Sustainable Nutrition and Human Health as Part of Sustainable Development.

The concept of sustainable nutrition is focused on an optimal and health-promoting diet that is culturally acceptable, easily accessible, and eco-friendly by reducing environmental costs for present and future generations [...].

Nutritional Behavior in European Countries during COVID-19 Pandemic-A Review.

COVID-19 is highly linked with hyperinflammation and dysfunction of the immune cells. Studies have shown that adequate nutrition, a modifiable factor affecting immunity and limiting systemic inflammation, may play an adjunct role in combating the negative consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Due to the global lockdown conditions, the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed, among others, to restrictions on fresh food availability and changes in lifestyle and eating behaviors. The aim of this paper was to review the data regarding eating habits in European countries within the general population of adults and some specific subpopulations, including obese, diabetic, and psychiatric patients, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The PubMed database and the official websites of medical organizations and associations were searched for the phrases "COVID" and "eating habits". Papers regarding the pediatric population, non-European countries, presenting aggregated data from different countries worldwide, and reviews were excluded. During the COVID-19 pandemic, unhealthy lifestyles and eating behaviors were commonly reported. These included increased snacking, intake of caloric foods, such as sweets, pastries, and beverages, and a decline in physical activity. Data suggest that poor eating habits that create a positive energy balance have persisted over time as an additional post-COVID negative consequence.

cAMP-Dependent Signaling and Ovarian Cancer.

cAMP-dependent pathway is one of the most significant signaling cascades in healthy and neoplastic ovarian cells. Working through its major effector proteins-PKA and EPAC-it regulates gene expression and many cellular functions. PKA promotes the phosphorylation of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) which mediates gene transcription, cell migration, mitochondrial homeostasis, cell proliferation, and death. EPAC, on the other hand, is involved in cell adhesion, binding, differentiation, and interaction between cell junctions. Ovarian cancer growth and metabolism largely depend on changes in the signal processing of the cAMP-PKA-CREB axis, often associated with neoplastic transformation, metastasis, proliferation, and inhibition of apoptosis. In addition, the intracellular level of cAMP also determines the course of other pathways including AKT, ERK, MAPK, and mTOR, that are hypo- or hyperactivated among patients with ovarian neoplasm. With this review, we summarize the current findings on cAMP signaling in the ovary and its association with carcinogenesis, multiplication, metastasis, and survival of cancer cells. Additionally, we indicate that targeting particular stages of cAMP-dependent processes might provide promising therapeutic opportunities for the effective management of patients with ovarian cancer.

Serum RBP4 positively correlates with triglyceride level but not with BMI, fat mass and insulin resistance in healthy obese and non-obese individuals.

PURPOSE: Retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) has recently been identified as an adipokine possibly involved in the development of impaired glucose metabolism. We aimed to test serum RBP4 in healthy non-obese individuals and in patients with well-characterized phenotype: obesity without confounding effects of diabetes, metabolic syndrome or dyslipidaemia. Additionally, we examined whether serum RBP4 is associated with anthropometric parameters, insulin resistance and blood lipid parameters. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight patients with obesity and no co-morbidities and twenty-five age-matched lean controls were recruited. Anthropometric parameters, body composition, fasting blood lipid profile, RBP4, glucose and insulin were assessed and HOMA-IR was calculated. RESULTS: Mean concentration of RBP4 did not differ between studied groups (in obese patients was 33.93 ± 4.46 µg/ml and 32.53 ± 2.53 µg/ml in non-obese controls). RBP4 positively correlated with serum triglycerides in obese and non-obese individuals (r = 0.74, p = 0.03 and r = 0.62, p = 0.02, respectively) and did not show any significant associations with HOMA-IR, anthropometric and body composition parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Excessive adiposity without co-morbidities is not associated with higher levels of circulating RBP4. Serum RBP4 cannot be considered as a direct predictive marker for impaired glucose metabolism. RBP4 possibly contributes to lipid metabolism.

Relationship between adipokines and lipid profile in postmenopausal women with different apolipoprotein E genotypes.

The aim of the authors of this study was to clarify the relationships among apolipoprotein E (ApoE) genotype, blood pressure, lipid profile, serum leptin, and adiponectin in healthy postmenopausal women. The study was conducted between March 2011 and December 2012 on 266 participants aged 50-65 years from the Institute of Rural Health in Lublin, Poland. Results showed that women had four combinations of genotypes: ɛ2/ɛ3, ɛ3/ɛ3, ɛ3/ɛ4, and ɛ4/ɛ4. Carriers of different genotypes did not differ in terms of age, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and adiponectin levels. Mean low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels were higher in ε4 carriers compared to non-carriers. Fasting serum leptin concentrations were higher in homozygotes ɛ4/ɛ4. Leptin correlated positively with BMI in all study groups and with LDL in ɛ2/ɛ3, ɛ3/ɛ3, and ɛ3/ɛ4. Adiponectin correlated negatively with triglycerides in ɛ2/ɛ3, ɛ3/ɛ3, and ɛ3/ɛ4 and positively with HDL in ɛ2/ɛ3 carriers. Adipokines were not associated with blood pressure. Multiple regression analyses demonstrated associations among leptin, ApoE ɛ4/ɛ4, BMI, and LDL, and among adiponectin, BMI, and triglycerides. In healthy postmenopausal women ɛ4/ɛ4 genotype was associated with lower leptin levels. Homozygosity ɛ4/ɛ4 was associated with a more atherogenic lipid profile and possibly dysregulation of leptin and adiponectin signaling in lipid metabolism.

The Effect of VASER Abdominal Liposuction on Metabolic Profile in Overweight Males.

The aim of the current study was to examine the liposuction-induced metabolic changes with regard to release of major adipokines and insulin sensitivity in overweight male patients. Seventeen overweight male patients aged 37.15 ± 9.60 years (6 with diabetes type 2, 11 without comorbidities) and 10 age-matched healthy lean controls were enrolled in the study. Using Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance System, ultrasound assisted liposuction was applied onto the deep layers of abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue. The mean volume supranatant fat was 2208 ± 562 ml. To eliminate the confounding effects of postsurgical inflammation and to evaluate delayed metabolic effects, fasting blood was collected on the day of liposuction, within 1 to 2 months and more than 6 months after surgery. Serum leptin, soluble receptor for leptin, adiponectin, insulin, and glucose concentrations were tested and insulin sensitivity was calculated using updated model Homeostasis Model Assessment 2. Both treatment groups (diabetic and nondiabetic patients) experienced similar postsurgical weight reduction with concomitant lowering of body mass index value at 1 to 2 months follow-up, which was sustained after 6 months from surgery. Improvement in insulin sensitivity at 1 to 2 months follow-up was observed ( p = .017 and p = .002, for diabetics and nondiabetics, respectively) and this change persisted over the next 4 months. At the same time, no significant changes in adipokines and soluble leptin receptor were found. These data demonstrate that in terms of metabolic consequences, Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance abdominal liposuction might have beneficial effects in overweight diabetic and nondiabetic males by improving their insulin sensitivity.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors reduce oxidative stress intensity in hyperglicemic conditions in rats independently from bradykinin receptor inhibitors.

AIM: To investigate whether endogenous bradykinin is involved in the antioxidant action of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) in acute hyperglycemia. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were divided into the normoglycemic group (n=40) and the hyperglycemic group (n=40). Hyperglycemia was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 65 mg/kg body weight) dissolved in 0.1 mol/L citrate buffer (pH 4.5) 72 hours before sacrifice. The normoglycemic group received the same volume of citrate buffer. Each group was divided into five subgroups (n=8): control group, captopril group, captopril + bradykinin B1 and B2 receptor antagonists group, enalapril group, and enalapril + bradykinin B1 and B2 receptor antagonists group. Captopril, enalapril, B1 and B2 receptor antagonists, or 0.15 mol/L NaCl were given at 2 and 1 hour before sacrifice. Oxidative status was determined by measuring the concentration of malondialdehyde and H2O2, and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). RESULTS: In STZ-induced hyperglycemic rats ACEIs significantly reduced H2O2 concentration, while they significantly enhanced SOD and GPx activity. The hyperglycemic group treated simultaneously with ACEIs and bradykinin B1 and B2 receptor antagonists showed a significant decrease in H2O2 concentration compared to the control hyperglycemic group. CONCLUSION: These results suggest the existence of the bradykinin -independent antioxidative effect of ACEIs in hyperglycemic conditions, which is not related to the bradykinin mediation and the structure of the drug molecule.

Variations in leptin and insulin levels within one swimming season in non-obese female cold water swimmers.

AIM: We examined whether cold water swimming for seven consecutive months changes basal leptin and insulin concentrations and insulin sensitivity in healthy non-obese women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen recreational female swimmers aged 45 ± 8.7 years, regularly swimming outdoors during winter months were exposed to cold water at least twice a week. Fasting blood samples were collected in October, January and April. Serum leptin, insulin and glucose concentrations were tested and insulin sensitivity was calculated using updated model HOMA2. RESULTS: Repeated cold water baths significantly increased insulin sensitivity and decreased insulin and leptin concentrations (p = 0.006, p = 0.032, p = 0.042, respectively). Leptin concentration positively correlated with body-mass index (BMI) and insulin level (r = 0.412, r = 0.868, respectively). Insulin level inversely correlated with insulin sensitivity and positively with glucose (r = -0.893, r = 0.166, respectively). No associations between leptin and insulin sensitivity were found. CONCLUSION: Regular cold water swimming may stimulate metabolic changes suggesting that leptin and insulin participate in adaptive metabolic mechanisms triggered by repeated cold exposure accompanied by mild exercise in healthy non-obese women.

Cold Water Swimming Beneficially Modulates Insulin Sensitivity in Middle-Aged Individuals.

We determined whether cold water swimming for six consecutive months results in adaptive changes in body composition and insulin sensitivity. Thirty healthy subjects aged 50.2 ± 9.4 years were exposed to cold water at least twice a week. Body composition was determined and serum glucose and insulin served to calculate beta-cell function, insulin sensitivity, and resistance using HOMA2. Compared with control subjects, swimmers were overweight, and had greater percent body fat and beta cell function. Women had lower values of BMI, fat free mass, muscle mass, visceral adipose tissue level, and greater percent body fat than men. Increased insulin sensitivity and decreased insulin secretion and resistance from beginning to middle of swim season was observed in females and in lean subjects. Findings suggest that men and women differ in regard to body composition and response to repeated cold exposure. Cold water swimming may beneficially modulate insulin sensitivity in cold acclimated lean swimmers.

Huntington Disease - principles and practice of nutritional management.

Huntington disease (HD) is a degenerative brain disease clinically manifested by the characteristic triad: physical symptoms including involuntary movements and poor coordination, cognitive changes with less ability to organize routine tasks, and some emotional and behavioral disturbances. For patients with HD, feeding is one of the problems they have to face. People with HD often have lower than average body weight and struggle with malnutrition. As a part of therapy, good nutrition is an intervention maintaining health and functional ability for maximally prolonged time. In the early stages of HD, small amounts of blenderized foods given orally are recommended. In more advanced stages, enteral nutrition is essential using gastric, or jejunal tubes for short term. Most severe cases require gastrostomy or gastrojejunostomy. Although enteral feeding is well tolerated by most of the patients, a number of complications may occur, including damage to the nose, pharynx, or esophagus, aspiration pneumonia, sinusitis, metabolic imbalances due to improper nutrient and fluid supply, adverse effects affecting gastrointestinal system, and refeeding syndrome.

Functional constipation in children - evaluation and management.

Almost 1/3 of gastrointestinal consultations are related to constipation, and over 90% of them are of functional origin. Proper diagnosis and adequate treatment (both nonpharmacological and pharmacological) may limit the number of specialist visits and can be beneficial for therapeutic effects. The treatment is long lasting and requires unique discipline of parents/guardians and coordination supervised by the referring doctor. This paper presents the most important aspects of diagnostic and therapeutic processes regarding functional constipation in neonates and toddlers.

Urinary tract infection during pregnancy affects the level of leptin, ghrelin and insulin in maternal and placental blood.

AIM: We examined ghrelin, leptin and insulin in maternal blood during normal pregnancy and pregnancy complicated by urinary tract infection (UTI), as well as in cord blood at labor. METHODS: A total of 36 delivering women with history of UTI during the third trimester of pregnancy were enrolled in the study; 12 healthy pregnant women served as a control. Infection markers (CRP and procalcitonin) were determined in maternal blood during the course of UTI and at labor. Ghrelin, leptin and insulin were determined during labor in venous maternal and in umbilical cord blood. RESULTS: We found negative correlation between infection markers in maternal blood during UTI, and level of tested hormones in cord blood, indicating potential risk of placental impairment due to energetic imbalance. We noted lower level of leptin in mothers with UTI and no change in leptin from umbilical blood comparing subjects with and without UTI. Low level of ghrelin was observed in maternal and cord blood when pregnancy was complicated by UTI. Insulin concentrations were high in mothers with UTI and low in their newborn's cord blood. Increased maternal insulin level could indicate peripheral insulin resistance caused by the infection. CONCLUSION: UTI during pregnancy affects the concentration of hormones responsible for regulating energetic homeostasis within the placenta.

Fasting and postprandial levels of ghrelin, leptin and insulin in lean, obese and anorexic subjects.

INTRODUCTION: Ghrelin, leptin and insulin are involved in neurohormonal regulation of energetic homeostasis. AIM: We investigated the correlation between nutritional status and plasma levels of leptin, ghrelin and insulin in lean, obese and anorexic subjects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Nineteen obese and 18 anorexic adults were enrolled in the study. Seventeen adults with normal body mass index (BMI) served as controls. Blood samples were taken twice: before breakfast and 2 h after breakfast. Fasting and postprandial ghrelin, leptin and insulin were examined. The following correlations were estimated: between BMI and basal level of tested hormones, between insulin and ghrelin, and between insulin and leptin. The threshold level of significance was p ≤ 0.05 for all calculations. RESULTS: Basal insulin level was lowest in anorexic patients and greatest in obese subjects. Fasting plasma ghrelin was lower in obesity and higher in anorexia as compared with the controls. Comparing with controls, fasting leptin levels were higher in obese and lower in anorexic subjects. There was positive correlation between BMI and basal leptin level in obesity. A significant postprandial increase was noted for insulin in all studied groups. Increased leptin and decreased ghrelin levels were detected 2 h after a meal in the control group. In obese patients, postprandial leptin was lower than before food intake, and fasting leptin showed positive correlation with basal insulin level. CONCLUSIONS: Basal plasma ghrelin, leptin and insulin levels differ according to nutritional status. Impaired ghrelin and leptin secretion and insulin sensitivity may be involved in the pathogenesis of eating disorders.

The viability and intestinal epithelial cell adhesion of probiotic strain combination--in vitro study.

To be effective, probiotic bacteria must exhibit a number of functional characteristics, including the resistance to gastric acidity and the ability to adhere to the intestinal epithelium. In this study, we examined in vitro the viability of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) combination after exposure to low pH, and the adhesion of LAB to Caco-2 cells during coincubation of 9 bacterial strains. To test bacterial viability, 6 commercially available products were incubated in 0.1 N HCl at pH 1.2 for 60 min. The greatest growth inhibition was noted for the non-capsulated product containing the Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain (log reduction of CFU = 6.4), and the best survival observed for the product containing 9 bacterial strains, equipped with a modern capsule made according to the Multi-Resistant Encapsulation technology (log reduction of CFU = 0.1). In the adhesion experiment, the combination of 9 bacterial strains was added to 17-day-old Caco-2 cell culture for 90 min. The greatest efficiency of adhesion was observed for the inoculum containing 5.5x10(8) CFU/mL/9.6 cm(2) of Caco-2 and the dose of probiotic bacteria of 190 cells per one Caco-2 cell. As a result, approximately 157 bacterial cells adhered to one Caco-2 cell. The results indicate that the combination of 9 bacterial strains in the examined product is characterized as highly adhesive.