Obesity and dyslipidemia

Comparative effectiveness of massage combined with lifestyle intervention and lifestyle intervention alone for simple obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to assess the comparative effectiveness of massage combined with lifestyle intervention and lifestyle intervention alone in patients with simple obesity.

METHODS

The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, VIP Database, and Wanfang Data were searched. Meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with the 2020 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Primary outcomes were body weight (BW) and body mass index (BMI). Secondary outcomes were waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), fasting insulin (FINS), and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and adverse events.

RESULTS

Thirteen randomized controlled trials were included. The meta-analysis showed that massage combined with lifestyle intervention significantly decreased BW (mean difference [MD]: -4.85; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -8.25 to -1.46; P = .005), BMI (MD: -2.65; 95% CI: -4.05 to -1.24; P = .0002), WC (MD: -3.63; 95% CI: -6.28 to -0.98; P = .007), TC (MD: -0.52; 95% CI: -0.84 to -0.20; P = .001), TG (MD: -0.23; 95% CI: -0.45 to -0.02; P = .003), LDL-C (MD: -0.48; 95% CI: -0.54 to -0.42; P < .00001), HDL-C (MD: -0.11; 95% CI: -0.17 to -0.05; P = .0004), FINS (MD: -1.64; 95% CI: -3.16 to -0.12; P = .03), and HOMA-IR (MD: -0.42; 95% CI: -0.65 to -0.18; P = .0005) compared with lifestyle intervention alone. In subgroup analyses, more obvious reduction in BMI (P = .02, I2 = 80.3%) for the children and adolescents subgroup, more obvious reduction in HC (P = .04, I2 = 76.1%) for the adults subgroup, more significant reduction in TC (P < .00001, I2 = 98.3%), LDL-C (P < .00001, I2 = 95.6%), and HDL-C (P < .0001, I2 = 94.1%) for intermittent treatment subgroup and more significant reduction in TC (P < .00001, I2 = 95.9%) and HDL-C (P < .0001, I2 = 94.1%) for treatment times ≤30 subgroup were detected.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with lifestyle intervention alone, massage combined with lifestyle intervention significantly decreased BW, BMI, WC, TC, TG, LDL-C, FINS, and HOMA-IR, but produced less effect in increasing HDL-C. And different ages, treatment intervals, and treatment times can all affect treatment outcomes.

U-shaped association between the non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and mortality risk in obese adults: evidence from NHANES 1999-2018

Background

Obesity, often accompanied by dyslipidemia and increased cardiovascular risk, poses a significant threat to overall mortality. The non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (NHHR) has been identified as a valuable parameter for assessing dyslipidemia. The goal of the study was to elucidate the relationship between NHHR and mortality in obese populations.

Methods

Data for the study cohort were sourced from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999-2018). The association between NHHR and mortality from all causes and cardiovascular disease was examined through multivariable Cox regression and restricted cubic splines (RCS). Segmented multivariable Cox regression and subgroup analyses were conducted when segmented effects were identified. The reliability of the results was confirmed through multiple sensitivity analyses.

Results

A total of 7,504 participants were included in the analysis. During a median follow-up of 119 months, 866 subjects died for all causes, of which 318 were related to cardiovascular diseases. A U-shaped association was found utilizing RCS analysis, with cardiovascular mortality and all-cause mortality exhibiting the lowest risk points at 3.409 and 3.369, respectively. The fully adjusted model revealed a negative relationship between the risk of cardiovascular mortality (HR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.49-0.94) and all-cause mortality (HR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.67-1.00) for per 1 mmol/L increase in NHHR levels below the cut-off value. On the other hand, above the cut-off point, NHHR was positively correlated with cardiovascular mortality (HR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.02-1.36) and all-cause mortality (HR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.01-1.28). The sensitivity results of this study were in accordance with earlier findings, and no significant interactions in NHHR levels were discovered across different subgroups.

Conclusions

In the obese adults, NHHR displayed a U-shaped relationship with cardiovascular and all-cause death. Monitoring and managing NHHR levels in obese population may help mitigate the risk of mortality.

Elucidating the effect of camel α-lactalbumin in modulating obesity-related metabolic disorders in an obese rat model

Camel α-Lactalbumin (α-LACc) has been shown to exert bioactivities for Reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging and anti-inflammation, showing the ability to treat obesity-related metabolic disorders. Herein, we present a novel process to purify α-LACc in a single chromatographic step from camel whey in a flow-through format. We also demonstrate the role of α-LACc modulation strategies for the treatment of obesity. An in-vivo study was systematically carried-out, in which an intragastric administration of α-LACc in rats experiencing obesity showed ameliorating effect on hepatic steatosis and dyslipidemia. In addition, we demonstrated that the reduction of inflammation and oxidative stress by α-LACc was effective, and importantly, the enhancement of antioxidant defenses was achieved. Furthermore, we found that the peroxynitrite scavenging ability of α-LACc could help restore the hepatorenal function. Finally, we showed that α-LACc could improve insulin resistance-associated glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity disorders caused by obesity. This work has developed a novel one-step purification process of α-LACc from camel whey without the use of organic solvents. Our purified α-LACc may serve as a promising therapeutic agent in the treatment of obesity-related metabolic disorders by synergistically alleviating lipid accumulation, inflammation, oxidative stress and insulin sensitivity.

Integrated serum pharmacochemistry, pharmacokinetics, and network analysis to explore active components of BuShao Tiaozhi Capsule on hyperlipidemia

BuShao Tiaozhi Capsule (BSTZC), a novel drug in China, has been used to treat hyperlipidemia (HLP) in clinical practice for many years. Despite our previous studies suggesting that BSTZC can treat HLP, there is a lack of a rapid and systematic method to explore its active components. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the active components and mechanisms of BSTZC in treating HLP by integrating serum pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, network analysis, and experimental validation. We first established UPLC fingerprints, calibrated 23 common peaks, and identified 13 common peaks, and the similarity was greater than 0.99 for 10 batches. A total of nine metabolites from BSTZC were identified in serum and considered as PK markers. The pharmacokinetic parameters of the PK markers were compared between the control group and the model group through the pharmacokinetics study to determine the dynamic changes of representative components in rats. Compared with the control group, the Cmax and AUC0→t of OXY, IVT, IVL, and KPF-3-G were significantly higher (P< 0.05); the AUC0→∞ of OXY, PN, and IVT was significantly higher (P< 0.05); and the t1/2 of IVT, SA, and KPF-3-G was significantly different (P< 0.05). In vivo experiments showed that BSTZC and its active components could effectively alleviate lipid metabolism disorders and liver injury, with obvious lipid-lowering effects. Further studies showed that BSTZC alleviated HLP by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, which was consistent with the results of the network analysis study. Our results revealed the active components and mechanisms of BSTZC in the treatment of HLP, which could provide useful information to guide the clinical application of BSTZC.

Cumulative effects of exercise training and consumption of propolis on managing diabetic dyslipidemia in adult women: a single-blind, randomized, controlled trial with pre-post-intervention assessments

Dyslipidemia is an imbalance of various lipids, and propolis, as a natural resinous viscos mixture made by Apis mellifera L. could improve in this condition. In this single-blind, randomized trial, 60 women with type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia were divided into four groups: (1) the patients who did not apply the combined training and 500 mg propolis capsules supplement (Control group); (2) subjects performed combined training, including aerobic and resistance training (EXR); (3) subjects received the 500 mg propolis supplement capsules (SUPP); (4) Subjects performed combined training along with receiving the 500 mg propolis supplement capsules (EXR + SUPP). We evaluated the concentration of CTRP12, SFRP5, interleukin-6 (IL6), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), adiponectin, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) before and after the intervention. MDA, TAC, IL6, CTRP12, SFRP5 IL6, adiponectin, and lipid profile levels ameliorated in the EXR + SUPP group. We found that 8 weeks of treatment by combined exercise training and propolis supplement decreased inflammation activity and increased antioxidant defense in women with diabetic dyslipidemia. Trial registration This study was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials; IRCT code: IRCT20211229053561N1.

Association of noise exposure with lipid metabolism among Chinese adults: mediation role of obesity indices

PURPOSE

Noise exposure in the workplace has been linked to a number of health consequences. Our objectives were to explore the relationship between occupational noise and lipid metabolism and evaluate the possible mediating effect of obesity indices in those relationships with a cross-sectional study design.

METHODS

Cumulative noise exposure (CNE) was used to measure the level of noise exposure. Logistic regression models or generalized linear models were employed to evaluate the association of occupational noise and obesity with lipid metabolism markers. Cross-lagged analysis was conducted to explore temporal associations of obesity with lipid metabolism.

RESULTS

A total of 854 participants were included, with each one-unit increase in CNE, the values of total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased by 0.013 (95% confidence interval: 0.006, 0.020) and 0.009 (0.004, 0.014), as well as the prevalence of dyslipidemia increased by 1.030 (1.013, 1.048). Occupational noise and lipid metabolism markers were all positively associated with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), a Body Shape Index (ABSI) and a Body Shape Index and Body Roundness Index (BRI) (all P < 0.05). Moreover, BMI, WC, ABSI and BRI could mediate the associations of occupational noise with lipid metabolism; the proportions ranged from 21.51 to 24.45%, 23.84 to 30.14%, 4.86 to 5.94% and 25.59 to 28.23%, respectively (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates a positive association between occupational noise and abnormal lipid metabolism, and obesity may partly mediate the association. Our findings reinforce the need to take practical steps to reduce or even eliminate the health risks associated with occupational noise.

High Atherogenic Index of Plasma Associated With Delayed Graft Function in Living Donor Renal Transplant Recipients: A Single-Center Study in Vietnam

PURPOSE

To determine the predictive value of the atherogenic index of plasma before transplant for delayed graft function.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional, longitudinal, non-interventional, non-controlled study of 167 patients undergoing kidney transplantation from living donors, with a mean age of 39.34 ± 11.86 years old, 53.3% male, and a pre-transplant hemodialysis time of 14 (7-36) months. Delayed graft function was defined as decreased blood creatinine < 25% within the first 24 h compared to pre-transplantation, and the patients needed hemodialysis in the first 7 days. The atherogenic index of plasma was calculated based on pre-transplant plasma triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations.

RESULTS

The ratio of delayed graft function in renal transplant recipients from living donors was 13.8% (23/167 patients). Hemodialysis time, the ratio of hepatitis infection, overweight and obese, atherosclerosis, positive PRA, and acute rejection in the DGF (+) group were higher than those of the DGF (-) group, p < 0.05 and < 0.001. In particular, plasma CRP-hs level and AIP also were higher in DGF (+) patients compared to those of DGF (-) ones, p < 0.001. Long hemodialysis time, obesity, high plasma CRP-hs, and high AIP in pre-transplant patients were independent factors related to DGF and had predictive value for DGF after kidney transplantation, in which AIP had good predictive value: AUC = 0.859, p < 0.001.

CONCLUSION

Delayed graft function was relatively common in renal transplant recipients from living donors. AIP before kidney transplant was a good predictor for delayed graft function.

Association of diet quality and nutrient intake with odds of dyslipidaemia in patients with cardiovascular diseases: a hospital based cross-sectional study in Bangladesh

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to evaluate diet quality and other associated factors with dyslipidaemia in cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients in Bangladesh.

DESIGN

The study employed a cross-sectional design.

SETTING

Data from medical records, dietary intake and socioeconomic factors were collected from January to October 2022 at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Dhaka, and Noakhali Sadar Hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 570 CVD patients, aged 25-80 years, with a confirmed diagnosis within the past 3 months, were included in the study.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcomes were the Global Diet Quality Score (GDQS) and dyslipidaemia. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to explore the associations between dyslipidaemia and various sociodemographic, nutritional, and dietary factors in CVD patients.

RESULTS

Dyslipidaemia was identified in more than two-thirds (70.4%) of participants. The mean GDQS was 24.38, with 69.8% of the population maintaining a healthy diet. GDQS was significantly higher in the non-dyslipidaemic group (25.21±2.53) compared with the dyslipidaemic group (24.03±2.33). Nutrient intake was generally higher in non-dyslipidaemic patients. The odds of hypercholesterolaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia and elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were notably higher for participants in the lowest GDQS tertile compared with the highest. Multivariable logistic regression identified sex, employment status, body mass index (BMI) and GDQS as significant predictors of dyslipidaemia. Males (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=4.18, 95% CI 2.32 to 7.54), homemakers (AOR=2.86) and obese individuals (AOR=1.0) were at increased odds of dyslipidaemia. Compared with the highest GDQS tertile, the odds of dyslipidaemia were nearly double in the middle tertile (AOR: 1.87, 95% CI 1.13 to 3.11) and almost four times higher in the lowest tertile (AOR: 3.67, 95% CI 2.02 to 6.64).

CONCLUSIONS

A high-quality diet was associated with significantly lower odds of dyslipidaemia, hypercholesterolaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia and elevated LDL cholesterol. The study findings highlight the potential of targeted nutritional interventions with a multifaceted approach to managing dyslipidaemia, emphasising the need for personalised dietary guidelines that consider the individual's gender, occupation and BMI.

Radish red attenuates chronic kidney disease in obese mice through repressing oxidative stress and ferroptosis via Nrf2 signaling improvement

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) presents a significant public health concern, with obesity being a prominent contributing factor to kidney disorders by inducing oxidative stress, lipotoxicity, and tubular cell injury. Natural anthocyanins extracted from red radishes (Raphanus sativus L.) exert antioxidant and anti-apoptotic functions. This study aims to employ a novel natural pigment anthocyanin, referred to as radish red (RR) isolated from red radishes, to alleviate obesity-related metabolic disturbances and kidney impairment in a CKD mouse model induced by high-fat and high-fructose diets (HFFD). The in vitro study initially demonstrated that RR treatment significantly mitigated the palmitate acid (PA)-induced injury and cytotoxicity in human tubular epithelial HK2 cells. Subsequently, RR supplementation notably improved obesity and associated metabolic dysfunctions in mice caused by HFFD. Abnormal renal function indices including serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), uric acid (UA), urine protein, albuminuria and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) were detected in HFFD-fed mice, which were effectively alleviated by RR treatment. Histologically, renal tubular cell injury, lipid deposition, tubular dilatation, and renal fibrosis induced by HFFD were markedly improved after RR administration in mice. Furthermore, RR treatment significantly alleviated oxidative stress in HFFD-fed mice, as evidenced by the decreased renal reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, 4-HNE, and NOX4 expression levels. Anti-oxidants such as superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1), NAD (P) H: quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and glutamate cysteine ligase (GCLC) were highly upregulated in kidney of HFFD-fed mice with RR consumption through improving NFE2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling activation. Furthermore, ferroptosis was identified in the kidneys of HFFD-fed mice, evidenced by the elevated levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), iron content, and lipid peroxidation, along with the decreased expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11). These occurrences were significantly mitigated following RR treatment. Mechanistically, we further discovered that the suppressive effects of RR in restricting oxidative stress, ferroptosis, lipid accumulation, and injury of tubular epithelial cells induced by PA were significantly counteracted by Nrf2 knockdown. Collectively, our results demonstrated that dietary supplementation with RR could potentially serve as an efficacious therapeutic modality for the management of obesity-related CKD progression by enhancing Nrf2 activation to impede oxidative stress and ferroptosis.

Food Addiction: Prevalence, Severity, and Impact on Vascular Stroke Risk Factors in a French Hospital-Based Sample

BACKGROUND

Stroke ranks as the second leading cause of death and the third leading cause of disability in adults worldwide. While an unhealthy diet is an independent risk factor for stroke, its association with disordered eating behaviours on stroke remains overlooked. This exploratory study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and severity of addictive-like eating behaviours in stroke patients and their association with the main vascular stroke risk factors.

METHODS

First-ever minor or moderate stroke patients with the ability to complete self-report questionnaires were included. Addictive-like eating was assessed using the Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (YFAS 2.0). The variables of interest were: (i) the proportion of patients meeting the diagnosis of food addiction (FA); (ii) FA symptoms count and severity; (iii) addictive-like eating profile severity. Their association with four main vascular risk factors (obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia and diabetes) were tested using univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

Over a 4-month period, 101 patients (mean (standard deviation (SD)), 62.8 (13.7) years; males: 60.4%) were consecutively screened with the YFAS 2.0. Overall, 5% of the sample endorsed an FA diagnosis, and 38.6% screened positive for at least one of the symptom criteria, with the most frequently endorsed symptom being "Inability to cut down". Dyslipidemia was the only vascular risk factor associated with the FA diagnosis (p = 0.043, 95% CI [-0.21; 0.01]). However, the severity of the addictive profile was associated with dyslipidemia (p = 0.016, 95% CI [-2.16; -0.21]) and diabetes (p = 0.038, 95% CI [-1.77; 0.25]), but only independently with dyslipidemia (p = 0.05; OR = 1.25; 95% CI [1.00; 1.56]). There were significant associations between the number of vascular risk factors and the severity of Time spent, Tolerance, and Use despite adverse consequences of FA symptoms, both in univariate and multivariate analyses (all p < 0.05). The number of vascular risk factors and total number of FA symptoms were significantly associated in univariate analyses (p = 0.007) but not after adjusting for age (p = 0.055) or sex (p = 0.083).

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlighted the potential importance of addictive-like behaviours in the secondary prevention of stroke. However, larger and longer-term studies investigating addictive-like eating in diverse samples of stroke patients are warranted to achieve precision medicine.

Ginsenosides From Panax ginseng Improves Hepatic Lipid Metabolism Disorders in HFD-Fed Rats by Regulating Gut Microbiota and Cholesterol Metabolism Signaling Pathways

A high-fat diet (HFD) is often associated with hepatic lipid metabolism disorders, leading to dysfunction in multiple body systems. Ginsenosides derived from Panax ginseng have been reported to possess potential effects in ameliorating lipid metabolism disorders; however, their underlying mechanisms remain insufficiently explored. This study aims to investigate the bioactivities of ginsenosides in combating lipid metabolism disorders and obesity, with a focus on their mechanisms involving the cholesterol metabolism signaling pathway and gut microbiota. Our results demonstrated that ginsenoside treatment significantly reduced overall body weight, body weight changes, liver weight, and eWAT weight, as well as alleviated hepatic steatosis and dyslipidemia in HFD-fed rats, without affecting food intake. These effects were dose-dependent. Furthermore, 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that ginsenosides significantly increased the relative abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila, Blautia, Eisenbergiella, Clostridium clusters XI, XVIII, and III, while decreasing the relative abundance of Clostridium subcluster XIVa and Dorea. In addition, ginsenoside treatment significantly regulated the expression of hepatic genes and proteins involved in the cholesterol metabolism signaling pathway (FXR, CYP7A1, CYP7B1, CYP27A1, ABCG5, ABCG8, Insig2, and Dhcr7), potentially inhibiting hepatic cholesterol biosynthesis while promoting cholesterol transport to HDL and its excretion via bile and feces. Notably, levels of 7-dehydrocholesterol (7-DHC) and 27-hydroxycholesterol (27-OHC) were reduced, while 5β,6β-epoxycholesterol (5,6β-epoxy) levels were elevated following ginsenoside treatment, indicating significant modulation of oxysterols by ginsenosides. Moreover, bile acid enterohepatic circulation was regulated through the enhancement of hepatic FXR-CYP7A1 signaling and intestinal FXR-FGF15 signaling in HFD-fed rats treated with ginsenosides, which was closely linked to gut microbiota composition. Collectively, our findings suggest that ginsenosides alleviate hepatic lipid metabolism disorders by modulating gut microbiota and the cholesterol metabolism signaling pathway in HFD-fed rats.

Milk fat globule membranes ameliorate diet-induced obesity in mice by modulating glucolipid metabolism, body inflammation, and oxidative stress

This study aimed to explore the lipid-lowering effect and the mechanism of action of the milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) in obese mice. All findings indicated that MFGM supplementation impeded weight gain in mice with obesity. qPCR and western blot analysis further revealed that MFGM could reduce lipid deposition and improve lipid metabolism by downregulating the expression levels of Fas, Scd1, PPARγ, and Srebp-1c and increasing the expression levels of Mcad, Cpt-1c, and PPAR-α. MFGM also reduced glucose metabolism disorders by downregulating the expression levels of Pepck and G6pase and upregulating the expression levels of PK and GK. MFGM can reduce the expression levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, thus reducing inflammation in the body. In addition, MFGM also increased the expression of the Nrf2 gene, strengthening the antioxidant enzymes' (GSH, CAT, and SOD) vitality, which strengthened the body's defenses against oxidative stress. In summary, our experiment demonstrated that the MFGM has the potential to treat obesity by controlling the metabolism of fat and glucose, thereby reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, which provides a theoretical foundation for the development of products related to the treatment of obesity.

Habitual dietary methyl donor's intake and metabolic profile in obese individuals: a cross-sectional study

Considering the role of dietary methyl donor (DMD) in numerous biochemical processes, we hypothesized that DMD could play an important role in metabolic syndrome such as hyperlipidemia, hypertension, insulin resistance, and appetite in obese individuals. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 335 obese people. We collected dietary data using a valid and reliable 147-question Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Multivariate multinomial logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the association between dietary methyl intake and cardio-metabolic risk factors. After adjusting for confounding variables, individuals at the fourth and third quartile of DMD, were more likely to have lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (OR = 0.968, CI = 0.943-0.994, P = 0.015 and OR = 0.978, CI = 0.957-0.998, P = 0.03 respectively) versus first quartile. Also, total cholesterol (TC) showed a significant decrease in forth quartile of DMD in model III (OR = 0.974, CI = 0.951-0.997, P = 0.029). Current results suggested that, high DMDs' consumption, significantly associated with decreased risk of cardiometabolic risk factors.

Subcutaneous adipose tissue: Implications in dermatological diseases and beyond

Subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) is the deepest component of the three-layered cutaneous integument. While mesenteric adipose tissue-based immune processes have gained recognition in the context of the metabolic syndrome, SAT has been traditionally considered primarily for energy storage, with less attention to its immune functions. SAT harbors a reservoir of immune and stromal cells that significantly impact metabolic and immunologic processes not only in the skin, but even on a systemic level. These processes include wound healing, cutaneous and systemic infections, immunometabolic, and autoimmune diseases, inflammatory skin diseases, as well as neoplastic conditions. A better understanding of SAT immune functions in different processes, could open avenues for novel therapeutic interventions. Targeting SAT may not only address SAT-specific diseases but also offer potential treatments for cutaneous or even systemic conditions. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview on SAT's structure and functions, highlight recent advancements in understanding its role in both homeostatic and pathological conditions within and beyond the skin, and discuss the main questions for future research in the field.

Regulating lipid metabolism in osteoarthritis: a complex area with important future therapeutic potential

BACKGROUND

Osteoarthritis (OA), which is characterized by pain, inflammation and pathological changes, is associated with abnormal lipid metabolism. Extensive studies have been conducted on the potential functions of lipids including cholesterol, fatty acids (FAs) and adipokines.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

By searching and screening the literature included in the PubMed and Web of Science databases from 1 January 2019 to 1 January 2024, providing an overview of research conducted on lipid metabolism and OA in the last 5 years.

RESULTS

In addition to adiponectin, several studies on the effects of lipid metabolism on OA have been consistent and complementary. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, adipsin, leptin, resistin, saturated FAs, monounsaturated FAs, FA-binding protein 4 and the ratios of the FAs hexadecenoylcarnitine (C16:1) to dodecanoylcarnitine and C16:1 to tetradecanoylcarnitine induced mostly deleterious effects, whereas high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein A/B/D had a positive impact on the health of joints. The situation for polyunsaturated FAs may be more complicated, as omega-3 increases the genetic susceptibility to OA, whereas omega-6 does the opposite.

Alterations in lipid or adipokine levels and the resulting pathological changes in cartilage and other tissues (such as bone and synovium) ultimately affect joint pain, inflammation and cartilage degradation. Lipid or adipokine regulation has potential as a future direction for the treatment of OA, this potential avenue of OA treatment requires high-quality randomized controlled trials of combined lipid regulation therapy, and more in-depth in vivo and in vitro studies to confirm the underlying mechanism.

The impact of overweight on lipid phenotype in different forms of dyslipidemia: a retrospective cohort study

PURPOSE

Dyslipidemia plays a pivotal role in increasing cardiovascular risk. In clinical practice the misleading association between altered lipid profile and obesity is common, therefore genetically inherited dyslipidemias may not completely be addressed among patients with overweight. Thus, we aim to investigate the influence of overweight and obesity on the lipid phenotype in a cohort of patients with different forms of dyslipidemia.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients with dyslipidemia from 2015 to 2022. Patients were stratified in familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), familial combined hyperlipidemia (FCHL), non-familial hyperlipidemia or polygenic hypercholesterolemia (PH). Clinical characteristics and lipid profile were evaluated.

RESULTS

Of the total of 798 patients, 361 were affected by non-familial hyperlipidemia (45.2%), while FCHL, FH and PH was described in 19.9%, 14.0% and 20.9% of patients, respectively. Overweight prevalence was higher in FCHL and non-familial hyperlipidemia patients than FH and PH patients. Subjects with overweight and obesity were independently associated with lower levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) compared to patients with normal weight (52.4 and 46.0 vs 58.1, respectively; p < 0.0001); levels of triglycerides (TG) and non-HDL-C were higher in patients with overweight and obesity than patients with normal weight (257.3 and 290.9 vs 194.8, and 221.5 and 219.6 vs 210.1, p < 0.0001 and p = 0.01, respectively), while no differences were observed between patients with overweight and obesity.

CONCLUSION

While dyslipidemias can be influenced by various factors, an important determinant may lie in genetics, frequently acting as an underlying cause of altered lipid profiles, even in cases of overweight conditions.

Co-exposure to parabens, bisphenol A, and triclosan and the associations with dyslipidemia in Chinese older adults: The mediation effect of oxidative stress

Dyslipidemia is a prevalent metabolic disorder in older adults and has negative effects on cardiovascular health. However, the combined effect of paraben, bisphenol A (BPA), and triclosan (TCS) exposure on dyslipidemia and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This cross-sectional study recruited 486 individuals ≥60 years in Shenzhen, China. Morning spot urine samples were collected and analyzed for four parabens, BPA, TCS, and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), a typical biomarker for oxidative stress, using mass spectrometry. Blood samples were tested for lipid levels using an automated biochemical analyzer. Quantile-based g-computation (QGC) was used to assess the combined effects of exposures on dyslipidemia. Mediation analysis was applied to investigate the mediating role of 8-OHdG between exposure and dyslipidemia. QGC showed that co-exposure to parabens, BPA, and TCS was positively linked with hypercholesterolemia (OR: 1.17, 95%CI: 1.10-1.24, P < 0.001) and hyper-LDL-cholesterolemia (OR: 1.35, 95%CI: 1.05-1.75, P = 0.019). Methylparaben (MeP), n-propyl paraben (PrP), and butylparaben (BtP) were the major contributors. 8-OHdG mediated 6.5% and 13.0% of the overall effect of the examined chemicals on hypercholesterolemia and hyper-LDL-cholesterolemia, respectively (all P < 0.05). Our study indicated that co-exposure to parabens, BPA, and TCS is associated with dyslipidemia and oxidative stress partially mediate the association. Future research is needed to explore additional mechanisms underlying these relationships.

Association between multiple metals exposure and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease among Chinese adults

BACKGROUND

Previous research has investigated the hepatotoxicity of single metal exposure. However, there is limited evidence about metal mixture and their association with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), particularly in the Chinese population.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the individual and combine effects of 20 metals on MAFLD in a large population in China.

METHODS

This study included 3651 participants from the Medical Physical Examination Center of Tongji Hospital, Wuhan, China. MAFLD was identified based on ultrasonic graphic evidence of hepatic steatosis and the presence of overweight/obese, diabetes mellitus, or metabolic dysregulation. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to determine urinary concentrations of 20 metals. Logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between individual metal and MAFLD, with results presented as odds ratios (ORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs). Weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression was performed to evaluate the combine effect of metals.

RESULTS

The prevalence of MAFLD among the participants was 32.1 % (1173/3651). In singe-metal analysis, high exposure to zinc (OR =1.42; 95 % CI = 1.27, 1.59) and selenium (OR = 1.23; 95 % CI = 1.10, 1.39) were positively associated with MAFLD. No significant association was found for other metals. WQS regression analysis showed that urinary metal mixture was positively associated with MAFLD (OR = 1.32, 95 % CI: 1.15, 1.51), with zinc (50.4 %) being the largest contributor, followed by barium (10.8 %).

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, our finding suggested that exposure to the mixture of metals was positively correlated with MAFLD, with zinc being the major contributor.

Association between metabolic syndrome and benign prostatic hyperplasia: The underlying molecular connection

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a common cause of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), has been recently regarded as a metabolic disease. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a constellation of metabolic disarrangements, including insulin resistance, obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, and it has been established that these components of MetS are important contributing factors exacerbating the degree of prostatic enlargement and bladder outlet obstruction among patients with BPH. Clinical and experimental studies demonstrated that many molecules, such as insulin, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), androgen and estrogen, and adipokines, are involved in the overlapping pathogenesis of BPH and MetS, indicating that clinicians might be able to simultaneously alleviate or cure two diseases by choosing appropriate medications. This article aims to systematically review the pathophysiological aspect and traditional etiology and pathogenesis of BPH and discuss the intricate association between MetS and BPH from the molecular point of view, in an attempt to provide stronger evidence for better treatment of two diseases.

Anti-Obesity Effects of Pleurotus ferulae Water Extract on 3T3-L1 Adipocytes and High-Fat-Diet-Induced Obese Mice

This study offers promising insights into the anti-obesity potential of Pleurotus ferulae, an edible mushroom valued in Asian cuisine for its nutritional benefits. A hot water extract of P. ferulae (PWE) administered to high-fat diet-induced obese mice over an 8-week period significantly reduced their body weight gain and fat accumulation. PWE not only improved the body weight metrics but also positively influenced the serum lipid profile of obese mice by lowering their total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. In vitro studies using 3T3-L1 adipocytes showed that PWE inhibited adipocyte differentiation and lipid accumulation by downregulating key adipogenic transcription factors, particularly PPARγ and C/EBPα, as well as related lipogenic genes involved in fat synthesis and storage, such as Fabp4, Fasn, and Scd1. Chemical analysis revealed that PWE is rich in polysaccharides, which have been associated with various health benefits, including anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, and anti-cancer properties. These findings suggest that the bioactive compounds in PWE may serve as functional food components that could potentially be applied for the prevention and management of obesity and other metabolic disorders.

A novel index for diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus: Cholesterol, High density lipoprotein, and Glucose (CHG) index

BACKGROUND

Gold standard methods of type 2 diabetes mellitus are expensive and therefore not practical for large scale studies in low-income countries. We have investigated the total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL), and glucose (CHG) index for diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus index which is derived from fasting state. In this study we aimed to compare the accuracy of with CHG index and triglycerides (TG) and glucose levels (TyG) as surrogates of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

A total of 9,704 individuals between 35 and 65 years of age were recruited as part of the Mashhad stroke and heart atherosclerotic disorder (MASHAD) study. They were categorized into two groups, those with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus. The cut-off in groups to detection of type 2 diabetes mellitus was fasting blood glucose ≥126 mg/dL in blood sample. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to establish the cut-off of indices to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of them.

RESULTS

The best cut-off of CHG index for diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus was 5.57 which was associated with a sensitivity of 70.38% and specificity of 89.82% values. This was in comparison to the TyG index. LR+ CHG index was 6.91 compared to 3.47 for the TyG index and the AUC of CHG index was 0.864 (0.857, 0.871) compared with 0.825 (0.818, 0.833) for the TyG index. This indicates that the CHG index has a higher efficiency value to diagnose of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

CONCLUSIONS

The CHG index could be useful for the detection of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Dyslipidemia induced inflammation mediated the association between obesity and Osteoarthritis: a population-based study

BACKGROUND

This study aims to evaluate the mediation effect of dyslipidemia induced inflammation on the causal associations between obesity and Osteoarthritis (OA).

METHODS

This cross-sectional study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999-2010). The association between general and abdominal obesity (exposure), OA (outcome) and mediators (total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, and C-reactive protein) was assessed using multivariate linear and logistic regression models and mediation analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 23,308 participants were enrolled in this study, and 2,180 were diagnosed with OA. Participants with obesity were more likely to have OA (general obesity: OR = 2.508, 95%CI: 1.602, 4.197, P < 0.001; abdominal obesity: OR = 3.814, 95%CI: 3.242, 4.509, P < 0.001) than those without the obesity. High quantile of total cholesterol (OR:1.399; 95%CI:1.235, 1.257; P < 0.001), high-density lipoprotein (OR:1.644; 95%CI:1.443, 1.874; P < 0.001) and C-reactive protein (OR:1.952; 95%CI:1.707, 2.237; P < 0.001) increased the risk of OA when compared to lowest quartile. In the linear regression, the betas varied from 0.668 (95%CI: 0.635, 0.741; P < 0.001) to 0.693 (95%CI: 0.674, 0.712; P < 0.001), suggesting that individual with obesity had higher C-reactive protein levels. Additionally, total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein were associated with C-reactive protein. Mediation analyses showed that the causal association of obesity with OA risk was mediated by high-density lipoprotein and C-reactive protein, with the mediation proportion ranging from 17.216 to 45.058%. Moreover, high-density lipoprotein to C-reactive protein path acting as serial mediators in the associations between obesity and OA (general obesity: β = 0.012; 95%CI: 0.009-0.014; abdominal obesity: β = 0.011; 95%CI: 0.008-0.014).

CONCLUSION

The association between obesity and OA is partially mediated by systemic inflammation caused by dyslipidemia. Our study suggested anti-lipid therapy may be positive for obese individuals with OA.

H-NMR metabolomics identifies three distinct metabolic profiles differentially associated with cardiometabolic risk in patients with obesity in the Di@bet.es cohort

BACKGROUND

Obesity is a complex, diverse and multifactorial disease that has become a major public health concern in the last decades. The current classification systems relies on anthropometric measurements, such as BMI, that are unable to capture the physiopathological diversity of this disease. The aim of this study was to redefine the classification of obesity based on the different H-NMR metabolomics profiles found in individuals with obesity to better assess the risk of future development of cardiometabolic disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Serum samples of a subset of the Di@bet.es cohort consisting of 1387 individuals with obesity were analyzed by H-NMR. A K-means algorithm was deployed to define different H-NMR metabolomics-based clusters. Then, the association of these clusters with future development of cardiometabolic disease was evaluated using different univariate and multivariate statistical approaches. Moreover, machine learning-based models were built to predict the development of future cardiometabolic disease using BMI and waist-to-hip circumference ratio measures in combination with H-NMR metabolomics.

RESULTS

Three clusters with no differences in BMI nor in waist-to-hip circumference ratio but with very different metabolomics profiles were obtained. The first cluster showed a metabolically healthy profile, whereas atherogenic dyslipidemia and hypercholesterolemia were predominant in the second and third clusters, respectively. Individuals within the cluster of atherogenic dyslipidemia were found to be at a higher risk of developing type 2 DM in a 8 years follow-up. On the other hand, individuals within the cluster of hypercholesterolemia showed a higher risk of suffering a cardiovascular event in the follow-up. The individuals with a metabolically healthy profile displayed a lower association with future cardiometabolic disease, even though some association with future development of type 2 DM was still observed. In addition, H-NMR metabolomics improved the prediction of future cardiometabolic disease in comparison with models relying on just anthropometric measures.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated the benefits of using precision techniques like H-NMR to better assess the risk of obesity-derived cardiometabolic disease.

Cross-sectional analysis of dyslipidemia risk in coal mine workers: from epidemiology to animal models

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association between coal dust exposure and the occurrence of dyslipidemia in coal mine workers, and identify relevant risk factors. Methods: We selected a population who underwent occupational health examinations at Huainan Yangguang Xinkang Hospital from March 2020 to July 2022. Participants were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of dyslipidemia, and their baseline information was collected, including records of coal dust exposure. We employed single-factor analysis to identify risk factors for dyslipidemia and adjusted for confounding factors in the adjusted models. Additionally, we explored the effects in different populations using stratified analysis, smooth curve fitting, and propensity score matching. Finally, we confirmed the causal relationship between coal dust exposure and dyslipidemia by examining tissue sections and lipid-related indicators in a mouse model of coal dust exposure. Results A total of 5,657 workers were included in the study, among whom 924 individuals had dyslipidemia and 4,743 individuals did not have dyslipidemia. The results of the single-factor analysis revealed that dust exposure, age, BMI, blood pressure, and smoking were statistically significant risk factors for dyslipidemia (p < 0.05). Additionally, the three multivariate models, adjusted for different confounders, consistently showed a significant increase in the risk of dyslipidemia associated with coal dust exposure (Model 1: OR, 1.869; Model 2: OR, 1.863; Model 3: OR, 2.033). After conducting stratified analysis, this positive correlation remained significant. Furthermore, propensity score matching analysis revealed that with increasing years of work, the risk of dyslipidemia gradually increased, reaching 50% at 11 years. In the mouse model of coal dust exposure, significant coal dust deposition was observed in the lungs and livers of the mice, accompanied by elevated levels of total cholesterol (TC), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Conclusion Exposure to coal dust significantly increases the risk of developing dyslipidemia, and this positive correlation exists in different populations, particularly with increasing years of work, resulting in a higher risk.

Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 relieves inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and autophagy in hippocampus of western diet-fed rats by modulation of systemic inflammation

The consumption of western diets, high in fats and sugars, is a crucial contributor to brain molecular alterations, cognitive dysfunction and neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, a mandatory challenge is the individuation of strategies capable of preventing diet-induced impairment of brain physiology. A promising strategy might consist in the administration of probiotics that are known to influence brain function via the gut-brain axis. In this study, we explored whether Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 (L. reuteri)-based approach can counteract diet-induced neuroinflammation, endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), and autophagy in hippocampus, an area involved in learning and memory, in rat fed a high fat and fructose diet. The western diet induced a microbiota reshaping, but L. reuteri neither modulated this change, nor the plasma levels of short-chain fatty acids. Interestingly, pro-inflammatory signaling pathway activation (increased NFkB phosphorylation, raised amounts of toll-like receptor-4, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, GFAP, and Haptoglobin), as well as activation of ERS (increased PERK and eif2α phosphorylation, higher C/EBP-homologous protein amounts) and autophagy (increased beclin, P62-sequestosome-1, and LC3 II) was revealed in hippocampus of western diet fed rats. All these hippocampal alterations were prevented by L. reuteri administration, showing for the first time a neuroprotective role of this specific probiotic strain, mainly attributable to its ability to regulate western diet-induced metabolic endotoxemia and systemic inflammation, as decreased levels of lipopolysaccharide, plasma cytokines, and adipokines were also found. Therapeutic strategies based on the use of L. reuteri DSM17938 could be beneficial in reversing metabolic syndrome-mediated brain dysfunction and cognitive decline.

High-fat diet impact on prostate gland from adiponectin knockout mice: Morphometric, metabolic and inflammatory cytokines analyses

AIMS

Obesity is a global public health issue, and some studies have linked it to an increased risk of prostatic diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a high-fat diet on metabolic parameters and prostate morphology in wild-type (WT) and adiponectin knockout (KO) mice.

MAIN METHODS

Male WT and KO mice were fed a control diet (CD) or high-fat diet (HFD) for 6 months. Serum metabolic parameters, inflammatory cytokines in epididymal fat tissue, dorsal prostatic lobe morphometry and histopathology were analyzed.

KEY FINDINGS

CD WT and CD KO mice did not exhibit altered metabolic or prostatic parameters. However, HFD WT mice showed altered glucose and insulin tolerance even without excessive weight gain. On the other hand, HFD KO mice developed obesity, with an increase in low-density lipoprotein (11.8 ± 5.1 vs. 31.4 ± 3.6 mg/dL), high-density lipoprotein (73.4 ± 7.4 vs. 103.4 ± 2.5 mg/dL), and total cholesterol levels (126.2 ± 16.1 vs. 294.6 ± 23.2 mg/dL), a decrease in insulin levels (28.7 ± 12.2 vs. 4.6 ± 2.3 μIU/mL), and glucose and insulin resistance. We also observed that HFD KO animals display an increase in inflammatory cytokines, such as IL6, IL1β, and IL1RA. The dorsal prostate from HFD KO animals also presented significant increases in the mast cells (1.9 ± 0,7 vs. 5,3 ± 1.5 cells/field) and Ki67 index (2.91 ± 0.6 vs. 4.7 ± 0.4 %).

SIGNIFICANCE

The above findings highlight the complex interactions between adiponectin, metabolism, malnutrition, and prostate health. Metabolic deregulation combined with adipose inflammation potentially induces a proliferative and inflammatory microenvironment in the prostate gland under conditions of low adiponectin production, potentially impairing prostate morphophysiology in the context of obesity and aging.

FBXO28 reduces high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemia in mice by alleviating abnormal lipid metabolism and inflammatory responses

BACKGROUND

Hyperlipidemia is a lipid metabolism disorder with increasing incidence and prevalence worldwide. Abnormal lipid metabolism and inflammation are two significant characteristics of hyperlipidemia. The purpose of this study was to explore the role and mechanism of F-box only protein 28 (FBXO28) in hyperlipidemia.

METHODS

Mice were fed with high-fat diet (HFD) to elicit obesity, and 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were stimulated with MDI cocktail (IBMX, DEX and insulin) to evoke differentiation. In vivo and in vitro role of FBXO28 in hyperlipidemia was investigated by hematoxylin-eosin and oil Red O staining, the lipid biochemistry measurement, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting assays. The mechanism of FBXO28 explored by co-immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, ubiquitination and cycloheximide assays.

RESULTS

Low expression of FBXO28 was found in hyperlipidemia in silico, in vivo and in vitro. Upregulation of FBXO28 declined the body weight, fat accumulation, and serum lipid content in HFD-fed mice. Abnormal lipid accumulation, and the level of liposynthetic genes and beta-oxidation related genes were improved by overexpression of FBXO28 both in HFD-elicited mice and MDI-treated 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Besides, overexpression of FBXO28 declined HFD-induced the level of proinflammatory factors and F4/80. Mechanically, FBXO28 directly bound RAB27A and promoted its ubiquitinated degradation. Thus, upregulation of RAB27A inverted the improved role of FBXO28 in abnormal lipid metabolism and inflammation in vivo and in vitro.

CONCLUSION

FBXO28 ameliorated abnormal lipid metabolism and inflammation through the ubiquitinated degradation of RAB27A, thereby attenuating HFD-induced hyperlipidemia. The results could promote the treatment of hyperlipidemia, and the relevant diseases.

Sex differences in LDL-C reduction response to evolocumab: A propensity score matching analysis

BACKGROUND

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) have been shown to improve cardiovascular outcomes by reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). However, sex differences in the efficacy of evolocumab remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate sex differences in the efficacy of evolocumab using real-world data.

METHOD

Data were collected from the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University. A total of 416 eligible patients were selected from 1463 patients treated with evolocumab for secondary prevention. Clinical data, including individual characteristics and lipids profiles, were recorded. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to control for potential confounders, with covariates including age, body mass index, smoking status, and diabetes. All eligible participants were propensity-matched 1:1 for female versus male with a match tolerance of 0.02. The efficacy of evolocumab in females and males was compared by PSM-adjusted analysis.

RESULTS

In the PSM analysis, a significant difference was found in the relative percentage reduction of LDL-C between females and males (-42.7% vs. -54.4%, p < 0.001). In addition, the absolute LDL-C reduction was lower in females compared to males (interquartile range: -1.5 [-2.2, -0.8] mmol/L vs. -1.9 [-2.5, -1.0] mmol/L, p = 0.018). The rate of target LDL-C attainment was lower in females than in males after treatment with evolocumab (21.6% vs. 39.8%, p = 0.009).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that males have a better response to evolocumab in term of LDL-C reduction compared to females.

Morus alba: natural and valuable effects in weight loss management

Overweight and obesity are conditions associated with serious comorbidities, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Prevalence of excessive fat accumulation is increasing worldwide, and thus the need for efficient and sustainable weight loss regimes has become a major issue in clinical practice. Despite the important advances in the development of anti-obesity medications (AOM), their side effects, cost, and accessibility, are limiting factors for their routine use. Conversely, the studies of medicinal plants for weight management holds strong promise as a growing area of research. This review consolidates the representative evidence about the beneficial impacts of Morus alba on weight management and associated metabolic parameters, encompassing: inhibition of digestive enzymes, and thus contribution to the energy deficit required for weight loss, improvements in glucose and lipid metabolism, and attenuation of adiposity. Findings from in vitro, in vivo, and clinical investigations reviewed in the paper, demonstrate that white mulberry extracts have the potency to supplement efficiently and safely a healthy weight management approach.

The Potential of Dehydrated Geniotrigona thoracica Stingless Bee Honey against Metabolic Syndrome in Rats Induced by a High-Carbohydrate, High-Fat Diet

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is diagnosed when at least three out of five key risk factors are present: obesity, high blood pressure, insulin resistance, high triglycerides (TG) and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL). MS is often associated with chronic low-grade inflammation. Recent studies have shown that raw stingless bee honey (SBH) can alleviate MS risk factors. However, the high moisture content in raw SBH predisposes it to fermentation, which can degrade its quality. Therefore, dehydrating SBH is necessary to prevent the fermentation process. This study aimed to compare the effects of dehydrated (DeGT) and raw (RGT) SBH from Geniotrigona thoracica species on high-carbohydrate, high-fat diet (HCHF)-induced MS in rats.

METHODS

Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control (C), HCHF-induced MS without treatment (MS), HCHF-induced MS treated with DeGT (MS+DeGT) and HCHF-induced MS treated with RGT (MS+RGT). Group C received standard rat chow, while the other groups were fed with HCHF diet for 16 weeks. In the final eight weeks, two HCHF-induced groups received their respective SBH treatments.

RESULTS

Both DeGT and RGT treatments reduced energy intake, fat mass, high blood pressure, inflammatory (tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)) and obesity (the leptin/adiponectin (L/A) ratio, corticosterone, 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type-1 (11βHSD1)) markers, as well as prevented histomorphometry changes (prevented adipocyte hypertrophy, increased the Bowman's space area and glomerular atrophy). Additionally, DeGT increased serum HDL levels, while RGT reduced serum TG, leptin and other inflammatory markers (interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β)), as well as hepatosteatosis.

CONCLUSIONS

While DeGT demonstrates potential as a preventive agent for MS, RGT exhibited more pronounced anti-MS effects in this study.

An ensemble model for predicting dyslipidemia using 3-years continuous physical examination data

Background

Dyslipidemia has emerged as a significant clinical risk, with its associated complications, including atherosclerosis and ischemic cerebrovascular disease, presenting a grave threat to human well-being. Hence, it holds paramount importance to precisely predict the onset of dyslipidemia. This study aims to use ensemble technology to establish a machine learning model for the prediction of dyslipidemia.

Methods

This study included three consecutive years of physical examination data of 2,479 participants, and used the physical examination data of the first two years to predict whether the participants would develop dyslipidemia in the third year. Feature selection was conducted through statistical methods and the analysis of mutual information between features. Five machine learning models, including support vector machine (SVM), logistic regression (LR), random forest (RF), K nearest neighbor (KNN) and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), were utilized as base learners to construct the ensemble model. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to evaluate the model.

Results

Experimental results show that the ensemble model achieves superior performance across several metrics, achieving an AUC of 0.88 ± 0.01 (P < 0.001), surpassing the base learners by margins of 0.04 to 0.20. Calibration curves and DCA exhibited good predictive performance as well. Furthermore, this study explores the minimal necessary feature set for accurate prediction, finding that just the top 12 features were required for dependable outcomes. Among them, HbA1c and CEA are key indicators for model construction.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the proposed ensemble model has good predictive performance and has the potential to become an effective tool for personal health management.

Association of body roundness index with abdominal aortic calcification among middle aged and elderly population: findings from NHANES

Aim

We aim to investigate the association between body roundness index (BRI) and abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) among middle aged and elderly US residents.

Methods

This cross-sectional study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013-2014 cycle, including 3,079 middle-aged and elderly participants aged 40 and above. AAC scores for these participants were assessed using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). BRI was calculated from participants' height and waist circumference, with all measurements conducted by trained surveyors using standardized methods. The relationship between BRI and AAC was analyzed using weighted multivariate logistic regression, adjusting for confounding variable. Additionally, restricted cubic splines (RCS) analysis was also employed.

Results

We found that those with AAC were significantly older and had a higher prevalence of smoking and chronic kidney disease (CKD) prevalence compared to those without AAC. Using weighted multivariable logistic regression, we determined that an increase of one unit in BRI was associated with a 22% higher risk of AAC. Additionally, higher BRI quartiles (Q2, Q3, Q4) showed significantly increased risks of AAC compared to the lowest quartile. Visualization using RCS indicated a gradual increase in AAC risk with higher BRI, which plateaued beyond a BRI of 7.2. This relationship was significant across different age and gender group.

Conclusion

There is a positive association between abdominal obesity (as measured by BRI) and AAC in the middle-aged and elderly population. This suggests the impact of abdominal obesity on vascular health and that this factor should be considered in public health strategies.

Association of socioeconomic and lifestyle factors with prevalence of diabetes in rural southwest China: a structural equation modelling approach

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of diabetes using structural equation modelling (SEM) to examine the pathways and associations of socioeconomic and lifestyle factors on diabetes in rural southwest China.

DESIGN

Data were collected from a cross-sectional health interview and examination survey among individuals aged ≥35 years in rural southwest China. Fasting blood glucose, blood pressure, height, weight and waist circumference (WC) were measured for each participant. SEM was employed to assess the relationships between demographic characteristics (sex, age and ethnicity), socioeconomic position (SEP; annual household income, education level and access to medical services), lifestyle factors (obesity status (body mass index and WC) and physical inactivity), hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and family history of diabetes.

SETTING

This study was conducted in rural Yunnan Province of China.

PARTICIPANTS

7536 individuals aged ≥35 years consented to participate in the study.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of diabetes in the present study was 8.3%. Prevalence did not differ by gender (prevalence for both men and women was 8.3% (p>0.05)). The results of SEM indicated that SEP, age, ethnicity, obesity status and physical inactivity had both significant direct and indirect effects on diabetes, with total effect size of 0.091, 0.149, -0.094, 0.212 and 0.089, respectively (p<0.01). Family history of diabetes (0.128, p<0.01), hypertension (0.135, p<0.01) and hyperlipidaemia (0.137, p<0.01) were directly associated with diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

Socioeconomic and lifestyle factors have both direct and indirect effects on prevalence of diabetes in rural southwest China. Future efforts to implement comprehensive interventions to promote the prevention and control of diabetes should in particular focus on obese individuals.

Cardiometabolic risk in children and adolescents with obesity: a position paper of the Italian Society for Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology

Despite the implementation of preventive measures to counteract the obesity epidemics, the prevalence of childhood obesity is still alarming all over the world. Childhood obesity is the most common risk factor for both cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. In fact, an earlier onset of obesity can cause a greater risk of adiposity tracking across the lifespan and consequently a longer exposure to cardiometabolic risk factors. Accumulating evidence provided by prospective and intervention studies demonstrated the link between pediatric obesity and selected subclinical signs of cardiovascular damage (atherosclerosis and left ventricular hypertrophy), or fatal and not fatal cardiovascular events as early as 40 years of age.The numerous guidelines and scientific documents published in the last years demonstrate the relevance of assessing cardiometabolic risk factors in children and adolescents with OB.This Position paper, released by experts of the "Childhood Obesity study group" within the Italian Society for Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology, aims to review the assessment of cardiometabolic risk factors and comorbidities in children and adolescents with OW/OB on the light of the most recent scientific evidence.The main recommendations are: (a) early detection of comorbidities, including hypertension, dyslipidemia, prediabetes/type 2 diabetes, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, inactivity, obstructive sleep apnea and decline in kidney function; (b) weight loss treatment, which is associated with a reduction of all cardiometabolic risk factors; (c) specific treatment of comorbidities, through lifestyle modifications or pharmacological treatment added to lifestyle for suitable individuals; d). monitoring comorbidities for mitigating future morbidity and mortality.

The effect of Oleoylethanolamide supplementation on lipid profile, fasting blood sugar and dietary habits in obese people: a randomized double-blind placebo-control trial

BACKGROUND

Abnormalities in biochemical parameters and changes in eating habits are considered complications of obesity. Oleoylethanolamide (OEA), an endocannabinoid-like compound, has been shown to have protective effects on many metabolic disorders. Given this evidence, the present study aimed to assess the effects of OEA on lipid profile parameters, fasting blood sugar (FBS), and dietary habits in healthy obese people.

METHODS

In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, which was carried out in 2016 in Tabriz, Iran, 60 obese people were enrolled in the study based on inclusion criteria. The intervention group consumed 125 mg of OEA capsules, and the placebo group received the same amount of starch twice for 8 weeks. Blood samples (5 mL) were taken at baseline and the end of the study in a fasting state. Serum concentrations of FBS, triglycerides (TGs), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and total cholesterol (TC) were measured by enzymatic methods using commercial kits. The low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentration was obtained using the Friede-Wald formula. To assess dietary habits, a food frequency questionnaire (147 items) was used at baseline and the end of the study. A value less than < 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance.

RESULTS

The TG concentration decreased significantly in the intervention group (mean (SD): 166.29 (70.01) mg/dL to 142.22 (48.05) mg/dL, p = 0.047). Changes in the placebo group were not significant (p > 0.05). After adjusting for baseline values and demographic characteristics, the difference in TG between groups remained significant (p = 0.044). Changes in other biochemical parameters were not significant. There was no significant difference between or within groups in terms of food groups.

CONCLUSION

OEA, as a complementary agent, plays a protective role in TG regulation. However, future studies with longer durations are needed to explore the impact of OEA on regulating dietary habits and to identify the mechanisms related to metabolic abnormalities in obese people.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) center as IRCT201607132017N30 with URL. www.IRCT.IR in date 03/10/2016.

IRX3 promotes adipose tissue browning and inhibits fibrosis in obesity-resistant mice

Obesity is one of the threats to human health and survival. High fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity leads to adipose tissue fibrosis and a series of metabolic diseases. There are some people still thin under HFD, a phenomenon known as the "obesity resistance (OR) phenotype". It was found that Iroquois homeobox 3 (IRX3) is considered as a regulator in obesity, but the regulatory mechanism between OR and IRX3 is still unclear. In this study, we investigated OR on a HFD and the role of the IRX3 gene. Using mice, we observed that OR mice had lower body weights, reduced liver lipid synthesis, and increased white adipose tissue (WAT) lipolysis compared to obesity-prone (OP) mice. Additionally, OR mice exhibited spontaneous WAT browning and less fibrosis, correlating with higher Irx3 expression. Utilizing 3T3-L1 differentiated adipocytes, our study demonstrated that overexpression of Irx3 promoted thermogenesis-related gene expression and reduced adipocyte fibrosis. Therefore, Irx3 promotes WAT browning and inhibits fibrosis in OR mice. These results provide insight into the differences between obesity and OR, new perspectives on obesity treatment, and guidance for lessening adipose tissue fibrosis.

The comorbidity burden of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM): sex differences and associated factors among 830 cases in North-Eastern Morocco

Background and aim

Type 2 diabetes is prone to numerous comorbidities resulting from complex mechanisms involving hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, low-grade inflammation and accelerated atherogenesis. The purpose of the present study was to investigate these disorders and their associated risk factors according to patient sex in a population of type 2 diabetics in North-Eastern Morocco.

Methods

This study was conducted in a medical analysis laboratory over a 1-year period from 01/10/2018 to 01/10/2019. This epidemiological study was carried out on 830 subjects aged 18 and over. Quantitative variables were expressed as means ± standard deviation, and qualitative variables as frequencies and percentages. Hypothesis tests used to compare means and proportions were Student's t-test and Chi-square test of independence, respectively. Logistic regression was used to predict risk factors for each diabetes.

Results

830 patients were surveyed. 95.66% had diabetes-related comorbidities. Hypertension (23.7%), nephropathy (18.19%), dyslipidemia (14.82%), thyroid dysfunction (10.72%), cataract (10.12%), diabetic foot (7.23%), ketoacidosis (6.27%), retinopathy (3.49%), and skin disorders (2.77%) were observed. Sex was associated with dyslipidemia (p = 0.025), hypertension (p = 0.032) and retinopathy (p = 0.029). Uncontrolled blood sugar, unbalanced lipid profile, age, physical activity, obesity, smoking, and alcohol consumption were risk factors with differential involvement in the occurrence of the mentioned pathologies.

Conclusions

The results of our study showed that a significant proportion of the population suffers from diabetic comorbidities. To meet this challenge, further research is needed to identify the mechanisms of action of these factors, to control them and combat diabetogenic environments by setting up adapted educational programs.

Cholesterol transfer to high-density lipoprotein in obesity and the effects of weight loss after bariatric surgery

Obesity increases serum triglycerides and decreases high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). The objective is to explore some functions of HDL, cholesterol transfers and antioxidant, in subjects with grade I (G1-OB) and III (G3-OB) obesity and effects of bariatric surgery on G3-OB. Fifteen G3-OB patients (43 ± 6 years, BMI 49 ± 3 kg/m2) were studied before and 1 year after bariatric surgery; 15 G1-OB (32 ± 2 years, 32 ± 2 kg/m2) and 15 normal weight (NW) (38 ± 6 years, 22 ± 1 kg/m2) were also studied. HDL diameter, cholesterol transfer to HDL and antioxidant capacity of HDL were determined. G3-OB had higher triglycerides and lower HDL-C; G1-OB had higher triglycerides than NW but HDL-C was equal. Compared to NW, HDL size was smaller in G3-OB but equal in G1-OB. One year after bariatric surgery, BMI and triglycerides of G3-OB decreased (p < .0001 and p = .0012, respectively) and HDL-C increased (p < .0001), equalling of NW group. Antioxidant capacity and cholesterol transfers were not different in groups and were unchanged 1 year after bariatric surgery in G3-OB. HDL antioxidant capacity and transfer of cholesterol to HDL were not defective in obesity despite HDL-C reduction and smaller HDL size. In addition, pronounced weight loss by bariatric surgery did not change those protective functions.

Association Between Decreased Serum Vitamin D Level and Dyslipidemia: A Cross-Sectional Study in Southern Taiwan

Purpose

Previous studies revealed an inconclusive association between dyslipidemia and decreased vitamin D levels. This study aims to investigate the association between dyslipidemia parameters and decreased serum vitamin D levels among the southern Taiwanese population during a health examination.

Patients and Methods

A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2020 to December 2020, enrolling 2430 subjects in a southern Taiwanese medical center. We performed logistic regression to examine the association between lipid profiles and vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency.

Results

The prevalence of vitamin D sufficiency was higher in males (65.9%). Compared to individuals with total cholesterol (TC) < 200 mg/dL, those with TC ≥ 200 mg/dL exhibited vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency (OR, 1.46; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 1.10-1.94) after adjustment for age, gender, waist circumference (WC), fasting blood glucose, and uric acid levels. Compared to triglyceride (TG) levels of <150 mg/dL, TG levels ≥ 150 mg/dL had a higher association with vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency (OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.17-1.86) after adjustment for the same covariates. Post-gender stratification, we found female individuals with TC ≥ 200 mg/dL had a significantly higher association with vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency (OR, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.36-3.27), whereas TG ≥ 150 mg/dL in males exhibited a significantly higher association with vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency (OR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.29-2.24) after adjustment for the same covariates.

Conclusion

The study revealed a negative association between decreased serum vitamin D levels and TC and TG levels. However, no significant association was observed with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Further studies are needed to understand the mechanism.

Exploring the influencing factors of non-insulin drug prescriptions in discharged patients with type 1 diabetes

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the admission indicators and characteristics of individuals diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) to ascertain potential impact on the choice of glucose control therapy after discharge.

Methods

A total of 398 eligible T1D patients were selected. We conducted multivariable logistic regression analysis to determine the independent influence of predictors on the selection of glucose control therapy after discharge. To explore the influencing factors of different subgroups, we additionally performed subgroup analyses based on gender and age.

Results

Our study revealed that body mass index (BMI) was noteworthy influence factor for prescription of insulin and non-insulin antidiabetic drug (NIAD prescription) in T1D patients of general population [OR = 1.109 (1.033-1.195), p = 0.006], male [OR = 1.166 (1.040-1.318), p = 0.011] and individuals below the age of 30 years [OR = 1.146 (1.020-1.301), p = 0.028]. Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was a protective factor for NIAD prescription in the general population [OR = 0.971 (0.949-0.992), p = 0.008] and women [OR = 0.955 (0.923-0.988), p = 0.008]. The other risk factor of NIAD prescription in men was dyslipidemia [OR = 4.824 (1.442-22.246), p = 0.020]. Pulse pressure [OR = 1.036 (1.007-1.068), p = 0.016] constituted an additional risk factor of NIAD prescription among individuals below the age of 30 years. The risk factors of NIAD prescription for people aged 30 to 50 years were length of stay [OR = 1.097 (1.014-1.196), p = 0.026] and initial blood glucose [OR = 1.078 (1.007-1.168), p = 0.047]. In the case of individuals aged above 50 years, physicians exhibited a higher tendency to prescribe supplementary non-insulin medications to men [OR = 9.385 (1.501-87.789), p = 0.029].

Conclusions

We identified notable factors that influence discharge prescriptions in patients with T1D. In order to enhance the treatment outcome for the patient, clinicians ought to have a special focus on these indicators or factors.

Modifiable factors mediating the effects of educational attainment on gestational diabetes mellitus: A two-step Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND

Although there is currently a wealth of evidence to indicate that maternal educational attainment is associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), the specific modifiable risk factors that mediate the causal relationship between these two variables have yet to be identified.

AIM

To identify the specific modifiable risk factors that mediate the causal relationship between the level of maternal education and GDM.

METHODS

Mendelian randomization (MR) was conducted using data from genome-wide association studies of European populations. We initially performed a two-sample MR analysis using data on genetic variants associated with the duration of education as instruments, and subsequently adopted a two-step MR approach using metabolic and lifestyle factors as mediators to examine the mechanisms underlying the relationship between the level of maternal education and risk of developing GDM. In addition, we calculated the proportions of total causal effects mediated by identified metabolic and lifestyle factors.

RESULTS

A genetically predicted higher educational attainment was found to be associated with a lower risk of developing GDM (OR: 0.71, 95%CI: 0.60-0.84). Among the metabolic factors assessed, four emerged as potential mediators of the education-GDM association, which, ranked by mediated proportions, were as follows: Waist-to-hip-ratio (31.56%, 95%CI: 12.38%-50.70%), body mass index (19.20%, 95%CI: 12.03%-26.42%), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (12.81%, 95%CI: 8.65%-17.05%), and apolipoprotein A-1 (7.70%, 95%CI: 4.32%-11.05%). These findings proved to be robust to sensitivity analyses.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate a causal relationship between lower levels of maternal education and the risk of developing GDM can be partly explained by adverse metabolic profiles.

The association between weight-adjusted waist index and sleep disorders in U.S. adults: results from NHANES 2005-2008

The detrimental effects of obesity on sleep disorders have garnered a lot of interest. The weight-adjusted waist index (WWI) is a newly developed anthropometric index calculated in terms of weight and waist circumference. The body mass index has been employed to evaluate obesity in the majority of studies that connect obesity to sleep disorders. This study seeks to investigate the correlation between WWI and sleep disorders among adults in the United States. This cross-sectional study was part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and included adults aged >20 from 2005 to 2008. This study investigated the linear relationship between sleep disorders and WWI using weighted binary logistic regression models. Nonlinear relationships were characterized using smooth curve fitting and threshold effects analyses. After that, based on variables like gender, age, marital status, diabetes, hypertension, and smoking, subgroup analyses were performed. Our study included 9869 participants who were at least 20 years old. Higher WWI was linked to greater odds of sleep disorders prevalence, according to weighted binary logistic regression (odds ratio = 1.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.10, 1.20). In subgroup analyses based on age, marital status, diabetes, hypertension, and smoking, this connection remained robust. However, there were notable differences in this connection depending on gender. Furthermore, a nonlinear correlation with inflection points between WWI and sleep disorders was shown using smooth curve fitting. The nonlinear association between WWI and sleep disorders has an inflection point of 8.1 cm/√kg, as indicated by the threshold effect analyses. A higher WWI exposure may elevate the odds of sleep disorder prevalence, underscoring the importance of considering WWI in the prevention and management of sleep disorders.

Association between weight-adjusted waist circumference index and depression in older patients with hypertension: a study based on NHANES 2007-2016

Objective

Our aim was to assess the relationship between weight-adjusted waist circumference index (WWI) and the prevalence of depression in older adult hypertensive patients in the United States.

Methods

We selected individuals from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database from 2007 to 2016 and used logistic regression analyses, subgroup analyses, and dose-response curves to assess the associations between the WWI index and the prevalence of depression in older hypertensive patients with age, sex, and BMI.

Results

A total of 4,228 participants aged ≥60 years with hypertension were included in our study; 364 patients were assessed for depression. After correction for confounders, each unit increase in WWI increased the risk of depression in older hypertensive patients by 19% (OR = 1.19, 95% CI: 0.99, 1.43). Dose-response curves showed that the WWI index was positively associated with the prevalence of depression in older hypertensive patients when the WWI index was ≥11.6. Based on subgroup analyses, this association was particularly pronounced in individuals ≥70 years of age, women, and individuals with a BMI of 25 or greater.

Conclusion

Higher WWI scores were positively associated with the prevalence of depression in older hypertensive patients and correlated with gender, age and BMI. This is notable, although a causal relationship cannot be established at this time.

HDL regulates the risk of cardiometabolic and inflammatory-related diseases: Focusing on cholesterol efflux capacity

Dyslipidemia, characterized by higher serum concentrations of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), triglyceride (TG), and lower serum concentrations of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), is confirmed as a hallmark of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), posing serious risks to the future health of humans. Aside from the role of HDL-C concentrations, the capacity of cholesterol efflux to HDL is being identified as an enssential messurement for the dyslipidemic morbidity. Through inducing the progression of reverse cholesterol transport (RCT), the HDL-related cholesterol efflux plays a vital role in atherosclerotic plaque formation. In addition, increasing results demonstrated that the relationships between cholesterol efflux and cardiovascular events might be influenced by multiple factors, such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, and, inflammatory diseases. These risk factors could affect the intracellular composition of HDL, which might subsqently influence the cholesterol efflux process induced by HDL particle. In the present comprehensive article, we summarize the latest findings which described the modulatory roles of HDL in cardiometabolic disorders and inflammatory related diseases, focusing on its capacity in mediating cholesterol efflux. Moreover, the potential mechanisms whereby HDL regulate the risk of cardiometabolic disorders or inflammatory related diseases, at least partly, via cholesterol efflux pathway, are also well-listed.

Lipoprotein(a) as a novel biomarker for predicting adverse outcomes in ischemic heart failure

Background

Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). However, the association between Lp(a) and adverse outcomes in patients with ischemic heart failure (IHF) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum Lp(a) levels and the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in IHF patients.

Methods

In this single-center, retrospective cohort study, 1,168 IHF patients who underwent elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were enrolled. Patients were divided into four groups based on Lp(a) quartiles. The primary endpoint was MACE, defined as a composite of all-cause mortality, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), and any revascularization. Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the association between Lp(a) quartiles and adverse outcomes. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) curve were constructed to explore the nonlinear relationship between Lp(a) levels and MACE risk. Subgroup analyses were performed to investigate the association in different subgroups.

Results

The incidence of MACE increased significantly across Lp(a) quartiles (Quartile 4 vs. Quartile 1: 46.4% vs. 22.9%, P < 0.001). After adjusting for confounding factors, the highest Lp(a) group remained independently associated with an increased risk of MACE (HR, 95% CI: 2.28, 1.69-3.07, P < 0.001, P for trend <0.001), all-cause mortality (HR, 95% CI: 2.33, 1.54-3.54, P < 0.001, P for trend = 0.01), and any revascularization (HR, 95% CI: 2.18, 1.35-3.53, P = 0.002, P for trend = 0.001). The RCS model demonstrated a nonlinear positive relationship between Lp(a) levels and MACE risk. Subgroup analysis revealed a significant interaction with body mass index (BMI), with a more pronounced association observed in patients with higher BMI (P for interaction <0.001).

Conclusion

Elevated Lp(a) levels were independently associated with an increased risk of MACE, mortality, and revascularization in IHF patients, with a stronger effect in obese individuals.

Association of serum trefoil factor 3 and leptin levels with obesity: A case-control study

BACKGROUND

Obesity has a detrimental impact on individuals, communities, and healthcare systems. Trefoil factor 3 is a secretory protein involved in metabolic processes related to weight regulation. However, its relation with obesity is not fully understood.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to assess the serum trefoil factor 3 level and to immunohistochemical detect the leptin in obese patients to evaluate their relation to obesity pathogenesis.

METHODS

As a case-control study, we enrolled 83 non-obese persons as a control group with a BMI (18.5-24.9) and 83 obese persons as a patient group with a BMI > 30. All the study volunteers are subjected to anthropometric measurements, glucose, and lipid profile analysis by colorimetric methods. Serum trefoil factor 3 level was estimated by ELISA and leptin hormone was detected immunohistochemically in the blood using cell block technique.

RESULTS

ROC curve analysis for TFF3 showed a good relation with obesity with an AUC of 0.891 and a cut-off value of > 96 ng/ml. There was a significant positive correlation between TFF3 and fasting blood sugar, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. The logistic regression analysis showed that TFF3 is a good risk factor for obesity incidence [p = 0.008; OR = 1.117; (95 % CI): 1.029-1.213]. This was confirmed by multiple linear regression that gave an equation for the possibility of predicting BMI using several factors including TFF3 [BMI = 0.821 + 0.051 × TFF3 + 0.044 × FBS + 0.85 × TC]. The more surprising was the ability of the immunohistochemistry cell block technique to detect leptin antigens associated with an obese person blood not only adipose tissue or serum.

CONCLUSION

Leptin hormone and TFF3 could be good indicators for obesity incidence. Further research with a larger sample size and in different populations could completely approve our results.

Obesity aggravates neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative effects of bisphenol A in female rats

Bisphenol A (BPA), a common plasticizer, is categorized as a neurotoxic compound. Its impact on individuals exhibits sex-linked variations. Several biological and environmental factors impact the degree of toxicity. Moreover, nutritional factors have profound influence on toxicity outcome. BPA has been demonstrated to be an obesogen. However, research on the potential role of obesity as a confounding factor in BPA toxicity is lacking. We studied the neurodegenerative effects in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese female rats after exposure to BPA (10 mg/L via drinking water for 90 days). Four groups were taken in this study - Control, HFD, HFD + BPA and BPA. Cognitive function was evaluated through novel object recognition (NOR) test. Inflammatory changes in brain, and changes in hormonal level, lipid profile, glucose tolerance, oxidative stress, and antioxidants were also determined. HFD + BPA group rats showed a significant decline in memory function in NOR test. The cerebral cortex (CC) of the brain showed increased neurodegenerative changes as measured by microtubule-associated protein-2 (MAP-2) accompanied by histopathological confirmation. The increased level of neuroinflammation was demonstrated by microglial activation (Iba-1) and protein expression of nuclear factor- kappa B (NF-КB) in the brain. Obesity also caused significant (p < 0.05) increase in lipid peroxidation accompanied by reduced activities of antioxidant enzymes (glutathione S-transferase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase) and decrease in reduced-glutathione (p < 0.05) when compared to non-obese rats with BPA treatment. Overall, study revealed that obesity serves as a risk factor in the toxicity of BPA which may exacerbate the progression of neurological diseases.

2', 3', 5'-tri-O-acetyl-N6-(3-hydroxyphenyl) adenosine alleviates diet-induced hyperlipidemia by modulating intestinal gene expression profiles and metabolic pathway

There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that the composition of intestinal flora plays a significant role in regulating lipid metabolism. 2', 3', 5'-tri-O-acetyl-N6-(3-hydroxyphenyl) adenosine (IMMH007) is a new candidate compound for regulating blood cholesterol and other lipids. In this study, we conducted metagenomic and metabolomic analyses on samples from high-fat diet-fed (HFD) hamsters treated with IMMH007. Our findings revealed that IMM-H007 reversed the imbalance of gut microbiota caused by a high-fat diet. Additionally, it activated adiponectin receptor and pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis pathway-related genes, which are known to regulate lipid and glucose metabolism. Furthermore, IMM-H007 promotes cholesterol metabolism by reducing the abundance of genes and species associated with 7α-dehydroxylation and bile salt hydrolase (BSH). Metabolomics and pharmacological studies have shown that IMM-H007 effectively improved glucose and lipid metabolism disorders caused by HFD, reduced the aggregation of secondary bile acids (SBAs), significantly increased the content of hyodeoxycholic acid (HDCA), and also activated the expression of VDR in the small intestine. As a result, there was a reduction in the leakage of diamine oxidase (DAO) into the bloodstream in hamsters, accompanied by an upregulation of ZO-1 expression in the small intestine. The results suggested that IMM-H007 regulated glucose and lipid metabolism, promoted cholesterol metabolism through activating the expression of VDR, inhibiting inflammatory and improving the permeability of the intestinal barrier. Thus, our study provides new understanding of how IMM-H007 interacts with intestinal function, microbiota, and relevant targets, shedding light on its mechanism of action.

Unveiling the anti-obesity potential of Kemuning (Murraya paniculata): A network pharmacology approach

Obesity has become a global issue that affects the emergence of various chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, dysplasia, heart disorders, and cancer. In this study, an integration method was developed between the metabolite profile of the active compound of Murraya paniculata and the exploration of the targeting mechanism of adipose tissue using network pharmacology, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, and in vitro tests. Network pharmacology results obtained with the skyline query technique using a block-nested loop (BNL) showed that histone acetyltransferase p300 (EP300), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PPARGC1A) are potential targets for treating obesity. Enrichment analysis of these three proteins revealed their association with obesity, thermogenesis, energy metabolism, adipocytokines, fat cell differentiation, and glucose homeostasis. Metabolite profiling of M. paniculata leaves revealed sixteen active compounds, ten of which were selected for molecular docking based on drug-likeness and ADME results. Molecular docking results between PPARG and EP300 with the ten active compounds showed a binding affinity value of ≤ -5.0 kcal/mol in all dockings, indicating strong binding. The stability of the protein-ligand complex resulting from docking was examined using molecular dynamics simulations, and we observed the best average root mean square deviation (RMSD) of 0.99 Å for PPARG with trans-3-indoleacrylic acid, which was lower than with the native ligand BRL (2.02 Å). Furthermore, the RMSD was 2.70 Å for EP300 and the native ligand 99E, and the lowest RMSD with the ligand (1R,9S)-5-[(E)-2-(4-Chlorophenyl)vinyl]-11-(5-pyrimidinylcarbonyl)-7,11-diazatricyclo[7.3.1.02,7]trideca-2,4-dien-6-one was 3.33 Å. The in vitro tests to validate the potential of M. paniculata in treating obesity showed that there was a significant decrease in PPARG and EP300 gene expressions in 3T3-L1 mature adipocytes treated with M. paniculata ethanolic extract starting at concentrations 62.5 μg/ml and 15.625 μg/ml, respectively. These results indicate that M. paniculata can potentially treat obesity by disrupting adipocyte maturation and influencing intracellular lipid metabolism.

The Role of Diet and Physical Activity in Obesity and Overweight in Children with Down Syndrome in Developed Countries

Down's syndrome (DS), or Trisomy 21, represents the most common chromosomal abnormality in live births, characterized by an extra chromosome 21. Children affected by Down's syndrome are more susceptible to the development of obesity and of becoming overweight compared with other children. Furthermore, they seem to present a more unfavorable lipid profile than the non-DS obese pediatric population. Diet and physical activity are closely related to the development of overweight and obesity, and they can be assessed using questionnaires such as the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index in children and adolescents (KIDMED) and the Godin-Shephard Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire. This review aims to undertake a comprehensive analysis of the intricate interplay between diet and physical activity in children affected by Down's syndrome. Specifically, it seeks to deepen understanding regarding the question of how diet and exercise can influence and prevent the development of overweight and obesity in that special pediatric population.