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Diet Composition, Eating Habits and Their Impact on Metabolic Diseases

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A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutrition and Metabolism".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 September 2023) | Viewed by 31072

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Silvia V. Conde

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Guest Editor

NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
Interests: metabolic diseases; autonomic nervous system; carotid body; hypercaloric diets; insulin resistance; obesity; adipose tissue; catecholamines; purines
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Fatima O. Martins

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Guest Editor

CEDOC, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
Interests: metabolic diseases; obesity; insulin resistance; adenosine; liver; brain; adipose tissue; hypercaloric diets; intestinal permeability; gut
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Incidence of metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, etc., is increasing worldwide, and they are already considered epidemics. These diseases are commonly associated with defects in insulin secretion and/or action, glucose homeostasis impairment, and lipid metabolism dysfunction. At the core of these defects is the diet composition and the nutritional status, as well as the eating patterns. It is consensual that hypercaloric diets and some nutritional constituents contribute to the genesis of insulin resistance and to dysmetabolism, namely the consumption of sugar, fructose, and fat-enriched diets. Moreover, unhealthy eating habits such as skipping meals, replacing water with sodas, nocturnal eating, etc., have contributed enormously to the metabolic diseases’ epidemic. In this context, both peripheral dysfunctions and brain circuits alterations act in concert, impacting food behaviour and management of nutrients.

This Special Issue “Diet composition, eating habits and their impact on metabolic diseases” will compile original and review studies that highlight the effect of different eating habits on insulin action and glucose and lipid metabolism. It will also unravel mechanistic links between different diet consumption and the impact on peripheral and central circuits linked with food behaviour and metabolic homeostasis.

This Special Issue will provide scientific and healthcare communities with important information about the impacts of eating habits and food behaviour on whole-body metabolism. It will also open new doors to tackle metabolic diseases by modulating nutrients consumption and related mechanisms.

Dr. Silvia V. Conde
Dr. Fatima O. Martins
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nutrients is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

metabolic diseases
hypercaloric diets
periphery-brain axis
obesity
fat
sugar
nutrition
eating habits
food behavior
satiety

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

18 pages, 5816 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Proteomic Profiling of Plasma- and Gut-Derived Extracellular Vesicles in Obesity

by Pedro Baptista Pereira, Estefania Torrejón, Inês Ferreira, Ana Sofia Carvalho, Akiko Teshima, Inês Sousa-Lima, Hans Christian Beck, Bruno Costa-Silva, Rune Matthiesen, Maria Paula Macedo and Rita Machado de Oliveira

Nutrients 2024, 16(5), 736; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16050736 - 4 Mar 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1400

Abstract

Obesity entails metabolic alterations across multiple organs, highlighting the role of inter-organ communication in its pathogenesis. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are communication agents in physiological and pathological conditions, and although they have been associated with obesity comorbidities, their protein cargo in this context remains largely unknown. To decipher the messages encapsulated in EVs, we isolated plasma-derived EVs from a diet-induced obese murine model. Obese plasma EVs exhibited a decline in protein diversity while control EVs revealed significant enrichment in protein-folding functions, highlighting the importance of proper folding in maintaining metabolic homeostasis. Previously, we revealed that gut-derived EVs’ proteome holds particular significance in obesity. Here, we compared plasma and gut EVs and identified four proteins exclusively present in the control state of both EVs, revealing the potential for a non-invasive assessment of gut health by analyzing blood-derived EVs. Given the relevance of post-translational modifications (PTMs), we observed a shift in chromatin-related proteins from glycation to acetylation in obese gut EVs, suggesting a regulatory mechanism targeting DNA transcription during obesity. This study provides valuable insights into novel roles of EVs and protein PTMs in the intricate mechanisms underlying obesity, shedding light on potential biomarkers and pathways for future research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet Composition, Eating Habits and Their Impact on Metabolic Diseases)

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21 pages, 2281 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Daily Consumption of Golden Berry (Physalis peruviana) Has Been Shown to Halt the Progression of Insulin Resistance and Obesity in Obese Rats with Metabolic Syndrome

by Alberto Ángel-Martín, Fabrice Vaillant and Natalia Moreno-Castellanos

Nutrients 2024, 16(3), 365; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16030365 - 26 Jan 2024

Viewed by 1679

Abstract

In a study addressing the high risk of chronic diseases in people with diabetes and obesity linked to metabolic syndrome, the impact of a Golden Berry diet was investigated using a diabetic animal model. Obese rats with diabetic characteristics were fed a diet containing five percent Golden Berry for 16 days. This study focused on various parameters including organ weights, expression of metabolic genes, and urinary biomarkers. Post-Golden Berry intake, there was a notable decrease in the body, liver, pancreas, visceral, and subcutaneous adipose tissue weights in these obese, hyperglycemic rats. In contrast, an increase in brown adipose tissue (BAT) cell mass was observed. This diet also resulted in reduced blood glucose levels and normalized plasma biochemical profiles, including cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and HDL levels. Additionally, it modulated specific urinary biomarkers, particularly pipe-colic acid, a primary marker for type 2 diabetes. Bioinformatics analysis linked these dietary effects to improved insulin signaling and adipogenesis. Regular consumption of Golden Berry effectively prevented insulin resistance and obesity in rats, underscoring its significant health benefits and the protective role of an antioxidant-rich diet against metabolic syndrome. These findings offer promising insights for future therapeutic strategies to manage and prevent obesity and related chronic diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet Composition, Eating Habits and Their Impact on Metabolic Diseases)

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26 pages, 5021 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Overnutrition during Pregnancy and Lactation Induces Gender-Dependent Dysmetabolism in the Offspring Accompanied by Heightened Stress and Anxiety

by Gonçalo M. Melo, Adriana M. Capucho, Joana F. Sacramento, José Ponce-de-Leão, Marcos V. Fernandes, Inês F. Almeida, Fátima O. Martins and Silvia V. Conde

Nutrients 2024, 16(1), 67; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16010067 - 25 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1259

Abstract

Maternal obesity and gestational diabetes predispose the next generation to metabolic disturbances. Moreover, the lactation phase also stands as a critical phase for metabolic programming. Nevertheless, the precise mechanisms originating these changes remain unclear. Here, we investigate the consequences of a maternal lipid-rich diet during gestation and lactation and its impact on metabolism and behavior in the offspring. Two experimental groups of Wistar female rats were used: a control group (NC) that was fed a standard diet during the gestation and lactation periods and an overnutrition group that was fed a high-fat diet (HF, 60% lipid-rich) during the same phases. The offspring were analyzed at postnatal days 21 and 28 and at 2 months old (PD21, PD28, and PD60) for their metabolic profiles (weight, fasting glycemia insulin sensitivity, and glucose tolerance) and euthanized for brain collection to evaluate metabolism and inflammation in the hypothalamus, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex using Western blot markers of synaptic dynamics. At 2 months old, behavioral tests for anxiety, stress, cognition, and food habits were conducted. We observed that the female offspring born from HF mothers exhibited increased weight gain and decreased glucose tolerance that attenuated with age. In the offspring males, weight gain increased at P21 and worsened with age, while glucose tolerance remained unchanged. The offspring of the HF mothers exhibited elevated levels of anxiety and stress during behavioral tests, displaying decreased predisposition for curiosity compared to the NC group. In addition, the offspring from mothers with HF showed increased food consumption and a lower tendency towards food-related aggression. We conclude that exposure to an HF diet during pregnancy and lactation induces dysmetabolism in the offspring and is accompanied by heightened stress and anxiety. There was sexual dimorphism in the metabolic traits but not behavioral phenotypes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet Composition, Eating Habits and Their Impact on Metabolic Diseases)

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16 pages, 1769 KiB

Open AccessArticle

by Bianca Heller, Florian P. Reiter, Hans Benno Leicht, Cornelia Fiessler, Ina Bergheim, Peter U. Heuschmann, Andreas Geier and Monika Rau

Nutrients 2023, 15(18), 3942; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15183942 - 12 Sep 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1277

Abstract

Background: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) imposes a significant burden on Westernized regions. The Western diet, high in salt intake, significantly contributes to disease development. However, there are a lack of data on salt literacy and salt intake among MASLD patients in Germany. Our study aims to analyze daily salt intake and salt-intake-related behavior in MASLD patients. Methods: 234 MASLD patients were prospectively included. Daily salt intake and salt-intake-related behavior were assessed via a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ—DEGS) and a salt questionnaire (SINU). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS. Results: Mean daily salt intake was higher in men than in women (7.3 ± 5 g/d vs. 5.3 ± 4 g/d; p < 0.001). There was significant agreement between increased daily salt intake (>6 g/d) and the behavioral salt index (SI) (p < 0.001). Men exhibited higher SI scores compared to women, indicating lower awareness of salt in everyday life. Multivariate analysis identified specific salt-intake-related behaviors impacting daily salt consumption. Conclusions: Our study reveals a strong link between daily salt intake and salt-intake-related behavior, highlighting sex-specific differences in an MASLD cohort. To enhance patient care in high-cardiovascular-risk populations, specific behavioral approaches may be considered, including salt awareness, to improve adherence to lifestyle changes, particularly in male patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet Composition, Eating Habits and Their Impact on Metabolic Diseases)

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16 pages, 1162 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Microbiome, Epigenome, and Diet in Adults with Obesity during Behavioral Weight Loss

by Emily B. Hill, Iain R. Konigsberg, Diana Ir, Daniel N. Frank, Purevsuren Jambal, Elizabeth M. Litkowski, Ethan M. Lange, Leslie A. Lange, Danielle M. Ostendorf, Jared J. Scorsone, Liza Wayland, Kristen Bing, Paul S. MacLean, Edward L. Melanson, Daniel H. Bessesen, Victoria A. Catenacci, Maggie A. Stanislawski and Sarah J. Borengasser

Nutrients 2023, 15(16), 3588; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15163588 - 16 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 9634

Abstract

Obesity has been linked to the gut microbiome, epigenome, and diet, yet these factors have not been studied together during obesity treatment. Our objective was to evaluate associations among gut microbiota (MB), DNA methylation (DNAme), and diet prior to and during a behavioral weight loss intervention. Adults (n = 47, age 40.9 ± 9.7 years, body mass index (BMI) 33.5 ± 4.5 kg/m², 77% female) with data collected at baseline (BL) and 3 months (3 m) were included. Fecal MB was assessed via 16S sequencing and whole blood DNAme via the Infinium EPIC array. Food group and nutrient intakes and Healthy Eating Index (HEI) scores were calculated from 7-day diet records. Linear models were used to test for the effect of taxa relative abundance on DNAme and diet cross-sectionally at each time point, adjusting for confounders and a false discovery rate of 5%. Mean weight loss was 6.2 ± 3.9% at 3 m. At BL, one MB taxon, Ruminiclostridium, was associated with DNAme of the genes COL20A1 (r = 0.651, p = 0.029), COL18A1 (r = 0.578, p = 0.044), and NT5E (r = 0.365, p = 0.043). At 3 m, there were 14 unique MB:DNAme associations, such as Akkermansia with DNAme of GUSB (r = −0.585, p = 0.003), CRYL1 (r = −0.419, p = 0.007), C9 (r = −0.439, p = 0.019), and GMDS (r = −0.559, p = 0.046). Among taxa associated with DNAme, no significant relationships were seen with dietary intakes of relevant nutrients, food groups, or HEI scores. Our findings indicate that microbes linked to mucin degradation, short-chain fatty acid production, and body weight are associated with DNAme of phenotypically relevant genes. These relationships offer an initial understanding of the possible routes by which alterations in gut MB may influence metabolism during weight loss. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet Composition, Eating Habits and Their Impact on Metabolic Diseases)

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17 pages, 2799 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biochemical Changes Induced by the Administration of Cannabis sativa Seeds in Diabetic Wistar Rats

by Camelia Munteanu, Mihaela Mihai, Francisc Dulf, Andreea Ona, Leon Muntean, Floricuța Ranga, Camelia Urdă, Daria Pop, Tania Mihaiescu, Sorin Marian Mârza and Ionel Papuc

Nutrients 2023, 15(13), 2944; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15132944 - 28 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1728

Abstract

The present pilot study investigates the blood biochemical changes induced by hemp seeds in rats with diabetes. The composition of industrial hemp seeds, antioxidant activity, identification and quantification of phenols and fatty acids from hemp oil were determined. The Wistar adult rats used in the experiment were divided into three groups (n = 6) and kept under standard conditions. Group one, the control group (individuals without diabetes), and group two (diabetic individuals) received water and normal food ad libitum, while the third group, also including diabetic individuals, received specific food (hemp seeds) and water ad libitum. Subsequent blood biochemical parameters were determined. Hemp seeds had higher phenol (14 compounds), flavonoids and PUFA contents compared to other plants seeds. In addition, the antioxidant activity in Cannabis sativa was also increased. Moreover, the ratio between n-6 and n-3 was 4.41, ideal for different diseases. Additionally, all biochemical parameters showed significant changes following the treatment. It was shown that high doses of hemp seeds decreased diabetes-induced biochemical damage in rats most probably due to the high content of active compounds. In order to use these seeds in humans, it is essential to find out which hemp compounds are particularly responsible for these effects. Moreover, for the objective investigation of their effects, longer-term studies are needed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet Composition, Eating Habits and Their Impact on Metabolic Diseases)

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23 pages, 3900 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Rare Sugar Metabolism and Impact on Insulin Sensitivity along the Gut–Liver–Muscle Axis In Vitro

by Amar van Laar, Charlotte Grootaert, Andreja Rajkovic, Tom Desmet, Koen Beerens and John Van Camp

Nutrients 2023, 15(7), 1593; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15071593 - 25 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2326

Abstract

Rare sugars have recently attracted attention as potential sugar replacers. Understanding the biochemical and biological behavior of these sugars is of importance in (novel) food formulations and prevention of type 2 diabetes. In this study, we investigated whether rare sugars may positively affect intestinal and liver metabolism, as well as muscle insulin sensitivity, compared to conventional sugars. Rare disaccharide digestibility, hepatic metabolism of monosaccharides (respirometry) and the effects of sugars on skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity (impaired glucose uptake) were investigated in, respectively, Caco-2, HepG2 and L6 cells or a triple coculture model with these cells. Glucose and fructose, but not l-arabinose, acutely increased extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) responses in HepG2 cells and impaired glucose uptake in L6 cells following a 24 h exposure at 28 mM. Cellular bioenergetics and digestion experiments with Caco-2 cells indicate that especially trehalose (α1-1α), D-Glc-α1,2-D-Gal, D-Glc-α1,2-D-Rib and D-Glc-α1,3-L-Ara experience delayed digestion and reduced cellular impact compared to maltose (α1-4), without differences on insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in a short-term setup with a Caco-2/HepG2/L6 triple coculture. These results suggest a potential for l-arabinose and specific rare disaccharides to improve metabolic health; however, additional in vivo research with longer sugar exposures should confirm their beneficial impact on insulin sensitivity in humans. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet Composition, Eating Habits and Their Impact on Metabolic Diseases)

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26 pages, 9093 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exposure to Obesogenic Environments during Perinatal Development Modulates Offspring Energy Balance Pathways in Adipose Tissue and Liver of Rodent Models

by Diana Sousa, Mariana Rocha, Andreia Amaro, Marcos Divino Ferreira-Junior, Keilah Valéria Naves Cavalcante, Tamaeh Monteiro-Alfredo, Cátia Barra, Daniela Rosendo-Silva, Lucas Paulo Jacinto Saavedra, José Magalhães, Armando Caseiro, Paulo Cezar de Freitas Mathias, Susana P. Pereira, Paulo J. Oliveira, Rodrigo Mello Gomes and Paulo Matafome

Nutrients 2023, 15(5), 1281; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15051281 - 4 Mar 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2415

Abstract

Obesogenic environments such as Westernized diets, overnutrition, and exposure to glycation during gestation and lactation can alter peripheral neuroendocrine factors in offspring, predisposing for metabolic diseases in adulthood. Thus, we hypothesized that exposure to obesogenic environments during the perinatal period reprograms offspring energy balance mechanisms. Four rat obesogenic models were studied: maternal diet-induced obesity (DIO); early-life obesity induced by postnatal overfeeding; maternal glycation; and postnatal overfeeding combined with maternal glycation. Metabolic parameters, energy expenditure, and storage pathways in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and the liver were analyzed. Maternal DIO increased VAT lipogenic [NPY receptor-1 (NPY1R), NPY receptor-2 (NPY2R), and ghrelin receptor], but also lipolytic/catabolic mechanisms [dopamine-1 receptor (D1R) and p-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)] in male offspring, while reducing NPY1R in females. Postnatally overfed male animals only exhibited higher NPY2R levels in VAT, while females also presented NPY1R and NPY2R downregulation. Maternal glycation reduces VAT expandability by decreasing NPY2R in overfed animals. Regarding the liver, D1R was decreased in all obesogenic models, while overfeeding induced fat accumulation in both sexes and glycation the inflammatory infiltration. The VAT response to maternal DIO and overfeeding showed a sexual dysmorphism, and exposure to glycotoxins led to a thin-outside-fat-inside phenotype in overfeeding conditions and impaired energy balance, increasing the metabolic risk in adulthood. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet Composition, Eating Habits and Their Impact on Metabolic Diseases)

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15 pages, 756 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association of Healthy Eating Index-2015 and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Patterns with Insulin Resistance in Schoolchildren

by María Dolores Salas-González, Aranzazu Aparicio, Viviana Loria-Kohen, Rosa M. Ortega and Ana M. López-Sobaler

Nutrients 2022, 14(20), 4232; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14204232 - 11 Oct 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1771

Abstract

Background: Diet quality patterns are associated with a lower incidence of insulin resistance (IR) in adults. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between two diet quality indices and IR in schoolchildren and to identify the best diet quality index associated with a lower risk of IR. Methods: A total of 854 schoolchildren (8–13 years) were included in a cross-sectional study, who completed a three-day dietary record to assess their diet. Fasting plasma glucose and insulin were also measured, and anthropometric data were collected. Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015), Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), and adjusted DASH (aDASH) were calculated as diet quality indices. The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was used, and IR was defined as HOMA-IR > 3.16. Results: The prevalence of IR was 5.5%, and it was higher in girls. The mean HEI-2015 and DASH scores were 59.3 and 23.4, respectively, and boys scored lower in both indices. In girls, having a HEI-2015 score above the 33rd percentile was associated with a lower risk of IR (odds ratio [95% CI]: 0.43 [0.19–0.96], p = 0.020). Conclusion: Greater adherence to a healthy dietary pattern, as assessed by a higher HEI-2015 score, was associated with a lower risk of IR in schoolchildren, especially in girls. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet Composition, Eating Habits and Their Impact on Metabolic Diseases)

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15 pages, 10400 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Extended Inter-Meal Interval Negatively Impacted the Glycemic and Insulinemic Responses after Both Lunch and Dinner in Healthy Subjects

by Xuejiao Lu, Zhihong Fan, Anshu Liu, Rui Liu, Xinling Lou and Jiahui Hu

Nutrients 2022, 14(17), 3617; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14173617 - 1 Sep 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2563

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the glycemic and insulinemic effects of lunch timing based on a fixed feeding window, and the effects of apple preload on postprandial glucose and insulin responses after nutrient-balanced lunch and the subsequent high-fat dinner in healthy participants. Twenty-six participants completed four randomized, crossover experimental trials: (1) early standardized lunch at 12:00 (12S); (2) apple preload to 12S (12A+S); (3) late standardized lunch at 14:00 (14S); and (4) apple preload to 14S (14A+S); wherein twenty participants’ blood samples were collected for insulin analysis following the lunch trails. In each experimental trial, each participant equipped with a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) was provided with a standardized breakfast and a high-fat dinner to be consumed at 8:00 and 18:00, respectively. The late lunch (14S) resulted in significantly elevated glucose peak, delayed insulin peak time, decreased insulin sensitivity, and increased insulin resistance following the lunch; also decreased glycemic response following the subsequent dinner and larger blood glucose fluctuation over the 24-h period compared with the 12S. The 14A+S significantly reduced the glucose peak, the insulin peak time and the glycemic variability following the lunch, also the 24-h glycemic variability compared with the 14S. The insulin sensitivity was significantly improved in the 12A+S, compared with that of the 12S. In conclusion, the present study found that an extra 2-h inter-meal fasting before and after lunch resulted in elevated glycemic response in both macronutrient-balanced meal and high-fat meal in healthy subjects. The negative impact of a late lunch could be partly reversed by the apple preload, without a trade-off of insulin secretion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet Composition, Eating Habits and Their Impact on Metabolic Diseases)

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Review

Jump to: Research

18 pages, 2539 KiB

Open AccessReview

Obesity, Gut Microbiota, and Metabolome: From Pathophysiology to Nutritional Interventions

by Zivana Puljiz, Marko Kumric, Josip Vrdoljak, Dinko Martinovic, Tina Ticinovic Kurir, Marin Ozren Krnic, Hrvoje Urlic, Zeljko Puljiz, Jurica Zucko, Petra Dumanic, Ivana Mikolasevic and Josko Bozic

Nutrients 2023, 15(10), 2236; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15102236 - 9 May 2023

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3874

Abstract

Obesity is a disorder identified by an inappropriate increase in weight in relation to height and is considered by many international health institutions to be a major pandemic of the 21st century. The gut microbial ecosystem impacts obesity in multiple ways that yield downstream metabolic consequences, such as affecting systemic inflammation, immune response, and energy harvest, but also the gut–host interface. Metabolomics, a systematized study of low-molecular-weight molecules that take part in metabolic pathways, represents a serviceable method for elucidation of the crosstalk between hosts’ metabolism and gut microbiota. In the present review, we confer about clinical and preclinical studies exploring the association of obesity and related metabolic disorders with various gut microbiome profiles, and the effects of several dietary interventions on gut microbiome composition and the metabolome. It is well established that various nutritional interventions may serve as an efficient therapeutic approach to support weight loss in obese individuals, yet no agreement exists in regard to the most effective dietary protocol, both in the short and long term. However, metabolite profiling and the gut microbiota composition might represent an opportunity to methodically establish predictors for obesity control that are relatively simple to measure in comparison to traditional approaches, and it may also present a tool to determine the optimal nutritional intervention to ameliorate obesity in an individual. Nevertheless, a lack of adequately powered randomized trials impedes the application of observations to clinical practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet Composition, Eating Habits and Their Impact on Metabolic Diseases)

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