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Search Results (2,491)

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Keywords = general obesity

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14 pages, 3478 KB  
Article
Recombinant Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor Derived from Trichinella spiralis Suppresses Obesity by Reducing Body Fat and Inflammation
by Seo Yeong Choi, Mi-Kyung Park, Yu Jin Jeong, Dong Gyu Han, Chaeeun Jin, Chang Woo Han, Se Bok Jang, Shin Ae Kang and Hak Sun Yu
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(2), 887; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27020887 - 15 Jan 2026
Abstract
Obesity, an escalating global health crisis, is characterized by adipose tissue hypertrophy and chronic low-grade inflammation. Although anti-obesity drugs can induce weight loss, their use is limited by adverse effects, underscoring the need for safer therapeutic strategies. In this study, we generated a [...] Read more.
Obesity, an escalating global health crisis, is characterized by adipose tissue hypertrophy and chronic low-grade inflammation. Although anti-obesity drugs can induce weight loss, their use is limited by adverse effects, underscoring the need for safer therapeutic strategies. In this study, we generated a recombinant form of Trichinella spiralis-derived macrophage migration inhibitory factor (rTs-MIF) and investigated its anti-inflammatory and anti-obesity effects via immunometabolic regulation. Male C57BL/6 mice fed a 45% high-fat diet were orally administered rTs-MIF, and its effects were evaluated by measuring fat mass, glucose metabolism, serum cytokines, liver histology, and adipose tissue parameters. In 3T3-L1 cells, we examined the effects of rTs-MIF on adipocyte differentiation, obesity-related gene expression, and intracellular signaling pathways. Oral rTs-MIF suppressed body weight gain, reduced fat mass, improved glucose levels, and decreased the food efficiency ratio. It also lowered pro-inflammatory cytokines and increased markers associated with M2 macrophages. In 3T3-L1 cells, rTs-MIF inhibited adipocyte differentiation and reduced the expression of lipogenic transcription factors and mouse Mif while modulating AKT and p44/42 MAPK signaling. These findings identify rTs-MIF as a potential bioactive candidate that ameliorates obesity by regulating the immune–metabolic axis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms of Obesity and Metabolic Diseases)
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12 pages, 1714 KB  
Article
Dnmt3b Deficiency in Adipocyte Progenitor Cells Ameliorates Obesity in Female Mice
by Yifei Huang, Sean Yu, Qiang Cao, Weiqing Tang, Jia Jing, Bingzhong Xue and Hang Shi
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(2), 861; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27020861 - 15 Jan 2026
Abstract
Obesity arises from chronic energy imbalance, where energy intake exceeds energy expenditure. Emerging evidence supports a key role of DNA methylation in the regulation of adipose tissue development and metabolism. We have recently discovered a key role of DNA methylation, catalyzed by DNA [...] Read more.
Obesity arises from chronic energy imbalance, where energy intake exceeds energy expenditure. Emerging evidence supports a key role of DNA methylation in the regulation of adipose tissue development and metabolism. We have recently discovered a key role of DNA methylation, catalyzed by DNA methyltransferase 1 or 3a (Dnmt1 or 3a), in the regulation of adipocyte differentiation and metabolism. Here, we aimed to investigate the role of adipose progenitor cell Dnmt3b—an enzyme mediating de novo DNA methylation—in energy metabolism and obesity. We generated a genetic model with Dnmt3b knockout in adipocyte progenitor cells (PD3bKO) by crossing Dnmt3b floxed mice with Platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRα) Cre mice. Dnmt3b deletion in adipocyte progenitors enhanced thermogenic gene expression in brown adipose tissue, increased overall energy expenditure, and mitigated high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity in female mice. PD3bKO mice also displayed a lower respiratory exchange ratio (RER), indicative of a metabolic shift favoring fat utilization as an energy source. Furthermore, female PD3bKO mice exhibited improved insulin sensitivity alongside their lean phenotype. In contrast, male PD3bKO mice showed no changes in body weight but demonstrated decreased insulin sensitivity, revealing a sexually dimorphic metabolic response to Dnmt3b deletion in adipose progenitor cells. These findings underscore the critical role of Dnmt3b in regulating energy homeostasis, body weight, and metabolic health, with significant implications for understanding sex-specific mechanisms of obesity and metabolism. Full article
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40 pages, 6099 KB  
Review
Is Obesity a Modifiable Risk Factor in Multiple Sclerosis? Mechanistic Insights into Neuroinflammation and Oxidative Damage
by Fani-Niki Varra, Olga Pagonopoulou, Michail Varras, Viktoria-Konstantina Varra and Panagiotis Theodosis-Nobelos
Pathophysiology 2026, 33(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathophysiology33010005 - 13 Jan 2026
Viewed by 18
Abstract
Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) that leads to demyelination of CNS neurons and is influenced by genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, including diet and obesity. Methods: This review aims to [...] Read more.
Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) that leads to demyelination of CNS neurons and is influenced by genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, including diet and obesity. Methods: This review aims to analyze at the molecular level the relationship between obesity, as a chronic inflammatory condition, and the pathophysiology of MS, as a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease, in order to understand the complex links between obesity and MS through a search of the PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Discussion: Chronic inflammation and OS are interconnected processes, causing a toxic state, which contributes to the development of CNS neuroinflammation and neuronal damage, resulting in neuronal demyelination and the onset of MS. Adipose tissue is a complex endocrine organ; in addition to being a lipid storage organ, it secretes cytokines and adipokines, which are involved in the regulation of hormones, metabolism, inflammation, and whole-body homeostasis. Obesity triggers chronic low-grade inflammation, disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and brain metabolism, infiltration of the CNS by immune cells, production of ROS, and generation of oxidative stress (OS). Anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory adipokines are also implicated in MS and obesity. Conclusions: Obesity affects MS through common underlying mechanisms and seems to be a modifiable risk factor. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds with multi-functional characteristics could be additional tools to slow the progression of MS and its promotion through obesity while also offering potential treatment options for both conditions via their multi-targeting characteristics. Full article
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21 pages, 3023 KB  
Article
Constitutively Active Stat5b Expression in Dendritic Cells Enhances Treg-Mediated Elimination of Autoreactive CD8+ T Cells in Autoimmune Diabetes
by Puregmaa Khongorzul, Farhan Ullah Khan, Daphnée Levasseur, Denis Gris and Abdelaziz Amrani
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(2), 794; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27020794 - 13 Jan 2026
Viewed by 25
Abstract
In type 1 diabetes (T1D) in non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice, dendritic cells (DCs) exhibit a Stat5b mutation that impairs regulatory T cell (Tregs) numbers and suppressive function. To correct this defect, we generated transgenic NOD mice expressing constitutively active Stat5b (NOD.Stat5b-CA) in DCs, [...] Read more.
In type 1 diabetes (T1D) in non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice, dendritic cells (DCs) exhibit a Stat5b mutation that impairs regulatory T cell (Tregs) numbers and suppressive function. To correct this defect, we generated transgenic NOD mice expressing constitutively active Stat5b (NOD.Stat5b-CA) in DCs, which conferred protection from diabetes that was associated with an expanded Treg population and a marked reduction in CD8+ T cell frequencies in secondary lymphoid organs. However, the phenotypic characteristics and underlying mechanisms to eliminate CD8+ T cells in NOD.Stat5b-CA mice are unknown. In this study, we found that the frequency of Tregs was significantly higher in the thymus and peripheral lymphoid organs of NOD.Stat5b-CA mice compared with NOD mice. Tregs in the peripheral lymphoid organs exhibited increased expression of activation markers CD69 and OX40, alongside reduced CD62L. We also found that CD8+ T cell frequencies were reduced in the peripheral organs but not in the thymus of NOD.Stat5b-CA mice, while CD4+ T cell frequencies remained unchanged across all organs. Furthermore, NOD.Stat5b-CA mice exhibited a reduced frequency of central Tregs (CD62Lhigh CD44low) and increased frequency of effector Tregs (CD62Llow CD44high) under steady-state conditions compared to NOD mice. Notably, Tregs from NOD.Stat5b-CA mice displayed enhanced cytotoxic activity, evidenced by increased expression of perforin, granzyme B, and Fas ligand, potentially mediating CD8+ T cell frequency reduction. Collectively, these findings highlight a novel role for Stat5b-CA.DC-educated Tregs in modulating immune responses by eliminating peripheral pathogenic CD8+ T cells via cytotoxic pathways, thereby contributing to immune regulation in NOD.Stat5b-CA mice. Full article
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16 pages, 302 KB  
Article
Eating Disorders and Their Association with Depression and Anxiety Among Medical Students: A Saudi Cross-Sectional Study
by Mohammed A. Aljaffer, Ahmad H. Almadani, Abdulmalik H. Alshathry, Mohammed A. Alrobeia, Faisal A. Abu Ghanim, Fahad M. Alotaibi, Ali A. Alaskar, Malik E. Aleidan and Ayedh H. Alghamdi
Psychiatry Int. 2026, 7(1), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/psychiatryint7010017 - 13 Jan 2026
Viewed by 28
Abstract
Background: Eating disorders (EDs) are important mental illnesses that are often associated with depression and anxiety, leading to significant negative consequences. However, research on this topic in Saudi Arabia remains limited. This study aims to examine the risk of EDs among male and [...] Read more.
Background: Eating disorders (EDs) are important mental illnesses that are often associated with depression and anxiety, leading to significant negative consequences. However, research on this topic in Saudi Arabia remains limited. This study aims to examine the risk of EDs among male and female medical students at King Saud University (KSU) and assess their risk factors and association with anxiety and depression. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 425 participants was conducted, using a convenience sampling method. The study tools consisted of a questionnaire developed by the research team, the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26), the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scale (GAD-7). Results: Almost half (49.6%) were classified as high risk for EDs. Obesity was much higher among high-risk students than low-risk students (p < 0.001). Anxiety and depression were greater among high-risk students than low-risk ones. A higher body mass index (BMI) and depression greatly increased the risk of EDs (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The findings support the notion that medical students have a significant likelihood of developing EDs, especially if they have a high BMI and are depressed. The results show the importance of early identification and offering appropriate interventions to this vulnerable group. Full article
28 pages, 1509 KB  
Review
Gaps in Current Cardiometabolic Risk Assessment: A Review Supporting the Development of the C.O.R.E. Indicator Model
by Calogero Geraci, Giulio Geraci, Agostino Buonauro, Valentina Morello, Francesca La Rocca and Roberta Esposito
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(2), 617; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15020617 - 12 Jan 2026
Viewed by 77
Abstract
Obesity is a multidimensional condition characterized by autonomic imbalance, metabolic inflexibility, impaired physical resilience, and ectopic adiposity, pathophysiological alterations that arise long before overt cardiometabolic disease becomes clinically detectable. Despite this, current cardiometabolic risk scores continue to rely predominantly on biochemical and anthropometric [...] Read more.
Obesity is a multidimensional condition characterized by autonomic imbalance, metabolic inflexibility, impaired physical resilience, and ectopic adiposity, pathophysiological alterations that arise long before overt cardiometabolic disease becomes clinically detectable. Despite this, current cardiometabolic risk scores continue to rely predominantly on biochemical and anthropometric variables, such as BMI, waist circumference, glucose, and lipid levels. While these markers are practical, inexpensive, and validated across large population cohorts, growing evidence shows that they offer limited incremental predictive value and fail to capture early functional and structural abnormalities. The recent literature highlights the prognostic importance of autonomic dysfunction, reduced metabolic flexibility, diminished cardiorespiratory fitness, impaired muscular strength, and ectopic fat depots including visceral and epicardial adiposity, independently of the traditional anthropometric indices. The domains remain absent from traditional algorithms such as the Metabolic Syndrome criteria, the Framingham Risk Score, and SCORE2. As a result, cardiometabolic risk is frequently underestimated in key subgroups, including young adults with obesity, individuals with high visceral adiposity but normal BMI, those with subclinical myocardial dysfunction, and metabolically unhealthy normal-weight phenotypes. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on obesity-related cardiometabolic impairment, highlights major gaps in established risk scores, and supports the conceptual development of the C.O.R.E. (Cardio-Obesity Risk Evaluation) Indicator Model—a hypothesis-generating, non-validated multidomain framework integrating autonomic, metabolic, functional, and structural markers to enable earlier risk phenotyping in future studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Obesity-Related Metabolic and Cardiovascular Disorders)
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36 pages, 1746 KB  
Review
Cross-Talk Between Signaling and Transcriptional Networks Regulating Thermogenesis—Insights into Canonical and Non-Canonical Regulatory Pathways
by Klaudia Simka-Lampa
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(2), 754; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27020754 - 12 Jan 2026
Viewed by 310
Abstract
Brown adipose tissue (BAT) and beige adipocytes play a crucial role in adaptive thermogenesis, primarily via uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1)-driven heat production. Once considered physiologically irrelevant in adults, BAT is now recognized as an active tissue that contributes to energy expenditure and metabolic [...] Read more.
Brown adipose tissue (BAT) and beige adipocytes play a crucial role in adaptive thermogenesis, primarily via uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1)-driven heat production. Once considered physiologically irrelevant in adults, BAT is now recognized as an active tissue that contributes to energy expenditure and metabolic homeostasis and represents a potential therapeutic target for obesity and metabolic disorders. This review provides an integrated overview of the molecular regulation of thermogenic adipocytes, emphasizing both canonical UCP1-dependent as well as non-canonical UCP1-independent mechanisms of heat generation. Key transcriptional and epigenetic regulators are discussed in the context of mitochondrial biogenesis, substrate utilization, and thermogenic gene programs. Major upstream signaling routes are further summarized, encompassing classical β-adrenergic pathways, as well as alternative regulatory nodes including AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) together with diverse nutrient- and hormone-responsive cues that converge to activate brown and beige adipocytes. Finally, the cross-talk among neuronal, endocrine, immune, and gut microbiota-derived signals is highlighted as a key determinant of thermogenic adipocyte function. Together, these multilayered regulatory inputs provide a comprehensive framework for understanding how thermogenic adipose tissue integrates environmental, metabolic, and microbial cues to regulate systemic energy balance—knowledge that is essential for developing targeted therapies to combat obesity and metabolic diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regulation of Brown Adipose Function)
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20 pages, 317 KB  
Review
Diet, Physical Exercise, and Gut Microbiota Modulation in Metabolic Syndrome: A Narrative Review
by Ana Onu, Andrei Tutu, Daniela-Marilena Trofin, Ilie Onu, Anca-Irina Galaction, Cristiana Amalia Onita, Daniel-Andrei Iordan and Daniela-Viorelia Matei
Life 2026, 16(1), 98; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16010098 - 10 Jan 2026
Viewed by 170
Abstract
Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a multifactorial condition characterized by insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and central obesity, and is strongly influenced by lifestyle factors. Growing evidence highlights the gut microbiota as a key mediator linking diet and physical exercise to cardiometabolic health. Objective: [...] Read more.
Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a multifactorial condition characterized by insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and central obesity, and is strongly influenced by lifestyle factors. Growing evidence highlights the gut microbiota as a key mediator linking diet and physical exercise to cardiometabolic health. Objective: This narrative review aims to qualitatively synthesize current evidence on the effects of physical exercise and major dietary patterns including the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), and ketogenic/very-low-calorie ketogenic diets (KD/VLCKD) on gut microbiota composition and function, and their implications for metabolic health in MetS. Methods: A qualitative narrative synthesis of experimental, observational, and interventional human and animal studies was performed. The reviewed literature examined associations between structured physical exercise or dietary interventions and changes in gut microbiota diversity, key bacterial taxa, microbial metabolites, and cardiometabolic outcomes. Considerable heterogeneity across studies was noted, including differences in populations, intervention duration and intensity, dietary composition, and microbiota assessment methodologies. Results: Across human interventional studies, moderate-intensity physical exercise was most consistently associated with increased gut microbial diversity and enrichment of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing taxa, contributing to improved insulin sensitivity and reduced inflammation. MedDiet and DASH were generally linked to favorable microbiota profiles, including increased abundance of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Akkermansia muciniphila, and Bifidobacterium, alongside reductions in pro-inflammatory metabolites such as lipopolysaccharides and trimethylamine N-oxide. In contrast, KD and VLCKD were associated with rapid weight loss and glycemic improvements but frequently accompanied by reductions in SCFA-producing bacteria, depletion of Bifidobacterium, and markers of impaired gut barrier integrity, raising concerns regarding long-term microbiota resilience. Conclusions: Lifestyle-based interventions exert diet- and exercise-specific effects on the gut microbiota–metabolism axis. While MedDiet, DASH, and regular moderate physical activity appear to promote sustainable microbiota-mediated cardiometabolic benefits, ketogenic approaches require careful personalization, limited duration, and medical supervision. These findings support the integration of dietary quality, exercise prescription, and individual microbiota responsiveness into translational lifestyle strategies for MetS prevention and management. Full article
21 pages, 1610 KB  
Review
The Impact of Nutritional Status on Survival and Development of Sarcoidosis: A Scoping Review of Current Evidence and Research Gaps
by Jacek Kobak, Angelika Szymańczyk, Martyna Liśkiewicz-Jankowska, Monika Cichoń-Kotek and Mateusz Szczupak
Nutrients 2026, 18(2), 209; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18020209 - 9 Jan 2026
Viewed by 193
Abstract
Background: Sarcoidosis is a heterogeneous, multisystem inflammatory disease with an unpredictable clinical course and limited prognostic markers. Increasing attention has focused on nutritional and metabolic factors—particularly obesity, body composition, and calcium–vitamin D metabolism—as potentially modifiable elements associated with disease development and clinical [...] Read more.
Background: Sarcoidosis is a heterogeneous, multisystem inflammatory disease with an unpredictable clinical course and limited prognostic markers. Increasing attention has focused on nutritional and metabolic factors—particularly obesity, body composition, and calcium–vitamin D metabolism—as potentially modifiable elements associated with disease development and clinical phenotype. However, the available literature remains fragmented and methodologically heterogeneous. Objective: To systematically map current evidence on the relationship between nutritional status and the development, clinical course, and prognosis of sarcoidosis, and to identify key gaps requiring further research. Methods: A scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, EBSCO, and Google Scholar were searched for studies published between 2015 and 2025. Eligible studies included adult patients with sarcoidosis and addressed nutritional status broadly defined, encompassing anthropometric measures, body composition, immunonutritional indices, nutrition-related biomarkers, dietary factors, and supplementation practices. Due to substantial heterogeneity in exposure definitions and outcome measures, no quantitative synthesis or formal methodological quality appraisal was performed. Results: Eighteen studies, predominantly observational, were included. The most consistent findings concerned anthropometric parameters, with overweight and obesity showing the strongest association with an increased risk of sarcoidosis and, in selected studies, with reduced exercise capacity and greater disease burden. Evidence linking nutritional status to prognosis was indirect, while direct data on sarcoidosis-specific survival were lacking. Disturbances in calcium–vitamin D metabolism were frequent and clinically relevant, particularly in the context of supplementation-related hypercalcemia. Conclusions: Current evidence suggests that nutritional status—particularly excess body weight—and selected metabolic and immunonutritional factors are associated with sarcoidosis. However, given the largely observational nature of the available data and the lack of formal assessment of methodological quality, these results should be interpreted as association mapping and hypothesis generation rather than as evidence of causality. Well-designed prospective and interventional studies using standardized nutritional assessment tools and clinically relevant endpoints are needed to clarify the role of nutritional factors in sarcoidosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition and Public Health)
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23 pages, 2091 KB  
Systematic Review
Metabolic Syndrome Components and Cancer Risk in Normal-Weight Subjects: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis in over 18 Million Individuals
by Yasmin Ezzatvar, Jorge Olivares-Arancibia, Jacqueline Páez-Herrera, Rodrigo Yáñez-Sepúlveda and Óscar Caballero
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(2), 538; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15020538 - 9 Jan 2026
Viewed by 146
Abstract
Background/objectives: Metabolic abnormalities, independent of excess weight, may contribute to cancer risk even among individuals of normal weight, though their role remains unclear. This study sought to ascertain if metabolically unhealthy normal-weight (MUNW) individuals, generally characterized by a normal body mass index alongside [...] Read more.
Background/objectives: Metabolic abnormalities, independent of excess weight, may contribute to cancer risk even among individuals of normal weight, though their role remains unclear. This study sought to ascertain if metabolically unhealthy normal-weight (MUNW) individuals, generally characterized by a normal body mass index alongside the presence of metabolic abnormalities, have higher cancer risk than metabolically healthy peers, to analyze variations in risk across obesity-related cancer types, and to examine which single specific metabolic components can predict cancer independently in normal-weight individuals. Methods: Two authors systematically searched the PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases for longitudinal studies, published from inception to July 2025, that included normal-weight adults, classified participants by metabolic health status, and reported incident cancer outcomes in metabolically unhealthy versus healthy normal-weight groups. Hazard ratio (HR) estimates were extracted from each study and were pooled using random-effects inverse-variance model with empirical Bayes variance estimator. Results: Thirty-five studies involving 18,210,858 participants (56.0% females, mean age = 53.8 years) were included. A total of 280,828 new cancer cases were diagnosed during follow-up (mean = 10.6 years). In comparison with metabolically healthy normal-weight individuals, MUNW individuals had a 20% higher risk of cancer (HR = 1.20, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13–1.28). Increased risks were observed for gastric cancer (HR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.04–1.87), pancreatic cancer (HR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.21–1.54), and colorectal cancer (HR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.14–1.57), which were the cancer types showing statistically significant associations in subgroup analyses. Normal-weight participants presenting specific metabolic factors like central adiposity or glucose metabolism abnormalities had a 20% (HR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.13–1.37) and 23% (HR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.06–1.41) increased cancer risk, respectively. Conclusions: MUNW individuals are at higher risk of cancer, with specific metabolic abnormalities, particularly central adiposity and impaired glucose regulation, emerging as the factors most strongly associated with increased risk in normal-weight individuals. Routine metabolic screening and detailed phenotyping are crucial to identify these risks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metabolic Syndrome and Its Burden on Global Health)
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26 pages, 1576 KB  
Systematic Review
Growth Differentiation Factor 15 as a Link Between Obesity, Subclinical Atherosclerosis, and Heart Failure: A Systematic Review
by Raluca-Elena Alexa, Alexandr Ceasovschih, Bianca Codrina Morărașu, Andreea Asaftei, Mihai Constantin, Alexandra-Diana Diaconu, Anastasia Balta, Raluca Ecaterina Haliga, Victorița Șorodoc and Laurențiu Șorodoc
Medicina 2026, 62(1), 132; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62010132 - 8 Jan 2026
Viewed by 172
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Obesity, heart failure (HF), and atherosclerosis have common pathways, including chronic inflammation, immune cells activation, and metabolic disturbances. These pathways often coexist and overlap, increasing cardiometabolic risk. Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) is an emerging cytokine linked to inflammation, [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Obesity, heart failure (HF), and atherosclerosis have common pathways, including chronic inflammation, immune cells activation, and metabolic disturbances. These pathways often coexist and overlap, increasing cardiometabolic risk. Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) is an emerging cytokine linked to inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic dysregulation, which are common pathways between heart failure, obesity and atherosclerosis. Beyond its established prognostic value in cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and HF, recent evidence suggests that GDF-15 may also reflect subclinical atherosclerosis, potentially improving early risk stratification in obese and HF populations. The aim of this review is to synthesize current evidence on the association between GDF-15 and markers of subclinical atherosclerosis, and to evaluate whether GDF-15 may serve as an integrative biomarker reflecting shared cardiometabolic pathways. Materials and Methods: We conducted a systematic review following PRISMA recommendations registered by CRD420251267457 number on PROSPERO. PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for human studies evaluating the correlation between markers of subclinical atherosclerosis and GDF-15 concentration. We excluded the studies not published in English, not involving human participants, and not meeting the inclusion criteria. We assessed the risk of bias using the Joanna Briggs Institute appraisal tool. Due to the heterogeneity of studies, a narrative synthesis was performed. Result: The review included 18 studies, which evaluated the association between GDF-15 and subclinical atherosclerosis markers, such as intima media thickness, coronary artery calcium score, ankle-brachial index, and atherosclerotic plaques. Studies included patients with metabolic disorders, chronic inflammatory diseases, HIV cohorts, and general population samples. Most of the studies reported that GDF-15 levels were associated with greater atherosclerotic burden; however, results were frequently influenced by confounders. Methodological limitations, such as limited or highly specified samples, cross-sectional designs, variability in atherosclerotic-imaging technique, and inconsistent adjustment for confounders, restrict generalization of the results. Conclusions: Current evidence supports GDF-15 as a biomarker integrating inflammatory and metabolic stress signals, indirectly linking obesity, HF and subclinical atherosclerosis. While current data supports its prognostic relevance, further studies are needed to confirm its clinical utility in routine assessment and preventive cardiovascular care. Full article
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31 pages, 3998 KB  
Review
Obesity-Related Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Properties of Natural Compounds in the Enteric Nervous System: A Literature Overview
by Vincenzo Bellitto, Daniele Tomassoni, Ilenia Martinelli, Giulio Nittari and Seyed Khosrow Tayebati
Antioxidants 2026, 15(1), 83; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox15010083 - 8 Jan 2026
Viewed by 308
Abstract
The enteric nervous system (ENS) constitutes a highly organized and intricate neuronal network comprising two principal plexuses: myenteric and submucosal. These plexuses consist of neurons and enteric glial cells (EGCs). Neurons ensure innervation throughout the intestinal wall, whereas EGCs, distributed within the mucosa, [...] Read more.
The enteric nervous system (ENS) constitutes a highly organized and intricate neuronal network comprising two principal plexuses: myenteric and submucosal. These plexuses consist of neurons and enteric glial cells (EGCs). Neurons ensure innervation throughout the intestinal wall, whereas EGCs, distributed within the mucosa, contribute to epithelial barrier integrity and modulation of local inflammatory responses. The ENS orchestrates essential gastrointestinal functions, including motility, secretion, absorption, vascular regulation, and immune interactions with gut microbiota. Under physiological conditions, intestinal homeostasis involves moderate generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) through endogenous processes such as mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. Cellular antioxidant systems maintain redox equilibrium; however, excessive ROS production induces oxidative stress, promoting EGCs activation toward a reactive phenotype characterized by pro-inflammatory cytokine release. This disrupts neuron–glia communication, predisposing to enteric neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Obesity, associated with hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and micronutrient deficiencies, enhances ROS generation and inflammatory cascades, thereby impairing ENS integrity. Nevertheless, non-pharmacological strategies—including synthetic and natural antioxidants, bioactive dietary compounds, probiotics, and prebiotics—attenuate oxidative and inflammatory damage. This review summarizes preclinical and clinical evidence elucidating the interplay among the ENS, obesity-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and the modulatory effects of antioxidant interventions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Health Outcomes of Antioxidants and Oxidative Stress)
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21 pages, 1561 KB  
Article
Predictors of Severe Herpes Zoster: Contributions of Immunosenescence, Metabolic Risk, and Lifestyle Behaviors
by Mariana Lupoae, Fănică Bălănescu, Caterina Nela Dumitru, Aurel Nechita, Mădălina Nicoleta Matei, Simona Claudia Ștefan, Alin Laurențiu Tatu, Elena Niculet, Alina Oana Dumitru, Andreea Lupoae and Dana Tutunaru
Diseases 2026, 14(1), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases14010026 - 8 Jan 2026
Viewed by 111
Abstract
Background: Herpes zoster (HZ) represents a substantial public health concern among aging populations, yet regional variability in clinical patterns and risk determinants remains insufficiently documented. In southeastern Romania, epidemiological data are limited, and the combined influence of demographic, behavioral, and metabolic factors on [...] Read more.
Background: Herpes zoster (HZ) represents a substantial public health concern among aging populations, yet regional variability in clinical patterns and risk determinants remains insufficiently documented. In southeastern Romania, epidemiological data are limited, and the combined influence of demographic, behavioral, and metabolic factors on disease severity has not been systematically evaluated. Methods: We performed a retrospective observational study including 100 consecutive patients diagnosed with HZ between 2019 and 2023 in a dermatology department in southeastern Romania. Demographic characteristics, lifestyle behaviors, anthropometric status, clinical manifestations, and outcomes were extracted from medical records. Associations between categorical variables were assessed using Chi-square tests and Cramer’s V, while interaction patterns were explored through log-linear modeling. Heatmaps were generated in Python (version 3.10) using the Matplotlib library (version 3.7.1) to visualize distribution patterns and subgroup relationships. Results: The cohort showed a marked age dependence, with 77% of cases occurring in individuals ≥ 60 years, consistent with immunosenescence-driven reactivation. Women represented 59% of cases, and 84.7% of female patients were postmenopausal. Urban residents predominated (91%). Vesicular eruption (84%) and acute pain (79%) were the most frequent symptoms. Localized HZ was observed in 81% of cases, while ophthalmic involvement (11%) and disseminated forms (8%) were less common. Lifestyle factors significantly influenced clinical severity: smokers, alcohol consumers, and sedentary individuals exhibited higher proportions of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) and ocular complications (p < 0.001). Overweight and obese patients demonstrated a higher burden of PHN, suggesting a role for metabolic inflammation, although BMI was not associated with incidence. No significant association between age category and complication type was detected, likely due to small subgroup sizes despite a clear descriptive trend toward increased severity with advanced age. Conclusions: These findings support a multifactorial model of HZ severity in southeastern Romania, shaped by age, lifestyle behaviors, hormonal status, and metabolic risk. While incidence patterns align with international data, the strong impact of modifiable factors on complication rates highlights the need for targeted prevention and individualized risk assessment. Results offer a regional perspective that may inform future multicenter investigations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Infectious Disease)
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20 pages, 776 KB  
Article
Taste of Things to Come: Craving Responses to Ingestion of and Mouth Rinse with a Sugary Drink in Connection with Food Cues and Associations with Continuous Interstitial Glucose Measurement in a Healthy Population
by Abdelbare Al Gamode, Rohi Brigid Malik, Joe Butler and Hans-Peter Kubis
Nutrients 2026, 18(1), 177; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18010177 - 5 Jan 2026
Viewed by 345
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Food cravings are common with high-palatability foods that are high in sugar and/or fat. Food cues can strongly induce food craving, and heightened food cue reactivity is associated with eating disorders and obesity. Sweet taste signalling is suggested to be an important [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Food cravings are common with high-palatability foods that are high in sugar and/or fat. Food cues can strongly induce food craving, and heightened food cue reactivity is associated with eating disorders and obesity. Sweet taste signalling is suggested to be an important regulator of appetite and food intake, with sensory-metabolic mismatch potentially relevant for the food craving experience. This study investigated the interaction between taste and food cues and food craving in healthy people with and without ingestion of a sugary drink. Methods: This study had a randomised crossover design with 47 healthy individuals who participated in two experimental trials. Fasted individuals were exposed to food cues, and food craving pre- and post-exposure was measured via a newly validated method using handgrip force as a response modality. This was followed either by ingestion (ingestion trial) or mouth rinse (mouth rinse trial) of a sugary drink and reassessment of food cue craving responses. Continuous interstitial glucose monitoring was performed using a glucose sensor inserted into the upper arm, and a blood sample for leptin levels was taken. Results: A strong food craving response to food cues was bound to the fasted state, while ingestion of a sugary drink blunted food cue reactivity and reduced craving levels. Mouth rinse induced a stable increase in food craving, which reached a maximum after food cues. Interstitial glucose levels over the after-trial periods (incremental area under the curve, iAUC) were significantly higher for the rinse trial day than for the ingestion trial day, which may suggest higher carbohydrate/sugar intake after the rinse trial, while craving levels were associated with iAUC in the rinse trial. Conclusions: Outcomes indicate that taste/flavour in connection with food cues may generate an error signal experienced as food craving, whereas receipt of sugars, with concomitant physiological responses, reduces the signal and diminishes food craving. These results highlight the importance of sensory-metabolic mismatch in the food craving experience. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition and Neuro Sciences)
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29 pages, 1598 KB  
Review
Inflammation and Resolution in Obesity-Related Cardiovascular Disease
by Paschalis Karakasis, Panagiotis Stachteas, Panagiotis Iliakis, Georgios Sidiropoulos, Konstantinos Grigoriou, Dimitrios Patoulias, Antonios P. Antoniadis and Nikolaos Fragakis
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(1), 535; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27010535 - 5 Jan 2026
Viewed by 896
Abstract
Obesity-associated inflammation underlies much of cardiometabolic pathology, reflecting the convergence of chronic, low-grade systemic immune activation with region-specific maladaptation of adipose depots. Among these, epicardial adipose tissue (EAT)—a visceral fat layer contiguous with the myocardium and sharing its microvasculature—functions as a cardio-proximal immunometabolic [...] Read more.
Obesity-associated inflammation underlies much of cardiometabolic pathology, reflecting the convergence of chronic, low-grade systemic immune activation with region-specific maladaptation of adipose depots. Among these, epicardial adipose tissue (EAT)—a visceral fat layer contiguous with the myocardium and sharing its microvasculature—functions as a cardio-proximal immunometabolic interface that influences atrial fibrillation, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, and coronary atherogenesis through paracrine crosstalk. These relationships extend beyond crude measures of adiposity, emphasizing the primacy of local inflammatory signaling, adipokine flux, and fibro-inflammatory remodeling at the EAT–myocardium interface. Of importance, substantial weight reduction only partially reverses obesity-imprinted transcriptional and epigenetic programs across subcutaneous, visceral, and epicardial depots, supporting the concept of an enduring adipose memory that sustains cardiovascular (CV) risk despite metabolic improvement. Accordingly, therapeutic strategies should move beyond weight-centric management toward mechanism-guided interventions. Resolution pharmacology—leveraging specialized pro-resolving mediators and their cognate G-protein-coupled receptors—offers a biologically plausible means to terminate inflammation and reprogram immune–stromal interactions within adipose and CV tissues. Although preclinical studies report favorable effects on vascular remodeling, myocardial injury, and arrhythmic vulnerability, clinical translation is constrained by pharmacokinetic liabilities of native mediators and by incomplete validation of biomarkers for target engagement. This review integrates mechanistic, depot-resolved, and therapeutic evidence to inform the design of next-generation anti-inflammatory strategies for obesity-related CV disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics)
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