Medicine and Pharmacology

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Immunonutrition uses dietary bioactive compounds to support immune function while preserving systemic physiological balance. Donkey milk, bovine colostrum, and royal jelly contain complementary antimicrobial, immunoglobulin-rich, and immunoregulatory components, but their combined effects remain insufficiently characterized. Methods: A 6-week controlled study was conducted in female rabbits assigned to four groups (n = 15/group): vaccinated only (G1), immunonutraceutical only (G2), vaccination plus immunonutraceutical (G3), and pre-conditioned immunonutraceutical followed by vaccination and continued supplementation (G4). Serum total immunoglobulins and lysozyme were measured longitudinally. Biochemical indices were monitored throughout the study, and hematological parameters were evaluated at the final time point. Mixed-effects models, generalized estimating equations, principal component analysis, and correlation-based systems analyses were applied. Results: Supplementation significantly modulated both humoral and innate immune responses. The strongest terminal immunoglobulin response was observed in G4 (26.00 ± 5.80 mg/mL), whereas sustained lysozyme elevation was most pronounced in supplemented groups, particularly G3 (3.13 ± 0.44 ng/mL). Within-subject analysis demonstrated significant innate–adaptive immune coherence (p = 0.000006). Biochemical analyses showed coordinated metabolic adaptation without evidence of organ toxicity, and hematological findings indicated preserved inflammatory and hematopoietic stability. Conclusions: Multi-component immunonutraceutical supplementation enhanced humoral and innate immune dynamics in a timing-dependent manner while maintaining biochemical and hematological safety. These findings support the potential of combined donkey milk, bovine colostrum, and royal jelly as functional ingredients for coordinated immune support.

Abstract: Milk was designed by evolution to provide superior nutrition for support of growth and development of mammalian young. When humans domesticated dairy cattle about 10,500 years ago, they also adopted milk for adult consumption and learned to separate and utilize its constituent parts, milk proteins whey and casein for muscle growth, milk fermentation to make kefir, yogurt, and cheese, and milkfat to make butter. Research on how consumption of these different milk products affects human health has generated much factual data and some uncertainties and controversies about the extent it can be used to improve adult human body and overall metabolic health. This is important in the context of global burden of high cardiovascular morbidity and concerns about any impact of milkfat consumption on cardiovascular (CVD) and coronary heart diseases (CHD). The first theme of this review examines the involvement of milk proteins whey and casein on skeletal muscle hypertrophy (MHT). The major contribution of resistance training (RET) to MHT is contrasted to the lesser, but still important, contribution of protein supplementation (PS) and uncertainties about the efficacy of the milk proteins relative to plant proteins, along with dose, training status, and timing of PS relative to RET in producing MHT. The exceptionally rich concentration of essential and branched-chain amino acids makes whey protein and casein highly effective but not essential for MHT which can also be achieved with higher quality plant PS and is not critically dependent on either the timing of PS, the training status, or the age of users. The second theme examines the nature and importance of milk fermentation in production of full-fat and low-fat yogurt, kefir, and cheese in terms of bacteria involved, their metabolism in the gut, their beneficial influence on the gut microbiome (GM) and on overall as well as cardiovascular health. Lastly, milkfat as influence on cardiovascular health is discussed both from the perspective of its effects on blood lipids and cardiovascular physiology, but also as a component of the complex dairy matrices. As part of a rich nutrient matrix, milk products provide benefits to cardiovascular health because of their biologically active proteins and fatty acids which exert anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, antioxidative, and other beneficial actions, despite their high fat content and level of fat saturation. Fermentation usually lowers CVD and CHD risks of full-fat milk and its products, but health benefits often are greater when their fat content is reduced. Butter does not benefit from the biological activities of the milk proteins and is not fermented, so when consumed in large quantities, the balance of cardiovascular benefits shifts toward higher CVD and CHD risk. Three knowledge gaps need to be corrected for a better understanding of health benefits of consumption of milk products. Individual nutrient components in dairy food matrices need to be measured and recognized. Their identity needs to be linked to a better understanding of how they influence atherogenic lipoproteins and protein synthesis. And maximal consumption limits need to be defined for full-fat milk products to assure the benefits that their biologically active components offer, but also to reduce their detrimental effects on cardiovascular risk factors. Overall, as a food category, milk products justify acceptance as a healthy natural source of nutrition that was evolutionarily designed to support early growth and development of mammalian young but need to be prudently implemented for their lifelong consumption in adulthood.

Abstract: Background: MASLD has a prevalence of almost one-third in adults worldwide and is not currently treated pharmacologically with a first-line therapy. Lifestyle change is still the foundation of management, however, the relative effectiveness of various behavioral and dietary intervention approaches is poorly defined in both metabolic and psychobehavioral outcome areas. Objective: We compared four classes of interventions, behavioral motivation support (BMS), biomarker-guided personalized diet management (BPDM), general diet education (GDE), and prescribed diet models (PDM) against usual care (UC) in patients with MASLD using network meta-analysis (NMA). Methods: Six electronic databases and two trial registerswere searched through 31 March 2026. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in adults with MASLD/NAFLD; risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane ROB 2 tool, and evidence certainty was graded using the CINeMA-informed GRADE framework. A frequentist random-effects NMA was conducted using the R package netmeta; interventions were ranked by P-scores. Results: Fourteen RCTs (n = 1,805; published 2016–2026) were included. BMS showed the largest ALT reduction (MD −15.63 U/L, 95% CI −27.56 to −3.69; P-score 0.89) and ranked highest for dietary behavior and self-efficacy outcomes. BPDM ranked first for BMI (MD −1.84 kg/m², 95% CI −3.48 to −0.20; P-score 0.82), body weight (MD −5.80 kg; P-score 0.76), and HbA1c improvement (P-score 0.75). All certainty ratings were very low. Conclusions: These findings suggest that BMS and BPDM may target complementary outcome domains in MASLD; however, all estimates carry very low certainty, and adequately powered direct comparative trials are essential before clinical translation.

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Oxidative stress is a key pathogenic factor in gastric diseases (GDs). Nutraceuticals with antioxidant activity derived from macroalgae represent promising preventive strategies. However, Chilean macroalgae remains poorly explored in the context of GDs, particularly associated with oxidative stress. This study evaluated the antioxidant and cytoprotective properties of crude aqueous and ethanolic extracts from green, brown, and red macroalgae collected along the north-central coast of Chile. Methods: Crude extracts were prepared from green, brown, and red macroalgae and evaluated for antioxidant activity via ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP assays. Using hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress in GES-1 gastric epithelial cells, we assessed cell viability (MTS assay), intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels (time-lapse confocal microscopy), and apoptosis (active caspase-3 detection). Results: All extracts exhibited antioxidant activity; the red macroalgae Gracilaria chilensis displayed the highest flavonoid content (up to 2.236 mg QE/g dw). Notably, extracts from G. chilensis, S. gaudichaudii, and M. canaliculata preserved GES-1 cell viability under hydrogen peroxide-induced stress, outperforming green and brown species, demonstrating the superior cytoprotective capacity of red macroalgae compared to other groups. Furthermore, G. chilensis extracts significantly reduced intracellular ROS levels and attenuated ROS-induced apoptosis. Conclusions: Red macroalgae extracts, particularly G. chilensis, exhibit strong antioxidant and cytoprotective effects. Our findings demonstrate that these species outperform green and brown macroalgae, addressing a gap in knowledge regarding Chilean marine resources. These results support their potential development as nutraceuticals for the prevention of oxidative stress-related gastric diseases and highlight red macroalgae as a valuable source of bioactive compounds for diet-based preventive strategies.

Abstract: The energy balance model (EBM) has dominated human body weight regulation research for nearly a century, yet its reliance on indirect mass-to-energy conversions introduces propagated uncertainties that obscure the stoichiometric mechanisms governing tissue accretion and loss. A mass balance model (MBM), which tracks macronutrient mass flows directly in grams without intermediary energy-unit transformations, has recently been proposed as a conceptually simpler, mathematically consistent, and mechanistically faithful alternative. However, widespread adoption of the MBM has been hindered by the absence of standardized protocols, validated analytical frameworks, and practical implementation guidance. This paper fills that gap. I provide a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to MBM implementation, organized into five interdependent modules: (1) quantification of mass intake via precise food and beverage weighing with macronutrient composition analysis, (2) respiratory gas exchange measurement by indirect calorimetry for stoichiometric determination of substrate oxidation, (3) 24-hour urine and fecal collection protocols for nitrogen and carbon outflow quantification, (4) body composition assessment methods for independent validation of MBM predictions, and (5) data integration and computational workflows that produce complete daily mass balances for carbon, nitrogen, and water. The mathematical and computational framework is fully specified, including the core dynamic equation, derivation of the mass clearance coefficient, and prediction of body composition trajectories via Forbes's relationship. Translational applications are discussed, including early detection of lean tissue loss, real-time dietary monitoring, personalized protein prescription, and pharmacotherapy evaluation. By equipping researchers and clinicians with the tools necessary to adopt direct mass accounting, this paper aims to accelerate the transition from an energy-centric to a mass-centric paradigm in human metabolism research.

Abstract: Background: Vitamin D optimizes musculoskeletal function and athletic performance, yet optimal supplementation protocols remain unclear. Methods: In this double-blind RCT, 18 professional female soccer players were randomized during autum preparatory period (August-September) to receive vitamin D₃ (4000 IU/day; n=9) or placebo (n=9) for 8 weeks. Outcomes included serum 25(OH)D/1,25(OH)₂D, hematology, RAST, 5/30-m sprints, and CMJ. Results: At baseline, after summer exposure, four players had 25(OH)D ≤ 30 ng/mL, and fifteen had levels between 30–50 ng/mL; none exceeded 50 ng/mL. After eight weeks of supplementation, no significant differences were observed between groups in 25(OH)D, and metabolites (Δ25(OH)D: EG +12.4±8.2 vs. PG +3.1±6.5 ng/mL; p=0.12), perfomance, or morphology. Training improved RAST (p=0.001) and 30-m sprint (p=0.005). Conclu-sions: Vitamin D₃ supplementation at 4000 IU/day for eight weeks did not significantly improve strength, speed, or CMJ performance in professional female soccer players. Persistently suboptimal vitamin D status suggests that higher doses may be required to improve anaerobic capacity. Further studies in this specific population are warranted, and higher supplementation doses, as observed in studies on male football players, may potentially lead to more pronounced improvements in physical performance tests.

Abstract: The role of the gut-brain axis is crucial in maintaining homeostasis and regulating neural, hormonal, and immunological activity. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of prebiotic or synbiotic on serum markers related to emotional disorders in individuals with morbid obesity in a triple-blind randomized trial. The sample consisted of 22 subjects, 16 women and 6 men, with a mean age of 41.8 ± 8.5 years and a mean BMI of 47.7 ± 6.8 kg/m². Serum BDNF concentrations decreased significantly after 30 days of prebiotic supplementation (p=0.017), and when analyzing the difference between the evaluated moments, only this group showed a reduction in this parameter. Serum cortisol concentrations were increased in all groups between the moments evaluated, being statistically significant in the synbiotic supplemented group (p=0.028). Serum TNF-α concentrations increased significantly after 30 days of prebiotic supplementation when compared to the baseline of the group itself (p=0.035): however, this variation did not promote significant difference between the groups evaluated after 30 days of supplementation. The results suggest that low grade chronic inflammatory state may be related to neuroendocrine changes present in emotional disorders, but studies with greater sampling power and correlations with clinical findings are necessary to strengthen this evidence.

Abstract: Dietary emulsifiers, common in processed and ultra-processed foods, improve food texture and shelf-life but may affect gut health by interacting with the microbiota and intestinal barrier. While emulsifiers have long been considered safe, growing evi-dence links their presence in ultra-processed foods to chronic disease risk. This review aims to evaluate the current understanding of the factors and mechanisms underlying individual differences in intestinal mucosal susceptibility to dietary emulsifiers. A search of PubMed and Embase through February 2026 identified eight relevant studies. Overall, the available evidence indicates a heterogeneous and highly individ-ualized host response to dietary emulsifiers. These differences appear to be strongly in-fluenced by the gut microbiota and its functional properties, while animal studies fur-ther suggest that host factors such as sex-related differences in microbial composition may also contribute to variability in response. Importantly, not all emulsifiers have the same effects, underscoring compound-specific impacts on gut physiology. The findings demonstrate that sensitivity to dietary emulsifiers varies substantially between individuals, challenging the long-standing assumption that these additives are universally safe. Given the multifactorial nature of this susceptibility, particularly the role of the gut microbiota, future research should adopt an integrative approach that combines microbial profiling with host genetics, immune responses, and early-life exposures. Such efforts will be essential to identify at-risk individuals and to inform more personalized dietary recommendations aimed at preserving intestinal health and reducing disease risk. Importantly, there is a clear need for larger, well-powered studies that can validate and expand upon these initial observations.

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Disease-related malnutrition is highly prevalent in oncology and is associated with poor clinical outcomes. Early detection through nutritional screening is essential; however, the optimal screening tool for ambulatory cancer patients remains uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate the agreement and diagnostic performance of the Malnutrition Screening Tool (MST) and NUTRISCORE compared with the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria in a large nationwide cohort of ambulatory cancer patients. Methods: In this multicenter, observational, cross-sectional nationwide study, adult patients attending oncology day hospitals for intravenous antineoplastic treatment between April and November 2021 were included. Nutritional risk was assessed using MST (cut-off ≥ 2) and NUTRISCORE (cut-off ≥ 5). Malnutrition was diagnosed according to GLIM criteria. Agreement between tools was assessed with Cohen’s kappa, and diagnostic performance was evaluated by sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value. Analyses were stratified by tumor nutritional risk and cancer stage. Results: Among 4440 patients from 86 hospitals, 50.7% met the GLIM criteria for malnutrition; 72.5% had moderate and 27.5% severe malnutrition. MST identified 37.5% of patients as being at nutritional risk, compared with 17.3% identified by NUTRISCORE. Agreement between MST and NUTRISCORE was moderate overall (κ = 0.48; 95% CI, 0.45–0.51), but varied markedly according to tumor nutritional risk, ranging from high agreement in high-risk tumors (κ = 0.82) to low agreement in low-risk tumors (κ = 0.28). Relative to GLIM, MST was more sensitive than NUTRISCORE (0.51 vs. 0.27), whereas NUTRISCORE was more specific (0.92 vs. 0.76) and had a higher positive predictive value (0.77 vs. 0.68). Negative predictive value was low for both tools. Conclusions: GLIM-defined malnutrition was highly prevalent in this large cohort of ambulatory patients with cancer. MST provided greater case detection, whereas NUTRISCORE showed a more conservative profile with higher specificity but substantially lower sensitivity. These findings suggest that the choice of screening tool should consider clinical context and tumor-related nutritional risk, and that neither instrument alone reliably excludes malnutrition in outpatient oncology settings.

Abstract: Background: Obesity arises from complex interactions beyond energy imbalance, with the gut microbiome increasingly recognised as a key modulator of metabolic function in obesity. This narrative review examines microbiome-targeted interventions for obesity prevention and treatment. Objective: To synthesise evidence on diet, exercise, biotics (pre/pro/post/synbiotics) and faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) as modulators of gut microbiota composition and function to improve body composition and metabolic health. Methods: A structured literature search of PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science (2015–2026) informed this narrative review, focusing on studies evaluating the role of the gut microbiome in obesity and the impact of microbiome-targeted interventions. Randomised controlled trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses and key observational and preclinical studies were prioritised. Evidence was synthesised narratively. Results: Microbiome-targeted interventions including dietary modification, physical activity and biotic therapies demonstrate modest and variable effects on adiposity but may improve metabolic outcomes through mechanisms involving short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), inflammation and gut barrier function. High-fibre diets (e.g., resistant starch, Mediterranean) consistently enhance SCFA-producing taxa and reduce fat mass. Exercise induces modest microbiome shifts favouring beneficial bacteria such as Akkermansia / Bifidobacterium. Biotics (Lactobacillus / Bifidobacterium strains) yield small-moderate reductions in BMI / fat mass with next-generation strains (A. muciniphila, F. prausnitzii) showing promise in preclinical / human pilots. Evidence for FMT in obesity remains limited and inconsistent in humans. Mechanisms converge on energy harvesting, barrier integrity, endotoxemia reduction and GLP-1 / bile signalling. Conclusions: Microbiome modulation appears to complement lifestyle and therapeutic interventions but translation into clinical practice requires strain-specific, well-designed randomised controlled trials and longitudinal data. Personalised multiomics approaches offer future potential.

Abstract: Oxidative stress is an important component of cancer biology with an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant defense systems. Excess ROS can cause molecular damage and genomic instability. At the same time, ROS signaling remains necessary for normal cellular function. Redox homeostasis is of particular importance in this balance. The role of dietary antioxidants in cancer prevention is complex, depending on the biological context. This narrative review used preclinical and clinical studies to synthetize the current literature. We performed an extensive literature search of Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed. We focused on articles published between 2021 and 2026. Dietary antioxidants influence redox biology in cancer. It focuses on major redox-sensitive pathways, including Nrf2-Keap1-ARE signaling, AMPK-mTOR regulation, NF-κB-mediated inflammation, mitochondrial quality control (autophagy and mitophagy), and inflammasome activation. These pathways involved in tumor initiation and progression link oxidative stress to metabolic and inflammatory processes. Current evidence suggests that dietary antioxidants act primarly by supporting endogenous defense systems. This may help explain the “antioxidant paradox,” in which antioxidant-rich dietary patterns are associated with a lower risk of cancer. In some studies, high-dose supplementation with isolated antioxidants has produced inconsistent or sometimes adverse results. These effects depend on dose, chemical form, metabolic context, and initial redox state. The gut microbiota is also an important mediator of antioxidant bioactivity. The gut microbiota modulates systemic redox balance by converting dietary polyphenols into bioactive metabolites, not acting only as simple scavengers. This contributes to inter-individual variability. Dietary antioxidants act as modulators of redox signaling. Personalized redox modulation may guide future cancer prevention strategies, emphasizing whole-diet approaches and biomarkers.

Abstract: Background: Muscle function determines overall health and is often impaired in metabolic syndrome, largely due to oxidative stress and inflammation. Olive mill wastewater (OMWW) is rich in bioactive polyphenols (e.g., hydroxytyrosol, oleuperine and verbascoside) that may hinder these pro-sarcopenic mechanisms, representing a potential nutraceutical to maintain muscle health. Objective: To evaluate the effects of short-term supplementation with an OMWW-derived polyphenol extract (Oliphenolia^®, OMWW-OL) on muscle-related parameters and antioxidant biomarkers in adults at metabolic risk, while maintaining dietary habits. Methods: This exploratory, hypothesis-driven secondary analysis was based on a single-arm longitudinal pilot study assessing patients at baseline (T0), after 30 days of supplementation (T1), and 30 days post-discontinuation (T2). Anthropometry, bioelectrical impedance, and biochemical assessments were performed. Results: Supplementation was associated with modest increases in skeletal muscle mass, muscle mass percentage, and wrist, arm, and calf circumferences. Fat mass decreased progressively, while total body water percentage and hydration status improved. Ferritin levels rose at T2, alongside increases in protein thiols (PSH) and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), suggesting improved iron status and reduced oxidative stress. Body weight and BMI decreased, as expected in a dietary intervention for metabolic syndrome, while muscle health showed a tendency to improve. Conclusions: Although findings require cautious interpretation, short-term Oliphenolia^® supplementation was associated with modest but consistent directional changes across muscle-related and metabolic indicators in adults at metabolic risk. The results support hypothesis generation and the need for larger studies aimed at investigating the potential preventive role of OMWW-OL in the context of cancer-associated sarcopenia.

Abstract: The Mediterranean diet is widely recognized as one of the most robust dietary patterns for the prevention of chronic diseases, yet its health effects cannot be fully understood without considering the culinary practices and cultural contexts that shape food preparation and consumption. In this context, Mediterranean Culinary Medicine can be defined as the application of culinary medicine principles within the Mediterranean dietary model, integrating evidence-based nutrition with traditional ingredients, cooking techniques, and meal patterns. This review examines how culinary practices influence the nutritional quality, bioavailability of bioactive compounds, and overall health effects of the Mediterranean diet, with particular attention to home cooking, traditional cooking techniques, and the role of extra virgin olive oil as the primary culinary fat. We also explore the biological pathways through which culinary practices may modulate metabolic health, including inflammation, glycemic response, and gut microbiota. In addition, we discuss the potential of culinary strategies to address disease-related eating limitations, such as sensory alterations, dysphagia, malnutrition, and food allergies, by adapting textures, flavors, and preparation methods to improve food acceptability and nutritional intake. Finally, we highlight the social, cultural, and environmental dimensions of Mediterranean Culinary Medicine, emphasizing its role as a holistic and culturally grounded approach that connects gastronomy, nutrition, and healthcare, and facilitates the translation of Mediterranean dietary principles into sustainable and practical dietary behaviors.

Abstract: Background: Haptoglobin (Hp) is an acute-phase protein crucial for neutralizing oxidative damage and eliminating free hemoglobin. However, the effect of Hp polymorphism on the modulation of anthropometric, metabolic, and inflammatory aspects of obesity remains poorly elucidated. Methods: Hp genotypes, glucometabolic and cardiometabolic markers, serum CD163, and pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory markers were assessed in conveniently recruited participants with overweight and obesity of the same racial and ethnic backgrounds. Results: A total of 114 participants (75 males, 39 females; mean age 37.32 ± 11.8 years) with overweight or obesity (BMI = 30.41 ± 5.09 kg/m2) were recruited. Participants with Hp2-1 and Hp2-2 genotypes showed significantly higher (P < 0.05) levels of insulin resistance, total cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglycerides than those with the Hp1-1 genotype. In contrast, participants with the Hp1-1 genotype had substantially higher (P < 0.05) serum Hp levels than those with the Hp2-2 genotype. Furthermore, participants with the Hp2-1 genotype expressed significantly higher (P < 0.05) levels of IL-6 and IL-10 than their counterparts with the Hp2-2 genotype. No significant differences were found in anthropometric measures, IGF-1, insulin sensitivity, HDL-C, CD163, and TNF-α. Conclusion: Hp polymorphism is remarkably associated with distinct metabolic and glucoregulatory aspects in individuals with overweight and obesity, with Hp2-1 and Hp2-2 genotypes associated with higher glucometabolic and cardiometabolic risks. The Hp genotype might serve as a predictive marker for diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Further research is warranted on the clinical implications of Hp genotyping.

Abstract:

Background: Arterial stiffness is a key marker of vascular aging and an independent predictor of cardiovascular risk. Although diet has been proposed as an important modifiable factor influencing vascular health, the independent associations between specific macro- and micronutrients and the progression of arterial stiffness remain insufficiently characterized. Objective: To evaluate the association between dietary macronutrient and micronutrient intake and changes in arterial stiffness over a five-year follow-up in adults without previous cardiovascular disease. Methods: This longitudinal study included 466 participants from the EVA study who were evaluated at baseline and after a five-year follow-up (mean age 55.96 ± 14.15 years; 51.1% women). Arterial stiffnes was assessed using carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and the cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI). Dietary intake of macronutrients and micronutrients was estimated using the EVIDENT smartphone application. Multivariable linear regression models were used to examine the association between nutrient intake and arterial stiffness progression. Model 1 was adjusted for age and sex, and Model 2 was additionally adjusted for lifestyle variables and cardiovascular risk factors. Results: Higher dietary fiber intake was independently associated with a lower increment in cfPWV after full adjustment (β = −0.025; 95% CI: −0.046 to −0.005). Alcohol intake showed a positive association with CAVI increment in the fully adjusted model (β = 0.020; 95% CI: 0.006 to 0.034). Iron intake was also independently associated with increased CAVI (β = 0.022; 95% CI: 0.004 to 0.041). Carbohydrate intake showed a small positive association with CAVI, whereas no consistent independent associations were observed for other macro- or micronutrients. Conclusions: In this adult population without previous cardiovascular disease, higher dietary fiber intake was associated with lower progression of central arterial stiffness, whereas alcohol and iron intake showed positive associations with peripheral arterial stiffness. Overall, most nutrients were not independently related to arterial stiffness after comprehensive adjustment. These findings suggest that selected dietary components may contribute modestly to vascular aging.

Abstract: Background: Chrononutrition is essential for metabolic health, but relevant evidence in Chinese sports-majoring college students is still insufficient. This study aimed to identify chrononutrition patterns and their associations with body composition and resting metabolic rate (RMR) in sports-majoring college students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in 133 valid participants (70% sports-majoring, 30% non-sports-majoring) from Beijing Sport University. Chrononutrition was measured by a validated questionnaire, body composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and RMR by indirect calorimetry. Associations were analyzed using Pearson/Spearman correlations and sex/age-adjusted multiple linear regressions with Bonferroni correction. Results: Frequent night eating was positively correlated with BMI (r = 0.27, P = 0.001), and regular breakfast consumption was related to higher muscle mass percentage (β = 0.23, P < 0.01, sr² = 0.05). Chrononutrition showed stronger associations with body composition than with absolute RMR. Sports-majoring students had longer weekday eating windows (11.2 ± 2.8 h vs. 8.5 ± 2.5 h, P < 0.001) and higher dinner energy proportion (37.2 ± 6.9% vs. 30.5 ± 6.5%, P < 0.001) as adaptive responses to training. Males had later meal times and longer eating windows than females. Conclusion: Chrononutrition is closely associated with body composition in sports-majoring college students. Regular breakfast and reduced night eating are potential intervention targets. These findings are only applicable to sports-majoring students and cannot be generalized to the general college population.

Abstract: Background. Intermittent fasting (IF) produces consistent metabolic benefits across diverse clinical populations. Paradoxically, antioxidant supplementation — widely co-prescribed with IF protocols — has repeatedly failed to replicate or augment these benefits in randomized controlled trials, and has in several instances attenuated them. Objective. This review examines whether the conventional “oxidative stress / hormetic defense” framework adequately explains the molecular mechanisms of IF, and proposes an integrative model — the Functional Redox Coupling (FRC) framework — grounded in three decades of converging evidence from redox biology. Synthesis. Drawing on the foundational work of Sies, Jones, Ristow, Chandel, and Halliwell, we argue that diffusible reactive species (DRS) generated during fasting serve as obligatory coupling agents mitochondrial bioenergetics and metabolic signaling — not merely as stressors to be neutralized. Within this framework, exogenous antioxidant supplementation during fasting windows may interfere with functional redox transduction, thereby blunting the adaptive response. Clinical Implications. We propose evidence-based guidance on antioxidant timing relative to fasting windows, identify molecular classes of particular concern (tocopherols, ascorbic acid, N-acetylcysteine), examine organ-level physiology in liver, pancreas, and brain, compare 16:8 and 5:2 protocols for T2D prevention, and address the structural economic and institutional impediments to translation of IF evidence into clinical practice.

Abstract: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease of autoimmune background and unknown etiology. The importance of genetic factors in the RA development is well established. Environmental factors have also been extensively researched in relation to risk of RA and managing its symptoms. Smoking, physical activity, diet and gut microbiota are considered to be the most essential modifiable factors in RA. Among dietary interventions the most researched is Mediterranean diet, monounsaturated fatty acids, fish consumption and fish oil (EPA, eicosapentaenoic acid and DHA, docosahexaenoic acid). Others concerned gluten-free and vegan or vegetarian diet, salt intake, supplementation with vitamin D, antioxidants, prebiotics and probiotics. Diet modifications can alter the gut environment and the association between RA development or severity and composition of gut bacteria has already been shown. This review focuses on effectiveness and usefulness of various dietary approaches and supplements in RA prevention and management, including influence on disease activity and inflammatory status. Composition of gut microbiota and its changes in response to dietary factors are also considered. There is a great need for further research into mutual dependencies of diet, microbiome and RA activity. The current state of knowledge provides promising evidence for future nutrition and microbial therapies.

Abstract: Consumption of Sechium edule var. nigrum spinosum has been shown to have hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects remain unknown, with the sirtuin-mediated signaling cascade among the possible mechanisms, as sirtuins regulate glucose metabolism and respond to various stressors. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Sechium edule on the gene expression of the sirtuin family (SIRT1-SIRT6) in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A quasi-experimental study was conducted with a convenience sample of 26 older adults diagnosed with T2DM: (i) placebo group (PG; n=12); (ii) experimental group (EG; n=14). Clinical, biochemical, and anthropometric measurements were performed, and total oxidant/antioxidant capacity (TOS/TAS) and mRNA expression of genes encoding sirtuins were determined. All parameters were measured at baseline, three months, and six months after the intervention. In the EG, gene expression levels of SIRT1, SIRT3, SIRT5, and SIRT6 increased by 52%, 69%, 62%, and 69%, respectively, six months after treatment. A 50% decrease in TOS and a 44% increase in TAS were also observed. Our findings suggest that the bioactive components of Sechium edule enhance sirtuin expression and exhibit antioxidant effects in older adults with T2DM.

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Human milk composition is shaped by gestational age at de-livery and stage of lactation; however, proteomic differences between milk from mothers of preterm and term infants and their temporal patterns remain incompletely characterised. Methods: This prospective study enrolled 40 lactating mothers: 20 who delivered preterm infants (< 32 weeks’ gestation) and 20 who delivered at term (37–42 weeks). Each provided milk samples during first 10 days postpartum and at the fifth week. Milk serum was analysed using quantitative data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry. Differential protein abundance was assessed separately at each time point; functional annotation was performed using Gene Ontology biological process analysis. Results: Eighty samples were analysed. During early lactation, 10 proteins differed significantly, most showing lower abundance in preterm milk. At week five, 19 pro-teins were differentially abundant, predominantly higher in preterm samples. Im-mune-related proteins constituted the largest functional category at both stages. Im-munoglobulin heavy constant gamma 4 remained consistently downregulated in pre-term milk (fold change −1.6). Ferritin heavy chain (1.5) and HLA class II histocompati-bility antigen gamma chain (1.8) were elevated only early, whereas calprotectin subu-nits S100A8 (5.6) and S100A9 (5.2) were markedly upregulated later. Conclusions: Proteomic differences vary across lactation stages, identifying lactation timing as a critical contextual factor in comparative human milk proteome studies.