The effect of a short-term low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet with or without postmeal walks on glycemic control and inflammation in type 2 diabetes: a randomized trial

Ketogenic diet and cancer: multidimensional exploration and research

The ketogenic diet (KD) has attracted attention in recent years for its potential anticancer effects. KD is a dietary structure of high fat, moderate protein, and extremely low carbohydrate content. Originally introduced as a treatment for epilepsy, KD has been widely applied in weight loss programs and the management of metabolic diseases. Previous studies have shown that KD can potentially inhibit the growth and spread of cancer by limiting energy supply to tumor cells, thereby inhibiting tumor angiogenesis, reducing oxidative stress in normal cells, and affecting cancer cell signaling and other processes. Moreover, KD has been shown to influence T-cell-mediated immune responses and inflammation by modulating the gut microbiota, enhance the efficacy of standard cancer treatments, and mitigate the complications of chemotherapy. However, controversies and uncertainties remain regarding the specific mechanisms and clinical effects of KD as an adjunctive therapy for cancer. Therefore, this review summarizes the existing research and explores the intricate relationships between KD and cancer treatment.

Ketogenic diet combined with intermittent fasting: an option for type 2 diabetes remission?

With increasing attention to diabetes remission, various special dietary patterns have been found to be effective in achieving diabetes remission. The effect of a single dietary pattern on lowering blood glucose is clear, but studies on the synergistic effects of different dietary patterns are limited. This article describes the types of intermittent fasting and ketogenic diets, potential mechanisms, contraindications of combination diets, recommendations for combination diets, and their health outcomes. This paper aims to illustrate the evidence for intermittent fasting combined with a ketogenic diet on outcomes of diabetes remission and effect on blood glucose control. Knowledge of these findings can help doctors and patients determine dietary patterns for achieving diabetes remission and understanding their application.

The effect of a ketogenic diet on inflammation-related markers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

CONTEXT

Despite the important role of inflammation-related factors on the occurrence of chronic diseases, there is still conflicting evidence about the effects of the ketogenic diet (KD) on these factors.

OBJECTIVE

In order to obtain a better viewpoint, this study aimed to comprehensively investigate the effects of a KD on inflammation-related markers.

DATA SOURCES

To find pertinent randomized controlled trials up to August 2023, databases including PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Embase were searched.

DATA EXTRACTION

This study included all randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of a KD on C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and IL-10 levels. Pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were achieved by random-effects model analysis for the best estimation of outcomes.

DATA ANALYSIS

Forty-four studies were included in this article. The pooled findings showed that a KD has an effect on lowering TNF-α (WMD: -0.32 pg/mL; 95% CI: -0.55, -0.09; P = 0.007) and IL-6 (WMD: -0.27 pg/mL; 95% CI: -0.52, -0.02; P = 0.036) compared with control groups. However, no significant effect was reported for others inflammation marker-related levels. The results of the subgroup analysis showed that, in trials following the KD for ≤8 weeks and in people aged ≤50 years, the reduction in TNF-α levels was significantly higher than in other groups. In addition, in people with a body mass index greater than 30 kg/m2 compared to a body mass index ≤30 kg/m2, IL-6 levels decreased to a greater extent after receiving the KD.

CONCLUSIONS

Consequently, adherence to a KD appears to improve some markers associated with inflammation, including TNF-α and IL-6.

The role of low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet in modulating autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum stress in aortic endothelial dysfunction of metabolic syndrome animal model

Background

Endothelial dysfunction (ED) is induced by insulin resistance, mediated by endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and disturbed autophagy. This study investigates the protective role of a low-carbohydrate, high-fat (LCHF) diet on ED, ER stress, and autophagy dysregulation in an experimental animal model of metabolic syndrome.

Methods

Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: a Control group (standard diet) and three Dexamethasone (DEX) treated groups. Group II continued the standard diet, Group III received an LCHF diet, and Group IV received a high-carbohydrate, low-fat (HCLF) diet. At the end of the experiment, aortic tissue samples were obtained and used for histological, immunohistochemical (Endothelin and PCNA, biochemical MDA, TCA, NO, 8-OH-dG, and Nrf2/ARE protein) and molecular (Endothelin, eNOS, Nrf-2 α, p62, LC3, BECN-1, PINK1, CHOP, BNIP3, PCNA) analysis.

Results

Oxidative stress, autophagy markers, and ED markers are increased in the metabolic syndrome group. LCHF diet mitigates the adverse effects of DEX on endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress, as evidenced by reduced BMI, HOMA-IR, and improved histological and molecular parameters.

Conclusion

Oxidative stress, autophagy dysregulation, and ER stress play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance-induced endothelial dysfunction. An LCHF diet offers protective benefits against insulin resistance and related comorbidities, including endothelial dysfunction.

Neuropathy of diabetes following initiation of a low-carbohydrate diet: Case report

Introduction

This case study portrays an unusual case of treatment-induced neuropathy of diabetes (TIND) in a patient with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes (T2D) who achieved rapid improvement in glucose control primarily with dietary intervention. Initial presentation was 50-year-old white male with a long-standing history of obesity and a family history of T2D with a screening glucose level >500mg/dL by glucometer, HbA1c of 14.9%, and initial weight 213 lbs.

Methods

The initial intervention included a low-carbohydrate diet, metformin, and a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). Semaglutide was added after seven days.

Results

His glycemia was within the target range within three weeks. Four weeks after initiation of therapy, he developed TIND symptoms consisting of burning, tightness, and numbness of bilateral feet along with 10/10 pain. At three months, his HbA1c dropped to 6.9% and his weight to 195 lbs. Treatment of his TIND reduced his pain from 10/10 to 2/10.

Conclusion

Whereas TIND is commonly associated with the use of insulin or sulfonylureas, this study adds evidence to the paucity of literature regarding TIND precipitated by dietary intervention.

Efficacy and Tolerability of a Food Supplement Based on Zea mays L., Gymnema sylvestre (Retz.) R.br.ex Sm, Zinc and Chromium for the Maintenance of Normal Carbohydrate Metabolism: A Monocentric, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

A study on 81 individuals (18-75 years old) with mildly impaired fasting blood glucose (FBG) concentrations (98-125 mg/dL) was undertaken to investigate the tolerability of a food supplement (FS) based on Zea mays and Gymnema sylvestre extracts, zinc, and chromium and its efficacy on glucose and lipid metabolism. The subjects were randomized into three groups (27 in each group) and supplemented with one or two tablet(s)/day of FS (groups 1 and 2, respectively), or two tablets/day of placebo (group 3). Blood sampling was carried out at baseline (t0) and after a 3-month treatment (t1), and biochemical parameters associated with glucose and lipid metabolism and kidney and liver toxicity were evaluated. Compared to the placebo, FBG and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) were significantly (p < 0.001) reduced in group 1 subjects. In contrast, at the doses of one and two tablet(s)/day, the FS exerted no effect on the other parameters examined. We conclude that in subjects with slightly impaired FBG, ingestion of a FS based on Z. mays and G. sylvestre extracts, zinc, and chromium over 3 months lowers FBG and modulates glucose homeostasis by improving glucose metabolism. These beneficial effects occur in the absence of biochemical evidence of kidney and liver toxicity.

Impact of very low carbohydrate ketogenic diets on cardiovascular risk factors among patients with type 2 diabetes; GRADE-assessed systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to evaluate the impact of VLCKD on cardiovascular risk factors in patients with T2DM.

METHODS

Until March 2024, extensive searches were conducted on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and other relevant databases. The purpose was to identify clinical trials examining the impact of VLCKD on glycemic control, lipid profile, and blood pressure. The GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) method was used to assess the evidence's degree of certainty.

RESULTS

Our initial search found a total of 2568 records and finally 29 trials were included in final analysis. Our results showed that adherence from VLCKD led to significant reduction in fasting blood sugar (WMD= -11.68 mg/dl; 95% CI: -18.79, -4.56; P = 0.001), HbA1c (WMD= -0.29; 95% CI: -0.44, -0.14; P < 0.001), HOMA-IR(WMD= -0.71; 95% CI: -1.14, -0.29; P = 0.001), insulin (WMD= -1.45; 95% CI: -2.54, -0.36; P = 0.009), triglyceride (WMD= -17.95; 95% CI: -26.82, -9.07; P < 0.001), systolic blood pressure (WMD= -2.85, 95% CI: -4.99, -0.71; P = 0.009) and diastolic blood pressure (WMD= -1.40; 95% CI: -2.66, -0.13; P = 0.03). We also found a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level after adherence from VLCKD diet (WMD = 3.93, 95% CI: 2.03, 5.84; P = 0.000). We couldn't find any significant differences between groups in term of LDL and total cholesterol levels.

CONCLUSION

People following a VLCKD experience a more significant improvement in cardiovascular risk factors when compared to individuals on control diets.

The effects of dietary intervention combined with comprehensive exercise instruction on somatic function and quality of life in elderly patients with diabetes mellitus

Objective

To assess the effects of dietary intervention combined with comprehensive exercise instruction on somatic function and quality of life in elderly patients with diabetes mellitus (DM).

Methods

This was application research. A total of 120 elderly patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) admitted to The No.2 Hospital of Baoding from March 10, 2022 to March 10, 2023 were included and randomly divided into the control group and the experimental group(n=60). Patients in the control group received conventional treatment and nursing regimen, while those in the experimental group were given dietary intervention combined with comprehensive exercise instruction based on the control group. The differences before and after treatment between the two groups were compared and analyzed.

Results

After the intervention, the experimental group had remarkably lower levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), 2h postprandial blood glucose(2hPG) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) than the control group (p=0.00), while significantly improved somatic function, psychological function, social function and material life status compared to the control group (p=0.00). The levels of SAS and SDS in the experimental group were significantly decreased compared with those in the control group (p=0.00). The levels of SOD, MDA and CAT in the experimental group were obviously superior to those in the control group, with statistically significant differences (p=0.00).

Conclusion

Dietary intervention combined with comprehensive exercise instruction is an effective treatment for elderly patients with DM, boasting a variety of benefits such as regulating patients' blood glucose levels, improving patient satisfaction, and ameliorating the level of oxidative stress in the body, which is worthy of clinical promotion.

Effects of low-carbohydrate diets, with and without caloric restriction, on inflammatory markers in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Low-carbohydrate diets (LCDs) have gained interest due to their favorable effects on health outcomes, such as inflammation. However, further research is needed to ascertain the overall effects of LCDs on inflammatory parameters, but at the same time considering weight loss and calorie intake. Thus, a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials was performed to investigate the effects of LCDs compared with low-fat diets (LFDs), with and without caloric restriction, on inflammatory markers in adults. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched through March 2022 to select intervention studies addressing LCDs vs. LFDs, in which the following circulating inflammatory markers were used: C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin (IL-6). Analyses were conducted comparing LCDs vs. LFDs through weighted mean differences (WMD) or standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) using random effects models. The systematic review and meta-analysis included a total of 51 studies with a total sample of 4,164 adults, with or without other chronic diseases. Intervention durations ranged from 2-144 weeks. LCDs, compared with LFDs, significantly decreased body weight [WMD = -1.35%, p = 0.001], CRP [SMD = -0.1, p = 0.03], and IL-6 [SMD = -0.15, p = 0.09]. However, LCDs did not significantly decrease TNF-α [SMD = -0.02, p = 0.7] compared to LFDs. In conclusion, LCDs have a beneficial effect on markers of inflammation by decreasing CRP and IL-6; this effect has an association with weight loss. However, LCDs were not more effective than LFDs in decreasing TNF-α.

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: What Can Medical Nutrition Therapy Do?

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the common complications during pregnancy. Numerous studies have shown that GDM is associated with a series of adverse effects on both mothers and offspring. Due to the particularity of pregnancy, medical nutrition treatment is considered to be the first choice for the treatment of GDM. This contribution reviews the research progress of medical nutrition treatment in GDM, summarizes the international recommendations on the intake of various nutrients and the influence of nutrients on the prevalence of GDM, and the improvement effect of nutritional intervention on it, in order to provide references for research in related fields of GDM and the targeted development of enteral nutrition.

The impact of ketogenic diet on some metabolic and non-metabolic diseases: Evidence from human and animal model experiments

The ketogenic diet (KD) is recognized as minimum carbohydrate and maximum fat intakes, which leads to ketosis stimulation, a state that is thought to metabolize fat more than carbohydrates for energy supply. KD has gained more interest in recent years and is for many purposes, including weight loss and managing serious diseases like type 2 diabetes. On the other hand, many believe that KD has safety issues and are uncertain about the health drawbacks. Thus, the outcomes of the effect of KD on metabolic and non-metabolic disease remain disputable. The current narrative review aims to evaluate the effect of KD on several diseases concerning the human health. To our best knowledge, the first report aims to investigate the efficacy of KD on multiple human health issues including type 2 diabetes and weight loss, cardiovascular disease, kidney failure and hypertension, non-alcoholic fatty liver, mental problem, oral health, libido, and osteoporosis. The literature searches were performed in Databases, PubMed, Scopus, and web of Science looking for both animal and human model designs. The results heterogeneity seems to be explained by differences in diet composition and duration. Also, the available findings may show that proper control of carbohydrates, a significant reduction in glycemic control and glycated hemoglobin, and weight loss by KD can be an approach to improve diabetes and obesity, hypertension, non-alcoholic fatty liver, PCOS, libido, oral health, and mental problem if isocaloric is considered. However, for some other diseases like cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis, more robust data are needed. Therefore, there is robust data to support the notion that KD can be effective for some metabolic and non-metabolic diseases but not for all of them. So they have to be followed cautiously and under the supervision of health professionals.

Role of ketogenic diet and its effect on the periodontium. A scoping review

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between the ketogenic diet and periodontitis, as well as the nature of such relationship. Furthermore, emphasis was given to know whether ketogenic diet causes changes in oral health parameters and more specifically on periodontal health. Studies from 2010 to 2023 were reviewed and analyzed. Databases used to search included PubMed, Mednet, Scopus, Cochrane, and Embase. The literature reviewed was limited to randomized clinical trials, observational studies, and case-control studies. Of the eight studies included, three studies found that diets with similarities to the ketone-based diet could have a significant positive impact on periodontal health. One study pointed to the potential positive effect of a diet such as keto, but no definitive conclusion could be made. The current body of evidence concluded that there may be a relationship between keto and periodontitis, although the evidence is not consistent. It can be implied, however, that it is a positive relationship as ketogenic diet has been shown to have an anti-inflammatory effect, reducing inflammatory markers found in many diseases, including periodontitis.

Association of dietary inflammatory index with obesity among children and adolescents in the United States NHANES cohort: a population-based study

BACKGROUND

Childhood obesity has become a huge challenge to childhood health, and there is a lack of understanding about the relationship between dietary inflammatory index (DII) and childhood obesity. The main objective of this study was to analyze the potential link between DII and obesity among children and adolescents residing in the United States.

METHODS

A cross-sectional analysis was performed using data obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2009 and 2018. In total, 12,454 participants were included in the analysis. DII was calculated based on dietary data from the first day of the 24-hour dietary recall. Logistic regression was used to analyze the association between DII and obesity, as well as central obesity defined by the waist-to-height ratio of 0.5 or higher or waist circumference ≥ 90th percentile for age and sex.

RESULTS

The mean dietary inflammation index was 2.05 (SE = 0.02), with higher levels in children than in adolescents (P = 0.01). According to our findings, the prevalence of central obesity was higher among adolescents (38.0%) than among children (31.4%). The adolescents in the third quartile of DII have a higher risk of overweight/obesity (OR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.24-1.71) after adjusting for age, sex, and race. This positive association remained significant even after physical activity was added to the model. Concerning central obesity, the adolescents in the highest quartile of DII have a higher risk, independent of demographic characteristics and physical activity. However, no significant association was observed among children.

CONCLUSIONS

The dietary inflammation index was positively associated with overweight/obesity and central obesity among adolescents in the United States after adjusting for confounding factors. These findings highlight the importance of promoting anti-inflammatory diets in adolescents to prevent obesity and its associated complications.

High-Fat Diets in Animal Models of Alzheimer's Disease: How Can Eating Too Much Fat Increase Alzheimer's Disease Risk?

High dietary intake of saturated fatty acids is a suspected risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). To decipher the causal link behind these associations, high-fat diets (HFD) have been repeatedly investigated in animal models. Preclinical studies allow full control over dietary composition, avoiding ethical concerns in clinical trials. The goal of the present article is to provide a narrative review of reports on HFD in animal models of AD. Eligibility criteria included mouse models of AD fed a HFD defined as > 35% of fat/weight and western diets containing > 1% cholesterol or > 15% sugar. MEDLINE and Embase databases were searched from 1946 to August 2022, and 32 preclinical studies were included in the review. HFD-induced obesity and metabolic disturbances such as insulin resistance and glucose intolerance have been replicated in most studies, but with methodological variability. Most studies have found an aggravating effect of HFD on brain Aβ pathology, whereas tau pathology has been much less studied, and results are more equivocal. While most reports show HFD-induced impairment on cognitive behavior, confounding factors may blur their interpretation. In summary, despite conflicting results, exposing rodents to diets highly enriched in saturated fat induces not only metabolic defects, but also cognitive impairment often accompanied by aggravated neuropathological markers, most notably Aβ burden. Although there are important variations between methods, particularly the lack of diet characterization, these studies collectively suggest that excessive intake of saturated fat should be avoided in order to lower the incidence of AD.

The effect of diet and nutrition on T cell function in cancer

Cancer can be considered one of the most threatening diseases to human health, and immunotherapy, especially T-cell immunotherapy, is the most promising treatment for cancers. Diet therapy is widely concerned in cancer because of its safety and fewer side effects. Many studies have shown that both the function of T cells and the progression of cancer can be affected by nutrients in the diet. In fact, it is challenging for T cells to infiltrate and eliminate cancer cells in tumor microenvironment, because of the harsh metabolic condition. The intake of different nutrients has a great influence on the proliferation, activation, differentiation and exhaustion of T cells. In this review, we summarize the effects of typical amino acids, lipids, carbohydrates and other nutritional factors on T cell functions and provide future perspectives for dietary treatment of cancer based on modifications of T cell functions.

Non-invasive omics analysis delineates molecular changes in water-only fasting and its sex-discriminating features in metabolic syndrome patients

Fasting has been grown in popularity with multiple potential benefits. However, very few studies dynamically monitor physiological and pathological changes during long-term fasting using noninvasive methods. In the present study, we recruited 37 individuals with metabolic syndrome to engage in a 5-day water-only fasting regimen, and simultaneously captured the molecular alterations through urinary proteomics and metabolomics. Our findings reveal that water-only fasting significantly mitigated metabolic syndrome-related risk markers, such as body weight, body mass index, abdominal circumference, blood pressure, and fasting blood glucose levels in metabolic syndrome patients. Indicators of liver and renal function remained within the normal range, with the exception of uric acid. Notably, inflammatory response was inhibited during the water-only fasting period, as evidenced by a decrease in the human monocyte differentiation antigen CD14. Intriguingly, glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation underwent a sex-dependent reprogramming throughout the fasting period, whereby males exhibited a greater upregulation of carbohydrate metabolism-related enzymes than females. This disparity may be attributed to evolutionary pressures. Collectively, our study sheds light on the beneficial physiological effects and novel dynamic molecular features associated with fasting in individuals with metabolic syndrome using noninvasive methods.

Effects of a two meals-a-day ketogenic diet on newly diagnosed obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A retrospective observational study

To investigate the effects of a two-meals-a-day energy-restricted ketogenic diet (KD) on newly diagnosed obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. In total, 60 obese patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus were divided into 2 groups: 1 group followed a 2-meals-a-day KD and the other group followed a conventional diabetic diet. Changes in weight, blood glucose, blood lipids, insulin resistance, and uric acid levels were observed before and after 2 months of adhering to the respective diets under energy restriction. Both groups showed significant reductions in weight, waist circumference, body mass index, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoproteins, low-density lipoproteins, fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, and glycated hemoglobin (P < .05). The twice-daily KD group showed more significant improvements in these parameters compared to the conventional diabetic diet group. In addition, the 2-meals-a-day KD group showed a slight increase in uric acid levels compared to the conventional diabetic diet control group (P < .05). The 2-meals-a-day KD can significantly improve weight, blood glucose, and lipid control in newly diagnosed obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The role of low-carbohydrate diets in the intensive care unit

Low-carbohydrate, high-fat (LCHF) nutrition therapy is characterized by carbohydrates comprising <26% of the daily caloric intake and a higher proportion of fat. LCHF therapies reduce exogenous glucose load, improve glycemic control, decrease inflammation, and improve clinical outcomes such as respiratory function. Given the altered metabolism in critically ill patients, LCHF nutrition therapy may be especially beneficial as it enables the conservation of protein and glucose for metabolic roles beyond energy use. In critical illness, LCHF diets have the potential to reduce hyperglycemia, improve ventilation, decrease hospital length of stay and reduce hospital costs. The purpose of this commentary piece is to describe LCHF nutrition therapy, summarize its impact on health outcomes, and discuss its role in the intensive care unit (ICU). Additional research on the effects of LCHF nutrition therapy on critically ill patients is warranted, including a focus on COVID-19.

Keto Menu-Effect of Ketogenic Menu and Intermittent Fasting on the Biochemical Markers and Body Composition in a Physically Active Man-A Controlled Case Study

The combination of ketogenic diet (KD) with intermittent fasting (IF) has, for years, aroused a great interest in the scientific world and among healthy lifestyle enthusiasts. Its importance is even greater when the study subjects are physically active individuals. The aim of the study was a determination of the effect of strict calculated ketogenic menu combined with IF and with caloric deficit on the selected biochemical markers and body composition in a 23-year-old man performing strength training. At the same time, we decided to conduct the first so-deeply investigated and controlled case study in this respect. The study protocol included a 13-week-long ketogenic diet with intermittent fasting (of delayed time-restricted eating 16:8 type) and caloric deficit. A detailed menu was designed and was used by the man throughout the whole study duration. A number of blood tests were performed before and after the implemented dietary intervention. Additionally, body composition was determined weekly and the concentrations of glucose and ketone bodies, as well as pulse rate and arterial pressure, were measured daily. The most important changes noted included a significant increase in testosterone and vitamin D concentrations and significant reduction in the HOMA-IR index and concentrations of hepatic enzymes, insulin, glucose, iron, urea, and free triiodothyronine (FT3). Moreover, a significant improvement of body composition occurred (the ratio of total body mass to the adipose and muscular tissue and water mass improved). Favourable changes were also noted in heart rate and arterial pressure values. In view of that, the KD with IF and caloric deficit exerted favourable effects on most biochemical parameters and on body composition and caused an almost twofold increase in serum testosterone concentration.

Micro- and Macrovascular Effects of Inflammation in Peripheral Artery Disease-Pathophysiology and Translational Therapeutic Approaches

Inflammation has a critical role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. On the molecular level, inflammatory pathways negatively impact endothelial barrier properties and thus, tissue homeostasis. Conformational changes and destruction of the glycocalyx further promote pro-inflammatory pathways also contributing to pro-coagulability and a prothrombotic state. In addition, changes in the extracellular matrix composition lead to (peri-)vascular remodelling and alterations of the vessel wall, e.g., aneurysm formation. Moreover, progressive fibrosis leads to reduced tissue perfusion due to loss of functional capillaries. The present review aims at discussing the molecular and clinical effects of inflammatory processes on the micro- and macrovasculature with a focus on peripheral artery disease.

Associations between Dietary Patterns and Metabolic Syndrome: Findings of the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a multifactorial cluster of metabolic disorders related to cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Diet and dietary patterns are significant factors in the development and management of MetS. The associations between dietary patterns (i.e., high-carbohydrate [HCHO], high-fat [HF], and high-protein [HP] diets) and the prevalence of MetS in Koreans were examined using data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, collected between 2018 and 2020. The study included data from 9069 participants (3777 men and 5292 women). The percentage of participants with MetS was significantly higher in the HCHO diet group than in the normal diet group in women. Women with HCHO diet were positively associated with elevated blood pressure and triglyceride levels based on a comparison with the normal diet group (p = 0.032 and p = 0.005, respectively). Men with an HF diet were negatively associated with elevated fasting glucose levels based on a comparison with the normal diet group (p = 0.014). Our findings showed that HCHO intake was strongly associated with a higher risk of MetS, especially elevated blood pressure and triglyceride levels in women, and an HF diet was negatively associated with elevated fasting glucose levels in men. Further prospective studies of the impact of dietary carbohydrate, fat, and protein proportions on metabolic health are needed. The optimal types and proportions of these dietary components, as well as the underlying mechanisms through which suboptimal proportions can lead to MetS, should also be investigated.

[Immunomodulation by nutritional intervention in critically ill patients]

Critically ill patients often suffer from a complex and severe immunological dysfunction. The differentiation and function of human immune cells are fundamentally controlled through metabolic processes. New concepts of immunonutrition therefore try to use enteral and parenteral nutrition to positively impact on the immune function of intensive care unit patients. This review article concisely presents the currently available evidence on the commonly used isolated supplements (anti-oxidative substances, amino acids, essential fatty acids) and difficulties related to their clinical use. The second part presents new and more comprehensive concepts of immunonutrition to influence the intestinal microbiome and to modulate the macronutrient composition. Immunonutrition of critically ill patients bears enormous potential and could become a valuable clinical tool for modulation of the immunometabolism of intensive care unit patients.

Nutritional strategies for intervention of diabetes and improvement of β-cell function

Diabetes mellitus, especially Type 2 diabetes (T2D), is caused by multiple factors including genetics, diets, and lifestyles. Diabetes is a chronic condition and is among the top 10 causes of death globally. Nutritional intervention is one of the most important and effective strategies for T2D management. It is well known that most of intervention strategies can lower blood glucose level and improve insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues. However, the regulation of pancreatic β cells by dietary intervention is not well characterized. In this review, we summarized some of the commonly used nutritional methods for diabetes intervention. We then discussed the effects and the underlying mechanisms of nutritional intervention in improving the cell mass and function of pancreatic islet β cells. With emerging intervention strategies and in-depth investigation, we are expecting to have a better understanding about the effectiveness of dietary interventions in ameliorating T2D in the future.

New insights into the mechanisms of high-fat diet mediated gut microbiota in chronic diseases

High-fat diet (HFD) has been recognized as a primary factor in the risk of chronic disease. Obesity, diabetes, gastrointestinal diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and cardiovascular diseases have long been known as chronic diseases with high worldwide incidence. In this review, the influences of gut microbiota and their corresponding bacterial metabolites on the mechanisms of HFD-induced chronic diseases are systematically summarized. Gut microbiota imbalance is also known to increase susceptibility to diseases. Several studies have proven that HFD has a negative impact on gut microbiota, also exacerbating the course of many chronic diseases through increased populations of Erysipelotrichaceae, facultative anaerobic bacteria, and opportunistic pathogens. Since bile acids, lipopolysaccharide, short-chain fatty acids, and trimethylamine N-oxide have long been known as common features of bacterial metabolites, we will explore the possibility of synergistic mechanisms among those metabolites and gut microbiota in the context of HFD-induced chronic diseases. Recent literature concerning the mechanistic actions of HFD-mediated gut microbiota have been collected from PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus. The aim of this review is to provide new insights into those mechanisms and to point out the potential biomarkers of HFD-mediated gut microbiota.

Nutraceuticals as Supportive Therapeutic Agents in Diabetes and Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: A Systematic Review

The correlation between pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and diabetes-related mechanisms support the hypothesis that early therapeutic strategies targeting diabetes can contribute to PDAC risk reduction and treatment improvement. A systematic review was conducted, using PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases, to evaluate the current evidence from clinical studies qualitatively examining the efficacy of four natural products: Curcumin-Curcuma longa L.; Thymoquinone-Nigella sativa L.; Genistein-Glycine max L.; Ginkgo biloba L.; and a low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet in type 2 diabetes (T2D) and PDAC treatment. A total of 28 clinical studies were included, showing strong evidence of inter-study heterogeneity. Used as a monotherapy or in combination with chemo-radiotherapy, the studied substances did not significantly improve the treatment response of PDAC patients. However, pronounced therapeutic efficacy was confirmed in T2D. The natural products and low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet, combined with the standard drugs, have the potential to improve T2D treatment and thus potentially reduce the risk of cancer development and improve multiple biological parameters in PDAC patients.

Effect of the Ketogenic Diet on the Prophylaxis and Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus: A Review of the Meta-Analyses and Clinical Trials

The exponentially growing frequency of diagnosing diabetes mellitus means that a verification of the previous dietetic approach to treating the disease seems justified. The simultaneous growth of interest in the ketogenic diet and the development of knowledge in this field have contributed to the increasingly frequent application of the ketogenic diet in diabetes treatment. This paper also deals with that issue; its aim includes an extensive analysis of the influence of the ketogenic diet on the prophylaxis and treatment of diabetes. The paper has been prepared based on a wide, meticulous analysis of the available literature on the subject. Among other findings, a favorable effect of that nutrition model has been demonstrated on the values of glycated hemoglobin, glucose, insulin, or other metabolic parameters in diabetes patients. The effect of the ketogenic diet on the pharmacotherapy of type 1 and type 2 diabetes has been presented and compared with the standard nutritional management plan recommended for that disease. Further research is needed in this field, especially studies with a long follow-up period. The discussed articles report interesting therapeutic advantages to the ketogenic diet in comparison with standard diets.

Low carbohydrate ketogenic diets reduce cardiovascular risk factor levels in obese or overweight patients with T2DM: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background

The purpose of this meta-analysis was to explore the effects of low-carbohydrate ketogenic diets on cardiovascular risk factors in overweight or obese patients. However, there are limited literature data about effects of low-carbohydrate ketogenic diets on cardiovascular risk factors in obese or overweight patients.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, OVID, and Cochrane Library databases (last updated in September 2022) for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which recruited overweight or obesity patients on ketogenic diets in order to control cardiovascular risk factors (blood glucose, weight, and lipids). The overall effect size for continuous variables was expressed as a weighted standardized mean difference (SMD) with a confidence interval of 95%. Considering type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) status at baseline, subgroup analyses were performed when appropriate, based on T2DM comorbidity among patients. The effect model was selected according to heterogeneity.

Results

We finally selected 21 studies. Low carbohydrate ketogenic diets exerted a greater impact on cardiovascular risk factors in obese/ overweight patients with T2DM when compared with those on non-ketogenic diets, with lower fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (SMD, -0.75; P < 0.001) and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (SMD, -0.53; P < 0.001) levels identified. Low-carbohydrate ketogenic diets significantly reduced body mass index (BMI) (SMD, -2.27; P = 0.032), weight (SMD, -6.72; P < 0.001), and waist circumference (SMD, -4.45; P = 0.003) in obese/ overweight patients with T2DM. Also, ketogenic diets improved lipid profiles in these patients; triglyceride (TG) (SMD, -0.32; P = 0.013) levels were lowered and high density lipoprotein (HDL) showed an upward trend with the P-value close to statistically significant level (SMD, -0.32; P = 0.052). In general, irrespective of diabetic status at baseline, ketogenic diets were more effective in reducing TG (SMD, -0.2; P = 0.02) and increasing HDL (SMD, 0.11; P = 0.03) levels when compared with non-ketogenic diets.

Conclusions

Low-carbohydrate ketogenic diets effectively improved cardiovascular risk factors (blood glucose, weight, and lipids) in obese/ overweight patients, especially those with T2DM when compared with non-ketogenic diets.

Effect of acute ketosis on lipid profile in prediabetes: findings from a cross-over randomized controlled trial

Background

Ketone monoester β-hydroxybutyrate (KEβHB) ingestion has emerged as an effective method of inducing acute ketosis. Although evidence suggests that KEβHB can offer several therapeutic benefits, whether KEβHB affects lipid profile is still unknown.

Aims

The primary aim was to study the effect of KEβHB on plasma lipid profile in individuals with prediabetes. The secondary aim was to investigate the role of saturated fat intake in that effect.

Methods

This study was a randomized controlled trial with cross-over design. Following an overnight fast, 18 adults (six women and 12 men) with prediabetes (diagnosed based on the American Diabetes Association criteria) ingested a single dose of KEβHB drink or placebo drink. Blood samples were collected every 30 min, from baseline to 150 min. Outcome variables included changes in total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, remnant cholesterol, triglycerides, and the triglycerides to HDL cholesterol ratio. The area under the curve (AUC) over 150 min was calculated for each outcome following ingestion of the drinks. Habitual saturated fat intake was ascertained using the EPIC-Norfolk food frequency questionnaire.

Results

Significant elevation of blood β-hydroxybutyrate from 0.2 mmol/L to 3.5 mmol/L (p < 0.001) was achieved within 30 min. Acute ketosis resulted in significantly lower AUCs for remnant cholesterol (p = 0.022) and triglycerides (p = 0.022). No statistically significant differences in the AUCs for total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and the triglycerides to HDL cholesterol ratio were found. The changes in remnant cholesterol and triglycerides were statistically significant in individuals with high, but not low, habitual saturated fat intake.

Conclusion

Acute ketosis had no untoward effect on plasma lipid profile. Moreover, it led to significantly reduced circulating levels of remnant cholesterol and triglycerides. This paves the way for investigating whether exogenous ketone supplementation reduces cardiovascular disease risk (via its actions on triglyceride-rich lipoproteins) in at-risk populations.

 Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03889210.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12933-022-01571-z.

Organokines, Sarcopenia, and Metabolic Repercussions: The Vicious Cycle and the Interplay with Exercise

Sarcopenia is a disease that becomes more prevalent as the population ages, since it is directly linked to the process of senility, which courses with muscle atrophy and loss of muscle strength. Over time, sarcopenia is linked to obesity, being known as sarcopenic obesity, and leads to other metabolic changes. At the molecular level, organokines act on different tissues and can improve or harm sarcopenia. It all depends on their production process, which is associated with factors such as physical exercise, the aging process, and metabolic diseases. Because of the seriousness of these repercussions, the aim of this literature review is to conduct a review on the relationship between organokines, sarcopenia, diabetes, and other metabolic repercussions, as well the role of physical exercise. To build this review, PubMed-Medline, Embase, and COCHRANE databases were searched, and only studies written in English were included. It was observed that myokines, adipokines, hepatokines, and osteokines had direct impacts on the pathophysiology of sarcopenia and its metabolic repercussions. Therefore, knowing how organokines act is very important to know their impacts on age, disease prevention, and how they can be related to the prevention of muscle loss.

The Effect of Dietary Patterns on Inflammatory Biomarkers in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Some evidence supports the fact that chronic low-grade inflammation contributes to the physiopathology of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and circulating markers of inflammation (e.g., C-reactive protein (CRP), pro- and anti-inflammatory biomarkers (e.g., adiponectin), and endothelial function markers could indicate an ongoing pathology. Following certain dietary patterns (DPs) may result in favorable changes in inflammatory biomarkers. The overarching aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to explore the inflammatory effect of healthy DPs on inflammatory biomarkers in adults with T2DM. A systematic search of the literature was conducted using the electronic databases MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. A total of 10 randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) were analyzed. In our linear meta-analysis, the random-effects model was applied to estimate standardized mean differences (SMD) to associate the effect of the interventions. Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), Diabetes UK healthy eating, Mediterranean Diet (MD), Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), and the American Heart Association’s Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes diet were associated with a significant reduction in CRP (SMD: −0.83, 99% CI −1.49, −0.17, p < 0.001; I2 94%), while plasma levels of adiponectin were significantly higher with the intake of MD, DPP, and Diabetes UK healthy eating (SMD: 0.81, 99% CI 0.06,1.56, p < 0.005; I2 96%), both of which indicate less inflammation. Sensitivity analyses were carried out, and potential publication bias was examined. In conclusion, low- moderate-quality evidence from RCTs suggests that, for the DPs evaluated, there are favorable changes in CRP and adiponectin.

Ketones: potential to achieve brain energy rescue and sustain cognitive health during ageing

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common major neurocognitive disorder of ageing. Although largely ignored until about a decade ago, accumulating evidence suggests that deteriorating brain energy metabolism plays a key role in the development and/or progression of AD-associated cognitive decline. Brain glucose hypometabolism is a well-established biomarker in AD but was mostly assumed to be a consequence of neuronal dysfunction and death. However, its presence in cognitively asymptomatic populations at higher risk of AD strongly suggests that it is actually a pre-symptomatic component in the development of AD. The question then arises as to whether progressive AD-related cognitive decline could be prevented or slowed down by correcting or bypassing this progressive ‘brain energy gap’. In this review, we provide an overview of research on brain glucose and ketone metabolism in AD and its prodromal condition – mild cognitive impairment (MCI) – to provide a clearer basis for proposing keto-therapeutics as a strategy for brain energy rescue in AD. We also discuss studies using ketogenic interventions and their impact on plasma ketone levels, brain energetics and cognitive performance in MCI and AD. Given that exercise has several overlapping metabolic effects with ketones, we propose that in combination these two approaches might be synergistic for brain health during ageing. As cause-and-effect relationships between the different hallmarks of AD are emerging, further research efforts should focus on optimising the efficacy, acceptability and accessibility of keto-therapeutics in AD and populations at risk of AD.

A Comparative Study Evaluating the Effectiveness Between Ketogenic and Low-Carbohydrate Diets on Glycemic and Weight Control in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has become a worldwide public health burden and a significant cause of motility and morbidity. The most common type of diabetes is type 2 diabetes, which is estimated to have a prevalence of one in every ten adults living with diabetes in the United States. The risk factors for type 2 diabetes are obesity and being overweight. Therefore, the primary strategy used to manage type 2 diabetes is weight loss. Different measures, such as dietary therapies and physical training, have been used to manage type 2 diabetes through weight and glycemic control. The dietary therapies used to manage type 2 diabetes are ketogenic and low-carbohydrate diets. Despite studies showing that both ketogenic and low-carbohydrate diets significantly impact weight and glycemic control, the difference between the two diets has not been fully established. Therefore, this systematic review has demonstrated and compared the effectiveness of ketogenic and low-carbohydrate diets on glycemic and weight control.

The literature search was conducted on five electronic databases, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, from 2000 to 2022. Specified keywords related to the ketogenic diet (KD), low carbohydrates, and type 2 diabetes were used to search for relevant and original articles. The identified articles were analyzed using the eligibility criteria before they were included in the study. The eligibility criteria yielded 15 studies that were included in this systematic review. The results obtained by conducting a meta-analysis showed that low-carbohydrates had a greater reduction in the HbA1c than other diets (standardized mean difference [SMD]: -0.27%; 95% CI; -0.60%, 0.07%: P = 0.008, I2 = 66%). Similarly, a significant decrease in HbA1c percentage was recorded in patients that consumed KDs compared to those who consumed the control diets (SMD: -1.45%; 95% CI; -2.73%, -0.17%: P < 0.00001). The results also show that the KD significantly impacts weight loss than control diets.

The results show that the KD is more effective in reducing glycated haemoglobin and body weight (BW) than a low-carbohydrate diet. Therefore, we can summarize that the KD is a more effective dietary therapy. However, there is a need to balance the weight loss and glycemic control benefits obtained from the KD with the increased cardiovascular risks for patients with type 2 diabetes.

Beneficial Effects of the Ketogenic Diet in Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a major societal concern due to its increasing prevalence and its high risk of cardiovascular complications. The ketogenic diet (KD), a high fat, low carbohydrate, and non-caloric restrictive diet, is a new popular weight loss intervention but its beneficial effects are controversial. This study aims to gather all of the relevant studies using KD for metabolic disease treatment to determine its beneficial effects and evaluate its safety and efficacy for patients. Following the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, we included 20 articles in the final review. Overall, most of the studies showed a significant effect of KD on weight loss (17/19 articles), BMI (7/7), glucose levels (9/13), insulin levels (7/9), HOMA-IR (4/5), HbA1c (7/7), total cholesterol (6/9), TG (13/15), AST (3/4), and ALT (3/5), and no major side effects. The results heterogeneity seems to be explained by a difference of diet composition and duration. In conclusion, KD is a safety diet which seems to be a promising approach for obesity and MetS treatment, even if the optimal carbohydrate proportion and diet duration must be explored to enhance the beneficial effects of KD.

The effect of periodic ketogenic diet on newly diagnosed overweight or obese patients with type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND

The ketogenic diet (KD) is characterized by fat as a substitute of carbohydrates for the primary energy source. There is a large number of overweight or obese people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), while this study aims to observe periodic ketogenic diet for effect on overweight or obese patients newly diagnosed as T2DM.

METHODS

A total of 60 overweight or obese patients newly diagnosed as T2DM were randomized into two groups: KD group, which was given ketogenic diet, and control group, which was given routine diet for diabetes, 30 cases in each group. Both dietary patterns lasted 12 weeks, and during the period, the blood glucose, blood lipid, body weight, insulin, and uric acid before and after intervention, as well as the significance for relevant changes, were observed.

RESULTS

For both groups, the weight, BMI(body mass index), Waist, TG (triglyceride), TC(cholesterol), LDL (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol), HDL (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol), FBG (fasting glucose), FINS (fasting insulin), HbA1c (glycosylated hemoglobin) were decreased after intervention (P < 0.05), while the decrease rates in the KD group was more significant than the control group. However, UA(serum uric acid) in the KD group showed an upward trend, while in the control group was not changed significantly (P > 0.05).The willingness to adhere to the ketogenic diet over the long term was weaker than to the routine diet for diabetes.

CONCLUSION

Among the overweight or obese patients newly diagnosed as type 2 diabetes mellitus, periodic ketogenic diet can not only control the body weight, but also control blood glucose and lipid, but long-term persistence is difficult.

Clinical Understanding of the Sleep-Immune Connection

The science of sleep is becoming better understood all the time, and here is a fact that has only recently been revealed: sleep and immune system function have a bidirectional relationship. The disturbance of sleep can create an alteration in immune function. The opposite is also true, in that activation of the immune system can create a disturbance in sleep cycling. This dynamic can ultimately create a feed-forward loop of increasing immune dysfunction and sleep disruption. These systems are intimately intertwined. The clinical approach should be to intervene upstream in the regulation of the fundamental systems that control both sleep and immune function. Through the implementation of this approach, the treatment will focus on the cause of the epigenetic modulation of the sleep-immune system imbalance, and not just its effects and symptomatology.

Adipose Tissue Inflammation and Cardiovascular Disease: An Update

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The obesity epidemic is on the rise, and while it is well known that obesity is associated with an increase in cardiovascular risk factors such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea, recent data has highlighted that the degree and type of fat distribution may play a bigger role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease (CVD) than body mass index (BMI) alone. We aim to review updated data on adipose tissue inflammation and distribution and CVD.

RECENT FINDINGS

We review the pathophysiology of inflammation secondary to adipose tissue, the association of obesity-related adipokines and CVD, and the differences and significance of brown versus white adipose tissue. We delve into the clinical manifestations of obesity-related inflammation in CVD. We discuss the available data on heterogeneity of adipose tissue-related inflammation with a focus on subcutaneous versus visceral adipose tissue, the differential pathophysiology, and clinical CVD manifestations of adipose tissue across sex, race, and ethnicity. Finally, we present the available data on lifestyle modification, medical, and surgical therapeutics on reduction of obesity-related inflammation. Obesity leads to a state of chronic inflammation which significantly increases the risk for CVD. More research is needed to develop non-invasive VAT quantification indices such as risk calculators which include variables such as sex, age, race, ethnicity, and VAT concentration, along with other well-known CVD risk factors in order to comprehensively determine risk of CVD in obese patients. Finally, pre-clinical biomarkers such as pro-inflammatory adipokines should be validated to estimate risk of CVD in obese patients.

Activation of G protein-coupled receptors by ketone bodies: Clinical implication of the ketogenic diet in metabolic disorders

Ketogenesis takes place in hepatocyte mitochondria where acetyl-CoA derived from fatty acid catabolism is converted to ketone bodies (KB), namely β-hydroxybutyrate (β-OHB), acetoacetate and acetone. KB represent important alternative energy sources under metabolic stress conditions. Ketogenic diets (KDs) are low-carbohydrate, fat-rich eating strategies which have been widely proposed as valid nutritional interventions in several metabolic disorders due to its substantial efficacy in weight loss achievement. Carbohydrate restriction during KD forces the use of FFA, which are subsequently transformed into KB in hepatocytes to provide energy, leading to a significant increase in ketone levels known as "nutritional ketosis". The recent discovery of KB as ligands of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) - cellular transducers implicated in a wide range of body functions - has aroused a great interest in understanding whether some of the clinical effects associated to KD consumption might be mediated by the ketone/GPCR axis. Specifically, anti-inflammatory effects associated to KD regimen are presumably due to GPR109A-mediated inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome by β-OHB, whilst lipid profile amelioration by KDs could be ascribed to the actions of acetoacetate via GPR43 and of β-OHB via GPR109A on lipolysis. Thus, this review will focus on the effects of KD-induced nutritional ketosis potentially mediated by specific GPCRs in metabolic and endocrinological disorders. To discriminate the effects of ketone bodies per se, independently of weight loss, only studies comparing ketogenic vs isocaloric non-ketogenic diets will be considered as well as short-term tolerability and safety of KDs.

Dietary modulation of large extracellular vesicles: the good and the bad for human health

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) encompassing nanovesicles derived from the endosome system and generated by plasmatic membrane shedding are of increasing interest in view of their ability to sustain cell-to-cell communication and the possibility that they could be used as surrogate biomarkers of healthy and unhealthy trajectories. Nutritional strategies have been developed to preserve health, and the impact of these strategies on circulating EVs is arousing growing interest. Data available from published studies are now sufficient for a first integration to better understand the role of EVs in the relationship between diet and health. Thus, this review focuses on human intervention studies investigating the impact of diet or its components on circulating EVs. Because of analytical bias, only large EVs have been assessed so far. The analysis highlights that poor-quality diets with elevated fat and sugar content increase levels of circulating large EVs, and these can be partly counteracted by healthy food or some food micronutrients and bioactive compounds. However, knowledge of the content and the biological functions of these diet-induced EVs is still missing. It is important to address these aspects in new research in order to state if EVs are mediators of the effects of diet on health.

Metabolic changes in female rats exposed to intrauterine Hyperglycemia and post-weaning consumption of high-fat diet

We evaluated the influence of the hyperglycemic intrauterine environment and post-weaning consumption of a high-fat diet on the glycemia, insulin, lipid and immunological profile of rat offspring in adulthood. Female rats received citrate buffer (Control - C) or Streptozotocin (a beta cell-cytotoxic drug to induce diabetes - D) on post-natal day 5. In adulthood, these rats were mated to obtain female offspring, who were fed a standard diet (SD) or high-fat diet (HFD) from weaning to adulthood (n = 10 rats/group). OC/SD and OC/HFD represent female offspring of control mothers and received SD or HFD, respectively; OD/SD and OD/HFD represent female offspring of diabetic mothers and received SD or HFD, respectively. At adulthood, the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) was performed and, next, the rats were anesthetized and euthanized. Pancreas was collected and analyzed, and adipose tissue was weighted. Blood samples were collected to determine biochemical and immunological profiles. The food intake was lower in HFD-fed rats and visceral fat weight was increased in the OD/HFD group. OC/HFD, OD/SD, and OD/HFD groups presented glucose intolerance and lower insulin secretion during OGTT. An impaired pancreatic beta-cell function was shown in the adult offspring of diabetic rats, regardless of diet. Interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10 concentrations were lower in the OD/HFD group and associated to a low-grade inflammatory condition. The fetal programming was responsible for impaired beta cell function in experimental animals. The association of maternal diabetes and post-weaning high-fat diet is responsible for greater glucose intolerance, impaired insulin secretion and immunological change.

Alternative Dietary Patterns for Americans: Low-Carbohydrate Diets

The decades-long dietary experiment embodied in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) focused on limiting fat, especially saturated fat, and higher carbohydrate intake has coincided with rapidly escalating epidemics of obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) that are contributing to the progression of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and other diet-related chronic diseases. Moreover, the lack of flexibility in the DGA as it pertains to low carbohydrate approaches does not align with the contemporary trend toward precision nutrition. We argue that personalizing the level of dietary carbohydrate should be a high priority based on evidence that Americans have a wide spectrum of metabolic variability in their tolerance to high carbohydrate loads. Obesity, metabolic syndrome, and T2D are conditions strongly associated with insulin resistance, a condition exacerbated by increased dietary carbohydrate and improved by restricting carbohydrate. Low-carbohydrate diets are grounded across the time-span of human evolution, have well-established biochemical principles, and are now supported by multiple clinical trials in humans that demonstrate consistent improvements in multiple established risk factors associated with insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recently recognized a low carbohydrate eating pattern as an effective approach for patients with diabetes. Despite this evidence base, low-carbohydrate diets are not reflected in the DGA. As the DGA Dietary Patterns have not been demonstrated to be universally effective in addressing the needs of many Americans and recognizing the lack of widely available treatments for obesity, metabolic syndrome, and T2D that are safe, effective, and sustainable, the argument for an alternative, low-carbohydrate Dietary Pattern is all the more compelling.

Efficacy of Ketogenic Diets on Type 2 Diabetes: a Systematic Review

To assess the pleiotropic effects of ketogenic diets (KD) on glucose control, changes in medication, and weight loss in individuals with type 2 diabetes, and to evaluate its practical feasibility RECENT FINDINGS: KD results in improved HbA1c already after 3 weeks, and the effect seems to persist for at least 1 year. This is associated with a reduction in glucose-lowering medications. The weight loss observed after a short time period seems to be maintained with a long-term diet. Adequate support (supportive psychological counseling, enhancing positive affectivity, reinforcing mindful eating) is necessary to achieve a benefit and to assure adherence. Despite the documented decrease in HbA1, a definitive causal effect of KD remains to be proven. KD should be performed under strict medical supervision. Future research should clarify how compliance can be maximized and how ketosis can be optimally monitored.

Very-low-carbohydrate diet enhances human T-cell immunity through immunometabolic reprogramming

Very-low-carbohydrate diet triggers the endogenous production of ketone bodies as alternative energy substrates. There are as yet unproven assumptions that ketone bodies positively affect human immunity. We have investigated this topic in an in vitro model using primary human T cells and in an immuno-nutritional intervention study enrolling healthy volunteers. We show that ketone bodies profoundly impact human T-cell responses. CD4+ , CD8+ , and regulatory T-cell capacity were markedly enhanced, and T memory cell formation was augmented. RNAseq and functional metabolic analyses revealed a fundamental immunometabolic reprogramming in response to ketones favoring mitochondrial oxidative metabolism. This confers superior respiratory reserve, cellular energy supply, and reactive oxygen species signaling. Our data suggest a very-low-carbohydrate diet as a clinical tool to improve human T-cell immunity. Rethinking the value of nutrition and dietary interventions in modern medicine is required.

Short-term effects of a Mediterranean-style dietary pattern on cognition and mental well-being: a systematic review of clinical trials

Although the long-term effects of a Mediterranean-style dietary pattern (MDP) on cognition and overall mental well-being have been consistently described, the short-term effects of the MDP on cognitive performance, mood and anxiety have not been as widely reviewed. Therefore, the aims of this systematic review were to synthesise the evidence from randomised controlled trials (RCT), to examine whether a MDP can alter cognition and overall mental well-being in the short-term (up to 10 d). This will also be used to identify research gaps and to inform the design of future acute RCT in the area. Ovid Embase, Ovid MEDLINE and Web of Science Core Collection were searched from inception to 8 December 2020. The data were synthesised narratively with no quantitative synthesis. The detailed protocol is available on PROSPERO, with the registration number CRD42021221085. A total of 3002 studies were initially identified. After the deduplication and screening stages, four studies (three articles and one conference proceeding) were eligible to be included. Despite the very limited data obtained, the literature suggests that a MDP can improve cognition and mood in the short-term. Specifically, improvements in attention, alertness and contentment were consistently reported. A MDP appears as a promising strategy to improve short-term cognitive and mental health. A limitation of this review is the small number of studies identified; therefore, future studies are required to confirm these initial novel findings and to provide granularity as to which domains are most responsive and in which population subgroups.

Carbohydrates deteriorate fatty liver by activating the inflammatory response

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) was defined in 1980 and has the same histological characteristics as alcoholic liver disease except for alcohol consumption. After 40 years, the understanding of this disease is still imperfect. Without specific drugs available for treatment, the number of patients with NAFLD is increasing rapidly, and NAFLD currently affects more than one-quarter of the global population. NAFLD is mostly caused by a sedentary lifestyle and excessive energy intake of fat and sugar. To ameliorate or avoid NAFLD, people commonly replace high-fat foods with high-carbohydrate foods (especially starchy carbohydrates) as a way to reduce caloric intake and reach satiety. However, there are few studies that concentrate on the effect of carbohydrate intake on liver metabolism in patients with NAFLD, much fewer than the studies on fat intake. Besides, most of these studies are not systematic, which has made identification of the mechanism difficult. In this review, we collected and analysed data from studies on human and animal models and, surprisingly, found that carbohydrates and liver steatosis could be linked by inflammation. This review not only describes the effects of carbohydrates on NAFLD and body lipid metabolism but also analyses and predicts possible molecular pathways of carbohydrates in liver lipid synthesis that involve inflammation. Furthermore, the limitations of recent research and possible targets for regulating inflammation and lipogenesis are discussed. This review describes the effects of starchy carbohydrates, a nutrient signal, on NAFLD from the perspective of inflammation.

The Influence of Nutritional Factors on Immunological Outcomes

Through food intake, humans obtain a variety of nutrients that are essential for growth, cellular function, tissue development, energy, and immune defense. A special interaction between nutrients and gut-associated lymphoid tissue occurs in the intestinal tract. Enterocytes of the intestinal barrier act as sensors for antigens from nutrients and the intestinal microbiota, which they deliver to the underlying immune system of the lamina propria, triggering an immune response. Studies investigating the mechanism of influence of nutrition on immunological outcomes have highlighted an important role of macronutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, fatty acids) and micronutrients (vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, antioxidants, probiotics) in modulating immune homeostasis. Nutrients exert their role in innate immunity and inflammation by regulating the expression of TLRs, pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, thus interfering with immune cell crosstalk and signaling. Chemical substrates derived from nutrient metabolism may act as cofactors or blockers of enzymatic activity, influencing molecular pathways and chemical reactions associated with microbial killing, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Immune cell function appears to be influenced by certain nutrients that form parts of the cell membrane structure and are involved in energy production and prevention of cytotoxicity. Nutrients also contribute to the initiation and regulation of adaptive immune responses by modulating B and T lymphocyte differentiation, proliferation and activation, and antibody production. The purpose of this review is to present the available data from the field of nutritional immunology to elucidate the complex and dynamic relationship between nutrients and the immune system, the delineation of which will lead to optimized nutritional regimens for disease prevention and patient care.

Inflammation and Insulin Resistance as Risk Factors and Potential Therapeutic Targets for Alzheimer's Disease

Overnutrition and modern diets containing high proportions of saturated fat are among the major factors contributing to a low-grade state of inflammation, hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia. In the last decades, the global rise of type 2 diabetes and obesity prevalence has elicited a great interest in understanding how changes in metabolic function lead to an increased risk for premature brain aging and the development of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Cognitive impairment and decreased neurogenic capacity could be a consequence of metabolic disturbances. In these scenarios, the interplay between inflammation and insulin resistance could represent a potential therapeutic target to prevent or ameliorate neurodegeneration and cognitive impairment. The present review aims to provide an update on the impact of metabolic stress pathways on AD with a focus on inflammation and insulin resistance as risk factors and therapeutic targets.

The Low-Carbohydrate Diet: Short-Term Metabolic Efficacy Versus Longer-Term Limitations

Background: Diets have been a central component of lifestyle modification for decades. The Low-Carbohydrate Diet (LCD), originally conceived as a treatment strategy for intractable epilepsy (due to its association with ketogenesis), became popular in the 1970s and since then has risen to prominence as a weight loss strategy. Objective: To explore the efficacy, limitations and potential safety concerns of the LCD. Data Sources: We performed a narrative review, based on relevant articles written in English from a Pubmed search, using the terms ‘low carbohydrate diet and metabolic health’. Results: Evidence supports the efficacy of the LCD in the short-term (up to 6-months) for reduction in fat mass and remission of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2D). However, the longer-term efficacy of the LCD is disappointing, with diminishment of weight loss potential and metabolic benefits of the LCD beyond 6-months of its adoption. Furthermore, practical limitations of the LCD include the associated restriction of food choices that restrict the acceptability of the LCD for the individual, particularly over the longer term. There are also safety concerns of the LCD that stem from nutritional imbalances (with a relative excess of dietary fat and protein intake with associated dyslipidaemia and increased risk of insulin resistance and T2D development) and ketotic effects. Finally, the LCD often results in a reduction in dietary fibre intake, with potentially serious adverse consequences for overall health and the gut microbiota. Conclusions: Although widely adopted, the LCD usually has short-lived metabolic benefits, with limited efficacy and practicality over the longer term. Dietary modification needs tailoring to the individual, with careful a priori assessments of food preferences to ensure acceptability and adherence over the longer term, with avoidance of dietary imbalances and optimization of dietary fibre intake (primarily from plant-based fruit and vegetables), and with a posteriori assessments of the highly individual responses to the LCD. Finally, we need to change our view of diets from simply an excipient for weight loss to an essential component of a healthy lifestyle.

The Pros and Cons of Low Carbohydrate and Ketogenic Diets in the Prevention and Treatment of Cancer

Ketogenic diets are low carbohydrate (CHO), high fat diets that are currently very popular for weight loss. Since cancer cells typically consume far more glucose than normal cells, low CHO diets are currently being considered as possible therapeutic regimens to manage cancer. However, our understanding of the safety and efficacy of such CHO-restricted diets in the prevention and treatment of cancer is still in its infancy. In this perspective we provide an overview of the current state of knowledge regarding the use of low CHO diets in the prevention and treatment of cancer. We also highlight the gaps in our knowledge regarding the potential usefulness of low CHO diets in cancer. While pre-clinical rodent studies have provided convincing evidence that CHO restriction may be effective in reducing cancer growth, there has not been sufficient attention given to the effect of these low CHO diets, that are often high in fats and low in soluble fiber, on inflammation. This is important, given that different fats have distinct effects on inflammation. As well, we demonstrate that short chain fatty acids, which are produced via the fermentation of fiber by our gut microbiome, have more anti-inflammatory properties than β-hydroxybutyrate, a ketone body produced during nutritional ketosis that is touted to have anti-inflammatory activity. Since chronic inflammation is strongly associated with cancer formation, defining the type of fats in low CHO diets may contribute to our understanding of whether these diets may work simply by reducing glucose bioavailability, or via modulation of inflammatory responses.