Lifestyle-related Diseases Research Articles

Evaluation of Dry Fasting Effect during Ramadan on Protein Glycation in Saudi Individuals

Introduction: The non-enzymatic protein glycation alters protein function and contributes to many biochemical disorders. The accumulation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) is associated with the complications of diabetes, kidney disease, metabolic disorders and degenerative diseases. 
 Objectives: This study was designed to measure the level of some glycated proteins such as glycated insulin and glycated hemoglobin in Saudi volunteers before and after dry fasting in Ramadan.
 Methods: Blood samples were collected twice; first sample (before) and second sample (after) dry fasting. The study included 45 Saudi male volunteers, whose ages ranged between23 and 52 years They were divided into four groups: healthy, type II diabetic patients, smokers, and obese individuals. Plasma glucose level and HbA1c were measured immediately using (Beckman coulter). Assessment of insulin resistance was determined using the equation of homeostasis model for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Plasma insulin level and glycated insulin % were assayed by TSQ Vantage Triple Stage Quadruple LC/MS Mass Spectrometer from Thermo Scientific.
 Results: Level of HbA1c, HOMA IR and glycated insulin in healthy, type II diabetic patients, smokers, and obese individuals showed significant decrease in the second sample. The level of HbA1c showed a significant decrease (p-value <0.0001) after dry fasting (5.69 ± 1.55 %), (6.14 ± 1.77%). The level of HOMA IR showed significant decrease (p-value <0.0001) after dry fasting (1.97 ± 1), (2.46 ± 1.28). The level of glycated insulin showed significant decrease (p-value <0.0001) after dry fasting (6.25 ± 2%), (7.71 ± 2.48%).
 Conclusion: Glucose, HbA1c, HOMA IR, and glycated insulin levels showed a significant decrease after dry fasting. Reduced protein glycation and formation of advanced glycation end products, can improve the clinical course of many medical disorders. More researches are needed to understand the molecular mechanisms behind glycation-induced clinical disorders and diseases, as well as to correlate these mechanisms to the diagnosis and prevention of lifestyle-related diseases.

Lifestyle Medicine and Health Coaching – a perfect marriage?

While the field of lifestyle medicine has been growing rapidly world-wide over the past two decades in particular, the prevalence of chronic (lifestyle-related) disease is increasing, particularly in developed nations. Lifestyle Medicine approaches are a promising basis for preventing, managing and reversion chronic disease; however, these approaches are based almost exclusively on individual behavioral change. Such changes are best developed and supported with a health-coaching methodology.

Inflammation and severity of depressive symptoms in physically active individuals after COVID-19 – An exploratory immunopsychological study investigating the effect of inflammation on depressive symptom severity

BackgroundSARS-CoV-2 infection is a risk factor for the development of depressive symptoms such as lack of energy, loss of interest, and depressed mood. Inflammatory processes might underline this association. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between inflammatory markers and the severity of depression after SARS-CoV-2 infection and the predictive effect of inflammatory markers on the severity of depressive symptoms. Lifestyle factors and lifestyle-related diseases can influence inflammation and depressive symptoms. As these lifestyle factors and lifestyle-related diseases are less common in physically active individuals, they are a suitable population for investigating this research question. MethodsWe investigated 61 at least moderate physically active individuals on average ∼6 months (SD = 4.22, range = 0.5–19 months) after SARS-CoV-2 infection (t0) and performed a follow-up after 3 months (t1). Depressive symptoms and biomarkers of inflammation (interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-8, IL-10, Ferritin, Lipopolysaccharide-binding-protein [LBP], neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio [NLR], platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio [PLR], lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio [LMR]) and kynurenine [KYN] were measured at both time points. Concentrations of inflammatory markers at t0 were used to predict the severity of depressive symptoms at t0 and t1. ResultsConcentrations of KYN were negatively related to the severity of depressive symptoms at t0. Concentrations of LMR predicted higher depressive symptoms at t0 as well as at t1. Furthermore, individuals with lower concentrations of LBP at t0 showed a higher severity of depressive symptoms at t1. No correlation was found between severity of depressive symptoms and IL-1β, IL-8, IL-10, ferritin, NLR, and PLR at both time points. ConclusionsKYN, LBP and LMR might be useful as a predictive factor of depressive symptoms in physically active individuals after SARS-CoV-2 infection. While the results for KYN confirm the current scientific evidence, our results highlight the importance of the innovative inflammatory markers LMR and LBP. LMR and LBP might be interesting targets for predicting the development of depressive symptoms in SARS-CoV-2 infected populations and should be further investigated in future studies.

Banal nationalisms in medicine and prostate onco-practice in Japan: A urological viewpoint

Cancer has the highest mortality and morbidity rates, and kills more men than women in Japan. Culturally and medically constructed as a ‘lifestyle-related disease’, prostate cancer incidence is directly proportional to the ‘Westernisation of eating habits’, and societal ageing. Nevertheless, campaigns to advocate routine testing for prostate cancer remain non-existent. Based on an adaptation of the ‘sexual scripts’ theorising (Gagnon and Simon, 2005), 21 Japanese urologists from Osaka, Kobe and Tokyo, recruited through snowball sampling, were interviewed from 2021 to 2022, to explore how banal nationalisms in medicine—daily medical practice grounded in cultural scripts concerning the Japanese ethnic-self, rather than in medical ‘biological causation to explain illness’ (Barry and Yuill, 2008, 20), influence their onco-practice. ‘Systemic networks’ (Bliss et al., 1983) underpinned the analysis of interviews, which indicates that the physicians tend to (re)produce banal nationalisms in medicine through an understanding of an onco-self, who embodies an ‘essentialised’ version of the Japanese-self concerning rational-thinking, medical-compliancy, and a dependency on familialism and the feminisation of care to cope with cancer. In grappling with prostate cancer, onco-biopedagogy built on the consumption of traditional Japanese food comprehends banal nationalisms in medicine entrenched in prostate onco-practice. Lastly, endorsing and subsidising Traditional Japanese Medicine encompass an element of onco-economics that involves banal nationalisms in medicine. Nonetheless, emotionality underneath decision-making processes, and an onco-self demanding a robotic surgery challenge the validity of banal nationalisms in medicine when grasping onco-practice.

Regulation of Adenine Nucleotide Metabolism by Adenylate Kinase Isozymes: Physiological Roles and Diseases.

Adenylate kinase (AK) regulates adenine nucleotide metabolism and catalyzes the ATP + AMP ⇌ 2ADP reaction in a wide range of organisms and bacteria. AKs regulate adenine nucleotide ratios in different intracellular compartments and maintain the homeostasis of the intracellular nucleotide metabolism necessary for growth, differentiation, and motility. To date, nine isozymes have been identified and their functions have been analyzed. Moreover, the dynamics of the intracellular energy metabolism, diseases caused by AK mutations, the relationship with carcinogenesis, and circadian rhythms have recently been reported. This article summarizes the current knowledge regarding the physiological roles of AK isozymes in different diseases. In particular, this review focused on the symptoms caused by mutated AK isozymes in humans and phenotypic changes arising from altered gene expression in animal models. The future analysis of intracellular, extracellular, and intercellular energy metabolism with a focus on AK will aid in a wide range of new therapeutic approaches for various diseases, including cancer, lifestyle-related diseases, and aging.

Current status of long-term follow-up system for women with a history of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: the HDP-PPAP study (HDP-Postpartum in Aomori prefecture study)

Objective Women with a history of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), especially those with gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, are more likely to develop hypertension, cerebrovascular disease, ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and chronic kidney disease later in life. However, the risk of lifestyle-related diseases in the immediate postpartum period among Japanese women with preexisting HDP is unclear, and a follow-up system for women with preexisting HDP has not been established in Japan. The purpose of this study was to examine the risk factors for lifestyle-related diseases in Japanese women in the immediate postpartum period and the usefulness of HDP follow-up outpatient clinics based on the situation of the HDP follow-up outpatient clinic at our hospital. Method We included 155 women with a history of HDP who visited our outpatient clinic between April 2014 and February 2020. We examined the reasons for dropout during the follow-up period. We also examined the number of new cases of lifestyle-related diseases and compared Body Mass Index(BMI), blood pressure values, and blood and urine test results at 1 and 3 years postpartum in 92 women who had been continuously followed for more than 3 years postpartum. Results The average age of our patient cohort was 34.8 ± 4.5 years. A total of 155 women with previous HDP were continuously followed for more than 1 year, of whom 23 had new pregnancies, and eight had recurrent HDP (recurrence rate 34.8%). Of the 132 patients who were not newly pregnant, 28 dropped out during follow-up, the most common reason being that the patient did not show up. The patients in this study developed hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia within a short period. Both systolic and diastolic blood pressures were at normal high levels at 1-year postpartum, and BMI significantly increased at 3 years postpartum. Blood tests revealed significant deterioration in creatinine (Cre), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γGTP) levels. Conclusion In this study, women with preexisting HDP were found to have developed hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia several years postpartum. We also found a significant increase in BMI and worsening of Cre, eGFR, and γGTP levels at 1 and 3 years postpartum. Although the 3-year follow-up rate at our hospital was relatively good (78.8%), some women discontinued follow-up due to self-interruption or relocation, suggesting the need to establish a nationwide follow-up system.

A brief self-compassionate reflective writing task can manage negative reactions following an eating transgression

ABSTRACT Objective This study investigated the efficacy of brief 3-minute reflective writing tasks to manage reactions following an upsetting self-perceived eating transgression. Methods Participants (N = 270) identified their own recent upsetting eating scenario and were randomised to complete a writing task encouraging either self-reflective re-construal or self-compassion. All state outcomes were measured immediately pre- and post-intervention, except for state self-compassion which was measured at post-intervention only. Eating regulation and healthy eating behaviours were reported by participants who completed the follow-up (N = 187, 69.3% of the original sample) two weeks after the intervention. Results Both writing tasks resulted in reduced anxiety, and increased confidence and self-esteem, at post-intervention. The self-compassion writing task led to higher state self-compassion, and lower general negative affect and depression, than the self-reflective re-construal writing task. Moreover, participants in the self-compassion group reported eating a healthier and more balanced diet during the follow-up period than participants in the self-reflection group. Conclusions The current study has provided further evidence for the efficacy of brief self-compassionate reflective writing to regulate negative affectivity and promote healthy eating behaviours in a non-clinical sample, thus revealing important potential application for this approach in the context of eating pathology and lifestyle-related chronic disease.

Sharing Patient Safety Management Skills in Oncology Pharmaceutical Outpatient Service

Important tasks performed by pharmacists include dispensing medicines based on prescriptions and explaining medication to patients. However, pharmacists are now required not only to perform these tasks but also to provide patients with pharmacotherapy that maximises the efficacy of drugs and minimises side effects. In particular, chemotherapy has a wide variety of side effects and a higher incidence of side effects than pharmacotherapy for lifestyle-related diseases. The Cancer Institute Hospital has conducted a oncology pharmacist outpatient clinic for patients undergoing chemotherapy, pharmacists meet with patients on an outpatient basis. The content of these visits includes assessing the severity of side effects and adherence to oral anti-cancer drugs, and proposing supportive therapy to doctors. This symposium will focus on hand-foot syndrome caused by 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) anticancer drugs and molecular-targeted drugs, and will share information on skills in assessing the severity of these side effects and on side-effect management based on reducing doses of anticancer drugs, taking off drugs and proposing supportive therapy. Furthermore, how the pill counts and Self-report methods are used in clinical practice to assess adherence to oral anti-cancer drugs will be shared. Recently, trainees from insurance dispensing pharmacies have been accepted and training has been provided on the management of adverse effects of chemotherapy and adherence assessment of oral anticancer drugs in the oncology pharmacist outpatient clinic. This symposium will share details of pharmaceutical care practices such as side-effect management in chemotherapy and adherence assessment of oral anticancer drugs, and discuss the skills required for patient safety management.

Orally administered Lactiplantibacillus plantarum OLL2712 decreased intestinal permeability, especially in the ileum: Ingested lactic acid bacteria alleviated obesity-induced inflammation by collaborating with gut microbiota.

Chronic inflammation caused by dietary obesity has been considered to induce lifestyle-related diseases and functional ingredients with anti-inflammatory effects are attracting attention. Although multiple studies on obesity had proved the anti-inflammatory effects of ingestion of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and other functional ingredients on adipose tissue, the precise effects on the intestine, especially on the individual intestinal segments have not been made clear. In this study, we elucidated the mechanisms of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (basonym: Lactobacillus plantarum) OLL2712 in suppressing obesity-induced inflammation using high fat diet (HFD)-fed mice obesity model. We orally administered heat-treated LAB to HFD-fed mice model, and investigated the inflammatory changes in adipose tissue and intestinal immune cells. We also analyzed gut microbiota, and evaluated the inflammation and permeability of the duodenum, jejunum, ileum and colon; four intestinal segments differing in gut bacteria composition and immune response. After 3-week LAB administration, the gene expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines were downregulated in adipose tissue, colon, and Peyer's patches (PP)-derived F4/80+ cells. The LAB treatment alleviated obesity-related gut microbiota imbalance. L. plantarum OLL2712 treatment helps maintain intestinal barrier function, especially in the ileum, possibly by preventing ZO-1 and Occludin downregulation. Our results suggest that the oral administration of the LAB strain regulated the gut microbiota, suppressed intestinal inflammation, and improved the gut barrier, which could inhibit the products of obesity-induced gut dysbiosis from translocating into the bloodstream and the adipose tissue, through which the LAB finally alleviated the inflammation caused by dietary obesity. Barrier improvement was observed, especially in the ileum, suggesting collaborative modulation of the intestinal immune responses by ingested LAB and microbiota.

Relationship of masked obesity to self-reported lifestyle habits, ideal body image, and anthropometric measures in Japanese university students: A cross-sectional study.

Masked obesity (MO) is defined as a normal body mass index (BMI) with a high body fat percentage (%BF), and is associated with the onset of lifestyle-related diseases. However, little is known about the current status of MO. Therefore, we investigated the relationship of MO to physical characteristics and lifestyle habits among Japanese university students. Between 2011 and 2019, we conducted a survey of 10,168 males and 4,954 females with BMI within the normal range (18.5 ≤ BMI < 25 kg/m2). MO was defined as %BF ≥ 20% in males and %BF ≥ 30% in females. Students completed a questionnaire containing items about lifestyle habits. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were measured, and hypertension was defined as systolic above 140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure above 90 mmHg. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the relationships as follows: the relationship of masked obesity to self-reported lifestyle habits, ideal body image, and anthropometric measures; the relationship between hypertension and body indices. The proportion of students with MO in 2019 was 13.4% in males and 25.8% in females, and the proportion of females increased over time. MO was associated with desire for weight loss (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval: 1.76, 1.53-2.02), intake of five macronutrients (0.79, 0.67-0.93), rice and wheat intakes (1.22, 1.01-1.47), sleep duration of < 7hr (0.85, 0.74-0.98), and exercise habit (0.71, 0.63-0.81) in males; and with balanced diet intake (0.79, 0.64-0.99) and exercise habit (0.65, 0.51-0.82) in females. There was a significant association of MO with hypertension in males (1.29, 1.09-1.53). The percentage of female students with MO increased during the study period, and in males, MO may be a risk factor for hypertension. These results suggest that intervention for MO is needed in Japanese university students.

Association of Plasma Lipopolysaccharide-Binding Protein Concentration with Dietary Factors, Gut Microbiota, and Health Status in the Japanese General Adult Population: A Cross-Sectional Study

The influx of intestinal bacteria-derived lipopolysaccharide (LPS) into the blood has attracted attention as a cause of diseases. The aim of this study is investigating the associations between the influx of LPS, dietary factors, gut microbiota, and health status in the general adult population. Food/nutrient intake, gut microbiota, health status and plasma LPS-binding protein (LBP; LPS exposure indicator) were measured in 896 residents (58.1% female, mean age 54.7 years) of the rural Iwaki district of Japan, and each correlation was analyzed. As the results, plasma LBP concentration correlated with physical (right/left arms' muscle mass [β = -0.02, -0.03]), renal (plasma renin activity [β = 0.27], urine albumin creatinine ratio [β = 0.50]), adrenal cortical (cortisol [β = 0.14]), and thyroid function (free thyroxine [β = 0.05]), iron metabolism (serum iron [β = -0.14]), and markers of lifestyle-related diseases (all Qs < 0.20). Plasma LBP concentration were mainly negatively correlated with vegetables/their nutrients intake (all βs ≤ -0.004, Qs < 0.20). Plasma LBP concentration was positively correlated with the proportion of Prevotella (β = 0.32), Megamonas (β = 0.56), and Streptococcus (β = 0.65); and negatively correlated with Roseburia (β = -0.57) (all Qs < 0.20). Dietary factors correlated with plasma LBP concentration correlated with positively (all βs ≥ 0.07) or negatively (all βs ≤ -0.07) the proportion of these bacteria (all Qs < 0.20). Our results suggested that plasma LBP concentration in the Japanese general adult population was associated with various health issues, and that dietary habit was associated with plasma LBP concentration in relation to the intestinal bacteria.

Overweight increases perioperative spinal surgery complications: a single-center retrospective study

BackgroundThe World Health Organization (WHO) defines a person with a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 25 kg/m2 as overweight. Being overweight is a lifestyle-related disease; however, little is known about the impact of overweight on the perioperative complications of orthopedic surgery. This study aimed to define the effect of overweight on the perioperative complications of spinal surgery.MethodsThis retrospective case series study reviewed 269 consecutive patients who underwent spinal surgery. These patients were divided into the overweight (OW) and non-overweight (NOW) groups. Age, BMI, surgical time, blood loss, and perioperative complications were evaluated and compared between the groups.ResultsThere were 117 patients (43%) in the OW group and 152 (57%) in the NOW group. Cervical surgery was performed in 72 cases, thoracic surgery in 34, and lumbosacral surgery in 159. The surgical time was significantly longer in the OW group than in the NOW group (204.6 ± 98 min vs. 175 ± 75 min; p = 0.01). Blood loss was greater in the OW group than in the NOW group (446.8 ± 447.9 mL vs. 279 ± 296.5 mL; p = 0.00). Durotomy was more frequent in the OW group than in the NOW group (10 vs. 3 cases; p = 0.02). There was no difference in complications other than durotomy.ConclusionsOW patients had longer surgical time, more blood loss, and more frequent durotomy than NOW patients. These findings indicate that overweight increases perioperative complications of spinal surgery.

Hsp70.1 carbonylation induces lysosomal cell death for lifestyle-related diseases.

Alzheimer's disease, type 2 diabetes, and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) constitute increasingly prevalent disorders. Individuals with type 2 diabetes are well-known to be susceptible to Alzheimer's disease. Although the pathogenesis of each disorder is multifactorial and the causal relation remains poorly understood, reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced lipid and protein oxidation conceivably plays a common role. Lipid peroxidation product was recently reported to be a key factor also for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, because of inducing hepatocyte degeneration/death. Here, we focus on implication of the representative lipid-peroxidation product 'hydroxynonenal' for the cell degeneration/death of brain, pancreas, and liver. Since Hsp70.1 has dual roles as a chaperone and lysosomal membrane stabilizer, hydroxynonenal-mediated oxidative injury (carbonylation) of Hsp70.1 was highlighted. After intake of high-fat diets, oxidation of free fatty acids in mitochondria generates ROS which enhance oxidation of ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) involved within biomembranes and generate hydroxynonenal. In addition, hydroxynonenal is generated during cooking deep-fried foods with vegetable oils especially containing linoleic acids. These intrinsic and exogenous hydroxynonenal synergically causes an increase in its serum and organ levels to induce Hsp70.1 oxidation. As it is amphiphilic; being water-soluble but displays strong lipophilic characteristics, hydroxynonenal can diffuse within the cells and react with targets like senile and/or atheromatous plaques outside the cells. Hydroxynonenal can deepen and expand lysosomal injuries by facilitating 'calpain-mediated cleavage of the carbonylated Hsp70.1'. Despite the unique anatomical, physiological, and biochemical characteristics of each organ for its specific disease, there should be a common cascade of the cell degeneration/death which is caused by hydroxynonenal. This review aims to implicate hydroxynonenal-mediated Hsp70.1 carbonylation for lysosomal membrane permeabilization/rupture and the resultant cathepsin leakage for inducing cell degeneration/death. Given the tremendous number of worldwide people suffering various lifestyle-related diseases, it is valuable to consider how ω-6 PUFA-rich vegetable oils is implicated for the organ disorder.

Amelioration of Osteoarthritis Development by Daily Oral Supplementation of Royal Jelly.

Royal jelly (RJ), an essential food for the queen honeybee, has a variety of biological activities. Although RJ exerts preventive effects on various lifestyle-related diseases, such as osteoporosis and obesity, no study evaluated the effect of RJ on the development of osteoarthritis (OA), the most common degenerative joint disease. Here, we showed that daily oral administration of raw RJ significantly prevented OA development in vivo following surgically-induced knee joint instability in mice. Furthermore, in vitro experiments using chondrocytes, revealed that raw RJ significantly reduced the expression of inflammatory cytokines and enzymes critical for the degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Similar results were observed after treatment with 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid, the most abundant and unique fatty acid in raw RJ. Our results suggest that oral supplementation with RJ would benefit the maintenance of joint health and prophylaxis against OA, possibly by suppressing the activity of inflammatory cytokines and ECM-degrading enzymes.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Osteoporosis in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients

Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a lifestyle-related chronic inflammatory pulmonary disease and a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally. In this study, we evaluated the prevalence and associated factors of osteopenia and osteoporosis in COPD patients.&#x0D; Methods:A total of 91 COPD patients were recruited from October 2017 and December 2018. Lung function test, CAT score, 6-minutes’ walk test, Modified Medical Research Council (MMRC) dyspnea score and body mass index, air flow obstruction, dyspnea, and exercise capacity (BODE index) were evaluated in the patients. Bone Mineral Density (BMD) measurements of the femoral neck, total femur (including femoral neck, trochanter, and intertrochanter area), and lumbar spine were conducted using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. A T-score which was 2.5 standard deviations (SDs) below the average value was indicative of osteoporosis, in accordance with the World Health Organization criteria. We excluded COPD patients who had asthma, malignancy, and fracture.&#x0D; Results: There were 86 males (mean age ± SD: 66.49±9.40 years) and 5 females (mean age±SD: 65.40±12.40 years). Among all the patients, 46 (51.1 %) patients had osteopenia and 36 (40 %) had osteoporosis. Comparing COPD grades showed grade 2 was a more prevalent grade (41.1 %). There was no statistically association between femoral neck T score (mean±SD: -2.21±0.89) and COPD grade (P= 0.58), while lumber spine T score (mean±SD: -2.13±1.11) was statistically decreased with increasing severity of COPD (p= 0.02).&#x0D; Conclusion: The results of our study demonstrated that osteoporosis is common among COPD patients. Moreover, we found significant correlations between BMI, walking test, FEV1, MMRC, and BODE index.

Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Exposure Enhances Peripheral Circulatory Natural Killer Cells in Healthy Young Women

Mild hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) enhances oxygen absorption in blood, relieving fatigue without causing oxidative stress. The benefits of mild HBO have been recognized in the treatment of lifestyle-related diseases and hypertension, but no research has been conducted on its effects on immunity. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of mild HBO on natural killer (NK) cells and cytokines in healthy young women. This crossover randomized control trial was conducted with 16 healthy young women. Participants were randomly exposed to normobaric oxygen (NBO; 1.0 atmospheres absolute (ATA), 20.8% oxygen) and mild HBO conditions (1.4 ATA, 35-40% oxygen, injected 18L oxygen per minute) in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber for 70 min. Heart rate, parasympathetic activity, NK cell count, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-12p70 and derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) were measured before and after both exposures. In the NBO condition, parasympathetic activity remained unchanged, whereas after mild HBO exposure, parasympathetic activity was significantly increased. NK cells remained unchanged after NBO exposure, while NK cells were increased after exposure to mild HBO. Exposure to mild HBO did not increase d-ROM values, IL-6 and IL-12p70 protein levels. These findings suggest that exposure to mild HBO can be a useful protocol to increase NK cells by regulating parasympathetic activity via increasing oxygen delivery.

Ambiguous Facilitation: An Ethnographic Study of the Contextual Aspects of Participation in Group Activities in a Norwegian Healthy Life Centre

Background: Participation is essential in health promotion initiatives such as the Norwegian Healthy Life Centres (HLCs) which offer lifestyle-related guidance to people with lifestyle-related diseases or at risk for such diseases. While participation has been studied in this setting from the perspectives of health personnel or service users, no studies have been conducted on the contextual aspects of participation through studying the interactions between the actors involved in group activities within the service. To lead group activities requires competency in facilitation of learning in groups. The aim of this study is to explore participation in group activities in the context of a Norwegian HLC by studying the interaction between the various actors involved in the activities there. Methods: An ethnographic study was designed based on participant observation of physical activity groups and a healthy nutrition group in a Norwegian HLC over a period of three months. Findings: The findings suggest that (1) the multiple roles of the Health Professional (HP), (2) the process of goal setting, and (3) time frames and the physical context are central contextual aspects of participation in this setting, leading to an ambiguous facilitation of group activities.

A study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial to test the applicability of the South African diabetes prevention program in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa

BackgroundConvincing evidence supports the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions in preventing the occurrence of diabetes in high-income countries, however little is known about appropriate interventions for use in African countries, where there are higher relative increases in diabetes prevalence. The South African Diabetes Prevention Programme (SA-DPP) was initiated with the aim of preventing or delaying the occurrence of diabetes among South Africans (SAs), through interventions, targeting lifestyle changes related to diet and physical activity. The purpose of the current project is to implement and evaluate the suitability and applicability of the SA-DPP developed and tailored in urban populations in the Western Cape Province, in peri-urban populations in the Eastern Cape Province of SA.MethodsThe SA-DPP, which is an cluster randomized control trial, will be implemented in adults aged 30–65 years residing in the OR Tambo district, Eastern Cape, SA. Participants will be recruited using self-selected sampling techniques and 24 clusters across peri-urban communities will be randomly allocated to participate in the lifestyle intervention, facilitated by non-professional health workers (NPHW). The diabetes risk screening will follow a two-staged approach, including the community-based screening, using the African diabetes risk score (ADRS), followed by a clinic-based risk status assessment by an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) to exclude unknown diabetes. The lifestyle-change objectives of the current programme relate to, 1) < 30% of total energy intake from fat; 2) < 10% of total energy intake from saturated fat; 3) > 15 g of fibre/1000 kcal; 4) > 4 h/week moderate level of physical activity; and 5) > 2% body mass index (BMI) reduction.DiscussionThe SA-DPP could represent a successful model for the prevention of diabetes and potentially other lifestyle-related diseases in SA and other countries in the region that are confronted with similar challenges.Trial registrationPACTR202205591282906.

A COMPARITIVE CLINICAL STUDY OF CHATURUSHAN ON MODIFIABLE FACTORS OF FRAMINGHAM HEART SCORE IN CARDIO-VASCULAR RISK

Twenty first century is the century of globalization, industrialization, and modernization. This advancement has led to a drastic increase in the incidence of lifestyle related diseases like Obesity, DM, HTN, Hyperlipidemia etc. eventually leading to the risk of number of chronic disorders such as cardio-vascular disease(CVD). Aim &amp; objective: In this clinical study, we are aiming to Study the Effect of Chaturushan as dietary supplement in CVD Risk assessment as per Framingham Heart Score. Objectives:. To assess the effect of Chaturushan on Total cholesterol, Sr.HDL and Blood Pressure in the experimental group and to compare the same for Gomutra Haritaki(GH) which is an already proven drug and taken here as a control. Materials &amp; Methods: In this study 60 patients of Dyslipidemia bearing a risk of cardio-vascular disease were selected by using selection criteria irrespective of age, sex, and socio-economical status. In Group A (n = 30), patients were administered Chaturushan churna 2gm daily in 2 divided doses. for 3 months and in Group B (n = 30), Gomutra Haritaki churna was given in similar dose and duration. Effect of therapy was assessed objectively by Framingham Heart Score including Total cholesterol, Sr.HDL, Systolic and Daistolic BP. Also, Physical parameters like body weight, waist circumference and Body Mass Index (BMI) were assessed and subjectively by the cardinal symptoms.After completion of therapy all values were recorded and statistically analyzed and results were obtained. Conclusion:Chaturushan a dietary supplement was found quite effective in lowering the Total cholesterol levels as per FHS But, on comparing the effects of the two groups subjectively, it can be concluded that both the supplements are equally effective in reducing the subjective scores of the disease.

A COMPARATIVE STUDY ABOUT LIFESTYLE BETWEEN THE SEDENTARY AND CONTROL GROUPS OF SELECTED HEALTHY VOLUNTEERS AT GYMNASTICS IN DHAKA

This study aims to compare the lifestyles of two groups of individuals in Dhaka City: the sedentary group, consisting of non-participants in gymnastics, and the control group, comprising active participants in gymnastics. The motivation behind this comparison lies in the elevated risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) linked to an unhealthy lifestyle. The research involved 384 participants, divided evenly between the two groups, aged 20 to 50 and all residents of Dhaka City. The findings revealed that among those who refrained from exercise, 48% were categorized as normal weight, 20% were underweight, and 32% were overweight. Conversely, among those engaging in gym activities, approximately 78% maintained normal weight, and notably, none were classified as underweight with a BMI below 18.5. Within the gym- engaged group, a significant majority (84%) did not display signs of depression. Furthermore, 82% demonstrated adeptness in decision-making, and 90% reported freedom from anxiety. These favorableoutcomes were attributed to consistent physical activity and healthy habits. In contrast, participants not adopting a healthy lifestyle exhibited different outcomes. Around 48% of this group experienced depressive symptoms due to irregular and unhealthy practices. Moreover, 54% encountered difficulties in decision- making fluency, and 36% reported experiencing anxiety. These issues were likely due to inadequate physical activity and poor dietary choices. This study underscores the importance of motivating individualsto maintain regular exercise routines and adopt nutritious dietary habits. Such strategies are pivotal in promoting overall health and mitigating the risk factors associated with lifestyle-related diseases.