Serum levels of trimethylamine N-oxide and kynurenine novel biomarkers are associated with adult metabolic syndrome and its components: a case-control study from the TEC cohort

Background

Epidemiologic research suggests that gut microbiota alteration (dysbiosis) may play a role in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Dysbiosis can influence Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) a gut microbiota-derived metabolite, as well as kynurenine pathways (KP), which are known as a new marker for an early predictor of chronic diseases. Hence, the current study aimed to investigate the association between KYN and TMAO with MetS and its components.

Methods

This case-control study was conducted on 250 adults aged 18 years or over of Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS) Employee's Cohort study (TEC) in the baseline phase. Data on the dietary intakes were collected using a validated dish-based food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and dietary intakes of nitrite and nitrate were estimated using FFQ with 144 items. MetS was defined according to the NCEP ATP criteria. Serum profiles TMAO and KYN were measured by standard protocol.

Result

The mean level of TMAO and KYN in subjects with MetS was 51.49 pg/mL and 417.56 nmol/l. High levels of TMAO (≥30.39 pg/mL) with MetS were directly correlated, after adjusting for confounding factors, the odds of MetS in individuals 2.37 times increased (OR: 2.37, 95% CI: 1.31-4.28, P-value = 0.004), also, high levels of KYN (≥297.18 nmol/L) increased odds of Mets+ 1.48 times, which is statistically significant (OR: 1.48, 95% CI: 0.83-2.63, P-value = 0.04). High levels of TMAO compared with the reference group increased the odds of hypertriglyceridemia and low HDL in crude and adjusted models (P < 0.05). Additionally, there was a statistically significant high level of KYN increased odds of abdominal obesity (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our study revealed a positive association between serum TMAO and KYN levels and MetS and some of its components. For underlying mechanisms and possible clinical implications of the differences. Prospective studies in healthy individuals are necessary.

The association between fatty acid quality indices and quality of life among overweight and obese women: A cross-sectional study

Background

Reduced quality of life (QOL) is a major public health challenge affecting the global population. Fatty acid quality indices (FAQIs) are novel determinants of QOL and may impact various aspects of QOL. Prior research has established a significant link between dietary habits and QOL. However, the association between FAQIs and specific dimensions of QOL has not been established. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association between FAQIs and QOL in overweight and obese women.

Methods

In total, 378 adult overweight or obese women participated in this cross-sectional study. Several anthropometric indices, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and biochemical factors were measured using standard protocols. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated and reliable semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (the FFQ, 147 items). The cholesterol-saturated fat index (CSI) and the ratio of omega-6/omega-3 (N6/N3) essential fatty acids consumed were employed as FAQIs. The SF-36 questionnaire was administered to measure QOL. Linear logistic regression was used, in the form of raw and adjusted models, to evaluate the associations between FAQIs and QOL.

Results

The study sample consisted of 279 participants for whom ω-6/ω-3 ratio was measured and 378 participants for whom CSI was measured. The mean (±SD) age of participants was 36.65 ± 9.07 years. Linear logistic regression, with adjustment for potential confounders, such as age, energy intake, body mass index, employment, and thyroid status, indicated that ω-6/ω-3 intake ratio was negatively and marginally significantly associated with general health (β = -139.94, 95% CI: [-286.54, 6.66]; p = 0.061) and physical role limitations (β= -337.68, 95% CI: [-679.99, 1.61]; p = 0.051). A significant negative association was observed between ω-6/ω-3 intake ratio and social functioning (β = -247.54, 95% CI: [-458.14, -36.94]; p = 0.021), which indicates that obese and overweight women with a higher ω-6/ω-3 intake ratio obtained lower scores on social functioning.

Conclusions

It was found that FAQI scores were negatively associated with certain QOL measures among overweight and obese Iranian women, suggesting that a higher consumption of fatty acids, especially trans and saturated fatty acids, may be associated with lower QOL.

The Potential Effect of Blueberry on Cognitive Health and Mood State based on Human Intervention Studies: Systematic Review and Mini Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Blueberries are known for their high content of several bioactive compounds, specifically anthocyanin, which are the most beneficial of the flavonoid family in terms of neuroprotection. Several human interventional studies have been conducted to assess the effects of blueberry intake on cognitive performance; however, the results of clinical trials are inconclusive. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effect of blueberry supplementation on some aspects of cognitive performance and mood parameters using data from clinical trials based on existing evidence.

METHODS

Relevant studies, published in April 2021, were searched through PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar. The random effect size was used to estimate the pooled effect size. Heterogeneity between studies was evaluated by the Cochrane Q test and I-squared (I²). To detect the potential source of heterogeneity, a subgroup analysis was conducted.

RESULTS

Fourteenrandomized trials were included in the quantitative analysis, and six were pooled for statistical analysis. Blueberry intervention resulted in no significant change in mood state score (WMD = 0.03; 95% CI: -0.80 to 0.87, P = 0.16). Moreover, no significant effect of blueberry intake was shown in attention task reaction time (WMD = -1.50 ms; 95% CI: -24.75 to -21.75, P = 0.9), percentages of attention task accuracy (WMD = 0.85; 95% CI: -2.57 to 0.86, P = 0.3), one-back test accuracy (WMD = 0.03; 95% CI: -0.04 to 0.09, P = 0.4). Significant effect was indicated (WMD = 0.08; 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.13, P = 0.005) in two-back test accuracy.

CONCLUSION

We found a significant effect of blueberry consumption on two-back test accuracy as a cognitive outcome. More high-quality clinical trials according to the challenges mentioned seem to indicate the use of blueberry as a supplement for cognitive and mood health efficiently.

Healthy beverages may reduce the genetic risk of abdominal obesity and related metabolic comorbidities: a gene-diet interaction study in Iranian women

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The nutrition transition in developing countries like Iran causes the increasing rise of obesity and abdominal obesity rates. However, it is not yet well proven that environmental modifications like improving the quality of beverage intake can be effective in people who have a genetic predisposition to obesity. So, in the present study, we examine the interaction between genetic predisposition and healthy beverage index (HBI) with abdominal obesity and obesity-related metabolic risk factors in overweight and obese women.

METHOD

Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, 202 overweight or obese females were chosen for this cross-sectional study. Body composition, anthropometric measures, physical activity, and beverage intake data were collected and analyzed using recognized and trustworthy methodologies. Biochemical tests were performed on serum samples. A genetic risk score (GRS) was calculated based on the results of genetic tests. The predetermined HBI was calculated based on previous studies. A generalized linear model was used to estimate the interactions between GRS and HBI (GLM).

RESULTS

We found significant interactions between GRS and HBI on WHR (β = - 0.39, CI: -0.07 to 0.001, P = 0.05) and WC (β = - 6.18, CI: - 13.41 to 1.05, P = 0.09). Also, there were significant gene-diet interactions for HBI and GRS on HDL (β = 7.09, CI: - 0.73 to 14.92, P = 0.07) and FBS (β = - 9.07, CI: - 18.63 to 0.47, P = 0.06).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings emphasize the HBI considering genetics appears to protect against the risks of abdominal obesity and metabolic associated obesity markers.

Migraine and Obesity: Is There a Relationship? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Many studies have evaluated the risk of migraine headache in obese persons, suggesting controversial conclusions-this systematic review and meta-analysis of the observational studies aimed to clarify the association between migraine and obesity.

METHODS

Scopus and PubMed electronic databases were systematically searched up to February 2019 for observational studies providing data dealing with migraine disorder in obese subjects, as well as normal-weight controls. The random-effects model was applied to assess pool effect size and inter-study heterogeneity by conducting subgroup analyses.

RESULTS

Among 1122 publications, 16 studies (10 cross-sectional, five cohort studies, and one case-control study) were detected and were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled data analysis illustrated an elevated risk of migraine headaches (Prevalence ratio estimate = 1.29, 95% CI, 1.15 -1.44; P = 0.000) in obese individuals than normal-weight persons. Subgroup analyses revealed that geographical distribution was an essential source of heterogeneity (p= 0.04). So that significantly greater migraine prevalence was found in European and Asian patients, but no statistically significant relationship was seen in American patients with obesity.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on a cumulative meta-analysis of available studies indicating an association between migraine and obesity, obesity can be appropriately considered an overall risk factor for migraine headaches. Additional high-quality original studies considering frequency, severity, and duration of headache must clarify confident evidence.

Anti-Neuroinflammatory Properties of n-3 Fatty Acids and Nano- Curcumin on Migraine Patients from Cellular to Clinical Insight: A Randomized, Double-Blind and Placebo-Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Migraine is an exhausting neuro-inflammatory disorder recognized as recurrent headache attacks. Evidence has shown that Interleukin (IL)-1β plays a substantial role in the neuro-immunity pathogenicity of migraine. n-3 fatty acids and curcumin revealed neuromodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects through several pathways, of which the suppression of IL-1β gene expression is an important inflammatory pathway. The aim of this study was the investigation of synergistic relation of n -3 fatty acids and nano-curcumin on IL-1β gene expression and serum levels in migraine patients.

METHODS

This study was performed as a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in a period of two months. A total of 80 episodic migraines were assigned into 4 groups of 1) n-3 fatty acids and curcumin combination; 2) n -3 fatty acids; 3) nano-curcumin; and 4) n-3 fatty acids and curcumin placebo. The gene expression and serum level of IL-1β were measured by real-time PCR and ELISA methods respectively, at the beginning and the end of the interventions.

RESULTS

Results showed the n-3 fatty acids and nano-curcumin combination significantly reduced the attack frequency in a synergistic status (P < 0.001). A significantly greater reduction in the serum level of IL-1β was observed in the combination group, and the differences in the other groups were not statistically significant. The IL-1β gene expression in the combination group showed a significant reduction for other treatment groups (P < 0.05), but these significant differences were absent after multiple testing Bonferroni corrections.

CONCLUSION

Present findings revealed that n -3 fatty acids and curcumin co-supplementation can be suggested as a promising new approach in migraine headache management, but further studies are needed to confirm these findings.