Search Results (5,984)

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease frequently associated with alterations in body composition, including reduced lean mass and increased fat mass. These alterations are thought to be driven by persistent systemic inflammation, which may be influenced by inflammatory activity and by therapeutic interventions. Objectives: This pilot study aimed to provide preliminary data on changes in body composition and inflammatory activity in biologic-naive patients with active RA during the initial 6 months of TNF inhibitor treatment, and to compare baseline body composition with healthy controls. We conducted a single-center, observational, 24-week pilot study of 70 biologic-naive RA patients with moderate-to-severe disease activity and 70 matched healthy controls. Lean mass, fat mass, and lean mass index (LMI) were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at baseline for both groups, and after 6 months only in the RA group. Clinical, laboratory, adipokines, and cytokine parameters were also recorded. At baseline, RA patients had lower lean mass and LMI than controls. Over 6 months, RA patients showed significant clinical and laboratory improvement, with a corresponding increase in lean mass and LMI. No statistically significant change was observed in fat mass. The increase in lean mass was paralleled by a reduction in inflammatory markers. The LMI was inversely associated with female sex (β = −0.562) and C-reactive protein (β = −0.432) and directly associated with body mass index (β = 0.570). Similar associations were observed for total lean mass and change in lean mass, as well as for DAS28 (β = −0.333). This pilot study provides preliminary evidence that TNF inhibitor therapy may be associated with increased lean mass and decreased inflammation in RA patients. Owing to the absence of a comparator RA group not receiving TNF inhibitors, these findings should be interpreted as hypothesis-generating. Full article

The rising demand for energy resources and industrial goods presents significant challenges to sustainable development. Sunflower oil, commonly utilized in the food sector, biofuels, and various industrial applications, is notably affected by this demand. In Bulgaria, it serves as a primary source of vegetable fats, ranking second to butter in daily consumption. The aim of this study is to evaluate and propose methods to improve energy and resource efficiency in sunflower oil production in Bulgaria. The analysis is based on data from an energy audit conducted in 2023 at an industrial sunflower oil production facility. Reconstruction and modernization initiatives, which included the installation of high-performance, energy-efficient equipment, led to a 34% increase in energy efficiency. The findings highlight the importance of adjusting the technological parameters such as temperature, pressure, grinding level, and pressing time to reduce energy use and operational costs. Additionally, resource efficiency is improved through more effective raw material utilization and waste reduction. These strategies not only enhance the economic and environmental performance of sunflower oil production but also support sustainable development and competitiveness within the industry. The improvement reduces hexane use by approximately 2%, resulting in energy savings of 12–15 kWh/t of processed seeds and a reduction in CO₂ emissions by 3–4 kg/t, thereby improving the environmental profile of sunflower oil production. Full article

In the original randomised Dietary Intervention to Stop Coronary Atherosclerosis (DISCO-CT) trial, a 12-month Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) project led by dietitians improved cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors and reduced platelet chemokine levels in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). It is unclear whether these benefits are sustained. Objective: To determine whether the metabolic, inflammatory, and clinical benefits achieved during the DISCO-CT trial are sustained six years after the structured intervention ended. Methods: Ninety-seven adults with non-obstructive CAD confirmed in coronary computed tomography angiography were randomly assigned to receive optimal medical therapy (control group, n = 41) or the same therapy combined with intensive DASH counselling (DASH group, n = 43). After 301 ± 22 weeks, 84 individuals (87%) who had given consent underwent reassessment of body composition, meal frequency assessment, and biochemical testing (lipids, hs-CRP, CXCL4, RANTES and homocysteine). Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were assessed. Results: During the intervention, the DASH group lost an average of 3.6 ± 4.2 kg and reduced their total body fat by an average of 4.2 ± 4.8 kg, compared to an average loss of 1.1 ± 2.9 kg and a reduction in total body fat of 0.3 ± 4.1 kg in the control group (both p < 0.01). Six years later, most of the lost body weight and fat tissue had been regained, and there was a sharp increase in visceral fat area in both groups (p < 0.0001). CXCL4 decreased by 4.3 ± 3.0 ng/mL during the intervention and remained lower than baseline values; in contrast, in the control group, it initially increased and then decreased (p < 0.001 between groups). LDL cholesterol and hs-CRP levels returned to baseline in both groups but remained below baseline in the DASH group. There was one case of MACE in the DASH group, compared with four cases (including one fatal myocardial infarction) in the control group (p = 0.575). Overall adherence to the DASH project increased by 26 points during counselling and then decreased by only four points, remaining higher than in the control group. Conclusions: A one-year DASH project supported by a physician and dietitian resulted in long-term suppression of the proatherogenic chemokine CXCL4 and fewer MACE over six years, despite a decline in adherence and loss of most anthropometric and lipid benefits. It appears that sustained systemic reinforcement of behaviours is necessary to maintain the benefits of lifestyle intervention in CAD. Full article

Ruminant livestock production plays a crucial role in the agricultural systems of Sub-Saharan Africa, significantly supporting rural livelihoods through income generation, improved nutrition, and employment opportunities. Despite its importance, the sector continues to face substantial challenges, such as low feed quality, seasonal feed shortages, and climate-related stresses, all of which limit productivity and sustainability. Considering these challenges, the adoption of natural feed additives has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance animal performance, optimise nutrient utilisation, and mitigate environmental impacts, including the reduction of enteric methane emissions. This review underscores the significant potential of natural feed additives such as plant extracts, essential oils, probiotics, and mineral-based supplements such as fossil shell flour as sustainable alternatives to conventional growth promoters in ruminant production systems across the region. All available documented evidence on the topic from 2000 to 2024 was collated and synthesised through standardised methods of systematic review protocol—PRISMA. Out of 319 research papers downloaded, six were included and analysed directly or indirectly in this study. The results show that the addition of feed additives to ruminant diets in all the studies reviewed significantly (p < 0.05) improved growth parameters such as average daily growth (ADG), feed intake, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the control group. However, no significant (p > 0.05) effect was found on cold carcass weight (CCW), meat percentage, fat percentage, bone percentage, or intramuscular fat (IMF%) compared to the control. The available evidence indicates that these additives can provide tangible benefits, including improved growth performance, better feed efficiency, enhanced immune responses, and superior meat quality, while also supporting environmental sustainability by reducing nitrogen excretion and decreasing dependence on antimicrobial agents. Full article

Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages globally, with over 60% of Americans drinking it daily. This review examines coffee’s multifaceted impact on health and well-being, drawing on decades of research. Overall, the consensus is that moderate coffee intake is more beneficial than harmful across a wide range of health outcomes. Numerous large-scale, prospective cohort studies from around the world have consistently shown that moderate coffee consumption—typically three to five cups per day—is associated with reduced overall mortality and lower risk of major diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, stroke, respiratory conditions, cognitive decline, and potentially several types of cancer, including liver and uterine cancers. Both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee have shown benefits. The addition of sugar and cream to coffee may attenuate coffee’s positive health effects. Despite historical concerns, coffee consumption is not linked to increased risks of cancer, hypertension, or arrhythmia. However, some concerns remain. For pregnant women, coffee consumption should be limited to lower amounts, such that the daily intake of caffeine does not exceed 200 mg/day. Also, excessive caffeinated coffee intake may cause anxiety or sleep disturbances. Coffee’s health-promoting mechanisms include improved glucose balancing, increased physical activity, increased fat oxidation, improved lung function, and reduced inflammation. Beyond mortality and chronic diseases, coffee consumption affects many aspects of well-being: it supports hydration, boosts mental acuity, enhances physical performance, and may aid bowel recovery after surgery. While the field is well-studied via long-term observational cohorts, future research should focus on randomized controlled trials, Mendelian randomization studies, and granular analyses of coffee types and additives. Full article

Fat embolism is a critical medical emergency often resulting from long bone fractures or amputations, leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, a key regulator of innate immunity, is activated by reactive oxygen species and tissue damage, contributing to inflammatory responses. This study examines the role of NLRP3 in fat embolism-induced ARDS and evaluates the therapeutic potential of MCC950, a selective NLRP3 antagonist. Fat embolism was induced by fatty micelle injection into the tail vein of Sprague Dawley rats. Pulmonary injury was assessed through lung weight gain as an edema indicator, NLRP3 expression via Western blot, and IL-1β levels using ELISA. Histological damage and macrophage infiltration were evaluated with hematoxylin and eosin staining. Fat embolism significantly increased pulmonary NLRP3 expression, lipid peroxidation, IL-1β release, and macrophage infiltration within four hours, accompanied by severe pulmonary edema. NLRP3 was localized in type I alveolar cells, co-localizing with aquaporin 5. Administration of MCC950 significantly reduced inflammatory responses, lipid peroxidation, pulmonary edema, and histological damage, while attenuating MAPK cascade phosphorylation of ERK and Raf. These findings suggest that NLRP3 plays a critical role in fat embolism-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome, and its inhibition by MCC950 may offer a promising therapeutic approach. Full article

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition with early-life origins. Maternal obesity has been associated with increased ASD risk, yet the mechanisms and timing of susceptibility remain unclear. Using a mouse model combining in vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfer, we separated the effects of pre-conception and gestational obesity. We found that maternal high fat diet (HFD) exposure prior to conception alone was sufficient to induce ASD-like behaviors in male offspring—including altered vocalizations, reduced sociability, and increased repetitive grooming—without anxiety-related changes. These phenotypes were absent in female offspring and those exposed only during gestation. Cortical transcriptome analysis revealed dysregulation and isoform shifts in genes implicated in ASD, including Homer1 and Zswim6. Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing of hippocampal tissue showed hypomethylation of an alternative Homer1 promoter, correlating with increased expression of the short isoform Homer1a, which is known to disrupt synaptic scaffolding. This pattern was specific to mice with ASD-like behaviors. Our findings show that pre-conceptional maternal obesity can lead to lasting, isoform-specific transcriptomic and epigenetic changes in the offspring’s brain. These results underscore the importance of maternal health before pregnancy as a critical and modifiable factor in ASD risk. Full article

Growing demand for plant-based nutraceuticals drives the need for innovative bioprocessing strategies. This study developed an integrated approach combining germination and Lactobacillus-mediated fermentation to produce a γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-enriched functional beverage from brown rice. Systematic screening identified an optimal rice cultivar for germination. Sequential enzymatic liquefaction and saccharification were optimized to generate a suitable hydrolysate. Screening of 13 probiotic strains revealed that a 10-strain Lactobacillus–Bifidobacterium consortium maximized GABA synthesis (12.2 mg/100 g). Fermentation parameters were optimized to 0.25% monosodium glutamate, 4% inoculum, 10 μmol/L pyridoxine hydrochloride, 37 °C, and 24 h. The resulting beverage achieved significantly elevated GABA concentrations while exhibiting low fat (0.2 g/100 g), reduced caloric content (233.6 kJ/100 g), and high viable probiotic counts (2 × 10⁸ CFU/g). This strategy demonstrates significant potential for the scalable production of multifunctional, plant-based nutraceuticals with targeted bioactive components. Full article

Callistemon citrinus has shown antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in certain tissues. However, its impact on the brain remains unproven. This study investigates the effect of C. citrinus extract and phytosomes on the oxidative status of the brains of rats fed a high-fat–fructose diet (HFD). Fifty-four male Wistar rats were randomly divided into nine groups (n = 6). Groups 1, 2, and 3 received a standard chow diet; Group 2 also received the vehicle, and Group 3 was supplemented with C. citrinus extract (200 mg/kg). Groups 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 received a high-fat diet (HFD). Additionally, groups 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 were supplemented with orlistat at 5 mg/kg, C. citrinus extract at 200 mg/kg, and phytosomes loaded with C. citrinus at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, respectively. Administration was oral for 16 weeks. Antioxidant enzymes, biomarkers of oxidative stress, and fatty acid content in the brain were determined. A parallel artificial membrane permeability assay (PAMPA) was employed to identify compounds that can cross the intestinal and blood–brain barriers. The HFD group (group 4) increased body weight and adipose tissue, unlike the other groups. The brain fatty acid profile showed slight variations in all of the groups. On the other hand, group 4 showed a decrease in the activities of antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT, and PON. It reduced GSH level, while increasing GPx activity as well as MDA, 4-HNE, and AOPP levels. C. citrinus extract and phytosomes restore the antioxidant enzyme activities and mitigate oxidative stress in the brain. C. citrinus modulates oxidative stress in brain tissue through 1.8-cineole and α-terpineol, which possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of nutritional education on nutritional knowledge, nutritional status, and quality of life in patients with liver cirrhosis. Methods: Thirty patients participated. At baseline, assessments were conducted to collect data on demographics, physical activity, anthropometric and biochemical measures, dietary habits, 24 h food intake, nutritional status, quality of life, and nutritional knowledge. Participants received a 30 min face-to-face nutritional education session by a registered dietitian, repeated after one month. A follow-up phone call was conducted one month later to reinforce the education. Final evaluations were completed one month after the call. Results: A significant upward trend was detected in nutritional knowledge scores after the intervention period (from 7.4 ± 2.76 to 9.2 ± 3.45). The physical component of quality of life improved, while the mental component showed a slight decline. Dietary changes included reduced energy and protein intake among females and increased protein intake in males. In both genders, fat intake increased and carbohydrate intake decreased. Biochemical improvements were observed, including significant reductions in gamma-glutamyl transferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and triglycerides in females and alanine aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyl transferase in males. Conclusions: Structured nutritional education may improve nutritional knowledge, dietary behavior, and biochemical markers in cirrhosis patients. Longer follow-up durations may further enhance these improvements. Full article

Background: Artificial non-nutritive sweeteners (NNSs), such as sucralose, have been associated with gut microbiota (GM) alterations. However, the impact of rebaudioside A (reb A), a natural NNS, on GM has received limited scrutiny. Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the response of GM composition to sucralose and reb A in rats under two dietary conditions. Methods: Male Wistar rats (150–200 g) fed with a normal diet (ND) or a high-fat diet (HFD) were randomly assigned to receive sucralose (SCL), reb A (REB), glucose (GLU, control), or sucrose (SUC). The NNS interventions were administered in water at doses equivalent to the acceptable daily intake (ADI). After eight weeks, the GM composition in fecal samples was analyzed through 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing. Results: The NNSs did not modify the diversity, structure, phylum-level composition, or Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio of the GM in rats under ND or HFD. However, REB with HFD decreased Bacilli and increased Faecalibacterium abundance at the class level. SCL and REB in rats receiving ND reduced the genera Romboutsia and Lactobacillus. Conclusions: Our study suggests that when sucralose or reb A is consumed at recommended doses, there is no alteration in the diversity or the composition of the GM at the phylum level. The clinical relevance of these findings lies in the potential modifications of the GM at specific taxonomic levels by the consumption of these NNSs. Further research involving humans and including a broader range of microbial analyses is warranted. Full article

Background and Objectives: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a progressive liver disorder associated with metabolic risk factors such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. If left untreated, the accumulation of excess hepatic fat can lead to inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and ultimately liver failure. Capsaicin (CAP), the primary pungent compound in chili peppers, has previously been shown to prevent weight gain in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity models. In this study, we investigated the potential of dietary CAP to prevent HFD-induced MASLD. Methods: C57BL/6 mice were fed an HFD (60% kcal from fat) with or without 0.01% CAP supplementation for 26 weeks. We evaluated CAP’s effects on hepatic fat accumulation, inflammation, and mitochondrial function to determine its role in preventing MASLD. Results: CAP acts as a potent and selective agonist of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channel. We confirmed TRPV1 expression in the liver and demonstrated that CAP activates hepatic TRPV1, thereby preventing steatosis, improving insulin sensitivity, reducing inflammation, and enhancing fatty acid oxidation. These beneficial effects were observed in wild-type but not in TRPV1 knockout mice. Mechanistically, CAP-induced TRPV1 activation promotes calcium influx and activates AMPK, which leads to SIRT1-dependent upregulation of PPARα and PGC-1α, enhancing mitochondrial biogenesis and lipid metabolism. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that dietary CAP prevents MASLD through TRPV1 activation. TRPV1 signaling represents a promising therapeutic target for the prevention and management of MASLD in individuals with metabolic disorders. Full article

Background: Standard room temperature housing (~22 °C) represents a stress for laboratory mice, resulting in an increased metabolic rate, calorie consumption, heart rate, and catecholamine levels compared to thermoneutral conditions (29–32 °C). Using a recently established two-hit model of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) (Angiotensin II + High-fat diet for 28 days; MHS), we investigated how housing temperature modulates cardiac remodelling and function in male and female C57Bl/6J mice. Methods: Using the MHS mouse model, we investigated cardiac remodelling and function in 8-week-old C57BL/6J mice of both sexes housed at 10 °C, 22 °C, and 30 °C for four weeks. Control mice were analyzed in parallel. Before the MHS, the animals were allowed to acclimate for a week before the MHS started. Results: Mice housed at 10 °C consumed more food and had increased fat mass compared to those at 22 °C or 30 °C. This was accompanied by increased heart weight, stroke volume, heart rate, and cardiac output. Mice housed at 22 °C and 30 °C were similar for these cardiac parameters. Following MHS, mice at 10 °C and 22 °C developed marked cardiac hypertrophy, whereas thermoneutral housing attenuated this response and reduced left atrial enlargement. Cold-exposed females showed more diastolic dysfunction after MHS (increased E’ wave, E/E’, and isovolumetric relaxation time) than those at 22 °C or 30 °C. Ejection fraction and cardiac output declined significantly at 10 °C after MHS but were preserved at 22 °C and 30 °C in females. Conclusions: Cold housing exacerbates cardiac dysfunction in mice subjected to HFpEF-inducing stress, with pronounced effects in females. In contrast, thermoneutrality limits the cardiac hypertrophic response. Full article

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and dementia may share common pathogenic factors such as atherosclerosis and hyperlipoproteinemia. Dyslipidemia-induced oxidative stress contributes to dementia comorbidity in CVD. Abelmoschus esculentus (AE, okra) potentiates in alleviating hyperlipidemia and diabetes-related cognitive impairment. This study evaluated the effects of AE in hyperlipidemic ApoE^−/− mice treated with streptozotocin (50 mg/kg) and fed a high-fat diet (17% lard oil, 1.2% cholesterol). AE fractions F1 or F2 (0.65 mg/kg) were administered for 8 weeks. AE significantly reduced serum LDL-C, HDL-C, triglycerides, and glucose, improved cognitive and memory function, and protected hippocampal neurons. AE also lowered oxidative stress markers (8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine, 8-OHdG) and modulated neuronal nuclei (NeuN) and doublecortin (DCX) expression. In vitro, AE promoted neurite outgrowth and neuronal differentiation in retinoic acid (RA)-differentiated human SH-SY5Y cells under metabolic stress (glucose and palmitate), alongside the upregulation of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), Nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). These findings suggest AE may counter cognitive decline via oxidative stress regulation and the enhancement of neuronal differentiation. Full article

(1) Background: Physical inactivity is a major public health concern in modern society. Group fitness programs are widely used to promote physical activity, combining choreographed movements with various dance steps and music. This study aimed to examine the effects of Zumba and MoFit group fitness programs on body composition parameters in women. (2) Methods: The study included 98 female participants (Mean age = 27.8 ± 2.9 years), divided into three groups: E1 (n = 33), which followed the experimental Zumba program; E2 (n = 31), which followed the experimental MoFit program; and a control group (n = 34), which continued with their usual daily activities for 10 weeks. Body composition was assessed using 14 variables measured with the InBody 270 analyser. Statistical analyses included paired t-tests, MANCOVA, and ANCOVA. (3) Results: The findings confirmed the positive effects of both group fitness programs on most body composition parameters in women (p < 0.001). However, Bonferroni post hoc test results indicated that the Zumba program led to significantly greater improvements in most body composition variables compared to the MoFit program. (4) Conclusions: Both Zumba and MoFit programs were effective in reducing body fat, increasing muscle mass, total body water, and mineral content, whereas the control group did not achieve positive changes. Full article