Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism最新文献

The aim of this study was to investigate associations of cardiovascular outcomes with lipid variability across body mass index categories. We identified 6689 participants (57.1% women) enrolled in the Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities (ARICs) study who had ≥ 3 measurements of total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Cox regression models were used to compute hazard ratios (HRs)-associated heart failure (HF), myocardial infarction (MI), and mortality with 1-SD increase in lipid variability captured by SD and variability independent of the mean (VIM). We also assessed whether adding lipid variability would improve the cardiovascular risk prediction beyond the conventional risk factors. Among 2130 (31.8%) obese patients, 1907 (89.5%) had obesity classes I and II and 223 (10.5%) had obesity class III. In multivariable-adjusted analyses, TC and LDL-C variabilities were significantly (p ≤ 0.047) associated with HF in overweight (HRs ranging from 1.10 to 1.17), obesity classes I and II (1.11-1.14), and obesity class III (1.21-1.39). Higher TC and LDL-C variabilities conferred higher risk of MI and mortality in obesity classes I and II (p ≤ 0.007). Adding TC-VIM and LDL-C-VIM rather than the lipid level to a conventional risk model significantly improved risk prediction of HF with net reclassification improvement amounting to 8.95% for TC-VIM (p=0.006) and 8.09% for LDL-C-VIM (p=0.012). Elevated TC and LDL-C variabilities were associated with the increased risk of cardiovascular outcomes, particularly in obesity. Our observations highlight the importance of lipid variability in obesity-associated dyslipidemia.

Objective: The present research investigated the pharmacological effectiveness of three functional foods-wood apple (WA), water spinach (WS), and moringa (MO)-against gentamicin (GM)-induced nephrotoxicity and oxidative stress in rat models. Methodology: The study was conducted on rat model. Twenty-five healthy Long Evan rats of both sexes were equally divided into five groups, which were studied for 7 days. GM at a dose of 80 mg/kg body weight was given daily intraperitoneally to rats of all groups except the normal control (NC). Simply, the NC and negative control (GM) groups received only regular diet. The 3 treatment groups received 20 g/rat/day of mashed WA, fried WS, and roasted MO with regular feed diet at 1:1 ratio. On the last experimental day (8^th day), all the rats were sacrificed to collect blood and kidney samples. Nephrotoxicity was assessed by biochemical estimation of serum creatinine (CK) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and oxidative stress was analyzed by determination of serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels. In addition, histopathology of kidney tissue was also performed for final observation. Results: By lowering uremic toxin (serum CK and urea) levels, all the three functional foods significantly (p < 0.05) improved kidney function and the GM-induced oxidative stress. However, the difference in the blood SOD level was found to be statistically insignificant (p > 0.05), nevertheless. The histopathological results in those groups corroborated the biochemical results of the food intervention groups. Conclusion: The present attempt shows that consuming the foods containing antioxidant phytochemicals may be a possible way to combat nephrotoxicity and oxidative stress. Nonetheless, the dosage response of these functional foods and mechanism of action to nephroprotection need to be investigated.

Background: Excessive iodine intake is associated with an increased risk of thyroid autoimmunity. However, the relationship between prolonged exposure to iodine levels exceeding 100 μg/L in drinking water and the occurrence of autoimmune thyroid disorders (AITDs) remains uncertain. The objective of the present study was to assess whether elevated iodine levels exceeding 100 μg/L in drinking water are a risk factor for AITD. Methods: We conducted a case-control study at a hospital, enrolling 668 adults. We measured serum thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb), thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb), urinary iodine concentration (UIC), water iodine concentration (WIC), and serum cytokine concentrations-including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Results: The study demonstrated that individuals with water iodine levels > 100 μg/L had a significantly higher risk of developing AITD compared with those in the 10-100 μg/L group (OR = 2.076, p < 0.001). Furthermore, a family history of thyroid disorders (OR = 4.035, p < 0.001) and higher education levels (specifically college education compared to primary school; OR = 2.608, p=0.016) were associated with an increased risk of AITD. Conversely, regular consumption of freshwater fish was correlated with a lower risk of developing AITD (at least once per week vs. hardly eat, OR = 0.472, p=0.009; at least once per month vs. hardly eat, OR = 0.693, p=0.042). Additionally, IL-6 levels in the case group were significantly higher than those in the control group. Conclusions: The case-control study demonstrated a significant association between the development of AITD and prolonged exposure to elevated iodine levels (above 100 μg/L) in water. AITD was found to be associated with several other factors. Risk factors for AITD include a family history of thyroid disorders and higher educational attainment. Additionally, the consumption of freshwater fish was identified as a protective factor. Identifying and understanding these significant risk and protective factors for AITD development are critical, and effective strategies should be developed and implemented for prevention and intervention targeting at-risk individuals.

Background: Body image is a multidimensional construct influenced by a myriad of psychosocial and lifestyle factors. The present study has been conducted to explore the prevalence of body image concerns and its associated determinants among female Egyptian and Lebanese university students. Methods: Through a cross-sectional comparative study, a sample of 634 females was recruited from two Egyptian and Lebanese universities. Data were collected using an interview questionnaire to assess the various sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle behaviors, dietary factors, and perceived weight status. The existence of body image concern was evaluated using the validated short form of the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ-16). Results: The present data unveiled a relatively alarming prevalence of body image concerns, 46.7.8% and 48%, among the Egyptian and Lebanese university females, respectively, with a statistically significant difference between the 2 studied groups with regard to the degree of body image concern (p=0 - 009). The results of regression analysis declared that enlarged waist circumference was the strongest significant determinant of body image concerns (t-test p value = 0.000 and 0.001 among Egyptian and Lebanese university females, respectively). Adopting dieting practices (t-test p value = 0.000 and 0.001) and parental obesity (t-test p value = 0.02 & 0.002) were significantly associated with higher body image concerns' scores among Egyptian and Lebanese university females, respectively. Distinctively, perceived body image (t-test p value = 0.000), meal pattern (t-test p value = 0.004), and employment status (t-test p value = 0.002), were significantly associated with higher body image concerns in the Egyptian group only. Conclusions: The study findings call for tailored, culture-specific intervention programs that enable students to improve their self-acceptance and lead a healthy life.

Background: Arak is the most popular traditional alcohol in Ethiopia. Although it is widely consumed across the country, its effects on different organs have not been well studied yet. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the dose-dependent hepatorenal toxicity of traditionally prepared Arak in Swiss albino mice. Methods: The investigation utilized 24 newly bred Swiss albino mice (12 males and 12 females) aged 8-10 weeks, divided into four groups of six individuals each (three males and three females), with Group I receiving 1 mL of distilled water/kg, and Groups II-IV receiving 1 mL/kg of 20%, 40%, and 45% Arak, respectively, orally on daily basis for six weeks; the investigation included blood, urea and nitrogen; creatinine; aspartate transaminase; alanine aminotransferase; and histological examination. Results: The study found that Arak and its metabolite, ethanol, have a dose-dependent negative impact on the liver and kidney's microstructures, and Arak has a significant dose-dependent effect on decreasing body weight, increasing serum levels of aspartate transaminase and alanine aminotransferase, and elevating serum levels of blood, urea, and nitrogen and creatinine in Swiss albino mice. Higher doses of 1 mL of 40% and 1 mL of 45% Arak/kg caused inflammation, edema, obscured Bowman's capsule, foamy appearance, and necrosis, while lower doses of 1 mL of 20% Arak/kg had a lesser impact. Further research is needed to evaluate the effect of Arak on human hepatorenal structures and biomarkers.

Background: Sperm DNA integrity is a key factor in male fertility and the health of future generations. Physical activities such as football can increase oxidative stress, potentially compromising sperm quality. Dietary supplements targeting oxidative balance and the one-carbon metabolic cycle have shown promise in improving sperm parameters. Objective: This randomized, double-blind clinical trial investigated the effect of multiple dietary supplements (Condensyl and Nurilia) on sperm parameters in elite and amateur football players in Isfahan. Method: Eighty male football players (40 elite and 40 amateur), each with more than two years of experience and abnormal semen parameters, were randomly assigned to supplement or placebo groups using a computer-generated list. Subjects were evaluated for sperm parameters and then treated daily for 3 months with two tablets of multiple diet supplements. For 3 months, subjects received two 600 mg tablets daily (Condensyl, Parthenogen SAGL, Lugano, Switzerland, and Nurilia SARL, Lyon, France). The placebo group also received two 500 mg capsules containing starch daily (Nader Isfahan Limited Liability Company and received the registration number 14906). Semen samples were collected in two stages before and after 3 months of drug use with 4 days of sexual abstinence. Half an hour after sample collection and liquefaction, parameter analysis (concentration, motility, and morphology) was performed. Comparison of sperm parameters before and after drug intervention was performed using SPSS software Version 24 and the Shapiro-Wilk test, followed by multivariate analysis of variance. A significance level of 0.05 was considered. Results: Baseline comparisons revealed significant group differences in motility (p=0.024) and morphology (p=0.008). Sperm concentration increased in both elite and amateur players receiving supplements, though the change was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). However, significant improvements were observed in sperm motility (p=0.014 and p=0.02) and morphology (p=0.01) following supplementation. Conclusion: Supplementation with Condensyl and Nurilia, which include key vitamins and antioxidants supporting the one-carbon cycle, significantly improves sperm motility and morphology in male football players. These findings support the use of such supplements as a supportive therapy in the management of male infertility.

Aegle marmelos (L.) Corrêa, commonly known as the bael fruit tree, is a member of the Rutaceae family and holds significance in Ayurvedic herbal medicine due to its myriad therapeutic properties. This paper seeks to delve into the diverse benefits offered by the bael fruit tree, exploring various plant parts, including leaves, fruit, bark, and seeds, all of which contain bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential. The bael fruit, with its diverse phytochemical profile, exhibits potential health benefits ranging from radioprotection and antibacterial properties to antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects. Additionally, this review highlights the limited preclinical studies on AMs' efficacy in treating neurological disorders, emphasizing the need for more clinical trials to validate its potency and safety. Specifically, the effects and mechanisms of AM extract in addressing Alzheimer's disease, anxiety, depression, epilepsy and Parkinson's disease are explored. In conclusion, AM emerges as a plant of considerable nutritional and pharmacological value, with the potential to contribute significantly to the treatment of neurological disorders. Despite its promising attributes, the limited preclinical studies necessitate further clinical trials to confirm its efficacy. This review consolidates relevant studies, offering insights into AMs' ethnobotany, chemical constituents, pharmacological properties and potential application in neurological disorders. The comprehensive examination underscores the need for continued research to unlock the full therapeutic potential of this versatile plant.

Background: Intermittent fasting has become a new fad diet that may promote an environment to facilitate muscle atrophy, placing aging, and diabetic populations at risk for muscle loss due to nutrient deprivation. The purpose of this study was to investigate how nutrient availability and serum environment influence Type 2 diabetic myoblast density and viability, autophagy-related oxidative and inflammatory markers, and upstream gene expression signaling relevant to proteostasis. Methods: To explore this outcome in human skeletal muscle myoblast (HSMM) and diabetic human skeletal muscle myoblast (D-HSMM), myoblast lines were cultured per standard protocol and were incubated for 12 or 24 h with either human serum (HS) or fetal bovine serum (FBS) at varying serum media concentrations: 5%, 10%, and 15%. Cell viability and density were determined; ELISAs were used to assess SOD1 and TNFα; TaqMan gene array plates were used to explore mRNA gene expression related to growth and atrophy. Results: Cell viability (%) analysis showed that 0% concentration, 12 h incubation, and FBS media have lower viability (p ≤ 0.0001); cell density analysis showed lower values in 0% concentration and in the FBS media (p ≤ 0.0001); SOD1 analysis showed a scaled effect (p ≤ 0.05) and higher concentration in HS (12,795.07 ± 677.87 pg/mL; p ≤ 0.0001); TNFα concentration was higher in HSMM compared to D-HSMM (61 ± 0.82 vs. 2.52 ± 0.94 pg/mL; p=0.017), higher at 12 h (6.07 ± 0.88 vs. 2.50 ± 0.88 pg/mL; p=0.006), and higher in FBS (6.05 ± 0.88 vs. 2.08 ± 0.88 pg/mL; p=0.002); no meaningful increase in fold change was seen in mRNA. Conclusions: Myoblast viability and density were lower in the nutrient-deprived conditions and in the FBS compared to the HS serum. The biomarker of oxidative stress was lower in the serum concentration in a scaled effect, yet higher in HS. The biomarker of inflammation was higher in the HSMM cell line, shorter incubation time period, and in FBS. HS used as a media may supply nutrients and hormonal confounders that may support or stress myoblast growth.

The objective of the study was to describe the dietary intake of Brazilian pregnant women assisted by primary healthcare, focusing on the degree of food processing. Data from the cross-sectional multicenter study of iodine deficiency were analyzed. Participants were selected from basic health units in 11 research centers and completed questionnaires regarding socioeconomic status, demographics, and health. Dietary intake information was collected through 24 h recall and analyzed using GloboDiet software. Descriptive analyses estimated the average energy contribution and confidence interval (%) of NOVA food groups in total energy intake, considering the research center, sociodemographic factors, health status, and pregnancy characteristics. The analysis included 2247 pregnant women without history of thyroid disease or surgery, hypothyroidism, or hypertension. Unprocessed or minimally processed foods accounted for 62.1% of total energy intake, while ultraprocessed foods accounted for 23.8%. Food consumption predominantly occurred at home across all NOVA food groups. Ultraprocessed food consumption was lower during lunch and dinner but higher after dinner and when consumed outside the home, particularly in street settings, markets, parks, and/or beaches, compared with other food groups. This pattern was more prevalent among younger pregnant women (p < 0.001), those of white or yellow race (p=0.007), residing in urban areas (p=0.03), and with higher monthly household income (p=0.001). These findings indicate a significant impact on the overall nutritional quality of the diet among pregnant women, with variations based on factors such as age, place of residence, race, income, place of consumption, and occasion of consumption.

Objectives: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is among the most frequently encountered endocrinopathies in women. This study aimed to characterize the genetic (INSR, FTO, DENND1A, and Nrf2) expressions and epigenetic (DNA methylation) modifications, nutritional, metabolic, inflammatory, and hormonal markers for patients with PCOS in comparison with their age-matched healthy controls. Design & Methods: The study also aimed to assess the genetic expressions concerning vitamin D status. Sixty-six patients with PCOS and 69 age-matched healthy controls were recruited. Fasting blood samples were used to measure genetic and biochemical variables. Real-time PCR was used to assess gene expressions, the bisulfite conversion method was used to evaluate DNA methylation, and multiplex immunoassays were used to measure inflammatory markers. Results: Only two genes (INSR and FTO) were significantly (p < 0.05) upregulated, while one gene (Nrf2) was significantly (p < 0.05) downregulated in cases in comparison with controls. Furthermore, cases showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher BMI (kg/m²), fat mass, visceral fat surface area, and body fat percentage, as well as higher serum triglyceride levels, atherogenic index, VLDL levels, and TC/HDL and TG/HDL ratios when compared to controls. In contrast, HDL levels were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the cases. Inflammatory markers (hs-CRP, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and VEGF) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher, while anti-inflammatory markers (IL-2 and IL-10) were significantly lower in cases when compared to controls. Conclusions: Women with PCOS may have distinct genetic expressions and anthropometric, metabolic, and inflammatory markers that predispose to the progression of the disease. Identifying predictive biomarkers fosters the application of precision medicine and personalized nutrition approaches in preventing and managing PCOS.