Inflammation Parameters Associated with Metabolic Disorders: Relationship Between Diet and Microbiota

Predictive role of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in metabolic syndrome: Meta-analysis of 70,937 individuals

OBJECTIVE

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been shown to be an independent predictor for cardiovascular diseases and metabolic diseases. The role of NLR in metabolic syndrome (MS) has also been explored albeit with conflicting results. The objective of this study was to assess the predictive role of NLR in MS.

METHODS

We conducted a meta-analysis of observational studies to evaluate the predictive role of NLR in MS. Cochrane library, PubMed, Medline, Embase, and Scopus were systematically searched from their inception to December 2023. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines was followed. The statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. A randomeffect model was used.

RESULTS

Twenty six studies enrolling 70,937 individuals were included in this meta-analysis. Compared with the individuals without MS, NLR value was significantly higher in the patients of MS (mean difference (MD) 0.40, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.27-0.52, P < 0.00001, I2 = 97%). The derived NLR value also was significantly higher in participants with MS than those without MS (MD 0.48, 95%CI: 0.13-0.84, P = 0.007, I2 = 96%). There was no statistically significant association for NLR between the patients with 4 metabolic risk factors (MRF) and those with 3 MRF, or between patients with 5 MRF and those with 4 MRF (MD 0.16, 95%CI: -0.02-0.35, P = 0.10, I2 = 84%; MD 0.12, 95%CI: -0.06-0.29, P = 0.20, I2 = 68%). However, MS patients with 5 MRF had a significantly higher mean NLR value than those with 3MRF (MD 0.37, 95%CI: 0.05-0.68, P = 0.02, I2 = 92%). Compared with the individuals with low NLR, incidence of MS was significantly higher in those with high NLR (OR 2.23, 95%CI: 1.25-3.98, P = 0.006, I2 = 97%).

CONCLUSION

The findings of our meta-analysis suggested that the value of NLR and derived NLR were higher in MS patients. MS patients with 5 MRF had a significantly higher mean NLR value. High NLR also demonstrated a significantly increased the incidence of MS. NLR may be a good predictive biomarker in MS.

Gut microbiota dysbiosis and intestinal barrier impairment in diarrhea caused by cold drink and high-fat diet

Cold drink and high-fat diet (CDHFD) are common diet patterns. However, the potential risks remain unclear. We investigated the effects of CDHFD in adult mice and explored the mechanisms of action. Twenty adult male mice were randomly divided into control and model groups, and the control group was fed a normal diet, whereas the model group was fed CDHFD for 28 days. We found that mice in the model group developed diarrhea symptoms accompanied by fatigue and weakness. Analysis of the intestinal flora revealed that the model group had a lower diversity and richness of microorganism species in the gut than the control group. Furthermore, the characteristic analysis indicated that CDHFD downregulated specific bacteria, such as norank_f_Muribaculaceae, Muribaculum, and Odoribacter, which are known to be associated with the systemic inflammatory response and mucosal barrier function. Blood tests showed that immune cells and inflammatory cytokines were significantly elevated in the model group, along with increased LPS induced by CDHFD. Pathological investigations demonstrated that CDHFD damages the intestinal mucosa while affecting the expression of tight junction proteins, including ZO-1, Claudin-1, Claudin-2, and Occludin, which may be attributed to the activation of the TRAF6/IκB/p65 signaling pathway. In conclusion, impaired gut microbial and mechanical barrier function is responsible for CDHFD-induced diarrhea. In this study, we constructed a model of diet-induced diarrhea by simulating human dietary patterns, evaluated the long-term effects of CDHFD on human intestinal barriers and immune systems, and revealed its mechanism of action based on chronic inflammation. This study validated the model's fit to provide an effective screening model for drug or functional food development.

Anxiety and Metabolic Disorders: The Role of Botanicals

Anxiety and anxiety-related disorders are becoming more evident every day, affecting an increasing number of people around the world. Metabolic disorders are often associated with anxiety. Furthermore, anxiety branches into metabolic disorders by playing multiple roles as a cofactor, symptom, and comorbidity. Taken together, these considerations open the possibility of integrating the therapy of metabolic disorders with specific drugs for anxiety control. However, anxiolytic compounds often cause disabling effects in patients. The main goal could be to combine therapeutic protocols with compounds capable of reducing side effects while performing multiple beneficial effects. In this article we propose a group of bioactive ingredients called botanicals as a healthy supplement for the treatment of metabolic disorders related to anxiety.