Search Results (381)

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and sarcopenia are prevalent age-related disorders that share common pathophysiological mechanisms such as aging, chronic inflammation, and physical inactivity. Their coexistence may aggravate functional decline and disability. This cross-sectional study aimed to compare the prevalence of sarcopenia between individuals with KOA and matched controls and to explore the relationship between femoral intercondylar cartilage (FIC) thickness and muscle-related parameters. A total of 228 participants (114 KOA, 114 controls) matched by age, sex, and body mass index were enrolled. Assessments included appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMMI), handgrip strength, walking speed, and physical activity. In KOA patients, ultrasound measurements of FIC and quadriceps thickness and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) were additionally obtained. Sarcopenia prevalence was higher in the KOA group than in controls (41.2% vs. 26.3%, p = 0.017). Greater FIC thickness was associated with higher ASMMI, stronger handgrip strength, faster walking speed, and lower WOMAC pain and total scores. These findings indicate that FIC thickness may serve as a potential structural biomarker linking cartilage integrity with muscle function in KOA. Full article

Tumor suppressor p53 is essential for maintaining DNA stability and preventing cancer. Under normal conditions, the p53 protein is either degraded or bound to a negative regulator, rendering it inactive, but when DNA damage occurs, p53 is activated, causing cell cycle arrest and allowing time for cellular repair. If, however, DNA damage is too severe, the cell undergoes apoptosis and is eliminated. Mutations in the p53 gene are linked to various types of cancer and are present in 30–40% of human breast cancers, leading to loss of tumor suppressor function and uncontrolled tumor growth. Moreover, in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a particularly deadly form of the disease, the incidence of p53 mutations increases to 70–80%. Many p53 mutations occur in the DNA binding domain of the p53 gene, leading to accumulation of mutant p53 (mtp53) within the cell, and tumor development. Converting mtp53 back to its functional wild-type form (wtp53) is consequently a rational approach to preventing or even reversing tumor growth. Mechanisms of action of tumor suppressor p53 are widely discussed elsewhere; hence, we will focus on our own studies, using small molecule activators of mtp53 to combat breast cancer. We will show that specific small molecules, such as PRIMA-1 (p53 reactivation and induction of mass apoptosis), reactivate mtp53 in hormone-dependent human breast cancer cells. Furthermore, we will demonstrate the effectiveness of PRIMA-1 at arresting xenograft growth in an animal model and go on to show that the PRIMA-1 analog APR-246 effectively restores wtp53 tumor suppressor activity in TNBC cells. A brief overview of current clinical trials aimed at reactivating p53 to treat certain cancers is provided. Finally, we discuss the possible use of naturally occurring compounds, which are generally non-toxic, to reactivate mutant p53 and control TNBC progression. Full article

Background/Objectives: The proportion of middle-aged and elderly people in the total population is increasing, and it is of utmost importance to monitor their quality of life (QoL), which largely depends on mobility, health and mental state, diet, nutritional status (especially overweight and obesity). The population in Croatia is among the leading in terms of the proportion of overweight and obese people, therefore the aim is to study QoL and determine which aspects can potentially be mitigated by public health actions. Methods: In accordance with the available data from the SHARE study (Survey on Health, Aging and Retirement in Europe), data were taken from the most recently published—9th wave conducted in 2021/2022. In this study, the Croatian population older than 50 years is represented by 4687 respondents. Health-related parameters were monitored (cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, mental health, handgrip strength (HGS) as a biomarker in older people and body mass index) and quality of life (self-assessed quality of life (CASP, self-assessed health SPH, physical activity) and dietary habits. A logistic regression model was used to link HGS as a biomarker in older people with quality of life and health parameters. Results: There is an undeniable decline in social and physical activity with age; the proportion of people engaged in vigorous physical activity decreased from 47% in the 51–64 age group to only 5.4% in people over 85 years of age, while physical inactivity increased from 3% to 37.7%. Chronic diseases, especially hypertension, accumulate with age, while self-rated health worsens with age, as does mental health (the proportion of depressed people (according to the EURO-D scale) increased significantly from 21.1% in the 51–64 age group to 54.1% in those over 85 years of age). Results of multinomial logistic regression showed that sports (in)activity was consistently associated with a lower likelihood of reduced handgrip strength (OR = 1.94 for low strength, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Sports activities and social engagement are crucial for maintaining good handgrip strength. Higher BMI, lower education and adverse psychological states are risk factors for a weaker handgrip. These findings highlight the need for an integrated public health approach that promotes physical activity, balanced nutrition and mental and social well-being in the older population. Full article

Obesity and overweight conditions, frequently accompanied by hypercholesterolemia, are major risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Lifestyle interventions remain the cornerstone of non-pharmacological treatment; however, their effectiveness in improving lipid profiles is limited. Intermittent hypoxic training (IHT) has recently emerged as a potential strategy to enhance metabolic outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a 4-week intensive IHT program combined with a calorie-restricted diet on lipid profile and body composition in men with overweight or obesity and secondary hypercholesterolemia. Twenty physically inactive men (35.3 ± 5.4 years) were randomly assigned to either a hypoxic group (H, n = 10) or a normoxic control group (C, n = 10). Both groups followed the same training protocol and diet, differing only in environmental training conditions. Body composition, resting metabolic rate, and blood lipid parameters (total cholesterol, TC; high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, HDL-C; low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, LDL-C; non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, non-HDL-C; Triglycerides, TG) were assessed before and after the intervention. Compared with the C group, participants in the H group achieved significantly greater reductions in body mass (−5.4% vs. −2.6%, p < 0.05) and fat mass (−14.7% vs. −7%, p < 0.01). IHT also induced marked decreases in TC (−22.6%, p < 0.001), LDL-C (−25.8%, p < 0.001), non-HDL-C (−26.5%, p < 0.001), and TG (−31.4%, p < 0.01), along with a significant improvement in the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP, −24.4%, p < 0.05). In contrast, the C group showed only non-significant downward trends. No significant changes in HDL-C were observed in either group. These findings suggest that IHT combined with dietary restriction produces more favorable changes in lipid profile and body composition than normoxic training. IHT may therefore represent a promising adjunct to conventional lifestyle-based interventions in the management of obesity-related hypercholesterolemia. Full article

Background/Objectives: Postmenopausal women face an elevated risk of sarcopenia and functional decline, yet the distinct roles of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and physical inactivity in these outcomes remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the independent and combined associations of T2DM and physical activity on sarcopenia and functional performance in postmenopausal women. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 175 postmenopausal women stratified by T2DM status and physical activity level (active ≥150 min/week vs. insufficiently active). Body composition was assessed via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, muscle strength by handgrip dynamometry, and functional performance by gait speed. Sarcopenia was diagnosed using the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 criteria. Binary logistic regression calculated odds ratios (ORs) for adverse outcomes. Results: Physical inactivity was the strongest predictor of functional decline, with insufficiently active women showing nearly four-fold increased odds of slow gait speed (<1.0 m/s) compared to active counterparts (OR: 3.93; 95% CI: 1.24–12.45). While T2DM appeared protective against sarcopenia in unadjusted analysis, multivariate adjustment revealed obesity (OR: 4.97; 95% CI: 1.62–15.20) and T2DM (OR: 3.80; 95% CI: 1.59–9.08) as independent sarcopenia predictors. Conclusions: Distinct associational profiles emerged for sarcopenia and functional decline in postmenopausal women. While T2DM and obesity are independently associated with sarcopenia through metabolic mechanisms, physical inactivity emerged as the strongest predictor of functional impairment. These findings support targeted interventions: metabolic optimization for muscle mass preservation and structured physical activity, particularly resistance training, for maintaining functional independence in this high-risk population. Full article

Anabolic resistance, consisting of a diminished ability of aging muscle to respond to anabolic stimuli such as exercise and protein intake, is a key contributor to age-related declines in muscle mass. However, diseases and lifestyle factors associated with aging, including insulin resistance states, overweight/obesity, persistent inflammation and specifically—as a focus herein—physical inactivity and inadequate dietary protein-intake habits, might interact with chronological impairments in muscle anabolism. In this context, master athletes, as individuals who have engaged in lifelong structured exercise, including regular training and sports participation, offer a valuable model for studying processes of chronological vs. inactivity-related aging. While these lifelong exercisers may present improved body composition parameters and other potential benefits in terms of muscle mass and function, it remains unclear whether exercise practice throughout life can prevent the development of anabolic resistance associated with aging. Albeit limited, evidence has indicated that even in lifelong-trained older individuals there is a blunted post-exercise muscle anabolic response compared to younger athletes. However, there is a paucity of data to systematically understand the differences in postprandial anabolic response to varying protein doses in older vs. young athletes. In lieu of the above, it seems reasonable that master athletes may benefit from increasing protein intake closer to the upper limit of current recommendations (1.6–2.0 g/kg/day). In addition, supplementing their diet with ingredients that have established anabolic potential, including branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) such as leucine, the leucine metabolite β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB), and n3-polyunsaturated fatty acids (n3-PUFA), may potentiate the anabolic response to protein and exercise. Full article

Introduction: The demographic shift amongst pregnant women, including older age and increasing obesity, has resulted in an increased risk of cardiometabolic complications during pregnancy, particularly gestational diabetes. This paper presents physical activity and gestational diabetes data in a multi-ethnic urban Australian population. Methods and analysis: The PROMOTE cohort study is an ongoing prospective pregnancy cohort study recruiting pregnant participants < 16 weeks gestation at a large urban public teaching hospital with high social and cultural diversity in Sydney, Australia. Participants are surveyed about their physical activity levels, dietary quality, emotional wellbeing and socio-demographic status using validated tools. Participants are consented for use of routinely collected clinical and social data, including medical conditions, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP) and glycaemia. Follow-up is from routinely collected data. Results: A total of 459 participants were recruited between February 2022 and February 2024. Physical activity levels at recruitment were sufficiently active, low active and inactive in 39%, 45% and 16% of participants. Participation in moderate or vigorous physical activity was reported in 19% and 16% of participants, respectively. Participation in vigorous physical activity occurred in 10% of those with GDM vs. 17% of those without GDM (p = 0.11). Participation in any moderate/vigorous physical activity was reported in 20% of those with GDM vs. 30% of those without GDM (p = 0.058). Compared to inactive behaviour, the unadjusted odds ratio of developing GDM amongst those participating in any moderate/vigorous physical activity was 0.58 (95% CI 0.33–0.97), p = 0.045. Participation in any moderate/vigorous physical activity showed an association with lower oral glucose tolerance test levels at 1 h (7.49 vs. 8.17 mmol/L, p = 0.002). Participation in any vigorous activity was associated with lower oral glucose tolerance test levels at 1 h (7.25 vs. 8.11, p = <0.001). Conclusions: Uptake of existing physical activity recommendations is low. Gestational diabetes risk showed a trend toward variation by intensity of physical activity, with a trend toward greater intensity being associated with a possible lower rate of gestational diabetes. Full article

Background: Antimicrobial resistance in oral pathogens drives interest in natural alternatives such as essential oils (EOs). Methods: The chemical composition and in vitro antimicrobial activity of Origanum vulgare, Thymus vulgaris, and Lavandula angustifolia EOs were investigated. Oils were profiled by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and tested against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, and Candida albicans ATCC 10231 using the disc diffusion method (triplicate, 1 µL/disc, ~850–950 µg). Results: O. vulgare oil produced the strongest inhibition against C. albicans (18.4 ± 0.5 mm), T. vulgaris was most active E. coli (13.0 ± 0.5 mm), while L. angustifolia showed negligible activity (6–7 mm). All EO inhibition zones were smaller than those of antibiotics. Conclusions: At clinically relevant doses, Oregano and Thyme oils showed modest antimicrobial effects, whereas Lavender was inactive. However, these findings are limited by the use of ATCC strains, small sample size, and reliance on the disc diffusion method, which provides only qualitative data and does not capture biofilm or host interactions. Future studies should include minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC)/minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) assays, biofilm models, and cytotoxicity testing. AI-assisted GC-MS analysis and automated inhibition zone measurement should be considered as future perspectives to improve reproducibility and translational potential. Full article

This research explored the chemical composition of the soft coral Sarcophyton sp., leading to the discovery of six previously unreported cembranoids, sarcophynoids D–I (1–6), and three known analog compounds (7–9). Structural elucidation of the new metabolites was achieved by spectroscopic methods, including one- and two-dimensional (1D and 2D) NMR (COSY, HSQC and HMBC), high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HRESIMS), quantum mechanical NMR (QM-NMR) methods, electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations, and comparison with literature data. All isolated substances were screened for antibacterial activities, and most exhibited moderate inhibitory effects against six pathogenic bacterial strains, with MIC values between 8 and 64 μg/mL. In addition, the effects of these compounds on LPS and IFN-γ stimulated RAW264.7 cells, focused on the release of NO and TNF-α, were also evaluated, but were inactive at 20 μM. Full article

Background/Objectives: The identification of health risk factors in children should rely not only on body mass index but also on modifiable lifestyle behaviors. Early screening for physical inactivity, poor nutrition, inadequate sleep, and chronic stress is crucial for effective preventive healthcare. The aim of this project was to develop the OWL screening tool, a protocol for the holistic assessment of key lifestyle risk factors in children aged 6–12. Methods/Rationale: The OWL tool was developed by integrating evidence-based recommendations from major health societies (WHO, EFSA, the National Sleep Foundation, and the Pediatric Endocrine Society), incorporating psychological principles, and adapting validated components from existing pediatric screening instruments. Its design prioritizes flexibility for use across various age groups and settings. The development process resulted in the 20-item OWL questionnaire, structured into four lifestyle domains: nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and stress management. Each item is a closed-ended question requiring a dichotomous (yes/no) response. One point is awarded for each health-promoting behavior endorsed, yielding a total possible score of 20. The tool is suitable for self-report by older children, parent-report for younger children, or clinician-administered review. Conclusions: By integrating sleep and stress management with traditional lifestyle factors, the OWL screening tool offers a highly relevant approach to pediatric preventive care. The findings presented here should be interpreted as a proof-of-concept, and the tool is not yet ready for clinical implementation without further rigorous evaluation. Full article

Unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, such as physical inactivity and an unhealthy diet, can decrease quality of life and increase the risk of obesity, depression, and chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In workplace settings, these health issues are associated with increased healthcare costs and reduced productivity. The Pure Health 2K Longevity Study (PHLS) evaluated the effectiveness of a 90-day incentive-based lifestyle intervention among working adults in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A single-arm interventional study was conducted by Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA) over a 4-month period. A total of 2300 participants aged 18–59 were enrolled, with 1688 (73.4%) completing the program. Participants underwent baseline and endline assessments, including physical measurements (weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference), biochemical parameters (blood pressure, glucose, Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid profile, C-reactive protein (CRP), Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and self-reported health behaviors and adverse events. Significant reductions were observed in weight (77.0 to 75.9 kg), BMI (26.8 to 26.4 kg/m²), and waist circumference (95 to 93 cm) (all p < 0.001). Notably, 4.6% of participants transitioned from overweight to normal weight, and 3.4% from obese to overweight. No adverse events were reported. A short-term, workplace-based lifestyle intervention can produce meaningful improvements in anthropometric and biochemical health indicators, particularly among high-risk individuals. Full article

Anastrepha fraterculus (Diptera: Tephritidae) is a major fruit pest in several countries of South America and is mass-reared for use in integrated pest control strategies, including the sterile insect technique (SIT), and as a host for rearing biocontrol agents. Optimizing these rearing protocols requires a deeper understanding of how larval diet impacts adult traits. This study investigated the effects of three larval diet formulations differing in nutrient composition on larval development and adult fitness traits. All diets contained inactive non-hydrolyzed brewer’s yeast and sucrose. Two of them included wheat germ, either alone (wheat germ diet) or combined with mashed carrot (carrot diet), whereas the corn flour diet did not contain wheat germ. The carrot diet produced the heaviest pupae, adults with longer wings, and the lowest rate of deformed adults. The corn flour diet prolonged larval and pupal development and increased adult lipid and carbohydrate content. Both the corn flour and carrot diets led to greater glycogen accumulation and more skewed weight distributions compared to the wheat germ diet. Present results highlight how larval diet composition determines developmental traits with direct consequences on adult physiology in A. fraterculus. These characteristics could enhance the effectiveness of control programs such as SIT and other biological control strategies. Full article

Accurate assessment of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in adolescents is critical. However, normalizing oxygen consumption (VO₂) to body mass (BM) may underestimate CRF in overweight (OW) youth by including metabolically inactive fat mass. This study examined differences in VO₂ normalized by BM and fat-free mass (FFM) between normal weight (NW) and OW adolescents. Thirty-eight participants (19 NW, 19 OW; 12–17 years) underwent anthropometric, body composition, and cardiorespiratory fitness assessments. VO₂ at the aerobic threshold (VO₂AerT), anaerobic threshold (VO₂AnT), and peak exercise (VO₂peak) were measured and expressed in absolute terms and relative to BM and FFM. Group differences in the main outcomes were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA, and Pearson correlation was used to examine associations between VO₂, BM and FFM. When normalized by BM, NW adolescents showed significantly higher VO₂AerT (18.7 ± 3.6 vs. 14.5 ± 2.3), VO₂AnT (28.8 ± 6.3 vs. 23.6 ± 4.7), and VO₂peak (37.7 ± 6.7 vs. 29.1 ± 7.0) compared to OW peers (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found when VO₂ values were normalized by FFM. A group difference was observed in the VO₂peak vs. BM slope (p = 0.03) but not in the VO₂peak vs. FFM slope. FFM normalization provides a more accurate assessment of CRF by accounting for differences in body composition, underscoring the importance of evaluating the aerobic capacity of metabolically active tissue rather than total body weight in youth populations. Full article

In Poland—especially in the less developed eastern regions—the level of health-enhancing physical activity (HEPA) remains below the WHO recommendations, and its determinants are not yet fully understood. The study was conducted as part of the international EUPASMOS PLUS project on a sample of 173 adult individuals living in eastern Poland. Physical activity was measured using accelerometers worn continuously for seven days (24/7). The duration of moderate and vigorous physical activity as well as episodes of physical activity lasting at least 10 min were analyzed. The median daily MVPA time was 50 min, and the median VPA time only 10 s, both below WHO recommendations of 150 min/week of MVPA or 75 min/week of VPA. Overall, more than 70% of participants did not meet the recommended levels. The level of HEPA was found to be below WHO recommendations, especially among men, individuals over 50 years old, and those who were professionally inactive. Higher physical activity levels were recorded among women and younger participants. Significant correlations were found between HEPA level and self-rated health status (ρ = 0.28–0.38, p < 0.001), as well as body mass index and waist circumference (ρ ≈ −0.20 to −0.30, p < 0.01). Although statistically significant, the effect sizes were small to moderate, indicating limited explanatory power. Unemployment negatively affected MVPA and VPA levels, while household size positively correlated with physical activity. Interventions promoting HEPA should consider demographic and regional diversity, with particular focus on less active groups such as older adults and the unemployed. It is also necessary to develop new screening tools aimed at easy and quick diagnosis of social groups that should be targeted by HEPA promotion strategies. Full article

Objectives: Adolescence is a pivotal stage of development characterized by significant physical, psychological, and social changes. Establishing healthy lifestyle habits during this period is crucial for long-term health and the prevention of chronic diseases. Despite this, global trends show a marked decline in physical activity among adolescents, particularly girls, who are more susceptible to sedentary behaviors. One potential site for intervention to eliminate physical inactivity at the population level is the school educational setting during childhood. Traditional school-based physical exercise programs often adopt a one-size-fits-all approach, which may not address the diverse needs and interests of students, leading to reduced motivation and participation. Personalized physical exercise programs, tailored to individual capabilities and preferences, offer a promising alternative to enhance physical fitness and foster lifelong engagement in physical activity. Methods: A total of 170 Hungarian high school girls (mean age ≈ 15.3 years) were randomly assigned to either a personalized physical exercise group or a control group following the standard curriculum. The intervention spanned two academic years and consisted of five traditional gym classes per week (control group) or three traditional and two individually tailored classes with cardiorespiratory and resistance training per week (intervention group), each lasting 45–60 min. Individual goals were set based on baseline assessments, emphasizing self-referenced progress. Results: The personalized physical exercise group showed significant improvements in body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, maximum oxygen uptake capacity (VO₂max), muscular strength, and flexibility (p < 0.05), while the control group exhibited minimal or negative changes. Conclusions: The personalized physical exercise program has been shown to be more effective in achieving higher cardiorespiratory performance and favorable body composition among adolescent girls than a traditional school physical education class, highlighting its potential role in school settings. Full article