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Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia - NED Infobite
BANT's scientific NED InfoBites are designed to provide key elements of the latest research using plain language. They provide quick overviews on particular health issues and nutrition topics for a speedy introduction to the science. Visually attractive and easily shareable with clients and social media followers.
2024
Abstract
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common benign disease in middle-aged and elderly men which causes lower urinary tract symptoms. Age, sex hormones, diet, diabetes, obesity and genetic factors are closely related to BPH occurence. This NED Infobite presents science on obesity and lifestyle factors on the risk of BPH, the impacts of diabetes mellitus on lower urinary tract symptoms in BPH, the impact of testosterone on lower urinary tract symptoms and gene associations.
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Effects of mild/asymptomatic COVID-19 on semen parameters and sex-related hormone levels in men: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Che, BW, Chen, P, Yu, Y, Li, W, Huang, T, Zhang, WJ, Xu, SH, He, J, Liu, M, Tang, KF
Asian journal of andrology. 2023;25(3):382-388
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Various studies have shown that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can cause more harm and a higher mortality rate to men. However, the literature does not clearly show that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can cause serious and lasting damage to male reproductive function. The aims of this study were to explore the effects of mild/asymptomatic COVID-19 on semen parameters and sex-related hormone levels and to analyse the relationship between semen parameter values and semen collection time after infection, fever, and severity of COVID-19. This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis of thirteen studies of which only five were included in the meta-analysis. Results show that COVID-19 has a certain effect on male reproductive function in the short term especially within about 70 days after infection. Additionally, fever after infection only had a significant effect on sperm concentration. Authors conclude by recommending the avoidance of pregnancy for a short period of time when the male partner has been infected with COVID-19.
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has yet to be proven to alter male reproductive function, particularly in the majority of mild/asymptomatic patients. The purpose of this study was to explore whether mild/asymptomatic COVID-19 affects semen quality and sex-related hormone levels. To find suitable comparative studies, a systematic review and meta-analysis was done up to January 22, 2022, by using multiple databases (Web of Science, PubMed, and Embase). Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used to identify and choose the studies. Meta-analysis was used to examine the semen parameters and sex-related hormones of mild/asymptomatic COVID-19 patients before and after infection. The effects of semen collection time, fever, and intensity of verification on semen following infection were also investigated. A total of 13 studies (n = 770) were included in the analysis, including three case-control studies, six pre-post studies, and four single-arm studies. A meta-analysis of five pre-post studies showed that after infection with COVID-19, sperm concentration (I2 = 0; P = 0.003), total sperm count (I2 = 46.3%; P = 0.043), progressive motility (I2 = 50.0%; P < 0.001), total sperm motility (I2 = 76.1%; P = 0.047), and normal sperm morphology (I2 = 0; P = 0.001) decreased. Simultaneously, a systematic review of 13 studies found a significant relationship between semen collection time after infection, inflammation severity, and semen parameter values, with fever having only bearing on semen concentration. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in sex-related hormone levels before and after infection in mild/asymptomatic patients. Mild/asymptomatic COVID-19 infection had a significant effect on semen quality in the short term. It is recommended to avoid initiating a pregnancy during this period of time.
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Associations between circulating obesity-related biomarkers and prognosis in female breast cancer survivors: a systematic review of observational data in women enrolled in lifestyle intervention trials.
Meyer, D, Pastor-Villaescusa, B, Michel, S, Hauner, H, Hauner, D
BMC cancer. 2022;22(1):1187
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Overweight and obesity play a role in the development and potential outcomes in breast cancer. Several factors have been implicated linking cancer and obesity including hormones imbalances and inflammation, however exact links have yet to be elucidated. This systematic review of 4 randomised control trials containing 5234 women aimed to examine obesity related blood factors such as hormones, fats and sugar and their relationship with prognosis in individuals with breast cancer. The results showed that higher levels of testosterone were associated with an increased risk of recurrence of breast cancer. The female sex hormones, oestradiol and sex hormone binding globulin were not associated with breast cancer recurrence. Blood sugar levels and insulin resistance were not associated with breast cancer recurrence. There were certain growth factors, which are molecules responsible for stimulating cellular processes, that were responsible for an increased chance of recurrence of breast cancer and insulin-like growth factor and platelet derived growth factor were shown to increase risk but only when increased in combination with each other. Inconsistent results were seen with C-reactive protein, which is an inflammatory marker. It was concluded that testosterone may be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer recurrence, however the evidence from the other blood factor was unreliable due to poor quality trials. More trials are needed to investigate these factors further. This study could be used by healthcare professionals to understand that weight loss is the key to the prevention of recurrence of breast cancer in those who are overweight and that testosterone levels could be used to identify those who are at an increased risk.
Abstract
Obesity plays an important role in the development and progression of breast cancer via various oncogenic pathways. However, the biological mechanisms underlying this relationship are not fully understood. Moreover, it is unclear whether obesity-related and further associated biomarkers could be suitable targets for lifestyle interventions. This systematic review was conducted to examine relationships between obesity-related blood parameters and prognosis for breast cancer survivors enrolled in lifestyle intervention studies. A systematic, computerized literature search was conducted from inception through August 26th, 2020 in PubMed, EMBASE, and CENTRAL. The focus was on observational data from randomized controlled lifestyle intervention trials investigating associations between selected baseline biomarkers, measured in remission, and breast cancer recurrence, breast cancer mortality and/or all-cause mortality. Four studies with data from 5234 women met the inclusion criteria.Studies herein provide moderate evidence that bioavailable or serum testosterone may be positively linked to breast cancer recurrence and inversely linked to disease-free survival. Limited evidence suggests no associations with circulating estradiol or insulin levels on prognosis outcomes, whereas HDL cholesterol was inversely associated with breast cancer recurrence. For some other biomarkers, such as growth factors, adipokines, and CRP, the evidence for associations with disease prognosis was too weak to draw conclusions.Overall, despite potential candidates, there is insufficient evidence to confirm or refute that obesity-related biomarkers and sex hormones have a prognostic value for breast cancer survival. More longitudinal studies in breast cancer survivors to examine the clinical utility of obesity-related biomarkers are needed.
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Impact of 18-Month Soy Protein Supplementation on Steroid Hormones and Serum Biomarkers of Angiogenesis, Apoptosis, and the Growth Hormone/IGF-1 Axis: Results of a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial in Males Following Prostatectomy.
Bosland, MC, Huang, J, Schlicht, MJ, Enk, E, Xie, H, Kato, I
Nutrition and cancer. 2022;74(1):110-121
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Studies focusing on the effect of soy on risk for breast cancer are extensive, however there is very little research assessing its affects in men with prostate cancer. This post-hoc analysis of individuals enrolled in a randomised control trial looking at individuals on a soy protein isolate or milk protein placebo aimed to determine if soy had any effect on prostate cancer. The results showed that both circulating testosterone and its carrier molecule, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), were both decreased in individuals consuming the soy protein. All other hormones and measures related to cancer cell death and growth remained unaffected. It was concluded that 18 months of consumption of soy protein isolate reduced circulating testosterone and SHBG but had little effect on other measures related to cancer development. This study could be used by healthcare professionals that a diet high in soy may have limited effect on prostate cancer.
Abstract
Many studies have addressed the effects of dietary supplementation with soy protein on cancer risk and mortality, but there are only few randomized studies with soy in males. We used serum samples from a two-year trial of soy protein isolate supplementation in middle-aged to older males at risk of recurrence of prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy to determine soy effects on steroid hormones involved in prostate cancer (testosterone, SHBG, and estradiol) and explore the effects on biomarkers of the growth hormone/IGF-1 axis, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. Compared with a casein-based placebo, 18 mo, of consumption of 19.2 g/day of whole soy protein isolate containing 24 mg genistein-reduced circulating testosterone and SHBG, but not free testosterone, and did not affect serum concentrations of estradiol, VEGF, IGF-1, IGFBP-3, IGF-1/IGFBP-3 ratio, soluble Fas, Fas-ligand, and sFas/Fas-ligand ratio. Thus, soy protein supplementation for 18 mo, affected the androgen axis, but the effects on other cancer biomarkers remain to be more definitively determined. The study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT00765479).
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Gut Health & Sex with Miguel Toribio-Mateas
Daniel O'Shaughnessy is the host of the Naked Nutrition, the LGBTQ+ and Health and Well-being Podcast. He is a BANT Nutritionist and certified Functional Medicine Practitioner. In this episode, he talks to Miguel Toribio-Mateas who is a Clinical Neuroscientist and a Gut Health Expert.
2021
Abstract
In this episode, Daniel and Miguel talk about all things gut health and LGBTQ+ community-related; and about how much stress, anxiety, and dietary choices can affect the gut and manifest in a different number of ways (IBS included). Miguel gives useful tips to help to reduce the stress load that is often associated with (the idea of having) sex, by addressing dietary choices and lifestyle factors.
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Peri-menopause and the menopause: Nutrition and lifestyle considerations with DKFITNUT – The Female Health Podcast
This podcast is dedicated to all things about female health: from menstrual cycles to PCOS, reproductive hormones, the contraceptive pill, acne and much more. You can find useful resources and insights on how to empower yourself to regain control of your hormones and health using a variety of tools, including nutrition and lifestyle changes.
2021
Abstract
In this episode of the female health podcast Mary-Jo is joined by nutritionist and fitness instructor Deirdre Kelly. Together they talk about the menopause: what it is, the main symptoms, perimenopause and when this can start, what you can do nutrition wise, what exercises you can do, what supplements are recommended, HRT, and sex drive.
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Menopause-Associated Lipid Metabolic Disorders and Foods Beneficial for Postmenopausal Women.
Ko, SH, Kim, HS
Nutrients. 2020;12(1)
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Menopause is the absence of menstruation due to the loss of ovarian activity with ageing. During this transition period, changes in hormones, primarily the decline in the oestrogen estradiol, give rise to altered lipid metabolism. An unfavourable lipid profile presents a risk for metabolic disorders, such as cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. Post-menopausal changes also lead to shifts in body fat and fat distribution, resulting in an increased tendency for central fat accumulation and obesity. Obesity is associated with insulin resistance. This susceptibility for weight accumulation is possibly also driven by the age-associated decline in skeletal muscle, which reduces metabolic energy expenditure. This review summarizes the physiology of menopause and postmenopause and the consequential impact on lipid metabolism. In addition, there is a discussion of dietary recommendations, nutritional and plant-derived compounds that could support the management of menopause associated changes in lipid levels, metabolic risk factors and obesity. The recommendations discussed include traditional healthy diets and low-calorie diets, with attention drawn to adequate protein intake. Furthermore, the role of probiotics, nutritional and plant-sourced constituents are considered, including Vitamin D, Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants like Vitamin A, β-carotene, Vitamin C and E, genistein, resveratrol, flavonoids, indoles and capsaicin. The authors advocate sourcing these compounds from a varied whole-foods diet, which would minimize nutrient interactions and absorption issues that can occur with supplementation. This review may be of interest to those supporting the nutritional needs of menopausal and post-menopausal women, that are experiencing or are at risk of experiencing metabolic disorders.
Abstract
Menopause is clinically diagnosed as a condition when a woman has not menstruated for one year. During the menopausal transition period, there is an emergence of various lipid metabolic disorders due to hormonal changes, such as decreased levels of estrogens and increased levels of circulating androgens; these may lead to the development of metabolic syndromes including cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. Dysregulation of lipid metabolism affects the body fat mass, fat-free mass, fatty acid metabolism, and various aspects of energy metabolism, such as basal metabolic ratio, adiposity, and obesity. Moreover, menopause is also associated with alterations in the levels of various lipids circulating in the blood, such as lipoproteins, apolipoproteins, low-density lipoproteins (LDLs), high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and triacylglycerol (TG). Alterations in lipid metabolism and excessive adipose tissue play a key role in the synthesis of excess fatty acids, adipocytokines, proinflammatory cytokines, and reactive oxygen species, which cause lipid peroxidation and result in the development of insulin resistance, abdominal adiposity, and dyslipidemia. This review discusses dietary recommendations and beneficial compounds, such as vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, phytochemicals-and their food sources-to aid the management of abnormal lipid metabolism in postmenopausal women.
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Individual risk management strategy and potential therapeutic options for the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gasmi, A, Noor, S, Tippairote, T, Dadar, M, Menzel, A, Bjørklund, G
Clinical immunology (Orlando, Fla.). 2020;215:108409
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With the continuing spread of COVID-19 and lack of any approved treatments, this paper examines possible strategies for prevention. The data emerging so far highlights that individual health status plays a critical role in determining clinical severity of COVID-19 symptoms ranging from asymptomatic, mild, moderate, to death. Metabolic status, as determined by a patient’s diet, nutrition, age, sex, medical conditions, lifestyle, and environmental factors can therefore be considered preventative strategies to improve the severity of COVID-19 outcomes. Social distancing and personal hygiene are stated as the most effective strategies to prevent or slow spread of the disease. However individual health status, age and the presence of pre-existing comorbidities influences outcomes, as shown by global data highlighting a prevalence in older, males with metabolic conditions; hypertension in 23.7% patients and diabetes in 16.2% of patients. Older males appear more prone to infectious diseases with high pro-inflammatory immune responses and low adaptive immune responses than an older woman. Diet and healthy intestinal and respiratory tract microbiota may also influence immune system competence. Numerous micronutrients are essential for immunocompetence, particularly vitamin A, C, D, E, Bs, iron, selenium, and zinc. A balanced diet, high in colourful fruits and vegetables with a variation of prebiotic fibres, probiotics, and plant polyphenols and phytonutrients, help promote a healthy, diverse microbiota. Oral probiotics may also be beneficial to vulnerable individuals. Vitamin D supplementation is also proving helpful in prevention of acute respiratory tract infections. Other lifestyle factors such as smoking and exposure to environmental toxins should also be considered. Together these preventative measures may reduce personal risk of getting the disease.
Abstract
It is an ugly fact that a significant amount of the world's population will contract SARS-CoV-II infection with the current spreading. While a specific treatment is not yet coming soon, individual risk assessment and management strategies are crucial. The individual preventive and protective measures drive the personal risk of getting the disease. Among the virus-contracted hosts, their different metabolic status, as determined by their diet, nutrition, age, sex, medical conditions, lifestyle, and environmental factors, govern the personal fate toward different clinical severity of COVID-19, from asymptomatic, mild, moderate, to death. The careful individual assessment for the possible dietary, nutritional, medical, lifestyle, and environmental risks, together with the proper relevant risk management strategies, is the sensible way to deal with the pandemic of SARS-CoV-II.
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Randomized trial of weight loss in primary breast cancer: Impact on body composition, circulating biomarkers and tumor characteristics.
Demark-Wahnefried, W, Rogers, LQ, Gibson, JT, Harada, S, Frugé, AD, Oster, RA, Grizzle, WE, Norian, LA, Yang, ES, Della Manna, D, et al
International journal of cancer. 2020;146(10):2784-2796
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Obesity directly impacts survival in individuals with breast cancer. Previous studies in animals and at the cellular level have shown that calorie restriction and increased physical activity to achieve a negative energy balance may inhibit cancer progression, however effects in patients are unknown. This randomised control trial aimed to determine the impact of a pre surgery weight loss programme in 32 women with breast cancer on tumour biology and other markers of disease. The results were mixed and showed that proteins which bind to hormones involved in breast cancer were increased, which could decrease severity of disease. However, tumour biology was negatively affected; specific genes involved in breast cancer progression were increased and those involved in tumour suppression were decreased. Although this did result in no net effect on the rate at which new tumours were formed. It was concluded that although the study showed mixed results, ultimately the rate at which new tumours were formed remained unaffected. This trial could be used by healthcare professionals to understand that the role of negative energy intake in breast cancer development is complicated and warrants further research.
Abstract
Obesity adversely impacts overall and cancer-specific survival among breast cancer patients. Preclinical studies demonstrate negative energy balance inhibits cancer progression; however, feasibility and effects in patients are unknown. A two-arm, single-blinded, randomized controlled weight-loss trial was undertaken presurgery among 32 overweight/obese, Stage 0-II breast cancer patients. The attention control arm (AC) received basic nutritional counseling and upper-body progressive resistance training whereas the weight loss intervention (WLI) arm received identical guidance, plus counseling on caloric restriction and aerobic exercise to promote 0.68-0.92 kg/week weight loss. Anthropometrics, body composition, blood and survey data were collected at baseline and presurgery ∼30 days later. Tumor markers (e.g., Ki67) and gene expression were assessed on biopsy and surgical specimens; sera were analyzed for cytokines, growth and metabolic factors. Significant WLI vs. AC differences were seen in baseline-to-follow-up changes in weight (-3.62 vs. -0.52 kg), %body fat (-1.3 vs. 0%), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (+224 vs. +115 min/week), caloric density (-0.3 vs. 0 kcal/g), serum leptin (-12.3 vs. -4.0 ng/dl) and upregulation of tumor PI3Kinase signaling and cell cycle-apoptosis related genes (CC-ARG; all p-values <0.05). Cytolytic CD56dim NK cell expression was positively associated with weight loss; CC-ARG increased with physical activity. Increased tumor (nuclear) TNFα and IL-1β, CX3CL1 and CXCL1 gene expression was observed in the WLI. Tumor Ki67 did not differ between arms. Feasibility benchmarks included 80% accrual, 100% retention, no adverse effects and excellent adherence. Short-term weight loss interventions are feasible; however, mixed effects on tumor biology suggest unclear benefit to presurgical caloric restriction, but possible benefits of physical activity.
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A Biopsychosocial Model of Sex Differences in Children's Eating Behaviors.
Keller, KL, Kling, SMR, Fuchs, B, Pearce, AL, Reigh, NA, Masterson, T, Hickok, K
Nutrients. 2019;11(3)
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This paper discusses the role of sex on children’s appetite and responses to food cues. The review flips the question of whether the variations in obesity and eating disorders seen by biological sex are actually influenced by, and to what extent, by sex eg. is sex the determining factor for differing responses? It specifically reviews behaviours in children aged 11 years and younger, avoiding adolescence (the typical age when differences in eating patterns occur), to understand if these differences are correlated with sex, given the high incidence of female eating disorders. The researchers reviewed specific traits including food acceptance, food intake, picky eating, appetitive traits, eating compensation, eating in the absence of hunger, and meal-specific microstructural patterns (e.g., bite rate and eating speed). They found that girls typically like a wider variety of foods than boys and had a greater preference for plant foods whilst boys typically preferred meats and foods higher in fats and sugar. No sex differences were found for picky eating. Boys were found to have greater enjoyment for eating, with girls showing more food avoidance traits, however this may be from parental strategies reinforcing this behaviour in girls. Boys are more readily satiated and better able to regulate their food and drink intake than girls. Yet boys are also more likely to eat in the absence of hunger and have a faster eating rate and larger bite size. The paper concludes that the studies reviewed are suggestive of male–female differences in food liking and intake, appetitive traits, self-regulatory eating, and meal-related microstructure.
Abstract
The prevalence of obesity and eating disorders varies by sex, but the extent to which sex influences eating behaviors, especially in childhood, has received less attention. The purpose of this paper is to critically discuss the literature on sex differences in eating behavior in children and present new findings supporting the role of sex in child appetitive traits and neural responses to food cues. In children, the literature shows sex differences in food acceptance, food intake, appetitive traits, eating-related compensation, and eating speed. New analyses demonstrate that sex interacts with child weight status to differentially influence appetitive traits. Further, results from neuroimaging suggest that obesity in female children is positively related to neural reactivity to higher-energy-dense food cues in regions involved with contextual processing and object recognition, while the opposite was found in males. In addition to differences in how the brain processes information about food, other factors that may contribute to sex differences include parental feeding practices, societal emphasis on dieting, and peer influences. Future studies are needed to confirm these findings, as they may have implications for the development of effective intervention programs to improve dietary behaviors and prevent obesity.