Search Results (2,389)

Background/Objectives: Lifestyle Modification Programs (LMPs) based on exercise and nutrition aim to prevent/manage chronic diseases and foster well-being. However, moving LMPs from research to medical practice can be challenging, as programs must be both effective and feasible. The primary goal of this study was to assess cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) changes according to an LMP, measured through VO_2max, as a key indicator of health outcomes and intervention efficacy. Methods: In this single-arm intervention study, 100 subjects were enrolled; per-protocol analysis of main parameters was performed on 85 participants (15 were excluded due to medical/technical reasons). A feasible intervention program (of low resource intensity with only two physician/patient encounters) provided personalized exercise prescription, optimized nutritional habits based on the Mediterranean diet and Healthy Eating Plate principles, and supported behaviour change. We assessed CRF through VO_2max, a key indicator of health outcomes and intervention efficacy. We also analyzed, using regression analysis, the relationship between VO_2max (the gold-standard measure of CRF) and MET_Speak, a simpler, feasible parameter of CRF derived from Exercise Stress Testing. Body composition (BC) and AHA diet score were also measured at baseline and post-6-month intervention. Statistical analyses included paired comparisons and multivariable regression to explore factors influencing CRF changes. Results: Analysis on the primary outcome, VO_2max, was performed according to the intention-to-treat principle and per-protocol. This feasible protocol resulted in a significant increase in VO_2max, improvements in fat-free mass, and a reduction in fat mass. Overall, 42.4% of participants achieved an improvement of ≥1 MET, a change previously associated with reduced mortality risk. Older participants tend to experience smaller improvements in VO_2max. Conclusions: Although observing an improvement in CRF and BC following an LMP is not surprising, the strength of the study is to show the feasibility of implementing an effective, feasible LMP into clinical routine, supporting the integration of such programs into clinical practice. Full article

As the direct biosynthetic precursor of creatine, guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) exerts a pivotal regulatory role in energy homeostasis and protein metabolism. Rabbit meat has garnered increasing global recognition as a healthy food source, characterized by its outstanding high-protein and low-fat nutritional profile. Accordingly, the optimization of rabbit meat quality has attracted growing attention from both consumers and animal production practitioners. In the present study, we evaluated the impacts of dietary GAA supplementation on meat quality traits, in vivo antioxidant capacity, muscle fiber characteristics, and fatty acid metabolism in New Zealand white rabbits. A total of 960 male New Zealand white rabbits were assigned to two age groups: 40-day-old group and 60-day-old group (40 ± 2 days, 1.19 ± 0.09 kg; 60 ± 2 days, 1.82 ± 0.15 kg). Within each age group, rabbits were randomly allocated to a control diet or a diet supplemented with 100 mg/kg GAA (CON-40, GAA-40, CON-60, GAA-60). After a 45-day feeding period, two-way ANOVA revealed that GAA supplementation significantly reduced shear force (p < 0.01, diet main effect) and muscle fiber density (p < 0.01, diet main effect), with an age-dependent effect on shear force (age × diet interaction, p < 0.05). Moreover, GAA enhanced systemic antioxidant capacity, as indicated by increased serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (p < 0.01) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) (p < 0.05), while no significant effect on malondialdehyde (MDA) was detected under the current experimental conditions. GAA also regulated the expression of lipid metabolism-related genes (FAS, HSL, ACC) in intramuscular and perirenal fat, indicating its regulatory effect on fatty acid metabolism. In conclusion, dietary GAA supplementation improves rabbit meat tenderness and antioxidant capacity, with no negative effects on growth performance. These findings confirm that GAA has the potential to serve as a nutritional strategy to improve rabbit meat quality, supporting the development of rabbit meat as a functional food for human consumption. Full article

Background/Objectives: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), particularly semaglutide, have demonstrated efficacy for weight loss in obesity; however, up to 40% of weight lost may derive from lean body mass. The ketogenic diet independently improves insulin sensitivity and promotes fat oxidation while preserving lean tissue. This study aimed to describe changes in body composition, insulin sensitivity, and cardiometabolic markers in patients who followed a personalized ketogenic dietary protocol while receiving low-dose semaglutide over a 6-month insulin resistance reversal program. Methods: Seven analyzed adults (six female, one male) with overweight or obesity (baseline BMI 25.6–47.2 kg/m²) participated in a clinician-supervised 6-month program combining a whole-food ketogenic diet with semaglutide (≤1.0 mg/week). Body composition and fasting metabolic markers were assessed at 1, 3, and 6 months. Results: Mean total weight loss was 21.9 kg, of which a mean of 92% was attributable to BIA-estimated fat mass. Skeletal muscle mass was largely preserved as measured by BIA (mean loss 1.2 kg), and one patient gained lean tissue. Fasting insulin declined by a mean of 15.6 µIU/mL. Visceral fat decreased by a mean of 37.0%. Six of seven patients showed reductions in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. Triglycerides decreased in six of seven patients, and HDL cholesterol increased in all seven. LDL cholesterol responses were heterogeneous. Conclusions: In this small, uncontrolled case series, combining a ketogenic diet with low-dose semaglutide was associated with substantial fat loss, apparent preservation of lean mass as measured by BIA, and improvements in insulin sensitivity and cardiometabolic markers. Because the semaglutide dose and dietary protocol were individualized to each patient’s response, the program illustrates a personalized approach to insulin resistance. These preliminary findings are hypothesis-generating and warrant confirmation in controlled prospective studies. Full article

Aging-associated dyslipidemia and chronic low-grade inflammation contribute to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk. As a blend of long-chain aliphatic alcohols, policosanol from insect wax (PIW) has been documented to regulate lipid metabolism. However, the effects of PIW on atherosclerosis remain insufficiently characterized. In this study, ApoE^−/− mice fed a high-fat diet were concurrently administered PIW (75 and 150 mg/kg) for eight weeks. PIW was associated with weight gain reduction and improvement in lipid profile, particularly a decrease in triglycerides and total cholesterol. PIW also lowered circulating inflammatory biomarkers (IL-6, TNF-α, and C-reactive protein). Histopathological analyses revealed attenuated hepatic injury and reduced aortic lipid deposition and lesion features. In parallel, PIW reduced serum endothelin-1 and oxidized LDL levels and modulated aortic ET-1, MMP-9/TIMP-1 balance, and LOX-1/NF-κB-related protein signals. Notably, as PIW was administered concurrently with high-fat diet induction, these findings should be interpreted within a preventive intervention framework. Collectively, PIW help attenuate HFD-associated atherosclerotic features and hold promise as a functional food ingredient for cardiovascular health and healthy aging. Full article

Given the global increase in beef consumption, cull dairy cows are an underutilized resource, mostly destined for low-value ground beef, despite their potential for premium cuts. This review summarizes recent evidence on pre- and post-mortem strategies specifically aimed at improving meat quality in cull dairy cows, addressing a topic that has been little studied. Finishing diets notably increased intramuscular fat by 112% after 4 months of feeding, enhanced carcass yield, and reduced shear force. Wet aging can improve tenderness by approximately 30% during the first 7 days when combined with finishing diets at a lower operating cost, whereas dry aging enhances intense flavors, albeit with greater losses due to dehydration. Innovations such as vascular rinsing and mechanical tenderizing show promising results, although their adoption is limited by technical requirements and costs. The implementation of these strategies can generate economic benefits by revaluing discarded meat (≈25% higher retail price) and sustainability by reducing waste in livestock systems. However, heterogeneity in breed, age, and management requires adapted approaches. Additional studies integrating productive, sensory, and economic aspects, as well as research on consumer acceptance, are needed to facilitate their adoption on an industrial scale and contribute to more efficient and sustainable meat production. Full article

Alterations in fat-soluble vitamins are well documented in humans with inflammatory bowel disease; however, data in dogs with chronic enteropathy and inflammatory protein-losing enteropathy (iPLE) are limited. This prospective case–control study compared serum concentrations of vitamins A, D, and E metabolites in dogs with iPLE and healthy controls and evaluated associations with selected clinicopathological variables at diagnosis (T0) and after one month of therapy (T1). Fifty-eight dogs with iPLE and 50 healthy dogs were enrolled. Twenty dogs with iPLE were available for evaluation at T1. iPLE was defined by chronic gastrointestinal signs, hypoalbuminemia of gastrointestinal origin, and histologic evidence of benign intestinal inflammation with or without lymphangiectasia. Serum retinol, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and α-tocopherol concentrations were measured by HPLC at T0 and T1. At T0, all vitamin concentrations were significantly lower in iPLE dogs (p < 0.0001). A weak positive correlation was found between retinol and α-tocopherol concentrations. No differences were observed according to treatment, diet, or histopathologic findings. At T1, retinol concentrations increased (p = 0.01), whereas vitamin D and E metabolite concentrations did not. Dogs fed homemade low-fat diets had lower vitamin D concentrations. These findings indicate decreased serum concentrations of multiple fat-soluble vitamins in dogs with iPLE, suggesting altered fat-soluble vitamin homeostasis, with only partial recovery after treatment. Full article

Background: Dietary behaviours in young athletes are shaped by multiple behavioural, social, and environmental influences, which may contribute to the coexistence of healthy and unhealthy eating patterns. This study aimed to explore factors associated with fast-food consumption frequency and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) among young football athletes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 94 male football players aged 10–16 years from a Portuguese football club. Adherence to the MD was assessed using the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for Children and Adolescents (KIDMED) index. Fast-food consumption patterns and food-choice motivations were evaluated through a structured questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements were obtained using standardised procedures. Correlation, linear regression, and ordinal regression analyses were performed. Results: Most participants demonstrated high adherence to the MD (96.8%), with a median KIDMED score of 12.0 (IQR: 10.0–13.0). Although 88.3% of participants reported consuming fast food, intake frequency was generally low, with 67.0% reporting consumption never or only once per month. Higher fast-food consumption frequency was associated with lower fruit and vegetable intake and higher consumption of sweets and pastries. No significant associations were observed between fast-food consumption frequency and overall MD adherence, Body Mass Index z-score, or fat mass percentage. Higher health-related motivation scores were associated with lower odds of more frequent fast-food consumption (OR = 0.248; p = 0.021), whereas greater decision autonomy regarding restaurant choice was associated with higher consumption frequency (OR = 4.036; p = 0.010). Conclusions: Young football athletes showed high adherence to the Mediterranean diet despite the presence of fast-food consumption, suggesting that healthy and unhealthy dietary behaviours may coexist within the same population. Behavioural factors, particularly health motivations and food-choice autonomy, appear to influence fast-food consumption independently of overall diet quality and anthropometric status. Full article

Background: Obesity is closely associated with gut microbiota dysbiosis. Nervonic acid (NA; (15Z)-15-tetracosenoic acid) is a bioactive fatty acid with reported metabolic effects. This study aimed to investigate the associations between NA administration, gut microbiota composition changes, and host metabolic phenotypes in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. Methods: C57BL/6J mice were fed an HFD for 12 weeks and concurrently administered NA at doses of 20, 40, and 60 mg/(kg·d) by gavage. Metabolic parameters, histopathological changes, and fecal microbiota composition (via 16S rRNA gene sequencing) were evaluated. Results: NA administration was associated with significantly attenuated HFD-induced increases in body weight and adipose tissue mass, as well as marked reductions in serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (all p < 0.05). Hepatic steatosis and adipose tissue inflammation were also attenuated. 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that NA was associated with the counteraction of HFD-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis, including alterations in α-diversity and community structure. NA was associated with higher relative abundances of taxa such as Blautia, Oscillibacter, Faecalibaculum, Parabacteroides, Dubosiella, and Odoribacter and lower relative abundances of Lachnoclostridium, Mucispirillum, and Alistipes. Within-group correlation analyses showed that genera with higher relative abundances were inversely associated with lipid parameters and adiposity, whereas genera with lower relative abundances correlated positively with these metabolic indicators. Conclusions: NA administration was associated with bidirectional changes in gut microbiota composition—the enrichment of certain taxa and the suppression of others—concomitant with the amelioration of HFD-induced metabolic dysfunction. These findings indicate correlations between NA, gut microbiota alterations, and improved metabolic phenotypes; however, causality remains to be established. Full article

Despite advances in lifestyle-based therapy, achieving clinically meaningful reductions in blood lipid levels remains a major challenge in obese men with secondary hypercholesterolemia. Hypoxic exposure encompassing both training sessions and nocturnal rest may offer a novel adjunct to conventional interventions; however, no study has evaluated such a protocol in this population. Twenty sedentary men with obesity-related hypercholesterolemia were randomly allocated to a hypoxic group (H) or normoxic control group (C). Both groups completed an identical two-week high-intensity training program under an individualized calorie-restricted diet, residing at the same lowland location (~100 m above sea level). The H group trained and rested under normobaric hypoxia (FiO₂ = 14.4%, simulated altitude ~3000 m, 8 h nightly); C remained under normoxic conditions. The H group demonstrated significantly greater reductions in body mass (−4.1%) and fat mass (−11.0%). Significant reductions in total cholesterol (−20.1%), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (−21.3%), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (−23.1%), atherogenic index of plasma (−42.4%), and Castelli Risk Index I (−19.4%) occurred exclusively in the H group, accompanied by a strong downward trend in Castelli Risk Index II (p = 0.072). High-density lipoprotein cholesterol did not change; for triglycerides, a clear downward trend was observed in the H group, approaching statistical significance within-group (p = 0.052). The magnitude of cholesterol reduction was significantly associated with body mass and fat loss (r = 0.61–0.67). A two-week intervention combining hypoxic training with nocturnal normobaric hypoxic exposure and caloric restriction produces clinically relevant improvements in lipid profile and body composition in men with obesity-related hypercholesterolemia. Full article

Breast cancer survivors frequently experience adverse changes in body composition, cardiometabolic biomarkers, functional capacity and quality of life that may worsen long-term prognosis, yet the comparative effectiveness of lifestyle interventions across delivery formats and supervision levels remains unclear. Background/Objectives: This systematic review assessed the effects of structured diet and exercise interventions on body composition, metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers, functional capacity, dietary habits and quality of life in breast cancer survivors. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, Cochrane, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were searched for randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies published in English between 2016 and 2026. Risk of bias was assessed with RoB 2 and ROBINS-I and certainty of evidence with GRADE. Results: Of 1413 records, 15 studies (11 RCTs; mean age 46–60 years; mostly overweight or obese post-treatment women) met the inclusion criteria; twelve interventions were supervised and three home-based or web-based. Within the assessed domains, many studies reported significant improvements in body composition, quality of life and metabolic or inflammatory biomarkers. Effects were larger in multimodal supervised programs combining caloric restriction with moderate-to-vigorous aerobic plus resistance training (5–8% weight loss; 19–29% visceral fat reduction; improved insulin, IGF-1, leptin, adiponectin and EORTC QLQ-C30 scores), whereas digital or low-intensity interventions produced smaller, less uniform objective effects despite improving dietary behaviors. GRADE certainty ranged from very low to moderate–high. Conclusions: Multimodal supervised programs offer the most robust benefits; digital formats require additional supervision. Standardized protocols and longer follow-up are needed. Full article

Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is a metabolically active organ that undergoes structural and functional remodeling under obesogenic conditions. Early-life stress, such as maternal separation (MS), may modulate these processes, but its depot-specific effects remain poorly characterized. This study aimed to determine whether MS modulates VAT remodeling in response to post-weaning high-fat diet (HFD) exposure in male C57BL/6 mice. Animals underwent MS during the early postnatal period (PND2–16) or remained unmanipulated (UM), and were subsequently fed either a control diet (CD) or an HFD for 16 weeks (groups: UM-CD, UM-HFD, MS-CD, MS-HFD). Visceral adipose tissue was collected and analyzed at PND133. Perigonadal (PGAT), retroperitoneal (RPAT), and mesenteric (MSAT) visceral adipose tissue deposits were analyzed by histology, Picrosirius Red staining, and immunohistochemistry for leptin and UCP-1; apoptosis was assessed by TUNEL assay. HFD induced adipocyte hypertrophy and early inflammatory changes, while MS predominantly affected stromal organization. Collagen remodeling was depot-specific: PGAT showed an adaptive pattern, RPAT exhibited a significant MS×HFD interaction, and MSAT was primarily affected by MS regardless of diet. Leptin immunoreactivity increased with HFD in UM animals but was attenuated in MS mice, particularly in MSAT. UCP-1 signal was low and heterogeneous, without clear morphological browning. Apoptosis increased in MSAT under MS-HFD conditions. These findings indicate that early-life stress programs depot-specific VAT remodeling, with MSAT emerging as particularly susceptible to obesogenic challenge. Full article

Background: Atherosclerosis is the major pathological basis of cardiovascular diseases, while current lipid-lowering therapies remain limited by suboptimal efficacy and safety. Natural flavonoids, with their multi-target pharmacological activities, are promising candidates for anti-atherosclerotic intervention. This study investigated the protective effects and mechanisms of total flavonoids from Berberis kaschgarica Rupr. (BTF) against high-fat diet (HFD)-induced atherosclerosis in ApoE^−/− mice. Methods: Bioavailable constituents of BTF were identified by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS. Network pharmacology and bioinformatics analyses were performed to predict therapeutic targets and pathways. Male ApoE^−/− mice were fed an HFD and treated with low, medium, or high doses of BTF or atorvastatin. Serum lipid profiles, oxidative stress markers, and aortic histopathology were evaluated. Hepatic proteins related to lipid metabolism were measured by Western blotting, and fecal gut microbiota were analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing. Results: Seven flavonoid monomers, including kaempferol, apigenin, calycosin, and dihydromyricetin, were identified as absorbed constituents in serum. Bioinformatics suggested that BTF regulates targets involved in lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation. BTF dose-dependently decreased serum TC, TG, LDL-C, MDA, and LDH, while increasing HDL-C and the activities of SOD, GSH, and CAT. BTF also reduced atherosclerotic plaque formation and preserved aortic wall structure. Mechanistically, BTF downregulated hepatic SREBP1, ACC1, FAS, APOB, and MTP expression and improved HFD-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis by enriching Akkermansia and Lactobacillus. Conclusions: BTF attenuated HFD-induced atherosclerosis by improving lipid metabolism, enhancing antioxidant capacity, and modulating gut microbiota composition, supporting its potential as a natural anti-atherosclerotic agent. Full article

Abdominal obesity (AO), assessed through waist circumference (WC), has become a validated complementary anthropometric marker for cardiometabolic risk assessment. Growing evidence suggests that emotional eating (EE), characterized by food intake in response to emotions rather than physiological hunger cues, may be linked to AO by promoting dysregulated eating patterns rich in palatable and energy-dense foods. This behavior may contribute, directly or indirectly, to excess visceral fat accumulation. An analysis of the current evidence was conducted to examine the psychological, physiological, neuroendocrine, and gut–brain axis mechanisms underlying the association between EE and AO, as well as to explore emerging interventions for its management. A narrative review of studies published between 2015 and 2025 was carried out using PubMed and Google Scholar. Search terms related to EE, AO, physiological mechanisms, hedonic hunger, diet quality, gut microbiota, and mindful eating were employed. The findings indicate that EE is associated with emotional dysregulation, chronic activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, increased cortisol levels, low-grade inflammation, alterations in neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and neuropeptide Y (NPY), as well as intestinal dysbiosis. These mechanisms favor impulsive consumption of palatable foods, visceral fat gain, and metabolic deterioration. Interventions such as mindful eating show positive effects in reducing EE; however, their anthropometric impact still requires further validation. In conclusion, EE represents an important behavioral factor in the development and maintenance of AO. Its management requires a multidimensional approach integrating emotional regulation, dietary modification, and psychobehavioral strategies. Full article

The ketogenic diet, a high-fat and low-carbohydrate diet, has potential therapeutic effects on various neurological and psychiatric disorders. The diet shifts the body’s energy production in the form of adenosine triphosphate from using glucose to fats. The increased fatty acid β-oxidation results in the production of ketone bodies. This metabolic adaptation changes cellular bioenergetics, especially in the brain, which is highly reliant on energy metabolism. Schizophrenia, a psychotic disorder, and bipolar disorder, a mood disorder, are distinct psychiatric illnesses that can both involve disturbances in mood, cognition, and perception. These disturbances differ in prominence and clinical significance between the two conditions. Although the underlying mechanisms behind each disorder vary, they share some common pathophysiology, such as imbalances in the neurotransmitter system, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress. Alzheimer’s disease, a neurodegenerative disorder marked by progressive cognitive decline, shares similar cellular disruptions, along with additional pathological features such as neuroinflammation and neuronal death. Recent studies suggest that the ketogenic diet may exert therapeutic effects by modulating underlying biochemical pathways. Its ability to reduce oxidative stress, improve mitochondrial function, and stabilize neurotransmitter balance may help alleviate symptoms and potentially slow disease progression. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of capsaicin on the growth and development and the nutritional composition of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) under high-fat substrate conditions. The results showed that, under a high-fat background, low levels of capsaicin (0.01–0.05%) had a relatively small adverse effect on the growth of larvae, while 0.1–0.2% treatment led to a decrease in the accumulation of larval weight. The pupation age did not show a monotonous change consistent with the addition amount of capsaicin. The conversion efficiency of digested feed in the high-fat control group was lower than that in the basal diet control group. It slightly increased with 0.01–0.05% capsaicin treatment and decreased again with 0.2% treatment. The amino acid composition of the insect body is relatively stable overall, but the contents of glutamic acid, tyrosine, etc., decrease under high doses of capsaicin. The changes in fatty acid composition are more sensitive, mainly manifested as fluctuations in the ratios of C12:0, C18:1n-9, and C18:2n-6. The results indicate that black soldier flies have a certain tolerance to spicy and high-fat substrates, but when the addition of capsaicin increases, their growth and nutrient deposition will be adversely affected. Full article