Search Results (4,943)

Sterol Carrier Protein X (SCP-x) is an evolutionarily conserved lipid transport protein that plays important roles in sterol metabolism. In insects, cholesterol is an essential component of cellular membranes and the precursor of ecdysteroids, yet insects cannot synthesize cholesterol de novo and must obtain it from dietary sources. However, the functional role of SCP-x in cholesterol absorption and transport in insects remains poorly understood. In this study, the SCP-x gene from the migratory locust Locusta migratoria was identified and characterized using transcriptomic data from the midgut and fat body. The full-length LmSCP-x encodes a 404-amino-acid protein containing both the 3-oxoacyl-CoA thiolase domain and the sterol carrier protein-2 domain. Expression analysis revealed that LmSCP-x is predominantly expressed in the midgut and fat body, and subcellular localization experiments showed that the protein is mainly distributed in the cytoplasm. RNA interference-mediated knockdown of LmSCP-x significantly reduced cholesterol levels in the fat body and delayed nymphal development. Structural prediction using AlphaFold 3 further revealed a conserved three-dimensional structure of the SCP-2 domain, and molecular docking identified key amino acid residues involved in cholesterol binding, which were subsequently validated by bio-layer interferometry assays. Together, these results demonstrate that LmSCP-x plays a crucial role in cholesterol transport in L. migratoria and provide new insights into sterol metabolism in insects, offering potential targets for the development of novel pest management strategies. Full article

Background: Obesity is a well-established risk factor for erectile dysfunction (ED), however, the association between specific dietary habits and sexual function among men with cardiac diseases remains insufficiently characterized. The objective of the present study was to analyze associations among obesity-related factors, dietary habits, and ED in cardiac patients. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was performed in adult men with coronary artery disease (CAD). Erectile function was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). Dietary habits were self-reported. Multivariable analyses were conducted to assess associations between demographic and dietary factors with IIEF scores. Results: 589 patients were included (mean age 60.1 ± 9.7 years; range 28–85). ED was present in 76% of participants, and 81% had excess body weight. Age demonstrated the strongest negative association with IIEF score. Adherence to a low-fat diet was associated with nearly a 2-point higher IIEF score, while each additional daily serving of vegetables was associated with an approximately 0.7-point increase in the IIEF score. Conclusions: Simple dietary modifications, particularly reduced fat intake and increased vegetable consumption, are associated with better erectile function in men with CAD. These findings suggest that dietary factors may be associated with erectile function; however, further prospective and interventional studies are needed to assess their clinical relevance. Full article

Background: Overweight and obesity are major health problems of the 21st century. As a significant risk factor for numerous noncommunicable diseases, obesity is also strongly associated with the development of abdominal hernias, which significantly impair patients’ quality of life. The review focuses on the pathophysiological mechanisms linking obesity to hernias and the impact of key prehabilitation components. Available research indicates a complex interrelationship between obesity and the development of ventral hernias, driven by pathophysiological mechanisms such as increased intra-abdominal pressure and chronic inflammation, which weakens the collagen matrix of the abdominal wall. Furthermore, both smoking and alcohol consumption significantly increase the risk of abdominal obesity and surgical complications; in turn, physical activity is crucial for reducing visceral fat. Psychological support may reduce pre-operative stress and contribute to improved outcomes. Nutritional intervention and weight loss are other essential components of preoperative management for ventral hernia repair. This review aims to highlight the role of prehabilitation in ventral hernia surgery in obese patients and to propose a structured, evidence-based algorithm (DEPP) for this high-risk population. The algorithm includes: Dietary intervention (D), Elimination of smoking and alcohol consumption (E), Physical activity (P), and Psychological support (P). The algorithm was developed to systematize the clinical approach and determine the steps to be taken in the treatment of patients with obesity and abdominal hernia. Methodology: A literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases for articles published between 2010 and 2026. We included randomized controlled trials, prospective/retrospective cohort studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. Conclusions: Prehabilitation is a multifaceted strategy for optimizing the health of patients with obesity prior to abdominal hernia repair. The proposed prehabilitation algorithm, known as DEPP, is a preliminary approach for managing this group of patients. Full article

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Although women generally exhibit a more favorable cardiovascular risk profile than men in the general population, this protection is substantially reduced in the presence of diabetes, resulting in a disproportionately greater relative increase in CVD risk among women. Objective: This review aims to integrate the roles of metabolic phenotypes, dietary exposures, and genetic susceptibility in shaping cardiovascular risk in women with T2DM, with a focus on diet–gene and diet–epigenetic interactions across critical stages of the female life course. Methods: A narrative review of epidemiological, clinical, and mechanistic evidence from recent literature was conducted to synthesize current knowledge on sex-specific cardiometabolic pathways and nutritional determinants of vascular risk in T2DM. Results: Current evidence indicates that several interconnected mechanisms contribute to enhanced cardiovascular vulnerability in diabetic women, including (i) adipose tissue dysfunction and ectopic fat accumulation; (ii) insulin resistance with metabolic inflexibility and lipotoxicity; and (iii) endothelial and microvascular dysfunction driven by impaired nitric oxide signaling. Dietary patterns modulate these pathways through effects on inflammation, oxidative stress, postprandial lipid metabolism, and vascular function. Emerging evidence highlights that genetic variants (e.g., APOE; CETP; TCF7L2) significantly modify metabolic responses to dietary exposures in patients with T2DM; supporting a role for nutrigenetic interactions in shaping cardiovascular risk. In parallel, diet-related epigenetic mechanisms—including metabolic memory and early-life programming—may contribute to long-term and potentially intergenerational cardiometabolic risk. Conclusions: Integrating dietary patterns with genetic susceptibility and epigenetic regulation provides a mechanistic framework for understanding the disproportionate cardiovascular risk in diabetic women and supports the development of sex-specific, life-course-oriented precision nutrition strategies for cardiovascular risk reduction Full article

Background/Objectives: People with HIV (PWH) remain at high risk for cardiovascular and metabolic complications despite effective antiretroviral therapy (ART). Diet quality is an important modifiable factor that may influence these complications. Diets high in ultra-processed foods (UPF) have been linked to adverse metabolic and inflammatory profiles in the general population, but their impact on PWH remains poorly understood. The NOVA 4 classification categorizes foods by degree of processing, from unprocessed/minimally processed (NOVA 1) to UPF (NOVA 4). Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of adults with virologically suppressed HIV on stable ART. Assessments included dietary intake consisting of 24 h recalls analyzed with Nutrition Data System for Research software (NDSR) and classified into NOVA categories by a registered dietitian and the following characteristics: body composition (total and regional fat by DEXA and CT scan abdomen), cardiometabolic variables (glucose, HbA1C, HOMA-IR, lipids, blood pressure), and biomarkers of inflammation, immune activation, and gut integrity quantified by ELISA. Patients were stratified into NOVA 4 groups based on the median and quartile proportions of total energy intake from NOVA 4 foods. Associations between dietary NOVA and outcomes were analyzed using generalized additive models (GAMs) adjusted for age, sex, race, and CD4 count. Results: Among 222 PWH (mean age 45.4 ± 14.2 years; 31% female; 66% non-white; BMI 30.61 ± 7.91 kg/m²), median NOVA 4 intake was 45.6% of total energy intake. Participants with higher vs. lower NOVA 4 intake showed differences in diet quality, but in GAMs, higher NOVA 4 intake was not associated with higher levels of inflammatory, cardiometabolic, gut integrity, and body composition variables. Conclusions: In PWH, UPF consumption was high but not associated with markers of cardiometabolic health, systemic inflammation, or gut integrity. This may reflect the multifactorial nature of the heightened inflammation in PWH, potentially obscuring the effect of diet. Full article

The gut microbiota plays an important role in host physiology and is highly influenced by dietary factors. This study aimed to investigate the effects of cricket powder (CP) supplementation on gut microbiota composition in high-fat diet-fed C57BL/6J mice. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a normal diet or a high-fat diet. Mice fed the high-fat diet were administered low, medium, or high doses of CP by gavage. Serum lipid levels and liver-related biochemical indicators were measured, and gut microbiota composition was analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We found that CP supplementation significantly (p < 0.05) altered gut microbiota diversity and community structure, with differences observed among CP doses. Alpha diversity indices were significantly reduced after the intervention (p < 0.05). Beta diversity analysis showed no significant separation among groups before the intervention, whereas a clear separation in gut microbiota structure was observed after the intervention. Correlation analysis further revealed that beneficial bacterial genera, including Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Akkermansia, were negatively associated with lipid-related parameters. Overall, these findings suggest that CP supplementation can modulate gut microbiota composition under high-fat dietary conditions, indicating its potential role in metabolic regulation. Full article

Background: Vitamin D deficiency remains a widespread public health issue in Europe, despite the availability of sunlight, dietary sources, supplements, and food fortification. National fortification strategies differ substantially in their regulatory approaches, food vehicles, and fortification levels, influencing the population’s vitamin D intake and status. Objective: The primary objective of this study was to map vitamin D food fortification policies across European Union (EU) Member States, European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries, and the United Kingdom (UK), focusing on regulatory frameworks, eligible food categories, and implementation models. Methods: A structured review of national legislation and official guidance on vitamin D food fortification was conducted between December 2025 and March 2026 across EU Member States (n = 27), EFTA countries (n = 4), and the UK. For EU Member States, the framework established by Regulation (EC) No 1925/2006 was examined alongside national implementation measures. For EFTA countries and the UK, corresponding national legislation and official regulatory guidance were reviewed. Data were extracted on fortification policy status, eligible food categories, legal basis, and fortification levels. Targeted searches of PubMed and Scopus were performed to identify modeling studies and policy analyses supporting the interpretation of the findings. Results: Fortification policies show marked heterogeneity. Mandatory fortification is limited to a few countries and specific foods: Finland (homogenized skim milk), Sweden (low-fat milk, fermented dairy, plant-based alternatives, and fat spreads), Belgium (margarine and selected fats), and Poland (margarine and fat spreads). In most other European countries, vitamin D fortification is voluntary under EU legislation or equivalent national legislation, depending on market uptake. Food vehicles vary regionally, with Northern Europe extending fortification beyond fats to include fluid milk and plant-based drinks, whereas other regions mainly fortify margarines, cereals, dairy products, and plant-based beverages. Fortification levels also differ, with some countries specifying maximal or exact levels, while others lack national standards. Data on fortified foods are limited in several Central and Southern European countries. Modeling indicates that multi-vehicle fortification is more effective than single-vehicle approaches, safely increasing population intakes while reducing deficiency prevalence. Conclusions: Vitamin D fortification policies across Europe are highly heterogeneous. Most countries rely on voluntary approaches, which provide limited coverage. Strengthening policy through mandatory and well-coordinated multi-vehicle strategies, informed by modeling and population-based studies, can improve vitamin D intake, reduce deficiency prevalence, and enhance health equity. Full article

Xynomyzithra Kritis, Pichtogalo Chanion, and Xygalo Siteias are protected designation of origin (PDO) soft cheeses from Crete, widely used in local recipes for appetizers, main courses, and desserts. This study analyzed 71 recipes containing these cheeses to evaluate their nutritional composition and compliance with criteria for balanced meals. Only seven recipes (five appetizers with Xynomyzithra Kritis and two main courses with Xygalo Siteias) met all balanced meal criteria. Most recipes exceeded recommended levels of fat and saturated fat, while carbohydrate and sugar content varied by meal type. Plant-based recipes generally showed better compliance than meat-based ones, with meat-based main courses containing significantly higher protein (12.1 g/100 g) than plant-based equivalents (6.4 g/100 g). The findings indicate that recipes containing PDO soft cheeses—particularly those with Pichtogalo Chanion—require reformulation, to improve adherence to nutritional recommendations. These findings offer practical guidance for chefs, consumers, and policymakers aiming to preserve culinary heritage while promoting healthier dietary patterns. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the ameliorative effects of glucuronolactone (GL) as a dietary additive on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced growth suppression and metabolic disorders in turbot. A 10-week feeding trial was conducted using juvenile turbot (16.7 ± 0.03 g). Two diets with different protein (%)/lipid (%) levels were formulated: PC (54/12) and NC (47/17). Based on the NC diet, three experimental diets were prepared by supplementing 200 (G200), 400 (G400), and 600 (G600) mg/kg of GL. The present results show that compared to the PC group, HFDs significantly inhibited the growth performance of turbot and induced severe metabolic disorders, hepatointestinal damage, and gut microbiota dysbiosis. Dietary GL supplementation effectively reversed these adverse effects. Specifically, compared to the NC group, GL supplementation significantly restored growth performance, enhanced non-specific immunity, and systematically improved metabolic health. In the liver, GL notably ameliorated tissue damage and downregulated key lipogenic genes (SREBP1, ACC, FAS, PPARγ), while upregulating genes involved in lipid oxidation and catabolism (PPARα1, CPT1, ACOX1, HSL, LPL) and lipid transport (ApoB100, MTP), thereby alleviating hepatic lipid deposition. Furthermore, GL activated the Nrf2/Keap1 antioxidant pathway, up-regulating the expression of genes such as SOD, CAT, GPX, and HO-1. It also suppressed the NF-κB-mediated inflammatory response (downregulation of IL-1β, IFN-γ and TNF-α2; upregulation of IL-10 and TGF-β2) and the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway (increased Bcl-2/Bax ratio; downregulation of Caspase3/7/9), collectively mitigating oxidative damage and cellular apoptosis. Moreover, GL restored intestinal morphology, enhanced the expression of tight junction proteins (Claudin-3, Claudin-7, ZO-1, Occludin) and MUC2, and inhibited MLCK signaling. These improvements led to a reduction in serum D-LA levels, indicating strengthened intestinal barrier function. Concurrently, GL reshaped the gut microbiota composition by enriching beneficial bacteria such as Akkermansia and suppressing potential pathogens like Listeria. In summary, GL effectively alleviated HFD-induced growth suppression and metabolic damage in turbot by improving lipid metabolism and alleviating hepatic injury, while concurrently restoring intestinal barrier integrity and microbiota homeostasis. Full article

Blending traditional vegetable oils is a cost-effective and practical approach to designing products with targeted levels and ratios of polyunsaturated fatty acids. A blend of 52% sunflower oil and 48% rapeseed oil exhibited a favourable fatty acid profile for balanced nutrition, with high content of monounsaturated oleic acid 42.61 ± 0.25% and sufficient ω-3 linolenic acid 4.29 ± 0.20%. It demonstrated improved hydrolytic and oxidative stability, confirmed by significantly lower acid and peroxide values after 30 days of storage at 20 ± 1 °C compared to pure sunflower oil—by 5.3% and 19.7%, respectively. The accumulation rate of primary oxidation products was 1.5 times lower in the blend (p < 0.05). The developed blend is a promising option for functional fat-containing products aimed at dietary improvement and disease prevention. Full article

Nutrient-sensing nuclear receptors (NSNRs), including PPARs, FXR, LXRs, RAR/RXR, VDR, and related orphan receptors, integrate a molecular interface that allows diet to communicate directly with the genome. By binding fatty acids, bile acids, sterols, vitamins, polyphenols, and other food-derived metabolites, NSNRs translate qualitative and quantitative features of the diet into coordinated transcriptional programmes across metabolically active organs. This ligand-dependent signalling network integrates dietary information to orchestrate inter-organ lipid and glucose metabolism, mitochondrial function, thermogenesis, and immune response, thereby enabling the organism to adapt dynamically to fasting–feeding cycles. In this review, we synthesise current evidence on the integrated roles of major NSNRs in the liver, skeletal muscle, white and brown adipose tissue, and kidney, emphasising how receptor networks within and between metabolic organs collectively govern energy expenditure, substrate partitioning, and systemic metabolic flexibility. We propose a conceptual framework in which diet functions as an “external endocrine organ”, acting as the primary source of chemically diverse NSNR ligands, while metabolic tissues serve as secondary signal amplifiers and integrators. Through circulating lipid species, bile acids, oxysterols, and other metabolites, these organs engage in continuous bidirectional communication that reprograms NSNR activity across tissues. We then examine how the global shift from minimally processed, nutrient-rich foods to nutrient-poor, energy-dense ultra-processed diets leads to a reduction in NSNR ligand diversity, promoting hepatic steatosis, muscle metabolic inflexibility, adipose tissue dysfunction, renal lipotoxicity, and chronic low-grade inflammation, ultimately causing obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiometabolic disease. Finally, we explore strategies to restore NSNR function, including Mediterranean and plant-based dietary patterns, as well as diets enriched with ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fats, and polyphenols. By integrating molecular, physiological, and clinical evidence, this review aims to clarify how NSNR networks translate dietary cues into coordinated inter-organ metabolism and how nutrient-poor diets lead to metabolic diseases trough a loss of metabolic information, rather than merely by energy excess. This framework supports a paradigm shift from calorie-centred nutrition to diet quality as the main therapeutic target for preventing metabolic diseases and promoting health. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary lipid levels on growth performance and transport stress resistance in large-sized channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). Four experimental diets were formulated with fat levels of 7.5% (control), 10.0%, 12.5%, and 15.0%, using soybean oil as the lipid source. Each diet was assigned to four replicate groups in a 110-day feeding trial, with fish averaging 600.61 ± 1.33 g at the start. Results showed that increasing dietary fat enhanced weight gain rate (WGR) and specific growth rate (SGR), with the 15.0% fat group achieving the best growth performance and the lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR), significantly lower than the control (p < 0.05). However, fish fed diets containing 12.5% and 15.0% fat exhibited disorganized hepatocyte arrangement, unclear cell boundaries, and hepatic vacuolization. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities increased initially and then declined with rising fat levels, with the highest values observed at 12.5% fat, significantly exceeding those in the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, after simulated transport, the incidence of skin congestion and hemorrhage increased with dietary fat level. Collectively, while higher fat levels improved growth, excessive fat (≥12.5%) compromised liver health and stress resilience. Therefore, a dietary fat level of 10.0% is recommended to balance optimal growth, hepatic integrity, and transport tolerance in I. punctatus. Full article

Background/Objectives: Metabolic diseases are increasingly associated with diets low in bioactive compounds. Native maize varieties possess functional potential; however, they remain underutilized. Moringa oleifera leaf flour (MF), rich in protein and polyphenols, represents a promising functional ingredient. This study evaluated the incorporation of MF into red native corn tortillas and its effects on nutritional composition and antioxidant capacity, as well as assessed its hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects in Wistar rats. Methods: Tortillas were formulated with 5% MF. Nutritional composition was determined using standard AOAC methods, while bioactive compounds (total phenolics and flavonoids) and antioxidant activity were evaluated using Folin–Ciocalteu, aluminum chloride (AlCl₃) colorimetric, DPPH^•, and ABTS^•+ assays, respectively. Male Wistar rats (12 weeks old, with an approximate weight ofs 360 g; n = 5/group) were fed the experimental diets for 21 days with either a standard diet, a high-fat diet, or high-fat diets supplemented with MF or MF-enriched tortillas. Serum glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and HDL were measured using enzymatic colorimetric methods. Data were analyzed by ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test (p < 0.05). Results: MF incorporation increased protein (+19.85%), dietary fiber (+18.51%), and mineral content (+41.03%) compared to control tortillas. Total phenolics and flavonoids increased by 114.0% and 184.7%, respectively. Antioxidant activity improved significantly, as evidenced by reductions in IC₅₀ values of 41.1% (DPPH^•) and 43.1% (ABTS^•). In vivo, MF-enriched tortillas reduced triglycerides by 68.4%, total cholesterol by 16.2%, and hepatic lipid accumulation by 31.8% compared to the high-fat diet group. Glucose levels showed a reduction of 8.5%, although not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The incorporation of MF into red corn tortillas significantly enhances their nutritional and functional properties. In vivo results also showed improvements in lipid profile and a non-significant reduction in glucose levels. These findings support the development of functional foods based on traditional staples with potential health benefits. Full article

Roselle beverage residue (RBR), a by-product of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. processing, retains bioactive compounds, including soluble and insoluble dietary fiber and polyphenols. Its antihyperglycemic effect in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been previously demonstrated; however, its role in lipid metabolism remains unknown. This study assessed the preventive and therapeutic potential of RBR on dyslipidemia and hepatic steatosis in a rodent model of late-stage T2DM characterized by hyperglycemia and hypoinsulinemia. Male Wistar rats with T2DM induced by a high-fat and high-fructose diet combined with streptozotocin received 6% RBR supplementation as either a preventive intervention (starting at week 1 in healthy rats or week 9 in insulin-resistant rats) or a therapeutic intervention (starting at week 14 in diabetic rats). After 17 weeks, RBR supplementation significantly reduced serum triglycerides and total cholesterol, attenuating hepatic lipid accumulation regardless of the timing of intervention. Hepatic Acadm expression, involved in fatty acid β-oxidation, was significantly upregulated in rats treated with RBR from week 1 and 9, whereas no significant modulation was observed for genes related to fatty acid synthesis or uptake. These findings suggest that RBR supplementation may contribute to improving lipid metabolism and hepatic steatosis in a rat model of late-stage T2DM. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dietary approaches to combating risk factors for cardiovascular disease are valuable, especially for individuals in high-stress occupations like first responders. The purpose of this pilot randomized control trial was to determine the effect of regular peanut butter (PB) supplementation on blood pressure and primary measures of body composition (body fat %, fat mass, and lean mass) in firefighters. Methods: Full-time firefighters (N = 40; 1 woman) were randomly assigned to a control group or a peanut butter group for 7 weeks. Participants in the peanut butter group consumed one serving of peanut butter before bed at least 5 days per week for the intervention period. Participants in the control group continued with their usual diet. Indices of body composition and blood pressure were collected before and after the intervention period and compared using mixed-factorial ANOVAs (α = 0.05). Results: No interaction effects between group and time were observed for blood pressure variables (p = 0.619–0.650). Similarly, the changes among the PB group over time in percent body fat (Δ = −0.53 ± 1.74%), fat mass (Δ = −0.73 ± 2.21 kg), and lean body mass (Δ = 0.04 ± 1.65 kg) were not significantly different than the changes over time in the control group (p ≥ 0.067 for all). Conclusions: Seven-week PB supplementation did not affect male firefighter body composition or blood pressure; however, future studies should investigate longer durations with sophisticated dietary recall methods. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06364202. Full article