The effect of shift work on body mass index: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

CONTEXT: Shift work involves working outside the standard working hours of 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday and may include working evening, night, weekend, or rotating shift patterns. Since shift workers sleep less and their circadian rhythms are disrupted, they are reported to have higher body weight than day workers. OBJECTIVE: This meta-analysis aims to determine whether shift workers (SW) are more prone to higher body mass index (BMI) than their day workers (DW) counterparts. It also addresses the question of whether the duration of shift work exposure, sex, or occupational type affect BMI value. METHODS: Four databases that is PubMed, EBSCO Host, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for reports published up to October 2023. RESULTS: Sixty-three studies involving a total of 693 449 participants met our inclusion criteria. Meta-analyses showed a significant effect of shift work on BMI value (standard mean difference; SMD: 0.10 kg/m2 [95% confidence interval; 95% CI: 0.07; 0.13; p < .001]) as compared with non-shift counterparts. Subgroup analysis revealed that shift work significantly increased BMI for studies where male working on this job schedule (SMD: 0.10 kg/m2 [95% CI: 0.04; 0.17; p = .0018]) for studies where shift workers worked ≥13 years (calculated as the median of shift work experience; SMD: 0.14 kg/m2 [95% CI: 0.10; 0.18; p < .001]) as well as for studies where industrial (SMD: 0.12 kg/m2 [95% CI: 0.05; 0.19; p = .0012]) and other type of occupations were dominated (0.12 kg/m2 [95% CI: 0.07; 0.16; p < .001]). CONCLUSIONS: We found that in general working on a shift schedule increases BMI as compared with day workers, especially in case of male employed in this job schedule, for shift workers working for long periods of time (≥13 years), and for shift workers employed in industry and other type of occupations(e.g., airline workers, firefighters, police officers, blue collar, security personnel, bus drivers, garbage collectors, railway workers, postal, oil and gas workers).

A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials of the Effects of Soy Intake on Inflammatory Markers in Postmenopausal Women.

BACKGROUND: Elevated concentrations of serum inflammatory cytokines, specifically TNF-α and IL-6, as well as C-reactive protein (CRP), are commonly observed after menopause. OBJECTIVES: Because soy isoflavones may have some anti-inflammatory potential, the aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was to explore whether soy intake affects serum markers of inflammation in postmenopausal women. METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched up to August 2020. All RCTs that met the following criteria were included: 1) studies of the effects of soy intake on inflammatory markers; 2) any date of publication; 3) conducted on postmenopausal women; 4) with sufficient quantitative data for meta-analysis. Effect sizes were expressed as weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% CIs. A total of 24 RCTs assessing the effects of soy intake on serum concentrations of CRP, TNF-α, and IL-6 were included in the analysis. A random-effects model was used to determine the overall effect. RESULTS: Soy supplementation significantly reduced CRP by 0.11 mg/L in postmenopausal women (95% CI: -0.22, -0.004 mg/L; P = 0.0414), but did not affect IL-6 or TNF-α. Significant reductions in CRP concentration occurred when natural soy products were given (WMD: -0.23 mg/L; 95% CI: -0.29, -0.17 mg/L; P < 0.001). This is equivalent to a ∼9% reduction in CRP concentration from baseline. CONCLUSIONS: Although our meta-analysis found evidence that soy products significantly reduce CRP concentrations in postmenopausal women, the mechanisms by which soy foods and their constituents affect inflammatory biomarkers still need to be clarified.This systematic review was registered at www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/ as CRD42020179232.

The effect of cranberry juice and a cranberry functional beverage on the growth and metabolic activity of selected oral bacteria.

BACKGROUND: The oral microbiota is a significant risk indicator for oral diseases, such as dental caries and periodontal inflammation. Much attention is presently paid to the development of functional foods (e.g. beverages containing cranberry constituents, or foods containing probiotics) that may serve as adjuncts for oral disease treatments (e.g. periodontitis and caries). Cranberry fruit, due to its unique chemical composition and antimicrobial potential, is a possible ingredient of such foods. The study aimed to investigate the effects of cranberry juice (CJ) and a cranberry functional beverage (mixture of 80% v/v apple juice, 20% v/v cranberry juice, and 0.25 g/100 mL ground cinnamon; CFB) on the growth and metabolic activity of selected oral bacteria. METHODS: Serial dilution pour plate method (SDPP) was used to examine the effect of CJ and CFB on the growth of Actinomyces naeslundii, Streptococcus mutans, and Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei. 48-h electrical impedance measurements (EIM) during the cultivation of A. naeslundii were applied to evaluate the utility of the method as a rapid alternative for the assessment of the antimicrobial potential of cranberry beverages. RESULTS: The tested bacteria differed in their susceptibility to the antimicrobial action of CJ and CFB, with L. paracasei subsp. paracasei being least vulnerable to CFB (according to SDPP). Although CJ at a concentration of 0.5 mL/mL, showed a bactericidal effect on the growth of S. mutans, A. naeslundii was more sensitive to CJ (SDPP). Its inhibitory effect on A. naeslundii was seen even at concentrations as small as 0.03125-0.125 mL/mL (SDPP and EIM). On the other hand, S. mutans seemed to be more vulnerable to CFB than A. naeslundii (SDPP). CONCLUSIONS: CFB may be considered an adjunct in the treatment of oral diseases due to its action against selected oral pathogens, and not against the presumably beneficial L. paracasei subsp. paracasei. Bioelectrical impedance measurements appear to be a quick alternative to evaluating the antimicrobial activity of fruit beverages, but their utility should be confirmed with tests on other bacteria.

ß-Carbolines in Experiments on Laboratory Animals.

Some studies have ascribed a protective effect against neurodegenerative diseases to the ß-carbolines harman (H) and norharman (NH), which occur mostly in coffee and coffee substitutes. We determined the concentrations of ß-carbolines and undesirable compounds (such as acrylamide) in roasted coffee substitute ingredients and found that chicory coffee was optimal. Two in vivo experiments were conducted with seventeen-month-old male Sprague Dawley rats fed a diet with the addition of pure carboline standards in the first stage, and chicory in the second. We observed an increase in the level of H and NH in blood plasma, as well as higher activity of animals in the battery behavioral test, particularly in the second stage. The results of in vitro studies-particularly the level of the expression in brain tissue of genes associated with aging processes and neurodegenerative diseases-clearly show the benefits of a diet rich in ß-carbolines.

Green tea extract prevents the development of nonalcoholic liver steatosis in rats fed a high-fat diet.

Green tea contains many polyphenolic constitutes, which might prevent non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We aimed to investigate whether green tea extract (GTE) given at doses reflecting habitual consumption of green tea beverages prevents development of NAFLD in rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four equal groups (two study and two control groups). The study groups received a HFD (approximately 50% energy from fat), enriched with 1.1% and 2.0% GTE, respectively, for a total of 56 days. The control groups were fed a HFD alone and normal standardised diet (low-fat diet), respectively, for the same period of time. The percentage of hepatocytes affected by steatosis in the HFD group (median [1st-3rd quartile]: 25% [12-34%]) was higher (p < 0.033 and p < 0.050, respectively) than in the HFD-2.0%GTE group (9% [3-18%]) and normal diet group (10% [5-18%]). No significant differences were observed for the group consuming HFD-1.1%GTE, in which intermediate results were observed (15% [4-30%]). This finding points towards the hepatoprotective potential of GTE in preventing dietary-induced liver steatosis. In view of the increasing incidence of overweight and obesity a simple and cheap dietary modification, such as GTE supplementation, could prove to be useful clinically.

The effects of muffins enriched with sour cherry pomace on acceptability, glycemic response, satiety and energy intake: a randomized crossover trial.

BACKGROUND: Sour cherry pomace (CP), a by-product obtained during fruit processing, was used to replace wheat flour in a muffin formula. The influence of the most sensory acceptable muffins on glycemic response, appetite sensation, and energy intake during subsequent meal in a randomized crossover trial was studied. RESULTS: It is acceptable to incorporate up to 30% CP into muffin formulas. With CP-treated muffins glucose responses were significantly lower at 30, 45, and 60 min intervals, and the incremental peak glucose was 0.40 and 0.60 mmol L(-1) lower than for plain muffins (PM). The CP-enriched muffins showed an incremental area under the blood glucose response curve values lower than that of PM. 20% CP and 30% CP resulted in improved satiety and induced a lower energy intake at a test meal ingested 3 h later (-13.7%; -15.1%) as compared to PM, respectively. CONCLUSION: CP may be a good functional ingredient for bakery products that assists in managing glucose levels, satiety, and subsequent energy intake in healthy individuals. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.

Physical and Bioactive Properties of Muffins Enriched with Raspberry and Cranberry Pomace Powder: A Promising Application of Fruit By-Products Rich in Biocompounds.

The objective of this study was to determine the effects on quality of incorporating raspberry and cranberry pomaces into American-style muffins prepared under various baking conditions. The different baking conditions did not affect the texture or microstructure of the control muffins. The enhanced samples baked at 140 °C for 30 min were characterized by a harder texture than the control muffins and by a distributed protein matrix and distorted starch granules, while those baked at 240 °C for 15 min had a moist texture and showed incomplete starch gelatinization. The mean percent recovery of ellagic acid, flavonols, tocopherols, tocotrienols, and anthocyanins after baking were 156, 53, 48, 43, and 22 %, respectively. Lower baking temperature was better for ellagic acid and tocotrienols, but worse for flavonols, tocopherols, and anthocyanins. It seems that, for the enhanced samples, the intermediate baking conditions (180 °C for 20 min) guarantee the best microstructure and texture and the appropriate retention of phytochemicals in muffins.

Effect of rye bread enriched with tomato pomace on fat absorption and lipid metabolism in rats fed a high-fat diet.

BACKGROUND: Tomato pomace (TP), obtained as a residue of tomato processing, was used to enrich rye bread (RB). The sensory profile of this functional bread (RB+TP) was characterised, and its fat absorption and lipid metabolism properties in high-fat-fed rats were studied. RESULTS: Intake of the HF diet containing RB, RB+TP, or TP alone increased faecal energy and fat excretion, but did not affect animal growth or visceral fat weight. Both RB and RB+TP diminished the negative impact of the HF diet, lowering the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and the total liver lipid contents by 31.6% and 24%, respectively. The experimental diets had no effect on liver S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) concentrations or on the S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) to SAH ratio, though the lowest SAM levels were observed in the HF+TP group. No significant differences were detected in blood homocysteine, triglycerides, glucose or insulin levels. CONCLUSIONS: Although RB+TP incorporated into a HF diet may lead to a decrease in AIP and total liver lipid content, this effect does not depend on the components of TP, but rather on the RB ingredients. However, pure TP, in the doses used in this study, may potentially play a role in the energy balance via faecal loss of lipids.

Dietary Factors and the Risk of Depression among Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

This study aimed to assess the association between dietary factors and depression in a group of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) women and to evaluate potential interactions and the mediating role of BMI in this relationship. One hundred and sixteen women with PCOS were asked to complete the Dietary Habits and Nutrition Beliefs Questionnaire and the manual for developing of nutritional data (KomPAN questionnaire) and the Beck Depression Inventory. The population was divided into two groups: (1) not at risk of depression (ND), n = 61, and (2) at risk of depression (RD), n = 55. Significantly higher BMI values were observed in the RD group than in the ND group. In the RD group, the intake of vegetables and legumes was lower than in the LD group, but the consumption of sweet beverages and energy drinks was higher. Consumption of vegetables and legumes at least twice per day is known to be associated with a 62% lower probability of the risk of depression in PCOS women. Furthermore, women with overweight and obesity have a 5.82 times greater chance of depression than women with normal body weight. Our findings show that there is a significant association between certain dietary factors, BMI, and symptoms of depression in PCOS women.

Effect of a high-fat high-fructose diet on the composition of the intestinal microbiota and its association with metabolic and anthropometric parameters in a letrozole-induced mouse model of polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: It has been suggested that dysbiosis of the gut microbiota is associated with the pathogenesis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), and that improper diet can aggravate these changes. This study thus aimed to investigate the effects of a high-fat/high-fructose (HF/HFr) diet on the gut microbial community and their metabolites in prepubertal female mice with letrozole (LET)-induced PCOS. We also tested the correlations between the relative abundance of microbial taxa and selected PCOS parameters. RESEARCH METHODS & PROCEDURES: Thirty-two C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups (n = 8) and implanted with LET or a placebo, with simultaneous administration of a HF/HFr diet or standard diet (StD) for 5 wk. The blood and intestinal contents were collected after the sacrifice. RESULTS: Placebo + HF/HFr and LET + HF/HFr had significantly higher microbial alpha diversity than either group fed StD. The LET-implanted mice fed StD had a significantly higher abundance of Prevotellaceae_UCG-001 than the placebo mice fed StD. Both groups fed the HF/HFr diet had significantly lower fecal levels of short-chain fatty acids than the placebo mice fed StD, while the LET + HF/HFr animals had significantly higher concentrations of lipopolysaccharides in blood serum than either the placebo or LET mice fed StD. Opposite correlations were observed between Turicibacter and Lactobacillus and the lipid profile, CONCLUSION: HF/HFr diet had a much stronger effect on the composition of the intestinal microbiota of prepubertal mice than LET itself.

Effects of dietary seaweed on obesity-related metabolic status: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

CONTEXT: Seaweed is a promising source of anti-obesity agents, including polysaccharides, proteins, polyphenols, carotenoids, and n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. The anti-obesity effects of such compounds may be due to several mechanisms, including inhibition of lipid absorption and metabolism, effect on satiety, and inhibition of adipocyte differentiation. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the evidence from human randomized controlled trials for the effects of seaweed on body-weight status as well as lipid and nonlipid parameters in adults with overweight and obesity. DATA SOURCES: Four databases-Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library-were searched from December 2022 to June 2023 using the following key words: Seaweed OR fucoxanthin OR alginates OR fucoidans OR phlorotannin's OR macroalgae OR marine algae AND obesity OR overweight OR BMI OR body mass index. DATA EXTRACTION: Eleven interventional studies (10 parallel and 1 crossover) were extracted. DATA ANALYSIS: Meta-analysis showed a significant effect, favoring the intervention group for BMI (body mass index) (standardized mean difference [SMD]: -0.40; 95% CI: -0.65 to -0.16 kg/m2; P = 0.0013) and percentage of fat mass (SMD: -1.48; 95% CI: -2.66% to -0.30%, P = 0.0138). The results were seen when refined or extracted brown seaweed (BMI) or only refined brown seaweed (% fat mass) were administered to participants for at least 8 weeks. Moreover, a significant overall effect of seaweed supplementation on total cholesterol (SMD: -7.72; 95% CI: -12.49 to -2.95 mg/dL; P = 0.0015) and low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (SMD: -7.33; 95% CI: -11.64 to -3.02 mg/dL; P < 0.001) was noted. Any significant effects of seaweed on glucose metabolism were not shown. CONCLUSION: Edible seaweed supplementation shows potential for managing obesity and disorders of the blood lipid profile when administered to participants for at least 8 weeks. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration no. CRD42022378484 (www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO).

Protective effect of grape by-product-fortified breads against cholesterol/cholic acid diet-induced hypercholesterolaemia in rats.

BACKGROUND: New breads fortified with two different forms of grape by-products, namely dried powdered skins (PGP) and freeze-dried extract therefrom (EGP), were characterised and their protective effect against hypercholesterolaemia in rats was studied. RESULTS: The phenolic compound profiles of supplemented breads were dominated by epicatechin and catechin together with appreciable amounts of dimeric procyanidins. Sensory evaluation of enhanced breads revealed that a maximum of 6% PGP or 1.4% EGP could be incorporated to prepare acceptable products. Intake of high-cholesterol/cholic acid diet containing 6% PGP- or 1.4% EGP-fortified bread increased fresh stool weight and significantly reduced protein and fat digestion but did not negatively affect animal growth. PGP- and EGP-fortified breads diminished the negative impact of high-cholesterol/cholic acid diet, lowering total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), lipid peroxidation, glucose and leptin levels, preventing visceral fat accumulation and increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and plasma ferric-reducing antioxidant power levels. Since control bread feeding significantly lowered TC, LDL-C and lipid peroxidation compared with high-fat diet, it may suggested that not only grape by-products but also another components in bread were related to lipid metabolism. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that intake of both PGP- and EGP-fortified sourdough mixed rye breads might contribute to a reduction of cardiovascular risk.

White grape pomace as a source of dietary fibre and polyphenols and its effect on physical and nutraceutical characteristics of wheat biscuits.

BACKGROUND: Grapes are one of the world's staple fruit crops, with about 80% of the yield being utilised for winemaking. Since grape by-products still contain large amounts of secondary metabolites, uses other than as fertilisers might be appropriate. In this study, white grape pomace (WGP) was incorporated in wheat flour at levels of 10, 20 and 30% (w/w) to investigate its influence on rheological, nutraceutical, physical and sensory properties. RESULTS: Farinograph characteristics of dough with different levels of WGP showed a decrease in water absorption from 56.4% (0% WGP) to 45.9% (30% WGP). Addition of WGP reduced hardness and caused a deterioration in brightness and yellowness of all enriched samples. The smallest addition of WGP (10%) caused an approximately 88% increase in total dietary fibre content as compared with the control. The content of phenolic compounds increased from 0.11 mg g⁻¹ with 0% WGP to 1.07 mg g⁻¹ with 30% WGP. The most stable phenols were as follows: γ-resorcylic acid < gallic acid < tyrosol < catechin < isovanilic acid. An assay of radical-scavenging activity showed that WGP addition greatly enhanced the antioxidant properties of biscuits. Acceptable biscuits were obtained when incorporating 10% WGP. CONCLUSION: WGP might be utilised for the novel formulation of biscuits as an alternative source of dietary fibre and phenols.

The effects of time-restricted eating and Ramadan fasting on gut microbiota composition: a systematic review of human and animal studies.

CONTEXT: It is well known that the microbiome undergoes cyclical diurnal rhythms. It has thus been hypothesized that meal timing may affect gut microbial composition, function, and host health. OBJECTIVE: This review aims to examine the effects of time-restricted eating (TRE) and Ramadan fasting (RF) on the composition of the gut microbiota in animal and human studies. The associations between composition of microbiota and host metabolic parameters are also examined. DATA SOURCES: A search was performed on the PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science databases up to December 31, 2022. The search strategy was performed using the Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms "intermittent fasting" and "gastrointestinal microbiome" and the key words "Ramadan fasting" and "microbes." DATA EXTRACTION: Seven human studies (4 TRE and 3 RF) and 9 animal studies (7 TRE, 2 RF-like) were retrieved. DATA ANALYSIS: TRE and RF in human studies lead to an increase in gut microbial community alpha-diversity. In animal studies (both TRE and RF-like), fasting is not associated with improved alpha-diversity, but enhancement of microbial fluctuation is observed, compared with high-fat diet ad libitum groups. Within Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes phyla, no specific direction of changes resulting from fasting are observed in both animals and human. After TRE or RF, a greater abundance of the Faecalibacterium genus is observed in human studies; changes in Lactobacillus abundance are found in animal studies; and increases in Akkermansia are seen both in humans and in animals fed a feed-pellet diet. Only 2 human studies show a beneficial correlation between microbiota changes and host metabolic (HDL cholesterol) or anthropometric parameters (body mass index). CONCLUSIONS: These findings support the importance of both regimens in improving the gut microbiota composition. However, based on results of animal studies, it can be suggested that diet remains the essential factor in forming the microbiota's environment. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration no. CRD42021278918.

Plasma fatty acid composition and some markers of dietary habits are associated with cardiovascular disease risk determined by an atherogenic plasma index in postmenopausal women.

It is hypothesized that plasma proportion of selected fatty acids (FAs) and dietary habits are linked with the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in postmenopausal women. Therefore, this study was designed to determine the association of plasma FA composition and markers of dietary habits with an atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), a predictor of CVD risk in postmenopausal women. In total, 87 postmenopausal women with an average age of 57 ± 7 years were recruited and their dietary intake, anthropometric and biochemical parameters, and FA status in total plasma lipid proportions were determined, showing that 65.5% of the participants had a high risk of CVD according to their AIP value. After adjusting for some confounders (age, body mass index, and physical activity level), the risk of CVD was only positively associated with the frequency of consumption of animal fat spreads (butter and lard) of terrestrial origin. Regarding the FA profile, CVD risk was positively associated with the percentages of vaccenic acid, dihomo-γ-linolenic acid, and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA; mainly n-7) in total FA, as well as the MUFA/SFA ratio in total plasma and stearoyl-CoA desaturase-16 activity (16:1/16:0 ratio). In contrast, the risk of CVD was negatively associated with percentages of α-linolenic acid, total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and PUFA/MUFA ratio in total plasma lipid, and the estimated activity of Δ5-desaturase (20:4/20:3 n-6 ratio). These results support the current recommendations to decrease the frequency of animal fat spread intake because it is associated with a reduced CVD risk based on AIP in postmenopausal women. In accordance with these plasma percentages of ALA, vaccenic acid, dihomo-γ-linolenic acid, PUFA, PUFA/MUFA ratio, and 16:1/16:0 ratio may be important parameters in CVD risk assessment.

Effects of Probiotics Supplementation on Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Athletes: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

This study examines the effectiveness of probiotic supplementation on gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, the gut barrier function, and inflammatory markers in athletes based on data from randomised controlled trials. Searches were conducted in PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and the Web of Science up to October 2021. The protocol for this review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021284938). Two reviewers independently screened the titles, abstracts, and full texts to identify articles on the influence of probiotics or symbiotics on GI symptoms, gut barrier function, and cytokines, and the quality of the studies was assessed using RoB2. Ten articles involving 822 athletes were included in this review. A single strain Lactobacillus bacteria was used in three studies, seven studies used a Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium multi-strain cocktail, and one study used this cocktail with a prebiotic. Only slight evidence was found for a positive effect of probiotics on GI symptoms in athletes during training, exercise, and competition, so it was not possible to identify the best product for managing GI symptoms in athletes. Due to the small number of studies, it was also difficult to find a direct association between the reduced exercise-induced perturbations in cytokines, gut barrier function, and GI symptoms after probiotic supplementation.

Crosstalk between dietary patterns, obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is rising worldwide, paralleling the epidemic of obesity. The liver is a key organ for the metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Various types of fats and carbohydrates in isocaloric diets differently influence fat accumulation in the liver parenchyma. Therefore, nutrition can manage hepatic and cardiometabolic complications of NAFLD. Even moderately reduced caloric intake, which leads to a weight loss of 5%-10% of initial body weight, is effective in improving liver steatosis and surrogate markers of liver disease status. Among dietary patterns, the Mediterranean diet mostly prevents the onset of NAFLD. Furthermore, this diet is also the most recommended for the treatment of NAFLD patients. However, clinical trials based on the dietary interventions in NAFLD patients are sparse. Since there are only a few studies examining dietary interventions in clinically advanced stages of NAFLD, such as active and fibrotic steatohepatitis, the optimal diet for patients in these stages of the disease must still be determined. In this narrative review, we aimed to critically summarize the associations between different dietary patterns, obesity and prevention/risk for NAFLD, to describe specific dietary interventions' impacts on liver steatosis in adults with NAFLD and to provide an updated overview of dietary recommendations that clinicians potentially need to apply in their daily practice.

The Role of a High-Fat, High-Fructose Diet on Letrozole-Induced Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Prepubertal Mice.

This study aims to investigate the effects of a high-fat, high-fructose (HF/HFr) diet on metabolic/endocrine dysregulations associated with letrozole (LET)-induced Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) in prepubertal female mice. Thirty-two prepubertal C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups of eight and implanted with LET or a placebo, with simultaneous administration of an HF/HFr/standard diet for five weeks. After sacrifice, the liver and blood were collected for selected biochemical analyses. The ovaries were taken for histopathological examination. The LET+HF/HFr group gained significantly more weight than the LET-treated mice. Both the LET+HF/HFr and the placebo-treated mice on the HF/HFr diet developed polycystic ovaries. Moreover the LET+HF/HFr group had significantly elevated testosterone levels, worsened lipid profile and indices of insulin sensitivity. In turn, the HF/HFr diet alone led to similar changes in the LET-treated group, except for the indices of insulin sensitivity. Hepatic steatosis also occurred in both HF/HFr groups. The LET-treated group did not develop endocrine or metabolic abnormalities, but polycystic ovaries were seen. Since the HF/HFr diet can cause substantial metabolic and reproductive dysregulation in both LET-treated and placebo mice, food items rich in simple sugar-particularly fructose-and saturated fat, which have the potential to lead to PCOS progression, should be eliminated from the diet of young females.

Probiotic Supplementation and Respiratory Infection and Immune Function in Athletes: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of probiotic supplementation on upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) and inflammatory markers in elite athletes. DATA SOURCES: We searched the PubMed, EBSCOhost, Scopus, and Web of Science databases using the following terms: probiotic OR probiotics AND exercise OR sport OR athletes AND URTI OR respiratory infection OR URTIs OR inflammation OR inflammatory OR cytokines. STUDY SELECTION: We screened the titles and abstracts of 2498 articles using our inclusion criteria. A total of 14 articles were selected for further analysis. DATA EXTRACTION: For each study, 2 independent reviewers extracted the study design, participant characteristics, inclusion and exclusion criteria, intervention characteristics, outcome measures, and main results. DATA SYNTHESIS: We did not observe an effect of probiotic supplementation on the number of days of illness or the mean number or duration of URTI episodes but did note an effect of probiotic supplementation on the total symptom severity score (-0.65; 95% CI = -1.05, -0.25; P = .02). Lower levels of interleukin 6 (-2.52 pg/mL; 95% CI = -4.39, -0.66 pg/mL; P = .002) and tumor necrosis factor α (-2.31 pg/mL; 95% CI = -4.12, -0.51 pg/mL; P = .01) were also reported after supplementation. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis provides evidence that probiotic supplementation, especially among professional athletes, is an effective way to decrease the total URTI symptom severity score. In addition, probiotic supplementation may decrease interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor α levels. More studies involving larger groups are needed to better assess this effect. The optimal timing, duration, composition, and dose of such supplementation need to be determined.

The consumption of energy dense snacks and some contextual factors of snacking may contribute to higher energy intake and body weight in adults.

Preventing obesity (OB) among adults is a public health priority. One factor that seems to contribute to OB, due to the extra energy intake it involves, is the greater consumption of snacks. Whether snacking promotes OB in adults is however a source of controversy in the literature at present. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the effects of snacking on body weight status, along with contextual factors such as snacking location, food source, timing, and social context of snacking. To better understand the nature of snacking behavior, seven currently used definitions of snacking were described. Studies published prior to November 2020 were identified by searching the PubMed and Scopus databases, with thirty-three observational studies being identified and included. The consumption of energy-dense snacks may contribute to higher energy intake and weight in adult populations. The context in which adults snacks-such as eating alone, outside home or work, late in the day, in front of a TV or computer-is also important for this behavior. However, the lack of consensus on the definition of snacks in the literature makes these considerations suggestive rather than objective. Better-designed research is needed to determine the prospective association between snacking behavior and weight status in adults. Snacking may be an important behavior that can be modified to prevent obesity on the population level. Social education focused on promoting morning snacks and replacing energy-dense snacks by more nutritious ones, e.g. fruit and vegetables, may thus be beneficial.