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Specialized Diet, Obesity and Associated Metabolic Diseases

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutrition and Metabolism".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 March 2023) | Viewed by 31833

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Guest Editor
Department of Medical Biology and Biochemistry, Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 85-092 Bydgoszcz, Poland
Interests: biochemistry; cancer; metabolic diseases; obesity; oxidative stress
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Obesity is one of the most common healthcare problems in developed countries, affecting people of both genders and all age groups. In addition to genetic factors, overweight and obesity are the result of an imbalance between dietary energy intake and energy expenditure. Poor-quality diets and easy access to unhealthy food are important factors in the obesity epidemic. Importantly, overweight and obesity are major risk factors in the pathogenesis of many associated diseases, including metabolic syndrome, type II diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, amongst others. Despite increased efforts to reduce the epidemic of obesity by promoting healthy diets, physical activity, and pharmacological treatment, the problem continues to grow. Undoubtedly, new approaches are essential to develop effective strategies for the prevention and treatment of obesity and comorbidities. Various specialized diets and dietary supplements are considered to treat obesity and related diseases. In this Special Issue, manuscripts that focus on the topic “Specialized Diet, Obesity, and Associated Metabolic Disorders” are welcome. This includes original in vitro, animal, and human research, cohort studies, systematic literature reviews, and meta-analyses.

Dr. Karolina Szewczyk-Golec
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • obesity
  • specialized diet
  • metabolic syndrome
  • type II diabetes
  • non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
  • cardiovascular disease
  • oxysterols
  • dietary supplements

Published Papers (13 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

3 pages, 211 KiB  
Editorial
Dietary Interventions in Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome
by Karolina Szewczyk-Golec and Iga Hołyńska-Iwan
Nutrients 2023, 15(11), 2513; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15112513 - 29 May 2023
Viewed by 1176
Abstract
Here, we present a Special Issue of Nutrients entitled “Specialized Diet, Obesity and Associated Metabolic Diseases” containing up-to-date scientific data important to both researchers and the public [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Specialized Diet, Obesity and Associated Metabolic Diseases)

Research

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11 pages, 1192 KiB  
Article
Childhood Obesity and Plasma Micronutrient Deficit of Chilean Children between 4 and 14 Years Old
by Oscar Castillo-Valenzuela, Lissette Duarte, Miguel Arredondo, Germán Iñiguez, Luis Villarroel and Francisco Pérez-Bravo
Nutrients 2023, 15(7), 1707; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15071707 - 31 Mar 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1774
Abstract
Objective: To analyze the nutritional status and plasma levels of vitamins and minerals in a cohort of Chilean children between 4 and 14 years old from three cities in Chile (Santiago, Antofagasta, and Concepcion). Design: This is a descriptive analysis of micronutrient levels [...] Read more.
Objective: To analyze the nutritional status and plasma levels of vitamins and minerals in a cohort of Chilean children between 4 and 14 years old from three cities in Chile (Santiago, Antofagasta, and Concepcion). Design: This is a descriptive analysis of micronutrient levels in Chilean children as it relates to obesity and food consumption. Setting: This study included 1235 children from schools in Santiago (central area), Antofagasta (northern area), and Concepcion (southern area) in Chile. Results: Plasma levels of micronutrients revealed deficiencies in children from all these cities. Copper (26.4%) and calcium (33.0%) deficiencies were found in the children from Antofagasta, whereas iron (26.7%) and zinc (20.8%) deficiencies were found in the children from Concepcion and Santiago, respectively. The percentage of children with vitamin D deficiencies was exceptionally high in all cities (over 78%). The analysis of micronutrients and nutritional status revealed that vitamin D deficiencies were significantly higher (p = 0.02) in overweight children, particularly in Antofagasta. In the analysis of the nutritional status of children and their food consumption habits, the proportion of overweight and obesity was significantly higher (p = 0.001) in children that skipped breakfast compared to children that did not. Finally, children from low socioeconomic levels were significantly more overweight and obese compared to children from high socioeconomic levels (p < 0.05). Conclusions: this is the first study to describe plasma levels of micronutrients in Chilean children and adolescents. High percentages of obesity, overweight, and vitamin D deficiency were detected in children. These results are of significant relevance to future public health policies in Chile. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Specialized Diet, Obesity and Associated Metabolic Diseases)
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15 pages, 1666 KiB  
Article
Inhibitory Effects of Ginsenoside Compound K on Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated Inflammatory Responses in Macrophages by Regulating Sirtuin 1 and Histone Deacetylase 4
by Hyunju Kang, Shin Kim, Jin-Young Lee and Bohkyung Kim
Nutrients 2023, 15(7), 1626; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15071626 - 27 Mar 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1587
Abstract
Inflammation, an innate immune response mediated by macrophages, has been a hallmark leading to the pathophysiology of diseases. In this study, we examined the inhibitory effects of ginsenoside compound K (CK) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation and metabolic alteration in RAW 264.7 macrophages by [...] Read more.
Inflammation, an innate immune response mediated by macrophages, has been a hallmark leading to the pathophysiology of diseases. In this study, we examined the inhibitory effects of ginsenoside compound K (CK) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation and metabolic alteration in RAW 264.7 macrophages by regulating sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4). LPS suppressed SIRT1 while promoting HDAC4 expression, accompanied by increases in cellular reactive oxygen species accumulation and pro-inflammatory gene expression; however, the addition of CK elicited the opposite effects. CK ameliorated the LPS-induced increase in glycolytic genes and abrogated the LPS-altered genes engaged in the NAD+ salvage pathway. LPS decreased basal, maximal, and non-mitochondrial respiration, reducing ATP production and proton leak in macrophages, which were abolished by CK. SIRT1 inhibition augmented Hdac4 expression along with increased LPS-induced inflammatory and glycolytic gene expression, while decreasing genes that regulate mitochondrial biogenesis; however, its activation resulted in the opposite effects. Inhibition of HDAC4 enhanced Sirt1 expression and attenuated the LPS-induced inflammatory gene expression. In conclusion, CK exerted anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties with the potential to counteract the alterations of energy metabolism, including glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration, through activating SIRT1 and repressing HDAC4 in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Specialized Diet, Obesity and Associated Metabolic Diseases)
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11 pages, 1121 KiB  
Article
The Effect of the Extra Virgin Olive Oil Minor Phenolic Compound 3′,4′-Dihydroxyphenylglycol in Experimental Diabetic Kidney Disease
by María Dolores Rodriguez-Pérez, Laura Santiago-Corral, Laura Ortega-Hombrados, Cristina Verdugo, María Monsalud Arrebola, Esther Martín-Aurioles, María África Fernández-Prior, Alejandra Bermúdez-Oria, José Pedro De La Cruz and José Antonio González-Correa
Nutrients 2023, 15(2), 377; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15020377 - 11 Jan 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1872
Abstract
The aim of this study was to analyze the possible nephroprotective effect of 3’,4’-dihydroxyphenylglycol (DHPG), a polyphenolic compound of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), on renal lesions in an experimental model of type 1 diabetes. Rats were distributed as follows: healthy normoglycemic rats [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to analyze the possible nephroprotective effect of 3’,4’-dihydroxyphenylglycol (DHPG), a polyphenolic compound of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), on renal lesions in an experimental model of type 1 diabetes. Rats were distributed as follows: healthy normoglycemic rats (NDR), diabetic rats treated with saline (DR), and DR treated with 0.5 mg/kg/day or 1 mg/kg/day of DHPG. DR showed a significantly higher serum and renal oxidative and nitrosative stress profile than NDR, as well as reduced prostacyclin production and renal damage (defined as urinary protein excretion, reduced creatinine clearance, increased glomerular volume, and increased glomerulosclerosis index). DHPG reduced the oxidative and nitrosative stress and increased prostacyclin production (a 59.2% reduction in DR and 34.7–7.8% reduction in DHPG-treated rats), as well as 38–56% reduction in urinary protein excretion and 22–46% reduction in glomerular morphological parameters (after the treatment with 0.5 or 1 mg/kg/day, respectively). Conclusions: DHPG administration to type 1-like diabetic rats exerts a nephroprotective effect probably due to the sum of its antioxidant (Pearson’s coefficient 0.68–0.74), antinitrosative (Pearson’s coefficient 0.83), and prostacyclin production regulator (Pearson’s coefficient 0.75) effects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Specialized Diet, Obesity and Associated Metabolic Diseases)
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16 pages, 1820 KiB  
Article
The Effect of the Restrictive Ketogenic Diet on the Body Composition, Haematological and Biochemical Parameters, Oxidative Stress and Advanced Glycation End-Products in Young Wistar Rats with Diet-Induced Obesity
by Natalia Drabińska, Jerzy Juśkiewicz and Wiesław Wiczkowski
Nutrients 2022, 14(22), 4805; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14224805 - 13 Nov 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2668
Abstract
Over the past few years, the interest in the application of the ketogenic diet (KD) for obesity management is growing. Although many studies have been performed on the effects of KD, the metabolic and physiological impact of KD is still not fully understood. [...] Read more.
Over the past few years, the interest in the application of the ketogenic diet (KD) for obesity management is growing. Although many studies have been performed on the effects of KD, the metabolic and physiological impact of KD is still not fully understood. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of calorie-restricted KD on the body weight and composition, oxidative stress, and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) assessed in an animal model with young Wistar rats. KD was followed for 4 weeks in maturity after an obesity-inducing high-fat diet during adolescence, resulting in a slowing down of the weight gain but higher adiposity compared to a standard diet. Increased adiposity resulted in an deterioration of liver parameters, suggesting negative changes in this organ. No adverse effects of KD were determined in haematological parameters in young rats. KD did not affect AGEs; however, a decrease in oxidative stress was observed. Based on the presented results, it can be concluded that KD applied for weight loss in obesity induced in adolescence may reduce oxidative stress without compromising the haematological status; however, caution may be required to control adiposity, glucose level and liver health. Thus, KD therapy should be carefully controlled, especially in young subjects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Specialized Diet, Obesity and Associated Metabolic Diseases)
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15 pages, 2456 KiB  
Article
Duodenojejunal Omega Switch Surgery Reduces Oxidative Stress Induced by Cafeteria Diet in Sprague-Dawley Rats
by Jakub Poloczek, Wojciech Kazura, Elżbieta Chełmecka, Katarzyna Michalczyk, Jerzy Jochem, Janusz Gumprecht and Dominika Stygar
Nutrients 2022, 14(19), 4097; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14194097 - 02 Oct 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1454
Abstract
Over-nutrition with cafeteria diet leads to glycemic control failure and subsequent obesity. Bariatric surgery remains the ultimate treatment option, and when complemented with specific dietary protocol, it may mitigate the effects of oxidative stress induced by a cafeteria diet. The study measured antioxidant [...] Read more.
Over-nutrition with cafeteria diet leads to glycemic control failure and subsequent obesity. Bariatric surgery remains the ultimate treatment option, and when complemented with specific dietary protocol, it may mitigate the effects of oxidative stress induced by a cafeteria diet. The study measured antioxidant marker activity: superoxidase dismutase (SOD) and ceruloplasmin (CER), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and lipid peroxidation marker concentrations: lipofuscin (LS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), in the plasma of 56 Sprague-Dawley rats fed with a cafeteria (HFS) or a control (CD) diet and subjected to duodenojejunal omega switch (DJOS) or control (SHAM) surgery. The diet change after the surgery (CD/HFS or HFS/CD) strongly influenced SOD activity in DJOS- and SHAM-operated rats, but SOD activity was always higher in SHAM-operated rats. Every dietary protocol used in the study increased CER activity, except for the CD/CD combination. Cafeteria diet consumed before or after either of surgeries led to decrease in TAC levels. DJOS and no change in diet reduced MDA levels. DJOS reduced LS levels, but its beneficial effect was deteriorated by selected dietary protocols. The cafeteria diet negatively affected the positive impact of DJOS surgery, but SOD, CER, MDA, and LS were significantly lower in rats that underwent DJOS, suggesting that eight weeks of dietary treatment before and after the surgery did not totally dilapidate the effects of the bariatric treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Specialized Diet, Obesity and Associated Metabolic Diseases)
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13 pages, 878 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of a Supervised Adapted Physical Activity Program Associated or Not with Oral Supplementation with Arginine and Leucine in Subjects with Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial
by Vanessa Folope, Caroline Meret, Ingrid Castres, Claire Tourny, Estelle Houivet, Sébastien Grigioni, Hélène Lelandais, André Petit, Aude Coquard, Charlène Guérin, Muriel Quillard, Christine Bôle-Feysot, Pierre Déchelotte, Najate Achamrah and Moïse Coëffier
Nutrients 2022, 14(18), 3708; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14183708 - 08 Sep 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2139
Abstract
Background: In patients with obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS), lifestyle interventions combining diet, in particular, and physical exercise are recommended as the first line treatment. Previous studies have suggested that leucine or arginine supplementation may have beneficial effects on the body composition or [...] Read more.
Background: In patients with obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS), lifestyle interventions combining diet, in particular, and physical exercise are recommended as the first line treatment. Previous studies have suggested that leucine or arginine supplementation may have beneficial effects on the body composition or insulin sensitivity and endothelial function, respectively. We thus conducted a randomized controlled study to evaluate the effects of a supervised adapted physical activity program associated or not with oral supplementation with leucine and arginine in MetS-complicated patients with obesity. Methods: Seventy-nine patients with obesity and MetS were randomized in four groups: patients receiving arginine and leucine supplementation (ALs group, n = 20), patients on a supervised adapted physical activity program (APA group, n = 20), patients combining ALs and APA (ALs+APA group, n = 20), and a control group (n = 19). After the baseline evaluation (m0), patients received ALs and/or followed the APA program for 6 months (m6). Body composition, MetS parameters, lipid and glucose metabolism markers, inflammatory markers, and a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) were assessed at m0, m6, and after a 3-month wash-out period (m9). Results: After 6 months of intervention, we did not observe variable changes in body weight, body composition, lipid and glucose metabolism markers, inflammatory parameters, or quality of life scores between the four groups. However, during the CPET, the maximal power (Pmax and Ppeak), power, and O2 consumption at the ventilatory threshold (P(VT) and O2(VT)) were improved in the APA and ALs+APA groups (p < 0.05), as well as the forced vital capacity (FVC). Between m6 and m9, a gain in fat mass was only observed in patients in the APA and ALs+APA groups. Conclusion: In our randomized controlled trial, arginine and leucine supplementation failed to improve MetS in patients with obesity, as did the supervised adapted physical activity program and the combination of both. Only the cardiorespiratory parameters were improved by exercise training. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Specialized Diet, Obesity and Associated Metabolic Diseases)
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11 pages, 286 KiB  
Article
Changes in Body Composition and Physical Performance in Children with Excessive Body Weight Participating in an Integrated Weight-Loss Programme
by Magdalena Dettlaff-Dunowska, Michał Brzeziński, Agnieszka Zagierska, Anna Borkowska, Maciej Zagierski and Agnieszka Szlagatys-Sidorkiewicz
Nutrients 2022, 14(17), 3647; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14173647 - 03 Sep 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1828
Abstract
The problem of overweight and obesity is a growing phenomenon in the entire population. Obesity is associated with many different metabolic disorders and is directly associated with an increased risk of death. The aim of the study was to assess the changes in [...] Read more.
The problem of overweight and obesity is a growing phenomenon in the entire population. Obesity is associated with many different metabolic disorders and is directly associated with an increased risk of death. The aim of the study was to assess the changes in body composition and physical fitness in children participating in an integrated weight-loss programme and to analyse the possible relationship between changes in body composition and improvements in fitness. Participants of the study were recruited from the “6–10–14 for Health”-multidisciplinary intervention programme for children aged 6 to 15 years old. A total of 170 patients qualified for the study, and 152 patients were enrolled. Statistically significant changes in body composition were found after the end of the intervention program, as measured by both BIA (bioimpedance) and DXA (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry). The differences in KPRT (Kasch Pulse Recovery Test) results at baseline and after intervention are positively correlated with the difference in fat mass between baseline and the after-intervention measure. Improving physical fitness is positively correlated with a decrease in FM (fat mass) and an increase in FFM (fat-free mass) measured in both absolute values and %. Both BIA and DXA methods proved to be equally useful for measuring body composition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Specialized Diet, Obesity and Associated Metabolic Diseases)
15 pages, 4233 KiB  
Article
Quantitative Structure–Activity Relationship Analysis of Isosteviol-Related Compounds as Activated Coagulation Factor X (FXa) Inhibitors
by Marcin Gackowski, Karolina Szewczyk-Golec, Katarzyna Mądra-Gackowska, Robert Pluskota and Marcin Koba
Nutrients 2022, 14(17), 3521; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14173521 - 26 Aug 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1387
Abstract
Stevioside, one of the natural sweeteners extracted from stevia leaves, and its derivatives are considered to have numerous beneficial pharmacological properties, including the inhibition of activated coagulation factor X (FXa). FXa-PAR signaling is a possible therapeutic target to enhance impaired metabolism and insulin [...] Read more.
Stevioside, one of the natural sweeteners extracted from stevia leaves, and its derivatives are considered to have numerous beneficial pharmacological properties, including the inhibition of activated coagulation factor X (FXa). FXa-PAR signaling is a possible therapeutic target to enhance impaired metabolism and insulin resistance in obesity. Thus, the goal of the investigation was a QSAR analysis using multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARSplines) applied to a data set of 20 isosteviol derivatives bearing thiourea fragments with possible FXa inhibitory action. The best MARS submodel described a strong correlation between FXa inhibitory activity and molecular descriptors, such as: B01[C-Cl], E2m, L3v, Mor06i, RDF070i and HATS7s. Five out of six descriptors included in the model are geometrical descriptors quantifying three-dimensional aspects of molecular structure, which indicates that the molecular three-dimensional conformation is of high significance for the MARSplines modeling procedure and obviously for FXa inhibitory activity. High model performance was confirmed through an extensive validation protocol. The results of the study not only confirmed the enhancement in pharmacological activity by the presence of chlorine in a phenyl ring, but also, and primarily, may provide the basis for searching for new active isosteviol analogues, which may serve as drugs or health-beneficial food additives in patients suffering from obesity and comorbidities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Specialized Diet, Obesity and Associated Metabolic Diseases)
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Review

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30 pages, 1076 KiB  
Review
The Influence of Dietary Interventions on Arterial Stiffness in Overweight and Obese Subjects
by Agata Stanek, Bogna Grygiel-Górniak, Klaudia Brożyna-Tkaczyk, Wojciech Myśliński, Armand Cholewka and Samaneh Zolghadri
Nutrients 2023, 15(6), 1440; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15061440 - 16 Mar 2023
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3383
Abstract
Arterial stiffness is often increased in overweight/obese subjects before the development of hypertension. It is also one of the earliest indicators of increased cardiovascular disease risk and can be considered a good predictor of the development of subclinical cardiovascular dysfunction. Arterial stiffness is [...] Read more.
Arterial stiffness is often increased in overweight/obese subjects before the development of hypertension. It is also one of the earliest indicators of increased cardiovascular disease risk and can be considered a good predictor of the development of subclinical cardiovascular dysfunction. Arterial stiffness is a significant prognostic factor influencing cardiovascular risk, which dietary habits can modify. Obese patients should use the caloric-restricted diet because it augments aortic distensibility, diminishes pulse wave velocity (PWV), and increases the activity of endothelial nitric oxide synthases. High intake of saturated fatty acids (SFA), trans fats, and cholesterol, typical for the Western diet, impairs endothelial function and raises brachial-ankle PWV. The replacement of SFA with monounsaturated (MUFA) or polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) derived from seafood and plants diminishes the risk of arterial stiffness. The dairy product intake (excluding butter) decreases PWV in the general population. The high-sucrose diet causes toxic hyperglycemia and increases arterial stiffness. Complex carbohydrates with a low glycemic index (including isomaltose) should be recommended to keep vascular health. The high sodium intake (>10 g/day), particularly associated with low potassium consumption, has a deleterious effect on arterial stiffness (↑ baPWV). Since vegetables and fruits are good sources of vitamins and phytochemicals, they should be recommended in patients with high PWV. Thus, the dietary recommendation to prevent arterial stiffness should be similar to the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in dairy products, plant oils, and fish, with a minimal red meat intake and five servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Specialized Diet, Obesity and Associated Metabolic Diseases)
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18 pages, 709 KiB  
Review
The Impact of Phytochemicals in Obesity-Related Metabolic Diseases: Focus on Ceramide Metabolism
by Eunkyeong Kim and Sookyoung Jeon
Nutrients 2023, 15(3), 703; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15030703 - 30 Jan 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2517
Abstract
The prevalence of obesity and related metabolic diseases has increased dramatically worldwide. As obesity progresses, various lipid species accumulate in ectopic tissues. Amongst them, ceramides—a deleterious sphingolipid species—accumulate and cause lipotoxicity and metabolic disturbances. Dysregulated ceramide metabolism appears to be a key feature [...] Read more.
The prevalence of obesity and related metabolic diseases has increased dramatically worldwide. As obesity progresses, various lipid species accumulate in ectopic tissues. Amongst them, ceramides—a deleterious sphingolipid species—accumulate and cause lipotoxicity and metabolic disturbances. Dysregulated ceramide metabolism appears to be a key feature in the pathogenesis of obesity-related metabolic diseases. Notably, dietary modification might have an impact on modulating ceramide metabolism. Phytochemicals are plant-derived compounds with various physiological properties, which have been shown to protect against obesity-related metabolic diseases. In this review, we aim to examine the impact of a myriad of phytochemicals and their dietary sources in altering ceramide deposition and ceramide-related metabolism from in vitro, in vivo, and human clinical/epidemiological studies. This review discusses how numerous phytochemicals are able to alleviate ceramide-induced metabolic defects and reduce the risk of obesity-related metabolic diseases via diverse mechanisms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Specialized Diet, Obesity and Associated Metabolic Diseases)
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17 pages, 881 KiB  
Review
Beneficial Effects of Anti-Inflammatory Diet in Modulating Gut Microbiota and Controlling Obesity
by Soghra Bagheri, Samaneh Zolghadri and Agata Stanek
Nutrients 2022, 14(19), 3985; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14193985 - 26 Sep 2022
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 5059
Abstract
Obesity has consistently been associated with an increased risk of metabolic abnormalities such as diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and cardiovascular diseases, as well as the development of several types of cancer. In recent decades, unfortunately, the rate of overweight/obesity has increased significantly among adults and [...] Read more.
Obesity has consistently been associated with an increased risk of metabolic abnormalities such as diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and cardiovascular diseases, as well as the development of several types of cancer. In recent decades, unfortunately, the rate of overweight/obesity has increased significantly among adults and children. A growing body of evidence shows that there is a relationship between metabolic disorders such as obesity and the composition of the gut microbiota. Additionally, inflammation is considered to be a driving force in the obesity–gut microbiota connection. Therefore, it seems that anti-inflammatory nutrients, foods, and/or diets can play an essential role in the management of obesity by affecting the intestinal flora and controlling inflammatory responses. In this review, we describe the links between the gut microbiota, obesity, and inflammation, and summarize the benefits of anti-inflammatory diets in preventing obesity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Specialized Diet, Obesity and Associated Metabolic Diseases)
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14 pages, 655 KiB  
Review
Role of Postbiotics in Diet-Induced Metabolic Disorders
by Miri Park, Minji Joung, Jae-Ho Park, Sang Keun Ha and Ho-Young Park
Nutrients 2022, 14(18), 3701; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14183701 - 07 Sep 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4079
Abstract
Although the prevalence of metabolic disorders has progressively increased over the past few decades, metabolic disorders can only be effectively treated with calorie restriction and improved physical activity. Recent research has focused on altering the gut microbiome using prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics because [...] Read more.
Although the prevalence of metabolic disorders has progressively increased over the past few decades, metabolic disorders can only be effectively treated with calorie restriction and improved physical activity. Recent research has focused on altering the gut microbiome using prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics because various metabolic syndromes are caused by gut microbial dysbiosis. Postbiotics, substances produced or released by microorganism metabolic activities, play an important role in maintaining and restoring host health. Because postbiotics have a small amount of literature on their consumption, there is a need for more experiments on short- and long-term intake. This review discusses current postbiotic research, categories of postbiotics, positive roles in metabolic syndromes, and potential therapeutic applications. It covers postbiotic pleiotropic benefits, such as anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, and anti-hypertensive qualities, that could aid in the management of metabolic disorders. Postbiotics are promising tools for developing health benefits and therapeutic goals owing to their clinical, technical, and economic properties. Postbiotic use is attractive for altering the microbiota; however, further studies are needed to determine efficacy and safety. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Specialized Diet, Obesity and Associated Metabolic Diseases)
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