Risk Of Chronic Non-communicable Diseases Research Articles

Análisis crítico de las nuevas directrices de la OMS sobre alimentación complementaria en el lactante de 6 a 23 meses de edad

Introduction: the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued new recommendations on complementary feeding (CF) in 2023. The introduction of CF takes place with the period of greatest nutritional risk for the toddler. Inadequate CF increases risk for altered physical and cognitive development and the risk of chronic non-communicable diseases. The WHO sets out seven main recommendations based on the review of the available evidence. Objective: present a critical review of the new WHO guidelines on CF. Methods: the analysis has been carried out by the Spanish Group of Gastroenterology and Nutrition of the Spanish Association of Primary Care Paediatrics and has included an exhaustive review of the WHO guidelines and documents of particular relevance in infant feeding from scientific societies of our environment in order to adapt them to our environment. Results: the certainty of the scientific evidence is low or very low for six of the seven recommendations. There is a lack of randomized clinical trials to provide certainty in decision-making and to define health outcomes for each recommendation. The absence of specific recommendations on new trends in food and allergenic foods as well as adaptation to first world countries is noteworthy. Conclusions: the start of adequate CF is key for health in early life. In line with WHO, we conclude that breastfeeding should be promoted as the exclusive food for the first 6 months of life, especially in low resource areas. The introduction of CF should take place around 180 days of life through a diversified and adequate diet. CF involves the acquisition of healthy feeding behaviour. Adaptation of the recommendations to our environment is necessary, in addition to other aspects not considered by the WHO guidelines.

Health-Promoting Potential of Mandarin Pomace Extracts Enriched with Phenolic Compounds.

The aim of this work was to assess the effect of in vitro human digestion on the chemical composition (carbohydrates and phenolic compounds) and bioactivity of hydro-alcoholic-acid pomace extracts from two mandarin varieties (Clemenule and Ortanique) by measuring their antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-glycative, hypolipidemic, and anti-inflammatory properties. The phenolic compound profile showed that nobiletin was the main flavonoid found in the extracts and digests of Clemenule pomace and extract, while isosinensetin/sinensetin/tangeretin were the ones in the Ortanique samples. The digests of Clemenule and Ortanique extracts showed Folin reaction values of 9.74 and 9.20 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g of sample, ABTS values of 83.2 and 91.7 µmol Trolox equivalents (TE)/g of sample, and ORAC-FL values of 142.8 and 891.6 µmol TE/g of sample, respectively. Extracts (50-500 µg/mL) inhibited intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation in CCD-18Co cells under physiological and oxidative-induced conditions. Clemenule and Ortanique extract digests showed IC50 values of 13.50 and 11.07 mg/mL for α-glucosidase, 28.79 and 69.64 mg/mL for α-amylase, and 16.50 and 12.77 mg/mL for AGEs, and 2.259 ± 0.267 and 0.713 ± 0.065 mg/mL for pancreatic lipase inhibition, respectively. Ortanique extract (250-1000 µg/mL) inhibited the production of nitric oxide in RAW264.7 macrophages under inflammation-induced conditions, and intracellular ROS formation. In conclusion, altogether, the results supported the potential of mandarin extracts to be used as health promoters by reducing the risk of non-communicable chronic diseases.

A gut microbial metabolite cocktail fights against obesity through modulating the gut microbiota and hepatic leptin signaling.

Excessive body weight and obesity elevate the risk of chronic non-communicable diseases. The judicious application of the gut microbiome, encompassing both microorganisms and their derived compounds, holds considerable promise in the treatment of obesity. In this study, we showed that a cocktail of gut microbiota-derived metabolites, comprising indole 3-propionic acid (IPA), sodium butyrate (SB) and valeric acid (VA), alleviated various symptoms of obesity in both male and female mice subjected to a high-fat diet (HFD). The 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequencing revealed that administering the cocktail via oral gavage retained the gut microbiota composition in obese mice. Fecal microbiota transplantation using cocktail-treated mice as donors mitigated the obesity phenotype of HFD-fed mice. Transcriptomic sequencing analysis showed that the cocktail preserved the gene expression profile of hepatic tissues in obese mice, especially up-regulated the expression level of leptin receptor. Gene delivery via in vivo fluid dynamics further validated that the anti-obesity efficacy of the cocktail was dependent on leptin signaling at least partly. The cocktail also inhibited the expression of appetite stimulators in hypothalamus. Together, the metabolite cocktail combated adiposity by retaining the gut microbiota configuration and activating the hepatic leptin signaling pathway. Our findings provide a sophisticated regulatory network between the gut microbiome and host, and highlight a cocktail of gut microbiota-derived metabolites, including IPA, SB, and VA, might be a prospective intervention for anti-obesity in a preclinical setting. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Grains in a Modern Time: A Comprehensive Review of Compositions and Understanding Their Role in Type 2 Diabetes and Cancer.

Globally, type 2 diabetes (T2D) and Cancer are the major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide and are considered to be two of the most significant public health concerns of the 21st century. Over the next two decades, the global burden is expected to increase by approximately 60%. Several observational studies as well as clinical trials have demonstrated the health benefits of consuming whole grains to lower the risk of several chronic non-communicable diseases including T2D and cancer. Cereals grains are the primary source of energy in the human diet. The most widely consumed pseudo cereals include (quinoa, amaranth, and buckwheat) and cereals (wheat, rice, and corn). From a nutritional perspective, both pseudo cereals and cereals are recognized for their complete protein, essential amino acids, dietary fibers, and phenolic acids. The bran layer of the seed contains the majority of these components. Greater intake of whole grains rather than refined grains has been consistently linked to a lower risk of T2D and cancer. Due to their superior nutritional compositions, whole grains make them a preferred choice over refined grains. The modulatory effects of whole grains on T2D and cancer are also likely to be influenced by several mechanisms; some of these effects may be direct while others involve altering the composition of gut microbiota, increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria, and lowering harmful bacteria, increasing insulin sensitivity, lowering solubility of free bile acids, breaking protein down into peptides and amino acids, producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and other beneficial metabolites that promote the proliferation in the colon which modulate the antidiabetic and anticancer pathway. Thus, the present review had two aims. First, it summarized the recent knowledge about the nutritional composition and bioactive acids in pseudo cereals (quinoa, amaranth, and buckwheat) and cereals (wheat, rice, and corn); the second section summarized and discussed the progress in recent human studies, such as observational (cross-sectional studies, case-control studies, and cohort studies) and intervention studies to understand their role in T2D and cancer including the potential mechanism. Overall, according to the scientific data, whole grain consumption may reduce the incidence of T2D and cancer. Future studies should carry out randomized controlled trials to validate observational results and establish causality. In addition, the current manuscript encourages researchers to investigate the specific mechanisms by which whole grains exert their beneficial effects on health by examining the effects of different types of specific protein, dietary fibers, and phenolic acids that might help to prevent or treat T2D and cancer.

Brazilians living with diabetes do not meet basic physical activity guidelines for health – a cross-sectional study

Introduction and aim. The purpose of this study was to describe the profile of physical activity (PA) of Brazilian adults living with diabetes mellitus living in large Brazilian urban centers, as well as to determine whether the practice aligns with the physical activity guidelines recommended for people with diabetes. Material and methods. Cross-sectional data were acquired from the 2020 Surveillance System for Risk and Protective Factors for Chronic Non-communicable Diseases, in which about 54,000 persons aged 18 and older in all Brazilian state capitals were contacted in a telephone survey. Participants reported on their engagement in recreational physical activity and active commuting to school and/or work in the three months preceding the interview, as well as the weekly frequency and duration of these activities. They also stated whether they were living with diabetes. A descriptive analysis was performed, and statistical significance was determined using Pearson’s chi-squared test. Results. In 2020, 7.9% of the population identified themselves living with diabetes. There was a greater frequency among older women and those with less education. Walking, water aerobics, and general gymnastics were the most common kinds of physical activity reported by people with diabetes. Moreover, over half of them (54.5%) were inactive, and 15% matched the physical activity criteria. The majority (90%) practiced PA for 30 minutes or more per day, while 87% of those who were active and exercised 1 to 2 times per week did not meet the requirements of the Ministry of Health. Conclusion. In 2020, 7.9% of the population identified themselves as having diabetes. There was a higher frequency among older women and those with less schooling. In the sample as a whole, approximately 70% of people living with diabetes were inactive (54.5%) or did not meet the minimum BP recommendations for people with diabetes. The duration of each session seemed to be in line with the recommendations, however, the lack of regularity caused by the low weekly frequency meant that the minimum recommended target could not be achieved. Efforts involving the continued monitoring of people living with diabetes and counseling in Primary Health Care to opt for a more physically active life, seem to be promising acts for a healthier life, pending a definitive resolution to the disease.

Shift and Night Work in Technology Intensive Environment as a Health Hazard

Flexible workday arrangement is a common management practice in the modern technology intensive society. The impact of shift work in night hours on human health has been a subject of a broad range of fundamental and applied studies in occupational medicine and in other fields. Epidemiological data and a body of research findings suggest that shift workers are prone to various pathologies. This paper summarizes current views on the link between shift and night work and the risk of chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), which are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among working population and are therefore a top priority. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses present strong evidence that shift workers have a higher risk of malignant tumors (breast cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer), coronary heart disease, and type 2 diabetes compared to daytime-only workers. There are, however, individual differences in the risk of NCDs that may depend on the length of employment and other circumstances. Also, factors are discussed that can modify the impact of shift work on the risk of associated pathologies, such as chronotype, changing length of night shifts, proper shift rotation, sufficient rest between shifts, etc. Mechanisms of genetic regulation of individual circadian rhythms and sleep-wake cycle are a crucial element in the conceptual model of influence of night work on body. Insufficient adaptation and plasticity of the circadian system may cause desynchronization between external time and inner biorhythms in shift workers; this is accompanied with changes in circadian genes expression and may lead to pathologies. If disturbed circadian rhythms are the main factor of etiopathogenesis, the term “circadian-related disease” should be used. Deep understanding of the link between circadian desynchronosis and health problems in shift workers is important to implement ‘circadian safety’ measures, i.e. to protect workers from negative consequences of disturbed individual biorhythms that may affect their work capacities and life quality. This will require standard protocols to study circadian disturbances, standard tools and methods to diagnose circadian rhythms in workers, resolving issues of interpretation in respect of occupational capacity, research on proneness and tolerance of workers to circadian-related problems, finding pharmacological and physical approaches to reduce circadian disturbances, considering special aspects of drug therapy of desynchronosis.

Association Between Adherence to 24-Hour Movement Guidelines and Noncommunicable Disease Risk in Chinese Adults: Prospective Cohort Study.

The increasing annual global deaths are attributable to noncommunicable chronic diseases (NCDs). Adhering to healthy lifestyle behaviors is associated with lower NCD risk, particularly among individuals with ample movement, enough sleep, and reduced sedentariness. Nevertheless, there are only few prospective assessments on the association of interactions between daily activities with NCD prevention, while the associations between adhering to Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines (24HGs) for adults and NCD risks are still unknown. Compared to the general population, obese and overweight populations are at a higher risk of developing NCDs. Currently, it is unclear whether the health benefits of adhering to 24HGs differ between the general population and the obese population. This study explores prospective associations between adherence to 24HGs and NCD risks by weight status among overweight and obese adults in China. This decadal study consists of 9227 adults aged 35 years and older without any major NCDs at enrolment in the China Health and Nutrition Survey (2004-2011) and followed up until 2015. The exposure of interest was the overall score of compliance with 24HGs measured by participants' self-report, wherein 1 point was assigned for compliance to each component, resulting in an aggregated score ranging from 0 to 3. The primary outcome was the first occurrence of major NCDs (high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, cancer, and acute myocardial infarction). Log-binomial regression models were used to evaluate the associations. <strong>:</strong> Overall, 4315 males and 4912 females, with 25,175 person-years of follow-up, were included in our analyses. The average baseline age was 50.21 (SD 11.04) years. Among the overweight and obese groups, those adhering to 1 (risk ratio [RR] 0.37, 95% CI 0.19-0.74; P=.004), 2 (RR 0.37, 95% CI 0.19-0.72; P=.003), and 3 (RR 0.32, 95% CI 0.14-0.73; P=.006) recommendations of 24HGs had a significantly lower NCD risk than those not adhering to any of the activity guidelines. Among the normal or underweight groups, those adhering to 1 (RR 0.49, 95% CI 0.27-0.96; P=.03) and 3 (RR 0.40, 95% CI 0.17-0.94; P=.03) components had a significantly lower NCD risk than those not adhering to any of the activity guidelines. In this prospective study, we found that active adherence to recommendations of 24HGs was associated with lower risks of NCDs, especially among overweight and obese participants. Additionally, overweight and obese individuals who met at least 1 component of 24HGs were at a significantly lower risk for NCDs, but this protective effect was not found among individuals in the normal and underweight groups. Individuals with excess body weight who tend to be more susceptible to health risks may gain greater health benefits than the general population by adhering to the recommendations of 24HGs.

Relevant Aspects of Combined Protocols for Prevention of N(M)AFLD and Other Non-Communicable Diseases.

Obesity is a global health issue characterized by the excessive fat accumulation, leading to an increased risk of chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), which can progress from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Currently, there are no approved pharmacological protocols for prevention/treatment of MAFLD, and due the complexity lying beneath these mechanisms, monotherapies are unlikely to be efficacious. This review article analyzes the possibility that NCDs can be prevented or attenuated by the combination of bioactive substances, as they could promote higher response rates, maximum reaction results, additive or synergistic effects due to compounds having similar or different mechanisms of action and/or refraining possible side effects, related to the use of lower doses and exposures times than monotherapies. Accordingly, prevention of mouse MAFLD is observed with the combination of the omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid with the antioxidant hydroxytyrosol, whereas attenuation of mild cognitive impairment is attained by folic acid plus cobalamin in elderly patients. The existence of several drawbacks underlying published monotherapies or combined trials, opens space for adequate and stricter experimental and clinical tryouts to achieve meaningful outcomes with human applicability.

Polyphenol contents in meal recommendations from the Brazilian dietary guidelines

Research has demonstrated that consuming polyphenols is linked to a lower risk of non-communicable chronic diseases. The objective of this study was to quantify the polyphenol content in the meal recommendations provided by the Food Guide for the Brazilian Population (2014). This quantitative and descriptive analysis was conducted on the data from photographic documentation in the national food guide, focusing on the food items, their preparation methods, and the suggested quantities for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The polyphenol contents of the foods and meals were estimated using the Phenol-Explorer database, which allowed determining the contribution of foods and polyphenol classes to the total polyphenol content. The mean total polyphenol content for breakfast patterns was found to be 242.67 ± 161.09 mg, with coffee being the primary contributor to this amount. Phenolic acids were the most significant contributors, accounting for ≥95% of the total. For lunch and dinner patterns, the average polyphenol contents were 311.97 ± 208.15 mg and 337.14 ± 220.17 mg, respectively. Contrary to breakfast, flavonoids emerged as the predominant class in these meals (p < 0.005), with legumes making a notable contribution to the total polyphenol content in both lunch and dinner. No significant difference was observed between the polyphenol contents of the different breakfast, lunch, and dinner patterns (p = 0.71). Therefore, the inclusion of different meals throughout the day is important for the intake of different polyphenol classes. Staple items in the national diet, particularly coffee and beans, were identified as key contributors to the polyphenol content in the meals suggested by the national food guide. Furthermore, in natura and minimally processed foods are highlighted as significant sources of polyphenols in the Brazilian diet.

Metabolically Unhealthy Normal Weight: Prevalence and Associated Factors in an Adult Population from Northwest Colombia.

Individuals with a normal weight may have metabolic alterations at risk for chronic non-communicable diseases. The prevalence of this condition and associated factors have not been reported in Latin American populations. We aimed to estimate the presence and associated factors of Metabolically Unhealthy Normal Weight (MUNW) in adults from a public program for the control and prevention of chronic diseases in Medellín, Colombia. Cross-sectional study. Overweight and normal weight were characterized according to the absence or presence of one or more components of the metabolic syndrome, obtaining four phenotypes: Metabolically Healthy Normal Weight (MHNW), MUNW (phenotype of interest), Metabolically Healthy Overweight (MHO), and Metabolically Unhealthy Overweight (MUO). The association of these phenotypes with sociodemographic variables of lifestyles and increased waist circumference was conducted by using logistic regression. In 37,558 individuals (72.7% women), the prevalence of MUNW was 23.3%. Among the additional phenotypes, MUO was found to be more prevalent (71.6%), while MHNW and MHO were very slightly common, 2% and 3.1%, respectively. In a multiple model, the factors associated with MUNW were age over 60 years (trend [OR 1.56 95% CI 0.97-2.52] p-value = 0.066), living in a rural area ([OR 1.58 95% CI 1.09-2.29] p-value = 0.015), and increased waist circumference ([OR 1.68 95% CI 1.45-1.95] p-value < 0.001). Male gender was inversely associated with all phenotypes (P < 0.05). Almost a quarter of the analyzed population presented MUNW. People living in a rural area and over 60 years old were more likely to present MUNW. Men were less likely to present the weight phenotypes studied, although they could have been underrepresented.

Association of depression and anxiety with uncontrolled hypertension: A cross-sectional study in Southwest Nigeria

Background: Hypertension is a medical condition of public health concern that increases the risk of chronic noncommunicable diseases and mortalities. In recent years, understanding its coexistence with other comorbidities has been the focus of better management. However, the relationship between hypertension and depression or anxiety has been contentious issue, with diverse findings reported by different studies. Understanding this relationship will be crucial for blood pressure control and reducing the mortality associated with hypertension. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the association between depression or anxiety and hypertension control. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 321 hypertensive patients accessing care in two hospitals. Depression and anxiety symptoms were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The relationship between blood pressure control and depression or anxiety was assessed using binary logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of depression and anxiety was 12.1% and 23.1%, respectively. Up to 261 (81.3%) participants had uncontrolled blood pressure. Of these 261 participants, 14.2% and 23.4% had depression and anxiety, respectively. Depression was associated with an increased risk of uncontrolled blood pressure after adjusting for sex, smoking cigarettes, age, marital status, and exercise (odds ratio (OR) = 7.751, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.79–43.4, P = 0.011). Conclusion: Depression appears to be independently associated with an increased risk of uncontrolled blood pressure. It is therefore relevant for healthcare providers to assess for depression in patients with hypertension to ensure better hypertensive control.

Propolis extract supplementation in the complementary treatment of adults and elderly with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: a systematic review of clinical trial

Background &amp; aims: bee products, such as propolis, have important natural properties to help reduce the risk of chronic noncommunicable diseases. Therefore, the objective of this review was to determine whether propolis intake helps to improve laboratory and anthropometrics indicators related to metabolic changes in type 2 Diabetes mellitus. Methods: systematic review of randomized clinical trials, published between 2000 and 2021, in Pubmed, Lilacs and SciELO databases, which indicated significant effects of propolis on laboratory indicators related to glycemic homeostasis, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory status. The articles were obtained according to the model recommended by PRISMA. After general analysis, protocols were used to assess the quality of evidence, using the Jadad scale, Consort and Cochrane. Results: glycemic homeostasis was evaluated using the following laboratory indicators: HOMA-IR, HOMA-β, fructosamine, fasting glucose and glycated hemoglobin. Significant changes in fasting glucose, 2-hour postprandial glucose were indicated in 71.43% of the studies. The antioxidant potential of propolis was evaluated in 71.43% of clinical trials. There was a significant reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines, an increase in catalase activity and an increase in the antioxidant capacity of glutathione. The lipid profile was analyzed in 42.86% of the studies, indicating significant changes in total, LDL and HDL cholesterol. Conclusion: propolis can be considered an aggregating alternative for the conventional treatment of type 2 Diabetes mellitus. However, this food supplement is not a “miraculous” product, which eliminates the need for changes in lifestyle, including eating habits and regular physical activity, as well as the use of drugs, when necessary.

Diabetes mellitus and associated factors among HIV-positive patients at primary health care facilities in Harare, Zimbabwe: a descriptive cross-sectional study

BackgroundHighly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has improved the life expectancy of people living with HIV (PLWH) and has increased the risk of chronic non-communicable diseases. Comorbid HIV and diabetes mellitus (DM) significantly increase cardiovascular disease and mortality risk. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus among HIV-positive patients receiving HAART in Zimbabwe and its associated risk factors.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted at eight primary healthcare facilities in Harare, Zimbabwe, between January 2022 and March 2023. Non-probability convenience sampling was used to recruit adult HIV-positive patients undergoing HAART attending the facilities. Data were captured on clinical history and socio-demographic and behavioral characteristics, and analyzed using descriptive statistics to determine DM prevalence rates. Additionally, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were employed to examine factors associated with HIV and DM comorbidities.ResultsA total of 450 participants were included in this study, of which 57.6% (n = 259) were female. The majority were married (73.8%) and older than 35 years (80.2%). Most participants had completed high school (87.6%) and 68.9% were employed either formally or self-employed. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) was 14.9%. HIV/DM comorbidity was more prevalent in patients who were female, self-employed, and smoked (p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the factors associated with DM-HIV comorbidity were gender, age, education, marital status, employment status, smoking, physical activities, duration of HAART, and diet. Age, level of education, marital status, and occupation were not associated with HIV-DM comorbidity. Obesity (body mass index > 30 kg/m2), smoking, and alcohol consumption were associated with an increased risk of DM. Regular physical activity is associated with a reduced risk of DM.ConclusionA substantial burden of DM was found in PLWH. The intersectoral integration approach is advocated, and active screening for DM is recommended. Gender-specific interventions are necessary to target diseases and health behaviors that differ between men and women. These interventions should be customized to the specific diseases and behaviors of each group.

Health behaviour in baby boomers and Generations X, Y, and Z: focus on dietary fibre and saturated fat intake

Purpose: To assess the frequency of food intake as a source of dietary fibre and saturated fatty acid intake in terms of preventive health care for women and men of the baby boomer (BB), X, Y, and Z generations. Design/methodology/approach: The research instrument was a survey questionnaire administered through the computer-assisted web interviewing (CAWI) method using Google Forms. The survey was conducted from February to March 2023. The survey included 204 respondents between the ages of 19 and 60, residents of Gdynia. Purposive group selection was used. The results of the survey are presented as the percentage distribution (percentage) of each evaluation (% of indications). A chi-square test with Yates correction was used to determine the effect of gender and age on lifestyle, dietary style and frequency of dietary fibre and saturated fatty acid intake in the study groups. Findings: Analysis of the consumption of selected food groups by respondents showed that gender and age influenced the lifestyle and type of selected food products consumed by adults, and therefore the attainment of individual nutrient requirements, and the risk of chronic non-communicable diseases. It is satisfactory that the level of fat intake among the surveyed group of respondents was at an appropriately low level. On the other hand, the inadequate and very low intake of dietary fibre among women and men remains a concern. Research limitations/implications: The research has certain limitations. The results obtained are not representative and cannot be generalised to the population of women and men of the baby boomer (BB), X, Y and Z generations in Poland. Practical implications: The present study is part of health risk management and health promotion in the Polish population. It is important that adults (in Poland) pay attention to the impact of the products they consume on their health, since the lack of a balanced diet and an excessive supply of simple carbohydrates and saturated fatty acids carries a risk of reducing their quality of life. It is essential to conduct research monitoring the dietary behaviour of various population groups to evaluate the need for preventive actions to ensure health and better safeguard the mental and physical condition of current and future generations. Social implications: The research is part of health risk management and health promotion in the Polish population. Originality/value: The research adds to the knowledge of adult eating behaviour from the perspective of the Sustainable Development Goals. Keywords: adult consumers, eating habits, health-related quality of life. Category of the paper: Research paper

Inflammatory markers of bloodserum as an early predictor of chronic diseases in the rural population of Sachkhere district in Georgia

To identify the molecular correlates of non-communicable chronic disease risk in the territory of Upper Imereti. Practically healthy residents of the Sachkhere district were examined. In the blood serum samples of patients, the cytokines (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-12, TNF-α, IL-6) and NOx content, as well as the total antioxidant activity of the non-enzymatic system (TAA) were determined. Study results show, that in Sareki inhabitant’s blood serum levels of the IL-6, and NO increased (p=0.004, p=0.05), levels of the IL-1α tended to increase (p=0.057) compared to the corresponding values of the Chorvila inhabitants; in Chorvila inhabitants’ indicators of blood serum TAA were lower than in Sairkhe and Sareki (p=0.001, p=0.045). The statistically significant differences in the levels of the IL-1β, IL12, and TNF-α in the blood serum of the inhabitants of Sachkhere district villages were not revealed. The alterations of the indicators of immune and oxidative status in the practically healthy populations of the Sachkhere district villages toward pro-inflammatory, and early revealed associations between population morbidity and TAA values allow us to suggest considering immune (IL6, IL-1α) and redox status deviations as markers of predisposition to chronic diseases. It should also be noted that, since each indicator belongs to the class of pleiotropic markers, only their complex can be considered as an early predictor of risk.

The impacts of COVID-19 hospitalizations on non-COVID-19 deaths and hospitalizations: A panel data analysis using Brazilian municipalities.

The COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil has brought many challenges, particularly regarding the management of hospital capacity, and a new demand for healthcare that added to the preexisting demands, such as neoplasms, cardiovascular diseases and births. In this paper, we estimate the impact of the pandemic on the number of deaths and hospitalizations for other diseases. We construct a monthly panel data of deaths and hospitalizations for various causes by the municipality of residence and relate them to COVID-19 hospitalizations using regression models that control for municipalities fixed-effects and interactions between State and month fixed-effects. The standard errors are clustered at the municipality level. Our estimates imply that 100 more hospitalizations by COVID-19 is associated with a drop of 49 non-COVID-19 hospitalizations and an additional four deaths for other reasons (all measured per 100,000 pop.). The impact of intensive care units COVID-19 hospitalizations on mortality is larger. The groups most affected are the African Brazilians, less-educated and the elderly. Additional deaths occurred both at households and at hospitals. The main causes of additional deaths were diseases related to the circulatory and endocrine system. The decline in hospitalizations for other causes seems to be related to the overcrowding of hospitals in periods of surge in the COVID-19, alongside with the fall in the demand for care by the citizens who were afraid of COVID-19 infection. These mechanisms affected more strongly the vulnerable groups of the population. Our results highlight the importance of promoting the awareness of heightened risk of non-communicable chronic diseases during a health emergency context. This should be done preferably through already established channels with community outreach, such as the Family Health Program in Brazil.

Spent coffee grounds and its antioxidant dietary fiber promote different colonic microbiome signatures: Benefits for subjects with chronodisruption

Chronodisruption, commonly displayed by people living with obesity (PLO), is linked to colonic microbiota dysbiosis, and may increase the risk of many chronic non-communicable diseases, whereas dietary interventions–called chrononutrition may mitigate it. We evaluated the in vitro effects of spent coffee grounds (SCG), and their antioxidant dietary fiber (SCG-DF) on the colonic microbiota of an obese donor displaying dysbiosis and chronodisruption. Basal microbiota pattern was associated with an increased risk of non-communicable chronic diseases. Both samples decrease species richness and increase microbiota diversity (p < 0.05; Chao and Shannon index, respectively), positively enhancing Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes index (SCG, p < 0.04; SCG-DF, p < 0.02). SCG and SCG-DF modulated the microbiota, but SCG-DF induced greater changes, significantly increasing. p_Actonobacterias (SCG p < 0.04; SCG-DF, p < 0.02), and reducing g_Alistipes; s_putredinis, g_Prevotella;s_copri. The highest increase was displayed by p_Proteobacteria (f_Desulfovibrionaceae and f_Alcanigenaceae, p < 0.05), while g_Haemophilus; s_parainfluenzae decreased (p < 0.05). However, neither SCG nor SCG-DF modulated g_Alistipes (evening-type colonic microbial marker) beneficially. SCG and SCG-DF reduced (p < 0.05) g_Lachnospira, a microbial evening-type marker, among other microbial populations, of an obese donor displaying chronodisruption and dysbiosis. SCG and SCG-DF displayed a prebiotic effect with the potential to mitigate diseases linked to chronodisruption.

Bioactive compounds of insects for food use: Potentialities and risks

Insects are an alternative source of human and animal food that not only have nutritional characteristics and important bioactive compounds, but also can help reduce the impact of chronic non-communicable diseases; thus, derivatives from insects are a great contribution to the food and pharmaceutical industry. The aim of the present work was to highlight the chemical composition, main bioactive compounds, and anti-nutritional factors present in some insects and their applications as raw materials in the food and pharmaceutical industry through the analysis of different studies. Results indicated that entomophagy was included in the diet of many regions in the world and that it is going to become a significant component in the food industry. It was also found that bioactive compounds with potential functional properties within the chemical composition of insects such as an appropriate digestibility between 54 % and 86 %, peptides between 35 % and 77 % and other nutrients such as proteins and carbohydrates that can be a great contribution to nutrition and reduce the risk of chronic non-communicable diseases. Global agencies are of the opinion that edible insects are the viable option to over the food scarcity. However, use of food matrices from insects raises safety issues, such as anti-nutritional factors allergenicity and capacity to harbor toxins such as oxalates, tannins, alkaloids, phytates and saponins or pathogens and heavy metal. Insights presented in this work are useful to insect business (such as farmers, producers of edible insect products and consultants), researchers, and policy makers. Such insights can be an initiative for insect food companies in many ways, such as to forge collaborations with different bodies (researchers, peoples, government), improve perception of insect consumption, promote market acceptance, identify new and native edible insect species, make ecologically sustainable insect food companies, produce nutritious and delicious insect-based foods, etc.

Life's Essential 8 and risk of non-communicable chronic diseases: Outcome-wide analyses.

Life's Simple 7, the former construct of cardiovascular health (CVH) has been used to evaluate adverse non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs). However, some flaws have been recognized in recent years and Life's Essential 8 has been established. In this study, we aimed to analyze the association between CVH defined by Life's Essential 8 and risk of 44 common NCDs and further estimate the population attributable fractions (PAFs) of low-moderate CVH scores in the 44 NCDs. In the UK Biobank, 170,726 participants free of 44 common NCDs at baseline were included. The Life's Essential 8 composite measure consists of four health behaviours (diet, physical activity, nicotine exposure, and sleep) and four health factors (body mass index, non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol, blood glucose, and blood pressure), and the maximum CVH score was 100 points. CVH score was categorized into low, moderate, and high groups. Participants were followed up for 44 NCDs diagnosis across 10 human system disorders according to the International Classification of Diseases 10th edition (ICD-10) code using linkage to national health records until 2022. Cox proportional hazard models were used in this study. The hazard ratios (HRs) and PAFs of 44 NCDs associated with CVH score were examined. During the median follow-up of 10.85 years, 58,889 incident NCD cases were documented. Significant linear dose-response associations were found between higher CVH score and lower risk of 25 (56.8%) of 44 NCDs. Low-moderate CVH (<80 points) score accounted for the largest proportion of incident cases in diabetes (PAF: 80.3%), followed by gout (59.6%), sleep disorder (55.6%), chronic liver disease (45.9%), chronic kidney disease (40.9%), ischemic heart disease (40.8%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (40.0%), endometrium cancer (35.8%), lung cancer (34.0%), and heart failure (34.0%) as the top 10. Among the eight modifiable factors, overweight/obesity explained the largest number of cases of incident NCDs in endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic diseases (35.4%), digestive system disorders (21.4%), mental and behavioral disorders (12.6%), and cancer (10.3%); however, the PAF of ideal sleep duration ranked first in nervous system (27.5%) and neuropsychiatric disorders (9.9%). Improving CVH score based on Life's Essential 8 may lower risk of 25 common NCDs. Among CVH metrics, avoiding overweight/obesity may be especially important to prevent new cases of metabolic diseases, NCDs in digestive system, mental and behavioral disorders, and cancer.

The Gum-Gut Axis: Periodontitis and the Risk of Gastrointestinal Cancers.

Periodontitis has been linked to an increased risk of various chronic non-communicable diseases, including gastrointestinal cancers. Indeed, dysbiosis of the oral microbiome and immune-inflammatory pathways related to periodontitis may impact the pathophysiology of the gastrointestinal tract and its accessory organs through the so-called "gum-gut axis". In addition to the hematogenous spread of periodontal pathogens and inflammatory cytokines, recent research suggests that oral pathobionts may translocate to the gastrointestinal tract through saliva, possibly impacting neoplastic processes in the gastrointestinal, liver, and pancreatic systems. The exact mechanisms by which oral pathogens contribute to the development of digestive tract cancers are not fully understood but may involve dysbiosis of the gut microbiome, chronic inflammation, and immune modulation/evasion, mainly through the interaction with T-helper and monocytic cells. Specifically, keystone periodontal pathogens, including Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum, are known to interact with the molecular hallmarks of gastrointestinal cancers, inducing genomic mutations, and promote a permissive immune microenvironment by impairing anti-tumor checkpoints. The evidence gathered here suggests a possible role of periodontitis and oral dysbiosis in the carcinogenesis of the enteral tract. The "gum-gut axis" may therefore represent a promising target for the development of strategies for the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal cancers.