Patterns of Calcium- and Chloride-Ion Disorders and Predictors among Obese Outpatient Adults in Southern Ethiopia

Microneedle-Coupled Epidermal Sensors for In-Situ-Multiplexed Ion Detection in Interstitial Fluids

Maintaining the concentrations of various ions in body fluids is critical to all living organisms. In this contribution, we designed a flexible microneedle patch coupled electrode array (MNP-EA) for the in situ multiplexed detection of ion species (Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, and H⁺) in tissue interstitial fluid (ISF). The microneedles (MNs) are mechanically robust for skin or cuticle penetration (0.21 N/needle) and highly swellable to quickly extract sufficient ISF onto the ion-selective electrochemical electrodes (∼6.87 μL/needle in 5 min). The potentiometric sensor can simultaneously detect these ion species with nearly Nernstian response in the ranges wider enough for diagnosis purposes (Na⁺: 0.75-200 mM, K⁺: 1-128 mM, Ca²⁺: 0.25-4.25 mM, pH: 5.5-8.5). The in vivo experiments on mice, humans, and plants demonstrate the feasibility of MNP-EA for timely and convenient diagnosis of ion imbalances with minimal invasiveness. This transdermal sensing platform shall be instrumental to home-based diagnosis and health monitoring of chronic diseases and is also promising for smart agriculture and the study of plant biology.

Combined Approach: FFQ, DII, Anthropometric, Biochemical and DNA Damage Parameters in Obese with BMI ≥ 35 kg m-2

Although obesity with its comorbidities is linked with higher cancer risk, the data on genome stability in the obese/severely obese are scarce. This is the first study with three DNA damage assessment assays (Fpg-modified and alkaline comet assays and micronucleus cytome assay) performed on a severely obese population (n = 53) where the results were compared with daily intake of food groups, nutrient intake, dietary inflammatory index (DII), and anthropometric and biochemical parameters usually measured in obese individuals. Results demonstrated the association between DNA damage levels and a decrease in cell proliferation with anthropometric measurements and the severity of obese status, together with elevated levels of urates, inorganic phosphates, chlorides, and hs troponin I levels. DII was connected with oxidative DNA damage, while BMI and basal metabolic rate (BMR) were associated with a decrease in cell proliferation and DNA damage creation. Measured daily BMR and calculated daily energy intake from the food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) demonstrated no significant difference (1792.80 vs. 1869.86 kcal day-1 mean values). Groups with higher DNA damage than expected (tail intensity in comet assay >9% and >12.4%, micronucleus frequency >13), consumed daily, weekly, and monthly more often some type of food groups, but differences did not show a clear influence on the elevated DNA damage levels. Combination of all three DNA damage assays demonstrated that some type of damage can start earlier in the obese individual lifespan, such as nuclear buds and nucleoplasmic bridges, then comes decrease in cell proliferation and then elevated micronucleus frequencies, and that primary DNA damage is not maybe crucial in the overweight, but in severely obese. Biochemically changed parameters pointed out that obesity can have an impact on changes in blood cell counts and division and also on genomic instability. Assays were able to demonstrate groups of sensitive individuals that should be further monitored for genomic instability and cancer prevention, especially when obesity is already connected with comorbidities, 13 different cancers, and a higher mortality risk with 7-10 disease-free years loss. In the future, both DNA damage and biochemical parameters should be combined with anthropometric ones for further obese monitoring, better insight into biological changes in the severely obese, and a more individual approach in therapy and treatment. Patients should also get a proper education about the foodstuff with pro- and anti-inflammatory effect.

Estimation of elemental concentrations in the toenail of young Saudi females with obesity

Elemental homeostasis is essential for maintaining normal metabolic processes. Elements in the toenails are now considered in the diagnosis or screening and used as biomarkers of several metabolic disorders. The incidence of obesity is more prevalent in females than males globally. At the same time, females appeared more susceptible to elemental alterations than males. This study aimed to evaluate the variation in the levels of several elements in toenails as possible biomarkers of health conditions associated with obesity in young Saudi females. A cross-sectional study was performed, between February–November 2019. The study enrolled 79 young females divided into two groups: participants with obesity (n=39) and non-obese (n=40). The toenail was analyzed to estimate Fe, I, K, Na, Cd, Cr, Mn, Ca, Mg, Cu, Co, and Se levels. The study showed a significant elevation in the levels of Fe, Ca, K, and Na in the toenail sample of female participants with obesity compared to the non-obese group. The levels of Mn, Cd, Co, Cu, and Cr, were significantly decreased in the toenail of participants with obesity. Moreover, other elements (i.e., Mg, I, and Se) were not significantly lower in the female group with obesity. Our findings confirmed the alterations of several elements among Saudi females with obesity. The toenail elemental analysis may become a useful diagnostic technique in monitoring the nutritional status, predicting some metabolic disorders, and environmental exposure.