Low-calorie Diet Research Articles

A detailed research on Antioxidant and therapeutic potential of Immuxanth implementing in silico and in vitro approach

Imuuxanth powder, a dietary supplement enriched with natural antioxidants, is explored for its nutritional properties and potential health benefits. The powder provides 5.26 Kcal energy, 1.90g protein, zero fat and added sugar, and 1.80g fiber per serving. Suitable for low-calorie diets, it supports protein intake, tissue repair, and muscle development. With no fat or added sugar, it aids weight management and blood sugar control. Amino acid analysis highlights its diverse essential and non-essential amino acids. GC-MS identifies flavonoids, xanthones, and carotenoids for antioxidant properties.
 Antioxidant assays (DPPH, FRAP, ABTS) confirm Imuuxanth's potential to combat oxidative stress. Molecular docking studies predict interactions with proteins related to antioxidant effects. Top berries intensify its antioxidant activity due to active compounds. Imuuxanth powder presents promising nutritional properties, including low energy, moderate protein, and absence of fat and added sugar. Its diverse bioactive compounds contribute to potent antioxidant capabilities. In silico studies support its potential as a dietary supplement for overall health, warranting further research for specific benefits.
 Keywords: Immuxanth powder, Antioxandant potential, GCMS Analysis, Nutritional Analysis, Insilico Analysis

Hyperglycemia and circadian disruption lead to retinal dysfunction in a stabilized colony of the fat sand rat Psammomys obesus

PurposeThe Fat Sand Rat (Psammomys obesus) recapitulates several features of human pre-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, but data are restricted to wild animals, incompatible with stringent biomedical research criteria. To overcome this barrier, we characterized retinal changes in a colony of P. obsesus maintained under strictly controlled housing conditions. MethodsAnimals were maintained on low or high caloric energy diets, and raised under either standard (12 h light/12 h dark) or shortened (5 h light/5 h dark) photoperiods. Visual responses were tested by electroretinography, while structural/molecular changes were assayed by immunochemistry and molecular biology (RNAseq and qPCR). ResultsWhereas high calorie diet alone did not induce hyperglycemia, coupled with short photoperiod >80 % animals developed severe hyper-insulinemia by 15 weeks, and 16 % animals further developed hyperglycemia. In these groups, electroretinography showed significant declines in visual responses in both hyper-insulinemic and hyperglycemic animals, especially in photopic (cone) responses. Transcriptomics analysis of hyperglycemic compared to low caloric controls revealed major upregulation in pathways involved in glial activation, extracellular matrix remodeling, inflammation, cytokine production, partial ischemic responses and angiogenesis. Western blotting against rhodopsin and cone opsin also showed decreased levels in both groups, overall decreases being greater for cones than rods in hyperglycemic animals. ConclusionsP. obesus maintained in rigorously monitored captive conditions, albeit showing attenuated responses to dietary overload compared to wild counterparts, nevertheless do develop some retinal features of diabetic retinopathy-like degeneration. Such a colony with known sanitary status opens their broader use for biomedical research.

Intermittent fasting and health outcomes: an umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials

Benefits of Intermittent fasting (IF) on health-related outcomes have been found in a range of randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Our umbrella review aimed to systematically analyze and synthesize the available causal evidence on IF and its impact on specific health-related outcomes while evaluating its evidence quality. We comprehensively searched the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases (from inception up to 8 January 2024) to identify related systematic reviews and meta-analyses of RCTs investigating the association between IF and human health outcomes. We recalculated the effect sizes for each meta-analysis as mean difference (MD) or standardized mean difference (SMD) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analyses were performed for populations based on three specific status: diabetes, overweight or obesity, and metabolic syndrome. The quality of systematic reviews was evaluated using A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR), and the certainty of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) system. This study is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023382004). A total of 351 associations from 23 meta-analyses with 34 health outcomes were included in the study. A wide range of outcomes were investigated, including anthropometric measures (n=155), lipid profiles (n=83), glycemic profiles (n=57), circulatory system index (n=41), appetite (n=9), and others (n=6). Twenty-one (91%) meta-analyses with 346 associations were rated as high confidence according to the AMSTAR criteria. The summary effects estimates were significant at p<0.05 in 103 associations, of which 10 (10%) were supported by high certainty of evidence according to GRADE. Specifically, compared with non-intervention diet in adults with overweight or obesity, IF reduced waist circumference (WC) (MD=-1.02cm; 95% CI:-1.99 to-0.06; p=0.038), fat mass (MD=-0.72kg; 95% CI:-1.32 to-0.12; p=0.019), fasting insulin (SMD=-0.21; 95% CI:-0.40 to-0.02; p=0.030), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (SMD=-0.20; 95% CI:-0.38 to-0.02; p=0.027), total cholesterol (TC) (SMD=-0.29; 95% CI:-0.48 to-0.10; p=0.003), and triacylglycerols (TG) (SMD=-0.23; 95% CI:-0.39 to-0.06; p=0.007), but increased fat free mass (FFM) (MD=0.98kg; 95% CI: 0.18-1.78; p=0.016). Of note, compared with the non-intervention diet, modified alternate-day fasting (MADF) reduced fat mass (MD=-0.70kg; 95% CI:-1.38 to-0.02; p=0.044). In people with overweight or obesity, and type 2 diabetes, IF increases high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels compared to continuous energy restriction (CER) (MD=0.03mmol/L; 95% CI: 0.01-0.05; p=0.010). However, IF was less effective at reducing systolic blood pressure (SBP) than a CER diet in adults with overweight or obesity (SMD=0.21; 95% CI: 0.05-0.36; p=0.008). Our findings suggest that IF may have beneficial effects on a range of health outcomes for adults with overweight or obesity, compared to CER or non-intervention diet. Specifically, IF may decreased WC, fat mass, LDL-C, TG, TC, fasting insulin, and SBP, while increasing HDL-C and FFM. Notably, it is worth noting that the SBP lowering effect of IF appears to be weaker than that of CER. This work was supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (Q-JW), the Natural Science Foundation of China (Q-JW and T-TG), Outstanding Scientific Fund of Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University (Q-JW), and 345 Talent Project of Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University (T-TG).

Correction of endothelial dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, diabetic kidney disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis

Background. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and chronic kidney disease are public health concerns worldwide due to their increasing prevalence, adverse prognosis, and health care burden. The purpose of the study was to determine the probable effect of a combination of metformin, rosuvastatin, essential phospholipids and quercetin on the blood lipids, endothelial function, fibrinolysis system and platelet hemostasis, which are factors for the progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Materials and methods. Studies were performed on the dynamics of treatment in 60 patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus and diabetic kidney disease (stage I–III). Depending on the prescribed treatment at random, the examined patients were divided into 2 groups. Twenty-eight persons of the first group received a low-calorie diet with dietary restrictions, essential phospholipids, metformin hydrochloride, rosuvastatin. Thirty-two patients from the second group received quercetin in addition to similar dietary recommendations, essential phospholipids, hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic therapy. The mean age of patients was 53.80 ± 3.52 years. The comparison group consisted of 30 healthy individuals of the corresponding age. Results. To evaluate the degree of endothelial-protective effect of quercetin on the background of the recommended protocol therapy, markers of endothelial dysfunction, fibrinolysis and platelet hemostasis were studied. NO content significantly reduced (1.7 times) in patients of group 2 before treatment, increased by 1.5 times (p &lt; 0.05). This can be explained by the effect of quercetin, as well as the use of metformin, which reduces the degree of insulin resistance and the level of hyperlipidemia. Conclusions. The effectiveness of a combination therapy for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic kidney disease using essential phospholi­pids, statins and metformin with the addition of quercetin is higher than that of traditional therapy, as it significantly restores the functional state of the endothelium, eliminates the phenomena of hypercoagulation syndrome without the additional prescription of antiplatelet agents.

Is the NHS low-calorie diet programme delivered as planned? An observational study examining adherence of intervention delivery to service specification.

Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) are chronic conditions with significant personal, societal, and economic impacts. Expanding on existing trial evidence, the NHS piloted a 52-week low-calorie diet programme for T2DM, delivered by private providers using total diet replacement products and behaviour change support. This study aimed to determine the extent to which providers and coaches adhered to the service specification outlined by NHS England. An observational qualitative study was conducted to examine the delivery of both one-to-one and group-based delivery of programme sessions. Observations of 122 sessions across eight programme delivery samples and two service providers were completed. Adherence to the service specification was stronger for those outcomes that were easily measurable, such as weight and blood glucose, while less tangible elements of the specification, such as empowering service users, and person-centred delivery were less consistently observed. One-to-one sessions were more successful in their person-centred delivery, and the skills of the coaches delivering the sessions had a strong impact on adherence to the specification. Overall, the results show that there was variability by provider and delivery mode in the extent to which sessions of the NHS Low-Calorie Diet Programme reflected the intended service specification. In subsequent programmes it is recommended that one-to-one sessions are used, with accompanying peer support, and that providers improve standardised training and quality assurance to ensure specification adherence.

Extension study from DIRECT showed ongoing remission rate from type 2 diabetes in some patient following very low calorie diet at 5 years

Extension study from <scp>DIRECT</scp> showed ongoing remission rate from type 2 diabetes in some patient following very low calorie diet at 5 years

A comparative study of the effectiveness of self-management and group management on the amount of weight loss of nurses under low-calorie diet treatment: A simultaneous mixed-methods study.

Nursing is a profession that is associated with a lot of stress and a risk of being overweight or obese. The purpose of this research was to determine the comparative effectiveness of self-management (self-M) and group management (group-M) on nurses who were following a diet with the aim of proposing a proper planning and a healthy lifestyle for them. This study was a simultaneous mixed-methods design (interventional and qualitative). The participants were all overweight or obese nurses working in teaching hospitals at Guilan University of Medical Sciences in 2019 (n = 96). In the qualitative part, data were extracted from semi-structured interviews. For quantitative data analysis, relevant statistical methods such as Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) were used. For qualitative data analysis, the conventional content analysis approach was used and Lincoln and Guba's criteria were applied to ensure the accuracy of the data. In both quantitative and qualitative sections, the results showed that following a diet treatment with group-M is more effective than self-M. The results showed that a healthy lifestyle can be achieved for nurses if they participate in training classes and group programs, which are proven to be effective based on this article and some other studies. Also, since weight gain and obesity, as one of the most important problems of health systems, continue to increase and can impose a heavy economic and social burden on human societies, various general policies should be used and these solutions can range from home to society to prevent and control them.

Effect of a Very Low-Calorie Diet on Oxidative Stress, Inflammatory and Metabolomic Profile in Metabolically Healthy and Unhealthy Obese Subjects.

The purpose of the study was to determine the impact of weight loss through calorie restriction on metabolic profile, and inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters in metabolically healthy (MHO) and unhealthy (MUHO) obese individuals. A total of 74 subjects (34 MHO and 40 MUHO) received two cycles of a very low-calorie diet, alternating with a hypocaloric diet for 24 weeks. Biochemical, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers, as well as serum metabolomic analysis by nuclear magnetic resonance, were performed at baseline and at the end of the intervention. After the diet, there was an improvement in insulin resistance, as well as a significant decrease in inflammatory parameters, enhancing oxidative damage, mitochondrial membrane potential, glutathione, and antioxidant capacity. This improvement was more significant in the MUHO group. The metabolomic analysis showed a healthier profile in lipoprotein profile. Lipid carbonyls also decrease at the same time as unsaturated fatty acids increase. We also display a small decrease in succinate, glycA, alanine, and BCAAs (valine and isoleucine), and a slight increase in taurine. These findings show that moderate weight reduction leads to an improvement in lipid profile and subfractions and a reduction in oxidative stress and inflammatory markers; these changes are more pronounced in the MUHO population.

Dietary regimens appear to possess significant effects on the development of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART)-associated metabolic syndrome.

This study investigated the interactions between a low protein high calorie (LPHC) diet and an integrase inhibitor-containing antiretroviral drug regimen (INI-CR)in light of evidence suggesting that the initiation of cART in patients with poor nutritional status is a predictor of mortality independent of immune status. Freshly weaned Sprague Dawley rats (120) were randomized into the standard, LPHC and normal protein high calorie (NPHC) diet groups (n = 40/group) initially for 15 weeks. Thereafter, experimental animals in each diet group were further randomized into four treatment sub-groups (n = 10/group) Control (normal saline), group 1(TDF+3TC+DTG and Tesamorelin), group 2 (TDF+3TC+DTG), and Positive control (AZT+3TC+ATV/r) with treatment and diets combined for 9 weeks. Weekly body weights, fasting blood glucose (FBG), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT); lipid profiles, liver weights, hepatic triglycerides and adiposity were assessed at week 24. At week 15, body weights increased between the diet group in phase 1(standard 146 ± 1.64 vs. 273.1 ± 1.56 g), (NPHC, 143.5 ± 2.40 vs. 390.2 ± 4.94 g) and (LPHC, 145.5 ± 2.28 g vs. 398.3 ± 4.89 g) (p< 0.0001). A similar increase was noted in the FBG and OGTT (p< 0.0001). In phase 2, there was an increase in FBG, OGTT, body weights, lipid profile, liver weights, hepatic triglycerides, adiposity and insulin levels in group 2 and positive control in both NPHC and LPHC diet groups (p<0.0001). Growth hormone levels were decreased in Tesamorelin-free group 2 and positive control in both NPHC and LPHC (p< 0.0001). The obesogenic activities of the LPHC diet exceeded that of the NPHC diet and interacted with both integrase-containing and classical cART drug regimens to reproduce cART associated metabolic dysregulation. The effects were however reversed by co-administration with tesamorelin, a synthetic growth hormone releasing hormone analogue.

Effects of a chronotype-adapted diet on weight loss, cardiometabolic health, and gut microbiota: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundObesity and its associated health complications have become a global public health concern, necessitating innovative approaches to weight management. One emerging area of research focuses on the influence of chronotype, an individual’s preferred timing for daily activities, on eating habits, weight regulation, and metabolic health. Recent observational studies suggest that the misalignment between an individual’s chronotype and external cues, such as meal timing, may contribute to metabolic dysregulation and obesity, but evidence from intervention studies is still limited. This study protocol describes a randomized controlled trial designed to explore the effects of a chronotype-adapted diet, compared with a diet with a conventional calorie distribution, on weight loss, cardiometabolic health, and gut microbiota composition.MethodsA total of 150 overweight/obese adults will be recruited for this 4-month parallel-group, randomized, two-arm, open-label, superiority trial with 1:1 allocation ratio. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group or the control group. The intervention group will receive a low-calorie chronotype-adapted diet with a calorie distribution adapted to the individual chronotype (morning or evening), optimizing meal timing according to their peak metabolic periods. The control group will follow a standardized low-calorie healthy eating plan without considering chronotype. Both diets will have equivalent daily calorie content, adjusted according to gender and starting weight. Anthropometric measurements, body composition, blood, and fecal samples will be obtained from each participant at the beginning and the end of the study. The primary outcome is weight change from baseline. Secondary outcomes are changes from baseline in body mass index (BMI), fat mass, lipid and glycemic profile, fecal microbiota profile, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).DiscussionThe results of this randomized controlled trial have the potential to advance our understanding of the complex interactions between chronotype, diet, body weight, and health outcomes. By providing evidence for personalized dietary interventions based on individuals’ circadian preferences, this research could offer insights into personalized nutrition strategies. Such knowledge could guide the development of innovative dietary interventions to optimize the prevention and management of overweight and obesity, while also improving the risk profile of these individuals.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT05941871. Registered on 18 May 2023.

Review of Integrative Medical Therapies for Psoriasis: The Microbiome, Probiotics, Diet, and Mindfulness

Background Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition with cutaneous and systemic involvement. Although many efficacious treatment options are available, concerns regarding costs and duration of treatment have expanded interest in the role of integrative medical therapies for psoriasis. Objective In this review, we aim to provide evidence for the use of integrative medical approaches in the management of psoriasis, namely approaches utilizing the microbiome, probiotics, diet, and mindfulness. Methods PubMed/Medline and Google Scholar databases were searched from inception up to 16 August 2023 to identify clinical studies that evaluated how integrative medical therapies affect psoriasis severity. Search terms combined “psoriasis” or “psoriatic arthritis” with terms related to the microbiome, diet, and lifestyle. Results Multiple clinical studies have shown that integrative approaches can reduce psoriasis severity. Probiotic supplementation in psoriatic patients decreased PASI scores, decreased inflammatory markers, increased quality of life, and reduced the risk of disease relapse. Intermittent fasting, in the context of Ramadan, decreased PASI scores and plasma CRP levels. Low-calorie diets and low-calorie ketogenic diets have been shown to reduce psoriasis severity. Notably, combining low-calorie diets with biologics and cyclosporine synergistically improved psoriasis to a greater extent than pharmaceutical therapy alone. A gluten-free diet improved psoriasis and reduced antigliadin antibodies in those with hypersensitivity. Mindfulness therapies also improved psoriasis severity with and without phototherapy. Conclusion Several studies show that integrative medicine can be used to manage psoriasis. Specifically, probiotic supplementation, diets that promote weight loss or modulate antigliadin antibodies, and mindfulness therapies may improve disease severity.

The Effect of Diet on Vascular Aging: A Narrative Review of the Available Literature.

Early vascular aging is related to various cardiovascular diseases including hypertension, coronary heart disease, and stroke. Healthful lifestyle practices and interventions, including dietary regimens and consistent aerobic exercise, exert favorable modulation on these processes, thereby diminishing the risk of cardiovascular disease with advancing age. The principal objective of this review was to conduct a comprehensive evaluation and synthesis of the available literature regarding the effectiveness of different diets on vascular health, such as arterial stiffness and endothelial function. To conduct this review, a thorough search of electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection was carried out. Based on the existing evidence, the Mediterranean, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, and low-calorie diets may have a beneficial effect on vascular health. However, more randomized controlled trials with sufficient sample sizes, longer follow-ups, rigorous methodologies, and, possibly, head-to-head comparisons between the different diets are needed to shed light on this topic.

Very low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) in the management of hidradenitis suppurativa (Acne Inversa): an effective and safe tool for improvement of the clinical severity of disease. Results of a pilot study

BackgroundHidradenitis suppurativa (HS), an inflammatory-based dermatological condition often associated with obesity, poses significant challenges in management. The very low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) has shown efficacy in addressing obesity, related metabolic disorders, and reducing chronic inflammation. However, its effects on HS remain underexplored. In this prospective pilot study, we aimed to investigate the impact of a 28-day active phase of VLCKD on HS in a sample of treatment-naive women with HS and excess weight.MethodsTwelve women with HS and overweight or obesity (BMI 27.03 to 50.14 kg/m2), aged 21 to 54 years, meeting inclusion/exclusion criteria and agreeing to adhere to VLCKD, were included. Baseline lifestyle habits were assessed. The Sartorius score was used to evaluate the clinical severity of HS. Anthropometric parameters (waist circumference, weight, height, and body mass index), body composition via bioelectrical impedance analysis, levels of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), and derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites (dROMs) were assessed at baseline and after 28 days of the active phase of VLCKD.ResultsVLCKD led to general improvements in anthropometric parameters and body composition. Notably, a significant reduction in the Sartorius score was observed after the intervention (Δ%: − 24.37 ± 16.64, p < 0.001). This reduction coincided with significant decreases in TMAO (p < 0.001), dROMs (p = 0.001), and oxLDL (p < 0.001) levels. Changes in the Sartorius score exhibited positive correlations with changes in TMAO (p < 0.001), dROMs (p < 0.001), and oxLDL (p = 0.002).ConclusionThe 28-day active phase of VLCKD demonstrated notable improvements in HS severity and associated metabolic markers, highlighting the potential utility of VLCKD in managing HS and its association with metabolic derangements in women with overweight or obesity.

Effect of Preoperative Very Low-Calorie Diets on Hepatic Steatosis, Fibrosis, and Perioperative Outcomes of Bariatric Surgery.

Introduction: Preoperative weight loss through a very low-calorie diet (VLCD) has been shown to reduce liver volume and technical difficulty in patients undergoing metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS). However, the effect of preoperative VLCD on liver histology and other outcomes is not well demonstrated. Our study aimed to explore the effect of a 2-week preoperative VLCD, compared with no-dietary intervention, on hepatic steatosis, fibrosis, weight loss, and other postoperative outcomes of MBS. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at the Chulalongkorn Bariatric and Metabolic Institute, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand. The medical records of patients with severe obesity (body mass index ≥50 kg/m2) attending the clinic from January 2005 to December 2020 were reviewed. Clinical data and laboratory investigations were collected at baseline and at each follow-up visit, up to 5 years postoperatively. Hepatic steatosis and fibrosis were assessed by liver biopsy intraoperatively. Results: A total of 181 patients were included in this study. Preoperative VLCD was prescribed in 65 patients (VLCD group) and 116 patients received their usual diet (control group). Mean preoperative weight loss was 9.1 ± 6.1 kg in the VLCD group versus 0.0 ± 0.0 kg in the control group (P = .000). The VLCD group had significantly less number of patients with moderate and severe liver steatosis from the liver biopsy specimens (16.2% versus 46.3%; P = .008). However, there was no significant difference in fibrosis grade between those with VLCD and control (≥F2-fibrosis; 2.7% versus 7.5%; P = .118). Moreover, preoperative VLCD could reduce operating time in patients who underwent both laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB; VLCD 163.4 ± 38.2 minutes versus control 215.1 ± 67.4 minute, P = .000) and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG; VLCD 110.8 ± 20.0 minutes versus control 131.0 ± 38.1 minutes, P = .004). During the 5-year follow-up, there were a significant difference of HbA1C between the VLCD and the control group (coefficient: -0.24 with 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.44 to -0.04, P = .019), particularly in patients who underwent LRYGB (Coefficient: -0.26 with 95% CI: -0.49 to -0.03, P = .028), but not LSG. However, long-term weight loss outcomes and other biochemical outcomes were not different between the VLCD and the control group. Conclusion: Preoperative VLCD was associated with reduced liver steatosis and operative time in patients who underwent LRYGB and LSG. Moreover, preoperative VLCD significantly decreased HbA1C during a 5-year follow-up period. Therefore, it should be considered in patients with severe obesity, who will undergo MBS.

Dietary Supplementation with 23-Hydroxy Ursolic Acid Reduces the Severity and Incidence of Acute Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE) in a Murine Model of Multiple Sclerosis.

23-Hydroxy ursolic acid (23-OH UA) is a potent atheroprotective and anti-obesogenic phytochemical, with anti-inflammatory and inflammation-resolving properties. In this study, we examined whether dietary 23-OH UA protects mice against the acute onset and progression of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a mouse model of multiple sclerosis (MS). Female C57BL/6 mice were fed either a defined low-calorie maintenance diet (MD) or an MD supplemented with 0.2% wgt/wgt 23-OH UA for 5 weeks prior to actively inducing EAE and during the 30 days post-immunization. We observed no difference in the onset of EAE between the groups of mice, but ataxia and EAE disease severity were suppressed by 52% and 48%, respectively, and disease incidence was reduced by over 49% in mice that received 23-OH UA in their diet. Furthermore, disease-associated weight loss was strikingly ameliorated in 23-OH UA-fed mice. ELISPOT analysis showed no significant differences in frequencies of T cells producing IL-17 or IFN-γ between 23-OH UA-fed mice and control mice, suggesting that 23-OH UA does not appear to regulate peripheral T cell responses. In summary, our findings in EAE mice strongly suggest that dietary 23-OH UA may represent an effective oral adjunct therapy for the prevention and treatment of relapsing-remitting MS.

Daily activity profiles over the lifespan of female medflies as biomarkers of aging and longevity.

The relationship between the early-age activity of Mediterranean fruit flies (medflies) or other fruit flies and their lifespan has not been much studied, in contrast to the connections between lifespan and diet, sexual signaling, and reproduction. The objective of this study is to assess intra-day and day-to-day activity profiles of female Mediterranean fruit flies and their role as biomarker of longevity as well as to explore the relationships between these activity profiles, diet, and age-at-death throughout the lifespan. We use advanced statistical methods from functional data analysis (FDA). Three distinct patterns of activity variations in early-age activity profiles can be distinguished. A low-caloric diet is associated with a delayed activity peak, while a high-caloric diet is linked with an earlier activity peak. We find that age-at-death of individual medflies is connected to their activity profiles in early life. An increased risk of mortality is associated with increased activity in early age, as well as with a higher contrast between daytime and nighttime activity. Conversely, medflies are more likely to have a longer lifespan when they are fed a medium-caloric diet and when their daily activity is more evenly distributed across the early-age span and between daytime and nighttime. The before-death activity profile of medflies displays two characteristic before-death patterns, where one pattern is characterized by slowly declining daily activity and the other by a sudden decline in activity that is followed by death.

Alterations in plasma protein N-glycosylation after caloric restriction and bariatric surgery

BackgroundProtein glycosylation is an enzymatic process known to reflect an individual’s physiologic state and changes thereof. The impact of metabolic interventions on plasma protein N-glycosylation has only been sparsely investigated. ObjectiveTo examine alterations in plasma protein N-glycosylation following changes in caloric intake and bariatric surgery. SettingUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, US and Oxford University Hospitals, UK. MethodsThis study included 2 independent patient cohorts that recruited 10 and 37 individuals with obesity undergoing a period of caloric restriction followed by bariatric surgery. In both cohorts, clinical data were collated, and the composition of plasma protein N-glycome was analyzed chromatographically. Linear mixed models adjusting for age, sex, and multiple testing (false discovery rate <.05) were used to investigate longitudinal changes in glycosylation features and metabolic clinical markers. ResultsA low-calorie diet resulted in a decrease in high-branched trigalactosylated and trisialylated plasma N-glycans and a concomitant increase in low-branched N-glycans in both cohorts. Participants from one cohort additionally underwent a washout period during which caloric intake and body weight increased, resulting in reversal of the initial low-calorie diet–related changes in the plasma N-glycome. Immediate postoperative follow-up revealed the same pattern of N-glycosylation changes in both cohorts—an increase in complex, high-branched, antennary fucosylated, extensively galactosylated and sialylated N-glycans and a substantial decline in simpler, low-branched, core fucosylated, bisected, agalactosylated, and asialylated glycans. A 12-month postoperative monitoring in one cohort showed that N-glycan complexity declines while low branching increases. ConclusionsPlasma protein N-glycosylation undergoes extensive alterations following caloric restriction and bariatric surgery. These comprehensive changes may reflect the varying inflammatory status of the individual following dietary and surgical interventions and subsequent weight loss.

Effect of planned pauses versus continuous energy restriction on weight loss and attrition: a systematic review.

The objective of this study was to investigate whether pausing a weight loss program for a defined period of time could enhance weight loss and reduce attrition. Five databases and two trial registries were searched from inception to July 2023. Randomized-controlled trials of adults with overweight and/or obesity were included if they compared planned-pause interventions with continuous energy restriction (CER), usual care, or a minimal intervention. To be included, the weight loss intervention must have incorporated a pause of at least 1 week. Pooled mean differences for weight change and risk ratios for attrition were calculated using random-effects meta-analyses. Nine intervention arms (N = 796 participants, 77% female) were included. Pooled results did not detect a significant difference in weight change between planned pauses and CER interventions at the end of the active intervention at a median 26 weeks (planned pauses vs. CER mean: -7.09 vs. -7.0 kg; mean difference: -0.09 kg; 95% CI: -1.10 to 0.93) or at final follow-up at a median 52 weeks (planned pauses vs. CER mean: -6.91 vs. -6.19 kg; mean difference: -0.72 kg; 95% CI: -2.92 to 1.48). There was no difference in attrition between planned pauses and CER interventions at the end of the active intervention (risk ratio: 1.20, 95% CI: 0.82 to 1.75) or at final follow-up (risk ratio: 1.04, 95% CI: 0.89 to 1.22). Planned pauses were consistently found to be no more or less effective than CER for weight loss or attrition.

Normalisation and equity of referral to the NHS Low Calorie Diet programme pilot; a qualitative evaluation of the experiences of health care staff

BackgroundHealth and wellbeing can be profoundly impacted by both obesity and type 2 diabetes, while the normalisation and equity of care for people living with these non-communicable diseases remain as challenges for local health systems. The National Health Service Low Calorie Diet programme in England, aims to support people to achieve type 2 diabetes remission, while also reducing health inequalities. We have explored the experiences of health care staff who have made a referral to the LCD programme, while identifying effective and equitable delivery of programme referrals, and their normalisation into routine care.MethodsNineteen individual semi-structured interviews were completed health care staff in the first year of the Low Calorie Diet programme. Interviewees were purposively sampled from the ten localities who undertook the Low Calorie Diet programme pilot. Each interview explored a number of topics of interest including communication and training, referrals, equity, and demands on primary care, before being subjected to a thematic analysis.ResultsFrom the data, five core themes were identified: Covid-19 and the demands on primary care, the expertise and knowledge of referrers, patient identification and the referral process, barriers to referrals and who gets referred to the NHS LCD programme. Our findings demonstrate the variation in the real world settings of a national diabetes programme. It highlights the challenge of COVID-19 for health care staff, whereby the increased workload of referrals occurred at a time when capacity was curtailed. We have also identified several barriers to referral and have shown that referrals had not yet been normalised into routine care at the point of data collection. We also raise issues of equity in the referral process, as not all eligible people are informed about the programme.ConclusionsReferral generation had not yet been consistently normalised into routine care, yet our findings suggest that the LCD programme runs the risk of normalising an inequitable referral process. Inequalities remain a significant challenge, and the adoption of an equitable referral process, normalised at a service delivery level, has the capacity to contribute to the improvement of health inequalities.

Metabolic changes with intermittent fasting.

The prevalence of obesity is rising globally and effective strategies to treat obesity are needed. Intermittent fasting, a dietary intervention for weight management, has received growing interest from the general public, as well as healthcare professionals, as a form of lifestyle intervention. We executed a rapid review using PUBMED database to identify systematic reviews that examined the impact of intermittent fasting on metabolic indices, published between 2011 and 2022. Intermittent fasting leads to weight loss of a similar magnitude to continuous energy restriction. Most of the evidence shows that intermittent fasting leads to greater fat loss as measured by fat mass (kg) or body fat percentage compared to an ad libitum diet, but fat loss attained during intermittent fasting is not significantly different to continuous energy restriction, although recent evidence shows intermittent fasting to be superior. There is mixed evidence for the impact of intermittent fasting on insulin resistance, fasting glucose and lipid profile. Some studies focused on populations of Muslim people, which showed that Ramadan fasting may lead to weight loss and improvement of metabolic parameters during fasting, although the effects are reversed when fasting is finished. Intermittent fasting is more effective than an ad libitum dietary intake, and equally or more effective as continuous energy restriction, for weight management. However, there is inconclusive evidence on whether intermittent fasting has a clinically beneficial effect on glucose and lipid metabolism.