Dietary Restriction Research Articles

Assessment of the Readiness, Beliefs, and Practices Regarding Menstruation Among Women in Saudi Arabia.

Menstruation is a natural process that occurs monthly in women. Although menstruation is a fundamental aspect of women's lives, their readiness for and beliefs about menstruation vary. Moreover, their practices during menstruation can be influenced by various factors, including age, education level, mother's education, and field of specialty. This study aimed to explore menstruation-related readiness, beliefs, and practices among women who had experienced menstruation in Saudi Arabia. In addition, the study aimed to evaluate the factors affecting these women's readiness, beliefs, and practices regarding menstruation. This cross-sectional online questionnaire-based study included 3471 women of different ages who had experienced menstruation. The participants were selected using convenience sampling from all regions of Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire was distributed between late December 2022 and March 2023 and included questions on demographics and menstruation-related readiness, beliefs, and practices. Of the 3471 participants, 1627 (46.8%) were well prepared for menstruation. In addition, most of the study participants (80.2%) had positive beliefs about menstruation. However, the participants' menstrual practices varied. Over half of the participants (63%) used painkillers and approximately half (54.4%) used herbal medicine during menstruation. This study found that less than half of the participants were ready for menarche. In contrast, most participants displayed positive beliefs concerning menstruation. In terms of practices, the women exhibited certain dietary restrictions during their menstrual period and predominantly favored herbal remedies for pain relief over conventional painkillers. Implementing awareness campaigns and incorporating school education on menstrual readiness and hygiene is needed.

Unveiling Macrosomia Risks of Non-Diabetic Women: Insights from Second Trimester Maternal Lipid Profiles.

Macrosomia, characterized by excessive fetal growth, is common in infants born to women with pre-gestational diabetes and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). However, macrosomia, which leads to birth-related maternal and fetal complications and metabolic complications in the adolescence of the affected fetuses, also occurs in the pregnancies of non-diabetic women. This study aims to identify the association between second-trimester lipid profiles and macrosomia in non-diabetic pregnant women to aid in early diagnosis. This retrospective cohort study included 8,956 patients who delivered at a tertiary care center between 2017 and 2019. Exclusion criteria encompassed pre-existing diabetes, GDM, preeclampsia (PE), intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, obesity, fetal chromosomal or genetic abnormalities, tobacco, alcohol, or drug use affecting lipid metabolism. Participants were divided into two groups: 621 with macrosomia and 873 controls. Second trimester maternal lipid profiles and demographic variables such as age, pregnancy week, and gender were assessed. In the study cohort, maternal age (P=0.002), gestational week (P=0.003), and cesarean section rate (P<0.001) were higher in the macrosomic group. High-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) was significantly lower, while total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) were significantly higher in the macrosomic group (P<0.001). Univariate analysis revealed positive associations between second-trimester TG (OR 1.023, 95% CI: 1.020‒1.033, P<0.001), TC (OR 1.023, 95% CI: 1.016‒1.030, P<0.001) and LDL-C (OR 1.036, 95% CI: 1.018-1.054, P<0.001) with macrosomia and a negative association with HDL-C (OR 0.954, 95% CI: 0.923‒0.976, P<0.001). However, after adjusted multivariable logistic analysis, only TG remained statistically significantly associated with macrosomia (OR 1.054, 95% CI: 1.033‒1.076, P<0.001). Our study emphasizes the importance of early recognition and prevention of macrosomia. Structured prospective studies are needed to enhance macrosomia prediction and implement preventive measures, such as dietary modifications. These strategies will be crucial in preventing birth-related complications and long-term health risks, including diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases, associated with macrosomia.

Effects of age and dietary methionine restriction on cognitive and behavioural phenotypes in the rTg4510 mouse model of frontotemporal dementia

Effects of age and dietary methionine restriction on cognitive and behavioural phenotypes in the rTg4510 mouse model of frontotemporal dementia

Short-term intermittent fasting and energy restriction do not impair rates of muscle protein synthesis: A randomised, controlled dietary intervention

BackgroundIntermittent fasting (IF) is an effective energy restricted dietary strategy to reduce body and fat mass and improve metabolic health in individuals with either an overweight or obese status. However, dietary energy restriction may impair muscle protein synthesis (MPS) resulting in a concomitant decline in lean body mass. Due to periods of prolonged fasting combined with irregular meal intake, we hypothesised that IF would reduce rates of MPS compared to an energy balanced diet with regular meal patterns. AimsWe assessed the impact of a short-term (ten days) alternate day fasting or a continuous energy restricted diet to a control diet on integrated rates of skeletal MPS in middle-aged males with overweight or obesity. MethodsTwenty-seven middle-aged males with overweight or obesity (age: 44.6±5.4 y; BMI: 30.3±2.6 kg/m2) consumed a three-day lead-in diet, followed by a ten-day controlled dietary intervention matched for protein intake, as alternate day fasting (ADF: 62.5 energy (En)%, days of 25 En% alternated with days of 100 En% food ingestion), continuous energy restriction (CER: 62.5 En%), or an energy balanced, control diet (CON: 100 En%). Deuterated water (D2O) methodology with saliva, blood, and skeletal muscle sampling were used to assess integrated rates of MPS over the ten-day intervention period. Secondary measures included fasting plasma glucose, insulin, and gastrointestinal hormone concentrations, continuous glucose monitoring, and assessment of body composition. ResultsThere were no differences in daily rates of MPS between groups (ADF: 1.18±0.13, CER: 1.13±0.16, and CON: 1.18±0.18%/day, P>0.05). The reductions in body mass were greater in ADF and CER compared to CON (P<0.001). Lean and fat mass were decreased by a similar magnitude across groups (main time effect, P<0.001; main group effect, P>0.05). Fasting plasma leptin concentrations decreased in ADF and CER (P<0.001), with no differences in fasting plasma glucose or insulin concentrations between groups. ConclusionShort-term alternate day fasting does not lower rates of MPS compared to continuous energy restriction or an energy balanced, control diet with matched protein intake. The prolonged effects of IF and periods of irregular energy and protein intake patterns on muscle mass maintenance remain to be investigated. This trial was registered under Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (https://www.anzctr.org.au), identifier no. ACTRN12619000757112.

Effect of GLP-1 receptor agonists on weight and cardiovascular outcomes: A review.

Diet and lifestyle modifications remain the foundation of obesity treatment, but they have historically proven insufficient for significant, long-term weight loss. As a result, there is a high demand for new pharmacologic treatments to promote weight loss and prevent life-threatening diseases associated with obesity. Researchers are particularly interested in 1 type of drug, glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), because of its promising potential in addressing the limitations of non-pharmacologic treatments. In addition to their role in weight loss, these drugs have shown promising early evidence of cardiovascular benefits in obese patients, further enhancing their clinical relevance. Semaglutide and liraglutide, which were initially approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, have since been approved by the Food and Drug Administration as weight loss medications due to their effectiveness in promoting significant and sustained weight loss. In this narrative review, we will explore the mechanism of GLP-1 RAs, their effects on weight loss, cardiovascular risk factors and outcomes, common adverse effects, and strategies for managing these effects.

The Effect of Axenic Dietary Restriction on the Age-Related Changes in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Axenic dietary restriction (ADR) is highly effective in extending lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans, but its effects on healthspan improvement are less well characterized. Using transmission electron microscopy, morphometric analyses, and functional assays, we found ADR can preserve tissue ultrastructure, including the cuticle, epidermis, and intestinal lumen, and reduce age-associated pathologies like gonad degeneration, uterine tumor clusters, pharyngeal deterioration, and intestinal atrophy. However, there was no notable improvement in behavioral and functional metrics. Our results underscore that lifespan extension through ADR does not inherently translate to broad healthspan improvements.

A mitochondrial unfolded protein response-independent role of DVE-1 in longevity regulation

The special AT-rich sequence-binding (SATB) protein DVE-1 is widely recognized for its pivotal involvement in orchestrating the retrograde mitochondrial unfolded protein response (mitoUPR) in C. elegans. In our study of downstream factors contributing to lifespan extension in sensory ciliary mutants, we find that DVE-1 is crucial for this longevity effect independent of its canonical mitoUPR function. Additionally, DVE-1 also influences lifespan under conditions of dietary restriction and germline loss, again distinct from its role in mitoUPR. Mechanistically, while mitochondrial stress typically prompts nuclear accumulation of DVE-1 to initiate the transcriptional mitoUPR program, these long-lived mutants reduce DVE-1 nuclear accumulation, likely by enhancing its cytosolic translocation. This observation suggests a cytosolic role for DVE-1 in lifespan extension. Overall, our study implies that, in contrast to the more narrowly defined role of the mitoUPR-related transcription factor ATFS-1, DVE-1 may possess broader functions than previously recognized in modulating longevity and defending against stress.

Weight Stigma in the Development, Maintenance, and Treatment of Eating Disorders: A Case Series Informing Implications for Research and Practice.

Weight-centric health practices are based on the principle that excess weight predicts chronic disease, informing a growing sociopolitical movement to address an "obesity epidemic." This hyper-focus on preventing obesity may contribute to weight stigma (i.e., the devaluation and discrimination of individuals based on body size) and other iatrogenic outcomes for youth, including the development and maintenance of eating disorders (EDs). Current evidence-based treatments for EDs include language and practices that may reinforce fears of fatness, body shame, and unhealthy dietary restriction without guidance on addressing weight stigma. Here, we present case examples from three adolescent patients across ED presentations and body sizes to (1) elucidate the role of weight stigma in ED development, (2) highlight the ubiquity and harms of weight stigma within ED treatments, and (3) outline thoughtful protocol adaptations to avoid further harm and facilitate recovery. We conclude with a call for immediate action to advance research characterizing the harms of weight-centric approaches in existing ED interventions to reduce the risk of iatrogenic effects on youth with EDs and advance weight-inclusive approaches to ED treatment.

Genetics and dietary restriction impact lifespan.

Genetics and dietary restriction impact lifespan.

Ketogenic diet in adult patients with mitochondrial myopathy

BackgroundThis study aimed to explore the feasibility, safety and efficacy of a Modified Atkins Diet (MAD) in patients with mitochondrial myopathy (MM). MethodsPatients with genetically proven mitochondrial disorder and exercise intolerance or muscle weakness followed a twelve week MAD. Feasibility was measured by diet duration and ketone levels. Safety was assessed by monitoring adverse events (AE). Efficacy was assessed by a maximal incremental test and a muscle performance test. ResultsEight out of twenty patients completed the twelve week intervention. Reasons to discontinue were the occurrence of AE: rhabdomyolysis (n = 3), vomiting (n = 1), fatigue (n = 6), constipation (n = 1), in combination with a lack of improvement and adherence difficulties. On an individual level, various positive effects were reported including improvements in VO2peak (n = 6), anaerobic threshold (n = 9), muscle fatigue resistance (n = 5), muscle strength (n = 7), fatigue (n = 6), glucose tolerance (n = 7), migraine (n = 3), sleep (n = 3), and gastrointestinal complaints (n = 2). Lipid profile improved and thirteen patients lost weight. All patients with mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) deletions, experienced muscle related AE. The five patients with the m.3243A>G mutation achieved the longest diet duration. Discussion/conclusionMAD feasibility, safety and efficacy is variable in MD patients. MAD appears to be unsuitable for MD patients with mtDNA deletions. All patients should be monitored closely for adverse events when initiating the diet. Further research should focus on predictive factors to consider the diet, effectiveness of less stringent carbohydrate restricted diets.

Effects of intermittent restriction diet and moderate-intensity exercise on the expression of cardiomyocytes in mice with high-glucose loads

Effects of intermittent restriction diet and moderate-intensity exercise on the expression of cardiomyocytes in mice with high-glucose loads

Foodies Full Stack Web Application: Connecting You to Your College Canteens

The "Foodies Full Stack Web Application" is designed to revolutionize the way college students interact with their campus canteen services by providing real-time access to menus, nutritional information, and personalized food recommendations. This project aims to bridge the gap between canteen owners and students, offering seamless communication and better decision-making for daily meals. By leveraging the power of the Spoonacular API, the platform can not only display available menu items but also offer detailed nutritional data, which is crucial for students with dietary preferences or restrictions. Additionally, the application uses machine learning to suggest dishes based on individual preferences, ensuring a tailored dining experience for each user. This project has been developed using modern web development technologies, integrating both front-end and back-end functionalities to create a responsive, user-friendly platform. The application has the potential to enhance user satisfaction, improve the efficiency of canteen operations, and promote healthier eating habits among students. This paper outlines the design, implementation, and testing of the Foodies Web Application, while also discussing future improvements and scalability.

Use of Technology in the Management and Treatment of Prediabetes, A New Era: A Case Report Series

Introduction: The escalating prevalence of prediabetes has positioned it as a silent precursor to a looming public health crisis, particularly as it paves the way for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This case series report explores the transformative role of technology, specifically the Sugar Fit’s Diabetes Reversal and Management Program (SDRMP), in the treatment and management of prediabetic patients. Methods: The case series follows the progress of two patients aged 31-44 with prediabetes utilizing the SDRMP to prevent the progression to diabetes. The interventions for both patients involved continuous glucose monitoring, personalized nutrition plans, fitness strategies, and behavioral modifications. The patients also engaged in regular communication with their life coaches through the Sugar Fit application, ensuring ongoing support and adherence to the program. Results: The results revealed significant improvements in glycemic control, lipid profiles, and overall well-being. The first patient, a 44-year-old male, demonstrated a successful return to normal glycemic control in 177 days through a comprehensive approach involving dietary changes, exercise, and lifestyle modifications. The second patient, a 31-year-old male, achieved normal glycemic control in a comparable timeframe, showcasing the effectiveness of the SDRMP. Discussion and Conclusion: These cases demonstrate that patients were able to adhere to the goals of care, preventing the progression of prediabetes to diabetes and improving insulin resistance. The study also underscores the potential impact of technology on public health outcomes, bridging the gap between traditional interventions and the evolving needs of a tech-savvy population. The synergy between healthcare expertise and technological innovation not only arrests the progression of prediabetes but also contributes to a broader societal shift towards metabolic well-being, paving the way for a healthier future. Future monitoring is essential to ensure the maintenance of lifestyle modifications and continued success in preventing diabetes.

Canine atopic dermatitis and recurrent otitis

The development of canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) and recurrent otitis are frequently interrelated conditions in dogs, representing a significant challenge in veterinary diagnosis and treatment. This case study details the experience of the dog crossbred (SRD), adopted with year of age, who suffers from CAD and frequent episodes of recurrent otitis caused by Malassezia sp. The objectives of this study were to investigate the relationship between CAD and recurrent otitis, as well as to develop an integrated approach for the effective management of these conditions. The dog underwent a comprehensive clinical evaluation, which included a detailed history, observation of symptoms, and allergy testing. Treatment consisted of the use of antihistamines, corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, in addition to the application of monoclonal antibodies every four weeks to control itching. Immunotherapy has been introduced to modulate the long-term immune response. Recurrent otitis was managed with regular cleaning and topical treatments with Chlorhexidine; miconazole and omega 3,6 and 9, applied three times a week, complemented by a restrictive diet to minimize food allergens. The results showed that the combination of these strategies provided significant relief from dog symptoms, improving their quality of life. The integrated approach, including environmental control, drug therapy and dietary management, proved effective in controlling CAD and recurrent otitis. This study highlights the importance of personalized and ongoing management, as well as suggesting the need for more research into new therapeutic approaches for these chronic conditions. It is concluded that coordination between veterinarians and owners is essential for the success of treatment and the well-being of affected dogs.

Exploring the impact of polychlorinated biphenyls on comorbidity and potential mitigation strategies.

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) persist in the environment and accumulate in humans. Currently, there is a lack of understanding about the overall impact of PCBs on human health, and effective interventions for exposed populations are insufficient. Our study aimed to assess the impact of PCBs on various diseases and mortality risks using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, while proposing lifestyle adjustments, particularly dietary modifications, to mitigate mortality risk. Statistical analyses employed principal component analysis, multifactorial logistic regression, multifactorial Cox regression, comorbidity network analysis, and machine learning prediction models. Results indicated significant associations between 7 types of PCBs and 12 diseases (p < 0.05), with 6 diseases showing significant positive correlations (OR > 1, p < 0.05), along with listing the 25 most relevant diseases, such as asthma and chronic bronchitis (OR [95% CI] = 5.85 [4.37, 7.83], p < 0.0001), arthritis and osteoporosis (OR [95% CI] = 6.27 [5.23, 7.55], p < 0.0001). This suggested that PCBs may be intimately involved in the development and progression of multiple diseases. By constructing multidimensional machine learning models and conducting multiple iterations for precision and error measurement, PCBs may have the potential to become specific biomarkers for certain diseases in the future. Building upon this, we further suggested that controlling dietary intake to reduce dietary inflammatory index (DII) could lower mortality and disease risks. While PCBs were independent risk factors for mortality, substantial evidence suggested that adjusting DII might mitigate the adverse effects of PCBs to some extent. Further physiological mechanisms require deeper exploration through additional research.

Protective Effects of Chlorogenic Acid Against Amyloid-Beta-Induced Oxidative Stress and Ion Transport Dysfunction in SH-SY5Y Cells.

Caloric restriction mimetics mimic the beneficial effects of dietary restriction approaches, such as caloric restriction approaches, without limiting the dietary intake. Chlorogenic acid (CGA) acts as a caloric restriction mimetic; however, its neuroprotective mechanisms remain ambiguous. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to elucidate the neuroprotective effects of CGA on SH-SY5Y cells treated with amyloid-beta (Aβ)1-42. Aβ1-42 (1.25 μM) induced oxidative stress by significantly increasing the pro-oxidant levels and decreasing the antioxidant levels in the cells. Additionally, it decreased the Na+/K+-ATPase and Ca2+-ATPase ion transporter activities and enhanced the acetylcholinesterase activity. However, CGA (100 μM) reversed these Aβ1-42-induced changes in SH-SY5Y cells. Overall, CGA exerted neuroprotective effects against Aβ1-42-induced oxidative stress and impaired ion transporter and acetylcholinesterase activities, serving as a promising therapeutic candidate for neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease.

PERDA DE PESO E DESIDRATAÇÃO NO MMA: REVISÃO SOBRE OS EFEITOS NO DESEMPENHO E NA SAÚDE.

The MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) has become a more and more a popular pratice and with higher numer of praticioners in the course of the years. Because it is a combat sport, brings, in the high performance escope, techniques that aim to obtain advantage over the oponents, example of theses techniques are the use of restrictive diets and decrease of ingestion of liquids in near weighing periods, followed by a quick recover of the weight lost until the day of the fight. The present study aims to search iin the literacture the effects the method may cause to the athlete, especially about the performance and the health.

Systems biology approaches identify metabolic signatures of dietary lifespan and healthspan across species

Dietary restriction (DR) is a potent method to enhance lifespan and healthspan, but individual responses are influenced by genetic variations. Understanding how metabolism-related genetic differences impact longevity and healthspan are unclear. To investigate this, we used metabolites as markers to reveal how different genotypes respond to diet to influence longevity and healthspan traits. We analyzed data from Drosophila Genetic Reference Panel (DGRP) strains raised under AL and DR conditions, combining metabolomic, phenotypic, and genome-wide information. We employed two computational and complementary methods across species—random forest modeling within the DGRP as our primary analysis and Mendelian randomization in human cohorts as a secondary analysis. We pinpointed key traits with cross-species relevance as well as underlying heterogeneity and pleiotropy that influence lifespan and healthspan. Notably, orotate was linked to parental age at death in humans and blocked the DR lifespan extension in flies, while threonine supplementation extended lifespan, in a strain- and sex-specific manner. Thus, utilizing natural genetic variation data from flies and humans, we employed a systems biology approach to elucidate potential therapeutic pathways and metabolomic targets for diet-dependent changes in lifespan and healthspan.

Dietary Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer and Progress in The Application of Dietary Regulation in Treatment

rectal cancer, a subtype of colorectal cancer, has a significant incidence rate in both men and women, making it a critical area of study. Understanding the impact of daily dietary intake—including protein, fat, vitamins, and trace elements. The fear surrounding cancer stems from its complexity, variability, and the devastating impact it can have on individuals and their families. Cancer’s relentless nature, characterized by the abnormal and unchecked proliferation of cells, underscores the importance of early detection and prevention. The link between unhealthy lifestyle habits and cancer risk underscores the need for individuals to adopt healthier behaviors, such as maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and avoiding harmful substances like tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption. This study examines how dietary modifications can reduce the risk of developing Colorectal cancer and their role in supporting treatment, potentially by modulating tumor growth, boosting immune function, and regulating gut flora.

Effects of Intermittent Fasting on Human Metabolism and Evaluation of Its Effectiveness in Weight Loss

Intermittent Fasting (IF), a dietary modification through time-restricted feeding, has gained significant attention in the past few years owing to its advantages in metabolic health and weight management. Available evidence suggests that IF can improve insulin sensitivity; lower the levels of blood glucose and fat; prevent body fat accumulation; and reduce the risk of obesity-related chronic disease by mitigating oxidative damage and affecting the activity of antioxidant enzymes. However, a number of gaps in knowledge remain regarding IF, especially its long-term safety and the generalisability of IF. This paper discussed the effects of IF on metabolism and body health through the mechanism of high-intensity, nutrient-strong IF. It mentioned that IF led to improved insulin sensitivity, lower blood lipid levels and inhibition of body fat accumulation, and was easier to stick to than daily calorie restriction. Other clinical studies with longer intervals and durations also reported significant effects of IF on weight loss and body health. Long term strict IF is unfavorable for some patients – in particular the elderly and the chronically ill – due to the potential for nutritional and metabolic problems. This study serves as an important reference for the use of IF in health and weight loss management, and offers potential directions for future research. Even though IF showed clear benefits, its safety in the long term and applicability across different populations still need to be validated. Future investigations may look into the long-term effects of IF in different populations, and its potential application in various health conditions.