coef = 0.918, p = 0.017). Males showed higher hemoglobin (14.8–14.9 vs. 12.4–12.5 g/dL, p < 0.0001) and total cholesterol (5.17 ± 1.10 vs. 5.02 ± 1.01 mmol/L, p = 0.0125). TIBC showed no significant gender differences across categories (p > 0.15) but varied significantly within each gender across red meat consumption categories (males: p < 0.0000; females: p < 0.0000). Conclusions: Higher red meat intake is associated with improved iron status, particularly ferritin levels, and gender-specific effects on hemoglobin and cholesterol levels. Moderate red meat intake may support iron health while maintaining a favorable lipid profile. Full article

Background/Objectives: Iron plays an important role in cognitive, behavioral, and motor development. This study aims to assess the iron nutritional status of Bulgarian children with cerebral palsy (CP) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), focusing on iron deficiency (ID) and its impact on children’s development. We hypothesized that children with CP and ASD suffer from iron deficiency. Methods: The cross-sectional study includes 95 children from northeastern Bulgaria. Data were collected in two periods (2017–2018 and 2023–2024). Demographic questionnaires, food frequency questionnaires, and laboratory tests for hemoglobin, serum iron, serum ferritin, serum albumin, and CRP were conducted. Anthropometric measurements were evaluated. The Gross Motor Function Classification System scale was used to assess motor function in children with CP. Statistical analysis was performed using Jamovi software, ver. 2.6.44, with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: Of the 95 children, 62.1% had CP and 37.9% had ASD. Most children had normal hemoglobin and serum iron levels, but 62.7% of those with CP and 36.8% of those with ASD had low serum ferritin levels, indicating latent ID. A higher proportion of children with CP than those with ASD consumed meat daily, while fish was more commonly consumed by children with ASD. Anthropometric data showed delayed growth and lower height-for-age scores in children with CP. Conclusions: The study identifies latent ID in children with CP and ASD. An evaluation of dietary habits highlights the need for interventions to improve nutritional status and development. The observed deficiencies emphasize the need for regular monitoring and targeted dietary programs for children in these groups. Full article

Sex steroid hormones and systemic iron metabolism are emerging as modulators of colorectal cancer (CRC) development and progression. However, information linking systemic factors to tumor characteristics and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is limited, particularly in a sex-specific context. We measured serum levels of sex hormones [testosterone, estradiol, progesterone, Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)] and iron-related biomarkers (iron, transferrin, ferritin, % transferrin saturation, ceruloplasmin, and the ceruloplasmin/transferrin ratio) in 82 CRC patients and 31 healthy controls. EMT-related proteins [mediator of ErbB2-driven cell motility 1 (MEMO1), E-cadherin, fibronectin, vimentin, and vinculin] were quantified by Western blotting in tumor and adjacent normal mucosa. Non-parametric tests and Spearman correlations were applied, stratified by sex and corrected for age and anemia where appropriate. Progesterone levels were significantly lower in male CRC patients (median 0.17 ng/mL vs. 0.20 ng/mL, p = 0.04) and higher in female patients (0.17 ng/mL vs. 0.10 ng/mL, p = 0.0077) compared with controls. The iron-related biomarkers indicated a pattern of iron deficiency, including in non-anemic patients, with reduced % transferrin saturation (p < 0.01) and an elevated ceruloplasmin/transferrin ratio (p = 0.02). Correlations were found between iron status, tumor stage, and hormonal levels. Progesterone correlated with EMT protein expression in healthy mucosa (e.g., fibronectin in females: ρ = 0.567, p = 0.014; vimentin in males: ρ = −0.446, p = 0.007), but not in tumor tissue. In the healthy mucosa of male patients, ceruloplasmin/transferrin correlated with MEMO1 (ρ = 0.419, p = 0.04), vinculin (ρ = 0.299, p = 0.041), and vimentin (ρ = 0.394, p = 0.07); transferrin levels inversely correlated with MEMO1 expression (ρ = −0.392, p = 0.032), and vimentin showed a positive correlation with serum iron (ρ = 0.350, p = 0.043). Furthermore, fibronectin expression inversely correlated with iron in the sole tumor tissue of female patients (ρ = −0.366, p = 0.040). These findings support the role of sex hormones and iron metabolism in CRC biology, suggesting that EMT might be accompanied by altered iron uptake and redox remodeling, which can enhance cellular motility and the metastatic potential. Full article

Introduction: Eating disorders (EDs) are severe psychiatric disorders that significantly impact the psychological and physiological well-being of affected individuals. Despite increasing prevalence in males over the past few decades, EDs are mainly considered a female disease. This retrospective study aims to evaluate the influence of gender on the clinical, laboratory, and developmental characteristics of EDs in pediatric patients. Material and methods: A retrospective study was conducted on patients referred to the EDs between 2019 and 2024 at Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Rome, Italy. Gender differences were evaluated in the whole cohort and in a sub-cohort of males and females well matched for age. Results: In the whole cohort of 501 patients (age range 8–17 years), 45 were males and 456 were females. In male patients, EDs occurred at a younger age (12.65 vs. 14.65 years, p < 0.05). When considering the matched cohort, male patients showed more severe clinical conditions, as evidenced by a tendency to a lower BMI SDS at the onset, higher inflammatory parameters (ferritin and transaminase levels), and poorer nutritional status (vitamin D levels: 23.15 vs. 26.9 ng/mL, p < 0.05). However, male patients had a shorter hospital stay (14.8 vs. 19.9 days, p < 0.05) and showed a tendency to a greater clinical improvement. Differences in therapy were also observed, with fewer males receiving pharmacological treatment or nasogastric feeding. Conclusions: The results of the current study confirm the higher prevalence of EDs in females, even though they suggest EDs are not exclusively a female disease. Male gender may represent a risk factor for a worse clinical course and a younger onset. Further studies with a longer follow-up are required to understand the significant differences between females and males in this complex disorder. Full article

Background: The physiological requirements of a successful team sport performance partly depend on iron-facilitated mechanisms. However, how low iron stores affect team sport athletes remains unclear. Purpose: To explore the influence of iron status on strength and power performance in elite female Australian Rules Football players. Methods: Iron indices were measured in 30 players (age 23 ± 4 y; body mass 70 ± 6 kg) at the start and end of the 10-week preseason. Players were categorized as iron deficient (ID; serum ferritin (sFer) < 40 µg/L) or iron sufficient (sFer > 40 µg/L). Over this period, three-repetition maximum and sport-specific performance measures were evaluated. Results: Approximately 80% of all the sFer samples primarily ranged between 9 and 60 µg/L. Strength (e.g., squat, bench press) was up to 13% lower in ID players in week 1, with no substantial differences between groups during week 10. There were marginal differences (ID: −1% to +3%) in performance for all the remaining measures between groups (e.g., 10-m sprint). Very weak to moderate correlations were observed between all the performance measures and fixed effects (e.g., sFer, other strength assessments), increasing to moderate to very strong correlations when accounting for random effects (athlete). Conclusions: Iron deficiency may compromise strength performance, but this shortcoming may not translate to measures of power and speed. Individualized iron monitoring practices for athlete health and performance are encouraged. Full article

Background/Objectives: SARS-CoV-2 infection increases thrombotic events in hospitalized patients, especially those of greater severity. It has been associated with the cytokine storm and worsening renal and liver function, increased inflammatory markers, and altered coagulation markers. This study analyzes differences in inflammatory, hepatic, renal, and coagulation markers between hospitalized patients with and without COVID-19 who experienced thromboembolic events during the last three years of the pandemic. Methods: This single-center, retrospective observational study, with an inferential component and biomarker analysis, included 663 patients (600 without COVID-19, 63 with COVID-19) admitted between December 2022 and January 2023. Results: Patients with COVID-19 exhibited significantly higher mean glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (100.5 mL/min/1.73 m²; p < 0.01) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels (33.0 IU/L; p < 0.01) compared to those without COVID-19. Ferritin levels were also significantly elevated in COVID-19 patients (441.1; p < 0.01), particularly those with severe disease. Conversely, troponin I was significantly higher in patients without COVID-19 (22.6 × 10⁴ pg/mL; p < 0.001). Among COVID-19 patients, D-dimer levels were significantly higher in those not requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission (9.0 × 10³ ng/mL; p = 0.023). Multivariate analysis revealed a significant association between COVID-19 and sex. Conclusions: Overall, renal function did not differ significantly between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients. However, renal function was better in patients admitted to the ICU, regardless of COVID-19 status. Troponin I levels were elevated in non-COVID-19 patients, while ferritin and ALT levels were higher in COVID-19 patients. D-dimer levels showed no significant difference between the two groups. Full article