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Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. Although drugs focusing on reducing amyloid β slow progression, they fail to improve cognitive function. Deficits in glucose metabolism are reflected in FDG-PET and parallel the neurodegeneration and synaptic marker loss closely preceding cognitive decline, but the role of metabolic deficits as a cause or consequence of neurodegeneration is unclear. Pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) is lost in AD and an important enzyme connecting glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle by converting pyruvate into acetyl-CoA. It is negatively regulated by pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDHK) through phosphorylation. Methods: In the present study, we assessed the in vitro/ in vivo pharmacological profile of the novel PDHK inhibitor that we discovered, Compound A. We also assessed the effects of Compound A on AD-related phenotypes including neuron loss and cognitive impairment using 5xFAD model mice. Results: Compound A inhibited human PDHK1, 2 and 3 but had no inhibitory activity on PDHK4. In primary neurons, Compound A enhanced pyruvate and lactate utilization, but did not change glucose levels. In contrast, in primary astrocytes, Compound A enhanced pyruvate and glucose utilization and enhanced lactate production. In an efficacy study using 5xFAD mice, Compound A ameliorated the cognitive dysfunction in the novel object recognition test and Morris water maze. Moreover, Compound A prevented neuron loss in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex of 5xFAD without affecting amyloid β deposits. Conclusions: These results suggest ameliorating metabolic deficits by activating PDH by Compound A can limit neurodegeneration and is a promising therapeutic strategy for treating AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive fat deposition leads to obesity and cardiovascular diseases with abnormal metabolism. Pantothenic acid (PA) is a major B vitamin required for energy metabolism. However, the effect of PA on lipid metabolism and obesity has not been explored. We investigated the effects and molecular mechanism of PA on fat accumulation as well as the influence of adipogenic marker genes in both adult male mice and primary adipocytes. First, we demonstrated that PA attenuates weight gain in mice fed high-fat diet (HFD). Besides, PA supplementation substantially improved glucose tolerance and lipid metabolic disorder in obese mice. Furthermore, PA significantly inhibited white adipose tissue (WAT) deposition as well as fat droplets visualized by magnification in both chow and HFD group. More importantly, PA obviously suppressed the mRNA levels of CD36, IL-6, and TNF-α to alleviate inflammation and reduced the levels of PPARγ, aP2, and C/EBPα genes that are related to lipid metabolism in inguinal white adipose tissue (ing-WAT) and epididymal white adipose tissue (ei-WAT). In vitro, PA supplementation showed a lower lipid droplet aggregation as well as reduced expression levels of adipogentic genes. Finally, we identified that PA inhibits the phosphorylation levels of p38 and JNK in murine primary adipocytes. Collectively, our data demonstrated for the first time that PA attenuates lipid metabolic disorder as well as fat deposition by JNK/p38 MAPK signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document, titled "New Insights into Adipose Tissue Metabolic Function and Dysfunction, 2nd Edition," provides an overview of the different types of adipose tissue and their roles in energy storage, thermogenesis, and endocrine signaling. It discusses the unique characteristics of white, brown, and beige adipocytes, as well as their potential to transdifferentiate into other cell types. The document also explores the impact of adipose tissue dysfunction on metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Additionally, it highlights the effects of factors such as age-related adipose tissue senescence, intermittent cold exposure, exposure to particulate matter, COVID-19 infection, and the consumption of purine nucleotide Inosine 5′-monophosphate (IMP) on adipose tissue and metabolic health. The document concludes by discussing new therapeutic approaches, including gene therapy, cell-based treatments, and the use of carotenoid-rich nanoparticles, for treating obesity and its associated conditions. [Extracted from the article]

The interplay between asthma and glucose metabolism disorders, such as hyperglycemia, has gained increasing attention due to the potential exacerbation of asthma symptoms and severity. This review explores the complex relationship between hyperglycemia and asthma, emphasizing the pathophysiological links, the impact of glucose metabolism disorders on asthma, and the effects of asthma medications on glucose levels. Hyperglycemia, often induced by asthma treatments like corticosteroids, has been associated with an increased risk of asthma exacerbations. This review delves into the pathophysiology underlying this association, highlighting the role of insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and obesity in both the development and management of asthma. Metabolic syndrome, characterized by abdominal obesity and hyperglycemia, independently increases the risk of worsening respiratory symptoms and asthma. Furthermore, this review examines the influence of various antidiabetic medications on asthma outcomes. Biguanides, like metformin, have shown promise in improving asthma outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and asthma. However, other medications have mixed results regarding their impact on asthma control and lung function. Considering these findings, this review advocates for further research into the role of metabolic pathways in asthma management. It calls for comparative studies and the inclusion of asthma-related outcomes in clinical trials of antidiabetic drugs to better understand their potential benefits for individuals with obesity and concurrent asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Disorders of glucose metabolism in children with obesity are less common than in adults. There is also evidence that they may be transient. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalences of impaired fasting glucose (IFG), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) and its reversibility in pediatric patients with obesity and to define the factors determining the reversibility of prediabetes or progression to diabetes. Methods: Retrospective analysis included of young patients with obesity. Patients presented and were treated between 2000-2022 at a single center. Results: The study included 573 (316 girls; 55.15%) Caucasian patients with median body mass index (BMI) Z-score of 3.95 (range 2.0-9.9) and median age 13.9 (2.9-17.1) years old. OGTT results were normal in 90.8% (n=520) and signs of prediabetes occurred in 9.2% (n=53); IFG 17%, IGT 88.7%, DM 0%. Among those who underwent OGTT twice (n=53), impaired glucose regulation was present in 9.3% (n=5) (IFG 40%, IGT 80%, DM 0%) at baseline and in 14.8% subject (n=8) (IFG 25%, IGT 50%, DM 25%) at follow-up after lifestyle modification only. After 12-36 months of follow up, in those with a history of IGT, 60% reverted to normal glucose tolerance, while IFG and IGT persisted in 20% and 20%, respectively, and none progressed to DM. The risk factors for progression of glucose metabolism disorders were increase of BMI Z-score, higher insulin levels and elevated homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance. Conclusion: IFG and IGT are common in pediatric patients with obesity, while the progression to DM2 is rare. Disorders of glucose metabolism have reversible character. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Association between liver cirrhosis (LC) and glucose intolerance has been known since long. Many studies in the past have attempted to explore the correlation of glucose metabolism disorders (GMD) with the severity of LC with mixed results (some favouring i.e. higher prevalence of GMD in more severe LC; others negating). This study was conducted to shed further light on the significance of this association. Objective: This study has been carried out with the aim of studying the correlation between GMD and the severity of LC, as determined by the Child-Turcotte-Pughe (CTP) score. Methods: 100 patients with LC admitted in medical wards were studied and tested with fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2 h post-75 g oral glucose load plasma glucose (PPG), glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting plasma insulin. They were categorized based on the severity of LC into CTP A, B or C class and then patients belonging to different classes were compared for the presence of GMD and insulin resistance (IR). Conclusion: Out of 100 patients, 6, 21 and 73 were respectively found as falling under CTP class A, B and C of LC. The frequency of diabetes mellitus (DM) was found to progressively increase with worsening grade of cirrhosis (17%-A, 24%-B and 27%-C), however this was not significant (p value 0.82). The p values for IR, GMD (pre-diabetes or DM), pre-diabetes (pre-DM) were 0.629, 0.382 and 0.189 respectively. To conclude, development of GMD and IR may be independent of the severity of LC. However more studies may be required to further study this association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adzuki bean is a mature seed of the red bean leguminous plant, and people like to eat it because of its nutritious properties and moderate proportion of amino acids. Adzuki bean germination and the enrichment of GABA greatly improve the health effects of the adzuki bean. The effects of the GABA-rich adzuki bean on the expression of insulin-pathway-related genes and proteins in the liver of T2DM mice were studied via Western blotting and qPCR. The results showed that a GABA-rich adzuki bean diet could promote glycogen synthesis in the liver of T2DM mice, inhibit the activities of PEPCK and G-6-Pase, and significantly down-regulate the gene expression levels of PEPCK, G6PC and FOXO1 (p < 0.05) and the phosphorylation levels of FOXO1 and GSK3β. In addition, it can also up-regulate the expression of the AMPKα gene and down-regulate the expression of the SREBP1c gene to inhibit the synthesis of triglycerides and cholesterol in T2DM mice. Lipid accumulation in mice can alleviate glucose and lipid metabolism disorders and play an effective role in regulating blood glucose at liver tissue targets. This study suggested that the GABA-rich adzuki bean can improve hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetic mice by activating the IRS/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in the liver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of Auricularia auricula polysaccharide (AP) in the regulation of glycolipid metabolism was investigated using a high-fat-diet-induced hyperlipidemic mouse model. In a further step, its potential mechanism of action was investigated using microbiome analysis and widely targeted lipidomics. Compared to high-fat mice, dietary AP supplementation reduced body weight by 13.44%, liver index by 21.30%, epididymal fat index by 50.68%, fasting blood glucose (FBG) by 14.27%, serum total cholesterol (TC) by 20.30%, serum total triglycerides (TGs) by 23.81%, liver non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) by 20.83%, liver TGs by 20.00%, and liver malondialdehyde (MDA) by 21.05%, and increased liver glutathione oxidase (GSH-PX) activity by 52.24%, total fecal bile acid (TBA) by 46.21%, and fecal TG by 27.16%, which significantly regulated glucose and lipid metabolism. Microbiome analysis showed that AP significantly downregulated the abundance of the Desulfobacterota phylum, as well as the genii Desulfovibrio, Bilophila, and Oscillbacter in the cecum of hyperlipidemic mice, which are positively correlated with high lipid indexes, while it upregulated the abundance of the families Eubacterium_coprostanoligenes_group and Ruminococcaceae, as well as the genii Eubacterum_xylanophilum_group, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Eubacterium_siraeum_group, and Parasutterella, which were negatively correlated with high lipid indexes. In addition, AP promoted the formation of SCFAs by 119.38%. Widely targeted lipidomics analysis showed that AP intervention regulated 44 biomarkers in metabolic pathways such as sphingolipid metabolism and the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in the hyperlipidemic mice (of which 15 metabolites such as unsaturated fatty acids, phosphatidylserine, and phosphatidylethanolamine were upregulated, and 29 metabolites such as phosphatidylcholine, ceramide, carnitine, and phosphatidylinositol were downregulated), thereby correcting glucose and lipid metabolism disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The aims of this study are to analyze prevalence rates, influence, and genetic parameters (heritability, genetic, and phenotypic correlations) of mastitis (MAS), endometritis (MET), and ketosis (KET) in Chinese Holstein Cattle. Data from 37,836 dairy cows in Central China were analyzed using the logistic regression method, a mixed linear model, and an animal model (BLUP). The prevalence rates of MAS, MET, and KET were 20.04%, 10.68%, and 7.33%, respectively. MAS and MET had a negative effect on production traits. High-milk yield cows had high KET prevalence rates. MAS, MET, and KET all had negative influences on reproduction traits. The heritabilities of predispositions to MAS, MET, and KET were 0.09, 0.01, and 0.02, respectively. Mastitis (MAS), endometritis (MET), and ketosis (KET) are prevalent diseases in dairy cows that result in substantial economic losses for the dairy farming industry. This study gathered 26,014 records of the health and sickness of dairy cows and 99,102 data of reproduction from 13 Holstein dairy farms in Central China; the milk protein and milk fat content from 56,640 milk samples, as well as the pedigree data of 37,836 dairy cows were obtained. The logistic regression method was used to analyze the variations in the prevalence rates of MAS, MET, and KET among various parities; the mixed linear model was used to examine the effects of the three diseases on milk production, milk quality, and reproductive traits. DMU software (version 5.2) utilized the DMUAI module in conjunction with the single-trait and two-trait animal model, as well as best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP), to estimate the genetic parameters for the three diseases, milk production, milk quality, and reproductive traits in dairy cows. The primary findings of the investigation comprised the following: (1) The prevalence rates of MAS, MET, and KET in dairy farms were 20.04%, 10.68%, and 7.33%, respectively. (2) MAS and MET had a substantial impact (p < 0.01) on milk production, resulting in significant decreases of 112 kg and 372 kg in 305-d Milk Yield (305-d MY), 4 kg and 12 kg in 305-d Protein Yield (305-d PY), and 6 kg and 16 kg in 305-d Fat Yield (305-d FY). As a result of their excessive 305-d MY, some cows were diagnosed with KET due to glucose metabolism disorder. The 305-d MY of cows with KET was significantly higher than that of healthy cows (205 kg, p < 0.01). (3) All three diseases resulted in an increase in the Interval from Calving to First Service (CTFS, 0.60–1.50 d), Interval from First Service to Conception (FSTC, 0.20–16.20 d), Calving Interval (CI, 4.00–7.00 d), and Number of Services (NUMS, 0.07–0.35). (4) The heritabilities of cows with MAS, MET, and KET were found to be low, with values of 0.09, 0.01, and 0.02, respectively. The genetic correlation between these traits ranged from 0.14 to 0.44. This study offers valuable insights on the prevention and control of the three diseases, as well as feeding management and genetic breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic syndrome characterized by chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, and islet cell damage. The prevention of T2DM and its associated complications is an urgent public health issue that affects hundreds of millions of people globally. Numerous studies suggest that disturbances in gut metabolites are important driving forces for the pathogenesis of diabetes. However, the functions and mechanisms of action of most commensal bacteria in T2DM remain largely unknown. Methods: The quantification of bile acids (BAs) in fecal samples was performed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometer (UPLC-MS/MS). The anti-diabetic effects of Bacteroides uniformis (B. uniformis) and its metabolites cholic acid (CA) and chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) were assessed in T2DM mice induced by streptozocin (STZ) plus high-fat diet (HFD). Results: We found that the abundance of B. uniformis in the feces and the contents of CA and CDCA were significantly downregulated in T2DM mice. B. uniformis was diminished in diabetic individuals and this bacterium was sufficient to promote the production of BAs. Colonization of B. uniformis and intragastric gavage of CA and CDCA effectively improved the disorder of glucose and lipid metabolism in T2DM mice by inhibiting gluconeogenesis and lipolysis in the liver. CA and CDCA improved hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism by acting on the Takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5)/adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway since knockdown of TGR5 minimized the benefit of CA and CDCA. Furthermore, we screened a natural product—vaccarin (VAC)—that exhibited anti-diabetic effects by promoting the growth of B. uniformis in vitro and in vivo. Gut microbiota pre-depletion abolished the favorable effects of VAC in diabetic mice. Conclusions: These data suggest that supplementation of B. uniformis may be a promising avenue to ameliorate T2DM by linking the gut and liver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To identify whether Banxia Xiexin Decoction (BXD) alleviates cerebral glucose metabolism disorder by intestinal microbiota regulation in APP/PS1 mice. Methods: Forty-five 3-month-old male APP/PS1 mice were divided into 3 groups using a random number table (n=15 per group), including a model group (MG), a liraglutide group (LG) and a BXD group (BG). Fifteen 3-month-old male C57BL/6J wild-type mice were used as the control group (CG). Mice in the BG were administered BXD granules by gavage at a dose of 6 g/(kg•d) for 3 months, while mice in the LG were injected intraperitoneally once daily with Liraglutide Injection (25 nmol/kg) for 3 months. Firstly, liquid chromatography with tandem-mass spectrometry was used to analyze the active components of BXD granules and the medicated serum of BXD. Then, the cognitive deficits, Aβ pathological change and synaptic plasticity markers, including synaptophysin (SYP) and postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95), were measured in APP/PS1 mice. Brain glucose uptake was detected by micropositron emission tomography. Intestinal microbial constituents were detected by 16S rRNA sequencing. The levels of intestinal glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and cerebral GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R), as well as the phosphoinositide-3-kinase/protein kinase B/glycogen synthase kinase-3β (PI3K/Akt/GSK3β) insulin signaling pathway were determined by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining and Western blot analysis, respectively. Results: BXD ameliorated cognitive deficits and Aβ pathological features (P<0.01). The expressions of SYP and PSD95 in the BG were higher than those in the MG (P<0.01). Brain glucose uptake in the BG was higher than that in the MG (P<0.01). The intestinal microbial composition in the BG was partially reversed. The levels of intestinal GLP-1 in the BG were higher than those in the MG (P<0.01). Compared with the MG, the expression levels of hippocampal GLP-1R, Akt, PI3K and p-PI3K in the BG were significantly increased (P<0.01), while the levels of GSK3β were reduced (P<0.01). Conclusion: BXD exhibited protective effects against Alzheimer's disease by regulating the gut microbiota/GLP-1/GLP-1R, enhancing PI3K/Akt/GSK3β insulin signaling pathway, and improving brain glucose metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aronia melanocarpa, a plant rich in anthocyanins, has been studied for its potential to regulate blood sugar and blood lipids, although the specific mechanism is not yet understood. This research aims to identify the differential bacterial flora and elucidate the mechanism by which it improves glucose and lipid metabolism disorders through 16S rDNA gene sequencing. The study reveals the protective effect of Aronia melanocarpa extract (AME) on liver damage in type 2 diabetic rats. Experimental results demonstrate that AME can effectively modulate the abundance of intestinal flora, reduce colon tissue damage, enhance the weight of diabetic rats, and lower levels of fasting blood sugar, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides (TG). Additionally, liver morphology analysis shows that AME can effectively mitigate liver tissue structural damage in type 2 diabetic rats. In conclusion, AME regulates glucose and lipid metabolism by influencing intestinal flora, ultimately regulating glucose and lipid metabolism in type 2 diabetic rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a compilation of scientific articles that discuss the role of gut microbiota in human metabolic health and disease. The articles explore topics such as the impact of gut microbiota on glucose control, energy metabolism, inflammation, and insulin resistance in conditions like type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. They also examine the influence of dietary fiber, short-chain fatty acids, and specific bacteria on gut homeostasis and immune responses. The articles provide insights into the complex interactions between the gut microbiome and host metabolism, suggesting the potential for microbiota-based interventions in the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases. [Extracted from the article]

Objective: It is well known that glucose and lipid metabolism disorders and insulin resistance are common in sepsis, which affect the occurrence and prognosis of multiple organ dysfunction in septic patients. Previous study reported the predictive value of triglyceride-glucose index (TyG), a clinical indicator for insulin resistance, in postoperative delirium patients. However, it remains unclear whether the TyG index is a novel predictive biomarker for sepsis-associated delirium. The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between TyG index and the risk of delirium in patients with sepsis. Methods: Adult septic patients were identified from the MIMIC-IV database and divided into four groups based on the mean value of TyG. The primary outcome was the incidence of delirium. The association between TyG and the risk of developing delirium was evaluated by restricted cubic spline (RCS), multivariate logistic regression and subgroup analysis. Propensity Score Matching (PSM) method was used to balance the baseline data. Results: A total of 3,331 septic patients were included in the analysis, and further divided into four groups: Q1 (TyG ≤ 8.67), Q2 (8.67 < TyG ≤ 9.08), Q3 (9.08 < TyG ≤ 9.61), and Q4 (TyG > 9.61). The RCS curves demonstrated a non-linear positive relationship between TyG index and the risk of developing delirium, and an optimal cut-of value 9.09 was recommended. After balancing the baseline information by PSM, patients in the TyG > 9.09 group had a significant higher incidence of delirium compared with those in the TyG ≤ 9.09 group. In logistic regression analysis, TyG > 9.09 was significantly associated with lower risk of developing delirium in both original cohort (OR 1.54–1.78, all P < 0.001) and the PSM cohort (OR 1.41–1.48, all P < 0.001). No association was found between the TyG index and mortality (all P > 0.05). In subgroup analysis, our findings were consistent (all OR > 1 in all subgroups). Conclusion: Our study demonstrated an independent association between TyG index and increased risk of delirium in septic patients, indicating that TyG index can serve as a biomarker for delirium in sepsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of lung cancer brain metastasis combined with hemorrhagic cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is very rare, and the understanding and treatment experience of this case is insufficient. We reported a case of lung cancer brain metastasis accompanied by venous sinus thrombosis, and describe the diagnosis and treatment plan for colleagues to learn from experience and lessons. Key points: 1. The incidence of lung cancer brain metastasis combined with hemorrhagic CVST is very rare, and the understanding and treatment experience of this case is insufficient. 2. The clinical manifestations of metastatic tumors and CVST in patients are not specific, and the evolution of the medical history should be inquired in detail, with careful physical examination and imaging review. 3. CVST should be considered in patients with risk factors. The incidence of hemorrhagic CVST is relatively rare, and due to atypical symptoms and imaging manifestations, it is easy to miss and misdiagnose. 4. The responsible lesion should be determined based on the evolution of the medical history, the treatment of the responsible lesion should be prioritized, symptoms should be relieved in a timely manner and the optimal treatment time should be strived for. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: β-blockers have been widely used in patients with extensive cardiovascular disease (CVD) and have provided benefits. However, they are more likely to cause symptomatic bradycardia, hypotension, or glucose metabolism disorders, which may lead to an increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF), but evidence is lacking. Aims: This study was to analyze the association between the use of β-blockers and the risk of developing AF. Methods: This nationwide, prospective cohort study utilized data from the 2013--2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The patients were stratified into a β-blocker treatment group (n = 2585) and a non-β-blocker treatment group (n = 8525). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the relationship between β-blockades and the risk of AF. Propensity matching analysis was used to balance patient baseline characteristics and to control for confounders. Results: A total of 11,110 subjects were included in this study (mean [SD] age, 59.89 [15.07] years; 5657 [49.7%] males). A total of 111/2585 subjects developed AF in the β-blocker treatment group, and 75/8525 developed AF in the non-β-blocker treatment group (incidence rate, 4.2% vs. 0.8%). Compared with the non-β-blocker group, the β-blocker group had an increased risk of incident AF (aOR, 2.339; 95% CI, 1.614--3.410). Some sensitivity analyses also revealed consistent findings of increased AF risk associated with β-blocker treatment. Conclusion: The findings from this study suggest that β-blocker treatment is associated with an increased risk of incident AF and may help physicians select a modest medication for patients while also assessing the risk of AF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metabolic disorders are currently threatening public health worldwide. Discovering new targets and developing promising drugs will reduce the global metabolic-related disease burden. Metabolic disorders primarily consist of lipid and glucose metabolic disorders. Specifically, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatosis liver disease (MASLD) and alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) are two representative lipid metabolism disorders, while diabetes mellitus is a typical glucose metabolism disorder. In this review, we aimed to summarize the new drug candidates with promising efficacy identified in clinical trials for these diseases. These drug candidates may provide alternatives for patients with metabolic disorders and advance the progress of drug discovery for the large disease burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Daylength and the rates of changes in daylength have been associated with seasonal fluctuations in psychiatric symptoms and in cognition and mood in healthy adults. However, variations in human brain glucose metabolism in concordance with seasonal changes remain under explored. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we examined seasonal effects on brain glucose metabolism, which we measured using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-PET in 97 healthy participants. To maximize the sensitivity of regional effects, we computed relative metabolic measures by normalizing the regional measures to white matter metabolism. Additionally, we explored the role of rest–activity rhythms/sleep–wake activity measured with actigraphy in the seasonal variations of regional brain metabolic activity. Results: We found that seasonal variations of cerebral glucose metabolism differed across brain regions. Glucose metabolism in prefrontal regions increased with longer daylength and with greater day-to-day increases in daylength. The cuneus and olfactory bulb had the maximum and minimum metabolic values around the summer and winter solstice respectively (positively associated with daylength), whereas the temporal lobe, brainstem, and postcentral cortex showed maximum and minimum metabolic values around the spring and autumn equinoxes, respectively (positively associated with faster daylength gain). Longer daylength was associated with greater amplitude and robustness of diurnal activity rhythms suggesting circadian involvement. Conclusions: The current findings advance our knowledge of seasonal patterns in a key indicator of brain function relevant for mood and cognition. These data could inform treatment interventions for psychiatric symptoms that peak at specific times of the year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glypican-4 belongs to a group of poorly understood adipokines, with potential importance in people with metabolic syndrome, especially in groups of patients with glucose metabolism disorder. This study aimed to assess the effect of physical activity on serum glypican-4 and irisin levels and total antioxidant status (TAS) in plasma and saliva in women with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Seventy-two Caucasian women aged 25–60 were included in the study (36 women with MetS and 36 women without MetS (control group, CONTR)). The glypican-4 and irisin concentrations, total antioxidant status, glycemia, lipid profile, anthropometric parameters, and blood pressure were analyzed before and after 28 days of controlled physical activity. Serum glypican-4 and plasma TAS levels were higher (p = 0.006 and p = 0.043, respectively) on the 28th day than on the first day of the study only in the CONTR group. In the MetS group, 28 days of physical activity caused a reduction in body fat mass (p = 0.049) without changes in glypican-4, irisin, or TAS levels. In both groups, glypican-4 levels correlated positively with irisin levels and negatively with Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR), while irisin levels correlated positively with High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and negatively with waist circumference (WC) and WHR values on the 28th day of the study. To summarize, a 28-day moderate training, accompanied by a reduction in body fat mass, stabilized glypican-4 levels and TAS in female patients with MetS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity is an ongoing global health problem, and Cichorium glandulosum (CG, chicory) is traditionally used as a hepatoprotective and lipid-lowering drug. However, there is still a lack of research on the role of CG in the treatment of obesity. In the present study, we found that CG significantly delayed weight gain and positively affected glucolipid metabolism disorders, serum metabolism levels, and the degree of liver and kidney oxidative stress in high-fat diet (HFD) mice. Further examination of the effects of CG on intestinal microenvironmental dysregulation and its metabolites in HFD mice revealed that the CG ethanol extract high-dose group (CGH) did not have a significant regulatory effect on short-chain fatty acids. Still, CGH significantly decreased the levels of 12α-OH/non-12α-OH bile acids and also found significant upregulation of proteobacteria and downregulation of cyanobacteria at the phylum level. CG may have ameliorated obesity and metabolic abnormalities in mice by repairing gut microbiota dysbiosis and modulating bile acid biosynthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: While previous population studies have shown that higher triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index values are associated with an increased risk of congestive heart failure (CHF), the relationship between TyG and CHF in patients with abnormal glucose metabolism remains understudied. This study aimed to evaluate the association between TyG and CHF in individuals with diabetes and prediabetes. Methods: The study population was derived from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning from 1999 to 2018. The exposure variable, TyG, was calculated based on triglyceride and fasting blood glucose levels, while the outcome of interest was CHF. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to assess the association between TyG and CHF. Results: A total of 13,644 patients with diabetes and prediabetes were included in this study. The results from the fitting curve analysis demonstrated a non-linear U-shaped correlation between TyG and CHF. Additionally, linear logistic regression analysis showed that each additional unit of TyG was associated with a non-significant odds ratio (OR) of 1.03 (95%CI: 0.88–1.22, P = 0.697) for the prevalence of CHF. A two-piecewise logistic regression model was used to calculate the threshold effect of the TyG. The log likelihood ratio test (p < 0.05) indicated that the two-piecewise logistic regression model was superior to the single-line logistic regression model. The TyG tangent point was observed at 8.60, and on the left side of this point, there existed a negative correlation between TyG and CHF (OR: 0.54, 95%CI: 0.36–0.81). Conversely, on the right side of the inflection point, a significant 28% increase in the prevalence of CHF was observed per unit increment in TyG (OR: 1.28, 95%CI: 1.04–1.56). Conclusions: The findings from this study suggest a U-shaped correlation between TyG and CHF, indicating that both elevated and reduced levels of TyG are associated with an increased prevalence of CHF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]