Circulating Interleukins-33 and -37 and Their Associations with Metabolic Syndrome in Arab Adults.

Interleukins (ILs) are a group of cytokines known to have immunomodulatory effects; they include ILs-33 and -37 whose emerging roles in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome (MetS) remain under investigated. In this study, we compared circulating IL-33 and IL-37 in Arab adults with and without MetS to determine its associations with MetS components. A total of 417 Saudi participants (151 males, 266 females; mean age ± SD 41.

Acute Glycemic Control in Prediabetes Individuals Favorably Alters Serum NLRP3 Inflammasome and Related Interleukins.

Hyperglycemia associated with prediabetes (PD) alters NLRP3 inflammasome activity and related interleukins, yet no study has evaluated the expression of the NLRP3 inflammasome complex and related interleukins in individuals with a PD condition that did or did not develop type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study investigated the effect of 6 months of lifestyle modification on the expression of the NLRP3 inflammasome and related interleukins (1α, 1β, 18, 33 and 37) in the sera of individuals with a PD condition that did or did not develop T2DM. This interventional study included 67 Saudi adults (mean age = 41.

Attendance-Based Adherence and Outcomes of Obesity Management Program in Arab Adolescents.

Pediatric obesity has become a global pandemic in the last century, contributing to short and long-term medical conditions that heighten the risk of morbidity and mortality in children. The 12-month school-based obesity management educational program aims to assess the effect of adherence to the lifestyle educational program and target outcomes, obesity, and hypertension. A total of 363 (nonadherent, = 179; adherent, = 184) Saudi school adolescents aged 12-18 were recruited from 60 schools in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia.

Regional Variations in Pesticide Residue Detection Rates and Concentrations in Saudi Arabian Crops.

There is a scarcity of evidence on the levels of pesticide residues among common crops grown in the different regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The present study aims to fill this gap. We collected samples across four regions of KSA (N = 41 from the west, N = 146 from the central, N = 131 from the north and N = 74 samples from the east).

Differences and Associations of NLRP3 Inflammasome Levels with Interleukins 1α, 1β, 33 and 37 in Adults with Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Inflammasome activation of the nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich-containing family, and pyrin domain-containing-3 (NLRP3) has been observed to be involved in the pathogenesis of numerous inflammatory diseases, including prediabetes (PD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Varying levels of glycemia can trigger inflammasome activation; yet, limited studies have reported the associations between NLRP3 levels or other circulating interleukins (ILs) and glycemic status. This study investigated the differences and associations between serum levels of NLRP3 and IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-33 and IL-37 in Arab adults with PD and T2DM.

Circulating Nitric Oxide and Metabolic Syndrome in Arab Children and Adolescents: A Case-Control Study.

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) represents a cluster of known cardiometabolic risk factors, which elevates the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in adults and, only recently, even in children and adolescents. Circulating nitric oxide (NOx) has been observed to influence MetS risk factors in adults, but this has been scarcely investigated in children. The aim of the present study was to determine whether circulating NOx levels correlate with known components of MetS in Arab children and adolescents.

Evaluation of 34 Cytokines and Vitamin D Status Reveal A Sexually-Dimorphic Active Immune Response to SARS-CoV-2.

Background: Several observational studies have inconsistently demonstrated that vitamin D deficiency is a risk factor for coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) infection and severity. Discrepancies in results may partially be explained by the individuals’ immune profiles, which are modulated, in varying degrees, by vitamin D status and sex hormones. Methods: In this study we evaluated the differences and associations of serum levels of 25(OH)D with 34 cytokines in 220 adults (82 controls (41 males; 41 females) and 138 SARS-CoV-2 patients (79 males and 59 females)) with and without COVID-19.

Associations of Bone Mineral Density with RANKL and Osteoprotegerin in Arab Postmenopausal Women: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background and objective: There is limited information as to the association of several key bone markers with bone mineral density (BMD) in understudied ethnic groups. This study investigated the relationship between circulating levels of osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand (RANKL) with BMD in Arab postmenopausal women. Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 617 Saudi postmenopausal women from the Osteoporosis Registry of the Chair for Biomarkers of Chronic Diseases were included.

Cardiometabolic Effects of a 12-Month, COVID-19 Lockdown-Interrupted Lifestyle Education Program for Arab Adolescents.

Background: Childhood obesity and pediatric metabolic syndrome (MetS) have steadily increased during the last decade in Saudi Arabia. Intervention programs to prevent cardiometabolic disorders in Arab youth are needed.

Objective: In this multi-school intervention study which was disrupted by COVID-19-imposed lockdowns (September 2019-April 2021), a 12-month lifestyle education program focused on improving the cardiometabolic status of Arab adolescents was investigated.

Effects of a 12-Month Hybrid (In-Person + Virtual) Education Program in the Glycemic Status of Arab Youth.

This 12-month school-based intervention study investigated the effects of hybrid educational lifestyle modifications on glycemic control among Saudi youth with different glycemic statuses. A total of 2600 Arab adolescents aged 12−18 years were recruited from 60 randomly selected schools. Anthropometrics, blood glucose, and HbA1c were measured pre- and post-intervention.

Increasing Prevalence of Pediatric Metabolic Syndrome and Its Components among Arab Youth: A Time-Series Study from 2010-2019.

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of cardiometabolic disorders, mostly studied in adults with certain ethnic groups, such as Arabs with higher predisposition and heritability. In this time-series study, we tried to determine the prevalence of MetS in the Arabic pediatric population from 2010-2019 to gauge the need to intervene in the younger population.

Methods: A total of 7985 Saudi school children aged 12-18 coming from different sets of cohorts in different timepoints were included in this time-series studies (Year 2010, = 2081, 877 boys and 1204 girls; Year 2015, = 3360, 1625 boys and 1735 girls, Year 2019, = 2544, 956 boys and 1588 girls).

Tristetraprolin, Inflammation, and Metabolic Syndrome in Arab Adults: A Case Control Study.

Tristetraprolin (TTP) is an mRNA binding protein suggested to have a substantial role in regulating the mRNA expression of numerous inflammatory factors, but data on TTP and its association with metabolic syndrome (MetS), a chronic low-grade inflammatory disorder, are scarce. We hypothesize that TTP may modulate MetS and its components. A total of 200 Saudi adults (aged 38.

Effects of a 2-Week 5000 IU versus 1000 IU Vitamin D3 Supplementation on Recovery of Symptoms in Patients with Mild to Moderate Covid-19: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Objective: Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with an increased risk of COVID-19 severity. This multi-center randomized clinical trial aims to determine the effects of 5000 IU versus 1000 IU daily oral vitamin D3 supplementation in the recovery of symptoms and other clinical parameters among mild to moderate COVID-19 patients with sub-optimal vitamin D status.

Study Design And Setting: A total of 69 reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) SARS-CoV-2 positive adults who were hospitalized for mild to moderate COVID-19 disease were allocated to receive once daily for 2 weeks either 5000 IU oral vitamin D3 ( = 36, 21 males; 15 females) or 1000 IU oral vitamin D3 (standard control) ( = 33, 13 males; 20 females).

Vitamin D status of Arab Gulf residents screened for SARS-CoV-2 and its association with COVID-19 infection: a multi-centre case-control study.

Objectives: Vitamin D status in patients with COVID-19 is an on-going controversial issue. This study aims to determine differences in the serum 25(OH)D concentrations of Arab Gulf adult residents screened for SARS-CoV-2 and its association with risk of COVID-19 infection together with other comorbidities.

Methods: In this multi-center, case-control study, a total of 220 male and female adults presenting with none to mild symptoms were screened for COVID-19 (n = 138 RT-PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 positive and 82 negative controls).

Effects of home quarantine during COVID-19 lockdown on physical activity and dietary habits of adults in Saudi Arabia.

Public health endorsements during the present COVID-19 pandemic has led the governments of largely affected countries to imply policies that restrict social mobility to slow COVID-19 spread. The study aimed to explore the effects of COVID-19 home quarantine on lifestyle and health behavior of Saudi residents. An online survey in Saudi Arabia was launched from May 11 to June 6, 2020.

Association of and Gene Polymorphism in Arab Women with and without Osteoporosis.

Receptor activator of the nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin genes (OPG) were identified as susceptible loci for postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) in various ethnicities, but neither have been studied in an Arabian population. Hence, the current study aimed to fill this gap. A total of 372 postmenopausal women (174 osteoporosis (OP) and 198 control group (CTRs)) were genotyped for four SNPs: rs2277438A/G and rs9533156T/C (), and rs2073618C/G and rs3102735T/C ().

Vitamin D Correction Down-Regulates Serum Amyloid P Component Levels in Vitamin D Deficient Arab Adults: A Single-Arm Trial.

Vitamin D (VD) has been observed to have anti-inflammatory properties. However, the effects of VD supplementation on the serum amyloid P component (SAP) has not been established. This study aimed to investigate the effect of VD supplementation on serum SAP levels in Arab adults.

Reversal of Prediabetes in Saudi Adults: Results from an 18 Month Lifestyle Intervention.

Aim: This 18 month intervention study aims to determine the efficacy of a lifestyle modification program on prediabetes reversal among Saudi adults.

Methods: An 18 month randomized, multicenter trial was conducted among Saudis with prediabetes aged 25-60 recruited from King Salman Hospital and primary care centers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A total of 180 consenting individuals were randomized (1:1) to receive either intensive lifestyle intervention (ILIG) or guidance (control group, CG).

Vitamin D Supplementation Is Associated with Increased Glutathione Peroxidase-1 Levels in Arab Adults with Prediabetes.

Vitamin D supplementation may be used to lower oxidative stress. This interventional study aimed to investigate the effects of vitamin D supplementation on glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1) levels and other parameters in Arab adults with prediabetes. A total of 203 Saudi adults with prediabetes and vitamin D deficiency [intervention group, = 146 (53 males and 93 females); control group, = 57 (25 males and 32 females)] were included in this non-randomized, six-month intervention study.

Favorable Changes in Fasting Glucose in a 6-month Self-Monitored Lifestyle Modification Programme Inversely Affects Spexin Levels in Females with Prediabetes.

Spexin (SPX) is a novel peptide thought to have a role in various metabolic regulations. Given its presumed body-weight regulatory functions, we aimed to determine whether lifestyle intervention programs on weight loss and fasting glucose (FG) improvement among people with impaired glucose regulation also alter levels of circulating SPX. A total of 160 Saudi adult males and females with prediabetes were randomly selected from a larger cohort (N = 294) who underwent a 6-month lifestyle modification program to improve their glycemic status.

Effects of different vitamin D supplementation strategies in reversing metabolic syndrome and its component risk factors in adolescents.

There is little evidence on the efficacy of various vitamin D supplementation strategies in reversing metabolic syndrome (MetS) in adolescents. The present study aims to fill this gap. A total of 535 (243/292) out of 650 apparently healthy Saudi adolescents were randomly selected from the Vitamin D School Project database which has baseline and post-intervention information of more than 1000 Saudi adolescents 12-18 years old attending 34 schools in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from Nov 2014-May 2015.

Spexin Levels Are Associated with Metabolic Syndrome Components.

Background: Spexin (SPX) is a novel peptide that is implicated in obesity and related energy homeostasis in animals and adult humans. Little is known about its role in adults' overall cardiometabolic health. The aim of the study was to determine whether circulating levels of spexin (SPX) is associated with components of metabolic syndrome (MetS).

Identification of the splice variants of Recepteur d'Origine nantais (RON) in lung cancer cell lines.

RON receptor tyrosine kinase is a transmembrane protein directly involved in suppression of inflammation and its aberrant expression linked to cancers and metastasis. Efforts to block deregulated RON signaling in tumors using small molecule kinase inhibitors or antibodies have been complicated by the presence of unknown number/types of isoforms of RON, which, despite being structurally similar, localize differently and mediate varied functions. Current study was designed to identify the splice variants of RON transcripts formed by skipping of sequences between exons 9 and 14 for better understanding of isoform specific RON signaling in cancers.

Effects of a 6-month multi-strain probiotics supplementation in endotoxemic, inflammatory and cardiometabolic status of T2DM patients: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Objective: The aim of this trial was to characterize the beneficial effects of probiotics on decreasing endotoxin levels and other cardiometabolic parameters in Arab patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods: Saudi adults with naïve T2DM (n = 30; 12 males and 18 females) were randomly allocated to receive twice daily placebo or 2.5 × 10 cfu/g of EcologicBarrier (multi-strain probiotics; n = 31; 14 males and 17 females) in a double-blind manner over a 6 month period, respectively.

Sex-specific expression of apolipoprotein levels following replenishment of vitamin D.

Numerous studies have been done to establish the relationship between vitamin D and lipids, yet a definitive causal link is not found. This interventional study aims to evaluate and compare levels of apolipoproteins among vitamin D deficient subjects at baseline and after they achieved full vitamin D status correction.120 Saudi adults with vitamin D deficiency [25(OH)D < 50nmol/l] were recruited and given 50,000IU cholecalciferol weekly for first 2 months, then twice a month for next 2 months, followed by daily 1000IU until month 6.