Search Results (25)

Postprandial dysmetabolism, which refers to the impaired regulation of glucose and lipid levels after meals, is recognized as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Diets rich in polyphenols have demonstrated potential in improving postprandial hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. This study investigates the effects of olive leaf polyphenols on postprandial metabolic outcomes following a high-fat and high-carbohydrate meal. A total of 36 healthy adults participated in a three-arm randomized crossover trial. They ingested either a biscuit made from olive leaf powder (OLB), olive leaf tea (OLT), or a placebo meal (CTRL) to assess the impact of olive leaf polyphenols on postprandial glycemia, lipid levels, platelet aggregation factor (PAF), and plasma antioxidant status (TAC). Although no statistically significant differences were observed in the primary biomarkers, including glucose and lipid profiles, a delayed insulin response was noted in the interventions involving olive leaf. These findings suggest that while acute olive leaf supplementation did not significantly alter postprandial glycemia or lipidemia, it may subtly influence insulin kinetics. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of olive leaf polyphenols on metabolic health, especially in populations at risk for CVDs. Full article

Background: Almond milk is often seen as a healthier alternative to cow milk. However, its effect on postprandial glycemia compared to 2% milk is unclear. Here, we compared the postprandial glycemic effect of almond milk versus carbohydrate- or caloric-matched 2% milk, each served with oatmeal to patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Methods: In this crossover, three-way, open-label study, 22 participants (mean age 66 ± 7.4 years, 36% female), with T2D and overweight or obesity, consumed oatmeal served with almond milk (ALM), carbohydrate-matched 2% milk (MLKCRB), or calorie-matched 2% milk (MLKCAL) on separate days and in a random order. The primary outcome was glucose incremental area under the curve for 240 min (iAUC0-240). The secondary outcomes included postprandial serum insulin, glucagon, plasma free fatty acids (FFAs), serum triglycerides, leptin, and gastrointestinal hormones (PYY, active GLP-1, GIP, amylin, cholecystokinin, and ghrelin). Results: We did not find any difference in either the primary endpoint or secondary endpoints between the three groups. However, iAUC0-240 for insulin and glucagon was significantly higher in MLKCRB vs. ALM (FDR = 0.002 and 0.02, respectively). Conclusions: Almond milk does not offer any additional glycemic benefit over 2% milk and does not differ in its postprandial effects on FFAs, serum triglycerides, leptin, and gastrointestinal hormones over 4 h. Nonetheless, carbohydrate-matched 2% milk elicited greater insulin and glucagon response compared to almond milk, warranting further investigation into its long-term implications. Full article

Given the increasing incidence of chronic metabolic diseases, fermented functional foods are receiving a growing demand due to their important functional activities. The aim of this pilot clinical study–nutritional intervention is to expand knowledge on how the habitual intake of a biofunctional miso-type sauce, enhanced with biocarotenoids, may affect biomarkers of lipidemia, glycemia, and oxidative stress in healthy volunteers. Using a randomized, cross-over, controlled, and single-blind design, ten healthy participants with a mean age of 23 years, who met the eligibility criteria, supplemented their daily diet with either 20 g of legume-based or the biofunctional miso-type sauce for 30 days, with a one-week washout. Blood samples were taken at baseline and after intervention. The measured parameters included serum total, HDL, and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid, glucose, and plasma TAC. After 30 days, the miso-type sauce increased plasma TAC (p = 0.04) and slightly decreased mean triglycerides (p = 0.47) compared with the control sauce. Both sauces resulted in higher LDL cholesterol levels (p = 0.001–0.02), indicating possible negative effects on lipidemic control. However, the miso group showed a lower grade of increment compared with the control. This long-term study partly supports the acute postprandial indications and motivates research expansion, demonstrating that biofunctional miso-type sauce, enhanced with biocarotenoids, may possess a preventive role in chronic dysmetabolism and oxidative stress. Full article

Background: Grape seed polyphenol bioactivity is linked to reduced risk of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and coronary heart disease development. Furthermore, regular consumption of β-glucan is associated with decreased lipidemic and glycemic profiles. The aim was to investigate the acute effect of crackers enriched with either 10% grape seed flour or 40% barley flour with added β-glucan along with a high-fat and high-carbohydrate meal on biomarkers of postprandial glycemia, lipidemia, and oxidative stress. Methods: In a randomized, three-arm crossover design study, 12 healthy subjects were assigned to consume breakfast consisting of bread, butter, and 250 mL water along with crackers containing either (a) wheat flour, (b) 10% grape seed flour, or (c) 40% barley flour enriched with β-glucan. Blood samples were drawn immediately before and 30, 90, and 180 min after the meal. Total antioxidant capacity was measured in plasma with the FRAP method. Total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, and uric acid were measured in serum. Results: Tested markers did not differ between the intervention groups at baseline, 30, 90, and 180 min (p ≥ 0.05) post-prandially. Conclusions: Enriched cracker consumption did not significantly affect the selected markers at the postprandial state, although better serum glucose and lipid levels, similar to baseline values, were maintained. Full article

Royal jelly is a honeybee product with substantial pharmacological and health promotional activities. Nevertheless, the health implications associated with the prolonged dietary supplementation of royal jelly have yet to be elucidated extensively. Herein, 72 weeks of dietary supplementation of royal jelly at 5% and 10% (w/w) were investigated to assess the impact on zebrafish survivability, body weight, liver, testis, ovary functionality, and blood lipid profile. The results revealed no adverse effect of 72 weeks of royal jelly supplementation on zebrafish survivability. Conversely, a noteworthy enhancement in the zebrafish body weight was observed in royal-jelly-supplemented zebrafish in a concentration-dependent manner [5% and 10% (w/w)]. Interestingly, female zebrafish were found to be more biased, with a significant 17% (p < 0.001) and 23% (p < 0.001) higher body weight enhancement after 72 weeks of consumption of 5% and 10% (w/w) royal jelly, compared to the male zebrafish. The histological outcome revealed no sign of hepatotoxicity; moreover, diminished reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis were observed in the hepatic tissue of the royal-jelly-supplemented group. Consistent with the histological outcomes, the liver function biomarkers, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), exhibited a significant decrease of 1.9-fold (p = 0.006) and 1.4-fold (p = 0.003) in zebrafish supplemented with royal jelly compared to those on a normal diet (ND) and zebrafish given supplements. Also, no sign of ovary and testis-related toxicity was observed in the royal-jelly-supplemented group during the 72-week period. Furthermore, the 10% (w/w) royal-jelly-consuming zebrafish exhibited a notable 2.1-fold increase (p = 0.018) in egg-laying ability compared to the ND-supplemented zebrafish. The 10% (w/w) royal jelly supplementation also effectively maintained the blood lipid profile by curtailing serum triglycerides (TG) and elevating high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Conclusively, royal jelly dietary supplementation for a prolonged time found royal jelly to be safe to consume, to efficiently improve hepatic function, reproduction, and sexual health, and to augment the serum HDL-C level. Full article

Postprandial dysmetabolism is a common entity of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and may act as a daily stressor of the already dysfunctional diabetic platelets. This study aims to investigate whether oleocanthal-rich olive oils (OO), incorporated into a carbohydrate-rich meal, can affect postprandial dysmetabolism and platelet aggregation. Oleocanthal is a cyclooxygenase inhibitor with putative antiplatelet properties. In this randomized, single-blinded, crossover study, ten T2DM patients consumed five isocaloric meals containing 120 g white bread combined with: (i) 39 g butter, (ii) 39 g butter and 400 mg ibuprofen, (iii) 40 mL OO (phenolic content < 10 mg/Kg), (iv) 40 mL OO with 250 mg/Kg oleocanthal and (v) 40 mL OO with 500 mg/Kg oleocanthal. Metabolic markers along with ex vivo ADP- and thrombin receptor-activating peptide (TRAP)-induced platelet aggregation were measured before and for 4 h after the meals. The glycemic and lipidemic response was similar between meals. However, a sustained (90–240 min) dose-dependent reduction in platelets’ sensitivity to both ADP (50–100%) and TRAP (20–50%) was observed after the oleocanthal meals in comparison to OO or butter meals. The antiplatelet effect of the OO containing 500 mg/Kg oleocanthal was comparable to that of the ibuprofen meal. In conclusion, the consumption of meals containing oleocanthal-rich OO can reduce platelet activity during the postprandial period, irrespective of postprandial hyperglycemia and lipidemia. Full article

This study aimed to examine comorbidity associations across age groups of inpatients with endocrine diseases as the primary diagnosis throughout the life cycle to develop an effective management strategy. Data were obtained from the Korean National Hospital Discharge In-depth Injury Survey (KNHDS) from 2006 to 2021, involving 68,515 discharged patients aged ≥ 19 years with a principal diagnosis of endocrine disease. A database was constructed for analysis, extracting general characteristics and comorbidities. Employing R version 4.2.3, the Chi-squared test and the Apriori algorithm of ARM (association rule mining) were used for analyzing general characteristics and comorbidity associations. There were more women (53.1%) than men (46.9%) (p < 0.001, with women (61.2 ± 17.2) having a higher average age than men (58.6 ± 58.6) (p < 0.001). Common comorbidities include unspecified diabetes mellitus; essential (primary) hypertension; unspecified diabetes mellitus; and other disorders of fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance. Notably, type 2 diabetes mellitus, disorders of lipoprotein metabolism and other lipidemia, polyneuropathy in diseases classified elsewhere, retinal disorders in diseases classified elsewhere, and essential (primary) hypertension prevail across all age groups. Association rules further highlight specific comorbidities appearing selectively in certain age groups. In conclusion, establishing a management strategy for comorbidities in patients with a primary diagnosis of an endocrine disorder is necessary. Full article

Although solid organ transplantation in persons with diabetes mellitus is often associated with hyperglycemia, the risk of hyperlipidemia in all organ transplant recipients is often underestimated. The diagnosis of diabetes often predates transplantation; however, in a moderate percentage of allograft recipients, perioperative hyperglycemia occurs triggered by antirejection regimens. Post-transplant prescription of glucocorticoids, calcineurin inhibitors and mTOR inhibitors are associated with increased lipid concentrations. The existence of diabetes mellitus prior to or following a liver transplant is associated with shorter times of useful allograft function. A cycle involving Smad, TGF beta, m-TOR and toll-like receptors has been identified in the contribution of rejection and aging of allografts. Glucocorticoids (prednisone) and calcineurin inhibitors (cyclosporine and tacrolimus) induce hyperglycemia associated with insulin resistance. Azathioprine, mycophenolate and prednisone are associated with lipogenesis. mTOR inhibitors (rapamycin) are used to decrease doses of atherogenic agents used for immunosuppression. Post-transplant medication management must balance immune suppression and glucose and lipid control. Concerns regarding rejection often override those relative to systemic and organ vascular aging and survival. This review focuses attention on the underlying mechanism of relationships between glycemia/lipidemia control, transplant rejection and graft aging. Full article

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) contains various compounds that potentially improve health. Bisacurone is a turmeric-derived compound but has been less studied compared to other compounds, such as curcumin. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and lipid-lowering effects of bisacurone in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. Mice were fed HFD to induce lipidemia and orally administered bisacurone daily for two weeks. Bisacurone reduced liver weight, serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and blood viscosity in mice. Splenocytes from bisacurone-treated mice produced lower levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α upon stimulation with a toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 ligand, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and TLR1/2 ligand, Pam3CSK4, than those from untreated mice. Bisacurone also inhibited LPS-induced IL-6 and TNF-α production in the murine macrophage cell line, RAW264.7. Western blot analysis revealed that bisacurone inhibited the phosphorylation of IKKα/β and NF-κB p65 subunit, but not of the mitogen-activated protein kinases, p38 kinase and p42/44 kinases, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase in the cells. Collectively, these results suggest that bisacurone has the potential to reduce serum lipid levels and blood viscosity in mice with high-fat diet-induced lipidemia and modulate inflammation via inhibition of NF-κB-mediated pathways. Full article

Morus alba L. is used for a range of therapeutic purposes in Asian traditional medicine, and its extracts are reported to be effective against lipidemia, diabetes, and obesity, as well as being hepatoprotective and tyrosinase-inhibitory. They are also included in cosmetic products as anti-aging and skin-whitening agents. Stilbenes, the major bioactive compounds found in M. alba, have received renewed attention recently because of their putative activity against COVID-19. In this study M. alba plants were established in vitro, and the effect of elicitation on plant growth and stilbene accumulation, specifically oxyresveratrol and trans-resveratrol, was investigated. Different concentrations of the elicitors including methyl jasmonate and cyclodextrins were applied, and stilbene levels were determined in leaves, roots, and the culture medium. Elicitation of the M. alba plants with 5 mM cyclodextrins, alone or in combination with 10 µM methyl jasmonate, significantly increased the total phenolic content in the culture medium and leaves after 7 days of treatment. The higher total phenolic content in the roots of control plants and those treated only with methyl jasmonate indicated that cyclodextrins promoted metabolite release to the culture medium. Notably, the cyclodextrin-treated plants with the highest levels of oxy- and trans-resveratrol also had the highest total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity. These results indicate that elicited M. alba in vitro plants constitute a promising alternative source of bioactive stilbenes to supply pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical industries. Full article

Some populations are recommended to consume low-fat dairy, although the evidence behind replacing high-fat with low-fat dairy products is limited. This exploratory sub-study investigated the effect of cheese with different fat content on postprandial changes in type-2-diabetes risk markers. Following 12-week cheese or jam intake, a 4 h meal test was conducted with 37 participants. Test meals included bread and either: 80 g regular-fat cheese (REG), 80 g reduced-fat cheese (RED) or 25 g jam (CHO). Postprandial blood was drawn and appetite sensations registered. Time-meal interactions were not observed for glucose and insulin, but for triglycerides (TG) and free fatty acids (FFA). Pairwise comparisons showed 0.17 ± 0.07 mmol/L (p = 0.044) and 0.25 ± 0.07 mmol/L (p = 0.002) higher TG at 180 and 240 min, respectively, and 94 ± 37 mmol/L (p = 0.029) higher FFA at 180 min for REG compared with RED. Compared with CHO, intake of both cheese meals reduced insulin and glucose (main effects of meal, both p ≤ 0.011) and increased FFA and TG at certain time points. In conclusion, intake of cheese with a regular, compared with reduced, fat content did not affect glucose, insulin and appetite, but increased TG and FFA. Full article

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder mainly characterized by obesity, hyperglycemia, altered lipid profile, oxidative stress, and vascular compromise. Physalis peruviana is a plant used in traditional Colombian medicine for its known activities of glucose regulation. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-diabetic activity of the butanol fraction from an extract of Physalis peruviana calyces in two doses (50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg) in induced type 2 diabetic mice. Blood glucose levels were evaluated once a week, demonstrating that a dose of 100 mg/kg resulted in greater regulation of blood glucose levels in mice throughout the experiment. The same overall result was found for the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA- IR). The lipid profile exhibited improvement compared to the non-treated group, a dose of 100 mg/kg having greater protection against oxidative stress (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and malondialdehyde levels). Histopathological findings in several tissues showed structure preservation in most of the animals treated. The butanol fraction from Physalis peruviana at 100 mg/kg showed beneficial results in improving hyperglycemia, lipidemia, and oxidative stress status, and can therefore be considered a beneficial coadjuvant in the therapy of diabetes mellitus. Full article

Objective: To describe postprandial lipidemia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to analyze its association with subclinical atherosclerosis and inflammatory activity. Methods: Observational study of 80 cases of RA and 80 sex- and age-matched controls. We excluded individuals with dyslipidemia. Postprandial hyperlipidemia (PPHL) was defined as postprandial triglycerides >220 mg/dL and/or postprandial ApoB48 levels >75th percentile (>p75). Plasma lipids, cholesterol, triglycerides, ApoB48, and total ApoB were evaluated at baseline and after a meal. Other variables analyzed included subclinical atherosclerosis (defined as presence of carotid atheromatous plaque), inflammatory activity (disease activity score (DAS28-ESR)), cytokines, apolipoproteins, and physical activity. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify factors associated with PPHL in patients with RA. Results: A total of 75 patients with RA and 67 healthy controls fulfilled the inclusion criteria. PPHL was more frequent in patients with RA than controls (No. (%), 29 (38.70) vs. 15 (22.40); p = 0.036), as was subclinical atherosclerosis (No. (%), 22 (30.10) vs. 10 (14.90); p = 0.032). PPHL in patients with RA was associated with subclinical atherosclerosis (OR (95% CI) 4.69 (1.09–12.11); p = 0.037), TNF-α (OR (95% CI) 2.00 (1.00–3.98); p = 0.048), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (OR (95% CI) 1.10 (1.01–1.19); p = 0.027), and baseline triglycerides (OR (95% CI) 1.02 (1.00–1.04); p = 0.049). Conclusion: PPHL was more frequent in patients with RA than in controls. PPHL in patients with RA was associated with inflammation and subclinical atherosclerosis. Full article

Mentally disordered offenders provided with forensic psychiatric care are often treated with second generation antipsychotic (SGA) medication and experience metabolic and inflammatory side effects. Aim: In this paper, we monitored the three-year fluctuation of selected anthropometric, biochemical, and inflammatory indices in forensic psychiatric patients receiving antipsychotic (AP) medication for more than five years, according to the type of AP. Methods: Thirty-five patients with psychotic disorders were classified into two groups based on the type of AP. Specifically: AP1, related to a lower risk, and AP2, related to an increased risk of weight gain (WG) and metabolic complications. Biochemical, hematological, anthropometric, blood pressure (BP), and medication data were retrieved from the individual medical files. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 23. Results: No significant differences in weight and glucose and cholesterol levels were observed, but patients taking AP2 more often needed drugs to control diabetes mellitus (DM), lipidemia, and cardiovascular disease (CVD). In those taking AP1, the mean HDL level decreased significantly over time (p < 0.05) and a higher proportion developed higher BP (52.9% of AP1 vs. 16.7% AP2). In the AP2 group the median level of C-reactive protein (CRP) (p < 0.001) and the white blood cell count (WBC) increased over the three years (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The proposed sub-classification of SGAs into AP1 and AP2, depending on their potential for metabolic and inflammatory effects, might facilitate study of their long-term side-effects but also help in personalized prevention or treatment measures to counteract these side-effects. Full article

The apolipoprotein E (APOE) polymorphism impacts blood lipids and biomarkers of oxidation and inflammation, contributing to an isoform-dependent disease risk. We investigated the effect of the APOE genotype on postprandial metabolism after consumption of three different isoenergetic (4200 kJ) meals in older adults with a CVD risk phenotype. In a randomized crossover study, participants with metabolic syndrome traits (APOE E3, n = 39; E4, n = 10; mean age, 70 ± 5 years; BMI 31.3 ± 3.0 kg/m²) consumed a Western-like diet high-fat (WDHF), Western-like diet high-carbohydrate (WDHC), or Mediterranean-like diet (MED) meal. Parameters of lipid and glucose metabolism, inflammatory, and oxidative parameters were analyzed in blood samples collected at fasting and 1–5 h postprandially. Data were analyzed by linear mixed models. The magnitude of the IL-6 increase after the WDHF meal was significantly higher in E4 than in E3 carriers (iAUC: E4 = 7.76 vs. E3 = 2.81 pg/mL × h). The time to detect the IL-6 increase was shorter in the E4 group. All meals produced postprandial glycemia, insulinemia, and lipidemia, without differences between the E3 and the E4 groups. IL-1β and oxidized LDL levels did not change postprandially. In conclusion, APOE E4 carriers display increased postprandial inflammation, indicated by higher postprandial IL-6 increase, when compared to non-carriers. Full article