Search Results (1,320)

Background: Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are a major global public health challenge and can be prevented and managed through a balanced, nutrient-rich diet. Food nutrition labels play an important role in guiding healthier choices, particularly for individuals at risk of chronic health conditions. This study assessed awareness, understanding and use of nutrition labels among adults in Shanghai, China, and explored their associations with NCDs. Methods: A face-to-face structured questionnaire survey was conducted among 1503 adults in 2024. Data were collected on sociodemographic characteristics, self-reported chronic conditions (obesity, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases (CCVDs), and fatty liver disease), and awareness, understanding, and use of nutrition labels. Generalized linear regression models were applied to assess associations between label-related behaviors and chronic conditions. Results: Overall, 81.6% of participants were aware of labels, 15.0% reported understanding them, and 35.5% reported using them. Participants who were underweight or obese were less likely to be aware of labels compared to those with normal weight (73.8% and 72.9% vs. 83.5%). Individuals with fatty liver disease were less likely to understand labels compared to those without the condition (7.2% vs. 16.1%). Conversely, participants with three or more chronic conditions were more likely to use labels than those without any chronic conditions (46.1% vs. 34.4%). Conclusions: Among adults in Shanghai, nutrition label awareness was relatively high, while understanding and use of labels remained insufficient. Targeted nutrition education and the integration of nutrition labeling into chronic disease management strategies are needed to improve public health outcomes. Full article

Hyperlipidemia is a major global risk factor for cardiovascular disease, underscoring the need for safe, multi-target preventive strategies. In this study, two novel dietary supplements were developed by blending freeze-dried aqueous extracts of chamomile (CDS) or thyme (TDS) with linseed oil (1:1, w/w) and evaluated for their phytochemical composition, antioxidant capacity, and hypolipidemic efficacy. Total phenolics, total flavonoids, fatty acid composition, volatile constituents, and individual phenolic profiles were characterized, while antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH· radical-scavenging and FRAP assays. Hypolipidemic activity was investigated in a Triton X-100-induced hyperlipidemia rat model through an assessment of plasma lipid parameters, oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, and liver and kidney function indices, supported by hepatic histopathology. Molecular docking was performed to explore the interactions of major bioactive compounds with AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and HMG-CoA reductase. Both CDS and TDS exhibited strong antioxidant activity and high polyphenol content, with kaempferol and chlorogenic acid identified as the predominant phenolics in CDS and TDS, respectively. β-Farnesene and carvacrol were the main volatile constituents. In vivo, both formulations significantly reduced total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C, lipid peroxidation markers, and TNF-α, while increasing HDL-C and improving cardiac risk indices, with more pronounced effects observed for TDS. Histopathological analyses confirmed marked hepatoprotection, particularly in the TDS-treated group. Docking analyses identified ellagic acid as the strongest dual binder to both AMPK and HMG-CoA reductase. Overall, these findings demonstrate that chamomile-linseed and thyme-linseed formulations exert synergistic, multi-target antioxidant and hypolipidemic effects, supporting their potential as nutraceutical strategies for the early prevention and management of hyperlipidemia and cardiometabolic risk. Full article

Diabetes Mellitus is a complex metabolic disorder, primarily characterized by persistent high blood sugar levels, and it is becoming increasingly prevalent with numerous associated complications. The leaves of Cyclocarya paliurus (Batal.) Iljinskja, traditionally prepared as a tea beverage in China, is frequently used in folk medicine for managing metabolic syndromes, particularly diabetes and hyperlipidemia. However, the main active components responsible for its hypoglycemic effect and their underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The current study aimed to clarify the main chemical components of the aqueous extract of C. paliurus leaves and to explore their mechanisms of action. The primary constituents from the aqueous extract of C. paliurus leaves were isolated and identified using macroporous adsorption resin, preparative liquid chromatography, and nuclear magnetic resonance technology. The contents of these identified compounds in the leaves were quantified using HPLC. An integrated approach combining network pharmacology and molecular docking was initially used to predict the potential molecular targets and associated signaling pathways responsible for the hypoglycemic activity of the compounds, with subsequent experimental validation performed in a hyperglycemic zebrafish model. From the aqueous extract, a total of seven compounds were obtained and subsequently identified as Chlorogenic Acid (CA), Quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucuronide (Q3GA), Astragalin, 3,4-Dicaffeoylquinic Acid (3,4-DCA), Afzelin, Quercetin, and Kaempferol. Their contents in C. paliurus leaves, as determined by HPLC, were 24.88 mg/g, 30.87 mg/g, 1.21 mg/g, 1.19 mg/g, 5.24 mg/g, 2.43 mg/g, and 1.34 mg/g, respectively. Network pharmacology analysis identified AKT1, TNF, and IL1B as key targets for the hypoglycemic effects of both the aqueous extract and the seven individual compounds. These findings were further supported by RT-PCR experiments in a zebrafish model, which showed that blood glucose regulation occurs through the downregulation of TNF and IL1B and the upregulation of AKT1 protein. The aqueous extract is rich in Chlorogenic Acid, Quercetin, and their derivatives, all of which display significant hypoglycemic activity. Full article

Background/Objectives: Over 600,000 hysterectomies are performed in the United States annually, with uterine fibroids being the most common indication. It remains unknown whether removal of the uterus is associated with poor cardiometabolic outcomes. This study aimed to determine whether hysterectomy is associated with adverse cardiometabolic outcomes among patients with uterine fibroids (myomectomy and no surgery as controls). Methods: Retrospective cohort study utilizing MarketScan^® Database of U.S. healthcare claims dataset, including patients aged 18–55 with uterine fibroid diagnosis in 2010 or 2011 and 10 years of continuous enrollment. Patients were stratified into three groups: hysterectomy, myomectomy, and no surgery. Patients were then followed for 10 years to determine incidence of cardiometabolic disorders. The main outcome measures included coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, cardiac arrhythmia, stroke, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, type II diabetes, and peripheral artery disease, which were defined using the ICD-9, ICD-10, and CPT codes. Results: 34,722 participants with uterine fibroids were identified. Among these, 8,196 (23.61%) patients underwent hysterectomy, 1351 patients (3.89%) underwent myomectomy, and 25,175 (72.50%) patients did not undergo surgery. Hysterectomy was associated with higher age-adjusted odds of developing stroke (aOR = 1.11), hypertension (aOR = 1.14), hyperlipidemia (aOR = 1.14), and type II diabetes (aOR = 1.20) compared to no surgery. Hysterectomy was associated with higher age-adjusted odds of developing hyperlipidemia (aOR = 1.26) compared to myomectomy. Hysterectomy with removal of ovaries versus hysterectomy with retention of ovaries had similar cardiometabolic outcomes. Conclusions: Among patients with fibroids, hysterectomy was associated with higher odds of developing adverse cardiometabolic outcomes compared to myomectomy or no surgery. Retention of the ovaries was not protective among those undergoing hysterectomy. Full article

Hyperlipidemia is a metabolic disease of significant current concern. Research has demonstrated that hyperlipidemia is a primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Furthermore, hyperlipidemia significantly increases the risk of intracellular lipid peroxidation, which further contributes to the development of CVD. Dietary bioactive interventions, including polysaccharides, polyphenols, and organic acids, have demonstrated significant potential in regulating lipid metabolism and preventing chronic diseases. This study investigated the hypoglycemic effects of Yongchun aged vinegar powder (YAVP) using an in vitro model. Considering that the bioactivity of dietary components is influenced by gastrointestinal transit, YAVP was first underwent simulated gastric and intestinal digestion in vitro. The resulting digests were applied to a sodium oleate-induced high-fat HepG2 cell model. The results demonstrated that digested YAVP significantly inhibited intracellular lipid accumulation in a dose-dependent manner. Specifically, YAVP intervention substantially lowered concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), while simultaneously elevating high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels relative to the model group. These findings suggest that YAVP retains its bioactivity after simulated digestion and exerts potent hypoglycemic effects by regulating lipid profiles in HepG2 cells, supporting its potential as a functional dietary supplement for lipid management. Full article

Introduction: Peripheral arterial disease is a chronic condition and a major public health concern. Risk factors of PAD include poor dietary habits, low physical activity levels, smoking tobacco and coexisting diseases like hypertension, diabetes or hyperlipidemia. The goal of the study was to evaluate the influence of dietary habits, physical activity and selected quality-of-life factors on PAD among patients hospitalized at the Department of Vascular Surgery and Transplantation, Medical University of Białystok. Methods: The study was conducted on 127 patients diagnosed with PAD. Standardized questionnaires were used: IPAQ (short version) to assess physical activity, FFQ-6 to evaluate of the quality of diet and SF-36 to evaluate health-related quality of life. Results: A positive correlation between the educational level and diet quality was found—higher education associated with a greater proportion of high-quality products in diet (p = 0.001). A negative correlation was found between age and physical activity level (p < 0.001). Physical activity level was associated with differences in the SF-36 physical component summary, with statistically significant differences observed between the categories of activity (p = 0.047). The positive influence of vitamin supplements on the SF-36 mental component summary was not found; patients taking vitamin supplements had worse MCS results. On top of that, higher physical activity was associated with lower MCS, and longer time spent sitting with higher MCS. Conclusions: The findings suggest that the lifestyle interventions for PAD patients should consider their educational level and the age-related decrease in physical activity. Physical activity remains significantly associated with the physical component of quality of life. Concurrently, the PCS observations suggest that only intensifying physical activity or supplementation is not necessarily associated with the improvement of mental wellbeing. Further analysis that accounts for clinical status and possible confounding factors are warranted. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder historically associated with malnutrition. The advent of CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators and improved pulmonary outcomes have coincided with increased body mass index (BMI). This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of overweight/obesity among children with cystic fibrosis and associated comorbidities. Methods: A retrospective chart review assessed patients with CF (2–23 years of age). Data collected included demographics, CF genotype, anthropometric measurements, pancreatic function, medication history, and any comorbid diagnoses. BMI categories were defined as: underweight (<5th percentile), normal weight (5th–85th percentile), overweight (85th–95th percentile), and obese (>95th percentile). Results: Among 243 patients (mean age 10.4 years, 53% male), 4 (1.6%) were malnourished, 192 (79%) had normal weight, and 47 (19.3%) were overweight (OW)/obese (26 (10.7%) OW, and 21 (8.6%) were obese). OW/obese patients (mean age 11.3 years, 61.7% male) included 20 patients (42.5%) with two severe CF-related mutations, 21 (44%) with pancreatic insufficiency, and 40 (85.1%) receiving CFTR modulator treatment. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was the most common comorbidity in OW/obese patients with CF, followed by impaired glucose intolerance and CF-related diabetes and hyperlipidemia; these associations did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions: Overweight/obesity affects nearly one in five patients with CF, including those with severe genotype and pancreatic insufficiency. Full article

Shoulder calcific tendinopathy is a common condition affecting adults and is has a higher incidence in women. This condition is due to a multifactorial process and is characterized by the deposition of hydroxyapatite crystals in the rotator cuff tendons. The disease shows a phenotypic transformation of tenocytes into chondrocyte-like cells, likely caused by metabolic and inflammatory changes and mechanical stress. Risk factors promoting this pathology include hyperlipidemia, advanced age, diabetes, female gender, and thyroid dysfunction. Recent studies highlight that metalloproteinases, oxidative stress, inflammatory mediators, bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), genetic and post-transcriptional alterations play a significant role in the pathogenesis of the disease. New therapeutic strategies are currently available that aim to modulate inflammation, osteogenic differentiation, and calcium homeostasis, showing promising results, especially in preclinical models. The aim of this review is to explore the different pathogenetic mechanisms and highlight future therapeutic developments for the treatment of shoulder calcification. Full article

Objective: White matter hyperintensity (WMH) is one of the most common and prominent changes seen in elderly individuals, especially on MRI. WMH is associated with serious conditions such as hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke, depression and dementia. Recently, the relationship between cerebral venous diameter and WMH was described. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the Fazekas scale, which evaluates the severity of WMH, and cerebral vein diameters, age and clinical outcomes analysis. Materials and Methods: MRI images of 660 patients were examined retrospectively. FLAIR and SWI (MiniP) images were used to evaluate WMH and cerebral vein diameters. Internal cerebral veins (ICV), thalamostriate veins (TSV), anterior septal veins (ASV) and superior sagittal sinus (SSS) diameters were measured. Cerebral vein diameters were compared with age, WMH, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, lacunar infarct and microhemorrhage presence. Results: In the presence of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, lacunar infarction and microhemorrhage, Fazekas score, mean ICV-right, ICV-left, ASV-right, ASV-left, TSV-right and TSV-left values were significantly higher. The mean ICV-right, ICV-left, ASV-right, ASV-left, TSV-right and TSV-left values of the middle-aged and elderly groups were significantly higher than the young group. A strong positive correlation was observed between age and mean ICV-right, ICV-left, ASV-right and ASV-left values, while a moderate positive correlation was shown with TSV-right and TSV-left values. A weak negative correlation was determined with SSS values. Conclusions: Cerebral vein diameter increases with age and is associated with the severity of WMH. Clinicians can monitor cerebral vein diameter to predict the severity of WMH. Full article

Monascus vinegar (MV) is a functional food containing various bioactive components, which has attracted significant research attention due to the unique health benefits conferred by these active functional ingredients. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism by which Monascus vinegar polysaccharides (MVPs) prevent hyperlipidemia. We established a hyperlipidemia mouse model using a high-fat diet (HFD) and conducted an 8-week intervention experiment. Results showed that MVP significantly reduced serum and liver lipid levels in mice, increased the activity of liver antioxidant enzymes, and downregulated the expression of serum proinflammatory cytokines. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining revealed that MVP significantly improved liver histopathological abnormalities. Enrichment analysis of key differential metabolites identified four potential metabolic pathways and mapped them to the MVP and model groups. The analysis revealed the involvement of pathways related to arachidonic acid metabolism, glutathione metabolism, alanine–aspartate–glutamate metabolism, and pyrimidine metabolism. After MVP intervention, key metabolites within these pathways were significantly improved. MVP may influence lipid metabolism through modulation of these pathways. This study provides theoretical support for the application and development of MVP in the functional food sector. Full article

Background/Objectives: Although O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation is a key predictive biomarker in glioblastoma, its association with clinical and lifestyle characteristics remains poorly understood. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 105 patients who underwent surgical treatment for glioblastoma at Kyungpook National University Hospital between August 2012 and April 2022 to evaluate the relationship between MGMT promoter methylation status and clinical and lifestyle factors. Collected variables included age, sex, body weight, body height, smoking history, and comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and hyperlipidemia. Results: Current smoking was significantly associated with MGMT promoter methylation in both univariate and multivariate analyses (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 4.6; p = 0.03). Additionally, a history of hypertension was associated with MGMT promoter methylation after multivariate adjustment (adjusted OR, 3.6; p = 0.03). Conclusions: MGMT promoter methylation in glioblastoma was associated with current smoking and a history of hypertension, suggesting lifestyle-related factors may influence epigenetic mechanisms underlying MGMT promoter methylation in glioblastoma. Full article

Hyperlipidemia (HLP) is a metabolic dysfunction marked by dysregulated lipid metabolism, which jeopardizes cardiovascular health. The function of autophagy modulated by the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway in HLP pathogenesis has not been fully elucidated. Thus, this study centered on the impacts of different feeding durations on HLP models. ICR mice were given a high-fat diet (HFD) to induce the model, with durations set at 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 weeks. Body weight, liver and adipose organ indices, serum and hepatic lipid levels, and pathological changes (assessed by Oil Red O and HE staining) were measured. Related pathway markers were detected via immunofluorescence, quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), and Western blotting. At week 9, the relative protein expression ratios of P-AMPK/AMPK, P-mTOR/mTOR, and P-ULK1/ULK1 were markedly reduced, while the expression levels of LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ and P62 proteins were notably elevated, exhibiting transient dysregulation characteristics and suggesting a potential optimal modeling time point. It clarifies the temporal pattern, core molecular mechanism, and critical turning point of abdominal adipose metabolic disorder induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) in ICR mice. This study offers a credible basis for the optimal duration of HLP modeling and in vivo animal experimental design. Full article

Background: This study investigated the hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective effects of refined soybean oil supplemented with an Ocimum basilicum L. extract, characterized by HPLC and found to be rich in caftaric, caffeic, chicoric, and rosmarinic acids. Methods: After a 12-week model of diet-induced hyperlipidemia, we examined the plasma levels of TC, TG, Glucose, HDL-C, and LDL-C and the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio using enzymatic kits. The Plasma Hepatic and Biliary Marker Analysis was analysed following standardized hospital protocols with quality-controlled instrumentation. Results: The supplementation with Basil-Enriched Oil (BEO) resulted in a notable redistribution of lipids, significantly reducing the plasma total cholesterol (−75%), triglycerides (−96%), and glucose (−22%), while enhancing their hepatic sequestration. This was accompanied by a marked improvement in the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio and a reduction in hepatic oxidative stress (measured by MDA). Importantly, BEO preserved liver structure and prevented steatosis, despite inducing an increase in adaptive hepatomegaly. Conclusions: The results reveal a dual mechanism whereby the antioxidant properties of BEO collaborate with reprogrammed lipid metabolism, promoting safe hepatic storage rather than harmful circulating levels. These findings strongly advocate for the extract’s potential as a nutraceutical for addressing hyperlipidemia and related metabolic disorders by targeting both oxidative stress and lipid imbalance. Further research is required to confirm these effects in clinical settings and to confirm its long-term efficacy. Full article

Background/Objectives: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity are chronic metabolic disorders associated with cognitive impairment and neuronal damage. The hippocampus, a region sensitive to nutrient excess, is critical for integrating sensory and metabolic signals. This study aimed to determine the early onset of cognitive and motor deficits induced by obesity and/or hyperglycemia and to characterize associated hippocampal alterations in Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) rats. Methods: Male ZDF rats (13 weeks old) were categorized into three groups: lean control, obese normoglycemic (ZDF-NG), and obese hyperglycemic (ZDF-HG). Assessments included zoometric parameters (weight and adiposity), biochemical assays (glucose tolerance, insulin response, and lipid profile), and behavioral tests (Open Field and Novel Object Recognition). Hippocampal health was evaluated through stereological neuronal density analysis and redox balance markers. Results: Both obese groups exhibited significant visceral adiposity and hyperlipidemia. The ZDF-HG group was further characterized by glucose intolerance, hepatic insulin resistance, and reduced β-cell function. Behavioral results showed that while obesity decreased motor activity, hyperglycemia significantly exacerbated the loss of both short- and long-term recognition memory. Histologically, obesity was associated with decreased neuronal density in the hippocampal DG and CA1 regions. Furthermore, hippocampal ROS was significantly elevated in the ZDF-HG group, and glutathione reductase activity was reduced in both obese phenotypes. Conclusions: The findings demonstrate that obesity initiates hippocampal neurodegeneration and motor decline, and that hyperglycemia severely impairs recognition memory. These results emphasize the critical interplay between metabolic dysfunction and cognitive decline, highlighting the necessity of managing both obesity and T2D to prevent early neurodegenerative changes. Full article

Forkhead box protein A3 (FOXA3), also known as hepatocyte nuclear factor 3g (HNF3g), is a member of the FOX family of transcription factors and regulates lipid and glucose metabolism and liver regeneration. Hepatic FOXA3 is reduced in obesity and patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). So far, it remains unknown whether hepatic FOXA3 is essential for regulating lipid metabolism or metabolic dysfunction-associated liver disease (MASLD). In this study, we first investigated whether genetic inactivation of hepatocyte Foxa3 affected the development of MASLD/MASH in C57BL/6 mice and then explored whether loss of hepatocyte Foxa3 regulated atherosclerosis development in Ldlr-deficient mice. Inactivation of Foxa3 in hepatocytes did not affect the development of Western diet-induced MASLD/MASH in C57BL/6 mice but attenuated MASH development in Western diet-fed Ldlr-deficient mice. Moreover, genetic loss of hepatocyte Foxa3 ameliorated hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis in Ldlr-deficient mice. In Ldlr-deficient mice, loss of hepatocyte Foxa3 resulted in reduced expression of lipogenic, pro-inflammatory, or fibrogenic genes in the liver and reduced cholic acid levels in plasma and bile. Thus, hepatocyte FOXA3 loss confers protection against the development of MASH and atherosclerosis in hyperlipidemic Ldlr-deficient mice. Full article