Multiple health behaviors and serum hepatic enzymes among US adults with obesity

A new strategy to alleviate the obesity induced by endocrine disruptors-A unique lysine metabolic pathway of nanoselenium Siraitia grosvenorii to repair gut microbiota and resist obesity

Obesity caused by endocrine disruptors (EDCs) has become a hot topic threatening human health. Recently, Nanoselenium Siraitia grosvenorii (NSG) has been shown to have potential health-modulating uses. Based on the results of 16S rRNA sequencing and metabolomics analysis, NSG has the unique function of improving gut microbiota and inhibiting obesity. Specifically, NSG can enhance gut microbiota diversity and change their composition. A significant positive correlation exists between the liver change in lysine and the high-importance dominant species ([Ruminococcus]_gnavus, Alistipes_finegoldii, etc.). NSG metabolites analysis showed that the lysine level increased by 44.45% and showed a significantly negatively correlated with (TG, TC, Leptin, etc.). Significantly, NSG reduces the degradation of lysine metabolism in the liver and inhibits fatty acid β-oxidation. In addition, NSG decreased Acetyl-CoA levels by 24% and regulated the downregulation of TCA genes (CS, Ogdh, Fh1, and Mdh2) and the upregulation of ketone body production genes (BDH1). NSG may have a positive effect on obesity by reducing the participation of Acetyl-CoA in the TCA cycle pathway and enhancing the ketogenic conversion of Acetyl-CoA. In conclusion, the results of this study may provide a new dietary intervention strategy for preventing endocrine disruptor-induced obesity.

Obesity and Pancreatic Cancer: Overview of Epidemiology and Potential Prevention by Weight Loss

Currently, there are no effective preventive strategies for pancreatic cancer. Obesity has been increasingly recognized as a strong but modifiable risk factor of pancreatic cancer. In this article, we aim to review the literature regarding weight loss on prevention of pancreatic cancer. Epidemiological and laboratory studies have shown that obesity is associated with increased incidence of pancreatic cancer and potentially worse cancer outcome. Whereas the underlying pathomechanisms remain unclear, chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, and altered intestinal microbiota are all implicated in the carcinogenic effect of obesity. Weight loss, especially the durable and significant weight loss after bariatric surgery, has been shown to reduce the risks of multiple cancers and may become a good intervention for pancreatic cancer prevention.

A comparative effectiveness analysis of treatment for latent tuberculosis infection using multilevel selection models

AIM

Nine months of isoniazid (9INH) is the gold standard for treatment of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). This paper compares the effectiveness of 9 months of isoniazid with 4 months of transitional rifampin (9H4R) to alternative therapies, including 9INH, 6 months of isoniazid (6INH) and 6 months of isoniazid with 4 months of transitional rifampin (6H4R), for treatment of LTBI.

MATERIALS & METHODS

Using an ethnically diverse clinic sample of 552 patients given treatment for LTBI with 9H4R, we use multilevel selection models to examine the adjusted comparative effectiveness of the regimens among ethnic groups that feature distinct genetic predispositions to side effects on INH. For unadjusted/absolute effectiveness, we simulated cost-effectiveness ratios for 4 months of rifampin (4RIF) and compared with bootstrapped confidence intervals for the alternative therapies.

RESULTS

There are variations in the comparative effectiveness across ethnic groups, with the most notable differences for 9H4R. For unadjusted/absolute effectiveness, 4RIF presents the greatest net benefit for US born black and African patients. For all other ethnic groups, 6H4R was the most effective.

CONCLUSION

Patient ethnicity affects tolerance to INH. 9H4R was the most effective LTBI treatment for all ethnicities. However, this result heavily depends on whether adjustments are made for self-selection.

Health-enhancing multibehavior and medical multimorbidity

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association of multibehavior on multimorbidity.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data from the 2005-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used. The study duration was from October 20, 2013, through December 16, 2014. A multimorbidity index variable was created that indicated the number of 14 morbidities that each patient had. A multibehavior index variable was created that indicated the number of 4 health-enhancing behaviors each participant had; physical activity was assessed via accelerometry, dietary behavior was assessed via an interview, smoking was determined via cotinine levels, and sleep duration was self-reported.

RESULTS

For the entire sample of 2048 participants, those with 1, 2, 3, and 4 health behaviors, compared with 0 health behaviors, had a 35% (odds ratio [OR], 0.65; 95% CI, 0.47-0.90; P=.01), 44% (OR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.38-0.82; P=.006), 63% (OR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.26-0.51; P<.001), and 69% (OR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.19-0.52; P<.001) reduced odds of being multimorbid, respectively. Only physical activity (β=-.46) and sleep (β=-.23) were independently associated with multimorbidity, and only 2 health behavior combinations were associated with multimorbidity: physical activity and sleep (β=-.17) and physical activity and nonsmoking (β=-.16).

CONCLUSIONS

Americans engaging in more health behaviors were less likely to be multimorbid. Physical activity was independently, as well is in combination with other health behaviors, associated with multimorbidity. Implications for developing a multibehavior-multimorbidity framework to treat the patients' holistic needs is discussed.

Individual and joint impacts of ethanol use, BMI, age and gender on serum gamma-glutamyltransferase levels in healthy volunteers

Excessive ethanol consumption, obesity and increasing age may all lead to increased serum levels of gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) enzyme, which plays a key role in the metabolism of extracellular reduced glutathione. However, as yet, the interactions between the various modulators of GGT activities have remained poorly defined. We analyzed data from 15,617 apparently healthy individuals (7254 men and 8363 women, mean age 46 ± 13 years, range 25–74 years) who participated in a national cross-sectional health survey in Finland between 1997 and 2007. All subjects underwent detailed clinical examinations and interviews, including the amount of ethanol use and smoking habits. GGT levels were measured from all participants, and the individual and joint impacts of the different study variables on GGT levels were assessed. Significant individual effects were noted for ethanol use (p < 0.001), body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.001), age (p < 0.001) and smoking (p < 0.001). In men, significant two-factor interactions occurred between ethanol use and age (p < 0.020). Among those over 40 years of age, ethanol consumption was found to be a stronger determinant of increased GGT levels than in men below 40 years, whereas in the latter age group, BMI was found to predominate. In women, a significant two-factor interaction occurred between ethanol and BMI (p = 0.010), whereas it did not with ethanol use and age. The data underscores the role of ethanol consumption and age as major determinants of increased GGT levels in men, whereas in women, a relatively stronger impact was noted for ethanol intake and BMI. In light of the ability of GGT enzyme to modulate crucial redox-sensitive functions, the present findings also support the use of GGT as a biomarker of oxidative stress.