Search Results (128)

This study investigated the effects of asparagus powder supplementation on blood glucose regulation, insulin, lipid profile, and oxidative stress in overweight and obese individuals. Forty-four adults aged 18–59 years participated in a 12-week randomized controlled trial and were randomly assigned to receive either asparagus powder (40 mg/kg/day) or a placebo (maltodextrin, 40 mg/kg/day). Assessments included an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and β-cell function (HOMA-B), lipid profile, and oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde [MDA], protein carbonyl, and superoxide dismutase [SOD]). In the asparagus group, OGTT at 30 min and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) significantly decreased, while SOD activity significantly increased (all p < 0.05). In contrast, the placebo group showed significant increases in OGTT at 30 min, insulin, HOMA-IR, HOMA-B, triglycerides (TG), the TG/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio, and the total cholesterol (TC)/HDL-C ratio (all p < 0.05). Between-group comparisons indicated that FBG, area under the BG curve at 30–120 min, TG, TG/HDL-C, and MDA levels were significantly lower in the asparagus group than in the placebo group (all p < 0.05), whereas OGTT, LDL-C, SOD activity, insulin, HOMA-IR, HOMA-B, and TC/HDL-C did not differ significantly. Other indices, including TC, HDL-C, and protein carbonyl, showed no significant within- or between-group differences. In conclusion, 12 weeks of asparagus powder supplementation partially improved glycemic control, lipid profile, and oxidative stress in overweight and obese individuals. These findings suggest a potential role of asparagus as a complementary nutritional strategy to reduce the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease in this population. Full article

Background: Atherogenic dyslipidemia is defined by the coexistence of high triglyceride concentrations, low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and an excess of small, dense particles of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). This lipid profile is strongly associated with an increased burden of cardiovascular disease and represents a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality. To better capture this risk, composite lipid ratios—including total cholesterol to HDL-C (TC/HDL-C), LDL-C to HDL-C (LDL-C/HDL-C), triglycerides to HDL-C (TG/HDL-C), and the atherogenic dyslipidemia index (AD)—have emerged as robust markers of cardiometabolic health, frequently demonstrating superior predictive capacity compared with isolated lipid measures. Despite extensive evidence linking these ratios to cardiovascular disease, few large-scale studies have examined their association with sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle behaviors, and social isolation in working populations. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of a large occupational cohort of Spanish workers evaluated between January 2021 and December 2024. Anthropometric, biochemical, and sociodemographic data were collected through standardized clinical protocols. Indices of atherogenic risk—namely the ratios TC/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C, TG/HDL-C, and the atherogenic dyslipidemia index (AD)—were derived from fasting lipid measurements. The assessment of lifestyle factors included tobacco use, physical activity evaluated through the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern using the MEDAS questionnaire, and perceived social isolation measured by the Lubben Social Network Scale. Socioeconomic classification was established following the criteria proposed by the Spanish Society of Epidemiology. Logistic regression models were fitted to identify factors independently associated with moderate-to-high risk for each lipid indicator, adjusting for potential confounders. Results: A total of 117,298 workers (71,384 men and 45,914 women) were included. Men showed significantly higher odds of elevated TG/HDL-C (OR 4.22, 95% CI 3.70–4.75) and AD (OR 2.95, 95% CI 2.70–3.21) compared with women, whereas LDL-C/HDL-C ratios were lower (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.83–0.89). Advancing age was positively associated with all lipid ratios, with the highest risk observed in participants aged 60–69 years. Lower social class, smoking, physical inactivity, poor adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and low social isolation scores were consistently linked to higher atherogenic risk. Physical inactivity showed the strongest associations across all indicators, with ORs ranging from 3.54 for TC/HDL-C to 7.12 for AD. Conclusions: Atherogenic dyslipidemia and elevated lipid ratios are strongly associated with male sex, older age, lower socioeconomic status, unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, and reduced social integration among Spanish workers. These findings highlight the importance of workplace-based cardiovascular risk screening and targeted prevention strategies, particularly in high-risk subgroups. Interventions to promote physical activity, healthy dietary patterns, and social connectedness may contribute to lowering atherogenic risk in occupational settings. Full article

Background: Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although lipid-derived atherogenic indices are widely used for cardiovascular risk assessment, their relationship with sociodemographic factors, lifestyle behaviors, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in occupational populations remains insufficiently explored. This study aimed to evaluate the association between atherogenic risk, measured by total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TC/HDL-c), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c/HDL-c), triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-c), and atherogenic dyslipidemia (AD) and sociodemographic, lifestyle, and HRQoL variables in a large cohort of Spanish workers. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 100,014 Spanish workers aged 18–69 years, of whom 39.9% were women, with a mean age of 38.2 years (SD 10.2 or IQR) and 38.9 years (SD 10.3 or IQR) for men, during the health examinations carried out between 2021 and 2024. Sociodemographic variables included sex, age group, and occupational social class. Lifestyle factors comprised smoking status, adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MEDAS score), and physical activity (IPAQ categories). HRQoL was assessed using the 12-item Short Form Survey (SF-12), stratified into good vs. poor categories. Logistic regression models were applied to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for moderate-to-high atherogenic risk across indices, adjusting for potential confounders. Results: Men exhibited a lower likelihood of moderate-to-high TC/HDL-c and LDL-c/HDL-c but a markedly higher probability of elevated TG/HDL-c and AD compared to women (OR range: 0.42–3.67, p < 0.001). A clear age-related gradient was observed across all indices, with participants aged 60–69 showing the highest risk (OR range: 2.28–7.84, p < 0.001). Lower social class, smoking, physical inactivity, poor diet, and poor SF-12 scores were significantly associated with increased atherogenic risk, with physical inactivity (OR up to 8.61) and poor diet (OR up to 4.98) emerging as the strongest predictors. Conclusions: Atherogenic risk in this large working cohort is strongly influenced by both traditional cardiovascular risk factors and HRQoL. Integrating lifestyle modification and quality-of-life improvement strategies into workplace health programs could substantially reduce the atherogenic burden. Longitudinal research is needed to confirm these associations and guide targeted interventions. Full article

Background: Present ACS risk stratification predominantly depends on LDL-C, yet its diagnostic accuracy for coronary plaque burden remains limited. We examined whether extensive lipid profiling, specifically the TG/HDL-C ratio, could function as a more effective diagnostic instrument for forecasting significant plaque burden in treatment-naïve first-time ACS patients. Methods: Among 722 ACS patients screened, 376 treatment-naïve patients undergoing PCI with complete lipid data were included. Exclusions (n = 346) were due to prior CAD, lipid-lowering therapy, renal/hepatic dysfunction, malignancy, pregnancy, or incomplete data. Coronary plaque burden was quantified by QCA, and patients were stratified by lesion count (0, 1, 2, 3, ≥4). The levels of lipids (LDL-C, HDL-C, TC, TG) and their ratios (LDL/HDL-C, TC/HDL-C, TG/HDL-C) were measured. Analyses included ANOVA (with Bonferroni correction), correlation, ordinal regression, and logistic regression (≥3 vs. <3 lesions). ROC analysis determined thresholds. Results: TG/HDL-C ratio increased progressively from 3.3 (0 lesions) to 5.3 (≥4 lesions). After Bonferroni correction, only TG/HDL-C retained significance (p = 0.009). Logistic regression confirmed TG/HDL-C as an independent predictor of high plaque burden (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.09–1.42, p = 0.004), outperforming LDL-C. Conclusions: TG/HDL-C ratio is a superior diagnostic biomarker compared to LDL-C for identifying extensive coronary plaque burden. Integration into admission lipid profiling offers a cost-effective, actionable tool. Full article

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), especially in Middle Eastern populations with a high metabolic burden. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive utility of different lipid ratios, including triglyceride-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C), total cholesterol (TC)/HDL-C, low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C)/HDL-C, and non-HDL-C/HDL-C, for identifying MetS. In addition, we aimed to characterise the underlying metabolic dysregulation using the most predictive lipid ratio by comparing metabolomic profiles between high-risk (T3) and low-risk (T1) groups. Method: We conducted a cross-sectional study using data from 2179 Qatari adults without CVD and/or T2DM. The predictive value of each lipid ratio for MetS was compared. Untargeted metabolomics was performed to profile metabolic changes between T3 and T1. Results: After adjustment for age, sex, and BMI, TG/HDL-C showed the highest discriminative ability for MetS (AUC = 0.896, 95% CI: 0.88–0.91; OR = 4.36, 95% CI: 3.63–5.28, p < 0.0001). In pairwise AUC comparisons, TG/HDL-C outperformed LDL-C/HDL-C (p = 2.6 × 10⁻⁴, after correction for multiple comparisons), with no significant differences versus other ratios. The high-risk group exhibited raised levels of phosphatidylethanolamines, phosphatidylinositols, and diacylglycerols, and lower levels of sphingomyelins and plasmalogens. These lipid classes have been suggested to be implicated in insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction. Elevated monoacylglycerols were identified in high-TG/HDL-C groups, representing a previously underreported pattern. Conclusions: The TG/HDL-C ratio showed a better association with MetS compared with other lipid ratios and was linked to distinct metabolomic signatures. These findings suggest potential value for early risk evaluation, but longitudinal and mechanistic studies are needed to confirm clinical applicability. Full article

Background/Objectives: While the benefits of almond consumption in reducing levels of TC and LDL-C are well established, the effects on additional lipids that have emerged as important predictors of cardiovascular disease, such as ApoB and the ratio of ApoB:ApoA, are not well characterized. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the effects of almond consumption on blood lipids were comprehensively assessed. Methods: On 12 May 2025, ProQuest Dialog™ was used to search ten literature databases (AdisInsight: Trials; Allied & Complementary Medicine™; BIOSIS Previews^®; CAB ABSTRACTS; Embase^®; Embase Preprints; Foodline^®: SCIENCE; FSTA^®; MEDLINE^®; National Technical Information Service). Randomized controlled trials at least 4 weeks in duration were included if the investigational product was almonds; the control was void of nuts/tree nuts; the subjects were adults without CVD; and blood lipid levels were assessed. Health Canada’s Quality Appraisal Tool for Intervention Studies was used to assess each study’s risk of bias. The mean difference in the effect for each parameter was pooled across studies in a random effects model, using the inverse of the variance as the weighting factor. Results: 36 publications (48 almond–control datasets) representing 2485 participants were included. Almond consumption significantly reduced LDL-C (−0.132 mmol/L; 95% CI: −0.190, −0.075 mmol/L; p < 0.001), TC (−0.160 mmol/L; 95% CI: −0.218, −0.101 mmol/L; p < 0.001), non-HDL-C (−0.204 mmol/L; 95% CI: −0.281, −0.127 mmol/L; p < 0.001), TC:HDL-C (−0.154; 95% CI: −0.246, −0.063; p = 0.001), LDL-C:HDL-C (−0.112; 95% CI: −0.199, −0.026; p = 0.011), ApoB (−4.552 mg/dL; 95% CI: −6.460, −2.645 mg/dL; p < 0.001), and ApoB:ApoA (−0.027; 95% CI: −0.046, −0.008; p = 0.006), with a borderline significant reduction in TG (−0.037 mmol/L; 95% CI: −0.079, 0.005; p = 0.085) and no effects on HDL-C, ApoA, or Lp[a]. The effects persisted when the analyses were limited to higher quality studies, except for the reduction in TG. Conclusions: Almond consumption improves levels of LDL-C, TC, non-HDL-C, TC:HDL-C, LDL-C:HDL-C, ApoB, and ApoB:ApoA, though dedicated clinical trials are needed to better understand effects on TG levels. Full article

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a frequently encountered medical complication during pregnancy that is increasing at a rapid pace globally, posing significant public health concerns. Similarly, there is a rising trend in the number of women who have utilized assisted reproductive technology (ART). Numerous studies have been carried out to investigate the relationship between GDM and ART. This comprehensive systematic review seeks to identify potential biomarkers for the early diagnosis of GDM in pregnancies conceived through ART. We conducted a PubMed search covering the past five years to identify studies that explore biomarkers associated with the development of GDM in pregnancies conceived through ART. The outcome measures included human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), the body mass index (BMI), the Follicle Stimulating Hormone to Luteinizing Hormone (FSH/LH) ratio, increased hemoglobin A1c levels, fasting insulin concentrations, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), triglyceride levels, total cholesterol levels, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations, low-density lipoprotein/high-density lipoprotein (LDL/HDL), total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein (TC/HDL), the estradiol/follicle ratio, soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1), Placental Growth Factor (PLGF), endometrial thickness, and psychological stress. Seventeen studies were included. The identification and development of serum or ultrasound biomarkers for the early detection of GDM in pregnancies conceived through ART pose considerable challenges. These challenges arise from the multifactorial nature of GDM, the methodological variations in ART, and the limited availability of relevant studies. The most promising biomarker identified was the estradiol/follicle ratio. Women with a higher estradiol/follicle ratio exhibited significantly lower rates of GDM. There is a pressing necessity for biomarkers to enable the early detection of GDM in pregnancies conceived through ART. E2 levels, β-hCG, and the E2/F ratio, along with the TC/HDL and LDL/HDL ratios, show potential as reliable biomarkers for identifying GDM. Full article

Background/Objectives: As part of the human adaptation to dairy consumption, the presence of the rs4988235-T variant in the MCM6 gene primarily determines lactase persistence in adult European populations, increasing the expression of the lactase-encoding LCT gene. Carriers of the C/C variant are lactose intolerant, while carriers of the T/T or T/C variant have persistent lactase enzyme activity and are able to digest lactose in adulthood. While the association between lactose intolerance and increased cardiovascular risk (CVR) is well-known, the underlying causes have only been partly explored. The present study aimed to investigate the association of rs4988235 polymorphism with significant lipids affecting cardiovascular health and estimated CVR. Methods: The rs4988235 polymorphism was genotyped in 397 subjects from the general Hungarian population and 368 individuals from the Roma population. To characterize the overall lipid profile, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), apolipoprotein AI (ApoAI), and apolipoprotein B100 (ApoB100) levels were measured, and their ratios (TG/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C, and ApoB100/ApoAI) were calculated. Cardiovascular risk was estimated using the Framingham Risk Score (FRS), Pooled Cohort Equations (PCE), Revised Pooled Cohort Equations (RPCE), and the Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluations (SCORE and SCORE2) algorithms. Adjusted linear and logistic regression analyses were performed, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Results: The Roma population had a significantly higher prevalence of the C/C genotype than the general population (65.5% vs. 40.3%, respectively). The results of the adjusted linear regression analysis showed a significant association between the C/C genotype and higher LDL-C level (B = 0.126, p = 0.047) and ApoB100 level (B = 0.046, p = 0.013), as well as a higher LDL-C/HDL-C ratio (B = 0.174, p = 0.021) and a higher ApoB100/ApoAI ratio (B = 0.045, p = 0.002), as well as a lower HDL-C level (B = −0.041, p = 0.049). The C/C genotype was also significantly associated with an increased cardiovascular risk (CVR) as estimated by the SCORE (B = 0.235, p = 0.034), SCORE2 (B = 0.414, p = 0.009), PCE (B = 0.536, p = 0.008), and RPCE (B = 0.289, p = 0.045) but not the FRS. After adjusting the statistical model further for ApoAI and ApoB100 levels, the significant correlation with the risk estimation algorithms disappeared (SCORE: p = 0.099; SCORE2: p = 0.283; PCE: p = 0.255; and RPCE: p = 0.370). Conclusions: Our results suggest that the C/C genotype of rs4988235 is associated with significantly higher ApoB100 and lower ApoAI levels and consequently higher ApoB100/ApoAI ratios, potentially contributing to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The results of the statistical analyses suggest that the association between lactose intolerant genotype and cardiovascular risk may be mediated indirectly via modification of the apolipoprotein profile. Full article

Background: Lipid disturbance is a hallmark of cardiometabolic abnormalities and a primary contributor to cardiovascular disease risk. Immunometabolic markers show promise for better risk classification. This study evaluated the uric acid to Platelet ratio (UAPR) as lipid abnormality marker in a broad cohort of Saudi adults. Methods: Data from 7781 adults in the Elta Medical Laboratory database were analysed. Subjects were stratified by lipid status, and UAPR levels were analyzed. Additionally, lipid abnormality distribution across UAPR tertiles and risk profiles, including ROC analysis, were evaluated. Results: UAPR were markedly increased in patients with abnormal lipid profiles while high UAPR (H-UAPR) subjects showed multiple dyslipidemic patterns including elevated levels of triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), non-high-density lipoprotein (non-HDL-C), and remnant cholesterol (RC), alongside reduced HDL-C levels. Notably, UAPR correlated with all lipid parameters, most strongly and inversely with HDL-C (r = −0.314) and remained independently associated with TG and HDL-C in multivariable regression. Consistently, H-UAPR was common across all dyslipidemic forms, especially low HDL-C, nearly twice as frequent as in N-UAPR (52.4% vs. 35.0%). The odds were specifically increased for low HDL-C (OR = 2.02, p < 0.0001) and a high TC/HDL-C ratio (OR = 2.94, p < 0.0001) in H-UAPR patients. ROC analysis demonstrated that UAPR had moderate yet significant diagnostic performance, particularly for identifying high TC/HDL-C (AUC = 0.671, p < 0.001) and HDL-C (AUC = 0.618, p < 0.001). Conclusions: UAPR shows considerable promise as an immunometabolic marker linked to various dyslipidemic forms with potential for hyperlipidemia screening and stratification, warranting further validation. Full article

Background: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder characterized by excess body weight, hyperandrogenism, hyperglycemia, and insulin resistance often resulting in hirsutism and infertility. Dietary strategies have been shown to ameliorate metabolic disturbances, hormonal imbalances, and inflammation associated with PCOS. Recent evidence indicates that intermittent fasting (IF) could effectively enhance health outcomes and regulate circadian rhythm; however, its impact on PCOS remain unclear. Objective: Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aims to examine the effect of IF on women diagnosed with PCOS. Methods: Comprehensive research was conducted across three major databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science without date restrictions. Meta-analysis was performed using Cochrane Review Manager Version 5.4 software. Results: Five studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. IF significantly reduced body weight (MD = −4.25 kg, 95% CI: −7.71, −0.79; p = 0.02), BMI (MD = −2.05 kg/m², 95% CI: −3.26, −0.85; p = 0.0008), fasting blood glucose (FBG; MD = −2.86 mg/dL, 95% CI: −4.83, −0.89; p = 0.004), fasting blood insulin (FBI; MD = −3.17 μU/mL, 95% CI: −5.18, −1.16; p = 0.002), insulin resistance (HOMA-IR; MD = −0.94, 95% CI: −1.39, −0.50; p < 0.0001), triglycerides (TG; MD = −40.71 mg/dL, 95% CI: −61.53, −19.90; p = 0.0001), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S; MD = −33.21 μg/dL, 95% CI: −57.29, −9.13; p = 0.007), free androgen index (FAI; MD = −1.61%, 95% CI: −2.76, −0.45; p = 0.006), and C-reactive protein (CRP; MD = −2.00 mg/L, 95% CI: −3.15, −0.85; p = 0.006), while increasing sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG; SMD = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.22, 0.77; p = 0.004). No significant changes were observed in waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), total cholesterol (TC), LDL, HDL, total testosterone (TT), or anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH). Conclusions: IF represents a promising strategy for improving weight and metabolic, hormonal, and inflammatory profiles in women with PCOS. However, the existing evidence remains preliminary, necessitating further robust studies to substantiate these findings. Full article

Background and Objectives: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a major public health concern associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. It was found that even physiological pregnancy is followed by a significant shift in serum lipid profile, and even more pronounced in GDM pregnancies. We aimed to comprehensively assess lipid parameters among pregnant women with and without GDM. Materials and Methods: A systematic review, covering PubMed, WoS, and SCOPUS until 23 July 2024, with meta-analysis and meta-regression, was conducted, comprising studies measuring TG, TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, VLDL-C, and TG/HDL ratio in pregnant women diagnosed with GDM, and those with normal glucose tolerance. The overall effect size measure was the SMD. NOS and JADAD scales were used for quality assessment, I² statistics for heterogeneity evaluation, and funnel plots for publication bias inspection. Results: A total of 457 studies were included in the qualitative analysis, and 74, 277, and 122 studies were included in the quantitative analysis for the 1st 2nd, and 3rd trimester, respectively. TG and TG/HDL levels were significantly elevated in all three trimesters (TG: SMD = 0.61, 0.57, and 0.48, p < 0.001 for all, and TG/HDL: SMD = 0.44, 0.66, and 0.49; p < 0.001 for all), while TC and LDL-C levels showed significant increases in the 1st and 2nd trimesters (TC: SMD = 0.38, 0.27, p < 0.001 for both, LDL-C: SMD = 0.33, 0.20, p < 0.001 for both), in pregnant women with GDM compared to those without the condition. Conclusions: GDM is associated with significant lipid abnormalities, particularly elevated TG and decreased HDL-C levels. These lipid changes are most pronounced in the first and second trimesters, highlighting the importance of early detection and management. Full article

In Arctic residents, blood lipids fluctuate seasonally in response to changes in light exposure (LE) patterns. This study investigates which aspects of LE (timing, dynamic range, and duration) are related to lipid profiles. We analyzed actigraphy data measuring LE and blue light exposure (BLE) along with blood determinations from 27 residents across different seasons. We assessed circadian parameters of melatonin in a subset of participants. We found that features of BLE and melatonin significantly predicted lipids: An earlier BLE acrophase was associated with higher HDL-C (β = −0.246, p = 0.013). Nighttime BLE was positively associated with TC (β = 0.290, p = 0.008) and LDL-C (β = 0.253, p = 0.025). The normalized circadian amplitude of BLE was inversely associated with the TG/HDL ratio (β = −0.384, p < 0.001). Finally, earlier melatonin was associated with lower TG/HDL (β = 0.464, p = 0.007). Results remained significant after adjusting for co-factors of photoperiod duration, age, sex, and indigeneity. These findings suggest that patterns of LE (circadian light hygiene) could be a way to improve cardiovascular health. Full article

Background: The Mediterranean diet is considered one of the healthiest and safest diets for preventing chronic diseases. The primary objective of this study was to assess the association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and the occurrence of prediabetes in a representative population of Bialystok, Poland. Prediabetes is a condition characterized by elevated blood glucose levels that are higher than normal but not yet in the diabetic range, indicating an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Methods: The study participants were selected into healthy control (HC) and prediabetic (PreD) groups based on age and gender. Biochemical measurements included total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), fasting glucose (FG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6). Additionally, blood pressure, handgrip strength, anthropometric parameters, and body composition were measured. Information on patients’ social data, medical history, and lifestyle history was collected using questionnaires developed for this study. A standardized questionnaire, the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), was used to assess life satisfaction. Dietary total antioxidant capacity (DTAC) and dietary total polyphenol intake (DTPI) were determined using a 3-day nutritional interview and appropriate databases containing information on polyphenols and the antioxidant potential of food products. To assess adherence to the Mediterranean diet recommendations, a 9-item Mediterranean Diet Index (MDI) was used. Results: It was found that the mean MDI for the entire group was low (3.98 ± 1.74), and the HC was characterized by a significantly higher MDI compared to the PreD. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between MDI and HDL-C, whereas a negative correlation was found between MDI and FG, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), IL-6, body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), waist circumference, visceral fat mass, android/gynoid fat ratio. Conclusions: Abdominal obesity was shown to significantly reduce life satisfaction. In model 3, after adjusting for age, sex, dietary energy intake, alcohol consumption, and smoking, each additional MDI point indicated a 10% lower risk of prediabetes. Full article

The sarcopenic obesity-related phenotype (SOP) is defined by the coexistence of sarcopenia and obesity, leading to heightened disability, morbidity, and mortality. Its multifactorial pathogenesis involves chronic inflammation and metabolic alterations. In this cross-sectional study, 562 women were classified into four groups: control, sarcopenic, obese, and SOP. Body composition measurements, including fat mass, skeletal muscle mass, and extracellular water (ECW), were assessed using the bioimpedance method. Several inflammatory biomarkers were measured in plasma samples by ELISA. Discriminant function analysis identified age, ECW, chemerin, the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), and the ratio of total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TC/HDL-C) as significant discriminators among groups, clearly distinguishing SOP from control. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that these variables were independently associated with SOP status (SOP vs. control), regardless of age, with odds ratios (ORs) ranging from 1.87 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.23–2.85) for SII to 7.77 (95% CI: 3.67–16.44) for ECW. A generalized estimating equation (GEE) analysis further demonstrated that SOP significantly increased the odds (OR: 3.04; 95% CI: 1.39–6.67) of multimorbidity (hypertension (HTN) + hyperlipidemia (HLD) + type 2 diabetes (D2T)). These findings suggest SOP is a clinically relevant phenotype linked to cardiometabolic comorbidities and systemic inflammation. Identifying SOP using accessible body composition and biomarker assessments may support early risk stratification and guide personalized preventive strategies in clinical care. Full article

Atherogenic dyslipidemia is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. While lipid abnormalities are well-established clinical risk factors, growing evidence highlights the influence of sociodemographic and lifestyle determinants on lipid profiles. However, large-scale epidemiological data addressing these associations within occupational settings remain limited. Objective: To assess the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between atherogenic risk—measured through TC/HDL-c, LDL-c/HDL-c, TG/HDL-c ratios, and atherogenic dyslipidemia (AD)—and sociodemographic variables, health behaviors, and alcohol consumption in a large cohort of Spanish workers. Methods: A dual-phase study was conducted. The first phase was a cross-sectional analysis of 139,634 workers (83,282 men; 56,352 women) from multiple employment sectors undergoing routine occupational health assessments. The second phase was a longitudinal study of a subsample (n = 40,431) with complete data from 2009 and 2019. Clinical, anthropometric, and biochemical data were collected using standardized protocols. Lifestyle factors (smoking, physical activity, Mediterranean diet adherence, alcohol intake) and socioeconomic indicators (education, occupational class) were recorded. Multinomial logistic regression was used to determine independent associations with high-risk atherogenic profiles. Results: Higher atherogenic indices and prevalence of AD were associated with advancing age, lower educational level, lower social class, smoking, physical inactivity, poor diet quality, and alcohol consumption. Men exhibited higher TG/HDL-c and AD values, whereas women had higher TC/HDL-c and LDL-c/HDL-c. Physical inactivity showed the strongest association with TG/HDL-c (OR: 36.23; 95% CI: 32.12–40.35) and AD (OR: 16.86; 95% CI: 14.80–18.93). Alcohol intake also independently predicted higher TG/HDL-c (OR: 1.60) and AD (OR: 1.79). Over the decade, a general increase in atherogenic risk was observed, especially among older adults, socially disadvantaged groups, and those with unhealthy behaviors. Conclusions: Sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, particularly physical inactivity and alcohol consumption, are strongly associated with adverse atherogenic profiles in the working population. The observed rise in lipid-related cardiovascular risk over the past decade emphasizes the urgent need for workplace-based health promotion strategies targeting modifiable behaviors and structural health inequalities. Full article