Objective To explore the association between gestational weight gain (GWG) and birth outcomes among Chinese women. Methods We collected data on pre-pregnancy BMI, prenatal weight, and birth outcomes. Total GWG was calculated and categorized as insufficient, appropriate, or excessive based on the Chinese health standard (WS/T 801-2022) and the IOM 2009 guidelines. Adverse birth outcomes included small vulnerable newborns (SVN: small for gestational age, low birth weight, or preterm birth), large-sized newborns (large for gestational age or macrosomia). Logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the associations between GWG and adverse birth outcomes, with odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) estimated. Results A total of 8,126 mother-infant pairs were included in the study. According to the WS/T 801, 7.6%, 42.3%, and 50.1% of the women had insufficient, appropriate, or excessive GWG, respectively, while under the IOM 2009, these proportions were 23.7%, 42.1%, and 34.2%, respectively. Among infants, 12.7% were SVN, 12.8% were large-sized newborns, and 24.5% presented with adverse birth outcomes. Based on the WS/T801, compared with the normal pre-pregnancy BMI and appropriate weight gain group, the OR (95% CI) for SVN in the pre-pregnancy underweight and normal BMI groups with insufficient weight gain were 2.00 (1.38, 2.90) and 1.77 (1.32, 2.36), respectively. For large-sized newborns, the OR (95% CI) in the excessive weight gain group were 1.66 (1.18, 2.34) and 2.21 (1.84, 2.65), respectively. In the pre-pregnancy overweight/obese group, the OR (95% CI) for large-sized newborns among those with excessive weight gain during pregnancy was 3.38 (2.73, 4.18). Among the normal pre-pregnancy BMI group and the pre-pregnancy overweight/obese group, the OR (95% CI) for adverse birth outcomes in those with excessive weight gain were 1.15 (1.01, 1.32) and 1.53 (1.29, 1.82), respectively. In the pre-pregnancy underweight and normal BMI groups, the OR (95% CI) for adverse birth outcomes in those with insufficient weight gain were 1.33 (1.01, 1.74) and 1.47 (1.03, 2.10), respectively. Based on the IOM criteria, the OR (95% CI) for adverse birth outcomes in the pre-pregnancy overweight or obese group with appropriate weight gain was 1.38 (1.10, 1.72). Conclusion Both the WS/T 801 and IOM 2009 criteria can reduce the risk of adverse birth outcomes. The WS/T 801 standard is more conducive to guiding Chinese women in preventing SVN and large-sized newborns, and thereby achieving favorable birth outcomes.

Objective To explore the association between the levels of major carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, β-carotene, and lycopene) in mature breast milk of postpartum women in Shanghai and the allergic reactions in infants, so as to provide a scientific theoretical framework and strategic basis for the prevention and management of allergic reactions in infants. Methods Healthy singleton full-term lactating women and their newborns were recruited from the obstetrics and gynecology outpatient department of Xinhua hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from January 2018 to August 2019. Mature breast milk samples were collected from women within 200 to 400 days postpartum. Baby's allergy status from birth to the day of breast milk collection was also investigated. High performance liquid chromatography was used to detect the contents of carotenoids in breast milks. Mann Whitney U test and logistic regression were used to analyze the association between carotenoid levels in breast milks and allergic reactions in infants. Results A total of 200 pairs of maternal and infant data were included. Lutein was the most abundant carotenoid in the analyzed breast milks. Among them, 70 infants and young children reported a history of allergies. The Mann Whitney U test indicated that there was a significant difference (P<0.05) in the contents of lutein and zeaxanthin in breast milks between infants with allergic symptoms and those without allergic symptoms. Logistic regression analysis further showed that as the lutein content in mature breast milks gradually increased, the risk of allergic symptoms in infants gradually decreased (OR=0.843, 95% CI: 0.714-0.996),while other carotenoid levels were not significantly associated with allergic risk. Conclusion The level of lutein in breast milk has a positive impact on allergic reactions in infants. Therefore, the intake level of lutein during early life development in infants may have important clinical significance.

Objective This cross-sectional study utilized National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data to investigate the epidemiological relationship between Composite Dietary Antioxidant Index (CDAI) and female-specific malignancies, providing evidence for optimizing dietary strategies in female cancer prevention. Methods A total of 12 624 women aged ≥20 years (mean age: 51.2 years) from NHANES (2013-2023) were included. CDAI was calculated from two 24-hour dietary recalls by integrating intakes of vitamins A,C,E, zinc, selenium, and carotenoids. Spearman correlation analysis was used to initially assess linear associations between CDAI and gynecological cancers. Multivariable logistic regression models (adjusted for demographic, socioeconomic, and lifestyle confounders) were applied to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) across the CDAI quartiles (Q1-Q4). Subgroup heterogeneity was examined. Results CDAI was significantly and inversely correlated with uterine cancer (r=–0.023, P=0.01) and cervical cancer (r=–0.25, P=0.005), but not significantly associated with breast or ovarian cancer (P>0.05). Multivariate models revealed that the risk of uterine cancer in the highest quartile group (Q4) of CDAI was significantly lower than that in the Q1 group (OR=0.488, 95%CI: 0.285-0.834, P=0.011). Subgroup analyses indicated a more pronounced negative correlation between CDAI and endometrial cancer risk in individuals aged <60 years and those with obesity, with no interaction effects by age or race (P>0.05). Conclusion Synergistic intakes of dietary antioxidants are associated with a reduced risk of uterinecancer. Among them, the synergistic intake of vitamin C, E, and zinc has potential preventive significance.

Objective To investigate the characteristics of fluid intake, urine output and hydration status among young males from Tianjin and Shanghai in different seasons, and to analyze the influencing factors. Methods A total of 289 male subjects aged 18-35 years were recruited from Shanghai and Tianjin during the surveys conducted in March, June, July, and December in 2024.Information on daily fluid intake and urination behaviors was recorded using a 24-hour drinking and urination questionnaire over three consecutive days. Urine samples were collected and volumetrically measured using graduated urine collection bottles. Hydration status was measured by using freezing point osmometry to test the osmolality of morning and afternoon urines for three days. The body composition was tested with a bioelectrical impedance analyzer (BIA). Results The median values for total fluid intake (TFI), urine volume, and urine frequency were 1415 ml, 1040 ml, and 6 times, respectively. The median urine osmolality values were 977 mOsm/kg (morning) and 918 mOsm/kg (afternoon), corresponding to dehydration prevalence of 84.1% (morning) and 66.7% (afternoon). Based on the average outdoor temperature(T) measured during the survey period, participants from the two cities were divided into two groups: T≤28℃ and T>28℃.Compared with the T≤28℃ group, the T>28℃ group had higher TFI (Shanghai: Z=6.49, P<0.01; Tianjin: Z = 6.55, P<0.01), lower urine volume (Shanghai: Z =–5.85, P<0.01; Tianjin: Z =–8.54, P<0.01) and frequency (Shanghai: Z =–4.08, P<0.01; Tianjin: Z =–12.76, P<0.01), and higher afternoon urine dehydration prevalence (Shanghai: χ² =5.99, P<0.05; Tianjin: χ²=27.27, P<0.01). No significant differences were observed in morning urine dehydration prevalence between different temperature groups. There were no significant differences in total body water (TBW) and extracellular water (ECW) between different temperature groups, while the T>28°C group had lower intracellular water (ICW) (Shanghai: Z=2.25, P<0.05; Tianjin: Z=2.37, P<0.05) and higher ECW/ICW (Shanghai: t=–4.06, P<0.01; Tianjin: t=–4.47, P<0.01) and ECW/TBW (Shanghai: t =–3.81, P<0.01; Tianjin: t =–4.45, P<0.01). Logistic regression analysis revealed that exposure to the ambient temperatures higher than 28℃ was significantly associated with higher risk of dehydration for both morning urine (OR = 2.59, 95%CI: 1.60-4.20) and afternoon urine (OR = 5.13, 95%CI: 3.28-8.00). TFI more than 2000ml reduced the risk of dehydration for morning urine (OR=0.50, 95%CI: 0.25-0.98). Higher proportion of soup intake reduced the risk of dehydration for afternoon urine (OR =1.24, 95%CI: 1.02-1.50). The proportion of other types of liquid intake had no significant impact on the risk of dehydration. Conclusion Young males in Tianjin and Shanghai commonly exhibit inadequate water consumption and a high dehydration incidence. Higher outdoor temperatures increase the risk of dehydration. Daily water intake exceeding 2000 ml decreases the risk of dehydration.

Objective To compare the effects of ketogenic diet (KD) and very low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) on body weight control and liver injury in obese rats. Methods Thirty 3-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a normal control group (CD group, n=6) and a diet-induced obesity group (DIO group, n=24). The DIO group was fed a 60% high-fat diet for 10 weeks to model obesity. Eighteen successfully modeled obese rats were randomly divided into three groups: KD group (n=6), VLCKD group (n=6), and high fat diet group (HFD group, n=6). After a 5-week intervention, changes of body weight (BW), abdominal circumference (AC), body length, food intake, blood glucose and ketones were recorded. The alterations in glucose and lipid metabolism, liver injury, and oxidative stress were analyzed. Results The body weight and Lee's index of rats in the VLCKD group were significantly reduced. The improvements in blood glucose and lipid metabolism in the KD group were more pronounced than in the VLCKD group. The levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the liver were significantly lower in the VLCKD group than in the KD group. The improvements in malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels in the liver were more pronounced in the KD group. Conclusion VLCKD and KD can improve glucose and lipid metabolism, liver inflammation, and oxidative stress in obese rats. VLCKD has a significant impact on liver inflammatory factors, while KD has a significant impact on liver oxidative stress.

Objective To investigate the effects of S-adenosyl homocysteine hydrolase (SAHH) overexpression on high fat and methionine induced atherosclerosis (AS). Methods ApoE^-/- mice were fed a high-fat, high-methionine diet, with adenovirus-mediated SAHH overexpression intervention. The changes in body weight, food intake, blood lipid profiles, methionine metabolism indicators [(S-adenosyl homocysteine (SAH), S-adenosyl methionine (SAM), homocysteine (Hcy) levels, and SAM/SAH ratio)] were observed. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Oil Red O staining were used to evaluate the aortic sinus AS plaque size. Immunofluorescence staining and chemiluminescence staining were used to assess inflammation, cell proliferation, and oxidative stress in the aortic sinus. RNA sequencing was used to explore the impact of SAHH overexpression on key signaling pathways associated with AS. Results Compared to the control group, the SAHH overexpression group showed significantly lower plasma levels of SAH [(53.71 ± 5.43) nmol/L vs (31.79 ± 4.67 nmol/L) ] and SAM [(146.65±6.21) nmol/L vs (113.22±8.74) nmol/L), while the SAM/SAH ratio (2.76 ± 0.32) vs (3.61 ± 0.59) and Hcy [(10.58±2.94 ) μmol/L vs (14.87±2.36) μmol/L)] were significantly higher. The relative area of aortic sinus atherosclerotic plaques (0.19±0.07 vs 0.16±0.05) significantly decreased. Inflammation and cell proliferation markers, including cluster of differentiation 68 (CD68), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), Ki-67 antigen (Ki-67), and proliferating cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA), were reduced. The average fluorescence intensity measured by dihydroethidium (DHE) staining was significantly decreased. Transcriptome analysis indicated that SAHH overexpression downregulated pro-inflammatory genes [interleukin-1 beta(IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) ] and upregulated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-proliferative genes (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (Pparα), heme oxygenase 1 (Hmox1), alpha-smooth muscle actin(Acta2) expression. KEGG analysis revealed significant enrichment of cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction genes. Conclusion SAHH overexpression exerts a protective action against high fat and methionine induced atherosclerosis.

Objective To explore the effect of vitamin D on oleic acid (OA)-induced lipid accumulation in hepatocytes through the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) pathway. Methods HepG2 cells were divided into three groups. The control group was not treated. The OA group was treated with OA (0.5mmol/L) to induce lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells, and the OA+VD group was treated with OA (0.5mmol/L) and 1,25(OH)₂D₃ (0.05mmol/L). The lipid accumulation in the cells was observed by Oil Red O staining. FXR expression in the nucleus was observed with the merged images, in which the expression of FXR in the cells was detected with immunofluorescence staining and that in the cell nuclei were labeled with DAPI. The protein expressions of FXR, SREBP-1c, SCD-1, FAS, PPARα, and CPT-1A were assayed by Western blot. Results Compared with the control group, OA treatment resulted in significant intracellular lipid droplet accumulation, and was significantly ameliorated by the simultaneous treatment of 1,25(OH)₂D₃. The results of mechanistic investigations revealed that 1,25(OH)₂D₃ treatment significantly enhanced the protein expression of FXR in the nuclei compared to the OA treatment. Meanwhile, 1,25(OH)₂D₃ treatment also significantly down-regulated the expression of key proteins involved in fatty acid synthesis (SREBP-1c, SCD-1, and FAS) and up-regulated the expression of key proteins involved in β-oxidation of fatty acid (PPARα and CPT-1A). Conclusion 1,25(OH)2D3 has the potential to ameliorate OA-induced lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells via the FXR pathway.

Objective To investigate the effects of apple polyphenol extract (APE) on the changes of hepatic lipid metabolism induced by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) in mice with acute ulcerative colitis (UC) and the underlying mechanisms. Methods Thirty male C57BL/6 mice aged 6-8 weeks were randomly divided into three groups, namely control (CON), DSS model (DSS) and DSS model treated with APE (AD). All mice were fed the chow diet. Mice in CON group were given distilled water for 6 weeks. For mice in the DSS group, distilled water was provided for the first 5 weeks and 3% DSS (m/v) solution in drinking water was given for the last week. For mice in the AD group, distilled water was provided provided for the first 5 weeks and 3% DSS (m/v) solution in drinking water was given for the last week, simultaneously with 500 mg/(kg·bw) APE gavage for 6 weeks. After the intervention, blood samples from the angular vein were obtained, while colon and liver were collected for subsequent histological examination. Quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was employed to detect the mRNA expression of genes related to hepatic lipid metabolism. Results APE intervention significantly reduced DAI scores in UC mice, ameliorated colonic pathological damages, diminished hepatic lipid deposition and inflammatory cell infiltration, reduced NAS, and along with significantly reduced serum levels of TG, AST, ALT, as well as levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β. Further mRNA analysis showed that compared with the CON group, the mRNA expression levels of the fatty acid oxidation-related genes Pparα, fatty acid uptake gene Cd36, lipolysis gene Atgl, cholesterol reverse transporter genes Abcg8, bile acid synthesis genes Cyp7a1 and the key regulator of hepatic lipid metabolism Sirt1 were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The mRNA levels of Acc, Tgr5, ‌proinflammatory cytokine Tnf-α and Il-6 were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the DSS group, APE intervention significantly increased the mRNA expression levels of Sirt1, Sr-b1 and Lxrα (P<0.05),reduced the mRNA expression levels of Acc, Tgr5 and Tnf-α (P<0.05). Conclusion APE improves acute UC-associated hepatic lipid metabolism abnormalities by regulating the mRNA levels of hepatic lipid metabolism-related genes.

Objective To study the effects of hydroethanolic extract of Cydonia oblonga Mill. (HECO) on fatty liver induced by high fat diet in mice and its potential mechanism. Methods Twenty-four male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to the control group (CON), high-fat diet group (HFD), and HECO intervention group (HECO). The latter two groups were fed with a high-fat diet. HECO group were additionally treated with 200 mg/(kg·d) HECO by oral gavage. The intervention lasted for 12 weeks, followed by liver histology examination, measurements of serum and hepatic lipid levels, hepatic function, as well as the oxidative stress biomarkers, inflammatory cytokines, lipid metabolism genes expression, NF-kB p65 phosphorylation and Nrf2 nuclear translocation. Results Compared with the HFD group, HECO significantly decreased body weight, inhibited hepatic lipid deposition, increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level and reduced triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels in serum (P<0.05). HECO also significantly decreased hepatic TG, TC and free fatty acid levels, increased the activities of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase, and elevated glutathione level. Meanwhile, hepatic MDA, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α levels were reduced. The expressions of lipogenesis genes, Srebp1c, Fasn, Acc1, and Scd1 were downregulated, and the expressions of fatty acid transport and β oxidation genes, Cpt1α, Fgf21, Cd36 and Fabp1 were upregulated. Additionally, HECO significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of NF-κB and enhanced the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 (P<0.05). Conclusion HECO is effective in preventing metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease possibly by maintaining hepatic redox status, inhibiting inflammation and improving lipid metabolism.

Objective To review the effects of choline on early childhood cognitive function and growth development, middle-age and elderly cognitive function, metabolic associated fatty liver disease, body composition, cancer, risk of mortality. Methods Electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and SinoMed from 2003.01 to 2024.05 were searched for systematic reviews, meta-analysis and prospective studies related to the association between choline and health outcomes. Results A total of 90 studies from 34655 papers were included. We found that: (1) higher choline intake was correlated with better cognitive function such as memory, language, learning, attention, and executive function in infants and children aged 6 months to 7 years; (2) choline intake was positively correlated with the height and weight of infants, and could also improve growth (such as body weight and head circumference) in infants with prenatal alcohol exposure; (3) higher intake of choline showed a significant association with enhanced cognitive performance in middle-aged and older adults, which contributed to reduced Alzheimer's disease incidence and attenuated progression of dementia-related symptoms; (4) choline intake could reduce the risk of fatty liver disease; (5) serum choline was associated with improved body composition; (6) no significant association was observed between choline and the overall risk of cancers or the risk of all-cause mortality. Conclusion Choline is closely associated with a variety of beneficial health outcomes. Choline-rich foods should be reasonably consumed as part of a healthy diet to obtain maximum health benefits.

In emergency scenarios such as floods, mining disasters, earthquakes and epidemics, the metabolism and nutritional needs of the populations undergo significant changes. Malnutrition increases morbidity and mortality in disaster-affected populations, and thereby targeted nutritional support is crucial. We outline the nutritional risks faced by the populations and their intervention strategies in different emergency scenarios. The nutritional risks such as insufficient intakes of energy, protein and micronutrients are discussed and the nutritional interventions are proposed, so as to provide scientific basis for the development of highly adaptable and functional emergency life-saving foods.