Blood Metabolic Markers Research Articles

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 < 0.001). The frequency of metabolic syndrome in HS patients was 42%, significantly higher than controls (8%, P < 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.

Lifestyle, biological, and genetic factors related to brain iron accumulation across adulthood

Iron is necessary for many neurobiological mechanisms, but its overaccumulation can be harmful. Factors triggering age-related brain iron accumulation remain largely unknown and longitudinal data are insufficient. We examined associations between brain iron load and accumulation and, blood markers of iron metabolism, cardiovascular health, lifestyle factors (smoking, alcohol use, physical activity, diet), and ApoE status using longitudinal data from the IronAge study (n = 208, age = 20–79, mean follow-up time = 2.75 years). Iron in cortex and basal ganglia was estimated with magnetic resonance imaging using quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM). Our results showed that (1) higher peripheral iron levels (i.e., composite score of blood iron markers) were related to greater iron load in the basal ganglia; (2) healthier diet was related to higher iron levels in the cortex and basal ganglia, although for the latter the association was significant only in younger adults (age = 20–39); (3) worsening cardiovascular health was related to increased iron accumulation; (4) younger ApoE ε4 carriers accumulated more iron in basal ganglia than younger non-carriers. Our results demonstrate that modifiable factors, including lifestyle, cardiovascular, and physiological ones, are linked to age-related brain iron content and accumulation, contributing novel information on potential targets for interventions in preventing brain iron-overload.

Cannabidiol Modulation of Nicotine‐Induced Toxicity: Assessing Effects on Behavior, Brain‐Derived Neurotrophic Factor, and Oxidative Stress in C57BL/6 Male Mice

ABSTRACTHigh doses of nicotine administered to rodents serve as a model for studying anxiety and test compounds' potential anxiolytic effects. At these doses, anxiety in rodents is accompanied by disruption of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). The endocannabinoids and nicotine modulate several central nervous system processes via their specific receptors, impacting locomotion, anxiety, memory, nociception, and reward. Cannabidiol (CBD), an active ingredient of Cannabis sativa L., is devoid of psychoactive actions and has gained attention for its anxiolytic, antioxidant, and anti‐inflammatory properties, among others. This work aims to examine the potential anxiety‐reducing properties of CBD in a well‐established experimental mouse model of anxiety‐like behavior induced by high doses of nicotine on male C57BL/6 mice. In this context, the open‐field behavioral test was specially conducted to assess CBD's effects on anxiety‐like behavior and locomotion. Brain neuronal plasticity, modulated by BDNF, along with a diverse array of blood's metabolic markers, was examined as a means of evaluating systemic toxicity under various treatments. Finally, oxidative stress was evaluated through the measurement of glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA), while pro‐inflammatory cytokine assessments were conducted to evaluate redox status and immune system function. Our research suggests that CBD shows potential in reducing anxiety‐like behaviors induced by high doses of nicotine, by mitigating changes in BDNF protein levels in cerebral hemispheres and cerebellum. At the same time, CBD targets specific liver enzymes, maintains tissue's systemic toxicity (i.e., renal, kidney, and pancreatic), balances redox status (SOD, GSH, and MDA), and regulates the secretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokines (TNF‐alpha and IL‐6).

The galectin-3 inhibitor selvigaltin reduces liver inflammation and fibrosis in a high fat diet rabbit model of metabolic-associated steatohepatitis.

Galectin-3 is a pro-fibrotic β-galactoside binding lectin highly expressed in fibrotic liver and implicated in hepatic fibrosis. Selvigaltin (previously known as GB1211) is a novel orally active galectin-3 small molecule inhibitor that has high affinity for galectin-3 (human KD = 25nM; rabbit KD = 12nM) and high oral bioavailability in rabbits and man. In this study the efficacy of selvigaltin was investigated in a high fat diet (HFD) rabbit model of metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Male New Zealand White rabbits were individually caged under standard conditions in a temperature and humidity-controlled room on a 12h light/darkness cycle. After 1week of regular diet (RD), rabbits were randomly assigned for 8 or 12weeks to different groups: RD/vehicle, RD/selvigaltin, HFD (8weeks), HFD/vehicle and HFD/selvigaltin (0.3, 1.0, 5.0 or 30mg/kg selvigaltin with vehicle/selvigaltin p.o. dosed therapeutically q.d. 5days per week from week 9 or 12). Liver inflammation, steatosis, ballooning, and fibrosis was measured via blood metabolic markers, histomorphological evaluation [Oil Red O, Giemsa, Masson's trichome, picrosirius red (PSR) and second harmonic generation (SHG)], and mRNA and protein expression. Steatosis, inflammation, ballooning, and fibrosis were all increased from RD to HFD/vehicle groups. Selvigaltin demonstrated target engagement by significantly decreasing galectin-3 levels in the liver as measured via immunohistochemistry and mRNA analysis. Selvigaltin dose-dependently reduced biomarkers of liver function (AST, ALT, bilirubin), inflammation (cells foci), and fibrosis (PSR, SHG), as well as decreasing the mRNA and protein expression of several key inflammation and fibrosis biomarkers (e.g., IL6, TGFβ3, SNAI2, collagen). Doses of 1.0 or 5.0mg/kg demonstrated consistent efficacy across most biological endpoints supporting the current clinical doses of selvigaltin being investigated in liver disease. Selvigaltin significantly reduced hepatic inflammation and fibrosis in an HFD rabbit model of MASH following therapeutic dosing for 4 weeks in a dose-dependent manner. These data support the human selvigaltin dose of 100mg b.i.d. that has been shown to reduce key liver biomarkers during a clinical study in liver cirrhosis.

A Randomized, Crossover Trial Assessing Appetite, Energy Metabolism, Blood Biomarkers, and Ad Libitum Food Intake Responses to a Mid-Morning Pecan Snack vs. an Equicaloric High-Carbohydrate Snack in Healthy Volunteers with Overweight/Obesity.

The differential effects of pecans versus other popular snack foods on appetite and blood markers of metabolism and satiety have not been well studied. This study investigated the effects of a single mid-morning snack of pecans or tortilla chips on subjective appetite, food intake, blood measures of hormones and metabolites, and resting energy expenditure. Twenty participants with overweight and obesity were enrolled in a within-participants, randomized crossover trial. Participants had indwelling catheters placed for blood sampling and were fed a standardized breakfast, followed two hours later by a 250 kcal snack of either pecans or tortilla chips, and then by a self-selected lunch. Visual analog scale (VAS) appetite measures, blood markers, and energy expenditure were taken at intervals after food consumption. VAS ratings, energy, food intake and macronutrient composition did not differ between treatment conditions, but glucose and insulin were significantly more elevated after tortilla chips. Free fatty acids (FFA), triglycerides (TG), peptide YY (PYY), and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) were higher after consuming pecans compared to tortilla chips. Pecan consumption improves postprandial glucose and insulin profiles which would be beneficial to individuals at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Further studies are needed to investigate whether increased relative secretion of PYY and GLP-1 after eating pecans versus tortilla chips may affect subjective appetite and energy intake if consumed chronically.

Aquatic High-Intensity Interval Deep Water Running Influence on Cardiometabolic Health and Cognitive Psychological Responses in Women.

To investigate the effects of an 8-wk AHIIT-DWR intervention compared with land-based HIT training (LHIIT) on cardiometabolic health, cognitive, and psychological outcomes in inactive elderly women. Seventy inactive elderly women aged 60 yr or above were randomly assigned into two groups: AHIIT-DWR and LHIIT. The AHIIT-DWR group engaged in DWR sessions comprising 30 min of interval training, consisting of ten 2-min exercise bouts at 80%-90% of their maximal heart rate (HR max ), with 1-min active recovery at 70% HR max between bouts, for two sessions per week, for 8 wk. The LHIIT group performed treadmill running at the same intensity. Both groups showed similar cardiovascular fitness, maximal aerobic capacity (V̇O 2max ), HR max , and RER improvement ( P > 0.05), whereas AHIIT-DWR showed a significant improvement in aerobic capacity minute ventilation (V̇E), metabolic equivalents (METs), and O 2 pulse ( P < 0.05) over the 8-wk intervention. Both AHIIT-DWR and LHIIT significantly decreased triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL, and LDL postintervention ( P < 0.05). No significant group differences were observed for cognitive function assessed by MMSE and MOCA ( P > 0.05). Both groups showed similar enjoyment levels, self-efficacy scores, and high adherence rates (>90%). Our study suggests that AHIIT-DWR can elicit a similar improvement in cardiorespiratory health, metabolic blood markers, cognitive function assessed by MMSE and MOCA, and psychological responses as LHIIT in inactive elderly women.

The impact of duration and severity of obesity exposure on cardiometabolic health

PurposeDuration and severity of exposure to excess adipose tissue are important risk factors for complications, but are generally not examined in conjunction. We developed a metric considering both factors to examine the relationship between obesity-related complications and parameters of cardiometabolic health in patients undergoing a metabolic bariatric procedure (MBS).Materials & MethodsData from patients screened for primary MBS between 2017 and 2021 were analyzed. The Obesity Exposure score (OBES), based on self-reported years of life with a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2, was calculated with increased weighting applied for higher BMI categories. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed, adjusting for multiple potential confounders.ResultsIn total, 2441 patients were included (76% female, age 42.1 ± 11.9 years, BMI 42.0 ± 4.9 kg/m2). OBES was positively related to myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation and renal function loss (per 10 OBES-units: OR 1.31, 95%CI [1.11–1.52], p = 0.002; OR 1.23, 95% CI [1.06–1.44], p = 0.008; and OR 1.26, 95% CI [1.04–1.51], p = 0.02). OBES was negatively associated with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) (OR 0.90, 95% CI [0.83–0.98], p = 0.02). In patients without obesity-related complications, OBES was related to lower HbA1c and higher HDL-cholesterol levels (ß -0.5 95% CI [-0.08-.0.02] p < 0.001 and ß 0.02 [0.00–0.04] p = 0.01).ConclusionOBES was related to myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation and renal function loss in patients applying for MBS. OBES was negatively related to OSAS, possibly because undiagnosed years were not taken into account. In the absence of obesity-related complications, OBES was not related to metabolic blood markers. Our data may aid in improving perioperative risk assessments.Graphical

Energy availability modulates regional blood flow via estrogen-independent pathways in regularly menstruating young women

PurposeThis study aimed to investigate the impact of short-term low energy availability (LEA) on vascular function in young, regularly menstruating women.MethodsParticipants were 19 women, aged 22.9 ± 4.2 years, with body mass index 18–30 kg·m2. They were divided into two groups and completed two conditions in a crossover design: a 3-day control condition (CON) with an energy availability of 45 kcals·kgFFM−1·day−1 and a 3-day LEA condition of 15 kcals·kgFFM−1 day–1. Assessments were conducted during the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. Outcome measures included forearm blood flow (FBF), heart rate, blood pressure, arterial stiffness, resting energy expenditure (REE), metabolic blood markers and body composition.ResultsSignificant time-by-condition interactions were found for resting FBF (p = .004), REE (p = .042), triiodothyronine (p = .006), β-hydroxybutyrate (p = .002) and body mass (p < .001). Resting FBF was 1.43 ± 1.01 and 1.31 ± 0.61 (arbitrary units) at pre and post, respectively, in LEA and 1.52 ± 0.7 and 1.76 ± 0.57 at pre and post in CON. The LEA condition led to a decrease in triiodothyronine (pre: 1.54 ± 0.28, post: 1.29 ± 0.27 ng ml−1), REE (pre: 1588 ± 165, post: 1487 ± 160 kcals day−1) and body mass (pre: 61.4 ± 7.5, post: 59.6 ± 7.3 kg). Changes in resting FBF were significantly correlated with changes in REE in the LEA condition (r = 0.53; p = 0.02).ConclusionShort-term LEA modifies regional blood flow and this might contribute to the observed decreased in REE. Findings emphasize the need for careful management of energy availability in populations at risk of LEA.

Association of diet, lifestyle, and chronotype with metabolic health in Ukrainian adults: a cross-sectional study

Morning chronotypes are associated with healthier metabolic profiles and lifestyles compared to evening chronotypes. However, limited research examined the relationship between chronotype, dietary intake, and metabolic health using accurate measures such as food records. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association between chronotype, dietary intake, and metabolic health markers in a cohort of Ukrainian individuals. Chronotypes were determined using the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) in 110 healthy to obese individuals (30–75 years) without type 2 diabetes. Dietary intake was derived from weighed seven days food diaries, anthropometrics and blood markers of glucose and lipid metabolism were measured. Morning chronotypes were significantly older and exhibited distinct dietary patterns, including lower intake of fat and animal protein and higher intake of carbohydrates when compared to evening chronotypes (p < 0.01). Higher MEQ scores, reflecting a tendency toward a morning chronotype, were associated with lower BMI, waist circumference, fasting triglycerides, and glucose (p < 0.05). Further, being of morning chronotype predicted better overall metabolic health. These associations remained significant after adjusting for confounders. The findings suggest that morning chronotypes have a different dietary pattern characterized by a more balanced diet and favorable metabolic profile. Synchronizing daily routines with morning preferences could positively influence metabolic health.

Construction of a prognostic nomogram combining PET/CT metabolic parameters and blood inflammatory markers for non-small cell lung cancer treated with first-line chemotherapy

To investigate the prognostic value of 18F-FDG-PET/CT metabolic parameters and blood inflammatory markers for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC, stage Ⅳ/ⅢB) treated with first-line chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy and construct a nomogram prediction model for NSCLC. We retrospectively analyzed the metabolic parameters (SUVmax, MTV and TLG) and blood markers of inflammation (NLR, DNLR, PLR and SII) in 105 patients with advanced NSCLC receiving chemotherapy combined with baseline 18F-FDG-PET/CT prior to immunotherapy from March, 2019 to June, 2021. ROC curve was used to calculate the best cut-off points for grouping, and univariate and multivariate COX regression analyses were performed to screen the independent predictors of prognosis for a combined diagnostic analysis. The effective biomarkers were included in the prediction model, and the nomogram model was constructed using the cph function in the rms function package of R language software. The patients were followed up for a median of 17.5 months, and their median progression-free survival (PFS) was 16 months with a median overall survival (OS) of 13.6 months. A high PLR (≥151.050) and a high TLG (≥101.940) were significant independent prognostic factors for PFS, and a high SII (≥941.385) and a high TLG (≥101.940) were independent prognostic factors for OS. The nomogram combining PET and blood markers of inflammation showed a good performance for prognostic prediction (with C-index of 0.682 for PFS and of 0.727 for OS) and good fitting of the calibration curve. The clinical decision curve showed good clinical utility of the nomogram. The baseline PET/CT metabolic parameters and blood inflammatory markers are associated with PFS and OS of patients with advanced NSCLC receiving first-line chemotherapy, and the constructed nomogram based on these parameters has a good performance for prognostic prediction in these patients.

Association of Maternal Age and Blood Markers for Metabolic Disease in Newborns.

Pregnancy at an advanced maternal age is considered a risk factor for adverse maternal, fetal, and neonatal outcomes. Here we investigated whether maternal age could be associated with differences in the blood levels of newborn screening (NBS) markers for inborn metabolic disorders on the Recommended Universal Screening Panel (RUSP). Population-level NBS data from screen-negative singleton infants were examined, which included blood metabolic markers and covariates such as age at blood collection, birth weight, gestational age, infant sex, parent-reported ethnicity, and maternal age at delivery. Marker levels were compared between maternal age groups (age range: 1544 years) using effect size analyses, which controlled for differences in group sizes and potential confounding from other covariates. We found that 13% of the markers had maternal age-related differences, including newborn metabolites with either increased (Tetradecanoylcarnitine [C14], Palmitoylcarnitine [C16], Stearoylcarnitine [C18], Oleoylcarnitine [C18:1], Malonylcarnitine [C3DC]) or decreased (3-Hydroxyisovalerylcarnitine [C5OH]) levels at an advanced maternal age (≥35 years, absolute Cohen's d > 0.2). The increased C3DC levels in this group correlated with a higher false-positive rate in newborn screening for malonic acidemia (p-value < 0.001), while no significant difference in screening performance was seen for the other markers. Maternal age is associated with inborn metabolic differences and should be considered together with other clinical variables in genetic disease screening.

Lifestyle, biological and genetic determinants of brain iron accumulation in aging

AbstractBackgroundOptimal iron levels are crucial for brain cells’ functioning. However, brain iron overload occurs in both normal aging and neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). High iron concentration triggers oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, both involved the AD pathophysiology. Despite growing evidence of the toxicity of iron overload, why iron accumulates remains unknown. A few studies have linked higher brain iron content to alcohol use, body mass index, cardiovascular health, and smoking. However, no study has investigated the factors behind iron accumulation longitudinally.MethodWe investigated the associations between potential determinants such as blood markers of iron metabolism, cardiovascular health (Framingham’s risk score; FRS), lifestyle factors (smoking, alcohol use, physical activity), ApoE (any e4) status, and iron content and iron accumulation using longitudinal data (n = 208 healthy volunteers, age = 20‐79, mean follow‐up time = 2.75 years) from the IronAge study. Iron was assessed with Magnetic Resonance Imaging using quantitative susceptibility mapping for iron‐rich or age‐sensitive regions (caudate (CA), putamen (PU), pallidum (PA), dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC)). We used structural equation modelling to assess the relationships between determinants and iron accumulation.ResultHigher blood ferritin was related to higher iron content and iron accumulation in DLPFC (B = 0.181 and 0.173), CA (B = 0.158 and 0.225) and PU (B = 0.127 and 0.263). Higher blood haemoglobin was related to higher iron content in DLPFC (β = 0.177) and CA (β = 0.178), as well as to iron accumulation in PA (β = 0.220). Higher blood transferrin was related to lower iron content and iron accumulation in CA (B = ‐0.131 and ‐0.147) and PU (B = ‐0.160 and ‐0.232). Lower FRS was related to greater iron accumulation in DLPFC among younger adults (β = ‐0.379, age&lt;40). Increased FRS was related to greater iron accumulation (β = 0.194). More physical activity was related to higher iron content in PA among younger adults (β = 0.231, age&lt;40). Lastly, older (age&gt;40) ApoE e4 carriers had higher iron content in PA (β = 0.219). No associations were found with alcohol or smoking. These results were independent of, sex, education, atrophy, white‐matter lesions, and age unless age‐stratified results.ConclusionOur study identified modifiable and non‐modifiable factors of brain iron accumulation in adulthood. The former can be targeted to prevent accelerated iron accumulation.

Impact of a Powdered Meal Replacement on Metabolism and Gut Microbiota (PREMIUM) in individuals with excessive body weight: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

IntroductionExcess body weight is associated with a state of low-grade chronic inflammation and alterations of the gut microbiome. Powdered meal replacements (PMR) have been shown to be an effective strategy...

Ursodeoxycholic Acid Use After Bariatric Surgery: Effects on Metabolic and Inflammatory Blood Markers

BackgroundIn addition to the reduction of symptomatic gallstone disease, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) might also have beneficial metabolic effects after bariatric surgery. We examined the impact of UDCA on liver enzymes, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), lipids, and inflammation markers.MethodsPatients in the UPGRADE trial (placebo-controlled, double-blind) were randomized between UDCA 900 mg daily or placebo pills for 6 months after bariatric surgery. Patients without blood measurements pre- or 6 months postoperatively were excluded. The change in liver enzymes, Hba1c, lipids, and inflammation markers after surgery were compared between the UDCA and placebo group, followed by a postoperative cross-sectional comparison.ResultsIn total, 513 patients were included (age [mean ± SD] 45.6 ± 10.7 years; 79% female). Preoperative blood values did not differ between UDCA (n = 266) and placebo (n = 247) groups. Increase of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was greater in the UDCA group (mean difference 3.81 U/l [95%CI 0.50 7.12]). Change in other liver enzymes, HbA1c, lipids, and CRP levels did not differ. Postoperative cross-sectional comparison in 316 adherent patients also revealed a higher total cholesterol (mean difference 0.25 mg/dl [95%CI 0.07–0.42]), lower aspartate aminotransferase (mean difference −3.12 U/l [−5.16 – −1.08]), and lower alanine aminotransferase level (mean difference −5.89 U/l [−9.41 – −2.37]) in the UDCA group.ConclusionUDCA treatment leads to a higher, but clinically irrelevant increase in ALP level in patients 6 months after bariatric surgery. No other changes in metabolic or inflammatory markers were observed. Except for the reduction of gallstone formation, UDCA has no effects after bariatric surgery.Graphical

Immune and metabolic markers for identifying and investigating severe Coronavirus disease and Sepsis in children and young people (pSeP/COVID ChYP study): protocol for a prospective cohort study

IntroductionEarly recognition and appropriate management of paediatric sepsis are known to improve outcomes. A previous system’s biology investigation of the systemic immune response in neonates to sepsis identified immune and...

Beef Nutritional Characteristics, Fat Profile and Blood Metabolic Markers from Purebred Wagyu, Crossbred Wagyu and Crossbred European Steers Raised on a Fattening Farm in Spain.

A high intramuscular fat content characterizes Wagyu (WY) cattle breed. Our objective was to compare beef from WY, WY-by-Angus, or Wangus (WN) steers with European, Angus-by-Charolais-Limousine crossbred steers (ACL), considering metabolic biomarkers pre-slaughtering and nutritional characteristics, including health-related indexes of the lipid fraction. The fattening system with olein-rich diets and no exercise restriction included 82 steers, 24 WY, 29 WN, and 29 ACL. The slaughter ages and weights were (median and interquartile range) 38.4 mo.-old (34.9-40.3 mo.) and 840 kg (785-895 kg) for WY; for WN, 30.6 mo. (26.9-36.5 mo.) and 832 kg (802-875 kg), and for ACL steers, 20.3 mo.-old (19.0-22.7 mo.) and 780 kg (715-852 kg). Blood lipid-related metabolites, except for non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and low-density level cholesterol (LDL), were higher in WY and WN than in ACL, while glucose was lower in WY and WN. Leptin was higher in WN than in ACL. Pre-slaughtering values of plasma HDL underscored as a possible metabolic biomarker directly related to beef quality. The amino-acid content in beef did not differ among experimental groups, except for more crude protein in ACL. Compared to ACL, WY steers showed higher intramuscular fat in sirloin (51.5 vs. 21.9%) and entrecote (59.6 vs. 27.6%), more unsaturated fatty acids in entrecote (55.8 vs. 53.0%), and more oleic acid in sirloin (46 vs. 41.3%) and entrecote (47.5 vs. 43.3%). Compared to ACL entrecote, WY and WN showed better atherogenic (0.6 and 0.55 vs. 0.69), thrombogenicity (0.82 and 0.92 vs. 1.1), and hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic index (1.9 and 2.1 vs. 1.7). Therefore, beef's nutritional characteristics depend on breed/crossbred, slaughtering age and cut, with WY and WN entrecote samples showing a healthier lipid fraction.

Mediterranean diet during pregnancy and infant neurodevelopment: A prospective birth cohort study.

Embryonic neural development is associated with intrauterine nutritional status. However, few cohort studies estimated the relationship between maternal dietary patterns during pregnancy and offspring's early neurodevelopment. To examine the impact of the Mediterranean diet (MD) during pregnancy on infant neurodevelopment, including the potential mediating role of cord blood metabolites. Among 1,471 mother-child pairs in a prospective birth cohort study in Hefei, China, we investigated the associations between maternal MD score [calculated based on a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ)] and child neurodevelopment at infancy [assessed using Ages and Stages Questionnaires, Third Edition (ASQ-3)]. The cord blood metabolic markers (including C-peptide, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides) were measured. The MD score was negatively associated with communication domain developmental delays in infants [relative risk (RR) with 95% CI: 0.34 (0.16, 0.72)]. Compared with girls, boys born from mothers with lower MD scores during pregnancy were inclined to the failure of the communication domain [RRs with 95% CI for boys: 0.34 (0.14, 0.84); for girls: 0.26 (0.06, 1.18)]. Mediation analysis showed that the association between the maternal MD score and failure of communication domain mediated by C-peptide was 19.4% in boys but not in girls. Adhering to the MD during pregnancy was associated with a decreased risk of poor neurodevelopment, possibly mediated by lower levels of cord blood C-peptide.

Circulating Metabolic Markers Related to the Diagnosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Primary liver carcinoma is the sixth most common cancer worldwide, while hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most dominant cancer type. Chronic hepatitis B and C virus infections and aflatoxin exposure are the main risk factors, while nonalcoholic fatty liver disease caused by obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome are the more common risk factors for HCC. Metabolic disorders caused by these high-risk factors are closely related to the tumor microenvironment of HCC, revealing a possible cause-and-effect relationship between the two. These metabolic disorders involve many complex metabolic pathways, such as carbohydrate, lipid, lipid derivative, amino acid, and amino acid derivative metabolic processes. The resulting metabolites with significant abnormal changes in the concentration level in circulating blood may be used as biomarkers to guide the diagnosis, treatment, or prognosis of HCC. At present, there are high-throughput technologies that can quickly detect small molecular metabolites in many samples. Compared to tissue biopsy, blood samples are easier to obtain, and patients' willingness to participate is higher, which makes it possible to study blood HCC biomarkers. Over the past few years, a substantial body of research has been performed worldwide, and other potential biomarkers have been identified. Unfortunately, due to the limitations of each study, only a few markers have been widely verified and are suitable for clinical use. This review briefly summarizes the potential blood metabolic markers related to the diagnosis of HCC, mainly focusing on amino acids and their derivative metabolism, lipids and their derivative metabolism, and other possible related metabolisms.

Sex-specific cardiometabolic risk markers of left ventricular mass in physically active young adults: the CHIEF heart study

Greater physical fitness may lead to greater left ventricular mass (LVM) and reduce the effect of cardiometabolic risk factors on LVM. However, the cardiometabolic biomarkers associations for LVM have not been clarified in physically active young adults. This study included 2019 men and 253 women, aged 18–43 years, from the military in Taiwan. All participants underwent anthropometric and blood metabolic markers measurements, and completed a 3000-m run test for assessing fitness. LVM was calculated on the basis of an echocardiography. Multiple linear regression was used to determine the sex-specific associations between cardiometabolic risk markers and LVM indexed for the body height (g/m2.7). In men, age, systolic blood pressure (SBP), 3000-m running time, serum triglycerides, serum uric acid and waist circumference (WC) were correlated with LVM index (β = 0.07, 0.10, − 0.01, 0.01, 0.24 and 0.24, respectively; all p-values < 0.05). The correlations were not significant for fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). In women, SBP, HDL-C and WC were correlated with LVM index in the univariate analysis (β = 0.07, − 0.05 and 0.32, respectively; all p-values < 0.05), whereas the correlation was only significant for WC in the multiple linear regression analysis (β = 0.20; p-value < 0.001). In physically active adults, the associations of cardiometabolic risk markers with LVM might vary by sex. Better endurance exercise performance associated with greater LVM was noted only in men, while greater WC was the only metabolic risk marker for greater LVM in both men and women.

Relationship Between PEMT Gene rs7946 Polymorphism and Nutritional Choline Status in Association With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Risk

ObjectivesPhosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PEMT) rs7946 genetic polymorphism and nutritional choline status on nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) risk have not been well elucidated. The aims of the study were to investigate the choline-polymorphic relationship on NAFL risk.MethodsThe study recruited 253 patients with metabolic disorders from one regional hospital in 2020. By abdominal ultrasound diagnosis, 99 patients with hepatic steatosis (HS) and 99 age- and sex-matched controls without HS were included for the study. Habitual dietary choline intakes were assessed using validated quantitative FFQ by a face-to-face interview. PEMT rs7946 (V175M, G to A substitution) polymorphism, blood choline concentrations and metabolic disorders factors were analyzed for their interaction with HS risk.ResultsGenetic distribution of PEMT rs7946 polymorphism significantly differed in controls (GG: 48%, GA, 32%, AA, 20%) and in the HS cases (GG: 69%, GA: 26%, AA: 5%) (p = 0.003). Higher values of body mass index (BMI), serum triglycerides (TG), insulin resistance (HOMO-IR), alanine aminotransferase and lower levels of HDL were associated with HS cases. Plasma free choline levels were significantly higher in HS cases (median:12.4 μM, quartile range (9.9–14.8)) than in controls (median: 10.6 μM, quartile range (9.3–12.8)) (p = 0.001). The daily dietary intake of total choline and the choline derivatives did not differ between the two groups. After adjustment of age, gender, BMI, energy consumption, fiber intake, and blood metabolic markers (TG, LDL, HDL and HOMA-IR), odds ratios of HS were 7-fold increase (OR: 7.6, 95% CI: 2.3–24.4) for patients with PEMT rs7946 GG genotype of high plasma choline level (> median levels: 11.6 μM) as compared with GA/AA genotype of plasma choline level lower than 11.6 μM.ConclusionsThe PEMT rs7946 GG genotype in combination with high plasma choline levels was associated with increased risks of hepatic fat accumulation in patients with metabolic disorders.Funding SourcesThe Ministry of Health and Welfare-affiliated Taipei Hospital. The Ministration of Science and Technology, Taiwan, ROC.