Search Results (1,025)

Background: As the growing global population continues to age, the risk of chronic metabolic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and fatty liver disease, increases considerably. Driven largely by lifestyle factors and metabolic dysfunction, this escalating health crisis is placing mounting pressure on healthcare systems and contributing to significant economic costs. Insulin resistance and hyperinsulinaemia are major drivers of these disorders, emphasising the need for early detection and intervention. Changes in liver enzymes, such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), commonly assessed in routine laboratory testing, can serve as biomarkers of early-stage insulin resistance, offering a potentially underutilised window for intervention and disease prevention. Correspondingly, low-carbohydrate ketogenic diets have shown to be effective in reversing insulin resistance, metabolic disease, and liver disease. Objectives: We chose to explore the relationship between suppressing ketosis and changes in liver enzymes in the Ketosis Suppression and Ageing cohort. Methods: Ten lean (BMI 20.5 kg/m² ± 1.4), healthy young women (age 32.3 ± 8.9 years) who habitually followed a ketogenic diet maintaining nutritional ketosis (NK) for an average of 3.9 years (±2.3) were exposed to a higher carbohydrate diet, in line with standard healthy eating guidelines for a 21-day phase and then transitioned back to a ketogenic diet. Results: Carbohydrate challenge and suppression of ketosis increased insulin resistance score HOMA-IR by 2.13-fold (p = 0.0008), GKI by 22.28-fold (p = 0.0024), and liver markers ALT by 1.85-fold (p = 0.0010), GGT, 1.29-fold (p = 0.0087) and the ALT/AST, 1.30-fold (p = 0.0266), reflecting an adverse pattern suggestive of hepatic insulin resistance. Conclusions: These results support the clinical utility of liver markers as early and directional signs of hyperinsulinaemia. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study investigated susceptibility factors that may contribute to Post-Polio Syndrome (PPS) in elderly polio survivors. Methods: Serum immunoglobulin (Ig) levels, poliovirus neutralizing antibodies (PV NAb), and vitamin D status were evaluated in 80 PPS patients, 40 family members, and 89 healthy controls. Results: A significant number of PPS patients and their family members showed reduced levels of total IgG and/or IgA, and specific IgG subclasses, indicating a high prevalence of primary humoral immunodeficiencies within these groups. Despite these Ig deficits, PV NAb titers were similar across all groups, indicating high protection against poliovirus, likely due to vaccination campaigns with live virus in Italy and intense exposure to poliovirus, especially in long-term rehabilitation institutions. However, a small group of PPS subjects lacked neutralizing antibodies for specific poliovirus serotypes, suggesting more severe antibody deficiencies. Additionally, PPS subjects had a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, which likely increases their risk for osteoporosis/osteopenia and fractures. It is unclear if this deficiency was also present in their infancy, potentially enhancing their susceptibility to poliovirus. Conclusions: Overall, the findings indicate that genetic, immunological, or nutritional factors may increase individual susceptibility to the pathogenic effects of poliovirus. This study—limited to serum antibodies—highlights the complex relationship between immune status and long-term health in aging polio survivors. The results emphasize the need for potent poliovirus drugs and vaccines to help contain possible outbreaks but also—for poliomyelitis survivors—to avoid or mitigate the progression to PPS, the latest phase of this devastating disease. Full article

Metagenomic investigation of gut microbiome is a comprehensive and rapid technique for the analysis and diagnosis of numerous diseases. The gut microbiome is an intricate ecosystem, coordinated by the interaction of various microbes and the metabolites produced by them, which helps in developing and sustaining immunity and homeostasis. A healthy gut microbiome is driven by different factors, such as nutrition, lifestyle, etc. The current study examines the association of diet to gut microbiome dysbiosis and its role in various disease conditions. Gut microbiome data was collected from 73 patients and tested at BioAro Inc. lab, using shotgun metagenomics through next generation sequencing. It was then analyzed and compared with data from 20 healthy subjects from HMP database. An in-house bioinformatics pipeline (PanOmiQ) and Pathogen Fast Identifier were utilized for secondary analysis, while tertiary analysis was accomplished using R software. Results showed a higher number of opportunistic pathogen microorganisms in the gut microbiome of subjects consuming a meat diet, as compared to those consuming a plant diet. These opportunistic pathogens included Ruminococcus torques (>3.34%), Ruminococcus gnavus (>2.22%), and Clostridium symbiosum (>1.87%). The study also found a higher relative abundance of these pathogens in cancer patients, as compared to healthy subjects. We also observed a highly significant (p < 0.0001) correlation of a meat diet with obesity in comparison to the subjects on a plant diet and the healthy subjects. Our findings suggest that patients following a plant diet have a lower relative abundance of pathogens that are associated with cancer and obesity. These findings provide critical insight into how we can use shotgun metagenomics to study the composition and diversity of the gut microbiome and the effects of a diet on the gut microbiome and its role in metabolic diseases. This is the first report investigating gut microbiota using shotgun metagenomics, correlating with different diseases and diet followed, which might impact the presence of opportunistic pathogens or keystones species. Additionally, it can provide valuable insights to physicians and dietetic practitioners for providing personalized treatment or customizing a diet plan. Full article

Background/Objectives: While the prevalence of depression increases during the peri- and post-menopausal periods, the potential of diet as both a modifiable risk factor and complementary treatment option has received limited research attention in this population. To address this gap, we conducted a scoping review aiming to map and synthesize the existing literature on diet and depression in peri- and post-menopause. Methods: Studies were identified through Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CENTRAL, Web of Science, and Scopus. After deduplication in Covidence, two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts, and full texts using predefined eligibility criteria. Data were extracted using standardized forms and presented in tables and figures. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane RoB-2 for intervention studies and NHLBI tools for observational studies. Results: Thirty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria, including 29 observational and 9 interventional studies. Dietary patterns showed the most consistent associations with depressive symptoms, whereas findings for foods, nutrients, and other food components were inconsistent. Most observational studies had a moderate to high risk of bias, while over half of experimental studies were rated as low risk. Conclusions: Although limited by volume and poor methodological quality, existing evidence suggests that healthy diets may be protective against depressive symptoms in peri- and post-menopausal women, while unhealthy diets may increase risk. High-quality cohort studies and clinical trials are needed to guide future research and inform professionals working at the intersection of nutrition, psychiatry, and women’s health. Protocol registration: osf.io/b89r6. Full article

Fruits and vegetables are essential for a healthy diet, providing vital nutrients and contributing to global food security. Fungal pathogens that interact with fruits and vegetables reduce their quality and shelf life and lead to economic losses and risks to human health through the production of mycotoxins. Chemical fungicides, used to control postharvest pathogens, are posing serious environmental and health risks, driving interest in safer alternative strategies. Biocontrol methods using antagonistic microbes, such as yeasts, are eco-friendly, sustainable, and the most promising, but they often have limited efficacy and specificity in diverse produce. There is growing interest in the innovative enhancement of biocontrol strategies. The present review shows that inducing, enhancing, co-application, encapsulation, and post-application treatments are common enhancement techniques, while environmental, host, and pathogen characteristics, antagonistic microbial traits, and chemical inputs are the major gearing factors for the best application methods. These methods do not involve genetic modification, which is adequate to reduce the proliferation of GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) while optimizing antagonistic microbial performance by promoting growth, inducing host resistance, enhancing antifungal properties, improving adhesion, and boosting stress tolerance. Most enhancers fall under groups of nutritional additives, protective carriers, growth stimulants, and encapsulants. Integrating these enhancers and best methods promises reduced postharvest losses, supports sustainable agriculture, and addresses economic losses and food security challenges. This study highlights the role of organic and natural elicitors, their application methods, their mechanisms in improving BCAs (Biological Control Agents), and their overall efficiency. This review concisely compiles recent strategies, calling for further research to revolutionize fungal pathogen management, reduce food waste, and promote responsible farming practices. Full article

Background/Objectives: Chronic exercise training reduces markers of systemic inflammation; however, less is known about how to optimize this adaptation using nutrition. Dairy products, especially fermented ones, like Greek yogurt (GY), contain anti-inflammatory constituents. This secondary analysis aimed to examine the influence of post-exercise GY consumption vs. an isoenergetic carbohydrate pudding (CP; control) on markers of systemic inflammation during an exercise training intervention. Methods: Thirty healthy young males completed 12 weeks of resistance and plyometric exercise training and were randomized to consume GY (n = 15) or CP (n = 15). Rested/fasted blood samples were acquired at baseline, and weeks 1 and 12, and inflammatory biomarkers (tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α], interleukin [IL]-6, IL-1 receptor antagonist [IL-1ra], IL-1Beta [IL-1β], IL-10, and C-reactive protein [CRP]) were measured. Linear mixed models were run on the absolute concentrations, and linear regressions were performed on the absolute change (baseline to week 12), allowing us to account for important covariates. Results: In both groups, CRP (pro) and IL-1ra (anti) increased at week 1 vs. baseline and week 12, while IL-1β (pro) decreased at week 12 vs. baseline (main time effects). We observed significant interactions for IL-6, TNF-α, and the TNF-α/IL-10 ratio, indicating that at week 12, IL-6 (pro) was lower in GY, whereas TNF-α and TNF-α/IL-10 (both pro-inflammatory) were higher in CP vs. week 1 and baseline, respectively. Additionally, within our linear regression models, higher baseline concentrations of IL-1ra (anti), IL-10 (anti) and CRP (pro) predicted greater change over the intervention. Conclusions: These results indicate that our intervention benefited circulating inflammatory markers, and GY supplementation may enhance these effects. Full article

Background/Objectives: Low semen quality and male infertility are critical global health issues. Emerging research highlights that nutritional factors could play a significant role in determining reproductive outcomes. Understanding and optimizing these dietary influences, including the role of polyphenols, is crucial for developing targeted strategies to improve male fertility. We aimed to explore the relationship between the intake of different classes of polyphenols and semen quality indicators in a cohort of healthy young males. Methods: This is a secondary analysis involving 106 male individuals, aged 18–35 years, from the FERTINUTS trial. Dietary intake was assessed using 3-day dietary records, and semen quality parameters were analyzed. Multivariable linear regression analysis was employed to evaluate the associations between dietary polyphenol consumption and semen quality indicators. Results: Our findings revealed both positive and negative associations between polyphenol consumption and sperm morphology parameters. A higher intake of total polyphenols was associated with a lower percentage of abnormalities in sperm heads but a higher rate of abnormalities in the principal piece. Similar results were observed for lignan and flavonoid intake. Additionally, a higher intake of flavonoids was also associated with a greater percentage of normal sperm forms. In contrast, a higher dietary intake of stilbenes was associated with a higher percentage of combined abnormalities. Conclusions: Higher intake of polyphenols, particularly flavonoids and lignans, was associated with improved sperm head morphology but also with increased tail abnormalities, although no associations with motility or vitality were observed. These results suggest that specific polyphenol classes may have both beneficial and adverse effects on sperm structure, warranting consideration of compound type and dosage in dietary recommendations. Further studies are needed to determine whether these morphological changes impact fertilization outcomes and reproductive potential. Full article

Background/Objectives: Childhood obesity represents a pressing global health challenge, demanding coordinated, long-term strategies. Schools and families are pivotal environments for shaping children’s lifestyle behaviors. The LIVELY project aimed to assess overweight/obesity prevalence and associated factors in primary school children, and to implement a multidimensional educational intervention promoting healthy, sustainable lifestyles. Methods: This single-arm study was conducted from October 2023 to October 2024 in a primary school in Milan. The intervention included age and culturally tailored lessons, games, and activities. Anthropometric measures, dietary adherence, and lifestyle habits were assessed before and after the intervention. Satisfaction surveys were administered to children, families, and teachers. Results: The project involved 227 children across 14 classes (mean age 8.9, SD 1.2 years). The prevalence of overweight/obesity was 23.4%. Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet was moderate, limited by low intake of vegetables, nuts, and dairy. Physical activity was low, screen time excessive, and sleep insufficient. No statistically significant improvements in anthropometrics or diet adherence were observed post-intervention, but positive trends emerged for physical activity, sleep, and hydration. Over half of the children passed the nutritional knowledge test. Despite these challenges, high satisfaction levels have been shared by children, parents, and teachers. Conclusions: The limited duration of the intervention and challenges engaging families in a low socio-economic context may have constrained the impact of the program, and caution is advised in generalizing the findings. The LIVELY project highlights the complexity of tackling childhood obesity in multicultural settings and emphasizes the need for longer, continuous, and culturally tailored programs that actively involve families to promote sustainable healthy behaviors. Full article

Background: A health-promoting lifestyle is a concept that involves sociodemographic factors interacting with health-promoting lifestyle behaviors (HPLBs), such as exercise and nutrition, to promote health and wellbeing. Given the persistent socioeconomic disparities all over Italy, health interventions and outcomes may be less effective. Accordingly, this cross-sectional study examines the relationship among sociodemographics, HPLBs, and wellbeing in Italy, aiming to inform updated health campaigns. Methods: A Google-Form survey of twelve sociodemographic items and two validated questionnaires on HPLBs (HPLP II, twenty-six items) and wellbeing (WHO-5) was conducted. Three hundred two participants, aged 18 to 70, were recruited in Italy via social media. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05, considering effect sizes. Results: Women reported higher health responsibilities (p < 0.05) and lower BMIs than men (p < 0.001). An improved financial status was associated with the healthy cut-off points of the WHO-5, HPLP II total score, and spiritual growth and interpersonal relationship subscales (p < 0.001), the latter correlating also with university education (p < 0.05). Better nutrition was noted in older adults, those with chronic disease, and people from Northern Italy (p < 0.05). Residing with minors and adults related to health responsibility (p < 0.05). A significant correlation (p < 0.001) was found between following HPLBs and wellbeing and among all the HPLBs. Conclusions: This study underscores the interplay among sociodemographic factors, HPLBs, and wellbeing among Italian adults. The findings advocate for education-based, inclusive health promotion strategies tailored to specific macroregions, age classes, and sexes in Italy, intending to enhance overall health and wellbeing across the country. Full article

Maintaining muscle health is essential for preserving mobility, independence, and quality of life with age. As muscle mass and function decline, the risk of frailty, chronic disease, and disability increases. Sarcopenia, characterized by the progressive loss of muscle mass, strength, and function, is a major contributor to these adverse outcomes in older adults. Early identification and monitoring of sarcopenia are critical for timely intervention to prevent irreversible decline. Muscle biomarkers offer a promising approach for detecting muscle deterioration and guiding treatment strategies. This review explores key biomarkers—including insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), myostatin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), irisin, interleukin 15 (IL-15), and procollagen type III N-terminal propeptide (P3NP)—that reflect underlying processes such as muscle anabolism, inflammation, metabolism, and remodeling. Alterations in these markers are associated with muscle health status. Furthermore, hormonal status, biological sex, and nutritional factors all modulate biomarker levels, emphasizing the need for personalized assessments. Integrating biomarker analysis into clinical practice has the potential to enhance early diagnosis, inform personalized interventions, and ultimately promote healthy aging by maintaining muscle function and reducing disability risk. Full article

Background/Objectives: Human milk provides essential nutrients and immune factors with beneficial impact on term, but especially preterm infants’ development. Therefore, this study focuses on the quantification of differences in the peptidome composition of breast milk from mothers of preterm and term infants, keeping in mind that this could reflect different biological needs of these infants or indicate nutritional gaps for healthy development. Methods: In a prospective observational study, breast milk samples were collected from 10 mothers of preterm infants (29–36 weeks gestational age,) and 13 mothers of term infants (37–41 weeks) at day 4 to 6 postnatally. A non-targeted tandem mass spectrometry approach was employed to analyze the milk peptidome. Results: In total, 4570 peptides were quantified. Adjusting the results for maternal age, weight, and height revealed a significant difference for 130 peptides derived from 19 different proteins between preterm and term milk. Proteins comprised high abundant proteins (e.g., α_S1-casein, κ- casein, or ß-casein), but also proteins that are less prominent in milk but of high functional importance (e.g., Hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha, Olfactory receptor 4M1). The differentially abundant peptides included peptides derived from ß-casein, which have already been described as being involved in antimicrobial functions as well as proliferation stimulating. For another 32 peptides, bioactivity was predicted. Conclusions: The current study provides a comprehensive overview on the differences in the milk peptidome at different gestational ages independent from common maternal phenotypes and improved the database for future peptide functionality studies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Fetal exposure to essential metals, such as iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn), is influenced by maternal nutrition and lifestyle during pregnancy, potentially impacting newborn health. This study aimed to quantify concentrations of these metals in meconium and evaluate their associations, together with newborn length and weight, in relation to maternal dietary and lifestyle factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 152 mother–infant pairs recruited from various regions of Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia. Meconium samples were collected within 24 h after birth and analyzed for Fe, Zn, Cu, and Mn concentrations. Maternal characteristics, dietary intake, supplement use, and lifestyle factors were collected via structured questionnaires and supplemented by hospital records. Associations among maternal factors, meconium metal concentrations, and newborn birth weight and length were assessed using non-parametric statistical methods. Results: Meconium concentrations of Fe, Zn, Cu, and Mn showed substantial interindividual variability, with a strong positive correlation between Fe and Cu. Higher maternal pre-pregnancy BMI was linked to lower meconium Fe, while BMI at delivery was associated with Zn. Dietary patterns influenced metal levels: higher fruit intake was linked to increased Cu, greater vegetable intake with lower Fe, and moderate tea consumption with higher Zn. No significant associations were found with maternal smoking, residence, or supplement use. Maternal meat consumption and higher pre-pregnancy BMI were both associated with higher newborn birth weight and length. Conclusions: Maternal BMI and specific dietary patterns during pregnancy significantly influence essential metal concentrations in newborn meconium and are associated with newborn size, highlighting the importance of balanced maternal nutrition and healthy metabolic status during pregnancy. Full article

Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a growing global health concern, closely linked to modifiable lifestyle factors. Emerging evidence suggests that religious principles can shape behaviors that promote physical and mental well-being. Objective: This study explores how adherence to a lifestyle rooted in Seventh-Day Adventist beliefs may influence the risk of developing T2DM. Methods: This study is of a non-experimental quantitative design with a cross-sectional and explanatory scope. The sample consisted of 303 participants (adults who had been active Seventh-Day Adventist Church, SDA, members for the past 3 years), selected by non-probabilistic convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Adventist Lifestyle questionnaire (eight dimensions) and the FINDRISC scale. The non-parametric statistics, Rho Spearman, and ordinal logistic regression analysis were used. Results: The results showed that lifestyle levels based on religious principles significantly predicted the risk of developing T2DM (X² = 100.34, p < 0.05). The model explained approximately 31% of the variance in T2DM risk (R² = 0.31), indicating a moderate association between lifestyle and risk. Specifically, individuals with lower (less healthy) lifestyle scores had a significantly higher likelihood of being classified in higher risk categories for T2DM. It was also observed that there is a significant relationship between the risk of developing T2DM and the following dimensions: Rest (rho = −0.16, p < 0.05), exercise (rho = −0.13, p < 0.05), temperance (rho = −0.19, p < 0.05), nutrition (rho = −0.66, p < 0.05) and spirituality (rho = −0.57, p < 0.05). Conclusions: A healthier lifestyle promoted by religious principles, such as the SDA, reduces the risk of developing T2DM. A stronger correlation was perceived between nutrition and spirituality since these practices are related to a low risk of developing the disease. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cryptococcus gattii presents a significant threat to healthy individuals. Titan cell formation, a key virulence factor, is influenced by the nutritional environment and plays a critical role in immune evasion and stress resistance. This study investigates the molecular and biophysical changes in titanized C. gattii cells grown in nutrient-rich Neurobasal™ medium, a potent inducer of titan cells. Methods: An integrative approach was used, combining scanning electron microscopy, optical tweezers, fluorescence microscopy, and physicochemical methods to analyze C. gattii cells grown in Neurobasal™ medium and minimal media. Results: Cells grown in Neurobasal™ medium exhibited significant differences compared to those grown in minimal media. These included a thicker and more defined polysaccharide capsule, enhanced capsule elasticity, and the secretion of more elastic polysaccharides. Furthermore, cells grown in the enriched medium showed reduced susceptibility to antifungals and delayed mortality in infection models. Conclusions: C. gattii adapts to nutritional cues by forming titan cells, thereby enhancing its pathogenicity. Targeting nutritional sensing pathways may offer novel therapeutic strategies against cryptococcal infections. Full article

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