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Context. Metabolic surgery is currently the most efficient treatment for obesity, but concern is raised about the possible long-term nutritional side effects. Bone metabolism is often adversely affected after surgery, but literature data are contradictory. Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the evolution of bone mass parameters in the first year after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in relation to anthropometric and body composition parameters and specific hormones of obesity. Design. We conducted a prospective study on 75 patients with obesity that underwent metabolic surgery over a course of 18 months at our center, with a follow-up period of 12 months. Subjects and Methods. All patients underwent a complex preoperative assessment and were required to return for medical follow-up at 6 and 12 months after surgery. Each visit included anthropometric parameters, DEXA and determination of specific hormonal parameters. Results. We noticed a significant improvement in anthropometric and body composition parameters after surgery. The value of adiponectin presented a significant increase after surgery and leptin showed a significant decrease at 6 and 12 months postoperative; ghrelin level decreased postoperative compared to preoperative, but without statistical significance. We observed no reduction in BMD after surgery, but a significant improvement in BMC at 12 months after surgery compared to preoperative. Ghrelin negatively correlated to BMD preoperative. Conclusions. Despite the significant alterations in anthropometric, body composition and hormonal parameters, we found no negative effect on BMD and BMC in our study population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malnutriția este o constatare frecventă și importantă în secțiile chirurgicale. Deşi consecințele sale includ complicații postoperatorii și costuri mai mari, evaluarea nutrițională nu face parte din protocoalele preoperatorii de rutină. Evaluarea nutriţională include parametri clinici și biologici și este vitală pentru a începe tratamentul și a îmbunătăți rezultatele. Prealbumina este în prezent recunoscută ca un marker fidel al malnutriției şi este inclusă în ghidurile de practică. Unul dintre cele mai importante aspecte legate de prealbumină este faptul că variațiile sale în timp sunt mai valoroase decât valorile absolute. Scopul acestui studiu a fost de a evalua și compara evoluția nutrițională perioperatorie a pacienţilor care necesită intervenţii de chirurgie toracică, cu şi fără cancer, folosind prealbumina - preoperator și postoperator - ca marker principal. Treizeci şi şase de pacienţi de la Clinica de Chirurgie Toracică au fost evaluaţi înainte de intervenţia chirurgicală, prin indicele de masă corporală, scorul de risc nutriţional Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) și parametri biochimici de rutină. Prealbumina a fost evaluată înainte de intervenţia chirurgicală şi la 3 zile după operaţie.Vârstă, durata spitalizării postoperatorii și prezența complicaţiilor au fost notate. Pacienții cu cancer (n = 19) au fost semnificativ mai în vârstă decât pacienții fără cancer (p = 0,007) și au fost mai frecvent, dar nu în mod semnificativ, evaluaţi prin SGA ca fiind malnutriţi (42,1% față de 11,6%). Prealbumina preoperator și alți parametri nu diferă semnificativ între grupuri. Cu toate acestea, a existat o scădere semnificativă a prealbuminei postoperator doar la pacienții cu cancer. Prin urmare, prealbumina s-a dovedit a fi valoroasă în evaluarea malnutriţiei acute la pacienţii cu cancer, în special prin monitorizarea variaţiilor în timp, ceea ce ar putea fi util în planificarea tratamentului nutriţional.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether serum uric acid levels are significantly associated with the parameters that contribute to the metabolic syndrome in a rural community from Iasi County, Romania. We observed that the components associated most with the serum levels of uric acid were body mass index, triglycerides, waist circumference and hip circumference. Significant correlations were found for the levels of uric acid and total cholesterol, fasting glycemia, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. The observed correlations point to uric acid as a potential marker of the metabolic syndrome.

The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) in a cross-section of the adult rural population of the village Deleni in northeast Romania. We observed a IGT in 25.9% and diabetes in 14.55% of the general population, and only 60% of randomly selected subjects with a normal glucose tolerance. With regards to gender, we observed slightly higher values in female patients (28.3% with IGT, 17.3% with diabetes), as compared to 10.47% with diabetes and 20.95% with IGT in males. Our report reveals a high prevalence of diabetes and IGT among the rural population of Deleni, Romania. Therefore, there is an urgent need for an increased awareness of diabetes and for an energetic intervention against diabetes and similar lifestyle-related diseases in the rural areas of Romania.

Context. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease which affects bone. There is evidence in the literature about some serum markers that reflect the bone turnover metabolism, such as RANKL (Receptor Activator of Nuclear factor Kappa-b Ligand) and Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) 23. Objective. We aimed to investigate the correlations between RANKL and FGF23 and other diabetes-related factors possibly influencing early bone turnover changes. Subjects and Method. We conducted a crosssectional analytical study on a group of 171 patients with type 2 diabetes, without Charcot's arthropathy or a history of amputations, in which a complete history and anthropometric, clinical, biochemical and dietary evaluation were performed. We evaluated the serum level of RANKL and FGF 23. Results. RANKL was significantly lower in patients with macroangiopathy (0.42±0.15 pmol/L vs. 0.47±0.2 pmol/L, p=0.001). The level of FGF23 was lower in patients with neuropathy (0.37±0.36 pmol/L vs. 0.41±0.17 pmol/L, p=0.001). We found that FGF23 increased with age, but decreased with the duration of diabetes. We also found an inverse relationship between FGF23 levels and HbA1c, triglycerides, diastolic blood pressure, total proteins, albuminemia. Conclusions. RANKL was significantly lower in patients with macroangiopathy, and FGF 23 in patients with neuropathy. Therefore, more studies are needed to elucidate their role in early bone turnover changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives : LL-37 is associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS), a constellation of risk factors comprising obesity, insulin resistance (IR), dyslipidemia, and hypertension, which elevates the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Methods : In this narrative review, we analyzed the literature focusing on recent developments in the relationship between cathelicidin and various components of MetS to provide a comprehensive overview. Results : Studies have shown that LL-37 is linked to inflammation in adipose tissue (AT) and the development of IR in obesity. Cathelicidin can enhance inflammation by activating pro-inflammatory genes, as well as modulate the inflammatory response. The mechanisms of IR include the activation of complex signaling pathways that induce inflammation and reduce insulin signaling in adipocytes. The activation of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) by cathelicidin stimulates the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, contributing to the disruption of insulin function in adipose cells. Cathelicidin also influences lipid metabolism, with recent research showing a negative relationship between LL-37 levels and HDL cholesterol. Therefore, LL-37 is involved not only in the regulation of inflammation but also in lipid metabolism, potentially aggravating the cardiovascular complications associated with MetS. Conclusions : Cathelicidin plays a crucial role in regulating the balance between inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses in MetS. Understanding the impact of LL-37 on these mechanisms may unveil novel approaches for addressing MetS and its associated complications.

Background/objectives: Nutritional knowledge, attitudes, and practice are important ways of assuring a healthy pregnancy start, which can be shaped during the pre-pregnancy period by the intervention of healthcare providers. In this cross-sectional study, the main objective was to explore contextual determinants of diet quality in women of fertile age, including socioeconomic factors and sources of information., Methods: Data on socioeconomic background, sources of nutritional advice, and determinants of food choices were collected through an anonymous web-based questionnaire completed by 465 women. Diet quality was assessed with the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics diet quality score (FIGO-DQS)., Results: Better food choices (OR = 1.73; 95% CI: 1.16-2.51), higher knowledge level (OR = 1.66; 95% CI: 1.119-2.466), and healthcare advice (OR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.119-2.466) increased the chances of having a better diet. Both healthcare providers (β = 0.503, p = 0.018) and determinants of food choices (β = 0.520, p = 0.011) had a significant influence on the FIGO score, although the advice provided by the healthcare professionals did not yield a significant influence on the determinants of food choices (β = 0.310, p = 0.125); Conclusions: Knowledge had a mediator effect on the impact of healthcare guidance on nutrition practices, but it does not fully explain the adherence to healthy lifestyle choices.

Background This study aimed to establish the reliability and validity of the Anti-Fat Attitudes (AFA) questionnaire and the Beliefs About Obese Persons (BAOP) scale. Methodology A convenience sample of 257 students from three distinct sections of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Grigore T. Popa" Iasi (Medical Faculty, Nutrition and Dietetics, and Nursing) participated in an observational study. Construction validity was tested with exploratory factor analysis. The students completed a form containing sociodemographic data, the AFA questionnaire, and the BAOP scale. Weight and height were self-reported and used to determine the body mass index. Results The value of the Cronbach alpha coefficient for the AFA questionnaire indicated adequate internal consistency (0.862). The exploratory factor analysis identified the following three factors corresponding to the original questionnaire: Dislike, Fear of Fat, and Willpower. We validated a single-factor structure of the BAOP scale, which had adequate internal consistency (0.781). There were statistically significant differences (AFA: p = 0.02; BAOP: p = 0.03) between the scores of the students from Nutrition and Dietetics, Nursing, and General Medicine. Conclusions This study demonstrated that the AFA questionnaire and the BAOP scale could be used to evaluate weight stigma in healthcare students, providing a useful tool to assess the effects of weight stigma awareness interventions in this population., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa” Ethics Committee issued approval 391/30.01.2024. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Mihalache et al.)

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has become a global epidemic. To effectively control T2DM, individuals must adhere to a high-quality diet that encompasses not only healthy dietary patterns but also promotes positive eating behaviors. We conducted a cross-sectional study on 314 patients with T2DM, and we evaluated the diet quality and also examined the associations between eating behavior, diet quality, and anthropometric and clinical factors in T2DM patients. We used the Diet Quality Index-International and Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire to assess dietary characteristics. We found that women had a significantly higher diet quality than men (61.40 vs. 58.68, p = 0.002) but were also more prone to emotional eating (2.00 vs. 1.53, p < 0.001) and restrained eating (2.39 vs. 2.05, p = 0.002). Restrained eating correlated with duration of diabetes (r = -0.169, p = 0.003), body mass index (r = 0.182, p = 0.001), and external eating with glycated hemoglobin (r = 0.114, p = 0.044). Patients with emotional eating had a higher vitamin C adequacy score (β = 0.117, p = 0.045). External eating was positively associated with grain adequacy (β = 0.208, p < 0.001) and negatively associated with empty-calorie food moderation score (β = -0.125, p = 0.032). For restrained eating, we found associations with vitamin C adequacy (β = -0.138, p = 0.017) and fruit adequacy (β = 0.125, p = 0.033). In conclusion, the results of this study provide valuable insight into dietary behavior and emphasize the importance of promoting healthy eating habits for T2DM patients.

Healthy dietary patterns during pregnancy are crucial for ensuring maternal and foetal health outcomes. Numerous methodologies exist for assessing the diet of pregnant women, including dietary patterns and various appraisal tools of diet quality. This study aimed to assess the dietary patterns and diet quality of pregnant women and to investigate the relationship between dietary patterns, diet quality estimators, and the adequacy of nutrient intake. EPIC FFQ was applied to a sample of 251 pregnant women, and questionnaires were interpreted with the FETA program. Dietary patterns were then determined by means of principal component analysis. Our results showed a substantial association between dietary patterns and total diet quality, as measured by the Diet Quality Index for Pregnancy (DQI-Pc), PURE Healthy Diet Score, and FIGO Diet Quality Score. We also found correlations between certain dietary patterns and particular nutrient intakes recommended by the European Food Safety Authority during pregnancy. The most deficient intake was registered for iron (86.1%), zinc (87.3%) and magnesium (79.3%), posing a threat to normal bone development, anaemia prophylaxis, and immune status. These results highlight the importance of assessing and understanding eating habits during pregnancy in order to achieve optimal outcomes for both the mother and the foetus.

Diet and eating behavior both play a crucial role in the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The main objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between dietary intake and eating behavior in a population of patients with T2DM. A cross-sectional study was performed using 416 patients with T2DM and their dietary intake and eating behavior were assessed with validated questionnaires. Women scored significantly higher than men for emotional and restrained eating ( p < 0.001). Correlation analyses showed that emotional eaters consumed significantly more calories (r = 0.120, p = 0.014) and fat (r = 0.101, p = 0.039), as well as non-alcoholic beverages for women (r = 0.193, p = 0.003) and alcohol for men (r = 0.154, p = 0.038). Also, individuals who ate based on external cues consumed significantly more calories (r = 0.188, p < 0.001) and fat (r = 0.139, p = 0.005). These results demonstrate that eating behavior influences dietary intake. Understanding this relationship could optimize diabetes management and allow for more individualized nutritional guidance.

The significance of dietary patterns during pregnancy is highlighted by accumulating evidence, emphasizing their pivotal role in promoting a healthy pregnancy for both the mother and the child. This study aimed to assess the current dietary patterns of pregnant women, compare the energy and nutrient intake of two distinct groups with a 10-year interval, and identify changes in dietary patterns. EPIC FFQ was applied, and its data were interpreted with the FETA program version 6 (CAMB/PQ/6/1205). By means of principal component analysis, three different food patterns were identified in each study group: vegetarian, balanced, and traditional (2013); and prudent, vegetarian, and modern (2023). Analyzing the relationship between food groups and gestational weight, we found that gestational weight gain in 2013 was positively correlated with eggs and egg dishes and milk and milk products, whereas in 2023, gestational weight gain was positively correlated with fats and oils, non-alcoholic beverages, and the modern pattern. Additionally, in 2023, pre-gestational BMI correlated positively with eggs and egg dishes. The balanced pattern emerged as a predictor for a lower likelihood of inadequate gestational weight gain in both groups. Furthermore, normal and overweight pregnant women showed a reduced likelihood of excessive gestational weight gain.

Obesity affects more than one billion people worldwide and often leads to cardiometabolic chronic comorbidities. It induces senescence-related alterations in adipose tissue, and senescence is closely linked to obesity. Fully elucidating the pathways through which vitamin D exerts anti-inflammatory effects may improve our understanding of local adipose tissue inflammation and the pathogenesis of metabolic disorders. In this narrative review, we compiled and analyzed the literature from diverse academic sources, focusing on recent developments to provide a comprehensive overview of the effect of vitamin D on inflammation associated with obesity and senescence. The article reveals that the activation of the NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa B subunit 1) and NLRP3 inflammasome (nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich-containing, pyrin domain-containing-3) pathways through the toll-like receptors, which increases oxidative stress and cytokine release, is a common mechanism underlying inflammation associated with obesity and senescence, and it discusses the potential beneficial effect of vitamin D in alleviating the development of subclinical inflammation. Investigating the main target cells and pathways of vitamin D action in adipose tissue could help uncover complex mechanisms of obesity and cellular senescence. This review summarizes significant findings related to opportunities for improving metabolic health.

Our paper proposes the first machine learning model to predict long-term mortality in patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). The study includes 635 patients with DFUs admitted from January 2007 to December 2017, with a follow-up period extending until December 2020. Two multilayer perceptron (MLP) classifiers were developed. The first MLP model was developed to predict whether the patient will die in the next 5 years after the current hospitalization. The second MLP classifier was built to estimate whether the patient will die in the following 10 years. The 5-year and 10-year mortality models were based on the following predictors: age; the University of Texas Staging System for Diabetic Foot Ulcers score; the Wagner-Meggitt classification; the Saint Elian Wound Score System; glomerular filtration rate; topographic aspects and the depth of the lesion; and the presence of foot ischemia, cardiovascular disease, diabetic nephropathy, and hypertension. The accuracy for the 5-year and 10-year models was 0.7717 and 0.7598, respectively (for the training set) and 0.7244 and 0.7087, respectively (for the test set). Our findings indicate that it is possible to predict with good accuracy the risk of death in patients with DFUs using non-invasive and low-cost predictors.

(1) Background: This study examines the survival of patients after their first presentation with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) to the regional Diabetes, Nutrition, and Metabolic Diseases Clinic within the Emergency Clinical Hospital "Sf. Spiridon", Iaşi, and analyzes the factors associated with this outcome. (2) Methods: In this retrospective study, patients with DFUs consecutively referred between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2017 were followed up until 31 December 2020 (for 13 years). The study group included 659 subjects. (3) Results: During the study period, there were 278 deaths (42.2%) and the average survival time was 9 years. The length of hospitalization, diabetic nephropathy, chronic kidney disease, glomerular filtration rate, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, anemia, and DFU severity were the most significant contributors to the increase in mortality. Patients with severe ulcers, meaning DFUs involving the tendon, joint, or bone, had a higher mortality risk than those with superficial or pre-ulcerative lesions on initial presentation (Texas classification HR = 1.963, 95% CI: 1.063-3.617; Wagner-Meggitt classification HR = 1.889, 95% CI: 1.024-3.417, SINBAD Classification System and Score HR = 2.333, 95% CI: 1.258-4.326) after adjusting for confounding factors. (4) Conclusions: The findings of this study suggested that patients presenting with severe ulcers involving the tendon, joint, or bone exhibited a significantly higher risk of mortality, even when potential confounders were taken into consideration.

Modern lifestyles have led to sedentary behavior, lower participation in active movement and physical activities during leisure time, unhealthy diets, and increased exposure to stress. It is important to examine the interaction of several lifestyle risk factors instead of focusing on one alone. The purpose of this study was to identify lifestyle patterns in a group of patients with type 2 diabetes and the associations of its components with certain metabolic parameters. Using principal component analysis, we identified three dietary patterns: the prudent pattern (fat, oil, cereals, potatoes, vegetables, fish, nuts, seeds and fruits), the Western pattern (meat and meat products, eggs and soft drinks) and the traditional pattern (milk and its derivatives, soups and sauces, with a low intake of sugar/snacks). In addition, using the same method of analysis, we identified two lifestyle patterns: the inadequate lifestyle pattern (Western dietary pattern, increased hours of sleep and lower levels of stress) and the traditional lifestyle pattern (traditional dietary pattern, increased physical activity (PA) and non-smoking status). The inadequate lifestyle pattern was associated with younger age, hypertension and diabetic neuropathy. The traditional lifestyle pattern was related to lower postprandial blood glucose levels. Sedentary individuals were more likely to be over 65 years old and to have higher glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Smokers were also more likely to have inadequate glycemic and lipid profile control.

Intermittent fasting (IF) has been promoted as an alternative to dietary caloric restriction for the treatment of obesity. IF restricts the amount of food consumed and improves the metabolic balance by synchronizing it with the circadian rhythm. Dietary changes have a rapid effect on the gut microbiota, modulating the interaction between meal timing and host circadian rhythms. Our paper aims to review the relationships between IF and human gut microbiota. In this study, the primary area of focus was the effect of IF on the diversity and composition of gut microbiota and its relationship with weight loss and metabolomic alterations, which are particularly significant for metabolic syndrome characteristics. We discussed each of these findings according to the type of IF involved, i.e., time-restricted feeding, Ramadan fasting, alternate-day fasting, and the 5:2 diet. Favorable metabolic effects regarding the reciprocity between IF and gut microbiota changes have also been highlighted. In conclusion, IF may enhance metabolic health by modifying the gut microbiota. However additional research is required to draw definitive conclusions about this outcome because of the limited number and diverse designs of existing studies.

Hepatic diseases pose a significant public health concern. Regardless of the severity of hepatic fibrosis, treatment is recommended for all chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) subjects. However, fibrosis and steatosis assessment remains crucial for evaluating the prognosis, progression, and hepatic disease monitoring, particularly following the treatment with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of metabolic factors and the extent of hepatic fibrosis and fat accumulation in chronic HCV infection subjects. Additionally, another objective was to investigate modifications regarding fibrosis and steatosis three months after a successful sustained viral response (SVR). A total of 100 patients with compensated cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis C (CHC) were included in our study. These patients received treatment with DAA and underwent Fibromax assessment before and three months post SVR. After DAA treatment, a significant decrease was observed in the degree of hepatic fibrosis and hepatic steatosis. This regression was evident three months following the achievement of SVR. Chronic viral hepatitis C may trigger risk factors for metabolic syndromes, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Conclusions: It is crucial to monitor metabolic factors and take timely measures to prevent or treat metabolic syndrome in patients with chronic viral hepatitis C.

Background and Objectives : Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a worldwide significant public health problem, particularly in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Identifying possible risk factors for the disease is mandatory for a better understandingand management of this condition. Patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 3 (PNPLA3) has been linked to the development and evolution of fatty liver but not to insulin resistance. The aim of this study isto evaluate the relationships between PNPLA3 and fatty liver, metabolic syndrome and subclinical atherosclerosis. Materials and Methods : The study group consisted of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus without insulin treatment. The degree of liver fat loading was assessed by ultrasonography, and subclinical atherosclerosis was assessed using carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT). PNPLA3 rs738409 genotype determination was performed by high-resolution melting analysis that allowed three standard genotypes: CC, CG, and GG. Results : Among the 92 patients, more than 90% showed various degrees of hepatic steatosis, almost 62% presented values over the normal limit for the CIMT. The majority of the included subjects met the criteria for metabolic syndrome. Genotyping of PNPLA3 in 68 patients showed that the difference between subjects without steatosis and subjects with hepatic steatosis was due to the higher frequency of genotype GG. The CC genotype was the most common in the group we studied and was significantly more frequent in the group of subjects with severe steatosis; the GG genotype was significantly more frequent in subjects with moderate steatosis; the frequency of the CG genotype was not significantly different among the groups.When we divided the group of subjects into two groups: those with no or mild steatosis and those with moderate or severe steatosis it was shown that the frequency of the GG genotype was significantly higher in the group of subjects with moderate or severe steatosis. PNPLA3 genotypes were not associated with metabolic syndrome, subclinical atherosclerosis, or insulin resistance. Conclusions : Our results suggest that PNPLA3 does not independently influence cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The hypothesis that PNPLA3 may have a cardioprotective effect requires future confirmation.

(1) Background: Obesity, part of the triple global burden of disease, is increasingly attracting research on its preventive and curative management. Knowledge of eating behavior can be useful both at the individual level (to individualize treatment for obesity) and the population level (to implement more suitable food policies). The Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ) is a widely used international tool to assess eating behavior, i.e., emotional, external and restricted eating styles. The aim of this study was to validate the Romanian version of DEBQ, as obesity is a major concern in Romania. (2) Methods: Our study tested the psychometric properties of the Romanian version of DEBQ on an adult population and explored the associations of eating behavior with weight status (3) Results: The study showed a factor load similar to the original version of the questionnaire and a very good internal validity (Cronbach's alpha fidelity coefficient greater than 0.8 for all scales of the questionnaire) for the Romanian version of DEBQ and showed that all of the scales positively correlated with body mass index in both men and women. (4) Conclusions: This study will enable the use of the DEBQ Romanian version on the adult population of Romania where the findings could be incorporated into developing better strategies to reduce the burden of nutrition-related diseases.

Background: Despite the increased fracture risk, bone mineral density (BMD) is variable in type 1 (T1D) and type 2 (T2D) diabetes mellitus. We aimed at comparing independent BMD predictors in T1D, T2D and control subjects, respectively., Methods: Cross-sectional case-control study enrolling 30 T1D, 39 T2D and 69 age, sex and body mass index (BMI) - matched controls that underwent clinical examination, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (BMD at the lumbar spine and femoral neck) and serum determination of HbA1c and parameters of calcium and phosphate metabolism., Results: T2D patients had similar BMD compared to T1D individuals (after adjusting for age, BMI and disease duration) and to matched controls, respectively. In multiple regression analysis, diabetes duration - but not HbA1c- negatively predicted femoral neck BMD in T1D (β= -0.39, p = 0.014), while BMI was a positive predictor for lumbar spine (β = 0.46, p = 0.006) and femoral neck BMD (β = 0.44, p = 0.007) in T2D, besides gender influence. Age negatively predicted BMD in controls, but not in patients with diabetes., Conclusions: Long-standing diabetes and female gender particularly increase the risk for low bone mass in T1D. An increased body weight partially hinders BMD loss in T2D. The impact of age appears to be surpassed by that of other bone regulating factors in both T1D and T2D patients., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) on the change in anthropometric parameters and body composition, in patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). This prospective study included patients undergoing LSG who had pre-operative polysomnography data and were also evaluated at six and 12 months after surgery. All patients included also had whole body composition analysis data before surgery and at six and 12 months after surgery. The results are presented in comparison between patients with and without OSAS. We included 73 patients in the analysis with a mean ± SD age and body mass index (BMI) of 40.3 ± 10.9 years and 45.4 ± 6.3 kg/m 2 , respectively. As compared to the baseline levels, at 6 months there was a significant decrease in BMI, weight, waist circumference, serum glucose and HbA1c. At 12 months there was no further decrease as compared to the 6 months levels, irrespective of OSAS status. We observed a significant decrease at 6 months in percentage of fat, in both types of patients. However, as compared to the 6 months levels, at 12 months the percent fat had a significant decrease only in patients without OSAS (- 4.6%, 95% CI - 7.6 to - 1.7%) and not in those with OSAS (- 2.2%, 95% CI - 4.5 to 0.2%). In our study, patients with OSAS showed a similar decrease in different anthropometric parameters as those without OSAS after LSG. However, at 12 months of follow-up there was a significant decrease in the percent fat only in patients without OSAS.

We conducted a narrative review on the interaction between dietary patterns with demographic and lifestyle variables in relation to health status assessment. The food pattern has the advantage of taking into account the correlations that may exist between foods or groups of foods, but also between nutrients. It is an alternative and complementary approach in analysing the relationship between nutrition and the risk of chronic diseases. For the determination of dietary patterns one can use indices/scores that evaluate the conformity of the diet with the nutrition guidelines or the established patterns (a priori approach). The methods more commonly used are based on exploratory data (a posteriori): cluster analysis and factor analysis. Dietary patterns may vary according to sex, socio-economic status, ethnicity, culture and other factors, but more, they may vary depending on different associations between these factors. The dietary pattern exerts its effects on health in a synergistic way or even in conjunction with other lifestyle factors, and we can therefore refer to a 'pattern of lifestyle'.

White adipose tissue (WAT) is an endocrine organ highly integrated in homeostasis and capable of establishing ways of communicating and influencing multiple metabolic processes. Brown adipose tissue promotes energy expenditure by incorporating the uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), also known as thermogenin, which decouples cellular respiration and heat production, in the mitochondrial membranes. Recent data suggest the presence of a thermogenic cell formation from white adipocytes (beige or brite cells) with a potential role in preventing obesity and metabolic syndrome. The formation of these cells is influenced by physical exertion that induces expression of PPARγ coactivator-1 (PGC1) and downstream membrane protein, fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 (FNDC5) in skeletal muscle. Irisin, a thermogenic adipomyokine produced by FNDC5 cleavage is involved in the browning of adipose tissue. While animal studies are congruent with regard to the relationship between physical exertion and irisin release, the results from human studies are less than clear. Therefore, this review focuses on recent advances in our understanding of muscle and adipose tissue thermogenesis. Further, it describes the molecular mechanisms by which irisin impacts exercise, glucose homeostasis and obesity. Finally, the review discusses current gaps and controversies related to irisin release, its mode of action and its future potential as a therapeutic tool in managing obesity and metabolic syndrome.

Objective: Ghrelin is believed to influence weight evolution after bariatric surgery. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection may influence ghrelin plasma levels by affecting the ghrelin-producing cells (GPC) in the stomach. The purpose of the study was to characterize the GPC distribution in the stomach in overweight patients and the influence of H. pylori infection on them., Patients, Materials and Methods: The study group included 21 obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery with ghrelin levels and anti-H. pylori antibodies previously measured, and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with histological evaluation of H. pylori infection performed. Immunohistochemical expression of ghrelin was quantified in gastric resection specimens., Results: The results showed a higher number of GPC in the obese women than in men (p>0.05). The highest number of GPC was detected in the gastric body, followed by the fundus and antral region (p<0.001). GPC number correlated inversely with anthropometric parameters: weight (p=0.011), body mass index (BMI) (p=0.017), waist circumference (WC) (p=0.066) was lower in patients with H. pylori infection (p>0.05) or gastritis (p>0.05), the number decreasing with the increase in depth of gastritis lesion (p>0.05)., Conclusions: The present study fulfills the characterization of GPC in obese patients, showing a higher number in women than in men, their predominant location in the gastric body, and their relationship with the anthropometric parameters (weight, BMI, WC), H. pylori infection and gastritis lesions. These results open broad perspectives for a deeper understanding of the ghrelin involvement in the obesity pathogenic mechanism, associated or not with other gastric conditions.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is the most common cause of liver disease in the Western world. Liver biopsy is considered the gold standard in the diagnosis and progression of the disease and its usefulness cannot be neglected in terms of research. But in current clinical practice, liver biopsy tends to be replaced by less expensive and noninvasive methods allowing the identification of cardiovascular and metabolic risks. Given the fact that a small percentage of individuals with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease will progress to cirrhosis, attention will be focused more on cardiovascular risk as nonalcoholic fatty liver is now regarded as a distinct component of the metabolic syndrome. The aim of the clinician is to identify the early stages of fatty liver, using in this purpose simple and easily accessible methods. Many techniques have been proposed for the diagnosis of nonalcoholic fatty liver, from simple clinical factors (anthropometric indices measuring,blood pressure) laboratory biomarkers, imaging methods and scores, which should allow early treatment. This review describes different methods for identifying nonalcoholic fatty liver and various stages of this disease.