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Progranulin and family with sequence similarity 19, member A5 (FAM19A5) protein are adipokines with growing importance in the context of metabolic diseases. The study aimed to determine the serum concentration of progranulin and FAM19A5 in people with metabolic syndrome (MS) compared to those without MS. The concentration of progranulin and FAM19A5 was determined in 45 people with MS (group A) and in 35 healthy people without MS (group B). Body composition analysis, blood pressure, blood oxygen saturation and anthropometric measurements were performed. There were no differences in the blood levels of progranulin and FAM19A5 between the groups. In group A, the level of progranulin was 29.25±36.92 pg/ml and in group B it was 46.00±60.12pg/ml (p=0.2693). The level of FAM19A5 was 163.16±55.11 pg/ml and 197.57±112.89 pg/ml (p=0.1341) in subjects with and without metabolic syndrome, respectively. In group A, there was a correlation between FAM19A5 and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (R= –0.40) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level (R= –0.37). In group B, correlations were found between progranulin and waist circumference (R= –0.43) and progranulin and triglyceride (TG) levels (R= –0.42). Both groups together showed correlations between progranulin level and body mass index (R= –0.24), HDL (R=0.25) and TG levels (R= –0.25) and between FAM19A5 level and DBP (R= –0.34). In conclusion, patients with and without MS do not differ in the range of progranulin and FAM19A5 serum levels. In patients with MS, elevated FAM19A5 serum levels may be an indicator of dyslipidaemia development. FAM19A5 appears to be a better predictor of MS than progranulin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed at analysing how dietary folic acid (FA) and Fe deficiency, followed by supplementation with these nutrients, affects the expression of folate and Fe transporters in the duodenum, as well as FA and Fe status. After a deficiency period, Wistar rats were randomised to a group fed with a diet deficient in FA and supplemented with Fe (DFE), a diet deficient in Fe and supplemented with FA, a diet supplemented with Fe and FA (FEFOL), a diet deficient in Fe and FA (D) or a control diet (C). Tissue collection was performed after 2, 10 or 21 d of these diets. Group D had higher Slc11a2 mRNA levels than the DFE group at every time point and there were differences in mRNA levels of Slc46a1 between the DFE and the FEFOL groups at the third time point, but we observed no differences in protein levels between the groups. The DFE and D groups not only had lower serum folate concentrations at every time point but also had the highest homocysteine concentrations. Total Fe binding capacity concentrations were the lowest in the DFE group at the first time point and in the DFE and the FEFOL groups at the final time point. Simultaneous supplementation with FA and Fe resulted in significantly higher Hb concentrations than did supplementation with these nutrients alone. Our findings indicate that dietary FA and Fe deficiency, and subsequent supplementation with these nutrients, affects transcription but not the protein levels of FA and Fe transporters in the duodenum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Spirulina maxima consumption is known to be associated with enhanced cardiovascular and metabolic health. Human studies on this topic have recently been described in a few papers; however, potential protective cardiovascular properties of Spirulina in obese patients receiving standard pharmacological antihypertensive treatment remain to be elucidated. Putative beneficial cardiovascular effects of Spirulina supplementation in well treated, obesity-related hypertension were studied in a double-blind placebo-controlled trial. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Total 50 obese subjects with treated hypertension, each randomized to receive 2 g of Spirulina or a placebo daily, for three months. At baseline and after treatment anthropometric parameters, plasma lipid levels, inflammation, and oxidative stress biomarkers along with insulin sensitivity estimated by euglycemic clamp were assessed. RESULTS: After three months of Spirulina supplementation significant decrease in body mass (p < 0.001), body mass index (BMI; p < 0.001) and waist circumference (WC; p = 0.002) were observed in Spirulina group. Spirulina had also significant, lowering effect on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C; p < 0.001) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentration (p = 0.002) in supplemented patients compared to placebo group. Spirulina supplementation considerably improved total antioxidant status (TAS; p = 0.001) and insulin sensitivity ratio (M; p < 0.001) in Spirulina group compared to placebo-treated individuals. CONCLUSIONS: The favorable influence of Spirulina supplementation on insulin sensitivity, plasma lipid levels along with inflammation and oxidative stress biomarkers reported in this study creates the promise for new therapeutic approaches in obese patients with well-treated hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Some studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of Spirulina maxima (Arthrospira maxima) consumption on glycemic, lipid, and blood pressure parameters. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Spirulina maxima on body weight, blood pressure, and endothelial function. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial, 40 patients with hypertension but lacking evidence of cardiovascular disease were enrolled to receive daily either 2.0 g Hawaiian spirulina or placebo for three months. Anthropometric parameters, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and stiffness index (SI) using digital plethysmography were measured before and after the intervention. RESULTS: After three months, there was no change in body mass index (BMI) or weight in either the spirulina or the placebo group. However, a significant reduction in SBP and SI was observed. The patients in the spirulina group showed significant reductions in BMI (26.9 ± 3.1 vs. 25.0 ± 2.7 kg/m2, p = 0.0032), weight (75.5 ± 11.8 vs. 70.5 ± 10.3 kg, p < 0.001), SBP (149 ± 7 vs. 143 ± 9 mmHg, p = 0.0023), and SI (7.2 ± 0.6 vs. 6.9 ± 0.7 m/s, p < 0.001). The tested parameters did not change in the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that three months of regular consumption of Spirulina maxima not only improves BMI and weight but also results in improvements in blood pressure and endothelial function spirulina in overweight patients with hypertension but lacking evidence of cardiovascular disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Understanding the mechanism of development of the insulin resistance associated with obesity is crucial in identifying new therapeutic options for obese patients. AIM: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of L-arginine on the secretion of resistin in the context of insulin resistance in animal models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 30 male and female Wistar rats were assigned to three equal groups: the standard diet group, the high-fat diet group, and the high-fat diet supplemented with L-arg group. After 6 weeks, the weight of the rats was measured. The animals were euthanized. The relative weight of the perirenal fat was determined and blood samples were taken for serum glucose, insulin, NO, and resistin. Insulin resistance was estimated using homeostasis model assessment (HOMA). RESULTS: It was found that the absolute and relative masses of the perirenal fat were significantly higher in rats fed the high-fat diet than in the control group. In rats on the high-fat diet supplemented with L-arginine, a tendency for perirenal fat to decrease was observed. The high-fat diet resulted in significant increases in glucose and insulin concentrations, and L-arginine supplementation significantly ameliorated the increase in both glucose and insulin. Moreover, significant decreases in NO concentration were seen in rats fed the high-fat diet. L-arginine supplementation protected significantly against increased NO concentration. Increases in HOMA-IR level and in resistin concentrations were observed in rats fed the high-fat diet. L-arginine supplementation partially restored HOMA-IR levels to those of the control group and did not influence resistin concentration. CONCLUSIONS: L-arginine supplementation improves insulin sensitivity in rats fed a high-fat diet, independently of resistin activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: Long-term therapy of hypertension may influence mineral status in patients. However, drug--micronutrient interactions are largely unexplored in practice. This study intended to evaluate the effect of hypotensive monotherapy on iron, zinc, and copper levels, as well as on selected biochemical parameters, in newly diagnosed patients with hypertension, and to assess the influence of diet with optimal mineral levels on the mineral balance in these subjects. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-five patients, aged 18-65 years with diagnosed essential hypertension, beginning monotherapy treatment with diuretics, calcium antagonists, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and β-blockers, were employed. Over three months, the patients underwent monotherapy (stage II). Next, patients were randomly divided into a diet group (of 27 subjects) and a control group (of 18 subjects). In this stage, which lasted one month, patients were given the same drug but also followed an optimal mineral-content diet (for the diet group), or else continued drug use without any change in diet (for control group) (stage III). Lipids, glucose, ceruloplasmin, and ferritin-along with superoxide dismutase and catalase activities-were assayed in serum. Iron, zinc, and copper concentrations in serum, erythrocytes, and urine were determined using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Blood pressure was measured. Diet intake was monitored at each stage. RESULTS: It was found that the zinc level in serum significantly decreased following treatment, and that the use of the optimal-mineral diet during antihypertensive treatment markedly increased zinc serum concentration. After treatment, a significant increase in zinc excretion in the urine was observed. Glucose levels in the serum of patients in stage II were significantly higher than in the baseline. In patients in the diet group, glucose levels markedly decreased. Moreover, a negative correlation was found between serum glucose and zinc levels in patients. CONCLUSIONS: Antihypertensive treatments should include monitoring of mineral status. It seems that the zinc balance of patients on long-term therapy with hypotensive drugs may benefit from an optimal-mineral diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: In obesity, elevated insulin resistance is observed, which may be associated with disturbances in mineral status in the body. The few studies concerning the status of minerals and their relationships with insulin resistance and body composition in adolescent populations have brought inconclusive results. AIM: of this study is, thus, to assess serum mineral concentration in obese adolescents, and to evaluate their potential association with insulin resistance. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Seventy-eight obese adolescents and 20 healthy volunteers aged 12-18 years were recruited for the study. Selected anthropometrical measurements and levels of iron, zinc, copper, calcium, and magnesium were assessed in serum. Insulin resistance in the participants was evaluated according to the homeostatic model of assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) protocol. Levels of iron, zinc, copper, calcium, and magnesium were assessed in serum. RESULTS: Obese subjects had significantly higher HOMA-IR indices than the control group. Compared to healthy subjects, the serum concentration of zinc, calcium, and magnesium was significantly lower in obese subjects. A significant inverse relation was found between HOMA-IR and zinc levels in serum. CONCLUSIONS: Obese adolescents have a poorer mineral status (especially zinc) than adolescents of normal weight, which can contribute to insulin resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND: Obesity and smoking are leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Cross-sectional studies indicate that heavy smoking may be associated with a greater risk of obesity. While there are important unresolved issues in relation to the effect of smoking on body weight, there is increasing evidence that smoking is conducive to a greater accumulation of visceral fat and greater insulin resistance. AIM: of this study was to determine the potential influences of obesity and smoking on tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α a), total antioxidant status (TAS), and insulin resistance. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: : 30 obese nonsmokers, 30 obese smokers, 30 normal-weight smokers, and 30 healthy volunteers (the control) were studied. In all subjects, assessments of TNF-α, TAS, and insulin were made. Insulin resistance was evaluated according to the homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) protocol. RESULTS: TNF-α a concentrations, as well as insulin resistance levels, in obese patients significantly exceeded those observed in the control. Compared to the control, obese patients presented significantly lower TAS levels. In the group of obese patients who actively smoked cigarettes, further increases in TNF-α a and insulin resistance, as well as decreases in TAS level, were noticed. TNF-α a concentration and insulin resistance levels were significantly higher, while TAS was lower in normal-weight smoking subjects, compared to the control. A positive correlation between TNF-α a and HOMA-IR was found in the overall population. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity may evoke inflammatory processes, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance, all of which are aggravated by cigarette smoking. TNF-α a should be considered in the complex pathogenesis of insulin resistance in obese patients who actively smoke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The role of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), one of the adipose tissue products, in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance is well-documented. Many recent studies have shown beneficial influence of L-arginine supplementation on cardiovascular system. However, molecular mechanisms of its positive actions are not fully elucidated. Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of L-arginine supplementation on tumor necrosis factor alpha, insulin resistance and selected anthropometric and biochemical parameters in patients with visceral obesity. Patients and Methods: 60 patients with visceral obesity were randomly assigned to either receive 9 g of L-arginine or placebo for 3 months. 20 healthy lean subjects were used as control. Selected anthropometrical measurements and blood biochemical analyses were performed at baseline and after 3-months. TNF-alpha and its soluble receptor 2 (sTNFR2) were assessed in both treated groups. Insulin resistance in the participants was evaluated according to the homeostasis model assessmentinsulin resistance (HOMA-IR) protocol. Results: The concentration of insulin, TNF-α and sTNFR2 and HOMA-IR level in both obese groups significantly exceeded these observed in the control. Basal TNF-alpha and sTNFR2 concentrations were positively correlated with basal body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, percent of body fat and HOMA-IR. We found that 3- month L-arginine supplementation resulted in significant decrease of HOMA-IR and insulin concentration. Only insignificant tendency to decrease of TNF-alpha and sTNFR2 was observed. Conclusions: Our results confirm TNF-alpha role in the complex pathogenesis of insulin resistance in patients with visceral obesity. 3- months L-arginine supplementation in a dose of 9 g improves insulin sensitivity in patients with visceral obesity with no impact on tumor necrosis factor alpha concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing prevalence of metabolic diseases and the global drive toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) underscore the need for sustainable, nutrient-dense foods. Soybeans (Glycine max), a critical global crop, offer promising solutions; however, their predominant use as animal feed raises concerns regarding food security and environmental sustainability. Fermented soy products-including tempeh, natto, and miso-are rich in bioactive compounds such as peptides and isoflavones, which offer potential therapeutic effects and hold cultural and nutritional significance. These fermented products provide bioactive profiles with unique health-promoting properties. This review critically examines the bioactive compounds generated through fermentation, focusing on their bioconversion pathways in the gastrointestinal tract and their metabolic implications for human health. Recent consumer demand for novel food ingredients with additional biological benefits has fueled research into advanced extraction techniques, enhancing the functional applications of bioactive compounds from these soy-based products. This review further explores innovations in extraction methods that improve bioactive yield and sustainability, reinforcing the applicability of these compounds in health-promoting food interventions. The originality of this review lies in its in-depth exploration of the gastrointestinal bioconversion of fermented soy bioactive compounds alongside the latest sustainable extraction methods designed to optimize their use. Future research should aim to refine fermentation and extraction processes, investigate synergistic microbial interactions, and develop environmentally sustainable production methods. These efforts have the potential to position fermented soy products as essential contributors to global nutritional security and sustainable food systems, addressing both public health and environmental needs., (© 2024 The Author(s). Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Institute of Food Technologists.)