Metabolic Markers Research Articles

Impact of Obesity Severity on Hepatic Steatosis and Systemic Inflammatory Markers: A Comparative Analysis Across Obesity Classes

Introduction: Obesity has become a global health issue, with its prevalence steadily increasing. It is closely linked to several metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and chronic low-grade inflammation and can progress to more severe liver conditions. This study evaluates the relationship between obesity and inflammatory markers in individuals with different obesity levels. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 50 patients categorized into three obesity classes based on body mass index (BMI). Blood samples were taken to evaluate inflammatory and metabolic markers, including white blood cell (WBC) count, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and C-reactive protein (CRP). Results: There were no statistically significant differences in inflammatory markers such as WBC, NLR, or CRP; a trend toward higher CRP levels was observed in Class 3 obesity. Conclusion: In our study, no statistically significant association was observed between inflammatory markers and the degree of obesity. Although the sample size was relatively small, it is essential to acknowledge that obesity is a multifaceted condition, and genetic variations may play a role in these results.

Effect of antenatal use of high energy nutritional supplements on cardio metabolic risk markers in underweight primi gravidas; a randomized controlled trial

BackgroudPregnancy is a state of increased metabolic demand, and poor maternal nutrition can exacerbate these changes, potentially increasing the risk of cardiometabolic disorders.This study is significant as it investigates the effect of high energy nutritional supplements on cardio metabolic risk markers in underweight primigravidas.MethodologyA single blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted from April 2018- August 2019 among the Pakistani tertiary care facilities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A total of thirty six participants were randomized into two groups receiving either high energy nutritional supplement ‘MAAMTA’ or Placebo. They were instructed to take Placebo/Supplement alongside to their regular prenatal care and food from their first antenatal visit till a week postnatally. Anthropometric measurements and blood samples for biochemical parameters insulinlevels, fasting blood glucose & lipid profile were taken at baseline visit, between 16 and 20 weeks gestation and a post natal visit.ResultsThe two-way repeated measures ANOVA showed that there was a highly significant time effect on participant’s Insulin level (F (1.8, 53.6) = 10.64, P < 0 0.000, ηp2 = 0.269). A highly significant time effect on participant’s insulin resistance (F (2, 68) = 8.116,P < 0 0.001, ηp2 = 0.193) was also observed. There was a highly significant time effect on participant’s LDL level as well (F (2, 68) = 11.82, P < 0 0.000, ηp2 = 0.258).ConclusionSupplementation with high energy nutritional supplements may improve insulin levels and insulin sensitivity in underweight primigravidas.Trial registrationhttps://www.ClinicalTrials.govClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: ISRCTN 10088578. Registered on 27 March 2018. https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN10088578.

Urinary biochemical ecology reveals microbiome-metabolite interactions and metabolic markers of recurrent urinary tract infection.

Recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTIs) are a major clinical challenge in postmenopausal women and their increasing prevalence underscores the need to define interactions between the host and the urinary microbiome that may underlie rUTI susceptibility. A body of work has identified the taxonomic profile of the female urinary microbiome associate with aging, menopause, and urinay disease. However, how this microbial community engages with the host niche, including the local biochemical environment of the urogenital tract, in health and disease is yet to be fully defined. This study directly assesses differences in the biochemical environment of the urine, or biochemical ecology, associated with recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) and defines a microbe-metabolite association network of the female urinary microbiome. By integrating metagenomic and metabolomic data collected from a controlled cohort of women with rUTI, we find that distinct metabolites, such as methionine sulfoxide (Met-SO) and trimethylamine oxide (TMAO), are associated with differences in urinary microbiome diversity. We observe associations between microbial and biochemical beta diversity and unique metabolic networks of uropathogenic Escherichia coli and uroprotective Lactobacillus species, highlighting potential metabolite-driven ecological shifts that may influence UTI susceptibility. We identify a urinary lipid signature of active rUTI that can accurately distinguish (AUC = 0.987) cases controls. Finally, using time-to-relapse data we identify deoxycholic acid (DCA) as a new prognostic indicator for rUTI recurrence. Together these findings suggest that systemic metabolic processes may influence susceptibility, opening new avenues for therapeutic intervention and the development of more accurate diagnostic and prognostic to improve patient outcomes.

Evaluation of retinal nerve fiber layer and choroidal structure in obese children and adolescents

Aim: Obesity-related vascular damage and endothelial dysfunction have deleterious effects on the ocular vasculature. It was aimed to examine optical coherence tomography (OCT) parameters in obese and overweight children and to define their relationship with metabolic markers in this study. Methods: The patient group consisted of 26 obese, 24 overweight patients aged between 8 and 18 years. The control group consisted of 25 healthy children with normal body mass index (BMI). This was a cross-sectional observational study. Serum glucose, lipid parameters, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were investigated. Measurement of choroidal thickness was performed with Cirrus HD-OCT (Carl Zeiss Meditec Inc., Dublin, CA, USA). Retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness was determined by an automatic computer algorithm without the need for user measurement. Results: There were no differences in subfoveal, nasal, temporal choroidal thickness, and RNFL between obese, overweight, and control groups (p&gt;0.05). A positive (linear) moderate relationship was found between RNFL and the HOMA-IR of 26 patients in the obese group (r=0.389) (p=0.049). A positively weak correlation was found between height and RNFL in obese patient group (r=0.264, p=0.028). Conclusion: In the study, RNFL thickness increased as HOMA-IR level increased in obese children and adolescents. RNFL decreased as the height increased in obese children and adolescents. We believe that more comprehensive data about the effect of obesity on RNFL and choroidal thickness will be obtained with prospective studies in which the obese patient group with insulin resistance is taken separately and disease durations are defined, and long-term patient follow-up is performed.

Comparison of Metabolic Syndrome, Autoimmune and Viral Distinctive Inflammatory Related Conditions as Affected by Body Mass Index.

Background: Metabolic inflammation (MI), long COVID (LC) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) share some metabolic common manifestations and inflammatory pathophysiological similarities. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and metabolic age are indicators of health status. The "METAINFLAMMATION-CM Y2020/BIO-6600" project, a prospective controlled study, aimed to identify differential diagnostic tools and clinical features among three inflammatory conditions by comparing obesity status (low BMI vs. high BMI). Methods: A total of 272 adults of both Caucasian and Hispanic descent, diagnosed with MI, LC or SLE, and a range of BMI, were recruited. Clinical and phenotypic traits were measured to analyze body composition, metabolic and inflammatory markers, HRQoL data, metabolic age and lifestyle habits using a 3 × 2 (disease × BMI) factorial design. Results: Some inflammatory related variables, such as fibrinogen, RDW (red cell blood distribution width), ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) and NLR (neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio), showed effect modifications depending on the BMI and disease type. In relation to HRQoL, the Physical Component Summary (PCS12) showed no relevant changes, while the Mental Component Summary (MCS12) showed a significant effect modification according to the disease type and BMI (p < 0.05). Furthermore, a significant interaction was identified between the disease type and BMI in relation to metabolic age (p = 0.02). Conclusions: Assessing the impact of BMI on these three inflammatory diseases may help to prevent clinical complications and to design personalized treatments, especially for patients with SLE, who have a worse prognosis with an increased BMI compared to the other two inflammatory diseases.

Incentivizing Youth and Family SNAP-Ed Participation With Fruit and Vegetable Rewards

Poor diet quality in the United States impacts millions of individuals, particularly in low-income communities. The Federal Government’s primary safety-net program, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and its associated nutrition education initiative, SNAP-Ed, aim to improve food security and diet quality. A number of Food as Medicine interventions have demonstrated that tying nutrition education to healthy food incentives improves diet quality and metabolic disease markers. There have been recent efforts to provide fruits and vegetables to SNAP participants via GusNIP (Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program) and related programs. However, these incentives have not been tied to nutrition education opportunities. We argue that SNAP-Ed can have a greater impact on diet quality and food security by increasing its reach to a larger number of SNAP participants with the benefits of food incentives. Thus, we propose pilot studies to assess the efficacy of combining SNAP-Ed and healthy food incentives, targeting both adults and youth for a comprehensive impact.

Increased 1H-NMR metabolomics-based health score associates with declined cognitive performance and functional independence in older adults at risk of cardiovascular disease.

The 1-HMR metabolomics-based MetaboHealth score, comprised of 14 serum metabolic markers, associates with disease-specific mortality, but it is unclear whether the score also reflects cognitive changes and functional impairment. We aimed to assess the associations between the MetaboHealth score with cognitive function and functional decline in older adults at increased cardiovascular risk. A total of 5292 older adults free of dementia at baseline with mean age 75.3years (SD = 3.4) from the Prospective Study of Pravastatin in the Elderly (PROSPER). MetaboHealth score were measured at baseline, and cognitive function and functional independence were measured at baseline and every 3months during up to 2.5years follow-up. Cognitive function was assessed using the Stroop test (selective attention), the Letter Digit Coding test (LDCT) (processing speed), and the two versions of the Picture Learning test (delayed and immediate; memory). Two tests of functional independence were used: Barthel Index (BI) and instrumental activities at daily living (IADL). A higher MetaboHealth score was associated with worse cognitive function (in all domains) and with worse functional independence. For example, after full adjustments, a 1-SD higher MetaboHealth score was associated with 9.02s (95%CI 7.29, 10.75) slower performance on the Stroop test and 2.79 (2.21, 3.26) less digits coded on the LDCT. During follow-up, 1-SD higher MetaboHealth score was associated with an additional decline of 0.53s (0.23, 0.83) on the Stroop test and - 0.08 (- 0.11, - 0.06) points on the IADL. Metabolic disturbance, as reflected by an increased metabolomics-based health score, may mark future cognitive and functional decline.

Correlation between hyperlipidemia and serum vitamin D levels in an adult Chinese cohort.

Vitamin D deficiency has emerged as a significant concern in public health due to its potential association with various metabolic disorders. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum vitamin D levels and the susceptibility to hyperlipidemia among adults. Using a multi-stage sampling approach, we recruited a cohort of 2072 eligible individuals aged over 18 years. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels were measured alongside glucolipid metabolic markers, and comprehensive demographic and physical data were collected. The cohort exhibited a hyperlipidemia prevalence of 42.18%, with 19.88% demonstrating vitamin D deficiency. Notably, 23.68% of individuals with vitamin D deficiency also presented hyperlipidemia. Statistical analysis revealed a significantly higher prevalence of hyperlipidemia among those with vitamin D deficiency compared to those with sufficient levels (23.68% vs. 17.11%, P < 0.05). After adjusting for various factors including age, geographical region, exercise status, BMI, fasting glucose level, and blood pressure, lower serum 25(OH)D concentrations were found to significantly increase the risk of hyperlipidemia (Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.41; 95% CI: 1.057, 1.885; P < 0.05). Further stratification of the hyperlipidemic cohort revealed that vitamin D deficiency was associated with 1.459- and 1.578-times higher risks for total cholesterol and triglyceride abnormalities, respectively, compared to those with sufficient vitamin D levels. Moreover, each 10 ng/mL decrease in serum vitamin D level corresponded to an increased risk of total cholesterol (OR = 0.82; 95% CI: 0.728, 0.974; P < 0.05) and triglyceride abnormalities (OR = 0.79; 95% CI: 0.678, 0.927; P < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences observed between vitamin D-sufficient and-deficient groups regarding Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) and High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) abnormalities. These findings underscore the potential role of serum vitamin D deficiency as an independent risk factor contributing to the elevated prevalence of hyperlipidemia in the adult population.

Urine Metabolomics during a Legume Diet Intervention Suggests Altered Metabolic Signatures and Potential New Intake Markers: First Insights.

Given the general increase in legume consumption worldwide, there is a need to characterize the resulting human metabolic adaptations in order to demonstrate potential legume diet/health relationships. A nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) metabolomics urine study was carried out on a small cohort (n = 18) to characterize the excretory effects of a pilot longitudinal 8-week legume-based dietary intervention. Despite the expected high interindividual variability in the excreted metabolome, the results suggested a nonlinear metabolic response, with higher metabolic activity in the first 4 weeks and a tendency toward baseline at the end of the intervention. The excretion of isoleucine, leucine, and threonine increased, along with metabolite changes suggestive of activation of the tricarboxylic acid cycle (through anaplerosis), ketogenesis, fat catabolism, and glycoprotein biosynthesis. Gut microbiota adaptations were also suggested based on the increased excretion of 2-hydroxyisobutyrate, allantoin, and hippurate. Increased levels of trigonelline were consistent with its role as a legume intake marker, whereas malonate and pseudouridine were suggested as possible additional markers. Correlation of NMR data with nutritional parameters aided putative explanatory hypotheses to be advanced. Our results suggest a dynamic response to legume consumption, mainly through increased amino acid excretion and altered energy metabolism, while advancing potential new markers of legume intake. These results require confirmation in larger cohorts but pave the way for an informed interpretation of the effects of legume-based diets on human health.

Prediction of gastrointestinal bleeding hospitalization risk in hemodialysis using machine learning

BackgroundGastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is a clinical challenge in kidney failure. INSPIRE group assessed if machine learning could determine a hemodialysis (HD) patient’s 180-day GIB hospitalization risk.MethodsAn eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) and logistic regression model were developed using an HD dataset in United States (2017–2020). Patient data was randomly split (50% training, 30% validation, and 20% testing). HD treatments ≤ 180 days before GIB hospitalization were classified as positive observations; others were negative. Models considered 1,303 exposures/covariates. Performance was measured using unseen testing data.ResultsIncidence of 180-day GIB hospitalization was 1.18% in HD population (n = 451,579), and 1.12% in testing dataset (n = 38,853). XGBoost showed area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC) = 0.74 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.72, 0.76) versus logistic regression showed AUROC = 0.68 (95% CI 0.66, 0.71). Sensitivity and specificity were 65.3% (60.9, 69.7) and 68.0% (67.6, 68.5) for XGBoost versus 68.9% (64.7, 73.0) and 57.0% (56.5, 57.5) for logistic regression, respectively. Associations in exposures were consistent for many factors. Both models showed GIB hospitalization risk was associated with older age, disturbances in anemia/iron indices, recent all-cause hospitalizations, and bone mineral metabolism markers. XGBoost showed high importance on outcome prediction for serum 25 hydroxy (25OH) vitamin D levels, while logistic regression showed high importance for parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels.ConclusionsMachine learning can be considered for early detection of GIB event risk in HD. XGBoost outperforms logistic regression, yet both appear suitable. External and prospective validation of these models is needed. Association between bone mineral metabolism markers and GIB events was unexpected and warrants investigation.Trial registrationThis retrospective analysis of real-world data was not a prospective clinical trial and registration is not applicable.Graphical

Effect of a Physical Exercise Intervention on Physical Function Parameters and Blood Analytical Changes in Lung Cancer Survivors: A Feasibility Study.

Background: Lung cancer carries a high burden of systemic symptoms, including in survivors, leading to a reduced quality of life (QoL). We assessed whether a 12-week multicomponent supervised exercise programme, including muscular strength and aerobic training, was beneficial in patients who had undergone surgery for early non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in terms of physical performance, QoL, and metabolic and nutritional analytical parameters. Methods: Physical performance was measured by gait speed, handgrip strength, 30 s sit-to-stand (30s-STS) test repetitions, distance covered in the 6 min walk test (6MWT), and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score. QoL was assessed with the EORTC-QLQ-C30 questionnaire. Blood glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, total proteins, albumin, pre-albumin, creatinine, c-reactive protein, insulin-growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and the haemoglobin and hematocrit percentages were measured before and after the intervention in order to observe any beneficial effects related to metabolic markers. Results: After the intervention, the mean scores for the 6MWT (p < 0.001), STS (p < 0.001), 6MWT (p < 0.01), and SPPB (p < 0.01) had significantly improved. However, handgrip strength and nutritional analytical were unchanged. The EORTC-QLQ-C30 functions and symptoms significantly improved after the intervention (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). A significant decrease in cholesterol, triglycerides, and IGF-1 and a significant increase in pre-albumin in blood was also observed post-intervention (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This supervised, community-based 12-week multicomponent was feasible (adherence rate 70.35%) and provided benefits not only to physical performance but also to the quality of life of patients with NSCLC.

The spinal consequences of HT-2 toxin and selenium deficiency during bone maturation in mice.

In our investigation, we probed the ramifications of low selenium diets and HT-2 mycotoxin exposure on spinal development and structural fidelity in murine models. A cohort of 48 male mice was segregated into six groups: a control set, a singular low selenium diet group, two cohorts exposed to distinct concentrations of HT-2 toxin (1.6 and 3.2 mg/kg·bw·d), and two assemblies subjected to a confluence of low selenium intake and each designated HT-2 dosage. Across an 8-week investigative period, parameters such as body mass, markers of bone metabolism, and cellular vigor were assiduously monitored. Analytical techniques encompassed biomechanical assessments, X-ray scrutiny, and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) evaluations. Our results unveiled a dose-dependent diminution in the body mass of mice exclusively exposed to HT-2 toxin, whereas concurrent exposure to both low selenium and HT-2 toxins elicited a synergistic effect. Pertinent shifts were observed in calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D concentrations, as well as in the operational dynamics of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, aligning with toxin dosage and combined exposure. Variations in biomechanical attributes were also discerned, mirroring the levels of toxin exposure. Micro-CT and X-ray examinations further corroborated the extensive detrimental impact on the cortical and trabecular architecture of the mice's spinal columns. This inquiry elucidates the complex synergistic interactions between low selenium and HT-2 mycotoxin on murine spinal development and integrity under co-exposure conditions. These findings accentuate the exigency of comprehensively understanding the solitary and joint effects of these toxins on osseous health, providing pivotal insights for future toxicological research and public health strategies.

P08.06.B TARGETED PLASMA METABOLOMICS DETECTS A METABOLIC SIGNATURE POTENTIALLY RELEVANT FOR DIAGNOSIS AND PROGNOSIS IN PATIENTS WITH GLIOBLASTOMA

Abstract BACKGROUND Glioblastoma diagnosis is made initially with radiological examination and pathological examination of the resected tumor. Debut symptoms may vary and be mild in the beginning therefore diagnosis can be delayed. Additional un-invasive diagnostic strategies can be useful for diagnosis and clinical follow up. Moreover, despite glioblastoma being almost invariably fatal, there are no clinically established plasma biomarkers to define prognosis in patients with glioblastoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS In this study we employed flow injection analysis tandem mass spectrometry to compare the plasma metabolic profile of patients with GBM (n=51) and healthy controls (n=24). RESULTS Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Partial Least Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) highlighted a distinctive glioblastoma signature. The best confusion matrix from the ROC curve built on two metabolites, GLU and GLN-LYS, provided specificity of 87% and sensitivity of 92%, with positive and negative predictive values of 95% and 88%, respectively. Multivariate survival analyses revealed that higher levels of ALA, MET, ORN, PHE, TYR were to be associated with a shorter overall survival. CONCLUSION These results are currently being evaluated prospectively and at different stages of disease in a larger cohort of patients with glioblastoma to identify plasma metabolic markers relevant for recurrence development.

Low dietary magnesium and fiber intakes among women with metabolic syndrome in Kuwait.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a growing health concern among Kuwaiti women. Dietary magnesium and fiber have been implicated in reducing the risk of MetS; however, their specific effects on this population remain underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the association of dietary magnesium and fiber intake with the prevalence of MetS and its components among women in Kuwait. This study included 170 women aged 18-65 (years) recruited from AL-Adan Hospital, Mubarak Hospital, and Riqqa Polyclinic. Data were collected using a modified Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (SFFQ) to assess dietary intake, and biochemical measurements were performed to evaluate serum magnesium and other metabolic markers. MetS was diagnosed according to International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) criteria. Statistical analyses included Mann-Whitney U-tests, chi-square tests, Spearman correlations, logistic and linear regression models, and Cohen's kappa statistics. The prevalence of MetS was 24 and 18% based on the IDF and ATP III criteria, respectively. Women with MetS had significantly lower dietary magnesium and fiber intakes than those in women without MetS (p < 0.001). A strong positive correlation was found among dietary magnesium intake, fiber intake, and serum magnesium levels (r = 0.957, p < 0.001 for magnesium; r = 0.917, p < 0.001 for fiber). Increased dietary magnesium and fiber intakes were linked to reduced odds of developing MetS and its components, except for blood pressure measurements. Cohen's kappa demonstrated a strong agreement (K = 0.70, p < 0.001) between dietary and serum magnesium inadequacy. Increased dietary intakes of magnesium and fiber are associated with reduced odds of developing MetS among Kuwaiti women. These findings support the promotion of magnesium- and fiber-rich diets as preventive strategies against MetS.

Pro-inflammatory cytokines increase temporarily after adjuvant treatment for breast cancer in postmenopausal women: a longitudinal study

BackgroundBreast cancer patients have an increased risk of cardiometabolic disease and for many patients, adjuvant therapy causes an altered lipid profile, insulin resistance and inflammation. Previous follow-up studies are inconclusive regarding the duration of therapy-induced inflammation. We examined the acute and persistent changes of adjuvant chemotherapy on inflammatory and metabolic health markers in breast cancer patients.MethodsPlasma levels of IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IFN-γ, TNF-α, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and metabolic health parameters were analyzed before, shortly after and every six months up to two years after adjuvant chemotherapy treatment in 51 postmenopausal early breast cancer (EBC) patients, as well as in 41 healthy age- and BMI-matched controls. A target-specific multiplex assay was applied for cytokine measurements.ResultsBefore initiation of adjuvant therapy, plasma IL-8 levels were higher in EBC patients (31%, p = 0.0001). Also, a larger proportion of the patients had a hsCRP level above 2 mg/L (41%) compared to the controls (17%, Χ2 = 5.15, p = 0.023). Plasma levels of all five cytokines, but not hsCRP, were significantly increased after compared to before adjuvant chemotherapy (15–48% increase; all p ≤ 0.05). Already six months after ending chemotherapy treatment, all plasma cytokine levels were significantly reduced and close to pre-chemotherapy levels. Adjuvant chemotherapy caused a worsened lipid profile (increased triglycerides, lower HDL levels), insulin resistance and increased plasma insulin levels that remained high during the first year after chemotherapy.ConclusionPostmenopausal women with EBC have temporarily increased plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines after adjuvant chemotherapy. Although transient, the therapy-induced increase in plasma cytokine levels, together with dyslipidemia and insulin resistance, may contribute to cardiometabolic risk in breast cancer patients treated with adjuvant chemotherapy.Trial registration The clinical trial (registration number NCT03784651) was registered on www.clinicaltrials.gov on 24 December 2018.

Fecal microbiome analysis uncovers hidden stress effects of low stocking density on rainbow trout

BackgroundRecirculating aquaculture systems can cause chronic stress in fish when stocking density is too high. However, this study tested whether low stocking density can cause fish stress. Adult rainbow trout, with an average weight of 1.517 kg (± 0.39), were subjected to low (12 kg/m3 ± 0.94) and moderate (43 kg/m3 ± 2.03) stocking densities for 24 days in a recirculating system maintained at 15 °C. At the end of the experiment, fecal microbiome analysis was carried out using a 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Additionally, an untargeted plasma metabolomics analysis was conducted.ResultsThe moderate stocking density group harboured greater numbers of commensals, such as C. somerae, R. lituseburensis, and L. plantarum. In contrast, detrimental species such as S. putrifacens and P. putida were abundant in the low-stocking density fish. Functional microbiome profiling revealed vitamin B12 salvage and synthesis in moderate stocking densities, which may support intestinal tight junction function. Additionally, vitamin B1 biosynthesis pathways were more abundant in the moderate stocking density group, which may function towards oxidative energy metabolism and protect against oxidative stress. A complementary plasma metabolomics study, although done at slightly different stocking densities and duration, confirmed the presence of blood metabolic stress markers. Elevated levels of L-lactic acid and L-Norvaline, L-Valine, and L-glutamine, indicate low stocking density fish were under stress. Furthermore, a P4HA2 stress gene biomarker confirmed the occurrence of stress in low-density fish. This study suggests that low stocking density can induce stress in fish. Moreover, moderate stocking density leads to a distinct and beneficial fecal microbiome profile.ConclusionOur study highlights the potential benefits of optimizing the stocking density of fish in recirculating aquaculture systems. This can improve fish health and welfare, promoting a more resilient fecal microbiome.Graphical abstract

Associations of the cardiometabolic index with insulin resistance, prediabetes, and diabetes in U.S. adults: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe cardiometabolic index (CMI) is a novel metric for assessing cardiometabolic health and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), yet its relationship with insulin resistance (IR) and prediabetes (preDM) is not well-studied. There is also a gap in understanding the nonlinear associations between CMI and these conditions. Our study aimed to elucidate these associations.MethodsWe included 13,142 adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2020. CMI was calculated by multiplying the triglyceride-to-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) by waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). Using weighted multivariable linear and logistic regression explored the relationships of CMI with glucose metabolism markers, IR, preDM, and DM. Nonlinear associations were assessed using generalized additive models (GAM), smooth curve fittings, and two-piecewise logistic regression.ResultsMultivariate regression revealed positive correlations between CMI and glucose metabolic biomarkers, including FBG (β = 0.08, 95% CI: 0.06–0.10), HbA1c (β = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.22–0.31), FSI (β = 4.88, 95% CI: 4.23–5.54), and HOMA-IR (β = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.56–2.14). There were also significant correlations between CMI and increased risk of IR (OR = 3.51, 95% CI: 2.94–4.20), preDM (OR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.29–1.71), and DM (OR = 2.22, 95% CI: 2.00-2.47). Inverse nonlinear L-shaped associations were found between CMI and IR, preDM, and DM, with saturation inflection points at 1.1, 1.45, and 1.6, respectively. Below these thresholds, increments in CMI significantly correlated with heightened risks of IR, preDM, and DM.ConclusionsCMI exhibited inverse L-shaped nonlinear relationships with IR, preDM, and DM, suggesting that reducing CMI to a certain level might significantly prevent these conditions.

A Clinicodemographic Study of Indian Patients with Hidradenitis Suppurativa and its Association with Metabolic Syndrome

Abstract Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting pilosebaceous units causing painful nodules, abscesses, and scarring. Despite global studies linking HS to metabolic syndrome, insights specific to Indian patients are limited. Materials and Methods: This study aimed to describe the clinicodemographic characteristics and study frequency of metabolic syndrome in Indian HS patients. In this cross-sectional study, 100 HS patients were evaluated for clinical characteristics, comorbidities, pain and suppuration scores, quality of life, and ophthalmological and dental abnormalities. Metabolic parameters, including anthropometry and blood markers, were performed in all cases and 100 age- and gender-matched controls. Results: The mean age was 29.47 years, with a male predominance of 57%. HS predominantly affected a combination of two or more sites (60%), with nodules as primary lesions (95%). Quality of life was significantly impaired, with 49% experiencing moderate impact as per Dermatology Life Quality Index. Metabolic derangements, represented by an increased body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, and fasting insulin, were significantly more frequent in HS cases compared to controls (P &lt; 0.001). The frequency of metabolic syndrome in HS patients was 42%, significantly higher than controls (8%, P &lt; 0.001) with a relative risk of 5.25 (95% CI 2.68–10.58). Dental and ophthalmological abnormalities were observed in 35% and 21.7% of screened patients, respectively. Limitations: Cross-sectional nature, no prospective assessment to determine evolution with time, and limited patient number are the limitations of the study. Conclusion: A substantial association with metabolic syndrome and considerable impact on quality of life is seen in Indian HS patients, emphasizing the need for metabolic screening and holistic management strategies.

Comprehensive Review of Dietary Supplements Used by Athletes: Types and Benefits

Introduction. A dietary supplement is intended to improve nutrition by providing vitamins, minerals, herbs, or amino acids. These supplements are taken orally, labeled as supplements, and are not meant to be a substitute for regular food. The increasing interest in strength training and fitness emphasizes the significance of proper nutrition. Engaging in physical activity reduces the risk of disease and enhances mental health. More research is required to understand the impact of supplements on performance, health, and the gut microbiome. Aim of study. The primary objective of this research is to compile existing data on dietary supplements commonly utilized in sports, including but not limited to creatine, protein, branched-chain amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, and L-citrulline. Materials and methods. 50 articles pertaining to the issue were subjected to analysis. These articles were sourced from PubMed and Google Scholar, spanning a publication period of 19 years. Conclusions. Creatine supplementation consistently enhances strength, endurance, and lean mass, particularly when combined with resistance and plyometric training, although its impact on fat mass is modest. Whey protein effectively promotes muscle mass and strength, especially in older adults, and aids in recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage. Branched-Chain Amino Acids can reduce muscle soreness and assist in recovery, but their effects on performance and muscle damage are less pronounced. Omega-3 fatty acids improve muscle recovery and metabolic markers, but exhibit limited synergy with resistance training. L-citrulline elevates arginine levels and improves vascular function, yet its effects on performance are minimal in certain contexts.

Device-measured stationary behaviour and cardiovascular and orthostatic circulatory disease incidence.

Previous studies have indicated that standing may be beneficially associated with surrogate metabolic markers, whereas more time spent sitting has an adverse association. Studies assessing the dose-response associations of standing, sitting and composite stationary behaviour time with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and orthostatic circulatory disease are scarce and show an unclear picture. To examine associations of daily sitting, standing and stationary time with CVD and orthostatic circulatory disease incidence. We used accelerometer data from 83 013 adults (mean age ± standard deviation = 61.3 ± 7.8; female = 55.6%) from the UK Biobank to assess daily time spent sitting and standing. Major CVD was defined as coronary heart disease, heart failure and stroke. Orthostatic circulatory disease was defined as orthostatic hypotension, varicose vein, chronic venous insufficiency and venous ulcers. To estimate the dose-response hazard ratios (HR) we used Cox proportional hazards regression models and restricted cubic splines. The Fine-Gray subdistribution method was used to account for competing risks. During 6.9 (±0.9) years of follow-up, 6829 CVD and 2042 orthostatic circulatory disease events occurred. When stationary time exceeded 12 h/day, orthostatic circulatory disease risk was higher by an average HR (95% confidence interval) of 0.22 (0.16, 0.29) per hour. Every additional hour above 10 h/day of sitting was associated with a 0.26 (0.18, 0.36) higher risk. Standing more than 2 h/day was associated with an 0.11 (0.05, 0.18) higher risk for every additional 30 min/day. For major CVD, when stationary time exceeded 12 h/day, risk was higher by an average of 0.13 (0.10, 0.16) per hour. Sitting time was associated with a 0.15 (0.11, 0.19) higher risk per extra hour. Time spent standing was not associated with major CVD risk. Time spent standing was not associated with CVD risk but was associated with higher orthostatic circulatory disease risk. Time spent sitting above 10 h/day was associated with both higher orthostatic circulatory disease and major CVD risk. The deleterious associations of overall stationary time were primarily driven by sitting. Collectively, our findings indicate increasing standing time as a prescription may not lower major CVD risk and may lead to higher orthostatic circulatory disease risk.