Prevalence Of Metabolic Diseases Research Articles

Metabolic Syndrome and Its Impact on Bone and Joint Health: A Comprehensive Review

Objective: To explore the complex relationship between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders, highlighting the impact of MetS on bone and joint health, and to propose effective management strategies for improving patient outcomes. Methods: This comprehensive review involved an extensive literature search conducted on 17 September 2024, utilising scientific databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus. The search, focused on articles published in English and pertaining to humans, employed Boolean operators and MeSH terms ‘MSK’, ‘metabolic diseases’, ‘diabetes’ and ‘osteoporosis’. Results: MetS, characterised by obesity, inflammation, insulin resistance (IR), and hypertension, is closely associated with a variety of MSK disorders including osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and tendinopathy, among others. These conditions exacerbate MetS symptoms, creating a feedback loop that complicates patient management. The review identifies both common and rare metabolic and genetic disorders contributing to MSK issues, emphasising the intricate interplay between metabolic dysfunctions and MSK health. Special attention is given to the MSK manifestations of prevalent metabolic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, gout, and osteoporosis, underscoring their significant impact on quality of life. Conclusion: Understanding the relationship between MetS and MSK disorders is crucial for the development of holistic management strategies. The review suggests that addressing the root metabolic issues alongside direct treatment of MSK symptoms can significantly improve patient outcomes. Future research should focus on integrated care approaches that offer hope and optimism for individuals facing these interconnected challenges.

Fermented soy products: A review of bioactives for health from fermentation to functionality.

The increasing prevalence of metabolic diseases and the global drive toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) underscore the need for sustainable, nutrient-dense foods. Soybeans (Glycine max), a critical global crop, offer promising solutions; however, their predominant use as animal feed raises concerns regarding food security and environmental sustainability. Fermented soy products-including tempeh, natto, and miso-are rich in bioactive compounds such as peptides and isoflavones, which offer potential therapeutic effects and hold cultural and nutritional significance. These fermented products provide bioactive profiles with unique health-promoting properties. This review critically examines the bioactive compounds generated through fermentation, focusing on their bioconversion pathways in the gastrointestinal tract and their metabolic implications for human health. Recent consumer demand for novel food ingredients with additional biological benefits has fueled research into advanced extraction techniques, enhancing the functional applications of bioactive compounds from these soy-based products. This review further explores innovations in extraction methods that improve bioactive yield and sustainability, reinforcing the applicability of these compounds in health-promoting food interventions. The originality of this review lies in its in-depth exploration of the gastrointestinal bioconversion of fermented soy bioactive compounds alongside the latest sustainable extraction methods designed to optimize their use. Future research should aim to refine fermentation and extraction processes, investigate synergistic microbial interactions, and develop environmentally sustainable production methods. These efforts have the potential to position fermented soy products as essential contributors to global nutritional security and sustainable food systems, addressing both public health and environmental needs.

THE ROLE OF ASPROSIN IN LIPID METABOLISM IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS AND CHRONIC PANCREATITIS

Background. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a highly prevalent metabolic disease that significantly affects patients' quality of life and increases mortality due to complications. Understanding the relationships between T2DM and chronic pancreatitis (CP) is very important, as both conditions significantly impact metabolic processes in the body, particularly lipid metabolism. Asprosin, a recently discovered adipokine, plays a key role in regulating glucose homeostasis and appetite. Its elevated levels are associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and T2DM, making it a potential biomarker for diagnosing and monitoring metabolic disorders. Objective. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationships between asprosin levels and lipid metabolism indicators in patients with T2DM and CP. Materials and Methods. The study included 100 patients treated at the Kharkiv Regional Clinical Hospital from 2020 to 2022, divided into two groups: the first group included 70 patients with T2DM and CP, and the second group consisted of 30 patients with T2DM. The control group consisted of 20 relatively healthy men and women of appropriate age. Asprosin levels were determined by indirect non-competitive heterogeneous enzyme immunoassay. Lipid profile indicators were determined by standard biochemical methods. Correlations were assessed using Pearson's linear correlation coefficient. Results. In the group of patients with T2DM and CP, the level of total cholesterol (TC) was 5.01 ± 0.78 mmol/L, triglycerides (TG) – 2.29±0.84 mmol/L, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) – 1.19±0.19 mmol/L, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) – 3.32±1.1 mmol/L, and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) – 0.92±0.47 mmol/L. In the T2DM group, the levels of TC, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C, and VLDL-C were 5.35±1.15, 1.91±0.64, 1.03±0.14, 3.5±0.8, and 0.96±0.51 mmol/L, respectively. In the control group, these indicators were 4.25±1.08, 1.01±0.25, 1.31±0.22, 2.35±0.55, and 0.65±0.21 mmol/L, respectively. The levels of all studied lipid metabolism indicators exhibited statistically significant differences between the control group and both the first and second groups. The highest asprosin level (10.06±3.56 ng/mL) was noted in the group with comorbid type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic pancreatitis. In the patients with isolated type 2 diabetes mellitus significant moderate correlations between asprosin and total cholesterol, and LDL-C (direct) and HDL-C (reverse) levels were established. In the group of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic pancreatitis, significant moderate direct correlations between asprosin and total cholesterol, and LDL-C levels were also established. Conclusions. Asprosin is a new adipokine associated with lipid metabolism disorders, that making it a potential target for therapeutic intervention in type 2 diabetes mellitus and its complications. Further research is needed to better understand the role of asprosin in the pathogenesis of these diseases and to develop new approaches to their treatment.

Sexual dimorphism in the effects of maternal adipose tissue growth hormone receptor deficiency on offspring metabolic health

BackgroundThe global incidence of obesity continues to rise, which increases the prevalence of metabolic diseases. We previously demonstrated the beneficial effect of adipose-specific growth hormone receptor (Ghr) knockout (KO) on metabolic parameters in male mice exposed to high fat diet. Although the effect of the growth hormone (GH) axis on lipid metabolism has been well studied, sexual dimorphism has not been considered. Furthermore, the effects of the GH axis on intergenerational adipose development are understudied. The present study aimed to evaluate whether adipose-specific Ghr knockout is associated with sex-specific differences in metabolic health of female offspring.MethodsGhrflox/flox (LL) mice were crossed with Adipoq-Cre mice to generate adipose-specific Ghr knockout (KO) mice. Physiological phenotype and fertility of female LL and KO mice were measured. Body weight, organ weight, glucose homeostasis, liver and adipose histology, hepatic triglycerides (TG) content, serum TG and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels of female offspring were detected.ResultsWe found an increase in adipocyte size in female KO mice, but no change in glucose tolerance or insulin sensitivity. Adipose-specific Ghr deficiency impairs fertility in female KO mice. Maternal adipose-specific Ghr deficiency had a considerable beneficial effect on glucose metabolism in female offspring. The female offspring of the KO mice were protected against diet-induced obesity and the degree of hepatic steatosis and hyperlipidemia was reduced. The adipocyte size of the KO offspring did not change significantly despite the decrease in fat weight. Furthermore, the phenotypes of the offspring of LL mice fostered by the KO mothers differed from those of offspring remaining in the maternal nest.ConclusionsThe findings of our study suggest that adipose GH axis plays a complex and important role in the intergenerational effects of metabolic health and adipocytes on offspring in a sex-specific manner. Future studies are needed to reveal the mechanisms of these sexually dimorphic phenotypes and the feasibility of providing new interventions for improving offspring metabolic health.

Molecular mechanisms of obesity predisposes to atopic dermatitis.

Obesity is a prevalent metabolic disease that reduces bacterial diversity, colonizes the epidermis with lipophilic bacteria, and increases intestinal pro-inflammatory species, all of which lead to impaired epithelial barriers. Adipose tissue secretes immunomodulatory molecules, such as adipokines, leptin, and adiponectin, which alters the morphology of adipocytes and macrophages as well as modulates T cell differentiation and peripheral Th2-dominated immune responses. Atopic dermatitis (AD) and obesity have similar pathological manifestations, including inflammation as well as insulin and leptin resistance. This review examines the major mechanisms between obesity and AD, which focus on the effect on skin and gut microbiota, immune responses mediated by the toll like receptor (TLR) signaling pathway, and changes in cytokine levels (TNF-a, IL-6, IL-4, and IL13). Moreover, we describe the potential effects of adipokines on AD and finally mechanisms by which PPAR-γ suppresses and regulates type 2 immunity.

Oral administration of herbal oligonucleotide drug JGL-sRNA-h7 ameliorates hyperglycemia in db/db mice and beagle dogs.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a prevalent metabolic disease, posing a considerable threat to public health. Oligonucleotide drugs have proven to be a promising field of therapy for the diseases. In this study, we reported that a herbal small RNA (sRNA), JGL-sRNA-h7 (B34735529, F1439.L002444.A11), could exhibit potent hypoglycemic effects by targeting glucose-6-phosphatase. Oral administration of sphingosine (d18:1)-JGL-sRNA-h7 bencaosomes ameliorated hyperglycemia and diabetic kidney injury better than metformin in db/db mice. Furthermore, glucose tolerance was also improved in sphingosine (d18:1)-JGL-sRNA-h7 bencaosomes-treated beagle dogs. Our study indicates that JGL-sRNA-h7 could be a promising hypoglycemic oligonucleotide drug.

Association of plain water intake with risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality in individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)-related mortality have increased dramatically in past decades. Our study aims to investigate the association between plain water and this prevalent metabolic disease, as water plays a crucial role in regulating metabolic processes. A total of 3,543/3,428 individuals with NAFLD/MASLD were included in this study from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Daily plain water intake was recorded, and mortality status was tracked until December 31, 2019. Multivariate Cox regression models and restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression models were used to assess the association between plain water intake and long-term all-cause as well as cause-specific mortality among participants with NAFLD/MASLD. Furthermore, we investigated the relationship between substituting other beverages with plain water intake and the risk of mortality. The multivariate Cox regression analyses revealed a significant association between higher plain water intake and lower all-cause mortality, cerebrovascular diseases mortality, and cancer mortality in both NAFLD or MASLD patients. Dose-response analyses revealed a non-linear trend between plain water intake and mortality among NAFLD/MASLD patients. Additionally, replacing sugar or artificial beverages with plain water was linked to reduced all-cause mortality, cerebrovascular diseases mortality, and cancer mortality in patients with NAFLD/MASLD. Higher plain water intake is independently linked to lower risk of all-cause, cerebrovascular diseases mortality, and cancer mortality in NAFLD/MASLD patients. Increasing plain water intake may be an effective way for these patients to reduce their risk of mortality.

Evaluation of the mineral and physicochemical characteristics of plant salts produced and consumed in rural areas of western Côte d'Ivoire

Salts made from palmaceae (palm and coconut) and plantain peels are the main plant salts produced and consumed in West of Côte d’Ivoire. However, their physicochemical characteristics, which may justify their use in the diet of people on low-sodium diets, are not known. The present study aimed to identify and localize plant salts presenting the best physicochemical characteristics for domestic but also industrial food use. Thus, the pH, particle size, level of insoluble matter and mineral composition of the three salts were studied. The study shows that these salts are alkaline products: their pH is between 10.9 and 11.33. Those produced from palmaceae branches have at least 75% of particles less than 0.25 mm in size, while salt from plantain peels is mainly composed of lumps larger than 10 mm. In addition, palm salts are very water soluble. They contain less than 1% of insoluble matter while plantain peel salt contains 67.37%. Salts made from palmaceae branches are therefore more easily used as seasoning. However, the 3 plant salts studied have sodium/potassium ratios lower than 0.1. On this basis, they could all easily contribute to improving the diet of people following low-sodium diets and reducing the prevalence of metabolic diseases linked to high sodium chloride consumption.

Morin Improves the Bone Histomorphology and Biochemical Markers in an Animal Model of Ovariectomy‐Induced Osteoporosis by Suppressing Autophagy and Apoptosis

ABSTRACTOsteoporosis (OP) is the most prevalent metabolic bone disease and an important postmenopausal consequence. This study aimed to investigate the effects of morin, a flavonoid with beneficial properties, on ovariectomy‐induced OP. Animals were ovariectomized (OVX) and treated with different doses of morin (15, 30, and 45 mg/kg/day) or estradiol (10 μg/kg/day) for 10 weeks by gavage. Then bone histo‐stereology, bone‐related biochemical indicators, and gene and protein levels of autophagy and apoptosis‐related markers were analyzed. In comparison to controls, OVX significantly decreased the number of osteoblasts (5.78 × 106 vs. 1.66 × 106) and osteocytes (32.55 × 106 vs. 11.92 × 106), whereas increasing the number of osteoclasts (83.38 × 103 vs. 392.1 × 103). Moreover, OVX caused a remarkable decrease in bone structures and Ca, P, and estradiol levels while increasing ALP and OC (p < 0.001). The administration of 45 mg/kg/day morin restored the effects of OP on bone histomorphology and biochemical markers (p < 0.05). Further studies revealed that morin caused a 7.1% and 36.6% decrease in the bone level of LC3 and BECN1 proteins, respectively, compared to the OVX group. Also, morin caused a significant decrease of 47.4% in the CASP3 level and a significant increase of 23.6% in the BCL‐2 level compared to OVX animals (p < 0.001). The present findings showed that morin is potentially able to improve the bone‐related histomorphological and biochemical changes caused by osteoporosis, which is probably attributed to the suppression of apoptosis‐ and autophagy‐caused cell death.

The role of dietary inflammatory index in metabolic diseases: the associations, mechanisms, and treatments.

In recent years, the prevalence of metabolic diseases has increased significantly, posing a serious threat to global health. Chronic low-grade inflammation is implicated in the development of most metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), obesity, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular disease, serving as a link between diet and these conditions. Increasing attention has been directly toward dietary inflammatory patterns that may prevent or ameliorate metabolic diseases. The Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) was developed to assess the inflammatory potential of dietary intake. Consequently, a growing body of research has examined the associations between the DII and the risk of several metabolic diseases. In this review, we explore the current scientific literature on the relationships between the DII, T2DM, obesity, and dyslipidemia. It summarizes recent findings and explore potential underlying mechanisms from two aspects: the interaction between diet and inflammation, and the link between inflammation and metabolic diseases. Furthermore, this review discusses the therapeutic strategies, including dietary modifications, prebiotics, and probiotics, and discusses the application of the DII in metabolic diseases, as well as future research directions.

Exploring Marine-Derived Compounds: In Silico Discovery of Selective Ketohexokinase (KHK) Inhibitors for Metabolic Disease Therapy.

The increasing prevalence of metabolic diseases, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), obesity, and type 2 diabetes, poses significant global health challenges. Ketohexokinase (KHK), an enzyme crucial in fructose metabolism, is a potential therapeutic target due to its role in these conditions. This study focused on the discovery of selective KHK inhibitors using in silico methods. We employed structure-based drug design (SBDD) and ligand-based drug design (LBDD) approaches, beginning with molecular docking to identify promising compounds, followed by induced-fit docking (IFD), molecular mechanics generalized Born and surface area continuum solvation (MM-GBSA), and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to validate binding affinities. Additionally, shape-based screening was conducted to assess structural similarities. The findings highlight several potential inhibitors with favorable ADMET profiles, offering promising candidates for further development in the treatment of fructose-related metabolic disorders.

Osteoporosis in older men

Osteoporosis, characterized by reduced bone mass and compromised skeletal microarchitecture, significantly increases the risk of fractures and is the most prevalent metabolic bone disease. While it is commonly associated with post-menopausal women, osteoporosis and subsequent fractures are also substantial concerns in men. Men experience sustained bone loss after the sixth decade, with estimates indicating that 20% of Americans with osteopenia or osteoporosis are men. Approximately one in eight men over 50 will suffer an osteoporotic fracture, with hip fractures in men leading to a two- to threefold increase in mortality compared to women. The prevalence of osteoporosis in men has risen, doubling in prevalence since the early 1990s. Men generally have higher peak bone mass and greater bone size, offering some protection against osteoporosis; however, aging leads to increased bone resorption and decreased bone formation, exacerbated by lower androgen and estrogen levels. Secondary causes, such as hypogonadism and chronic glucocorticoid use, are prevalent in men. Diagnosis primarily involves bone mineral density (BMD) measurements using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), with fracture risk assessment tools like FRAX and MORES aiding in clinical decisions. Treatment includes calcium and vitamin D supplementation, bisphosphonates, denosumab, and anabolic agents like teriparatide and abaloparatide. Special considerations are necessary for men undergoing androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer due to accelerated bone loss. Effective management requires early diagnosis, lifestyle modifications, and appropriate pharmacological interventions to reduce fracture risk and improve patient outcomes.

Liver cancer in 2021: Global burden of disease study

The epidemiology of adult primary liver cancer continues to evolve, related to the increasing prevalence of metabolic disease, rising alcohol consumption, advancements in vaccination for hepatitis B (HBV), and antiviral therapy for hepatitis C (HCV). Disparities in care and the burden of liver cancer between populations persist. We assess trends in the burden of liver cancer and contributions by various etiologies across 204 countries and territories from 2010 to 2021. Utilizing the methodological framework of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021, we analyzed global and regional temporal trends in incidence and mortality, and the contributions of various etiologies of liver disease. In 2021, there were an estimated 529202 incident cases and 483875 deaths related to liver cancer. From 2010 to 2021, global liver cancer incident cases and deaths increased by 26% and 25%, respectively. Global age-standardized incidence rates (ASIRs) and death rates (ASDRs) for liver cancer declined but rose in the Americas and Southeast Asia. HBV remained the dominant cause of global incident liver cancer cases and deaths. Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) was the only etiology of liver cancer with rising ASIRs and ASDRs. By contrast, ASIRs and ASDRs remained stable for alcohol-related liver cancer, and declined for HBV- and HCV-related liver cancer. While age-adjusted incidence and deaths from liver cancer have started to decline, the absolute number of incident cases and deaths continues to increase. Population growth and aging contribute to the observed disconnect in the temporal trends of absolute cases and rates. Disparities remain, and MASLD-related liver cancer continues to surge.

Mechanisms in endocrinology: hypogonadism and metabolic health in men-novel insights into pathophysiology.

Hypogonadism in men is associated with an adverse metabolic phenotype and increased mortality. Reciprocally, obesity and insulin resistance can suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in the absence of structural organic disease, further perpetuating a cycle of metabolic dysfunction and low testosterone. The mechanisms underpinning this bidirectional association are complex as hypogonadism is a heterogenous syndrome, and obesity is associated with metabolic perturbations in glucose and lipid metabolism even in the presence of normal testicular function. However, distinct molecular defects specific to testosterone deficiency have been identified in pathways relating to glucose and lipid metabolism in target metabolic depots such as adipose tissue and skeletal muscle. This review discusses the etiology and prevalence of metabolic disease in male hypogonadism, with a specific focus on both disease mechanisms and novel potential approaches to enhance our understanding.

Propylene Glycol Alleviates Oxidative Stress and Enhances Immunity in Ketotic Cows through Modulating Amino Acid and Lipid Metabolism.

This study investigates the impact of propylene glycol (PRG) on ketotic cows, focusing on alleviating oxidative stress and enhancing immunity through modulating amino acid and lipid metabolism. Ketosis, a prevalent metabolic disease in dairy cows, negatively affects productivity and health. PRG, known for its gluconeogenic properties, was administered to cows with ketosis daily for three days and compared to an untreated group. Serum samples were taken to measure the biochemical parameters, and metabolomic and lipidomic analyses were performed with ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The results showed significant reductions in serum non-esterified fatty acids, beta-hydroxybutyrate, and C-reactive protein levels, alongside increased glucose, anti-inflammatory factor interleukin-10, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase activities. Metabolomic and lipidomic analyses revealed significant alterations, including increased levels of glucogenic amino acids like glutamate and proline, and decreased levels of ceramide species. A pathway analysis indicated that PRG affects multiple metabolic pathways, including alanine, aspartate, glutamate metabolism, and sphingolipid metabolism. These findings suggest that PRG not only mitigates oxidative stress, but also enhances immune function by restoring metabolic homeostasis. This study provides valuable insights into the biochemical mechanisms underlying PRG's therapeutic effects, offering potential strategies for the effective management and treatment of ketosis in dairy cows.

A Systematic Review of the Effect of Gene-Lifestyle Interactions on Metabolic-Disease-Related Traits in South Asian Populations.

Recent data from the South Asian subregion have raised concern about the dramatic increase in the prevalence of metabolic diseases, which are influenced by genetic and lifestyle factors. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the contemporary evidence for the effect of gene-lifestyle interactions on metabolic outcomes in this population. PubMed, Web of Science, and SCOPUS databases were searched up until March 2023 for observational and intervention studies investigating the interaction between genetic variants and lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity on obesity and type 2 diabetes traits. Of the 14 783 publications extracted, 15 were deemed eligible for inclusion in this study. Data extraction was carried out independently by 3 investigators. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Appraisal Tool for Cross-Sectional Studies (AXIS), the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies-of Interventions (ROBINS-I), and the methodological quality score for nutrigenetics studies. Using a narrative synthesis approach, the findings were presented in textual and tabular format. Together, studies from India (n = 8), Pakistan (n = 3), Sri Lanka (n = 1), and the South Asian diaspora in Singapore and Canada (n = 3) reported 543 gene-lifestyle interactions, of which 132 (∼24%) were statistically significant. These results were related to the effects of the interaction of genetic factors with physical inactivity, poor sleep habits, smoking, and dietary intake of carbohydrates, protein, and fat on the risk of metabolic disease in this population. The findings of this systematic review provide evidence of gene-lifestyle interactions impacting metabolic traits within the South Asian population. However, the lack of replication and correction for multiple testing and the small sample size of the included studies may limit the conclusiveness of the evidence. Note, this paper is part of the Nutrition Reviews Special Collection on Precision Nutrition. PROSPERO registration No. CRD42023402408.

The importance of physiotherapy in women with osteoporosis: an observational study

Osteoporosis is the most prevalent metabolic bone disease, characterized by a gradual decrease in bone mineral density. The aim of this study was to highlight the importance of physiotherapy in women with osteoporosis in the district of Elbasan, Albania. Data from 90 patients (newly diagnosed and previously diagnosed) during the period 2022-2023 were included in the study. The study population was classified into two groups: patients who received only pharmacological treatment and patients who, in addition to medications, underwent physiotherapy sessions and regular physical activity. The data were obtained from medical records and interviews conducted with patients referred to the rheumatologist at the Polyclinic of Specialties, Regional Hospital “Xhaferr Kongoli” Elbasan, as well as from family doctors in primary health care. The statistical program SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences), version 23, was used to analyze the study data. The questionnaire variables were interpreted using a five-point Likert scale. Correlative statistical relationships were evaluated using Pearson Correlation coefficient and the level of reliability (significance). Functional relationships between variables were presented through the mathematical equations of logistic regression. The population group that engaged in regular physical activity and physiotherapy in addition to pharmacological treatment showed a higher degree of functional improvement in their daily activities. The incorporation of physiotherapy procedures for patients with osteoporosis and the restructuring of medical protocols for the prevention and treatment of this disease are considered successful steps in reducing the human and socio-economic costs and the serious impact of fractures on functional abilities.

MicroRNAs in metabolic dysfunction-associated diseases: Pathogenesis and therapeutic opportunities.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated diseases often refer to various diseases caused by metabolic problems such as glucose and lipid metabolism disorders. With the improvement of living standards, the increasing prevalence of metabolic diseases has become a severe public health problem, including metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), alcohol-related liver disease (ALD), diabetes and obesity. These diseases are both independent and interdependent, with complex and diverse molecular mechanisms. Therefore, it is urgent to explore the molecular mechanisms and find effective therapeutic targets of these diseases. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as key regulators of metabolic homoeostasis due to their multitargets and network regulatory properties within the past few decades. In this review, we discussed the latest progress in the roles of miRNA-mediated regulatory networks in the development and progression of MASLD, ALD, diabetes and obesity.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease and osteoporosis: the mechanisms and roles of adiposity.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has recently been renamed metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) by international consensus. Both MAFLD and osteoporosis are highly prevalent metabolic diseases. Recent evidence indicates that NAFLD increases the risk of low bone mineral density and osteoporosis, likely mediated by obesity. NAFLD has a close association with obesity and other metabolic disorders. Although obesity was previously thought to protect against bone loss, it now heightens osteoporotic fracture risk. This overview summarizes current clinical correlations between obesity, NAFLD, and osteoporosis, with a focus on recent insights into potential mechanisms interconnecting these three conditions. This study reviewed the scientific literature on the relationship between obesity, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and osteoporosis as well as the scientific literature that reveals the underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms between the three. Emerging evidence suggests obesity plays a key role in mediating the relationship between NAFLD and osteoporosis. Accumulating laboratory evidence supports plausible pathophysiological links between obesity, NAFLD, and osteoporosis, including inflammatory pathways, insulin resistance, gut microbiota dysbiosis, bone marrow adiposity, and alterations in insulin-like growth factor-1 signaling. Adiposity has important associations with NAFLD and osteoporosis, the underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms between the three may provide new therapeutic targets for this complex patient population.

Association of muscle mass, grip strength and fat-to-muscle ratio and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease in a middle-to-elderly aged population

Objective The association of appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM), grip strength and fat-to-muscle ratio (FMR) and the progression of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) are not well known. Materials and methods This study included participants older than 40 years who underwent bioelectrical impedance assessment in Prevalence of Metabolic Diseases and Risk Factors in Shunde (SPEED-Shunde). We measured grip strength with an electronic grip strength metre. ASM and grip strength were adjusted by dividing body mass index (BMI). FMR was calculated as total fat mass to total muscle mass. Liver steatosis and liver fibrosis were evaluated by vibration-controlled transient elastography. Multifactorial logistic regression was used to analyse the relationship between ASM, grip strength, FMR, and MASLD or MASLD-associated liver fibrosis. We performed subgroup analyses according to sex, age and BMI. Interaction tests and linear trend tests were also conducted. Results This study included a total of 3277 participants. FMR was positively associated with MASLD (OR: 1.89, 95% CI: 1.66–2.15) and MASLD-associated liver fibrosis (OR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.22–2.37). While ASM/BMI (OR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.52–0.67) or grip strength/BMI (OR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.66–0.78) were negatively associated with MASLD. Interactions were observed between ASM/BMI and age, grip strength and sex in MASLD, as well as FMR and MASLD-associated liver fibrosis. Conclusion In a middle-to-elderly aged population, FMR was positively associated with the risk of MASLD and MASLD-associated liver fibrosis, and muscle mass and grip strength were negatively associated with MASLD, rather than MASLD-associated liver fibrosis.