An Increase in Food Insecurity Correlated with an Increase in Plasma Triglycerides among Latinx Children.

BACKGROUND: Food insecurity and metabolic diseases both disproportionately affect Hispanic children. Cross-sectional studies have linked food insecurity with adverse cardiometabolic markers, including elevated plasma triglycerides and glucose concentrations. However, the association between changes in food insecurity and changes in cardiometabolic markers in children remains to be explored. Furthermore, few studies have assessed the impact of school-based nutrition interventions on household food insecurity. OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study are to assess the effect of the TX Sprouts intervention on household food insecurity and to examine the association between changes in household food insecurity and changes in cardiometabolic markers over 1 academic year. METHODS: This secondary analysis used data from TX Sprouts, a cluster-randomized school-based gardening, cooking, and nutrition trial. The study enrolled 3rd-5th-grade students from 16 schools that served primarily (>50%) Hispanic families with low income in Austin, TX. Participants (n = 619) provided household food insecurity data and fasting lipid panels at both baseline and postintervention, ∼9 mo following. RESULTS: There was no intervention effect on household food insecurity. Independent of the intervention, a 1-point increase in food insecurity, indicative of becoming more food insecure, was associated with a 2.61 mg/dL increase in triglycerides (P = 0.001; 95% CI: 1.04, 4.19) at follow-up. Children who were food insecure at baseline and became food secure at follow-up had a mean 5.05 mg/dL decrease in triglycerides compared with a 7.50 mg/dL increase in triglycerides in children who remained food insecure throughout (95% CI: -23.40, -1.71, P = 0.023). There were no other associations between changes in food insecurity and cardiometabolic markers. CONCLUSION: Although the intervention did not improve food insecurity, reductions in food insecurity over 9 mo were associated with improved cardiometabolic markers in high-risk children, emphasizing the need for interventions targeting food insecurity. The study is registered at clinicaltrials.gov under NCT02668744 (https://classic. CLINICALTRIALS: gov/ct2/show/NCT02668744).

Vitamin D status of 3-year-old children in Denmark: determinants and associations with bone mineralisation and blood lipids.

PURPOSE: Low vitamin D status is a global problem and has been associated with reduced skeletal and cardiometabolic health. However, evidence in young children is lacking. We, therefore, aimed to characterise vitamin D status in toddlers, identify its determinants, and explore if vitamin D status was associated with bone mineralisation and lipid profile. METHODS: We used cross-sectional data from 3-year-old children (n = 323) living in Denmark (latitude: 55°N). Bone mineralisation (n = 108) was measured by DXA. Blood samples were analysed for serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (s-25(OH)D) by LC-MS/MS, triacylglycerol, and total, low- and high density lipoprotein cholesterol. RESULTS: Mean ± SD s-25(OH)D was 69 ± 23 nmol/L, but varied with season. During winter, 38% had inadequate s-25(OH)D (< 50 nmol), whereof 15% had deficiency (< 30 nmol/L); these numbers were only 7 and 1% during summer. In terms of status determinants, supplement use (66% were users) was associated with s-25(OH)D (P < 0.001), whereas dietary vitamin D intake (median [25-75th percentile] of 1.3 [0.9-1.9] µg/d), sex, parental education, BMI, and physical activity were not. There were no associations between s-25(OH)D and blood lipids or bone measurements, using either unadjusted or adjusted regression models. CONCLUSION: More than 1/3 of Danish toddlers had inadequate vitamin D intake during winter, but acceptable mean vitamin D status. In addition to season, supplement use was the main determinant of vitamin D status, which was, however, not associated with bone mineralisation or lipid profile. The results support recommendations of vitamin D supplements during winter at northern latitudes, but potential health effects need further investigation.

Metabolically healthy obesity: is there a link with polyunsaturated fatty acid intake and status?

The aim of this study was to compare dietary intake and status of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in plasma and erythrocyte phospholipids metabolically healthy and unhealthy, and obese and nonobese persons. Metabolic health status in 171 participants was defined according to criteria for metabolic syndrome. Obese and nonobese metabolically unhealthy persons (MUHO and MUHNO) had higher energy intake of n-6 PUFA (7.82 ± 1.03 and 7.49 ± 0.86) and lower intake of n-3 PUFA (0.60 ± 0.12 and 0.62 ± 0.11) compared to obese and nonobese metabolically healthy persons (MHO and MHNO) (5.92 ± 0.63 and 5.72 ± 0.67; 1.20 ± 0.07 and 1.22 ± 0.09, respectively) and a higher n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio. The plasma level of n-6 PUFA was lower in the MUHO and MUHNO groups (38.49 ± 3.71 and 38.53 ± 2.19) compared to MHNO (40.90 ± 2.43), while n-3 PUFA status was lower in obese than in nonobese persons (3.58 ± 0.79 and 3.50 ± 1.02 vs. 4.21 ± 0.80 and 4.06 ± 1.15). The MHO group had a higher eicosapentaenoic/arachidonic acid ratio and estimated desaturase (SCD16, D6D) and elongase activity in plasma phospholipids compared to MHNO. The low intake of n-3 PUFA is directly associated with metabolic risk factors. These results indicated that obesity is closely associated with low levels of n-3 PUFA in plasma phospholipids, suggesting that dietary modifications including n-3 PUFA supplementation appear to be suitable therapeutic strategy in obese persons.

Effects of orthodox religious fasting versus combined energy and time restricted eating on body weight, lipid concentrations and glycaemic profile.

For seven weeks, 37 overweight adults followed a hypocaloric diet based on Orthodox Fasting (OF). A hypocaloric, time restricted eating (TRE) plan (eating between 08:00 to 16:00 h, water fasting from 16:00 to 08:00 h) was followed by 23 Body Mass Index (BMI)-matched participants. Anthropometric, glycaemic and inflammation markers and serum lipids were assessed before and after the diets. Both OF and TRE groups demonstrated reductions in BMI (28.54 ± 5.45 vs 27.20 ± 5.10 kg/m2, p < 0.001 and 26.40 ± 4.11 vs 25.81 ± 3.78 kg/m2 p = 0.001, respectively). Following the intervention, the OF group presented lower concentrations of total and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, compared with the pre-fasting values (178.40 ± 34.14 vs 197.17 ± 34.30 mg/dl, p < 0.001 and 105.89 ± 28.08 vs 122.37 ± 29.70 mg/dl, p < 0.001, respectively). Neither group manifested significant differences in glycaemic and inflammatory parameters. Our findings suggest that OF has superior lipid lowering effects than the TRE pattern.

Maternal cardiometabolic markers are associated with fetal growth: a secondary exploratory analysis of the LIMIT randomised trial.

BACKGROUND: To determine the association between maternal cardiometabolic and inflammatory markers with measures of fetal biometry and adiposity. METHODS: Women included in this exploratory analysis were randomised to the 'Standard Care' group (N = 911) from the LIMIT randomised trial involving a total of 2212 pregnant women who were overweight or obese (ACTRN12607000161426, Date of registration 9/03/2007, prospectively registered). Fetal biometry including abdominal circumference (AC), estimated fetal weight (EFW), and adiposity measurements (mid-thigh fat mass, subscapular fat mass, abdominal fat mass) were obtained from ultrasound assessments at 28 and 36 weeks' gestation. Maternal markers included C reactive protein (CRP), leptin and adiponectin concentrations, measured at 28 and 36 weeks' gestation and fasting triglycerides and glucose concentrations measured at 28 weeks' gestation. RESULTS: There were negative associations identified between maternal serum adiponectin and fetal ultrasound markers of biometry and adiposity. After adjusting for confounders, a 1-unit increase in log Adiponectin was associated with a reduction in the mean AC z score [- 0.21 (- 0.35, - 0.07), P = 0.004] and EFW [- 0.23 (- 0.37, - 0.10), P < 0.001] at 28 weeks gestation. Similarly, a 1-unit increase in log Adiponectin was association with a reduction in the mean AC z score [- 0.30 (- 0.46, - 0.13), P < 0.001] and EFW [- 0.24 (- 0.38, - 0.10), P < 0.001] at 36 weeks gestation. There were no consistent associations between maternal cardiometabolic and inflammatory markers with measurements of fetal adiposity. CONCLUSION: Adiponectin concentrations are associated with measures of fetal growth. Our findings contribute to further understanding of fetal growth in the setting of women who are overweight or obesity.

Cardiovascular Disease and Hair Cortisol: a Novel Biomarker of Chronic Stress.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review focuses on the concentration of cortisol in human hair as a biomarker of chronic stress in cardiovascular disease (CVD). We outline the cardiovascular consequences of cortisol excess and provide a comprehensive overview of recent studies investigating the relationship of hair cortisol with CVD. In addition, clinical implications and limitations of the evidence are discussed, together with directions for future research. RECENT FINDINGS: Hair cortisol may be a reliable biomarker of chronic stress since it provides quantification of total cortisol secreted into hair over several weeks. A growing body of evidence suggests that elevated hair cortisol levels are associated with both the incidence of CVD and poorer recovery and treatment outcomes. Moreover, increased hair cortisol concentration has been linked with established cardiometabolic risk factors for CVD including high blood pressure, diabetes, and adiposity. Hair cortisol is a promising biomarker of chronic cortisol excess which may contribute to both the pathogenesis and prognosis of CVD. However, the current evidence relies on small-scale cross-sectional studies. Further research adopting longitudinal designs across larger samples of CVD patients and healthy participants is required to inform the development of novel evidence-based interventions.

The effect of an antenatal lifestyle intervention in overweight and obese women on circulating cardiometabolic and inflammatory biomarkers: secondary analyses from the LIMIT randomised trial.

BACKGROUND: Maternal overweight and obesity during pregnancy is associated with insulin resistance, hyperglycaemia, hyperlipidaemia and a low-grade state of chronic inflammation. The aim of this pre-specified analysis of secondary outcome measures was to evaluate the effect of providing antenatal dietary and lifestyle advice on cardiometabolic and inflammatory biomarkers. METHODS: We conducted a multicentre trial in which pregnant women who were overweight or obese were randomised to receive either Lifestyle Advice or Standard Care. We report a range of pre-specified secondary maternal and newborn cardiometabolic and inflammatory biomarker outcomes. Maternal whole venous blood was collected at trial entry (mean 14 weeks gestation; non-fasting), at 28 weeks gestation (fasting), and at 36 weeks gestation (non-fasting). Cord blood was collected after birth and prior to the delivery of the placenta. A range of cardiometabolic and inflammatory markers were analysed (total cholesterol, triglycerides, non-esterified fatty acids, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, insulin, glucose, leptin, adiponectin, C-reactive protein, granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor, interferon gamma, TNF-α, and interleukins 1ß, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 10). Participants were analysed in the groups to which they were randomised, and were included in the analyses if they had a measure at any time point. RESULTS: One or more biological specimens were available from 1951 women (989 Lifestyle Advice and 962 Standard Care), with cord blood from 1174 infants (596 Lifestyle Advice and 578 Standard Care). There were no statistically significant differences in mean cardiometabolic and inflammatory marker concentrations across pregnancy and in infant cord blood between treatment groups. Estimated treatment group differences were close to zero, with 95% confidence intervals spanning a range of differences that were short of clinical relevance. There was no evidence to suggest that the intervention effect was modified by maternal BMI category. CONCLUSIONS: Despite our findings, it will be worth considering potential relationships between cardiometabolic and inflammatory markers and clinical outcomes, including longer-term infant health and adiposity. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ( ACTRN12607000161426 ; Date Registered 09/03/2007).

Pubertal Timing and Cardiometabolic Markers at Age 16 Years.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between pubertal timing and cardiometabolic markers among adolescents. STUDY DESIGN: We used data from Dutch adolescents participating in a birth cohort study. The study population for the current study consisted of 799 adolescents of whom data were available for at least 1 of the exposure variables (pubertal timing and/or age at menarche) and any of the cardiometabolic markers (waist circumference, cholesterol, blood pressure [BP], glycated hemoglobin) measured at age 16 years. Adolescents self-reported pubertal development at ages 11, 14, and 16 years. We categorized participants with early (84 girls, 88 boys), intermediate (240 girls, 211 boys), or late pubertal timing (89 girls, 85 boys). We estimated differences in cardiometabolic markers using linear regression analysis. RESULTS: Girls with early pubertal timing had 1.54 cm larger waist circumference (95% CI .05; 3.03) and 3.98 mm Hg higher systolic BP (95% CI 1.69; 6.27) at age 16 years than girls with intermediate pubertal timing. The association with systolic BP remained after adjusting for childhood body mass index (BMI) (age 8 years) but attenuated after adjusting for BMI in adolescence (age 16 years). Boys with early pubertal timing had 0.79 mmol/mol lower glycated hemoglobin (95%CI -1.38; -0.20) than boys with intermediate pubertal timing. CONCLUSIONS: Girls with early pubertal timing had unfavorable BP levels at age 16 years, independent of BMI in childhood. Girls and boys with late pubertal timing had a tendency for lower waist circumference, but no differences in other cardiometabolic markers. Late pubertal timing does not appear to be a risk factor for unfavorable cardiometabolic markers in adolescence.

Zinc status, dietary zinc intake and metabolic risk in Australian children and adolescents; Nepean Longitudinal Study.

PURPOSE: Zinc is essential for normal growth and metabolism. We aimed to characterise the total and bioavailable dietary zinc intake and plasma zinc concentrations in healthy children, longitudinally, and to examine the association between plasma zinc concentrations, dietary zinc intake and cardiometabolic markers in the same cohort. METHODS: A secondary data analysis of a prospective cohort study, the Nepean Longitudinal Study, which followed an Australian birth cohort at ages 8 (n = 436) and 15 years (n = 290) collecting dietary, anthropometry and biochemistry data (plasma zinc, fasting glucose, insulin and lipid profile). Diet was assessed by a 3-day food record and a food frequency questionnaire at 8 and 15 years, respectively. Zinc bioavailability was determined by the phytate/zinc molar ratio. RESULTS: At 8 years, the median zinc intake was 7.84 mg (interquartile range 6.57-9.35) for boys and 7.06 mg (5.98-8.30) for girls. Three of 345 children reported inadequate absorbable zinc intake, and none reported inadequate total zinc intake. At 15 years, median zinc intake was 11.8 mg (9.41-14.8) for boys and 8.54 mg (6.76-10.7) for girls. The prevalence of inadequate intakes of absorbable zinc and total zinc was 19 and 29 %, respectively. Plasma zinc concentration was not correlated with dietary zinc intake, adiposity nor lipids at either time point, but it was inversely correlated with fasting glucose at 8 year and with insulin at 15 years. CONCLUSIONS: Australian children had an overall adequate zinc status. However, adolescents who reported suboptimal dietary zinc intakes were more likely to have raised insulin concentrations.

Time in bed, sleep quality and associations with cardiometabolic markers in children: the Prevention and Incidence of Asthma and Mite Allergy birth cohort study.

We investigated associations of time in bed and multiple sleep quality characteristics with cardiometabolic markers in children. Data from the prevention and incidence of asthma and mite allergy study, a population-based prospective birth-cohort study started in 1996-1997 in the Netherlands, were analysed. In total 1481 children aged 11-12 years completed a questionnaire (including questions on sleep) and underwent a medical examination. We measured body mass index, waist circumference, total- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, blood pressure and glycated haemoglobin. Results showed that in girls, some sleep characteristics were related to anthropometrics (body mass index, waist circumference) and cholesterol. Girls who had a long time in bed (11-12.5 h) had 0.16 lower body mass index z-score (95% confidence interval -0.31; -0.01) and 0.99 cm smaller waist circumference (95% confidence interval -2.01; -0.13) compared with girls who spent 10-10.5 h in bed. Girls who went to bed late and rose early had 0.16 mm higher total cholesterol (95% confidence interval 0.01; 0.31) and 0.08 mm higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (95% confidence interval 0.01; 0.14) than 'early to bed/early rise' girls. Girls with night-time awakenings had 0.14 mm higher total cholesterol (95% confidence interval 0.03; 0.25) than girls without night-time awakenings. Girls who felt sleepy/tired ≥1 day per week had 0.10 mm lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (95% confidence interval -0.16; -0.04) and 0.17 mm higher total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (95% confidence interval 0.02; 0.32) than girls who did not feel sleepy. No associations were found for boys. Sleep characteristics were not related to blood pressure and glycated haemoglobin, and effect sizes of the associations in girls were small. Therefore, we consider it premature to propose that improved sleep could reduce cardiovascular risk during childhood.

Effects of Hesperidin Supplementation on Cardiometabolic Markers: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

CONTEXT: Hesperidin is a naturally occurring bioactive compound that may influence cardiometabolic markers, but the existing evidence is inconclusive. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to further investigate the effects of hesperidin supplementation on cardiometabolic markers in adults. DATA SOURCES: A comprehensive search was conducted up to August 2023, utilizing relevant key words in databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, focusing on randomized controlled trials (RCTs). DATA EXTRACTION: RCTs that examined the impact of hesperidin on fasting blood sugar (FBS), insulin, quantitative insulin-sensitivity check index (QUICKI), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglyceride (TG), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were selected independently by 2 authors. The GRADE assessment was used to ascertain the certainty of the evidence. Results were pooled using a random-effects model as weighted mean differences and 95% CIs. DATA ANALYSIS: The results of this study demonstrate that hesperidin supplementation had a significant impact on reducing FBS, TG, TC, LDL-C, SBP, and TNF-α. However, there was no significant effect observed on insulin, HOMA-IR, QUICKI, HDL-C, DBP, and hs-CRP. The study's subgroup analyses also revealed that interventions lasting more than 12 weeks were effective in reducing FBS, TG, TC, and LDL-C. Moreover, hesperidin dosage exceeding 500 mg/day showed significance in reducing FBS, TC, and LDL-C levels. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this research suggests that hesperidin can be consumed as an effective dietary approach to enhance cardiometabolic markers. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration no. CRD42022325775.

The Association of Cardiometabolic, Diet and Lifestyle Parameters With Plasma Glucagon-like Peptide-1: An IMI DIRECT Study.

CONTEXT: The role of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity is not fully understood. OBJECTIVE: We investigate the association of cardiometabolic, diet, and lifestyle parameters on fasting and postprandial GLP-1 in people at risk of, or living with, T2D. METHODS: We analyzed cross-sectional data from the two Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI) Diabetes Research on Patient Stratification (DIRECT) cohorts, cohort 1 (n = 2127) individuals at risk of diabetes; cohort 2 (n = 789) individuals with new-onset T2D. RESULTS: Our multiple regression analysis reveals that fasting total GLP-1 is associated with an insulin-resistant phenotype and observe a strong independent relationship with male sex, increased adiposity, and liver fat, particularly in the prediabetes population. In contrast, we showed that incremental GLP-1 decreases with worsening glycemia, higher adiposity, liver fat, male sex, and reduced insulin sensitivity in the prediabetes cohort. Higher fasting total GLP-1 was associated with a low intake of wholegrain, fruit, and vegetables in people with prediabetes, and with a high intake of red meat and alcohol in people with diabetes. CONCLUSION: These studies provide novel insights into the association between fasting and incremental GLP-1, metabolic traits of diabetes and obesity, and dietary intake, and raise intriguing questions regarding the relevance of fasting GLP-1 in the pathophysiology T2D.

Cashew nut (Anacardium occidentale L.) and cashew nut oil reduce cardiovascular risk factors in adults on weight-loss treatment: a randomized controlled three-arm trial (Brazilian Nuts Study).

Introduction: Cashew nut contains bioactive compounds that modulate satiety and food intake, but its effects on body fat during energy restriction remains unknown. This study aimed to assess the effects of cashew nut and cashew nut oil on body fat (primary outcome) as well as adiposity, cardiometabolic and liver function markers (secondary outcomes). Materials and methods: An eight-week (8-wk) randomized controlled-feeding study involved 68 adults with overweight/obesity (40 women, BMI: 33 ± 4 kg/m2). Participants were randomly assigned to one of the energy-restricted (-500 kcal/d) groups: control (CT, free-nuts), cashew nut (CN, 30 g/d), or cashew nut oil (OL, 30 mL/d). Body weight, body composition, and blood collection were assessed at the baseline and endpoint of the study. Results: After 8-wk, all groups reduced significantly body fat (CT: -3.1 ± 2.8 kg; CN: -3.3 ± 2.7 kg; OL: -1.8 ± 2.6 kg), body weight (CT: -4.2 ± 3.8 kg; CN: -3.9 ± 3.1 kg; OL: -3.4 ± 2.4 kg), waist (CT: -5.1 ± 4.6 cm; CN: -3.9 ± 3.9 cm; OL: -3.7 ± 5.3 cm) and hip circumferences (CT: -2.9 ± 3.0 cm; CN: -2.7 ± 3.1 cm; OL: -2.9 ± 2.3 cm). CN-group reduced liver enzymes (AST: -3.1 ± 5.3 U/L; ALT: -6.0 ± 9.9 U/L), while the OL-group reduced LDL-c (-11.5 ± 21.8 mg/dL) and atherogenic index (-0.2 ± 0.5). Both intervention groups decreased neck circumference (CN: -1.0 ± 1.2 cm; OL: -0.5 ± 1.2 cm) and apo B (CN: -6.6 ± 10.7 mg/dL; OL: -7.0 ± 15.3 mg/dL). Conclusion: After an 8-wk energy-restricted intervention, all groups reduced body fat (kg), weight, and some others adiposity indicators, with no different effect of cashew nut or cashew nut oil. However, participants in the intervention groups experienced additional reductions in atherogenic marker, liver function biomarkers, and cardiovascular risk factors (neck circumference and apo B levels), with these effects observed across the OL group, CN group, and both intervention groups, respectively.Clinical trial registration:https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-8xzkyp2, identifier 8xzkyp2.

Associations of early childhood body mass index trajectories with body composition and cardiometabolic markers at age 10 years: the Ethiopian infant anthropometry and body composition (iABC) birth cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Variability in body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2) trajectories is associated with body composition and cardiometabolic markers in early childhood, but it is unknown how these associations track to later childhood. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to assess associations of BMI trajectories from 0 to 5 y with body composition and cardiometabolic markers at 10 y. METHODS: In the Ethiopian infant anthropometry and body composition (iABC) birth cohort, we previously identified 4 distinct BMI trajectories from 0 to 5 y: stable low BMI (19.2%), normal BMI (48.8%), rapid growth to high BMI (17.9%), and slow growth to high BMI (14.1%). At 10 y, we obtained data from 320 children on anthropometry, body composition, abdominal subcutaneous and visceral fat, and cardiometabolic markers. Associations of BMI trajectories and 10-y outcomes were analyzed using multiple linear regression. RESULTS: Compared with children with the normal BMI trajectory, those with rapid growth to high BMI had 1.7 cm (95% CI: 0.1, 3.3) larger waist circumference and those with slow growth to high had 0.63 kg/m2 (95% CI: 0.09, 1.17) greater fat mass index and 0.19 cm (95% CI: 0.02, 0.37) greater abdominal subcutaneous fat, whereas those with stable low BMI had -0.28 kg/m2 (95% CI: -0.59, 0.03) lower fat-free mass at 10 y. Although the confidence bands were wide and included the null value, children with rapid growth to high BMI trajectory had 48.6% (95% CI: -1.4, 123.8) higher C-peptide concentration and those with slow growth to high BMI had 29.8% (95% CI: -0.8, 69.8) higher insulin and 30.3% (95% CI: -1.1, 71.6) higher homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, whereas those with rapid growth to high BMI had -0.23 mmol/L (95% CI: -0.47, 0.02) lower total cholesterol concentration. The trajectories were not associated with abdominal visceral fat, blood pressure, glucose, and other lipids at 10 y. CONCLUSIONS: Children with rapid and slow growth to high BMI trajectories before 5 y tend to show higher measures of adiposity and higher concentrations of markers related to glucose metabolism at 10 y. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY: ISRCTN46718296 (https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN46718296).

Correlation of AMH with Cardiometabolic Markers in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objective: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine whether there is a connection between polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)-affected women's levels of the anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and certain cardiometabolic indicators. Materials and Methods: To find pertinent recent research published between 2017 and 2023, a thorough search was done in PubMed. Studies were included if they looked into the relationship between PCOS-related women's AMH levels and cardiometabolic markers. To determine pooled effect estimates, data from the included studies were examined using random-effects models. Results: Five papers were included in the meta-analysis since they satisfied the inclusion requirements. The meta-analysis found substantial positive relationships between AMH levels and markers of insulin resistance, fasting blood sugar levels, and dyslipidemia measures such as total cholesterol (SMD: 0.68, 95% confidence interval: 0.34-1.00, P < 0.001). Conclusion: This systematic review and meta-analysis show that AMH levels in PCOS-affected women significantly positively correlate with markers of insulin resistance, fasting glucose levels, and dyslipidemia parameters. These findings imply that the pathogenesis of the cardiometabolic abnormalities seen in PCOS may include AMH. AMH may be used as a biomarker to estimate the cardiometabolic risk in PCOS-affected women, but more studies are required to determine its clinical applicability.

Prolactin in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Metabolic Effects and Therapeutic Prospects.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most prevalent endocrine and metabolic disorder in premenopausal women, characterized by hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, and polycystic ovaries. Patients frequently present comorbidities, including obesity, insulin resistance, and impaired glucose and lipid metabolism. The diverse clinical presentation may mimic various endocrine disorders, making the diagnosis challenging in some clinical circumstances. Prolactin (PRL) is a recommended biomarker in the initial diagnostic workup to rule out hyperprolactinemia (HPRL). The traditional role of PRL is linked to lactation and the reproductive system. Recent research highlights PRL's emerging role in metabolic homeostasis. PRL influences metabolism directly by interacting with the pancreas, liver, hypothalamus, and adipose tissue. Its influence on an individual's metabolism is intricately tied to its serum concentration. While deficient and very high levels of PRL can negatively affect metabolism, intermediate-normal to moderately high levels may promote metabolic health. In women with PCOS, PRL levels may be altered. Research results on different aspects of the relationship between PCOS and the impact of various levels of PRL on metabolic homeostasis are limited and inconsistent. In this narrative literature review, we comprehensively examined data on serum PRL levels in PCOS patients. We investigated the correlation between a favorable metabolic profile and serum PRL levels in this population. Furthermore, we explored the concept of beneficial PRL effects on metabolism and discussed the potential therapeutic application of dopamine agonists in PCOS treatment. Lastly, we emphasized several promising avenues for future research in this field.

The Associations of Breastfeeding Status at 6 Months with Anthropometry, Body Composition, and Cardiometabolic Markers at 5 Years in the Ethiopian Infant Anthropometry and Body Composition Birth Cohort.

(1) Background: Breastfeeding (BF) has been shown to lower the risk of overweight and cardiometabolic disease later in life. However, evidence from low-income settings remains sparse. We examined the associations of BF status at 6 months with anthropometry, body composition (BC), and cardiometabolic markers at 5 years in Ethiopian children. (2) Methods: Mother-child pairs from the iABC birth cohort were categorised into four BF groups at 6 months: 1. "Exclusive", 2. "Almost exclusive", 3. "Predominantly" and 4. "Partial or none". The associations of BF status with anthropometry, BC, and cardiometabolic markers at 5 years were examined using multiple linear regression analyses in three adjustment models. (3) Results: A total of 306 mother-child pairs were included. Compared with "Exclusive", the nonexclusive BF practices were associated with a lower BMI, blood pressure, and HDL-cholesterol at 5 years. Compared with "Exclusive", "Predominantly" and "Almost exclusive" had shorter stature of -1.7 cm (-3.3, -0.2) and -1.2 cm (-2.9, 0.5) and a lower fat-free mass index of -0.36 kg/m2 (-0.71, -0.005) and -0.38 kg/m2 (-0.76, 0.007), respectively, but a similar fat mass index. Compared with "Exclusive", "Predominantly" had higher insulin of 53% (2.01, 130.49), "Almost exclusive" had lower total and LDL-cholesterol, and "Partial or none" had a lower fat mass index. (5) Conclusions: Our data suggest that children exclusively breastfed at 6 months of age are overall larger at 5 years, with greater stature, higher fat-free mass but similar fat mass, higher HDL-cholesterol and blood pressure, and lower insulin concentrations compared with predominantly breastfed children. Long-term studies of the associations between BF and metabolic health are needed to inform policies.

Effect of camel milk on lipid profile among patients with diabetes: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression of randomized controlled trials.

The effects of camel milk (CM) intake on lipid profile among patients with diabetes remain controversial. This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aimed to calculate the effect size of CM intake on blood lipids among patients with type 1 (T1D) and type 2 (T2D) diabetes. We searched nine databases from inception until December 31, 2022, to identify relevant RCTs. Effect sizes for total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were calculated and expressed using mean differences (MD) and confidence intervals (CI). Of 4,054 retrieved articles, 10 RCTs (a total of 347 participants aged 8-70 years, 60.5% male) were eligible for inclusion. The pooled results from a random-effects model showed statistically significant decreases in TC (MD - 21.69, 95% CI: 41.05, - 2.33; p = 0.03; I2=99%), TG (MD - 19.79, 95% CI: -36.16, - 3.42; p=0.02, I2=99%), and LDL (MD -11.92, CI: -20.57, -3.26; p = 0.007, I2=88%), and a significant increase in HDL (MD 10.37, 95% CI, 1.90, 18.84; p=0.02, I2=95%) in patients with diabetes supplemented with CM compared with usual care alone. Subgroup analysis revealed that only long-term interventions (> 6 months) elicited a significant reduction in TC levels and TG levels. Consumption of fresh CM by patients with diabetes resulted in significant reductions in TC, TG, and LDL levels, while showing a significant increase in HDL levels. Patients with T1D elicited a more beneficial effect in lowering TC, LDL, and TG levels and in increasing HDL levels than their corresponding partners with T2D. In conclusion, long-term consumption of CM for patients with diabetes, especially those with T1D, could be a useful adjuvant therapy to improve lipid profile alongside prescribed medications. However, the high heterogeneity in the included studies suggests that more RCTs with larger sample sizes and longer intervention durations are required to improve the robustness of the available evidence.

Associations of weight and body composition at birth with body composition and cardiometabolic markers in children aged 10 y: the Ethiopian infant anthropometry and body composition birth cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Although birth weight (BW) has been associated with later cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, the role of birth fat mass (BFM) and birth fat-free mass (BFFM) on cardiometabolic health is unclear. OBJECTIVES: To examine associations of BW, BFM, and BFFM with later anthropometry, body composition, abdominal fat, and cardiometabolic markers. METHODS: Birth cohort data on standardized exposure variables (BW, BFM, and BFFM) and follow-up information at age 10 y on anthropometry, body composition, abdominal fat, and cardiometabolic markers were included. A linear regression analysis was used to assess associations of exposures with outcome variables, adjusting for maternal and child characteristics at birth and current body size in separate models. RESULTS: Among 353 children, mean (SD) age was 9.8 (1.0) y, and 51.5% were boys. In the fully adjusted model, 1-SD higher BW and BFFM were associated with 0.81 cm (95% CI: 0.21, 1.41 cm) and 1.25 cm (95% CI: 0.64, 1.85 cm) greater height at 10 y, respectively. The 1-SD higher BW and BFM were associated with 0.32 kg/m2 (95% CI: 0.14, 0.51 kg/m2) and 0.42 kg/m2 (95% CI: 0.25, 0.59 kg/m2) greater fat mass index at 10 y, respectively. In addition, 1-SD higher BW and BFFM were associated with 0.22 kg/m2 (95% CI: 0.09, 0.34 kg/m2) greater FFM index, whereas a 1-SD greater BFM was associated with a 0.05 cm greater subcutaneous adipose tissue (95% CI: 0.01, 0.11 cm). Furthermore, 1-SD higher BW and BFFM were associated with 10.3% (95% CI: 1.4%, 20.0%) and 8.3% (95% CI: -0.5%, 17.9%) greater insulin, respectively. Similarly, 1-SD higher BW and BFFM were associated with 10.0% (95% CI: 0.9%, 20.0%) and 8.5% (95% CI: -0.6%, 18.5%) greater homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: BW and BFFM rather than BFM are predictors of height and FFM index at 10 y. Children with higher BW and BFFM showed higher insulin concentrations and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance at 10 y of age. This trial was registered at ISRCTN as ISRCTN46718296.

Quantification of diet quality utilizing the rapid eating assessment for participants-shortened version in bipolar disorder: Implications for prospective depression and cardiometabolic studies.

OBJECTIVES: Recognizing bipolar disorder as a multi-system metabolic condition driven, in part, by binge eating behavior and atypical depressive symptoms, this study aimed to quantify diet quality and evaluate clinical correlates in a bipolar disorder cohort. METHODS: Participants from the Mayo Clinic Bipolar Disorder Biobank (n = 734) completed the Rapid Eating Assessment for Participants - Shortened version (REAP-S) to determine diet quality. The average REAP-S score for a U.S. omnivorous diet is 32 (range 13 to 39) with higher scores indicating healthier diet. Demographic variables were collected in a standardized clinical questionnaire. Depressive symptoms were assessed by the Bipolar Inventory of Symptoms Scale. Cardiometabolic variables were retrieved from the electronic health record. Associations between continuous variables and REAP-S scores (total, 'healthy foods' and 'avoidance of unhealthy foods') were assessed using linear regression. RESULTS: Overall, our sample had a mean REAP-S score of 27.6 (4.9), suggestive of a lower diet quality than the average general population in the US. There was a significant inverse relationship between mean REAP-S lower scores with increased BMI, waist circumference, disordered eating and depression. All these associations were significantly stronger in female participants. LIMITATIONS: EHR cross-sectional data. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest unhealthy diet quality in bipolar disorder is associated with depression, obesity and cardiometabolic abnormalities. Additional work is encouraged to prospectively track mood and diet quality to further understand the bidirectional relationship and clarify if dietary interventions can positively impact mood. Further delineating potential sex differences in diet quality and depression may provide greater appreciation of modifiable risk factors for future cardiometabolic burden.