Extra Virgin Olive Oil Reduces the Risk of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Females but Not in Males: Results from the NUTRIHEP Cohort.

BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent chronic liver disease worldwide. One way to resolve this reversible condition is by making dietary changes. Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is often associated with an improvement in this disease. The aim of this study was to explore the protective role of EVOO on NAFLD conditions, stratified by gender. METHODS: The study cohort included 1426 participants assessed in the second recall of the NUTRIHEP cohort (2014-2018), subdivided by gender and dividing the EVOO intake into quartiles of daily gram intake. RESULTS: The results indicated a protective role of the last quartile of EVOO only for female subjects, OR = 0.43, p = 0.02, 0.21 to 0.85 at 95% C.I., whereas in the male sub-cohort, the effect was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The protective role of EVOO is different between genders. This difference has not been explored in the literature, so we conclude that this is one of the few papers in the literature to evaluate a gender difference in the intestinal absorption of humans based on an epidemiological study.

Exploring the Relationship of rs2802292 with Diabetes and NAFLD in a Southern Italian Cohort-Nutrihep Study.

Background: The minor G-allele of FOXO3 rs2802292 is associated with human longevity. The aim of this study was to test the protective effect of the variant against the association with type 2 Diabetes and NAFLD. Methods: rs2802292 was genotyped in a large population of middle-aged subjects (n = 650) from a small city in Southern Italy. All participants were interviewed to collect information about lifestyle and dietary habits; clinical characteristics were recorded, and blood samples were collected from all subjects. The association between rs2802292 and NAFLD or diabetes was tested using a logistic model and mediation analysis adjusted for covariates. Results: Overall, the results indicated a statistical association between diabetes and rs2802292, especially for the TT genotype (OR = 2.14, 1.01 to 4.53 95% C.I., p = 0.05) or in any case for those who possess the G-allele (OR = 0.45, 0.25 to 0.81 95% C.I., p = 0.008). Furthermore, we found a mediation effect of rs2802292 on diabetes (as mediator) and NAFLD. There is no direct relationship between rs2802292 and NAFLD, but the effect is direct (ß = 0.10, -0.003 to 0.12 95% C.I., p = 0.04) on diabetes, but only in TT genotypes. Conclusions: The data on our cohort indicate that the longevity-associated FOXO3 variant may have protective effects against diabetes and NAFLD.

A Dose-Response Study on the Relationship between White Meat Intake and Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) in Southern Italy: Results from the Nutrihep Study.

(1) Background: Metabolic dysfunction-associated liver disease (MASLD) is one of the most important causes of liver disease worldwide. Meat consumption is a growing trend and white meat has been shown to have beneficial effects on cardiometabolic risk factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the dose-response relationship between white meat intake and MASLD at survey level in a Southern Italy setting. (2) Methods: This cross-sectional study encompassed 1192 subjects (509 males, 42.7%) without missing data from the second wave of the NUTRIHEP cohort (2014-2016). Adjusted dose-response modeling was employed for statistical analysis; (3) Results: There were 587 subjects with MASLD (49.2%), i.e., 278 males (54.6%) and 309 females (45.2%). By increasing the intake, an unfavorable influence of white meat on MASLD was significantly revealed in females, whereas a protective effect of white meat was detectable in males. Male sex was shown to be involved in other associations in this study, such as influencing the preference for specific foods such as poultry and chicken skin. (4) Conclusions: Our data suggest that white meat does not have a clear-cut independent dose-response effect on MASLD, but sex may be a trigger moderator for age and BMI, with an increasing unfavorable effect of white meat in women, and a favorable effect in men.

Leisure-Time Physical Activity in Subjects with Metabolic-Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease: An All-Cause Mortality Study.

Background: Metabolic-dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) affects 30% of adults worldwide and is associated with obesity and cardiovascular risk factors. If left untreated, it can progress to severe liver disease. Lifestyle changes such as physical activity and weight loss help to reduce the severity and risk of mortality. This study estimated the impact of MASLD and leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) on mortality and examined how gender mediates this effect in a Southern Italian population. Methods: This work is a population-based prospective cohort study of inhabitants of Castellana Grotte (>30 years old) in Southern Italy, which began in 1985. Participants provided general health information, underwent anthropometric measurements and ultrasonography, and completed a validated questionnaire on their food intake and LTPA. The vital status was tracked through local municipalities Results: In total, 1826 participants (39% with MASLD) were enrolled in this study, drawn from 2970 eligible subjects; the mean age was 51.91 (±14.76) years and 56.2% were men. Subjects with MASLD who practiced low LTPA had a significantly higher risk of death than those who did not have MASLD and practiced high LTPA. In addition, subjects with MASLD who practiced low LTPA were about 19% less likely to survive to the age of 82 years. As regards gender, both men and women with MASLD and low LTPA showed a significant risk of death, but this was higher in women. Conclusions: The presence of MASLD, especially in women, increases the risk of death from all causes. LTPA plays a key role in the disease and reduces mortality in these individuals.

Ultra-Processed Food Consumption as a Risk Factor for Gastrointestinal Cancer and Other Causes of Mortality in Southern Italy: A Competing Risk Approach.

BACKGROUND: Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs) are increasingly consumed worldwide, even in regions with strong dietary traditions like the Mediterranean and can play a crucial role in the development of chronic diseases, including cancer. This population-based prospective cohort study investigates the association between UPF consumption and gastrointestinal cancers and other causes of mortality in Southern Italy. METHODS: Data were collected from 4870 participants in the MICOL and NUTRIHEP cohorts. The EPIC questionnaire was used to elicit information on food and drink consumption and UPFs were categorized by degree of processing according to the NOVA classification. Cox proportional hazards regression and competing risk models were employed for statistical analysis. RESULTS: UPF consumption was positively associated with all-cause mortality: participants in the 3rd UFP quartile, as compared to the lowest, had a 27% higher risk of death (SHR 1.27 95% CI, 1.03; 1.57), while in the highest quartile as compared to the lowest, the risk was 34% higher (SHR 1.34 95% CI, 1.00; 1.79). Higher UPFs intake was also correlated with an increased gastrointestinal cancers mortality risk, especially the 2nd (SHR 1.65, 95% CI: 1.01; 2.71) and 4th quartile (SHR 3.14 95% CI: 1.56; 6.32), with a dose-dependent effect. For the other cancers, a SHR 1.61 (95% CI 1.03; 2.54) was observed for the 3rd quartile. CONCLUSIONS: Our results reinforce the link between UPF consumption and cancer risk, emphasizing the urgent need for interventions targeting dietary patterns.

Leisure-Time Physical Activity, Time Spent Sitting and Risk of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study in Puglia.

BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease in the world. The increasingly sedentary lifestyle in recent years may have accelerated the development of NAFLD, independent of the level of physical activity. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to determine the association between leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and time spent sitting (TSS) and the likelihood of developing NAFLD in a sample of men and women aged 18-64 years, from southern Italy. DESIGN: The study is based on two cohort studies, a randomized clinical trial and an observational cost-benefit study. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 1269 participants (51.5% women) drawn from 3992 eligible subjects were enrolled in this study. EXPOSURES: Leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and time spent sitting (TSS) were assessed using the Italian long form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-LF), designed for administration to adults aged 18 to 65 years. MAIN MEASURES: The association of exposures with the probability of belonging to a certain NAFLD degree of severity. KEY RESULTS: The probability of having mild, moderate, and severe NAFLD tends to decrease with increasing LTPA and decreasing TSS levels. We selected a combination of participants aged 50 years and older stratified by gender. Men had a statistically significant difference in the probability of developing moderate NAFLD if they spent 70 h per week sitting and had low LTPA, while among women there was a statistically significant difference in the probability of developing mild or moderate NAFLD if they had moderate LPTA and spent 35-70 h/week sitting. CONCLUSIONS: The study thus showed that the amount of LTPA and the amount of TSS are associated with development and progression of NAFLD, but this relationship is not a linear one-especially in women aged ≥ 50 years old.

Adding a Leafy Vegetable Fraction to Diets Decreases the Risk of Red Meat Mortality in MASLD Subjects: Results from the MICOL Cohort.

BACKGROUND: Dietary guidelines recommend limiting red meat intake because it has been amply associated with increased cancer mortality, particularly in patients with liver conditions, such as metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD). MASLD is the leading cause of liver dysfunction in the world today, and no specific treatment other than lifestyle correction has yet been established. The aim of this study was to explore the protective role of leafy vegetables when associated with high red meat consumption. METHODS: The study cohort included 1646 participants assessed during the fourth recall of the MICOL study, subdivided into two groups based on red meat intake (≤50 g/die vs. >50 g/die), in order to conduct a cancer mortality analysis. The prevalence of subjects that consumed >50 g/die was only 15.73%. Leafy vegetable intake was categorized based on median g/die consumption, and it was combined with red meat intake. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to demonstrate that the consumption of about 30 g/die of leafy vegetables reduces the risk of mortality. A strong association with mortality was observed in subjects with MASLD, and the protective role of vegetables was demonstrated.

Higher-Level Steatosis Is Associated with a Greater Decrease in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatoic Liver Disease after Eight Weeks of a Very Low-Calorie Ketogenic Diet (VLCKD) in Subjects Affected by Overweight and Obesity.

The most common form of chronic liver disease, recently defined as MASLD, is strongly linked to obesity and metabolic syndrome. Lifestyle changes are part of MASLD prevention. The very low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) is a useful option for treating MASLD and reducing liver steatosis in patients with obesity. We assessed whether a greater degree of steatosis could have a positive or negative impact on how well 8 weeks of using the VLCKD improve steatosis and fibrosis in a patient population of overweight and obese individuals. Anthropometric parameters, along with changes in hormone and metabolic biomarkers, were also assessed both before and after the dietary change. The study population included 111 overweight (14.41%) or obese subjects (85.59%) aged between 18 and 64 years; the 75 women and 36 men involved were not taking any medicine. In both the raw (0.37 95% CI 0.21; 0.52) and the multivariate models (model a: 0.439 95% CI 0.26; 0.62; model b: 0.437 95% CI 0.25; 0.63), there was a positive and statistically significant correlation between the CAP delta value and the CAP before using the VLCKD. Additionally, the liver stiffness delta was found to be positively and statistically significantly correlated with liver stiffness before the use of the VLCKD in both models: the multivariate model (model a: 0.560 95% CI 0.40; 0.71; model b: 0.498 95% CI 0.34; 0.65) and the raw model (0.52 95% CI 0.39; 0.65). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, insulin resistance (measured by HOMA-IR), insulin, HbA1c, fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides, BMI, waist circumference, and fat mass, were all decreased (p < 0.001) following the use of the VLCKD. However, following the use of the VLCKD, there was an increase in vitamin D levels. (p < 0.001). We found that using the VLCKD for 8 weeks has a greater effect on improving steatosis and fibrosis in subjects who initially have more severe forms of these conditions.

Development and Internal Validation of a Model for Predicting Overall Survival in Subjects with MAFLD: A Cohort Study.

Background & Aims: Fatty liver disease with metabolic dysfunction (MAFLD) is a new concept proposed to replace the previous concept of Non-Alcoholic Hepatic Steatosis (NAFLD). We developed and internally validated a prognostic model to predict the likelihood of death in a cohort of subjects with MAFLD. Methods: Our work involved two steps: the first was the construction of a bootstrapped multivariable Cox model for mortality risk prognosis and the second was its validation. Results: The study cohort included 1506 subjects, of which 907 were used for internal validation. Discriminant measures for the final model were R2D 0.6845 and Harrell's C 0.8422 in the development and R2D 0.6930 and Harrell's C 0.8465 in the validation. We used the nine independent prognostic factors selected by the LASSO Cox procedure and fitted by the bootstrap Cox survival model, and observed ß were: Gender 0.356 1.42 (p < 0.008), Age 0.146 (p < 0.001), Glycemia 0.004 (p < 0.002), Total Cholesterol -0.0040 (p < 0.009), Gamma Glutamyl Transpeptidase 0.009 (p < 0.001), SBP 0.009 (p < 0.036), DBP -0.016 (p < 0.041), ALP 0.008 (p < 0.071) and Widowhood 0.550 (p < 0.001). Conclusions: We produced and validated a model to estimate the probability of death in subjects with MAFLD. The instruments we used showed satisfactory predictive capabilities.

Protective Role of Lycopene in Subjects with Liver Disease: NUTRIHEP Study.

BACKGROUND: Liver diseases are constantly increasing throughout the world and are often associated with other diseases, but above all they are caused by improper diet. Adherence to a diet with abundant vegetables has now been widely demonstrated to be important in combating this pathological condition. The aim of this study was to explore the protective role of lycopene (LYC) extracts from cooked and fresh tomato. METHODS: The study cohort included 969 participants assessed in the NUTRIHEP cohort (2005-2006) and the associated follow-up (2014-2016), divided into two groups, based on liver condition: NAFLD, or AFLD and FLD. RESULTS: The results indicated a statistical significance of LYC consumption, showing a protective role against liver disease, the best concentration being 9.50 mg/die, with an RR value of 0.59, p = 0.01, 0.39 to 0.90 at 95% C.I., and RRR = 0.40, p = 0.002, 0.22 to 0.71 at 95% C.I. CONCLUSIONS: The protective role of LYC extracts from tomato has not been amply demonstrated in humans. We conclude that this is one of the few papers in the literature to evaluate the protective effect of LYC against liver disease, as well as how this molecule could be used in future possible treatments. Utilizing lycopene as a supplement alone or in combination with other foods could be useful for developing treatments with reduced contraindications.

Effects of Egg Consumption on Subjects with SLD or Hypertension: A MICOL Study.

BACKGROUND: Steatotic liver disease (SLD) is defined as a fat accumulation in more than 5% of hepatocytes; it can progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), associated with an increased state of inflammation. The aim of this study was to explore the protective effects of eating eggs and any association with SLD and hypertension (HTN). METHODS: The study cohort included 908 participants assessed in the fourth recall of the MICOL study, grouped into four groups, based on NALFD and/or HTN. RESULTS: The prevalence of HTN and SLD among participants was 31.61%. Overall, the results indicated a statistical significance of egg consumption, showing a protective role against the two disease conditions, in both the raw and adjusted models (RRR = 0.34, p = 0.009, 0.15 to 0.76 95% C.I.). CONCLUSIONS: Many differences were found among the groups, and the protective role of eating eggs was amply demonstrated. We can conclude that it is unwise to demonize the intake of this food and its nutritional properties, in contrast with previous reports in the literature.

Effect of Intake of Extra Virgin Olive Oil on Mortality in a South Italian Cohort with and without NAFLD.

BACKGROUND: Extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) is the main source of seasoning fat in the Mediterranean diet and it is one of the components with known protective factors on chronic-degenerative disease. We aimed to evaluate the effect of a medium-high level of oil consumption on mortality in a cohort with good adherence to the Mediterranean diet. METHODS: A total of 2754 subjects who had completed the food questionnaire in the Multicenter Italian study on Cholelithiasis (MICOL) cohort were included in the study. EVOO consumption was categorized in four levels (<20 g/die, 21-30 g/die, 31-40 g/die, >40 g/die). We performed a flexible parametric survival model to assess mortality by EVOO consumption level adjusted for some covariates. We also performed the analysis on subjects with and without non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to evaluate the effects of oil in this more fragile sub-cohort. RESULTS: We found a statistically significant negative effect on mortality for the whole sample when EVOO consumption was used, both as a continuous variable and when categorized. The protective effect was stronger in the sub-cohort with NAFLD, especially for the highest levels of EVOO consumption (HR = 0.58 with p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study has shown a protective effect of EVOO consumption towards all causes of mortality. Despite the higher caloric intake, the protective power is greater for a consumption >40 g/day in both the overall cohort and the sub-cohorts with and without NAFLD.

High Extra Virgin Olive Oil Consumption Is Linked to a Lower Prevalence of NAFLD with a Prominent Effect in Obese Subjects: Results from the MICOL Study.

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) has healthy benefits for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). However, limited evidence is available about the effects of liver disease and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We evaluate whether dose-increased consumption of EVOO is associated with a lower prevalence of NAFLD and if these effects vary based on body weight. The study included 2436 subjects with a 33% NAFLD prevalence. Daily EVOO was categorized into tertiles: low (0-24 g/day), moderate (25-37 g/day), and high consumption (>37 g/day). Subjects were also classified by body mass index (BMI) as normo-weight (18.5-24.9), overweight (25-29.9), and obese (≥30). Logistic regression analysis was applied to calculate odds ratios (ORs) for NAFLD, considering a 20-gram increment in EVOO intake and accounting for EVOO categories combined with BMI classes. The ORs were 0.83 (0.74;0.93) C.I. p = 0.0018 for continuous EVOO, 0.89 (0.69;1.15) C.I. p = 0.37, and 0.73 (0.55;0.97) C.I. p = 0.03 for moderate and high consumption, respectively, when compared to low consumption. Overall, the percent relative risk reductions (RRR) for NAFLD from low to high EVOO consumption were 18% (16.4%;19.2%) C.I. and 26% (25%;27.4%) C.I. in overweight and obese subjects. High EVOO consumption is associated with a reduced risk of NAFLD. This effect is amplified in overweight subjects and even more in obese subjects.

Enhanced Physical Capacity and Gastrointestinal Symptom Improvement in Southern Italian IBS Patients following Three Months of Moderate Aerobic Exercise.

Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise improves gastrointestinal (GI) health and alleviates irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms. This study explored its effects on physical capacity (PC) and IBS symptoms in 40 patients from Southern Italy (11 males, 29 females; 52.10 ± 7.72 years). The exercise program involved moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (60/75% of HRmax) for at least 180 min per week. Before and after the intervention, participants completed the IBS-SSS questionnaire to assess IBS symptoms, reported their physical activity levels, and underwent field tests to evaluate PC. PC was quantified as the Global Physical Capacity Score (GPCS). A total of 38 subjects (21 males, 17 females; 53.71 ± 7.27 years) without lower GI symptoms served as a No IBS group. No significant differences were found between IBS patients and No IBS subjects, except for the symptom score, as expected. After the exercise, all participants experienced significant improvements in both IBS symptoms and PC. Higher PC levels correlated with greater benefits in IBS symptomatology, especially with GPCS reaching above-average values. Engaging in moderate-intensity aerobic exercise for at least 180 min per week positively impacts IBS symptoms and PC. Monitoring GPCS in IBS patients provides insights into the connection between physical activity and symptom severity, aiding healthcare professionals in tailoring effective treatment plans.

Effects of an Eight Week Very Low-Calorie Ketogenic Diet (VLCKD) on White Blood Cell and Platelet Counts in Relation to Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) in Subjects with Overweight and Obesity.

Obesity and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) are frequently associated conditions characterized by low-grade inflammation. Very low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) strategies are commonly used to simultaneously obtain weight loss and an improvement of liver steatosis. We evaluated the efficacy of 8 weeks' VLCKD in decreasing the white blood cell (WBC) and platelet (PLT) counts, as well as liver steatosis and fibrosis, diagnosed using transient elastography (FibroScan). Metabolic and anthropometric parameters commonly associated with MASLD were also evaluated. This study included 87 participants; 58 women and 29 men aged between 18 and 64 years with overweight (18%) or obesity (82%), but not taking any medication. Anthropometric measurements, bioimpedance analysis, and biochemical assays were performed before and after the dietary intervention. BMI (kg/m2) (p-value < 0.001), waist circumference (cm) (p-value < 0.001), and fat mass (kg) (p-value < 0.001) were significantly decreased following VLCKD. After VLCKD, the FibroScan parameter CAP (db/m), which measures the accumulation of fatty liver, significantly decreased (p-value < 0.001), as did liver stiffness (kPA), the FibroScan parameter quantifying liver fibrosis (p-value < 0.05). Seemingly, WBC (p-value < 0.001) and PLT (p-value < 0.001) counts were lowered by VLCKD in the whole group; however, the decrease in WBC and platelet counts were significant only in patients with steatosis (CAP ≥ 215 dB/m). Fasting blood glucose (p-value < 0.001), insulin (p-value < 0.001), HbA1c (p-value < 0.001), triglycerides (p-value < 0.001), total cholesterol (p-value < 0.001), LDL-cholesterol (p-value < 0.001), HDL-cholesterol (p-value < 0.001); γGT (p-value < 0.001) blood levels and insulin resistance (as measured by HOMAIR) (p-value < 0.001); and systolic (p-value < 0.001), and diastolic (p-value < 0.001) blood pressure levels, were all significantly lower after VLCKD. In contrast, blood levels of vitamin D were higher following the diet (p-value < 0.001). We conclude that treating subjects with overweight and obesity with VLCKD is followed by a simultaneous reduction in WBCs and platelets, the expression of low-grade inflammation, and of liver steatosis and fibrosis. Therefore, we can hypothesize that VLCKD decreases general and liver low-grade inflammation, thus improving liver health.

COVID-19 Immunization Rates in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease Worldwide: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Individuals with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) are characterized by an increased vulnerability to complications stemming from infectious diseases. While these patients do not inherently face a heightened risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to the general population, their vulnerability to severe COVID-19 complications and subsequent hospitalization is notably increased. The objective of our study is to quantitatively assess the global coverage of COVID-19 vaccination among individuals with IBD, achieved through a comprehensive meta-analysis and systematic review. Thirteen studies were systematically selected from scientific articles available in the MEDLINE/PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, and Scopus databases, spanning from 1 January 2021 to 25 July 2023. The pooled prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine uptake was estimated at 72% (95%CI = 59-83%) for at least one dose, 81% (95%CI = 68-91%) for the complete vaccination regimen, and 71% (95%CI = 46-91%) for the third dose. Analysis of the determinants influencing vaccination uptake revealed several significant associations. These encompassed Caucasian ethnicity, female sex, absence of immunosuppressive therapy, advanced age, prior receipt of the anti-influenza vaccine, absence of a history of COVID-19 infection, and the provision of advice from gastroenterologists, all linked to improved compliance. Our study underscores a noteworthy yet not entirely optimal COVID-19 vaccination coverage among individuals with IBD. A multifaceted approach is warranted to enhance vaccination rates. Within this context, the role of gastroenterologists extends beyond direct patient care, encompassing a pivotal responsibility in preventing complications stemming from post-infectious diseases.

Plasma Bacterial DNA Load as a Potential Biomarker for the Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer: A Case-Control Study.

The gut microbiota has gained increasing attention in recent years due to its significant impact on colorectal cancer (CRC) development and progression. The recent detection of bacterial DNA load in plasma holds promise as a potential non-invasive approach for early cancer detection. The aim of this study was to examine the quantity of bacterial DNA present in the plasma of 50 patients who have CRC in comparison to 40 neoplastic disease-free patients, as well as to determine if there is a correlation between the amount of plasma bacterial DNA and various clinical parameters. Plasma bacterial DNA levels were found to be elevated in the CRC group compared to the control group. As it emerged from the logistic analysis (adjusted for age and gender), these levels were strongly associated with the risk of CRC (OR = 1.02, p < 0.001, 95% C.I.: 1.01-1.03). Moreover, an association was identified between a reduction in tumor mass and the highest tertile of plasma bacterial DNA. Our findings indicate that individuals with CRC displayed a higher plasma bacterial DNA load compared to healthy controls. This observation lends support to the theory of heightened bacterial migration from the gastrointestinal tract to the bloodstream in CRC. Furthermore, our results establish a link between this phenomenon and the size of the tumor mass.

Age-Related Dietary Habits and Blood Biochemical Parameters in Patients with and without Steatosis-MICOL Cohort.

BACKGROUND: Steatosis is now the most common liver disease in the world, present in approximately 25% of the global population. The aim of this study was to study the association between food intake and liver disease and evaluate the differences in blood parameters in age classes and steatosic condition. METHODS: The present study included 1483 participants assessed in the fourth recall of the MICOL study. Patients were subdivided by age (65 years) and administered a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) with 28 food groups. RESULTS: The prevalence of steatosis was 55.92% in the adult group and 55.88% in the elderly group. Overall, the results indicated many statistically significant blood parameters and dietary habits. Analysis of food choices with a machine learning algorithm revealed that in the adult group, olive oil, grains, processed meat, and sweets were associated with steatosis, while the elderly group preferred red meat, dairy, seafood, and fruiting vegetables. Furthermore, the latter ate less as compared with the adult group. CONCLUSIONS: Many differences were found between the two age groups, both in blood parameters and food intake. The random forest also revealed different foods predicted steatosis in the two groups. Future analysis will be useful to understand the molecular basis of these differences and how different food intake causes steatosis in people of different ages.

The Impact of a Twelve-Week Moderate Aerobic Exercise Program on Gastrointestinal Symptom Profile and Psychological Well-Being of Irritable Bowel Syndrome Patients: Preliminary Data from a Southern Italy Cohort.

Walking is popular moderate-intensity aerobic exercise that improves mental and gastrointestinal (GI) health. It can relieve symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), e.g., intestinal gas, abdominal distension, and bowel disturbances. This study examined the impact of a moderate-intensity aerobic exercise program on the clinical and psychological parameters of IBS patients. In total, 40 IBS patients (11 males and 29 females; mean age 51.9 ± 7.8 years) participated in a 12-week aerobic exercise program. Participants completed questionnaires assessing GI symptoms, psychological profiles, and quality of life (QoL) before and after the intervention. Field tests, anthropometric measurements, and bioimpedance assessments were also conducted. The present findings confirmed a significant improvement in IBS symptoms after the aerobic exercise program. Bloating was the most common symptom and, together with abdominal pain, was significantly reduced after treatment. Psychological and QoL questionnaires indicated decreased anxiety, depression, somatization, and stress levels. Correlations were found between anxiety/depression and the severity of abdominal pain as well as between stress and the severity of abdominal distension. Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise positively impacted GI symptoms and psychological well-being, complementing dietary and psychological support as a non-pharmacological therapy for the management of IBS. These findings emphasize the importance of alternative approaches for IBS treatment.

Lifestyle Modification: Evaluation of the Effects of Physical Activity and Low-Glycemic-Index Mediterranean Diet on Fibrosis Score.

BACKGROUND: Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is one the most prevalent causes of chronic liver disease worldwide. In the absence of an approved drug treatment, lifestyle modification is the first intervention strategy. This study aimed to estimate the main effect of two different physical activity (PA) programs, and a Low-Glycemic-Index Mediterranean Diet (LGIMD), or their combined effect on liver fibrosis parameters in subjects with NAFLD. METHODS: Subjects with moderate or severe NAFLD grade of severity (n = 144) were randomly assigned to six intervention arms for three months: LGIMD, PA programs, and their combination. Data were collected at baseline, 45 days, and 90 days. Transient elastography was performed to assess the outcome. RESULTS: at 90 days, a statistically significant reduction in kPa was found among subjects following LGMID (-2.85, 95% CI -5.24, -0.45) and those following an LGIMD plus PA1 (-2.37, 95% CI -4.39, -0.35) and LGIMD plus Pa2 (-2.21, 95% CI -4.10, -0.32). The contrast between time 2 and time 1 of the LGIMD plus PA2 treatment showed a statistically significant increase, and vice versa: the contrast between time 3 and time 2 of the same treatment showed a statistically significant reduction. The PA1 and PA2 arms also showed reduced kPa, although the results did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: The intervention arms, LGIMD, LGIMD+PA1, and LGIMD+PA2, reduced the fibrosis score.