Search Results (4,405)

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is defined by a combination of metabolic abnormalities, such as central obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, and significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. The high prevalence of MetS is a public health concern, necessitating rapid identification and intervention strategies to prevent this emerging epidemic. Diagnosing MetS requires the presence of three or more of these abnormalities, underscoring the need for effective management approaches. Despite a growing body of literature, limited reviews have critically evaluated the complex interplay between metabolic dysfunction, inflammation, and coagulation, particularly in the context of dietary interventions. Therefore, this article reviews the relationship between metabolic syndrome, inflammation, and thrombotic diseases, with an emphasis on their impacts on hematological health. Furthermore, this review explores the potential role of vegetarian and vegan dietary patterns in controlling these processes and improving hematological outcomes. This narrative review aims to critically evaluate current research on the inflammatory and thrombotic implications of MetS and assess the potential modulating role of vegan and plant-based diets within this context. Full article

Background and objectives: Overweight and obesity are global public health problems, as they increase the risk of chronic diseases, reduce quality of life, and generate a significant economic and healthcare burden. This study evaluates the capacity of nutritional patterns and psychological status to predict the presence of cardiometabolic risk among overweight and obese young adults, from a neural network approach. Method: The study included N = 188 overweight or obese students, who provided measures on their dietary intake, physical and psychological state, and sociodemographic profile. Neural networks were used to predict their metabolic status, classified into two categories based on anthropometric, biochemical, and cardiometabolic risk factors: metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO) versus metabolically healthy obesity (MHO). Results: The predictive models demonstrated differences in specificity and sensitivity capacity depending on the criteria employed for the classification of MUO/MHO and gender. Among the female subsample, MUO was predicted by poor diet (low consumption of mineral and vitamins, and high consumption of fats and sodium) and high levels of depression and stress, while among the male subsample high body mass index (BMI), depression, and anxiety were the key factors. Protective factors associated to MHO were lower BMI, lower psychopathology distress and more balanced diets. Predictive models based on the HOMA-IR criterion yielded very high specificity and low sensibility (high capacity to identify MHO but low accuracy to identify MUO). The models based on the IDF criterion achieved excellent discriminative capacity for men (specificity and sensitivity around 92.5%), while the model for women obtained excellent sensitivity and low specificity. Conclusions: The results provide empirical support for personalized prevention and treatment programs, accounting for individual differences with the aim of promoting healthy habits among young adults, especially during university education. Full article

Background and Objectives: AIDS-related mortality has significantly decreased due to antiretroviral therapy (ART), leading to a substantial increase in average lifespan. Consequently, cardiovascular diseases have become a growing concern among people living with HIV (PLWH). This study aimed to assess the cardiovascular risk profile of people living with HIV receiving ART and to explore the association between traditional and HIV-related factors with increased cardiovascular risk. Materials and Methods: We conducted a case study involving 112 PLWH receiving ART at a specialized clinic in southeastern Romania to estimate cardiovascular risk (CVR) using the Data Collection on Adverse Events of Anti-HIV Drugs (D:A:D^®) score. For participants aged 40 and above, the SCORE2 algorithm was additionally applied. Results: Most participants were male and under 40 years of age, including 34 individuals from Romania’s distinct pediatric HIV cohort. We observed a substantial cardiovascular risk burden: abdominal obesity was present in 24.1% of participants, active smoking was reported by 55.4%, and over 70% had low physical activity levels. Among participants aged 40 and above, the D:A:D^® and SCORE2 scores were strongly correlated, with an average cardiovascular age exceeding chronological age by a mean of 7.5 years. Although CVR remained similarly low among subgroups of PLWH under 40, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was higher in patients from the pediatric cohort compared to those diagnosed later. Traditional risk factors—such as age, obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, and alcohol use—as well as elevated C-reactive protein levels, were significantly associated with increased CVR. Conclusions: Residual inflammation in PLWH, despite complete viral suppression in combination with metabolic syndrome, is associated with increased cardiovascular risk even in younger and clinically stable populations. Routine integration of metabolic and cardiovascular risk screening into HIV care may support timely prevention and personalized management strategies starting at an early age. Full article

With the development of people’s diets and working patterns, obesity is an increasingly serious health threat faced globally. Grape pomace is an important by-product generated during the wine production process which is rich in polyphenols. Polyphenols show promising potential in anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and metabolic regulatory applications. Nevertheless, the effects of grape pomace polyphenols on obesity alleviation and their underlying mechanisms require further investigation. The results of this study indicate that grape pomace polyphenols exhibit a preventive effect against obesity caused by a high-fat diet (HFD), ameliorated gut microbiota dysbiosis, and improved gut short chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels. The present study employed comprehensive bioinformatics approaches to characterize gut microbial profiles in each experimental group, including: alpha and beta diversity analyses, phylum- and genus-level relative abundance analyses, Linear Discriminant Analysis Effect Size (LEfSe), and Pearson correlation analysis between gut microbiota and short chain fatty acids. Both grape seeds extract (GSE) and grape peel extract (GPE) reduced the elevated F/B ratio caused by HFD, raised the abundance of probiotics such as Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Bifidobacterium, and Blautia, and mitigated the increase of pathogenic bacteria Fusobacteria and Eschericha-Shigella caused by HFD. Moreover, Lactobacillus, Faecalibaculum, Clostridium-sensu-stricto-1, Bifidobacterium, Blautia, Alistipes, and Dubosiella may be regulated by GSE and GPE to produce SCFAs, alleviating obesity and metabolic disorders. In conclusion, our results suggest that GSE and GPE show remarkable efficacy in ameliorating obesity and modulating gut microbiota in mice, providing evidence to support the utilization of grape pomace as a metabolic regulator. Full article

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide, particularly affecting the elderly. Tertiary prevention—focused on nutrition and lifestyle—may play an important role in improving treatment outcomes and quality of life. This exploratory study aimed to describe dietary and lifestyle behaviors among CRC patients, considering age, body mass index (BMI), and educational background as potential differentiating factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 202 CRC patients using a validated paper-based questionnaire. Sociodemographic data and health behaviors were analyzed using chi-square tests. Results: Age-related differences revealed that middle-aged patients consumed vegetables and legumes more frequently but also reported higher fast-food intake. Elderly individuals more often abstained from alcohol and tobacco. Overweight and obese participants were more likely to consume meat and sweets regularly and preferred frying over other cooking methods. Higher education was associated with lower rates of smoking and alcohol use. Conclusions: The findings suggest that dietary and lifestyle profiles among CRC patients may vary by age, BMI, and education. While causal relationships cannot be established, the results may help generate hypotheses for future research and support the development of individualized tertiary prevention strategies. Full article

Background: Childhood metabolic syndrome (MetS) represents a growing public health concern in China, with diet emerging as a critical modifiable risk factor. Although numerous studies have explored the relationship between dietary patterns and MetS, the specific influence of dietary patterns associated with serum uric acid (SUA) levels in the young population remains poorly understood. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between an SUA-related dietary pattern and MetS risk among children aged 9–17 years in Guangzhou, China. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Guangzhou from March 2023 to May 2024, including 4181 participants. To identify the dietary pattern associated with SUA, we employed reduced-rank regression (RRR) using 15 predefined food groups. The multivariate logistic regression models were applied to evaluate the association between the SUA-related dietary pattern scores (as continuous variables and tertiles) and the risk of MetS and its five components. Results: The SUA-related dietary pattern was characterized by high consumption of meat & meat products and beverages, and low consumption of fresh vegetables, fresh fruits & their products, eggs, dairy products, and sugary food. After adjusting for confounding factors, each one-unit increase in the SUA-related dietary pattern score corresponded to 27% higher odds of MetS (OR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.00–1.62), and 24% higher odds of central obesity (OR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.11–1.38). In subgroup analyses, higher adherence to the SUA-related dietary pattern scores was linked to significantly increased odds of MetS (adjusted OR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.18–2.42) and central obesity (adjusted OR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.20–1.62) among participants with insufficient physical activity. Conclusions: Higher adherence to the SUA-related dietary pattern was associated with higher odds of MetS in Chinese children, particularly among those with insufficient physical activity. The results provide new insights into the relationship between dietary patterns and childhood MetS, offering dietary strategies focused on managing SUA levels to prevent MetS. Full article

Obesity is a growing global health challenge, closely linked to chronic low-grade inflammation. This persistent, low-intensity immune response contributes to the development of metabolic, cardiovascular, and cancer-related diseases. A key player in this process is the gut microbiota. Dysbiosis, an imbalance in gut bacterial composition, disrupts metabolic function, weakens the intestinal barrier, and promotes the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In people with obesity, gut microbial diversity is reduced, and the ratio of beneficial to harmful bacteria shifts, affecting lipid metabolism and immune balance. Short-chain fatty acids, produced by gut bacteria, help maintain gut integrity and reduce inflammation. Butyrate, a major SCFA, also improves insulin sensitivity and may support obesity treatment. Diet plays a central role in shaping the gut microbiome. Western diets tend to promote dysbiosis and inflammation, while Mediterranean-style diets encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria. Targeted modulation of the microbiota through diet, probiotics, or medication emerges as a promising strategy for preventing and managing obesity. Full article

Background: Osteosarcopenic obesity (OSO) is an emerging syndrome characterized by the coexistence of obesity, sarcopenia, and osteoporosis, primarily affecting aging populations. Nutrition, especially polyphenol-rich foods like extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), may play a preventive or therapeutic role in OSO. This review aims to critically examine evidence from in vitro, in vivo, and human studies on the effects of olive oil polyphenols on OSO-related biological domains. Methods: This systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines. Studies were identified from PubMed and Google Scholar using MeSH terms related to olive oil, polyphenols, and OSO-associated conditions. In vitro and in vivo studies (both in animal and human models) published in the last ten years were included. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD420251077836). Results: Fifteen studies were included: eight in vitro, four in vivo on animal models, and three human trials. Phenolic compounds such as hydroxytyrosol, oleuropein, oleocanthal, and oleacein demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-adipogenic, and osteo-/myo-protective effects. These compounds modulated key metabolic pathways and gene expression related to adipogenesis, bone metabolism, and muscle integrity. Conclusions: Olive oil polyphenols exhibit promising biological effects on the tissues involved in OSO. Although evidence is mostly preclinical, selected compounds (notably hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein) may serve as adjuncts in nutritional strategies for OSO prevention. Full article

Aim: To assess oxidative–inflammatory biomarker prediction of incident CKD after 1-year follow-up in a population with overweight/obesity and metabolic syndrome. Methods: Prospective nested case–control study comprising 117 CKD incident cases and 117 matched controls free of CKD after 1-year follow-up conducted in 55–75-year-old participants. Controls were time-matched 1:1 to cases by intervention group, age (≤65 vs. >65 years), and sex. Serum creatinine (SCr), cystatin C (CyC), and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) were measured at baseline, and CKD Epidemiology Collaboration equations for Caucasians were used to assess SCr, CyC, and CyC-SCr-based estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR). Baseline levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), carbonyls, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-1ra, IL-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), and leptin were determined from fasting serum samples. An inflammatory-oxidative stress score based on these biomarkers was calculated. Incident CKD was defined by eGFR-SCr <60 mL/min/1.73 m², and/or UACR ≥30 mg/g in the absence of CKD at baseline. Results: UACR positively correlated with pro-inflammatory markers (IL-1β; TNFα) and oxidative damage marker (MDA); eGFR-cyC showed negative correlations with IL-1β and IL-1ra, and eGFR-SCr with leptin. The odds ratios (OR; 95% CI) for incident CKD in the highest vs. the lowest tertile of IL-1ra IL-6 and TNFα were (2.22; 1.22–4.04), (7.03; 2.88–17.14), and (3.79; 1.79–8.02), respectively. The inflammatory–oxidative stress score was associated with incident CKD (OR per 1-SD increment: 2.06; 1.49–2.83). Conclusions: Inflammatory/oxidative stress is associated with CKD incidence in individuals with high cardiovascular risk, underscoring the importance in identify early inflammation to prevent this disease. Full article

First-line treatment for localized prostate cancer (PCa) includes radical prostatectomy (RP) for high-risk disease. However, in many cases, patients experience biochemical recurrence (BCR), heralded by rising prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels in the serum. Our goal was to identify metabolic pathways that are disrupted in BCR to determine potential targets of therapy. We conducted metabolomic analysis in prostate tissue from the tumors of 74 patients who underwent prostatectomy as treatment for localized PCa and correlated levels of metabolites with clinical and non-clinical factors. Cholesterol and triglycerides were upregulated in Hispanic vs. non-Hispanic and in obese vs. non-obese individuals, respectively. Both lipids and non-lipids were altered with increasing Gleason grades and clinical stages. High post-RP PSA (>0.1 ng/mL) indicated recurrence (p = 0.0094) and correlated with alterations in 141 metabolites including 114 lipids and 26 non-lipid molecules. The largest increase with high post-RP PSA was in 2-hydroxyglutaric acid (2-HG), a product of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, that had previously been established as an oncometabolite in other cancers. 2-HG was highly selective and specific for high post-RP PSA (AUC = 0.8526; p = 0.0002) while Kaplan–Meier curves indicated that among patients who recurred, high 2-HG in the tumor reduced time-to-recurrence from 84 months (for those with low 2-HG) to 38 months (for those with high 2-HG). The addition of D2HG, an enantiomer of 2-HG, increased the growth rate of LNCaP and C4 cells, and also increased Akt and ERK phosphorylation. 2-HG is upregulated in PCa tumors from patients who experience high post-RP PSA indicative of recurrence. Future studies may target this metabolite to prevent recurrent disease. Full article

Excess caloric intake and insufficient physical activity are the two major drivers underlying the global obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus epidemics. However, circadian misalignment of caloric intake and physical activity, as commonly experienced by nightshift workers, can also have detrimental effects on body weight and glucose homeostasis. We have previously reported that combined restriction of eating and voluntary wheel running to the inactive phase (i.e., a rat model for circadian misalignment) shifted liver and muscle clock rhythms by ~12 h and prevented the reduction in the amplitude of the muscle clock oscillation otherwise induced by light-phase feeding. Here, we extended on these findings and investigated how a high-fat diet (HFD) affects body composition and liver and muscle clock gene rhythms in male Wistar rats while restricting both eating and exercise to either the inactive or active phase. To do this, we used four experimental conditions: sedentary controls with no wheel access on a non-obesogenic diet (NR), sedentary controls with no wheel access on an HFD (NR-H), and two experimental groups on an HFD with simultaneous access to a running wheel and HFD time-restricted to either the light phase (light-run-light-fed + HFD, LRLF-H) or the dark phase (dark-run-dark-fed + HFD. DRDF-H). Consumption of an HFD did not alter the daily running distance of the time-restricted groups but did increase the running intensity in the LRLF-H group compared to a previously published LRLF chow fed group. However, no such increase was observed for the DRDF-H group. LRLF-H ameliorated light phase-induced disturbances in the soleus clock more effectively than under chow conditions and had a protective effect against HFD-induced changes in liver clock gene expression. Together with (our) previously published results, these data suggest that eating healthy and being active at the wrong time of the day can be as detrimental as eating unhealthy and being active at the right time of the day. Full article

The increasing prevalence of chronic metabolic diseases poses a significant challenge in the modern world, impacting healthcare systems and individual life expectancy. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that older adults (65+ years) engage in 150–300 min of moderate-intensity or 75–150 min of vigorous-intensity physical activity, alongside muscle-strengthening and balance-training exercises at least twice a week. However, nearly one-third of the adult population (31%) is physically inactive, which increases the risk of developing obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and psychological issues. Physical activity in the form of aerobic exercise, resistance training, or a combination of both is effective in preventing and managing these metabolic diseases. In this review, we explored the effects of exercise training, especially on respiratory and pulmonary factors, including oxygen consumption, pulmonary ventilation, and blood gas analyses among adults. During exercise, oxygen consumption can increase up to 15-fold (from a resting rate of ~250 mL/min) to meet heightened metabolic demands, enhancing tidal volume and pulmonary efficiency. During exercise, the increased energy demand of skeletal muscle leads to increases in tidal volume and pulmonary function, while blood gases play a key role in maintaining the pH of the blood. In this review, we explored the influence of age, body composition (BMI and obesity), lifestyle factors (smoking and alcohol use), and comorbidities (diabetes, hypertension, neurodegenerative disorders) in the modulation of these physiological responses. We underscored exercise as a potent non-pharmacological intervention for improving cardiopulmonary health and mitigating the progression of metabolic diseases in aging populations. Full article

Obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and steatohepatitis associated with metabolic dysfunction (MASLD) are on the rise and pose serious health challenges worldwide. In recent years, researchers have gained a better understanding of the important role of the gut microbiota in the development and progression of these diseases. Intestinal dysbiosis can contribute to the occurrence of increased intestinal permeability, inflammation and reduced numbers of commensal bacteria. In obesity, these changes contribute to chronic low-grade inflammation and deregulated metabolism. In MASLD, gut microbiota dysbiosis can promote liver fibrosis and impair bile acid metabolism, while in T2DM, they are associated with impaired glycemic control and insulin resistance. Regular physical activity has a positive effect on the composition of the gut microbiota, increasing its diversity, modulating its metabolic functions, strengthening the intestinal barrier and reducing inflammation. These findings suggest that exercise and microbiota-targeted interventions may play an important role in the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases. Full article

Background/Objectives: Adolescence is a critical period for the early detection of metabolic syndrome (MetS), a condition that increases the risk of cardiometabolic diseases in adulthood. Timely identification of at-risk adolescents enables targeted prevention strategies. This study aimed to analyze the discriminative capacity and accuracy of six biochemical and/or anthropometric indices related to lipid metabolism and adiposity for the early detection of MetS in a sample of Spanish adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional study carried out according to the STROBE guidelines. A sample of 981 adolescents aged 11–16 years old were randomly recruited from schools in Southeastern Spain. The presence or absence of MetS was determined according to the International Diabetes Federation criteria. The following biochemical and/or anthropometric indices were evaluated: triglyceride glucose index, visceral adiposity index, logarithm children’s lipid accumulation product, triglyceride glucose-body mass index, triglyceride glucose-waist circumference, and triglyceride glucose-waist-to-hip ratio. Results: The triglyceride glucose-waist-to-hip ratio and triglyceride glucose-body mass index parameters were the strongest indicators associated with MetS in boys and girls, respectively, after adjusting for several factors. Moreover, all evaluated indices showed optimal AUC values, with the visceral adiposity index and triglyceride glucose-waist circumference index exhibiting the highest discriminative capacity in both genders. Conclusions: The evaluated biochemical and anthropometric indices—particularly visceral adiposity index and triglyceride-glucose-waist circumference—show promise as accessible biomarkers for identifying adolescents at metabolic risk. These indices may serve as practical tools in preventive health strategies aimed at improving metabolic health by screening adolescents at risk of MetS, thereby helping to reduce the future burden of non-communicable diseases. Full article

Telomeres are protective DNA sequences located at chromosome ends, essential to maintaining genomic stability. This narrative review examines how maternal lifestyle factors during pregnancy influence fetal telomere length (TL). Positive associations have been identified between offspring’s TL and maternal consumption of nutrients such as vitamins C and D, folate, and magnesium. Additionally, adherence to a Mediterranean diet and regular physical activity during pregnancy are correlated with increased placental TL, supporting fetal genomic integrity. Conversely, maternal dietary patterns high in carbohydrates, fats, or alcohol, as well as exposure to triclosan and sleep-disordered breathing, negatively correlate with offspring’s TL. Maternal infections may also shorten TL through heightened inflammation and oxidative stress. However, evidence regarding the impact of other lifestyle factors—including maternal stress, smoking, caffeine intake, polyunsaturated fatty acid consumption, obesity, and sleep quality—remains inconsistent. Given that shorter telomere length has been associated with cardiovascular, pulmonary, and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as certain types of cancer, these findings highlight the vital importance of maternal health during pregnancy in order to prevent potential adverse effects on the fetus. Further studies are required to elucidate the precise timing, intensity, and interplay of these influences, enabling targeted prenatal interventions to enhance offspring health outcomes. Full article