Search Results (1,254)

Background/Objectives: Platelets play a role in bone metabolism and fracture healing. This study aimed to investigate the association between platelet indices and the derived systemic immune inflammation index (SII) with fracture risk in postmenopausal women. Methods: Platelet count, mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width (PDW), platelet crit, percentage of large platelets (P-LCR), platelet–lymphocyte ratio, and the SII, calculated as (NxP)/L, where N, P, and L represented neutrophils, platelets and lymphocytes counts, respectively, were evaluated. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results: A total of 124 women (mean age 68.4 ± 9 years) were stratified into two groups based on the median platelet count; the “lower platelet count group” (n = 58) had a count of 200,000 (174,000 to 226,000), while the “higher platelet count group” (n = 66) had a count of 281,500 (256,500 to 308,500). The higher platelet count group showed a higher hip fracture risk (7.4 vs. 4.5%, p = 0.08) and lower lumbar spine BMD (0.773 vs. 0.83 gr/cm², p = 0.03). By dividing the participants into two groups with higher SSI (950,848.6 ± 746,097.99) (n = 61) and lower SII (355,751.2 ± 88,662.6) (n = 63), the group with the higher SII showed the higher hip fracture risk (7.4 vs. 3.6%, p = 0.01). Univariate regression analysis revealed correlations between chronological age and PDW (r = 0.188, p = 0.047), and P-LCR (r = 0.208, p = 0.03), as well as associations between vitamin D status and P-LCR (r = −0.301, p = 0.034), and between SII and hip fracture risk (r = 0.12, p = 0.007). Conclusions: Platelet count and SII were associated with fracture risk in postmenopausal women undergoing osteoporosis assessment. Given their reproducibility and cost-effectiveness, these markers warrant further investigation in future prospective studies focused on bone fragility. Full article

Due to the feeding system (high-concentrate diet) during the early lactation stage, ruminal pH in dairy cows follows a diurnal pattern and can remain below the critical level of 5.5 for extended periods of the day. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of low ruminal pH on blood concentrations of certain macrominerals, trace minerals, and fat-soluble vitamins and on the oxidative status of dairy cows during the first half of lactation. Fifty-three randomly selected lactating Holstein cows were used; blood and ruminal fluid samples were collected from all cows on days 30, 90 and 150 of lactation. Blood samples were obtained via coccygeal venipuncture, while the ruminal fluid was obtained by rumenocentesis and the pH was measured immediately after collection. Using a threshold pH of 5.5, samples were classified as normal (pH > 5.5) or low pH (pH ≤ 5.5). Serum concentrations of Ca, Mg, K, Cr, Mn, Zn, Se, and vitamins A, D3, E, and K were not significantly affected by ruminal pH, either by days in milk or by their interaction (p > 0.05). Plasma malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione followed the same trend (p > 0.05). Copper concentration was significantly higher (p < 0.05), and Fe concentration tended to be higher in cows with low pH compared to those with normal pH (p = 0.052). On day 150 of lactation, Cu, Fe, and Co concentrations were significantly higher in low-pH cows compared to normal-pH cows (p < 0.05). Low ruminal pH is associated with significant changes in serum concentrations of copper, iron, and cobalt but has no significant effect on the oxidative status of the animals or on the serum concentrations of the macro elements and fat-soluble vitamins studied. Full article

Vitamin D is the only vitamin that is conditionally essential, as it is synthesized from precursors after UV light exposure, whilst also being obtained from the diet. It has numerous health benefits, with deficiency becoming a major concern globally, such that dietary supplementation has more recently achieved vital importance to maintain satisfactory levels. In recent years, measurements made from blood have, therefore, become critical to determine the status of vitamin D levels in individuals and the larger population. Tests for vitamin D have routinely relied on laboratory analysis with sophisticated equipment, often being slow and costly, whilst rapid immunoassays have suffered from poor specificity and sensitivity. Here, we have evaluated a new rapid immunoassay test on the market (Rapi-D & IgLoo) to quickly and accurately measure vitamin D levels in small capillary blood specimens and compared this to measurements made using the standard laboratory method of liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Our results show that vitamin D can be measured very quickly and over a broad range using the new method, as well as correlate relatively well with standard laboratory testing; however, it cannot be fully relied upon currently to accurately diagnose deficiency or sufficiency in individuals. Our statistical and comparative analyses find that the rapid immunoassay with digital quantification significantly overestimates vitamin D levels, leading to diminished diagnosis of vitamin D deficiency. The speed and simplicity of the rapid method will likely provide advantages in various healthcare settings; however, further calibration of this rapid method and testing parameters for improving quantification of vitamin D from capillary blood specimens is required before integration of it into clinical decision-making pathways. Full article

Background/Objective: In patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), it has been demonstrated that the treatment has a negative effect on bone health. The n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs-ω3) may attenuate bone resorption. We evaluated the effects of LCPUFAs-ω3, vitamin D, and calcium supplementation on bone turnover markers and changes in vitamin D concentrations during 6 weeks of supplementation and during 6 weeks of post-intervention follow-up in pediatric patients with ALL. Methods: Thirty-six pediatric patients with ALL were randomly assigned to the ω-3VDCa group (100 mg/kg/d LCPUFAs-ω3 + 4000 IU vitamin D + 1000 mg calcium) or the VDCa group (4000 IU vitamin D + 1000 mg calcium) for 6 weeks. Blood samples were collected to determine 25(OH)D, PTH, ICTP, and TRAP-5b (biomarkers of bone resorption) and osteocalcin (OC, a biomarker of bone production) levels at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks after supplementation. The 25(OH)D analysis was performed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer, and PTH and bone turnover markers were measured by ELISA. Results: The 25(OH)D concentration increased in both groups (ω3VDCa group: 19.4 ng/mL vs. 44.0 ng/mL, p < 0.0001; VDCa group: 15.3 ng/mL vs. 42.8 ng/mL, p = 0.018) and remained significantly higher at 12 weeks. At 12 weeks, ICTP showed lower concentrations in the ω-3VDCa group than in the VDCa group (0.74 ng/mL vs. 1.05 ng/mL, p = 0.024). Conclusions: Combined omega-3 and 4000 IU vitamin D supplementation for 6 weeks had a positive effect on bone health, as indicated by serum ICTP, with no effect on serum 25(OH)D levels over vitamin D supplementation alone. Full article

Background/Objectives: After diagnosis, it is common for women with breast cancer to gain weight, which is associated with worse clinical outcomes. However, traditional measures such as body weight, BMI, and waist circumference do not detect key changes in body composition, such as fat redistribution or muscle loss. The objective of this exploratory study was to assess the evolution of body composition and muscle strength after one year of treatment, and their relationship with metabolic biomarkers. Methods: Prospective observational study in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. Body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and ultrasound (US); muscle strength was measured by handgrip dynamometry. Biomarkers analyzed included glucose, insulin, Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), total cholesterol (and its fractions), triglycerides, C-reactive protein (CRP), 6-interleukin (IL-6), vitamin D, myostatin, and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF-21). Results: Sixty-one women (mean age 58 years) were included. After one year, fat mass and related parameters significantly increased, while skeletal muscle mass and muscle strength decreased. Sarcopenic obesity prevalence rose from 1.16% to 4.9%. No significant changes were found in biomarkers, but positive correlations were observed between fat parameters and insulin, HOMA-IR, and triglycerides, and negative correlations with HDL-cholesterol. Conclusions: BIA and US can detect unfavorable changes in body composition that are not reflected in conventional measurements. At one year post-diagnosis, women showed increased fat accumulation, muscle loss, and reduced strength, even without significant metabolic biomarker changes. Further research is warranted to elucidate the long-term clinical implications of these findings and the external validity in larger cohorts. Full article

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection remains a major global health issue, with effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) extending life expectancy but also increasing age-related issues like osteopenia and osteoporosis. This cross-sectional study examines bone mineral density (BMD) and related risk factors in Romanian HIV-positive patients, emphasizing regional and therapy influences. The patients varying in HIV infection duration underwent DXA scanning to measure BMD in the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total femur. A high prevalence of low BMD, especially in the lumbar spine, was identified along with significant associations between reduced BMD and factors such as smoking, alcohol use, vitamin D deficiency and serum phosphorus levels. ART like Protease Inhibitors and Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors were linked to increased bone loss, emphasizing the multifactorial nature of osteoporosis in HIV-infected individuals and underscore the importance of regular BMD assessments, lifestyle adjustments, and careful management of antiretroviral therapy to minimize fracture risk and enhance overall health and quality of life. Full article

The etiology of schizophrenia remains poorly understood. Although certain risk factors have been identified, effective preventive measures are still lacking. This study investigates potential preventive methods while focusing on the role of vitamin D and its status. The role of malnutrition in schizophrenia risk was first identified in studies on the Dutch Hunger Winter. Vitamin D deficiency was hypothesized as a contributing factor shortly thereafter. This review aims to explore the correlations between vitamin D deficiency at various life stages (maternal, neonatal, adult) and schizophrenia risk, as well as its effects on pharmacokinetics, neurobiology, bone health, and metabolic syndrome. The studies were retrieved from two indexed databases, PubMed and Web of Science, following PRISMA guidelines and included studies published between 2000 and 2024. No correlation was found between maternal vitamin D levels and schizophrenia in offspring while a positive correlation was observed between low neonatal vitamin D levels and schizophrenia in later life. Approximately half of the studies on adults reported mean vitamin D concentrations of below 20 ng/mL which were negatively correlated with gray matter volume and bone health while positively correlated with the prevalence of metabolic syndrome. Additionally, vitamin D levels were also found to correlate with antipsychotic drug concentrations. Full article

Food addiction (FA) is an emerging psychiatric condition that presents behavioral and neurobiological similarities with other addictions, and its early identification is essential to prevent the development of more severe disorders. The aim of the present study was to determine the ability of anthropometric measures, eating habits, symptoms related to eating disorders (ED), and lifestyle features to predict the symptoms of food addiction. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a sample of 702 university students (77.3% women; age: 22 ± 6 years). The Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), the Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (YFAS 2.0), the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), anthropometric measurements, and a set of self-report questions on substance use, physical activity level, and other questions were administered. A total of 6.4% of participants presented symptoms compatible with food addiction, and 8.1% were at risk for ED. Additionally, 26.5% reported daily smoking, 70.6% consumed alcohol, 2.9% used illicit drugs, and 29.4% took medication; 35.3% did not engage in physical activity. Individuals with food addiction had higher BMI (p = 0.010), waist circumference (p = 0.001), and body fat (p < 0.001) values, and a higher risk of eating disorders (p = 0.010) compared to those without this condition. In the multivariate logistic model, non-dairy beverage consumption (such as coffee or alcohol), vitamin D deficiency, and waist circumference predicted food addiction symptoms (R²_Nagelkerke = 0.349). Indeed, the machine learning approaches confirmed the influence of these variables. Conclusions: The prediction models allowed an accurate prediction of FA in the university students; moreover, the individualized approach improved the identification of people with FA, involving complex dimensions of eating behavior, body composition, and potential nutritional deficits not previously studied. Full article

Background and Objectives: Research on the impact of leucine on older sarcopenic patients is scarce, and investigations on this subject have led to contradictory findings in the literature. Our goal was to compile data from the available studies in the literature to explore the effect of leucine supplementation on parameters associated with sarcopenia in elderly individuals. Methods: The meta-analysis included older persons over 65 years of age who were recruited on the basis of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People sarcopenia criteria. Studies that were included were those in which at least one sarcopenia criterion was measured, including grip strength, appendicular skeletal muscle mass/height², gait speed, and the short physical performance battery index. Results: The meta-analysis included ten randomized controlled trials and one prospective study. The leucine group included 566 participants, whereas the placebo group included 567 patients. Patients receiving leucine and patients receiving a placebo had significantly different handgrip (p = 0.03), appendicular skeletal muscle mass/height² (p = 0.0.2), and gait speed (p = 0.008). Patients received a high dosage of leucine, and there was a significant difference in the appendicular skeletal muscle mass/height² (p = 0.02) and gait speed (p = 0.01) between the high dosage of the leucine group and the control group. When vitamin D was combined with leucine, the appendicular skeletal muscle mass/height² (p = 0.03) significantly differed between the leucine group receiving vitamin D and the control group. Conclusions: Low-quality evidence was found that older sarcopenic patients receiving leucine may show trends toward improved skeletal muscle strength, skeletal muscle quality, and physical performance. The capacity of leucine supplementation to have a beneficial therapeutic impact in older sarcopenic individuals is restricted when it is used alone without concurrent additional therapy. Full article

Objectives: The relationship between oral health and general health of geriatric in-hospital patients (GIH) who are poly-morbid and edentulous is currently unclear. This study determined the relationship between oral health and general health, and further implications and recommendations were derived. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 81 GIH patients with impairment of oral state and masticatory function and need for immediate prosthetic treatment. The number of medical diagnoses, particularly main diagnoses of being hospitalized, comorbid diagnoses and the dental/oral state, were evaluated. Laboratory data of vitamin D3 and albumin concentrations were measured. Intraoral risk factors (IRF) affecting the masticatory function were intraoral inflammation, mucogingival impairment (MGI) and severe bone crest atrophy (SBCA). Masticatory function was evaluated by DMF*-T Index (number of destroyed/diseased, missing teeth and artificial fabrication), Eichner Index and Scores. The clinical relevance was surveyed by significance and effect size calculations. Results: In GIH, the number of medical diagnoses correlated significantly with the occurrence of IRFs. SBCA was the most affecting IRF, as measured by Eichner Index at baseline (p = 0.001). Single main diagnoses CNS and gastro-intestinal disease (GID) correlated with both deficiency of vitamin D3 levels (p = 0.011; p = 0.028) and hypoalbuminemia (p = 0.013; p = 0.023). Single comorbid diagnoses significantly correlated with both vitamin D3 deficiency and hypoalbuminemia (CVD (p = 0.031); DM (p = 0.042). Hypoalbuminemia was further found to be correlated with the sum of comorbid diagnoses (p = 0.033). Conclusions: GIH patients suffered from general and dental poly-morbidity. The prevalence of diseases was higher due to SBCA and impaired masticatory function. Deficiency of vitamin D3 and hypoalbuminemia were possible malnutrition markers. Full article

Objectives: The mechanisms linking vitamin D deficiency to carotid artery stenosis (CAS) remain unclear. Data on cardiovascular outcomes in CAS patients with vitamin D deficiency are limited. We investigated the association of vitamin D deficiency with carotid plaque morphology and patient outcomes in high-grade CAS. Methods: A total of 332 patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy for symptomatic (n = 113, 34%) or asymptomatic (n = 219, 66%) CAS were included. Preoperative vitamin D levels were measured, and duplex sonography was used to assess luminal narrowing. Associations of vitamin D with clinical presentation were analyzed using univariate and multivariate linear regression. For vitamin D deficiency and the prediction of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and all-cause mortality, the Cox proportional hazard regression model was used. Results: The median age was 69 years (interquartile range (IQR) 64–74), and 94 (29.3%) patients were female. Vitamin D deficiency was present in 84 (25%) patients. Symptomatic patients had significantly lower vitamin D levels (41.2 nmol/L, IQR 25.1–63.5) than asymptomatic patients (51.6 nmol/L, IQR 30.5–74.3, p = 0.011). Patients with echolucent (44.9 nmol/L, IQR 27.4–73.7) or mixed plaques (39.2 nmol/L, IQR 22.9–63.5) had lower vitamin D levels than those with echogenic plaques (52.3 nmol/L, IQR 34.1–75.7). Vitamin D deficiency predicted MACE and all-cause mortality with an adjusted HR of 1.6, 95% CI of 1.1–2.6, and p = 0.030 and an HR of 2.2, 95% CI of 1.3–3.6, and p = 0.002, respectively, in a multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression model. Conclusions: A deficiency in vitamin D was correlated with unstable plaque characteristics and symptomatic CAS. Furthermore, vitamin D deficiency was associated with long-term adverse cardiovascular outcomes and mortality, suggesting its potential as a modifiable risk factor for improved risk stratification in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy. Full article

The oral epithelium is essential for maintaining oral health and plays a key role in the onset and progression of periodontitis. It serves as both a mechanical and immunological barrier and possesses antimicrobial activity. Vitamin D₃, a hormone with known immunomodulatory functions, may influence oral epithelial responses. This study investigated the effects of two vitamin D₃ metabolites on key immunological and antimicrobial functions of oral epithelial cells, both under basal conditions and during bacterial challenge. Ca9-22 oral epithelial cells were treated with 1,25(OH)₂D₃ or 25(OH)D₃ in the presence or absence of Tannerella forsythia, Fusobacterium nucleatum, or Porphyromonas gingivalis. Inflammatory responses were assessed by measuring gene and protein expression of IL-1β and IL-8. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated via expression of LL-37, hBD-2, and hBD-3, as well as direct bacterial killing assays. Expression of epithelial integrity markers E-cadherin and ICAM-1 was also analyzed. Vitamin D₃ metabolites reduced IL-8 expression and significantly increased LL-37 expression and production in Ca9-22 cells. Both forms enhanced antimicrobial activity against all tested pathogens and modulated epithelial integrity markers. Vitamin D₃ positively regulates antimicrobial and barrier functions in oral epithelial cells, suggesting a potential role in supporting oral health and preventing periodontitis progression. Full article

The presence of cognitive lapses in the post-COVID-19 period, particularly among younger individuals, suggests a potential genetic predisposition. This case–control study aimed to assess the association between neurodegeneration-associated genes and cognitive declines in the post-COVID-19 Armenian population under the age of 65. In addition, we examined other contributing factors, including depressive symptoms, hypovitaminosis D, vitamin B12 and B9 deficiencies, and some viral infections, as potential confounders or effect modifiers. A total of 162 participants (ages 19–65, Med = 43), who were exposed to SARS-CoV-2 in Armenia between 2020 and 2022, participated in this study. Standardized assessments, including the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), were used to evaluate cognitive functions and mental status, while the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was utilized to assess depressive symptoms. Clinical interview data, comprising yes/no self-reports regarding the presence of cognitive problems and depressive symptoms, were also included. Genetic analysis identified copy number variations (CNVs) in the APP, PSEN1, PSEN2, MAPT, and GRN genes, while viral infections (HSV-1, HSV-2, CMV, EBV, HIV, SARS-CoV-2, Hepatitis A, B, and C) and vitamin D, B12, and B9 deficiencies were measured. Lower cognitive performance was associated with CNVs in PSEN1 (exons 1, 9, 12), GRN (exons 1, 6, 12), and MAPT (exons 2, 8), along with viral infections (HSV-1, HSV-2, HAV-2). The findings indicate that post-COVID-19 cognitive problems are multifactorial and are linked to genetic mutations, viral infections, age, gender, and folic acid deficiency. Full article

Westernization of traditional diets has been implicated in the rising burden of overweight/obesity and type 2 diabetes, especially in developing countries. In recent times, diet therapy is increasingly being recognized as an essential component of diabetes care. This study assessed the effect of diet therapy on body composition, antioxidant nutrient intake, and glycemic status in individuals living with type 2 diabetes (ILWT2D). In this prospective observational cohort study, 45 ILWT2D who were receiving diet therapy (personalized dietary counseling) in addition to standard medical treatment (intervention group) were compared with 45 ILWT2D receiving only standard medical treatment (comparator group). Antioxidant micronutrient intake was assessed using a 24-h dietary recall. Body composition indices, including body mass index (BMI), percentage body fat (%BF), and visceral fat (VF), were assessed. Participants’ fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) levels, and blood pressure (BP) were measured. All measurements were performed before and after a three-month period. There were significant improvements in BMI (27.8 ± 6.0 kg/m² vs. 26.9 ± 5.5 kg/m², p = 0.003), %BF (37.8 ± 11.9% vs. 35.5 ± 10.5%, p < 0.001), visceral fat (9.8 ± 3.4 vs. 9.1 ± 3.2, p < 0.001), systolic BP (136.9 ± 19.9 mmHg vs. 124.6 ± 13.0 mmHg, p < 0.001), FBG (8.8 ± 2.8 mmol/L vs. 6.7 ± 1.5 mmol/L, p < 0.001), and HbA1c (7.3 ± 1.0% vs. 6.4 ± 0.8%, p < 0.001) in the intervention group from baseline to endline, but not in the comparator group. In contrast, %BF increased within the comparator group (39.9 ± 7.8 vs. 40.7 ± 7.4; p = 0.029). Vitamin A intake increased significantly (227.5 ± 184.3 µg vs. 318.8 ± 274.7 µg, p = 0.038) within the intervention group but not in the comparator group (174.9 ± 154.3 µg, 193.7 ± 101.4 µg, p = 0.54). There were no significant changes in zinc, copper, selenium, and vitamin C intakes (p > 0.05) in the intervention group from the baseline to endline, unlike those in the comparator group who showed a significant increase in the intake of these nutrients. There was a significant increase in vitamin A intake among the ILWT2D who received dietary counseling as an intervention compared to those who did not. Additionally, the ILWT2D who received dietary counseling had significant improvements in their body composition (BMI, body fat, and visceral fat) and systolic blood pressure, compared to those who did not. The ILWT2D who received the intervention had significantly better glycemic control (FBG and HbA1c) than their counterparts who did not. Thus, this study suggests the potential of diet therapy as a viable non-pharmacological treatment approach for individuals living with type 2 diabetes. Full article

Background and Objectives: Maternal vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D, 25(OH)D) deficiency during pregnancy is associated with adverse outcomes for both mother and fetus. While vitamin D supplementation is commonly recommended, dietary and lifestyle factors influencing maternal 25(OH)D levels at term remain underexplored, particularly in Southern Europe. Aim: This study aimed to investigate prenatal determinants of maternal 25(OH)D levels at the time of delivery, focusing on dietary intake, supplement use, and seasonal variation. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study on 248 pregnant women admitted for delivery at the General Hospital of Piraeus “Tzaneio” between September 2019 and January 2022. A structured questionnaire was used to assess prenatal intake of vitamin D-rich foods (such as fatty fish, eggs, dairy, and fortified products), supplement use (dose, frequency), sun exposure habits, and lifestyle factors. Maternal serum 25(OH)D concentrations were measured from blood samples collected at the time of admission for delivery. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and multivariate linear regression to identify independent dietary and supplemental predictors of maternal vitamin D status. Results: A high prevalence of maternal vitamin D deficiency (VDD) was observed, particularly during the autumn and winter months. Women who reported regular intake of vitamin D supplements (400–800 IU daily) had significantly higher 25(OH)D levels compared to those who did not. Dietary intake of vitamin D-rich foods was positively associated with maternal 25(OH)D status, although the effect size was smaller compared to supplementation. Seasonal variation, BMI, and limited sun exposure were also independent predictors. Conclusions: Both vitamin D supplementation and increased dietary intake were positively associated with maternal 25(OH)D concentrations at delivery. These findings underscore the importance of prenatal nutritional assessment and targeted supplementation strategies to prevent maternal VDD in Mediterranean populations. Full article