Metabolic Age, an Index Based on Basal Metabolic Rate, Can Predict Individuals That are High Risk of Developing Metabolic Syndrome

Early time-restricted eating with energy restriction has a better effect on body fat mass, diastolic blood pressure, metabolic age and fasting glucose compared to late time-restricted eating with energy restriction and/or energy restriction alone: A 3-month randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Time-restricted eating (TRE) has attracted increasing attention from researchers and the public. Recent studies suggest that the combination of TRE with energy restriction (ER) may have more favourable effects on both physical and biochemical aspects compared to ER alone. The aim of the present 3-month intervention study was to determine the effects of an 8-h early time-restricted eating and an 8-h late time-restricted eating with ER (eTRE + ER and lTRE + ER) compared to 12-h ER alone on body mass and other anthropometric and cardiometabolic risk factors in participants with overweight and obesity.

METHODS

Participants (n = 108) were allocated to three different groups according to their personal chronotype: eTRE + ER (37 participants), lTRE + ER (37 participants) and ER (34 participants). Ninety-three participants completed the entire 3-month intervention (34 in eTRE + ER, 28 in lTRE + ER and 31 in ER). Anthropometric and cardiometabolic risk factors were measured at baseline and after 1, 2 and 3 months of the intervention. Sleep quality and quality of life were assessed at baseline and after 3 months of the intervention. ER was determined based on the individual's resting metabolic rate. Effects were analyzed using the per-protocol approach.

RESULTS

Results showed a significant time main effect (p < 0.001), suggesting a decrease in body mass at the end of the 3-month intervention with a mean loss of -5.0 kg (95 % CI, -5.7, -4.3) for the eTRE + ER group, -4.4 kg (95 % CI, -5.2, -3.6) for the lTRE + ER group and -4.3 kg (95 % CI, -5.0, -3.6) for the ER group, with no significant difference between the groups (p = 0.319). eTRE + ER had greater improvements in fat mass (-1.2 % (95 % CI, -2.1, -0.2), p = 0.013) and fasting glucose (-0.35 mmol/L (95 % CI, -0.63, -0.06), p = 0.012) than participants in the lTRE + ER group and greater improvements in fat mass (-1.1 % (95 % CI, -2.0, -0.1), p = 0.022), metabolic age (-3 years (95 % CI, -5, -0), p = 0.028) and diastolic blood pressure (-4 mmHg (95 % CI, -8, -0), p = 0.033) than the participants in the ER group. No significant changes were found between the groups for the other parameters measured.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no difference in body mass between the eTRE + ER, lTRE + ER and ER groups after 3 months of intervention. However, eTRE + ER showed a greater benefit for fasting blood glucose, certain anthropometric parameters and diastolic blood pressure compared to lTRE + ER and/or ER alone. Other anthropometric, biochemical and health-related parameters were not affected by eating window.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05730231.

Sex difference in the relationship between 24-h sodium-potassium ratio and prevalence of metabolic syndromes: a cross-sectional study

Maintaining a balanced ratio between sodium and potassium intake is one of the most important dietary and lifestyle factors in the development of metabolic syndrome (MetS), but available evidence is still limited, particularly when using urine samples to estimate this ratio. We aim to evaluate the associations between the 24-h urinary sodium-potassium ratio (24hUNa/KE) and MetS risk through a large health check-up program in China. This cross-sectional study analyzed health check-up data from 59,292 participants at the Third Xiangya Hospital's Department of Health Management in Changsha, China, from 2018 to 2021. Each participant gave one fasting urine sample to analyze sodium, potassium, and creatinine levels during the check-up. The Kawasaki formula estimated 24-h urinary sodium (24hUNaE) and potassium excretion (24hUKE), with the 24hUNa/KE ratio calculated by dividing 24hUNaE by 24hUKE. The prevalence of MetS was found to be 19.27%. Notably, the overall MetS prevalence was higher in men (28.08%) than in women (7.83%). In women, MetS prevalence increased from 6.35 to 10.30% across the lowest to highest 24hUNa/KE quartiles. A significant increase in MetS prevalence was associated with each standard deviation increase in 24hUNa/KE (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.06), particularly for central obesity (AOR, 1.04; 95% CI 1.02-1.06) and elevated blood pressure (AOR, 1.20; 95% CI 1.17-1.22). In women, a one standard deviation increase in the 24hUNa/KE ratio raised the risk of MetS by 9% (AOR, 1.09; 95% CI 1.05-1.14), but no significant link was found in men. A strong positive link exists between 24hUNa/KE and MetS and its components, especially central obesity and high blood pressure, with a more significant effect in women.

A New Score for Metabolic Age in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Physical Rating Score

Background: Metabolic age (met-age), a risk marker, may vary within the same chronological age group. Its association with chronological age, waist/height ratio, obesity degree, body mass index (BMI), and physical rating score (PRS)-risk factors for type 2 diabetes-remains unexplored. Methods: A total of 122 type 2 diabetes patients (50 males, 72 females) were analyzed. Bioimpedance measurements were taken using the Tanita MC-780MA, alongside anthropometric data. Variables were compared, and correlations with met-age were assessed. Results: The met-age-chronological age difference was higher in females with type 2 diabetes (p < 0.001). Females also had higher BMI, obesity degree, fat mass, and waist/height ratio (p < 0.05), but lower waist/hip ratio (p < 0.001). Males showed higher PRS, muscle mass, and fat-free mass (p < 0.001). Met-age positively correlated with chronological age and negatively with PRS in both sexes (p < 0.05). According to the linear regression model, in females, the met-age was influenced positively by chronological age and waist/height ratio and negatively by PRS (R2 = 0.983). In males, it was positively influenced by chronological age, obesity grade, and BMI, but negatively by PRS (R2 = 0.974). Conclusions: Met-age correlates with chronological age and PRS in type 2 diabetes patients. It increases with advancing age and lower PRS, with waist/height ratio impacting females and BMI/obesity degree affecting males.

Relationship Between Metabolic Age Determined by Bioimpedance and Insulin Resistance Risk Scales in Spanish Workers

Introduction: Metabolic age (MA) is the difference between an individual's actual age and the age of their body based on physiological and biological factors. It is an indicator that reflects a person's physical and biological state, regardless of chronological age. Insulin resistance (IR) is a health disorder in which tissues exhibit a reduced response to the circulating glucose uptake stimulated by insulin. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between MA, determined through bioelectrical impedance analysis, and the risk of IR, assessed using validated scales, in a cohort of Spanish workers. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 8590 Spanish workers to assess the association between MA and a set of sociodemographic variables, health habits, and IR risk scales such as the Triglyceride-Glucose Index (TyG Index), Metabolic Score for Insulin Resistance (METS-IR), and Single Point Insulin Sensitivity Estimator (SPISE). Results: All analyzed variables were associated with MA values, with the strongest associations observed for IR risk scale values (OR 4.88 [95% CI 4.12-5.65] for METS-IR, 4.42 [95% CI 3.70-5.15] for SPISE, and 3.42 [95% CI 2.97-3.87] for the TyG Index) and physical activity. Conclusions: Metabolic age is influenced by sociodemographic variables such as age, sex, and social class; health habits such as smoking, physical activity, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet; and by IR risk scale values.

Nutritional status and related factors in gastric cancer patients after gastrectomy: a cross-sectional study

<b>Introduction: </b> Gastrectomy due to gastric cancer induces metabolic changes in body composition, directly affecting nutritional status. <br><br><b>Aim:</b> The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the nutritional status and related factors in gastric cancer patients after total and subtotal gastrectomy.<br><br><b>Materials and methods:</b> A total of 41 patients who underwent gastrectomy due to gastric cancer were included: 20 patients (48.8%) with total gastric resection and 21 patients (51.2%) with subtotal resection were enrolled. The evaluation was performed over a follow-up period ranging from two to four years after surgery during routine oncological monitoring visits. The laboratory tests, bioimpedance parameters, physical activity, and quality of life were evaluated.<br><br><b>Results:</b> The only statistically significant differences included BMI, fat percentage, fat mass, and metabolic age in the subtotal gastrectomy group. Overall, post-gastrectomy patients showed suboptimal vitamin D concentration and low physical activity level and were found to be at risk of malnutrition assessed with prealbumin concentration and total lymphocyte count.<br><br><b>Discussion:</b> The nutritional status and life quality do not significantly differ between total and subtotal gastric cancer patients.<br><br><b>Conclusions:</b> The nutritional status and life quality do not significantly differ between total and subtotal post-gastrectomy patients in long-term follow-up. The analysis of selected parameters suggests that post-gastrectomy patients are at risk of malnutrition.<br><br><b>Study significance:</b> The presented study brings better insight into the nutritional status of gastric cancer patients after gastrectomy in long-term follow-up.

Enhancing clinical and public health interpretation of accelerometer-assessed physical activity with age-referenced values based on UK Biobank data

BACKGROUND

Higher accelerometer-assessed volume and intensity of physical activity (PA) have been associated with a longer life expectancy but can be difficult to translate into recommended doses of PA. We aimed to: (a) improve interpretability by producing UK Biobank age-referenced centiles for PA volume and intensity; (b) inform public-health messaging by examining how adding recommended quantities of moderate and vigorous PA affect PA volume and intensity.

METHODS

92,480 UK Biobank participants aged 43-80 years with wrist-worn accelerometer data were included. Average acceleration and intensity gradient were derived as proxies for PA volume and intensity. We generated sex-specific centile curves using Generalized Additive Models for Location Scale and Shape (GAMLSS) and modeled the effect of adding moderate (walking) or vigorous (running) activity on the combined change in the volume and intensity centiles (change in PA profile).

RESULTS

In men, volume was lower as age increased while intensity was lower after age 55; in women, both volume and intensity were lower as age increased. Adding 150 min of moderate PA weekly (5 × 30 min walking) increased the PA profile by 4 percentage points. Defining moderate PA as brisk walking approximately doubled the increase (9 percentage points) while 75 min of vigorous PA weekly (5 × 15 min running) trebled the increase (13 percentage points).

CONCLUSION

These UK Biobank reference centiles provide a benchmark for interpretation of accelerometer data. Application of our translational methods demonstrate that meeting PA guidelines through shorter duration vigorous activity is more beneficial to the PA profile (volume and intensity) than longer duration moderate activity.

The Effect of a Program to Improve Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet on Cardiometabolic Parameters in 7034 Spanish Workers

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular and metabolic diseases include a large group of pathologies and constitute one of the most serious chronic health problems facing the 21st century, with high rates of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Unhealthy diets influence the development of these pathologies. The Mediterranean diet can be an important part in the treatment of these diseases. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of a program that aims to increase adherence to the Mediterranean diet on the improvement of different cardiometabolic risk parameters.

METHODS

A prospective intervention study was carried out on 7034 Spanish workers. Prior to the intervention, 22 cardiometabolic risk scales were evaluated. Participants in this study were informed both orally and in writing of the characteristics and benefits of the Mediterranean diet and were given the website of the Ministry of Health, Consumption and Social Welfare of Spain, which provides advice on nutrition. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was reinforced by sending a monthly SMS to their mobile phones. After six months of follow-up, the 22 risk scales were re-evaluated to assess changes. Means and standard deviations were calculated using Student's t test to analyse quantitative variables. Prevalence was calculated using the Chi-square test when the variables were qualitative.

RESULTS

All the cardiometabolic risk scales studied decreased after implementing a program to improve and enhance adherence to the Mediterranean diet. The number of losses in the sample was very low, standing at 4.31%.

CONCLUSIONS

The Mediterranean diet is effective in reducing all cardiovascular risk scales evaluated. The mean values and prevalence of high values of the different cardiometabolic risk scales analysed led to lower values after the implementation of the program to increase adherence to the Mediterranean diet. We observed a significant positive difference in metabolic age in both sexes. We have obtained a significant improvement in the insulin resistance index, especially in the SPISE-IR index, data that we have not found in previous publications. Easy access to the Internet and new information and communication technologies facilitate adherence to a diet and can reduce the number of losses.

(-)-epicatechin treatment did not modify the thermogenic pathway in the gastrocnemius muscle of male rat offspring obeses by programming

The aim of this study was to analyse the expression of genes related to the regulation of energy metabolism in skeletal muscle tissue by comparing male offspring in two age groups [at 110 and 245 postnatal days (pnd)] from a mother with obesity induced by a high-fat diet and (-)-epicatechin (Epi) administration. Four groups of six male offspring from different litters were randomly selected for the control groups [C and offspring of mothers with maternal obesity (MO)] or Epi intervention groups. We evaluated the effect of Epi on gastrocnemius tissue by analysing the mRNA and protein expression levels of Fndc5/irisin, Pgc-1α, Ucp3, and Sln. Epi significantly increased the Pgc-1α protein in the MO group of offspring at 110 pnd (p < 0.036, MO vs. MO+Epi), while at 245 pnd, Epi increased Fndc5/irisin mRNA expression in the MO+Epi group versus the MO group (p = 0.006).No differences were detected in Fndc5/irisin, Ucp3 or Sln mRNA or protein levels (including Pgc-1α mRNA) in the offspring at 110 pnd or in Pgc-1α, Ucp3, or Sln mRNA or protein levels (including Fndc5/irisin protein) at 245 pnd among the experimental groups. In conclusion, (-)-epicatechin treatment increased Fndc5/irisin mRNA expression and Pgc-α protein levels in the gastrocnemius muscle of offspring at postnatal days 110 and 245. Furthermore, it is suggested that the flavonoid effect in a model of obesity and its impact on thermogenesis in skeletal muscle are regulated by a different pathway than Fndc5/irisin.

The effect of intermittent fasting on preventing obesity-related early aging from a molecular and cellular perspective

Obesity is a global health concern owing to its association with numerous degenerative diseases and the fact that it may lead to early aging. Various markers of aging, including telomere attrition, epigenetic alterations, altered protein homeostasis, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence, stem cell disorders, and intercellular communication, are influenced by obesity. Consequently, there is a critical need for safe and effective approaches to prevent obesity and mitigate the onset of premature aging. In recent years, intermittent fasting (IF), a dietary strategy that alternates between periods of fasting and feeding, has emerged as a promising dietary strategy that holds potential in counteracting the aging process associated with obesity. This article explores the molecular and cellular mechanisms through which IF affects obesity-related early aging. IF regulates various physiological processes and organ systems, including the liver, brain, muscles, intestines, blood, adipose tissues, endocrine system, and cardiovascular system. Moreover, IF modulates key signaling pathways such as AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), sirtuins, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and fork head box O (FOXO). By targeting these pathways, IF has the potential to attenuate aging phenotypes associated with obesity-related early aging. Overall, IF offers promising avenues for promoting healthier lifestyles and mitigating the premature aging process in individuals affected by obesity.

The causal relationship between sarcopenic obesity factors and benign prostate hyperplasia

Background

Both benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and sarcopenic obesity (SO) are common conditions among older adult/adults males. The prevalent lifestyle associated with SO is a significant risk factor for the development of BPH. Therefore, we investigated the causal relationship between SO factors and BPH.

Method

The instrumental variables for SO factors were selected using the inverse variance-weighted method, which served as the primary approach for Mendelian randomization analysis to assess the causal effect based on summary data derived from genome-wide association studies of BPH.

Result

The increase in BMR (OR = 1.248; 95% CI = (1.087, 1.432); P = 0.002) and ALM (OR = 1.126; 95% CI = (1.032, 1.228); P = 0.008) was found to be associated with an elevated risk of BPH. However, no genetic causality between fat-free mass distribution, muscle mass distribution, and BPH was observed.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that a genetic causal association between BMR, ALM and BPH. BMR and ALM are risk factors for BPH. The decrease in BMR and ALM signified the onset and progression of SO, thus SO is a protective factor for BPH.

Body Composition Profiles of Applicants to a Physical Education and Sports Major in Southeastern Mexico

This study aimed to determine the body composition profile of candidates applying for a Physical Education and Sports major. 327 young adults (F: 87, M: 240) participated in this cross-sectional study. Nutritional status and body composition analysis were performed, and the profiles were generated using an unsupervised machine learning algorithm. Body mass index (BMI), percentage of fat mass (%FM), percentage of muscle mass (%MM), metabolic age (MA), basal metabolic rate (BMR), and visceral fat level (VFL) were used as input variables. BMI values were normal-weight although VFL was significantly higher in men (<0.001; η² = 0.104). MA was positively correlated with BMR (0.81 [0.77, 0.85]; p < 0.01), BMI (0.87 [0.84, 0.90]; p < 0.01), and VFL (0.77 [0.72, 0.81]; p < 0.01). The hierarchical clustering analysis revealed two significantly different age-independent profiles: Cluster 1 (n = 265), applicants of both sexes that were shorter, lighter, with lower adiposity and higher lean mass; and, Cluster 2 (n = 62), a group of overweight male applicants with higher VFL, taller, with lower %MM and estimated energy expended at rest. We identified two profiles that might help universities, counselors and teachers/lecturers to identify applicants in which is necessary to increase physical activity levels and improve dietary habits.

Levels of Plasma Coenzyme Q10 Are Associated with Physical Capacity and Cardiovascular Risk in the Elderly

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an essential factor for mitochondrial activity and antioxidant protection of cells, tissues and plasma lipoproteins. Its deficiency has been associated with aging progression in animals and humans. To determine if CoQ10 levels in plasma can be associated with frailty in elderly people (aged > 65), we studied the relationship of CoQ10 levels in blood with other parameters in plasma and with the physical activity and capacity in aged people. Our results indicate that high CoQ10 levels are directly associated with lower cardiovascular risk measured by the quotient total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol. Furthermore, high CoQ10 levels were found in people showing higher physical activity, stronger muscle capacity. CoQ10 also showed a strong inverse relationship with sedentarism and the up and go test, which is considered to be a frailty index. Interestingly, we found gender differences, indicating stronger correlations in women than in men. The importance of the maintenance of CoQ10 levels in elderly people to avoid sarcopenia and frailty in elderly people is discussed.