Genome-Wide Association Analysis of Over 170,000 Individuals from the UK Biobank Identifies Seven Loci Associated with Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) Diet

TRPV3 facilitates lipolysis and attenuates diet-induced obesity via activation of the NRF2/FSP1 signaling axis

Transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) ion channels play a crucial role in various cellular functions by regulating intracellular Ca2+ levels and have been extensively studied in the context of several metabolic diseases. However, the regulatory effects of TRPV3 in obesity and lipolysis are not well understood. In this study, utilizing a TRPV3 gain-of-function mouse model (TRPV3G568V/G568V), we assessed the metabolic phenotype of both TRPV3G568V/G568V mice and their control littermates, which were randomly assigned to either a 12-week high-fat diet or a control diet. We investigated the potential mechanisms underlying the role of TRPV3 in restraining obesity and promoting lipolysis both in vivo and in vitro. Our findings indicate that a high-fat diet led to significant obesity, characterized by increased epididymal and inguinal white adipose tissue weight and higher fat mass. However, the gain-of-function mutation in TRPV3 appeared to counteract these adverse effects by enhancing lipolysis in visceral fat through the upregulation of the major lipolytic enzyme, adipocyte triglyceride lipase (ATGL). In vitro experiments using carvacrol, a TRPV3 agonist, demonstrated the promotion of lipolysis and antioxidation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes after TRPV3 activation. Notably, carvacrol failed to stimulate Ca2+ influx, lipolysis, and antioxidation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes treated with BAPTA-AM, a cell-permeable calcium chelator. Our results revealed that TRPV3 activation induced the action of transcriptional factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), resulting in increased expression of ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1) and superoxide dismutase2 (SOD2). Moreover, the inhibition of NRF2 impeded carvacrol-induced lipolysis and antioxidation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, with downregulation of ATGL, FSP1, and SOD2. In summary, our study suggests that TRPV3 promotes visceral fat lipolysis and inhibits diet-induced obesity through the activation of the NRF2/FSP1 signaling axis. We propose that TRPV3 may be a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of obesity.

A Life-Stage Approach to Precision Nutrition: A Narrative Review

The concept of precision nutrition highlights the customization of nutrition to specific needs, emphasizing that a one-size-fits-all approach is not sufficient for either optimal nutrition or optimal health. Precision nutrition encompasses a range of factors, from broad strata of age and sex categories to personal characteristics such as lifestyle to an individual's unique genotype. This breadth of scope requires us to consider how precision nutrition can be implemented in an inclusive and appropriate way for individuals and groups within real-life populations. In this narrative review, we explore the potential of precision nutrition through a life-stage approach that emphasizes age- and gender-specific nutritional needs as these change across the lifespan. Focusing on adult life stages, we delineated trends in age-related conditions and health needs among Korean adults based on national-level survey data (KNHANES 2019-2021). We also reviewed the intake of nutrients associated with these health needs to better understand how life-stage guided approaches to nutrition and supplementation could support optimal health. Looking beyond preventing deficiency or disease, we discuss how tailored supplementation of essential vitamins, minerals, and certain bioactive substances could promote healthy functioning. Finally, we discuss the complexities and challenges of developing multivitamin/multimineral supplements (MVMS) to support life-stage appropriate nutrition while maximizing adherence. Future prospects include leveraging advancements in intelligent technologies and dietary assessments for tracking nutrient intake and health indicators and using these to optimize MVMS formulations in ways that are sensitive to a person's needs and priorities/preferences at different life stages. By adopting a life-stage guided approach to nutrition, we can better support health and well-being across the lifespan.

The role of TRPV ion channels in adipocyte differentiation: What is the evidence?

Obesity is a complex disorder, and the incidence of obesity continues to rise at an alarming rate worldwide. In particular, the growing incidence of overweight and obesity in children is a major health concern. However, the underlying mechanisms of obesity remain unclear and the efficacy of several approaches for weight loss is limited. As an important calcium-permeable temperature-sensitive cation channel, transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) ion channels directly participate in thermo-, mechano-, and chemosensory responses. Modulation of TRPV ion channel activity can alter the physiological function of the ion channel, leading to neurodegenerative diseases, chronic pain, cancer, and skin disorders. In recent years, increasing studies have demonstrated that TRPV ion channels are abundantly expressed in metabolic organs, including the liver, adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, pancreas, and central nervous system, which has been implicated in various metabolic diseases, including obesity and diabetes mellitus. In addition, as an important process for the pathophysiology of adipocyte metabolism, adipocyte differentiation plays a critical role in obesity. In this review, we focus on the role of TRPV ion channels in adipocyte differentiation to broaden the ideas for prevention and control strategies for obesity.

miR-4432 Targets FGFBP1 in Human Endothelial Cells

MicroRNAs (miRs) are small non-coding RNAs that modulate the expression of several target genes. Fibroblast growth factor binding protein 1 (FGFBP1) has been associated with endothelial dysfunction at the level of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). However, the underlying mechanisms are mostly unknown and there are no studies investigating the relationship between miRs and FGFBP1. Thus, the overarching aim of the present study was to identify and validate which miR can specifically target FGFBP1 in human brain microvascular endothelial cells, which represent the best in vitro model of the BBB. We were able to identify and validate miR-4432 as a fundamental modulator of FGFBP1 and we demonstrated that miR-4432 significantly reduces mitochondrial oxidative stress, a well-established pathophysiological hallmark of hypertension.