Search Results (36,999)

Background: Phelan–McDermid syndrome (PMS), caused by SHANK3 variants or 22q13.3 deletions, often includes systemic features such as gastrointestinal and hepatic abnormalities. This study highlights the overlap between PMS and metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), focusing on PNPLA3 variants and underscoring the need for structured metabolic monitoring. Methods: We describe a 25-year-old male with PMS due to a 22q13.33 microdeletion involving SHANK3. He exhibited developmental delay, seizures, and hypotonia. Genetic testing revealed homozygosity for the PNPLA3 p.I148M variant. Clinical, anthropometric, biochemical, imaging, and metabolic investigations were performed, including liver ultrasound and metabolic profiling of lymphoblastoid cell lines. Results: Ultrasound revealed moderate hepatic steatosis consistent with MASLD. After ursodeoxycholic acid treatment and a Mediterranean-style diet, steatosis improved to mild. Metabolic profiling demonstrated increased nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide generation under metabolic stimuli, suggesting altered energy homeostasis. Conclusions: We highlight the contribution of PNPLA3 to MASLD in PMS and support systematic hepatic monitoring. Genotype–phenotype associations in PMS may provide insights relevant to MASLD research and clinical management. Full article

Trophic ecology is an important aspect to consider when studying interactions between species, especially in ecologically similar species. We studied the trophic ecology of three sympatric insectivorous lizards in a dune system in the Eastern Iberian Peninsula: Acanthodactylus erythrurus, Psammodromus algirus and Psammodromus edwardsianus. We obtained a total of 485 faecal samples and found 18 different prey groups. The trophic niche breath analysis showed that A. erythrurus was the most specialised species of the three. We also considered two different habitat types and, interestingly, both Psammodromus species had wider trophic niches in the more extreme habitat type where arthropod diversity is expected to be lower. Trophic niche overlaps were especially low between P. algirus and A. erythrurus, indicating resource partitioning, and higher between both Psammodromus species in the suboptimal habitat type. Our results lead to the conclusion that environmental stress could favour trophic generalism (increased trophic niche breadth). This is a very interesting result, especially in the context of climate change and habitat alteration. Full article

Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is a multifactorial condition, and interest in gut–brain interactions is increasing. We conducted a systematic two-step review, registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251083936). Step 1 mapped core OCD biology to gut-relevant pathways, including neuroimmune activation, epithelial barrier function, microbial metabolites, and stress circuitry, to clarify plausible mechanisms. Step 2 synthesized evidence from human and preclinical studies that measured or manipulated microbiota. Searches across PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Cochrane (September 2025) yielded 357 biological and 20 microbiota-focused studies. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist for human studies and SYRCLE’s tool for animal studies. Although taxonomic findings in human cohorts were heterogeneous, functional patterns converged: reduced short-chain fatty acid capacity, enrichment of pro-inflammatory pathways, and host markers of barrier disruption and inflammation correlating with OCD severity. Transferring patient microbiota to mice induced OCD-like behaviors with neuroinflammatory changes, partly rescued by metabolites or barrier-supporting strains. Mendelian randomization suggested possible causal contributions at higher taxonomic levels. Diet, especially fiber intake, and psychotropic exposure were major sources of heterogeneity. Evidence supports the microbiota as a modifiable co-factor in a subset of OCD, motivating diet-controlled, stratified clinical trials with composite host–microbe endpoints. Full article

Isovaleric acidemia (IVA, OMIM 243500) is an inherited disorder of leucine metabolism caused by a deficiency of isovaleryl-CoA dehydrogenase (IVD), leading to an accumulation of isovaleric acid and its derivates 3-hydroxyisovaleric acid, isovaleryl (C5)-carnitine and isovalerylglycine in body fluids. The clinical presentation is highly variable, ranging from life-threatening metabolic crises with metabolic acidosis and hyperammonemia to a clinically asymptomatic only biochemical phenotype. Newborn screening for IVA has been established in many countries. Treatment consists of a protein-restricted diet combined with supplementation of carnitine and/or glycine and emergency treatment in catabolic episodes. Still, evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and management of IVA patients with various phenotypes are lacking. Therefore, a systematic search and review of the literature was conducted to make suggestions for the care of patients with IVA based on both the available scientific evidence and consensus-derived expert conclusions. Based on a comprehensive set of literature data published between 1966 and 2024, 15 statements were phrased on the presentation, diagnosis, management, and outcome of IVA involving clinical, biochemical, and nutrition expertise. These statements can serve as a basis for more standardized care for IVA. Full article

Background/Objectives: Previous studies show that allocating carbohydrates earlier and vegetables/protein later in late-evening meals improves glycemic control in both healthy individuals and those with type 2 diabetes. However, evidence remains insufficient regarding the effects of distributing carbohydrate intake across the day by dividing three regular meals into five smaller meals. Methods: We conducted a randomized, controlled, crossover trial to compare the effects of two dietary patterns: (1) a conventional three-meal pattern with simultaneous intake of all food components, and (2) a five-meal pattern incorporating divided carbohydrate portions and a fixed food order—vegetables first, followed by protein, and then carbohydrates. Eighteen healthy young women consumed the same test meals under both patterns. Glucose fluctuations were monitored using an intermittently continuous glucose monitoring system. Results: The five-meal pattern with food sequencing significantly improved the mean amplitude of glycemic excursions (MAGE; 2.56 ± 0.13 vs. 3.49 ± 0.32 mmol/L, p < 0.01), glucose peak, and incremental area under the glucose curve for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the time above the target glucose range [>7.8 mmol/L; 1.4 ± 0.6 vs. 4.2 ± 1.0%, p < 0.01] compared to the three-meal pattern. Conclusions: These findings suggest that divided carbohydrate intake and food order ameliorates the MAGE in healthy young women. Full article

Valorisation of crab by-products by enzymatic hydrolysis (EH) is proving to be a promising strategy to promote sustainable aquaculture and support a circular economy for crustaceans. Crab processing generates significant amounts of by-products that, if not properly managed, pose an environmental and economic challenge. These by-products are rich in chitin, proteins, and bioactive compounds and offer significant untapped potential for the development of functional feed. This review focuses on the application of enzymatically hydrolysed crab by-products as functional feed additives in aquaculture and their effects on fish growth, health management, and, consequently, human health. Recent studies have shown that EH effectively recovers chitin and bioactive peptides and improves the digestibility and bioavailability of nutrients in aquaculture. The inclusion of crude chitin, along with residual proteins and calcium carbonate, in the diet of farmed fish has been associated with increased growth, improved immune responses, and greater disease resistance, emphasising their critical role in fish health management. In addition, these functional additives contribute to the development of innovative aquafeeds with high added value and improved nutritional quality, while reducing environmental waste. Overall, the utilisation of crustacean by-products through enzymatic hydrolysis represents a valuable tool for the sustainable development of crustacean aquaculture, promotes the circular economy, and supports the development of innovative functional feeds while improving the growth and health of farmed fish, which has a positive impact on human health through their consumption. Full article

The gut microbiota of insects, shaped by extensive coevolution, plays a crucial role in host adaptability and ecological expansion. The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith), a highly polyphagous and migratory invasive pest, infests more than 350 plant species worldwide, resulting in substantial crop losses and increased reliance on pesticide applications. In this study, we employed 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing to investigate diet-induced alternations in the gut microbial communities of larvae fed corn, rice, or an artificial diet. The results showed that diet significantly influenced microbial diversity, with rice-fed larvae exhibiting the highest richness. Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Cyanobacteria were the predominant bacterial phyla. Genus-level analysis revealed notable diet-dependent shifts, with Enterobacter and other genera (e.g., Ochrobactrum and Allorhizobium–Neorhizobium–Pararhizobium–Rhizobium) only detected in plant-fed groups. Additionally, current findings suggest that gut microbial genera are more prevalent when S. frugiperda larvae feed on rice plants than on corn plants or an artificial diet and are closely linked to their metabolic activities. Dominant microbial genera are expected to support essential metabolic processes and exhibit increased abundance on rice. These results indicate that the gut microbiome of S. frugiperda is diet-driven reorganization, potentially facilitating its polyphagy. This study extends the current understanding by elucidating the specific gut microbial taxa and their putative metabolic associations that are responsive to diet in S. frugiperda, thereby providing a theoretical basis for its polyphagous capability and underscoring microbiota-based strategies for sustainable pest management. Full article

Obesity, characterized by the accumulation of excess adipocytes, is a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Medicinal plants, including Hibiscus sabdariffa, have been traditionally employed to prevent or treat conditions such as obesity and inflammation due to their safety profile and minimal side effects during long-term use. However, the anti-obesity potential of Hibiscus syriacus, a taxonomically distinct species within the same genus, remains unexplored. In this study, we screened 181 varieties of H. syriacus buds for anti-obesity effects and identified the water extract of the ‘Pyeonghwa’ bud (HPWE) as a potent inhibitor of adipogenesis. Using 3T3-L1 murine pre-adipocyte cells, we demonstrated that HPWE significantly reduced lipid accumulation without inducing cytotoxicity. Mechanistically, HPWE downregulated the expression of key adipogenic signaling proteins and transcription factors, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha (C/EBPα), which serve as molecular markers of adipogenesis. Additionally, in vivo experiments employing a high-fat-diet-induced obesity mouse model using C57BL/6 species confirmed the anti-obesity effects of HPWE. Collectively, these findings suggest that HPWE represents a promising candidate for the prevention of obesity. Full article

Zeolites are ‘magic stones’ with crystalline structures and unique properties, which enable them to selectively adsorb molecules, including gases. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of different types and doses of zeolites on microorganisms, nutrient digestion, and methane production in the rumen. The study was conducted on five two-year-old Jersey heifers (350 kg live weight) fistulated to the rumen in a 5 × 5 Latin square design divided into five feeding groups: control (basal diet), ZN2 (+120 g clinoptilolite/d), ZS2 (+120 g ZP-4A zeolite/d), ZN4 (+240 g clinoptilolite/d), and ZS4 (+240 g ZP-4A zeolite/d). During five periods of the experiment, the samples of the ruminal fluid and digesta were taken before and 3 h after feeding. The pH value, bacteria and methanogens populations, as well as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and methane production in the rumen were not affected after zeolite addition (p > 0.05). ZN2 diet decreased the number of total protozoa by 41.2% (p = 0.023) and Entodinium spp. by 51.1% (p = 0.021), while ZS2, ZN4, and ZS4 diets reduced Diplodinium population by 70.5% (p < 0.001) 3 h after feeding in comparison to the control diet. An increased population of Ophryoscolex spp. was noted in ZN2 and ZS4 cow 3 h after feeding (p < 0.001; 0.15 × 10⁴/mL and 0.08 × 10⁴/mL vs. 0.02 × 10⁴/mL) when compared to control animals. Furthermore, ZS4 diet increased ammonia (p = 0.007; 3.97 mM/L vs. 2.27 mM/L), tryptamine (p = 0.014; 0.009 µmol/g vs. 0.007 µmol/g) and 1.7-diaminoheptane (p < 0.001; 0.016 µmol/g vs. 0.006 µmol/g) concentrations in the rumen, while phenylethylamine level was 90.9% higher in ZN4 cows (p = 0.007), in comparison to control, depending on time. To summarise, zeolites may act in a type- and dose-dependent manner on the protozoa population and indicators of protein degradation. Full article

Background/Objectives: The Jiangnan diet—a traditional dietary pattern prevalent in Eastern China—is a newly proposed dietary pattern. This study provides additional epidemiological evidence for the promotion of the Jiangnan diet through examining the association between the Jiangnan diet and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methods: A multicenter cross-sectional study was carried out during 2020 among 1084 community-dwelling adults aged 55 years and above across multiple sites in Zhejiang Province, China. Data collection encompassed basic information of the population, cognition (using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment), dietary intake information (using the Food Frequency Questionnaire, FFQ), life pattern, depressive symptoms (using the Mental Health Assessment Scale for the Elderly), and physical examinations (e.g., height, weight). The dietary patterns were assessed using a validated semi-quantitative FFQ. Factor analysis was used to analyze the 16 categories of food intake of the participants, and dietary patterns and the “Jiangnan diet” were extracted. The Jiangnan diet scores were categorized into quartiles: Q1 (lowest) to Q4 (highest). Multivariate logistic regression was employed to examine the association between adherence to the Jiangnan diet and the prevalence of MCI, with results expressed as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: The estimated prevalence of MCI in the study population was 24.6%. The dietary pattern characterized by whole grains, low salt, and low oil was identified as the “Jiangnan diet”. Participants with the highest adherence to the “Jiangnan diet” pattern had 79.2% lower odds of MCI than those with the lowest adherence (odds ratio = 0.208, 95% CI = 0.120~0.362, p < 0.0001) after adjusting for age, frequency of social activities, depression, hypertension, alcohol consumption, and energy intake. Conclusions: High adherence to the Jiangnan diet was associated with lower odds of MCI. To further verify the relationship between the Jiangnan diet and MCI, future studies will focus on longitudinal research exploring different dietary patterns and disease outcomes across various regions. Full article

Background: Psychological vulnerabilities, including early maladaptive schemas (EMSs), emotion regulation difficulties, perceived stress, and limited social support, are increasingly recognized as drivers of maladaptive eating and obesity. These findings underscore the need for health education and health promotion strategies that address psychological determinants of eating behavior. However, few studies integrate these psychological mechanisms with dietary and lifestyle indicators in both community and medical populations. Methods: A total of 1500 adults (aged 18–65 years; 53% women) recruited from community and medical settings participated in the study. Data were collected between January 2018 and February 2025 using standardized paper-based questionnaires. Participants completed validated measures of EMSs (YSQ-S3), emotion regulation (DERS), stress (PSS-10), social support (MSPSS), eating-related behaviors (QERB), diet (FFQ-6; Unhealthy Diet Index [UDI]), and physical activity (IPAQ-SF). Anthropometric indices included body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) as an indicator of central adiposity. Analyses involved multivariate regression, mediation, and moderation models. Results: EMSs were associated with emotional overeating and higher UDI scores. Difficulties in emotion regulation mediated the EMS–eating relationship (β_indirect = 0.27, p < 0.001). Perceived stress amplified, while social support attenuated, the association between EMSs and emotion regulation difficulties. UDI was inversely related to physical activity (β = −0.14, p < 0.01) and positively to sedentary time (β = 0.12, p < 0.01). Both BMI and WC were higher among participants reporting greater stress, emotion dysregulation, and unhealthy eating. All effects remained robust after adjustment for age, gender, and BMI. Conclusions: Early maladaptive schemas and emotion regulation difficulties contribute to unhealthy dietary patterns and central adiposity, with stress and social support acting as contextual moderators. Integrating psychological assessment with validated dietary and lifestyle measures provides a comprehensive framework for obesity prevention and schema-informed interventions. From a lifespan perspective (18–65 years), these findings highlight the need for multidomain strategies targeting cognitive–emotional and behavioral mechanisms of weight regulation. Full article

Sex differences are known to influence both micronutrient metabolism and cardiometabolic health outcomes. However, the extent to which these sex-specific factors interact, particularly in the relationship between micronutrient status and cardiometabolic risk, remains insufficiently understood. The present study aimed to investigate sex differences in health and micronutrient status, and their association with blood lipids, body mass index, and body weight. The final sample size included 488 Austrian adults (median age: 38 years; comprising 256 males and 232 females) who successfully met the inclusion criteria. Blood analyses were conducted to measure whole-blood micronutrients and serum levels of various cardiometabolic health biomarkers, including blood lipids. Micronutrient status (including deficiencies and excesses) was calculated using sex-specific reference ranges. There were significant differences between males and females for most (19 out of 28) blood biomarkers of cardiometabolic health (p < 0.05), with females generally showing a healthier cardiometabolic profile. Significant sex differences were also observed in the adjusted values of three micronutrients: copper was higher in females, while iron and vitamin B₁₂ were higher in males (p < 0.05). Sex differences in micronutrient status indicated a higher prevalence of iron deficiency and copper excess among females (p < 0.05). Different patterns were observed between males and females in the association of blood lipids and body composition with micronutrients and demographic factors. These findings highlight the importance of individualized approaches in preventive and therapeutic health interventions based on differences between males and females. Full article

Herbivorous animals rely on complex gastrointestinal systems and microbial communities to efficiently digest plant-based diets, extract nutrients, and maintain health. Recent advances in metagenomic technologies have enabled high-resolution, culture-independent analysis of gut microbiota composition, functional potential, and host–microbe interactions, providing insights into microbial diversity across the herbivore digestive tract. This review summarizes key findings on the gastrointestinal microbiota of herbivores, focusing on ruminant foregut and non-ruminant hindgut fermentation. Ruminants like cattle, sheep, and goats host microbiota enriched with fibrolytic and methanogenic microbes that facilitate fiber degradation and volatile fatty acid production, contributing significantly to energy balance. In contrast, non-ruminants such as horses and rabbits rely on hindgut fermentation, with distinct microbial taxa contributing to carbohydrate and protein breakdown. The review further explores how specific microbial taxa, including Prevotella, Fibrobacter, and Ruminococcus, correlate with improved feed efficiency and growth performance, particularly in ruminants. Additionally, the roles of probiotics, prebiotics, and symbiotics in modulating gut microbial composition and enhancing productivity are discussed. Despite significant advances, challenges remain in microbial sampling, functional annotation, and understanding the integration of microbiota with host physiology. The review emphasizes the potential of metagenomic insights in optimizing herbivore gut microbiota to improve feed efficiency, health, and sustainable livestock production. Full article

Crohn’s disease (CD) is an immune-mediated inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with a multifactorial pathogenesis involving genetic predisposition, immune dysregulation, and environmental triggers. Dietary patterns have recently garnered growing attention for their potential benefits and risks in patients with IBD. Nutritional therapy has been established as an effective option in pediatric populations, but its role in adults remains less defined. The available studies indicate that while no single diet can be universally recommended, adherence to a Mediterranean diet is associated with multiple health benefits. Nutritional therapy appears promising in inducing clinical remission in adults with mild to moderate CD, particularly when partial enteral nutrition is combined with food-based modifications. Tailoring these strategies to cultural contexts and providing support from qualified dietitians may improve adherence, clinical outcomes, and overall quality of life. This review highlights the growing role of nutritional therapy in adult CD and its potential integration into routine management alongside conventional treatments. Full article

Nutritional factors play a crucial role in many gynecological disorders, particularly those influenced by estrogen. Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that affect a large proportion of women of reproductive age, especially between 30 and 40 years. These lesions may cause significant symptoms, including pelvic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and infertility. In younger women, the onset of fibroids is often associated with familial and genetic predisposition, whereas in adulthood, hormonal influences linked to environmental factors and states of exogenous or endogenous hyperestrogenism are more frequently observed. In both contexts, supportive management through an appropriate diet may provide clinical benefit. Although the precise pathogenesis remains incompletely understood, hormonal, genetic, and environmental components—particularly hyperestrogenism—are considered key contributors to fibroid development. Current evidence suggests that consumption of saturated fats, particularly from red meat and full-fat dairy, may raise circulating estrogen concentrations and contribute to the development of fibroids. In contrast, diets abundant in fiber, fruits, and vegetables appear to exert a protective effect, potentially lowering fibroid risk. Obesity, through increased aromatization and consequent estrogen production, also represents an established risk factor. This narrative review aims to explore the role of nutritional determinants in the onset and progression of uterine fibroids, with a specific focus on the impact of individual nutrients, foods, and dietary patterns on clinical outcomes. Particular emphasis is placed on obesity and macronutrient composition (e.g., high-fat versus high-fiber dietary regimens) as potential modulators of circulating estrogen levels and, consequently, fibroid growth dynamics. Furthermore, the potential of nutritional strategies as complementary therapeutic approaches, capable of integrating established clinical practices, is examined. Full article