Journal of internal medicine
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A paradox of so-called developed countries is that, as the major historical causes of human mortality are eliminated or mitigated by medical progress, lifestyle-related diseases have become major killers. Furthermore, as lifespan is extended by the combined effects of modern medicine, health span is struggling to keep apace because of the burden of noncommunicable diseases linked to diet and sedentary lifestyle. ⋯ Here, we review the detailed mechanisms whereby the gut microbiome may modulate risk of diseases linked to sedentary lifestyle and ageing-related health loss. We focus on the comparative value of natural animal models such as hibernation for studying metabolic regulation and the challenge of extrapolating from animal models to processes that occur in human ageing.
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Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKp) has emerged as a concerning global pathogen. hvKp is more virulent than classical K. pneumoniae (cKp) and capable of causing community-acquired infections, often in healthy individuals. hvKp is carried in the gastrointestinal tract, which contributes to its spread in the community and healthcare settings. First recognized in Asia, hvKp arose as a leading cause of pyogenic liver abscesses. In the decades since, hvKp has spread globally and causes a variety of infections. ⋯ These distinct virulence determinants of hvKp include up to four siderophore systems for iron acquisition, increased capsule production, K1 and K2 capsule types, and the colibactin toxin. Additionally, hvKp strains demonstrate hypermucoviscosity, a phenotypic description of hvKp in laboratory conditions that has become a distinguishing feature of many hypervirulent isolates. Alarmingly, multidrug-resistant hypervirulent strains have emerged, creating a new challenge in combating this already dangerous pathogen.
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Observational Study
Periodontal disease is associated with carotid plaque area: the Malmö Offspring Dental Study (MODS).
Periodontal disease is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) but it is unknown if periodontal disease severity is associated with asymptomatic carotid plaque. The aim of the current population-based, observational study was to investigate if signs of periodontal disease are associated with the occurrence of carotid plaque and total plaque area (TPA). ⋯ Individuals within the highest quartile of periodontal pockets are expected to have 9 mm2 larger TPA compared to those without pockets. Our results suggest that intervention studies addressing periodontal disease could be useful for prevention of CVD.
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There are over 8 million species in this world that live in widely varying environments, from hot thermal fissures to cold arctic settings. These species have evolved over millions of years and vary markedly in how they have adapted to their environments. ⋯ Here, we provide an overview of two related and overlapping approaches (biomimetics and zoobiquity), which are turning to the natural world for insights to better understand, treat and prevent human 'burden of lifestyle' pathologies from heart disease and cancer to degeneration and premature ageing. We suggest that expanding biomedical investigation beyond its decades old conventional practices to new approaches based on a broad awareness of the diversity of animal life and comparative physiology can accelerate innovations in health care under the motto 'Nature knows best'.
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Sedentary lifestyle accelerates biological ageing, is a major risk factor for developing metabolic syndrome and is associated with cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, kidney failure, sarcopenia and osteoporosis. In contrast to the linear path to worsening health in humans with metabolic syndrome, brown bears have developed a circular metabolic plasticity enabling these animals to tolerate obesity and a 'sedentary lifestyle' during hibernation and exit the den metabolically healthy in spring. Bears are close to humans physiology wise, much closer than rodents, the preferred experimental animals in medical research, and may better serve as translational model to develop treatments for lifestyle-related diseases. In this review, aspects of brown bear hibernation survival strategies are outlined and conceivable experimental strategies to learn from bears are described.