Abstract Background Differences in the association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) across definitions and subtypes are unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences between the associations of MetS defined by the Chinese Diabetes Society (CDS) and the Writing Group of 2024 Chinese Guidelines for the Management of Hypertension (WCGH) with CVD. Methods This cohort study included participants aged ≥ 40 years without cardiovascular disease from the 2011 survey of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. Individuals meeting different definitions of MetS based on criteria from the CDS and the WCGH were identified and followed up until 2020. Cox proportional risk models were used to analyze the association between different definitions and subtypes of MetS with CVD, and the predictive performance of the models was compared using the area under the curve (AUC) of the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve, integrated discrimination improvement (IDI), and net reclassification improvement (NRI). Results Both CDS and WCGH based MetS were significantly associated with increased CVD risk, with hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of 1.51 (1.38 ~ 1.66) and 1.81 (1.66 ~ 1.99), respectively, both P < 0.001. 7 of the 16 subtypes of MetS based on CDS were not associated with CVD; all 5 subtypes of MetS based on WCGH were significantly associated with an increased risk of CVD. When participants were grouped based on meeting two definitions, compared with the CDS-WCGH- group, CVD risk increased most significantly in the CDS-WCGH + group (HR and 95%CI: 2.57 [1.94 ~ 3.39], P < 0.001), showed a significant increase in the CDS + WCGH + group (HR and 95%CI: 1.66 [1.51 ~ 1.83], P < 0.001), and showed no significant increase in the CDS + WCGH- group (HR and 95%CI: 0.93 [0.7 ~ 1.23], P = 0.606). The AUC of WCGH was higher than that of CDS at all time points. IDI and NRI analyses showed that the WCGH standard demonstrated significant improvements in risk reclassification and identification compared to CDS. Conclusions The association between MetS and CVD depends on the definition criteria and specific component combinations employed. The WCGH definition, which integrates diagnostic criteria for dyslipidemia, has been demonstrated to be more robust than the CDS. Graphical abstract
Nutrition. Foods and food supply, Nutritional diseases. Deficiency diseases
Claudette Butoyi, Muhammad Asad Iqbal, Isaac Duah Boateng
Purpose of review: This review aims to synthesize current research on the intricate relationships among visceral obesity (VO), autophagy (Atg), gut microbiota, and adipose tissue dysfunction, all of which contribute significantly to insulin resistance (IR) and associated metabolic disorders. Specifically, it seeks to identify key mechanistic pathways and potential therapeutic targets. Findings: Contemporary investigations have established VO as a principal etiological factor in diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and cardiovascular disease (CVD), accounting for a substantial proportion of global metabolic disease incidence. Notable discoveries include: (1) the nuanced role of Atg in adipose tissue homeostasis, wherein tissue-specific aberrations, such as diminished ATG5 expression in visceral adipose tissue, exacerbate IR. Conversely, pharmacologically induced Atg, exemplified by rapamycin administration, enhances insulin sensitivity by 15–25 % in rodent models. (2) Alterations in gut microbial composition, characterized by a 40 % decrease in Bacteroidetes and an increase in Firmicutes, correlate with elevated visceral adiposity and systemic inflammation. Fecal microbiota transplantation in human studies has demonstrated restoration of microbial diversity, resulting in a 12 % reduction in hepatic steatosis in NAFLD patients; (3) adipose tissue macrophages exhibit a pro-inflammatory phenotype, evidenced by a 2-3-fold elevation in TNF-α levels in VO, which precipitates metabolic dysfunction through Toll-like receptor 4 and nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathways. Conclusion: The interactive network involving Atg, gut microbiota, and adipose tissue represents a pivotal axis in the development of metabolic diseases. While interventions targeting Atg and microbiota modulation demonstrate potential, inconsistent outcomes, such as the variable efficacy of probiotic therapies, underscore the context-dependent nature of these mechanisms. Existing therapeutic approaches, including lifestyle modifications, pharmacological interventions, and bariatric surgery, address adiposity but require more targeted approaches. Future research should prioritize elucidating tissue-specific Atg regulation and developing personalized microbiota-based therapies to manage the complex pathophysiology of obesity-related disorders effectively.
Nutrition. Foods and food supply, Nutritional diseases. Deficiency diseases
Abstract Objective This study aims to evaluate the relationship between the platelet-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (PHR) and blood eosinophil counts (BEOC) in asthmatic patients, using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2011 to 2018. Methods This research explored the link between PHR and BEOC among adults with asthma, drawing on data from a representative U.S. population sample (n = 3034; NHANES 2011–2018). To assess this relationship, multivariable linear models were employed, alongside subgroup and interaction analyses to identify any potential variations across different groups. Additionally, generalized additive models, smooth curve fitting, and threshold effect analysis were employed to explore the relationships in greater detail. Sensitivity tests were performed to ensure the robustness of the findings. Results The weighted multivariable linear regression analysis showed that after adjusting for all covariables, each one-unit rise in PHR was linked to an increase of 41.61 in BEOC (β: 41.61, 95% CI: 25.25–57.97). Subgroup analyses demonstrated consistency across various categories, reinforcing the significant positive association between PHR and BEOC. Interaction tests indicated that this positive association remained stable regardless of factors such as body mass index, smoking, hypertension, or diabetes, with all interaction P-values greater than 0.05. Additionally, the application of generalized additive models and two-piece linear regression models further confirmed the linear association between PHR and BEOC. Conclusions Our study indicates that a higher PHR may be associated with an increased risk of elevated BEOC in American adults with asthma. Thus, PHR might be considered a potential marker for predicting elevated BEOC levels in this population.
Malda Atasi, Saliha K Hernández-Chávez, Addí R Navarro-Cruz
et al.
Introducción. Un desayuno completo es una comida importante que tiene múltiples beneficios para la salud y un papel determinante en el aporte de nutrientes esenciales, dependiendo de su composición. También contribuye al rendimiento físico e intelectual de los estudiantes y promueve la correcta distribución energética diaria, lo que se relaciona con el sobrepeso y la obesidad. El objetivo de esta investigación fue identificar la frecuencia del desayuno y su relación con el rendimiento académico en estudiantes universitarios.
Metodología. Estudio analítico transversal, con muestreo por conveniencia, que incluyó a estudiantes universitarios de diferentes carreras académicas de la Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, México, a quienes se les aplicó un cuestionario sobre hábitos alimentarios, hábitos académicos y medidas antropométricas.
Resultados. Participaron un total de 498 estudiantes universitarios (255 hombres y 244 mujeres). El desayuno escolar influyó en el rendimiento académico. Aquellos que siempre desayunaban (21%) tuvieron puntuaciones más altas (mediana: 9, RIC: 8-9) que aquellos que nunca desayunaban (2,4%) y casi nunca (11%), con puntuaciones más bajas entre 8-7. Los sujetos que nunca desayunan tienen 6,8 veces más probabilidades de tener peor rendimiento académico (OR=6,88, IC95%: 1,42-33,32).
Conclusión. La frecuencia del desayuno está asociada con el rendimiento académico.
Nutrition. Foods and food supply, Nutritional diseases. Deficiency diseases
Lidianys María Lewis Lujan, Mark F. McCarty, Juan Carlos Galvez Ruiz
et al.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a frequent complication of metabolic syndrome and visceral obesity, is characterized by marked accumulation of lipids in hepatocytes, accompanied by oxidant stress. In a substantial minority of cases, this progresses to steatohepatitis, which in turn can lead to life-threatening hepatic fibrosis and/or hepatocarcinogenesis. This essay analyzes the molecular biology underlying fat accumulation and oxidant stress in NAFLD and identifies targets that can be addressed by nutraceutical or dietary measures. Nutraceuticals with potential for prevention or control of NAFLD as suggested on theoretical grounds, and borne out by experience in rodent studies and/or clinical trials include ferulic acid, melatonin, methyl nicotinamide, tetrahydro curcumin, nicotinamide riboside, carnosic acid, urolithin A, quercetin, high-dose biotin, citrulline, astaxanthin, long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, berberine, lipoic acid, silibinin, N-acetylcysteine, taurine, capsaicin, spermidine, spirulina, and carnitine. Some of these agents can also address the NLRP3 inflammasome activation and transforming growth factor-β signaling that play a role in driving the transition to steatohepatitis and fibrosis. In addition, soy isoflavones, via estrogen receptor-beta agonism, have anti-fibrotic potential, and supplemental glycine may blunt the contribution of Kupffer cells to the progression of NAFLD. Methods: The research articles to carry out this work were focused based on many searches and reviews in the following databases: Google Scholar, MDPI, PubMed, ScienceDirect and using the following keywords and combined synonyms: (''nutraceuticals'' or '' dietary measures '' or '' Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) '' or ''Nrf2″ or ''Vegan diet”) AND (“NAFLD” or “vascular function” or “inflammation”). The keywords were also searched in the references of the original articles included in this study Whole-food plant-based diets of modest protein content, owing to their impact on hormones such as fibroblast growth factor 21 and adiponectin, as well as on the obesity and metabolic syndrome underlying NAFLD, may also be protective in this syndrome. There is considerable potential for complex medical foods or nutraceutical supplementation regimens of rational design to aid prevention and control of NAFLD.
Nutrition. Foods and food supply, Nutritional diseases. Deficiency diseases
Guillem Cuatrecasas, Marta Calbo, Olga Rossell
et al.
Introduction: Ultrasonography in patients with Obesity allows us to measure different layers of abdominal fat (Superficial subcutaneous, Deep subcutaneous, Preperitoneal, Omental and Perirenal), not assessable by DEXA or CT scan. Omental and Perirenal fat depots are considered predictors of metabolic complications. Liraglutide is particularly effective in reducing weight in patients with insulin-resistance, but its direct impact on each abdominal fat layer is unknown.
Methods: We measured, at the L4 level, all 5 abdominal fat depots in 860 patients with obesity (72.8% women. Mean age 56.6±1.5 years. BMI 34.4±4.7 kg/m2. Body fat 47±2%. Abdominal circumference 105.8±3 cm), before and after 6 months of Liraglutide treatment. Laboratory tests for glucose, insulin and lipid profile were routinely done. T-student was used to compare intra-individual differences.
Results: Weight loss was 7.5±2.8 Kg (7.96% from baseline), with no differences by sex/age/BMI. Greater loss was observed in patients with higher dosages and NAFLD. All US-measured fat layers showed a significant reduction (p<0.05) at 6th months. Preperitoneal fat showed a -26±5.5% reduction and 46% of the patients went below Metabolic syndrome (MS) risk cut-off values. Omental fat was reduced by -17.8±5% (67% of the patients below MS risk) and perirenal fat by -22.4±4.4% (56% of the patients below MS). Both Omental and Perirenal fat reduction correlated with total and LDL cholesterol. Higher Perirenal fat reduction (-28%) was seen among patients with obesity and hypertension. Perirenal fat also correlated with blood pressure reduction.
Conclusion: Liraglutide induces greater fat loss in the layers involved with Metabolic syndrome. However, the maximal reduction is seen at perirenal fat, which has been recently related with Hypertension and could play an important role in modulating kidney’s expansion and intraglomerular pressure. US is a reproducible clinical tool to assess pathologic fat depots in patients living with Obesity.
Nutrition. Foods and food supply, Nutritional diseases. Deficiency diseases
The fig tree is one of the oldest species cultivated by mankind. In spite of having high nutraceutical value and a pleasant taste, the fig is not a widely cultivated fruit. Furthermore, figs are extremely perishable, therefore they are usually sold as dried fruits rather than fresh. To harness this valuable fruit, other derived products should also be considered. For instance, the production of alcoholic beverages fermented from figs comes in response to the interest of producers to capitalize on these fruits in other ways than as fresh or dried fruit or jam. The present research focuses on the possibility of obtaining marketable fermented beverages made from three fig varieties cultivated in southwestern Romania. The aim of the study was to provide an optimized technological process for the production of alcoholic beverages fermented from fresh figs and to assess their quality and acceptability. The products were obtained in triplicate from each fig variety and their quality was assessed by determining their main chemical parameters, as well as their sensory properties. This research provided valuable information regarding the technological process to be applied for fig fermented beverages, processes which can still be further refined to better meet the consumer demand.
Nutrition. Foods and food supply, Nutritional diseases. Deficiency diseases
Aya Saber Ibrahim, Mohamed El-Shinawi, Salwa Sabet
et al.
Abstract Background Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) represents a deadly aggressive phenotype of breast cancer (BC) with a unique clinicopathological presentation and low survival rate. In fact, obesity represents an important risk factor for BC. Although several studies have identified different cellular-derived and molecular factors involved in IBC progression, the role of adipocytes remains unclear. Cancer-associated adipose tissue (CAAT) expresses a variety of adipokines, which contribute to tumorigenesis and the regulation of cancer stem cell (CSC). This research investigated the potential effect of the secretome of CAAT explants from patients with BC on the progression and metastasis of the disease. Methods This study established an ex-vivo culture of CAAT excised from IBC (n = 13) vs. non-IBC (n = 31) patients with obesity and profiled their secretome using a cytokine antibody array. Furthermore, the quantitative PCR (qPCR) methodology was used to validate the levels of predominant cytokines at the transcript level after culture in a medium conditioned by CAAT. Moreover, the impact of the CAAT secretome on the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cells with stem cell (CSC) markers was studied in the non-IBC MDA-MB-231 and the IBC SUM-149 cell lines. The statistical differences between variables were evaluated using the chi-squared test and unpaired a Student’s t-test. Results The results of cytokine array profiling revealed an overall significantly higher level of a panel of 28 cytokines secreted by the CAAT ex-vivo culture from IBC patients with obesity compared to those with non-IBC. Of note, interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and monocyte chemo-attractant protein 1 (MCP-1) were the major adipokines secreted by the CAAT IBC patients with obesity. Moreover, the qPCR results indicated a significant upregulation of the IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1 mRNAs in CAAT ex-vivo culture of patients with IBC vs. those with non-IBC. Intriguingly, a qPCR data analysis showed that the CAAT secretome secretions from patients with non-IBC downregulated the mRNA levels of the CD24 CSC marker and of the epithelial marker E-cadherin in the non-IBC cell line. By contrast, E-cadherin was upregulated in the SUM-149 cell. Conclusions This study identified the overexpression of IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1 as prognostic markers of CAAT from patients with IBC but not from those with non-IBC ; moreover, their upregulation might be associated with IBC aggressiveness via the regulation of CSC and EMT markers. This study proposed that targeting IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1 may represent a therapeutic option that should be considered in the treatment of patients with IBC.
Deficiency of iron is a major cause for disability and mortality globally and it occurs due to non-absorption of iron from diet. Hence, the physiological requirements of human body cannot be met leading to various conditions of health concern such as gestational complications, poor pregnancy outcome, decreased educational and occupational performance. Usually, the dietary iron bioavailability is low in populations consuming vegetarian diet. This iron deficiency can cause several health and economic losses. At large, whole nation and country suffers as a consequence.
 Iron requirements are at specified upward extent in adolescents, particularly during the rapid growth period [1]. Overweight children and adolescents are at higher risk of iron deficiency due to insufficient dietary intake of iron and use of those foods which are unbalance in nutrition [2]. Menstrual blood iron losses varies markedly from one woman to another but these losses are very constant for an individual from month to month [3]. Even in geographically widely separated populations of the world, the central part of the variation of menstrual blood losses is controlled genetically by fibrinolytic activators in the uterine mucosa. The variations in iron contents in different populations are related to a variation in the absorption of iron from the diets but not related to a variation in iron requirements [4,5].
 Iron supplementation and flour fortification can control iron deficiency in populations. Governments should take initiatives by monitoring the health status of populations by adopting various methodologies and conducting surveys, follow ups and then providing fortified foods to deficient populations, taking special care of pregnant anemic women and devising a proper policy and guidelines in this regard.
Melina Saban, Glenda Ernst, Maricel Recalde
et al.
Introduction: the obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a pathology of high prevalence associated with overweight and obesity. The relationship between metabolic syndrome (MS) and OSA has not been reported in our environment.
Materials and methods: retrospective study in adults selected for respiratory polygraphy and metabolic evaluation classified according to the presence of MS.
Results: we included 302 patients. The prevalence of obesity was 66.88% and MS 62.58%. 19% had symptoms of daytime sleepiness and 48.3% showed 5 or more components of the STOP-BANG questionnaire.
Patients with OSA were mostly male, older; body weight, waist and neck circumference compared to the group without OSA (57 vs 49 years, p<0.001; 93.89 vs 85kg, p<0.05; 108 vs. 100 cm, p<0.001 respectively). They showed higher values of triglycerides, systolic blood pressure, obesity and desaturation index (134 vs 99 mg/dl, p<0.001; 134 vs 128 mmHg, p<0.05; 69.2 vs. 52.3%, p<0.05 and 14.6 vs 2 ev/h, p<0.001 respectively). The amount of STOP-BANG components was higher in patients with OSA (5 vs 3; p<0.001).
Conclusions: AOS and SM are frequently related and remain underdiagnosed. The use of validated questionnaires facilitates the identification of candidates for sleep studies. It is necessary to implement healthy habits management programs to prevent complications of both pathologies.
Nutritional diseases. Deficiency diseases, Diseases of the endocrine glands. Clinical endocrinology
Abstract Purpose This study was designed to explore the value of monitoring miR-92a in T2DM patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Materials and methods 40 ACS patients with prior history of CHD and diabetes while the onset time of diabetes preceded that of CHD by more than 2 years were enrolled as the DACS group(diabetic ACS group). 40 ACS subjects who had had a definite diagnosis of CHD for more than 2 years with no history of T2DM were recuited as the CACS group(chronic CHD with ACS group). All enrolled subjects from DACS and CACS group came from an emergency basis and diagnosed with ACS by coronary angiography. Another 68 age- and sex-matched volunteers with chronic stable CHD without diabetes history were assigned as the control group (CHD group). We examined the serum levels of miR-92a and analyzed their correlations with blood pressure, glucose level, and lipid level. Results The levels of miR-92a were significantly elevated in the DACS group compared with those of the CACS and CHD groups. Multivariate analysis showed that miR-92a, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were significantly related to ACS events in patients with T2DM. Forward stepwise binary logistic regression analysis identified miR-92a as an independent predictive factor for ACS events in the patients with T2DM. Conclusion An elevated circulating miR-92a level was associated with an increased risk of ACS in CHD patients with T2DM. Thus the level of miR-92a, especially combined with elevated SBP and HbA1c, may be helpful in the detection of ACS in patients with T2DM.