Search Results (5,398)

Drosophila melanogaster has been a cornerstone of biological research, offering critical insights into genetics, neurobiology, and disease modelling. This review examines Drosophila feeding research, including the diverse assays available to study feeding behaviour, and explores its biomedical and entomological applications. We highlight studies that have advanced our understanding of human feeding and eating disorders, vector-borne infectious diseases, and agricultural pest control. In clinical applications, we discuss a two-pronged approach: using Drosophila to model human feeding and eating disorders, as well as to study insect vectors that contribute to human disease transmission. We explore how feeding studies in Drosophila provide valuable insights into energy homeostasis, metabolic regulation, pathogen–host interactions, and vector biology. Beyond clinical relevance, the entomological applications of Drosophila feeding research extend to sustainable pest management and insecticide resistance. Finally, we identify gaps in current research and suggest promising directions for further exploration. By leveraging the genetic and behavioural tools available in this model, researchers can continue to uncover conserved mechanisms with broad implications for human health, disease control, and agricultural sustainability. Full article

Background: Chronic illnesses pose a major global health challenge with an estimated 1.56 billion people affected worldwide in 2025, and 85% of these being older adults facing at least one chronic condition. These patients are particularly vulnerable to severe influenza complications and higher mortality rates due to weakened immune responses; in addition, vaccination rates in China remain significantly lower than those in developed nations. Methods: This review examines how chronic conditions exacerbate influenza-related effects through immune dysfunction and metabolic imbalances, and how influenza infection worsens chronic diseases by triggering inflammation, suppressing immunity, and causing secondary infections that lead to respiratory complications, cardiac complications, and blood sugar disturbances. Results: A bidirectional adverse interaction exists in which chronic illnesses increase influenza severity via poor immunity, while influenza accelerates chronic disease progression (e.g., cardiac events and diabetic ketoacidosis). Vaccination reduces hospitalization by 32–52% in patients with lung disease and mortality by 16–46% in diabetic patients, with good safety. Conclusions: The findings emphasize the urgent need for improved vaccination strategies in patients with chronic diseases. Such strategies are crucial to reducing disease burden, enhancing clinical outcomes, and improving quality of life, while also providing critical evidence for the development of public health policies. Full article

The convergence of genomic selection and artificial intelligence (AI) is redefining precision breeding in dairy cattle, enabling earlier, more accurate, and multi-trait selection for health, fertility, climate resilience, and economic efficiency. This review critically examines how advanced genomic tools—such as genome-wide association studies (GWAS), genomic breeding values (GEBVs), machine learning (ML), and deep learning (DL) models to accelerate genetic gain for complex, low heritability traits. Key applications include improved resistance to mastitis and metabolic diseases, enhanced thermotolerance, reduced enteric methane emissions, and increased milk yield. We discuss emerging computational frameworks that combine sensor-derived phenotypes, omics datasets, and environmental data to support data-driven selection decisions. Furthermore, we address implementation challenges related to data integration, model interpretability, ethical considerations, and access in low-resource settings. By synthesizing interdisciplinary advances, this review provides a roadmap for developing AI-augmented genomic selection pipelines that support sustainable, climate-smart, and economically viable dairy systems. Full article

Youth-onset type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a growing public health challenge. This narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, complications, and therapeutic strategies in children and adolescents with T2D, highlighting the most recent evidence and the distinctive features that differentiate youth-onset from adult-onset disease. Over recent decades, its incidence has increased worldwide, closely linked to rising rates of childhood obesity, sedentary behavior, and socioeconomic disparities. The disease typically emerges around puberty, a period marked by physiological insulin resistance, and is influenced by a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and developmental factors. Diagnosis can be delayed or missed due to overlapping features with type 1 diabetes and limitations in current screening tools. The clinical course is often aggressive, with early onset of microvascular and macrovascular complications. Management is particularly challenging due to the limited number of pharmacologic agents approved for pediatric use and the psychological and behavioral complexities of adolescence. While metformin remains the first-line treatment, newer therapies such as GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors show promise in improving metabolic outcomes. In conclusion, early diagnosis, multidisciplinary management, and equitable access to effective therapies are essential to improve long-term outcomes in this vulnerable population. Full article

Managing transition cows and preventing diseases related to this period is challenging due to the latter’s multifactorial nature. The aim of this applied observational case study is to illustrate and discuss the different aspects involved and provide an approach to analysis and the resulting management solutions using a real-life case within a 500-cow herd. The initial assessment, involving the collection of data on the level of production, animal health and behaviour, and metabolic indicators, as well as management and housing key indicators, revealed key risk factors, including overcrowding, suboptimal feeding strategies, inadequate water supply, and insufficient disease monitoring. These factors contributed to increased cases of metabolic disorders such as hypocalcemia (annual incidence 7.8%), excessive lipomobilisation, and displaced abomasum (annual incidence 5.2%). A holistic approach combining feeding adjustments, disease monitoring, facility improvements, and long-term management strategies was implemented to address these challenges. Short-term interventions, such as optimizing the dietary cation–anion balance and enhancing disease detection protocols, led to noticeable improvements. However, structural constraints and external factors, such as extreme weather conditions (heat stress) and economic limitations, created significant hurdles in achieving immediate and sustained success. The farm ultimately opted for infrastructural improvements, including a new transition cow facility, to provide a long-term solution to these recurring issues. This case highlights the complexity of transition cow management, demonstrating that long-term success depends on continuous monitoring, interdisciplinary collaboration, and adaptability in response to evolving challenges in dairy production. Full article

Background: Metabolic-dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a major global health concern associated with insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular morbidity. Early identification of at-risk individuals through simple, non-invasive methods is essential, particularly in working populations. Objectives: This study aimed to assess and compare the diagnostic accuracy of four widely used anthropometric and metabolic indicators—body mass index (BMI), waist-to-height ratio (WtHR), triglyceride–glucose index (TyG), and waist–triglyceride index (WTI)—in identifying individuals at risk of metabolic-dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), as determined by the Fatty Liver Index (FLI) and the Lipid Accumulation Product (LAP), within a large sample of Spanish workers. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was performed on data from 386,924 Spanish employees aged between 18 and 69 years. Standardized anthropometric and laboratory measurements were obtained as part of routine occupational medical examinations conducted from 2021 to 2023. The presence of NAFLD was inferred using two validated surrogate markers: FLI and LAP. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and area under the curve (AUC) values were used to assess the discriminatory ability of each index, stratified by sex. Results: WTI and TyG demonstrated the highest diagnostic accuracy for both FLI- and LAP-defined NAFLD, with AUC values >0.95 in both sexes. WTI showed the best overall performance, followed closely by TyG. WtHR outperformed BMI but was less accurate than the metabolic indices. Sex-stratified analyses confirmed consistent patterns, with slightly higher AUCs for TyG and WTI in women. BMI consistently yielded the lowest discriminatory performance. Conclusions: WTI and TyG are superior to BMI and WtHR for non-invasive screening of MASLD in occupational settings. Their simplicity, low cost, and strong predictive value support their integration into routine workplace health surveillance. Sex-specific thresholds and prospective validation are warranted to enhance clinical application. Full article

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as a significant metabolic disorder in modern poultry production, particularly affecting high-yielding laying hens. This condition compromises bird welfare, productivity, and economic sustainability within commercial farming systems. This narrative review provides a comprehensive overview of the underlying mechanisms through which hepatic lipid accumulation, metabolic dysfunctions, hormonal imbalances, genetic susceptibilities, and environmental stress contribute to the development of NAFLD. The multifactorial nature of NAFLD is explored through a critical assessment of the literature, highlighting the influence of diet composition, management practices, and physiological demands associated with intensive egg production. Emphasis is placed on recent advancements in nutritional modulation, selective breeding, and housing improvements aimed at prevention and mitigation of NAFLD. Furthermore, the review identifies key research gaps, including limited understanding of epigenetic influences and the long-term efficacy of intervention strategies. An integrative framework is advocated, synergizing genetics, nutrition, and environmental optimization to effectively address the complexity of NAFLD in poultry and supports the development of resilient production systems. The insights presented aims to inform both future research and practical applications for enhancing poultry health and performance. Full article

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a growing public health concern influenced by both genetic and metabolic factors. Polygenic risk scores (PRSs), which combine the effects of known single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), may improve early risk stratification. We conducted an observational study on 298 MASLD patients: 148 from a Hepatology Unit and 150 from a Bariatric Surgery Unit. Genotyping was performed for the PNPLA3, TM6SF2, MBOAT7, and GCKR variants. A PRS was calculated and used to stratify patients by genetic risk. Liver fibrosis was assessed using the FIB-4 index, and a subset also underwent transient elastography. Clinical, biochemical, and anthropometric data were analyzed across genetic strata. PRSs showed positive correlations with AST, ALT, and FIB-4, indicating increased liver injury and fibrosis risk with higher genetic burden. Transaminases increased significantly across PRS quartiles (p < 0.05), and individuals with PRS > 0.532 exhibited elevated AST, ALT, and borderline FIB-4. Variant-specific associations included PNPLA3 with increased AST and MBOAT7 with higher hepatic steatosis (CAP). Subgroup analyses revealed distinct genetic and phenotypic patterns between the two clinical cohorts. These findings support the additive role of genetic risk in MASLD progression and underscore the value of polygenic profiling for the early identification and personalized management of high-risk patients. Full article

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), once regarded solely as a toxic gas, is now recognized as a vital endogenous signaling molecule with important roles in both health and disease. Growing evidence supports the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) framework, in which early-life disturbances in H₂S signaling may drive the later development of cardiovascular–kidney–metabolic (CKM) syndrome—a condition that encompasses chronic kidney disease, obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. This review highlights the emerging importance of H₂S in CKM programming and the potential of H₂S-based interventions during gestation and lactation to prevent long-term adverse health outcomes in offspring. Findings from animal studies suggest that maternal supplementation with sulfur-containing amino acids, N-acetylcysteine, H₂S donors, and related sulfur-containing biomolecules can attenuate CKM-related risks in progeny. Despite these advances, several critical areas remain underexplored, including the role of gut microbiota-derived H₂S, the epigenetic mechanisms influenced by H₂S during development, and the clinical translation of preclinical findings. Targeting H₂S signaling offers a promising strategy for early-life prevention of CKM syndrome and may also hold broader potential for preventing other DOHaD-related chronic diseases. Full article

Background: Obesity, characterized by an abnormal and excessive accumulation of fat, significantly affects health by increasing the probability of chronic diseases and has become a pressing global health issue. Among natural compounds with therapeutic potential, rutin exhibits diverse biological effects, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypolipidemic properties. Objective: The purpose of this work is to evaluate the preventive effects of rutin loaded on chitosan nanoparticles on metabolic and oxidative alterations in male albino rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Method: The rats were allocated to four distinct groups: control, HFD, HFD treated with 50 mg/kg rutin, and HFD treated with 50 mg/kg nano-rutin, respectively, for six weeks. Results: Molecular docking analysis revealed that rutin exhibits an inhibitory interaction with PPAR-γ, suggesting its potential role in suppressing adipogenesis and contributing to its preventive effect against obesity. Nano-rutin markedly improved glycemic control, reducing fasting glucose from 161.75 ± 8.37 mg/dL in the HFD group to 133.50 ± 3.55 mg/dL, compared to 92.17 ± 3.53 mg/dL in controls. Serum leptin levels decreased from 28.95 ± 1.06 ng/mL in the HFD group to 15.58 ± 0.65 ng/mL with nano-rutin, approaching the control value of 10.43 ± 0.80 ng/mL. Oxidative stress was also significantly alleviated, as shown by a reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) from 8.43 ± 0.20 U/µL in HFD rats to 6.57 ± 0.08 U/µL with nano-rutin, versus 1.29 ± 0.13 U/µL in controls. Conclusions: Rutin loaded on chitosan nanoparticles demonstrated protective effects against high-fat diet-induced obesity, mainly through modulation of leptin signaling and oxidative stress pathways. These findings highlight the promise of nano-rutin as a natural agent for preventing metabolic disorders related to obesity. Full article

Background: Obesity is a multisystemic health problem causing chronic diseases like diabetes or cardiovascular diseases, but also reproductive dysfunctions like infertility in adults or altered puberty onset in children. Exercise is a recognized intervention to control or prevent energy imbalance, thus deeply contributing to metabolic health in physiological and pathological conditions. The kisspeptin system (KS), the main gatekeeper of reproduction and puberty onset in mammals, is also an upcoming “metabolic sensor”, linking energy homeostasis to reproductive ability both centrally and peripherally. Objectives: This narrative review aims at summarizing recent evidence from animal models and human studies on the role of the KS in energy homeostasis, with a focus on the upcoming role of the KS as a metabolic sensor able to modulate the functionality of the hypothalamus–pituitary–gonad axis in males as an adaptive response to exercise. Methods: PubMed and Scopus search (date: 2015–2025; keywords: kisspeptin and metabolism, male reproduction or exercise; kisspeptin and doping). Results and Conclusions: This review article illustrates the crucial role of the KS in linking energy homeostasis and male reproduction at the central and peripheral levels, and modulation of the KS by exercise in physiological and pathological conditions. Due to the large amount of data from animal models, knowledge gaps occur in the analysis of the relationship among KS, energy homeostasis, male reproduction and exercise in humans, particularly in the case of overtraining. Lastly, kisspeptin inclusion in the doping list is also discussed. Full article

Background/Objectives: Atherosclerosis is a major contributor to ischemic cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) such as myocardial infarction and stroke, which are leading causes of mortality and morbidity. The management of atherosclerosis through personalized nutrition has gained importance in recent years due to advancements in nutrigenomics, gut microbiome evaluation, and metabolomics. However, no systematic review has comprehensively evaluated the impact of personalized nutrition interventions on atherosclerotic plaque progression and clinical outcomes in humans. Methods: We adopted a systematic approach based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Key databases like PubMed, Cochrane, Google Scholar, and MEDLINE via EBSCOhost were searched using predefined terms related to personalized nutrition, atherosclerosis, nutrigenomics, and clinical outcomes. Results: Evidence evaluation using the framework of Boffetta et al. for cumulative evidence on the joint effects of genes and environments strongly suggested significant diet–gene interactions. Polymorphisms in the apolipoprotein A-II (APOA2) gene have been shown to influence body mass index and lipid levels. Furthermore, studies have demonstrated that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) can modulate microRNA expression, thereby impacting lipid metabolism. Epigenetic studies showed that dietary components can modify histone acetylation and non-coding RNA activity, which ultimately influence gene expression related to inflammation and lipid metabolism, improving clinical outcomes in atherosclerosis management. Conclusions: Integrating personalized nutrition into clinical practice promises to enhance atherosclerosis outcomes through targeted dietary interventions. Advancements in personalized nutrition offer a promising pathway toward more effective and personalized approaches to cardiovascular health. Full article

Metabolic syndrome (MetS)—characterized by dyslipidemia, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and abdominal obesity—is a common, modifiable condition that contributes to functional decline and premature mortality in older adults. The accumulation of MetS components increases the risk of cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and renal diseases, as well as cognitive impairment and polypharmacy in aging populations. A narrative review was conducted focusing on the management of MetS in adults aged 65 and older. Sources were identified through targeted searches of PubMed and relevant guidelines, with an emphasis on literature discussing geriatric-specific considerations. The review was structured using the Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s (IHI) 4Ms Framework: What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility. Findings highlight that current MetS guidelines are often extrapolated from younger populations and insufficiently account for geriatric-specific factors such as altered pharmacokinetics, multimorbidity, and social determinants of health. The 4Ms Framework provides a comprehensive lens to adapt these guidelines, supporting individualized treatment plans that consider patient goals, cognitive status, and functional capacity. Incorporating social services and aligning interventions with socioeconomic realities can further bridge disparities in care. The 4Ms framework can help healthcare providers communicate effectively with patients, ensuring treatment plans align with evidence-based practices and the patient’s individual priorities. Treatment of MetS must be tailored to individual patient needs based on presented risk factors, severity of risks, and social determinants of health. Adjusting treatment plans in accordance with the socioeconomic status (SES) of patients will allow for systematic improvement of outcomes. Full article

The ketogenic diet (KD), a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet, causes profound metabolic adaptations that go beyond energy production and affect endocrine function and thyroid hormone regulation. By shifting the body’s primary fuel source from glucose to fatty acids and ketones, the KD alters insulin signaling, inflammation levels and deiodinase activity, which together affect thyroid hormone metabolism. While this metabolic shift offers potential benefits such as improved insulin sensitivity and reduced systemic inflammation, it also raises concerns about reduced triiodothyronine (T3) levels and altered hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid (HPT) axis dynamics. This review explores the mechanisms by which the KD affects thyroid function, highlighting both the potential therapeutic benefits and associated risks. Special attention is given to how genetic predispositions, gut microbiota composition and sex-based hormonal differences influence thyroid adaptation to a KD. In addition, there are indications that the influence of the KD on cell metabolism could have therapeutic potential in conditions such as autoimmune thyroid diseases and thyroid cancer. Understanding the delicate balance between the benefits and risks of KD for thyroid health is essential for optimizing its clinical applications and defining individual nutritional strategies. Full article

Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) is a major cause of liver-related mortality worldwide; however, only a subset of heavy drinkers develop progressive disease, suggesting a role for host genetics. In East Asian populations, functional polymorphisms in alcohol-metabolizing enzymes, such as alcohol dehydrogenase 1B (ADH1B) and aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2), are common and significantly affect acetaldehyde metabolism. ADH1B accelerates ethanol oxidation, whereas ALDH2 impairs acetaldehyde detoxification and increases oxidative stress, inflammation, and liver injury. Based on genotype combinations, individuals were stratified into five alcohol sensitivity groups with differing risks of cirrhosis and cancer. Although ALDH2 deficiency often suppresses alcohol intake via aversive reactions, paradoxically, continued drinking increases the risk of liver and gastrointestinal cancers. Genetic risk stratification may inform personalized prevention and precision of public health approaches. However, expansion of direct-to-consumer genetic testing has raised ethical and educational challenges. Understanding the interaction between alcohol metabolism and genetic variations is crucial for identifying high-risk individuals and guiding tailored interventions in East Asian populations. Full article