Frontiers in Nutrition最新文献

Background and aims: Cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs), including cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), remain major global health challenges. High alcohol use (HAU) is a modifiable risk factor. This study quantified the global, regional, and temporal trends in the burdens of CMDs attributable to HAU from 1990 to 2021 and projected trends to 2040.

Methods and results: Global Burden of Disease 2021 (GBD 2021) estimates for 204 countries and territories were analyzed to quantify HAU-attributable deaths, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and age-standardized mortality and DALY rates (ASMRs, ASDRs). HAU-attributable burdens were interpreted as model-based scenario estimates under the GBD 2021 comparative risk assessment framework, and not as individual-level causal effects. Associations with the Sociodemographic Index (SDI) were assessed. Trends in rates were summarized using estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) as a descriptive metric derived from log-linear regression on GBD age-standardized rate estimates, and projections were generated with a Bayesian age-period-cohort model. Although global HAU exposure declined, HAU-attributable deaths and DALYs from CVD and T2DM increased, with higher burdens among males and middle-aged adults. From 1990 to 2021, EAPCs based on age-standardized rates suggested modest declines in HAU-attributable CVD-related ASMR and ASDR (-1.53 and -1.31), whereas HAU-attributable T2DM ASMR and ASDR showed an overall increasing tendency (0.48 and 1.83), particularly in low- and middle-SDI regions. Eastern and Central Europe had the highest HAU-attributable CVD burden; Oceania and Central Latin America had the highest T2DM burden. By 2040, under a business-as-usual continuation of recent trends, scenario-based projections suggest that deaths attributable to HAU could rise substantially (on the order of 70% for CVD and nearly three-fold for T2DM), with widening sex disparities and greater quantitative uncertainty for CVD than for T2DM.

Conclusion: Despite declining alcohol exposure, the burden of CMDs attributable to HAU is escalating-especially for T2DM, males, and populations in low and middle SDI regions. Region-specific interventions and stronger alcohol-control policies are urgently needed.

Edible bird's nest (EBN) is a traditional functional food consumed for its purported reproductive health benefits. However, robust preclinical evidence supporting its efficacy in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)-a prevalent endocrine disorder characterized by hyperandrogenism and gonadotropin dysregulation-is lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a commercially available fresh EBN product on reproductive endocrine, metabolic, and ovarian parameters in a letrozole-induced PCOS rat model. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 6 groups (n = 8/group): blank control, PCOS model control, normal control, low-dose EBN (5 mg/kg/day), medium-dose EBN (10 mg/kg/day) high-dose EBN (20 mg/kg/day). PCOS was induced by subcutaneous letrozole (1 mg/kg/day) combined with a high-fat/high-sucrose diet for 21 days, followed by 28 days of oral intervention. Estrous cyclicity, serum sex hormones (LH, FSH, testosterone, estradiol), glucose tolerance (OGTT), systemic inflammation, and ovarian histopathology were assessed. EBN treatment significantly ameliorated hyperandrogenism and gonadotropin imbalance in PCOS rats: it reduced elevated serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone levels, lowered the LH/FSH ratio, and increased suppressed follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol (all p < 0.05 vs. model control). However, these endocrine improvements were not accompanied by restoration of regular estrous cyclicity, reversal of polycystic ovarian morphology, or improvement in glucose intolerance. No significant changes in systemic inflammatory markers were observed. Oral administration of fresh edible bird's nest effectively corrects key reproductive hormonal disturbances in a rat model of PCOS. While these findings support a potential role for EBN as a dietary modulator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, its inability to restore ovulatory function or metabolic parameters underscores the complexity of PCOS pathophysiology and the need for multifaceted therapeutic approaches.

Background: Gut microbial dysbiosis is a recognized contributor to colorectal cancer (CRC) development, with diet serving as a primary modifiable factor influencing microbiota composition. While previous research has largely focused on individual nutrients or the inflammatory potential of diet, few studies have investigated dietary patterns explicitly designed to support gut microbiota health in relation to CRC risk.

Methods: In this case-control study, 350 adults (175 newly diagnosed CRC patients and 175 age- and sex-matched controls) were recruited. Dietary intake was assessed using multiple 24-h recalls and a validated food-frequency questionnaire to calculate the Dietary Index for Gut Microbiota (DI-GM), which emphasizes prebiotic fibers, polyphenols, fermented foods, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, while penalizing ultra-processed and pro-inflammatory foods. Anthropometric, lifestyle, inflammatory (CRP, IL-6), frailty (mFI-5), intestinal permeability, and psychological indicators were measured. Logistic regression estimated CRC odds across DI-GM tertiles, adjusting for potential confounders.

Results: CRC patients had significantly lower DI-GM scores than controls (7.29 ± 2.70 vs. 11.34 ± 2.55; p < 0.001). Higher DI-GM scores were associated with lower systemic inflammation, lower frailty, and fewer depressive and sleep-related symptoms. Individuals in the highest DI-GM tertile had 68% lower odds of CRC compared with the lowest (OR = 0.32; 95% CI 0.19-0.55; P-trend < 0.001).

Conclusion: Greater adherence to a gut microbiota-supportive dietary index is independently associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer, as well as with more favorable profiles of systemic inflammation, gut barrier integrity, and psychosocial health. These findings highlight the potential of microbiota-targeted dietary strategies for CRC prevention and support the need for future prospective and interventional research.

Introduction: Obesity, driven by adipose tissue dysfunction, is a major global health challenge and a key contributor to metabolic disorders. Although taurine shows anti-obesity potential, its precise mechanisms for attenuating adipocyte lipid accumulation remain unclear.

Methods: In this study, high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice were treated orally with taurine (700 mg/kg/day) for 14 weeks. Systemic obesity-related parameters were evaluated, with a focus on epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT). UPLC-MS-based metabolomics combined with multivariate analysis was employed to characterize metabolic alterations in eWAT. Additionally, 3T3-L1 adipocyte spheroids were treated with taurine (0-0.5 mM), either alone or in combination with the cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) agonist CP55940 or antagonist AM6545, to assess its effects on lipid accumulation and underlying mechanisms.

Results: Focusing on adipose tissue, taurine treatment effectively countered HFD-induced metabolic disturbances, particularly by suppressing epididymal fat mass accumulation and ameliorating adipocyte hypertrophy. Metabolomic profiling of eWAT revealed that taurine treatment reversed 15 out of 35 metabolic alterations, including the reduction of three anandamide (AEA) precursors, implying that taurine may alter endocannabinoid (eCB) biosynthesis by limiting precursor availability. Moreover, taurine suppressed lipid accumulation by inhibiting CB1 signaling, a mechanism supported by downregulation of lipogenic genes (including Srebf1, Acaca, Cd36, and Pparg) and upregulation of lipolytic genes (including Pnpla2, Lipe, and Ppargc1a).

Conclusion: Collectively, our findings demonstrate that taurine exerts its anti-obesity effects partially via modulation of eCB-CB1 signaling, coordinately inhibiting lipogenesis and promoting lipolysis, thereby highlighting its therapeutic potential for obesity management.

Background: The Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) is a commercially important aquatic species valued for its high nutritional quality and desirable taste.

Methods: This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with 30% coconut meat (experimental), compared to a basal diet of fresh-frozen fish (control), on male and female crabs. Growth performance, amino acid and fatty acid profiles in muscle and gonadal tissues were analyzed, and transcriptomic sequencing was conducted to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Conclusion: Results revealed a significantly higher CF values in females fed the coconut-supplemented diet (P < 0.05). Lauric acid (C12:0) content in gonads was significantly increased in the experimental group of male and female crabs, and female gonads also exhibited elevated polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) levels (P < 0.05). In male crabs, muscle levels of the flavor-related amino acids glutamate, glycine, and alanine were significantly higher in the experimental group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, dietary coconut supplementation significantly enhanced overall antioxidant capacity, as indicated by improved GPx, CAT, and T-AOC values (P < 0.05). Transcriptome analysis highlighted 71 and 4,380 DEGs in experimental male and female crabs, respectively, relative to control group. KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that these DEGs were primarily involved in metabolic and developmental pathways, such as carbohydrate, lipid, and amino acid metabolism, Cell growth and death and endocrine. A total of 39 key DEGs were identified as central to the physiological responses induced by coconut supplementation. These findings provided a scientific basis for the use of coconut meal as a functional feed ingredient for Chinese mitten crab, and contributed to foundational knowledge for constructing gene regulatory networks related to nutritional quality in this species.

Background: Fibrinogen-like protein 1 (FGL1) is a hepatokine that regulates hepcidin through antagonism of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) pathway. Although preclinical studies suggest a role for FGL1 in iron metabolism, its clinical behavior in human iron deficiency anemia (IDA) remains unclear. This study evaluates circulating FGL1 levels in IDA and examines its diagnostic performance and relationship with hematologic and biochemical markers.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 112 participants: healthy controls (n = 46), primary IDA (n = 46), and patients with IDA associated with chronic disease (IDA+CD) (n = 20). Hematologic indices, iron parameters, and serum FGL1 were measured. Group comparisons, correlation analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and principal component analysis (PCA) were applied to assess diagnostic performance and multivariate biomarker structure.

Results: Serum FGL1 concentrations were significantly higher in primary IDA (median 411.2 ng/ml) and IDA+CD (median 292.99 ng/ml) than in healthy controls (median 212.49 ng/ml; p < 0.001). Fibrinogen-like protein 1 did not differ significantly between IDA and IDA+CD (p = 0.106). In primary IDA, FGL1 showed weak correlations with iron markers, whereas in IDA+CD it demonstrated moderate associations with hemoglobinization indices, particularly MCH (r = 0.49). Receiver operating curve analysis showed excellent discrimination between healthy individuals and primary IDA (AUC 0.865) and good discrimination between healthy individuals and all disease groups combined (AUC 0.830). Fibrinogen-like protein 1 performed poorly in distinguishing primary IDA from IDA+CD (AUC 0.357). Principal component analysis showed that FGL1 clustered with classical markers of iron-restricted erythropoiesis along PC1, separating controls from both IDA groups.

Conclusion: Fibrinogen-like protein 1 is markedly elevated in iron deficiency and aligns with the broader biochemical signature of iron-restricted erythropoiesis. Its strong ability to distinguish healthy individuals from those with iron deficiency suggests diagnostic potential, particularly when ferritin interpretation is limited.

Background: High trans-fatty acid (TFA) intake is a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), especially in older adults. This study aimed to assess global trends and health inequalities in CVD burden attributable to high TFA intake from 1990 to 2021 and project future patterns through 2036.

Methods: Using data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021, we analyzed age-standardized mortality rates (ASMR), disability-adjusted life years (ASDR), and inequality indicators across 204 countries and territories. Age-Period-Cohort (APC) models and Bayesian projections were applied to estimate future trends.

Results: Globally, ASMR and ASDR attributable to high TFA intake declined by 69 and 68%, respectively, from 1990 to 2021. The most significant reductions were observed in high-SDI regions, where comprehensive TFA bans and public health policies were implemented. In contrast, the absolute burden remains high in low- and middle-SDI countries due to limited policy enforcement and dietary interventions. Socioeconomic inequalities narrowed over time, but vulnerable populations still face elevated risks. Projections indicate a continued global decline in CVD burden attributable to TFA through 2036, though widening uncertainties reflect demographic and policy challenges.

Conclusion: While global progress in reducing TFA-related CVD burden is evident, persistent disparities and emerging risks in low-resource settings underscore the need for global elimination of industrial TFA, strengthened health systems, and targeted strategies to protect high-risk groups.

Vitamin D plays a pivotal role in immune regulation, metabolic balance, skeletal health, and gene expression. Growing evidence indicates that genetic and epigenetic factors contribute to interindividual differences in vitamin D status and physiological responses. This review summarizes current findings on the nutrigenomic determinants of vitamin D metabolism, with emphasis on genetic polymorphisms in vitamin D receptor (VDR), GC, CYP2R1, CYP27B1, and CYP24A1, as well as epigenetic mechanisms that modulate vitamin D related gene expression. Peer-reviewed original studies and review articles published between 2010 and 2025 were examined to highlight associations between genetic variation in the vitamin D pathway and susceptibility to cancer, autoimmune disorders, metabolic diseases, cardiovascular conditions, and neurodegenerative outcomes. Advances in omics technologies and epigenetic biomarker research have improved understanding the molecular pathways through which vitamin D acts across multiple body systems. Evidence from gene-environment interactions and genotype-specific supplementation responses highlights the conceptual relevance of precision nutrition, while underscoring substantial gaps in clinical validation. Collectively, current research suggests that genetic information may inform future personalized vitamin D strategies, although translation into clinical practice remains limited by inconsistent evidence and methodological heterogeneity.

Background: Dietitian-led medical nutrition therapy (MNT) is an effective and cost-efficient strategy for improving dietary adherence and glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, culturally adapted MNT interventions that account for local food systems, food security, and sociocultural eating practices remain scarce in African contexts. This paper describes the development of Objectif Santé Diabète Bénin (OSanDiaBé), a culturally tailored, dietitian-led MNT intervention designed to improve dietary adherence and glycemic control among adults with T2D in Benin, West Africa, using the Obesity-Related Behavioral Intervention Trials (ORBIT) model.

Methods: To design OSanDiaBé, we use a hybrid framework integrating the ORBIT model with ecological validity and cultural adaptation approaches. In Phase Ia (Define), we developed a theory-driven model to identify key behavioral targets and hypothesized pathways linking a culturally tailored MNT intervention to dietary adherence and glycemic control. Phase Ib (Refine) involved adapting and refining an MNT intervention that combines evidence-based menu plans grounded in the 4A food security framework with individual nutrition counseling and group diabetes education. Intervention refinement was informed by mixed-methods data collected from 512 adults with T2D, including quantitative assessments, focus group discussions, sensory evaluations, and a stakeholder workshop, to enhance feasibility, acceptability, and cultural relevance.

Expected outcomes: Phase II will evaluate feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary signals of effectiveness, including dietary adherence and glycemic control (HbA1c), prior to planned Phase III efficacy and Phase IV effectiveness trials.

Conclusions: OSanDiaBé offers a replicable framework for culturally tailoring MNT interventions in low-resource settings. By integrating food security, culturally relevant dietary guidance, and family-centered nutrition support, this approach has the potential to strengthen diabetes nutrition care and reduce inequities in access to effective MNT across African contexts.

Introduction: This study investigated the effect of ultrasound assisted pomegranate flower (Punica granatum L.) extract (DPF) on the oxidative stability of sunflower oil during intermittent heating. Dried pomegranate flowers were extracted using 80% aqueous ethanol in an ultrasonic bath, yielding a phytochemically rich extract characterized by high levels of total phenolics (267.36 ± 4.19 mg GAE/g DW), flavonoids (84.56 ± 2.43 mg QE/g DW), and ellagitannins such as punicalagins and ellagic acid. The extract exhibited strong in vitro antioxidant activity in the DPPH radical scavenging assay.

Methods: Sunflower oil was fortified with DPF extract at concentrations of 400, 800, 1,600, and 2,400 μg/g oil, with 200 μg/g BHT as a synthetic reference. All samples were heated at 180 ± 5°C for 2 h daily over 5 consecutive days. The oil's oxidative stability was assessed by monitoring physicochemical indices including refractive index, viscosity, acid value, peroxide value, iodine value, total polar compounds (PCC), polymer content (PC), and thiobarbituric acid (TBA) value.

Results and discussion: Results demonstrated that DPF incorporation significantly enhanced the oil's thermal oxidative stability in a dose dependent manner. Higher concentrations (1,600 and 2,400 μg/g oil) provided superior protection across all parameters, often outperforming 200 μg/g oil BHT. The oil enriched with 2,400 ppm DPF proved most effective, it best preserved the iodine value while mitigating increases in refractive index, viscosity, acid value, peroxide value, PCC, PC, and TBA value. The findings indicate that ultrasound extracted pomegranate flower antioxidants, particularly at 2,400 μg/g oil, can serve as a potent natural alternative to synthetic antioxidants, effectively prolonging the frying life and maintaining the quality of sunflower oil under repeated thermal stress.