Nutrients最新文献

Objectives: This study aimed to identify factors influencing the magnitude of the difference between plasma glucose concentration (Glu(P)) and serum glucose concentration (Glu(S)). Methods: A total of 333 healthy Japanese adults aged 22-29 years (212 males and 121 females) were enrolled. Plasma samples were collected using glycolytic inhibitors, whereas serum samples were obtained without glycolytic inhibitors and kept at room temperature. Glu(P) and Glu(S) were measured and compared. Results: The median difference between Glu(P) and Glu(S), defined as Glu(P-S), was 4 mg/dL across all participants, with no gender-related differences. A strong positive correlation was observed between Glu(P) and Glu(S). Glu(P-S) was positively correlated with body mass index, Glu(P), triglyceride-glucose index, white blood cell count, serum sodium, magnesium, and zinc levels. In contrast, Glu(P-S) was negatively correlated with Glu(S), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), homeostasis model assessment of beta-cell function, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that HDL-C and HbA1c were independent determinants of Glu(P-S) in the overall cohort. Among females, HDL-C, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, ferritin, and C-reactive protein independently influenced Glu(P-S), whereas no independent determinants were identified in males. Conclusions: Plasma glucose concentrations measured with glycolytic inhibitors were significantly higher than serum glucose concentrations measured without inhibitors at room temperature. The magnitude of Glu(P-S) appears to be associated with markers of insulin resistance, particularly HDL-C levels.

Background/objectives: Obesity and prediabetes are overlapping global epidemics. This systematic review synthesises evidence on gene-diet interactions in adults with obesity, prediabetes, or related cardiometabolic risks. It evaluates Mediterranean and DASH dietary patterns, macronutrient quality, and energy restriction across both single-variant and polygenic score approaches.

Methods: PubMed was searched for English language papers published in the last 5 years (last run: 31 October 2025). Fewer than 200 studies were retained after excluding those lacking explicit statistical testing for gene-diet interactions or relevant endpoints.

Results: Evidence supports restricting saturated fat and preserving carbohydrate quality as general baseline targets, with associations heterogeneous by genotype. Effect modification was observed: healthy dietary patterns were associated with lower risk in high polygenic-risk strata (OR~0.53) but little or no benefit in low-risk groups. TCF7L2 variants were associated with macronutrient thresholds (e.g., protein > 18%, carbohydrate < 48%) affecting visceral adiposity, while APOA2 variants showed genotype-dependent inflammation, including paradoxical increases in markers with higher dietary antioxidant capacity. Interpretation was limited by underpowered interaction tests, multiplicity, and uneven ancestry representation (e.g., unique SLC16A11 and CREBRF signals).

Conclusions: While anti-inflammatory dietary substitutions improve biomarkers irrespective of some variants (e.g., TCF7L2), genotype-informed nutrition appears to yield the largest absolute risk reduction in high-risk populations. Clinical implementation should therefore combine baseline diet-quality guidance with targeted strategies for genotype-specific response patterns (e.g., APOA2 antioxidant heterogeneity and TCF7L2 carbohydrate thresholds), rather than rely on uniform recommendations alone. Future progress requires preregistered, genotype-stratified trials and locally trained polygenic scores to address ancestry-specific genetic architecture.

Background: Traditionally, wild jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill. var. spinosa (Bunge) Hu ex H. F. Chou) has been used to nourish the heart, calm the spirit, and arrest spontaneous sweating. Modern research confirms its broad pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and cognitive-enhancing effects. This study aims to isolate and characterize the structure of jujube polysaccharides and evaluate their protective effects against oxidative stress damage in neural stem cells (NSCs).

Methods: We successfully isolated and purified a novel pectin polysaccharide (ZJP-2) from wild jujube. Its structure was characterized in detail using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with multi-angle laser light scattering and refractive index detection (HPLC-MALS-RI), high-performance anion exchange chromatography (HPAEC), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.

Results: Structural analysis revealed that ZJP-2 is a pectin heteropolysaccharide with a molecular weight of approximately 67.93 kDa. Its monosaccharide composition primarily includes galac-turonic acid (GalA), arabinose (Ara), rhamnose (Rha), galactose (Gal), and glucose (Glc). The backbone consists of α-GalA and rhamnose-galacturonic acid-I (RG-I) domains linked by (1→4)-glycosidic bonds. NMR spectroscopy further confirmed its glycosidic bond types. In activity assessment, our study demonstrated that ZJP-2 significantly alleviated DMNQ-induced oxidative stress damage in C17.2 neural stem cells. Its protective effect was achieved by reducing intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and upregulating the mRNA expression of antioxidant genes associated with the signaling axis (p < 0.05). Moreover, ZJP-2 suppressed DMNQ-induced overexpression of Nestin and NeuN (p < 0.05), contributing to the maintenance of NSCs' undifferentiated state and functional homeostasis.

Conclusions: In conclusion, ZJP-2 possesses distinct structural characteristics and significant neuroprotective potential, supporting its development as a natural functional food or dietary supplement for preventing oxidative stress-related neural damage.

Background: There is increasing interest in cosmeceuticals-cosmetic regimes incorporating a specific probiotic or postbiotic strain, fully characterized genetically and phenotypically-which, when topically applied, have the ability to modulate the skin microbiome, exhibit anti-inflammatory properties and improve the overall skin appearance by reducing signs of aging. In addition, claims have been made that emotional and psychological well-being can be improved by neuroactive substances released by the probiotics in cosmeceuticals, acting via the skin-brain axis. However, claims are somewhat generalized and imprecise, and we deemed it important to look more precisely at published research relating to cosmeceuticals. There have been very few research publications on these products, identified as neurocosmetics, and they immediately provoked strong reactions from dermatologists and psychiatrists, mainly with regard to the ethical and safety aspects of their use. Objectives/Method: The present strain-centered literature evaluation aimed to select from peer-reviewed publications referring to cosmeceuticals only those dealing with fully characterized, specific probiotic strains with documented beneficial skin properties. Eligible strains found were subsequently subjected to a secondary search to ascertain whether they also demonstrated clinical, or even experimental, evidence of strain-specific psychobiotic properties. Results: From 33 strain-specific cosmeceuticals identified, only three strains-Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris H61, Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938, and Weizmannia coagulans MTCC 5856-demonstrated reproducible evidence of psychobiotic potential. Conclusions: Current evidence does not support the notion that cosmeceuticals are likely to directly modulate emotional states through topical application, since the coexistence of cosmeceutical and psychobiotic properties within the same probiotic strain seems to be both uncommon and highly strain-specific and therefore of little practical, generalized use.

Background: The regulation of glucose metabolism is contingent on a multifaceted interaction between intestinal absorption, pancreatic endocrine function, and the hepatic response to insulin. Axis disruption contributes to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Methods: This study tested mulberry, bilberry, and black currant extracts individually and in combination in an integrated in vitro gut, pancreas, and liver model. The extracts were phytochemically characterised and tested at optimal concentrations selected through dose-response studies. Results: The combined treatment preserved and enhanced the intestinal barrier, as evidenced by increased tight-junction levels and reduced oxidative stress. In the pancreas, the combination significantly improved cell viability, enhanced insulin and C-peptide secretion, and increased glucokinase expression, indicating improved glucose-sensing function. In the liver, the combined treatment synergistically activated insulin signalling, increasing the expression of IRS1, GLUT2, AMPK, AKT, and PGC-1α. This resulted in increased glucose absorption, glycogen synthesis, and a marked reduction in extracellular glucose levels under hyperglycaemic conditions. The results show that combining mulberry, bilberry, and blackcurrant produces additive benefits for intestinal barrier integrity and synergistically modulates key elements of hepatic insulin signalling. Conclusions: These findings support a mechanistic rationale for exploring multi-targeted nutraceutical formulations as complementary approaches to modulating processes involved in glycaemic regulation.

Background: Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) causes significant mortality, affecting approximately 1 in 1000 people with epilepsy. Clinical and preclinical studies have identified severe seizures, bradycardia, apnea, severe postictal hypoxia, and sleep deficiency that emerge prior to SUDEP and thus may represent temporal biomarkers. The metabolic ketogenic diet (KD) therapy increases longevity in preclinical SUDEP models. Here, the hypothesis that KD therapy would determine whether the emergent sleep deficiency, bradycardia, apnea and/or hypoxemia persist as temporal biomarkers in preclinical SUDEP was tested. Methods: Kv1.1 knockout (KO) mice, a preclinical SUDEP model, and wild-type littermates were weaned onto a standard diet (SD) or treated with KD. In separate cohorts, approximately every 10 days, seizures and sleep architecture were recorded with electroencephalography-electromyography (EEG-EMG), heart rate was measured with noninvasive ECGenie, apnea was assessed with noninvasive airway mechanics, and blood O₂ saturation was measured with pulse oximetry. Data were aligned from the day of sudden death and analyzed retrospectively. Results: KD treatment significantly increased longevity and reduced seizures, reproducing previous studies. Using retrospective analyses from the day of death, KD treatment attenuated the emergence of (i) interictal intermittent bradycardia in the last 20 days of life, (ii) apnea, and (iii) intermittent hypoxemia in the last 10 days of life. In contrast, (iv) KD treatment did not rescue REM and NREM sleep deficiencies during the last 10 days of life. Conclusions: Our findings provide novel preclinical support for KD as a candidate therapy to attenuate seizure frequency and burden, bradycardia, apnea, and hypoxemia in SUDEP. In addition, sleep deficiency persisted as a potential temporal biomarker of preclinical SUDEP; however, causality will need to be tested in future studies.

Vegetables, including cruciferous vegetables, contain a variety of active compounds with cardioprotective potential, for example fiber, minerals, and phytochemicals such as phenolic compounds, terpenes, carotenoids, and others. Cruciferous vegetables are also particularly rich in sulfur-containing compounds such as glucosinolates, which have cardioprotective effects. However, there is little information about the molecular mechanisms of their action. This paper reviews the current state of knowledge regarding the cardioprotective capacity of cruciferous vegetables; it also examines their chemical composition and the mechanisms behind this biological property. In this narrative review, the author also summarizes data on changes in the content of various bioactive compounds (especially phenolic compounds, carotenoids, and glucosinolates) and their biological properties, including cardioprotective efficacy during vegetable processing (for example, lactic acid fermentation, cooking and other).

Background/objectives: Women with prior gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are at higher risk for prediabetes, particularly when inactivity or poor diet persists after childbirth. These behaviors often co-occur, and their combined effect is greater than the sum of individual risks. This study aimed to identify physical activity and dietary profiles among women with prior GDM in underserved areas, examine their association with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and investigate their associated factors.

Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of baseline data collected in July 2018 and November 2022 from two randomized controlled trials was conducted (n = 633). Activity, dietary intake, glucose levels, and socio-demographic, anthropometric, and psychosocial characteristics were collected. Latent profile analysis identified behavior profiles. Binary and multiple logistic regressions assessed associations and influencing factors.

Results: Three distinct profiles were identified including "Less Activity and Low Dietary Fiber Intake group", "Adequate Activity but Low Dietary Fiber Intake group", and "Adequate Activity but High Starch Intake group". Compared with the "Adequate Activity but Low Dietary Fiber Intake group", the "Less Activity and Low Dietary Fiber Intake group" had increased IFG risk (odds ratio [OR], 3.792; 95% CI, 1.146-12.543); women with non-precarious employment, no family history of diabetes, or inadequate external environmental resources were more likely in this group. "Adequate Activity but High Starch Intake group" had higher IFG (OR, 6.321; 95% CI, 1.500-26.639) and IGT (OR, 6.030; 95% CI, 1.530-23.770) risk; women with family income <416 USD/month or worse psychological health tended toward this group.

Conclusions: Unhealthy behavior profiles were observed among women with prior GDM. High starch intake and insufficient activity were associated with greater prediabetes risks. Screening and education on physical activity and diet may warrant particular attention among women with non-precarious employment, low family income, or no family history of diabetes. In addition, integrating strategies that enhance psychological health and improve external environmental resources into lifestyle-related interventions may represent a promising approach.

(1) Background: Malnutrition increases the risk of complications, prolongs the period of hospitalization, worsens the results of treatment, and increases the costs of hospital stay. Patients' lack of knowledge on how to cope with it may increase the occurrence of these unfavorable consequences. The aim of this study was to assess hospitalized patients' awareness of foods for special medical purposes (FSMP) and to determine the perception of the dietitian's role in the hospital treatment process. (2) Methods: The survey was conducted among patients hospitalized in one of the hospitals in the Małopolska region. The sample consisted of 100 respondents. Participation in the research was anonymous and voluntary. The author's survey contained 14 closed- and open-ended questions. The answers were single or multiple choice. A knowledge test was used to determine the level of awareness among respondents. The maximum score was 8. Appropriately selected tests were applied to the collected data, such as Spearman's correlation, Shapiro-Wilk's normality test, and Levene's and Mann-Witney's tests. The level of statistical significance was assumed to be p ≤ 0.05. (3) Results: Respondents were most familiar with the term Nutridrink (68%). Only 66% declared they knew what foods for special medical purposes were used for. Most were unfamiliar with the concept of immunomodulatory ingredients. Statistically significant correlation was found between age and knowledge. Older patients achieved lower scores (rho = -0.32, p = 0.001). No statistical significance was found between sexes or comorbidities and knowledge on the discussed topic. A dietitian was pointed out as the expert in selecting FSMP (78.6%). The findings indicate that that 87% of respondents believe that FSMP consumption may be beneficial for nutritional status. (4) Conclusions: The results indicate limited knowledge among hospitalized patients about foods for special medical purposes. The role of dietitians in the treatment process is highly valued by respondents. The study results suggest that educational initiatives in hospitals may be relevant to increasing patient awareness. Potentially, such initiatives could increase the effectiveness of nutritional therapy and preventive measures aimed at improving patient nutritional status.

Background/Objectives: Chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) is a common gastrointestinal disorder with a global prevalence of about 14%, common in women and elderly population. It often lacks effective treatment. This randomized clinical trial was aimed to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of Hippophae rhamnoides L. (sea buckthorn) fruit extract in adults with CIC. Methods: A UHPLC-HRMS/MS analysis was performed on the hydroethanolic H. rhamnoides fruit extract to evaluate its composition. Ninety participants were randomly assigned to receive either 500 mg of H. rhamnoides extract or placebo delivered through a capsule daily for 28 days. The primary outcome was the change in weekly spontaneous complete bowel movements (SCBMs), while secondary outcomes included stool consistency (Bristol Stool Form Scale-BSFS), gastrointestinal symptoms, and quality of life (SF-12). Results: Metabolic profile of the extract tentatively identified 75 bioactive compounds, predominantly flavonoids, triterpenoids and phospholipids. H. rhamnoides fruit extract significantly improved SCBM frequency (from 1.5 to 2.6 per week; p < 0.001) and normalized stool consistency (mean BSFS score from 1.4 to 3.5; p < 0.001), compared to no change in the placebo group. Significant reductions in bloating, abdominal pain, and heaviness were observed, while flatulence showed no between-group significant difference. No adverse events or use of rescue treatments were reported. Quality-of-life scores remained largely unchanged, with a non-significant trend towards improved mental health in the treated group. Conclusions: These findings suggest that H. rhamnoides fruit extract is a safe and effective option for managing CIC, offering an alternative to other plant extracts with laxative effects.