Search Results (333)

Objectives: Paratubal cysts (PTCs) are embryological remnants and are potentially hormonally responsive. Since hyperandrogenism (HA) is representative of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), we examined whether biochemical hyperandrogenism is associated with PTCs in women with PCOS and if body mass index (BMI) and insulin resistance (IR) mediate this association. Methods: This retrospective study included 577 women diagnosed with PCOS at a tertiary academic center from 2010 to 2018. Clinical data included age at diagnosis, BMI, and diagnoses of hypertension, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and metabolic syndrome. Laboratory measures included total testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin, anti-Müllerian hormone, luteinizing hormone, fasting glucose, insulin, and triglycerides (TG). Derived indices included a free androgen index (FAI), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and fasting glucose-to-insulin ratio. PTCs were identified through imaging or surgical findings. Structural equation modeling (SEM) assessed direct and indirect relationships between FAI, BMI, HOMA-IR, and PTCs, while adjusting for diagnostic age. Results: PTCs were identified in 2.77% of participants. BMI, FAI, TG, and IR indices were significantly higher for women with PTCs than those without PTCs. SEM revealed significant indirect effects of FAI on PTCs via BMI and HOMA-IR. The direct effect was negative, resulting in a non-significant total effect. A sensitivity model using HOMA-IR as the predictor showed a significant direct effect on PTCs without mediation via FAI. Conclusions: Biochemical HA may influence PTC development in PCOS through metabolic pathways, establishing the need to consider metabolic context when evaluating adnexal cysts in hyperandrogenic women. Full article

This study investigated the impact of nitrogen (N) fertilization on the yield and grain filling (GF) characteristics of two conventional japonica rice varieties with distinct panicle types: Yangchan 3501 (large-panicle: spikelets per panicle $> 150$) and Nangeng 46 (medium-panicle: $100 <$ spikelets per panicle $< 150$). Field experiments were conducted over two growing seasons (2022–2023) with three N application rates (T1: 225 kg ha⁻¹, T2: 270 kg ha⁻¹, T3: 315 kg ha⁻¹). Key measurements included tiller dynamics, panicle composition, GF parameters modeled using the Richards equation, and enzyme activities related to nitrogen metabolism (Fd-GOGAT, NR) and carbohydrate transport (α-amylase, SPS). Results showed that the yield increased with higher N levels for both varieties, with Yangchan 3501 achieving higher yields primarily through increased grains per panicle (15.65% rise under T3 vs. T1), while Nangeng 46 relied on panicle number (8.83% increase under T3 vs. T1). Nitrogen application enhanced Fd-GOGAT and NR activities, prolonging photosynthesis and improving GF rates, particularly in the inferior grains of Yangchan 3501 during middle and late stages. However, a high N reduced seed-setting rates and 1000-grain weight, with larger panicle types exhibiting a greater sensitivity to N-induced changes in branch structure and assimilate allocation. This study highlights that optimizing N management can improve nitrogen-metabolism enzyme activity and GF efficiency, especially in large-panicle rice, while medium-panicle types require higher N inputs to maximize panicle number. These findings provide actionable insights for achieving high yields and efficient nutrient use in conventional rice cultivation. Full article

Sulfotransferase (SULT) enzymes contribute significantly to drug metabolism in pediatric patients. The purpose of this study was to develop a PBPK model for acetaminophen (APAP) in pediatric populations that accounts for the ontogeny of SULT isozymes that play a critical role in APAP metabolism. PBPK modeling and simulation were performed using the Simcyp^® Simulator. The model incorporated the developmental ontogeny of three key hepatic SULT enzymes: SULT1A1, SULT1A3, and SULT2A1 using “best-fit” ontogeny equations for each isozyme as determined by nonlinear regression analysis of enzyme abundance versus age. PBPK model-simulated pharmacokinetic profiles for APAP captured observed clinical data for systemic exposure (Cmax, AUC) in neonates, infants, and children. SULTS accounted for ~60% APAP metabolism in neonates, with decreased contributions to infants and children. Model sensitivity analysis highlighted the potential for APAP metabolic DDIs, primarily through SULT1A1. The study demonstrates that the impact of SULT enzymes on drug metabolism is significant in neonates, which is an important clinical consideration for APAP. A PBPK model that incorporates SULT ontogeny has the potential to help inform dosing decisions in this special patient population. Full article

Resorcylic acid lactones (RALs) are fungal metabolites with known biological activity. Zeranol, a synthetic RAL, has been used as an estrogenic growth promoter in cattle; however, its use is prohibited in several countries. Zearalenone, a mycotoxin produced by Fusarium spp., is commonly found in contaminated animal feed and can be metabolized into other RALs, which are subsequently excreted in urine. To differentiate between natural contamination from feed and the illegal administration of zeranol, the European Union Reference Laboratory for Growth Promoters (EURL) developed a mathematical equation. This study aims to evaluate the detection and quantification of RALs in bovine urine from animals fed zearalenone-contaminated diets, implanted with zeranol, or subjected to both conditions. RALs were detected and quantified in the urine of cattle consuming contaminated corn, while zeranol and taleranol were identified in the urine of implanted animals. The EURL equation proved to be a valuable tool for determining the origin of RALs in bovine urine and holds significant potential for monitoring and enforcing regulations regarding the illegal use of zeranol. Full article

Background: Metabolic syndrome and Parkinson’s disease have common pathophysiological denominators. This study aimed to investigate how metabolic syndrome contributes to Parkinson’s disease progression, as well as the genetic traits shared by PD and MetS. Methods: Four hundred and twenty-three newly diagnosed drug-naïve PD patients were analyzed from the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) database. We compared longitudinal changes in the total and subscale scores of the Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) between PD patients with and without metabolic syndrome over a five-year follow-up. We assessed the frequency of PD-associated genetic variants in both groups. Results: At baseline, Parkinson’s patients with MetS were typically men (p < 0.01) and older (p = 0.04), with a higher Hoehn and Yahr score (p = 0.01) compared with their counterparts without MetS. They showed higher Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) total scores at baseline and in follow-up years 2, 3, 4, and 5 (all p-values < 0.05) as analyzed by the Generalized Estimating Equation model. These differences were primarily driven by elevated motor scores (MDS-UPDRS Part III) (p < 0.01). MetS was associated with a higher frequency of the ZNF646.KAT8.BCKDK_rs14235 variant and a lower frequency of the NUCKS1_rs823118 and CTSB_rs1293298 variants. Conclusions: PD patients with MetS had worse motor symptomatology. Both conditions appear to share genetic susceptibility, involving genes related to lipid metabolism (BCKDK), autophagy and inflammation (CTSB), and chromatin regulation (NUCKS1). Full article

Background/Objectives: Intestinal dysfunction during weaning in piglets causes declines in growth through hindered absorption capacity and intestinal barrier function, equating to economic losses for the porcine industry. Established strategies for mitigating these negative issues are currently lacking. Methods: We evaluated biomolecular alterations induced by weaning stress through gene expression profiling and metabolome analysis using intestinal samples collected from piglets before weaning, 1 week after weaning, and 2 weeks after weaning. Results: We identified 701 differentially expressed genes related to weaning stress, representing the enrichment of Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways associated with immune response; inflammatory response; cell proliferation; cell adhesion; and carbohydrate, lipid, and calcium ion binding. In the metabolome analysis, ABC transporter; purine, pyrimidine, and Gly-Ser-Thr metabolisms; and the urea cycle were clustered as enriched KEGG pathways. Our results suggest that energy metabolism, including protein metabolism, is involved in the repair of the structural damage occurring in the intestine during weaning. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of integrated analyses synthesizing molecular and metabolic mechanisms in elucidating complex biological responses and provides insights into markers that can be used to develop strategies for mitigating weaning stress in the porcine industry. Full article

Background: Correct assessment of resting metabolic rate (RMR) is fundamental for estimating total energy expenditure in both clinical nutrition and sports sciences research. Various methods have been proposed for RMR determination, including predictive equations, isotopic dilution techniques, and indirect calorimetry. Over the past two decades, portable gas analyzers have emerged as promising alternatives, offering more accessible and cost-effective solutions for metabolic assessment. However, evidence regarding their validity remains inconsistent, particularly across diverse populations and varying metabolic assessment protocols. Methods: This systematic review was conducted in May 2025 using the PubMed, Web of Science, and EBSCO databases, following the PRISMA-DTA guidelines, and included observational studies with the objective of examining the available evidence regarding the validity of portable gas analyzers to determine RMR in humans. The methodological quality of each study was assessed using the NIH Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies. Results: From an initial pool of 230 studies, 16 met the eligibility criteria. The findings revealed notable variability in measurement validity among devices, mainly influenced by device model, population characteristics, and methodological factors. While portable analyzers such as FitMate and Q-NRG exhibited high validity, MedGem exhibited systematic biases, particularly in individuals with higher adiposity, leading to RMR overestimations. Conclusions: The main results demonstrated the critical need for rigorous validation of portable gas analyzers before their implementation in clinical and research settings to ensure their applicability across diverse populations and metabolic assessments. Full article

Fed-batch cultivation is a widely used strategy for microbial lipid production, offering flexibility in nutrient control and the potential for high lipid productivity. However, optimizing feeding strategies remains a complex challenge, as it depends on multiple factors, including strain-specific metabolism and process limitations. In this study, we developed a computational framework based on dynamic flux balance analysis and small-scale metabolic models to evaluate and optimize lipid production in Rhodosporidium toruloides strains. We proposed equations to estimate both the carbon and energy source mass feed rate ($F_{in}·s_r$) and its concentration in the feed ($s_r$) based on lipid accumulation targets, and defined minimum feeding flow rate ($F_{in}$) according to process duration. We then assessed the impact of these parameters on commonly used bioprocess metrics—lipid yield, titer, productivity, and intracellular accumulation—across wild-type and engineered strains. Our results showed that the selection of $F_{in}·s_r$ was strongly strain-dependent and significantly influenced strain performance. Moreover, for a given $F_{in}·s_r$, the specific values of $s_r$, and the resulting $F_{in}$, had distinct and non-equivalent effects on performance metrics. This methodology enables the rational pre-selection of feeding strategies and strains, improving resource efficiency and reducing the probability of failed experiments. Full article

The sarcopenic obesity-related phenotype (SOP) is defined by the coexistence of sarcopenia and obesity, leading to heightened disability, morbidity, and mortality. Its multifactorial pathogenesis involves chronic inflammation and metabolic alterations. In this cross-sectional study, 562 women were classified into four groups: control, sarcopenic, obese, and SOP. Body composition measurements, including fat mass, skeletal muscle mass, and extracellular water (ECW), were assessed using the bioimpedance method. Several inflammatory biomarkers were measured in plasma samples by ELISA. Discriminant function analysis identified age, ECW, chemerin, the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), and the ratio of total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TC/HDL-C) as significant discriminators among groups, clearly distinguishing SOP from control. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that these variables were independently associated with SOP status (SOP vs. control), regardless of age, with odds ratios (ORs) ranging from 1.87 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.23–2.85) for SII to 7.77 (95% CI: 3.67–16.44) for ECW. A generalized estimating equation (GEE) analysis further demonstrated that SOP significantly increased the odds (OR: 3.04; 95% CI: 1.39–6.67) of multimorbidity (hypertension (HTN) + hyperlipidemia (HLD) + type 2 diabetes (D2T)). These findings suggest SOP is a clinically relevant phenotype linked to cardiometabolic comorbidities and systemic inflammation. Identifying SOP using accessible body composition and biomarker assessments may support early risk stratification and guide personalized preventive strategies in clinical care. Full article

Vitamin D plays a vital role in human physiology, including a crucial role in regulating bone metabolism and various extra-skeletal effects. Calcitriol exerts anti-inflammatory effects on monocytes and macrophages by increasing IL-10 production and decreasing the production of proinflammatory IL-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand (RANKL), and cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2). In addition, calcitriol also exerts important effects on adaptive immunity by downregulating MHC-II class and co-stimulatory molecules on antigen-presenting cells, but it also directly affects T lymphocytes. In multiple studies, the influence of vitamin D on eye diseases, including corneal diseases, has been demonstrated. Adequate vitamin D supplementation in patients with dry eye significantly improves tear quality and consequently heals the epithelial cells of the ocular surface. Pterygium is a fibrovascular growth of conjunctival tissue that histologically consists of superficial conjunctival epithelium and an underlying fibrovascular layer. The prevalence of pterygium depends on the region. In zones closer to the equator—“pterygium zone”, it is up to 22%, and outside of them it can be even less than 2%. While UV radiation is recognized as a primary risk factor, other factors, including vitamin D, may influence its development. This review aims to summarize the effects of vitamin D on the pathophysiological mechanism of pterygium and its possible therapeutic impact. Current research suggests that vitamin D is protective through its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. Finally, there is still insufficient evidence of the therapeutic benefit of vitamin D in pterygium, and future large-scale randomized controlled studies are needed to elucidate the exact role of vitamin D in pterygium onset and recurrence as well as its potential therapeutic benefit. Full article

The objective of this study is to investigate the digestion and metabolism characteristics of amino acids and glucose in energy and protein feeds, and to establish regression equations to accurately predict their release rates in vivo based on the in vitro digestion characteristics of the feedstuffs. A total of 9 energy feedstuffs and 19 protein feedstuffs were selected for in vitro digestion simulation experiments. Additionally, four representative energy and protein feeds were then chosen for the portal vein, femoral artery, and femoral vein blood cannulation experiments in growing pigs. The results showed that among the nine energy feedstuffs tested, wheat bran presented the highest degree of digestion, followed by wheat, whereas potato had the lowest degree of digestion. The digestibility of starch at different time points in vitro was linearly correlated with the crude fiber content, total starch content, and ratio of amylose to amylopectin (R² = 0.61~0.96). Among the 19 protein feedstuffs tested, peas released the highest total amount of amino acids, followed by sugar beet meal. The in vivo digestibility and metabolism trial in cannulated pigs showed that the total amino acid release was linearly correlated with the in vitro amino acid release rates, dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, crude fat, and total energy of the feedstuffs (R² = 0.93~0.99). Full article

Resting metabolic rate (RMR) significantly impacts total daily energy expenditure, particularly on training days, and varies among trained individuals. Studies estimating RMR in this population show notable discrepancies. This study aimed to develop and validate new bioelectrical impedance analysis-based (BIA) RMR equations for young athletes, using a calibration and a validation group of 219 and 51 participants, respectively. RMR was measured via indirect calorimetry, while body composition was assessed through DXA and BIA. Correlation and agreement were evaluated by using Pearson’s correlation coefficients and Bland–Altman analysis. Multiple linear regression was applied for the estimation of RMR and a one-way ANOVA was used to compare the new BIA-based equations with other specific formulas. A significant correlation was noted between the BIA and DXA measurements. The final equation, applicable to both genders, was significantly correlated with intracellular water (ICW) and trunk fat, predicting 71.1% of RMR variance. When analyzed separately, body weight and protein displayed a moderate correlation with RMR in men (r = 0.616, p < 0.001), while ICW was correlated with the percentage of body fat in women (r = 0.579, p < 0.001). In the validation group, the values obtained through the three BIA-based equations were similar to the measured RMR, but differed significantly from those obtained through the four existing equations for trained individuals. In conclusion, the developed equations based on BIA-mediated body composition analysis provide a reliable method for estimating RMR in trained populations daily. Full article

Background: Biological age (BA) is a better representative of health status than chronological age (CA), as it uses different biological markers to quantify cellular and systemic change status. However, BA can be difficult to accurately estimate using current methods. This study uses multiple adaptive regression spline (MARS) to build an equation to estimate BA among healthy postmenopausal women, thereby potentially improving the efficiency and accuracy of BA assessment. Methods: A total of 11,837 healthy women were enrolled (≥51 years old), excluding participants with metabolic syndrome variable values outside two standard deviations. MARS was applied, with the results compared to traditional multiple linear regression (MLR). The method with the smaller degree of estimation error was considered to be more accurate. The lower prediction errors yielded by MARS compared to the MLR method suggest that MARS performs better than MLR. Results: The equation derived from MARS is depicted. It could be noted that BA could be determined by marriage, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), waist–hip ratio (WHR), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatinine (Cr), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), bone mineral density (BMD), education level, and income. The MARS equation is generated. Conclusions: Using MARS, an equation was built to estimate biological age among healthy postmenopausal women in Taiwan. This equation could be used as a reference for calculating BA in general. Our equation showed that the most important factor was BMD, followed by WHR, Cr, marital status, education level, income, CEA, blood pressure, ALP, and LDH. Full article

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of mortality in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are known to provide cardioprotective effects, but their influence on validated cardiovascular risk models remains underexplored. This study assessed the impact of SGLT2 inhibitors on cardiovascular risk scores, metabolic parameters, and laboratory profiles over six months. Methods: This study was conducted on 152 T2DM patients initiating SGLT2 inhibitors. Cardiovascular risk was evaluated using the SCORE2-DM model at baseline and after six months. Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) analysis assessed temporal risk stratification changes. Metabolic parameters and laboratory profiles were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA. Results: Cardiovascular risk scores decreased significantly, i.e., from 21.68 to 17.43 (p < 0.001). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were reduced by 9.21 mmHg and 6.16 mmHg, respectively (p < 0.001). BMI declined by 1.27 kg/m² (p < 0.001), and HbA1c decreased by 1.38% (p < 0.001). Triglyceride levels dropped by 22.91 mg/dL (p < 0.001), while renal parameters remained stable. The GEE analysis confirmed significant shifts to lower cardiovascular risk categories (β = −0.777, p < 0.001), with comparable efficacy between empagliflozin and dapagliflozin (p = 0.922). Conclusions: SGLT2 inhibitor therapy significantly reduces cardiovascular risk and improves metabolic and laboratory parameters in T2DM patients. These findings highlight the importance of integrating SGLT2 inhibitors into comprehensive cardiometabolic management strategies. Full article

This study aimed to determine effects of postpartal relative body weight change (PRBWC) on production performance, serum biomarkers, and the relation between PRBWC and gastrointestinal microbiota. A total of 59 multiparous cows participated in this research. Every cow’s PRBWC was calculated by the following equation: PRBWC = (BW₂₁ − BW₀)/BW₀ × 100%, in which BW₂₁ refers to body weight on Day 21 post-calving and BW₀ refers to body weight on the day of parturition. Among the 59 enrolled cows, cows with the top 21 ranked PRBWC values were categorized into the high PRBWC (H-PRBWC) group; cows with the bottom 21 ranked PRBWC values were categorized into the low PRBWC (L-PRBWC) group. PRBWC did not have significant influences on average daily milk yield (ADMY). However, on Day 21, cows in the H-PRBWC group displayed significantly higher body weight (BW) and body condition scores (BCS) (BW, p = 0.02; BCS, p < 0.01). Additionally, levels of serum glucose (GLU) and albumin (ALB) were significantly higher in the H-PRBWC group on Day 21 (GLU, p = 0.05; ALB, p < 0.01), while the lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) level was significant lower (p = 0.03). Moreover, the microbiota of fecal samples on Day 0 (FE0) differed notably between groups, as evidenced by various alpha diversity indices, including Shannon (p = 0.02), Simpson (p = 0.03), Pielou_e (p = 0.02), and principal coordinate analysis (p = 0.002). The relative abundances of Monoglobus, norank_f__UCG-010, and Christensenellaceae_R-7_group were significantly higher in the H-PRBWC group (p < 0.05), while the relative abundances of Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, Turicibacter, and Romboutsia were significantly lower (p < 0.05). Pathways related to amino acid biosynthesis were significantly enriched in the FE0 of the H-PRBWC group, while pathways involved in carbohydrate metabolism were significantly upregulated in the FE0 of the L-PRBWC group. This study argues the potential of PRBWC to describe alteration of energy status in the postpartum, evidenced by production performance, serum biomarkers, and the fecal microbiota. Full article