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Aging-related disorders pose significant challenges due to their complex interplay of physiological and metabolic factors, including inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Curcumin, a natural compound with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, has emerged as a promising candidate for mitigating these age-related processes. However, gaps in understanding the precise mechanisms of curcumin's effects and the optimal dosages for different conditions necessitate further investigation. This systematic review synthesizes current evidence on curcumin's potential in addressing age-related disorders, emphasizing its impact on cognitive function, neurodegeneration, and muscle health in older adults. By evaluating the safety, efficacy, and mechanisms of action of curcumin supplementation, this review aims to provide insights into its therapeutic potential for promoting healthy aging. A systematic search across three databases using specific keywords yielded 2256 documents, leading to the selection of 15 clinical trials for synthesis. Here, we highlight the promising potential of curcumin as a multifaceted therapeutic agent in combating age-related disorders. The findings of this review suggest that curcumin could offer a natural and effective approach to enhancing the quality of life of aging individuals. Further research and well-designed clinical trials are essential to validate these findings and optimize the use of curcumin in personalized medicine approaches for age-related conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has risen globally. While various factors contribute to GDM risk, modifiable factors such as lifestyle and weight control play crucial roles in prevention strategies. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the association between physical activity level (PAL), body mass index (BMI), and the odds ratio of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). A cross-sectional observational study was performed during routine examinations at a Primary Care Unit of the Unified Health System (SUS). The sample consisted of 68 women with up to 28 weeks of pregnancy and aged between 18 and 43 years. Measurements: Data on age, duration of pregnancy, morbidity, blood pressure, and laboratory tests (fasting glucose, HbA1c%, and lipid profile) were obtained. BMI and PAL data were obtained for the period before and after the current pregnancy. A high prevalence of GDM (39.7%), sedentary lifestyle (50.0% prior to pregnancy; 70.6% current), and obesity (36.8% prior to pregnancy; 39.7% current) was observed in the sample. There was a significant increase in sedentary time and a reduction in walking time after the beginning of pregnancy. There was a significant association between obesity and the presence of GDM. Increased sitting time and BMI are related to an increased likelihood of GDM. Sitting time and BMI explain 27.1% of the variation in the probability of GDM in the pre-pregnancy period and 26.5% in the current period. The high prevalence of obesity and a sedentary lifestyle may be related to the high prevalence of GDM observed in the sample. The prescription of physical activity and reduction of obesity before pregnancy may reduce the risk of GDM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Glycolipid metabolic disorders (GLMDs) result from imbalances in glycolipid levels, leading to various health issues, including obesity, diabetes, liver problems, nerve and muscle complications, and cardiovascular and kidney diseases. This study explores the connection between GLMDs, oxidative stress, and chronic inflammation, which exacerbate these conditions. GLMD originates from disruptions in glucose and fat metabolism, often associated with hormone regulation and insulin resistance. These disruptions cause the accumulation of harmful molecules, triggering inflammation in multiple organs. Key molecules, such as advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), play significant roles in this process. Understanding these relationships is essential for developing better treatments, reducing illness and mortality rates, lowering healthcare costs, and improving quality of life. Glycolipid metabolic disorders (GLMDs) are various metabolic disorders resulting from dysregulation in glycolipid levels, consequently leading to an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, liver dysfunction, neuromuscular complications, and cardiorenal vascular diseases (CRVDs). In patients with GLMDs, excess caloric intake and a lack of physical activity may contribute to oxidative stress (OxS) and systemic inflammation. This study aimed to review the connection between GLMD, OxS, metainflammation, and the onset of CRVD. GLMD is due to various metabolic disorders causing dysfunction in the synthesis, breakdown, and absorption of glucose and lipids in the body, resulting in excessive ectopic accumulation of these molecules. This is mainly due to neuroendocrine dysregulation, insulin resistance, OxS, and metainflammation. In GLMD, many inflammatory markers and defense cells play a vital role in related tissues and organs, such as blood vessels, pancreatic islets, the liver, muscle, the kidneys, and adipocytes, promoting inflammatory lesions that affect various interconnected organs through their signaling pathways. Advanced glycation end products, ATP-binding cassette transporter 1, Glucagon-like peptide-1, Toll-like receptor-4, and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) play a crucial role in GLMD since they are related to glucolipid metabolism. The consequences of this is system organ damage and increased morbidity and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a growing trend among consumers to seek out natural foods and products with natural ingredients. This shift in consumer preferences had a direct impact on both food and pharmaceutical industries, leading to a focus of scientific research and commercial efforts to meet these new demands. The aim of this work is to review recent available scientific data on foods of interest, such as the artichoke, gooseberry, and polygonoideae plants, as well as olive oil and red raspberries. Interestingly, the urgency of solutions to the climate change emergency has brought new attention to by-products of grapevine bunch stem and cane, which have been found to contain bioactive compounds with potential health benefits. There is a pressing need for a faster process of translating scientific knowledge from the laboratory to real-world applications, especially in the face of the increasing societal burden associated with non-communicable diseases (NCDs), environmental crises, the post-pandemic world, and ongoing violent conflicts around the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smallanthus sonchifolius, popularly known as yacon, is a member of the Asteraceae family. Due to its medicinal and edible value, yacon is consumed by different populations. Yacon is unique due to its high fructo-oligosaccharide and inulin content, as well as flavonoids, sesquiterpene lactones, and phenolic acids. Roots can be used to produce flour, which is less perishable and can be applied in various industrial products. This systematic review focuses on the effects of yacon flour on metabolic parameters. PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases were consulted, and PRISMA guidelines were followed in the selection of the studies. In total, 526 articles were found in the databases, and of these, only 28 full texts were eligible for inclusion. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, seven studies were finally included. The results showed that the use of yacon flour can reduce glycemia, HbA1c, advanced glycation ends, plasma lipids, body fat mass, body weight, and waist circumference and improve intestinal microbiota and the antioxidant status. Further exploration of the effects of yacon flour is warranted, and additional clinical trials are necessary to determine the optimal daily consumption levels required to assist in improving metabolic parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aging of the global population has increased the prevalence of neurodegenerative conditions. Bacopa monnieri (BM), an herb with active compounds, such as bacosides A and B, betulinic acid, loliolide, asiatic acid, and quercetin, demonstrates the potential for brain health. Limited research has been conducted on the therapeutic applications of BM in neurodegenerative conditions. This systematic review aims to project BM's beneficial role in brain disorders. BM has anti-apoptotic and antioxidant actions and can repair damaged neurons, stimulate kinase activity, restore synaptic function, improve nerve transmission, and increase neuroprotection. The included twenty-two clinical trials demonstrated that BM can reduce Nuclear Factor-κB phosphorylation, improve emotional function, cognitive functions, anhedonia, hyperactivity, sleep routine, depression, attention deficit, learning problems, memory retention, impulsivity, and psychiatric problems. Moreover, BM can reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory biomarkers and oxidative stress. Here, we highlight that BM provides notable therapeutic benefits and can serve as a complementary approach for the care of patients with neurodegenerative conditions associated with brain disorders. This review adds to the growing interest in natural products and their potential therapeutic applications by improving our understanding of the mechanisms underlying cognitive function and neurodegeneration and informing the development of new therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The treatment of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) has always been a challenge for health professionals in relation to glycemic control. Increased body fat has been related to a worsening of the lipid profile and increased prevalence of dyslipidemia in this population, leading to negative repercussions on the control of cardiovascular risk. We aimed to investigate the distribution of lipid levels and the presence of dyslipidemia in children and adolescents with T1DM. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted with 81 individuals of both sexes (4–19 years) diagnosed with T1DM. Anthropometric and biochemical data were collected, in addition to data on physical activity level, sexual maturation stage, and insulin administration regimen. Lipid levels were categorized as normal, borderline, and elevated, and the presence of dyslipidemia was diagnosed by the presence of one or more altered lipid parameter. We noted a prevalence of dyslipidemia in 65.4% of the participants when considering borderline lipid values. Of those, 23.5% had one altered lipid level, and 42.0% had two or more. The main altered lipid levels were total cholesterol and triglycerides, followed by non-HDL-c. The main factor associated with the worsening of lipid levels was the increase in HbA1c. Sex had a significant effect on the levels of TC, HDL-c, and ApoA-I. The results of this study reinforce the need to monitor lipid profile in children and adolescents with T1DM, as well as the importance of early intervention in treating dyslipidemia, especially in patients with poor glycemic control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) are inflammatory conditions characterized by bowel disruption and the involvement of the immune system and can be associated with the development of colorectal cancer. Conventional therapeutic approaches are based on administering drugs capable of modulating the inflammatory response; however, many patients are irresponsive to conventional therapies. Grapes are largely used in producing wine, juice, jam, and other products. However, the waste from the production process represents an environmental problem. On the other hand, grape by-products are rich in bioactive compounds such as proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins, phenolic acids, stilbenes, and flavonols. These compounds can help in the prevention or in treatment of several conditions such as IBD and colorectal cancer. Grape by-products can promote remarkable effects in reducing pro-inflammatory, pro-oxidative, and proliferative actions in IBD and CRC both in vivo and in vitro. These effects are related to the improvement of epithelial integrity, reduction of Disease Activity Index, mucosal barrier reinforcement, induction of strong chemopreventive actions, reduction of tumor incidence, and cell proliferation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]