Search Results (7,989)

To evaluate the immunoprotective effect of bacterial biomimetic vesicles (BBVs) against avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC), a ΔtolA J11 mutant strain was generated by deleting the tolA gene in the low pathogenic O78 serotype J11 strain. The total protein content of outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) derived from the ΔtolA J11 strain exhibited a sevenfold increase compared to the wild-type strain. Additionally, high-pressure homogenization technology was employed to produce BBVs, resulting in a sixfold increase in total protein content compared to spontaneously secreted OMVs from ΔtolA J11. The immunogenicity of both OMVs and BBVs was assessed through intranasal or intramuscular immunization in specific pathogen-free (SPF) chickens. Results demonstrated that intranasal immunization with OMVs or BBVs in chickens elicited specific IgY antibodies against APEC outer membrane proteins and specific sIgA antibodies in the nasal cavity and trachea, as well as a significant increase in the proliferation response of chicken peripheral blood lymphocytes. The bacterial load in the blood and various organs of the challenged chickens were significantly reduced, resulting in a 66.67% and 58.30% survival rate against a high pathogenic serotype O78 strain challenge, while the control group exhibited only a 16.67% survival rate. The intramuscular immunization with OMVs or BBVs in chickens only induced specific IgY antibodies, with a survival rate of only 33.33% for challenged chickens during the same period. Therefore, intranasal vaccination of the highly productive BBVs is capable of eliciting an immune response similar to that of OMVs and providing protection against APEC infection, thus offering innovative insights for the advancement of APEC vaccines. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of ginsenoside Rg1 on high-altitude hypoxia-induced acute lung injury (ALI) and elucidated its molecular targets and related pathways, specifically its association with the fluid shear stress pathway. Using a combination of bioinformatics analysis and both in vivo and in vitro experiments, we assessed the role of ginsenoside Rg1 in mitigating physiological and biochemical disturbances induced by hypoxia. In the in vivo experiments, we measured arterial blood gas parameters, levels of inflammatory cells and cytokines, erythrocyte and platelet parameters, and conducted histological analysis in rats. The in vitro experiments utilized human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs) and A549 cells to examine cell viability, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Ca²⁺ levels, and mitochondrial function. The results of the in vivo experiments demonstrate that ginsenoside Rg1 significantly increased arterial blood oxygen partial pressure and saturation, elevated arterial blood glucose levels, and stabilized respiratory and metabolic functions in rats. It also reduced inflammatory cells and cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6, and improved erythrocyte and platelet abnormalities, supporting its protective role through the regulation of the fluid shear stress pathway. Histological and ultrastructural analyses revealed that Rg1 significantly protected lung tissue structure and organelles. In vitro experiments further confirmed that Rg1 improved cell viability in HPMEC and A549 cells under hypoxic conditions, decreased intracellular ROS and Ca²⁺ levels, and enhanced mitochondrial function. These findings collectively demonstrate that ginsenoside Rg1 exerts significant protective effects against high-altitude hypoxia-induced ALI by enhancing oxygen delivery and utilization, reducing inflammatory responses, and maintaining cellular metabolism and vascular function. Notably, the protective effects of Rg1 are closely associated with the regulation of the fluid shear stress pathway, suggesting its potential for treating high-altitude hypoxia-related diseases. Full article

Plant-based carrier oils are constantly gaining popularity for their beneficial health effects on human organisms, thus shifting consumers’ preferences to alternative options in the oil market. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the quality characteristics of twenty-six edible plant-based fixed oils via chromatographic, chromatic, and spectroscopic techniques, suggesting their potential use as complementary edible oil sources. Palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, and a-linolenic acids were found in considerable proportions, whereas the majority of oils possessed unsaturated (UFA)/saturated (SFA) fatty acid ratio greater than 1.6, suggesting their function in lowering blood pressure and preventing cardiovascular disease. Linseed, chia seed, macadamia, and canola oils provide a balanced intake of n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) within the range of 1:1 to 5:1. Oxidative stability was inversely related to oils’ PUFA content, with linseed, chia seed, pine cone, and walnut oils being the least stable oils against oxidation. Chlorophyll content in all oils was below the limit (50 mg/kg), preventing oxidation in the presence of light, whereas the highest values of b-carotene were noticed in soybean, linseed, and canola oils (61.18, 60.42, and 60.12 ppm, respectively). The application of machine learning algorithms for analyzing ATR-FTIR band intensities and FA proportions via discriminant analysis succeeded in discriminating pulp from seed oils, with a classification accuracy of 96.0% and 88.0%, respectively. Full article

Background/Objectives: To investigate the potential association between the endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness with retinal changes observed through optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT-angiography (OCT-A) in patients with retinal vein occlusion (RVO). Methods: Participants in this cross-sectional study were 28 patients with RVO. The demographic and clinical characteristics of all participants were recorded. Comprehensive ophthalmologic examinations were performed, including fundus photography, OCT and OCT-A. Endothelial dysfunction was assessed by measuring the endothelial glycocalyx thickness via the perfused boundary region (PBR5-25). Arterial stiffness was evaluated by measuring the carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV), the central systolic and diastolic blood pressures (cSBP and cDBP) and the augmentation index (Aix). For each ophthalmological outcome, we generated a saturated linear regression model with demographic and systemic vascular parameters serving as independent variables. Regression coefficients with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported. A p value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: A 1 m/s increase in PWV was associated with a 0.6% reduction in inferior macular vessel density (VD) (p = 0.050). A 10 mmHg increase in cSBP was associated with a 0.03 mm² increase in foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area (p = 0.033). A 1% increase in Aix was associated with a 0.005 mm² increase in FAZ area (p = 0.008). A 1 μm increase in PBR5-25 was associated, on average, with a 4.4% decrease in superior peripapillary VD (p = 0.027). Conclusions: In patients with RVO, structural and microvascular retinal parameters were significantly associated with markers of endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness. Full article

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a growing global public health concern that is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular events, even in athletes. The lipid accumulation product (LAP) index and cardiometabolic index (CMI) have been shown to be efficient markers of MS in the general population; its applicability in athletes has not been discussed yet. We aimed to assess the role of LAP and CMI in predicting MS in athletes. Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 793 Olympic athletes practicing different sporting disciplines (power, skill, endurance, and mixed), classified arbitrarily into no risk (NR), low risk (LR), high risk (HR), or MS if they had 0, 1, 2, or 3 criteria for MS, respectively. Evaluations included a calculation of the LAP index, CMI, anthropometric measurements, and clinical and laboratorial variables. Results: Among our population, only 0.8% reached the criteria for MS, 9.1% were at HR for MS, 37.8% were defined as LR, and 52.3% had NR. Significant differences in anthropometric parameters and the principal components of MS criteria (blood pressure, lipidic profile, glycemia) were reported predominantly in HR athletes and those with MS (p < 0.0001). LAP and CMI presented linearly increasing values from individuals with NR to those with MS (p < 0.0001). In addition, HR and MS athletes were classified as “likely MS” (9.8%) and LR and NR athletes as “unlikely MS” (90.2%). After adjusting for potential confounders, LAP ≥ 34.66 and CMI ≥ 0.776 emerged as independent predictors for MS in the overall cohort (Hazar Ratio (HR) 7.22 [3.75–13.89], p < 0.0001, and HR 5.37 [2.96–9.73], p < 0.0001, respectively). The ROC curve revealed that these cut-offs in the general population predict MS with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.80 and 0.79, respectively, for LAP and CMI. However, gender-related cut-offs seem to be more precise in predicting MS (LAP ≥ 38.79 for male, LAP ≥ 14.16 for female, and CMI ≥ 0.881 for male and ≥0.965 for female). Conclusion: The ROC curve analyses of LAP and CMI showed good diagnostic accuracy in predicting MS among athletes, despite the low prevalence of MS in our sample. Thus, these indexes may be used to promote screening for primary prevention and early detection of athletes at risk for MS to establish an early prevention strategy. Larger prospective studies are necessary to validate their benefit in the general population. Full article

Objectives: The association between food insecurity and metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO) in the population with obesity is unclear. We evaluated factors associated with MUO and the relationship between food insecurity and MUO in individuals with obesity. Methods: We analyzed data from 5191 adults with obesity (body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m²) from the 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2019–2021. MUO was defined when participants with obesity had any of the following: (1) triglycerides ≥ 150 mg/dL, (2) High-density lipoprotein-cholesterol < 40 mg/dL (men), <50 mg/dL (women), (3) systolic blood pressure ≥ 135 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure ≥85 mmHg or on treatment for hypertension, (4) fasting glucose ≥ 100 mg/dL, or on treatment for diabetes. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for MUO according to food security status, sociodemographic characteristics, and lifestyle factors were calculated using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: The prevalence of MUO and metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) among the participants was 85.4% and 14.6%, respectively. In the multivariate model, the OR (95% CIs) for MUO in the food insecurity group was 1.87 (1.03–3.43). The odds for MUO were higher among participants with older age, higher BMI, <12 years of education, lower fat intake, non-manual work, and moderated and low physical activity than among their counterparts. Conclusions: Food insecurity, older age, higher BMI, lower educational level, lower fat intake, non-manual workers, and lower physical activity were associated with MUO. Therefore, targeted interventions and policies are needed for vulnerable groups. Full article

Pomegranate juice possesses therapeutic properties against metabolic syndrome. Microencapsulation of pomegranate juice (MPJ) may extend its shelf life; however, further research is necessary to ascertain its comparative efficacy with fresh juice. This work evaluated the effect of MPJ in an animal model with induced metabolic syndrome (MetS). MetS was induced in Male Wistar rats by administering 30% sucrose orally for 22 weeks. Once MetS was verified in the animals, seven groups were formed as follows: control (Ctrl); MetS; MetS + Placebo; Ctrl + MPJ; MetS + MPJ1 600; MetS + MPJ2 1800; and MetS + MPJ3 2900 mg/kg. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, glucose, triglycerides, and total HDL-c levels in the MetS + MPJ groups improved significantly (p < 0.05) vs. the MetS group at the end of the study. Microencapsulation maintained the anti-metabolic-syndrome properties of pomegranate juice and could be used to control metabolic syndrome. Full article

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been associated with the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). This study correlated eight SNPs with the risk factors of CVD in a black elderly population. Genotyping was used to detect eight polymorphisms; rs675 (ApoA-IV), rs699 (Angiotensinogen (AGT)), rs247616 and rs1968905 (Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP)), rs1801278 (Insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1)), rs1805087 (Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR)) and rs28362286 and rs67608943 (Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9)), as well as their genotypes in deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extracted from peripheral blood. The cardiovascular risk (CVR) measurements were conducted on a Konelab 20i Thermo Scientific autoanalyzer and an enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) assay. International Business Machines Corporation (IBM)^® Statistical Package for the Social Sciences ^® (SPSS) version 28 was used for statistical analysis. The heterozygous and homozygous genotypes of the eight polymorphisms were detected with the corresponding CVD risk factors. Subgroup analysis indicated that certain genotype carriers exhibited variations in their concentrations of CVR factors compared to others; however, these differences did not reach statistical significance. For example, carriers of the G genotype of the rs699 polymorphism showed marginally different blood pressure readings compared to the AG genotype carriers. The multiple linear regression analysis indicated that the only significant association was between PCSK9 and the rs28362286 (p = 0.029) polymorphism. The findings of our study show that single nucleotide polymorphisms are disseminated across the human genome. The heterozygous and homozygous genotypes of the SNPs require further investigation as they may have independent and possible collective roles in increasing the risk of CVDs. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cardiovascular health (CVH) can be conceptualized as encompassing seven health behaviors and metabolic factors that contribute to cardiovascular disease. We explored the relationship between the risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and CVH among middle-aged Korean adults. Methods: Data from 5909 participants, aged between 40 and 64 years, in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2019–2021) were analyzed. The risk of OSA was assessed using STOP-Bang questionnaire. CVH metrics, including smoking status, diet, physical activity, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, total cholesterol level, and fasting glucose concentration, were evaluated using American Heart Association criteria. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to investigate the association between OSA risk and CVH. Results: Among study participants, 78.6% of men and 16.3% of women displayed moderate-to-high risk of OSA, while 45.4% of men and 17.2% of women exhibited poor CVH. The ORs (95% CIs) for poor CVH were 2.69 (2.08–3.49) for men at moderate risk of OSA and 6.54 (4.81–8.90) for those at high risk, compared to men at low risk. For women, the ORs were 3.21 (2.47–4.19) for those with moderate risk and 12.88 (6.29–26.38) for those with high risk of OSA, compared to women at low risk. CVH metrics associated with moderate-to-high OSA risk included high BMI, high blood pressure, elevated fasting glucose, and smoking. Conclusions: The risk of OSA was associated with poor CVH, while various CVH components were linked to moderate-to-high OSA risk. Managing both OSA and components of CVH is essential to minimize poor CVH. Full article

This meta-analysis examined the efficacy of low-load resistance training with blood flow restriction (LL-BFR) versus high-load resistance training (HL-RT) on muscle strength and hypertrophy, exploring factors affecting outcomes. We searched Embase, CNKI, Wanfang, PubMed, Ovid Medline, ProQuest, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Scopus from inception to July 2024. After assessing the risk of bias using the Cochrane tool, a meta-analysis was conducted to calculate the overall effect size. Subgroup analyses were performed to explore the impact of different modulating factors on training effects. LL-BFR was found to be inferior to HL-RT with regard to muscle strength gains (SMD = −0.33, 95% CI: −0.49 to −0.18, p < 0.0001). However, subgroup analyses revealed that LL-BFR achieved muscle strength gains comparable to HL-RT under individualized pressure (SMD = −0.07, p = 0.56), intermittent cuff inflation (SMD = −0.07, p = 0.65), and a higher number of training sessions (SMD = −0.12, p = 0.30). No significant difference in muscle mass gains was observed between LL-BFR and HL-RT (SMD = 0.01, p = 0.94), and this conclusion remained consistent after controlling for modulating variables. HL-RT is superior to LL-BFR in enhancing muscle strength gains. Nevertheless, under appropriate conditions, including individualized pressure prescription, intermittent cuff inflation, and a higher number of training sessions, LL-BFR can achieve muscle strength gains comparable to HL-RT, emphasizing the importance of tailored training programs. Both methods exhibit similar effects on muscle mass gains, indicating that LL-BFR serves as an effective alternative for individuals who cannot perform HL-RT because of physical limitations or injury concerns. Full article

Background: While both high birth weight and childhood overweight/obesity have been associated with a heightened risk of high blood pressure (BP) during childhood, the association between weight status change from birth to childhood and the risk of high BP has not been fully explored. This study aimed to investigate how changes in weight status from birth to childhood influence the development of high BP in childhood. Methods: The data for this study were obtained from the baseline survey of the Huantai Childhood Cardiovascular Health Cohort Study, which included 1237 children aged 6 to 11. Children with a birth weight under 2500 g or a body mass index (BMI) below the fifth percentile for their age and sex during childhood were excluded. Based on birth weight (high birth weight [>4000 g] vs. healthy [≤4000 g]) and childhood weight status (overweight [including obesity] vs. healthy weight), participants were categorized into four groups: consistently healthy weight, weight decrease, weight increase, and consistently excess weight. Results: Compared to children who maintained a healthy weight from birth to childhood, higher odds of childhood high BP was observed among those with consistently excess weight (odds ratio [OR] = 2.73, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.46–5.12) and those with a weight increase (OR = 2.77, 95% CI = 1.91–4.02). In contrast, children with a weight decrease did not exhibit significantly higher odds of childhood high BP (OR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.36–2.45). Conclusion: Children who become overweight in childhood or who consistently had excess weight from birth were at higher risk of childhood high BP. However, the risk of high BP in childhood may be mitigated or eliminated in individuals with high birth weight who achieve a healthy weight by childhood. Full article

Renal denervation (RDN), a transcatheter renal sympathetic nerve ablation procedure, is a relatively novel established procedure for the treatment of hypertension, with it being recognized as a third option for hypertension management in the most recent European guidelines, together with pharmacotherapy, for achieving blood pressure targets. Given the relationship between both hypertension and sympathetic overdrive and the development of heart failure (HF), even studies at the dawn of research on RDN explored it as a treatment to overcome diuretic resistance in those patients. As it is now recognized that RDN does not only have organ-specific but also systemic effects, several investigators have aimed to delineate whether renal sympathetic denervation could alter the prognosis, symptoms, and adverse events of HF patients. Data are available in both HF patients with reduced and preserved ejection fraction. As the significance of neuromodulation is gaining grounds in the HF therapeutic arsenal, in this review, we aim to provide a rationale for using RDN in HF and an up-to-date overview of available data in both HF phenotypes, as well as discuss the future of neuromodulatory therapy in HF management. Full article

We assessed changes in vascular inflammation and monosodium urate (MSU)-coded deposits after administration of Pegloticase in the vasculature of tophaceous gout patients using ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose (¹⁸F-FDG) Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) and dual-energy CT (DECT). Ten patients with tophaceous gout, intolerant or refractory to urate-lowering therapy (ULT), were treated with Pegloticase every two weeks for six months. ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT and DECT were performed at baseline and after Pegloticase therapy to detect vessel wall inflammation (Standard uptake value, SUVmean, and SUVmax) and vascular MSU-coded deposition (MSU volume). Data were summarized using means and standard deviations. Baseline and follow-up values were compared for each variable using mixed-effect models. Significant decreases in SUVmean (p = 0.0003) and SUVmax (p = 0.009) were found with a trend towards a decrease in vessel wall MSU volume after treatment. There was a significant decrease in serum urate, correlating with reduction in SUVmean (R² = 0.65), with a trend towards a decrease in CRP and blood pressure in all patients. Despite the small sample size, we were able to demonstrate a decrease in vessel wall inflammation and a trend towards a decrease in MSU volume by intensively lowering serum urate. These findings suggest that MSU-coded deposits and hyperuricemia may play a role in vascular wall inflammation. It remains to be seen whether this correlates with a decrease in adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Full article

Background: Accumulating evidence from clinical trials, large registries, and meta-analyses of population studies shows that increased Blood Pressure Variability (BPV) is predictive of Cardiovascular (CV) outcomes, independently of the average Blood Pressure (BP) values. One of the mechanisms explaining the relationship between BPV and target organ damage is the inflammatory response. The Systemic Immune Inflammation Index (SII), which relies on peripheral blood cell counts, including platelets, neutrophils, and lymphocytes, has emerged as a predictor of prognosis and outcomes in various diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of the SII with Ambulatory Blood Pressure Variability (ABPV) in newly diagnosed hypertensive patients. Methods: This study was designed as a cross-sectional observational study. A total of 1606 consecutive newly diagnosed Hypertension (HT) patients were included in the study. The population was evaluated across 3 different categories according to HT grades (5 groups), eligibility for antihypertensive therapy (2 groups) and ABPV levels (2 groups). Results: Significant differences were observed between ABPV groups in terms of Neutrophil to Lymphocyte ratio, Platelet to Lymphocyte ratio, glucose, SII, high-sensitive CRP, HT grade, Inter-Ventricular Septum, Posterior Wall thickness, and Left Ventricular Mass (p < 0.005). There was a significant relationship between SII and ABPV (r: 0.619, p < 0.05). At the cutoff value of 580.49, SII had 77% sensitivity and 71% specificity for ABPV > 14 (AUC: 0.788). Conclusions: SII may assist in developing an early treatment approach to minimize complications in patients with high ABPV who are at a higher risk of CV events. Full article

Exercise interventions have been shown to improve health levels; however, the effects of different exercise intervention methods remain to be studied. This study designed seven types of exercise interventions, including high-intensity interval training (HIIT), moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT), low-intensity steady-state training (LISS) and various alternating combinations. A 16-week follow-up investigation analyzed the impact of these different exercise interventions on participants’ physical and psychological health. The results indicate that exercise interventions are an effective health promotion method, significantly reducing BMI and body fat percentage, improving metabolic health, cardiovascular health, and cardiorespiratory function and enhancing quality of life and psychological state. Specifically, the HIIT-LISS combination performed best in reducing BMI, regulating blood lipids, and increasing VO₂max. Furthermore, HIIT demonstrated the most significant improvement in body fat percentage and blood pressure, with body fat reduced by up to 5.65% and blood pressure decreasing by nearly 9 mmHg, whereas the MICT-LISS showed better effects on heart rate. Although the improvement in psychological health from different exercise interventions was not significant, it increased by over 10% compared to the control group. Overall, the combined effect of HIIT and MICT was found to be the most effective, with mixed exercise interventions showing more pronounced effects on physical health indicators. Full article