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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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Integrated Network Pharmacology Analysis and Experimental Validation to Reveal the Mechanism of Anti-Insulin Resistance Effects of Moringa oleifera Seeds.
Huang, Q, Liu, R, Liu, J, Huang, Q, Liu, S, Jiang, Y
Drug design, development and therapy. 2020;:4069-4084
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Insulin resistance (IR) is one of the factors that results in metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus and different aspects of cardiovascular diseases. Moringa oleifera seeds (MOS), traditionally used as an antidiabetic food and traditional medicine in tropical Asia and Africa, have exhibited potential effects in improving IR. To systematically explore the pharmacological mechanism of the anti-IR effects of MOS, we adopted a network pharmacology approach at the molecular level. METHODS By incorporating compound screening and target prediction, a feasible compound-target-pathway network pharmacology model was established to systematically predict the potential active components and mechanisms of the anti-IR effects of MOS. Biological methods were then used to verify the results of the network pharmacology analysis. RESULTS Our comprehensive systematic approach successfully identified 32 bioactive compounds in MOS and 44 potential targets of these compounds related to IR, as well as 37 potential pathways related to IR. Moreover, the network pharmacology analysis revealed that glycosidic isothiocyanates and glycosidic benzylamines were the major active components that improved IR by acting on key targets, such as SRC, PTPN1, and CASP3, which were involved in inflammatory responses and insulin-related pathways. Further biological research demonstrated that the anti-IR effects of MOS were mediated by increasing glucose uptake and modulating the expression of SRC and PTPN1. CONCLUSION Our study successfully predicts the active ingredients and potential targets of MOS for improving IR and helps to illustrate mechanism of action at a systemic level. This study not only provides new insights into the chemical basis and pharmacology of MOS but also demonstrates a feasible method for discovering potential drugs from traditional medicines.
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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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Pre-meal protein intake alters postprandial plasma metabolome in subjects with metabolic syndrome.
Pekmez, CT, Bjørnshave, A, Pratico, G, Hermansen, K, Dragsted, LO
European journal of nutrition. 2020;(5):1881-1894
Abstract
PURPOSE We examined the effect on the postprandial plasma metabolome of protein pre-meals before a fat-rich main meal. METHODS Two randomized, cross-over meal studies were conducted to test the dose-response effect (0 g, 10 g, 20 g) of a pre-meal with whey protein (WP) (PREMEAL I), and the effect of protein quality (10 g WP, casein, or gluten) and timing (- 15 min vs - 30 min) of the pre-meal (PREMEAL II). Participants with metabolic syndrome received one of the test meals on each test day, - 15 min (or - 30 min) prior to a standardized fat-rich breakfast. Plasma samples were collected at - 15 min (or - 30 min), 0, 120, 240 a nd 360 min and analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry with an untargeted method. RESULTS Pre-meal WP intake elevated plasma branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), aromatic amino acids and methionine and decreased plasma LPC (16:0) and PC (32:1) levels before the main meal. Early (- 15 to 0 min) aromatic amino acids and BCAA in response to pre-meal WP partially predict the glucose and insulin response after the main meal. A pre-meal with WP altered the postprandial plasma metabolic pattern of acyl-carnitines, specific PCs, LPCs and LPEs, betaine, citric acid, linoleic acid, and β-hydroxypalmitic acid compared to no pre-meal. The casein and WP pre-meals exhibited similar postprandial amino acid responses whereas a pre-meal with gluten resulted in lower levels of plasma amino acids and its metabolites. CONCLUSION A pre-meal with protein affects the postprandial metabolic pattern indicating facilitated glucose and lipid disposal from plasma in participants with metabolic syndrome.
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Rationale and study design for lifestyle intervention in preparation for pregnancy (LIPP): A randomized controlled trial.
Erickson, ML, Mey, JT, Axelrod, CL, Paul, D, Gordesky, L, Russell, K, Barkoukis, H, O'Tierney-Ginn, P, Fielding, RA, Kirwan, JP, et al
Contemporary clinical trials. 2020;:106024
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Maternal obesity increases neonatal risk for obesity and metabolic syndrome later in life. Prior attempts to break this intergenerational obesity cycle by limiting excessive gestational weight gain have failed to reduce neonatal adiposity. Alternatively, pre-conception lifestyle interventions may improve the in utero metabolic milieu during early pregnancy leading to improved fetal outcomes. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) is evaluating whether a lifestyle intervention to reduce weight and improve maternal metabolism in preparation for pregnancy (LIPP) attenuates neonatal adiposity, compared to standard medical advice. MATERIAL AND METHODS Overweight/class 1 obese women after a previous pregnancy, ~12 weeks postpartum, preparing for a subsequent pregnancy, will be block randomized (1:1) to either LIPP or standard of care in a parallel design. Randomization is stratified by lactation status and overweight vs. class 1 obesity. The LIPP program consists of intensive short-term weight loss followed by weight maintenance until conception using supervised exercise and a low glycemic Mediterranean diet. PRIMARY OUTCOMES Group differences in neonatal adiposity at birth assessed by PEA POD and placental mitochondrial lipid metabolism. SECONDARY OUTCOMES Group differences in maternal pregravid and gestational body composition, insulin sensitivity, β-cell function, fasting metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers, and overall quality of life. Exploratory outcomes include umbilical cord blood insulin resistance, lipid profile and inflammation. DISCUSSION This RCT will determine the efficacy of maternal weight loss prior to pregnancy on reducing neonatal adiposity. Findings may change standard obstetrical care by providing Level 1 evidence on lifestyle interventions improving neonatal outcomes for women planning for pregnancy. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT03146156.
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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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Mindfulnes-Based Stress Reduction for Older Couples with Metabolic Syndrome: a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.
Monin, JK, Sperduto, CM, Manigault, AW, Dutton, A, Ali, A, Clark, MS, Jastreboff, AM
Mindfulness. 2020;(4):917-927
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We examined the feasibility and explored the physical, psychological, relational, and biological effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), an 8-week standardized mindfulness program, involving older married couples (60 years or older) with metabolic syndrome (one or both partners had metabolic syndrome). We also explored gender differences. METHODS A pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) compared MBSR to a Wait List Control (WLC) arm at baseline, post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up clinic visits. Twenty-two spouses (11 couples) self-reported stress, physical and mental functioning, mindfulness, and relationship satisfaction at each time point. Fasting glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure, weight, and waist circumference were measured. MBSR couples answered questions about partner influences on participation, adherence, and practice at the post-intervention visit. RESULTS In terms of adherence to MBSR sessions, four of the six couples attended all 10 sessions; one couple attended 7; and one wife attended 6 and her husband attended 5 sessions. In terms of efficacy, there were no significant intervention effects; however, there were significant gender by intervention effects. Pre- to post-intervention, MBSR wives displayed greater increases in physical functioning (β = 1.18, t(36) = 3.17, p = .003) and relationship satisfaction (β = .72, t(36) = 2.81, p = .007) than WLC wives. Effects for husbands were not significant. Qualitatively, participants reported encouragement and increased relationship closeness. CONCLUSIONS Engaging in MBSR as a couple to address symptoms of metabolic syndrome was well-received and feasible. Preliminary effects suggest more benefits for wives than husbands in terms of physical functioning and relational well-being.
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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.