Hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective potentials of crude methanolic extract from Acacia nilotica L. - results of an in vitro study.

Acacia nilotica L., also known as babul, belonging to the Fabaceae family and the Acacia genus, is typically used for ornamental purposes and also as a medicinal plant found in tropical and subtropical areas. This plant is a rich source of bioactive compounds. The current study aimed to elucidate the hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective potential of A. nilotica's crude methanolic extract. The results of the in vitro antidiabetic assay revealed that methanolic extract of A. nilotica inhibited the enzyme α-glucosidase (IC50: 33 µg mL-1) and α-amylase (IC50: 17 µg mL-1) in a dose-dependent manner. While in the anticholinesterase enzyme inhibitory assay, maximum inhibition was shown by the extract against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) (637.01 µg mL-1) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) (491.98 µg mL-1), with the highest percent inhibition of 67.54% and 71.50% at 1000 µg mL-1, respectively. This inhibitory potential was lower as compared to the standard drug Galantamine that exhibited 82.43 and 89.50% inhibition at the same concentration, respectively. Moreover, the methanolic extract of A. nilotica also significantly inhibited the activities of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) in a concentration-dependent manner. The percent inhibitory activity of 5-LOX and COX-2 ranged from 42.47% to 71.53% and 43.48% to 75.22%, respectively. Furthermore, in silico, in vivo, and clinical investigations must be planned to validate the above-stated bioactivities of A. nilotica.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties of indanone derivative isolated from Fernandoa adenophylla in vitro and in silico studies.

Fernandoa adenophylla, due to the presence of phytochemicals, has various beneficial properties and is used in folk medicine to treat many conditions. This study aimed to isolate indanone derivative from F. adenophylla root heartwood and assess in-vitro anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic characteristics at varying concentrations. Heat-induced hemolysis and glucose uptake by yeast cells assays were conducted to evaluate these properties. Besides, docking analyses were performed on four molecular targets. These studies were combined with molecular dynamics simulations to elucidate the time-evolving inhibitory effect of selected inhibitors within the active pockets of the target proteins (COX-1 and COX-2). Indanone derivative (10-100 µM) inhibited the lysis of human red blood cells from 9.12 ± 0.75 to 72.82 ± 4.36% and, at 5-100 µM concentrations, it significantly increased the yeast cells' glucose uptake (5.16 ± 1.28% to 76.59 ± 1.62%). Concluding, the isolated indanone might act as an anti-diabetic agent by interacting with critical amino acid residues of 5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and it showed a binding affinity with anti-inflammatory targets COX-1, COX-2, and TNF-α. Besides, the obtained results may help to consider the indanone derivative isolated from F. adenophylla as a promising candidate for drug delivery, subject to outcomes of further in vivo and clinical studies.

Traditional Clinicopathological Biomarkers Still Determine Disease-Free and Overall Survival in Invasive Breast Cancer Patients: A Pilot Study.

Background: Molecular classification, tumor diameter, Ki67 expression, and brachytherapy administration still act as the most potent potential predictors of breast cancer recurrence and overall survival. Methods: Over the period of 23 months, we included in the study 92 invasive breast cancer (IBrC) patients initially diagnosed at the Clinical Ward of Breast Cancer and Reconstructive Surgery, Oncology Center in Bydgoszcz, Poland. The probability of disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in relation to potential prognostic factors for the patients were determined using a Kaplan-Meier analysis, and univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses evaluated the predictive factors of IBrC patients. The investigation of the potential prognostic model's accuracy was analyzed using the ROC curve. Results: Patients with tumor size < 2 cm, Ki67 expression < 20%, luminal-A molecular subtype, and extra-dose brachytherapy boost administration displayed the most favorable prognosis according to breast cancer disease-free survival and overall survival. The estimated 5 year probability of DFS and OS rates in women with tumor diameter < 2 cm were 89% and 90%, respectively. In tumor diameter > 2 cm, the estimated 5 year probability of DFS was 73% and OS was 76%. Interestingly, the tumor diameter of 1.6 cm with a specificity of 60.5% and a sensitivity of 75% occurred as the best threshold point to differentiate patients with cancer recurrence from those without cancer progression. Conclusions: Our study provides essential information on the clinicopathological profile and future outcomes of early stage IBrC patients. Furthermore, the tumor diameter cut-off value of 1.6 cm discriminating between disease recurrence and those without disease progression patients represents an innovative direction for further research.

Potential of the postoperative lymphocyte-to-monocyte and monocyte-to-red blood cell ratio in predicting locoregional and distant metastases after breast cancer resection - Retrospective study.

PURPOSE: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy with high recurrence and mortality rates in women. There are still insufficient biomarkers to predict disease prognosis. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the clinical significance of postoperative hematologic parameters and their derivatives in patients with breast cancer who underwent tumor resection. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The clinicopathological and laboratory data of 90 female breast cancer patients who underwent surgical treatment in the Greater Poland Cancer Center in Poznan from December 2015 to November 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Postoperative hematologic parameters, including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte-to-red blood cell ratio (MRR), lymphocyte-to-red blood cell ratio (LRR), platelet-to-red blood cell ratio (PRR) were evaluated in recurrence and non-recurrence group. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to assess the optimal cutoff value of postoperative hematologic parameters for tumor recurrence. The association of postoperative hematologic parameters with disease-free survival (DFS) was investigated by the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: Patients with local, regional, or distant metastases accounted for 14% of the total. The postoperative monocyte count and MRR were significantly elevated, whereas postoperative LMR was statistically decreased in the recurrence group. Univariate and multivariate Cox analysis revealed that postoperative LMR ≤3.044 and postoperative MRR >0.1398 were associated with significantly shorter DFS. CONCLUSION: Our results revealed that both postoperative LMR and MRR are independent predictors of DFS in breast cancer patients. Large-scale prospective investigations are needed to validate our findings.

Comprehensive proteomics of monocytes indicates oxidative imbalance functionally related to inflammatory response in chronic kidney disease-related atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis-induced cardiovascular events are the leading cause of mortality in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Monocytes are involved in the formation of atherosclerotic plaques and mediate in the overproduction of ROS, promoting inflammation and oxidative stress. However, the relationship between monocytes, inflammation, and oxidative status in CKD-associated atherosclerosis has not been thoroughly investigated. Monocytes and plasma derived from two groups of CKD patients with varying degrees of atherosclerosis and two groups of patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and non-CKD atherosclerosis were analyzed. This study was designed to perform a comprehensive proteomic analysis of monocytes in combination with functional bioinformatics. In addition, a targeted investigation of oxidative stress- and inflammatory-related factors to explore CKD-associated atherosclerosis was applied. Dysregulation of proteins involved in lipid oxidation, cell survival, ROS synthesis and metabolism, and inflammatory responses has been revealed. The characteristic disturbances in the monocyte proteome changed with the progression of CKD. A closer examination of oxidative stress's triggers, mediators, and effects on protein and lipid levels showed alterations in the oxidative imbalance between CKD and CVD. CKD monocytes demonstrated a significant increase of oxidized glutathione without changing the level of its reduced form. Evaluation of enzymatic antioxidants, sources of ROS, and modifications caused by ROS also revealed significant alterations between the study groups. In CKD, inflammation and oxidative imbalance correlated and drove each other. However, in CVD, oxidative stress-related factors were associated with each other but not to inflammatory proteins. Moreover, lipid abnormalities were more specific to classical CVD and unrelated to CKD. Such a comprehensive characterization of monocytes and oxidative stress in CKD and CVD patients has never been presented so far. Obtained results support the involvement of distinct mechanisms underlying the acceleration of atherosclerotic and non-atherosclerotic CKD.

Effects of AIDiet intervention to improve diet quality, immuno-metabolic health in normal and overweight PCOS girls: a pilot study.

This study was conducted in two groups of girls with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) categorized as slim (group N) and overweight-to-obese (group Ov/Ob). The study's primary outcome was to assess the impact of a 12-week anti-inflammatory diet (AIDiet) intervention, without energy deficit, on daily diet quality improvement, evaluated according to the KIDMED index. The secondary outcome was improving inflammatory, redox, hormonal, and metabolic statuses. In the study, which was completed by 13 girls from the Ov/Ob group and 19 girls from the N group, a significant improvement in the mean KIDMED score was obtained. Moreover, the intervention significantly improves concentration of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), fasting insulin, and the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index, in the Ov/Ob group, while both groups experienced a reduction in the concentration of interleukin (IL)-1 and IL-6, tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α), and androstenedione. The AIDiet intervention effectively improved the quality of the subjects' diets, which was associated with the improvement of hormonal and immuno-metabolic markers. However, these changes in normal-weight patients were observed regardless of body weight reduction. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT04738409.

Pathomechanisms of Disturbances Underlying Chronic Disorders.

Chronic disorders' complexity poses enormous challenges to our understanding of such disorders [...].

Density functional theory (DFT), molecular docking, and xanthine oxidase inhibitory studies of dinaphthodiospyrol S from Diospyros kaki L.

In this work, we investigated Diospyros kaki extract and an isolated compound for their potential as xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitors, a target enzyme involved in inflammatory disorders. The prepared extract was subjected to column chromatography, and dinaphthodiospyrol S was isolated. Then XO inhibitory properties were assessed using a spectrophotometry microplate reader. DMSO was taken as a negative control, and allopurinol was used as a standard drug. The molecular docking study of the isolated compound to the XO active site was performed, followed by visualization and protein-ligand interaction. The defatted chloroform extract showed the highest inhibitory effect, followed by the chloroform extract and the isolated compound. The isolated compound exhibited significant inhibitory activity against XO with an IC50 value of 1.09 µM. Molecular docking studies showed that the compound strongly interacts with XO, forming hydrogen bond interactions with Arg149 and Cys113 and H-pi interactions with Cys116 and Leu147. The binding score of -7.678 kcal/mol further supported the potential of the isolated compound as an XO inhibitor. The quantum chemical procedures were used to study the electronic behavior of dinaphthodiospyrol S isolated from D. kaki. Frontier molecular orbital (FMO) analysis was performed to understand the distribution of electronic density, highest occupied molecular orbital HOMO, lowest unoccupied molecular orbital LUMO, and energy gaps. The values of HOMO, LUMO, and energy gap were found to be -6.39, -3.51 and 2.88 eV respectively. The FMO results indicated the intramolecular charge transfer. Moreover, reactivity descriptors were also determined to confirm the stability of the compound. The molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) investigation was done to analyze the electrophilic and nucleophilic sites within a molecule. The oxygen atoms in the compound exhibited negative potential, indicating that they are favorable sites for electrophilic attacks. The results indicate its potential as a therapeutic agent for related disorders. Further studies are needed to investigate this compound's in vivo efficacy and safety as a potential drug candidate.

Density functional theory, molecular docking, In vitro and In vivo anti-inflammatory investigation of lapachol isolated from Fernandoaadenophylla.

Medicinal plants are the main source of active chemical constituents responsible for curing or mitigating various ailments. To discover new, safe, and effective drug candidates the isolation and screening of natural products are essential. In the current research work, lapachol was isolated from Fernandoa adenophylla, which was evaluated for anti-inflammatory effect followed by molecular docking. The isolated compound was tested for anti-inflammatory effects using in vitro (HRBC assay) and in vivo (xylene-induced ear edema) experimental models. Various concentrations of lapachol demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects with a percent potential of 77.96 at 100 µM. Different concentrations of Lapachol demonstrated a dose-dependent anti-edematous effect with a maximum percent effect of 77.9 % at a higher dose. The histopathological study revealed that the application of xylene led to a significant increase in ear thickness, along with clear signs of ear edema and infiltration of inflammatory cells, as well as epidermal hyperplasia of the dermis when compared to the control group. However, treatment with the investigated compound showed a significant reduction in ear thickness and pathological differences comparable to those observed in the group treated with diclofenac. Density functional theory calculations are accomplished to gain insight into structural and spectroscopic properties. Geometry optimization, FMO, and MEP analyses are performed. Overall, the molecular docking results indicate that lapachol has potential as a COX inhibitor by binding to the active sites of both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes.

Key Therapeutic Targets to Treat Hyperglycemia-Induced Atherosclerosis Analyzed Using a Petri Net-Based Model.

Chronic superphysiological glucose concentration is a hallmark of diabetes mellitus (DM) and a cause of damage to many types of cells. Atherosclerosis coexists with glucose metabolism disturbances, constituting a significant problem and exacerbating its complications. Atherosclerosis in DM is accelerated, so it is vital to slow its progression. However, from the complex network of interdependencies, molecules, and processes involved, choosing which ones should be inhibited without blocking the pathways crucial for the organism's functioning is challenging. To conduct this type of analysis, in silicotesting comes in handy. In our study, to identify sites in the network that need to be blocked to have an inhibitory effect on atherosclerosis in hyperglycemia, which is toxic for the human organism, we created a model using Petri net theory and performed analyses. We have found that blocking isoforms of protein kinase C (PKC)-PKCß and PKCγ-in diabetic patients can contribute to the inhibition of atherosclerosis progression. In addition, we have discovered that aldose reductase inhibition can slow down atherosclerosis progression, and this has been shown to reduce PKC (ß and γ) expression in DM. It has also been observed that diminishing oxidative stress through the inhibitory effect on the AGE-RAGE axis may be a promising therapeutic approach in treating hyperglycemia-induced atherosclerosis. Moreover, the blockade of NADPH oxidase, the key enzyme responsible for the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in blood vessels, only moderately slowed down atherosclerosis development. However, unlike aldose reductase blockade, or direct PKC (ß and γ), the increased production of mitochondrial ROS associated with mitochondrial dysfunction effectively stopped after NADPH oxidase blockade. The results obtained may constitute the basis for further in-depth research.

Quality of Life for Polish Women with Ovarian Cancer during First-Line Chemotherapy.

Ovarian cancer is the worst prognostic gynaecological cancer and represents a grave clinical and social problem. Therefore, the study aimed to assess female patients' emotional, cognitive, physical, and social quality of life. The study included 100 patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer and treated with chemotherapy in a day hospital setting at the Department of Radiotherapy and Gynaecological Oncology at the Wielkopolska Oncology Centre in Poznan. The patients were given a standard treatment regimen: paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 in a 3 h infusion and carboplatin at an AUC of 6 (5-7) following Calvert as a 1 h infusion for six cycles administered every 21 days. In addition, standardised questionnaires of the Polish version of the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQOV28 were used. The analysis of the collected material shows that the patients reported the highest level of general health and quality of life at the study's first stage, i.e., before chemotherapy (mean value of 59.67 points). In contrast, the patients' lowest level of general health and quality of life was observed in the fourth stage of the study (mean value of 45.04 points). The problem of side effects, such as nausea and vomiting, affected the entire study group and was more troublesome in the final stage of treatment for all patients. In the study's first stage, the mean score on the nausea and vomiting symptom scale was 16 points; in the fourth stage, the mean score was 40.07. Of the clinical factors, the symptom of fatigue was the most severe health problem for the subjects. The mean score of the fatigue scale in the study's first stage was 37.11 points, while a score of 70.33 was obtained in the fourth stage of the research. The multivariate linear regression model showed that the lack of professional activity lowers quality of life, especially combined with other side effects of chemotherapy, including hair loss in Stage IV of the study. This study shows that women with ovarian cancer undergoing chemotherapy need exceptional support from psychologists, nurses, dieticians, and physiotherapists.

Complex Analysis of Endothelial Markers as Potential Prognostic Indicators in Luminal Invasive Breast Carcinoma Patients: Outcomes of a Six-Year Observational Study.

(1) Background: Metastasis is a complex process in which the primary cancer cells spread to a distant organ or organs, creating a secondary tumor location, which in many patients leads to treatment failure and death. The aim of the present study was to assess the association of endothelial markers (i.e., sP-selectin, sE-selectin and von Willebrand factor) with the leptin-to-adiponectin ratio (LAR) and to perform an analysis of the predictive value on the survival of patients with luminal A and B invasive breast cancer (IBrC). (2) Methods: The trial included 70 treatment-naïve early-stage IBrC patients with a median age of 54.5 years and a median tumor diameter of 1.5 cm. The median duration of follow-up was 5.7 years, with a relapse rate of 15.71%. Specific immunoenzymatic kits were used to determine pre- and post-treatment concentrations of analyzed factors. (3) Results: Regardless of the treatment pattern, endothelial marker concentrations and the LAR increased after adjuvant treatment. The follow-up showed a significantly higher relapse rate in patients with IBrC who had higher pre-treatment sP-selectin and post-treatment LAR levels. According to receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, a post-treatment LAR with a sensitivity of 88.9% and specificity of 57.9% discriminating cases with or without disease relapse. Additionally, a higher risk of breast cancer relapse was associated with a lower post-treatment sP-selectin concentration. (4) Conclusions: Our results showed mainly that pre-treatment sP-selectin levels and post-treatment LAR may have value as prognostic indicators and may contribute to predicting the future outcomes in patients with early-stage IBrC.

Blb-NRF2-PON1 Cross-Talk in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Progression.

The progression of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is an important issue, especially as AAA is becoming more common, and potentially life-threatening. This study aimed to understand better the mechanisms underlying AAA progression. For this purpose, we have focused on assessing the selected biomarkers whose potentially common denominator is the NRF2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) transcription factor, that determines the selected antioxidant enzymes' activation. The study group consisted of 44 AAA male patients (71.41 ± 7.80 years aged). They were divided into three groups based on the aneurism diameter: group I (below 55 mm), group II (between 55 and 70 mm), and group III (over 70 mm). The laboratory analyses of PON1 (paraoxonase-1), NRF2, and HO-1 (heme oxygenase 1) were performed based on commercial ELISA tests; Blb (bilirubin) and hsCRP (high sensitivity C-reactive protein) were assessed during routine morphology examinations after admission to the hospital. Multiple linear regression showed that both bilirubin and NRF2 determined the PON1 concentration in the entire study group. The correlations between the examined parameters within the three studied groups suggest the capitulation of NRF2-dependent antioxidant mechanisms to pro-inflammatory processes. We showed that HO-1 and hsCRP may play a crucial role in the development of inflammation aneurism progression. Moreover, in patients with medium-sized aneurysms, antioxidant mechanisms were depressed, and inflammatory processes began to dominate, which may lead to uncontrolled growth aneurysm rupture. Our study is one of the first to indicate that the chronically activated antioxidant pathway using NRF2 may be a source of reduction stress.

Mast Cell Involvement in the Pathogenesis of Selected Musculoskeletal Diseases.

In recent years, there has been a noteworthy revival of interest in the function of mast cells (MCs) in the human body. It is now acknowledged that MCs impact a wide array of processes beyond just allergies, leading to a shift in research direction. Unfortunately, some earlier conclusions were drawn from animal models with flawed designs, particularly centered around the receptor tyrosine kinase (Kit) pathway. Consequently, several subsequent findings may have been unreliable. Thus, what is now required is a re-examination of these earlier findings. Nevertheless, the remaining data are fascinating and hold promise for a better comprehension of numerous diseases and the development of more effective therapies. As the field continues to progress, many intriguing issues warrant further investigation and analysis. For instance, exploring the bidirectional action of MCs in rheumatoid arthritis, understanding the extent of MCs' impact on symptoms associated with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and unraveling the exact role of the myofibroblast-mast cell-neuropeptides axis in the joint capsule during post-traumatic contractures are all captivating areas for exploration. Hence, in this review, we summarize current knowledge regarding the influence of MCs on the pathogenesis of selected musculoskeletal diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gout, muscle and joint injuries, tendinopathy, heterotopic ossification, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. We believe that this review will provide in-depth information that can guide and inspire further research in this area.

Is It Feasible to Predict Cardiovascular Risk among Healthy Vegans, Lacto-/Ovo-Vegetarians, Pescatarians, and Omnivores under Forty?

Guidelines for cardiovascular (CV) risk assessment among young adults are uncertain. Researchers are still looking for new tools for earlier diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), the leading cause of mortality in the modern world. This study aimed to assess whether CV risk estimation is possible in groups of healthy individuals under the age of 40 on different dietary patterns (vegans-VEGAN (n = 48), lacto-/ovo-vegetarians-VEGE (n = 49), pescatarians-PESCA (n = 23), and omnivores-OMN (n = 35)) during the pandemic period. Four metrics containing selected risk classifiers were created, and participants were assessed using them. Groups including meat consumption showed increased CV risk predictions in the metrics assessment. The next analyzes showed statistically significant relationships between the results from the created metrics and selected non-basic biomarkers for ApoA1 (OMN group, p = 0.028), IL-6 (PESCA group, p = 0.048), HCY (VEGAN group, p = 0.05), and hsCRP (OMN + PESCA groups, p = 0.025). We found that predicting CV risk among healthy people under 40 adhering to different dietary patterns, taking into account basic and non-basic laboratory assessments and created metrics, is challenging but feasible. Furthermore, the OMN group appeared to be at the highest risk of increased CV risk in the future, while risk tended to be the lowest in the VEGAN group.

Ghrelin and Leptin among Patients with Urolithiasis with Concomitant Hyperuricemia and Metabolic Syndrome.

Introduction: The study evaluated the selected appetite hormones (ghrelin, leptin) and inflammatory parameters (tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6)) in patients with urolithiasis, metabolic syndrome (MetS), and hyperuricemia. Materials: 57 patients with urolithiasis, MetS and hyperuricemia (UP group) and 29 healthy people as the control group (CG group) were recruited to the study. All persons were 22-60 age. Methods: After preliminary testing, the qualified participants were evaluated for fasting serum levels of ghrelin, leptin, IL-6, and TNF-α. Results: Our results revealed differences between average values of leptin (p = 0.045), ghrelin (p < 0.001), IL-6 (p < 0.001), and TNF-α (p < 0.001) in the studied groups. Moreover, in the UP group, significant correlations were found between ghrelin and leptin; between these hormones and IL-6, and between leptin and uric acid (UA). Besides, leptin concentration increased significantly along with the changes in the body mass index (BMI) categories in the UP group. Conclusions: This study showed that patients with urolithiasis, concomitant MetS, and high UA levels may have problems managing appetite hormones.

Association of Serum Omentin-1 Concentration with the Content of Adipose Tissue and Glucose Tolerance in Subjects with Central Obesity.

Omentin is one of the few adipokines with potentially beneficial metabolic effects. The main aim of this study was to determine the association between serum omentin-1 levels and the occurrence of central obesity and abnormal glucose tolerance, taking into account gender. The study involved 88 participants aged 30-60, including 47 women and 41 men. Two subgroups among the obese subjects were distinguished-those with normal and abnormal glucose tolerance. Anthropometric and biochemical examinations and blood pressure measurements were performed. Omentin-1 concentrations were significantly lower among patients with obesity compared to those without obesity (p = 0.027) and, similarly, comparing men with abnormal glucose tolerance with men with normal glucose tolerance (p = 0.035). In contrast, no such pattern was observed in women. The multivariable regression model showed a significant effect of gender status and important factors of tissue insulin sensitivity, such as OGGT results, WHR and amount of body fat, on the variability of serum omentin-1 concentration in the entire study population (R2adj. = 13.7%; p = 0.003). High omentin-1 levels found in men with obesity and normal glucose tolerance suggest that omentin-1 protects against metabolic disorders associated with obesity in the male population.

High-Fructose Diet-Induced Hyperuricemia Accompanying Metabolic Syndrome-Mechanisms and Dietary Therapy Proposals.

Fructose is often used as a food ingredient due to its low production costs and sweetening power. In recent years, it has been noticed that people on a Western diet high in fructose have high levels of uric acid in their blood. It was recognized that the specific metabolism of fructose in the body might cause increased production of uric acid, which then may affect the intensification of lipogenesis and the development of metabolic syndrome (MetS), insulin resistance, gout, cardiovascular diseases, leptin resistance, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. So far, to treat hyperuricemia, it has been recommended to use a low-purine diet characterized by limiting protein-containing products. However, this recommendation often leads to an increased intake of carbohydrate-rich foods that may contain fructose. Increased fructose consumption may enhance the secretion of uric acid again and, consequently, does not have therapeutic effects. Therefore, instead of a low-purine diet, using healthy diets, such as DASH or the Mediterranean diet, which can benefit metabolic parameters, could be a better proposal. This article provides an overview of this approach, focusing on MetS and hyperuricemia among high-fructose dieters.

Dietary Habits and Lifestyle, Including Cardiovascular Risk among Vegetarians and Omnivores during the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Polish Population.

Background: This study assessed how two food groups­omnivores (OMN) and vegetarians (VEGE)­differ in lifestyle changes, including dietary habits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials: A total of 861 persons participated in the survey and were divided into two groups: persons following a mixed diet (n = 489) and vegetarians, including vegans (n = 372). The mean age shows no significant differences. Methods: An online survey was conducted on the Polish population during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data was collected using social media; the survey was intended for adults and included separate sheets for different diets (OMN vs. VEGE). Results: The results in both groups were similar regarding the burden of premature diseases. Most respondents (~90%) did not indicate cardiovascular disease abnormalities. In the OMN group, overweight and obesity occurred more often, and the OMN group also showed a higher percentage of people reporting weight gain (OMN 42.7% vs. VEGE 35.9%). The results disclosed the VEGE group significantly more frequently chose products, i.e., vegetables (p = 0.029), legumes (p < 0.001), and dairy products or their plant substitutes (p = 0.002), compared to the OMN group. Conclusions: The VEGE group revealed the most regularities in dietary habits during the pandemic.

The Link between the Demographic and Clinical Factors and Fatigue Symptoms among Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic disease of connective tissue with periods of exacerbation and remission. Fatigue is excessive strain throughout the body that is disproportionate or unrelated to an activity or lifestyle. Fatigue is an integral part of RA in most patients. The study aimed to assess the level of fatigue in RA patients and establish the relationship between fatigue and demographic and clinical factors. The study group consisted of 128 RA patients according to European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) criteria. The Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue and -Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF-36) vitality scores were used to assess the severity of fatigue symptoms. The analyzed variables were gender, age, disease duration, education, marital status, place of residence, work and residence status, pharmacological treatment, pain, morning stiffness, hemoglobin, C-reactive protein (CRP), rheumatoid factor (RF), compression soreness, Richie Articular Index, and DAS28 disease activity. The examined patients experience chronic fatigue-the mean value on the FACIT-F scale was 24.1 ± 9.1 points and on the SF-36 Vitality score was 14.2 ± 1.8 points. There is a relationship between the level of fatigue and pain, long-lasting morning stiffness, active disease, increased soreness of joints, and low hemoglobin values. When analyzing the symptom of fatigue, each patient should be approached individually, using the existing questionnaires or asking key questions to recognize the situation. The presence of fatigue symptoms should be considered during therapy and patient care by searching for and eliminating additional, intensifying stimuli and increasing its level.