Search Results (4,748)

Background/Objectives: There is increasing evidence on the effect of obesity on lung function in children with and without respiratory diseases. The aim of was to evaluate the prevalence of overweight and obesity and their impact on lung function parameters among healthy children. Methods: Six hundred and seventy-one healthy Bulgarian school children (339 males) aged 7–18 years were included in the study. All participants completed anthropometric measurements, including standing height, weight, and BMI. The studied group underwent comprehensive pulmonary function assessment. Results: The overweight and obese children group consisted of 131—overweight, 97, and obese, 34, children, accounting for 19.5% or every fifth child. The highest prevalence of overweight was at the ages of 10, 11, 12 and 17 years, and that of obesity was 7, 10 and 14 years, respectively. We compared normal weight, overweight and obese children in every age group and found that an increase in weight was associated with increased height and increased lung function parameters, such as FVC, FEV₁, PEF, and FEF₅₀. To overcome the effect of height, we compared normal weight and overweight obese children in height groups and found nonsignificant differences in the spirometric indices. Only in the 130–139 cm group the obese children had lower values of FEV₁(L): 1.78 ± 0.13 vs. 1.91 ± 0.19 (NS) in children with normal weight. Conclusions: The increase in weight is associated with height growth, and the same pattern is observed for the mean spirometry indices, with lowest values found only in obese 7-year-old children. Full article

Background: Metabolic dysfunction is a complex process arising from coordinated interactions among insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hepatic dysfunction, obesity, low-grade inflammation, and endocrine alterations. The triglyceride–glucose (TyG) index is a simple, reproducible surrogate of insulin resistance, but most studies have evaluated it through isolated association-based analyses. We characterized the endocrine–metabolic architecture associated with TyG in patients with thyroid dysfunction using a systems-phenotyping approach. Methods: In this retrospective, single-center, cross-sectional study of 387 adults evaluated for thyroid dysfunction, unsupervised phenotypes were derived by principal component analysis (PCA), K-means, Gaussian mixture models (GMM), and hierarchical (Ward) clustering using fully measured primary metabolic variables (fasting glucose, triglycerides, HDL- and LDL-cholesterol, body mass index, alanine, and aspartate aminotransferase). TyG was then examined as a descriptor of the identified architecture. Model-based latent profile analysis (BIC, entropy) and a censoring-aware, rank-based Gaussian graphical model (GGM) of partial correlations were additionally estimated. Results: Three overlapping, clinically interpretable phenotypic partitions of an underlying metabolic continuum were identified: a metabolically preserved phenotype (MP), an intermediate hepatic-dominant phenotype (IHD), and a severe insulin-resistance-dominant phenotype (SIRD), characterized by obesity, atherogenic dyslipidemia, and hyperuricemia. TyG values increased monotonically across the three partitions (medians 8.24, 8.74, and 8.87 in MP, IHD, and SIRD, respectively; p < 0.001), providing an accessible single-number summary of the metabolic gradient. Cluster separation was modest (silhouette = 0.17), consistent with a continuum, but the three-profile solution was supported by latent profile analysis (ΔBIC = −96.7; relative entropy = 0.75) and was reproduced across frameworks (adjusted Rand index of 0.75 with GMM and 0.46 with Ward). In the censoring-aware GGM, metabolic and thyroid variables formed two near-orthogonal blocks (maximum absolute metabolic–thyroid partial correlation: 0.16; median: 0.05). Conclusions: The systems phenotyping approach identified three clinically interpretable phenotypic partitions (MP, IHD, SIRD) along a metabolic continuum in patients evaluated for thyroid dysfunction. TyG values increased monotonically across partitions (medians 8.24, 8.74, 8.87) and provided a pragmatic single-number summary of the principal metabolic axis. The IHD phenotype indicates that hepatic dysregulation can emerge as a distinct early stage rather than solely a late consequence of insulin resistance. Metabolic and thyroid axes were near-orthogonal, positioning thyroid autoimmunity as a parallel modulatory layer. These findings support TyG as an accessible descriptor for multidimensional endocrine–metabolic risk stratification. Full article

Obesity care increasingly requires outcomes that extend beyond total body weight. Although weight reduction remains clinically meaningful, the scale alone does not indicate whether fat mass, lean tissue, muscle quality, strength, mobility, or physiological reserve have changed in a favorable direction. This narrative review examines the combined role of higher-protein dietary strategies and concurrent exercise in adults with obesity, with emphasis on body composition, metabolic health, and physical function. Higher-protein dietary strategies may support satiety, improve the tolerability of energy restriction in some patients, and attenuate lean-tissue loss during weight reduction, while evidence for superior long-term weight loss remains inconsistent. Exercise provides complementary stimuli to protein-focused nutrition: resistance training supports strength, muscle function, and lean-tissue preservation, while aerobic and interval-based training contribute to cardiorespiratory fitness, regional adiposity reduction, and selected cardiometabolic adaptations. Concurrent training offers a practical framework for integrating these stimuli, with value primarily as multidomain coverage rather than as evidence of universal superiority over other modalities. The main rationale for combining protein adequacy with exercise is preservation of usable physical function during weight loss, particularly in older adults, patients with sarcopenic-obesity risk, and individuals undergoing rapid pharmacological or surgical weight reduction. Overall, the available evidence is most consistent with viewing higher-protein nutrition and structured exercise as complementary strategies for improving the quality of weight loss, rather than as a single protocol for maximizing scale-weight reduction. Longer pragmatic trials are needed to clarify phenotype-specific responses, feasible protein targets, exercise progression, monitoring strategies, and functional outcomes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cellular senescence refers to a state where the phenotype of cells changes, and the cell cycle comes to a halt. Cellular aging occurs due to various causes and is implicated in the development of various age-related diseases. While the component filbertone in hazelnuts is known for its anti-obesity, anti-neurodegenerative, and anti-inflammatory effects, its potential anti-aging effects have not been elucidated. This study investigated whether filbertone modulates cellular senescence via the tumor suppressor protein p53 and its downstream target p21 in AML12 hepatocytes. Methods: AML12 hepatocytes were treated with doxorubicin or hydrogen peroxide, with or without filbertone (25–100 μM), in both an acute stress-induction model and an established senescent-cell model. p53 and p21 expression, senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining, and the expression of senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP)-related cytokines (Il-1β, Il-6, Tnf-α) were assessed. Results: The results demonstrated that filbertone dose-dependently reduced the increased p53 and p21, a downstream gene of p53, induced by doxorubicin and hydrogen peroxide. Furthermore, the number of hepatic senescent cells with senescence-associated β-galactosidase staining was significantly decreased in the presence of filbertone. Filbertone treatment also significantly suppressed the expression of senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP)-related pro-inflammatory cytokines, including Il-1β, Il-6, and Tnf-α, in both stress-induced and established senescent hepatocytes. Conclusions: These findings indicate that filbertone modulates senescence-associated p53–p21 signaling and the accompanying inflammatory secretory phenotype in an in vitro model of AML12 hepatocytes, suggesting that filbertone may be a geroprotective compound that attenuates cellular senescence. Full article

Background/Objectives: Healthy eating and regular physical activity support chronic disease prevention and healthy aging, while smoking, sugar-sweetened soft drink consumption, and excess weight remain important public health concerns in Europe. Nutritional status and lifestyle behaviors are also relevant to the progression and management of obesity-related metabolic and degenerative diseases, which justify a broader, systems-oriented analysis of lifestyle–health profiles. This study examines the associations between lifestyle behaviors, excess weight, and population health outcomes across European Union Member States and explores whether Member States exhibit distinct lifestyle–health profiles. Methods: The analysis uses cross-sectional data from the European Health Interview Survey for the 27 European Union Member States, along with related Eurostat indicators. Healthy dietary behavior is measured through daily fruit and vegetable consumption. The study also includes health-enhancing physical activity, daily smoking, sugar-sweetened soft drink consumption, overweight and obesity prevalence, life expectancy, and healthy life years. Pearson and Spearman correlations, reduced linear regression models, hierarchical clustering, K-means clustering, and cluster-based comparisons are used. Results: Healthy dietary behavior was positively associated with life expectancy (r = 0.459, p = 0.016), as was health-enhancing physical activity (r = 0.435, p = 0.023), while overweight prevalence was negatively associated with life expectancy (r = −0.505, p = 0.007). The reduced regression model, including healthy dietary behavior, physical activity, and overweight prevalence, explained 47.4% of the variance in life expectancy. Cluster analysis identified three distinct lifestyle–health profiles: a healthy-diet, low-excess-weight and high-longevity profile; a lower-diet-quality, higher-smoking and lower-health-outcome profile; and a mixed profile characterized by low smoking, higher excess weight, and relatively favorable health outcomes. Conclusions: The study supports a systems-oriented view of lifestyle and population health in Europe. Its findings may inform more targeted nutrition, obesity prevention, and public health policies across EU countries. Full article

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the phenotype-specific profiles of serum Isthmin-1 (ISM-1), Trimethylamine N-Oxide (TMAO) and Nitric Oxide (NO) levels in women diagnosed with Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS, formerly known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome—PCOS) according to the Rotterdam criteria. Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 90 reproductive-aged women, divided equally into five groups (n = 18 per group) with similar baseline metabolic parameters: healthy controls and PMOS Phenotypes A, B, C, and D. To minimize confounding effects, individuals with recent use of specific medications were excluded, and 24 h dietary recalls were obtained. Fasting blood samples were collected during the early follicular phase. Serum ISM-1, TMAO, and NO levels were quantified via ELISA, and insulin resistance was determined using the HOMA-IR index. Data were adjusted for potential confounders, including age, BMI, and smoking status, using multivariate linear regression models. Results: No statistically significant differences were observed between the groups in key parameters such as BMI and HOMA-IR. Serum ISM-1 levels did not show a significant difference between the groups (p = 0.501). In contrast, NO levels were found to be significantly lower in all PMOS phenotypes compared to the control group (p < 0.001), and this reduction remained independent in regression models. TMAO levels, however, exhibited a phenotype-specific distribution; in the non-hyperandrogenic Phenotype D, they were found to be significantly lower than in the control group and hyperandrogenic phenotypes A and B. In the multivariate regression analysis, it was confirmed that Phenotype D was independently associated with low TMAO levels (B = −0.131, p = 0.027). Conclusions: Although PMOS patients share a similar profile of obesity and insulin resistance, they exhibit marked biochemical heterogeneity. Whilst the reduction in NO levels may indicate a generalised vascular change affecting all phenotypes, the observation of low TMAO levels specifically in the non-hyperandrogenic Phenotype D highlights a distinct biochemical signature associated with this subgroup, observed in the absence of hyperandrogenism. Our findings support the notion that adopting phenotype-specific, individualised approaches in the management of PMOS may be beneficial. Full article

Background/Objectives: Early childhood is an important period when growth and adiposity patterns emerge and may persist into later childhood. Children enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) face elevated obesity risk. We characterized BMI-for-age z-score (BMIz) trajectories from 24 to 60 months and their child-, caregiver-, and household-level correlates. Methods: This was a secondary analysis of the WIC Infant and Toddler Feeding Practices Study-2 (ITFPS-2) public-use dataset. We analyzed 5,583 BMIz observations from 2,247 dyads; adjusted models used 4,314 observations from 1,738 children. Linear mixed-effects models tested individual, interpersonal, and household predictors. Restriction and pressure-to-eat were lagged, time-varying exposures. Results: Mean BMIz was elevated at all waves (0.46 to 0.56). Obesity prevalence rose from 15.4% to 18.5%. Unconditionally, BMIz was stable from 24 to 48 months and rose by 60 months. Adjusted models linked higher BMIz to higher birth weight, Hispanic or Latino ethnicity, birth complications, maternal overweight or obesity, paternal overweight, prenatal smoking, adolescent maternal age, and lower maternal education. Male sex was associated with lower BMIz. Prior-wave restriction was associated with higher, and pressure to eat with modestly lower, subsequent BMIz. Household indicators showed no independent association. Conclusions: Caregiver and perinatal characteristics and feeding practices were the most consistent modifiable correlates of late-preschool BMIz. These observational, complete-case findings warrant caution. The 48–60-month window may be a promising period to target for WIC-based obesity prevention. Full article

Background: Global takeaway fast-food consumption (TFC) has surged. This study aimed to investigate the association between TFC frequency and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and to explore the potential mediating roles of metabolic and inflammatory markers. Methods and Results: In this cross-sectional study of 13,062 adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), we utilized weighted regression and restricted cubic splines (RCS) to evaluate the association between TFC frequency and DBP. We performed exploratory mediation analyses to explore the roles of body mass index (BMI), visceral adiposity index (VAI), cardiometabolic index (CMI), dietary inflammatory index (DII), and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). In the overall cohort, the main association between TFC frequency and DBP did not reach statistical significance in fully adjusted models. However, restricted cubic spline analysis revealed a linear dose–response trajectory without an evident threshold effect. In exploratory subgroup analyses, a potentially pronounced positive association was noted among females, although the formal interaction test was not statistically significant. Mediation models indicated that the examined metabolic and inflammatory markers did not significantly mediate this relationship, suggesting that the association with diastolic blood pressure may not operate through these specific pathways. Conclusions: While the overall main categorical association did not reach statistical significance, TFC demonstrated a potential continuous trend with DBP, with potential associations observed among females. Notably, this relationship was not mediated by established metabolic or inflammatory indices, suggesting that the association between TFC and blood pressure elevation may exist independent of overt structural obesity. These findings highlight the potential value of incorporating takeaway fast-food consumption into routine dietary screening for early cardiovascular risk assessment in young adults. Full article

Background/Objectives: The global rise in obesity represents a major public health issue, extending its detrimental impact beyond metabolic complications to encompass renal dysfunction. A key element in this relationship lies in the interaction between visceral obesity and glomerular hyperfiltration—an early, often silent indicator of kidney injury that may precede the onset of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods: In this monocentric, retrospective study, we evaluated 43 adults with obesity attending the Outpatient Clinic for Diet Therapy in Transplantation, Renal Failure and Chronic Pathology at the University of Naples Federico II between March 2022 and March 2024. Clinical, anthropometric, biochemical, and 24 h urinary parameters were recorded, along with several validated visceral adiposity indices. Glomerular hyperfiltration was assessed through measured creatinine clearance (mClCr) tertiles, while associations with adiposity indices, proteinuria, and urinary sodium excretion were explored. Results: Higher creatinine clearance values were significantly associated with increased levels of adiposity indices—particularly Lipid Accumulation Product (LAP), New Visceral Adiposity Index (NVAI), and Metabolic Score for Visceral Fat (METS-VF)—as well as greater proteinuria, urinary sodium excretion, and daily salt intake. Subjects with proteinuria ≥ 150 mg/day exhibited higher NVAI values and elevated sodium and potassium urinary excretion compared with those without proteinuria. Significant correlations emerged between LAP and mClCr, sodium excretion, and proteinuria, even after adjustment for age and BMI. Conclusions: Higher visceral adiposity indices were associated with increased creatinine clearance, proteinuria, and urinary sodium excretion in adults with obesity. These findings suggest that visceral adiposity may represent a useful marker of early obesity-related renal alterations. Prospective studies are warranted to determine the causal relationships and mechanisms underlying these associations. Full article

γ-Cyclodextrin (γ-CD) is a cyclic oligosaccharide with high aqueous solubility, low toxicity, and a large internal cavity that enables inclusion complex formation with selected bioactive compounds. Beyond its established role as a pharmaceutical and food excipient, emerging evidence suggests that γ-CD may influence metabolic regulation through interactions with the gut microbiota, microbial fermentation products, and host metabolic signaling pathways. This review synthesizes current evidence on the effects of γ-CD on short-chain fatty acid production, lipid homeostasis, glycemic control, and obesity- and type 2 diabetes-related metabolic disturbances. Particular attention is given to the gut–metabolism axis, SCFA-mediated GPCR signaling, microbial taxa potentially involved in γ-CD fermentation, and the relative contribution of prebiotic-like effects versus lipid-binding mechanisms. Available data indicate that γ-CD may modulate microbial composition and metabolic outcomes, but most evidence derives from in vitro experiments, animal models, and limited human studies. Therefore, the clinical relevance of γ-CD remains insufficiently established. Future studies should include well-designed human trials, standardized doses, multi-omics analyses, and direct comparisons between native and modified cyclodextrins to clarify whether γ-CD can be translated into nutritional or therapeutic strategies for metabolic disorders. Full article

Background/Objectives: Children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy (ATH) and sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) may have altered body composition. The roles of anatomical upper airway obstruction and functional respiratory impairment in the risk of body composition remain poorly understood. This study assessed nutritional status in children. It also examined how nasopharyngeal obstruction (NP) due to ATH and SDB symptoms affects adiposity and fat distribution. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 106 children (57 boys, 49 girls; mean age 6.1 ± 2.0 years) who were scheduled for surgical treatment. Flexible nasopharyngolaryngoscopy was used to measure the size of the adenoid and palatine tonsils and combined grades of adenoid and tonsillar hypertrophy were used to determine NP obstruction. Parents filled out a questionnaire to assess SDB symptoms. Anthropometric measures (height, weight, BMI, skinfold thicknesses, body circumferences) were expressed as age- and sex-standardised scores. General linear models (GLMs) were used to examine associations between disease factors and body composition. Results: About 21% of participants were classified as overweight or obese. In contrast, 10% were undernourished. Severe NP obstruction was present in 57% of children. SDB symptoms appeared in 28% of children. Despite normal linear growth, children with ATH showed greater adiposity than reference values. In univariate analyses, severe NP obstruction was associated with higher body weight, BMI, triceps and subscapular skinfold thicknesses, waist circumference, and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). However, after adjustment for BMI, these associations were no longer significant. In contrast, SDB symptoms were independently associated with increased subcutaneous adiposity, as indicated by greater subscapular and abdominal skinfold thicknesses, greater mid-upper arm fat area, and higher WHtR. The pattern showed a more central distribution of fat. Conclusion: Children with ATH and SDB symptoms reported by a parent had increased subcutaneous and central adiposity, independent of BMI or the anatomical severity of nasopharyngeal obstruction. Longitudinal studies incorporating objective assessment of SDB are warranted to further clarify the mechanisms underlying these associations. Full article

Background/Objectives: Previous publications have primarily examined the individual roles of nutrients during fetal development. However, growing evidence suggests that one-carbon (1C) metabolism nutrients, including choline and key B vitamins, act synergistically within interconnected metabolic pathways that modulate epigenetic regulation and may have implications for the health of future generations. Methods: This narrative integrative review examined evidence relating to the roles of choline and B vitamins (B1, B2, B6, folate (B9) and B12) in fetal development and offspring health. Peer-reviewed literature was identified through PubMed, Science Direct and Semantic Scholar. Results: Current evidence indicates that periconceptional and maternal intake and status of 1C metabolism nutrients are associated with DNA methylation processes involved in developmental programming and the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in childhood and adulthood. Habitual intakes of several 1C metabolism nutrients are frequently below recommended levels during pregnancy and lactation, particularly for choline and folate. Inadequate intakes, each contributing differently to 1C metabolism, may disrupt 1C metabolic pathways and alter DNA methylation patterns during critical windows of fetal programming. Homocysteine metabolism is intricately linked to 1C metabolism and is modulated by choline and B vitamins. Collectively, these pathways have potential implications for the health of the next generation, including effects on growth, neural tube closure, brain development and increased susceptibility to diseases later in life, e.g., cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity and other chronic conditions. Adequate maternal intakes of choline and B vitamins may help mitigate the ‘early life origin’ of certain NCDs by promoting healthy neurodevelopment, reducing inflammation, and regulating central metabolic pathways. Conclusions: Greater awareness of the roles and importance of 1C metabolism nutrients, including choline and key B vitamins (B1, B2, B6, folate and B12), during the early life course is warranted. Furthermore, there is also a need for organizations and policy makers to formalize intake recommendations for 1C metabolism nutrients beyond the individualized simplicity of folate/folic acid, and to extend this to include other methyl-donor nutrients with epigenetic effects, such as choline and key B vitamins, given their interconnected roles in 1C metabolism and fetal development. Full article

Objective: Maternal blood microbiome signatures during pregnancy have been linked to adverse birth outcomes. We conducted a pilot study to examine whether they are also associated with early childhood growth in offspring and to explore maternal metabolites as potential mediators of these relationships. Methods: This study included 50 mother-child dyads from a prospective pregnancy cohort. Children were selected based on distinct body mass index (BMI) growth trajectories from birth to 4 years, including 25 children in a rising-high-BMI trajectory and 25 in a low-BMI trajectory. Maternal plasma collected during the second trimester underwent 16S rRNA gene sequencing for microbial profiling and an untargeted metabolomics analysis. Microbial diversity indices were compared between groups. Multivariable logistic regression models assessed associations between microbial taxa and BMI trajectories with adjustment for covariates. Mediation analyses evaluated whether maternal metabolites mediated observed associations. Results: Higher maternal blood microbial α-diversity was observed among mothers of children in the rising-high-BMI trajectory. Greater abundance of Gammaproteobacteria/Proteobacteria (class/phylum) was associated with lower odds of membership in the rising-high-BMI trajectory, whereas Bacteroidia/Bacteroidota and Actinobacteria/Actinobacteriota were associated with a greater risk. Mediation analyses identified several maternal metabolites that potentially linked prenatal microbial taxa to child growth outcomes. Key mediators included metabolites involved in benzoate metabolism (e.g., 4-vinylphenol sulfate for taxa Gammaproteobacteria/Proteobacteria), lipid metabolism (e.g., 1-linoleoyl-GPG (18:2) for Bacteroidia/Bacteroidota), glutathione metabolism (cysteinylglycine disulfide for Bacteroidia/Bacteroidota), branched-chain amino acid metabolism (3-hydroxy-2-ethylpropionate for Bacteroidia/Bacteroidota), histidine metabolism (imidazole propionate for Actinobacteria/Actinobacteriota), and TCA cycle (glutaconate for Actinobacteria/Actinobacteriota). These pathways are implicated in oxidative stress, adipocyte differentiation, insulin signaling, and energy metabolism, processes that are highly relevant to obesity development. Conclusion: Findings suggest that prenatal blood microbial signatures may influence early childhood growth through metabolic pathways related to obesity. These pilot study findings support further investigation into the role of prenatal blood microbial signatures in child development and health outcome prediction in larger studies. Full article

Background/Objectives: The rise in unhealthy habits such as a sedentary lifestyle, coupled with increasing obesity rates among children and young people, presents a health problem that must be addressed from various perspectives. Thus, the educational context, and specifically physical education, offers a prime setting for implementing programmes that reduce the levels of physical inactivity and improve pupils’ nutritional behaviours. Therefore, the aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review to collect and analyse the scientific literature addressing the effects of school-based intervention programmes on physical activity and nutrition. Methods: To this end, a systematic review was carried out, based on the PRISMA method, in the ERIC, PubMed, Scopus, SportDiscus and Web of Science databases, analysing the scientific literature that included school-based interventions combining physical activity and nutrition. A total of 410 articles were identified, with 16 studies ultimately included following the application of the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: The results indicated that the implementation of school programmes combining physical activity and nutrition can bring benefits in both areas, or at least in one of them. Similarly, several of the studies analysed showed improvements within the community, which helped to increase health literacy. Conclusions: The main conclusion is that the educational setting can serve as a platform for implementing programmes that improve the physical activity and nutritional habits of pupils and their wider environment, and, crucially, enhance health literacy. Full article

Objective: Obesity is a systemic disease characterized by low-grade chronic inflammation and increased metabolic risk. Although bariatric surgery is known to improve metabolic and inflammatory status, the longitudinal behavior of emerging inflammatory biomarkers such as procalcitonin (PCT) remains insufficiently characterized. This study aimed to evaluate postoperative changes in serum procalcitonin (PCT) levels in patients undergoing bariatric surgery and to investigate their associations with anthropometric measurements, liver enzymes, and novel inflammatory indices. Methods: In this retrospective longitudinal cohort study, 38 patients who underwent sleeve gastrectomy and had complete preoperative and postoperative follow-up data at months 1, 3, and 6 were included. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters were analyzed, and systemic inflammation was assessed using PCT, Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII) and the Systemic Inflammation Response Index (SIRI). Repeated-measures analyses were performed according to data distribution, and correlations were evaluated using Spearman analysis. Results: PCT levels showed a significant reduction at postoperative month 1 compared with the preoperative period. However, despite continued reductions in body weight, BMI, and fat mass at postoperative months 3 and 6, PCT levels plateaued without further significant change. In the preoperative period, PCT demonstrated strong positive correlations with liver enzymes (p < 0.01). At postoperative month 1, PCT was significantly associated with glucose and HbA1c levels. Although SII and SIRI decreased after surgery, no significant correlation with PCT was observed. Conclusions: PCT decreased in the early postoperative period after sleeve gastrectomy and may reflect early metabolic and inflammatory changes associated with rapid weight loss. However, its sensitivity for monitoring long-term inflammatory changes appears limited. The observed preoperative associations with liver enzymes may suggest a potential relationship between PCT levels, liver enzyme alterations, and metabolic alterations in obesity. Full article