Lifestyle Alterations Research Articles

National Trends in the Prevalence of Self-Perceived Overweight Among Adolescents Between 2005 and 2022: Nationwide Representative Study.

Despite several studies on self-evaluation of health and body shape, existing research on the risk factors of self-perceived overweight is insufficient, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to identify the risk factors affecting self-perceived overweight and examine how the prevalence of self-perceived overweight has changed before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, we analyzed the impact of altered lifestyles due to COVID-19 on this phenomenon. The data used in the study were obtained from middle and high school students who participated in the Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (N=1,189,586). This survey was a 2-stage stratified cluster sampling survey representative of South Korean adolescents. We grouped the survey results by year and estimated the slope in the prevalence of self-perceived overweight before and during the pandemic using weighted linear regression, as well as the prevalence tendencies of self-perceived overweight according to various risk factors. We used prevalence ratios to identify the risk factors for self-perceived overweight. In addition, we conducted comparisons of risk factors in different periods to identify their associations with the COVID-19 pandemic. The prevalence of self-perceived overweight was much higher than BMI-based overweight among 1,189,586 middle and high school participants (grade 7-12) from 2005 to 2022 (female participants: n=577,102, 48.51%). From 2005 to 2019 (prepandemic), the prevalence of self-perceived overweight increased (β=2.80, 95% CI 2.70-2.90), but from 2020 to 2022 (pandemic) it decreased (β=-0.53, 95% CI -0.74 to -0.33). During the pandemic, individuals with higher levels of stress or lower household economic status exhibited a more substantial decrease in the rate of self-perceived overweight. The prevalence of self-perceived overweight tended to be higher among individuals with poor academic performance, lower economic status, poorer subjective health, and a higher stress level. Our nationwide study, conducted over 18 years, indicated that self-perceived overweight decreased during the COVID-19 period while identifying low academic performance and economic status as risk factors. These findings suggest the need for policies and facilities to address serious dieting and body dissatisfaction resulting from self-perceived overweight by developing counseling programs for adolescents with risk factors such as lower school performance and economic status.

SARS-CoV-2 induced vitamin D deficiency and psychological stress: a manifestation of autoimmune disease onset.

The global SARS-CoV-2 pandemic significantly altered lifestyles, access to healthcare, and social interactions, introducing unprecedented physical and psychological stress all over the world. This study explores the relationship between psychological stress, vitamin D (Vit-D) levels, and autoimmune connective tissue diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, polymyositis, dermatomyositis, and rheumatoid arthritis. The analysis was based on over one million patient data points derived from anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) testing conducted both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic 2017-2021. In a subset of patients, longitudinal data were collected bi-yearly to yearly over 5-8 years using the same three-month criteria. The dataset was analyzed using GraphPad Prism9 using paired t-tests or ordinary one-way ANOVA with a significance threshold of p < 0.05 to ensure robust correlations between the variables. Data indicated that Vit-D levels peaked between 2017 and 2019 before declining, while ANA data demonstrated a rise in autoimmune connective tissue disease cases during the pandemic, reaching a peak in 2021. A clear correlation was observed, with autoimmune disease incidence increasing as Vit-D levels decreased. In-depth case analysis revealed that declining Vit-D levels preceded higher ANA titers and increased autoimmune disease severity, whereas improvements in Vit-D levels were associated with reduced ANA titers and less severe disease manifestations. The findings suggest that maintaining mental health and ensuring adequate Vit-D supplementation could be essential strategies for mitigating autoimmune disease risks and maintaining immune stability, particularly in pandemic scenarios. Clinically, these results underscore the need for early interventions targeting both psychological well-being and Vit-D levels to reduce the burden of autoimmune diseases.

Synergies of bioactivities, mechanisms, dietary factors and functional food applications of medicinal insulin plant (Costus pictus D.): a review

SummaryModernisation has significantly altered lifestyles, particularly eating habits, contributing to the increase of chronic diseases, with diabetes mellitus being a predominant metabolic disorder. Medicinal herbs such as Costus pictus (C. pictus), commonly known as the Insulin plant, offer a promising approach to managing these conditions. It is a perennial plant from the Costaceae family rich in proteins, fibres, minerals (K, Ca, Cr, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn), and bioactive compounds. This review highlighted the plant's potential in mitigating chronic diseases and metabolic disorders due to its diverse bioactivities, including hepatoprotective, anti‐inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic, and antioxidant properties. These benefits are primarily attributed to its phytochemicals, mainly flavonoids and phenolic compounds. The antidiabetic mechanism involves suppressing metabolic enzymes essential for carbohydrate metabolism, while its antioxidant activity helps reduce excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels implicated in various diseases. Furthermore, C. pictus can be incorporated into functional foods such as bakery and confectionery products, functional drinks, and edible coatings. We discussed the dietary factors, bioactivities, and underlying mechanisms associated with Costus pictus D., emphasising its applicability in functional food formulations. The synthesis of current research highlights the plant's role in modulating glucose metabolism, enhancing antioxidant defences, and its potential in mitigating diseases such as diabetes. By delving into the synergies between its dietary factors and bioactivities, this review aims to elucidate the multifaceted benefits of Costus pictus D., thereby fostering its integration into sustainable agricultural practises and contributing to public health nutrition.

Impacts of Matrix Metalloproteinase-8 Genotypes, Smoking, Alcohol Drinking, and Helicobacter Pylori Infection on Gastric Cancer.

In gastric cancer (GCa) tissues, mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) is notably reduced compared to healthy tissues. Furthermore, abnormally low or elevated serum levels of MMP-8 have been linked to a significantly poor prognosis. The involvement of MMP-8 genotypes in susceptibility to GCa remains underexplored. We aimed to assess the influence of MMP-8 genotypes on GCa susceptibility and their potential interactions with smoking, alcohol consumption, and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. The study utilized polymerase chain reaction-based restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) to analyze MMP-8 rs11225395, rs34009635, and rs35866072 genotypes in 161 GCa patients and 483 controls. No statistically significant difference was detected in the distribution of genotypic (p for trend=0.3635) or allelic (p=0.1954) frequencies of MMP-8 rs11225395. Under a dominant model, combined CT+TT genotypes showed no association with GCa risk [odds ratio (OR)=0.77, 95% confidence interval (95%CI)=0.54-1.10, p=0.1852]. Similarly, no association was observed for MMP-8 rs34009635 or rs35866072. Importantly, individuals with the MMP-8 rs11225395 CC genotype demonstrated a significant increase in GCa risk when exposed to smoking (OR=4.04, 95%CI=2.28-7.16, p=0.0001), alcohol consumption (OR=2.83, 95%CI=1.64-4.89, p=0.0002), and H. pylori infection (OR=3.53, 95%CI=2.12-5.90, p=0.0001). The findings indicate that individuals carrying the MMP-8 rs11225395 CC genotype have increased susceptibility to GCa, especially when combined with risk factors, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and H. pylori infection. These results suggest that MMP-8 genotype-based preventive strategies, including lifestyle alterations and targeted infection treatments, may be valuable in mitigating GCa development.

The Fear of COVID-19 Pandemic Effects on Couples' Relationship and Sexual Quality of Life Female: A Study from Iran

Background: The enduring COVID-19 pandemic has implications for the sexual wellbeing of diverse populations, notably women. This worldwide emergency persists in affecting daily routines of individuals, as research indicates that alterations in lifestyle and imposed limitations are linked to mental health challenges. Aim: The objective of this research is to examine the interpersonal dynamics of couples and the sexual well-being of women in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This cross-sectional research involved 395 female participants who utilized Google Forms to complete online questionnaires in Iran from November 2022 to December 2022. The data collection instruments comprised the Sexual Quality of Life-Female (SQOL-F) questionnaire, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS), Relationship Rating Scale (RAS), and Fear of COVID-19 Scale. Statistical analyses employed in the study included independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, Tukey post hoc test, and Univariate and Multiple linear regression. Results: The average age of female participants in the study was 31.97 years, with a standard deviation of 9.04. The mean scores for sexual quality of life among women were 64.82 with a standard deviation of 11.93, 18.28 with a standard deviation of 4.48 for DASS, 22.48 with a standard deviation of 4.30 for RAS, and 12.88 with a standard deviation of 3.93 for fear of COVID-19 scale. Univariate linear regression analysis indicated a significant association between the quality of sexual life and fear of COVID-19 (P = 0.001), DASS (P = 0.001), and RAS (P = 0.007). The study found a noteworthy and negative impact of fear related to COVID-19 and DASS on the sexual quality of life of women (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: The anxiety stemming from the COVID-19 outbreak seems to have repercussions on the dynamics of romantic partnerships and the sexual well-being of women. Furthermore, the pandemic is associated with heightened levels of anxiety, stress, and depression. It is recommended that further research be undertaken to explore the mental health of women and its implications on their sexual experiences in the aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis.

MANAGEMENT OF KITIBHA KUSTHA WITH SHODHAN SHAMAN – A CASE STUDY

All the skin diseases in Ayurveda have been discussed under the broad heading of “Kustha” and are mainly affected by altered lifestyles and improper food habits. Kitibh Kustha’s prevalence in society is increasing daily due to sedentary and stressed work. The signs &amp; symptoms of the Kitibh Kustha are like psoriasis, and there is no definite curative treatment for psoriasis according to modern science. But following the classical reference of Kustha Chikitsa, which is ‘Tridoshaj Vyadhi’ from Charak Samhita was with ‘Shodhan chikitsa’ (body purification treatment) followed by ‘Shaman Chikitsa’ (alleviating treatment), this disease could be managed [1,2] . This paper highlights a case study of Kitibh Kustha where, a 31-year-old male with a chief complaint of Kandu (itching) and dry silvery white patches all over his body, taking steroids for four years. Vaman and Virechan were conducted after proper Poorva Karma, and afterwards, Sansarjan Karma was given to the patient according to Suddhi as mentioned in Charak Samhita. This was followed by three settings of Raktmoskhan and Shaman Chikitsa.

Impact of Ramadan Observance on Physical Activity Barriers, Sleep Patterns, and Physical Fitness in Adults With Nonfasting Type 1 Diabetes

ObjectivesIn this study we aimed to identify sleep patterns, physical fitness, and barriers to physical activity (PA) during Ramadan observance in a cohort of nonfasting individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D). MethodsSixty-one nonfasting patients with T1D (29 women, 32 men) completed questionnaires before and during Ramadan. The questionnaires consisted of 3 assessment instruments: the Barriers to Physical Activity in Type 1 Diabetes (BAPAD1), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. ResultsDuring Ramadan, BAPAD1 scores exhibited a nonsignificant increase (p=0.378). Primary barriers encompassed hypoglycemia risk, work schedules, diabetes control, and fatigue. The PSQI scores demonstrated a significant increase (p<0.01), revealing a deteriorated sleep quality. Sleep duration decreased by 58 minutes (p<0.01) and was associated with later bedtimes and more awakenings. PA levels decreased notably (p=0.042), particularly for vigourous activities (p=0.017), whereas sedentary time showed a significant increase (p=0.008). ConclusionsRamadan observance did not affect barriers to PA in individuals with T1D despite alteration of sleep patterns and PA practice. Lifestyle alterations associated with Ramadan observance significantly impact individuals with T1D who are not fasting, resulting in reduced PA, shortened sleep duration, and increased sedentary time.

Rising Incidence of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in the Asian Subcontinent—An Exploration of Causative Factors

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), comprising ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD), is a global health problem with a worldwide increase in incidence. While previously it was more prevalent in Western countries, especially in North America and Europe, there has been a recent sizeable increase in the incidence of IBD in Asia. This article is a brief overview of the causative factors that contribute to this rise in IBD cases in Asian countries. There is a notable disparity between the Asian IBD population and the Western one in terms of age distribution and gender predilection, and genetic studies reveal both shared and unique susceptibility loci. Changes in environmental factors, including alterations in diet, hygiene, and lifestyle, are thought to play a key role in the epidemiological transition observed in Asia. It is crucial to comprehend how genetic predisposition interacts with environmental factors in order to understand the causes of IBD in the Asian population and develop precise interventions to alleviate its impact.

Role of Ayurveda medicine in the management of Carcinoma of Breast

The incidence of malignant disorders is increasing in modern India. Due to altered lifestyle, faulty food habits intake of carcinogenic drugs, alcohol and tobacco and derangements in hormonal activities, cancers are seen common. Carcinoma of stomach, carcinoma of head of pancreas, carcinoma of breasts, carcinoma of prostate, squamous cells carcinoma of the mouth and tongue, skin carcinoma, osteosarcoma, carcinoma of rectum, Bronchogenic carcinoma are few malignant conditions seen commonly in the society. Surgical excision, Radiotherapy and chemotherapy are practiced in the management of cancer. In Ayurveda, Nidana Parivarjana, use of Vyadhi Pratyanika Aushadhi, Panchakarma therapy, practice of Yogasanas and Pranayama, Pyramid therapy, Pathapathya Prayoga and diet therapies are advocated. Ayurveda provides palliative treatment in this disease. It often improves the quality of life and body strength in these patients. In the review paper, the role of Ayurveda medicine in the management of Carcinoma of breast is discussed elaborately.

Ultra-minimally invasive endoscopic techniques and colorectal diseases: Current status and its future

Colorectal diseases are increasing due to altered lifestyle, genetic, and environmental factors. Colonoscopy plays an important role in diagnosis. Advances in colonoscope (ultrathin scope, magnetic scope, capsule) and technological gadgets (Balloon assisted scope, third eye retroscope, NaviAid G-EYE, dye-based chromoendoscopy, virtual chromoendoscopy, narrow band imaging, i-SCAN, etc. ) have made colonoscopy more comfortable and efficient. Now in-vivo microscopy can be performed using confocal laser endomicroscopy, optical coherence tomography, spectroscopy, etc. Besides developments in diagnostic colonoscopy, therapeutic colonoscopy has improved to manage lower gastrointestinal tract bleeding, obstruction, perforations, resection polyps, and early colorectal cancers. The introduction of combined endo-laparoscopic surgery and robotic endoscopic surgery has made these interventions feasible. The role of artificial intelligence in the diagnosis and management of colorectal diseases is also increasing day by day. Hence, this article is to review cutting-edge developments in endoscopic principles for the management of colorectal diseases.

Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Hand and Arm Dysfunction: A Google Trends Analysis.

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic prompted individuals to make a number of lifestyle alterations. Few studies have examined the development of any hand and/or arm dysfunctions that may have resulted. The purpose of this study was to identify hand and/or arm overuse injuries that may have occurred as a result of the stay-at-home orders during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A Google Trends analysis of the terms "hand pain," "carpal tunnel syndrome," "cubital tunnel syndrome," "trigger finger," "de Quervain tenosynovitis," "elbow pain," "tennis elbow," "golfer's elbow," "thumb base arthritis," and "extensor carpi ulnaris tenosynovitis" in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and India was performed from June 2019 to January 2023. The noted timeframe was divided into quarters of 47 weeks, with the first quarter (June 2, 2019, through April 19, 2020) serving as a pre-pandemic baseline. The analysis compared initial results noted in the first quarter to individual results from the second, third, and fourth quarters. Results The most notable findings were the upward trends of the terms "hand pain," "carpal tunnel," and "trigger finger."Specifically, India showed a significant increase in the terms "hand pain" and "carpal tunnel syndrome" in the second, third, and fourth quarters. The United States additionally showed a significant upward trend in the terms "carpal tunnel syndrome" and "trigger finger" in the second, third, and fourth quarters. The United Kingdom also reported a significant upward trend in the term "trigger finger" in the second, third, and fourth quarters. Conclusion Numerous factors likely contributed to the increased interest in these terms, such as the increase in telework and associated mobile device usage due to lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic. Movements associated with performing these tasks may have led to an increased prevalence of hand pain, thus prompting increased queries of these terms through an online search engine.

Sleep disruptions and associated risk factors among Iranians during Ramadan amid COVID-19 pandemic: A nationwide cross-sectional study.

The global COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted daily routines and heightened stress levels worldwide, impacting various aspects of health, including sleep. This cross-sectional study conducted in Iran aimed to investigate the impact of Ramadan Intermittent Fasting (RIF) during the pandemic on sleep disturbances and associated risk factors in adults aged ≥ 18 years. Data was collected from Iranian participants observing RIF. A structured electronic questionnaire, translated into Persian, gathered information on sociodemographics, dietary habits, sleep parameters, physical activity, and more. The study assessed sleep quality, duration, and disturbances and conducted a thorough analysis to identify risk factors associated with sleep disruptions. The study revealed that 48% of the participants experienced sleep disturbances during RIF, with 21% reporting poor sleep quality and 46% having unusual sleep duration. Various factors were associated with an elevated risk of sleep disruptions, including body mass index, place of residence, income levels, cohabitation status, family history of obesity, hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, personal history of obesity, weight fluctuations, Shisha smoking, and unemployment. The results highlight the critical importance of health promotion strategies tailored to cultural contexts. This study advocates for enhanced health education initiatives focusing on sleep hygiene and stress management, especially during periods of significant lifestyle alterations like Ramadan amid a global pandemic. Such initiatives are vital in mitigating sleep disturbances and promoting overall well-being in populations facing unique health challenges.

AN AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF KITIBHA KUSHTHA (PSORIASIS): A CASE STUDY

Background Skin is the first line of defence for our body against harmful physical, chemical, and pathological agents. Healthy skin also contributes to a person's aesthetics. Thus, apart from daily routines, skin disorders also affect the self-confidence of the patient. Skin disorders constitute one of the largest groups of health problems in gen-eral clinical practice. Kushtha is a broad term which covers almost all the skin diseases in Ayurveda. In general, Twak vikara are mainly caused due to altered lifestyle, lack of physical exercise, poor hygiene, mental stress and improper diet. Kushtha is further divided into Maha and Kshudra Kushtha. Kitibha Kushtha is one of the Kshu-dra Kushtha. Need and scope of the study. With the rise in psoriasis and psoriatic medications for longer duration (more than a year), patients also face nu-merous side effects related to other systems. Many patients could be observed applying combination creams (steroids with psoriasis), changing the whole and sole picture of the earlier lesions. Hence, to avoid and make treatment aspect easier to prevent the recurrence. In the present case study, a 58-year-old male patient in the Kayachikitsa OPD of R.A. Podar Medical College (Ayu.), Mumbai had symptoms of hyperpigmentation with dry, scaly lesions all over body and itching all over the body, which increased during the night and was treated with Rukshan-virechan karma and Raktamokshan respectively. The symptoms were prevailing for three months. In this case, Rukshan Chikitsa helped cure Ambu dushti, whereas Virechan karma helped cure Samprapti-bhanga. Raktamokshan helped to avoid the recurrence of the medical condition. Generally, Twak Vikar is mainly caused by Tridosha, Rasa, Mansa, and Kleda dushti. Thus, treatment with Rukshan-Virechan &amp; Raktamokshan Chikitsa provided successful relief, which was observed in the patient.

Low anterior resection syndrome phenotypes-Different symptom profiles for different patients.

Attention is increasingly being turned to functional outcomes as being central to colorectal cancer (CRC) survivorship. The current literature may underestimate the impact of evacuatory dysfunction on patient satisfaction with bowel function after anterior resection (AR) for CRC. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of post-AR symptoms of storage and evacuatory dysfunction on patient satisfaction and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). A cross-sectional study was performed at an Australian hospital of patients post-AR for CRC (2012-2021). The postoperative bowel function scores used were: low anterior resection syndrome (LARS), St Mark's incontinence, Cleveland Clinic constipation and Altomare obstructive defaecation syndrome scores. Eight 'storage' and 'evacuatory' dysfunction symptoms were derived. A seven-point Likert scale measured patient satisfaction. The SF36v2® measured HRQoL. Linear regression assessed the association between symptoms, patient satisfaction and HRQoL. Overall, 248 patients participated (mean age 70.8 years, 57.3% male), comprising 103 with rectal cancer and 145 with sigmoid cancer. Of the symptoms that had a negative impact on patient satisfaction, six reflected evacuatory dysfunction, namely excessive straining (p < 0.001), one or more unsuccessful bowel movement attempt(s)/24 h (p < 0.001), anal/vaginal digitation (p = 0.005), regular enema use (p = 0.004), toilet revisiting (p = 0.004) and >10 min toileting (p = 0.004), and four reflected storage dysfunction, namely leaking flatus (p = 0.002), faecal urgency (p = 0.005), use of antidiarrhoeal medication (p = 0.001) and incontinence-related lifestyle alterations (p < 0.001). A total of 130 patients (53.5%) had 'no LARS', 56 (23.1%) had 'minor LARS' and 57 (23.4%) had 'major LARS'. Fifty-seven (44.5%) patients classified as having 'no LARS' had evacuatory dysfunction. Postoperative storage and evacuatory dysfunction symptoms have an adverse impact on patient satisfaction and HRQoL post-AR. The importance of comprehensively documenting symptoms of evacuatory dysfunction is highlighted. Further research is required to develop a patient satisfaction-weighted LARS-specific HRQoL instrument.

Profound perturbations are found in the proteome and metabolome in children with obesity after weight loss intervention

Background and aimsThe mechanisms occur in children with obesity after lifestyle intervention remain poorly explained. Here, we investigated the serum proteomes and metabolomes of children with obesity who had undergone 30 days of weight loss intervention. Methods and resultsSerum samples and clinical parameters were collected before and after lifestyle alteration interventions. Proteomic and metabolomic profiling was used to identify the differentially expressed proteins and differentially abundant metabolites in response to weight loss intervention. Lifestyle alteration interventions significantly decreased BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference and body fat, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) and high non-HDL cholesterol, but not TG and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), in children with obesity. By comparing the multiomics data, we identified 43 proteins and 165 metabolites that were significantly differentially expressed in children with obesity before and after lifestyle alteration interventions. Using integrated -omics analysis, we obtained 7 KEGG pathways that were organically integrated based on the correlations between differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and metabolites (DMs). Further interaction analysis identified 7 proteins as candidate DEPs and 9 metabolites as candidate DMs. Interestingly, we found that some of these candidate DEPs and candidate DMs were significantly correlated with clinical parameters. ConclusionOur results provide valuable proteome and metabolome data resources for better understanding weight loss-associated responses in children with obesity. In addition, we analyzed the number of significantly differentially expressed proteins and metabolites, shed new light on weight loss pathogenesis in children with obesity, and added potential therapeutic agents for obese children.

RNA-mediated epigenetic regulation in exercised heart: Mechanisms and opportunities for intervention

Physical exercise has been widely acknowledged as a beneficial lifestyle alteration and a potent non-pharmacological treatment for heart disease. Extensive investigations have revealed the beneficial effects of exercise on the heart and the underlying mechanisms involved. Exercise is considered one of the key factors that can lead to epigenetic alterations. The increasing number of identified molecules in the exercised heart has led to many studies in recent years that have explored the cellular function of ncRNAs and RNA modifications in the heart. Investigating the regulatory role of RNA-mediated epigenetic regulation in exercised hearts will contribute to the development of therapeutic strategies for the management of heart diseases. This review aims to summarize the positive impact of exercise on cardiac health. We will first provide an overview of the mechanisms through which exercise offers protection to the heart. Subsequently, we will delve into the current understanding of ncRNAs, specifically miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs, as well as RNA modification, focusing on RNA m6A and RNA A-to-I editing, and how they contribute to exercise-induced benefits for the heart. Lastly, we will explore the emerging therapeutic strategies that utilize exercise-mediated RNA epigenetic regulation in the treatment of heart diseases, while also addressing the challenges faced in this field.

Genetic causal role of body mass index in multiple neurological diseases

Body mass index (BMI) is a crucial health indicator for obesity. With the progression of socio-economic status and alterations in lifestyle, an increasing number of global populations are at risk of obesity. Given the complexity and severity of neurological diseases, early identification of risk factors is vital for the diagnosis and prognosis of such diseases. In this study, we employed Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis utilizing the most comprehensive genome-wide association study (GWAS) data to date. We selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that are unaffected by confounding factors and reverse causality as instrumental variables. These variables were used to evaluate the genetic and causal relationships between Body Mass Index (BMI) and various neurological diseases, including Parkinson’s Disease (PD), Alzheimer's Disease (AD), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Ischemic Stroke (IS), and Epilepsy (EP). The Inverse Variance Weighted (IVW) analysis indicated that there was no significant causal relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) indicators and PD (P-value = 0.511), AD (P-value = 0.076), ALS (P-value = 0.641), EP (P-value = 0.380). However, a causal relationship was found between BMI indicators and MS (P-value = 0.035), and IS (P-value = 0.000), with the BMI index positively correlated with the risk of both diseases. The Cochran’s Q test for MR-IVW showed no heterogeneity in the MR analysis results between the BMI index and the neurological diseases (P > 0.05). The Egger intercept test for pleiotropy revealed no horizontal pleiotropy detected in any of the neurological diseases studied (P > 0.05). It was found that there was no causal relationship between BMI and PD, AD, ALS, EP, and a genetic causal association with MS, and IS. Meanwhile, the increase in BMI can lead to a higher risk of MS and IS, which reveals the critical role of obesity as a risk factor for specific neurological diseases in the pathogenesis of the diseases.

The secondary prevention of coronary heart disease in US adults 75 Years and older in daily practice: Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2018 survey

BackgroundPharmacologic therapies, risk factor control, and lifestyle alterations were independently proven to reduce long-term cardiovascular events. However, comprehensive research examining the extent to which individuals aged 75 and above in the United States adhere to national guidelines for the secondary prevention of coronary heart disease is limited. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to examine the current state of secondary prevention of coronary heart disease in persons 75 years of age and older in the United States and to examine the factors that contribute to inadequate drug utilization and poor control of numerous risk factors. MethodsWe identified patients over 75 years of age with coronary heart disease based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999 to 2018 and analyzed the adequacy of risk factor control and adherence to lifestyle and medication recommendations to assess the effectiveness of coronary heart disease management. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with uncontrolled risk factors or noncompliance with recommended medications. ResultsWe collected information from 1566 known coronary heart disease patients aged ≥75 years of age. The majority were at target goals for blood pressure (58.88%), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (66.85%), and glycated hemoglobin (76.12%). Only 27.8% and 36.06% were at targets for body mass index and waist circumference, respectively. 91.95% reported smoking cessation, 85.98% followed recommended alcohol consumption, whereas only 10.34% reported sufficient physical activity. For β blockers, angiotensin -converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers, statins, and antiplatelet drugs, the utilization of indicated therapy was 54.41%, 49.36%, 54.79%, and 19.03%, respectively (6.26% for all 4 medications). The results of the logistic regression analysis demonstrated that diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome were critical markers of numerous uncontrolled risk variables as well as noncompliance with medication regimens. ConclusionsA vast majority of coronary heart disease patients ≥75 years in the USA exhibited suboptimal overall control of critical coronary heart disease risk factors. For this patient population, more knowledge is necessary to enable patients to receive continuous support, guidance, and counseling.

Herbal Treatments for Obesity: A Review.

Obesity is the most pervasive metabolic disorder, further linked with many other diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disorders, and sleep apnea. To control the increasing weight of obese individuals, experts usually recommend exercise and lifestyle alterations, but medication and surgeries are also advised in severe cases. FDA-approved obesity-controlling drugs are effective but possess certain adverse effects, including dry mouth, drug abuse, dysregulation in monoamine neurotransmitters, insomnia, and many more. Medication processes are expensive; researchers have focused on safer and more effective alternative approaches than pharmaceutical drugs. Since ancient times, a diverse array of herbal plants have been used due to their therapeutic effect, as in-vitro and in-vivo experimentations have proved the effectiveness of herbal plants with no mortality. In this review, we have presented various herbs with their metabolically active secondary metabolites, including Berberis vulgaris L, Rhizoma Coptidis, Radix Lithospermi, Aloe vera, Clerodendrum multiflorum Burm f., Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch), Boerhaavia diffusa, Achyranthes aspera L., etc. All of these herbs are responsible for anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, and anti-inflammatory effects. Most of the previously published clinical trials and animal studies that confirmed the significant potential of these herbal plants and their active ingredients to reduce weight by decreasing the accumulated fats in the body have also been discussed in this review. Thus, it is concluded that scientists must consider and utilize these natural treasures for safe, effective, and cost-effective treatment. It will open new and novel ways for treatment regimes.

Abstract MP71: Novel Association Between Parity and Skeletal Muscle Adiposity in Middle-Aged and Older African Caribbean Women

Objective: Pregnancy and parity (number of children born to a women) are associated with alterations in metabolism and lifestyle, which may affect women’s short- and long-term cardiometabolic health. Greater skeletal muscle adiposity (myosteatosis) is recognized as a major risk factor for cardiometabolic diseases, especially in African ancestry individuals. While lifetime parity has been previously associated with greater central obesity years after childbearing ceased, it remains unclear whether parity is associated with myosteatosis. Methods: We examined the association of parity (0, 1, 2, 3, 4+) with myosteatosis and general and central obesity among 1,119 African Caribbean women, aged 40-84 years, recruited from 2019 to 2023 without regard to health status. Calf myosteatosis area was measured by CT-derived intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT, mm 2 ) and skeletal muscle density (mg/cm 3 , with a lower density indicating more adiposity). Multivariable linear regression models were used to estimate the adjusted means of IMAT, muscle density, BMI, and waist circumference for each parity group. Results: The mean age of women who reported ever being pregnant (N=969) was 55.8 (SD=9.0) years. They were obese on average (BMI=32.1 (SD=6.8) kg/m 2 ), and had given birth to an average of 3 (SD=2.3) children. In multivariable models, higher parity was significantly associated with higher IMAT and lower muscle density, after accounting for age, BMI, physical activity, and comorbidities (see Table). Parity showed no associations with BMI or waist circumference. Conclusions: Parity may be associated with greater accumulation of adiposity in skeletal muscle, despite no link with general or central adiposity among African Caribbean women. Our novel findings, if confirmed in prospective studies, might highlight the need for tailored strategies for maintaining healthy muscles in multiparous women of African ancestry. Table. Adjusted population marginal means (95% CI) for myosteatosis by parity groups in African Caribbean women a