Investigating the Effects of Vaccinium myrtillus Supplementation on Cardiometabolic Indices: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and is closely related to metabolic abnormalities. The cardiometabolic index (CMI) integrates lipid profiles and anthropometric indicators, reflecting overall cardiometabolic health. However, the CMI and blood pressure (BP) relationship is poorly understood. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the correlation between CMI and clinical BP and evaluate the potential of using this correlation as a cardiovascular risk indicator. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2015 to 2018 were used to calculate the CMI based on the triglycerides to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and the waist-to-height ratio. The relationship between CMI and systolic blood pressure (SBP)/diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was analyzed using multivariate regression, threshold effect analysis, and subgroup analysis. In this study cohort of 4240 participants, CMI positively correlated with SBP and DBP. After adjusting for age, gender, and race, the partial correlation for SBP was 0.56 (95% CI: 0.19-0.93; p < 0.01), while for DBP, it was 1.15 (95% CI: 0.60-1.71; p < 0.001). The threshold effect analysis revealed a positive association with SBP when the CMI was below 6.83 (β = 1.44, 95% CI: 0.64-2.24; p < 0.001) and a negative association when the CMI was above 6.83 (β = -1.52, 95% CI: -2.77- -0.28; p = 0.0123). For the DBP, a positive correlation was found when the CMI was below 2.81 (β = 1.45, 95% CI: 0.10-2.79; p = 0.0345), and a negative correlation when the CMI was above 2.81 (β = -1.92, 95% CI: -3.08- -0.77; p = 0.0012). A strong interaction was observed between the CMI and gender for the SBP (p = 0.0054) and a trend for the interaction between CMI and age for the DBP (p = 0.1667). This study found a significant positive correlation between the CMI and BP, with threshold effects supporting a non-linear relationship. The strong interaction between the CMI and gender for SBP suggests that the influence of the CMI on BP may be gender-dependent. These results highlight the importance of utilizing CMI in personalized cardiovascular risk stratification and underscore the relevance of considering patient factors such as gender in managing hypertension.

BackgroundObesity is a significant public health issue associated with various chronic diseases. Research has indicated that chia seeds have the potential to improve cardiometabolic health. However, due to the diversity of research and inconsistencies in study design, further investigation is needed to fully understand their clinical effects on overweight individuals. This review aims to comprehensively analyze the available evidence on the effects of chia seeds on cardiometabolic indices in overweight populations through a meta-analysis.MethodsA comprehensive literature search was performed across PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase databases from their inception until 01-03-2024 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effect of chia on cardiometabolic indices in overweight subjects. The search strategy incorporated both Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). Following the screening, ten RCTs were finally included. The data, including subject characteristics, study design, and changes in serum biomarkers, were extracted and analyzed using Stata software version 18.ResultsThe meta-analysis results reveal that chia supplementation no significant changes in lipid profile, including triglycerides (TG) (MD: − 5.80 mg/dL, p = 0.47), total cholesterol (TC) (MD: − 0.29 mg/dL, p = 0.95), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (MD: 1.53 mg/dL, p = 0.33), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (MD: 0.63 mg/dL, p = 0.88). Similarity fasting blood glucose (FBG) (MD: − 0.03 mg/dL, p = 0.98), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (MD: − 0.13%, p = 0.13), and insulin levels (MD: 0.45 µIU/mL, p = 0.78). However, chia seed supplementation was associated with a significant reduction in C-reactive protein (CRP) (MD: − 1.18 mg/L, p < 0.0001), but no significant changes were observed in interleukin-6 (IL-6) (MD: − 0.15, p = 0.70) or tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) (MD: 0.03, p = 0.91). There was no significant effect on body mass index (BMI) (MD: 0.1 kg/m2, p = 0.91), but a significant reduction in waist circumference (WC) (MD: − 2.82 cm, p < 0.001) was noted. Additionally, chia seed supplementation resulted in a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (BP) (MD: − 3.27 mmHg, p = 0.03), though diastolic BP changes were non-significant (MD: − 2.69 mmHg, p = 0.09). The studies showed low to moderate heterogeneity in outcome measures, with I2 < 50%.ConclusionChia seed supplementation does not significantly impact most lipid profile parameters and glycemic markers. However, it shows potential benefits in reducing WC, BP, and CRP. While chia seeds can be a valuable addition to cardiometabolic health management, they should be part of a broader health strategy that includes a balanced diet, exercise, and lifestyle modifications for optimal results.

This study aimed to examine the association between meeting 24-h movement guidelines and cardiometabolic health in Chilean adults. We used cross-sectional data of 2618 adults from the Chilean National Health Survey 2016–2017. Meeting the 24-h movement guidelines was defined as ≥ 600 MET-min/week of physical activity; ≤ 8 h/day of sitting time; and 7 to 9 h/day of sleep duration. Cardiometabolic health indicators were body mass index, waist circumference, high triglycerides, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and risk of cardiovascular disease in a 10-year period. Meeting none out of three 24-h movement guidelines (vs all three) was associated with higher odds of overweight/obesity (OR 1.67; 95%CI 1.45 to 1.89), high waist circumference (1.65; 1.40 to 1.90), hypertension (2.88; 2.23 to 3.53), type 2 diabetes (1.60; 1.26 to 1.94), metabolic syndrome (1.97; 1.54 to 2.40) and risk of cardiovascular disease (1.50; 1.20, 1.80). Meeting one guideline (vs three) was associated with higher odds of five of out seven cardiometabolic indicators. Our study found that the composition of movement behaviors within a 24-h period may have important implications for cardiometabolic health.

This study examined the effects of a specially designed energy-restricted diet with alternate carbohydrate intake on body composition and cardiometabolic risk factors in overweight and obese adults. The aim was to assess whether the intervention could lead to significant weight loss, improve body composition, and reduce cardiometabolic risks. Sixty-five participants (34 women, 31 men) with an average BMI of 31.8 ± 9.1 kg/m2 (women) and 34.1 ± 6.4 kg/m2 (men) participated in a 14-week intervention. The diet included different days of carbohydrate intake and a 20% reduction in total daily energy consumption. Anthropometric measurements and biochemical parameters, including predictive indices of cardiometabolic risk, were determined at baseline and after the intervention. The intervention resulted in a significant reduction in body weight (mean weight loss of 17%, p < 0.001), with 64.6% of participants achieving a weight loss of at least 10%. Muscle mass as a percentage of total body weight increased. Cardiometabolic improvements were observed in fasting blood glucose (from 5.4 to 4.9 mmol/L, p < 0.001) and LDL cholesterol (from 3.38 to 2.81 mmol/L, p < 0.001). Gender-specific differences were found, particularly in HDL-C, which decreased significantly in women (p = 0.013), while there was a non-significant increase in men. Cardiometabolic indices, including the Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI) and the Cardiometabolic Index (CMI), also improved significantly. The alternate carbohydrate diet improved body composition, cardiometabolic health, and treatment adherence through metabolic flexibility. However, the short duration of this study and the lack of a control group suggest that further research is needed to assess long-term sustainability.

While sports medicine has traditionally focused on recovering from injury and returning athletes to sport safely after injury, there is a growing interest in the long-term health of athletes. The...

Simple SummaryThis systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the association between objectively measured physical activity and cardiometabolic health in adult women. After searching four databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane library), 23 eligible studies were included (n = 2105). An accelerometer or pedometer determined physical activities (daily steps, total physical activity, minutes engaged in physical activities at different intensities, and the number of physical activity bouts) and cardiometabolic health indicators (blood pressure, lipids, carbohydrate metabolism, insulin, inflammation markers, and metabolic syndrome) were examined in adult women. Overall, it is compelling that being more physically active has favorable effects on the metabolic syndrome. However, the majority of individual cardiometabolic biomarkers hardly improved following increases in physical activity, with the exception that moderate-intensity physical activity appeared to have a more potent effect on high-density lipoprotein. Although higher-intensity physical activity is more effective for women, it is most important to increase the total volume of physical activity. Meanwhile, strategies to improve body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness are required, since these play an important role in mediating the association between physical activity and cardiometabolic health in women.The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to qualitatively synthesize and quantitatively assess the evidence of the relationship between objectively determined volumes of physical activity (PA) and cardiometabolic health in women. Four databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane library) were searched and, finally, 24 eligible studies were included, with a total of 2105 women from eight countries. A correlational meta-analysis shows that moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) was favorably associated with high-density lipoprotein (r = 0.16; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.25; p = 0.002); however, there was limited evidence for the effects of most of the other cardiometabolic biomarkers recorded from steps, total physical activity, light- and moderate-intensity physical activity and MVPA. It is most compelling and consistent that being more physically active is beneficial to the metabolic syndrome. Overall, PA levels are low in adult women, suggesting that increasing the total volume of PA is more important than emphasizing the intensity and duration of PA. The findings also indicate that, according to the confounding effects of body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness, meeting the minimal level of 150 min of moderate-intensity physical activity recommended is not enough to obtain a significant improvement in cardiometabolic indicators. Nonetheless, the high heterogeneity between studies inhibits robust conclusions.

Studies have shown a strong correlation between the cardiometabolic index (CMI) and health issues such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, and decreased renal function. Nevertheless, the correlation between CMI and diabetic kidney disease (DKD) remains ambiguous. The objective of this study is to evaluate the correlation between CMI and DKD in patients with diabetes in the United States. The study involved individuals who were part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between 2003 and 2018.A multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed for investigating the correlation between CMI and DKD. The study employed Generalized Additive Models (GAM) and smooth curve fitting methods for investigating the nonlinear relationship between CMI and DKD. Two-stage regression analysis was applied for investigating threshold effects in the connection between CMI and DKD. In addition, subgroup analysis and interaction tests were also carried out. This analysis included a total of 6,540 adults with diabetes. After adjusting for variables including age, sex, race, education level, smoking status, household income and poverty rate, body mass index, hypertension status, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, serum albumin, and serum globulin, we discovered a significant connection between CMI levels and the risk of DKD (OR=1.11, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.17, p<0.0001). Individuals with varying smoking statuses showed variations in this connection according to subgroup analysis and interaction tests (p for interaction=0.0216). Conversely, this correlation appeared similar across different genders, ages, races, BMI categories, hypertension statuses, and insulin usage among people with diabetes (all p for interaction >0.05). A nonlinear relationship existed between CMI and DKD, with threshold analysis indicating a turning point at CMI=1.7. A positive correlation was observed between CMI levels in people with diabetes and the risk of DKD when CMI exceeded 1.7. The risk of DKD was significantly positively correlated with the CMI levels of people with diabetes. Further larger prospective studies are required to confirm our results.

The cardiometabolic index (CMI) serves as a comprehensive metric for evaluating cardiometabolic health, and is correlated with several health outcomes. However, research examining the relationship between CMI and bone mineral density (BMD), particularly in adolescent populations, remains limited and warrants further investigation. The weighted multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to elucidate the association between CMI and BMD. Our study ultimately included 1,514 participants. After adjusting for pertinent covariates, we observed that per-unit increases in the CMI corresponded with reductions in BMD by 0.052 g/cm2 for femoral neck (β=-0.052, 95% CI: -0.087 to -0.018) and 0.048 g/cm2 for lumbar spine (L1-L4) (β=-0.048, 95% CI: -0.085 to -0.011). In quartile analyses, individuals in the highest quartile displayed significantly reduced BMD at the femoral neck (β=-0.036, 95% CI: -0.064 to -0.007) and lumbar spine (L1-L4) (β=-0.041, 95% CI: -0.070 to -0.011) compared to those in the lowest quartile (P<0.05). No statistical significance was detected between CMI and BMD at the total femur, trochanter, and intertrochanter sites. Furthermore, stratified analyses indicated no significant interactions involving age, sex, or race in relation to CMI and BMD. In the adolescent population, CMI is inversely related to BMD. These findings highlight a potential link between cardiometabolic health and bone health. Future longitudinal investigations are warranted to determine causal relationships and underlying mechanisms.

The cardiometabolic index (CMI) reflects an individual’s cardiometabolic health and is linked to the risk of dyslipidemia, obesity, hyperglycemia, and hypertension. These risk factors not only increase the likelihood of cardiovascular disease but are also strongly associated with sleep issues such as sleep apnea and insomnia. However, the relationship between CMI and the risk of sleep disorders remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between CMI and sleep disorder-related morbidity and mortality. This cross-sectional study utilized data from 6220 adults aged ≥ 20 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007–2014). The CMI was calculated as [waist circumference (cm)/height (cm)] × [triglycerides (mmol/L)/high-density lipoprotein-C (mmol/L)], reflecting metabolic risk. Participants were categorized into 3 CMI tertiles (Q1–Q3). Based on survey data, participants were classified into sleep disorder and non-sleep disorder groups. The analysis included logistic regression, subgroup analysis, forest plots, and survival analysis. The average age of participants was 49 ± 18.00 years; 49% were male. The high-CMI group had older participants, more males, higher body mass index, higher triglycerides, and more hypertension (P < .001). Higher CMI was significantly associated with an increased risk of sleep disorders (odds ratio [OR] = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.21, P = .017), with the prevalence being greater in Q3 than in Q1 (OR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.27 to 1.68, P ≤ .001). After adjusting for demographics, the association persisted (OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.03–1.24, P = .014). The mortality rate was also higher in the high-CMI group (P≤.001), with a 34% increased risk of death (OR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.08–1.67, P = .021). The study found that a higher CMI is associated with increased risks of sleep disorders and mortality. Understanding this relationship may help in monitoring cardiometabolic health and assessing sleep disorder severity. CMI could serve as a cost-effective indicator for sleep disorder assessment.

Association between cardiometabolic index and erectile dysfunction: A new index for predicting cardiovascular disease

BackgroundGiven the increasing interest in dietary interventions to improve cardiovascular health, this trial assessed the impact of fortified eggs (FE) versus non-egg supplemented diet and time-restricted eating (TRE) versus usual care diet on cardiovascular biomarkers. MethodsThe study was a unblinded, 2-by-2 factorial design, which randomized patients, with either a prior cardiovascular event or two cardiovascular risk factors, to FE or a non-egg supplemented diet and TRE or usual care diet. Patients randomized to FE were instructed to consume at least 12 FE/week (with eggs provided); those on a non-egg supplemented diet restricted egg consumption to <2 eggs/week. TRE participants were instructed to consume all calories within an 8-hour window daily and fasted for the remaining 16 hours. Patients randomized to usual diet were advised to maintain current dietary habits. Follow-up was performed in-person at 1 and 4 months, and telephone calls at 2 and 3 months. Co-primary endpoints were 4-month LDL- and HDL-cholesterol. Secondary endpoints included additional lipids, cardiometabolic- and inflammatory biomarkers and micronutrient levels at 4-months. ResultsOverall, 140 patients were randomized with median (25th, 75th percentiles) age 66 (58, 73) years; 72 (51%) women, 38 (27%) Black, and 33 (24%) with diabetes mellitus. The difference in least squares (LS) means from baseline to 4-months for HDL and LDL levels revealed no significant clinical difference between FE vs. non-egg supplemented diet (HDL: -0.64 mg/dL [95% CI: -3.86, 2.58]; LDL: -3.14 mg/dL [-10.81, 4.52]) and TRE vs. usual care diet (HDL: 1.51 mg/dL [-1.65, 4.68]; LDL 1.17 mg/dL [-6.36, 8.70]). Pre-specified subgroups revealed a non-significant HDL increase and LDL decrease with FE in patients ≥65 years. ConclusionsThese data did not demonstrate clinically relevant differences in changes in LDL and HDL levels over 4 months with FE and TRE compared with non-egg supplemented diet and usual care diet, respectively, providing evidence that adverse short-term lipid and biomarker changes did not occur with FE consumption. Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04673721.

Hypertension, substantially heightens the risk of cardiovascular disease. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of freeze-dried garlic extract in blood pressure and lipid profiles in prehypertensive individuals. Participants (age of 30-70 years) were allocated to intervention (n=47) or control (n=49) groups. The intervention group received two capsules of freeze-dried garlic extract daily for eight weeks, while the control group received identical placebo capsules. Primary outcomes, SBP, DBP, PP, MAP, TC, TG, LDL and HDL levels, serum NO levels, were assessed at baseline, four weeks, and eight weeks. At the end of study, results showed significant changes in the values of SBP, DBP, and MAP except for PP. In comparison to those who received the placebo, a significant drop in SBP, DBP (p<0.001), and MAP (p<0.001) was observed in the intervention group. Also, there were significant changes in TG, LDL, TC, and HDL levels in the interventional group. A noticeable decline was reported in TG (p<0.001), LDL (p<0.001), and TC (p<0.001), while HDL levels increased (p<0.001) in the intervention group compared to those receiving the placebo. Following garlic supplementation, a significant increase in blood NO levels was reported in the intervention group (p<0.001). The study showed that garlic supplementation was effective in lowering blood pressure, improving lipid profile, and increasing nitric oxide levels in prehypertensive participants. These results indicate that garlic could be a valuable complementary therapy for managing prehypertension.

Background:Tofacitinib is the first Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitor available in China, and it has significantly improved the efficacy of treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Previous clinical trials found that tofacitinib...

BackgroundTofacitinib is the first Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitor available in China, and it has significantly improved the efficacy of treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Previous clinical trials found that tofacitinib...

BackgroundStudies have shown that individuals with diabetes are more likely to suffer from depression, and metabolic dysregulation may be the pathophysiological mechanism underlying this comorbidity. The Cardiometabolic Index (CMI) is an innovative metric that integrates abdominal obesity and lipid levels, providing a comprehensive assessment of cardiometabolic health. Currently, the relationship between CMI and depression in diabetes has not been clarified. This study aims to explore the association between CMI and depression among American adults with diabetes.MethodsThis study enrolled 3,182 patients with diabetes from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2005–2018). A multivariable logistic regression model, restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression analysis, subgroup analysis, and interaction tests were employed to explore the association between CMI and depression. Mediation analysis was also performed to investigate the role of inflammatory factors—including neutrophils, lymphocytes, White Blood Cells, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and systemic immune inflammation index (SII)—in the association between CMI and depression in patients with diabetes.ResultsWe found that CMI is positively associated with depression in diabetes patients, and RCS regression analysis further confirmed a non-linear (L-shaped) relationship between CMI and depression, with an inflection point at CMI = 1.694. Depression risk increased significantly below this threshold but plateaued beyond it, suggesting a threshold effect primarily within the moderate to high CMI range. Subgroup analysis and interaction tests indicated that the association between CMI and depression was consistently present across all subgroups, with no significant differences observed among them (all interaction p-values > 0.05). Female, lower educational, lower household income, unmarried, smokers, and those with hypertension were more likely to develop depression among diabetes patients. Mediation analysis suggested that neutrophils and NLR significantly mediated the CMI–depression relationship, explaining 5.04% and 4.74% of the total effect, respectively.ConclusionsIn patients with diabetes, a non-linear (L-shaped) relationship exists between CMI and depression, and inflammatory factors significantly mediate this relationship.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13098-025-01881-8.