This research examines the correlation between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and albuminuria. A total of 203 hospitalized patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were selected from February to October 2023 and categorized into groups according to their urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR). Spearman correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis were used to assess the relationship between 25(OH)D and UACR. Among the 203 T2DM patients included, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 59.1%. The 25(OH)D levels in the macroalbuminuria group 9.37 ng/mL (5.98, 15.60) were significantly lower than those in the normal albuminuria group 18.26 ng/mL (14.40, 23.52) and microalbuminuria group 18.20 ng/mL (11.71, 24.20) with statistical significance (p<0.001). Spearman correlation analysis showed a negative correlation between serum 25(OH)D and UACR (r=−0.173, p=0.014). Stepwise linear regression analysis, after adjusting for confounding factors, revealed a linear negative correlation between 25(OH)D and albuminuria (β=−0.278, p<0.001). In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, no association was identified between vitamin D deficiency and microalbuminuria in patients with T2DM. However, vitamin D deficiency may significantly increase the risk of macroalbuminuria in patients with T2DM,with an odds ratio (OR) of 4.747 (95% CI: 1.157–19.473). Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent among the study population. Serum 25(OH)D levels exhibited a significant negative correlation with UACR, suggesting a relationship between vitamin D deficiency and an elevated risk of macroalbuminuria in individuals with T2DM.

Vitamin D has a protective effect on the brain under hypertensive conditions. Studies have shown that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ (1,25(OH)₂D₃) can negatively regulate hypertension and central renin-angiotensin system activation through a central anti-oxidative mechanism in 1α-hydroxylase knockout mice. To confirm whether endogenous or exogenous 1,25(OH)₂D₃ deficiency or supplementation alters cerebrovascular function and vasopressin expression through anti-oxidation, researchers provided 1α(OH)ase^−/− mice and their wild-type littermates with regular diet, a high-calcium, high-phosphorus rescue diet with N-acetyl-L-cysteine supplementation, or 1,25(OH)₂D₃ subcutaneous injection. The results showed that the hypertension phenotype was present in the 1α(OH)ase^−/− mice, with upregulated vasopressin expression and increased brain/blood oxidative stress. These pathologic changes were corrected by 1,25(OH)₂D₃ or N-acetyl-L-cysteine plus rescue diet. The findings suggest that 1,25(OH)₂D₃ may be a promising protective intervention to reduce brain impairment induced by oxidative stress in the hypertension phenotype of 1α(OH)ase^−/− mice.

Tocotrienols are members of the vitamin E family and exhibit antioxidant properties, immunomodulatory effects, and anti-inflammatory actions. Previously, we demonstrated that γ-tocotrienol inhibits human airway smooth muscle (ASM) cell proliferation, migration, contractile phenotype expression, and extracellular matrix protein synthesis by suppressing RhoA activation. In this study, we investigated whether α- or δ-tocotrienol modulates transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1)–induced contractile phenotype expression in human ASM cells and platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB)–induced proliferation and migration of ASM cells. Human ASM cells were pretreated with α- or δ-tocotrienol before stimulation with PDGF-BB to promote proliferation and migration or with TGF-β1 to induce smooth muscle actin expression. PDGF-BB–stimulated ASM cell proliferation and migration were assessed using colorimetric and transwell migration assays. Additionally, we examined the signaling pathways involved in the effects of α- or δ-tocotrienol on PDGF-BB–induced ASM proliferation and migration, as well as TGF-β1–induced smooth muscle actin expression. TGF-β1 increased α-smooth muscle actin expression in human ASM cells. Treatment with α- and δ-tocotrienol slightly reduced α-smooth muscle actin levels, though this reduction was not statistically significant. In contrast, PDGF-BB–induced ASM cell proliferation and migration were significantly inhibited by α- and δ-tocotrienol treatment. The effects of α- and δ-tocotrienol on ASM proliferation and migration involve the RhoA signaling pathway and a reduction in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. These findings suggest that α- and δ-tocotrienol exert beneficial effects on airway remodeling in asthma by inhibiting the proliferation and migration of human ASM cells.

Despite the various beneficial properties of cannabidiol (CBD), such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antidepressant, and anxiolytic activities, its clinical utility is limited due to its notably low bioavailability (BA). To address this issue, we developed an amorphous CBD powder formulation using solvent shift method, which only uses materials approved for food-grade applications. In a pharmacokinetic study in male Sprague–Dawley rats, we orally administered 10 mg/kg of CBD isolate powder with a crystalline structure and our developed amorphous CBD powder formulation. The C_max values demonstrated a 3.9-fold increase for the amorphous CBD powder formulation containing polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a polymer (F3) and a 3.0-fold increase for the amorphous CBD powder formulation containing hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) as a polymer (F4) compared to the CBD isolate powder. Furthermore, the AUC_0–6h values for F3 and F4 were 5.3- and 5.2-fold higher than those for CBD isolate powder, respectively, indicating a significant enhancement. The T_max values were also significantly shorter for F3 and F4, at 0.9±0.1 h and 0.8±0.1 h, respectively, compared to >6.0 h for CBD isolate powder. These findings demonstrate the superior BA of the amorphous CBD formulation. Based on these results, the amorphous CBD formulation is expected to be a highly absorbable CBD formulation, thereby advancing its use in food and supplements.

This animal experiment aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the extract of pre-germinated brown rice (EP) and γ-oryzanol on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and the cardiac complications associated with it. WKY rats were fed high-fructose water (HFW) and high-fat diet (HFD) for 4 wk to induce NAFLD. The other two groups were fed HFW and HFD, while oral administration of EP 200 μL/kg or γ-oryzanol 2 mg/kg every day for 4 wk. NAFLD was successfully induced in as evidenced by clear increases in body, hepatic and cardiac weight as well as by increases in blood pressure and heart rate, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperuricemia, higher liver function index: glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), higher levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in the blood and higher levels TG in the liver. NAFLD rats also had adverse changes the protein expressions of lipid synthesis, inflammation, cardiac fibrosis and hypertrophy. However, when the NAFLD rats were simultaneously fed EP or γ-oryzanol, the development of adverse diet-induced effects, including glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), were clearly ameliorated. Specifically, EP could reduce uric acid levels, while γ-oryzanol did not. EP, as well as γ-oryzanol, reversed the increases in levels of lipid synthesis, inflammation, cardiac fibrosis and hypertrophy. We concluded that EP effectively prevented HFW/HFD-induced NAFLD and its associated cardiac complications, which it likely achieved through an improvement of lipid homeostasis and inhibition of inflammation. We believe that EP, like γ-oryzanol, can be developed as a beneficial agent for the prevention and control of NAFLD and associated cardiac dysfunction.

The global increase in hyperuricemia, a pathological condition characterized by elevated serum urate concentrations, emphasizes the importance of appropriate management of uric acid homeostasis in the body. Enhancing renal urate excretion is clinically relevant to achieve serum urate-lowering, and the functional inhibition of urate transporter 1 (URAT1), a renal urate transporter involved in the reabsorption of urate, has been recognized as a promising strategy. In this context, natural substances, including food ingredients with URAT1-inhibitory activity, have garnered significant interest. A previous study demonstrated that various fatty acids, including α-linolenic acid (α-LA), inhibit URAT1; however, further investigations are required to expand our understanding for this important topic. The present study focused on certain metabolites derived from α-LA, especially jasmonates (lipid-derived cyclopentanone compounds in plants) and related substances, and investigated their effects on URAT1-mediated urate transport activity, using a mammalian cell-based functional assay system. Among the tested substances (14 authentic chemicals), 12-oxo-phytodienoic acid (a precursor of jasmonic acid harboring a cyclopentenone ring with two carbon chains in its structure) showed a good URAT1-inhibitory activity with the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) value of 15.9 μM. Comparable results were obtained with prostaglandin A₁ (PGA₁) and PGA₂, which are known as cyclopentenone PGs, that exhibited IC₅₀ values of 22.5 μM and 16.8 μM, respectively. Although further studies are required to address the effects of these substances on the urate regulation in humans, our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the interactions between URAT1 and natural substances.

Academic performance, assessed through tests and assignments, significantly influences long-term outcomes, such as employment, income, and quality of life. Several recent studies have indicated a relationship between skipping breakfast and academic performance; however, no meta-analysis has been performed to explore this association. In the present study, we conducted a meta-analysis of observational studies to synthesize the association between skipping breakfast and academic performance in youths. We perused the literature published before October 2024 using PubMed, Science Direct, Springer Link, and Scopus. We calculated a pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) using a random effects model. The study quality was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale adapted for cross-sectional studies. With regard the quality of the included studies, two articles were considered unsatisfactory, five as satisfactory, sixteen as good, and two as very good. After screening, 24 observational studies with 37 reports were included in the meta-analysis. A positive association was observed between skipping breakfast and the risk of poor academic performance (pooled OR=2.08, 95% CI=1.82–2.37). Subgroup analyses based on gender, region, sample size, assessment tools, definition of outcomes, and confounding variables also revealed that skipping breakfast is positively correlated with poor academic performance in youths. In conclusion, this meta-analysis indicates that skipping breakfast is positively associated with poor academic performance in youths.

It is important to clarify the factors that cause errors when calculating nutrient and food group intake using dietary surveys. This study aimed to clarify the characteristics of errors in nutrient and food group intake among those who ate out and those who consumed ready-made meals when they recorded their meals using photographic and weighing methods. In October 2020, 38 second- and third-year students who were enrolled in dietitian training programs at two Japanese universities were asked to record their meals using both photographic and weighed records. Nutrient calculations were performed from the dietary records of both methods, and data from 29 subjects (all female) for whom 4-d dietary records were obtained were analyzed. The subjects were divided into two groups (high and low frequency of home-made meals) based on the median number of home-made meals, and a correlation analysis of the nutritional calculations obtained using both methods was performed. The results showed that most nutrient and food group intake levels were correlated (Spearman’s correlation coefficient r=0.6–0.9) for both the high and low frequency of home-made meals. However, no correlation was found for “seasonings and spices” or their component “salt” in the low frequency of home-made meals group, indicating that there are errors in the nutritional calculations, especially for salt. It is thought that errors occurred for both the recorder and the nutrition calculator during the survey of meals eaten out; therefore, it is necessary to consider how to minimize errors before dietary surveys.

Obesity is known to induce diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, and reducing obesity is important from the perspective of disease prevention. Oligonol, a standardized oligomerized-polyphenol from Litchi chinensis fruit extract, is expected to have high absorption and body fat reduction. In this study, the effects of Oligonol intake on abdominal fat were examined in overweight Japanese participants. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was performed including 66 overweight adult men and women (body mass index [BMI] of 25 or more and less than 30 kg/m²) who were assigned to receive a daily dose of placebo or 200 mg Oligonol (40 mg as monomers and dimers of flavanols from lychee and tea) for 12 wk. The primary endpoint was a reduction of the visceral fat area (VFA) as quantified by computed tomography scanning after continual intake of test foods for 12 wk. In addition, body weight, BMI, waist circumference, peripheral blood tests, and general urinalysis were performed. Of 66 participants (33 per group), 63 were included in the efficacy analysis (placebo n=32; Oligonol n=31). Intake of 200 mg Oligonol significantly reduced abdominal VFA compared with the placebo group. No clinically relevant adverse events related to the intake of Oligonol were observed. These results indicate that Oligonol had the abdominal visceral fat reduction effect in overweight participants.

Numerous cosmetic products claim to improve aging-induced wrinkles, and recent research has explored the potential of oral intake for wrinkle improvement. In our previous study, we investigated the effects of tomato seed extract (TSE), which contains lycoperoside H, on skin elasticity and its anti-inflammatory properties. The present study aimed to explore the anti-wrinkle effects of TSE through the inhibition of human neutrophil elastase (HNE), activated by inflammatory stimuli. The results indicated that TSE inhibits HNE (half maximal inhibitory concentration [IC₅₀]: 316 μg/mL), and that lycoperoside H contributes to this activity (IC₅₀: 37 mM). Additionally, several flavonoids found in TSE have been reported to exhibit HNE inhibitory effects. Based on these findings, we hypothesized that TSE supplementation could suppress excessive HNE activity in wrinkle-prone areas and potentially improve facial wrinkles. Therefore, we conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial with 45 healthy Japanese women (age range, 40–59 y) who had wrinkle grades of 3–5 around their eyes. The participants were randomly assigned to either a 200 mg/d TSE supplement (containing 1 mg of lycoperoside H) or a placebo for 12 wk. As a result, significant improvement in wrinkle grade was observed in the TSE group; however, improvements were also seen in the placebo group. Therefore, no significant differences in wrinkle reduction were found between the two groups. These findings suggest that the inhibition of HNE by TSE may have potential effects on the dermis, thereby offering new insights into the role of TSE in skin health.

Brazilian green propolis (BGP), produced by honey bees, induces beige adipocyte formation and accelerates whole-body energy metabolism. Artepillin C (ArtC), the major cinnamic acid derivative of BGP, induces beige adipocyte formation and increases thermogenesis in inguinal white adipose tissue. However, the effects of BGP on beige adipocyte formation and energy metabolism remain unclear. Therefore, we aimed to examine the effects of BGP on beige adipocyte formation and thermogenesis. We used in vitro and in vivo approaches, such as cell culture and differentiation, component testing, thermogenesis measurement, and calcium influx assay. First, ArtC was confirmed to be a major BGP component contributing to beige adipocyte formation in vitro and in vivo. BGP-induced interscapular brown adipose tissue (iBAT) thermogenesis was not observed upon ArtC stimulation. Thereafter, inhibitory studies revealed that iBAT thermogenesis could be related to the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1)-sympathetic nervous system channel. Finally, we identified culifolin, a cinnamic acid derivative of BGP, as an active component of this response, which activates calcium signaling in TRPV1-expressing cells. In addition, culifolin administration significantly increased the mouse iBAT temperature to the same extent as increased by BGP. Thus, BGP has a unique biological function in activating the two distinct pathways of brown-adipocyte and beige-adipocyte thermogenesis, contributing to increased energy expenditure.

Rhizopus oligosporus (R. oligosporus) is a fungus belonging to the Mucoraceae and is usually used to ferment soybeans in East Asia. R. oligosporus-fermented soybeans are called tempeh and are mainly eaten in East Asia. The recent researches have demonstrated that R. oligosporus can also ferment the beans other than soybeans. In this study, raw coffee beans were fermented with R. oligosporus, and then the effects of coffee prepared from the fermented beans were investigated. The amounts of fats and saccharides were lower in the R. oligosporus-fermented coffee beans than in the unfermented coffee beans, but the amount of dietary fiber was increased in the fermented coffee beans. The R. oligosporus-fermented coffee exhibited decreased total polyphenol levels, and its antioxidant activity was also reduced. However, the concentration of chlorogenic acid, which is one of polyphenols, in the R. oligosporus-fermented coffee was higher than that in the unfermented coffee. In comparison to the unfermented coffee, the R. oligosporus-fermented coffee inhibited α-amylase and α-glucosidase activity more strongly, inhibited cancer growth more weakly or to a similar level, and inhibited H₂O₂-induced reactive oxygen species production more weakly. The inhibition of α-amylase and α-glycosidase activity is considered to contribute to the prevention of obesity and diabetes. Fermenting raw coffee beans with R. oligosporus may contribute to improving certain effects of coffee, especially the preventative effects against obesity and diabetes.