Obesity, Bioactive Lipids, and Adipose Tissue Inflammation in Insulin Resistance

Comparison of Lipid Profiles Between Prediabetic and Non-prediabetic Young Adults

Introduction Insulin resistance is considered a key component in the pathophysiology of prediabetes. Derangement in lipid parameters can occur in prediabetics that predispose to cardiovascular complications. Material and methods We performed an observational cross-sectional analytical study in a tertiary level Acharya Vinoba Bhave hospital, Sawangi, Wardha to compare the lipid profile in prediabetics with non-prediabetic young individuals between 18 and 35 age group in terms of parameters such as total cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoproteins (LDL) cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Results We observed that prediabetics have significantly elevated total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol, and TG; and significantly reduced HDL cholesterol compared with the controls (p<0.001 each). Conclusion We conclude that the lipid parameters are deranged in prediabetics and this might contribute to the risk associated with dyslipidemia in this population.

Adiponectin and TNFα in relation to glucometabolic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background

The correlation of adiponectin and serum tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) with glucometabolic parameters in diabetes mellitus (DM) needs further studies. We aimed in this study to evaluate the relationship between adiponectin and TNFα with glucometabolic parameters in patients with type 2 DM (T2DM).

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study in the Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia. The sample size was 117 from the diabetes clinic of King Abdul-Aziz University hospital through the convenience sampling technique. Subjects were grouped into control (healthy) subjects (53) with no chronic diseases and the diabetic group (64) with confirmed T2DM. Socio-demographic data were collected along with the serum blood sample to analyze the variables.

Results

Adiponectin was significantly high in healthy subjects compared to the diabetic group (control: 14.4 ± 4.3, T2DM: 11.0 ± 4.1, P = 0.000), while TNFα was higher in the T2DM group (7.8 ± 2.7) than in the control group (6.6 ± 2.9, P = 0.024). TNFα was negatively correlated with adiponectin in the control group (-0.279) and in diabetic subjects (-0.311) and positively correlated with HbA1c in the diabetic group (0.319) and triglycerides (0.252). Adiponectin was positively correlated with HDL in the control group (0.252) and in diabetic subjects (0.326). There was an inverse correlation between TNFα and adiponectin.

Conclusion

Adiponectin is higher in healthy subjects than in diabetic patients, while TNFα is higher in diabetic patients. In addition, adiponectin is positively correlated with HDL in healthy as well as diabetic patients. TNFα is positively correlated with HbA1c and triglycerides.

Epigenetic reprogramming of H3K4me3 in adipose-derived stem cells by HFS diet consumption leads to a disturbed transcriptomic profile in adipocytes

Adipose tissue metabolism is actively involved in the regulation of energy balance. Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) play a critical role in maintaining adipose tissue function through their differentiation into mature adipocytes (Ad). This study aimed to investigate the impact of an obesogenic environment on the epigenetic landscape of ASCs and its impact on adipocyte differentiation and its metabolic consequences. Our results showed that ASCs from rats on a high-fat sucrose (HFS) diet displayed reduced adipogenic capacity, increased fat accumulation, and formed larger adipocytes than the control (C) group. Mitochondrial analysis revealed heightened activity in undifferentiated ASC-HFS but decreased respiratory and glycolytic capacity in mature adipocytes. The HFS diet significantly altered the H3K4me3 profile in ASCs on genes related to adipogenesis, mitochondrial function, inflammation, and immunomodulation. After differentiation, adipocytes retained H3K4me3 alterations, confirming the upregulation of genes associated with inflammatory and immunomodulatory pathways. RNA-seq confirmed the upregulation of genes associated with inflammatory and immunomodulatory pathways in adipocytes. Overall, the HFS diet induced significant epigenetic and transcriptomic changes in ASCs, impairing differentiation and causing dysfunctional adipocyte formation.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Obesity is associated with the development of chronic diseases like metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes, and adipose tissue plays a crucial role. In a rat model, our study reveals how an obesogenic environment primes adipocyte precursor cells, leading to epigenetic changes that affect inflammation, adipogenesis, and mitochondrial activity after differentiation. We highlight the importance of histone modifications, especially the trimethylation of histone H3 to lysine 4 (H3K4me3), showing its influence on adipocyte expression profiles.

Cel-CS1K: A Celastrol-Chitosan Conjugate for Treating Diet-Induced Obesity

Celastrol (Cel), extracted from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook, is a potential antiobesity drug, except for its adverse reactions in clinic. In the present study, we synthesized a promising celastrol-chitosan conjugate (Cel-CS1K) and evaluated its antiobesity effect and biological safety in diet-induced obese mice. Cel-CS1K showed higher drug loading (over 10 wt %), good solubility (18-19 mg/mL) in water, slower peak time (Tmax = 4 h), and clearance (T1/2 = 8.97 h) in rats. Cel-CS1K effectively attenuated the cytotoxicity, celastrol-induced apoptosis, and fat accumulation of hepatocytes. Cel-CS1K reduced body weight and dietary amount same as the free Cel but with lower toxicity in blood, liver, and testis. Cel-CS1K improved the glucose homeostasis, HDL-C level, insulin sensitivity, and leptin sensitivity, while it significantly reduced the gene expression levels of LDL-C, TG, and TC in obese mice. Furthermore, the adipose-related gene expression levels provided evidence in support of a role for Cel-CS1K in losing weight by the multimode regulation. Overall, Cel-CS1K provides a translatable therapeutic strategy for the treatment of diet-induced obese humans.

Impact of Obesity on Cardiac Volumes and Left Ventricular Diameter: A Cross-Sectional Study in an Iranian Heart Center

Introduction

Obesity, a pressing global health issue worldwide, contributes to risk factors such as hypertension and dyslipidemia, creating an unfavorable cardiovascular environment and increasing the likelihood of adverse cardiac events. His study aims to assess the impact of obesity on various cardiovascular parameters.

Methods

A cross-sectional analysis was conducted at a Heart Center, focusing on adults admitted for suspected heart diseases. The dataset included information on demographics, clinical history, laboratory results, and echocardiography. Descriptive analysis and multiple linear regression were employed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 26.

Results

The study of 105 individuals with suspected heart diseases revealed prevalent health factors such as hypertension (47.6%) and hyperlipidemia (61%). Body mass index (BMI) averaged 30, indicating a trend toward overweight. Obesity significantly associated with higher systolic blood pressure (SBP, p=0.005) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP, p=0.002), larger cardiac volumes (end-diastolic volume, EDV, p=0.013; end-systolic volume, ESV, p=0.040), and a marginally significant influence on left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD, p=0.068). No significant associations were found with left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVEDS), heart rate (HR), or ejection fraction (EF).

Conclusions

Our study highlights a significant association between obesity and elevated blood pressure, larger cardiac volumes, and a marginal impact on left ventricular end-diastolic diameter. While caution is needed in inferring causation due to the study's cross-sectional nature, these findings underscore the importance of addressing obesity as a potential risk factor for adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Further investigations are warranted to enhance our understanding of the complex interplay between obesity and cardiovascular health.

Temporal relationships between blood glucose, lipids and BMI, and their impacts on atherosclerosis: a prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to explore the temporal relationship between blood glucose, lipids and body mass index (BMI), and their impacts on atherosclerosis (AS).

DESIGN

A prospective cohort study was designed.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

A total of 2659 subjects from Harbin Cohort Study on Diet, Nutrition and Chronic Non-communicable Diseases, and aged from 20 to 74 years were included.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Body weight, height, fasting blood glucose (FBG) and 2-hour postprandial glucose (2-h PG), blood lipids including total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) were measured at baseline and follow-up. Brachial ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) was examined at follow-up as a marker of AS risk. Logistic regression analysis, cross-lagged path analysis and mediation analysis were performed to explore the temporal relationships between blood glucose, lipids and BMI, and their impacts on AS risk.

RESULTS

Logistic regression analysis indicated that increased FBG, 2-h PG, TC, TG, LDL-c and BMI were positively associated with AS risk, while increased HDL-c was negatively associated with AS risk. The path coefficients from baseline blood parameters to the follow-up BMI were significantly greater than those from baseline BMI to the follow-up blood parameters. Mediation analysis suggested that increased FBG, 2-h PG, TC, TG and LDL-c could increase AS risk via increasing BMI, the effect intensity from strong to weak was LDL-c>TC>TG>FBG>2 h PG, while increased HDL-c could decrease AS risk via decreasing BMI.

CONCLUSIONS

Changes in blood glucose and lipids could cause change in BMI, which mediated the impacts of blood glucose and lipids on AS risk. These results highlight the importance and provide support for the early and comprehensive strategies of AS prevention and control.

Physiological and psychological determinants of long-term diet-induced type 2 diabetes (T2DM) remission: A narrative review

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a highly prevalent metabolic disease, causing a heavy burden on healthcare systems worldwide, with related complications and anti-diabetes drug prescriptions. Recently, it was demonstrated that T2DM can be put into remission via significant weight loss using low-carbohydrate diets (LCDs) and very low-energy diets (VLEDs) in individuals with overweight and obesity. Clinical trials demonstrated remission rates of 25-77%, and metabolic improvements such as improved blood lipid profile and blood pressure were observed. In contrast, clinical trials showed that remission rate declines with time, concurrent with weight gain, or diminished weight loss. This review aims to discuss existing literature regarding underlying determinants of long-term remission of T2DM including metabolic adaptations to weight loss (e.g., role of gastrointestinal hormones), type of dietary intervention (i.e., LCDs or VLEDs), maintaining beta (β)-cell function, early glycemic control, and psychosocial factors. This narrative review is significant because determining the factors that are associated with challenges in maintaining long-term remission may help in designing sustainable interventions for type 2 diabetes remission.

Testosterone therapy reduces insulin resistance in men with adult-onset testosterone deficiency and metabolic syndrome. Results from the Moscow Study, a randomized controlled trial with an open-label phase

AIMS

To describe changes in homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) following testosterone therapy in men with hypogonadism and metabolic syndrome (MetS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind randomized controlled trial (RCT) comprising 184 men with MetS and hypogonadism (testosterone undecanoate [TU]: 113 men, placebo: 71 men) was conducted. This was followed by an open-label phase in which all men were given TU. We focused on men who were not receiving antiglycaemic agents (TU: 81 men; placebo: 54 men) as these could affect HOMA-IR. Inter-group comparison of HOMA-IR was restricted to the RCT (30 weeks), whilst intra-group comparison was carried out on men provided TU during the RCT and open-label phases (study cohort) and men given placebo during the RCT and then switched to TU during the open-label phase (confirmatory cohort). Regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with change in HOMA-IR (∆HOMA-IR).

RESULTS

The median HOMA-IR was significantly reduced at almost every time point (after 18 weeks) compared to baseline in men receiving TU in both the study and confirmatory cohorts. There was a significant decrease in median values of fasting glucose (30 weeks: -2.1%; 138 weeks: -4.9%) and insulin (30 weeks: -10.5%; 138 weeks: -35.5%) after TU treatment. Placebo was not associated with significant ∆HOMA-IR. The only consistent predictor of HOMA-IR decrease following TU treatment was baseline HOMA-IR (r2 ≥ 0.64).

CONCLUSIONS

Baseline HOMA-IR predicted ΔHOMA-IR, with a greater percentage change in insulin than in fasting glucose. In men with MetS/type 2 diabetes (T2DM) not on antiglycaemic therapy, improvements in HOMA-IR may be greater than suggested by change in fasting glucose. Our results suggest that hypogonadism screening be included in the management of men with MetS/T2DM.

Inflammation-mediated metabolic regulation in adipose tissue

Chronic inflammation of adipose tissue is a prominent characteristic of many metabolic diseases. Lipid metabolism in adipose tissue is consistently dysregulated during inflammation, which is characterized by substantial infiltration by proinflammatory cells and high cytokine concentrations. Adipose tissue inflammation is caused by a variety of endogenous factors, such as mitochondrial dysfunction, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, cellular senescence, ceramides biosynthesis and mediators of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) signaling. Additionally, the gut microbiota also plays a crucial role in regulating adipose tissue inflammation. Essentially, adipose tissue inflammation arises from an imbalance in adipocyte metabolism and the regulation of immune cells. Specific inflammatory signals, including nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling, inflammasome signaling and inflammation-mediated autophagy, have been shown to be involved in the metabolic regulation. The pathogenesis of metabolic diseases characterized by chronic inflammation (obesity, insulin resistance, atherosclerosis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease [NAFLD]) and recent research regarding potential therapeutic targets for these conditions are also discussed in this review.

Par2-mediated responses in inflammation and regeneration: choosing between repair and damage

The protease activated receptor 2 (Par2) plays a pivotal role in various damage models, influencing injury, proliferation, inflammation, and regeneration. Despite extensive studies, its binary roles- EITHER aggravating injury or promoting recovery-make a conclusive translational decision on its modulation strategy elusive. Analyzing two liver regeneration models, autoimmune hepatitis and direct hepatic damage, we discovered Par2's outcome depends on the injury's nature. In immune-mediated injury, Par2 exacerbates damage, while in direct tissue injury, it promotes regeneration. Subsequently, we evaluated the clinical significance of this finding by investigating Par2's expression in the context of autoimmune diabetes. We found that the absence of Par2 in all lymphocytes provided full protection against the autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing β-cells in mice, whereas the introduction of a β-cell-specific Par2 null mutation accelerated the onset of autoimmune diabetes. This pattern led us to hypothesize whether these observations are universal. A comprehensive review of recent Par2 publications across tissues and systems confirms the claim drafted above: Par2's initial activation in the immune system aggravates inflammation, hindering recovery, whereas its primary activation in the damaged tissue fosters regeneration. As a membrane-anchored receptor, Par2 emerges as an attractive drug target. Our findings highlight a crucial translational modulation strategy in regenerative medicine based on injury type.

Impact of various dietary lipids on amelioration of biomarkers linked to metabolic syndrome in both healthy and diabetic Wistar rats

BACKGROUND

The present study was designed to investigate the influence of different dietary lipids (sheep's fat, olive oil, coconut oil, and corn oil) on specific biomarkers associated with metabolic syndrome in both healthy and diabetic rats.

METHODS

The study designed for 45 days, utilized a male diabetic wistar rat (body weight, 180-220 g) model induced by streptozotocin (45 mg/kg bw). The rats were divided into two sections: five non-diabetic and five diabetic groups, each containing six rats. The first group in each section serving as the control, received a standard diet. Both non-diabetic or diabetic groups, were provided with a standard diet enriched with 15% sheep fat, 15% coconut oil, 15% olive oil, and 15% corn oil, respectively for a duration of 45 days.

RESULTS

Post-supplementation, both healthy and diabetic control rats exhibited a higher food intake compared to rats supplemented with lipid diet; notably food intake was higher in diabetic control than healthy control. However, rats fed with coconut oil, olive oil and sheep fat showed weight gain at the end of the experiment, in both healthy and diabetic groups. Coconut oil supplementation significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased HDL-C and total cholesterol level in diabetic groups compared to healthy group, it was confirmed by an increased PPAR-α and ABCA-1 protein level. Olive oil significantly decreased triglyceride, total cholesterol, and LDL-C levels in diabetic rats when compared to sheep fat or coconut oil. Corn oil significantly decreased fasting glucose, total cholesterol and LDL-C levels compared to all other groups. Corn and olive oil supplemented normal groups, found with significant increase in hepatic glucose-lipid oxidative metabolism associated protein, like FGF-21, MSH, ABCA-1, PPAR-γ and decreased lipogenesis proteins like, SREBP and PPAR-α levels. In contrast, sheep grease and coconut oil increased SREBP and PPAR-α expression in both normal and diabetic groups. Most notably, normal and diabetic groups pretreated with sheep grease resulted in increased inflammatory (MCP-1, IL-1β, TLR-4, TNF-α), and oxidative stress markers (LPO, GSH, GPx, SOD and CAT) linked with metabolic complications.

CONCLUSION

The combination or alternative use of olive oil and corn oil in daily diet may play a significant role in preventing proinflammatory condition associated with insulin resistance and cardiovascular diseases.

Global status and trends of metabolomics in diabetes: A literature visualization knowledge graph study

BACKGROUND

Diabetes is a metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia, which has increased the global medical burden and is also the main cause of death in most countries.

AIM

To understand the knowledge structure of global development status, research focus, and future trend of the relationship between diabetes and metabolomics in the past 20 years.

METHODS

The articles about the relationship between diabetes and metabolomics in the Web of Science Core Collection were retrieved from 2002 to October 23, 2023, and the relevant information was analyzed using CiteSpace6.2.2R (CiteSpace), VOSviewer6.1.18 (VOSviewer), and Bibliometrix software under R language.

RESULTS

A total of 3123 publications were included from 2002 to 2022. In the past two decades, the number of publications and citations in this field has continued to increase. The United States, China, Germany, the United Kingdom, and other relevant funds, institutions, and authors have significantly contributed to this field. Scientific Reports and PLoS One are the journals with the most publications and the most citations. Through keyword co-occurrence and cluster analysis, the closely related keywords are "insulin resistance", "risk", "obesity", "oxidative stress", "metabolomics", "metabolites" and "biomarkers". Keyword clustering included cardiovascular disease, gut microbiota, metabonomics, diabetic nephropathy, molecular docking, gestational diabetes mellitus, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance. Burst detection analysis of keyword depicted that "Gene", "microbiota", "validation", "kidney disease", "antioxidant activity", "untargeted metabolomics", "management", and "accumulation" are knowledge frontiers in recent years.

CONCLUSION

The relationship between metabolomics and diabetes is receiving extensive attention. Diabetic nephropathy, diabetic cardiovascular disease, and kidney disease are key diseases for future research in this field. Gut microbiota, molecular docking, and untargeted metabolomics are key research directions in the future. Antioxidant activity, gene, validation, mass spectrometry, management, and accumulation are at the forefront of knowledge frontiers in this field.

Optimal obesity- and lipid-related indices for predicting type 2 diabetes in middle-aged and elderly Chinese

To investigate the screening and predicting functions of obesity- and lipid-related indices for type 2 diabetes (T2D) in middle-aged and elderly Chinese, as well as the ideal predicted cut-off value. This study's data comes from the 2011 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). A cross-sectional study design was used to investigate the relationship of T2D and 13 obesity- and lipid-related indices, including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-height ratio (WHtR), visceral adiposity index (VAI), a body shape index (ABSI), body roundness index (BRI), lipid accumulation product (LAP), conicity index (CI), Chinese visceral adiposity index (CVAI), triglyceride- glucose index (TyG index) and its correlation index (TyG-BMI, TyG-WC, TyG-WHtR). The unadjusted and adjusted correlations between 13 indices and T2D were assessed using binary logistic regression analysis. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to determine the usefulness of anthropometric indices for screening for T2D and determining their cut‑off value, sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC). The study comprised 9488 people aged 45 years or above in total, of whom 4354 (45.89%) were males and 5134 (54.11%) were females. Among them were 716 male cases of T2D (16.44%) and 870 female cases of T2D (16.95%). A total of 13 obesity- and lipid-related indices were independently associated with T2D risk after adjusted for confounding factors (P < 0.05). According to ROC analysis, the TyG index was the best predictor of T2D among males (AUC = 0.780, 95% CI 0.761, 0.799) and females (AUC = 0.782, 95% CI 0.764, 0.799). The AUC values of the 13 indicators were higher than 0.5, indicating that they have predictive values for T2D in middle-aged and elderly Chinese. The 13 obesity- and lipid-related indices can predict the risk of T2D in middle‑aged and elderly Chinese. Among 13 indicators, the TyG index is the best predictor of T2D in both males and females. TyG-WC, TyG-BMI, TyG-WHtR, LAP, and CVAI all outperformed BMI, WC, and WHtR in predicting T2D.

Stratification and prognostic evaluation of breast cancer subtypes defined by obesity-associated genes

OBJECTIVE

Breast cancer was the most common type of cancer among women worldwide, significantly impacting their quality of life and survival rates. And obesity has been widely accepted as an important risk factor for breast cancer. However, the specific mechanisms by which obesity affects breast cancer were still unclear. Therefore, studying the impact mechanisms of obesity as a risk factor for breast cancer was of utmost importance.

METHODS

This study was based on TCGA breast cancer RNA transcriptomic data and the GeneCard obesity gene set. Through single and multiple factor Cox analysis and LASSO coefficient screening, seven hub genes were identified. The independent mechanisms of these seven hub genes were evaluated from various aspects, including survival data, genetic mutation data, single-cell sequencing data, and immune cell data. Additionally, the risk prognosis model and the neural network diagnostic model were established to further investigate these seven hub genes. In order to achieve precision treatment for breast cancer (BRCA), based on the RNA transcriptomic data of the seven genes, 1226 BRCA patients were divided into two subtypes: BRCA subtype 1 and BRCA subtype 2. By studying and comparing the immune microenvironment, investigating the mechanisms of differential gene expression, and exploring the mechanisms of subnetworks, we aim to explore the clinical differences in the presentation of BRCA subtypes and achieve precision treatment for BRCA. Finally, qRT-PCR experiments were conducted to validate the conclusions of the bioinformatics analysis.

RESULTS

The 7 hub genes showed good diagnostic independence and can serve as excellent biomarkers for molecular diagnosis. However, they do not perform well as independent prognostic molecular markers for BRCA patients. When predicting the survival of BRCA patients, their AUC values at 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years are mostly below 0.5. Nevertheless, through the establishment of the risk prognosis model considering the combined effect of the seven hub genes, it was found that the survival prediction of BRCA patients can be significantly improved. The risk prognosis model, compared to the independent use of the seven hub genes as prognostic markers, achieved higher timeROC AUC values at 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years, with values of 0.651, 0.669, and 0.641 respectively. Additionally, the neural network diagnostic model constructed from the 7 genes performs well in diagnosing BRCA, with an AUC value of 0.94, accurately identifying BRCA patients. The two subtypes identified by the seven hub genes exhibited significant differences in survival period, with subtype 1 having a poor prognosis. The differential mechanisms between the two subtypes mainly originate from regulatory differences in the immune microenvironment. Finally, the results of this study's bioinformatics analysis were validated through qRT-PCR experiments.

CONCLUSION

7 hub genes serve as excellent independent biomarkers for molecular diagnosis, and the neural network diagnostic model can accurately distinguish BRCA patients. In addition, based on the expression levels of these seven genes in BRCA patients, two subtypes can be reliably identified: BRCA subtype 1 and BRCA subtype 2, and these two subtypes showed significant differences in BRCA patient survival prognosis, proportion of immune cells, and expression levels of immune cells. Among them, patients with subtype 1 of BRCA had a poor prognosis.

Noninvasive cardiac-specific biomarkers for the diagnosis and prevention of vascular stenosis in cardiovascular disorder

Background

The most frequent lesion in the blood vessels feeding the myocardium is vascular stenosis, a condition that develops slowly but can prove to be deadly in a long run. Non-invasive biomarkers could play a significant role in timely diagnosis, detection and management for vascular stenosis events associated with cardiovascular disorders.

Aims

The study aimed to investigate high sensitivity troponin I (hs-TnI), cardiac troponin I (c-TnI) and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) that may be used solely or in combination in detecting the extent of vascular stenosis in CVD patients.

Methodology

274 patients with dyspnea/orthopnea complaints visiting the cardiologists were enrolled in this study. Angiographic study was conducted on the enrolled patients to examine the extent of stenosis in the five prominent vessels (LDA, LCX, PDA/PLV, RCA, and OM) connected to the myocardium. Samples from all the cases suspected to be having coronary artery stenosis were collected, and subjected to biochemical evaluation of certain cardiac inflammatory biomarkers (c-TnI, hsTn-I and hs-CRP) to check their sensitivity with the level of vascular stenosis. The extent of mild and culprit stenosis was detected during angiographic examination and the same was reported in the form significant (≥50% stenosis in the vessels) and non-significant (<50% stenosis in the vessels) Carotid Stenosis. Ethical Clearance for the study was provided by Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences Institutional Ethical Committee. Informed consent was obtained from all the participants enrolled in the study.

Results

We observed that 85% of the total population enrolled in this study was suffering from hypertension followed by 62.40% detected with sporadic episodes of chest pain. Most of the subjects (42% of the total population) had stenosis in their LAD followed by 38% who had stenosis in their RCA. Almost 23% patients were reported to have stenosis in their LCX followed by OM (18% patients), PDA/PLV (13%) and only 10% patients had blockage problem in their diagonal. 24% of the subjects were found to have stenosis in a single vessel and hence were categorized in the Single Vessel Disease (SVD) group while 76% were having stenosis in two or more than two arteries (Multiple Vessel Disease). hs-TnI level was found to be correlated with the levels of stenosis and was higher in the MVD group as compared to the SVD group.

Conclusion

hs-TnI could be used as a novel marker as it shows prominence in detecting the level of stenosis quite earlier as compared to c-TnI which gets detected only after a long duration in the CVD patients admitted for angiography. hs- CRP gets readily detected as inflammation marker in these patients and hence could be used in combination with hs-TnI to detect the risk of developing coronary artery disease.

The agreement of low lean mass with obesity using different definitions and its correlation with hyperuricemia

Background

The agreement on the identification of sarcopenic obesity remains elusive, and its association with hyperuricemia remains unestablished. This study sought to evaluate the agreement of low lean mass (LLM) with obesity and its correlation with hyperuricemia.

Methods

A total of 25,252 study participants, comprising 4,597 individuals with hyperuricemia, were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey spanning the years 1999-2006 and 2011-2018. LLM with obesity was characterized by the coexistence of LLM, determined by the ratio of appendicular lean mass to body mass index (BMI), and three categories of obesity including BMI, body fat percentage (BF%), and waist circumference (WC). We employed Cohen's kappa to evaluate the agreement among the different diagnostic criteria and implemented survey multiple logistic regression and stratified analyses to explicate the connection between LLM with obesity and the risk of hyperuricemia.

Results

When defining obesity using BF%, BMI, and WC, the prevalence of LLM with obesity varied from 6.6 to 10.1%, with moderate-to-strong agreement. In the fully adjusted model, individuals with LLM or any of the three types of obesity exhibited notably elevated odds of developing hyperuricemia. Likewise, participants with LLM and obesity had 2.70 (LLM + BMI), 2.44 (LLM + BF%), and 3.12 (LLM + WC) times the risk of hyperuricemia, respectively, compared with healthy individuals. The association between LLM with obesity and hyperuricemia remained stable and significant across different age and sex subgroups.

Conclusion

When employing the three definitions of obesity, the incidence of LLM with obesity was not high, and the diagnostic agreement was relatively good. The participants with LLM and obesity exhibited an increased risk of hyperuricemia.

Non-linear associations of atherogenic index of plasma with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus among Chinese adults aged 45 years and above: a cross-sectional study from CHARLS

Background

Dyslipidemia is strongly associated with the development of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), as a comprehensive index for assessing lipid metabolism, has received extensive attention from researchers in recent years. However, there are relatively few studies exploring the relationships between AIP and the risk of prediabetes and T2DM in the Chinese population. This study focuses on exploring the relationships of AIP with the risk of prediabetes and T2DM in the Chinese population.

Methods

We conducted an analysis of the public data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), involving a total of 12,060 participants aged 45 years and above in China. The study explored the relationships of AIP with prediabetes and T2DM risk through multivariate logistic regression, subgroup analysis, smooth curve fitting, and threshold effect analysis.

Results

After adjusting for potential confounding factors, we observed positive associations between AIP and the risk of prediabetes [odds ratio (OR) = 1.75, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.49-2.06] and T2DM (OR = 2.91, 95% CI: 2.38-3.57). Participants with higher AIP levels demonstrated a significantly elevated risk of prediabetes (OR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.33-1.74) and T2DM (OR = 2.28, 95% CI: 1.92-2.71) compared to those with lower AIP levels. AIP showed consistent correlations with prediabetes and T2DM risk in different subgroups. The results showed the non-linear relationships between AIP and risk of prediabetes and T2DM, with inflection points at 0.29 and -0.04, respectively. When AIP > 0.29, there was a positive association between AIP and the risk of prediabetes (OR = 2.24, 95% CI: 1.67-3.00, p < 0.0001). Similarly, when AIP > -0.04, AIP was positively associated with the risk of T2DM (OR = 3.33, 95% CI: 2.67-4.16, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated non-linear positive associations of AIP with the risk of prediabetes and T2DM among participants ≥ 45 years of age in China.

CCL2-CCR2 signaling axis in obesity and metabolic diseases

Obesity and metabolic diseases, such as insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular ailments, represent formidable global health challenges, bearing considerable implications for both morbidity and mortality rates. It has become increasingly evident that chronic, low-grade inflammation plays a pivotal role in the genesis and advancement of these conditions. The involvement of C-C chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) and its corresponding receptor, C-C chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2), has been extensively documented in numerous inflammatory maladies. Recent evidence indicates that the CCL2/CCR2 pathway extends beyond immune cell recruitment and inflammation, exerting a notable influence on the genesis and progression of metabolic syndrome. The present review seeks to furnish a comprehensive exposition of the CCL2-CCR2 signaling axis within the context of obesity and metabolic disorders, elucidating its molecular mechanisms, functional roles, and therapeutic implications.

Unraveling the complex roles of macrophages in obese adipose tissue: an overview

Macrophages, a heterogeneous population of innate immune cells, exhibit remarkable plasticity and play pivotal roles in coordinating immune responses and maintaining tissue homeostasis within the context of metabolic diseases. The activation of inflammatory macrophages in obese adipose tissue leads to detrimental effects, inducing insulin resistance through increased inflammation, impaired thermogenesis, and adipose tissue fibrosis. Meanwhile, adipose tissue macrophages also play a beneficial role in maintaining adipose tissue homeostasis by regulating angiogenesis, facilitating the clearance of dead adipocytes, and promoting mitochondrial transfer. Exploring the heterogeneity of macrophages in obese adipose tissue is crucial for unraveling the pathogenesis of obesity and holds significant potential for targeted therapeutic interventions. Recently, the dual effects and some potential regulatory mechanisms of macrophages in adipose tissue have been elucidated using single-cell technology. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of the intricate activation mechanisms and diverse functions of macrophages in adipose tissue during obesity, as well as explore the potential of drug delivery systems targeting macrophages, aiming to enhance the understanding of current regulatory mechanisms that may be potentially targeted for treating obesity or metabolic diseases.

Role of extracellular vesicles in insulin resistance: Signaling pathways, bioactive substances, miRNAs, and therapeutic potential

Extracellular vesicles are small lipid bilayer particles that resemble the structure of cells and range in size from 30 to 1000 nm. They transport a variety of physiologically active molecules, such as proteins, lipids, and miRNAs. Insulin resistance (IR) is a pathological disease in which insulin-responsive organs or components become less sensitive to insulin's physiological effects, resulting in decreased glucose metabolism in target organs such as the liver, muscle, and adipose tissue. Extracellular vesicles have received a lot of attention as essential intercellular communication mediators in the setting of IR. This review looks at extracellular vesicles' role in IR from three angles: signaling pathways, bioactive compounds, and miRNAs. Relevant publications are gathered to investigate the induction, inhibition, and bidirectional regulation of extracellular vesicles in IR, as well as their role in insulin-related illnesses. Furthermore, considering the critical function of extracellular vesicles in regulating IR, the study analyzes the practicality of employing extracellular vesicles for medication delivery and the promise of combination therapy for IR.

The association of TNF-alpha secretion and mtDNA copy number in CD14+ monocytes of patients with obesity and CHD

Introduction

Mitochondrial dysfunction may be one of the causes of inflammatory activation of monocytes and macrophages, which leads to excessive secretion of inflammatory mediators and the development of chronic inflammation.

Aims

The study was aimed to evaluate the secretion of inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the primary culture of monocytes, and to analyze its relationship with the number of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copies in the blood of patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and obesity.

Materials and methods

108 patients with obesity and concomitant CHD and a control group of 25 participants were included in the study. CD14+ monocytes were isolated by a standard method in a ficoll-urographin gradient, followed by separation using magnetic particles. The number of mtDNA copies was estimated using qPCR.

Results

It was demonstrated that the number of mtDNA copies was significantly increased in groups of patients with CHD and obesity + CHD in comparison with control group. mtDNA copy number positively correlated with basal and LPS-stimulated TNF-α secretion, the most significant correlation was found in the group of patients with CHD and obesity.

Conclusion

Thus, the change in mtDNA copy number in CD14+ monocytes which indicates the presence of mitochondrial dysfunction, confirm the direct involvement of mitochondria in the violation of the inflammatory response of monocytes revealed in this study as an increased secretion of inflammatory cytokine TNF-α.

White blood cells and type 2 diabetes: A Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND

Observational studies have demonstrated an association between white blood cells (WBC) subtypes and type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk. However, it is unknown whether this relationship is causal. We used Mendelian randomization (MR) to investigate the causal effect of WBC subtypes on T2D and glycemic traits.

METHODS

The summary data for neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, eosinophil, and basophil counts were extracted from a recent genome-wide association study (n = 173,480). The DIAGRAM and MAGIC consortia offered summary data pertaining to T2D and glycemic characteristics, including fasting glucose (FG) (n = 133,010), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (n = 46,368), and homeostatic model assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (n = 37,037). A series of MR analyses (univariable MR, multivariable MR, and reverse MR) were used to investigate the causal association of different WBC subtypes with T2D and glycemic traits.

RESULTS

Using the inverse-variance weighted method, we found one standard deviation increases in genetically determined neutrophil [odd ratio (OR): 1.086, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.877-1.345], lymphocyte [0.878 (0.766-1.006)], monocyte [1.010 (0.906-1.127)], eosinophil [0.995 (0.867-1.142)], and basophil [0.960 (0.763-1.207)] were not causally associated with T2D risk. These findings were consistent with the results of three pleiotropy robust methods (MR-Egger, weighted median, and mode-based estimator) and multivariable MR analyses. Reverse MR analysis provided no evidence for the reverse causation of T2D on WBC subtypes. The null causal effects of WBC subtypes on FG, HbA1c, and HOMA-IR were also identified.

CONCLUSIONS

WBCs play no causal role in the development of insulin resistance and T2D. The observed association between these factors may be explained by residual confounding.

miR-335-3p improves type II diabetes mellitus by IGF-1 regulating macrophage polarization

Previous studies have found that miR-335 is highly expressed in type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) models and is related to insulin secretion, but there are few studies on the regulatory effects of miR-335-3p on insulin resistance and macrophage polarization in T2DM patients. This study aims to explore the effects of miR-335-3p on insulin resistance and macrophage polarization in T2DM patients. Blood glucose (insulin tolerance tests, glucose tolerance tests) and body weight of the T2DM model were measured; macrophages from adipose tissue were isolated and cultured, and the number of macrophages was detected by F4/80 immunofluorescence assay; the Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay and Western blot assay were used to detect the miR-335-3p expression levels, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), M1-polarizing genes (inducible nitric oxide synthase [iNOS] and TNF-α) as well as M2-polarizing genes (IL-10 and ARG-1). The targeting link between miR-335-3p and IGF-1 was confirmed using bioinformatics and dual luciferase assay. The results showed that miR-335-3p expression level in adipose tissue of the T2DM model was significantly decreased, and the mice's body weight and blood glucose levels dropped considerably, miR-335-3p inhibited the number of macrophages, inhibiting the iNOS and TNF-α relative mRNA expression levels, and up-regulated the IL-10 and ARG-1 relative mRNA expression levels, miR-335-3p negatively regulated target gene IGF-1, IGF-1 significantly increased the iNOS and TNF-α mRNA and protein expression levels, decreasing the IL-10 and ARG-1 mRNA and protein expression levels, indicating that miR-335-3p could affect the T2DM process by regulating macrophage polarization via IGF-1.

Effect of Exercise Conditioning on Countering the Effects of Obesity and Insulin Resistance in Horses-A Review

Obesity is an important health concern in horses, along with humans and companion animals. Adipose tissue is an inflammatory organ that alters the insulin-signaling cascade, ultimately causing insulin dysregulation and impaired glucose metabolism. These disruptions can increase the risk of metabolic disease and laminitis in horses and may also impact energy metabolism during exercise. A single bout of exercise, along with chronic exercise conditioning, increases insulin sensitivity and glucose disposal via both contraction- and insulin-mediated glucose uptake pathways. Regular exercise also increases calorie expenditure, which can facilitate weight (as body fat) loss. This paper explores the metabolic pathways affected by adiposity, as well as discusses the impact of exercise on insulin metabolism in horses.

Epigenetic regulation of inflammation in insulin resistance

Epigenetics focuses on the study of changes in gene expression based on modifications that do not interfere with the DNA sequence, such as DNA methylation, post-translational histone modification, and non-coding RNA. Epigenetic changes regulate the expression of many genes, including inflammatory ones. Chronic inflammation is often accompanied by insulin resistance (IR), which is characteristic of inter alia type 2 diabetes. Recently, it has been reported that altered epigenetic signature in the promoter regions of inflammatory genes may contribute to the development of IR. Therefore, the aim of this review is to present the current state of knowledge regarding the epigenetic regulation of inflammation in IR. It includes original papers published from 2014 to 2022. It appears that hypomethylation of the SOCS3 gene increases the risk of IR, while the alteration of H3K4me in the NF-kB promoter promotes changes in inflammatory phenotype. Finally, in hyperglycemic states associated with IR, altered levels of H3K4/K9m3 and H3K9/K14ac result in increased expression of the inflammatory cytokine IL-6. In addition, numerous miRNAs have been identified that may become a target in the fight against diseases related to inflammation and IR. Future studies should examine the epigenetic modifications of IR inflammatory markers associated with environmental factors.

Lipidomics Analysis Deepen Understanding the Molecular Mechanisms in a Gouty Model Induced by Combination of MSU Crystals Injection and High-Fat Diet Feeding and the Intervention Mechanisms of Allopurinol

Background

Gouty arthritis (GA) is a common inflammatory disease caused by deposition of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals in diarthrodial joints. GA attacks commonly involved in joint with red, swollen, heat and pain, and often happened in unilateral foot-first metatarsophalangeal. Accumulated studies have proved that lipids play critical roles in biological processes and lipids biomarkers can substitute for the diagnosis of various diseases.

Methods

Herein, shotgun lipidomics was used to quantitatively analyze serum lipidomes of a gouty model which was induced by injecting MSU crystals and feeding high-fat diet with/without treatment with allopurinol. Meanwhile, ELISA kit was used to detect mouse serum levels of inflammatory cytokines (eg, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin 1 beta) and HE staining was used to observe the infiltration of inflammatory cells in the foot pad.

Results

A total of 9 types of serum lipids were detected in lipidomics by shotguns, and the result of NMDS' analysis demonstrated significant differences in lipids profiles between the control and model group. It is worth noting that lipid abnormality in GA (such as Ceramide (Cer), sphingomyelin (SM), 4-hydroxyalkenals (HNE), phosphatidylinositol (PI), ethanolamine glycerophospholipid (PE), etc.) is related with phospholipid and energy metabolism, and allopurinol treatment could correct the aberrant metabolism of lipid to some extent.

Conclusion

Our results indicated that various aberrant lipid metabolisms were present in the established gouty model, and allopurinol treatment could relief this aberrant metabolism of lipids to some degree.

Regulation of Neuropeptide Y Receptor Gene Expression and Hormone Level in Obese Male Rats Receiving 6-Gingerol and L-Arginine Supplementation

Obesity and its associated disorders, such as hyperlipidemia, have become a ‎global issue following the consumption of unhealthy, high-fat, and high-‎carbohydrate foods, which burdens the economies and the ‎health systems of human societies worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate ‎the effect of oral consumption of 6-gingerol and L-arginine supplements on obesity factors. Thirty rats in five groups were fed a diet specific to each ‎group for 12 weeks and then treated with the oral administration of L-arginine (200 mg/day) and 6-gingerol (100 mg/day) for 12 weeks. The food and water ‎intake and weight change, were then measured. In addition, plasma glucose, ‎triglyceride, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)‎, low-density ‎lipoprotein (LDL), and serum hormone levels, including corticosterone, testosterone, and insulin, were measured, and NPY, Y1, and Y5 receptor gene expression were recorded using real-time PCR. Administration of 6-gingerol and L-arginine decreased food intake, ‎weight gain, glucose levels, insulin levels, and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index compared to ‎the HCD control group. In addition, corticosterone and testosterone levels in the ‎study groups showed a significant decrease (P<0.05) and increase (P<0.01) compared to the control groups, respectively. Triglyceride, total cholesterol, HDL, and VLDL levels in the groups treated with L-arginine and gingerol alone or combined significantly decreased compared to ‎the control group (P<0.01). This study confirms that 6-gingerol and L-arginine supplements prevent ‎HCD-induced hyperlipidemia by controlling hormones and neurotransmitters ‎involved in the general metabolism.‎.

Improving the Effect of Ferulic Acid on Inflammation and Insulin Resistance by Regulating the JNK/ERK and NF-κB Pathways in TNF-α-Treated 3T3-L1 Adipocytes

In this study, ferulic acid was investigated for its potential in suppressing TNF-α-treated inflammation and insulin resistance in adipocytes. Ferulic acid suppressed TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and MCP-1. TNF-α increased p-JNK and ERK1/2, but treatment with ferulic acid (1, 10, and 50 μM) decreased p-JNK and ERK1/2. TNF-α induced the activation of IKK, IκBα, and NF-κB p65 compared to the control, but ferulic acid inhibited the activation of IKK, IκBα, and NF-κB p65. Following treatment with TNF-α, pIRS-1ser307 increased and pIRS-1tyr612 decreased compared to the control. Conversely, as a result of treatment with 1, 10, and 50 μM ferulic acid, pIRS-1ser307 was suppressed, and pIRS-1tyr612 was increased. Therefore, ferulic acid reduced inflammatory cytokine secretion by regulating JNK, ERK, and NF-κB and improved insulin resistance by suppressing pIRS-1ser. These findings indicate that ferulic acid can improve inflammation and insulin resistance in adipocytes.

Sweet triterpenoid glycoside from Cyclocarya paliurus ameliorates obesity-induced insulin resistance through inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammatory pathway

Our prophase studies have manifested that the sweet triterpenoid glycoside from the leaves of Cyclocarya paliurus (CPST) effectively improved the disorders of glucolipid metabolism in vitro and in patients. The current purpose was to further detect its mechanisms involved. The results demonstrated that CPST could ameliorate high-fat diet (HFD)-induced insulin resistance (IR), which was linked to reducing HFD-induced mice's body weight, serum glucose (GLUO), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (T-CHO) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), lowering the area under the oral glucose tolerance curve and insulin tolerance, elevating the percentage of brown adipose, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), reducing fat droplets of adipocytes in interscapular brown adipose tissue (iBAT) and cross-sectional area of adipocytes. Further studies manifested that CPST obviously downregulated TLR4, MyD88, NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, cleased-caspase-1, IL-18, IL-1β, TXNIP, and GSDMD protein expressions and p-NF-кB/NF-кB ratio in iBAT. These aforementioned findings demonstrated that CPST ameliorated HFD induced IR by regulating TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway, which in turn enhancing insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.

Lymphatic vessel: origin, heterogeneity, biological functions, and therapeutic targets

Lymphatic vessels, comprising the secondary circulatory system in human body, play a multifaceted role in maintaining homeostasis among various tissues and organs. They are tasked with a serious of responsibilities, including the regulation of lymph absorption and transport, the orchestration of immune surveillance and responses. Lymphatic vessel development undergoes a series of sophisticated regulatory signaling pathways governing heterogeneous-origin cell populations stepwise to assemble into the highly specialized lymphatic vessel networks. Lymphangiogenesis, as defined by new lymphatic vessels sprouting from preexisting lymphatic vessels/embryonic veins, is the main developmental mechanism underlying the formation and expansion of lymphatic vessel networks in an embryo. However, abnormal lymphangiogenesis could be observed in many pathological conditions and has a close relationship with the development and progression of various diseases. Mechanistic studies have revealed a set of lymphangiogenic factors and cascades that may serve as the potential targets for regulating abnormal lymphangiogenesis, to further modulate the progression of diseases. Actually, an increasing number of clinical trials have demonstrated the promising interventions and showed the feasibility of currently available treatments for future clinical translation. Targeting lymphangiogenic promoters or inhibitors not only directly regulates abnormal lymphangiogenesis, but improves the efficacy of diverse treatments. In conclusion, we present a comprehensive overview of lymphatic vessel development and physiological functions, and describe the critical involvement of abnormal lymphangiogenesis in multiple diseases. Moreover, we summarize the targeting therapeutic values of abnormal lymphangiogenesis, providing novel perspectives for treatment strategy of multiple human diseases.

Testosterone with Silymarin Improves Diabetes-obesity Comorbidity Complications by Modulating Inflammatory Responses and CYP7A1/ACC Gene Expressions in Rats

BACKGROUND

The co-morbidity of DMOB has become increasingly problematic among the world's population because of a high-calorie diet and sedentary lifestyle. DMOB is associated with lower testosterone (TN) levels, the male sex hormone. The phytochemical compound silymarin (SN) exerts antidiabetic activity by modifying β-cells and anti-obesity activity by inhibiting adipogenesis by methylxanthine.

AIM

The goal of this study was to find out how well testosterone (TN) with silymarin (SN) protects against oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver of the experimental rats with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity (DMOB).

OBJECTIVES

The present study evaluates the efficacy of TN and SN combination (TNSN) on the levels of the potential parameters, such as body mass, serum marker enzymes, fasting glucose levels, HbA1c levels, lipid profile, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, proinflammatory cytokines, gene expression pathways, and histopathology in a DMOB comorbidity rat model.

METHODS

Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 20 weeks with an administration of a single dose of streptozotocin (STZ) i.p. injection (30 mg/kg) on the 9th week of the study. The procedure was to develop the DMOB co-morbidity model in the experimental animals. Co-treatment of TN and SN administration were followed throughout the experiment. Rats were sacrificed after overnight fasting to collect serum and liver tissue samples. Samples were analyzed using a clinical chemistry automated analyzer, spectrophotometry, and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) methods and protocols.

RESULTS

Analyses of body mass changes, serum marker enzymes, fasting glucose levels, HbA1c levels, lipid profiles, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, TNF-α, IL-6, adiponectin, CYP7A1, ACC expression pathways, and histopathology showed significant abnormal levels (P ≤ 0.05) in the pathological group. These were efficiently treated to normal by the administration of TNSN.

CONCLUSION

These results concluded that TNSN exerted protective efficacy against the liver abnormalities in the co-morbidity of the DMOB rat model.

Metabolic adaptations in severe obesity: Insights from circulating oxylipins before and after weight loss

BACKGROUND

The relationship between lipid mediators and severe obesity remains unclear. Our study investigates the impact of severe obesity on plasma concentrations of oxylipins and fatty acids and explores the consequences of weight loss.

METHODS

In the clinical trial identifier NCT05554224 study, 116 patients with severe obesity and 63 overweight/obese healthy controls matched for age and sex (≈2:1) provided plasma. To assess the effect of surgically induced weight loss, we requested paired plasma samples from 44 patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy one year after the procedure. Oxylipins were measured using ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography coupled to a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer via semi-targeted lipidomics. Cytokines and markers of interorgan crosstalk were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

RESULTS

We observed significantly elevated levels of circulating fatty acids and oxylipins in patients with severe obesity compared to their metabolically healthier overweight/obese counterparts. Our findings indicated that sex and liver disease were not confounding factors, but we observed weak correlations in plasma with circulating adipokines, suggesting the influence of adipose tissue. Importantly, while weight loss restored the balance in circulating fatty acids, it did not fully normalize the oxylipin profile. Before surgery, oxylipins derived from lipoxygenase activity, such as 12-HETE, 11-HDoHE, 14-HDoHE, and 12-HEPE, were predominant. However, one year following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, we observed a complex shift in the oxylipin profile, favoring species from the cyclooxygenase pathway, particularly proinflammatory prostanoids like TXB2, PGE2, PGD2, and 12-HHTrE. This transformation appears to be linked to a reduction in adiposity, underscoring the role of lipid turnover in the development of metabolic disorders associated with severe obesity.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the reduction in fatty acid levels associated with weight loss, the oxylipin profile shifts towards a predominance of more proinflammatory species. These observations underscore the significance of seeking mechanistic approaches to address severe obesity and emphasize the importance of closely monitoring the metabolic adaptations after weight loss.

Intermittent Fasting Modulates Immune Response by Generating Tregs via TGF-β Dependent Mechanisms in Obese Mice with Allergic Contact Dermatitis

People with obesity maintain low levels of inflammation; therefore, their exposure to foreign antigens can trigger an excessive immune response. In people with obesity or allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), symptoms are exacerbated by a reduction in the number of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and IL-10/TGF-β-modified macrophages (M2 macrophages) at the inflammatory site. Benefits of intermittent fasting (IF) have been demonstrated for many diseases; however, the immune responses regulated by macrophages and CD4+T cells in obese ACD animal models are poorly understood. Therefore, we investigated whether IF suppresses inflammatory responses and upregulates the generation of Tregs and M2 macrophages in experimental ACD animal models of obese mice. The IF regimen relieved various ACD symptoms in inflamed and adipose tissues. We showed that the IF regimen upregulates Treg generation in a TGF-β-dependent manner and induces CD4+T cell hypo-responsiveness. IF-M2 macrophages, which strongly express TGF-β and inhibit CD4+T cell proliferation, directly regulated Treg differentiation from CD4+T cells. These results indicate that the IF regimen enhances the TGF-β-producing ability of M2 macrophages and that the development of Tregs keeps mice healthy against ACD exacerbated by obesity. Therefore, the IF regimen may ameliorate inflammatory immune disorders caused by obesity.

Glucometabolic Alterations in Pregnant Women with Overweight or Obesity but without Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: An Observational Study

INTRODUCTION

Maternal overweight is a risk factor for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). However, emerging evidence suggests that an increased maternal body mass index (BMI) promotes the development of perinatal complications even in women who do not develop GDM. This study aims to assess physiological glucometabolic changes associated with increased BMI.

METHODS

Twenty-one women with overweight and 21 normal weight controls received a metabolic assessment at 13 weeks of gestation, including a 60-min frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test. A further investigation was performed between 24 and 28 weeks in women who remained normal glucose tolerant.

RESULTS

At baseline, mothers with overweight showed impaired insulin action, whereby the calculated insulin sensitivity index (CSI) was lower as compared to normal weight controls (3.5 vs. 6.7 10-4 min-1 [microU/mL]-1, p = 0.025). After excluding women who developed GDM, mothers with overweight showed higher average glucose during the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at the third trimester. Moreover, early pregnancy insulin resistance and secretion were associated with increased placental weight in normal glucose-tolerant women.

CONCLUSION

Mothers with overweight or obesity show an unfavorable metabolic environment already at the early stage of pregnancy, possibly associated with perinatal complications in women who remain normal glucose tolerant.

Skin manifestations and biophysical changes following weight reduction induced by bariatric surgery: A 2-year prospective study

Skin manifestations and biophysical changes are observed in patients with morbid obesity. However, reports of changes after significant weight loss, particularly through post-bariatric surgery (BaS), are limited. The aim of this 2-year prospective study was to evaluate the prevalence of skin signs and their changes in patients with morbid obesity who underwent BaS. Thirty-one patients were recruited for the study, with a mean age of 38.35 (SD 10.61) years and a male preponderance (male = 19 [61.29%], female = 12 [38.71%]). Patients were scheduled for multiple visits at months 0, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 post-BaS. Each subject had a thorough skin examination, biophysical measurements, and laboratory tests at each visit. Striae, acanthosis nigricans (AN), and plantar hyperkeratosis were the most common skin findings (n = 30 [96.77%], 29 [93.55%], 29 [93.55%], respectively). BaS provided improvements in many skin manifestations, namely striae, AN, acrochordons, plantar hyperkeratosis, hirsutism, lymphedema, pruritus, acne, finger pebbles, and chronic venous insufficiency with varied cumulative rates of improvements. However, acute telogen effluvium was observed in 17 (54.84%) patients. Regarding skin biophysical properties, transepidermal water loss, skin hydration, and pH did not change, while sebum production on the face significantly decreased at months 3 and 6, and elasticity decreased at months 6 and 24. In conclusion, weight reduction by BaS provided improvements in various skin signs, although telogen effluvium was a common sequelae.

Effect of metformin on Wnt5a in individuals new-onset type 2 diabetes with different body mass indexes: The evidences from the real word research

Aim

Metformin is a first-line therapy for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), due to its inhibition of hepatic gluconeogenesis. Wingless family member 5a (Wnt5a) was significantly decreased in newly diagnosed T2DM patients and regulates secretion of β cells through the Wnt/calcium signalling cascades. This study aims to investigate how metformin works on glucose-lowering effects in diabetes and whether the mechanism underlying it is associated with Wnt5a.

Methods

A total of 144 participants were enrolled in this study. Serum Wnt5a levels were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The demographic and clinical parameters were evaluated in normal weight, overweight and obese new-onset T2DM subjects grouped.

Results

Wnt5a was increased in overweight T2DM patients and obese T2DM patients compared with the levels in normal Body Mass Index (BMI) T2DM. The level of Wnt5a gradually increased after 3 and 6 months of metformin treatment. Among the three groups, the most significant improvement in blood glucose was observed in the obese type 2 diabetic patients, and the improvement showed a significant correlation with Wnt5a protein after patients received metformin treatment. Pearson correlation showed that there was a significant relationship between △2hOGTT and Wnt5a. After further adjusting for sex and age, a significant association existed only between Wnt5a and 2-h oral glucose tolerance test(2hOGTT), and this association was negative.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that Wnt5a may play a role in the mechanism by which metformin improves blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Association of body mass index with perioperative blood transfusion and short-term clinical outcomes in patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting

BACKGROUND

Few studies have considered outcomes among low body mass index (BMI) cohorts undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). This study aims to investigate the effects of low body weight on blood transfusion and perioperative outcomes in patients undergoing isolated CABG.

METHODS

This retrospective study enrolled consecutive cases from a single-center between January 2008 and December 2018. Low body weight/underweight was defined as a BMI < 18.5 kg/m², while normal BMI was defined as 18.5 ≤ BMI < 24.0 kg/m². The primary endpoint was the perioperative red blood cell (RBC) transfusion rate. Secondary endpoints include platelet and plasma transfusion rates, transfusion volume for all blood components, hospital length of stay, and the occurrence of adverse events including prolonged mechanical ventilation, re-intubation, re-operation, acute kidney injury, and 30-day all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 7,620 patients were included in this study. After 1:1 propensity score matching, 130 pairs were formed, with 61 pairs in the on-pump group and 69 pairs in the off-pump group. Baseline characteristics were comparable between the matched groups. Low body weight independently increased the risk of RBC transfusion (on-pump: OR = 3.837, 95% CI = 1.213-12.144, p = 0.022; off-pump: OR = 3.630, 95% CI = 1.875-5.313, p < 0.001). Moreover, within the on-pump group of the original cohort, BMI of < 18.5 kg/m² was independently correlated with increased risk of re-intubation (OR = 5.365, 95% CI = 1.159 to 24.833, p = 0.032), re-operation (OR = 4.650, 95% CI = 1.019 to 21.210, p = 0.047), and 30-day all-cause mortality (OR = 10.325, 95% CI = 2.011 to 53.020, p = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

BMI < 18.5 kg/m² was identified as an independent risk factor for increased perioperative RBC transfusion rate in patient underwent isolated CABG with or without CPB. Only on-pump underweight patients in the original cohort exhibited an increased risk for re-intubation, re-operation, and 30-day all-cause mortality. Physicians and healthcare systems should consider these findings to improve management for this population.

A Drosophila model targets Eiger/TNFα to alleviate obesity-related insulin resistance and macrophage infiltration

Obesity is associated with various metabolic disorders, such as insulin resistance and adipose tissue inflammation (ATM), characterized by macrophage infiltration into adipose cells. This study presents a new Drosophila model to investigate the mechanisms underlying these obesity-related pathologies. We employed genetic manipulation to reduce ecdysone levels to prolong the larval stage. These animals are hyperphagic and exhibit features resembling obesity in mammals, including increased lipid storage, adipocyte hypertrophy and high circulating glucose levels. Moreover, we observed significant infiltration of immune cells (hemocytes) into the fat bodies, accompanied by insulin resistance. We found that attenuation of Eiger/TNFα signaling reduced ATM and improved insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, using metformin and the antioxidants anthocyanins, we ameliorated both phenotypes. Our data highlight evolutionarily conserved mechanisms allowing the development of Drosophila models for discovering therapeutic pathways in adipose tissue immune cell infiltration and insulin resistance. Our model can also provide a platform to perform genetic screens or test the efficacy of therapeutic interventions for diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Adipose inflammation: South Asian ethnicity and central obesity are independently associated with higher immune cell recruitment to adipose-specific media: A pilot study in men

A South Asian (SA) cardiovascular phenomenon exists whereby SAs have excess burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) despite having low prevalence of recognized CVD risk factors. The aim of the current study was to determine whether perturbations in monocyte biology contribute to this phenomenon via higher circulating cell numbers, a more pro-inflammatory phenotype, and higher transmigration and adhesion. Adhesion is linked to vascular inflammation whereas transmigration is linked to tissue inflammation. SA men with (N = 10; SAs with central obesity [CO-SA]) and without (N = 10; lean SA [LE-SA]) central obesity, plus White European counterparts (N = 10; white Europeans with central obesity [CO-WE], N = 10; lean white Europeans [LE-WE]) participated. An ex vivo assay mimicking blood flow dynamics coupled to flow cytometry determined the adhesion and transmigration of monocyte subsets toward chemokine-rich media cultured from pre-adipocytes (absolute responses). Migration and adhesion were also standardized for differences in numbers of circulating monocytes between participants (relative responses). Metabolic and inflammatory markers were assessed. SAs had higher absolute (but not relative) adhesion and migration of monocytes than WEs. Central obesity was associated with higher absolute and relative adhesion and migration of monocytes. SAs had higher concentrations of all monocyte subsets compared with WEs coinciding with adverse cardiovascular-inflammatory profiles. LE-SAs had similar monocyte concentrations, transmigration, and adhesion compared with CO-WEs, corresponding with similar cardiovascular-inflammatory profiles. The study provides novel evidence for higher monocyte counts associated with higher transmigration and adhesion in SA compared with WE men. Importantly, similar monocyte biology and cardiovascular-inflammatory profiles were seen in LE-SAs compared with CO-WEs, which may contribute to the higher risk of CVD at lower body mass index experienced by SAs.

Metabolic Syndrome and Adipokines Profile in Bipolar Depression

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a growing social, economic, and health problem. MS coexists with nearly half of all patients with affective disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the neurobiological parameters (clinical, anthropometric, biochemical, adipokines levels, and ultrasound of carotid arteries) and their relationship with the development of MS in patients with bipolar disorder. The study group consisted of 70 patients (50 women and 20 men) hospitalized due to episodes of depression in the course of bipolar disorders. The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale was used to assess the severity of the depression symptoms in an acute state of illness and after six weeks of treatment. The serum concentration of adipokines was determined using an ELISA method. The main finding of this study is that the following adipokines correlated with MS in the bipolar depression women group: visfatin, S100B, and leptin had a positive correlation, whereas adiponectin, leptin-receptor, and adiponectin/leptin ratio showed a negative correlation. Moreover, the adiponectin/leptin ratio showed moderate to strong negative correlation with insulin level, BMI, waist circumference, triglyceride level, treatment with metformin, and a positive moderate correlation with HDL. The adiponectin/leptin ratio may be an effective tool to assess MS in depressed female bipolar patients.

Tricaprylin, a medium-chain triglyceride, aggravates high-fat diet-induced fat deposition but improves intestinal health

Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are absorbed and metabolized more rapidly than long-chain triglycerides (LCTs) and therefore are considered to have obesity-prevention potential in foods. The effect of adding tricaprylin, an MCT, to food on fat deposition and intestinal health is uncharted. In this study, mice were randomly divided into four groups and fed a normal diet (ND), ND with tricaprylin, a high-fat diet (HFD), or HFD with tricaprylin. Supplementation of 2% tricaprylin in HFD significantly increased the body weight, fat mass, liver weight, adipocyte size in adipose tissue and liver, and upregulated genes related to fat deposition. Metabolomic analysis of serum and adipose tissue revealed that tricaprylin significantly increased the contents of metabolites related to lipid metabolism, triglyceride storage, and fat deposition related signaling pathways. In vitro experiments and molecular docking analysis suggest that octanoic acid, a primary decomposition product of tricaprylin, may promote adipogenic differentiation of preadipocytes by acting as a PPARγ ligand to activate the expression of lipogenesis-related genes. Although supplementation with 2% tricaprylin in HFD cannot reduce fat deposition, it has a beneficial effect on intestinal health. Tricaprylin improved intestinal morphology, digestive enzyme activity, short-chain fatty acid concentration, and intestinal barrier function-related protein expression, while reducing inflammatory factor levels and the abundance of harmful intestinal microorganisms.

Anthropometric and DXA-derived measures of body composition in relation to pre-diabetes among adults

INTRODUCTION

Abdominal obesity is the most common risk factor of pre-diabetes and diabetes. Currently, several types of indices are used for the determination of visceral fat-related abdominal obesity. To better understand the effect of the different adiposity indices, we sought to evaluate the association of different adiposity measurements, assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and pre-diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 1184 adults between 18 and 65 years who participated in the Kuwait Wellbeing Study. Anthropometry measurements included body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio. Total body fat (TBF) mass, android fat mass, gynoid fat, and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) mass were measured using the Lunar iDXA. Pre-diabetes was defined as 5.7≤HbA1c%≤6.4. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) and 95% CIs were estimated. Area under the curve (AUC) was estimated for each adiposity measurement as predictor of pre-diabetes.

RESULTS

A total of 585 (49.4%) males and 599 (50.6%) females were enrolled in the study. Increased BMI (aPR obese vs normal=1.59, 95% CI: 1.19 to 2.12), waist-to-hip ratio (aPR Q4 vs Q1=1.25, 0.96 to 1.61), TBF (aPR Q4 vs Q1=1.58, 1.20 to 2.07), android fat (aPR Q4 vs Q1=1.67, 1.27 to 2.20), gynoid fat (aPR Q4 vs Q1=1.48, 1.16 to 1.89), android-to-gynoid fat ratio (aPR Q4 vs Q1=1.70, 1.27 to 2.28), and VAT mass (aPR Q4 vs Q1=2.05, 1.49 to 2.82) were associated with elevated pre-diabetes prevalence. Gynoid fat was associated with pre-diabetes among males (aPR Q4 vs Q1=1.71, 1.22 to 2.41), but not among females (aPR Q4 vs Q1=1.27, 0.90 to 1.78). Moreover, in terms of AUC, VAT had the highest estimated AUC of 0.680, followed by android-to-gynoid fat ratio (AUC: 0.647) and android fat (AUC: 0.646).

CONCLUSIONS

Pre-diabetes prevalence increased as adiposity measurements increased, with VAT mass demonstrating the highest AUC for pre-diabetes.

Sulforaphane: A nutraceutical against diabetes-related complications

There is an increasing interest in the use of nutraceuticals and plant-derived bioactive compounds from foods for their potential health benefits. For example, as a major active ingredient found from cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, there has been growing interest in understanding the therapeutic effects of sulforaphane against diverse metabolic complications. The past decade has seen an extensive growth in literature reporting on the potential health benefits of sulforaphane to neutralize pathological consequences of oxidative stress and inflammation, which may be essential in protecting against diabetes-related complications. In fact, preclinical evidence summarized within this review supports an active role of sulforaphane in activating nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 or effectively modulating AMP-activated protein kinase to protect against diabetic complications, including diabetic cardiomyopathy, diabetic neuropathy, diabetic nephropathy, as well as other metabolic complications involving non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and skeletal muscle insulin resistance. With clinical evidence suggesting that foods rich in sulforaphane like broccoli can improve the metabolic status and lower cardiovascular disease risk by reducing biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation in patients with type 2 diabetes. This information remains essential in determining the therapeutic value of sulforaphane or its potential use as a nutraceutical to manage diabetes and its related complications. Finally, this review discusses essential information on the bioavailability profile of sulforaphane, while also covering information on the pathological consequences of oxidative stress and inflammation that drive the development and progression of diabetes.

Role of gender in explaining metabolic syndrome risk factors in an Iranian rural population using structural equation modelling

Many factors can lead to an increase in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in different populations. Using an advanced structural equation model (SEM), this study is aimed to determine the most important risk factors of MetS, as a continuous latent variable, using a large number of males and females. We also aimed to evaluate the interrelations among the associated factors involved in the development of MetS. This study used data derived from the Fasa PERSIAN cohort study, a branch of the PERSIAN cohort study, for participants aged 35 to 70 years with 10,138 males and females. SEM was used to evaluate the direct and indirect effects, as well as gender effects of influencing factors. Results from the SEM showed that in females most changes in MetS are described by waist circumference (WC), followed by hypertension (HP) and triglyceride (TG), while in males most changes in MetS are described by WC, followed by TG then fasting blood glucose (FBG). Results from the SEM confirmed the gender effects of social status on MetS, mediated by sleep and controlled by age, BMI, ethnicity and physical activity. This study also shows that the integration of TG and WC within genders could be useful as a screening criterion for MetS in our study population.

Mineral elements and adiposity-related consequences in adolescents with intellectual disabilities

BACKGROUND

Patients with intellectual disabilities are shown to have a limited capacity for cooperation, communication,and other biological consequences, which significantly require a specialized interest in healthcare professionals worldwide.

AIM

In this respect, the present study was designed to evaluate the levels mineral elements, and their correlation with oxidative stress markers and adiposity markers; leptin (L), adiponectin (A), and L/A ratio in adolescents with intellectual disabilities.

METHODS

A total of 350 schoolchildren aged (12-18 years) were randomly invited to participate in this prospective, observational study. Only 300 participants agreed to participate in this study. According to Intelligence quotients scores (IQ) measured by WISC-III, the participants were classified into two groups; the healthy control group (no = 180; IQ = 90-114); and the moderate intellectual disability (MID) group (no = 120; IQ = 35-49). Adiposity markers; body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), physical activity scores, adipokines biomarkers; leptin, adiponectin, L/A ratio, oxidative stress, and plasma mineral elements were evaluated by prevalidated questionnaires, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), colorimetric, and immunoassay techniques.

RESULTS

Intellectual disability of moderate type was reported in 40% of the studied populations most of them are men aged 12-18 years (66.6% for men vs. 33.3 for females). Obesity was shown to be associated with the degree of intellectual disability of the students. There was a significant (P = 0.001) increase in the BMI, WHR, and WHtR scores as obesity markers with poor physical activity (P = 0.01) in students with poor disability compared to healthy controls (HC). The levels of leptin (P = 0.001), adiponectin (P = 0.01), and L/A ratio (P = 0.01) as adiposity biomarkers were significantly increased in students with MID compared to healthy controls. Also, oxidative stress measured by malondialdehyde (MDA) (P = 0.01) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (P = 0.01) were significantly increased in students with MID compared to healthy control subjects. In addition, mineral elements were shown to be linked with intellectual disability. The data showed that the levels of Fe, Mn, Zn, Hg, Pb, Ca, Cr, Mg, and Ni significantly (P = 0.001) increased, and the levels of Al, Na, K, Cu, and Zn/Cu ratio significantly (P = 0.001) decreased in subjects with MID compared to healthy controls. Correlation analysis concluded that changes in mineral elements significantly correlated with adiposity markers, oxidative stress, and the scores of intellectual disability (WISC III-IQ score).

CONCLUSION

The intellectual disability of moderate type (MID) was associated with abnormal changes in the levels of essential mineral elements and adipokines and increased levels of cellular oxidative stress. Thus, evaluating plasma mineral elements and adipokines levels could be a potential diagnostic parameter for diagnosing MID.

Bioactive Properties, Bioavailability Profiles, and Clinical Evidence of the Potential Benefits of Black Pepper (Piper nigrum) and Red Pepper (Capsicum annum) against Diverse Metabolic Complications

The consumption of food-derived products, including the regular intake of pepper, is increasingly evaluated for its potential benefits in protecting against diverse metabolic complications. The current study made use of prominent electronic databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus to retrieve clinical evidence linking the intake of black and red pepper with the amelioration of metabolic complications. The findings summarize evidence supporting the beneficial effects of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.), including its active ingredient, piperine, in improving blood lipid profiles, including reducing circulating levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides in overweight and obese individuals. The intake of piperine was also linked with enhanced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties by increasing serum levels of superoxide dismutase while reducing those of malonaldehyde and C-reactive protein in individuals with metabolic syndrome. Evidence summarized in the current review also indicates that red pepper (Capsicum annum), together with its active ingredient, capsaicin, could promote energy expenditure, including limiting energy intake, which is likely to contribute to reduced fat mass in overweight and obese individuals. Emerging clinical evidence also indicates that pepper may be beneficial in alleviating complications linked with other chronic conditions, including osteoarthritis, oropharyngeal dysphagia, digestion, hemodialysis, and neuromuscular fatigue. Notably, the beneficial effects of pepper or its active ingredients appear to be more pronounced when used in combination with other bioactive compounds. The current review also covers essential information on the metabolism and bioavailability profiles of both pepper species and their main active ingredients, which are all necessary to understand their potential beneficial effects against metabolic diseases.

Obesity and recurrent miscarriage: The interconnections between adipose tissue and the immune system

Currently, obesity is considered a global public health problem. It is the main risk factor for noncommunicable diseases and reproductive complications, such as recurrent miscarriage (RM). RM affects approximately 1% of couples of reproductive age, and recent studies suggest that its prevalence is increasing. Immunological abnormalities may be responsible for a significant number of cases of unexplained RM. Obesity is recognized as a chronic low-grade inflammatory condition. The accumulation of fat in obese adipose tissue promotes changes in the local and systemic immune response. Adipokines, exosomes, micro-RNAs, lipids, and other factors released or secreted by adipose tissue are responsible for the interconnection between obesity and the immune system. Obesity-induced dysregulation of the innate and acquired immune response is also involved in the immunopathology of pregnancy loss in patients with unexplained RM. Therefore, understanding the communication pathways between maternal adipose tissue and the immune response in women living with obesity and RM is an important objective. Thus, diagnostic tools and new immunomodulatory therapies may be proposed for the management of patients with concurrent obesity and RM.

Consumption of Extruded Sorghum SC319 Improved Gut Microbiota at Genus Level and Reduced Anthropometric Markers in Men with Overweight: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Sorghum is a cereal source of energy, carbohydrates, resistant starch, proanthocyanidins, and 3-deoxyanthocyanins; it promotes satiety by slowing digestion and benefits intestinal health.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the effects of extruded sorghum SC319 consumption on intestinal health, weight loss, and inflammatory markers in men with overweight.

METHODS

This was a randomized, controlled, single-blind clinical trial. Twenty-one men were randomly allocated into one of two groups: the sorghum group (test), which received 40 g of extruded SC319 whole sorghum (n = 10), or the wheat group (control), which received 38 g of extruded whole wheat (n = 11) for eight weeks.

RESULTS

The sorghum consumption increased the weight loss intragroup, decreased the body fat percentage intergroup, and did not change inflammatory markers, while the wheat group had increased IL-6 levels compared to baseline. Short-chain fatty acid production, fecal pH, and α and β diversity indexes did not differ intra- and intergroup after interventions. However, sorghum consumption decreased genus levels of Clostridium_sensu_stricto 1, Dorea, and Odoribacter and increased CAG-873 and Turicibacter compared to baseline. Further, sorghum showed a tendency (p = 0.07) to decrease the proteobacteria phyla compared to wheat.

CONCLUSION

Extruded sorghum SC319 improved intestinal microbiota and body composition and promoted weight loss, demonstrating its prebiotic potential.

Exploring the impact of ketogenic diet on multiple sclerosis: obesity, anxiety, depression, and the glutamate system

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative disorder. Individuals with MS frequently present symptoms such as functional disability, obesity, and anxiety and depression. Axonal demyelination can be observed and implies alterations in mitochondrial activity and increased inflammation associated with disruptions in glutamate neurotransmitter activity. In this context, the ketogenic diet (KD), which promotes the production of ketone bodies in the blood [mainly β-hydroxybutyrate (βHB)], is a non-pharmacological therapeutic alternative that has shown promising results in peripheral obesity reduction and central inflammation reduction. However, the association of this type of diet with emotional symptoms through the modulation of glutamate activity in MS individuals remains unknown.

Aim

To provide an update on the topic and discuss the potential impact of KD on anxiety and depression through the modulation of glutamate activity in subjects with MS.

Discussion

The main findings suggest that the KD, as a source of ketone bodies in the blood, improves glutamate activity by reducing obesity, which is associated with insulin resistance and dyslipidemia, promoting central inflammation (particularly through an increase in interleukins IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-17). This improvement would imply a decrease in extrasynaptic glutamate activity, which has been linked to functional disability and the presence of emotional disorders such as anxiety and depression.

Adipokines in atherosclerosis: unraveling complex roles

Adipokines are biologically active factors secreted by adipose tissue that act on local and distant tissues through autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine mechanisms. However, adipokines are believed to be involved in an increased risk of atherosclerosis. Classical adipokines include leptin, adiponectin, and ceramide, while newly identified adipokines include visceral adipose tissue-derived serpin, omentin, and asprosin. New evidence suggests that adipokines can play an essential role in atherosclerosis progression and regression. Here, we summarize the complex roles of various adipokines in atherosclerosis lesions. Representative protective adipokines include adiponectin and neuregulin 4; deteriorating adipokines include leptin, resistin, thrombospondin-1, and C1q/tumor necrosis factor-related protein 5; and adipokines with dual protective and deteriorating effects include C1q/tumor necrosis factor-related protein 1 and C1q/tumor necrosis factor-related protein 3; and adipose tissue-derived bioactive materials include sphingosine-1-phosphate, ceramide, and adipose tissue-derived exosomes. However, the role of a newly discovered adipokine, asprosin, in atherosclerosis remains unclear. This article reviews progress in the research on the effects of adipokines in atherosclerosis and how they may be regulated to halt its progression.