A new perspective on special effective interventions for metabolic syndrome risk factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Comparison of body mass index and physical activity levels of e-sportsmen

Background

This study examines the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and physical activity levels in e-sports players. Focusing on the sedentary lifestyle and health risks associated with prolonged sitting and low physical activity, the study highlights critical challenges within the e-sports community.

Methods

Data was collected from 136 e-sports players on popular gaming platforms such as FIFA, Valorant, CS: GO and League of Legends. Physical activity levels were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (Short Form) and participants' health status was assessed using BMI classifications.

Results

The results showed a significant inverse relationship between BMI and physical activity, with obese e-sports players having significantly lower activity levels and longer periods of sedentary behavior than their peers. Male e-sports players had higher levels of physical activity than females, reflecting biological, social and cultural factors that influence physical activity behavior.

Discussion

The study highlights the need for measures such as training programs, ergonomic adjustments and awareness campaigns to increase physical activity and reduce health risks among e-sports players. These findings provide valuable insights into the health effects of e-sports participation and emphasize the importance of promoting an active lifestyle to counteract the detrimental effects of prolonged sitting and inactivity. By filling gaps in the existing literature, this study contributes to the understanding of e-sports players' health behaviors and offers practical recommendations for promoting healthier habits in this growing population.

Cardiometabolic Aspects of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

Treatment of classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is directed at replacing deficient hormones and reducing androgen excess. However, even in the era of early diagnosis and lifelong hormonal substitution, the presence of CAH is still associated with numerous complications and also with increased mortality. The aim of this article was to create an authoritative and balanced review concerning cardiometabolic risk in patients with CAH. The authors searched all major databases and scanned reference lists of all potentially eligible articles to find relevant articles. The risk was compared with that in other forms of adrenal insufficiency. The reviewed articles, most of which were published recently, provided conflicting results, which can be partially explained by differences in the inclusion criteria and treatment, small sample sizes, and gene-environment interactions. However, many studies showed that the presence of CAH is associated with an increased risk of weight gain, worsening of insulin sensitivity, high blood pressure, endothelial dysfunction, early atherosclerotic changes in the vascular wall, and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. These complications were more consistently reported in patients with classic than nonclassic CAH and were in part related to hormonal and functional abnormalities associated with this disorder and/or to the impact of overtreatment and undertreatment. An analysis of available studies suggests that individuals with classic CAH are at increased cardiometabolic risk. Excess cardiovascular and metabolic morbidity is likely multifactorial, related to glucocorticoid overtreatment, imperfect adrenal hormone replacement therapy, androgen excess, and adrenomedullary failure. Cardiometabolic effects of new therapeutic approaches require future targeted studies.

The Relationship Between Lycopene and Metabolic Diseases

Background: Metabolic syndrome, obesity, and type 2 diabetes are closely related. They are characterized by chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. Obesity is the most important risk factor for metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Metabolic syndrome is characterized by insulin resistance and elevated blood glucose levels, among other conditions. These disorders contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes, which can exacerbate other metabolic problems. Methods: Numerous studies indicate that diet and nutrients can have a major impact on preventing and treating these conditions. One such ingredient is lycopene. It is a naturally occurring carotenoid with a unique chemical structure. It exhibits strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties due to its conjugated double bonds and its ability to neutralize reactive oxygen species. Its properties make lycopene indirectly affect many cellular processes. The article presents studies in animal models and humans on the activity of this carotenoid in metabolic problems. Results: The findings suggest that lycopene's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities make it a promising candidate for the prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Conclusions: This review underscores the potential of lycopene as a beneficial dietary supplement in improving metabolic health and reducing the risk of associated chronic diseases. The conditions described are population diseases, so research into compounds with properties such as lycopene is growing in popularity.

Preparing the soil: Adjusting the metabolic health of patients with chronic wounds and musculoskeletal diseases

In recent years, systemic inflammation has emerged as a pivotal player in the development and progression of various degenerative diseases. This complex, chronic inflammatory state, often undetected, can have far-reaching consequences for the body's physiology. At the molecular level, markers such as C-reactive protein, cytokines and other inflammatory mediators serve as indicators of systemic inflammation and often act as predictors of numerous musculoskeletal diseases and even certain forms of cancer. The concept of 'meta-inflammation', specifically referring to metabolically triggered inflammation, allows healthcare professionals to understand inflammatory responses in patients with metabolic syndrome. Driven by nutrient excess and the expansion of adipose tissue, meta-inflammation is closely associated with insulin resistance, further propagating the metabolic dysfunction observed in many Western societies. Wound persistence, on the other hand, exacerbates the detrimental effects of prolonged inflammation at the local level. Acute inflammation is a beneficial and essential process for wound healing and infection control. However, when inflammation fails to resolve, it can impede the healing process, leading to chronic wounds, excessive scarring and even the activation of fibrotic pathways. This approach significantly reduces the efficacy of regenerative biological therapies. Our review focuses on the vital role of proteins, vitamins and minerals in collagen synthesis and cell proliferation for tissue healing. We also examine hormonal influences on regeneration, noting the negative effects of imbalances, and emphasize glucose regulation's importance in creating a stable environment for chronic wound healing.

The therapeutic effect and possible mechanisms of alginate oligosaccharide on metabolic syndrome by regulating gut microbiota

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a disease condition incorporating the abnormal accumulation of various metabolic components, including overweight or abdominal obesity, insulin resistance and abnormal glucose tolerance, hypertension, atherosclerosis, or dyslipidemia. It has been proved that the gut microbiota and microbial-derived products play an important role in regulating lipid metabolism and thus the onset and development of MetS. Previous studies have demonstrated that oligosaccharides with prebiotic effects, such as chitosan oligosaccharides, can regulate the structure of the microbial community and its derived products to control weight and reduce MetS associated with obesity. Alginate oligosaccharides (AOS), natural products extracted from degraded alginate salts with high solubility and extensive biological activity, have also been found to modulate gut microbiota. This review aims to summarize experimental evidence on the positive effects of AOS on different types of MetS while providing insights into mechanisms through which AOS regulates gut microbiota for preventing and treating MetS.

Is Steatotic Liver Disease Related to Poor Outcome in COVID-19-Hospitalized Patients?

Background: Steatotic liver disease (SLD) has been linked to more exacerbated inflammatory responses in various scenarios. The relationship between SLD and COVID-19 prognosis remains unclear. Our aim was to investigate the impact of SLD on the outcome of COVID-19. Methods: Patients hospitalized with confirmed COVID-19 and who underwent laboratory tests and chest CT scans were included. SLD was assessed by measuring the attenuation coefficient on CT scans. The relationship between SLD, the severity of COVID-19 clinical presentation and in-hospital mortality were assessed. Results: A total of 610 patients were included (mean age 62 ± 16 years, 64% male). The prevalence of SLD was 30%, and the overall in-hospital mortality rate was 19%. Patients with SLD were younger (58 ± 13 vs. 64 ± 16 years, p < 0.001) and had a higher BMI (32 ± 5 vs. 28 ± 4 kg/m2, p = 0.014). Admission AST values were higher in patients with SLD (82 ± 339 vs. 50 ± 37, p = 0.02), while D-dimer (1112 ± 2147 vs. 1959 ± 8509, p = 0.07), C-reactive protein (12 ± 9 vs. 11 ± 8, p = 0.27), ALT (67 ± 163 vs. 47 ± 90, p = 0.11), ALP (83 ± 52 vs. 102 ± 125, p = 0.27), and GGT (123 ± 125 vs. 104 ± 146, p = 0.61) did not significantly differ compared to patients without SLD. No difference was observed regarding lung parenchyma involvement >50% (20% vs. 17%, p = 0.25), hospital length of stay (14 ± 19 vs. 16 ± 23 days, p = 0.20), hemodialysis support (14% vs. 16%, p = 0.57), use of mechanical ventilation (20% vs. 20%, p = 0.96), and in-hospital mortality (17% vs. 20%, p = 0.40) when comparing patients with and without SLD. Conclusions: SLD showed no significant association with morbidity and mortality in patients with COVID-19.

Moderate or greater daily coffee consumption is associated with lower incidence of metabolic syndrome in Taiwanese militaries: results from the CHIEF cohort study

BACKGROUND

Daily moderate coffee intake was found with a lower risk of specific metabolic abnormalities, e.g., hypertension and hyperglycemia, while the association of coffee intake and incident metabolic syndrome (MetS) has not been clarified in prior studies, particularly in young adults.

METHODS

A total of 2,890 military personnel, aged 18-39 years, free of MetS were followed for incident MetS from baseline (2014) until the end of 2020 in Taiwan. Daily coffee amount consumed was grouped to those ≥3 cups or 600 mL (moderate or more amount) and those without. Incidence of MetS was identified in annual health examinations. MetS was diagnosed on the basis of the guideline of the International Diabetes Federation. Multivariable Cox regression model with adjustments for sex, age, body mass index, physical activity and substance use status at baseline was performed to determine the association.

RESULTS

At baseline, there were 145 subjects with daily coffee intake ≥3 cups or 600 mL (5.0%) in the overall cohort. During a mean follow-up of 6.0 years, 673 incident MetS (23.3%) were found. As compared to those consuming less coffee or none, those consuming daily coffee ≥3 cups had a lower risk of MetS [hazard ratio (HR): 0.69 (95% confidence interval: 0.48, 0.99)].

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that adhering to the guideline recommended moderate or greater daily coffee consumption for promoting health, may confer advantages in preventing the development of MetS among young adults.

Effects of visceral obesity on cytokine and hormonal regulation in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease

Background. In recent years, pathogenetic mechanisms underlying the association of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and metabolic syndrome have caused considerable interest among researchers. The purpose is to determine the features of cytokine balance, carbohydrate metabolism, leptin and ghrelin levels depending on the amount of visceral fat in patients with GERD. Materials and methods. Fifty-six patients with GERD were examined. According to the results of bioimpedance analysis, they were divided into the groups: 23 patients with a dangerous and 33 with a safe amount of visceral fat. The levels of tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin-6, interleukin-10, ghrelin and leptin were determined in the blood serum of all patients by the enzyme immunoassay method. Also, the levels of glucose, insulin were determined and the insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) was calculated in patients with GERD. Results. In the group of GERD patients with a dangerous amount of visceral fat, an increase in the concentration of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 by 12 % was found with a simultaneous decrease in the level of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 by 22 % (p < 0.05), an increase in the HOMA-IR median by 1.3 times (p < 0.05) compared to the patients with a safe amount of visceral fat. The median level of ghrelin in patients with a dangerous visceral fat amount increased significantly, by 2.0 times (p < 0.05) compared to the control group. Correlation analysis showed an association between visceral fat and leptin (r = 0.37; p = 0.0008), interleukin-10 (r = –0.28; p = 0.0116), insulin (r = 0.41; p = 0.001), HOMA-IR (r = 0.48; p = 0.00001). Conclusions. In GERD patients, an increase in the amount of visceral fat was associated with a violation of the cytokine balance, carbohydrate metabolism, increased level of ghrelin. The determined statistically significant correlation between the amount of visceral fat and the level of leptin indicates a functional relationship between the body composition according to bioimpedance analysis and the hormonal activity of adipose tissue in patients with GERD.