Recent Research/Data Thread...

[Swifto]

I've been trawling Pubmud recently and I thought it would be a good idea to have a thread where we can post recent data/studies on various subjects that affect us bodybuilders and discuss ideas etc...

Please link the source to your study.

If anyone can post links to full papers of abstracts that would be very much appreciated.

Here, I'll go first:

Nat Rev Cardiol


. 2025 Jan 2.
doi: 10.1038/s41569-024-01111-0.Online ahead of print.

Apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins in atherogenesis​

Jan Borén 1, Chris J Packard 2, Christoph J Binder 3
Affiliations expand

• PMID: 39743565
• DOI: 10.1038/s41569-024-01111-0

Abstract​

Apolipoprotein B (apoB) is the main structural protein of LDLs, triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and lipoprotein(a), and is crucial for their formation, metabolism and atherogenic properties. In this Review, we present insights into the role of apoB-containing lipoproteins in atherogenesis, with an emphasis on the mechanisms leading to plaque initiation and growth. LDL, the most abundant cholesterol-rich lipoprotein in plasma, is causally linked to atherosclerosis. LDL enters the artery wall by transcytosis and, in vulnerable regions, is retained in the subendothelial space by binding to proteoglycans via specific sites on apoB. A maladaptive response ensues. This response involves modification of LDL particles, which promotes LDL retention and the release of bioactive lipid products that trigger inflammatory responses in vascular cells, as well as adaptive immune responses. Resident and recruited macrophages take up modified LDL, leading to foam cell formation and ultimately cell death due to inadequate cellular lipid handling. Accumulation of dead cells and cholesterol crystallization are hallmarks of the necrotic core of atherosclerotic plaques. Other apoB-containing lipoproteins, although less abundant, have substantially greater atherogenicity per particle than LDL. These lipoproteins probably contribute to atherogenesis in a similar way to LDL but might also induce additional pathogenic mechanisms. Several targets for intervention to reduce the rate of atherosclerotic lesion initiation and progression have now been identified, including lowering plasma lipoprotein levels and modulating the maladaptive responses in the artery wall.

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39743565/

 

[Swifto]

. 2024 Sep 30;13(9):1984-1990.
doi: 10.21037/tau-24-238. Epub 2024 Sep 24.

Safety and efficacy of enclomiphene and clomiphene for hypogonadal men​

Gal Saffati 1, Jordan Kassab 2, Daniela Orozco Rendon 1, David E Hinojosa-Gonzalez 1, Shane Kronstedt 1, Larry I Lipshultz 1, Mohit Khera 1
Affiliations expand

• PMID: 39434750
• PMCID: PMC11491226
• DOI: 10.21037/tau-24-238

Abstract​

Background: Both clomiphene citrate and its isomer, enclomiphene, have become widespread within urologic practice; thus, understanding these medications' comparative benefits and risks is crucial for optimizing treatment and providing improved therapeutic options. We sought to investigate the longitudinal benefits and risks associated with enclomiphene, compared to clomiphene, and to provide valuable insights for clinicians when making treatment decisions in the management of hypogonadism.
Methods: We retrospectively studied patients at our academic center who had been prescribed clomiphene and, later, enclomiphene for hypogonadism. Baseline laboratory values were documented for each patient before being prescribed clomiphene, followed by subsequent values for each variable in the most recent visit before stopping clomiphene and any noted adverse effects experienced during this time. The same process was repeated for enclomiphene, using the clomiphene levels as an updated baseline. Two-tailed t-tests were employed using R to analyze the longitudinal impacts of clomiphene and enclomiphene on serum hormone values as well as a regression analysis to estimate the odds ratio (OR) for adverse events between the two therapies.
Results: Among 66 patients, enclomiphene exhibited a median testosterone increase of 166 (vs.98 ng/dL, P=0.20) with lower estradiol change than clomiphene (-5.92 vs. 17.50 pg/mL, P=0.001). Adverse effects were statistically significantly less frequent with enclomiphene, including decreased libido (P=0.001), reduced energy (P=0.044), and mood changes (P=0.03). Regression analysis confirmed lower odds of adverse events with enclomiphene [OR: 0.18; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.07-0.44, P=0.02].
Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that enclomiphene provides improvement in testosterone levels with a lower rate of documented adverse events. These findings support enclomiphene as a comparable treatment option for hypogonadal men while minimizing the risk of adverse effects. Further research and more extensive studies are warranted to validate these conclusions and explore the additional long-term effects of enclomiphene to guide future patient counseling regarding these medications.

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39434750/

 

[Flex500]

good info and good idea

 

[Sectør]

Great idea. Will be following

 

[specter]

In for the info..

 

[Dog-Slime]

Down for the updates..

 

[Stewie]

Short-Term Supplementation of Sauerkraut Induces Favorable Changes in the Gut Microbiota of Active Athletes: A Proof-of-Concept Study

Background: "Since the gut microbiota is important for athlete health and performance, its optimization is increasingly gaining attention in sports nutrition, for example, with whole fermented foods. Sauerkraut is a traditional fermented food rich in pro-, pre-, and postbiotics, which has not yet been investigated in the field of sports nutrition. Methods: To determine whether sauerkraut could be used for gut microbiota optimization in sports nutrition, a proof-of-concept study was conducted. The microbiota composition of organic pasteurized sauerkraut was analyzed, and then healthy active athletes were provided with the same sauerkraut for 10 days as an intervention. The effects of sauerkraut on the athlete’s gut microbiota, laboratory parameters, and bowel function were assessed. Results: Significant changes in the gut microbiota composition were seen on taxonomic and functional levels, independent of baseline microbiota composition, even after short-term supplementation. Most notably, there was an increase in several health-promoting genera of the family Lachnospiraceae, as well as significant alterations in metabolic pathways regarding cell wall synthesis and the metabolism of nucleotide bases. An increase in the proportion of lymphocytes and a decrease in B12 vitamin levels was observed, as well as a risk of indigestion in certain athletes, which significantly resolved after seven days of supplementation in all athletes. It is unclear whether the observed effects are attributable to the sauerkraut’s own microbiome or its pre- and postbiotics since it is a whole food. Conclusions: Our study has demonstrated that the concept of whole fermented foods, such as sauerkraut, could potentially be feasible and effective in sports nutrition for gut microbiota optimization."

Short-Term Supplementation of Sauerkraut Induces Favorable Changes in the Gut Microbiota of Active Athletes: A Proof-of-Concept Study

Background: Since the gut microbiota is important for athlete health and performance, its optimization is increasingly gaining attention in sports nutrition, for example, with whole fermented foods. Sauerkraut is a traditional fermented food rich in pro-, pre-, and postbiotics, which has not yet...

www.mdpi.com

 

[Swifto]

Front Cardiovasc Med

. 2024 Dec 12:11:1439699.
doi: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1439699.eCollection 2024.

The causal relationship between 233 metabolites and coronary atherosclerosis: a Mendelian randomization study​

Hongwei Zhang 1 2, Xiaoyu Zheng 3, Zian Yan 1 2 4, Lijun Guo 1 2, Yuan Zheng 1 2, Dawu Zhang 1 2, Xiaochang Ma 1 2
Affiliations expand

• PMID: 39726950
• PMCID: PMC11669696
• DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1439699

Abstract​

Objective: To investigate the causal relationship between 233 newly reported metabolites and coronary atherosclerosis through Mendelian randomization analysis.
Methods: Five different methods were used to perform Mendelian randomization analysis on the 233 metabolites and coronary atherosclerosis, with inverse variance weighting as the primary result, supplemented by other methods.
Results: The analysis identified that certain metabolites increase the susceptibility risk of coronary atherosclerosis, including: Total fatty acids (OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.28-1.53, P < 0.001), Saturated fatty acids (OR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.30-1.60, P < 0.001), Serum total triglyceride levels (OR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.22-1.46, P < 0.001), Conjugated linoleic acid (OR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.04-1.30, P = 0.007). Conversely, certain metabolites were found to reduce the occurrence of coronary atherosclerosis, such as: Cholesteryl esters to total lipids ratio in medium HDL (OR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.67-0.78, P < 0.001), Cholesteryl esters to total lipids ratio in large HDL (OR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.58-0.71, P < 0.001), Total cholesterol to total lipids ratio in medium HDL (OR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.65-0.77, P < 0.001).
Conclusion: There is a close relationship between metabolites and the occurrence of coronary atherosclerosis. This study conducted Mendelian randomization analysis on the causal relationship between 233 metabolites and coronary atherosclerosis, providing potential new insights for the treatment of this disease.

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39726950/

 

[Swifto]

J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol

. 2024 Dec 31:247:106672.
doi: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2024.106672.Online ahead of print.

Cyclocurcumin potently inhibits human aromatase as a potential therapeutic agent​

Han Lu 1, Jingyi Zheng 2, Chunnan Hu 2, Jiayi He 2, Shaowei Wang 3, Zhuoqi Chen 3, Yiyan Wang 3, Huitao Li 4, Ren-Shan Ge 5, Yunbing Tang 6, Yingfen Ying 7
Affiliations expand

• PMID: 39746524
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2024.106672

Abstract​

Curcuminoids, including curcumin and its derivatives, show potent inhibition of aromatase (CYP19A1), crucial for estradiol synthesis and breast cancer metastasis. Our study evaluated the efficacy and mechanism of 10 curcuminoids and their metabolites against human and rat CYP19A1 using placental microsomes, revealing species-specific IC50 values. Cyclocurcumin (IC50, 4.43 μM) and curcumin (IC50, 3.49 μM) were the most effective inhibitors for human and rat CYP19A1, respectively. These compounds acted as mixed or competitive inhibitors, reducing estradiol production in human BeWo cells. Docking analysis showed that curcuminoids interact with CYP19A1 active site, forming a hydrogen bond with Met374. 3D-QSAR analysis highlighted the importance of hydrogen bonding in inhibition. A negative correlation was observed between the pKa values and IC50 values for human CYP19A1. A positive correlation was observed between the lowest binding energy and IC50 values for human CYP19A1. These findings underscore the potential of curcuminoids as therapeutic agents against breast cancer.

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39746524/

 

[Stewie]

Over the years, I've found intriguing importance on the functionality of lipoproteins. More specifically the functionality of HDL-C. Quality over quantity.

Cardio-Protective-Promoting Properties of Functional Foods Inducing HDL-Cholesterol Levels and Functionality

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) has been proposed to provide cardio-protective properties through the functionality of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant enzymatic machinery. Within this article, the beneficial effects of several functional foods on HDL levels and functionality for cardio-protection are thoroughly reviewed. Emphasis is given to functional foods and their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory health-promoting effects for the cardiovascular system through their benefits on HDL, which act either solely or synergistically as an adjuvant approach with well-established anti-atherogenic therapies. Promising outcomes from both in vitro and in vivo studies in animal models and clinical trials, which outline the beneficial effects of such functional foods on HDL levels and functionality, are thoroughly discussed. The mechanisms of the obtained antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, and cardio-protective effects on HDL activities of functional foods containing natural bioactives are also outlined. Limitations and future perspectives on the overall benefits that these natural bioactive compounds exert as important ingredients in functional foods to induce HDL-related benefits and to strengthen cardiovascular health are also discussed.

Cardio-Protective-Promoting Properties of Functional Foods Inducing HDL-Cholesterol Levels and Functionality

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) has been proposed to provide cardio-protective properties through the functionality of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant enzymatic machinery. Within this article, the beneficial effects of several functional foods on HDL levels and functionality for...

www.mdpi.com

 

[R3aper7]

great thread. Following this.

 

[Swifto]

Over the years, I've found intriguing importance on the functionality of lipoproteins. More specifically the functionality of HDL-C. Quality over quantity.

Cardio-Protective-Promoting Properties of Functional Foods Inducing HDL-Cholesterol Levels and Functionality

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) has been proposed to provide cardio-protective properties through the functionality of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant enzymatic machinery. Within this article, the beneficial effects of several functional foods on HDL levels and functionality for cardio-protection are thoroughly reviewed. Emphasis is given to functional foods and their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory health-promoting effects for the cardiovascular system through their benefits on HDL, which act either solely or synergistically as an adjuvant approach with well-established anti-atherogenic therapies. Promising outcomes from both in vitro and in vivo studies in animal models and clinical trials, which outline the beneficial effects of such functional foods on HDL levels and functionality, are thoroughly discussed. The mechanisms of the obtained antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, and cardio-protective effects on HDL activities of functional foods containing natural bioactives are also outlined. Limitations and future perspectives on the overall benefits that these natural bioactive compounds exert as important ingredients in functional foods to induce HDL-related benefits and to strengthen cardiovascular health are also discussed.

Cardio-Protective-Promoting Properties of Functional Foods Inducing HDL-Cholesterol Levels and Functionality

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) has been proposed to provide cardio-protective properties through the functionality of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant enzymatic machinery. Within this article, the beneficial effects of several functional foods on HDL levels and functionality for...

www.mdpi.com

Absolutely, and lately here and elsewhere I've seen people stating that HDL is not that important if the whole cholesterol profile is generally good/in range. The protective effect of HDL has been alluded to many times and the latest studies seem to point in the direction that this is pretty significant.

I've found with HDL that genetic variance is massive. I can't get my HDL over 36, but many can. It also seems to take hit the most before any other lipid markers slip when using AAS for me.

 

[Swifto]

Study is on women, not males, although I dont think it's unrealistic to suggest Tamoxifen could also lower ApoB in males.

This could mean a viable approach to those not choosing to use AIs who show estrogenic symptoms (gynecomastia) and want to lower ApoB levels.



. 2025 Jan 7.
doi: 10.1007/s12020-024-04128-0. Online ahead of print.

The impact of tamoxifen on apolipoproteins and lipoprotein(a) levels: an updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials​

Yi Jiang 1, Lantian Zhang 2, Dongyi Shen 3, Haiyan Sun 4
Affiliations expand

• PMID: 39776103
• DOI: 10.1007/s12020-024-04128-0

Abstract​

Objective: The existing evidence regarding the impact of tamoxifen on lipoprotein(a) and apolipoproteins remains inconsistent. Therefore, this updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aims to enhance the quality of evidence concerning the effects of tamoxifen on these lipid parameters.
Methods: Eligible RCTs published up to October 2024 were meticulously selected through a comprehensive search. A meta-analysis was then performed using a random-effects model, and results were presented as the weighted mean difference (WMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI).
Results: Findings from the random-effects model revealed an increase in ApoA-I (WMD: 15.22 mg/dL, 95% CI: 6.43-24.01, P = 0.001), alongside decreases in ApoB (WMD: -9.33 mg/dL, 95% CI: -15.46 to -3.19, P = 0.003) and lipoprotein(a) (WMD: -3.35 mg/dL, 95% CI: -5.78 to -0.91, P = 0.007) levels following tamoxifen treatment in women. Subgroup analyses indicated a more significant reduction in lipoprotein(a) levels in RCTs with a duration of ≤24 weeks (WMD: -3.65 mg/dL) and in studies using tamoxifen doses of ≥20 mg/day (WMD: -4.53 mg/dL).
Conclusion: This meta-analysis provides evidence that tamoxifen leads to a decrease in lipoprotein(a) levels, along with reductions in ApoB and increases in ApoA-I among women.

 

[Swifto]

Front Nutr

2024 Oct 11:11:1428010.
doi: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1428010. eCollection 2024.

Dietary strategies and nutritional supplements in the management of heart failure: a systematic review​

Xinyi Yu 1, Qilan Chen 1, Inmaculada Xu Lou 1
Affiliations expand

• PMID: 39464682
• PMCID: PMC11502353
• DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1428010

Abstract​

Background and objective: Heart failure (HF) is a syndrome of increased intracardiac pressure or decreased cardiac output. There is a lack of conclusive evidence to recommend the regular use of any dietary supplement in patients with HF. However, certain studies have shown nutritional interventions to be beneficial for patients with HF. Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review was to understand and map the updates of dietary interventions and nutritional supplementation measures related to patients with HF over the past 5 years.
Study design: A systematic review.
Methods: The PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for randomized clinical trials on the association between dietary interventions and nutritional supplements and HF published between 2018 and 2023. A total of 1755 documents were retrieved, of which 19 were finalized for inclusion.
Results: The findings suggest that individualized nutritional support reduces mortality and risk of major cardiovascular events in chronic heart failure inpatients at high nutritional risk. The Mediterranean diet improves functionality, quality of life, and cardiac function. Additionally, supplementation with thiamine, ubiquinol, D-ribose, and L-arginine enhances left ventricular ejection fraction. Probiotic yogurt may effectively improve the inflammatory and antioxidative status of chronic heart failure. Whey protein and melatonin have a positive effect on improving endothelial function in HF patients.
Conclusion: Certain dietary interventions and nutritional supplements may provide some benefit to patients with HF. However, there is no relevant definitive evidence on the impact of nutritional interventions on the prognosis of HF, and more high-quality clinical trials are needed for further in-depth studies.

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39464682/

 

[Swifto]

"... supplementary Cr (creatine) could serve as a potent neuroprotective substance, preventing or delaying the course of age-related cognitive deficits."


. 2025 Jan 15;13(1):e4767.
doi: 10.1002/fsn3.4767. eCollection 2025 Jan.

Long-Term Creatine Supplementation Improves Cognitive and Hippocampal Structural Plasticity Impairments in a D-Gal-Induced Aging Model via Increasing CK-BB Activity in the Brain​

Zhu Zhu 1, Hantao Zhang 2, Qianlin Li 2, Xu Han 1, Tiantian Wang 1, Wenjing Zhang 2, Feiyan Chen 3 4, Ling Gu 3 4, Qi Yao 1, Lin Chen 2, Yunan Zhao 1
Affiliations expand

• PMID: 39816485
• PMCID: PMC11733680
• DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.4767

Abstract​

Creatine (Cr) is recognized for its role in enhancing cognitive functions through the phosphocreatine (pCr)-creatine kinase system involved in brain energy homeostasis. It is reversibly converted into pCr by creatine kinase (CK). A brain-specific isoform of CK, known as CK-BB, is implicated in the brain's energy metabolism. The objective of this research is to ascertain the impact of Cr supplementation on learning and memory skills as well as on structural synaptic plasticity, by modulating CK-BB. First, we utilized various concentrations of D-galactose (D-gal) to create an aging mouse model. Our findings indicated that D-gal injections at 100 and 1000 mg/kg could lead to cognitive decline, oxidative stress, and damage to structural synaptic plasticity. CK-BB expression and its activity were reduced at least by approximately 20% in mice injected with 100 and 1000 mg/kg D-gal compared with control group. Next, an adeno-associated virus directed against CKB was employed to reduce CK-BB levels by 34% in the brain. The reduction of CK-BB in the brain resulted in deficits in learning and memory, oxidative stress, and morphological harm to the hippocampal spines of mice. Finally, the diet of the D-gal-induced aging model was enriched with 3% Cr. Mice that received 3% Cr supplementation exhibited a 36% increase in CK-BB activity and a 14.3% increase in CK-BB expression following prolonged D-gal administration. In addition, Cr supplementation mitigated the cognitive impairment, oxidative stress, and hippocampal structural plasticity damage caused by chronic D-gal injections. Overall, our study revealed that CK-BB has a critical role in mediating structural plasticity in D-gal-induced cognitive impairment. Moreover, it showed that supplementary Cr could serve as a potent neuroprotective substance, preventing or delaying the course of age-related cognitive deficits.

Source: https://www.professionalmuscle.com/forums/index.php?threads/recent-research-data-thread.184561/

 

[qbkilla]

Short-Term Supplementation of Sauerkraut Induces Favorable Changes in the Gut Microbiota of Active Athletes: A Proof-of-Concept Study

Background: "Since the gut microbiota is important for athlete health and performance, its optimization is increasingly gaining attention in sports nutrition, for example, with whole fermented foods. Sauerkraut is a traditional fermented food rich in pro-, pre-, and postbiotics, which has not yet been investigated in the field of sports nutrition. Methods: To determine whether sauerkraut could be used for gut microbiota optimization in sports nutrition, a proof-of-concept study was conducted. The microbiota composition of organic pasteurized sauerkraut was analyzed, and then healthy active athletes were provided with the same sauerkraut for 10 days as an intervention. The effects of sauerkraut on the athlete’s gut microbiota, laboratory parameters, and bowel function were assessed. Results: Significant changes in the gut microbiota composition were seen on taxonomic and functional levels, independent of baseline microbiota composition, even after short-term supplementation. Most notably, there was an increase in several health-promoting genera of the family Lachnospiraceae, as well as significant alterations in metabolic pathways regarding cell wall synthesis and the metabolism of nucleotide bases. An increase in the proportion of lymphocytes and a decrease in B12 vitamin levels was observed, as well as a risk of indigestion in certain athletes, which significantly resolved after seven days of supplementation in all athletes. It is unclear whether the observed effects are attributable to the sauerkraut’s own microbiome or its pre- and postbiotics since it is a whole food. Conclusions: Our study has demonstrated that the concept of whole fermented foods, such as sauerkraut, could potentially be feasible and effective in sports nutrition for gut microbiota optimization."

Short-Term Supplementation of Sauerkraut Induces Favorable Changes in the Gut Microbiota of Active Athletes: A Proof-of-Concept Study

Background: Since the gut microbiota is important for athlete health and performance, its optimization is increasingly gaining attention in sports nutrition, for example, with whole fermented foods. Sauerkraut is a traditional fermented food rich in pro-, pre-, and postbiotics, which has not yet...

www.mdpi.com

Good find. I added this back into every meal and feel like my stomach is less bloated after meals.

 

[AllOkJumpmaster]

are you on facebook?

 

[Mufasa123]

Absolutely, and lately here and elsewhere I've seen people stating that HDL is not that important if the whole cholesterol profile is generally good/in range. The protective effect of HDL has been alluded to many times and the latest studies seem to point in the direction that this is pretty significant.

I've found with HDL that genetic variance is massive. I can't get my HDL over 36, but many can. It also seems to take hit the most before any other lipid markers slip when using AAS for me.

I'm similar with HDL 34-39 and only a few times did I hit 40/41. Made huge progress in everything else over time.

For AAS deca/test don't seem to touch anything (cruise or my full blast doses) but primo at 600mg/w hits HDL into low-mid 20s with everything else untouched. In fairness my lowest HDL is like 19-22 and that's with tren, orals etc over a decent block of time so it doesn't get too low either

 

[Swifto]

are you on facebook?

No sir.

 

[Swifto]

I'm similar with HDL 34-39 and only a few times did I hit 40/41. Made huge progress in everything else over time.

For AAS deca/test don't seem to touch anything (cruise or my full blast doses) but primo at 600mg/w hits HDL into low-mid 20s with everything else untouched. In fairness my lowest HDL is like 19-22 and that's with tren, orals etc over a decent block of time so it doesn't get too low either

Yes, I am very similar but Primo also hits LDL for me.

I have bloods soon on 350mg Test/EQ to measure lipids and E2.