Advanced parental age affects cardiometabolic risk in offspring

Advanced age at conception usually refers to human mothers aged 35 years plus and fathers aged 40 years plus. Advanced parental age may be responsible for genetic and/or epigenetic alterations and may affect the health of offspring. Limited epidemiological and experimental studies have addressed the effect of advanced parental age on cardio-metabolic functions in human and rodent offspring. This mini review aimed to present the knowledge by focusing on adverse and favourable outcomes related to sex-specific risks and intergenerational inheritance. The outcomes identified by this review were mainly negative, but there were also some positive results.

Effects of Nightshift Work on Blood Metabolites in Female Nurses and Paramedic Staff: A Cross-sectional Study

Nightshift work disturbs the circadian rhythm, which might contribute to the development of cardio-metabolic disorders. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to gain insight into perturbations of disease relevant metabolic pathways due to nightshift work. We characterized the metabolic profiles of 237 female nurses and paramedic staff participating in the Klokwerk study using the Nightingale Health platform. We performed analyses on plasma levels of 225 metabolites, including cholesterol, triglycerides, fatty acids, and amino acids. Using both principal component- and univariate-regression, we compared metabolic profiles of nightshift workers to metabolic profiles from workers that did not work night shifts (defined as day workers). We also assessed whether differential effects were observed between recently started versus more experienced workers. Within the group of nightshift workers, we compared metabolic profiles measured right after a nightshift with metabolic profiles measured on a day when no nightshift work was conducted. We observed evidence for an impact of nightshift work on the presence of unfavorable fatty acid profiles in blood. Amongst the fatty acids, effects were most prominent for PUFA/FA ratios (consistently decreased) and SFA/FA ratios (consistently elevated). This pattern of less favorable fatty acid profiles was also observed in samples collected directly after a night shift. Amino acid levels (histidine, glutamine, isoleucine, and leucine) and lipoproteins (especially HDL-cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides) were elevated when comparing nightshift workers with day workers. Amino acid levels were decreased in the samples that were collected directly after working a nightshift (compared to levels in samples that were collected during a non-nightshift period). The observed effects were generally more pronounced in samples collected directly after the nightshift and among recently started compared to more experienced nightshift workers. Our finding of a suggested impact of shift work on impaired lipid metabolism is in line with evidence that links disruption of circadian rhythmicity to obesity and metabolic disorders.

SARS-CoV-2 induced HDL dysfunction may affect the host's response to and recovery from COVID-19

INTRODUCTION

Covid-19 is linked with the development of cardio-metabolic disorders, including dyslipidemia, dysregulation of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Furthermore, SARS-Co-2 infection is associated with noteworthy changes in lipid profile, which is suggested as a possible biomarker to support the diagnosis and management of Covid-19.

METHODS

This paper adopts the literature review method to obtain information about how Covid-19 affects high-risk group patients and may cause severe and critical effects due to the development of acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome. A narrative and comprehensive review is presented.

RESULTS

Reducing HDL in Covid-19 is connected to the disease severity and poor clinical outcomes, suggesting that high HDL serum levels could benefit Covid-19. SARS-CoV-2 binds HDL, and this complex is attached to the co-localized receptors, facilitating viral entry. Therefore, SARS-CoV-2 infection may induce the development of dysfunctional HDL through different mechanisms, including induction of inflammatory and oxidative stress with activation of inflammatory signaling pathways. In turn, the induction of dysfunctional HDL induces the activation of inflammatory signaling pathways and oxidative stress, increasing Covid-19 severity.

CONCLUSIONS

Covid-19 is linked with the development of cardio-metabolic disorders, including dyslipidemia in general and dysregulation of high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein. Therefore, the present study aimed to overview the causal relationship between dysfunctional high-density lipoprotein and Covid-19.

Encouraging Tactics with Genetically Modified Probiotics to Improve Immunity for the Prevention of Immune-Related Diseases including Cardio-Metabolic Disorders

The PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway may play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of obesity and diabetes mellitus, as well as metabolic syndromes, which could also be risk factors for cardio-metabolic disorders. Consistently, it has been shown that beneficial effects may be convoyed by the modulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway against the development of these diseases. Importantly, the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway can be modulated by probiotics. Probiotics have a variety of beneficial properties, with the potential of treating specific diseases such as immune-related diseases, which are valuable to human health. In addition, an increasing body of work in the literature emphasized the contribution of genetically modified probiotics. There now seems to be a turning point in the research of probiotics. A better understanding of the interactions between microbiota, lifestyle, and host factors such as genetics and/or epigenetics might lead to a novel therapeutic approach with probiotics for these diseases. This study might provide a theoretical reference for the development of genetically modified probiotics in health products and/or in functional foods for the treatment of cardio-metabolic disorders.

Cross-Talk between the Cytokine IL-37 and Thyroid Hormones in Modulating Chronic Inflammation Associated with Target Organ Damage in Age-Related Metabolic and Vascular Conditions

Chronic inflammation is considered to be the main mechanism contributing to the development of age-related metabolic and vascular conditions. The phases of chronic inflammation that mediate the progression of target organ damage in these conditions are poorly known, however. In particular, there is a paucity of data on the link between chronic inflammation and metabolic disorders. Based on some of our own results and recent developments in our understanding of age-related inflammation as a whole-body response, we discuss the hypothesis that cross-talk between the cytokine IL-37 and thyroid hormones could be the key regulatory mechanism that justifies the metabolic effects of chronic tissue-related inflammation. The cytokine IL-37 is emerging as a strong natural suppressor of the chronic innate immune response. The effect of this cytokine has been identified in reversing metabolic costs of chronic inflammation. Thyroid hormones are known to regulate energy metabolism. There is a close link between thyroid function and inflammation in elderly individuals. Nonlinear associations between IL-37 and thyroid hormones, considered within the wider clinical context, can improve our understanding of the phases of chronic inflammation that are associated with target organ damage in age-related metabolic and vascular conditions.

The additive impact of cardio-metabolic disorders and psychiatric illnesses on accelerated brain aging

Severe mental illnesses (SMI) including major depressive disorder (MDD), bipolar disorder (BD), and schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD) elevate accelerated brain aging risks. Cardio‐metabolic disorders (CMD) are common comorbidities in SMI and negatively impact brain health. We validated a linear quantile regression index (QRI) approach against the machine learning “BrainAge” index in an independent SSD cohort (N = 206). We tested the direct and additive effects of SMI and CMD effects on accelerated brain aging in the N = 1,618 (604 M/1,014 F, average age = 63.53 ± 7.38) subjects with SMI and N = 11,849 (5,719 M/6,130 F; 64.42 ± 7.38) controls from the UK Biobank. Subjects were subdivided based on diagnostic status: SMI+/CMD+ (N = 665), SMI+/CMD− (N = 964), SMI−/CMD+ (N = 3,765), SMI−/CMD− (N = 8,083). SMI (F = 40.47, p = 2.06 × 10⁻¹⁰) and CMD (F = 24.69, p = 6.82 × 10⁻⁷) significantly, independently impacted whole‐brain QRI in SMI+. SSD had the largest effect (Cohen’s d = 1.42) then BD (d = 0.55), and MDD (d = 0.15). Hypertension had a significant effect on SMI+ (d = 0.19) and SMI− (d = 0.14). SMI effects were direct, independent of MD, and remained significant after correcting for effects of antipsychotic medications. Whole‐brain QRI was significantly (p < 10⁻¹⁶) associated with the volume of white matter hyperintensities (WMH). However, WMH did not show significant association with SMI and was driven by CMD, chiefly hypertension (p < 10⁻¹⁶). We used a simple and robust index, QRI, the demonstrate additive effect of SMI and CMD on accelerated brain aging. We showed a greater effect of psychiatric illnesses on QRI compared to cardio‐metabolic illness. Our findings suggest that subjects with SMI should be among the targets for interventions to protect against age‐related cognitive decline.

COVID-19 and the Heart

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has resulted in a global health crisis. Prior to the arrival of this viral pandemic, the world was already plagued with a significant burden of cardiovascular disease. With the introduction of the novel virus, the world now faces a double jeapordy. Early reports have suggested an increased risk of death in individuals with underlying cardio-metabolic disorders. The exact effects of COVID-19 on the cardiovascular system are not well determined, however lessons from prior viral epidemics suggest that such infections can trigger acute coronary syndromes, arrhythmias and heart failure via direct and indirect mechanisms. In this article, we aimed to discuss the effects and potential underlying mechanisms of COVID -19 as well as potential implications of treatments targeted against this virus on the cardiovascular system.

Peri-transplant renal dysfunction in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis undergoing liver transplantation

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is currently the most common etiology of chronic liver disease (CLD) caused by an accumulation of fat in the liver and globally is the leading indication of liver transplantation. Emerging data has recognized an increased association of NAFLD with risk of other metabolic liver diseases like type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular diseases. Pathophysiologically, NAFLD patients have a state of low-grade systemic inflammation, insulin resistance and atherogenic dyslipidemia which causes renal dysfunction. Patients with NAFLD cirrhosis awaiting liver transplant (LT) face unique challenges and have a significantly higher requirement of simultaneous-liver-kidney transplant as compared to other etiologies. Further, NAFLD not only recurs but also occurs as a de novo manifestation post-LT. There is also a significantly higher risk of waiting list stagnation and dropouts due to burdensome cardiometabolic disorders in NAFLD patients. The current review aims to understand the prevalence and pathogenetic basis of renal dysfunction in NAFLD. Additionally, the review describes the choice of immunosuppression protocols and use of intraoperative renal replacement therapy in context of intra and post-operative renal dysfunction in NAFLD patients. Prospective controlled trials focusing on NAFLD and development of CKD are needed to assess the existence of a causal and/or a bidirectional relationship between NAFLD and CKD.

Cardio-Metabolic Disorders in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

With the progressive epidemics of obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most common cause of chronic liver disease in adults and children. The increasing prevalence and incidence of NAFLD with advanced fibrosis is concerning because patients appear to experience higher non-liver-related morbidity and mortality than the general population. Recent clinical evidence suggests that NAFLD is directly associated with an increased risk of cardio-metabolic disorders. This mini review describes briefly the current understanding of the pathogenesis of NAFLD, summarizing the link between NAFLD and cardio-metabolic complications, focusing mainly upon ischemic stroke, type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiac arrhythmias. In addition, it describes briefly the current understanding of the pathogenesis of NAFLD.