Poly-epigenetic scores (PEGS) are surrogate measures that help capture individual-level risk. Understanding how the associations between PEGS and cardiometabolic risk factors vary by demographics and health behaviors is crucial for lowering the burden of cardiometabolic diseases. We used results from established epigenome-wide association studies to construct trait-specific PEGS from whole blood DNA methylation for systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP), body mass index (BMI), C-reactive protein (CRP), high- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C, LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), and fasting glucose. Overall and race-stratified associations between PEGS and corresponding traits were examined in adults >50 years from the Health and Retirement Study (n = 3,996, mean age = 79.5 years). We investigated how demographics (age, sex, educational attainment) and health behaviors (smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity) modified these associations. All PEGS were positively associated with their corresponding cardiometabolic traits (p < 0.05), and most associations persisted across all racial/ethnic groups. Associations for BMI, HDL-C, and TG were stronger in younger participants, and BMI and HDL-C associations were stronger in females. The CRP association was stronger among those with a high school degree. Finally, the HDL-C association was stronger among current smokers. These findings support PEGS as robust surrogate measures and suggest the associations may differ among subgroups.

Glucocorticoids (GC) are a widely prescribed anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive medicine in clinics. The side effects GC of mostly insulin resistance (IR), dysregulated lipid metabolism and fatty liver, remain the major concern in patients. Understanding the mechanism of GC-induced hepatic steatosis is expected to provide an intervention target to avoid this side effect.

The present study aims to explore the beneficial effects of trimetazidine (TMZ) to combat DEXA-induced steatohepatitis and metabolic abnormalities.

An in vivo IR model was established using male Wistar rats, which were administered TMZ at doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg for a duration of 14 days. Subsequently, from day 7 to day 14 of the study, the rats received DEXA (1 mg/kg, intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection). There were 5 groups, with each group consisting of 6 animals, as outlined: control group, TMZ control group, DEXA group, TMZ 10 + DEXA group, TMZ 20 + DEXA group. On the 14th day of the experiment, serum and hepatic samples were collected.

The findings indicate a marked reduction in OGTT results, fasting serum glucose and insulin levels, ALT and AST levels following treatment with TMZ. TMZ treatment also attenuated oxidative stress markers and improved the lipid profile. Additionally, the hepatic concentrations of high-mobility group box1 (HMGB1), phosphorylated Janus kinase 1 (p-JAK1), phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (p-STAT3), and levels of NF-κB-p65 and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were significantly diminished by TMZ when compared with the DEXA-treated group. Furthermore, TMZ lowered B cell/lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) and caspase-3 levels and attenuated liver histopathological changes.

This study demonstrated that TMZ significantly improved DEXA-induced hepatic alterations by modulating the HMGB1/p-JAK1/p-STAT3/NF-κB pathway in liver. Our findings provide new evidence supporting the application of TMZ for treating DEXA-induced IR and hepatic steatosis.

Higher meat intake has been associated with adverse health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study investigated plasma metabolites associated with meat intake and their relation with cardiometabolic biomarkers, subclinical CVD markers, and incident CVD.

Associations between self-reported meat intake and 1272 plasma metabolites were investigated in the SCAPIS cohort (n = 8,819; ages 50-64). Meat-associated metabolites were further examined for relation with subclinical CVD markers in the POEM cohort (n = 502; age 50) and incident CVD in the EpiHealth cohort (n = 2,278; ages 45-75; 107 incident cases over 9.6 years follow-up). Meat intake was categorized into white, unprocessed red, and processed red meat. Linear regression analyzed associations between meat intake, metabolites and cardiometabolic biomarkers, and subclinical CVD markers, while Cox models evaluated association between meat-associated metabolites and incident CVD.

After correction for multiple testing, 458, 368, and 403 metabolites were associated with white, unprocessed red, and processed red meat, respectively. Processed red meat-associated metabolites were associated with higher levels of fasting insulin, hemoglobin A1c, and lipoprotein(a), and were inversely associated with maximal oxygen consumption. Two metabolites, 1-palmitoyl-2-linoleoyl-GPE (16:0/18:2) (hazard ratios (HR: 1.32; 95 % CI: 1.08, 1.62)) and glutamine degradant (HR: 1.35; 95 % CI: 1.07, 1.72), that were inversely associated with intake of all meat types, were also associated with a higher risk of incident CVD.

This study provides comprehensive analysis of self-reported meat intake and plasma metabolites. The findings may enhance our understanding of the relationship between meat intake and CVD, and provide insights into underlying mechanisms.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of baru oil and almonds on anxiety behavior, and biochemical, physical, and reproductive parameters in Wistar rats treated during gestation and lactation. The rats were randomized into three groups: Control (CG) and two experimental groups, treated with 2,000 mg of baru almond or oil/kg of weight via gavage. Reproductive parameters were analyzed at the end of gestation, and behavioral tests were conducted at the end of lactation. Maternal blood was collected for biochemical profile analysis, along with brain tissue, liver, and feces for fatty acid profile analysis. Colon histology and oxidative stress in the brain were also measured. The results demonstrated that treatment with oil and almonds did not affect reproductive rates. In the elevated plus maze, mothers from the experimental groups showed an increased number of entries, more time spent in the open arms, and a greater number of head dips compared to the CG. In the open field, locomotion increased while grooming decreased in the experimental groups, and defecation was reduced in the almond group. The groups spent more time in the clear area of the light-dark box (LDB) and exhibited higher levels of glutathione and lower levels of malondialdehyde in the brain. Both treatments decreased plasma levels of glucose, total cholesterol, and triglycerides while preserving renal, hepatic, and cardiovascular function. Colon histology and the omega-6/3 ratio in feces indicated an inflammatory profile in the oil group. These findings support the use of baru almonds in the diets of pregnant/lactating women as a safe alternative for managing anxiety and promoting metabolic health.

Insulin resistance (IR) is a serious clinical syndrome that establishes the basis for illnesses like type 2 diabetes (T2D). In this study, the effectiveness of molsidomine (MOLS) which is a nitric oxide (NO) doner, on dexamethasone (DEXA)- induced IR in rats was examined. Male Wistar rats were managed with MOLS (5 and 10 mg/kg) orally once daily for 7 days before DEXA injection (1 mg/kg, intraperitoneally (i.p.)) and 7 days concurrent with DEXA injection. The findings showed that MOLS reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), fasting serum glucose and insulin, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and triglycerides (TGs). These findings revealed that MOLS was successful in reducing DEXA-induced IR. Moreover, MOLS was associated with a large increase in reduced glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity as well as a significant decrease in the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) in hepatic and aortic tissues. When compared to rats treated with DEXA, MOLS significantly decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine interlukin-6 (IL-6), high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), phosphorylated Janus kinase1/phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (p-JAK1/p-STAT3), and nuclear factor kappa-B-p65 subunit (NF-κB-p65) in hepatic tissues. Additionally, MOLS reduced inflammation and necrosis and increased B cell/lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) and lowered caspase-3 levels and attenuated liver histopathological changes. Moreover, aortic expression levels of NF-κB-p65 and IL-6 were reduced upon MOLS treatment. All these findings show that MOLS protects rats from DEXA-induced IR by inhibiting HMGB1/JAK1/STAT3 signaling, regulating oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways, and having an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect.

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic disorder characterized by elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and increased risk of premature coronary heart disease (CHD). While current LDL-C levels usually guides therapy, the cumulative exposure to LDL-C (the LDL-C burden) is suggested to offer a more precise estimate of cardiovascular risk in people with FH. Therefore, using real-world data, this study aimed to estimate the LDL-C burden at different ages in elderly FH patients with and without CHD, and to assess the LDL-C burden at CHD onset.

Data was retrospectively collected from the medical records of elderly (>60 years) FH patients at the Lipid Clinic in Oslo. The LDL-C burden (mM-years) was estimated based on repeated LDL-C measurements and information on lipid-lowering medication. Time-weighted average (TWA) LDL-C was calculated as LDL-C burden divided by years.

We included 112 FH patients, of which 55 (49 %) had experienced at least one CHD-event, and 58 (52 %) were females. Median age at first and last visit were 50 years and 68 years, respectively, with a median of 9 (range; 2-14) available LDL-C measurements. Subjects with CHD had higher LDL-C burden at all ages tested (45, 50 and 60 years) compared with the non-CHD group (p < 0.01, also after adjusting for sex), and had higher TWA LDL-C before treatment at the Lipid Clinic (p = 0.004), but not during follow-up (p = 0.6). There were no sex differences in LDL-C burden at all ages tested, also after adjusting for CHD (p > 0.1). However, women had higher TWA LDL-C during follow-up at the Lipid Clinic (p = 0.01). Median LDL-C burden at CHD onset was 352 mM-years; numerically lower in women than in men (320 vs. 357 mM-years, respectively. p = 0.1).

Elderly FH patients with CHD had higher estimated LDL-C burden compared with FH patients without CHD, due to higher burden prior to treatment, highlighting the importance of earlydetection and treatment.

Midkine (MK) is a member of a small protein family that includes pleiotrophin. MK levels are elevated in obese patients and have a pro-arthrogenic effect through various pathophysiological processes including vascular inflammation and atherogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the association between serum MK levels and several atherosclerotic risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Ninety subjects were enrolled in this study, comprising 60 T2DM patients and 30 age-matched healthy subjects (HS). The patients were categorized into two groups based on dyslipidemia: group 1 consisted of 30 patients with dyslipidemia, while group 2 included 30 patients without dyslipidemia. Laboratory tests were conducted using routine assays at the National Diabetes Center. MK levels were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

MK levels were significantly higher in patients with dyslipidemia compared to those without dyslipidemia and HS (P ≤ 0.0001). A significant negative correlation was observed between MK levels and the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), Castelli's risk index-1 (CRI-I), and Castelli's risk index-2 (CRI-II) (r = - 0.489, p = 0.005; r = - 0.465, p = 0.008; r = - 0.421, p = 0.018, respectively) in patients with dyslipidemia. Furthermore, a significant positive correlation was found between MK levels and HDL-C (r = 0.524, p = 0.002) in patients without dyslipidemia. MK, AIP, and CRI-I were identified as predictors of atherosclerosis in DM patients, with MK indicating very good discriminate power (AUC = 0.805) in identifying T2DM patients with dyslipidemia at a cut-off value of ≤ 4.457 ng/ml.

These findings suggest that MK could be considered a predictive biomarker for dyslipidemia associated with DM. MK levels correlate significantly with atherogenic risk factors, indicating its potential as a sensitive risk predictor for atherosclerosis in patients with T2DM.

Bariatric surgery offers effective treatment of obesity, yet the full metabolic response of the organism remains unclear. Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) allows to track the most detailed biochemical alterations in biofluids on a molecular level. This study aimed to utilize ATR-FTIR spectroscopy for monitoring changes of the metabolic profile of plasma in post-bariatric surgery patients and compare this profile to healthy individuals. Twenty patients with morbid obesity underwent bariatric procedures, resulting in improvement of anthropometric parameters. Laboratory biomarkers showed favorable changes: decreased triglycerides and glucose. PCA analysis of ATR-FTIR spectroscopy data revealed evolution of the plasma metabolic parameters towards those which characterize the healthy group, while the metabolic profile in the baseline group was different - lipid-associated infrared bands primarily drove this differentiation. Semiquantitative analysis of the selected bands revealed distinct spectral profiles with increased total lipid contributions in baseline as compared to follow-up and control. In turn, protein conformation showed increased β-sheet/α-helix ratios and altered secondary protein structures in follow-up. Tyrosine-ascribed region intensity attained the lowest value in baseline. C-O moieties and polysaccharides were elevated in follow-up. Alterations in protein structures were potentially influenced by supplementation and inflammation resolution, while lower tyrosine levels in obesity suggest oxidative stress involvement. Above findings highlight FTIR's potential in revealing impact of bariatric surgery on various elements of the metabolic profile. The multifaceted insight on plasma composition provided by FTIR shows significant improvements of this metabolic profile in post-surgery patients already six months after the intervention.

Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) gene polymorphisms influence CETP expression and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) levels, yet their genetic impact remains unexplored in the Bangladeshi population, where low HDL-c is prevalent. This study examined the association of CETP -629C/A and 277C/T polymorphisms with circulating HDL-c levels in 402 individuals (217 males, 185 females). Serum lipid profiles were measured using an automated analyzer, and CETP polymorphisms were genotyped using PCR-RFLP. The -629C/A and 277C/T polymorphisms were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, with heterozygous genotypes being the most frequent. While -629C/A genotypes showed no significant difference between the high and low HDL-c groups, individuals carrying the -629AA and CA + AA genotypes had significantly higher HDL-c levels compared to CC carriers (p = 0.023, p = 0.043). For the 277C/T, TT genotype differed significantly between the high and low HDL-c groups (p = 0.011, OR = 0.37) and, individuals carrying the 277 TT and CT + TT genotypes had significantly higher HDL-c compared to the CC genotype (p = 0.002, p = 0.019). Additionally, allelic analysis suggested a marginal association between the 277T allele and increased HDL-c levels (p = 0.051, OR = 0.59). Multiple regression analysis confirmed an inverse association between -629CC (β = -1.106, p = 0.038) and 277CC + CT (β = -0.963, p = 0.016) with HDL-c levels. However, no significant differences were observed in total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-c, or apolipoprotein levels across genotypes. These findings suggest that CETP -629CC, 277CC, and CT genotypes contribute to low HDL-c levels in the Bangladeshi population, highlighting the potential role of CETP genetic screening as a biomarker for identifying individuals at risk of HDL-c deficiency and associated cardiovascular complications.

Pregnancy is a critical window for long-term metabolic programming of fetal effects stemming from airborne particulate matter ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5) exposure. Yet, little is known about long-term metabolic effects of PM2.5 exposure during and surrounding pregnancy in mothers. We assessed potential critical windows of PM2.5 exposure during and surrounding pregnancy with maternal adiposity and lipid measures later in life. We included 517 pregnant women from the PROGRESS cohort with adiposity [body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), % body fat] and lipids [total cholesterol, high-density-lipoprotein (HDL), low-density-lipoprotein (LDL)] measured repeatedly at 4, 6 and 8 years post-delivery. Monthly average PM2.5 exposure was estimated at each participant's address using a validated spatiotemporal model. We employed distributed lag interaction models (DLIMs) adjusting for socio-demographics and clinical covariates. We found that a 1 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 exposure throughout mid-/late-pregnancy was associated with higher WC at 6-years post-delivery, peaking at 6 months of gestation: 0.04 cm (95%CI: 0.01, 0.06). We also identified critical windows of PM2.5 exposure during and surrounding pregnancy associated with higher LDL and lower HDL both measured at 4 years post-delivery with peaks at pre-conception for LDL [0.17 mg/dL (95%CI: 0.00, 0.34)] and at the 11th month after conception for HDL [-0.07 mg/dL (95%CI: -0.11, -0.02)]. Stratified analyses by fetal sex indicated stronger associations with adiposity measures in mothers carrying a male, while with lipids in mothers carrying a female fetus. Stratified analyses also indicated potential stronger deleterious lagged effects in women with folic acid intake lower than 600mcg/day during pregnancy.

Some studies suggest that meal timing is involved in obesity and metabolic health. However, little is known about children, so the aim was to assess whether meal timing patterns affect nutritional status and diet quality in children.

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 880 children (8-13 years). Participants were classified according to the median timing of their first meal, last meal and the length of their eating window (12 h). Adjusted linear regression was used to evaluate associations between first meal timing, last meal timing or eating window and anthropometric, biochemical and dietary variables.

A later last meal was associated with lower scores on the Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2020), Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS) and DASH diet [β (95% CI): -1.139 (-2.258; -0.021), -0.207 (-0.408; -0.007) and - 0.582 (-1.072; -0.092), respectively]. A longer eating window was associated with higher glucose levels, LDL-c, and the ratio LDL-c/HDL-c [β (95% CI): 3.204 (1.876; 4.532), 4.725 (1.109; 8.342), and 0.090 (0.014; 0.166), respectively].

Later meal timing and a prolonged eating window were linked to poorer diet quality and unfavourable metabolic markers. It may be relevant to consider meal timing as a preventive health strategy in the development of future dietary guidelines.

Small dense low-density lipoprotein (sdLDL) is atherogenic and associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD). The aim of this study was to perform the prospective evaluation of sdLDL-c in new ASCVD over 18 years of follow up, and to compare the association of sdLDL-c and conventional lipids and apolipoproteins with ASCVD in the elderly.

This prospective study included a total of 1770 subjects ≥ 64 years of age with an 18-year follow-up period. The determination of sdLDL-c was measured by a homogenous, selective enzymatic method. Levels of total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) and triglycerides (TG) were determined by enzymatic methods. Apolipoproteins, ApoA1 and ApoB, were analyzed by immunonephelometric methods. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) levels were calculated using the Friedewald formula.

According to Pearson's correlation coefficients, sdLDL-c concentration was positively correlated with LDL-c, nonHDL-c, TC and ApoB concentrations. During follow up, sdLDL-c was significantly associated with new ASCVD in men aged 64-76 years in both unadjusted and adjusted Cox regression models. The adjusted hazard ratio (95 % CI) for sdLDL-c was 1.61 (1.13-2.28). No significant associations between sdLDL-c and ASCVD were observed in men aged 77-97 years, nor in women aged 64-79 or 80-100 years.

Lipid and apolipoprotein concentrations of the elderly were high compared to the recommended target values. In addition, lipid and apolipoprotein baseline concentrations were not higher in the ASCVD group than in the control group. Our results indicated that sdLDL-c is as good a marker as ApoB and better than LDL-c.

This study investigates the association of allelic and genotypic variations of rs121912717 and rs373056577 within APOA1 and APOA2 genes, respectively with the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D). In this cross-sectional study, real-time quantitative PCR with specific Taqman probes was used to determine the genotypic and allelic frequencies of rs121912717 and rs373056577 in 300 unrelated Bangladeshi individuals (Healthy = 144, T2D patients = 156). Logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the association of genotypic and allelic frequencies of these SNPs with respect to T2D under different inheritance models. Neither allelic nor genotypic frequencies of rs121912717 within APOA1 showed any significant association with T2D. Genotypes with respect to rs373056577 within APOA2 showed significant association with the risk of T2D under co-dominant heterozygous model (GG vs GA) [OR (95 %CI): 2.64 (1.32-5.59), p = 0.008], dominant [OR (95 %CI): 2.31 (1.24-4.49), p = 0.01] and over-dominant [OR (95 %CI): 2.62 (1.31-5.53), p = 0.008] models without adjusting for age, gender and BMI. After adjusting for age, gender and BMI, the A allele of rs373056577 showed significant association with T2D only in the dominant model [OR (95 %CI): 3.20 (1.12-10.51), p = 0.04]. Also, A allele of rs373056577 demonstrated significant association with the risk of T2D compared to allele G with [OR (95 %CI): 2.90 (1.15-8.14), p = 0.03] and without adjusting for confounders [OR (95 %CI): 1.97 (1.14-3.52), p = 0.02]. The genotypic frequency was significantly associated with T2D in codominant, dominant, and overdominant models in male participants when a gender-stratified analysis was conducted for rs373056577. However, when the logistic regression analysis was adjusted for age and BMI, the association was not significant in any of the models with respect to rs373056577 for male participants. On the other hand, gender-stratified regression analyses revealed no significant association with T2D before and after adjusting for age and BMI with respect to both allelic and genotypic frequencies of rs121912717. Individuals with CT genotype of rs121912717 had significantly higher triglyceride levels (322.2 mg/dL) compared to those harboring CC genotype (202.8 mg/dL) with or without adjusting for age, gender, BMI and disease status of the study participants. In conclusion, this study revealed that individuals harboring the allele A of rs373056577 possessed an increased risk of developing T2D and individuals having CT genotype of rs121912717 had increased triglyceride levels. The result of this study needs to be validated in a larger cohort for a more robust assessment.

Numerous physiological responses to exercise are observed in humans, yet the effects of long-term exercise and varying intensities on the diversity and composition of human fecal microbiota remain unclear. We investigated the effect of a 24-week supervised concurrent exercise intervention, at moderate and vigorous intensities, on fecal microbiota diversity and composition in young adults.

This ancillary study was based on data from the ACTIBATE randomized controlled trial (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02365129), and included adults (aged 18-25 years, 70 % female) that were randomized to (i) a control group (CON: no exercise, n = 20), (ii) a moderate-intensity exercise group (MOD-EX, n = 21), and (iii) a vigorous-intensity exercise group (VIG-EX, n = 20). Fecal samples were collected before and after the 24-week exercise intervention, and the diversity and composition of the fecal microbiota were analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing. Inferential functional profiling of the fecal microbiota was performed and correlations between microbial changes and cardiometabolic outcomes were assessed.

Exercise did not modify beta or alpha diversities regardless of the intensity (all P ≥ 0.062). The relative abundance of the Erysipelotrichaceae family (Bacillota phylum) (-0.3 ± 1.2 %; P = 0.031) was however reduced in the VIG-EX group. Coprococcus was the only genus showed a significant difference between MOD-EX and VIG-EX after the intervention, with its relative abundance increasing in MOD-EX (+0.4 ± 0.6 %; P = 0.005). None of these changes were related to the exercise-induced cardiometabolic benefits (all P ≥ 0.05).

In young adults, a 24-week supervised concurrent exercise program, at moderate and vigorous intensities, resulted in minor changes in fecal microbiota composition, while neither alpha nor beta diversities were affected.

ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02365129.

While the association between ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption and chronic non-communicable diseases in adults is well-established, its relationship with serum markers of chronic diseases in children remains underexplored. This research investigates changes in serum markers in children with obesity during a trial aimed at reducing UPF consumption. The study is a prospective cohort, based on a parallel randomized controlled trial conducted between August 2018 and February 2020, with children aged 7-12 years. Over 6 months, children and their guardians attended monthly consultations and educational activities aimed at reducing UPF consumption. Body weight, height, and 24-h dietary recall were measured at all visits. Serum markers were collected at baseline and at the 2- and 5-month visit (during the intervention). Data from 95 children were analysed. Body mass index (BMI), UPF consumption in grams and energy, and percentage of UPF in grams showed a quadratic trend, initially decreasing, followed by an increase in the following months. Glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR decreased throughout the study, but after adjustment for BMI, the associations no longer persisted, except for glucose levels, which decreased linearly by 2.25 mg/dL. Reducing UPF consumption may lower blood glucose levels in children with obesity, independent of BMI changes.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality in the United States and globally. This review describes changes in CVD lipid and lipoprotein biomarker measurements that occurred in line with the evolution of clinical practice guidelines for CVD risk assessment and treatment. It also discusses the level of comparability of these biomarker measurements in clinical practice. Comparable and reliable measurements are achieved through assay standardization, which not only depends on correct test calibration but also on factors such as analytical sensitivity, selectivity, susceptibility to factors that can affect the analytical measurement process, and the stability of the test system over time. The current status of standardization for traditional and newer CVD biomarkers is discussed, as are approaches to setting and achieving standardization goals for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)), apolipoproteins (apo) A-I and B, and non-HDL-C. Appropriate levels of standardization for blood lipids are maintained by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) CVD Biomarkers Standardization Program (CDC CVD BSP) using the analytical performance goals recommended by the National Cholesterol Education Program. The level of measurement agreement that can be achieved is dependent on the characteristics of the analytes and differences in measurement principles between reference measurement procedures and clinical assays. The technical and analytical limitations observed with traditional blood lipids are not observed with apolipoproteins. Additionally, apoB and Lp(a) may more accurately capture CVD risk and residual CVD risk, respectively, than traditional lipids, thus prompting current guidelines to recommend apolipoprotein measurements. This review further discusses CDC's approach to standardization and describes the analytical performance of traditional blood lipids and apoA-I and B observed over the past 11 years. The reference systems for apoA-I and B, previously maintained by a single laboratory, no longer exist, thus requiring the creation of new systems, which is currently underway. This situation emphasizes the importance of a collaborative network of laboratories, such as CDC's Cholesterol Reference Methods Laboratory Network (CRMLN), to ensure standardization sustainability. CDC is supporting the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine's (IFCC) work to establish such a network for lipoproteins. Ensuring comparability and reliability of CVD biomarker measurements through standardization remains critical for the effective implementation of clinical practice guidelines and for improving patient care. Utilizing experience gained over three decades, CDC CVD BSP will continue to improve the standardization of traditional and emerging CVD biomarkers together with stakeholders.

The dietary inflammatory index (DII) has been associated with obesity and cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) in the general population. We hypothesized that in kidney transplant recipients (KTR), a positive relationship between DII, body adiposity and CVRF would also be observed. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a cross-sectional study with adult KTR. Body mass index (BMI), body adiposity index (BAI) and waist circumference (WC) were assessed. Total fat mass (FM), trunk FM, and load-capacity index (LCI) were evaluated using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Energy-adjusted DII (E-DII) was estimated based on three 24-h recalls and stratified as anti-inflammatory (E-DII<0) and pro-inflammatory (E-DII>0). CVRF included hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome. A total of 170 KTR, 59% male, with 49.5 (42-57) years and E-DII from -2.89 to 4.78 were evaluated. KTR with E-DII>0, compared to those with E-DII<0, exhibited significantly higher values of BAI, total FM (kg), and LCI. In multiple adjusted linear regression, E-DII was significantly associated with WC, total FM (kg), and trunk FM (kg). Logistic regression analysis indicated that E-DII>0 was significantly associated with obesity, as assessed by BAI. E-DII was not associated with CVRF. The present study suggests that a pro-inflammatory diet is associated with higher total and central body adiposity in KTR. Interventions targeting an anti-inflammatory diet may contribute to reducing excessive body adiposity in this population.

This systematic review examines the discordance between low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), and apolipoprotein B-100 (apoB) in individuals with metabolic diseases, such as metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes, and evaluates the implications for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk assessment. A systematic literature search was conducted using Academic Search Complete, CINAHL Complete, and MEDLINE databases from 10 January 2024 to 28 May 2024. Studies were selected based on pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria, focusing on observational studies that compared LDL-C, non-HDL-C, and apoB levels in individuals with metabolic disease. Studies were included if they assessed fasted blood samples and reported lipid measurements, excluding those involving drug therapies or dietary interventions. Nine studies met the inclusion criteria, revealing significant discordance between LDL-C and apoB levels in individuals with metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes. These individuals often achieve optimal LDL-C levels while exhibiting elevated apoB and non-HDL-C concentrations, highlighting the limitations of LDL-C as the sole marker for ASCVD risk. The discordance is largely attributed to differences in LDL particle size and density, with metabolic disease contributing to a higher proportion of small, dense, atherogenic LDL particles. Elevated triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRLs), such as very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL), were also identified as contributing to ASCVD risk underestimation by traditional LDL-C measurements. While LDL-C remains a central marker for ASCVD, apoB quantification provides a more accurate assessment of ASCVD risk, particularly in individuals with metabolic diseases. Incorporating apoB levels into therapeutic strategies for lipid reduction is recommended to improve cardiovascular risk management in this population.

VICTORION-1 PREVENT (V-1P) is an ongoing trial evaluating inclisiran for lipid lowering in patients with high cardiovascular (CV) risk without established atherosclerotic CV disease (ASCVD). This study evaluates the generalizability of V-1P enrollment criteria to the US population and their clinical comorbidity and CV risk factor burden.

Data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (2015-March 2020) were used to determine nationally representative estimates. Inclusion criteria were low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) of 70-189 mg/dL and a 10-year ASCVD risk of ≥20% or 7.5%-19.9% with two CV risk enhancers. The pooled cohort equations (PCE) was used to stratify ASCVD risk in primary analysis. Estimates of the US population were compared with the V-1P eligible population.

The V-1P eligible population included 23,837,940 adults. Compared with US adults ages 40-79 years, V-1P eligible adults had higher mean 10-year ASCVD risk by PCE (21.1% [95% CI: 20.1%-22.2%] vs 10.0% [95% CI: 9.4%-10.6%]). The V-1P eligible population also had higher rates of hypertension (85.4% [95% CI: 81.6%-89.1%] vs 59.4% [95% CI: 56.7%-62.2%], diabetes (35.6% [95% CI: 31.3%-40.0%] vs 18.7% [95% CI: 16.9%- 20.5%]) and metabolic syndrome (81.6% [95% CI: 78.4%-84.7%] vs 51.1% [48.3%- 53.9%]). Adults meeting V-1P eligibility had high levels of LDL-C (117.8 mg/dL [95% CI: 114.3 mg/dL-121.2 mg/dL]) and low statin use (36.7% [95% CI: 31.9%-41.5%]).

Many primary prevention patients have high CV risk, significant comorbidity burden, and are eligible for lipid-lowering therapy, yet rates of treatment are low. Public health interventions to improve CV risk factor management are necessary.

Cardiovascular diseases caused by atherosclerosis (AS) are the leading causes of disability and death worldwide. Apolipoprotein B (ApoB), the core protein of low-density lipoproteins, is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease-related morbidity and mortality, with apolipoprotein B (ApoB) playing a critical role in its pathogenesis. However, no bibliometric studies on the involvement of ApoB in AS have been published. This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to explore the current and future trends regarding the role of ApoB in AS.

Utilizing the Web of Science Core Collection, a thorough search was conducted for ApoB in AS-related papers related to research on ApoB in the field of AS during 1991-2023. The analysis focused on annual publication trends, leading countries/regions and institutions, influential authors, journal and key journals. CiteSpace and VOSviewer were employed to visualize reference co-citations, and keyword co-occurrences, offering insights into the research landscape and emerging trends.

This bibliometric analysis employed network diagrams for cluster analysis of a total of 2105 articles and reviews, evidencing a discernible upward trend in annual publication volume. This corpus of research emanates from 76 countries/regions and 2343 organizations, illustrating the widespread international engagement in ApoB-related AS studies. Notably, the United States and the University of California emerge as the most prolific contributors, which underscores their pivotal roles in advancing this research domain. The thematic investigation has increasingly focused on elucidating the mechanistic involvement of ApoB in atherosclerosis, its potential as a diagnostic biomarker, and its implications for therapeutic strategies.

This bibliometric analysis provides the first comprehensive perspective on the evolving promise of ApoB in AS-related research, emphasizing the importance of this molecule in opening up new diagnostic and therapeutic avenues. This study emphasizes the need for continued research and interdisciplinary efforts to strengthen the fight against AS. Furthermore, it emphasizes the critical role of international collaboration and interdisciplinary exploration in leveraging new insights to achieve clinical breakthroughs, thereby addressing the complexities of AS by focusing on ApoB.

The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet lowers estimated 10-year ASCVD (atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease) risk. The effects of dietary sodium reduction on ASCVD risk are uncertain. This study aims to evaluate the impact of sodium reduction, alone and combined with the DASH diet, on 10-year ASCVD risk scores.

The DASH-Sodium trial randomized adults with elevated blood pressure (average systolic blood pressure of 120 to 159 mm Hg and average diastolic blood pressure of 80 to 95 mm Hg) to the DASH diet or typical American diet. Within each arm, individuals consumed 3 different levels of sodium in random order: low, medium, and high. Each period lasted 30 days. Pooled cohort equation-estimated 10-year ASCVD risk scores were calculated at baseline and at the end of each feeding period. The primary outcomes of interest were the absolute and relative differences in 10-year ASCVD risk scores from baseline.

Among the 412 participants (mean age 48 ± 10 years; 57 % female, 57 % Black), sodium reduction decreased ASCVD risk scores in both dietary arms. Compared to high sodium intake, low sodium intake changed ASCVD risk by -9.4 % (95 % CI -11.7, -7.0). When compared to a typical American diet, the DASH diet changed 10-year ASCVD by -5.3 % (95 % CI -9.3, -1.2). Compared to a high sodium-control diet, the combination of both low sodium intake with DASH changed ASCVD risk by -14.1 % (95 % CI -18.6, -9.3).

Sodium reduction and the DASH diet both independently reduced 10-year ASCVD risk scores. Moreover, the combined impact was additive. These findings support dietary sodium reduction in addition to the DASH diet for ASCVD prevention.

Studies on prenatal exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and cardiometabolic health in childhood have produced inconsistent results. In this study, we evaluated associations between prenatal PFAS exposures, individually and as a mixture, and cardiometabolic outcomes including insulin resistance, beta cell function, blood lipids, blood pressure and central adiposity during middle childhood (7-9 years of age) in a Canadian maternal-child cohort (n = 281). We also explored effect measure modification based on child sex and physical activity. We quantified maternal second trimester plasma concentrations of six PFAS and measured 11 offspring cardiometabolic outcomes at a 7-9-year follow-up. In single-exposure models, ten-fold higher prenatal PFDA (β: -0.82, 95% CI: -1.36, -0.28), PFNA (β: -0.8, 95% CI: -1.41, -0.19), and PFOA (β: -0.69, 95% CI: -1.18, -0.19) concentrations were associated with lower diastolic blood pressure z-scores. This association did not persist when considering PFAS exposures as a mixture using quantile g-computation. Associations between PFAS exposures, individually or as a mixture, and other cardiometabolic outcomes were null. We observed no effect measure modification by child sex or physical activity (p-values for interaction ≥0.2). Our results contradict existing studies that suggest prenatal PFAS exposures are associated with adverse childhood cardiometabolic outcomes. Future studies should consider alternative markers of cardiometabolic health, trajectories in cardiometabolic health throughout childhood, and further explore potentially protective health behaviors.

d-limonene is a type of colorless liquid hydrocarbon that falls under the category of cyclic monoterpene. It is the component found in the oil extracted from fruit peels. Isoproterenol, a synthetic β-adrenergic agonist, was administered to rats to induce myocardial injury by increasing heart rate and myocardial oxygen demand, leading to ischemia and oxidative stress. This study aims to investigate the properties of d limonene, against myocardial infarction induced by isoprenaline (ISO) in rats. Male Sprague Dawley rats were treated with d-limonene (200 & 400 mg/kg, p.o) daily for 28 days and administered ISO (85 mg/kg, s.c) on the 29th and 30th days at an interval of 24 hr to induce myocardial injury. Morphological and antioxidant parameters, biochemical markers, lipid profile, troponin-I, cardiac ATPase, heart mitochondrial, and lysosomal enzymes were assayed followed by histopathological screening. Rats treated with isoproterenol (85 mg/kg, s.c), administered twice at an interval of 24 h on 29th and 30th day showed a significant change in morphological and antioxidant parameters, biochemical markers, lipid profile, troponin-I, cardiac ATPase, heart mitochondrial, lysosomal enzymes activities and transcription factor (TNF-α/IL-6/NF-kB) expression. Pretreatment with d-limonene (200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o) for 28 days followed by ISO administration on 29th and 30th day significantly reversed the effects of isoproterenol-induced ischemic changes. Moreover, the biochemical results were validated by histopathological findings. The research indicates that d-limonene demonstrates cardioprotective potential against isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction. This is attributed to its antioxidant properties, stabilization of myocardial membranes, improved scavenging of free radicals, and inhibition of membrane lipid peroxidation.

Because ERAP2 is implicated in infections and autoimmune diseases, we hypothesize that the rs9939609 ERAP2 polymorphism, with allele frequencies observed in human samples from both before and after the Black Death, may influence type 1 diabetes (T1D), its complications, and common viral infections.

We examined 400 patients with T1D and 300 healthy, age-matched controls. The analysis focused on the ERAP2 polymorphism in relation to T1D complications and comorbidities, the history of common childhood viral infections, and the inflammatory status of T1D patients.

The T allele is linked to a decreased risk of developing diabetes, modulates its complications in a differential manner, and has diverse effects on the inflammatory status of T1D patients. Our results also indicate statistically significant differences in the correlation of monocyte subsets, the quantitative status of CD4 + CD25high FOXP3+ regulatory T cells, and susceptibility to common childhood viral infections between different ERAP2 variants.

Our findings suggest that the rs2549794 ERAP2 polymorphism may serve as a genetic marker for susceptibility to T1D complications and comorbidities, further emphasizing the role of ERAP2-mediated pathways in their etiology. These results also provide new evidence supporting the hypothesis of balancing selection at this locus, driven by autoimmune and infectious diseases.

In the present study we were interested in studying the effect of white beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) as diet supplementation on glucose-insulin and metabolic homeostasis in early overfeeding rats. Small litter (SL) was adjusted to 3 pups on post-natal day 3, while normal litter (NL) was kept with 8 pups. The milk collection and milk intake were performed, and the rat-offspring when weaned (at 22 days old), were fed a standard (NL-SD and SL-SD groups) or a white bean (2.5 % w/w) supplemented diet (NL-WB and SL-WB groups). Body weight, food and water intake were measured from weaning until adulthood (100 days old). Glucose and insulin tolerance, and intracerebroventricular insulin (10-3 mmol/L) tests were performed to assess peripheral and central insulin-glucose homeostasis in adult rats. Blood, hypothalamus, visceral fat pad and lean mass were collected. Milk from SL mothers displays high content of glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides and energy (P < 0.05). Milk consumption by SL rat-offspring, in early stage of suckling, was higher than NL rats (P<0.05). At adulthood, SL-SD rats were obese, hyperphagic, dyslipidemic, hyperglycemic, glucose intolerant and IR (P < 0.05). At adulthood, SL-SD rats displayed central IR and higher hypothalamic pro-inflammatory (TNF-α, 43.5 %; IL-6, 78.5 % and IL-1β, 50.1 %, P < 0.05) cytokine. The habitual ingestion of white beans-dietary supplementation prevented all those metabolic disruptions. In summary, white beans-dietary supplementation prevented obesity and glucose-insulin homeostasis deregulation in early overfeeding rats, avoiding hypothalamic inflammatory cytokines high levels and improving insulin sensitivity.

Zonulin (Zo) has recently been identified as a marker of intestinal permeability. It has previously been linked to type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, and cardiovascular disease; however, its role in chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between Zo and systemic inflammation (SI), endothelial dysfunction (ED), and renal function in CKD patients. One hundred sixty-three participants were enrolled in this study and divided into 2 groups (patient and control) according to the presence of CKD stage 3 to 5 not on dialysis. Circulating Zo levels have been investigated as markers of intestinal permeability. Furthermore, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) have been used as biomarkers for ED and SI assessments, respectively. A total of 104 patients with CKD (mean age: 58.9 ± 1.4) and 59 control subjects (mean age: 59.0 ± 1.1) were included, with similar age (P = .934) and sex (P = .196) between the groups. In the comparison analysis, plasma Zo levels in the CKD group (166.16 ± 53.54) were significantly higher than those in the control group (143.30 ± 60.92) (P < .001). In the correlation analysis, the serum Zo level showed a positive correlation with claudin-3 (R = 0.612, P < .001), IL-6 (R = 0.307, P < .001), and creatinine (R = 0.313, P < .001) and a negative correlation with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (r = -0.320, P < .001). On the other hand, there was no correlation between circulating Zo and VCAM-1 levels (r = -0.139, P = .081). Additionally, according to linear regression analysis, Zo level was significantly associated with GFR after adjusting for age and systolic blood pressure (β = -0.918, P = .012). High serum Zo levels in patients with CKD reflect increased intestinal permeability and are associated with impaired renal function. Moreover, it was thought that Zo levels could be associated with SI; however, novel clinical studies are needed to elucidate their relationship with ED.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart failure (HF) are leading causes of global morbidity and mortality and pose economic burden. This study aims to examine the diagnostic and prognostic significance of biomarkers in patients with CAD and HF treated with empagliflozin.

In a prospective, case-control study, 180 participants were divided into 3 groups: patients with stable angina (CAD) and patients with HF on empagliflozin 10 mg daily for 6 months compared with healthy controls. Biomarker levels were measured at baseline, with hospital readmission rates monitored over 30 and 90 days. Stepwise logistic regression was used to predict hospital readmissions with and without participant clinical features. All relevant independent variables were then included in a single model using multiple logistic regression.

Significant differences in biomarker profiles were observed across groups, indicating the differential significance of these biomarkers in diagnostic and prognostic aspects. Multinomial logistic regression identified 3 biomarkers as key diagnostic markers for CAD and HF: homocysteine (relative risk ratio [RRR] = 16.5 for CAD), fetuin A (RRR = 1.1 for HF), and visfatin (RRR = 30.4 and 23.1 for CAD and HF, respectively). Prognostic analysis by multiple logistic regression identified visfatin (odds ratio = 6.5) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (odds ratio = 1.9) as significant predictors of hospital readmission for patients with CAD and HF, respectively.

The study underscores the promising role of selected biomarkers in the diagnosis and prognosis of CAD and HF diseases. These findings suggest the integration of biomarker profiling into clinical protocols to enhance patient care and outcomes in cardiovascular disease, especially in those treated with empagliflozin. Even if these indicators have potential, further larger size, long-term research is required to confirm their use in clinical settings.

gov identifier: NCT05911724.

Although it is well established that humans are not capable of absorbing 100% of gross energy consumed from the diet, little is known regarding the association between intestinal energy absorption (i.e., digestibility) and metabolic health and gastrointestinal function.

The objective of this secondary analysis was to determine associations between energy digestibility and markers of cardiometabolic health and gastrointestinal function.

Sixteen healthy adults consumed a weight-maintenance controlled diet for 9 days. During days 4-7, participants collected all stool and urine, which allowed for the measurement of energy and macronutrient loss and determination of digestibility (i.e., energy absorption). Relationships between energy digestibility, gastrointestinal transit time, and cardiometabolic health outcomes were assessed by Pearson and Spearman correlations. Multivariable regression analysis was used to identify variables that could be collected in the laboratory and serve as a surrogate measure of energy digestibility.

Mean energy digestibility was 91.7 ± 1.5% with individual digestibility values ranging from 89.7 to 94.3%. Wet (r=-0.89, P<0.0001) and dry stool weight (r=-0.89, P<0.0001), gross energy intake (r=-0.53, P=0.04), and fiber intake (r=-0.53, P=0.03) were inversely associated with digestibility. Glucose variability (mean amplitude of glycemic excursions, MAGE; r=0.68, P=0.006), colonic transit time (CTT; r=0.63, P=0.015), age (r=0.54, P=0.032), and whole-gut transit time (WGTT; r=0.54, P=0.032) were positively associated with digestibility. Furthermore, in a multiple linear regression model, 95% of the variability in energy digestibility was explained by the dry weight of stool (g/d), 24-hour blood glucose variability (MAGE; mg/dL), CTT, WGTT, and age (adjusted R2=0.95, P<0.0001).

Energy digestibility is an important physiological variable associated with gastrointestinal function and glucose variability and should be considered in future precision nutrition trials.

The study was approved by the Florida State University Institutional Review Board and registered on clinicaltrials.gov as NCT04877262 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04877262?id=NCT04877262&rank=1).

Evidence on the long-term associations between common fats and oils and cardiometabolic health is lacking. We evaluated the associations of butter, margarine, and non-hydrogenated oils with cardiometabolic risk (CMR) and the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in the Framingham Offspring cohort.

We included 2459 subjects (≥30 years) with valid three-day food records. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to compute hazard ratios for incident CVD and T2DM over ~18 years; analysis of covariance was used to estimate adjusted mean levels of CMR factors (adiposity, insulin resistance, fasting glucose, lipids) over four years associated with baseline intakes of butter, margarine, and non-hydrogenated oils.

Higher intakes of butter (>5 vs. 0 g/day) were associated with less insulin resistance (p = 0.0011), higher HDL-C levels (p = 0.0021), lower triglycerides (TG) (p = 0.0032), and lower TG:HDL ratio (p = 0.0052), as well as a 31% lower risk of T2DM (95% CI: 0.49, 0.97). Higher margarine intakes (>7 vs. <2 g/day) were associated with a 29% increased risk of CVD (95% CI:1.02, 1.63) and a 41% increased risk of T2DM (95% CI:1.02, 1.95). Lastly, higher consumption of non-hydrogenated oils (>7 vs. ≤2 g/day) was associated with a 0.6 kg/m2 higher BMI and 8 mg/dL higher LDL-C levels.

More than one teaspoon (5 g) of butter/day was beneficially associated with several CMR factors and a lower T2DM risk, while margarine was associated with an increased risk of both CVD and T2DM. These findings suggest butter may be a healthier dietary fat source for the benefit of CMR.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) can progress to liver cirrhosis, increasing mortality risk. The study investigates the role of ferroptosis-an inflammatory cell death mechanism-in MASH and evaluates the therapeutic effects of mitoglitazone and proanthocyanidin in targeting ferroptosis to mitigate MASH progression. Forty male albino mice were divided into five groups (n = 8): normal control (NC) fed a standard chow diet and given 2% DMSO; MASH group was maintained on MASH protocol (high fructose-high fat diet); mitoglitazone (Mito) group was kept on MASH protocol and given Mito (10 mg/kg/day); proanthocyanidin (Pro) group was kept on MASH protocol and given Pro (150 mg/kg/day); Mito + Pro co-treated group was given Mito and Pro parallel with MASH protocol, all treatments for 12 weeks. MASH induction significantly (p < 0.001) increased liver weight, liver index, serum liver enzymes (ALT & AST), serum glucose, insulin, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C), ferroptosis biomarkers (total iron, soluble transferrin receptor-1 (sTfR1), and expression of liver acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) with diffused macrovesicular severe steatosis, and inflammatory cells infiltration in liver tissues compared to NC. However, HDL-cholesterol, ferroptosis biomarkers (liver glutathione peroxidase X4 (GPX4), and total glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities and glutathione (GSH) content) were reduced significantly (p < 0.001) in MASH group compared to NC. On the other hand, Mito, Pro, and their combination significantly improved ferroptotic biomarkers (GSH, GPX4, sTFR1, and total iron and ACSL-4 gene expression), glucose homeostasis, lipid profile, liver enzymes, and histology compared to MASH group. Combining the insulin-sensitizing properties with targeting of ferroptosis, by the co-treatment with mitoglitazone (MSDC-0160) and proanthocyanidin, could be beneficial in inhibition of lipogenesis with retardation of MASH development in mice.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is often linked with obesity, and weight management can improve endocrine and cardiometabolic features.

This work aimed to evaluate the effects of adding topiramate (TPM) to metformin (MTF) on weight control and hormonal and metabolic outcomes in women with PCOS.

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, participants with PCOS and body mass index of 30 or greater, or 27 or greater associated with hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or dyslipidemia followed a 20 kcal/kg diet in addition to 850 mg of MTF or a previous MTF regimen. They were randomly assigned to receive either TPM or placebo (P) alongside MTF. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, modified Ferriman-Gallwey score (mFGS), and adverse events were assessed every 4 weeks for 6 months. The primary end point was the percentage change in body weight from baseline in both groups. Secondary end points included changes in clinical, cardiometabolic, and hormonal parameters and psychosocial features.

Thirty-one participants were in the MTF + P group and 30 in the MTF + TPM group. The MTF + TPM group showed greater mean weight loss at 3 months (-3.4% vs -1.6%; P = .03) and 6 months (-4.5% vs -1.4%; P = .03). Both groups had improved androgens, lipids, and psychosocial scores. Participants with 3% or greater weight loss at 6 months had improved mFGS (8.4 to 6.5; P = .026). Paresthesia was more common in the MTF + TPM group (23.3% vs 3.2%; P = .026).

Combining TPM with MTF and a low-calorie diet may be an effective, low-cost, easy-to-use, and safe strategy for weight management in women with PCOS, with mild adverse effects.

This study examined the effects of kolaviron and quercetin, individually and combined, on biochemical and histopathological changes in testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in male Wistar rats. Forty-two rats were divided into six groups, with BPH induced in all but the control group. Treatments included kolaviron, quercetin, their combination, and finasteride. BPH increased PSA, 5-α reductase, DHT, kidney and liver function markers, and altered lipid profiles. Treatments reduced these elevations and improved testosterone and HDL-c levels. Findings suggest that kolaviron and quercetin effectively ameliorate BPH, indicating their potential as affordable, non-invasive options for BPH management.

In addition to the metabolic and health status of cows at parturition, intrauterine conditions, the calving process, and colostrum feeding may affect endocrine and metabolic pathways in the neonate. Forty-six clinically healthy cows without dystocia were enrolled, along with their calves . Blood samples were collected from cows (4 h postpartum [p.p.]) and calves (4, 12, and 24 h p.p.). Calves were fed colostrum from their dams immediately after blood sampling at 4 and 12 h p.p. Concentrations of glucose, insulin, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), IGF-1, and prolactin (PRL), as well as activities of aspartate-aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyltransferase were measured in the plasma of cows. In calves, we measured various endocrine and metabolic parameters related to protein, glucose, and lipid metabolism (e.g., NEFA, phospholipids [PL], total cholesterol [TC], low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C], high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C]), IgG, glucose, glucagon, and insulin. Pearson correlation coefficients among parameters measured in cows and calves were calculated. At 4 h p.p. (i.e., before colostrum feeding), maternal glucose was positively correlated with glucose (r = 0.29) and NEFA in calves (r = 0.25). Plasma NEFA in dams was negatively correlated with fat metabolism (PL: r = -0.31, HDL-C: r = -0.32) and plasma IgG (r = -0.28) in calves at 4 h p.p. Positive correlations were identified between the glucose of dams and calves (12 h p.p.: r = 0.26; 24 h p.p.: r = 0.45). Maternal NEFA was positively associated with calf lipid metabolism at 24 h p.p. (PL: r = 0.44, TC: r = 0.39, LDL-C: r = 0.37, HDL-C: r = 0.36). Primarily positive and significant correlations were detected between maternal PRL and lipid metabolism-related parameters in calves (NEFA at 12 h p.p.: r = 0.26, PL at 12 h p.p.: r = 0.31; PL at 24 h p.p.: r = 0.57, TC at 24 h p.p.: r = 0.62, LDL-C at 24 h p.p.: r = 0.48, and HDL-C at 24 h p.p.: r = 0.69). In conclusion, the metabolic status of neonates is partly associated with the metabolism of their mothers before the first feeding, whereas later associations between cow and calf are likely due to colostrum feeding.

Although obesity and metabolic syndrome (comprising at least three of the following traits-abdominal obesity, elevated blood pressure, triglycerides and glucose/insulin resistance, and reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in serum) are known to impact immune system activity, these conditions are often not considered when immune response characteristics are investigated in various rodent strains. In this work, metabolic syndrome indices are compared in 3 month-old (young) and 6 month-old (adult) rats of Dark Agouti (DA) and Albino Oxford (AO) strains, while parameters of coagulation, inflammation and oxidative stress were determined in young animals. Study reveals that both young and adult AO rats are obese, intolerant to glucose with higher levels of triglycerides and lower levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol when compared to age-matched DA rats. Parameters of coagulation, inflammation and oxidative stress that may contribute to the worsening of metabolic syndrome during aging are also higher in young AO rats. Metabolic syndrome observed in young and intensified in adult AO rats should be taken into consideration when analyzing alterations in immune reactivity during aging in this rat strain.

BackgroundWe aimed to evaluate the effects of 12 weeks of resistance training (RT) on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in older women with and without history of depression.MethodsWe included 79 older women, 52 without depression and 27 with a history of depression. 79 participants formed the waitlist control group and were instructed to maintain their habitual routine. The participants were reevaluated and attended 12 weeks of RT. The Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). The serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP), glucose, total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), low-density cholesterol (LDL-c), and triglycerides (TG) were used as cardiovascular risk factors. The Linear Mixed Model (LMM) was used to compare between groups.ResultsThe average age of the sample was 69.3 ± 5.7 and the body mass index was 28.5 ± 4.5. The 12 weeks of RT resulted in a reduction in BAI (-3.9 [-7.1; -0.6], P < 0.05) and PHQ-9 scores (-1.4 [-3.2; -0.5] P < 0.05) in the Training group with depressive disorders. In the training group with depressive disorders, it was observed an improvement in TG (-17.1 [-43.0; -8.8]), TC (-18.6 [-35.9; -1.3]), LDL-c (-10.3 [-26.8; -6.2]), and CRP (-0.4 [-1.3; -0.5]). Similar results were found for TG, TC, and LDL-c in the Training group without depressive symptoms. No difference between RT groups was observed.ConclusionOur results suggest that RT is effective in improving CVD risk factors, anxiety, and depressive symptoms in older women with history of depression.

Recent evidence suggests that gut microbiota has a potential role in the pathophysiology of obesity and other cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, including hypertension, dyslipidemia, and type 2 diabetes. However, clinical trials evaluating the effects of probiotics supplementation on these outcomes have found inconsistent results, probably due to the wide heterogeneity in trial designs. In addition, there is a lack of studies investigating whether probiotics can enhance the beneficial effects of caloric restriction in individuals with increased risk of CVD as individuals with hypertension and excess body adiposity. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of multi-strain probiotics supplementation on body adiposity, glycemic homeostasis, lipid profile, and serum adipokine levels in individuals with hypertension and excess body weight following an energy restricted diet.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial was conducted for 12 weeks. Were included 66 individuals aged between 40 and 65 years; both sexes; body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 and < 40 kg/m2 and diagnosis of hypertension. Were excluded smokers; individuals using probiotics, prebiotics, symbiotics and antibiotics in the last 3 months; presenting diabetes, chronic kidney disease or liver failure; and pregnant and lactating women. Participants were allocated into 2 groups: group with supplementation of 8 probiotic strains in capsules (3 × 1010 CFU/day) or control group (placebo capsules). Both groups followed a low-calorie diet. Participants underwent anthropometric, body composition (dual-energy radiological absorptiometry) and biochemical (glucose metabolism, lipid profile, adiponectin, and leptin) evaluation at baseline and at the end of the study.

After 12 weeks of intervention, the probiotics group presented: a) reduction of body weight, BMI, circumferences of waist, hip and neck and waist-to-height ratio; b) decrease in total fat mass (kg); and c) reduction of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). In the control group, it was observed: a) significant reduction in all anthropometric variables; b) significant reduction in total fat mass (kg and %), trunk fat mass (kg), visceral fat and load capacity index. In the comparison between groups, there was a higher decrease in HbA1c in the probiotics group (p < 0.05).

Multi-strain probiotics supplementation associated with energy restriction in individuals with excess body weight and hypertension promoted a significant improvement in glucose homeostasis assessed by HbA1c. The clinical trial was registered at www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br: RBR-7jw4ry.

Objective: This study analyzed the relationship between self-perceived physical fitness and anthropometric and biochemical variables in young athletes from extracurricular sports programs in northeastern Spain. Methods: A cross-sectional design was used with a sample of 673 young athletes. Data collection included self-reported physical fitness and objective anthropometric and biochemical measurements. The analysis explored associations between perceived fitness dimensions and physical/biochemical variables, with attention to sex differences. Results: Fat mass showed significant inverse associations with all perceived fitness dimensions: general fitness (OR = 0.62, 95% CI [0.41, 0.94]), cardiorespiratory fitness (OR = 0.56, 95% CI [0.37, 0.83]), muscular strength (OR = 0.61, 95% CI [0.41, 0.91]), speed/agility (OR = 0.59, 95% CI [0.39, 0.88]), and flexibility (OR = 0.57, 95% CI [0.39, 0.84]). Higher fat mass was consistently linked to lower perceived fitness. HDL levels were positively associated with general (OR = 1.40, 95% CI [1.13, 1.74]) and cardiorespiratory fitness (OR = 1.32, 95% CI [1.07, 1.62]), while LDL levels showed no significant effect (p > 0.05). Sex differences emerged for general fitness (OR = 0.52, 95% CI [0.33, 0.82]) and flexibility (OR = 0.51, 95% CI [0.33, 0.78]), favoring boys, but no differences were found for cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, or speed/agility (p > 0.05). This suggests that shared athletic environments may reduce typical sex-based disparities. Conclusions: Our findings emphasize the importance of considering both anthropometric and biochemical variables when evaluating perceived fitness in youth athletes. Regular athletic engagement may buffer sex-based differences in fitness perception.