Search Results (276)

Background: Iodine deficiency remains a significant public health concern worldwide and may contribute to metabolic disorders beyond thyroid dysfunction. Emerging evidence suggests that nutritional factors, such as vitamin A, may influence the health effects of iodine deficiency, yet population-based evidence remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the associations between iodine deficiency and cardiometabolic risk factors (blood pressure, glucose, and lipids) and to explore whether these associations are different between adults with different vitamin A levels. Methods: A total of 4723 adults (1895 males and 2828 females) were included in this cross-sectional study. Participants were categorized based on iodine status and serum vitamin A levels. Demographic, anthropometric, and biochemical indicators were assessed through standardized examinations. Multivariable linear and logistic regression models were used to evaluate the associations between iodine deficiency and continuous (systolic blood pressure [SBP], diastolic blood pressure [DBP], fasting blood glucose [FBG], total cholesterol [TC], high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C], low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C], triglycerides [TGs]) and binary outcomes (hypertension, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia), with stratified analyses by gender, age, and vitamin A status. Results: Iodine deficiency was significantly associated with higher SBP (β = 2.89, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.00–3.77), DBP (β = 1.08, 0.55–1.60), FBG (β = 0.06, 0.01–0.12) and TC (β = 0.05, 0.00–0.10). The odds of hypertension (odds ratio [OR] = 1.41, 1.23–1.63) and hyperglycemia (OR = 1.39, 1.17–1.65) were also increased. Stratified analyses indicated that these associations were more pronounced among participants with vitamin A deficiency than those with sufficient vitamin A. In this subgroup, iodine deficiency was positively associated with FBG (β = 0.14, 0.03–0.25), TC (β = 0.08, 0.00–0.15), and hyperglycemia (OR = 1.35, 1.04–1.76). Conclusions: The findings suggest that the association of iodine deficiency with adverse cardiometabolic risk factors may be stronger in individuals with concurrent vitamin A deficiency. This highlights the potential value of integrated nutritional assessments and supports the need for longitudinal studies to confirm these interactions and assess the effects of combined micronutrient supplementation. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate whether first-trimester metabolic markers—including the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and lipid-related ratios (TG/HDL-c, LDL-c/HDL-c, and TyG/BMI)—could predict the development of late-onset preeclampsia, and to assess their associations with birthweight and birth length. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 306 pregnant women (153 with late-onset PE and 153 normotensive controls). Demographic and clinical data, including maternal lipid profiles, TyG index, and other biochemical markers, were collected during the first trimester. Statistical analyses, including Mann–Whitney, two-sided t-tests, and receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC), were performed to assess the predictive value of the TyG index and other ratios in predicting late-onset PE. Results: Significant differences between the PE and control groups were observed in delivery method, birthweight, and birthlength (p < 0.05). ROC analysis revealed that the TyG index had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.79, with a sensitivity of 69.3% and specificity of 75.8%. The TyG index was inversely associated with birthweight (ρ = −0.288) and gestational age at delivery (ρ = −0.218), while positively correlating with systolic blood pressure (ρ = 0.441). Conclusions: The TyG index, along with TG/HDL and LDL-c/HDL ratios, demonstrated predictive value for late-onset PE. These findings suggest that elevated TyG index levels may contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes such as intrauterine growth restriction and preterm delivery. First-trimester lipid profiles and the TyG index may serve as valuable markers for early prediction of late-onset PE. Full article

Objectives: The aim of this experiment was to explore how the addition of Schizochytrium powder to the feeding ration affected the production performance, egg quality, and antioxidant function of chickens. Schizochytrium powder is a unicellular spherical marine microalga that can be cultivated through heterotrophic fermentation, with characteristics including rapid cell growth, stable composition, and ease of large-scale production. Experimental design: Three hundred and twenty 33-week-old chickens with similar egg production rates and body weights were selected and randomly divided into four groups, with five replicates each and 16 hens in each replicate. The control group (Group I) was fed a corn–soybean meal basal diet, while the test groups were supplemented with 0.5% (Group II), 1.0% (Group III), and 2.0% (Group IV) Schizochytrium powder on top of this basal diet, respectively. The pretest period was 1 week, and the main test period was 8 weeks. The results revealed the following: (1) Compared with Group I, the average daily feed intake (ADFI) and laying rate (LR) were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in Group IV, and there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the ADFI and LR between Groups II and III. (2) Compared with Group I, the eggshell strength (ES) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) content of Groups II, III, and IV were significantly higher (p < 0.05). (3) Compared with Group I, serum triglyceride (TG) content was significantly decreased (p < 0.05), and serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) content was significantly increased (p < 0.05) in Groups II, III, and IV. Serum total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and peroxidase (PO) activities were significantly higher (p < 0.05) and serum malondialdehyde (MDA) content was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in Groups II, III, and IV compared to Group I. In conclusion, adding Schizochytrium powder to the feeding ration could affect chickens’ production performance, increase egg DHA content, and improve the antioxidant capacity of the organism. Based on the results of this study, we recommend a ratio of 1.0% Schizochytrium powder addition. Full article

Background: The prevalence of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has significantly increased in Saudi Arabia, rising from 16.8% in 2018 to 28% in 2023. This study aimed to identify and quantify the key biochemical factors associated with T2DM patients in the Aljouf region by comparing a comprehensive panel of biomarkers between T2DM and healthy individuals and to identify key risk factors in the regional population. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted by enrolling 114 T2DM patients and 91 healthy controls recruited from tertiary care centers in the Aljouf region, Saudi Arabia. We analyzed lipid profiles, vitamin levels (B₁₂ and D), liver profile, and renal function markers. Statistical analyses included independent t-test, Pearson’s correlation, and binary logistic regression to calculate the Odds Ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: T2DM patients showed significantly altered metabolic profiles including elevated triglycerides (p = 0.041), LDL cholesterol (p = 0.017), and serum uric acid (p < 0.001) in addition to deficient levels of vitamin B₁₂ (p < 0.001) and vitamin D (p < 0.001). In logistic regression analysis, hyperuricemia (OR = 4.85, 95% CI: 2.45–9.61) and vitamin D deficiency (OR = 3.62, 95% CI: 1.98–6.62) were the strongest independent predictors of T2DM, after adjusting for potential confounders. Conclusions: Our findings confirm a distinct biochemical phenotype in T2DM patients from the Aljouf region. The potent associations of hyperuricemia and vitamin D deficiency with T2DM suggest their utility as key biomarkers providing a regional context. These findings highlight their potential relevance for prioritizing public health and clinical interventions in the studied population. Full article

We conducted a systematic review on cardiac metabolomic alterations in type 2 diabetes and the interplay with lipoprotein lipase (LPL). To synthesize evidence on LPL activity, cardiac metabolomics, and cardiovascular outcomes in type 2 diabetes. EMBASE, PsycINFO, AMED, LILACS, and Web of Science were searched from January 2000 to August 2025; last searches: EMBASE [22 August 2025], PsycINFO [22 August 2025], AMED [22 August 2025], LILACS [22 August 2025], Web of Science [22 August 2025]. Original human studies in type 2 diabetes reporting cardiac metabolomics and LPL activity; no language restrictions. Two reviewers independently screened records/reports and extracted data; risk of bias was assessed with RoB 2 (randomized trials), ROBINS-I (nonrandomized studies), and the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (observational). We planned random-effects meta-analyses using mean difference/standardized mean difference or risk ratio, quantified heterogeneity with I2 and τ2, examined small-study effects with funnel plots/Egger’s test, and rated certainty with GRADE. We included 11 studies (n = 541). LPL modulation was associated with improved triglycerides, LDL-C, HDL-C, and selected metabolomic markers; heterogeneity ranged I2 = [97–99]%. Heterogeneous metabolomic platforms and LPL assays; several small observational studies. The review was registered in PROSPERO, ID: CRD42025632960. Full article

Objectives: This experiment investigated the response of carcass composition, digestive function, hepatic lipid metabolism, intestinal microbiota, and serum metabolomics to excessive or restrictive dietary energy in Ningxiang pigs. Methods: A total of 36 Ningxiang pigs (210 ± 2 d, 43.26 ± 3.21 kg) were randomly assigned to three treatments (6 pens of 2 piglets each) and fed a control diet (CON, digestive energy (DE) 13.02 MJ/kg,), excessive energy diet (EE, 15.22 MJ/kg), and restrictive energy diet (RE, DE 10.84 MJ/kg), respectively. Results: Results showed that EE significantly increased the apparent digestibility of crude protein and total energy (p < 0.01), as well as the activities of jejunum neutral protease and ileal lipase (p < 0.05). With the increase in energy level, the apparent digestibility of ash, dry matter, and ether extract significantly increased (p < 0.01). RE significantly increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) content, significantly decreased triglycerides (TG), free fatty acid (NEFA), and total cholesterol (TC) contents, and up-regulated lipoprotein lipase (LPL) mRNA expression in the liver (p < 0.05). EE significantly increased the hepatosomatic index, the contents of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and total bile acids (TBA), and significantly up-regulated the mRNA expression of lipogenic genes acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), fatty acid synthase (FAS), and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1C (SREBP-1C) in the liver (p < 0.05). The abundance of p_Firmicutes was significantly increased and the abundance of p_Bacteroidetes was significantly decreased in test groups, while the ratio of the two was significantly increased in the RE group (p < 0.05). EE also significantly increased the abundance of g_Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 (p < 0.05). The identical serum differential metabolites between the EE and RE group belong to phosphatidylcholine (PC), mostly being up-regulated in the EE group and down-regulated in the RE group (p < 0.05), one of which was mapped to the pathway of glycerophospholipid metabolism (KEGG ID: C00157). The relative content of serum trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO, a microbial metabolite) was significantly decreased in the EE group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The findings suggest RE had no obvious negative effect on carcass traits of Ningxiang pigs. Apart from exacerbated body fat deposition, EE promoted fat accumulation in the liver by up-regulating the expression of lipogenic genes. Dietary energy changes affect hepatic bile acid metabolism, which may be mediated through the glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway, as well as disturbances in the gut microbiota. Full article

Background and Objectives: Hyperuricemia is frequent in patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes (T2D) and may reflect intertwined renal and metabolic dysfunction. Simple tools to identify those at highest risk are lacking. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 253 adults with uncontrolled T2D (HbA1c ≥ 7%) hospitalized at a tertiary center (2022–2023). Patients were stratified by hyperuricemia status (serum uric acid >7.0 mg/dL in men and >6.0 mg/dL in women). Demographic, clinical, biochemical, and pharmacological data were compared. Independent predictors were explored with multivariable modeling. A two-parameter Renal–Metabolic Risk Score (serum urea and triglyceride-to-LDL cholesterol ratio [TG/LDL]) was derived and evaluated by ROC analysis. Results: Compared with non-hyperuricemic patients (n = 20), those with hyperuricemia (n = 233) had higher serum urea (32.15 ± 21.21 vs. 19.76 ± 10.02 mg/dL; p < 0.001) and numerically higher TG/LDL (2.94 ± 6.73 vs. 1.95 ± 1.28; p = 0.062). Serum uric acid was lower in the hyperuricemia group due to categorical definition thresholds and treatment effects (5.69 ± 1.87 vs. 6.77 ± 2.12 mg/dL; p = 0.038). The derived Renal–Metabolic Risk Score showed an AUC = 0.67 and differed significantly between groups (p ≈ 1.2 × 10⁻⁵). Conclusions: The derived RMRS, based on simple and inexpensive laboratory parameters, offers a preliminary tool for assessing hyperuricemia risk in uncontrolled T2D. From a clinical and assistive practice perspective, this score may help nephrology nurses and multidisciplinary teams identify high-risk patients who require closer monitoring of renal and metabolic complications. It could further guide early dietary counseling, pharmacological optimization, and frailty assessment in chronic kidney disease care. Future studies are needed to validate the score in larger and more diverse populations before its integration into routine practice. Full article

Background/Objectives: Long-term hospitalization in cardiac patients is associated with significant metabolic and microbial alterations that may influence disease progression and prognosis. Although lipid imbalances, metabolomic shifts, and gut microbiome dysbiosis have each been linked individually to cardiovascular outcomes, their integrated evaluation in long-term-hospitalized patients remains underexplored. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study including 51 cardiac patients hospitalized for more than 25 days, compared with a control group of 41 patients hospitalized for short and intermediate durations (3–24 days). Clinical and demographic data were collected, alongside lipid profiling, metabolomic assessment through liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS), and gut microbiome analysis using GI360™ sequencing. Ethical approval was obtained, and all data were anonymized. Lipid-related findings are exploratory due to the small number of complete measurements. Results: Preliminary lipid trends were characterized by higher levels of LDL, triglycerides, and Lp(a), and lower HDL, in the long-term group. Metabolomic analyses revealed decreased energy-related metabolites (ATP, phosphocreatine ratio), altered amino acid patterns, and increased ketone utilization. Gut microbiome evaluation demonstrated a significant increase in dysbiosis index, with reduced diversity and dominance of potentially pathogenic taxa. These findings were correlated with clinical severity scores. Cross-domain relationships are exploratory and based on associative profiling rather than deep integrative modelling. Conclusions: Long-term hospitalization in cardiac patients is associated with distinct lipid, metabolomic, and gut microbiome profiles that may serve as predictive biomarkers of adverse outcomes. Future studies should validate these findings in larger cohorts and explore their integration into personalized management strategies. Full article

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with obesity, numerous metabolic complications, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Adipokines, secreted by adipose tissue, may contribute to the development of these cardiometabolic disturbances. The aim of this study was to investigate the adipokine levels and their relationship with metabolic status in adolescent girls with PCOS. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 66 adolescent girls with PCOS (mean age: 16.5 ± 1.08 years; study group, SG) and 30 regularly menstruating girls (mean age: 16.2 ± 1.37 years; control group, CG) recruited between 2012 and 2017. All participants underwent physical examination, body composition assessment, liver ultrasonography, and biochemical and hormonal evaluations. Fasting venous blood samples were collected to determine the adipokine profile, and the leptin-to-adiponectin ratio (L/A) was calculated. Results: Compared with the control group, the PCOS group demonstrated significantly lower adiponectin (p = 0.019) and vaspin (p = 0.037) concentrations, and higher RBP-4 levels (p = 0.048). Positive correlations were observed between adiponectin, apelin, and omentin, while negative correlations were found between leptin and L/A and HDL cholesterol levels in the SG. Omentin showed a negative association, and leptin and L/A a positive association, with triglyceride concentration. In the SG, resistin and visfatin levels were negatively correlated with total cholesterol, and resistin also showed a negative correlation with LDL cholesterol. In patients with PCOS, adverse associations were observed between carbohydrate metabolism parameters and insulin resistance indices, while insulin sensitivity indices correlated positively with adiponectin and omentin concentrations. Visfatin levels in the SG correlated negatively with QUICKI. Conclusions: The adipokine profile of adolescent girls with PCOS differs from that of regularly menstruating peers, particularly in adiponectin, RBP-4, and vaspin concentrations. However, the absence of significant correlations between RBP-4 and vaspin and lipid or carbohydrate metabolism parameters suggests that these adipokines are not reliable markers of metabolic disturbances in adolescent girls with PCOS. Full article

Background/Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the Triglyceride-Glucose (TyG) index for screening gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) at 24–28 weeks of gestation, to determine its optimal diagnostic threshold, and to compare its predictive performance with conventional lipid ratios (LDL/HDL, TG/HDL, and TC/HDL). Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 440 pregnant women with singleton pregnancies who underwent a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) between January and July 2025. The TyG index and lipid ratios were calculated, and their associations with GDM were evaluated. Subgroup analyses were conducted to assess the efficacy of the TyG index in predicting GDM, using logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis along with restricted cubic spline modeling to evaluate diagnostic performance and determine the optimal cutoff value. Results: The overall prevalence of GDM, as defined by the IADPSG (International Association of the Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups) criteria, was 22.7%. The median TyG index was significantly higher in the GDM group compared with the non-GDM group (9.1 vs. 8.9, p = 0.001). The TyG index was a significant predictor of GDM (p < 0.05), with each one-unit increase associated with significantly higher odds of GDM (OR = 12.29), after adjusting for covariates. ROC analysis demonstrated an AUC of 0.716 (95% CI: 0.627–0.793, p < 0.001) for the TyG index, and the optimal cut-off value was identified as 9.35, yielding a sensitivity of 38.5% and a specificity of 96.5% and a negative predictive value of 83.7%. Subgroup analyses indicated that the TyG index had limited discriminative ability for predicting GDM in both the post-load and insulin-requiring groups. Among conventional lipid ratios, TG/HDL demonstrated the highest predictive performance (AUC = 0.587), while LDL/HDL (AUC = 0.483) and TC/HDL (AUC = 0.509) demonstrated low predictive accuracy. Compared with conventional lipid ratios, the TyG index demonstrated superior predictive performance. Conclusions: A higher TyG index was positively associated with the development of GDM and showed better predictive ability than conventional lipid ratios. However, its low sensitivity limits its use as a standalone diagnostic tool, suggesting it may be most useful when combined with other clinical parameters. Full article

This experiment investigated the effects of seaweed polysaccharide (SP) and seaweed enzymatic hydrolysate (SEH) on the growth performance, serum biochemical indices, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal function of Muscovy ducks. A total of 240 healthy 1 day female Muscovy ducks (48.85 ± 0.45 g) were randomly divided into 3 treatment groups, with 4 replicates per group and 20 ducks per replicate. The control (CON) group received a basic diet supplemented with 20 mL/kg of water, the SP group received a basic diet supplemented with 20 mL/kg of SP, and the SEH group received a basic diet supplemented with 20 mL/kg of SEH. The experimental period lasted for 28 d. The results indicate that, compared to the CON group, the average daily feed intake (ADFI) and feed to gain (F/G) of the SP and SEH groups of ducks significantly decreased at 28 d (p < 0.05). In the SP group, serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), as well as the concentrations of glucose (GLU), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TCHO), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). In the SEH group, the activities of ALT and AST were also significantly lower (p < 0.05). Additionally, serum total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the SEH group were significantly higher than those in the CON group (p < 0.05), while the malondialdehyde (MDA) content was significantly reduced (p < 0.05). Compared to the CON group, serum levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in the SP group were significantly increased (p < 0.05), whereas the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were significantly decreased (p < 0.05). In the SP and SEH groups, the villus height (VH) and the villus height to crypt depth (V/C) of the Muscovy ducks significantly increased (p < 0.05), while the crypt depth (CD) significantly decreased (p < 0.05). A significant increase in the abundance of Barnesiella was observed in the SP and SEH groups (p < 0.05), whereas the abundances of UCG-005 and Romboutsia significantly decreased (p < 0.05). LEfSe analysis indicated that g__Bacillus and g__Veillonella were significantly abundant in the SP group (p < 0.05), while g__Coriobacteriaceae_UCG_002 was significantly abundant in the SEH group (p < 0.05). In summary, the addition of SP and SEH to the feed can promote the healthy growth of ducks by improving intestinal morphology, regulating the structure of intestinal microbiota, enhancing antioxidant capacity and immune function, and optimizing metabolic indicators. This occurs while reducing feed intake and feed-to-weight ratio, and there is a certain specificity in their mechanisms of action. Full article

Neurotransmitters play a pivotal role not only in central nervous system signaling but also in the regulation of systemic energy metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and cardiovascular function. The contribution of neuroendocrine dysregulation to the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasingly being recognized; however, the interplay between neurotransmitter levels and lipid/insulin resistance profiles in T2DM and prediabetes (PreDM) remains poorly characterized. We evaluated serum dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE), epinephrine (EPI), and serotonin (ST) in 110 individuals with PreDM (n = 40) or newly diagnosed T2DM (n = 70). Extended metabolic profiling included HbA1c, lipid panels, and insulin resistance indices (triglyceride-to-glucose index (TyG), TyG-derived indices). Neurotransmitter levels were compared across body mass index (BMI) categories, gender, and glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) quartiles. We applied multivariable linear regression (MLR) adjusted for body mass index (BMI), age, sex, lipids, penalized logistic regression (predicting T2DM status), and exploratory Spearman correlations with False Discovery Rate (FDR) correction. All four neurotransmitters were significantly higher in T2DM versus PreDM (p < 0.001). In T2DM patients, DA and NE levels increased across HbA1c quartiles, and NE levels were significantly higher in quartile 3 compared to quartile 2 (p = 0.045). In multivariable models, T2DM status was the only consistent predictor of neurotransmitter elevations. Logistic regression identified ST (OR = 8.70) and NE (OR = 3.76) as key discriminators of T2DM status, in addition to HbA1c. Exploratory correlation analyses in T2DM showed trends between EPI and insulin resistance indices (TyG adjusted for waist circumference (TyG-WC), TyG adjusted for waist-to-height ratio (TyG-WHtR)) and between DA and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), although these did not survive to FDR correction. Neurotransmitter levels are elevated in T2DM and correlate with glycemic and metabolic profiles, suggesting early neuroendocrine involvement in the pathogenesis of diabetes. Serotonin and norepinephrine may serve as adjunctive biomarkers for disease stratification, meriting further prospective and mechanistic investigation. Full article

This study investigated the effects of asparagus powder supplementation on blood glucose regulation, insulin, lipid profile, and oxidative stress in overweight and obese individuals. Forty-four adults aged 18–59 years participated in a 12-week randomized controlled trial and were randomly assigned to receive either asparagus powder (40 mg/kg/day) or a placebo (maltodextrin, 40 mg/kg/day). Assessments included an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and β-cell function (HOMA-B), lipid profile, and oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde [MDA], protein carbonyl, and superoxide dismutase [SOD]). In the asparagus group, OGTT at 30 min and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) significantly decreased, while SOD activity significantly increased (all p < 0.05). In contrast, the placebo group showed significant increases in OGTT at 30 min, insulin, HOMA-IR, HOMA-B, triglycerides (TG), the TG/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio, and the total cholesterol (TC)/HDL-C ratio (all p < 0.05). Between-group comparisons indicated that FBG, area under the BG curve at 30–120 min, TG, TG/HDL-C, and MDA levels were significantly lower in the asparagus group than in the placebo group (all p < 0.05), whereas OGTT, LDL-C, SOD activity, insulin, HOMA-IR, HOMA-B, and TC/HDL-C did not differ significantly. Other indices, including TC, HDL-C, and protein carbonyl, showed no significant within- or between-group differences. In conclusion, 12 weeks of asparagus powder supplementation partially improved glycemic control, lipid profile, and oxidative stress in overweight and obese individuals. These findings suggest a potential role of asparagus as a complementary nutritional strategy to reduce the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease in this population. Full article

Background: Atherogenic dyslipidemia is defined by the coexistence of high triglyceride concentrations, low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and an excess of small, dense particles of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). This lipid profile is strongly associated with an increased burden of cardiovascular disease and represents a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality. To better capture this risk, composite lipid ratios—including total cholesterol to HDL-C (TC/HDL-C), LDL-C to HDL-C (LDL-C/HDL-C), triglycerides to HDL-C (TG/HDL-C), and the atherogenic dyslipidemia index (AD)—have emerged as robust markers of cardiometabolic health, frequently demonstrating superior predictive capacity compared with isolated lipid measures. Despite extensive evidence linking these ratios to cardiovascular disease, few large-scale studies have examined their association with sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle behaviors, and social isolation in working populations. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of a large occupational cohort of Spanish workers evaluated between January 2021 and December 2024. Anthropometric, biochemical, and sociodemographic data were collected through standardized clinical protocols. Indices of atherogenic risk—namely the ratios TC/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C, TG/HDL-C, and the atherogenic dyslipidemia index (AD)—were derived from fasting lipid measurements. The assessment of lifestyle factors included tobacco use, physical activity evaluated through the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern using the MEDAS questionnaire, and perceived social isolation measured by the Lubben Social Network Scale. Socioeconomic classification was established following the criteria proposed by the Spanish Society of Epidemiology. Logistic regression models were fitted to identify factors independently associated with moderate-to-high risk for each lipid indicator, adjusting for potential confounders. Results: A total of 117,298 workers (71,384 men and 45,914 women) were included. Men showed significantly higher odds of elevated TG/HDL-C (OR 4.22, 95% CI 3.70–4.75) and AD (OR 2.95, 95% CI 2.70–3.21) compared with women, whereas LDL-C/HDL-C ratios were lower (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.83–0.89). Advancing age was positively associated with all lipid ratios, with the highest risk observed in participants aged 60–69 years. Lower social class, smoking, physical inactivity, poor adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and low social isolation scores were consistently linked to higher atherogenic risk. Physical inactivity showed the strongest associations across all indicators, with ORs ranging from 3.54 for TC/HDL-C to 7.12 for AD. Conclusions: Atherogenic dyslipidemia and elevated lipid ratios are strongly associated with male sex, older age, lower socioeconomic status, unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, and reduced social integration among Spanish workers. These findings highlight the importance of workplace-based cardiovascular risk screening and targeted prevention strategies, particularly in high-risk subgroups. Interventions to promote physical activity, healthy dietary patterns, and social connectedness may contribute to lowering atherogenic risk in occupational settings. Full article

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing global health burden, strongly associated with cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of mortality in this population. Dyslipidemia is a key metabolic abnormality in CKD, but traditional lipid measures such as total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides often fail to capture the complexity of lipid disturbances in CKD and after kidney transplantation. Apolipoproteins have emerged as more reliable markers of cardiovascular and renal risk. Elevated apolipoprotein B (ApoB), reduced apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), and a higher ApoB/ApoA1 ratio are linked to CKD progression, cardiovascular events, and post-transplant complications, including post-transplant diabetes mellitus. Lipoprotein(a), a genetically determined atherogenic lipoprotein, accumulates in CKD due to impaired clearance and further increases cardiovascular risk. Other apolipoproteins, such as APOL1 and APOE, modulate CKD susceptibility through lipid-dependent and independent mechanisms. In addition, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) has been identified as an important regulator of lipid metabolism, and PCSK9 inhibitors may represent a promising therapeutic option, though evidence in advanced CKD and transplant recipients is still limited, especially regarding their effects on apolipoproteins. This review summarizes current evidence on apolipoproteins and PCSK9 in CKD and transplantation, with attention to their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Full article