Prevention of Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease in Obesity

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN OBESITY AND ALTERATIONS IN PHOTORECEPTOR-RETINAL PIGMENT EPITHELIUM-CHORIOCAPILLARIS COMPLEX IN HEALTHY EYES

PURPOSE

To investigate the effect of obesity on alterations in the photoreceptor-retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)-choriocapillaris complex.

METHODS

Two hundred and twenty participants with varying body mass index were enrolled and categorized into three groups: normal weight, overweight, and obese. Retinal and choroidal images were obtained using swept-source optical coherence tomography. Automatic segmentation was used for image analysis, evaluating retina thickness parameters such as retinal nerve fiber layer, ganglion cell layer and inner plexiform layer, inner nuclear layer, outer plexiform layer, outer nuclear layer, myoid and ellipsoid zone, outer segment of photoreceptors, RPE, and choroidal parameters including choroidal thickness, luminal area, stromal area, total choroidal area, choroidal vascular index, and choriocapillaris flow void percentage. Differences in photoreceptor-RPE-choriocapillaris complex among the groups and their correlation with body mass index were explored.

RESULTS

Compared with the control subjects, participants with obesity exhibited thinner myoid and ellipsoid zone and outer segment of photoreceptors, increased choriocapillaris flow void percentage, and thicker RPE. Correlation analysis revealed a negative correlation between body mass index and myoid and ellipsoid zone (r = -0.17, P = 0.01) and outer segment of photoreceptors (r = -0.16, P = 0.02), whereas a positive correlation was observed with RPE (r = 0.15, P = 0.00).

CONCLUSION

Individuals with obesity may present with a thinner myoid and ellipsoid zone and outer segment of photoreceptors, thicker RPE, and reduced choriocapillaris perfusion, suggesting potential damage to the photoreceptor-RPE-choriocapillaris complex. These alterations in the photoreceptor-RPE-choriocapillaris complex alterations could serve as potential biomarkers for monitoring early pathologic and physiologic changes associated with obesity.

The Relationship Between the Percent Coefficient of Variation of Sensor Glucose Levels and the Risk of Severe Hypoglycemia or Non-Severe Hypoglycemia in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes: Post Hoc Analysis of the ISCHIA Study

BACKGROUND

The relationship between the percent coefficient of variation (%CV) and the risk of severe hypoglycemia (SH) or non-severe hypoglycemia (NSH) in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) remains to be elucidated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The Effect of Intermittent-Scanning Continuous Glucose Monitoring to Glycemic Control Including Hypoglycemia and Quality of Life of Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (ISCHIA) study was a crossover, randomized, controlled trial for hypoglycemia prevention in patients with T1D using multiple daily injections (MDIs). Blinded continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) data of 93 patients obtained during the Control period (84 days) were used for the post hoc analysis. The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves were analyzed to determine the discrimination thresholds of %CV corresponding to the low blood glucose index (LBGI) > 5 and LBGI ≥ 2.5, and the occurrence of SH.

RESULTS

The %CV corresponding to LBGI > 5 and LBGI ≥ 2.5 was 42.2% and 37.0%, respectively. The episodes of SH were observed in three patients, and the %CV corresponding to the occurrence of SH was 40.7%.

CONCLUSIONS

The identification of the discrimination threshold of %CV associated with the risk of SH or NSH in patients with T1D is needed.

Triglyceride glucose-waist circumference as a useful predictor for diabetes mellitus: a secondary retrospective analysis utilizing a Japanese cohort study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

While the connection between the Triglyceride glucose-waist circumference (TyG-WC) index and the risk of diabetes remains understudied, this particular research delves into the potential predictive value of the TyG-WC index within a significant Japanese population.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study encompassed a comprehensive analysis of 15,413 Japanese adults, all of whom were diabetes-free at the outset of the study period from 2004 to 2015. Comprehensive medical records were obtained for all participants who underwent physical examinations. The study employed Cox proportional-hazards regression, smooth curve fitting, various sensitivity, and subgroup analyses to explore the association between TyG-WC and the development of diabetes. Furthermore, a Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was created to detect the predictive capability of TyG-WC for diabetes risk.

RESULTS

After a maximum of 13.0 years of follow-up, 358 people finally developed diabetes. Upon adjusting for covariates, the result showed TyG-WC was positively and independently associated with incident Diabetes Mellitus (DM) (Hazard Ratio (HR): 1.004, 95%C: 1.001-1.006). Furthermore, ROC curve analysis demonstrated that TyG-WC outperformed both the triglycerides-glucose index and triglyceride glucose-body mass index in predicting the onset of diabetes.

CONCLUSION

High levels of TyG-WC are autonomously linked to a heightened risk of diabetes in the Japanese demographic, indicating its potential as a dependable predictive indicator for diabetes mellitus in individuals at elevated risk.

Relationships Between APOE, Type 2 Diabetes, and Cardiovascular Disease in Postmenopausal Women

BACKGROUND

The apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are well-established risk factors for dementia. Relationships between APOE and incidence of T2DM and CVD are not fully understood but may shed light on the mechanisms underlying dementia pathogenesis.

METHODS

Postmenopausal women (N = 6 795) from the Women's Health Initiative hormone therapy clinical trial with APOE genotyping and no prior diagnosis of T2DM or CVD were included. We examined associations of APOE status (APOE2+ [ε2/ε2, ε2/ε3], APOE3 [ε3/ε3], and APOE4+ [ε4/ε4, ε3/ε4] carriers) with incidence of T2DM, coronary heart disease, stroke, and total CVD events using Cox regression. CVD outcomes were examined in baseline non-statin users and adjusted for statin initiation over follow-up to account for possible confounding by statins.

RESULTS

Among all participants (mean age 66.7 ± 6.5 years, 100% non-Hispanic White), 451 (6.6%) were using statins at baseline. Over the follow-up (mean 14.9 and 16.0 years for T2DM and CVD, respectively), 1 564 participants developed T2DM and 1 578 developed CVD. T2DM incidence did not differ significantly by APOE status (ps ≥ .09). Among non-statin users, APOE4+ had higher incidence of total CVD (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval] = 1.18 [1.02-1.38], p = .03) compared with APOE3 carriers, but risks for coronary heart disease (1.09 [0.87-1.36], p = .47) and stroke (1.14 [0.91-1.44], p = .27) were not significantly elevated when examined individually. CVD outcomes did not differ between APOE2+ and APOE3 carriers (ps ≥ 0.11).

CONCLUSIONS

T2DM risk did not differ by APOE status among postmenopausal women, but APOE4+ carriers not using statins had an increased risk of total CVD events.

Correlation between Obesity and Risk Factors of Cardiovascular Diseases in Military Personnel

Background

It is critical to precisely assess the presence of cardiovascular (CV) risk in military personnel, in order to avoid potentially CV-events. In Iran limited number of studies have been performed on military personnel and their CV-risk. We aimed to investigate correlation between obesity and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in military personnel.

Methods

The present cross-sectional analytical study, analyzed the data of 559 military personnel in Tehran, Iran in 2023. The dataset sourced from the registry system. The biochemical analysis of blood samples was performed by a biomedical analysis company. The univariate regression analyses were conducted through separate univariate linear regression within the obesity group.

Results

The mean age of personnel was 36.58 years. Among obese personel, there was an inverse relationship between age and cholesterol β=-0.11. Moreover, hemoglobin β=-0.68 and MCH β=-0.33 were significantly related to high cholesterol, MCH is associated with risk of metabolic syndrome (β=-0.57). Moreover among obese personnel, lower uric acid levels and higher ALT levels are correlated with an increased risk of Diabetes.

Conclusion

The prevalence of obesity in military personnel was the same as in the general population. Diabetes, hyperlipidemia, high blood pressure, obesity, and metabolic syndrome were all linked to CVD risk factors among military personnel. Although the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in military personnel was lower than their peers in other countries, other risk factors of CVD were prevalent among military personnel.

The Effect of Activity Tracking Apps on Physical Activity and Glycemic Control in People with Prediabetes Compared to Normoglycemic Individuals: A Pilot Study

Introduction-Aim: Adopting a lifestyle that incorporates regular physical activity confers substantial benefits to both physical and mental health and is recommended for prediabetic individuals. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of activity tracking apps on increasing physical activity and its effect on glycemic control in people with prediabetes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This pilot study included 37 participants, 18 in the prediabetic group and 19 in the normoglycemic group matched for age and gender (mean age 53 years, 40% males). Participants used the Google Fit app for 3 months. The number of daily steps was recorded via the app, and blood and urine tests as well as body fat measurements were conducted before and following 3 months of app use. The co-primary outcome was the change in steps, and the change in HbA1c in both groups. Secondary outcomes were the change in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (main secondary outcome), as well as lipid parameters, body mass index, visceral fat, and kidney function indices among the two groups.

RESULTS

Both groups increased the daily step count following the app intervention, without any statistically significant difference when we compared the steps change between the two groups. We found a statistically significant difference between HbA1c levels in favor of the prediabetic compared to the normoglycemic group [mean difference (MD) 0.16, 95%CI 0.04, 0.28, p-value 0.01)], following the 3-month intervention. Additionally, there was a statistically significant difference between FPG levels in favor of the prediabetic compared to the normoglycemic group (MD 9.06, 95%CI 4.16, 13.96, p-value 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study suggests that the use of activity tracking apps, combined with tailored activity goals and monthly supportive phone calls, may contribute to improved glycemic control among individuals with prediabetes.

Chronic exercise improves renal AT1 and ETB receptor functions via modulating GRK4 expression in obese Zucker rats

BACKGROUND

Physical activity has profound benefits on health, especially in patients with cardiovascular and metabolic disease. Exercise training can reduce oxidative stress, improve renal function, and thus lower blood pressure. However, the effect of exercise training on angiotensin II type 1 receptors (AT1R) and endothelin subtype B receptors (ETBR)-mediated diuresis and natriuresis in obese Zucker rats is unclear.

METHODS

Lean and obese Zucker rats were exercised or placed on a nonmoving treadmill for 8 weeks. Blood pressure was measured by tail-cuff plethysmography, and functions of AT1R and ETBR in the kidney were measured by natriuresis, respectively.

RESULTS

Our data showed that exercise training improved glucose and lipid metabolism, renal function and sodium excretion in obese Zucker rats, accompanied by decreased oxidative stress and GRK4 expression in obese Zucker rats. Moreover, exercise training reduced the Candesartan-induced an increase in diuresis and natriuresis and increased ETBR agonists (BQ3020)-mediated diuresis and natriuresis in obese Zucker rats, which were associated with decreased renal AT1R expression and ETBR phosphorylation levels.

CONCLUSIONS

The results demonstrate that exercise training lowers blood pressure via improving renal AT1R and ETBR function through modulating GRK4 expression in Obese Zucker Rats and provides potentially effective targets for obesity-related hypertension.

Elevated triglyceride glucose index is associated with advanced cardiovascular kidney metabolic syndrome

The cardiovascular kidney metabolic (CKM) syndrome is a dynamic geriatric condition that has received limited research attention regarding its potential associations with the triglyceride glucose (TyG) index. This study aims to explore the potential association between the TyG index and advanced CKM syndrome. Data for this cross-sectional study were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between 2011 and 2018. The association between the TyG index and the risk of advanced CKM syndrome was investigated using multivariable logistic regression models. Additionally, a restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis was employed to assess the dose-response relationship between the TyG index and the risk of advanced CKM syndrome. A total of 7904 participants were included in this study, with a mean TyG index of 5.04 ± 0.41. The prevalence of advanced CKM syndrome among the participants was 14.85%. Our findings indicated that as the TyG index quartiles increased, the risk of advanced CKM syndrome also increased. The results from the three regression analysis models indicated a positive association between the continuous TyG index and advanced CKM syndrome. Furthermore, the quartiles of the TyG index were significantly associated with an increased prevalence of advanced CKM syndrome in the fully adjusted models (TyG index Q4 vs. Q1, OR = 1.94, 95% CI 1.37-2.75, P < 0.001). The results of the RCS analysis indicated a linear and positive association between the TyG index and advanced CKM syndrome. The results indicated that elevated TyG index is associated with an increased prevalence of advanced CKM syndrome. This suggests that the TyG index may be a useful tool for assessing the risk of advanced CKM syndrome.

Nutraceutical Properties of Thai Mulberry (Morus alba L.) and Their Effects on Metabolic and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Individuals with Obesity: A Randomized, Single-Blind Crossover Trial

Background/Objectives: Mulberries exhibit antioxidant properties that may attenuate metabolic abnormalities. Kamphaeng Saen mulberry (KPS-MB-42-1) contains anthocyanins, polyphenols, and nutrients, but few studies have explored its benefits for human health. This study investigated the effects of a concentrated mulberry drink (CMD) from the KPS-MB-42-1 cultivar on metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors in obese individuals. Methods: A single-blind, randomized crossover clinical pilot trial was performed on individuals with obesity. Participants consumed 100 g of CMD daily, alternating with placebo for 6 weeks. Body composition, blood pressure, and blood samples were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Results: This study was completed with 12 participants (7 men, 5 women, aged 30-55 years, BMI 32.1 ± 5.98 kg/m2) consuming CMD with 1041.90 mg total phenolic compounds and 35.34 mg total anthocyanins. No significant changes in body composition were observed. CMD consumption significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure, compared to baseline and placebo periods (p < 0.05). While total cholesterol, LDL-C, and HDL-C remained unchanged, triglycerides were significantly lower during CMD consumption compared to placebo periods (p < 0.05). Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels were stable during CMD consumption but increased significantly with the placebo period (p < 0.05). C-reactive protein levels were also significantly lower during CMD consumption compared to placebo periods (p < 0.05). No changes in blood coagulation indicators (prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and the international normalized ratio) were found. Conclusions: CMD improved metabolic markers, particularly regarding its antihypertensive effects. These findings highlight CMD's potential as a health drink for managing metabolic syndrome and preventing chronic diseases.

Neuroprotective effect of sulforaphane on hyperglycemia-induced cognitive dysfunction through the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway

OBJECTIVES

Sulforaphane (SFN), an isothiocyanate in cruciferous plants, has been reported to be effective in treating central nervous system diseases. However, how SFN protects the central nervous system needs further study. The aim of this study was to investigate the neuroprotective effect of SFN and its possible mechanism of action.

METHODS

Sprague-Dawley rats were used to develop a cognitive impairment model. The Morris water maze (MWM) was used to evaluate the effect of SFN on learning and memory, and haematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining and terminal transferase deoxyuridine nick-end labelling (TUNEL) were used to observe morphologic changes in neurons and neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampus and cortex. An oxidative stress marker kit was used to detect the content and activity of SFN, and the expressions of nuclear factor drythroid-2 related Factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO-1) were measured by RT-PCR.

RESULTS

SFN treatment significantly improved cognition, increased the number of neurons, and suppressed neuronal apoptosis. In addition, SFN significantly decreased the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and enhanced the antioxidant activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the hippocampus and cortex. Furthermore, SFN elevated the expression of Nrf-2, HO-1, and NQO-1.

CONCLUSIONS

SFN ameliorated diabetes-induced cognitive dysfunction by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, providing a new perspective for SFN therapy to delay cognitive impairment in diabetes patients.

Assessing the prevalence of obesity in a Russian adult population by six indices and their associations with hypertension, diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolaemia

The anthropometric index that best predicts cardiometabolic risk remains inconclusive. This study therefore assessed the prevalence of obesity using six indices and compared their associations with obesity-related cardiometabolic disorders. We determined obesity prevalence according to body mass index, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), body fat percentage and fat mass index (FMI) using data from the Know Your Heart study (n = 4495, 35-69 years). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) provided predictive values of each index for detecting the presence of hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia and diabetes. Age-standardised obesity prevalence significantly varied according to anthropometric index: from 17.2% (FMI) to 75.8% (WHtR) among men and from 23.6% (FMI) to 65.0% (WHtR) among women. WHtR had the strongest association with hypertension (AUC = 0.784; p < 0.001) and with a combination of disorders (AUC = 0.779; p < 0.001) in women. In women, WHtR also had the largest AUCs for hypercholesterolaemia, in men - for hypertension, diabetes and a combination of disorders, although not all the differences from other obesity indices were significant. WHtR exhibited the closest association between hypertension and a combination of disorders in women and was non-inferior compared to other indices in men.

Impact of Diabetes on Excessive Cardiovascular Risk: Matched Analysis Based on the European Health Interview Survey

Background and Objectives: Diabetes represents a major public health challenge due to its strong link to cardiovascular risk, therefore the aim was to explore the excessive cardiovascular risk attributed to diabetes. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was based on data from the European Health Interview Surveys in Hungary. Propensity score matching was used to control confounding factors including age, gender, education, marital status, income, health status, obesity, smoking, place of residence, and physical activity. Results: A total of 15,874 individuals were analyzed, of whom 1447 (9.12%) reported having diabetes. Furthermore, diabetes was significantly associated with higher prevalence rates of hypertension (by 23.4%), arrhythmia (by 3.85%), heart attack (by 3.42%), and coronary artery disease (by 6.92%) after adjusting for potential confounders. Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of managing cardiovascular risk factors in individuals with diabetes.

Targeting squalene epoxidase in the treatment of metabolic-related diseases: current research and future directions

Metabolic-related diseases are chronic diseases caused by multiple factors, such as genetics and the environment. These diseases are difficult to cure and seriously affect human health. Squalene epoxidase (SQLE), the second rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol synthesis, plays an important role in cholesterol synthesis and alters the gut microbiota and tumor immunity. Research has shown that SQLE is expressed in many tissues and organs and is involved in the occurrence and development of various metabolic-related diseases, such as cancer, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, diabetes mellitus, and obesity. SQLE inhibitors, such as terbinafine, NB598, natural compounds, and their derivatives, can effectively ameliorate fungal infections, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and cancer. In this review, we provide an overview of recent research progress on the role of SQLE in metabolic-related diseases. Further research on the regulation of SQLE expression is highly important for developing drugs for the treatment of metabolic-related diseases with good pharmacological activity.

Acupuncture as an Adjunct to Lifestyle Interventions for Weight Loss in Simple Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture as an adjunct to lifestyle interventions on weight loss in simple obesity.

Methods

Potentially eligible studies that assessed anthropometric outcomes as well as glucose and lipid metabolism following acupuncture combined with lifestyle interventions in simple obesity patients were searched from eight databases from inception to October 2023. All analyses were performed using the Review Manager software v5.4 and Stata software v17.0.

Results

Herein, 25 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 2018 patients were included. Generally, acupuncture combined with lifestyle interventions outperformed lifestyle interventions alone in terms of body weight (MD = -4.73, 95% CI [-6.32, -3.13], p < 0.00001), body mass index (BMI) (MD = -2.11, 95% CI [-2.75, -1.48], p < 0.00001), waist circumference (WC) (MD = -4.96, 95% CI [-6.89, -3.03], p < 0.00001), body fat percentage (BF %) (MD = -2.61, 95% CI [-4,51, -0.71], p = 0.007), fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (SMD = -0.66, 95% CI [-1.02, -0.31], p = 0.0002), fasting serum insulin (FINS) (SMD = -1.12, 95% CI [-1.44, -0.81], p < 0.00001), homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (MD = -1.22, 95% CI [-1.50, -0.94], p < 0.00001), total cholesterol (TC) (SMD = -1.14, 95% CI [-1.83, -0.45], p = 0.001), triglyceride (TG) (SMD = -1.31, 95% CI [-2.07, -0.56], p = 0.0006), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (SMD = -1.81, 95% CI [-3.11, -0.51], p = 0.006). Subgroup analysis based on three subgroup variables (types of acupuncture and lifestyle interventions as well as treatment durations) could partially explain the heterogeneity of the results.

Conclusion

Acupuncture demonstrated an enhancing effect on the benefits of lifestyle interventions for weight loss in patients with simple obesity, including reducing body weight and improving glucose and lipid metabolism. This finding suggests its potential value as a complementary therapy alongside lifestyle interventions in a clinical setting. However, further validation with rigorously designed and high-quality RCTs is still needed in the future.

The effectiveness and usability of online, group-based interventions for people with severe obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Long wait times, limited resources, and a lack of local options mean that many people with severe obesity cannot access treatment. Face-to-face group-based interventions have been found effective and can treat multiple people simultaneously, but are limited by service capacity. Digital group interventions could reduce wait times, but research on their effectiveness is limited. This systematic review aimed to examine the literature about online group-based interventions for adults with severe obesity (BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2). The review followed the PRISMA and PICOS frameworks. MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched. Two authors independently screened articles. Data extraction, analysis, and quality assessment (using RoB2 and MMAT) was shared between two authors. A meta-analysis was conducted on eligible studies; other results were descriptively analysed. 20 papers reporting on 15 studies were included. Most studies reported some evidence of weight loss, but evidence of weight-related behaviour change was mixed. A meta-analysis on four studies indicated that online, group-based interventions had a statistically significant impact on weight loss (p = 0.001; 95% CI -0.69 to -0.17) with a small-to-moderate effect size, compared to waitlist or standard care conditions. Online interventions were considered more convenient but lack of familiarity with the group or counsellor, accessibility issues, and time constraints hindered engagement. Technical support, incentives, and interactive forums to improve group cohesion could mitigate these barriers. The findings suggested that online, group-based interventions are feasible and potentially beneficial, but barriers such as internet accessibility, digital literacy, and unfamiliarity with group members need to be mitigated. Key recommendations to improve experience and impact include providing instructions and run-throughs, building group cohesion, and providing session and additional content throughout the intervention. Future studies should focus on the influence of specific intervention characteristics and investigate the effect of these interventions compared to face-to-face interventions. Registration: National Institute for Health Research, PROSPERO CRD42021227101; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021227101 .

Exploring the Genetic Relationship Between Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease: A Large-Scale Genetic Association and Polygenic Risk Score Study

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is often comorbid with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The direction of causation between T2D and CVD is difficult to determine; however, there may be a common underlying pathway attributable to shared genetic factors. We aimed to determine whether there is a shared genetic susceptibility to T2D and CVD. This study utilizes large-scale datasets from the UK Biobank (UKB) and DIAGRAM consortium to investigate the genetic association between T2D and CVD through phenotypic association analyses, linkage disequilibrium score (LDSC) analysis, and polygenic risk score (PRS) analysis. LDSC analysis demonstrates significant genetic associations between T2D and various CVD subtypes, including angina, heart failure (HF), myocardial infarction (MI), peripheral vascular disease (PVD), and stroke. Although the genetic association between T2D and atrial fibrillation (AF) was not significant, individuals in the high-T2D PRS group had a significantly increased risk of CVD. These findings suggest a common genetic basis and suggest that genetic susceptibility to T2D may be a potential predictor of CVD risk.

The Role of Obesity as a Cardiac Disease Risk Factor in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death globally and is closely associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This review examines the interplay between obesity, T2DM, and CVD, highlighting the increasing prevalence and economic burden of these conditions.

RECENT FINDINGS

Pharmacologic therapies, particularly glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, show promise in substantial weight loss and subsequent reduction of adverse cardiovascular events in obese individuals with and without diabetes. Obesity significantly contributes to the development of insulin resistance and T2DM, further escalating CVD risk. The common co-occurrence of these three conditions may involve several other pathophysiological mechanisms, such as chronic inflammation, increased visceral adiposity, and endothelial dysfunction. Until recently, lifestyle modifications and bariatric surgery had been the primary methods for weight loss and mitigating obesity-associated cardiovascular risk. Newer pharmacological options have led to a paradigm shift in our approach to obesity management as they provide substantial benefits in weight loss, glycemic control, and cardiovascular risk reduction.

Frequency and Sex-Specific Associations of Metabolic Syndrome in Rwandans Seeking Outpatient Care: A Cross Sectional, Single Centre Study

Background

The prevalence of cardiometabolic diseases is escalating in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) alongside the prevailing high burden of communicable diseases. Although many countries in SSA, including Rwanda, have existing data on the prevalence of individual components of the MetS, many SSA countries have insufficient data to guide policy makers on the magnitude of MetS. This study sought to determine the magnitude of MetS and its associated risk factors by sex at a referral teaching hospital in Rwanda.

Methods

A cross-sectional, study was conducted among adults aged 35 to 65 years presenting at Ruhengeri Referral Teaching Hospital, Rwanda. We collected socio-clinicodemographic data using the World Health Organization (WHO) STEPwise tool for non-communicable diseases. We used the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria for MetS.

Results

Overall, 99 (23.5%) males and 322 (76.5%) female participants with mean ± SD age 47.5 ± 8.2 years were enrolled. The overall frequency of MetS was 51.9% (95% CI: 47.0-56.8) and was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in females 193 (59.4%) compared to males 26 (26.3%). Significant differences by sex were also noted in the proportions of visceral obesity; 70.4% vs 7.1% (p < 0.001), hypoalphalipoproteinaemia 36.1% vs 69.7% (p < 0.0001), type 2 diabetes mellitus; 18.4% vs 31.6% (p = 0.020) and body mass index 25.9 ± 15.6 vs 28.2 ± 6.4 (p = 0.032). On multivariate logistic regression, older age (odds ratio (OR) 1.05; 95% confidence interval ((CI) 1.01-1.10)), higher body weight (OR 1.06; 95% CI 1.04-1.08) and higher total cholesterol (1.25; 95% CI 1.05 -1.74) were significantly associated with MetS in females; whereas only higher body weight (OR1.10; 95% CI 1.04-1.18) was significantly associated with MetS in males.

Conclusion

A high frequency of MetS was observed in the present study, which was higher among females. Our findings emphasize the need for tailored prevention and intervention strategies to mitigate the long-term impact of MetS.

Atherogenic index of plasma and obesity-related risk of stroke in middle-aged and older Chinese adults: a national prospective cohort study

BACKGROUD

The association between the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and stroke risk is uncertain. Overweight and obese individuals frequently develop atherosclerosis, suggesting AIP may mediate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and stroke risk. This study investigates whether AIP mediates the BMI-stroke association and evaluates the interaction effects of AIP and BMI on stroke risk in middle-aged and older Chinese adults.

METHOD

This study analyzes data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), an ongoing nationally representative prospective cohort study that began in 2011. It includes 8 598 middle-aged and older Chinese adults without stroke at baseline. A mediation analysis, employing a novel two-stage regression method, was conducted to evaluate the indirect effect of BMI on stroke through AIP.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 7.1 years, 615 (7.2%) participants developed a stroke. After adjusting for confounders, AIP was significantly associated with stroke risk (hazard ratio [HR] per 1-SD increase, 1.24; 95% CI 1.14-1.35). Mediation analysis indicated that compared to normal weight, obesity similarly raised stroke risk by 78.0% (HR 1.78, 95% CI 1.40-2.27), with 29.67% (95% CI 14.27-45.08%) of the association mediated through AIP (HR 1.15, 95% CI 1.08-1.23). No significant multiplicative or additive interactions were observed between BMI and AIP on stroke.

CONCLUSIONS

This study found that the AIP appeared to be associated with stroke risk and mediates the association between obesity and stroke among middle-aged and older Chinese adults.

Functional state of the kidneys in patients with acute coronary syndrome against the background of newly identified disorders of carbohydrate metabolism: a multidisciplinary problem

BACKGROUND

Determining the relationship between cardiovascular risks, carbohydrate metabolism disorders, and renal dysfunction can help in creating new tools for their management and for better interaction of specialists in a multidisciplinary team. The purpose of this study was to determine the functional state of the kidneys and carbohydrate metabolism in patients with acute coronary syndrome without a history of such disorders.

METHODS

200 patients of the cardiology department of the City Clinical Hospital No. 7 in Almaty were examined using laboratory diagnostics and subsequent statistical data processing.

RESULTS

Acute coronary syndrome develops in 63% of cases against the background of previous disorders of carbohydrate metabolism - prediabetes (45.5%) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (17.5%). In this group of patients, in the presence of disorders of carbohydrate metabolism, in all cases, it is accompanied by acute renal damage. It was noted that diabetes mellitus in newly diagnosed patients actually had a certain duration and occurred much earlier than cardiovascular complications - this was evidenced by an increased level of glycated hemoglobin.

CONCLUSIONS

Such results indicate the need for early diagnosis of cardio-reno-metabolic syndrome in patients with cardiovascular complications, as well as timely administration of drugs that simultaneously have antidiabetic, cardio- and nephroprotective effects.

Sweet pepper extract reduces fat storage in Caenorhabditis elegans by SREBP-SCD axis based on multiomics analysis

Sweet pepper, a globally commercialized horticultural crop, has been demonstrated to impede fat accumulation, but its mechanism remains incompletely understood. This study was designed to explore the potential mechanism of sweet pepper in reducing fat accumulation in Caenorhabditis elegans through RNA-seq and metabolome analysis. A total of 22 metabolites were identified from sweet pepper by UHPLC-ESI-TOF-MS analysis. In vivo, sweet pepper significantly inhibited α-glucosidase activity and reduced the levels of glucose, triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and the area stained with oil red O. Additionally, it increased body length and the number of head swings in C. elegans compared to the control group. The KEGG enrichment analysis revealed significant enrichment of the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids signaling pathway among the differentially expressed genes and metabolites. Furthermore, the mRNA levels of sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBPs) ortholog SBP-1, as well as the stearyl CoA desaturase-1 (SCD1), including fat-5, fat-6, and fat-7, were significantly decreased after treatment with sweet pepper. Collectively, sweet pepper effectively reduces fat accumulation, which is probably related to downregulating the SREBP-SCD axis, offering new insights for future functional food development.

Ultra-Processed Food Intake and Increased Risk of Obesity: A Narrative Review

The prevalence of obesity has become a global health concern, with significant impacts on quality of life and mortality rates. Recent research has highlighted the role of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) in driving the obesity epidemic. UPFs undergo extensive processing, often containing high levels of sugars, fats, and additives, while lacking essential nutrients. Studies have linked UPF consumption to obesity and cardiometabolic diseases, underscoring the importance of dietary patterns rich in whole foods. Thus, the aim of this narrative review is to elucidate the correlation between ultra-processed foods and the increased trend of obesity and its related complications. These foods, prevalent in modern diets, contribute to nutritional deficiencies and excessive caloric intake, exacerbating obesity rates. Lifestyle factors such as busy schedules and quick meal management further drive UPF consumption, disrupting hunger regulation and promoting overeating. UPF consumption correlates with adverse health outcomes, including dyslipidemia, hypertension, and insulin resistance. Promoting whole, minimally processed foods and implementing school-based nutrition education programs are crucial steps. Also, numerous challenges exist, including unequal access to healthy foods, the industry's influence, and behavioral barriers to dietary change. Future research should explore innovative approaches, such as nutrigenomics and digital health technologies, to personalize interventions and evaluate policy effectiveness. Collaboration across disciplines and sectors will be vital to develop comprehensive solutions and improve public health outcomes globally.

Dietary inflammatory index and type 2 diabetes in US women: a cross-sectional analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2007-2018

Objective

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a major public health concern in the United States and worldwide. The dietary inflammatory index (DII) is a useful tool for assessing dietary inflammation. Although much research links the DII to diabetes, little is known about the relationship in adult women with a reproductive history in the United States. We aimed to investigate how the relationship between the DII and T2D varies among different subgroups of American women.

Methods

Secondary data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2007 to 2018 were analyzed. Cross-sectional analysis of 8,394 American women aged 20 years or older who had at least one live birth. The main outcome was the diagnosis of T2D. Multivariate survey-weighted regression was used to determine the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) for the association between DII and T2D. A weighted restricted cubic spline (RCS) model was constructed to establish OR curves at three knots to examine the dose-response association between DII and T2D. Additionally, a weighted subgroup analysis was performed in a fully adjusted model to verify that the association was robust.

Results

The study main found a significant association between the DII and T2D (OR = 1.19, 95%CI: 1.12, 1.26, p < 0.001). Participants in the highest third of DII scores had a 56% increased risk of T2D (OR = 1.56, 95%CI: 1.16, 2.10; p for trend = 0.003) compared with those in the lowest third of DII scores, after adjusting for all covariates. The multivariable RCS demonstrated a linear association between DII and T2D (p = 0.892). The subsidiary found that subgroup analyses revealed a significant variation in the association between DII and T2D according to obesity, oral health, and poverty-income ratio (PIR) status. Among non-obese women, the OR was 1.22 (95%CI: 1.08, 1.37); among women with good oral health, the OR was 1.17 (95%CI: 1.07, 1.28); among women with low PIR, the OR was 1.17 (95%CI: 1.05, 1.30); and among women with high PIR, the OR was 1.26 (95% CI: 1.07, 1.48).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that there is a significant association between DII and T2D and that oral health, obesity, and PIR status may influence the relationship between DII and T2D risk. Further studies are warranted to validate our results and evaluate whether the results are similar in other populations.

Validation of the Individualized Metabolic Surgery score in predicting long-term remission of diabetes after duodenal switch-type procedures

AIM

To validate the Individualized Metabolic Surgery (IMS) score and assess long-term remission of type 2 diabetes (T2D) after duodenal switch (DS)-type procedures in patients with obesity. In addition, to help guide metabolic procedure selection for those patients categorized as having severe T2D.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective single cohort study of all patients with T2D and severe obesity, who underwent DS-type procedures at a single institution from December 2010 to December 2018. Study endpoints included validating the IMS score in our cohort and evaluating the impact of DS-type procedures on long-term (≥ 5 years) remission of T2D, especially in patients with severe disease. A receiver operator characteristic curve was used to assess the accuracy of the IMS score using the area under the curve (AUC).

RESULTS

The study cohort included 30 patients with complete baseline and long-term glycaemic data after their index DS-type surgery. Twelve patients (40%) were classified with severe T2D, and the distribution of IMS-based severity groups was similar between our cohort and the original IMS study (P = .42). IMS scores predicted long-term T2D remission with AUC = 0.77. Patients with IMS-based severe diabetes achieved significantly higher long-term remission after DS-type procedures compared with gastric bypass and/or sleeve gastrectomy from the original IMS study (42% vs. 12%; P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

The IMS score properly classifies the severity of T2D in our study cohort and adequately predicts its long-term remission after DS-type procedures. While T2D remission decreases with more severe IMS scores, long-term remission remains high after DS-type procedures among patients with severe disease.

Analysis Using Various Models on the Effect of Metabolic Surgery on Cardiovascular Disease Risk in the Chinese Population with Obesity

Background

Some research have indicated that Bariatric and metabolic surgery (BMS) can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among individuals with obesity. However, there are few reports available that focuses on assessing effect of BMS on the risk of CVD in Chinese population using multiple models.

Objective

This research aims to assess the function of BMS on the risk of CVD in Chinese patients with obesity using multiple CVD risk models.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of the basic data and glycolipid metabolism data preoperatively and postoperatively from patients with obesity at our hospital. Subgroup analysis was carried out according to different surgical procedures. Then, the function of BMS on the risk of CVD in the Chinese population was assessed using four models, including: China-PAR risk model, Framingham risk score (FRS), World Health Organization (WHO) risk model, and Globorisk model.

Results

We enrolled 64 patients, 24 (37.5%) of whom underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) while 40 (62.5%) underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). The 10-year CVD risk for patients calculated using the China-PAR risk model decreased from 6.3% preoperatively to 2.0% at 1 year postoperatively and was statistically significantly different. Similarly, the 10-year CVD risk of patients calculated using the FRS, WHO, Global risk model decreased significantly at 1 year postoperatively compared to preoperatively. When the FRS risk model was used to calculate the patients' 30-year postoperative CVD risk, there was a significant decrease at 1 year after surgery compared to the preoperative period. When employing various models to evaluate the 10-year CVD risk for LSG and RYGB, no statistically significant difference was found in the 1-year postoperative RRR between the procedures.

Conclusion

The CVD risk after BMS was significantly reduced compared to preoperatively. In terms of improving cardiovascular risk, SG and RYGB appear to be equally effective.

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) disproportionately affects ethnic-minority groups globally. Ethnic-minority groups face particularly high CVD burden and mortality, exacerbated by disparities across modifiable risk factors, wider determinants of health, and limited access to preventative interventions. This narrative review summarizes evidence on modifiable risk factors, such as physical activity, hypertension, diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, diabetes, and the polypill for the primary prevention of CVD in ethnic minorities. Across these factors, we find inequities in risk factor prevalence. The evidence underscores that inequalities in accessibility to interventions and treatments impede progress in reducing CVD risk using primary prevention interventions for ethnic-minority people. Although culturally tailored interventions show promise, further research is required across the different risk factors. Social determinants of health and structural inequities also exacerbate CVD risk for ethnic-minority people and warrant greater attention. Additionally, we find that only limited ethnicity-specific data and guidelines are available on CVD primary prevention interventions for most risk factors. To address these gaps in research, we provide recommendations that include the following: investigating the sustainability and real-world effectiveness of culturally sensitive interventions; ensuring that ethnic-minority peoples' perspectives are considered in research; longitudinal tracking of risk factors; interventions and outcomes in ethnic-minority people; and ensuring that data collection and reporting of ethnicity data are standardized.

Efficacy and safety of visepegenatide, a long-acting weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist as monotherapy in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomised, double-blind, parallel, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial

Background

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) remains a challenge to treat despite the expansion of various therapeutic classes. Visepegenatide (PB-119) is a once a week, subcutaneous, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) injection without the requirement of dose titration that has shown glycaemic control and safety profile in two phase 2 studies conducted in China and the United States, respectively. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of visepegenatide as a monotherapy in treatment-naïve patients with T2DM.

Methods

This was a multicentre, double-blind, parallel, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial conducted in 30 centres in China. Adult participants (aged 18-75 years) with T2DM, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) of 7.5%-11.0% [58.47-96.73 mmol/mol], body mass index (BMI) of 18-40 kg/m2, and who had been treated with diet and exercise alone for at least 8 weeks before the screening visit were eligible for enrolment. After a 4-week placebo injection run-in period, participants with HbA1c of 7.0%-10.5% [53.0-91.3 mmol/mol] and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) < 15 mmol/L were randomised in a ratio of 1:1 to receive visepegenatide (150 μg) or placebo subcutaneous injections once a week for 24 weeks. The treatment was extended to another 28 weeks during which all participants received visepegenatide. The primary outcome was a change in HbA1c from baseline to week 24. This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, as NCT04504370.

Findings

Between November 2, 2020, and November 2, 2022, we randomly assigned 273 adult participants to the visepegenatide (n = 137) and placebo (n = 136) groups. In total, 257 (94.12%) participants, 131 (95.6%) on visepegenatide, and 126 (92.6%) on placebo, completed the double-blinded treatment period. At baseline, the mean (SD) HbA1c was 8.47% (0.81) [69.07 [8.81] mmol/mol], which rapidly decreased to 7.63% (0.80) [59.94 [8.70] mmol/mol] with visepegenatide by week 4 of treatment, and the change from baseline was significantly greater than that in the placebo group (-0.82% [-0.90 to -0.74]; [-8.99 [-9.89 to -8.10] mmol/mol] vs -0.30% [-0.41 to -0.19]; [-3.30 [-4.50 to -2.09] mmol/mol]). At week 24, when evaluating the effects of treatment with treatment policy estimand, the least square mean (LSM change in HbA1c from baseline was -1.36 (95% confidence interval [CI] -1.52 to -1.20) [-14.84 [-16.60 to -13.08] mmol/mol] in the visepegenatide group vs -0.63 (-0.79 to -0.46) [-6.84 [-8.61 to -5.07] mmol/mol] in the placebo group. The reduction in HbA1c was significantly greater with visepegenatide than placebo (LSM difference -0.73, 95% CI -0.96 to -0.50; p < 0.001). When evaluating the treatment estimand with hypothetic policy, the LSM change in HbA1c from baseline in the visepegenatide group (-1.37 [-1.53 to -1.20]) [-14.95 [-16.76 to -13.14] mmol/mol] was significantly greater than the placebo group (-0.63 [-0.81 to -0.45]) [6.90 (-8.89 to -4.90) mmol/mol]. The LSM difference was (-0.74, 95% CI -0.98 to -0.49; [-8.00 [-10.50 to -5.50] mmol/mol]; p < 0.001]. A significantly greater proportion of the visepegenatide group achieved a target HbA1c level of <7% (<53 mmol/mol) than the placebo (50.4% vs 14.2%; p < 0.05) and stringent HbA1c level of ≤6.5% (≤48 mmol/mol) (26.7% vs 7.9%), respectively. There was also a significantly greater improvement in FPG, 2-h postprandial glucose, homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) of beta cell function, post-prandial insulin, fasting, and post-prandial C-peptide level (p < 0.05) with visepegenatide treatment. The number (3 [2.2%]) of participants who received rescue therapy in the visepegenatide group was remarkably lower compared with those (17 [12.5%]) in the placebo group (p < 0.05). During the extended treatment period, visepegenatide consistently maintained the efficacy till week 52 confirmed by all the above endpoints. The reduction in HbA1c at week 52 was -1.39% (-1.58 to -1.19) [-15.14 [-17.28 to -13.01] mmol/mol], which was even greater than that at week 24. There was also a significant improvement in HOMA-insulin resistance (p = 0.004) at week 52 compared with the baseline value. For the placebo→visepegenatide group, which received visepegenatide in the extended treatment period, a notable decrease in HbA1c at week 52 compared to baseline was observed. The change from baseline in HbA1c was -1.49% (-1.68 to -1.30) [-16.27 [-18.37 to -14.16] mmol/mol]. The outcome was in the same direction as the visepegenatide group from the double-blind treatment period. Comprehensive benefits of visepegenatide including weight loss, improvement in lipid profile, and reduction in blood pressure have been demonstrated in this study. Visepegenatide reduced the body weight in a BMI-dependent manner that was prominent in BMI ˃32 kg/m2 with a mean (SD) reduction of -4.77 (13.94) kg at week 52 (p < 0.05). Incidences of gastrointestinal adverse events were less common than other weekly GLP-1 RA in the market, and most of the adverse events were mild and moderate in nature, occurring in the first weeks of the treatment, and were transient. No serious hypoglycaemia or grade 2 hypoglycaemia (blood glucose: ≤3 mmol/L) was reported during the study.

Interpretation

As a monotherapy, visepegenatide provided rapid without the risk of hypoglycaemia, significant, and sustainable glycaemic control by improving islet β-cell function and insulin resistance. Treatment with visepegenatide induced early treatment response in reducing HbA1c and maintaining glycaemic control for 52 weeks. Meanwhile, visepegenatide provided a comprehensive benefit in body weight loss, lipids, and blood pressure reduction. Visepegenatide had a better safety profile than other weekly GLP-1 RA in participants with T2DM even without the requirement of dose titration. Visepegenatide would provide an optimal treatment approach with its high benefit and low-risk balance.

Funding

PegBio Co., Ltd.

Macronutrient-differential dietary pattern impacts on body weight, hepatic inflammation, and metabolism

Introduction

Obesity is a multi-factorial disease frequently associated with poor nutritional habits and linked to many detrimental health outcomes. Individuals with obesity are more likely to have increased levels of persistent inflammatory and metabolic dysregulation. The goal of this study was to compare four dietary patterns differentiated by macronutrient content in a postmenopausal model. Dietary patterns were high carbohydrate (HC), high fat (HF), high carbohydrate plus high fat (HCHF), and high protein (HP) with higher fiber.

Methods

Changes in body weight and glucose levels were measured in female, ovariectomized C57BL/6 mice after 15 weeks of feeding. One group of five mice fed the HCHF diet was crossed over to the HP diet on day 84, modeling a 21-day intervention. In a follow-up study comparing the HCHF versus HP dietary patterns, systemic changes in inflammation, using an 80-cytokine array and metabolism, by untargeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS)-based metabolomics were evaluated.

Results

Only the HF and HCHF diets resulted in obesity, shown by significant differences in body weights compared to the HP diet. Body weight gains during the two-diet follow-up study were consistent with the four-diet study. On Day 105 of the 4-diet study, glucose levels were significantly lower for mice fed the HP diet than for those fed the HC and HF diets. Mice switched from the HCHF to the HP diet lost an average of 3.7 grams by the end of the 21-day intervention, but this corresponded with decreased food consumption. The HCHF pattern resulted in dramatic inflammatory dysregulation, as all 80 cytokines were elevated significantly in the livers of these mice after 15 weeks of HCHF diet exposure. Comparatively, only 32 markers changed significantly on the HP diet (24 up, 8 down). Metabolic perturbations in several endogenous biological pathways were also observed based on macronutrient differences and revealed dysfunction in several nutritionally relevant biosynthetic pathways.

Conclusion

Overall, the HCHF diet promoted detrimental impacts and changes linked to several diseases, including arthritis or breast neoplasms. Identification of dietary pattern-specific impacts in this model provides a means to monitor the effects of disease risk and test interventions to prevent poor health outcomes through nutritional modification.

Longitudinal analysis of epigenome-wide DNA methylation reveals novel loci associated with BMI change in East Asians

BACKGROUND

Obesity is a global public health concern linked to chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Emerging evidence suggests that epigenetic modifications, particularly DNA methylation, may contribute to obesity. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the longitudinal change of BMI has not been well-explored, especially in East Asian populations.

METHODS

This study performed a longitudinal epigenome-wide association analysis of DNA methylation to uncover novel loci associated with BMI change in 533 individuals across two Chinese cohorts with repeated DNA methylation and BMI measurements over four years.

RESULTS

We identified three novel CpG sites (cg14671384, cg25540824, and cg10848724) significantly associated with BMI change. Two of the identified CpG sites were located in regions previously associated with body shape and basal metabolic rate. Annotation of the top 20 BMI change-associated CpGs revealed strong connections to obesity and T2D. Notably, these CpGs exhibited active regulatory roles and located in genes with high expression in the liver and digestive tract, suggesting a potential regulatory pathway from genome to phenotypes of energy metabolism and absorption via DNA methylation. Cross-sectional and longitudinal EWAS comparisons indicated different mechanisms between CpGs related to BMI and BMI change.

CONCLUSION

This study enhances our understanding of the epigenetic dynamics underlying BMI change and emphasizes the value of longitudinal analyses in deciphering the complex interplay between epigenetics and obesity.

The VENERE Study: EffectiVenEss of a Rehabilitation Treatment With Nordic Walking in ObEse or OveRweight Diabetic PatiEnts With Cardiovascular Disease

Background

Nordic walking (NW) has several potential benefits for individuals with cardiovascular (CV) disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity and/or overweight. NW improves cardiovascular health, including exercise capacity and blood pressure control. NW enhances glycemic control and insulin sensitivity in diabetes, and aids in weight management and body composition improvement. NW offers additional advantages, such as improvement in muscular strength, joint mobility, physical activity levels, and psychological well-being.

Methods

This open-label study with 3 arms will aim to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and adherence to exercise prescription in obese and/or overweight diabetic patients with CV complications. The primary objective will be to assess the CV performance of participants after a 6-month and a 12-month follow-up period, following a 3-month NW intervention, compared with standard rehabilitation, and with cardiological counseling (control group) training lasting 3 months.

Results

The results of the study will provide valuable insights into the comparative effectiveness of a NW intervention vs standard rehabilitation and control group training in improving CV performance in obese and/or overweight diabetic patients with CV complications. Additionally, safety and adherence data will help inform the feasibility and sustainability of the exercise prescription over an extended period.

Conclusions

These findings may have implications for the development of tailored exercise programs for this specific patient population, with the aim of optimizing CV health outcomes.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT05987410.

Obesity effect on newly diagnosed and recurrent post-ablation atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The role of overweight and obesity in the development of atrial fibrillation (AF) is well established; however, the differential effect on the occurrence and recurrence of AF remains uncertain. The aim of this review is to compare the effect of underweight and varying degrees of obesity on onset of AF and in recurrent post-ablation AF, and, when possible, in relation to sex.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library from inception to January 31, 2023. Studies reporting frequency of newly-diagnosed AF and of recurrent post-ablation AF in different BMI categories, were included. 3400 records were screened and 50 met the inclusion criteria. Standardized data search and abstraction were performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) Statement. Data were extracted from the manuscripts and were analyzed using a random effect model. The outcome was the occurrence of AF in population studies and in patients undergoing ablation.

RESULTS

Data from 50 studies were collected, of which 27 for newly-diagnosed AF and 23 for recurrent post-ablation AF, for a total of 15,134,939 patients, of which 15,115,181 in studies on newly-diagnosed AF and 19,758 in studies on recurrent post-ablation AF. Compared to normal weight, the increase in AF was significant (p < 0.01) for overweight, obese, and morbidly obese patients for newly-diagnosed AF, and for obese and morbidly obese patients for recurrent post-ablation AF. Newly-diagnosed AF was more frequent in obese female than obese male patients.

CONCLUSION

The effect of increased BMI was greater on the onset of AF, and obese women were more affected than men.

Examination of the Complex Molecular Landscape in Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes

The escalating prevalence of metabolic disorders, notably type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity, presents a critical global health challenge, necessitating deeper insights into their molecular underpinnings. Our study integrates proteomics and metabolomics analyses to delineate the complex molecular landscapes associated with T2D and obesity. Leveraging data from 130 subjects, including individuals with T2D and obesity as well as healthy controls, we elucidate distinct molecular signatures and identify novel biomarkers indicative of disease progression. Our comprehensive characterization of cardiometabolic proteins and serum metabolites unveils intricate networks of biomolecular interactions and highlights differential protein expression patterns between T2D and obesity cohorts. Pathway enrichment analyses reveal unique mechanisms underlying disease development and progression, while correlation analyses elucidate the interplay between proteomics, metabolomics, and clinical parameters. Furthermore, network analyses underscore the interconnectedness of cardiometabolic proteins and provide insights into their roles in disease pathogenesis. Our findings may help to refine diagnostic strategies and inform the development of personalized interventions, heralding a new era in precision medicine and healthcare innovation. Through the integration of multi-omics approaches and advanced analytics, our study offers a crucial framework for deciphering the intricate molecular underpinnings of metabolic disorders and paving the way for transformative therapeutic strategies.

Pre-Pregnancy Obesity and Infants' Motor Development within the First Twelve Months of Life: Who Is Expected to Be the Ultimate Carrier of the Obesity Burden?

INTRODUCTION

Pre-pregnancy obesity is a significant public health concern with profound implications for maternal and child health. The burgeoning evidence suggests that maternal obesity prior to conception is intricately linked with an increased risk of gestational complications, as well as with adverse neonatal outcomes. Furthermore, the long and short-term health of offspring, including the risk of early motor development impairment, obesity, and metabolic syndrome in childhood and adulthood, may be adversely affected as well. Addressing pre-pregnancy obesity is critical for improving overall maternal and child health outcomes, and therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the connections linking pre-pregnancy obesity with infants' motor development within the first twelve months of infants' lives.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This study included 200 mother-infant pairs divided into two groups based on their pre-pregnancy body mass index values. To assess infants' early motor development, we used the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) and evaluated the parameters of infants' early motor development at the ages of three, six, nine, and twelve months.

RESULTS

Pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity was significantly associated with excessive gestational weight gain (p < 0.001), fetal macrosomia (p = 0.022), and a family history of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases (p = 0.048 and p = 0.041, respectively), as well as with all observed parameters of early motor development at the ages of three, six, nine, and twelve months: AIMS 3 months total (p < 0.001), AIMS 6 months total (p < 0.001), AIMS 9 months total (p < 0.001), and AIMS 12 months total (p < 0.001). Furthermore, pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity was a significant predictor for AIMS 6 months total (p = 0.043) and AIMS 6 months supination (p = 0.017).

CONCLUSIONS

Pre-pregnancy obesity is a critical determinant of pregnancy outcomes and offspring early motor development, with possible far-reaching implications for children's long-term well-being. Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive approach that includes preconception weight management, targeted interventions during the pregnancy and postpartum periods, and ongoing research to better understand the underlying mechanisms and develop effective strategies for prevention and management.

The impact of triglyceride glucose-body mass index on all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in elderly patients with diabetes mellitus: evidence from NHANES 2007-2016

BACKGROUND

The relationship between triglyceride glucose-body mass index (TyG-BMI) index and mortality in elderly patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) are still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between TyG-BMI with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality among elderly DM patients in the United States (US).

METHODS

Patients aged over 60 years with DM from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007-2016) were included in this study. The study endpoints were all-cause and cardiovascular mortality and the morality data were extracted from the National Death Index (NDI) which records up to December 31, 2019. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to explore the association between TyG-BMI index with mortality. Restricted cubic spline was used to model nonlinear relationships.

RESULTS

A total of 1363 elderly diabetic patients were included, and were categorized into four quartiles. The mean age was 70.0 ± 6.8 years, and 48.6% of them were female. Overall, there were 429 all-cause deaths and 123 cardiovascular deaths were recorded during a median follow-up of 77.3 months. Multivariate Cox regression analyses indicated that compared to the 1st quartile (used as the reference), the 3rd quartile demonstrated a significant association with all-cause mortality (model 2: HR = 0.64, 95% CI 0.46-0.89, P = 0.009; model 3: HR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.43-0.96, P = 0.030). Additionally, the 4th quartile was significantly associated with cardiovascular mortality (model 2: HR = 1.83, 95% CI 1.01-3.30, P = 0.047; model 3: HR = 2.45, 95% CI 1.07-5.57, P = 0.033). The restricted cubic spline revealed a U-shaped association between TyG-BMI index with all-cause mortality and a linear association with cardiovascular mortality, after adjustment for possible confounding factors.

CONCLUSIONS

A U-shaped association was observed between the TyG-BMI index with all-cause mortality and a linear association was observed between the TyG-BMI index with cardiovascular mortality in elderly patients with DM in the US population.

Prevalence and risk factors of diabetes mellitus among elderly patients in the Lugu community

BACKGROUND

Age is a significant risk factor of diabetes mellitus (DM). With the develop of population aging, the incidence of DM remains increasing. Understanding the epidemiology of DM among elderly individuals in a certain area contributes to the DM interventions for the local elderly individuals with high risk of DM.

AIM

To explore the prevalence of DM among elderly individuals in the Lugu community and analyze the related risk factors to provide a valid scientific basis for the health management of elderly individuals.

METHODS

A total of 4816 elderly people who came to the community for physical examination were retrospectively analyzed. The prevalence of DM among the elderly was calculated. The individuals were divided into a DM group and a non-DM group according to the diagnosis of DM to compare the differences in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and systolic blood pressure (SBP), fasting blood glucose, body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and incidence of hypertension (HT), coronary heart disease (CHD), and chronic kidney disease (CKD).

RESULTS

DM was diagnosed in 32.70% of the 4816 elderly people. The BMI of the DM group (25.16 ± 3.35) was greater than that of the non-DM group (24.61 ± 3.78). The WHR was 0.90 ± 0.04 in the non-DM group and 0.90 ± 0.03 in the DM group, with no significant difference. The left SBP and SBP in the DM group were 137.9 mmHg ± 11.92 mmHg and 69.95 mmHg ± 7.75 mmHg, respectively, while they were 126.6 mmHg ± 12.44 mmHg and 71.15 mmHg ± 12.55 mmHg, respectively, in the non-DM group. These findings indicate higher SBP and lower DBP in DM patients than in those without DM. In the DM group, 1274 patients were diagnosed with HT, accounting for 80.89%. Among the 3241 non-DM patients, 1743 (53.78%) were hypertensive and 1498 (46.22%) were nonhypertensive. The DM group had more cases of HT than did the non-DM group. There were more patients with CHD or CKD in the DM group than in the non-DM group. There were more patients who drank alcohol more frequently (≥ 3 times) in the DM group than in the non-DM group.

CONCLUSION

Older adults in the Lugu community are at a greater risk of DM. In elderly individuals, DM is closely related to high BMI and HT, CHD, and CKD. Physical examinations should be actively carried out for elderly people to determine their BMI, SBP, DBP, and other signs, and sufficient attention should be given to abnormalities in the above signs before further diagnosis.

Salivary α-amylase activity is associated with cardiometabolic and inflammatory biomarkers in overweight/obese, non-diabetic Qatari women

Introduction

Obesity, prevalent in approximately 80% of Qatar's adult population, increases the risk of complications like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Predictive biomarkers are crucial for preventive strategies. Salivary α-amylase activity (sAAa) inversely correlates with obesity and insulin resistance in adults and children. However, the connection between sAAa and cardiometabolic risk factors or chronic low-grade inflammation markers remains unclear. This study explores the association between serum sAAa and adiposity markers related to cardiovascular diseases, as well as markers indicative of chronic low-grade inflammation.

Methods

Serum samples and clinical data of 1500 adult, non-diabetic, Overweight/Obese participants were obtained from Qatar Biobank (QBB). We quantified sAAa and C reactive protein (CRP) levels with an autoanalyzer. Cytokines, adipokines, and adiponectin of a subset of 228 samples were quantified using a bead-based multiplex assay. The associations between the sAAa and the adiposity indices and low-grade inflammatory protein CRP and multiple cytokines were assessed using Pearson's correlation and adjusted linear regression.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 36 ± 10 years for both sexes of which 76.6% are women. Our analysis revealed a significant linear association between sAAa and adiposity-associated biomarkers, including body mass index β -0.032 [95% CI -0.049 to -0.05], waist circumference β -0.05 [95% CI -0.09 to -0.02], hip circumference β -0.052 [95% CI -0.087 to -0.017], and HDL β 0.002 [95% CI 0.001 to 0.004], albeit only in women. Additionally, sAAa demonstrated a significant positive association with adiponectin β 0.007 [95% CI 0.001 to 0.01]while concurrently displaying significant negative associations with CRP β -0.02 [95% CI -0.044 to -0.0001], TNF-α β -0.105 [95% CI -0.207 to -0.004], IL-6 β [95% CI -0.39 -0.75 to -0.04], and ghrelin β -5.95 [95% CI -11.71 to -0.20], specifically within the female population.

Conclusion

Our findings delineate significant associations between sAAa and markers indicative of cardiovascular disease risk and inflammation among overweight/obese adult Qatari females. Subsequent investigations are warranted to elucidate the nuances of these gender-specific associations comprehensively.

Metabolic disorders affecting the liver and heart: Therapeutic efficacy of miRNA-based therapies?

Liver and heart disease are major causes of death worldwide. It is known that metabolic alteration causing type 2 diabetes (T2D) and Nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD) coupled with a derangement in lipid homeostasis, may exacerbate hepatic and cardiovascular diseases. Some pharmacological treatments can mitigate organ dysfunctions but the important side effects limit their efficacy leading often to deterioration of the tissues. It needs to develop new personalized treatment approaches and recent progresses of engineered RNA molecules are becoming increasingly viable as alternative treatments. This review outlines the current use of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), RNA interference (RNAi) and RNA genome editing as treatment for rare metabolic disorders. However, the potential for small non-coding RNAs to serve as therapeutic agents for liver and heart diseases is yet to be fully explored. Although miRNAs are recognized as biomarkers for many diseases, they are also capable of serving as drugs for medical intervention; several clinical trials are testing miRNAs as therapeutics for type 2 diabetes, nonalcoholic fatty liver as well as cardiac diseases. Recent advances in RNA-based therapeutics may potentially facilitate a novel application of miRNAs as agents and as druggable targets. In this work, we sought to summarize the advancement and advantages of miRNA selective therapy when compared to conventional drugs. In particular, we sought to emphasise druggable miRNAs, over ASOs or other RNA therapeutics or conventional drugs. Finally, we sought to address research questions related to efficacy, side-effects, and range of use of RNA therapeutics. Additionally, we covered hurdles and examined recent advances in the use of miRNA-based RNA therapy in metabolic disorders such as diabetes, liver, and heart diseases.

The role of adiponectin in the association between abdominal obesity and type 2 diabetes: a mediation analysis among 232,438 Chinese participants

Background

Adiposity and adipokines are closely associated with obesity-related metabolic abnormalities, but little is known regarding whether abdominal obesity is linked to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) through circulating adiponectin levels. Thus, this large-population-based study was designed to investigate the mediating effect of adiponectin in the relationship between abdominal obesity and T2DM.

Methods

A total of 232,438 adults who lived in Dongguan, Guangdong Province, China, were enrolled in the present study. The circulating adiponectin concentrations were measured using latex-enhanced immunoturbidimetric assay. The association between circulating adiponectin and other clinical parameters was detected by Spearman's correlation analysis. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression was also used to address the non-linearity of the relationship between waist circumference and diabetes. Mediation analyses of circulating adiponectin were conducted using linear and logistic regression.

Results

Subjects with abdominal obesity had lower levels of circulating adiponectin (P < 0.001). The circulating adiponectin value was inversely related to BMI (r = -0.370, P < 0.001), waist circumference (r = -0.361, P < 0.001), and fasting plasma glucose (r = -0.221, P < 0.001). The RCS plot showed a non-linear relation linking waist circumference with T2DM (P for non-linearity < 0.001). Patients with abdominal obesity presented 2.062 times higher odds of T2DM in comparison with those with non-abdominal obesity (odds ratio, 2.062; 95% confidence interval, 1.969-2.161) after adjusting for confounders. In the mediation analyses, the circulating adiponectin mediated the association between abdominal obesity and T2DM, with a mediation effect of 41.02% after adjustments. The above results were consistent in both men and women.

Conclusion

The relationship between abdominal obesity and T2DM is mediated through circulating adiponectin level in adults, suggesting that circulating adiponectin might be a potential predictor for controlling the adverse progression from adiposity to T2DM.

Role of Leptin in Obesity, Cardiovascular Disease, and Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a highly prevalent disease worldwide, estimated to affect 1 in every 11 adults; among them, 90-95% of cases are type 2 diabetes mellitus. This is partly attributed to the surge in the prevalence of obesity, which has reached epidemic proportions since 2008. In these patients, cardiovascular (CV) risk stands as the primary cause of morbidity and mortality, placing a substantial burden on healthcare systems due to the potential for macrovascular and microvascular complications. In this context, leptin, an adipocyte-derived hormone, plays a fundamental role. This hormone is essential for regulating the cellular metabolism and energy balance, controlling inflammatory responses, and maintaining CV system homeostasis. Thus, leptin resistance not only contributes to weight gain but may also lead to increased cardiac inflammation, greater fibrosis, hypertension, and impairment of the cardiac metabolism. Understanding the relationship between leptin resistance and CV risk in obese individuals with type 2 DM (T2DM) could improve the management and prevention of this complication. Therefore, in this narrative review, we will discuss the evidence linking leptin with the presence, severity, and/or prognosis of obesity and T2DM regarding CV disease, aiming to shed light on the potential implications for better management and preventive strategies.

The role of serotonin hormone on weight loss maintenance after sleeve gastrectomy: a systematic review

Surgical interventions, such as laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), are frequently associated with significant weight loss. However, the initiation and maintenance of this weight reduction are multifaceted processes influenced by genetic, psychological, behavioral, dietary, and metabolic factors. This review examined the role of metabolic hormones, specifically serotonin, in sustaining weight loss post-LSG. A systematic evaluation of six research articles obtained from Scopus, PubMed, and Cochrane was conducted, focusing on the role of serotonin in weight loss maintenance. We included randomized controlled trials involving adults over 18 years. Studies lacking an intensive weight regulation approach were excluded. Information was systematically extracted and analyzed from the selected studies, with data on intervention and control groups summarized in tables to compare outcomes one year post-LSG. The findings revealed a complex interplay between serotonin and its role in weight maintenance after sleeve gastrectomy. While some studies demonstrated successful weight loss maintenance with serotonin intervention, the systematic review found no association between serotonin and weight loss maintenance. Factors beyond serotonin levels, including individual motivation, behavioral strategies, and physical activity, were identified as crucial contributors to sustained weight loss. While the results may not demonstrate a recognizable association between serotonin and weight loss maintenance, the significance of this review lies in its contribution to the existing body of knowledge. By synthesizing current evidence, the study adds a nuanced perspective to understanding factors influencing post-LSG outcomes.

Microbial metabolites as modulators of host physiology

The gut microbiota is increasingly recognised as a key player in influencing human health and changes in the gut microbiota have been strongly linked with many non-communicable conditions in humans such as type 2 diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease. However, characterising the molecular mechanisms that underpin these associations remains an important challenge for researchers. The gut microbiota is a complex microbial community that acts as a metabolic interface to transform ingested food (and other xenobiotics) into metabolites that are detected in the host faeces, urine and blood. Many of these metabolites are only produced by microbes and there is accumulating evidence to suggest that these microbe-specific metabolites do act as effectors to influence human physiology. For example, the gut microbiota can digest dietary complex polysaccharides (such as fibre) into short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) such as acetate, propionate and butyrate that have a pervasive role in host physiology from nutrition to immune function. In this review we will outline our current understanding of the role of some key microbial metabolites, such as SCFA, indole and bile acids, in human health. Whilst many studies linking microbial metabolites with human health are correlative we will try to highlight examples where genetic evidence is available to support a specific role for a microbial metabolite in host health and well-being.

The Connection between Knowledge and the Nutritional Behaviour of Parents and the Occurrence of Overweight and Obesity among Preschool Children-A Pilot Study

The phenomenon of overweight and obesity constitutes a threat for health and children's lives at preschool age. Eating habits formed during this period seriously affect not only future dietary preferences but also the development of diet-related diseases. The purpose of the present study was the assessment of the relationship between the state of knowledge of children's nutrition and parents' eating behaviour and the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children aged 4-6 years. The study was conducted using 200 parent-child pairs. The behaviour and nutritional knowledge of parents was assessed using a questionnaire method. In contrast, anthropometric measurements were taken among the children. Nutritional disorders were noted in 46.5% of children of whom 39.0% struggled with overweight and 7.5% with obesity. The study showed that the children of parents with higher levels of nutritional knowledge were more likely to develop overweight and obesity. It also proved that irregularity of parental food intake predisposed the development of excessive body weight in children (p = 0.0049). Therefore, it is reasonable to undertake further investigation into factors implying the development of nutritional disorders among those youngest. Early recognition of dietary mistakes can contribute to their elimination at an early age.

Association of parathyroid hormone with risk of hypertension and type 2 diabetes: a dose-response meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Despite an increase in parathyroid hormone (PTH) has been reported to be associated with a higher risk of hypertension and type 2 diabetes (T2D), the comprehensive evaluation of the dose-response relationship between PTH and hypertension and T2D remains ambiguous. Therefore, a dose-response meta-analysis was performed to quantitatively investigate this association.

METHODS

PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase were systematically searched up to May 2023. Random-effect models were used to estimate the summary odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Restricted cubic splines were used to model the dose-response association.

RESULTS

Ten articles (including 13 studies) were identified, with a total of 11,878 cases and 51,234 participants in the meta-analysis. Of these studies, eight (five cohort and three cross-sectional) studies investigated the association of PTH with hypertension; five (two cohort and three cross-sectional) studies assessed the association of PTH with T2D. The results showed a positive relationship between PTH and the risk of hypertension (OR,1.24, 95% CI: 1.16-1.33). We found a linear association between PTH and hypertension (Pnon-linearity= 0.222). In the dose-response analysis, the risk of hypertension increased 5% for every 10 pg/ml increase in PTH (OR,1.05, 95% CI: 1.02-1.08). The pooled OR of T2D risk for a 10 pg/ml increase in PTH was 1.00 (95% CI: 0.98-1.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated PTH is associated with an increased risk of hypertension. However, the evidence of the association between PTH and T2D is limited, and more well-designed studies need to be explored.

Macrophage Activation Syndrome in Coinciding Pandemics of Obesity and COVID-19: Worse than Bad

Epigenetic changes have long-lasting impacts, which influence the epigenome and are maintained during cell division. Thus, human genome changes have required a very long timescale to become a major contributor to the current obesity pandemic. Whereas bidirectional effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and obesity pandemics have given the opportunity to explore, how the viral microribonucleic acids (miRNAs) use the human's transcriptional machinery that regulate gene expression at a posttranscriptional level. Obesity and its related comorbidity, type 2 diabetes (T2D), and new-onset diabetes due to severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are additional risk factors, which increase the severity of COVID-19 and its related mortality. The higher mortality rate of these patients is dependent on severe cytokine storm, which is the sum of the additional cytokine production by concomitant comorbidities and own cytokine synthesis of COVID-19. Patients with obesity facilitate the SARS-CoV-2 entry to host cell via increasing the host's cell receptor expression and modifying the host cell proteases. After entering the host cells, the SARS-CoV-2 genome directly functions as a messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and encodes a set of nonstructural proteins via processing by the own proteases, main protease (Mpro), and papain-like protease (PLpro) to initiate viral genome replication and transcription. Following viral invasion, SARS-CoV-2 infection reduces insulin secretion via either inducing β-cell apoptosis or reducing intensity of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors and leads to new-onset diabetes. Since both T2D and severity of COVID-19 are associated with the increased serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, high glucose levels in T2D aggravate SARS-CoV-2 infection. Elevated neopterin (NPT) value due to persistent interferon gamma (IFN-γ)-mediated monocyte-macrophage activation is an indicator of hyperactivated pro-inflammatory phenotype M1 macrophages. Thus, NPT could be a reliable biomarker for the simultaneously occurring COVID-19-, obesity- and T2D-induced cytokine storm. While host miRNAs attack viral RNAs, viral miRNAs target host transcripts. Eventually, the expression rate and type of miRNAs also are different in COVID-19 patients with different viral loads. It is concluded that specific miRNA signatures in macrophage activation phase may provide an opportunity to become aware of the severity of COVID-19 in patients with obesity and obesity-related T2D.

Critical Correlation Between Obesity and Cardiovascular Diseases and Recent Advancements in Obesity

Scientific literature has investigated and well-documented the complex relationship between obesity and cardiovascular diseases. Obese people are much more likely to have atrial fibrillation, dyslipidemia, diabetes, and coronary artery disease, among other cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, obesity poses a severe risk for diseases like hypertension, heart failure, and atherosclerotic heart diseases, affecting various aspects relating to their underlying mechanisms, diagnosis, and clinical effects. This article summarizes recent developments in our understanding of and response to obesity. Pharmacotherapy, gut microbiome research, bariatric surgery, digital health solutions, behavioral interventions, and precision medicine are just a few of the fields in which these developments have been made. While liposuction offers a less invasive option for redistributing volume and getting positive results, bariatric surgery remains the most effective treatment for severe obesity. Emphasis is placed on the pathophysiological mechanisms that underlie the complex interactions between obesity and a number of diseases, such as atrial fibrillation, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and coronary artery disease. The significance of lifestyle changes in reducing the cardiovascular risks associated with obesity, such as atrial fibrillation and heart disease, is emphasized. To improve overall cardiovascular health and achieve better clinical outcomes, obesity must be promptly identified and actively managed. Investigations into how the gut microbiome affects obesity, the creation of novel pharmacological treatments for appetite suppression and metabolic enhancement, improvements in bariatric surgery methods that emphasize patient success and safety, as well as creative digital health solutions and behavioral treatments, are some examples of emerging research fields. In addition, precision medicine approaches, including the modulation of the gut microbiome through dietary changes and supplements, hold great promise in combating obesity and its associated comorbidities and have the potential to revolutionize the management of obesity by tailoring treatments to the specific needs of individual patients.

Association between diet, mental health and sleep quality in university students during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate recently published scientific evidence and synthesize the results of observational studies that examine the association between diet, mental health, and sleep quality in university students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

CONTENT

An electronic search of scientific literature published in 2021 and up to 2 years ago was performed using keyword search, with focus on observational studies published in PubMed, MEDLINE and Web of Science. It included: active university students of both sexes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SUMMARY AND OUTLOOK

The 5 studies included in this review showed that there have been significant changes in both mental health and eating habits during the COVID-19 pandemic. The conclusion, there is an association between mental health and sleep quality in university students, resulting in an alteration of sleep hours and poor sleep. Furthermore, an association between mental health and diet quality is also observed, producing an increase in caloric intake or in the number of meals during the day.

Analysis of Correlation between Age and Satisfied Total Weight Loss Percentage Outcome at 1 Year after Bariatric Surgery using the Restricted Cubic Spline Function: A Retrospective Study in China

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to explore the relationship between age and whether the percentage of total weight loss (TWL%) is ≥ 25% or not at 1 year after bariatric surgery (BS). We aimed to provide evidence for the stratified treatment of spatients with obesity at different ages.

METHODS

The primary outcome evaluated was whether TWL% was no less than 25% at 1 year after BS. A TWL% ≥ 25% was defined as a satisfied TWL% outcome. Logistic regression analysis and the restricted cubic spline (RCS) function were used to analyze the relationship between age and the satisfied TWL% outcome at 1 year after BS.

RESULTS

Two hundred and ninety-one patients were included in our study. After adjusting for potential confounders, the odds ratios (ORs) of the corresponding quartiles of age associated with satisfied TWL% outcome were 1.00 (reference), 1.117 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 0.540-2.311], 1.378 (95% CI = 0.647-2.935), and 0.406 (95% CI = 0.184-0.895). RCS analysis revealed a non-linear inverted L-shaped association between age and satisfied TWL% outcome at 1 year after BS (non-linear P = 0.033).

CONCLUSION

Age was an independent predictor of satisfied TWL% outcome one year following BS, and our study considered 32 years as a potential cut-off point. For Chinese patients over the age of 32 who are eligible for BS, it may be beneficial to do BS earlier as the probability of achieving a satisfied TWL% outcome may decrease with age.

Vegetarian diets on anthropometric, metabolic and blood pressure outcomes in people with overweight and obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

It is unknown whether vegetarian diets (VDs) may improve outcomes in people with overweight and obesity.

OBJECTIVE

To systematically assess the effects of VDs vs. omnivore diets on anthropometric, metabolic, and blood pressure outcomes in people with overweight and obesity.

METHODS

We searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus until February 2, 2022. Primary outcomes were anthropometric risk factors (weight, body mass index [BMI], waist circumference [WC], hip circumference [HC], and body fat percentage). Secondary outcomes were metabolic risk factors (fasting serum glucose, HbA1c, insulin levels) and blood pressure (systolic blood pressure [SBP], diastolic blood pressure [DBP]). Random-effects meta-analyses were performed and effects were expressed as mean difference (MD) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI). The quality of evidence was assessed using GRADE methods.

RESULTS

Nine RCTs (n = 1628) were included. VDs decreased weight (MD -3.60 kg, 95%CI -4.75 to -2.46) and glucose (MD -10.64 mg/dL, 95%CI -15.77 to -5.51), but did not decrease WC (MD -3.00 cm, 95%CI -6.20 to 0.20), BMI (MD -0.87 kg/m2, 95%CI -1.80 to 0.06), or HC (MD: -0.86 cm, 95%CI -3.46 to 1.74). VDs did not decrease HbA1c (MD -0.40%, 95%CI -0.89 to 0.10), insulin (MD -3.83 mU/L, 95%CI -8.06 to 0.40), SBP (MD -0.25 mmHg, 95%CI -2.58 to 2.07), or DBP (MD -1.57 mmHg, 95%CI -3.93 to 0.78). Subgroup analyses by type of VD (four RCTs evaluated lacto-ovo-vegetarian diets and five RCTs vegan diets) showed similar results to the main analyses. QoE was very low for most of the outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

In comparison to an omnivorous diet, VDs may reduce weight and glucose, but not blood pressure or other metabolic or anthropometric outcomes. However, the QoE was mostly very low. Larger RCTs are still needed to evaluate the effects of VD on anthropometric, metabolic factors, and blood pressure in people with overweight and obesity.

The V-shaped curve relationship between fasting plasma glucose and human serum albumin in a large health checkup population in China

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and human serum albumin (HSA) in a large health checkup population in China.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional health checkup study, we enrolled a population of 284,635 subjects from Wuhu between 2011 and 2016. All participants completed the physical examination, blood biochemical examination, and blood routine examination.

RESULTS

The prevalence of diabetes in men and women was 6.11% and 2.98%, respectively. The average level of HSA and FPG was significantly higher in men than in women (48.44 ± 3.25 vs. 47.14 ± 3.22, P < 0.0001; 5.50 ± 1.26 vs. 5.26 ± 0.94, P < 0.0001). There were significant differences in blood biochemistry and blood routine values by gender. After adjusting for confounding factors, the results showed that FPG and HSA were a V-shaped curve, and the threshold value of HSA was 40.7 mmol/L. FPG and HSA still showed a V-shaped curve after stratification by gender and age. In the male group, FPG decreased with HSA when HSA<42.3 mmol/L, and increased when HSA ≥ 42.3 mmol/L. In the female group, FPG decreased with HSA when HSA<35.7 mmol/L, and increased when HSA ≥ 35.7 mmol/L. In the age<65 group, FPG decreased with HSA when HSA<37.5 mmol/L, and increased when HSA ≥ 37.5 mmol/L. In the age ≥ 65 group, FPG decreased with HSA when HSA<43.2 mmol/L, and increased when HSA ≥ 43.2 mmol/L.

CONCLUSIONS

A V-shape relationship exists between fasting plasma glucose and human serum albumin among the Chinese health checkup population studied.

Protective effects of swimming exercises and metformin on cardiac and aortic damage caused by a high-fat diet in obese rats with type 2 diabetes, by regulating the Bcl2/Bax signaling pathway

Background/aim

Due to the increasing mortality and morbidity rates in diabetes mellitus (DM), which is one of the biggest health problems of our age, many treatment modalities are still being tried. The positive effects of metformin (MET) and physical exercise (EXE) on the pathophysiology of diabetes are well known. In this study, it was aimed to detail these positive effects of MET and EXE in combination on the basis of inflammation, apoptosis mechanisms, and endogen nesfatin-1 (NES-1) synthesis.

Materials and methods

Twenty-seven type 2 DM (DM-2) male Wistar Albino rats were divided into 4 groups, as the high-fat diet (HFD), MET, EXE, and MET+EXE groups. The total duration of the study was 3 months. At the end of the experiment, blood glucose and lipid profiles were measured. Histopathological evaluation was performed on the cardiac and aortic tissues and apoptotic markers were evaluated immunohistochemically. Inflammatory markers and NES-1 levels were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

The plasma glucose, homeostatic model evaluation-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels increased, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels decreased significantly in the HFD group. In the treatment groups, the glucose, HOMA-IR, LDL, NES-1 levels in the plasma, as well as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), IL-6, caspase-3 (Cas-3), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), and histopathological findings of inflammation in tissues were decreased. Additionally, there was an increase in plasma insulin, HDL, and tissue B-cell lymphoma-2 and levels.

Conclusion

It was observed that the MET and EXE treatments in the DM-2 model reduced cellular damage mechanisms such as inflammation and apoptosis. The decrease in NES-1 levels was thought to be secondary to this antiinflammatory effect. In conclusion, the results demonstrated the effectiveness of EXE in reducing DM-2 and the NES-1 levels. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effect in different EXE models and treatment durations.