bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of obesity in sarcopenia and the optimal body composition to prevent against sarcopenia and obesity
Authors: Liu Chaoran , Cheng Keith Yu-Kin , Tong Xin , Cheung Wing-Hoi , Chow Simon Kwoon-Ho , Law Sheung Wai , Wong Ronald Man Yeung 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundElderly people with low lean and high fat mass, are diagnosed with sarcopenic obesity (SO), and often have poor clinical outcomes. This study aimed to explore the relationship between obesity and sarcopenia, and the optimal proportion of fat and muscle for old individuals.MethodsParticipants aged 60 years or above were instructed to perform bioelectrical impedance analysis to obtain the muscle and fat indicators, and handgrip strength was also performed. Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to predicted appendicular skeletal muscle mass and function. Body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage (BF%) were used to define obesity. The association of muscle and fat indicators were analyzed by Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Pearson Chi-Square test was utilized to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) on the risk of sarcopenia according to obesity status.Results1637 old subjects (74.8 ± 7.8 years) participated in this study. Not only fat mass, but also muscle indicators were positively correlated to BMI and body weight (p &lt; 0.05). Absolute muscle and fat mass in different positions had positive associations (p &lt; 0.05). Muscle mass and strength were negatively related to appendicular fat mass percentage (p &lt; 0.05). When defined by BMI (OR = 0.69, 95% CI [0.56, 0.86]; p = 0.001), obesity was a protective factor for sarcopenia, whilst it was a risk factor when using BF% (OR = 1.38, 95% CI [1.13, 1.69]; p = 0.002) as the definition. The risk of sarcopenia reduced with the increase of BMI in both genders. It was increased with raised BF% in males but displayed a U-shaped curve for females. BF% 26.0–34.6% in old females and lower than 23.9% in old males are recommended for sarcopenia and obesity prevention.ConclusionSkeletal muscle mass had strong positive relationship with absolute fat mass but negative associations with the percentage of appendicular fat mass. Obesity was a risk factor of sarcopenia when defined by BF% instead of BMI. The management of BF% can accurately help elderly people prevent against both sarcopenia and obesity.
Triglycerides and leptin soluble receptor: Which one is the target to protect β-cells in patients with type 2 diabetes?
Authors: Alzamil Hana , Aldokhi Laila 
Published: March 2023

Objectivesto study the relationships of leptin and leptin SR with adiposity indices, and glycemic indices in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) compared to healthy subjects.MethodsThis cross-sectional study involved 65 patients with T2DM and 63 healthy controls. Fasting plasma levels of leptin, leptin SR, insulin and lipid profile were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent essay, basal insulin resistance and beta-cell function were assessed using the homeostasis model assessment.Resultsleptin SR level was significantly higher in T2DM patients than in controls (5.8 ± 1.6 and 4.8 ± 1.3 respectively; p= 0.001). In patients with T2DM, leptin SR was negatively correlated with homeostasis model of β-cell function and body fat mass while it has a significant positive correlation with glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c). The independent predictors for leptin SR in patients with T2DM were triglycerides (TG) and HbA1c.Conclusionselevated serum leptin SR level in patients with T2DM was positively correlated with TG and abnormal glucose metabolism which indicate that it plays a role in pathophysiology of T2DM. The association of elevated leptin SR level with high TG and deterioration of β-cell function indicate that in some individuals, particularly non-obese, dyslipidemia might be a cause rather than a complication of diabetes.
Maternal high-fat diet decreases milk endocannabinoids with sex-specific changes in the cannabinoid and dopamine signaling and food preference in rat offspring
Authors: Dias-Rocha Camilla P. , Costa Julia C. B. , Oliveira Yamara S. , Fassarella Larissa B. , Woyames Juliana , Atella Georgia C. , Santos Gustavo R. C. , Pereira Henrique M. G. , Pazos-Moura Carmen C. , Almeida Mariana M. , Trevenzoli Isis H. 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionMaternal high-fat (HF) diet during gestation and lactation programs obesity in rat offspring associated with sex-dependent and tissue-specific changes of the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS activation induces food intake and preference for fat as well as lipogenesis. We hypothesized that maternal HF diet would increase the lipid endocannabinoid levels in breast milk programming cannabinoid and dopamine signaling and food preference in rat offspring.MethodsFemale Wistar rats were assigned into two experimental groups: control group (C), which received a standard diet (10% fat), or HF group, which received a high-fat diet (29% fat) for 8 weeks before mating and during gestation and lactation. Milk samples were collected to measure endocannabinoids and fatty acids by mass spectrometry. Cannabinoid and dopamine signaling were evaluated in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) of male and female weanling offspring. C and HF offspring received C diet after weaning and food preference was assessed in adolescence.ResultsMaternal HF diet reduced the milk content of anandamide (AEA) (p&lt;0.05) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) (p&lt;0.05). In parallel, maternal HF diet increased adiposity in male (p&lt;0.05) and female offspring (p&lt;0.05) at weaning. Maternal HF diet increased cannabinoid and dopamine signaling in the NAc only in male offspring (p&lt;0.05), which was associated with higher preference for fat in adolescence (p&lt;0.05).ConclusionContrary to our hypothesis, maternal HF diet reduced AEA and 2-AG in breast milk. We speculate that decreased endocannabinoid exposure during lactation may induce sex-dependent adaptive changes of the cannabinoid-dopamine crosstalk signaling in the developing NAc, contributing to alterations in neurodevelopment and programming of preference for fat in adolescent male offspring.
Diabetes and intervertebral disc degeneration: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Jin Peihao , Xing Yonggang , Xiao Bin , Wei Yi , Yan Kai , Zhao Jingwei , Tian Wei 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionIntervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is an important contributor of low back pain, which represents one of the most disabling symptoms within the adult population. Recently, increasing evidence suggests the potential association between Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and IVDD. However, the causal relationship between these two common diseases remains unclear.MethodsWe conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to assess the causal association between T2DM and IVDD. Sensitivity analysis was performed to test for heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy. Multivariable MR was also conducted to adjust for the effect of BMI on IVDD.ResultsA total of 128 independent single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that were significantly associated with T2DM were selected as instrumental variables in univariable MR analysis. Our results showed that patients with T2DM had a higher risk of developing IVDD (OR, 1.069; 95% CI, 1.026–1.115; p = 0.002). The relationship remained stable in sensitive analysis including multivariable MR, which implicated the direct causal effect of T2DM on IVDD (OR, 1.080; 95% CI, 1.041–1.121; p &lt; 0.001) after adjusting for BMI.ConclusionsMR analysis indicated a causal effect of T2DM on IVDD, and the effect persisted even when we accounted for the impact of BMI.
Fibroblast growth factor 21 and prognosis of patients with cardiovascular disease: A meta-analysis
Authors: Yan Bing , Ma Sicong , Yan Chenghui , Han Yaling 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundThe role of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) in predicting the long-term prognosis of patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains unknown.MethodsA comprehensive search in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library was performed to identify studies reporting the association between FGF21 and prognosis among patients with CVD. A meta-analysis was performed, with patients stratified by coronary artery disease (CAD) or heart failure (HF). The endpoint of CAD or HF was major adverse cardiovascular events defined by each study and a composite of death or HF readmission, respectively. The I2 method and linear regression test of funnel plot asymmetry were used to test heterogeneity (I2 &gt; 50% indicates substantial heterogeneity) and publication bias (asymmetry P &lt; 0.05, indicating publication bias).ResultsA total of 807 records were retrieved, and nine studies were finally included. Higher FGF21 levels were significantly associated with the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with CAD (multivariate hazard ratio [HR]: 1.77, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.40–2.23, P &lt; 0.05, I2 = 0%, fixed-effect model). Increased FGF21 levels were also associated with the risk of all-cause death among patients with CAD (multivariate HR: 2.67, 95% CI: 1.25–5.72, P &lt; 0.05, I2 = 64%, random-effect model). No association was found between FGF21 and the endpoint among patients with HF (HR: 1.57, 95% CI: 0.99–2.48, P &gt; 0.05, random-effect model), but a large heterogeneity (I2 = 95%) and potential publication bias (Asymmetry P &lt; 0.05) existed in the analysis.ConclusionIncreased FGF21 levels were independently associated with poor prognosis of CAD, whereas the role of FGF21 in predicting clinical outcomes of HF requires further investigation.
Identifying the challenges and opportunities of PCOS awareness month by analysing its global digital impact
Authors: Malhotra Kashish , Pan Carina Synn Cuen , Davitadze Meri ,   Team PCOS SEva, Kempegowda Punith 
Published: March 2023

Background and objectiveAlthough significant resources are invested each September for PCOS Awareness Month campaign, there are no studies measuring its impact. We evaluated the digital impact of PCOS Awareness Month, common themes and associated topics, top influencers, and global equity of influence during the PCOS Awareness month.MethodsIn this serial cross-sectional analysis, we studied the outputs from Symplur® to study the total impressions of #PCOS on Twitter®. We tracked the hashtags—#PCOS, #PCOSawarenessmonth, #PCOSawareness—and a search query— “#PCOS OR #PCOSawarenessmonth OR #PCOSawareness”—using Sproutsocial® to study the total number of tweets related to PCOS Awareness Month. Network analysis was done using SocioViz® to identify common themes and associated topics. Using SymplurRank® machine learning algorithm, the top 10 #PCOS influencers were identified based on the number of mentions received. Google® Trends was used to study the web and news search popularity over the last 10 years beyond social media platforms.ResultsAn overall upward trend in the digital impact of PCOS awareness was noted since 2017. While the top themes associated with PCOS (insulin resistance, depression, anxiety, menopause, hormones, infertility) remained the same in 2021 and 2022, newer themes emerged in the latter year suggesting the need for ongoing review. News outlets were the most influential organisations during PCOS Awareness Month in both years of study. Seven of the top 10 users were the same in both years. Limited engagement from African, Asian, South American, and non-English speaking European countries was seen on Google Trends analysis.ConclusionActive involvement from various stakeholders of PCOS Awareness Month has shaped it into an effective strategy to raise awareness with social media playing a crucial role in amplifying the message. Our findings also provide an opportunity to understand the current perceptions and expectations amongst the public, which can influence future healthcare investment and research.
Effects of Ureaplasma urealyticum infection on semen quality and sperm morphology
Authors: Xianchun Fu , Jun Fang , Zhijun Dai , Mingyun Hong 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionUreaplasma urealyticum (U. urealyticum) infection is primarily associated with damage to male fertility through its effects on male sperm parameters. However, its effects on sperm semiological variables remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether U. urealyticum infection was associated with semen quality and sperm morphology.MethodsFrom 2019 to 2021, this cross-sectional study analyzed infective pathogens and semen variables in 1064 males (22–30 years old) recruited from our reproductive center and the general public. Routine semen parameters and normal sperm morphology rate were analyzed using methods outlined by the World Health Organization. The associations between semen quality, sperm morphology, and U. urealyticum infection were studied using general linear models.ResultsThe participants were categorized into three groups: (i) U. urealyticum infection (n=328), (ii) non-U. urealyticum infection (including males with urogenital tract infection symptoms but no U. urealyticum detected in their semen samples, n=377), and (iii) normal volunteers (males without symptoms of urogenital tract infection and no pathogens detected in semen samples, n=359). U. urealyticum in semen samples was observed to be associated with lower sperm concentrations (p&lt;0.001) and a lower ratio of anterograde motile spermatozoa (p&lt;0.001). Semen cultures positive for U. urealyticum were associated with lower normal sperm morphology (p&lt;0.001) compared to semen cultures negative for U. urealyticum.ConclusionThis study shows the importance of proper investigations for U. urealyticum during routine clinical examinations and diagnoses of males with infertility.
Trends of national and sub-national burden attributed to kidney dysfunction risk factor in Iran: 1990-2019
Authors: Nejadghaderi Seyed Aria , Saeedi Moghaddam Sahar , Keykhaei Mohammad , Shobeiri Parnian , Rezaei Negar , Rezaei Nazila ,   GBD 2019 Iran Kidney Dysfunction Collaborators, Naghavi Mohsen , Larijani Bagher , Farzadfar Farshad 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundKidney dysfunction is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease. Herein, we aimed to describe the attributable burden of kidney dysfunction at the national and sub-national levels in Iran.MethodsThe Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 data were extracted on the deaths, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), years of life lost, and years lived with disability attributed to the risk factor of kidney dysfunction by age and sex at the national and provincial levels from 1990-2019. Also, risk exposure was reported by summary exposure value (SEV) with a range of 0 to 100. The estimated values were based on a comparative risk assessment framework.ResultsIn 2019, the age-standardized death rate and age-standardized DALYs rate attributable to kidney dysfunction were 58.2 (95% uncertainty interval of 48.8-68.1) and 1127.2 (981.1-1282.7) per 100,000 population in Iran, respectively. Also, the Sistan and Baluchistan province (1729.3 [1478.3-2006.4]) and the province of Tehran (681.9 [571.4-809.8]) had the greatest and lowest age-standardized DALYs rates, respectively. Nationally, SEVs increased from 22.8 to 26.2. The age-standardized burden attributable to kidney dysfunction had a positive association with age advancement. The attributable age-standardized deaths and DALYs rates in all socio-demographic index regions decreased from 1990-2019. Also, the highest and lowest attributable age-standardized DALYs rates of kidney dysfunction came from ischemic heart disease and peripheral artery disease in 2019, respectively.ConclusionAlthough the attributed age-standardized DALYs and death rates decreased from 1990-2019, risk exposure increased and remains a crucial risk factor in Iran. Therefore, policymakers should consider preparing a preventive program that takes into account different levels of prevention of kidney dysfunction.
A standardized extract of Coleus forskohlii root protects rats from ovariectomy-induced loss of bone mass and strength, and impaired bone material by osteogenic and anti-resorptive mechanisms
Authors: Kulkarni Chirag , Sharma Shivani , Porwal Konica , Rajput Swati , Sadhukhan Sreyanko , Singh Vaishnavi , Singh Akanksha , Baranwal Sanjana , Kumar Saroj , Girme Aboli , Pandey Alka Raj , Singh Suriya Pratap , Sashidhara Koneni V. , Kumar Navin , Hingorani Lal , Chattopadhyay Naibedya 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionIn obese humans, Coleus forskohlii root extract (CF) protects against weight gain owing to the presence of forskolin, an adenylate cyclase (AC) activator. As AC increases intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels in osteoblasts that has an osteogenic effect, we thus tested the skeletal effects of a standardized CF (CFE) in rats.MethodsConcentrations of forskolin and isoforskolin were measured in CFE by HPLC. CFE and forskolin (the most abundant compound present in CFE) were studied for their osteogenic efficacy in vitro by alkaline phosphatase (ALP), cAMP and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) assays. Femur osteotomy model was used to determine the osteogenic dose of CFE. In growing rats, CFE was tested for its osteogenic effect in intact bone. In adult ovariectomized (OVX) rats, we assessed the effect of CFE on bone mass, strength and material. The effect of forskolin was assessed in vivo by measuring the expression of osteogenic genes in the calvarium of rat pups.ResultsForskolin content in CFE was 20.969%. CFE increased osteoblast differentiation and intracellular cAMP and cGMP levels in rat calvarial osteoblasts. At 25 mg/kg (half of human equivalent dose), CFE significantly enhanced calcein deposition at the osteotomy site. In growing rats, CFE promoted modeling-directed bone formation. In OVX rats, CFE maintained bone mass and microarchitecture to the level of sham-operated rats. Moreover, surface-referent bone formation in CFE treated rats was significantly increased over the OVX group and was comparable with the sham group. CFE also increased the pro-collagen type-I N-terminal propeptide: cross-linked C-telopeptide of type-I collagen (PINP : CTX-1) ratio over the OVX rats, and maintained it to the sham level. CFE treatment decreased the OVX-induced increases in the carbonate-to-phosphate, and carbonate-to-amide-I ratios. CFE also prevented the OVX-mediated decrease in mineral crystallinity. Nanoindentation parameters, including modulus and hardness, were decreased by OVX but CFE maintained these to the sham levels. Forskolin stimulated ALP, cAMP and cGMP in vitro and upregulated osteogenic genes in vivo.ConclusionCFE, likely due to the presence of forskolin displayed a bone-conserving effect via osteogenic and anti-resorptive mechanisms resulting in the maintenance of bone mass, microarchitecture, material, and strength.
The Gengnianchun recipe attenuates insulin resistance-induced diminished ovarian reserve through inhibiting the senescence of granulosa cells
Authors: Gao Hongna , Gao Lingyun , Rao Yanqiu , Qian Laidi , Li Mingqing , Wang Wenjun 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionInsulin resistance (IR) is found in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but the effects and mechanisms of IR on diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) remain unclear. This study set out to investigate the effects of IR on ovarian reserve; to explore the effects of high concentrations of insulin on the function of ovarian cells in vitro; and to validate the hypothesis that the Gengnianchun recipe (GNC) helps to attenuate DOR caused by IR through reducing the senescence of granulosa cells.MethodsEstrus cycle, follicle count, and sex hormone levels were detected to evaluate ovarian function in mice with IR caused by feeding a high-fat diet (HFD). In addition, KGN cells (human granulosa cell line) were treated with high concentrations of insulin. The staining for senescence-associatedβ-galactosidase (SA-β-gal), cell cycle, and expression levels of mRNA and gene proteins related to cell aging were detected in KGN cells treated with high concentrations of insulin. Mice treated with an HFD were fed metformin, GNC, or saline solution for 6 weeks by oral gavage. HOMA-IR, the area under the curve (AUC) of the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), and fasting serum insulin (FINS) were examined to confirm the IR status. Then estrus cycle, follicle count, and sex hormone levels were detected to evaluate ovarian function. Expression levels of mRNA and gene proteins related to cell aging were detected in the ovarian tissue of mice in each group.ResultsThe results demonstrated that IR reduced murine ovarian reserves, and high doses of insulin caused granulosa cells to senesce. There was a considerable improvement in HFD-induced IR status in the metformin (Met) and GNC treatment groups. In addition, the expression levels of aging-associated biomarkers were much lower in GNC mice than Met mice; and both the latter groups had considerably lower levels than the HFD group. Moreover, higher follicle counts in different stages and shorter diestrus in the Met or GNC groups compared to the HFD group indicated that ovarian aging could be largely reversed.DiscussionThis work showed that: IR impaired ovarian reserve; high concentrations of insulin induced granulosa cell aging; and GNC attenuated ovarian function through inhibiting IR-induced cell aging.
Adverse effect of assisted reproductive technology-related hyperoestrogensim on the secretion and absorption of uterine fluid in superovulating mice during the peri-implantation period
Authors: Xia Xinru , Zhang Yuan , Cao Meng , Yu Xiang , Gao Li , Qin Lianju , Wu Wei , Cui Yugui , Liu Jiayin 
Published: March 2023

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the potential mechanism of hyperoestrogensim elicited by ovulation induction affects endometrial receptivity and leads to embryo implantation abnormality or failure.Study designEstablishment of ovulation induction mouse model. Changes in mouse body weight, ovarian weight, serum E2 level and oestrous cycle were observed. During the peri-implantation period, morphological changes in the mouse uterus and implantation sites and the localization and protein levels of oestrogen receptors ERα and ERβ, the tight junction factors CLDN3 and OCLN, the aquaporins AQP3, AQP4 and AQP8, and the sodium channel proteins SCNN1α, SCNN1β and SCNN1γ were observed. The expression and cellular localization of ERα, CLDN3, AQP8 and SCNN1 β in RL95-2 cell line were also detected by western blotting and immunofluorescence.ResultsOvarian and body weights were significantly higher in the 5 IU and 10 IU groups than in the CON group. The E2 level was significantly higher in the 10 IU group than in the CON group. The mice in the 10 IU group had a disordered oestrous cycle and were in oestrus for a long time. At 5.5 dpc, significantly fewer implantation sites were observed in the 10 IU group than in the CON (p&lt;0.001) and 5 IU (p&lt;0.05) groups. The probability of abnormal implantation and abortion was higher in the 10 IU group than in the CON and 5 IU groups. CLDN3, OCLN, AQP8 and SCNN1β in the mouse endometrium were localized on the luminal epithelium and glandular epithelium and expression levels were lower in the 10 IU group than in the CON group. The protein expression level of ERα was increased by 50% in the 10 IU group compared to the CON group. The expressions of CLDN3, AQP8, SCNN1β in RL95-2 cell line were significantly depressed by the superphysiological E2, ERα agonist or ERβ agonist, which could be reversed by the oestrogen receptor antagonist.ConclusionART-induced hyperoestrogenism reduces CLDN3, AQP8 and SCNN1β expression through ERα, thereby destroying tight junctions and water and sodium channels in the endometrial cavity epithelium, which may cause abnormal implantation due to abnormal uterine fluid secretion and absorption.