Lifestyle-related Diseases Research Articles

The effectiveness of telemedicine in the management of type 2 diabetes: A systematic review.

Type 2 diabetes, a lifestyle-related disease demanding daily self-management, is a significant health concern. In this context, the use of telemedicine as a management tool is a relatively new and promising approach. This study aims to contribute to the growing body of knowledge by identifying the effectiveness of telemedicine in managing type 2 diabetes through a systematic review approach. Four databases were searched including PubMed, Virtual Health Library, Global Health Library, and Google Scholar on 27 July 2022. Additionally, a manual search was performed to identify any relevant articles that may have been missed. The quality of the included articles was rigorously assessed using the Study Quality Assessment Tools of the National Institute of Health. We analyzed data from 134 articles. All 134 studies were published between 2002 and 2022, including 103 controlled intervention trials, 13 cohort studies, 7 before-after (pre-post) studies with no control group, 1 initial trial, 1 case study, 1 pilot study, and 8 two-arm studies that did not report the study design. Accordingly, most studies show positive changes in glycemic index in every group using telemedicine. Overall, although the BMI and weight indices in the studies improved at the end of the course, the improvement values were considered insignificant. Telemedicine may be a valuable solution for blood sugar management in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, the effectiveness of telemedicine in improving BMI and quality of life is unclear.

Toxic advanced glycation end-products (TAGE) are major structures of cytotoxic AGEs derived from glyceraldehyde

The habitual overconsumption of sugars has been implicated in the onset and/or development of lifestyle-related diseases (LSRD). Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) have recently been proposed as one of the factors contributing to LSRD. Therefore, strategies that reduce AGEs may be used to effectively prevent and treat LSRD. AGE structures vary according to the types of reducing sugars/carbonyl compounds with which they react; therefore, the AGE structure primarily responsible for LSRD remains unknown. Among the various AGEs produced in the human body, glyceraldehyde (GA)-derived AGEs (GA-AGEs) exert strong cytotoxic effects that contribute to the onset/development of LSRD. The dysregulated metabolism of glucose/fructose associated with modern diets promotes the binding of excessive GA generated in cells to intracellular proteins, which results in the production and accumulation of GA-AGEs and, thus, many types of cellular damage. The toxic AGEs (TAGE) theory originated from our findings. The hypothesis proposed herein is that strongly cytotoxic TAGE structures are GA-derived 1,4-dihydropyrazine compounds, which differ from the known structures of GA-AGEs (i.e., GA-derived pyridinium compound, trihydroxy-triosidine, and pyrrolopyridinium lysine dimer derived from GA).

Analysis of Crude, Diverse, and Multiple Advanced Glycation End-Product Patterns May Be Important and Beneficial.

Lifestyle-related diseases (LSRDs), such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, are a global crisis. Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) have been extensively researched because they trigger or promote LSRDs. Recently, techniques such as fluorimetry, immunostaining, Western blotting, slot blotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, matrix-assisted laser desorption-mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS), and electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) have helped prove the existence of intra/extracellular AGEs and revealed novel AGE structures and their modifications against peptide sequences. Therefore, we propose modifications to the existing categorization of AGEs, which was based on the original compounds identified by researchers in the 20th century. In this investigation, we introduce the (i) crude, (ii) diverse, and (iii) multiple AGE patterns. The crude AGE pattern is based on the fact that one type of saccharide or its metabolites or derivatives can generate various AGEs. Diverse and multiple AGE patterns were introduced based on the possibility of combining various AGE structures and proteins and were proven through mass analysis technologies such as MALDI-MS and ESI-MS. Kampo medicines are typically used to treat LSRDs. Because various compounds are contained in Kampo medicines and metabolized to exert effects on various organs or tissues, they may be suitable against various AGEs.

D -Alanine Affects the Circadian Clock to Regulate Glucose Metabolism in the Kidney.

Key Points d-Alanine affects the circadian clock to regulate gluconeogenesis in the kidney. d-Alanine itself has a clear intrinsic circadian rhythm, which is regulated by urinary excretion, and acts on the circadian rhythm. d-Alanine is a signal activator for circadian rhythm and gluconeogenesis through circadian transcriptional network. Background The aberrant glucose circadian rhythm is associated with the pathogenesis of diabetes. Similar to glucose metabolism in the kidney and liver, d-alanine, a rare enantiomer of alanine, shows circadian alteration, although the effect of d-alanine on glucose metabolism has not been explored. Here, we show that d-alanine acts on the circadian clock and affects glucose metabolism in the kidney. Methods The blood and urinary levels of d-alanine in mice were measured using two-dimensional high-performance liquid chromatography system. Metabolic effects of d-alanine were analyzed in mice and in primary culture of kidney proximal tubular cells from mice. Behavioral and gene expression analyses of circadian rhythm were performed using mice bred under constant darkness. Results d-Alanine levels in blood exhibited a clear intrinsic circadian rhythm. Since this rhythm was regulated by the kidney through urinary excretion, we examined the effect of d-alanine on the kidney. In the kidney, d-alanine induced the expressions of genes involved in gluconeogenesis and circadian rhythm. Treatment of d-alanine mediated glucose production in mice. Ex vivo glucose production assay demonstrated that the treatment of d-alanine induced glucose production in primary culture of kidney proximal tubular cells, where d-amino acids are known to be reabsorbed, but not in that of liver cells. Gluconeogenetic effect of d-alanine has an intraday variation, and this effect was in part mediated through circadian transcriptional network. Under constant darkness, treatment of d-alanine normalized the circadian cycle of behavior and kidney gene expressions. Conclusions d-Alanine induces gluconeogenesis in the kidney and adjusts the period of the circadian clock. Normalization of circadian cycle by d-alanine may provide the therapeutic options for life style–related diseases and shift workers.

Usual Nutrient Intake Distribution and Prevalence of Nutrient Intake Inadequacy among Japanese Children and Adults: A Nationwide Study Based on 8-Day Dietary Records.

In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated nutrient intake adequacy in 4450 Japanese people aged 1-79 years. Dietary data was collected through non-consecutive 8-day weighed dietary records. Usual nutrient intakes from foods and beverages were estimated using the Multiple Source Method. Participant proportions with intakes below and above the Japanese Dietary Reference Intakes (2020) were calculated. Usual intakes of most nutrients were below the Estimated Average Requirement; calcium showed a high percentage of inadequacy across all sex and age groups (29-88%), and iron showed a high inadequacy among females aged 12-64 years (79-95%). The percentages of energy from protein and carbohydrates, dietary fibre, and potassium were typically below the lower limit of the Tentative Dietary Goal for Preventing Lifestyle-related Diseases (DG). Furthermore, over 20% of the participants exceeded the upper limit of the DG for the percentages of energy from total and saturated fats, and over 88% exceeded the upper limit of the DG for sodium. Japanese children and adults could improve their nutrient intake by increasing calcium, iron, dietary fibre, and potassium and reducing total and saturated fats and sodium. These findings can inform policies and interventions to improve nutrient intake in Japan.

Digital solutions for decision support in general practice – a rapid review focused on systems developed for the universal healthcare setting in Denmark

BackgroundDigital health solutions hold the potential for supporting general practitioners in decision-making, and include telemedicine systems, decision support systems, patient apps, wearables, fitness trackers, etc.AimThis review aimed to identify digital solutions developed for, tested, or implemented in general practice to support the decisions of GPs in disease detection and management, using Denmark as an example country of a universal healthcare setting.MethodsThis study was conducted as a rapid review. The primary search included a database search conducted in Embase and MEDLINE. The supplementary search was conducted in Infomedia and additionally included a snowball search in reference lists and citations of key articles identified in the database search. Titles were screened by two reviewers.ResultsThe review included 15 studies as key articles describing a total of 13 digital solutions for decision support in general practice in Denmark. 1.123 titles were identified through the database search and 240 titles were identified through the supplementary and snowball search.ConclusionsThe review identified 13 digital solutions for decision support in general practice in a Danish healthcare setting aimed at detection and/or management of cancer, COPD, type 2 diabetes, depression, liver disease or multiple lifestyle-related diseases. Implementation aspects should be reported more transparently in future publications to enable applicability of digital solutions as decision support to aid general practitioners in disease detection and management.

Clinical implication of the patient's disease awareness and adherence to medications in patients undergoing atrial fibrillation ablation.

The effects of the patient's disease awareness on the management of postablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) are unknown. One hundred thirty-three AF patients undergoing an initial ablation were given a disease awareness questionnaire with a score of 16 points (8 points about AF in general and 8 points about oral anticoagulants) for the Jessa Atrial Fibrillation Knowledge Questionnaire (JAKQ) before and 1-year-after ablation. We divided them into the poor disease awareness group and good disease awareness group according to the median value (75%) of the total JAKQ score about AF in general, and compared the baseline patient characteristics and the 1-year changes in the JAKQ score, medication adherence, blood pressure, laboratory data, echocardiographic parameters, and AF/atrial tachycardia (AT) recurrence rate between the two groups. Forty-two (31.6%) patients were classified as having poor disease awareness (<75% of the total JAKQ score), which was closely associated with poor medication adherence, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and greater left atrial volume (LAV). These trends in the poor disease awareness group remained unchanged 1 year after the ablation. During the 25.3-month follow-up, the AF/AT recurrence rate was significantly higher in the poor disease awareness than the good disease awareness group (23.8% vs. 7.7%; p = .003 by the log-rank test). Poor disease awareness was linked to poor medication adherence, lifestyle-related diseases, and greater LAV before and even 1 year after the ablation, making it a potential surrogate marker for AF/AT recurrence. These findings highlight the clinical significance of disease awareness in AF management.

Evaluation of Physical Activity Assessment Using a Triaxial Activity Monitor in Community-Dwelling Older Japanese Adults With and Without Lifestyle-Related Diseases

Background: Several previous studies investigated physical activity of older adults using wearable devices, but more studies need to develop normative values for chronic disease conditions. This study aimed to investigate physical activity using a triaxial activity monitor in community-dwelling older Japanese adults with and without lifestyle-related diseases. Methods: Data from a total of 732 community-dwelling older Japanese men and women were collected and analyzed in a cross-sectional study. The participants’ physical activity was assessed for seven consecutive days by a triaxial accelerometer. Physical activity was assessed by number of lifestyle-related diseases and six lifestyle-related diseases categories by gender. Physical activity was assessed separately for total, locomotive, and nonlocomotive physical activity. Results: Participants with multiple (two or more) diseases had significantly lower total light-intensity physical activity (LPA; 278.5 ± 8.4 min/day) and nonlocomotive LPA (226.4 ± 7.0 min/day) versus without diseases in men. Compared in each disease category, total LPA and nonlocomotive LPA was significantly lower in men with hypertension and diabetes. Total sedentary time was significantly higher in men with hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease. Locomotive LPA was significantly lower in men with diabetes. In women, locomotive moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity was significantly higher in women with diabetes, and nonlocomotive moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity was significantly lower in women with heart disease. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that older Japanese men with multiple lifestyle-related diseases had lower physical activity. In each disease category, hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease affected lower physical activity, especially in men.

Effects of Long-Term High-Ergosterol Intake on the Cholesterol and Vitamin D Biosynthetic Pathways of Rats Fed a High-Fat and High-Sucrose Diet.

Dyslipidemia is a lifestyle-related (physical inactivity or obesity) disease; therefore, dietary foods that can easily be consumed in daily life is important to prevent dyslipidemia. Ergosterol, a precursor of vitamin D2, is a fungal sterol present in the membranes of edible mushrooms and other fungi. Ergosterol is converted to brassicasterol by 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase (DHCR7), a cholesterol biosynthesis enzyme that converts 7-dehydrocholesterol (a precursor of vitamin D3) into cholesterol. Previously, we reported that ergosterol increases 7-dehydrocholesterol, decreases cholesterol levels by competitive effect of DHCR7, and reduces DHCR7 mRNA and protein levels in human HepG2 hepatoma cells. Here, we investigated the effects of long-term high ergosterol intake on the cholesterol, vitamin D2, and D3 biosynthetic pathways of rats fed a high-fat and high-sucrose (HFHS) diet using GC-MS and LC with tandem mass spectrometry. In HFHS rats, oral ergosterol administration for 14 weeks significantly decreased plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total bile acid, and cholesterol precursor (squalene and desmosterol) levels and increased 7-dehydrocholesterol levels compared to HFHS rats without ergosterol. Ergosterol, brassicasterol, and vitamin D2 were detected, cholesterol levels were slightly decreased, and levels of vitamin D3 and its metabolites were slightly increased in rats fed HFHS with ergosterol. These results showed that ergosterol increased vitamin D2 levels, inhibited the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway, and possibly promoted vitamin D3 biosynthesis in vivo. Therefore, daily ergosterol intake may aid in the prevention of dyslipidemia.

Self-management of type-2 diabetes

Type-2 diabetes or adult-onset diabetes is the most common type of diabetes which usually begins when a person is in his or her mid-50s. It is a major, lifestyle-related disease with increasing occurrence at a national level. It occurs when the body cannot make sufficient insulin or the body cannot utilize the produced insulin. It is the foremost reason for premature deaths. Inappropriately managed, it can result in several health problems, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, neuropathy, leg and foot amputations, and death. Slight modifications in lifestyle can significantly decrease the probability of getting the disease. So, self-management skills are very much essential to manage and control this disease. Still, with proper testing, treatment, lifestyle changes, healthy eating, drinking water and avoiding dehydration, taking medications as prescribed, promoting walking, exercises, and other physical activities, conducting self-foot checks, and monitoring other signs and symptoms caused by diabetes have useful effects on the management of diabetes, encouraging adherence to this pattern is possessing great public health importance.

Hit Me(n)

Abstract In the Global South, the adoption of the so-called Western diet in recent decades has resulted in a global pandemic of obesity and lifestyle-related diseases. However some academics argue that this diet should be reframed as the ‘neoliberal’ diet, one which is the outcome of a profit-driven industrial food system in which large multi-national corporations have disproportionate power to make, distribute, promote, and sell their products. Instead of framing lifestyle-related non-communicable diseases (NCD s) as the personal failure of the individual, this lens calls for a critique of a food system which shapes individual food and lifestyle choices. Yet social attitudes remain slow to respond to this shifting view of this pressing food-related NCD public health issue. Sugar is a key part of the formulation of many ultra-processed foods that are responsible for poor diet-related health outcomes. Hit Me(n) uses protest art as a communications tool to reframe the issue for the audience. It draws attention to the dopamine system in the brain by juxtaposing sugar alongside other addictive substances and behaviours that drive similar pleasure-seeking patterns. It further draws attention to the role that corporate and product branding plays in normalising and glorifying certain addiction-linked substances and behaviours. It questions who has the power to shape the system, and who does not.

The underlying relationship between exercise and the prevalence of periodontitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundAlthough exercise has been proposed as an effective intervention for various lifestyle-related diseases and pathological scenarios, few researches assessed the impact of taking exercise on the prevalence of periodontitis.PurposeThis study aimed to perform a comprehensive literature review and meta-analysis from both observational and intervention studies to explore the relationship between exercise and periodontitis and to provide references for future intervention programs aimed at preventing periodontitis.MethodA systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Scopus for peer-reviewed studies published in English From January 1993 to January 2023 according to the PRISMA guidelines. Articles were selected if subjects were human and studies evaluating the association between exercise and periodontitis.Results4098 references were retrieved. After screening the results, 30 studies were selected. Of these, 20 studies indicated an inverse association between exercise and periodontitis, while the remaining 10 did not reach conclusive findings. The meta-analysis demonstrated a risk ratio of 0.84 (95%CI: 0.77, 0.91) between the active group and the inactive group (P < 0.01), which indicated an inverse relationship between exercise and periodontitis.ConclusionOverall, the increase in exercise presents an inverse association with the presence and severity of periodontitis. Accordingly, taking exercise might be a potential approach that contributes to improvements in periodontitis.

Human mobility and medical costs of lifestyle-related diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study in Japan

IntroductionDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, restrictions on human mobility caused health problems. Therefore, it is valuable to evaluate the human mobility restrictions during the pandemic from the population health viewpoint. This study aimed to clarify the correlation between changes in human mobility types and medical costs of lifestyle-related diseases during the pandemic. MethodsThe study design was set as a cross-sectional study regarding the human mobility types and the medical cost of lifestyle-related diseases. The population was Japanese people. Boosted tree analysis analyzed the nonlinear relationship between human mobility types and medical costs of lifestyle-related diseases in Japan. The boosted tree analysis can obtain high accurate models. ResultsThe results of this analysis indicated that medical costs were differently affected by walking, driving, and public transit, depending on the type of prefecture. Increasing walking by over 70% reduced the medical costs of lifestyle-related diseases, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. In metropolitan prefectures, the total effect on medical cost was higher for walking and public transit. In addition, medical costs decreased by gradually increasing public transit use by over 110%. On the other hand, in other prefectures, the total effect of public transit was lower than driving, and medical costs increased from 80% to 160%. These results were significant because they indicated the target value for each human mobility type in metropolitan areas and other prefectures. ConclusionsIn conclusion, this analysis indicated that increasing walking and public transit use correlated with a decreasing in the medical costs of lifestyle-related diseases even during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results were significant because they indicate the target value for each human mobility type according to the metropolitan and the other prefectures. Based on the target values, our findings implicate that governments can take measures other than restricting walking and public transit during the pandemic.

Ingestion of triglycerides containing medium- and long-chain fatty acids can increase metabolism of ingested long-chain triglycerides in overweight persons.

Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) have attracted considerable attention for preventing or improving obesity, which is a recognized risk factor for lifestyle-related diseases. Medium- and long-chain triglycerides (MLCTs) are expected to improve the metabolism of ingested long-chain triglycerides (LCTs). However, previous studies have reported mixed results. In this study, the effect of ingestion of MLCTs was evaluated on the metabolism of LCTs and compared to the ingestion of rapeseed oil (control oil). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study was performed among sedentary participants with BMIs ranging from 25 below 30 kg/m2. Thirty participants were asked to ingest either 14 g of MLCTs or a control oil for 4 weeks. The metabolism of ingested LCTs was evaluated by measuring isotopically labeled carbon dioxide released by the degradation of carbon-13 (13C)-labeled LCTs. Ingestion of MLCTs markedly enhanced the metabolism of ingested LCTs by comparison to the control oil. The findings of this study suggest that ingestion of MLCTs may enhance the metabolism of dietary LCTs through activation of β-oxidation in liver mitochondria, which may increase the metabolic kinetics of ingested long-chain fatty acid (LCFAs). https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000053101, identifier: UMIN000046604.

Millet Starch – A Potential Functional Ingredient

Millets are primitive grains that were majorly cultivated in Indian subcontinent from ancient times. These are small seeded categorized as major and minor millets. Millets are resilient to adverse effects of climate change. They are regarded as "nutri-cereal" due to their high nutritional value compared to rice, wheat, and corn. Starch is the major nutritional constituent of millets with average content ranging from 55% to 61% in different millets. The application of millets depends on the physicochemical, structural, and functional properties of their starch. Millet starch is majorly isolated by wet milling methods, however, studies have shown the effect of dry milling on structural and functional properties of millet starches. Moreover, non-thermal methods have also been employed to enhance the functionality of millet starches. Studies have also demonstrated the functionality of millets in improvement of human metabolic heath and reduction of life-style related diseases. Modified millet starches are also utilised in food and non-food industries.

ChatGPT in Answering Queries Related to Lifestyle-Related Diseases and Disorders.

Background Lifestyle-related diseases and disorders have become a significant global health burden. However, the majority of the population ignores or do not consult doctors for such disease or disorders. Artificial intelligence (AI)-based large language model (LLM) like ChatGPT (GPT3.5) is capable of generating customized queries of a user. Hence, it can act as a virtual telehealth agent. Its capability to answer lifestyle-related diseases or disorders has not been explored. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of ChatGPT, an LLM, in providing answers to queries related to lifestyle-related diseases or disorders. Methods A set of 20 lifestyle-related disease or disorder cases covering a wide range of topics such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular health, and mental health were prepared with four questions. The case and questions were presented to ChatGPT and asked for the answers to those questions. Two physicians rated the content on a three-point Likert-like scale ranging from accurate (2), partially accurate (1), and inaccurate (0). Further, the content was rated as adequate (2), inadequate (1), and misguiding (0) for testing the applicability of the guides for patients. The readability of the text was analyzed by the Flesch-Kincaid Ease Score (FKES). Results Among 20 cases, the average score of accuracy was 1.83±0.37 and guidance was 1.9±0.21. Both the scores were higher than the hypothetical median of 1.5 (p=0.004and p<0.0001, respectively). ChatGPT answered the questions with a natural tone in 11 cases and nine with a positive tone. The text was understandable for college graduates with a mean FKES of 27.8±5.74. Conclusion The analysis of content accuracy revealed that ChatGPT provided reasonably accurate information in the majority of the cases, successfully addressing queries related to lifestyle-related diseases or disorders. Hence, initial guidance can be obtained by patients when they get little time to consult a doctor or wait for an appointment to consult a doctor for suggestions about their condition.

New marine low trophic resources as food: nutritional and food safety aspects

Food agencies recommend increasing the consumption of aquatic food to promote healthy living and sustainability, and, particularly, to prevent Western lifestyle-related diseases and secure sustainable food systems. This requires growth in global seafood production, and the utilization of low trophic species (LTS) is suggested. LTS are already considered nutritious and important in Asian and Pacific diets. As the use of LTS is expanding in Western diets, producers and consumers need information on the food safety practices associated with them and their nutritional content. LTS are mainly immobile or slow-moving extractive species or organisms that feed on such, and their nutrient and contaminant content varies by species and location. Species-specific knowledge on nutritional contents and safe consumption limits is often missing, making the monitoring and analysis of contaminants, nutrients, and consumption data crucial to guiding the utilization and consumption of LTS. Using global and regional standards regarding nutrients, food hazards, and labeling, this review highlights the appropriate guidelines and regulations for guiding the utilization of selected novel species and also identifies knowledge gaps.

Development of a plasma-free amino acid-based risk score for the incidence of cardiovascular diseases in a general population: The Nagahama study

Levels of circulating amino acids (AAs) have been suggested to be associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). This study aimed to develop a plasma-free amino acid (PFAA)-based CVD risk-prediction model in a general population. The study participants consisted of 9220 community residents (mean age, 53.2 years; standard deviation, 13.3 years). Circulating levels of 19 PFAAs were measured via high-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The incidence of CVDs was determined by reviewing participants' clinical records. The prediction model was developed using the Cox proportional hazards model with the brute force variable selection and then cross-validated. During the 8.5-year follow-up, 220 CVD events were observed. Six AAs (alanine, citrulline, glycine, histidine, serine, and tyrosine) were identified as components of the prediction model, of which the C-index was 0.72. The association between the fourth quartile of the risk score calculated using the prediction model and the CVD events was independent of conventional risk factors (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-3.3). When examining crude relationships between conventional risk factors and the PFAA-based risk score by subgroup analyses, the association was significant for most subpopulations, men [crude HR=6.4 (2.0-20.2)] and women [crude HR=4.9 (2.6-9.3)], and individuals with [crude HR=4.7 (2.5-8.9)] and without [crude HR=7.2 (2.7-18.9)] lifestyle-related diseases, but not for older (≥70 years) participants [crude HR=3.3 (0.8-13.5)]. The risk score successfully identified at-risk individuals [HR=2.1 (1.2-3.5)] from participants who were classified as low risk by a conventional CVD risk score. The PFAA-based risk score predicted CVD events independently of conventional risk factors.

Changes in Plasma Pyruvate and TCA Cycle Metabolites upon Increased Hepatic Fatty Acid Oxidation and Ketogenesis in Male Wistar Rats.

Altered hepatic mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation and associated tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle activity contributes to lifestyle-related diseases, and circulating biomarkers reflecting these changes could have disease prognostic value. This study aimed to determine hepatic and systemic changes in TCA-cycle-related metabolites upon the selective pharmacologic enhancement of mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation in the liver, and to elucidate the mechanisms and potential markers of hepatic mitochondrial activity. Male Wistar rats were treated with 3-thia fatty acids (e.g., tetradecylthioacetic acid (TTA)), which target mitochondrial biogenesis, mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation, and ketogenesis predominantly in the liver. Hepatic and plasma concentrations of TCA cycle intermediates and anaplerotic substrates (LC-MS/MS), plasma ketones (colorimetric assay), and acylcarnitines (HPLC-MS/MS), along with associated TCA-cycle-related gene expression (qPCR) and enzyme activities, were determined. TTA-induced hepatic fatty acid β-oxidation resulted in an increased ratio of plasma ketone bodies/nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA), lower plasma malonyl-CoA levels, and a higher ratio of plasma acetylcarnitine/palmitoylcarnitine (C2/C16). These changes were associated with decreased hepatic and increased plasma pyruvate concentrations, and increased plasma concentrations of succinate, malate, and 2-hydroxyglutarate. Expression of several genes encoding TCA cycle enzymes and the malate-oxoglutarate carrier (Slc25a11), glutamate dehydrogenase (Gdh), and malic enzyme (Mdh1 and Mdh2) were significantly increased. In conclusion, the induction of hepatic mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation by 3-thia fatty acids lowered hepatic pyruvate while increasing plasma pyruvate, as well as succinate, malate, and 2-hydroxyglutarate.

Identifying Clusters of Health Behaviors in a Japanese Working Population at Risk for Non-Communicable Diseases: A Latent Class Analysis of 12,168 Individuals

IntroductionNoncommunicable diseases (NCDs) have become a significant global problem. Health behaviors are associated with NCDs, and characterizing populations using a public health approach can help provide specific interventions according to their characteristics. This study aims to examine the formation of clusters of health behavior combinations in the Japanese working population at risk of NCDs, taking into account the influences of age and gender, using latent class analysis. MethodsParticipants were individuals at risk for NCDs but had not previously been diagnosed with any. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to study clustering based on basic characteristics and health behaviors. All statistical analyses were conducted using R (Version 4.0.4) and the “poLCA” package (Version 1.6.0). ResultsThis study included 12,168 participants. LCA compared models with one to six latent classes. The five-class model was determined to be the most appropriate based on Bayesian Information Criterion, Akaike Information Criterion, and G^2 values, as well as distinguishable cluster characteristics. Cluster 1: “having healthy lifestyles but disliking hospitals”; Cluster 2: “women with healthy lifestyle behaviors”; Cluster 3: “general population”; Cluster 4: “middle-aged group in need of lifestyle improvement”; Cluster 5: “a group receiving treatment for lifestyle-related diseases." ConclusionsThis study reveals discernible health behavior patterns in a sample of the Japanese population using large real-world data, suggesting the effectiveness of distinct approaches when considering a population approach to public health.