Oral microbiota dysbiosis and altered salivary cortisol levels have been linked to depression and anxiety. Given that bacterial transmission can occur between spouses, this study aimed to investigate whether the transmission of oral microbiota between newlywed couples mediates symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Validated Persian versions of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Beck Depression Inventory-II, and Beck Anxiety Inventory were administered to 1,740 couples who had been married for six months. The researchers compared 268 healthy control spouses with 268 affected cases in a cross-sectional study. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods.

After six months, healthy spouses married to an insomniac with the depression-anxiety (DA) phenotype scored significantly higher on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Beck Depression Inventory-II, and Beck Anxiety Inventory compared to their baseline scores. This indicates that their sleep quality, depression, and anxiety scores became more similar to those of their affected spouses. Additionally, the composition of their oral microbiota changed significantly, becoming increasingly similar to that of their spouses. Specifically, in couples where one partner had the DA phenotype, the oral microbiota of the healthy spouse mirrored that of the affected partner (p < 0.001). These microbial changes correlated with alterations in salivary cortisol levels as well as depression and anxiety scores. Linear discriminant analysis revealed that the relative abundances of Clostridia, Veillonella, Bacillus, and Lachnospiraceae were significantly higher in insomniacs with the DA phenotype compared to healthy controls (p < 0.001).

Oral microbiota transmission between individuals in close contact partially mediates symptoms of depression and anxiety.

With the rising epidemic of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes mellitus in China, metabolic dysfunction-associated non-alcoholic fatty liver disease has become the most prevalent chronic liver disease. This condition frequently occurs in Chinese patients with alcoholic liver disease and chronic hepatitis B. To address the impending public health crisis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and its underlying metabolic issues, the Chinese Society of Hepatology and the Chinese Medical Association convened a panel of clinical experts to revise and update the “Guideline of prevention and treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (2018, China)”. The new edition, titled “Guideline for the prevention and treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (Version 2024)”, offers comprehensive recommendations on key clinical issues, including screening and monitoring, diagnosis and evaluation, treatment, and follow-up for metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease is now the preferred English term and is used interchangeably with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. Additionally, the guideline emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration among hepatologists and other specialists to manage cardiometabolic disorders and liver disease effectively.

Aging is an intricate process driven by various factors, including the dynamic interplay between the host microbiome and aging. The gut microbiome undergoes several changes throughout the entire lifespan of a healthy human. Numerous factors, ranging from the mode of childbirth and sex differences to lifestyle, are known to impact the gut microbiome in healthy individuals. As a result, the gut microbiome varies widely among individuals and exhibits robustness after early childhood. However, as one ages, the human body undergoes several important changes, and so does the gut microbiome. This review addresses the relationship between aging and the dynamics of the host microbiome from in utero to over 100 years of age. Additionally, we attempted to untangle this intricate relationship between the gut microbiome and aging by presenting various microbiota-dependent mechanisms involving intrinsic and extrinsic factors such as metabolic, neurological, immunological, dietary, and lifestyle factors that potentially regulate aging. Furthermore, we aimed to highlight microbiome-based aging intervention studies focused on modulating or rejuvenating the microbiota for healthy aging and longevity.

In recent years, there has been a notable shift towards a holistic approach to human health, recognizing the importance of integrating essential nutrients with traditional natural medicines. This review article examines the potential synergy between nutrition and traditional healing practices in promoting well-being and disease prevention. It explores the diverse landscape of traditional medicine systems worldwide, highlighting their cultural significance and accumulated wisdom over generations. Moreover, it sheds light on the scientific foundations of these traditional remedies, showcasing their relevance in modern healthcare. Traditional natural medicines, often sourced from plants, animals, or minerals, offer a wide array of therapeutic options addressing root causes rather than symptoms alone. This enduring wisdom has sparked interest in complementing modern healthcare with traditional practices, aiming for a harmonious integration of tradition and evidence-based medicine. Furthermore, the article underscores the critical role of nutrients in maintaining overall health and preventing chronic diseases. It emphasizes the holistic perspective of health, encompassing mental, emotional, and physical well-being. The relationship between nutrition and health is also explored, emphasizing the importance of a balanced diet. The synergy between traditional natural medicines and nutritional interventions presents a promising avenue for a comprehensive approach to healthcare. The article advocates for collaborative research, interdisciplinary dialogue, and cross-cultural exchanges to harness the collective wisdom of the past and present. By embracing both nutrients and traditional medicines, we can move towards achieving optimal health and wellness, recognizing the profound interconnectedness between humans and the natural world.

Given the global prevalence and rising incidence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), the absence of licensed medications is striking. A deeper understanding of the heterogeneous nature of MASLD has recently contributed to the discovery of novel groups of agents and the potential repurposing of currently available medications. MASLD therapies center on four major pathways. Considering the close relationship between MASLD and type 2 diabetes, the first approach involves antidiabetic medications, including incretins, thiazolidinedione insulin sensitizers, and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors. The second approach targets hepatic lipid accumulation and the resultant metabolic stress. Agents in this group include peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor agonists (e.g., pioglitazone, elafibranor, saroglitazar), bile acid-farnesoid X receptor axis regulators (obeticholic acid), de novo lipogenesis inhibitors (aramchol, NDI-010976), and fibroblast growth factor 21/19 analogs. The third approach focuses on targeting oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis. Agents in this group include antioxidants (vitamin E), tumor necrosis factor α pathway regulators (emricasan, pentoxifylline, ZSP1601), and immune modulators (cenicriviroc, belapectin). The final group targets the gut (IMM-124e, solithromycin). Combination therapies targeting different pathogenetic pathways may provide an alternative to MASLD treatment with higher efficacy and fewer side effects. This review aimed to provide an update on these medications.

Natural products have been used effectively to treat different ailments since the advent of human history. Angiosperms contain numerous bioactive molecules that have been applied as medicines to treat various human diseases, including cancer. Jamun (Syzygium cumini) is an angiosperm belonging to the Myrtaceae family. This comprehensive review on Jamun includes information collected from Google Scholar, SciFinder, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and other websites on the internet, giving an account of its botanical profile, chemical composition, and medicinal properties. Ethnomedicinally, various parts of Jamun are used to treat various conditions and have been administered since ancient times in Ayurveda to treat arthritis, obesity, urinary diseases, asthma, bowel spasms, stomach pain, flatulence, diabetes, and dysentery. Several scientific studies also have demonstrated the pluripotent medicinal properties of Jamun, including anti-oxidant, anti-allergic, antiretinitis, antipyretic, antidiarrheal, antinociceptive, anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-obesity, antihyperlipidemic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, diuretic, cardioprotective, chemopreventive, gastroprotective, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, wound healing, anthelmintic, and radioprotective. Jamun contains alkaloids, anthraquinones, catechins, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, glycosides, steroids, phenols, tannins, and saponins. Numerous active phytochemicals have been isolated from its roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits, and seeds. Jamun increases glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase expression and reduces lipid peroxidation levels to exert its beneficial effects on important organs and tissues. Jamun also protects against DNA damage induced by toxic agents including metals, chemicals and ionizing radiation. Jamun activates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors alpha and gamma and increases fatty acid and glucose metabolism. Additionally, Jamun suppresses various genes at the molecular level. Thus, the scientific evaluation of Jamun is a step forward in validating its traditional use to treat various disorders and may pave the way for translational research for its medicinal use.

Bilirubin, the primary breakdown product of hemoproteins, particularly hemoglobin, plays a key role in the diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of liver diseases. In acute liver diseases, such as acute liver failure, drug-induced liver injury, and viral hepatitis, bilirubin serves as a biomarker reflecting the extent of hepatocyte loss and liver damage. Chronic liver diseases, including alcohol-related liver disease, chronic hepatitis C virus infection, metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease, and autoimmune liver diseases, are marked by persistent liver injury and inflammation. Bilirubin levels in chronic liver diseases provide insight into liver function, disease severity, and prognosis. As a versatile biomarker, bilirubin offers valuable information on the pathophysiology of liver diseases and aids in guiding clinical decision-making regarding the treatment of liver diseases and their complications. This review aimed to explore the multifunctional role of bilirubin in liver diseases by analyzing its biological functions beyond its role as a biomarker of liver damage.