Aging is the greatest risk factor for many of society's most prevalent diseases, including diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disorders. A common thread underlying these conditions is the disruption of cellular and metabolic homeostasis. All hallmarks of aging converge on mechanisms that disrupt how cells communicate, interact, and coordinate their functions. Emerging studies have implicated diminished NAD+ levels as a contributor to several hallmarks of aging, underscoring their regulatory role in age-dependent decline. While it remains unclear whether aging drives metabolic decline or if metabolic dysregulation accelerates aging-or both-a growing body of evidence suggests that NAD+ metabolism may be a key link between disrupted communication and metabolic dysfunction. This review integrates current insights into how NAD+ metabolism and signaling influence cellular and organismal aging, emphasizing the nutritional factors that modulate these processes. Together, these perspectives position NAD+ as a unifying framework linking nutrition, metabolic resilience, and the mechanisms of healthy aging and disease.
Metabolite repair, or metabolite damage control, has emerged as a fundamental pillar of intermediary metabolism alongside catalysis and regulation. Enzyme promiscuity and spontaneous chemical reactions inevitably generate abnormal metabolites that can interfere with classical metabolic processes. Dedicated metabolite repair enzymes prevent or reverse such damage, thereby preserving metabolic integrity. Defects in these systems define a growing class of inborn errors of metabolism, several of which are now clinically recognized and, in some cases, treatable. We summarize recent advances in the discovery and characterization of metabolite damage and repair systems in the tricarboxylic acid cycle, glycolysis, and other pathways, highlighting examples with established or potential links to human disease. We outline strategies for identifying additional metabolite repair defects and discuss diagnostic challenges, therapeutic perspectives, and connections between metabolite repair and aging. Understanding metabolite repair exposes the mechanisms that safeguard metabolism and opens new paths toward molecular diagnosis and targeted therapy.
Growing evidence suggests that dietary interventions can influence cancer progression and patient outcomes. Here, we discuss mechanistic links between diet and cancer biology including those related to systemic hormone signaling, modulation of nutrient availability within the tumor microenvironment, and interactions with the immune system and microbiome, while highlighting their interconnectedness. Further, we review preclinical and clinical data evaluating specific diets, including their use with cancer therapies. Given the interest in diet as an adjunct to cancer care, it is essential to establish evidence-based dietary strategies for optimizing patient outcomes and quality of life.
Dietary microRNAs (miRNAs) constitute a novel nexus among nutrition, gene regulation, and human health. Accumulating evidence indicates that miRNAs ingested with food can traverse the gastrointestinal barrier, enter systemic circulation, and modulate gene expression through gene-silencing mechanisms in critical metabolic pathways of mammals. These observations have driven growing interest in elucidating their bioavailability, molecular stability, and physiological relevance. In this review, we provide a systematic analysis of dietary miRNAs, with particular emphasis on plant-derived species and those present in breast milk, evaluating controversies and their potential implications for human health and disease. Breast milk is highlighted as a key vehicle for miRNA-mediated communication in early life, integrating maternal, environmental, and infant signals. Drawing on these insights, we identify major challenges in dietary miRNA research and propose strategies to address them, establishing a structured framework to guide future studies. Finally, we highlight the biotechnological potential of dietary miRNAs in promoting nutritional approaches to advance human health.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)-based obesity pharmacotherapies have revolutionized obesity treatment. In this review, we discuss the discovery of GLP-1 and evaluate the efficacy of marketed and investigational GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists (GLP-1RAs), most notably semaglutide, as well as their potential central mechanism of action. We highlight the GLP-1R/glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR) dual agonist tirzepatide and the GLP-1RA/GIPR antagonist maridebart cafraglutide, discussing how both methods of GIPR targeting can produce beneficial metabolic effects. The lack of evidence for the anorectic effects of GIPR agonism or antagonism alone in humans is noted, and the review concludes with an evaluation of other reasons for the greater efficacy of GIPR/GLP-1R dual targeting compounds over semaglutide.
Severe nutrient deficiency in utero has been associated with elevated type 2 diabetes (T2D) odds across the life span. Optimal early-life nutrition interventions that mitigate T2D in adulthood remain unclear, largely due to limited understanding of the underlying biologic pathways. In this review, we summarize recent evidence of physiologic mechanisms by which early-life nutrition could influence T2D pathophysiology in adulthood. We focus on studies evaluating genes as effect modifiers as well as epigenetic reprogramming of gene expression, structural development of key tissues and organs, and accelerated biological aging as causal mediators. We present evidence regarding biologic alterations that are nutrition sensitive during the first 1,000 days of life and could persistently impact glucose-insulin homeostasis across decades. This review emphasizes studies published from 2015 to 2025, with large-scale biological data generated from high-throughput technologies.
Preterm birth disrupts nutrient-responsive signaling pathways critical for skeletal muscle growth and long-term metabolic health. Despite improvements in neonatal care, preterm infants often experience postnatal growth failure marked by impaired lean mass accretion. This review examines how prematurity intrinsically alters insulin and amino acid signaling to mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), a central regulator of translation initiation and protein synthesis. Evidence from translational models reveals blunted activation of mTORC1 and its downstream effectors, independent of birth weight or comorbidities. Defects in insulin-PDK1/mTORC2-Akt signaling and amino acid sensing, particularly leucine sensing, contribute to impaired mTORC1-dependent translation initiation and reduced muscle protein synthesis. Feeding strategies that mimic physiological nutrient pulsatility, including intermittent bolus feeding and pulsatile leucine supplementation during continuous feeding, show promise in restoring anabolic signaling. Understanding these molecular impairments provides a foundation for targeted nutritional and therapeutic interventions to improve muscle growth and mitigate long-term health risks in individuals born preterm.
Spatial metabolomics has emerged as a transformative approach for understanding how metabolism is organized within tissues and how nutritional factors influence health and disease. By preserving the spatial context of metabolites within intact tissue architecture, techniques such as MALDI and DESI imaging mass spectrometry reveal metabolic heterogeneity that bulk analyses cannot capture. This review examines how spatial metabolomics advances nutrition research across multiple domains: from mapping nutrient distributions in foods to understanding how diet reshapes tissue metabolism in disease states. We highlight recent innovations, including single-cell-resolution imaging, 3D metabolome reconstruction, stable isotope tracing, and multiomics integration. Key applications demonstrate how dietary patterns drive glycogen accumulation in cancer, alter lipid zonation in fatty liver disease, and modulate brain metabolism through the gut-brain axis. These spatially resolved insights establish direct mechanistic links between nutrition, tissue metabolism, and disease pathogenesis.
Due to its unique chemical nature, zinc is indispensable to diverse functional roles in protein structure, catalysis, and the dynamic regulation of metabolic processes. In support of zinc-dependent metabolic functions, the zinc content of peripheral blood plasma turns over in exchange with cells on the order of 100-fold daily. Although zinc deficiency is well-known for its effects in reducing child growth and impairing immune function, a growing body of evidence has implicated zinc intake and plasma zinc concentration in the complex etiological web of metabolic disease. In turn, stresses linked with the progression of metabolic disease interfere with protein-zinc binding and accelerate zinc loss from the body. We summarize evidence connecting zinc with metabolic disease, discuss the effects of metabolic disease on zinc homeostasis, and suggest areas for future research to integrate knowledge of zinc metabolism with efforts to prevent and treat metabolic disease.
Background:Rice is a dietary staple for more than half of the global population, particularly in Asia. However, its vulnerability to accumulating environmental heavy metal contaminants during its production and processing raises significant public health concerns. Chronic exposure to arsenic and lead has carcinogenic health effects, posing a risk of lung, bladder, liver, and breast cancer. This study examines arsenic and lead contamination in rice varieties across different locations in India and their ecological associations with prevailing cancer. Methods:Rice samples were collected from 13 districts across six major rice-producing states in India (northern and southern regions). Selective Arsenic and lead concentrations were examined in collected rice samples and analyzed using standard testing methods. The results were compared with Food Safety and Standards Regulations (FSSAI) and World Health Organization (WHO) regulatory limits. A desk review of existing cancer reports was performed for ecological comparison. Results:Arsenic and lead concentrations significantly varied in rice samples across regions. In state-wise analysis, Maharashtra recorded the highest arsenic levels (mean: 3.14 ppm), while Madhya Pradesh had the highest lead concentrations (mean: 3.63 ppm). These values exceeded safety limits, and the sampled states had a high burden of lung, breast, stomach, and gastrointestinal cancers potentially linked to chronic exposures to heavy metals. Conclusion:There are regional variations in arsenic and lead contamination, often exceeding safety limits. Contaminant exposure to farmers and chronic ingestion can lead to deleterious health effects. Study highlights the need for strict regulatory oversight, safe agricultural practices, and further research into its hazards and prevention.
Background:Nursing is identified as the stressful profession. Studies identified that organizational, professional, and personal factors are considered quantitative stress sources. However, qualitative enquiry on job stressors among nurses is limited and less explored. Method:A mixed-method approach was adopted with sequential-explanatory design. The first phase used cross-sectional design among 200 nurses, and the second phase used qualitative exploratory design to describe the job stressors among twelve nurses selected using the maximum variant sampling technique. The tools were the Nursing Stress Scale and a semi-structured interview guide for the individual face-to-face interview. The data was analyzed using R software and NVivo-12 software for quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. Result:The mean scores on perceived job stress were 33.6 ± 16.9. Thematic analysis found nurses' job stressors under "Exposures" and "Energizers." The sub-themes under "Exposures" include blame and abuse, hierarchical conflict, workplace safety, resource scarcity, and distress. The theme "Energizers" describes nurses' reaction towards environmental stressors to resolve and manage the situation, including self-motivation, determined spirit, and psycho-somatic effects. Conclusion:As nurses try to do their best amidst stressors, it raises a call for organizational support and a need for institutional and government input in improving manpower, resource management at work, and managerial support for mitigating harassment, lack of safety, and distress is projected in this study. Although many such issues have been identified earlier, the present study has brought to the forefront what nurses experience through their accounts, which need immediate attention from the stakeholders.
Background:Elite cricket players experience increased injury risk due to physical changes occurring during adolescence. Accurate postural assessment is crucial for early identification and prevention of musculoskeletal issues. Aim:To analyze biomechanical postural deviations in elite cricket players using a photographic method. Methodology:Sixty male cricket players (mean age: 26.5 ± 3.40 years) were recruited as the population. Craniovertebral angle, trunk angle, lumbar angle, Swayback angle, sagittal shoulder-C7 angle, coronal head tilt, sagittal head tilt, coronal shoulder angle, posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) level, and horizontal alignment of scapula were measured using an MB-Ruler. Reflective markers were placed on bony landmarks, and angular measurements were obtained by taking photographs in three planes, namely, sagittal, frontal, and anteroposterior. Results:The photographic analysis revealed significant deviations from ideal posture in all measured angles, including increased craniovertebral, trunk, lumbar, Swayback, sagittal shoulder-C7, sagittal head tilt, coronal head tilt, PSIS, and scapula alignment angles (P < 0.001). Conclusion:Elite cricket players in the selected age group exhibited significant postural malalignments. These deviations may increase injury risk and in turn reduce play time and performance. Preventive and corrective measures are necessary to address these issues.
Background:This study develops a conceptual framework for ergonomic interventions aimed at reducing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among workers in metal workshops in Bangladesh. Workers in this sector frequently adopt awkward postures such as deep squatting, bending, and prolonged sitting, which significantly increase the risk of MSDs. Methods:Ergonomic assessments were conducted using RULA, REBA, OWAS, and spinal compression analysis, supported by digital human modeling techniques in CATIA and Tecnomatix Jack. The design of ergonomic chairs and height-adjustable workbenches was based on anthropometric measurements collected from 200 male participants aged 18 to 41 years, ensuring compatibility with local body dimensions. Results:The findings revealed that standing and sitting postures facilitated by appropriately designed ergonomic furniture reduce biomechanical stress compared to the deep squatting postures commonly used during welding and grinding activities. In welding operations, standing yielded the lowest RULA, REBA, and OWAS scores, whereas sitting resulted in the minimum spinal compression. For grinding tasks, standing provided the most favorable ergonomic risk scores, while sitting effectively reduced spinal loads. These postural improvements demonstrate the value of ergonomics-based workstation redesign in minimizing MSD risk factors. Conclusions:Based on the results, customized ergonomic guidelines were developed, recommending standing as the primary working posture and sitting as a secondary alternative to alleviate fatigue. The proposed framework offers a practical and cost-effective approach for assisting small- and medium-sized enterprises in Bangladesh in reducing MSD risks, improving worker comfort, and enhancing productivity. Although the interventions have not yet been tested in operational workshop environments, further research is recommended to implement and evaluate these ergonomic solutions in real-world settings to determine their long-term effects on employee health and work efficiency.
Green Tobacco Sickness (GTS) represents a subcategory of an occupational illness defined by nicotine dermal absorption among tobacco workers. This study aimed to assess the global prevalence of GTS, explore gender and socio-economic inequalities, and investigate temporal patterns for informing policy and preventive strategies. A meta-analysis and systematic review was conducted as per PRISMA guidelines. Databases like PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched. Studies that report GTS prevalence, containing observational data, were selected. The data extraction process included study design, demographic data, and prevalence. Meta-regression was conducted to determine the impact of factors such as human development index (HDI), year of publication, and development category on pooled prevalence rate estimates, while overall pooled prevalence was calculated by random effects model. Publication bias was measured using funnel plots and Egger's test. Based on the 17 studies (17,609 workers), the estimated global prevalence of GTS stood at 23.6% (95% CI: 15.4%-34.5%) Women had higher prevalence (37.3%: 95% CI: 19.0%-60.2%) than men (21.7%: 95% CI: 11.4%-37.5%). Meta-regression analysis found an association of lower prevalence rates with higher HDI, GTS prevalence was higher in countries with lower HDI (β = -8.59, P < 0.001). No considerable publication bias was found to exist (Egger's test: P = 0.446). As the prevalence of GTS has increased, this calls for action to be taken to rectify the deterioration of working conditions such as the provision of protective equipment and gendered health care policies that mitigate the health risks of women who smoke and work as GTS.
Background:Assessing physical workload is the most important step in deciding whether the workload is high and adopting appropriate control strategies to reduce physical workload. Objective:To assess physical workload, maximum working capacity (MWC), and relative load (RL) of study participants engaged in manual material handling. Methods and Materials:A cross-sectional observational descriptive study was conducted in two aluminum processing metallurgy factories in the Howrah district of the Indian state of West Bengal. The sample size for the proposed research work was 424 workers. Data was collected on a predesigned and pretested questionnaire and was subsequently analyzed by using a suitable statistical package. Results:Mean age of the workers was 45.46 ± 10.25 years. Most of the (28.54%) respondents had completed the Primary level of education. The majority of respondents were from the upper middle class (34.67%). Most of the workers (63.44%) were engaged in "workers doing other types of job," whereas 12.03% workers were operating machines, and 7.31% workers were doing manual material handling. The majority of the workers (48.39%) were manual material handlers who had moderate physical workload, and 32.26% and 19.35% manual material handlers had heavy and light physical workload, respectively. Conclusion:About one-third of the manual handlers of the present study were subjected to RL beyond the acceptable limit because of disproportionate physical workload and MWC.
Background:The nature of work of the security guards could severely affect their physical and mental health. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the prevalence of depression, anxiety, stress, and sleep quality, and associated sociodemographic factors among security guards working in four security agencies associated with hospitals in Bengaluru Urban District. Materials and Methods:This study included 171 randomly selected security guards working in four security agencies. A semi-structured, validated interview schedule was administered to obtain sociodemographic, clinical, and anthropometric details, and to assess mental health issues (DASS-21) and sleep quality (Sleep Quality Scale). Results:Among 171 security guards, 140 (81.87%) were male and mean age of 41.8 ± 10.7 years. Sixty-eight (39.76%) guards were on night duty at the time of the interview. Regarding lifestyle diseases, 107 (62.5%) were obese, 85 (49.7%) were known hypertensives, and 27 (15.7%) were known diabetics. In this study, 21 (11.1%) exhibited depression of them 8 (4.7%) had mild-to-moderate symptoms. Anxiety was reported among 25 (14.6%), and moderate anxiety was the most common 11 (6.4%). Stress affected 64 (37.4%), with 24 (14.0%) experiencing extremely severe stress. Sleep quality was reported as fair by 58 (14.6%) and poor by one (0.6%). Significant association was found between night duty and stress (P = 0.045). Conclusion:The study highlights the presence of mental health problems (depression: 11.2%, anxiety: 14.6%, stress: 37.4%) and 15.2% of the security guards reported poor or fair sleep quality. Thus, emphasizing the need for workplace health interventions even for security guards.
Air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅), poses a significant global health risk, contributing to respiratory, and cardiovascular diseases. While personal-level interventions such as air purifiers and respirators are commonly used to reduce exposure, their effectiveness in improving clinical outcomes remains uncertain. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy of such measures in reducing adverse respiratory and cardiovascular outcomes. A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library was conducted up to February 2025. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the use of air purifiers or respirators in non-occupational settings were included. Meta-analyses were performed using fixed or random-effects models, and effect sizes were expressed as standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Certainty of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Twenty-seven RCTs were included. Personal-level interventions significantly reduced indoor PM₂.₅ (SMD = -2.27; 95% CI: -2.98 to -1.55) and PM₁₀ (SMD = -3.87; 95% CI: -4.59 to -3.16) levels. However, no significant improvements were observed for forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁) (SMD = 0.04; 95% CI: -0.07 to 0.15), peak expiratory flow (PEF), forced vital capacity (FVC), respiratory symptoms, or blood pressure. Sensitivity analysis showed a significant reduction in FeNO (SMD = -0.16; 95% CI: -0.28 to -0.04). While effective in reducing particulate matter, personal-level interventions showed limited clinical benefits for respiratory or cardiovascular health.
Background:Food waste, which is a component of municipal solid waste, is incinerated or dumped in open area which may cause severe health and environmental issues. A complete and environmentally sound Solid Waste Management requires effective contribution from all those who are involved in this problem. Objective:To evaluate the impact of an organized model of waste management system and community mobilization on food waste disposal practices. Materials and Methods:The present Quasi Experimental Study was conducted among 198 households in Thiruvalla. A semi structured, pilot tested questionnaire was used to collect information about the baseline waste disposal methods practiced. An individual ring compost unit was set up for each individual household. The beneficiaries were given training and the survey was repeated to evaluate any change in practices after a year. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used for before and after comparison of mean values across groups. p value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results:The number of study participants practicing segregation of biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes increased from 18% (before intervention) to 80.3% (after intervention). The change in the household waste disposal practices of the study population after Setting up of a ring compost unit and waste management training was found to be statistically significant. Conclusion:Provision of ring compost units and training of the community could help in providing a long term solution to the domestic food waste problem.
Introduction:Worldwide, occupational health diseases account for 217 million cases, and evidence suggests that many of these diseases are preventable. However, the lack of adequate knowledge and training in regulating the work environment exposes many workers to occupational health hazards. Material Methodology:This was a qualitative study on occupational health hazards among Class IV health workers of Dhule, North Maharashtra, India. The questionnaire primarily consisted of questions regarding knowledge of class IV health workers related to occupational health hazards, types of health hazards and health-related problems experienced by them during their work, the measures taken by them and the hospital to protect themselves against these infections and hazards, their awareness regarding personal protective equipment and vaccination. Informed consent was taken by health workers before filling out questionnaires. Result:The awareness regarding the risk of health hazards (P = 0.000, P < 0.05) has a significant effect on the training of safe handling of biomedical waste. Due to the unavailability of this training, most of the health workers were exposed to needle prick injury and sharp blade injury, 80.7%. Only 10% of them were provided PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) for protection against communicable diseases by the hospital and 90% were shown to have unavailability of PPE; this will increase the risk of respiratory, blood-transmitted diseases. Conclusion:There is an awareness gap between Class IV and other healthcare workers, which increases the risk of occupational health hazards among them.
