Exploring the Interplay between Bone Marrow Stem Cells and Obesity.

Obesity, a complex disorder with rising global prevalence, is a chronic, inflammatory, and multifactorial disease and it is characterized by excessive adipose tissue accumulation and associated comorbidities. Adipose tissue (AT) is an extremely diverse organ. The composition, structure, and functionality of AT are significantly influenced by characteristics specific to everyone, in addition to the variability connected to various tissue types and its location-related heterogeneity. Recent investigation has shed light on the intricate relationship between bone marrow stem cells and obesity, revealing potential mechanisms that contribute to the development and consequences of this condition. Mesenchymal stem cells within the bone marrow, known for their multipotent differentiation capabilities, play a pivotal role in adipogenesis, the process of fat cell formation. In the context of obesity, alterations in the bone marrow microenvironment may influence the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells towards adipocytes, impacting overall fat storage and metabolic balance. Moreover, bone marrow's role as a crucial component of the immune system adds another layer of complexity to the obesity-bone marrow interplay. This narrative review summarizes the current research findings on the connection between bone marrow stem cells and obesity, highlighting the multifaceted roles of bone marrow in adipogenesis and inflammation.

Increased Expression of Orexin-A in Patients Affected by Polycystic Kidney Disease.

Orexin-A is a neuropeptide product of the lateral hypothalamus that acts on two receptors, OX1R and OX2R. The orexinergic system is involved in feeding, sleep, and pressure regulation. Recently, orexin-A levels have been found to be negatively correlated with renal function. Here, we analyzed orexin-A levels as well as the incidence of SNPs in the hypocretin neuropeptide precursor (HCRT) and its receptors, HCRTR1 and HCRTR2, in 64 patients affected by autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) bearing truncating mutations in the PKD1 or PKD2 genes. Twenty-four healthy volunteers constituted the control group. Serum orexin-A was assessed by ELISA, while the SNPs were investigated through Sanger sequencing. Correlations with the main clinical features of PKD patients were assessed. PKD patients showed impaired renal function (mean eGFR 67.8 ± 34.53) and a statistically higher systolic blood pressure compared with the control group (p < 0.001). Additionally, orexin-A levels in PKD patients were statistically higher than those in healthy controls (477.07 ± 69.42 pg/mL vs. 321.49 ± 78.01 pg/mL; p < 0.001). Furthermore, orexin-A inversely correlated with blood pressure (p = 0.0085), while a direct correlation with eGFR in PKD patients was found. None of the analyzed SNPs showed any association with orexin-A levels in PKD. In conclusion, our data highlights the emerging role of orexin-A in renal physiology and its potential relevance to PKD. Further research is essential to elucidate the intricate mechanisms underlying orexin-A signaling in renal function and its therapeutic implications for PKD and associated cardiovascular complications.

Relationship between Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation and Autonomic Nervous System.

Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) approaches have seen a rise in utilization in both clinical and basic neuroscience in recent years. Here, we concentrate on the two methods that have received the greatest research: transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). Both approaches have yielded pertinent data regarding the cortical excitability in subjects in good health as well as pertinent advancements in the management of various clinical disorders. NIBS is a helpful method for comprehending the cortical control of the ANS. Previous research has shown that there are notable changes in muscular sympathetic nerve activity when the motor cortex is modulated. Furthermore, in NIBS investigations, the ANS has been employed more frequently as an outcome measure to comprehend the overall impacts of these methods, including their safety profile. Though there is ample proof that brain stimulation has autonomic effects on animals, new research on the connection between NIBS and the ANS has produced contradictory findings. In order to better understand NIBS processes and ANS function, it is crucial to take into account the reciprocal relationship that exists between central modulation and ANS function.

Evaluation of Orexin-A Salivary Levels and its Correlation with Attention After Non-invasive Brain Stimulation in Female Volleyball Players.

BACKGROUND: The capacity to change attention from one area to another depending on the many environmental circumstances present is a crucial aspect of selective attention and is strictly correlated to reaction time. The cholinergic system of the basal forebrain is crucial for attentive abilities. Several inputs, particularly orexin neurons, whose cell bodies are found in the postero-lateral hypothalamus, can activate the cholinergic system. The aim of this study was to investigate if high frequencies rTMS at dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in highly trained volleyball players can change Orexin-A levels, attention and reaction time. This study was a double-blinded (participant and evaluator) matched-pair experimental design. Twenty right-handed female volleyball players were recruited for the study (age 24.6 ± 2.7 years; height 177.0 ± 5.5 cm; body mass 67.5 ± 6.5 kg; BMI 21.5 ± 1.2). RESULTS: The main finding of this study was that 10 Hz rTMS to the DLPFC seems to increase Orexin-A salivary levels and the percentage of correct answers, while decreasing RT. After rTMS, the athletes show an increase in the percentage of correct answers immediately after the end of stimulation, and also after 15 and 30 min. Moreover, the athletes show decreases in reaction time after the end of stimulation and after 15 and 30 min to the end of stimulation, while no differences were found at the end of stimulation. Finally, the athletes show significant increases in Orexin-A salivary levels after stimulation with a peak after 30' of the end. CONCLUSION: The results of our study seem to indicate that there is a relationship between salivary Orexin-A levels and RT. These results could provide useful tools for modulating sports training; in fact, if confirmed, they could lead coaches to offer their athletes rTMS sessions appropriately integrated with training. In fact, alternating attention is a mental flexibility that enables people to change their point of focus and switch between tasks requiring various levels of cognition.

Comparative Evaluation of a Low-Carbohydrate Diet and a Mediterranean Diet in Overweight/Obese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A 16-Week Intervention Study.

INTRODUCTION: The worldwide prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity has been steadily increasing over the past four decades, with projections indicating a significant rise in the number of affected individuals by 2045. Therapeutic interventions in T2DM aim to control blood glucose levels and reduce the risk of complications. Dietary and lifestyle modifications play a crucial role in the management of T2DM and obesity. While conventional medical nutritional therapy (MNT) often promotes a high-carbohydrate, low-fat Mediterranean diet as an elective treatment, low-carbohydrate diets (LCDs), specifically those restricting carbohydrate intake to less than 130 g/day, have gained popularity due to their multifaceted benefits. Scientific research supports the efficacy of LCDs in improving glycemic control, weight loss, blood pressure, lipid profiles, and overall quality of life. However, sustaining these benefits over the long term remains challenging. This trial aimed to compare the effects of a Mediterranean diet vs. a low-carbohydrate diet (carbohydrate intake < 130 g/day) on overweight/obese patients with T2DM over a 16-week period. The study will evaluate the differential effects of these diets on glycemic regulation, weight reduction, lipid profile, and cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS: The study population comprises 100 overweight/obese patients with poorly controlled T2DM. Anthropometric measurements, bioimpedance analysis, and blood chemistry assessments will be conducted at baseline and after the 16-week intervention period. Both dietary interventions were hypocaloric, with a focus on maintaining a 500 kcal/day energy deficit. RESULTS: After 16 weeks, both diets had positive effects on various parameters, including weight loss, blood pressure, glucose control, lipid profile, and renal function. However, the low-carbohydrate diet appears to result in a greater reduction in BMI, blood pressure, waist circumference, glucose levels, lipid profiles, cardiovascular risk, renal markers, and overall metabolic parameters compared to the Mediterranean diet at the 16-week follow up. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that a low-carbohydrate diet may be more effective than a Mediterranean diet in promoting weight loss and improving various metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors in overweight/obese patients with T2DM. However, it is important to note that further research is needed to understand the clinical implications and long-term sustainability of these findings.