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Prevention of adolescent obesity: The global picture and an indian perspective.
Srivastav, P, Broadbent, S, K, V, Nayak, B, Bhat, HV
Diabetes & metabolic syndrome. 2020;(5):1195-1204
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Adolescent obesity is an increasing health burden with a growing prevalence in low- and middle-income countries. The aim of this review is to assess and compare current best practice obesity prevention interventions for adolescents in developed nations and in India METHODS Medline (PubMed), CINAHL, Scopus and Google Scholar electronic databases from 2000 to 2020 were searched using the key terms obesity, overweight, child and adolescent obesity, child and adolescent overweight, interventions for childhood and adolescent obesity and dietary interventions for adolescents, developed countries, and India. RESULTS Developed nations worldwide have formed and implemented policies and programs at national and local levels to attempt to minimize and manage adolescent obesity. In 2019, scientific and government consultation groups in India have recommended national cross-sectoral structures to action interventions to restrict high-fat food intake, increase physical activity in children and adolescents and to link current research and school-based interventions in a national framework. CONCLUSIONS Obesity is a multifactorial problem, and multimodal interventions involving all Indian stakeholders, combined with government policy reform, are urgently needed.
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β-Glucan Metabolic and Immunomodulatory Properties and Potential for Clinical Application.
Murphy, EJ, Rezoagli, E, Major, I, Rowan, NJ, Laffey, JG
Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland). 2020;(4)
Abstract
β-glucans are complex polysaccharides that are found in several plants and foods, including mushrooms. β-glucans display an array of potentially therapeutic properties. β-glucans have metabolic and gastro-intestinal effects, modulating the gut microbiome, altering lipid and glucose metabolism, reducing cholesterol, leading to their investigation as potential therapies for metabolic syndrome, obesity and diet regulation, gastrointestinal conditions such as irritable bowel, and to reduce cardiovascular and diabetes risk. β-glucans also have immune-modulating effects, leading to their investigation as adjuvant agents for cancers (solid and haematological malignancies), for immune-mediated conditions (e.g., allergic rhinitis, respiratory infections), and to enhance wound healing. The therapeutic potential of β-glucans is evidenced by the fact that two glucan isolates were licensed as drugs in Japan as immune-adjuvant therapy for cancer in 1980. Significant challenges exist to further clinical testing and translation of β-glucans. The diverse range of conditions for which β-glucans are in clinical testing underlines the incomplete understanding of the diverse mechanisms of action of β-glucans, a key knowledge gap. Furthermore, important differences appear to exist in the effects of apparently similar β-glucan preparations, which may be due to differences in sources and extraction procedures, another poorly understood issue. This review will describe the biology, potential mechanisms of action and key therapeutic targets being investigated in clinical trials of β-glucans and identify and discuss the key challenges to successful translation of this intriguing potential therapeutic.
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Ramadan intermittent fasting and immunity: An important topic in the era of COVID-19.
Faris, MAE, Salem, ML, Jahrami, HA, Madkour, MI, BaHammam, AS
Annals of thoracic medicine. 2020;(3):125-133
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Abstract
WITH the growing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-related coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection, a parallel growing interest arose concerning potential preventive and adjunct therapies, dietary and lifestyle modifications, and remedies that may boost the immunity against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Furthermore, as Ramadan intermittent religious fasting that is practiced by about one and a half billion Muslims throughout the globe is coincide this year with COVID-19 pandemic, a growing debate rose concerning the expected impact of fasting during Ramadan month and the associated dietary and lifestyle behaviors on the body's immunity against the pandemic infection. Published literature was searched to find out how intermittent fasting (IF) and its model of Ramadan affect the various aspects related to the body's immunity against microbial infections. IF was found to impact immunity by changing different related elements, including oxidative stress and inflammation, metabolism, body weight, and body composition. Dietary and lifestyle modifications during Ramadan month and their impact on immunity, such as water intake and hydration status, sleep duration and timing, caloric intake and mealtime, and social and spirtual activities, were addressed. Further research is warranted to figure out how IF during ramadan affects immunity against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in drivers: A meta-analysis and systematic review.
Soltaninejad, M, Yarmohammadi, H, Madrese, E, Khaleghi, S, Poursadeqiyan, M, Aminizadeh, M, Saberinia, A
Work (Reading, Mass.). 2020;(4):829-835
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metabolic syndrome is an increasing disorder, especially in night workers. Drivers are considered to work during 24 hours a day. Because of job characteristics such as stress, low mobility and long working hours, they are at risk of a metabolic syndrome disorder. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study is a meta-analysis and systematic review of the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in drivers. METHODS In this systematic review, articles were extracted from national and international databases: Scientific Information Database (SID), Iran Medex, Mag Iran, Google Scholar, Science Direct, PubMed, ProQuest, and Scopus. Data analysis was performed using meta-analysis and systematic review (random effect model). The calculation of heterogeneity was carried out using the I2 index and Cochran's Q test. All statistical analyses were performed using STATA software version 11. RESULTS A total of nine articles related to the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in drivers in different regions of the world from 2008 to 2016 were obtained. The total sample size studied was 26156 with an average of 2906 samples per study. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in drivers was 34% (95% CI: 30-37)CONCLUSIONSAccording to the results of this study, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in drivers is high. Occupational stress, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity cannot be cited as causes of metabolic syndrome prevalence in drivers. Therefore, to maintain and to improve the health of this group, the implementation of preventive, therapeutic and rehabilitation measures for these people as well as training should be considered.
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What about glucocorticoids in primary Sjögren's syndrome?
Priori, R, Mastromanno, L, Izzo, R
Clinical and experimental rheumatology. 2020;(4):237-244
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are involved in several physiological processes such as metabolism, water and electrolyte balance, growth, cardiovascular and cognitive functions, reproduction. Furthermore, they exert different effects on innate and adaptive immune cells. Due to their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive functions, these drugs are largely used for the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. In comparison to other autoimmune rheumatic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), to date no reliable evidence is available for the use of systemic GCs in Sjögren's syndrome (SS), which is still based on case reports, case studies, retrospective or prospective studies and a small number of randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Despite this gap in our knowledge, GCs are commonly used in SS for glandular, joint, cutaneous, lung, haematological, renal, neurological involvement. More recently, some sets of recommendations for the management of SS have provided a few pieces of advice regarding the use of GCs in this condition. Future studies should not neglect the role of GCs, as this traditional therapeutic weapon can still have a role in the management of SS. Accordingly, this review will address and discuss the use of systemic GCs in isolated or primary SS.
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The potential health benefits of the isoflavone glycoside genistin.
Islam, A, Islam, MS, Uddin, MN, Hasan, MMI, Akanda, MR
Archives of pharmacal research. 2020;(4):395-408
Abstract
Genistin is a type of isoflavone glycoside and has a broad range of health benefits. It is found in a variety of dietary plants, such as soybean, kudzu (Japanese arrowroot), and other plant-based products. Genistin has been described to have several beneficial health impacts, such as decreasing the risk of osteoporosis and post-menopausal symptoms, as well as anti-cancer, anti-oxidative, cardioprotective, anti-apoptotic, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, and anti-microbial activities. It may also assist individuals with metabolic syndrome. This review summarizes some of the molecular impacts and prospective roles of genistin in maintaining and treatment of health disorders. The review could help to develop novel genistin medicine with significant health benefits for application in the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical fields.
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Does intestinal dysbiosis contribute to an aberrant inflammatory response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in frail patients?
Terruzzi, I, Senesi, P
Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.). 2020;:110996
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Abstract
In a few months, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has become the main health problem worldwide. Epidemiologic studies revealed that populations have different vulnerabilities to SARS-CoV-2. Severe outcomes of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with an increased risk of death are observed in patients with metabolic syndrome, as well as diabetic and heart conditions (frail population). Excessive proinflammatory cytokine storm could be the main cause of increased vulnerability in this frail population. In patients with diabetes and/or heart disease, a low inflammatory state is often associated with gut dysbiosis. The increase amount of microbial metabolites (i.e., trimethylamine N-oxide and lipopolysaccharide), which generate an inflammatory microenvironment, is probably associated with an improved risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Nutritional interventions aimed at restoring the gut microbial balance could represent preventive strategies to protect the frail population from COVID-19. This narrative review presents the possible molecular mechanisms by which intestinal dysbiosis that enhances the inflammatory state could promote the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Some nutritional strategies to counteract inflammation in frail patients are also analyzed.
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Periodic and Intermittent Fasting in Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease.
Crupi, AN, Haase, J, Brandhorst, S, Longo, VD
Current diabetes reports. 2020;(12):83
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of death globally. Nutrition plays a central role in CVD risk by affecting aging, adiposity, glycemia, blood pressure, cholesterol, inflammation, and other risk factors and can affect CVD risk not only based on calorie intake and dietary composition but also the timing and range of meals. This review evaluates the effects of fasting, fasting-mimicking diets, and time-restricted eating on the reduction of CVD risk factors and provides initial data on their potential to serve as CVD prevention and treatment therapies. RECENT FINDINGS Intermittent fasting (IF), time-restricted eating (TRE), prolonged fasting (PF), and fasting-mimicking diets (FMD) show promise in the reduction of CVD risk factors. Results on IF, TRE, PF, and FMD on CVD risk factors are significant and often independent of weight loss, yet long-term studies on their effect on CVD are still lacking. Coupling periodic and prolonged, or intermittent and more frequent cycles of fasting or fasting-mimicking diets, designed to maximize compliance and minimize side effects, has the potential to play a central role in the prevention and treatment of CVD and metabolic syndrome.
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The potential role of sesquiterpene lactones isolated from medicinal plants in the treatment of the metabolic syndrome - A review.
Salazar-Gómez, A, Ontiveros-Rodríguez, JC, Pablo-Pérez, SS, Vargas-Díaz, ME, Garduño-Siciliano, L
South African journal of botany : official journal of the South African Association of Botanists = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir plantkunde : amptelike tydskrif van die Suid-Afrikaanse Genootskap van Plantkundiges. 2020;:240-251
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome comprises a cluster of metabolic disorders related to the development of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. In latter years, plant secondary metabolites have become of special interest because of their potential role in preventing and managing metabolic syndrome. Sesquiterpene lactones constitute a large and diverse group of biologically active compounds widely distributed in several medicinal plants used for the treatment of metabolic disorders. The structural diversity and the broad spectrum of biological activities of these compounds drew significant interests in the pharmacological applications. This review describes selected sesquiterpene lactones that have been experimentally validated for their biological activities related to risk factors of metabolic syndrome, together with their mechanisms of action. The potential beneficial effects of sesquiterpene lactones discussed in this review demonstrate that these substances represent remarkable compounds with a diversity of molecular structure and high biological activity, providing new insights into the possible role in metabolic syndrome management.
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Beyond the CNS: The many peripheral roles of APOE.
Martínez-Martínez, AB, Torres-Perez, E, Devanney, N, Del Moral, R, Johnson, LA, Arbones-Mainar, JM
Neurobiology of disease. 2020;:104809
Abstract
Apolipoprotein E (APOE) is a multifunctional protein synthesized and secreted by multiple mammalian tissues. Although hepatocytes contribute about 75% of the peripheral pool, APOE can also be expressed in adipose tissue, the kidney, and the adrenal glands, among other tissues. High levels of APOE production also occur in the brain, where it is primarily synthesized by glia, and peripheral and brain APOE pools are thought to be distinct. In humans, APOE is polymorphic, with three major alleles (ε2, ε3, and ε4). These allelic forms dramatically alter APOE structure and function. Historically, the vast majority of research on APOE has centered on the important role it plays in modulating risk for cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer's disease. However, the established effects of this pleiotropic protein extend well beyond these two critical health challenges, with demonstrated roles across a wide spectrum of biological conditions, including adipose tissue function and obesity, metabolic syndrome and diabetes, fertility and longevity, and immune function. While the spectrum of biological systems in which APOE plays a role seems implausibly wide at first glance, there are some potential unifying mechanisms that could tie these seemingly disparate disorders together. In the current review, we aim to concisely summarize a wide breadth of APOE-associated pathologies and to analyze the influence of APOE in the development of several distinct disorders in order to provide insight into potential shared mechanisms implied in these various pathophysiological processes.