Prevalence Of Health Conditions Research Articles

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Neuroinflammation in Depression: Targeting Damage-Associated Molecular Patterns and Neural Biomarkers

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a prevalent mental health condition with a complex pathophysiology involving neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and disruptions in neuronal and glial cell function. Microglia, the innate immune cells of the central nervous system, release inflammatory cytokines in response to pathological changes associated with MDD. Damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) act as alarms, triggering microglial activation and subsequent inflammatory cytokine release. This review examines the cellular mechanisms underlying MDD pathophysiology, focusing on the lipid-mediated modulation of neuroinflammation. We explore the intricate roles of microglia and astrocytes in propagating inflammatory cascades and discuss how these processes affect neuronal integrity at the cellular level. Central to our analysis are three key molecules: High Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1) and S100 Calcium Binding Protein β (S100β) as alarmins, and Neuron-Specific Enolase (NSE) as an indicator of neuronal stress. We present evidence from in vitro and ex vivo studies demonstrating how these molecules reflect and contribute to the neuroinflammatory milieu characteristic of MDD. The review then explores the potential of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) as neuroinflammation modulators, examining their effects on microglial activation, cytokine production, and neuronal resilience in cellular models of depression. We critically analyze experimental data on how ω-3 PUFA supplementation influences the expression and release of HMGB1, S100β, and NSE in neuronal and glial cultures. By integrating findings from lipidomic and cellular neurobiology, this review aims to elucidate the mechanisms by which ω-3 PUFAs may exert their antidepressant effects through modulation of neuroinflammatory markers. These insights contribute to our understanding of lipid-mediated neuroprotection in MDD and may inform the development of targeted, lipid-based therapies for both depression and neurodegenerative disorders.

Changes in core depressive symptoms over time in peripartum women: A network analysis

Perinatal depression (PND) is a prevalent mental health condition that affects women during pregnancy and after childbirth. Distinct clinical subtypes of PND exist, with the timing of symptom onset being a pivotal element in the classification of these subtypes. However, the specific manifestations of PND across the various stages of pregnancy and the postpartum period remain to be elucidated. This study aimed to explore the changes in depression symptoms with the stage of pregnancy. Women in their second (n = 161) and third trimesters (n = 248) of pregnancy as well as those in their first 6 weeks of the postpartum period (n = 110) were recruited. Each patient was evaluated using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. A network analysis approach was used to explore the interconnections among depressive symptoms across the different time periods. Women in the postpartum period exhibited the most pronounced prevalence of PND and severity of depressive symptoms. In the second and third trimesters, “sadness and misery” was the most central symptom. However, its prominence diminished after childbirth. “Fear and panic” was the predominant symptom in the postpartum network. The structural integrity of PND symptom networks was maintained across all three periods, with consistent strength and closeness. This study demonstrates the temporal evolution of PND’s central symptoms in women during and after pregnancy, transitioning from depression-centric to anxiety-centric manifestations. These findings advocate for symptom-specific interventions to enhance the mental well-being of mothers and their offspring. Furthermore, this study offers clinical insights into the biological underpinnings of PND subtypes, facilitating precise diagnosis and targeted treatment strategies.

The burden of mental health issues in Behçet’s disease: implications for patient quality of life

ABSTRACT Introduction Depression and anxiety are among the most prevalent mental health conditions in Brazil. Both are associated with poor quality of life (HRQoL) and challenges in disease management for chronic illnesses, including Behçet’s disease (BD). This study aimed to evaluate depression, anxiety, and HRQoL in BD patients from a non-endemic area. Research design and methods This case-control study included adult BD patients from Brazilian tertiary center and healthy controls (HC). All patients fulfilled the ISG and ICBD diagnostic criteria. Depression, anxiety and quality of life were assessed using BDI, HADS, SF-36, and physical capacity with the HAQ. Results We enrolled 58 BD patients (60% female, mean age 46.1) and 96 HC (74% female, mean age 44). High rates of depression and anxiety were observed in BD patients, correlating with disease activity, younger age, absence of a partner, shorter disease duration, and lower income. BD patients showed significant HRQoL restrictions, particularly in physical and emotional roles, compared to HC. Longer disease duration was correlated with better HRQoL. Conclusion High rates of depression and anxiety were observed in BD patients, negatively impacting HRQoL, particularly in those with higher disease activity. Further study and clinical attention are warranted to enhance patient care and outcomes.

A review of exercise interventions for reducing anxiety symptoms: Insights and implications.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a prevalent mental health condition affecting a significant proportion of the adult population. Despite the availability of pharmacological treatments, their long-term efficacy and potential side effects necessitate exploring alternative interventions. Aerobic exercise has emerged as a promising non-pharmacological approach for managing anxiety symptoms in individuals with GAD. This narrative review examines the efficacy of aerobic exercise interventions in alleviating symptoms of anxiety disorders, drawing on a comprehensive analysis of relevant literature. The review synthesizes findings from studies investigating various forms of aerobic exercise, including high-intensity interval training, resistance training, Pilates, and walking. The results indicate that aerobic exercise interventions demonstrate efficacy in reducing anxiety symptoms and improving overall well-being across diverse populations, including primary care patients, individuals with coronary heart disease, and older adults with cancer undergoing chemotherapy. The review discusses the neurobiological and psychological mechanisms underlying the anxiolytic effects of aerobic exercise. It highlights the implications of these findings for clinical practice, public health initiatives, and future research directions. Despite the promising evidence, limitations in study methodologies and heterogeneity across interventions warrant a cautious interpretation of the results. Further research is needed to elucidate optimal exercise modalities, dosages, and long-term effects on anxiety outcomes.

7513 Presence Of Hispanic/Latino Physicians In Academic Research. Are We There Yet?

Abstract Disclosure: C.E. Guillen Lopez: None. A. Patel: None. A. Rocha: None. C. Arima: None. A. Molkina: None. L. Robles: None. A. Arce Gastelum: None. Hispanic/Latino endocrinologists' presence and active involvement in diabetes research play a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of healthcare initiatives in the United States. Diabetes, a prevalent and complex health condition, disproportionately affects diverse communities, with Hispanics/Latinos being among the groups facing higher incidence rates. In this context, the significance of Hispanic/Latino endocrinologists cannot be overstated, as their unique perspectives and cultural insights contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the multifaceted factors influencing diabetes prevalence, management, and outcomes in the U.S. By actively involving Hispanic/Latino endocrinologists in diabetes research, we not only enhance the representation of diverse patient populations but also foster a more comprehensive approach to addressing the intricate intersections of genetics, lifestyle, and socio-cultural factors contributing to diabetes disparities in the nation. In the 2021 Physician Specialty Data Report, the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) incorporated physician race and ethnicity information for the first time. Within the 7,354 actively practicing endocrinologists surveyed, only 636 individuals identified as Hispanic/Latino. The majority of these endocrinologists were predominantly dedicated to clinical practice. A descriptive analysis of 1011 abstracts on diabetes and glucose metabolism presented at the Endo Society from 2021 to 2023 revealed that 549 were authored by women and 458 by men. The majority (705 posters, 69.7%) originated from the U.S., and 306 (30.26%) were classified as international posters. Among these, 152 posters (15%) were associated with the Hispanic or Latino authors, but only 91 (9%) were published in the U.S. In conclusion, the engagement of Hispanic/Latino physicians in endocrinology is indispensable for advancing healthcare. Their participation brings diverse perspectives, facilitates a better understanding of health disparities, and promotes innovative research and patient care strategies. By actively involving Hispanic/Latino physicians, we contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of endocrine disorders and work towards a healthcare system that prioritizes inclusivity, cultural sensitivity, and collaboration, ultimately benefiting the well-being of individuals across diverse communities. Presentation: 6/2/2024

Role of TM7 in the Oral Microbiome and its Implications for Periodontal Disease: A Systematic Review

ABSTRACT Periodontal disease, a prevalent oral health condition, involves a complex microbial community. Advanced sequencing technologies have enabled in-depth studies of the oral microbiome, focusing on specific bacterial taxa like TM7. This systematic review analyzes the role of TM7 in the oral microbiome and its implications for periodontal disease. This review underscores TM7’s importance in the oral microbiome and its potential as a target for future research on periodontal disease pathogenesis.

Life-Course Socioeconomic Trajectories and Biological Aging: The Importance of Lifestyles and Physical Wellbeing

Background/Objectives: Studies investigating the associations between life-course socioeconomic status (SES) and biological aging (the difference between biological and chronological age, Δage) have mostly been focused on epigenetic clocks and on a limited number of mediators. The aim of this study was to investigate this relationship using a blood-based aging clock, as well as the potential mediation of different factors including lifestyles or their proxies and physical and mental wellbeing. Methods: A deep-learning aging clock based on 36 blood markers was deployed, in a large Italian population cohort: the Moli-sani study (N = 4772; ≥35 years; 48% men). SES was defined as an eight-level trajectory over the life course, which was tested with Δage in linear models incrementally adjusted for age, sex, and prevalent health conditions. Moreover, the proportion of associations explained by diverse potential mediators, including diet, smoking, physical activity, alcohol, body mass index (BMI), and physical and mental quality of life (QoL) was estimated. Results: Compared to participants with a stably high SES, those showing an educational and financial downward trajectory were older than their CA (β (95%CI) = 1.28 (0.73–1.83) years), as were those with a stably low SES (0.75 (0.25–01.25) years). These associations were largely explained by the tested mediators (overall proportion: 36.2% and 66.3%, respectively), prominently by physical QoL (20.7% and 41.0%), BMI (16.8% and 34.3%), lifestyle (10.6% and 24.6%), and dietary inflammatory score (5.3% and 9.2%). Conclusions: These findings indicate that life-course socioeconomic inequalities are associated with accelerated biological aging, suggesting physical wellbeing and pro-inflammatory lifestyles as potential public health targets to slow down this process in susceptible socioeconomic strata of the population.

Are Methylation Patterns in the KALRN Gene Associated with Cognitive and Depressive Symptoms? Findings from the Moli-sani Cohort.

The KALRN gene (encoding kalirin) has been implicated in several neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. However, genetic evidence supporting this implication is limited and targeted epigenetic analyses are lacking. Here, we tested associations between epigenetic variation in KALRN and interindividual variation in depressive symptoms (PHQ9) and cognitive (MoCA) performance, in an Italian population cohort (N = 2409; mean (SD) age: 67 (9) years; 55% women). First, we analyzed the candidate region chr3:124584826-124584886 (hg38), within the KALRN promoter, through pyrosequencing of 1385 samples. Then, we widened the investigated region by analyzing 137 CpGs annotated to the whole gene, rescued from epigenome-wide (Illumina EPIC) data from 1024 independent samples from the same cohort. These were tested through stepwise regression models adjusted for age, sex, circulating leukocytes fractions, education, prevalent health conditions and lifestyles. We observed no statistically significant associations with methylation levels in the three CpGs tested through pyrosequencing, or in the gene-wide association analysis with MoCA score. However, we observed a statistically significant association between PHQ9 and cg13549966 (chr3:124106738; β (Standard Error) = 0.28 (0.08), Bonferroni-corrected p = 0.025), located close to the transcription start site of the gene. This association was driven by a polychoric factor tagging somatic depressive symptoms (β (SE) = 0.127 (0.064), p = 0.048). This evidence underscores the importance of studying epigenetic variation within the KALRN gene and the role that it may play in brain diseases, particularly in atypical depression, which is often characterized by somatic symptoms.

Prefrontal cortex astrocytes in major depressive disorder: exploring pathogenic mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a prevalent mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness, affecting millions globally. The precise molecular mechanisms underlying MDD remain elusive, necessitating comprehensive investigations. Our study integrates transcriptomic analysis, functional assays, and computational modeling to explore the molecular landscape of MDD, focusing on the DLPFC. We identify key genomic alterations and co-expression modules associated with MDD, highlighting potential therapeutic targets. Functional enrichment and protein-protein interaction analyses emphasize the role of astrocytes in MDD progression. Machine learning is employed to develop a predictive model for MDD risk assessment. Single-cell and spatial transcriptomic analyses provide insights into cell type-specific expression patterns, particularly regarding astrocytes. We have identified significant genomic alterations and co-expression modules associated with MDD in the DLPFC. Key genes involved in neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathways, notably in astrocytes, have been highlighted. Additionally, we developed a predictive model for MDD risk assessment based on selected key genes. Single-cell and spatial transcriptomic analyses underscored the role of astrocytes in MDD. Virtual screening of compounds targeting GPR37L1, KCNJ10, and PPP1R3C proteins has identified potential therapeutic candidates. In summary, our comprehensive approach enhances the understanding of MDD's molecular underpinnings and offers promising opportunities for advancing therapeutic interventions, ultimately aiming to alleviate the burden of this debilitating mental health condition. KEY MESSAGES: Our investigation furnishes insightful revelations concerning the dysregulation of astrocyte-associated processes in MDD. We have pinpointed specific genes, namely KCNJ10, PPP1R3C, and GPR37L1, as potential candidates warranting further exploration and therapeutic intervention. We incorporate a virtual screening of small molecule compounds targeting KCNJ10, PPP1R3C, and GPR37L1, presenting a promising trajectory for drug discovery in MDD.

A Grant Report: Examining the Efficacy of Remote Photobiomodulation Therapy in Adolescents with Major Depressive Disorder

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a prevalent mental health condition affecting a significant portion of the population worldwide. This condition can impact individuals of all ages, including adolescents, leading to an impact on various aspects of their lives. Adolescence is a crucial phase of human development, characterized by several neurobiological changes. The onset of MDD during this period can result in damage not only to teenagers but also might have long-lasting implications for their future as adults. Notably, the onset of MDD in adolescents is often associated with various biomarkers, such as increased levels of inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-6, TNF-α), oxidative stress markers, and alterations in neurotransmitter levels, indicating a complex interplay of biological factors. Therefore, early intervention is essential for addressing MDD during this phase. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) emerges as an innovative and promising approach that utilizes light, especially in the near-infrared (NIR) and red spectra, to trigger biological and therapeutic effects. Notably, targeting the skull and abdomen with PBMT might explore the bidirectional communication between the intestinal system and the central nervous system in a remote and/or systemic way. In this context, we present the rationale and design of an ongoing study aiming to assess the efficacy of PBMT on depressive symptoms and biomarkers associated with oxidative stress and mitochondrial function in adolescents with MDD.

Health status, functioning and risk profiles for secondary health conditions in adolescents and young adults with spina bifida: a cross-sectional study at time of transition.

The transition from paediatric to adult medical care is a critical period for adolescents with spina bifida, often marked by deteriorating health and functional status. To describe the health status and functioning of individuals with spina bifida at the time of transition from paediatric to adult care and to identify risk profiles for potentially modifiable secondary health conditions (urinary tract infections, pressure injuries, respiratory problems and obesity). Descriptive study of data (derived from medical records) from all adolescents and young adults with spina bifida aged 15-25 years who were referred to a single specialised spinal cord injury centre as part of the transition programme during the period from 1 September 2015 to 31 May 2022. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the study population and to analyse the frequency and co-occurrence of congenital and acquired secondary health conditions. The equality of proportions test was used to test the prevalence of secondary health conditions based on important personal and clinical characteristics. We included 43 adolescents with spina bifida with a mean age of 18.4 years (SD 2.5); in 63% of them the neurological level was lumbar, and around 50% of them were wheelchair-dependent. The median Spinal Cord Injury Measure (SCIM) III score was 72 (IQR 61-89). The mean number of secondary health conditions at time of transition was 8.8. The most prevalent secondary health conditions were lower urinary tract dysfunction, bowel dysfunction, sexual dysfunction and contractures. Respiratory problems were more prevalent in females and in individuals with lower SCIM III scores, whereas no differences were observed in the prevalence of other modifiable secondary health conditions. Clustering of secondary health conditions was mainly seen for urinary tract infection + pressure injury and for urinary tract infection + pressure injury + obesity. The prevalence of secondary health conditions among individuals with spina bifida at time of transition is alarmingly high and functional profiles underscore the need for supporting adolescents and young adults with daily medical issues. The study highlights the critical role of transition programmes and interdisciplinary follow-up care in preventing health problems and improving functioning and independence in everyday life.

Association of Oral Microbiome with Periodontal Disease Progression: A Longitudinal Study

Periodontal disease, a prevalent oral health condition, is characterized by the inflammation and destruction of the supporting tissues around the teeth and poses significant challenges to global public health. Objectives: To examine the association between the oral microbiome and periodontal disease progression in a Pakistani population. Methods: A total of 350 patients aged ≥ 18 years, diagnosed with periodontal disease, were registered from August 2023 to February 2024. Participants were evaluated for periodontal health indicators, including probing depth and clinical attachment loss, and their oral microbiome profiles were analyzed using high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. Machine learning algorithms, including Random Forest and Support Vector Machines, were applied to predict disease progression based on microbial profiles. Results: Porphyromonas gingivalis and Tannerella forsythia were strongly associated with greater probing depths and clinical attachment loss (β = 0.45, p < 0.01), indicating their role in disease progression. Conversely, Streptococcus and Lactobacillus were linked to reduced disease severity (β = -0.30, p < 0.05). The oral microbiome exhibited high diversity, with Firmicutes (35%), Bacteroidetes (25%), Proteobacteria (20%), and Actinobacteria (15%) being the predominant species. The Random Forest model predicted disease progression with 85% accuracy (Area under the curve (AUC) = 0.87), emphasizing the predictive value of microbial profiles. Conclusions: It was concluded that the study confirms a strong link between specific oral microbiota and periodontal disease progression, emphasizing the importance of microbial analysis in predicting and managing periodontal health.

Analysis of Salivary Neuropeptides in Anxiety and Depression Using the Luminex MAGPIX® System.

Anxiety and depressive disorders are highly prevalent mental health conditions, affecting millions worldwide.Advancements in neurobiology have identified the effects of various neuropeptides in modulating mood and stress responses.Some of the well-researched neuropeptides in plasma are oxytocin (OXT), alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), beta-endorphin, neurotensin, and substance P.In this study, we used methods of liquid biopsy to acquire saliva samples to analyze the concentrations of neuropeptides associated with depression. The study was conducted in Bratislava, Slovakia, from January to June 2022. Participants were 20 subjects treated for depression and anxiety without medication; the control group consisted of 20 healthy individuals with no personal history of depression or anxiety. Salivary samples were collected using buccal swabs to measure the concentrations of the examined neuropeptides. Laboratory analysis was based on detecting fluorescent signals performed on the Luminex MAGPIX® System (Luminex Corporation, Austin, Texas).Means and standard deviations were calculated for individual neuropeptide levels.To determine if there are statistically significant differences in neuropeptide levels between individuals with and without depression, independent t-tests and a one-way ANOVA were conducted. Our findings indicate a significant decrease in all studied neuropeptides in subjects compared to healthy controls. Reductions in mean levels were observed for OXT (7.3), alpha-MSH (3.9), beta-endorphin (2.9), neurotensin (15.1), and a 6.9-fold decrease for substance P.Alpha-MSH and beta-endorphin showed higher variability in measured levels within both groups. The results of this study indicate that the levels of the studied salivary neuropeptides, OXT, alpha-MSH, beta-endorphin, neurotensin, and substance P, are statistically significantly reduced in individuals with depression compared to healthy controls.

Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Tyrosol and Its Derivatives: A Comprehensive Review.

Tyrosol (Ty) and its derivatives have gathered considerable attention in recent years due to their diverse pharmacological properties and potential therapeutic applications. This comprehensive review aims to summarize the current understanding of the therapeutic potential of Ty and its derivatives in combating various diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease (CVD), neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, and obesity. This review highlights the multifaceted properties of Ty, including its pharmacokinetic profile and pharmacological actions, which contribute to its efficacy against these prevalent health conditions. Moreover, the antimicrobial and wound-healing effects of Ty are explored, elucidating its potential for broader therapeutic utilization. While existing studies provide evidence supporting the beneficial effects of Ty, gaps remain in our understanding of its molecular mechanisms of action and the exploration of novel derivatives. Future research efforts are thus critical for unraveling the full therapeutic potential of Ty and its derivatives. Moreover, the synthesis of novel derivatives with enhanced efficacy and improved bioavailability shows potential for addressing unmet medical needs. This review emphasizes the necessity for ongoing research into Ty and its derivatives, providing valuable insights into their potential as essential therapeutic agents for addressing diverse health conditions.

Nurses' Role in Obesity Management in Adults in Primary Healthcare Settings Worldwide: A Scoping Review.

Obesity is a chronic, prevalent, and complex health condition that adversely impairs physical and mental health. The World Health Organization calls for integrating obesity care into existing chronic disease management programs within primary healthcare services. This scoping review aimed to examine registered nurses' roles in the primary healthcare management of individuals with obesity. A scoping review was conducted using the Johanna Briggs Institute methodology framework. Thematic analysis was used to identify and categorize nurses' roles in primary healthcare obesity management of adults. Of 1142 documents included in this review, 15 papers met the inclusion criteria. Thematic analysis yielded the following six themes representing nurses' major roles: patient-centred care, patient assessments, therapeutic interventions, care management, patient education, and professional development. This review identified that the literature on nurses' roles primarily described their focus on lifestyle interventions (mainly nutrition and physical activity), anthropometric measurements, health planning, goal setting, supportive care, monitoring progress, and arranging follow-up. The Discussion highlights the importance of determining RN knowledge gaps and biases. More research is required to determine the need for additional RN pre-and or post-education related to obesity as a complex chronic disease.

Balancing Acts: Tackling Data Imbalance in Machine Learning for Predicting Myocardial Infarction in Type 2 Diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is a prevalent lifelong health condition. It is predicted that over 500 million adults will be diagnosed with T2D by 2040. T2D can develop at any age, and if it progresses, it may cause serious comorbidities. One of the most critical T2D-related comorbidities is Myocardial Infarction (MI), known as heart attack. MI is a life-threatening medical emergency, and it is important to predict it and intervene in a timely manner. The use of Machine Learning (ML) for clinical prediction is gaining pace, but the class imbalance in predictive models is a key challenge for establishing a trustworthy deployment of the technology. This may lead to bias and overfitting in the ML models, and it may cause misleading interpretations of the ML outputs. In our study, we showed how systematic use of Class Imbalance Handling (CIH) techniques may improve the performance of the ML models. We used the Connected Bradford dataset, consisting of over one million real-world health records. Three commonly used CIH techniques, Oversampling, Undersampling, and Class Weighting (CW) have been used for Naive Bayes (NB), Neural Network (NN), Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Ensemble models. We report that CW overperforms among the other techniques with the highest Accuracy and F1 values of 0.9948 and 0.9556, respectively. Applying the most appropriate CIH techniques for the ML models using real-world healthcare data provides promising results for helping to reduce the risk of MI in patients with T2D.

Interventions to improve glycaemic control in people living with, and at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is one of the most prevalent health conditions worldwide, affecting millions of individuals and posing significant public health challenges. Understanding the nature of type 2 diabetes, its causes, symptoms and treatments is crucial for managing and preventing its complications. Many different dietary strategies are used by individuals to treat and manage diabetes. This review provides an overview of popular dietary strategies that have evidence for improving long-term glycaemic control or achieving diabetes remission, as well as strategies that may be useful to reduce postprandial hyperglycaemia, which may be of use in the prevention of diabetes, but also as strategies for those already diagnosed but trying to manage their condition better. Recent clinical trials have provided evidence that in people living with type 2 diabetes who also live with overweight or obesity, using a total diet replacement weight loss programme results in significant and substantial weight loss, and as a result, many people can achieve remission from their diabetes. There has been considerable interest in whether similar effects can be achieved without reliance on formula foods, using real diet approaches. Reduced or low-carbohydrate diet approaches hold some promise, with observational or preliminary findings suggesting beneficial effects, but evidence from robust trials or systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials is still lacking. The Mediterranean dietary pattern, low in saturated fat and high in monounsaturated fat, also has some potential, with evidence to suggest some people can lose weight and achieve remission using this approach, which may be easier to adhere to longer term than more intensive total diet replacement and low-carbohydrate strategies. Plant-based diets that advocate for the elimination of animal-based and/or animal-derived foods have increased in popularity. There is evidence from epidemiological studies that people who follow these diets have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and evidence from trials and systematic reviews of trials that changing to a dietary pattern lower in animal-based and animal-derived foods has benefits on glycaemic control and other markers of cardiovascular disease. While these approaches all provide food or nutrient prescriptions, approaches that incorporate periods of fasting do not provide rules on the types of foods that can or cannot be consumed, but rather provide time windows of when to eat. Evidence suggests that these approaches can be as effective in achieving energy restriction and weight loss as approaches that advocate continuous energy restriction, and there is evidence for benefits on glycaemic control independent of weight loss. Finally, popular dietary strategies that may be useful to use or combine to help prevent postprandial hyperglycaemia include reducing the glycaemic index or glycaemic load of the diet, high-fibre diets, eating foods in a meal in the order vegetables > protein > carbohydrates, preloading or combining acids such as vinegar or lemon juice with meals and engaging in low-intensity aerobic exercise immediately after meals.

UK female veterans’ physical health: perceived impact of military service and experiences of accessing healthcare. Findings of a qualitative study

IntroductionWomen make up almost 14% of the UK’s veteran population; however, little is known about female veterans’ physical health and experiences of accessing healthcare after military service. As part of...

Distribution of biochemical and haematological parameters in an aging population from southern India: A cross-sectional analysis.

Examining the distribution of biochemical and haematological tests in different age groups of rural population is necessary to ensure that health care facilities are equipped to address the prevalent health conditions and manage age-related illness effectively. Hence, this study is aimed at seeing the distributions of blood biochemical and haematological parameters in rural population. This cross-sectional study investigated the distribution of 26 different haematological and biochemical parameters in longitudinal cohort study (Srinivaspura Aging, NeuoSenescence and COGnition - SANSCOG), from the villages of Srinivaspura, Kolar district, India. A total of 2592 participants (1240 males and 1352 females), aged ≥45 years who are cognitively healthy were included for the analysis. Mean, 2.5th, 5th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 95th and 97.5th percentiles were calculated for the entire sample. Additionally, median and percentiles were determined for both gender and age categories (45-54, 55-64, 65-74, and ≥75 years). We observed the distinct distributions of various haematological and biochemical parameters, with elevated levels of glycaemic, lipid, liver, and thyroid parameters. Findings revealed the notable variations from the established reference ranges, indicating the potential undiagnosed cases and highlighting the gaps in health awareness and health seeking behaviour.

Potential drug targets for osteoporosis identified: A Mendelian randomization study

BackgroundOsteoporosis is a prevalent global health condition, primarily affecting the aging population, and several therapies for osteoporosis have been widely used. However, available drugs for osteoporosis are far from satisfactory because they cannot alleviate disease progression. This study aimed to explore potential drug targets for osteoporosis through Mendelian randomization analysis. MethodsUsing cis-expression quantitative trait loci (cis-eQTL) data of druggable genes and two genome-wide association studies (GWAS) datasets related to osteoporosis (UK Biobank and FinnGen cohorts), we employed mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to identify the druggable genes with causal relationships with osteoporosis. Subsequently, a series of follow-up analyses were conducted, such as colocalization analysis, cell-type specificity analysis, and correlation analysis with risk factors. The association between potential drug targets and osteoporosis was validated by qRT-PCR. ResultsSix druggable genes with causal relationships with osteoporosis were identified and successfully replicated, including ACPP, DNASE1L3, IL32, PPOX, ST6GAL1, and TGM3. Cell-type specificity analysis revealed that PPOX and ST6GAL1 were expressed in all cell types in the bone samples, while IL32, ACPP, DNASE1L3, and TGM3 were expressed in specific cell types. The GWAS data showed there were seven risk factors for osteoporosis, including vitamin D deficiency, COPD, physical activity, BMI, MMP-9, ALP and PTH. Furthermore, ACPP was associated with vitamin D deficiency and COPD; DNASE1L3 was linked to physical activity; IL32 correlated with BMI and MMP-9; and ST6GAL1 was related to ALP, physical activity, and MMP-9. Among these risk factors, only MMP-9 had a high genetic correlation with osteoporosis. The results of qRT-PCR demonstrated that IL32 was upregulated while ST6GAL1 was downregulated in peripheral blood of osteoporosis patients. ConclusionOur findings suggested that those six druggable genes offer potential drug targets for osteoporosis and require further clinical investigation, especially IL32 and ST6GAL1.