Abstract
Public health authorities in low- and middle-income countries face dramatic challenges in handling rapidly increasing non-communicable diseases (NCDs), due to the epidemiological- and particularly nutritional transition. Among major reasons for the development of NCDs are smoking and alcohol, but overnutrition and obesity are also major threats to population health. Obesity is related to diabetes and cancer, but also has a genetic background. It is difficult to recommend a healthy nutrition. This is because of conflicting nutritional conceptions, and given the complexity of human metabolism understanding this topic can be difficult for the laymen. Public health measures advocating physical activity and refraining from high intake of energy, sugar and soft drinks need to be enhanced by supporting the 'intrinsic motivation' to preserve a good health. The mission of public health should be to increase awareness about the complexity of human metabolism, and the involvement of genetic and epigenetics in health and diseases. To maintain homeostasis, means to keep an optimal relationship between catabolism and synthesis, seems to be of particular interest. Preconditions for this is, that public health institutions within the administration- and academic sector follow up developments in life science and molecular biology and conduct population-based research making use of molecular epidemiology, especially those related to key metabolic steps and maintenance of 'homeostasis', in balancing catabolism and anabolism. A prospective biomarker for this situation might be α-2-macroglobulin.
Highlights
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and cancer, are the main focus of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)[1]
Does overnutrition play a role in the development of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes and influences aging, but the risk for obesity is related to genetic factors[10,11]
Α-2-Macroglobulin in protein-energy-malnutrition All the results obtained from the variety of different studies, as reviewed here, seem to be in accordance with the notion that α2M supports homeostasis in situations of a ‘challenged’ nutritional status and suggest that proteinase inhibitors play a key role in maintaining the metabolism in balance
Summary
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and cancer, are the main focus of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)[1]. Α-2-Macroglobulin in protein-energy-malnutrition All the results obtained from the variety of different studies, as reviewed here, seem to be in accordance with the notion that α2M supports homeostasis in situations of a ‘challenged’ nutritional status and suggest that proteinase inhibitors play a key role in maintaining the metabolism in balance. This was assumed in observing patients suffering from clinical protein-energy malnutrition (PEM). For instance higher α2M levels in connection with some biological substances called ‘metallothioneins’ are beneficial in young adults but might have a harmful role in aging[32]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
