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Introduction: Continuous glucose monitoring is essential for the management of patients with metabolic syndromes in their daily lives. However, how metabolic risks are accessed using time-series glucose excursion data for healthy individuals remains unclear. Methods: Thus, this study aimed to present a method for evaluating the risks of glucose dysregulation by analyzing glucose responses under reduced glycemic load using a phytochemical alpha-glucosidase inhibitor. A 14-day pilot trial with healthy adult participants was conducted to demonstrate the validity of the method. Results and Discussion: The results showed that ultradian glucose spike packets with lower heights dominantly appeared under reduced glycemic load, replacing postprandial single-lobe glucose spikes with higher heights. Furthermore, the frequency dominance of ultradian spike packets contributed to the reduction of overall mean glucose excursions during the test period under reduced glycemic load. Based on the time-delay model, it was indicated that glycemic load reduction recovers regular glucose-insulin coupling accompanying ultradian oscillations, thereby contributing to the maintenance of glucose homeostasis. The findings of this study indicate that the frequency ratio between pulsatile spike packets and single-lobe spikes could be a marker for evaluating glucose regulation/dysregulation in healthy adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hormones mediate life-history trade-offs. In female mammals, such trade-offs have been studied predominantly in the contexts of oestrogen, progesterone and prolactin. We evaluate the hypothesis that prenatal and postnatal testosterone levels structure and regulate trade-offs in females involving components of reproduction and survival. This hypothesis is predicated on the observation that testosterone confers competition-related and survival-related benefits, but also reproduction-related costs, to female mammals. The hypothesis is supported by field and laboratory data from diverse non-human animals, and data from healthy women. Most broadly, relatively low testosterone level in females has been associated with earlier, faster and higher offspring production, greater attractiveness to males, and reduced dominance or competitiveness, whereas higher testosterone level is associated with delayed and reduced reproduction but increased dominance, status, aggression, and resource accrual. The magnitude of testosterone-mediated trade-offs is expected to depend upon the strength of female-female competition, which represents some function of species-specific ecology, behaviour and mating system. Testosterone-associated trade-offs have, until now, been virtually ignored in studies of female life history, reproductive physiology, evolutionary endocrinology, and female-limited disease, probably due to researcher biases towards conceptualizing androgens as hormones with effects mainly restricted to males., (© 2024 The Author(s). Biological Reviews published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Cambridge Philosophical Society.)

52 -adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an enzyme that regulates cell homeostasis and is associated with modulating diabetes, cancer, obesity, and viral infections. This makes the enzyme a promising target for treating multiple diseases all at once. Interestingly, bioactive compounds (like curcumin) and drugs (like metformin) that are linked with the treatment of COVID-19 disease and post-coronavirus complications, also activate AMPK signaling. Note that the long-term post-COVID-19 health issues are under study and can have lingering effects like the onset of diabetes, cancer, and other cardiac diseases. Here for the first time, the therapeutic potential of AMPK enzyme in the treatment of post-COVID-19 symptoms has been reviewed. We have also discussed the natural compounds that regulate AMPK activity and computational studies that have been conducted for the identification of AMPK activators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Pulmonary mechanics has been traditionally viewed as determined by lung size and physical factors such as frictional forces and tissue viscoelastic properties, but few information exists regarding potential influences of cytokines and hormones on lung function. Concentrations of 28 cytokines and hormones were measured in saliva from clinically healthy scholar children, purposely selected to include a wide range of body mass index (BMI). Lung function was assessed by impulse oscillometry, spirometry, and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide, and expressed as z‐score or percent predicted. Ninety‐six scholar children (55.2% female) were enrolled. Bivariate analysis showed that almost all lung function variables correlated with one or more cytokine or hormone, mainly in boys, but only some of them remained statistically significant in the multiple regression analyses. Thus, after adjusting by height, age, and BMI, salivary concentrations of granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) in boys were associated with zR5‐R20 and reactance parameters (zX20, zFres, and zAX), while glucagon inversely correlated with resistances (zR5 and zR20). Thus, in physiological conditions, part of the mechanics of breathing might be influenced by some cytokines and hormones, including glucagon and GM‐CSF. This endogenous influence is a novel concept that warrants in‐depth characterization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims. Upper body fat distribution is more related to cardiometabolic diseases than central obesity. Neck circumference (NC) and neck-to-height ratio (NHtR) are two indicators of upper body obesity that are affordable, easy to obtain, highly reproducible, and more practical in the crowded health centers than the classic anthropometric indices. Methods. 18–65-year-old individuals with no past medical history were included. After obtaining written informed consent, they were screened for hypertension, high blood glucose, and other abnormal laboratory results. Data were analyzed using SPSS and Mann–Whitney U test, Chi square test, Spearman's correlation coefficient, and ROC curve. Results. In our 2,812 participants, NC had the lowest area under the curve (AUC) in both male and female obese and overweight subjects. NHtR and hip circumference (HC) had the highest AUC in men and women with obesity, respectively. The highest sensitivity for overweight men and women belonged to waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), respectively, and for both males and females with obesity, NHtR had the highest sensitivity. The cutoff point of NHtR had the same value for males and females. HC and NHtR had the highest positive likelihood ratio (PLR) for obesity in men. In addition, HC and WC had the highest PLR for obesity in women. Conclusion. In this study, we revealed that NC had the lowest and NHtR and HC had the highest predictive value for obesity. Furthermore, for both males and females with obesity, NHtR had the highest sensitivity. HC had the highest PLR for obesity in both genders. Our results warrant prospective studies to evaluate the role of NHtR and other novel anthropometric indices in the risk of cardiometabolic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The etiopathogenesis of metabolic syndrome (MetS) has not been fully understood yet, and chronic low-grade inflammation is thought to be associated with the development of complications related to MetS. We aimed to investigate the role of Nuclear factor Kappa B (NF-κB), Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor- α and γ (PPAR-α, and PPAR-γ) which are the main markers of inflammation in older adults with MetS. A total of 269 patients aged≥18, 188 patients with MetS who met the diagnostic criteria of the International Diabetes Federation, and 81 controls who applied to geriatrics and general internal medicine outpatient clinics for various reasons were included in the study. Patients were separated into four groups: young with MetS (< 60, n=76), elderly with MetS (≥60, n=96), young control (< 60, n=31), elderly controls (≥60, n=38). Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and NF-κB , PPAR-α, and PPAR-γ plasma levels were measured in all of the participants. Age and sex distribution were similar between MetS and control groups. C-reactive protein (CRP), NF-κB levels (p=0.001) and CIMT (p<0,001) of MetS group were significantly higher than in the control groups. On the other hand, the PPAR-γ (p=0.008) and PPAR-α (p=0.003) levels were significantly lower in MetS. ROC analysis revealed that the NF-κB, PPAR-α, and PPAR-γ could be used to indicate MetS in younger adults (AUC: 0.735, p<0.000; AUC: 0.653, p=0.003), whereas it could not be an indicator in older adults (AUC: 0.617, p=0.079; AUC:0.530, p=0.613). It seems that these markers have important roles in MetS-related inflammation. In our results, suggest that the indicator feature of NF-κB , PPAR-α and PPAR-γ in recognizing MetS in young individuals is lost in older adults with Mets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the investigation of peptide and protein-structured hormones in biological fluids has become one of the most striking issues. The aim of this study was to determine irisin, asprosin, leptin, adiponectin, and IGF-1 levels in cows and calves after calving according to the mode of delivery. The study was carried out with 20 Holstein cows and 20 calves born from these cows. Blood samples were taken from cows and calves in all groups during birth, after drinking colostrum from calves and on the 15th, 30th, 45th and 60th days after birth in 10 ml tubes. The levels of the aforementioned molecules in these blood samples were determined by ELISA method. Feeding with colostrum led to a decrease in the irisin levels in the dystocia and cesarean section groups and in the IGF-1 levels in the vaginal delivery group, but it did not lead to any other significant changes. The irisin levels of the calves in the vaginal delivery group were compared to those in the other groups, and their levels were found to decrease on the 15th day, and IGF-1 levels were higher on the 15th day. As a result, it was revealed that there were significant changes in the levels of these molecules in the umbilical cord and blood serum of cows and calves depending on the mode of delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Chronic migraine, being a debilitating headache disorder, needs assessment of the risk factors implicated in its occurrence. We investigated the potential role of obesity as a risk for chronic migraine in premenopausal females with episodic migraine. Methods. In this analytical study, body fat% was compared between episodic and chronic migraine patient groups. The standard criteria of the international classification of headache disorder were used for the diagnosis. Demographic data, clinical details of migraine, and anthropometric measurements were collected using structured questions and standardized techniques. Pearson's correlation (r) was estimated to assess the concordance between body fat% and migraine frequency. High body fat%'s implication on chronic migraine which was adjusted for body mass index (BMI), and the use of oral contraceptives was determined using logistic regression analysis. Results. A total of 168 premenopausal female migraineurs, with a mean (Standard deviation) age of 33.0 (±9.0) years, were enrolled in the study. BMI and high body fat% were significantly associated with chronic migraine (p < 0.05). There was a weak positive, but significant, correlation between body fat% and migraine frequency (r = 0.185, p < 0.017). The presence of high body fat was found to increase the risk of chronic migraine by 2.8 times (confidence interval 1.4–5.6; p < 0.003). Conclusion. The amount of fat mass in the body relates to the clinical characteristics of migraine. There is an increased risk of developing chronic migraine in patients having high body fat. Weight control measures can be targeted for the prevention of migraine worsening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity has become an increasingly severe problem in the United States. From 2008 to 2018, the adult obesity rate rose from 33.8% to 42.4%, with rates that are notably higher in rural areas when compared to their urban counterparts. Meanwhile, rural regions have experienced relatively slower employment growth and higher poverty rates during the recovery from the Great Recession. Social scientists are interested in determinants of -- and potential solutions to -- this rise in obesity rates. The existing literature has focused on the relationship between obesity and social/economic factors, such as the number of fastfood restaurants, limited physical activity, and unemployment rates. However, one unexplored question is whether the level of economic growth experienced by a rural area plays a role in the obesity problem. This paper assesses the impact of economic growth (measured by county-level GDP per capita) on obesity rates (measured by the county-level percentage of adults with BMI higher than 30) in rural America. Nationwide, data is collected on a host of demographic and economic characteristics for all non-metropolitan counties from 2012 to 2016, resulting in a county-level panel data set (n=1,948, t=5). Control variables include age, race and ethnicity, unemployment rates, rates of physical inactivity, food assistance program participation, and an index measuring healthy food availability. Two different econometric approaches were applied: (1) a fixed-effects panel regression model and (2) a difference-in-difference model using propensity score matching (PSM). The results of both econometric models suggest there is no relationship between economic growth and future obesity rates. This suggests that programs focused on rural economic growth may not affect other quality-of-life metrics. The conclusion discusses these competing interests and how regional scientists can play a role in future research in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Diabetes is a major reason of death and disability worldwide and frequently coexists with hypertension and central obesity. This study is aimed at investigating the effects of hypertension, waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), and their dynamic transitions on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) onset among middle-aged and elderly people in China. Methods. We analyzed 9843 participants free of T2DM (average age, 59.04 ± 9.26 years) at baseline from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. We classified the participants into the following four categories based on hypertension and WHtR statuses: nonhypertensive with a normal WHtR (NHNW); hypertensive with a normal WHtR (HTNW); nonhypertensive with an elevated WHtR (NHEW); and hypertensive with an elevated WHtR (HTEW). By using a Cox proportional hazards regression model, we assessed whether hypertension, WHtR, and their transitions over time correlated with T2DM risk. Results. During the follow-up of 8 years, 1263 participants developed incident T2DM. The hazard ratio (HR) for T2DM was 1.48 (95% CI: 1.12, 1.97), 1.56 (95% CI: 1.27, 1.92), and 2.15 (95% CI: 1.74, 2.67) in the HTNW, NHEW, and HTEW groups, respectively, compared with the NHNW group after controlling for confounding factors. When stratified by statuses of hypertension and WHtR transitions, the participants who transitioned from HTNW to HTEW (HR = 1.98 , 95% CI: 1.24-3.17), or NHEW to NHNW/HTNW (HR = 1.74 , 95% CI: 1.14–2.65), or remained NHEW (HR = 1.42 , 95% CI: 1.04-1.93), or NHEW to HTEW (HR = 2.40 , 95% CI: 1.66-3.49), or remained HTEW (HR = 2.51 , 95% CI: 1.87-3.37) during the follow-up period showed a higher T2DM risk than the consistently NHNW participants. Conclusions. Being HTNW, NHEW or HTEW or occurring adverse transitions between those states was strongly associated with T2DM onset. Effectively warding off hypertension and central obesity or preventing their further aggravation may substantially decrease the T2DM risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neck circumference (NC) is a marker of upper body subcutaneous adipose tissue distribution. Although it is commonly used in many parts of the world it appears to lack reference values as an indicator of metabolic and cardiovascular risk in the Nigerian population. A total of 2000 apparently healthy adults participated in this study. NC was measured using a non-stretchable tape between the mid-cervical spine and mid-anterior neck of each participant standing upright. In men the NC was measured just below the laryngeal prominence (Adam's apple). Data was summarized using descriptive and inferential statistics. The alpha level was set at 0.05. The Nigerian men under study had significantly higher NC values than the women (t = 36.986, p = 0.001). The mean values for men and women below 20 years, between 21 and 30 years, 31 and 40 years, 41 and 50 years, and 51 and 60 years old were 37.29 ± 1.96 cm and 32.45 ± 1.84 cm, 37.69 ± 2.16 cm and 33.12 ± 2.52 cm, 37.67 ± 2.25 cm and 32.46 ± 2.24 cm, 38.01 ± 2.49 cm and 33.36 ± 2.67 cm, and 37.59 ± 2.29 cm and 33.14 ± 1.78 cm, respectively. The 95 percentile values for men and women younger than 20 years, 31-40 years, 41-50 years, and 51-60 years were 41cm and 36 cm, 42 cm and 38 cm, 41cm and 37 cm, 43 cm and 39 cm, and 42 cm and 37 cm, respectively. Based on age-and-sex neck circumference reference values, the means and percentiles can be used as indicators of acceptable and abnormal NC values for Nigerian adults between the ages of 18 to 60 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The leptin signaling pathway plays an important role as a key regulator of glucose homeostasis, metabolism control and systemic inflammatory responses. However, the metabolic effects of leptin on infectious diseases, for example tuberculosis (TB), are still little known., Objectives: In this study, we aim to investigate the role of leptin on metabolism in the absence and presence of mycobacterial infection in zebrafish larvae and mice., Methods: Metabolites in entire zebrafish larvae and the blood of mice were studied using high-resolution magic-angle-spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (HR-MAS NMR) spectroscopy and mass spectrometry, respectively. For transcriptome studies of zebrafish larvae, deep RNA sequencing was used., Results: The results show that leptin mutation leads to a similar metabolic syndrome as caused by mycobacterial infection in the two species, characterized by the decrease of 11 amine metabolites. In both species, this metabolic syndrome was not aggravated further when the leptin mutant was infected by mycobacteria. Therefore, we conclude that leptin and mycobacterial infection are both impacting metabolism non-synergistically. In addition, we studied the transcriptomes of lepb ibl54 mutant zebrafish larvae and wild type (WT) siblings after mycobacterial infection. These studies showed that mycobacteria induced a very distinct transcriptome signature in the lepb ibl54 mutant zebrafish compared to WT sibling control larvae. Furthermore, lepb ibl55 Tg (pck1:luc1) zebrafish line was constructed and confirmed this difference in transcriptional responses., Conclusions: Leptin mutation and TB lead non-synergistically to a similar metabolic syndrome. Moreover, different transcriptomic responses in the lepb ibl54   mutant and TB can lead to the similar metabolic end states., (© 2022. The Author(s).)