Search Results (1,756)

Background/Objectives: Fragility fractures, particularly in the vertebra and hip, are a significant health concern in the elderly, often associated with osteoporosis. Emerging evidence suggests a link between lipid profiles and bone health, but the characteristics of lipid biomarkers in patients with fragility fractures remain underexplored. Methods: This study analyzed serum lipid biomarkers, including total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in 10,540 patients aged 50 and older with either vertebral or hip fragility fractures. We compared lipid levels between the two fracture groups and examined the relationship between lipid profiles and baseline characteristics of patients. Results: Patients with vertebral fractures exhibited significantly higher serum levels of TC, TG, HDL-C, and LDL-C compared to those with hip fractures. These differences remained statistically significant after adjusting for confounding variables. Multivariable regression analysis revealed that age was inversely associated with TC, TG, and LDL-C, but positively associated with HDL-C. All lipid levels were significantly higher in women than in men. Time from fracture to admission and BMI were positively associated with TG levels and inversely associated with HDL-C. Vertebral fracture patients had a higher prevalence of abnormally high TC (3.03% vs. 0.78%), TG (9.15% vs. 3.54%), and LDL-C (2.80% vs. 1.04%), but lower prevalence of abnormally low HDL-C (20.53% vs. 26.66%; p < 0.001 for all). Conclusions: Our findings highlight distinct lipid profile characteristics in patients with vertebral and hip fragility fractures, suggesting that physiological or metabolic changes following different fracture types may differentially influence lipid metabolism. These insights may inform targeted prevention and management strategies for fragility fractures. Full article

Background: The aim of the present study is to compare the potential of a high-fat diet, a high-carbohydrate diet, and a high-fat, high-carbohydrate diet to induce liver injury and visceral obesity within a period of five weeks, identify the pattern and degree of hepatic changes at the tissue level, identify the earliest metabolic markers of specific liver changes induced by each type of diet, and to test the possible beneficial effects of steviol glycosides in a rat experimental model. Methods: Wistar rats (n = 56) were divided into seven groups as follows: group BD (before diet), group SD (standard diet), group HFD (high-fat diet), group HCHD (high-carbohydrate diet), group HFHCHD (high-fat high-carbohydrate diet), group SDS (standard diet supplemented with Stevia extract), and group HFDS (high-fat diet supplemented with Stevia extract). Results: Total cholesterol concentrations (2.02 ± 0.22 mmol/L) increased in the HFD group (2.56 ± 0.82 mmol/L) and in the HFDS group (2.89 ± 0.48 mmol/L). The VLDL values before diets were 0.27 ± 0.11 mmol/L and increased most significantly in the HFHCHD group—1.14 ± 0.62 mmol/L. The baseline ALT values (88.4 ± 10.6 U/L) increased in the HFD group (128.13 ± 19.5 U/L) and the HFDS group (127.00 ± 17.74 U/L). Similar increases were registered in the AST/ALT ratio and ALP. Total bilirubin (7.10 ± 1.39 μmol/L) increased in HFD group (27.86 ± 17.01 μmol/L). Serum NO had the lowest values in groups fed diets supplemented with steviol glycosides. All high-calorie diets induced hepatocellular injury. The mass of the perirenal fat depot and cross-sectional area of adipocytes were highest in HFD, HFHCHD, and HFDS groups. Conclusion: High-calorie diets have the potential to induce visceral obesity and hepatocellular injury within a very short period of time, which produces characteristic histological changes and specific biochemical profile. Steviol glycosides may alleviate some aspects of the inflammatory response, but findings about lipid profile parameters and liver enzymes are controversial. Full article

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most prevalent reproductive, endocrine, and metabolic disorders inflicting women of childbearing age. Dietary interventions have gained interest as non-pharmacological approach to control obesity and metabolic disturbances. However, the effects of intermittent fasting (IF) on metabolic and hormonal profiles of PCOS patients is debatable. Objectives: We performed this systematic review and meta-analysis to explore IF’s effect on PCOS women’s metabolic and hormonal profile (PROSPERO: CRD42024511520). Eligible studies included IF interventions in women with PCOS, with metabolic and hormonal profiles being reported. Methods: A systematic literature search using three databases, including PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science, was conducted. The systematic review was performed following PRISMA guidelines. Results: A total of four studies were included (N = 4). IF is not associated with significant change in BMI (MD = −0.200, 95% CI [−0.807, 0.407], p = 0.518). The analysis revealed that IF had no statistically significant impact on FBG (MD = −0.569, 95% CI [−9.955, 8.818], p = 0.906), HOMA-IR (MD = −0.862, 95% CI [−1.737, 0.014], p = 0.054), and FINS (MD = −2.749, 95% CI [−6.441, 0.943], p = 0.145). No significant change in TG (MD = −3.120, 95% CI [−9.624, 3.385], p = 0.347), total cholesterol (MD = −0.918, 95% CI [−2.960, 1.124], p = 0.378), and LDL levels (MD = −0.433, 95% CI [−1.224, 0.359], p = 0.284) between IF and pre-fasting or non-intervention diet groups. However, the explanation is limited by the small number of studies, duration of fasting regimes, and/or variations in fasting strategies. Sex hormone data were collected but were insufficient for a pooled analysis. Conclusions: Overall, our study suggests that IF is not an effective intervention to enhance BMI, glycaemic control, and lipid metabolism in PCOS patients. Nevertheless, the current conclusion is inconclusive and preliminary, as additional well-designed studies are required to support this conclusion. Full article

Background/Objectives: Prenatal exposure to famine can lead to lasting health effects through changes in DNA methylation. This study aims to evaluate the impact of prenatal exposure to the Chinses Great Famine (1959–1961) on human epigenome and the subsequent influence on blood lipids. Methods: We conducted an epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) of peripheral blood-based DNA methylation and prenatal exposure to the Chinese Great Famine as well as blood lipids among eight participants exposed to famine and eight sex-matched participants (born ≤ 3 years after the famine). Genome-wide DNA methylation sites were profiled using the Illumina EPIC BeadChip, which covers 850K methylation positions. Results: After EWAS analyses, seven probes in genes C8orf31, ELAVL1, U6, GBA2, SHOX2, SLC1A4, and NPHP4 reached p < 1 × 10⁻⁵. Of these, famine exposure was associated with decreased methylation levels of a GBA2 exonic probe cg08258661 (p = 4.9 × 10⁻⁶). After false discovery rate (FDR) correction, pathway enrichment analyses for genes harboring nominally significant (p < 0.05) probes identified 44 significant pathways (q < 0.05), and 5 pathways were related to lipid metabolism. After FDR correction in each pathway, probes cg02622866 (5’UTR of ATF2, p = 1.09 × 10⁻³), cg07316730 (body of GRB2, p = 1.32 × 10⁻³), and cg01105385 (body of PIK3R1, p = 1.94 × 10⁻³) in the PI2K-Akt signaling pathway were associated with blood LDL-C (q ≤ 0.04); probes cg09180702 (3’UTR of PIGQ, p = 9.21 × 10⁻⁵, and q = 0.04) and cg01421548 (body of HS3ST4, p = 5.23 × 10⁻⁵, and q = 0.01) in the metabolism pathway were associated with blood LDL-C and HDL-C, respectively; In addition, probe cg08460387 (5’UTR of MAN1C1, p = 1.09 × 10⁻⁴, and q = 0.02) in the vesicle-mediated transport pathway was associated with log-transformed blood triglycerides. Conclusions: Through an epigenetic study of the Chinese Great Famine, we identified six novel genes involved in lipid metabolism. Full article

Poultry meat, due to its high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, is particularly susceptible to lipid oxidation, which affects its quality and shelf life. Optimizing meat composition, including fatty acid profile and antioxidant activity, is essential for consumer health. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of supplementing hydrogel capsules containing immobilized lavender essential oil (HE group) and capsules without immobilized essential oil (H group) on the oxidative stability, fatty acid profile, and mineral composition of broiler chicken breast muscles. The study results showed that supplementation with the lavender oil hydrogel (HE) significantly reduced total superoxide dismutase (SOD) and CuZn-SOD activity in breast muscles. Although TBARS values did not show significant differences, the reduced SOD activity may indicate decreased free radical production or more effective action of other antioxidant mechanisms. The fatty acid profile was significantly altered, with a lower content of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) observed in the HE group. Significant changes were also observed in the mineral composition of the muscles. The HE group had a higher sodium content and lower copper and iron levels compared to the control group. These changes may indicate an effect of the hydrogel and essential oil on mineral metabolism and bioavailability. The study suggests that hydrogels with immobilized lavender essential oil (LEO) may positively affect poultry meat quality by improving its fatty acid profile and oxidative stability, although these mechanisms require further research and confirmation. Full article

Artemisia selengensis Turcz. (AST), an edible-medicinal herb, contains multifunctional bioactives. This study investigated the application of AST leaf extract (ASTLE) in beer brewing, focusing on the addition stage and its impacts on fermentation dynamics, flavor profile, and functional properties. Fermentation parameters, bioactive compounds (phenolic; flavonoid), and volatiles (using HS-SPME-GC-MS) were analyzed. In vivo efficacy was assessed in high-fat diet-fed mice supplemented for 8 weeks with beer containing 10% ASTLE (post-primary fermentation), evaluating body weight change, serum lipids, and uric acid levels. It was found that adding ASTLE before primary fermentation promoted yeast activity but increased the risk of excessive diacetyl production. Adding ASTLE after primary fermentation significantly increased total phenolic and flavonoid contents. GC-MS analysis revealed that ASTLE contributed 28 additional volatile compounds, including chrysanthenone and eucalyptol, thereby enriching the beer’s flavor profile and complexity. In mice, beer with 10% ASTLE (post-primary fermentation) reduced body-weight gain, and regulated abnormal blood lipids and serum uric acid levels. Adding ASTLE after primary fermentation optimized fermentation stability, bioactive retention, flavor enhancement, and conferred benefits including body-weight regulation, lipid metabolism improvement, and uric acid control, providing a reference for developing functional beers targeting health-conscious consumers. Full article

This study examined the effect of long-term physical activity during the finishing period on meat and fat quality, and metabolic gene expression in obese Alentejano (AL) pigs. From 87.3 to 161.6 kg BW and for 130 days, eighteen pigs were assigned to either individual pens without an exercise area (NE, n = 9) or an outdoor park with an exercise area (WE, n = 9). Both groups received identical commercial diets at 85% ad libitum intake. Loin (Longissimus lumborum—LL), tenderloin (Psoas major—PM), and dorsal subcutaneous fat samples were obtained at slaughter, and analyzed for fatty acid composition and gene expression. Physical activity modulated the fatty acid profile and key metabolic genes in muscle and fat tissues. WE pigs showed higher palmitoleic (p = 0.031) and linolenic (p = 0.022) acids in LL, while Fatty acid synthase and Leptin in LL were downregulated (p = 0.071 and p = 0.018, respectively); Fatty acid binding protein 4 was downregulated (p = 0.003) and Stearoyl-CoA desaturase upregulated (p = 0.020) in the PM of WE pigs, indicating changes in lipid metabolism. Also, Myosin heavy chain 7 was upregulated (p = 0.016) in LL, suggesting oxidative muscle remodeling. These findings suggest that moderate, long-term physical activity during finishing induces modest but favorable metabolic adaptations in muscle and fat tissues without compromising meat quality in AL pigs, supporting its use in traditional rearing systems aimed at balancing animal welfare and product quality in local breeds. Full article

Humans have been using lipids for many centuries; these are oils found in plants, particularly in seeds. However, relatively recently, it has become clear that lipids are the primary metabolites of any living organism. Fatty acids (FAs) are a structural component of lipids, and their role in building the framework of the lipid bilayer cannot be overstated. They participate in maintaining homeostasis by controlling membrane permeability. Changes in the FA composition of lipid bilayers can modulate the transition of the membrane from a liquid crystalline to a gel-like state. Thus, knowledge of a plant’s FA profile can aid in understanding the physiological mechanisms underlying their interaction with the environment and the ways in which they adapt to various stress factors. Throughout the colonization of terrestrial habitats, plants evolved, and new phylogenetic groups appeared; at present, some features of the FA composition of their individual representatives are known. However, the overall change in the composition of lipid FAs during the evolution of higher plants is still not understood. Our analysis of the literature showed that the FA diversity tends to decrease from mosses to angiosperms, mainly due to a reduction in polyunsaturated very-long-chain FAs, while the average acyl chain length remains unchanged. It is important to recognize the trends in this process in order to understand the adaptive capabilities of higher plants. This knowledge can be useful not only from a fundamental point of view, but also in practical human activities. Full article

Background/Objectives: Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a natural dietary source of L-citrulline and L-arginine, the two amino acids involved in nitric oxide (NO) production and vasodilation. Pre-clinical and clinical studies using isolated amino acids or watermelon extracts suggest blood pressure (BP)-lowering potential; however, limited research has been conducted on the impact of watermelon flesh (WM) on BP in adults at risk for hypertension. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to assess the effect of daily WM intake for four weeks on 24 h ambulatory BP in adults with elevated blood pressure. The secondary outcomes of this study include changes in glucose and insulin markers, lipid profile, NO, L-citrulline, L-arginine, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) concentrations, and the L-arginine/ADMA ratio. Methods: In this randomized, placebo controlled parallel study design, 39 adults (age: 41 ± 14 years, BMI: 31 ± 6 kg/m², mean ± SD) with elevated BP were randomly assigned to one of three groups for a 4-week intervention: control (0 g WM), WM-1 cup (152 g/day), or WM-2 cups (304 g/day). Ambulatory BP was measured over 24 h at baseline and the end of the intervention period. Fasting plasma samples were analyzed for metabolic biomarkers on a clinical analyzer and NO using a colorimetric assay. L-citrulline, L-arginine, and ADMA were analyzed using an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (UHPLC-QQQ-MS/MS). Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS software (IBM SPSS Statistics, Version 29.0.0). Results: After 4 weeks, mean 24 h ambulatory BP was 130.2 ± 3.9 mm Hg (control), 130 ± 3.2 mm Hg (WM-1 cup), and 124.9 ± 3.9 mm Hg (WM-2 cups), with no statistically significant differences between study interventions (p > 0.05). Similarly, no significant changes were observed in fasting plasma glucose, insulin, lipid profile, or NO concentrations. However, plasma L-arginine concentrations and L-arginine/ADMA ratios significantly increased in the WM groups compared to the control (p = 0.009) after adjusting for age, BMI, race, and gender in the statistical model. Conclusion: Overall, BP was not significantly different after two different doses of watermelon compared to control; however, improvements in NO synthesis pathway precursors (L-arginine, ADMA) suggest potential for dietary modulation to support endothelial function and BP regulation. Full article

Polyphenols are an important class of secondary metabolites that possess antioxidant or anti-inflammatory properties and are associated with many health benefits. It has been reported that extracts of fruit juices or the fruit juices themselves are able to influence lipid metabolism. The aims of this study were to establish a reliable analytical method and thereafter investigate the influence of a polyphenol-rich fruit juice during an eight-week intervention on plasma lipid profiles in healthy male subjects. A placebo-controlled intervention study with 36 healthy male subjects was carried out. Volunteers consumed 750 mL of a polyphenol-rich or placebo beverage on a daily basis. With the established untargeted LC-IMS-qTof method, lipids could be identified, and changes in the lipidome could be detected. For the first time, a comparison of the lipidome of the control vs. treatment group allowed for the identification of differences in lipid profiles. The observed changes suggest that polyphenol intake leads to the targeted re-modeling of the lipidome, affecting bioactive lipid mediators and membrane components in particular. In the future, our identified lipid markers may be established as potential biomarker candidates related to health. Full article

Kupffer cells (KCs), the predominant resident macrophages in the liver, exhibit an inflammatory activation state that is pathologically linked to various hepatic disorders. Studies have shown that macrophages undergo metabolic reprogramming under inflammatory conditions, and the expressions of glucose and lipid metabolism-related factors change significantly. However, glycerol kinase (GK), as a related factor that links glycolipid metabolism, the role of GK in inflammatory conditions, and its mechanism have not been reported. The aim of the present study was to explore the role of GK in the inflammatory response of KCs. LPS challenge induced marked dysregulation of glucose and lipid metabolic profiles, accompanied by a significant elevation in GK expression in pro-inflammatory KCs. GK significantly decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory factors in LPS-treated KCs. Further studies found that GK can alleviate the level of LPS-stimulated reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the expression of antioxidant factors. Meanwhile, the results showed that GK alleviates LPS-induced KCs inflammation through inhibiting the p38/STAT3 signaling pathway. The results of this study are the first to reveal that GK may alleviate Kupffer cells’ inflammatory responses by inhibiting the p38/STAT3 signaling pathway and mitigating LPS-induced ROS generation. The findings provide a potential reference for future development of drugs targeting GK to prevent KCs inflammation and even liver damage. Full article

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is one of the most common trichothecene mycotoxins found in cereals, posing a significant hazard to food and feed safety. Insects, especially the yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor), offer promising alternative protein sources; however, their capacity to metabolise mycotoxins and the nutritional implications are still not fully understood. In this study, T. molitor larvae were reared for two weeks on diets containing DON at 663 or 913 µg/kg, and their biomass was analysed using Liquid Chromatography–Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (LC-QTOF) for DON metabolites and free amino acids, as well as Gas Chromatography–Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID) for fatty acid profiles. Larvae metabolised DON via multiple pathways, including sulfonation, glucuronidation, sulfation, glucosylation, and de-epoxidation, with a time- and dose-dependent shift towards glucosylation and de-epoxidation. DON exposure significantly reduced the levels of essential amino acids such as methionine, lysine, phenylalanine, and isoleucine, and lowered metabolic intermediates like aspartic and glutamic acid. Conversely, prolonged DON exposure increased linoleic acid levels in larval fat, indicating altered lipid metabolism. These findings demonstrate that T. molitor larvae detoxify DON but incur measurable metabolic costs, leading to changes in amino acid and fatty acid profiles. The dual effect—reduction of toxin levels and nutritional shifts—highlights both the potential and the challenges of using insects for sustainable feed production. Full article

Background/Objectives: Exogenous ketone supplements elevate circulating ketones without carbohydrate restriction, but their long-term hepatic safety remains unclear. This study evaluated the formulation-dependent impact of chronic ketone supplementation on liver histopathology, inflammatory signaling, and systemic biomarkers in rats. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were orally administered 1,3-butanediol (BD), medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), ketone ester (KE), ketone electrolytes/salts (KSs), or a ketone salt–MCT combination (KSMCT) for 4 weeks. In a separate arm, animals received standard diet (SD), or SD supplemented with low-dose KE (LKE) or high-dose KE (HKE), for 83 days. Liver structure was assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining with quantification of red blood cell density and lipid accumulation. Inflammatory and metabolic responses were evaluated by TNF-α and arginase immunohistochemistry. Serum biochemistry included glucose, proteins, electrolytes, and liver and kidney function markers. Results: BD and KE induced macrovesicular steatosis, vascular congestion, and elevated TNF-α and arginase expression, consistent with hepatic stress. MCT caused moderate hepatocellular ballooning and lipid deposition, whereas KS preserved near-normal hepatic morphology. KSMCT produced intermediate effects, reducing lipid accumulation and TNF-α compared with MCT or KE alone. KE supplementation caused dose-dependent reductions in globulin and elevations in creatinine, while HKE reduced sodium and glucose levels. Conclusions: Chronic hepatic responses to exogenous ketones are highly formulation dependent. KS demonstrated the most favorable safety profile under the tested conditions, maintaining normal hepatic structure, while BD and KE elicited adverse changes. Formulation choice is critical for the safe long-term use of exogenous ketones. Full article

High consumption of unhealthy, high-fat snacks negatively affects children’s health, highlighting the need to replace these with healthier alternatives. This study aimed to determine the fatty acid (FA) composition and lipid quality of various branded and local high-fat snacks consumed by children aged 6–24 months in rural Matiari, Sindh. The total energy content of the products ranged from 390.6 to 625.6 kcal/100 g, with fat contributing 9.1 to 47.2 g/100 g. Saturated fatty acids (SFAs) were predominant across samples, particularly palmitic acid (C16:0), ranging from 0.69 ± 0.22 to 16.61 ± 0.1 g/100 g. Among unsaturated fatty acids, oleic acid (C18:1 n-9) was the most prevalent, ranging from 4.63 ± 0.2 to 21.07 ± 0.3 g/100 g. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), especially linoleic acid (C18:2 n-6), were present in lower concentrations. Lipid quality was assessed using four indices: Atherogenic Index (AI), Thrombogenic Index (TI), hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic (h/H) ratio, and Nutritional Index (NI). Most products exhibited moderate to poor lipid quality, with AI ranging from 0.08 (good) to 1.25 (poor), TI ranging from 0.11 (good) to 1.23 (poor), h/H ratios ranging mostly below 1.0 (undesirable), and NI values ranging from 0.81 to 9.19. In the analyzed snack samples, the results indicate high SFA content, poor lipid quality, and oxidative stability, which may adversely affect children’s health. Changes in dietary habits and the adoption of healthier food choices are strongly recommended to reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Furthermore, understanding the FA profile of foods can support the development of targeted health programs for this population. Full article

Objectives: In response to the high prevalence of global obesity and associated metabolic diseases, this study aimed to investigate the effects of Pickering emulsions stabilized by cellulase-hydrolyzed pomelo peel insoluble dietary fiber (IDF), namely EPI and its octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA)-modified form (OSA-EPI), on alleviating high-fat diet (HFD)-induced metabolic disorders in mice. Methods: Male C57BL/6J mice were subjected to an HFD-induced obesity model. Biochemical index determination, histopathological examination, gut microbiota analysis, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) analysis were used to study the potential efficacy of pomelo peel IDF-based emulsion (EPI and OSA-EPI) in alleviating obesity and related metabolic diseases. Results: The findings demonstrated that both emulsions effectively mitigated HFD-induced health impairments: reduced weight gain, improved blood glucose and lipid profiles, attenuated tissue steatosis and inflammation, and lowered oxidative stress. Furthermore, both EPI and OSA-EPI restored gut microbiota diversity, promoted the proliferation of beneficial bacterial taxa (e.g., Akkermansia), and inhibited the growth of harmful genera (e.g., Muribaculum, Faecalibaculum). These changes were accompanied by increased production of SCFAs. Conclusions: This study confirms that modified pomelo peel IDF can effectively exert the health intervention effect of IDF on obesity when used as an emulsion stabilizer, providing a robust scientific foundation for the application of emulsified dietary fibers in combating obesity and related metabolic disorders. Full article