Anti-cancer activity of an ethyl-acetate extract of the fruits of Terminalia bellerica(Gaertn.)Roxb.through an apoptotic signaling pathway in vitro

Objective:To investigate the biochemical constituents of the fruits of Terminalia bellerica(Gaertn.)Roxb.(hereafter termed T.bellerica)and estimate the anti-cancer activity of different polar extracts.Methods:To rapidly screen and identify the biochemical constituents of ethyl acetate(EA)extracts of T.bellerica,ultra performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization/mass spectrometry(UPLC-ESI-MSn)was done.The CellTiter-BlueTM cell-viability assay was used to ascertain the anti-cancer activity of different polar extracts in 10 human cancer cell lines.Results:Forty polyphenols of the EA extract of T.bellerica were characterized tentatively.The EA extract exhibited significant anti-cancer activity against ZR-75-1 cells(half-maximal inhibitory concentration=27.33(0.98)μg/mL)and Colo-205 cells(39.65(2.99)μg/mL)in vitro.Treatment of ZR-75-1 cells with 20 and 60μg/mL of the EA extract elicited dosedependent apoptosis percentages at an early stage of 17.58(0.74)%and at a late stage of 29.20(1.22)%;Colo-205 cells at the same concentration of EA extract had values of 21.33(1.03)%and 40.55(0.34)%,respectively.Western blotting suggested that ZR-75-1 and Colo205 cells treated with the EA extract showed a similar increasing tendency for expression of cleaved anti-poly adenosine diphosphate ribose polymerase I.Conclusion:We identified a total of 40 chemical constituents,of which 11 were first obtained from the Terminalia Linn.genus using UPLC-ESI-MSn.Meanwhile,we observe that the EA extract of T.bellerica possesses anti-cancer activity,especially against breast and colon cancers.

Potential Anti-cancer Activity of Furanodiene

Objective： To study the isolated from the essential oil VIVO anti-tumor activities of furanodiene of the rhizome of Curcuma wenyujin （C15H200）, a primary sesquiterpene compound YH Chen et C. Ling（Wen Ezhu）, in vitro and in Methods： In vitro MTT assay was used to further study the effects of time and dosage on anti-proliferation of furanodiene against the sensitive Hela, Hep-2, HL-60, U251 cells, based on the cytotoxic effects of furanodiene on 12 human malignant tumor cell lines with the essential oil of Wen Ezhn as control., and the half-inhibitory concentration （IC50） was observed. In vivo uterine cervix （U14） tumor cell was selected and the conventional assay method of anti-tumor activity was employed. Furanodiene liposome was administered intraperitoneally, and tumor-inhibitory rate, thymus and spleen indexes were observed. Results： The inhibitive effects on cell proliferation were shown in all of the twelve cell lines and the cytotoxic effects of furanodiene against Hela, Hep-2, HL-60, U251 cells were observed after 12 h of administration, the effect could last for at least 48 h in a dose dependent manner, and the IC50 values were 0.6, 1.7, 1.8, 7.0μg/ml, respectively. Furanodiene was also found to show inhibitive effects on the proliferation of uterine cervix （U14） tumor induced in mice. The tumor inhibition rates were 36.09% （40 mg/kg）, 41.55% （60 mg/kg）, 58.29% （80 mg/kg）, respectively. Conclusion： Furanodiene is one of primary anti-cancer active components in the essential oil of Wen Ezhu, and also a very effective agent against uterine cervix cancer, and has protection effect on the immune function.

Quantitative Structure Anti-Cancer Activity Relationship (QSAR) of a Series of Ruthenium Complex Azopyridine by the Density Functional Theory (DFT) Method

A series of ruthenium azopyridine complexes have recently been investigated due to their potential cytotoxic activities against renal cancer (A498), lung cancer (H226), ovarian cancer (IGROV), breast cancer (MCF-7) and colon cancer (WIDR). Thus, in order to predict the cytotoxic potentials of these compounds, quantitative structure-activity relationship studies were carried out using the methods of quantum chemistry. Five Quantitative Structure Activity Relationship (QSAR) models were obtained from the determined quantum descriptors and the different activities. The models present the following statistical indicators: regression correlation coefficient R2 = 0.986 - 0.905, standard deviation S = 0.516 - 0.153, Fischer test F = 106.718 - 14.220, correlation coefficient of cross-validation = 0.985- 0.895 and = 0.010 - 0.001. The statistical characteristics of the established QSAR models satisfy the acceptance and external validation criteria, thereby accrediting their good performance. The models developed show that the variation of the free enthalpy of reaction , the dipole moment μ and the charge of the ligand in the complex Ql, are the explanatory and predictive quantum descriptors correlated with the values of the anti-cancer activity of the studied complexes. Moreover, the charge of the ligand is the priority descriptor for the prediction of the cytotoxicity of the compounds studied. Furthermore, QSAR models developed are statistically significant and predictive, and could be used for the design and synthesis of new anti-cancer molecules.

Sesamum indicum(sesame) enhances NK anti-cancer activity, modulates Th1/Th2 balance, and suppresses macrophage inflammatory response

Objective:To evaluate the potential immunomodulatory effects of an aqueous extract of Sesamum indicum seeds with regard to splenocyte proliferation,Th1/Th2 balance,macrophage function,and the cytotoxic activity of natural killer(NK)cells.Methods:Splenocyte proliferation was measured by[~3H]-thymidine incorporation.Griess assay was performed to evaluate the production of nitric oxide by macrophages.The levels of cytokines secreted by splenocytes and macrophages were measured by ELISA.JAM assay was performed to examine the cytotoxic activity of NK cells against YAC-1 tumor cells.Results:Sesamum indicum significantly enhanced splenocyte proliferation in a dose-dependent manner.Sesamum indicum also increased and suppressed the secretion of Th1 and Th2 cytokines,respectively,by splenocytes.The secretion of key pro-inflammatory mediators(IL-6,TNFα,and nitric oxide)by primary macrophages was significantly inhibited by Sesamum indicum.Moreover,Sesamum indicum increased the cytotoxic activity of NK cells against YAC-1 tumor cells.Conclusions:Sesamum indicum shows potent immunomodulatory,anti-inflammatory,and anti-cancer effects.Constituents of Sesamum indicum may be used as effective therapeutic agents in regulating immune reactions implicated in various infectious and noninfectious conditions including cancer.

Study on the Synthesis and in vitro Photodynamic Anti-cancer Activity of Tetra(trifluoroethoxy) Germanium Phthalocyanine

The synthesis and in vitro photodynamic anticancer activity of a new photosen- sitizer, tetra（trifluoroethoxy） germanium phthalocyanine （GePcF）, were studied. GePcF was characterized by UV-Vis, IR, MS and elemental analysis. The in vitro photodynamic activity of GePcF was studied by MTT. IC50 of GePcF for SW480 cells of human colonic adenocarcinoma and HeLa cells of cervical cancer were 36.53 and 45.78 μmol/L, respectively. GePcF as a photosensitizer may be used to treat cancers due to its photodyrmmic anticancer activity.

Study of a water-soluble supramolecular complex of curcumin andβ-cyclodextrin polymer with electrochemical property and potential anti-cancer activity

As a member of the curcuminoid compound family,curcumin(Cur)has many interesting therapeutic properties.However,its low aqueous solubility and stability have resulted in poor bioavailability and restricted clinical efficacy.Based on size matching,β-cyclodextrin polymer(β-CDP),with its hydrophilic polymer chains and hydrophobic cavities,can form an inclusion complex with Cur.To improve the water solubility and stability of Cur,a simple and eco-friendly grinding method was designed to formβ-CDP inclusion complexes.According to the Boltzmann-Hamel's method and Job's method,the molar ratio of theβ-CD unit inβ-CDP to Cur was determined to be 1:1.The diffusion coefficient and diffusion activation energy of Cur-β-CDP were calculated in an electrochemical study.This supramolecular complex worked well in vitro to inhibit the proliferation of hepatoma carcinoma cells HepG2.Remarkably,this method visibly reduced the undesirable side effects on normal cells,without weakening the anti-cancer activity of the drugs.We expect that the obtained host-guest complex will provide a new approach for delivering natural drug molecules,having low water solubility.

Glutamatergic CYLD deletion leads to aberrant excitatory activity in the basolateral amygdala:association with enhanced cued fear expression

Neuronal activity,synaptic transmission,and molecular changes in the basolateral amygdala play critical roles in fear memory.Cylindromatosis(CYLD)is a deubiquitinase that negatively regulates the nuclear factor kappa-B pathway.CYLD is well studied in non-neuronal cells,yet underinvestigated in the brain,where it is highly expressed.Emerging studies have shown involvement of CYLD in the remodeling of glutamatergic synapses,neuroinflammation,fear memory,and anxiety-and autism-like behaviors.However,the precise role of CYLD in glutamatergic neurons is largely unknown.Here,we first proposed involvement of CYLD in cued fear expression.We next constructed transgenic model mice with specific deletion of Cyld from glutamatergic neurons.Our results show that glutamatergic CYLD deficiency exaggerated the expression of cued fear in only male mice.Further,loss of CYLD in glutamatergic neurons resulted in enhanced neuronal activation,impaired excitatory synaptic transmission,and altered levels of glutamate receptors accompanied by over-activation of microglia in the basolateral amygdala of male mice.Altogether,our study suggests a critical role of glutamatergic CYLD in maintaining normal neuronal,synaptic,and microglial activation.This may contribute,at least in part,to cued fear expression.

Deciphering Water Oxidation Catalysts:The Dominant Role of Surface Chemistry over Reconstruction Degree in Activity Promotion

Water splitting hinges crucially on the availability of electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction.The surface reconstruction has been widely observed in perovskite catalysts,and the reconstruction degree has been often correlated with the activity enhancement.Here,a systematic study on the roles of Fe substitution in activation of perovskite LaNiO_(3)is reported.The substituting Fe content influences both current change tendency and surface reconstruction degree.LaNi_(0.9)Fe_(0.1)O_(3)is found exhibiting a volcano-peak intrinsic activity in both pristine and reconstructed among all substituted perovskites in the LaNi_(1-x)Fe_(x)O_(3)(x=0.00,0.10,0.25,0.50,0.75,1.00)series.The reconstructed LaNi_(0.9)Fe_(0.1)O_(3)shows a higher intrinsic activity than most reported NiFe-based catalysts.Besides,density functional theory calculations reveal that Fe substitution can lower the O 2p level,which thus stabilize lattice oxygen in LaNi0.9Fe0.1O3 and ensure its long-term stability.Furthermore,it is vital interesting that activity of the reconstructed catalysts relied more on the surface chemistry rather than the reconstruction degree.The effect of Fe on the degree of surface reconstruction of the perovskite is decoupled from that on its activity enhancement after surface reconstruction.This finding showcases the importance to customize the surface chemistry of reconstructed catalysts for water oxidation.

Passive activity enhances residual control ability in patients with complete spinal cord injury

Patients with complete spinal cord injury retain the potential for volitional muscle activity in muscles located below the spinal injury level.However,because of prolonged inactivity,initial attempts to activate these muscles may not effectively engage any of the remaining neurons in the descending pathway.A previous study unexpectedly found that a brief clinical round of passive activity significantly increased volitional muscle activation,as measured by surface electromyography.In this study,we further explored the effect of passive activity on surface electromyographic signals during volitional control tasks among individuals with complete spinal cord injury.Eleven patients with chronic complete thoracic spinal cord injury were recruited.Surface electromyography data from eight major leg muscles were acquired and compared before and after the passive activity protocol.The results indicated that the passive activity led to an increased number of activated volitional muscles and an increased frequency of activation.Although the cumulative root mean square of surface electromyography amplitude for volitional control of movement showed a slight increase after passive activity,the difference was not statistically significant.These findings suggest that brief passive activity may enhance the ability to initiate volitional muscle activity during surface electromyography tasks and underscore the potential of passive activity for improving residual motor control among patients with motor complete spinal cord injury.

DT-13, a saponin of dwarf lilyturf tuber, exhibits anti-cancer activity by down-regulating C-C chemokine receptor type 5 and vascular endothelial growth factor in MDA-MB-435 cells

AIM： To investigate the anticancer activity of DT-13 under normoxia and determine the underlying mechanisms of action. METHODS： MDA-MB-435 cell proliferation, migration, and adhesion were performed to assess the anticancer activity of DT-13, a saponin from Ophiopogonjaponicus, in vitro. In addition, the effects of DT-13 on tumor growth and metastasis in vivo were evaluated by orthotopic implantation of MDA-MB-435 cells into nude mice; mRNA levels of vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF）, C-C chemokine receptor type 5 （CCR5） and hypoxia-inducible factor 1a （HIF-1a） were evaluated by real-time quantitative PCR; and CCR5 protein levels were detected by Western blot assay. RESULTS： At 0.01 to 1 umol·L -1, DT-13 inhibited MDA-MB-435 cell proliferation, migration, and adhesion significantly in vitro. DT-13 reduced VEGF and CCR5 mRNAs, and decreased CCR5 protein expression by down-regulating HIF-1 a. In addition, DT-13 inhibited MDA-MB-435 cell lung metastasis, and restricted tumor growth slightly in vivo. CONCLUSION： DT-13 inhibited MDA-MB-435 cell proliferation, adhesion, and migration in vitro, and lung metastasis in vivo by reducing VEGF, CCR5, and HIF-la expression.

Non-Flat Bisbenzylisoquinoline Alkaloid Fangchinoline As a Class of Potent G-Quadruplex Stabilizer with Anti-cancer Activity

Compounds selectively binding and stabilizing G-quadruplex structures could inhibit the telomerase or down- regulate the oncogenes and may act as anti-cancer drugs. An alkaloid with non-flat structure, fangchinoline, showed to strongly stabilize the intermolecular and intramolecular parallel stranded G-quadruplex structure, increasing melting temperature by 20 and 23℃, respectively. The binding mode was investigated by using NMR and molec- ular modelling methods. Four human cell lines （HL-60, BGC-823, Be1-7402 and KB） were taken to test the an- ti-proliferation effects of fangchinoline and the IC50 values were ranged from 16 to 32 μmol/L. These results showed that the fangchinoline or related moiety derivatives may represent a class of telomere-targeted agents as po- tential anti-cancer drugs.

New RXRα modulators with unique binding mechanisms and anti-cancer activity

Prof.Zhang Xiaokun’s laboratory at the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences,Xiamen University identified several new small molecule modulators of nuclear receptor RXRαwith unique binding mechanisms and anti-cancer activity,which was recently published in Chemistry&Biology(2014,21:596-607)and ACS Med Chem Lett(2014,5:736—741).RXRα,a unique member of the nuclear receptor superfamily of transcription factors,is an important

Study on Antitumor Activity of Piperidine Derivatives

[Objectives]This study was conducted to investigate the effects of piperidine derivatives on the proliferation and apoptosis of tumor cells(Hele).[Methods]The target end product(piperidine derivative)was synthesized through a series of organic reactions.The MTT assay was adopted to detect the effect of piperidine derivative on the proliferation activity of Hele cells.The ROS fluorescence probe method was used to detect the changes of reactive oxygen species.The JC-1 method was applied to detect the changes of MMP in Hele cells.Flow cytometry was adopted to detect the apoptosis of Hele cells.[Results]The cell survival rates were 70.84%,65.46%and 54.48%when the drug concentration was 100,110 and 120μmol/L,respectively.When the drug concentration increased to 120μmol/L,the cell survival rate decreased by nearly half.The fluorescence intensity of active oxygen in the control group was 1,and when the drug concentrations were 100,110 and 120μmol/L,the fluorescence intensity of active oxygen was,respectively,1.315,1.478 and 1.677,which were higher than that in the control group.The red/green fluorescence intensity of the MMP control group was 1.819,and that of drug groups was,respectively,1.643,1.164 and 0.665,which were lower than that of the control group.The apoptosis rates were 10.79%,22.91%and 38.54%at the drug concentrations of 100,110 and 120μmol/L,respectively,showing a concentration dependent effect.The results showed that the piperidine derivative could inhibit the proliferation of Hele cells and induce apoptosis,which was positively correlated with the concentration.[Conclusions]This study provides theoretical basis and reference for the anti-tumor research of piperidine.

Association between physical activity and risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease:A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:Lifestyle plays an important role in preventing and managing gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD).In response to the conflicting results in previous studies,we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate this association.Methods:Relevant studies published until January 2023 were retrieved from 6 databases,and the prevalence of symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux(GER)or GERD was determined from the original studies.A random effects model was employed to meta-analyze the association by computing the pooled relative risk(RR)with 95%confidence intervals(95%CIs).Furthermore,subgroup and dose-response analyses were performed to explore subgroup differences and the association between cumulative physical activity(PA)time and GERD.Results:This meta-analysis included 33 studies comprising 242,850 participants.A significant negative association was observed between PA and the prevalence of symptomatic GER(RR=0.74,95%CI:0.66-0.83;p<0.01)or GERD(RR=0.80,95%CI:0.76-0.84;p<0.01),suggesting that engaging in PA might confer a protective benefit against GERD.Subgroup analyses consistently indicated the presence of this association across nearly all subgroups,particularly among the older individuals(RR_(<40 years):RR_(≥40 years)=0.85:0.69,p<0.01)and smokers(RR_(smoker):RR_(non-smoker)=0.67:0.82,p=0.03).Furthermore,a dose-response analysis revealed that individuals who engaged in 150 min of PA per week had a 72.09%lower risk of developing GERD.Conclusion:Maintaining high levels of PA decreased the risk of GERD,particularly among older adults and smokers.Meeting the recommended PA level of 150 min per week may significantly decrease the prevalence of GERD.

Association of physical activity with risk of chronic kidney disease in China:A population-based cohort study

Background:Information on the association between physical activity(PA)and the risk of chronic kidney disease(CKD)is limited.We aimed to explore the associations of total,domain-specific,and intensity-specific PA with CKD and its subtypes in China.Methods:The study included 475,376 adults from the China Kadoorie Biobank aged 30-79 years during 2004-2008 at baseline.An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect the information about PA,which was quantified as metabolic equivalent of task hours per day(MET-h/day)and categorized into 4 groups based on quartiles.Cox regression was used to analyze the association between PA and CKD risk.Results:During a median follow-up of 12.1 years,5415 incident CKD cases were documented,including 1159 incident diabetic kidney disease(DKD)cases and 362 incident hypertensive nephropathy(HTN)cases.Total PA was inversely associated with CKD risk,with an adjusted hazard ratio(HR,95%confidence interval(95%CI))of 0.83(0.75-0.92)for incident CKD in the highest quartile of total PA as compared with participants in the lowest quartile.Similar results were observed for risk of DKD and HTN,and the corresponding HRs(95%CIs)were 0.75(0.58-0.97)for DKD risk and 0.56(0.37-0.85)for HTN risk.Increased nonoccupational PA,low-intensity PA,and moderate-to-vigorous-intensity PA were significantly associated with a decreased risk of CKD,with HRs(95%CIs)of 0.80(0.73-0.88),0.85(0.77-0.94),and 0.85(0.76-0.95)in the highest quartile,respectively.Conclusion:PA,including nonoccupational PA,low-intensity PA,and moderate-to-vigorous-intensity PA,was inversely associated with the risk of CKD,including DKD,HTN,and other CKD,and such associations were dose dependent.

Association of accelerometer-measured sleep duration and different intensities of physical activity with incident type 2 diabetes in a population-based cohort study

Purpose:The aim of the current study was to investigate the association of accelerometer-measured sleep duration and different intensities of physical activity(PA)with the risk of incident type 2 diabetes in a population-based prospective cohort study.Methods:Altogether,88,000 participants(mean age=62.2±7.9 years,mean±SD)were included from the UK Biobank.Sleep duration(short:<6 h/day;normal:6-8 h/day;long:>8 h/day)and PA of different intensities were measured using a wrist-won accelerometer over a 7-day period between 2013 and 2015.PA was classified according to the median or World Health Organization-recommendation:total volume of PA(high,low),moderate-to-vigorous PA(MVPA)(recommended,not recommended),and light-intensity PA(high,low).Incidence of type 2diabetes was ascertained using hospital records or death registries.Results:During a median follow-up of 7.0 years,1615 incident type 2 diabetes cases were documented.Compared with normal sleep duration,short(hazard ratio(HR)=1.21,95%confidence interval(95%CI):1.03-1.41)but not long sleep duration(HR=1.01,95%CI:0.89-1.15)was associated with excessive type 2 diabetes risk.This increased risk among short sleepers seems to be protected against by PA.Compared with normal sleepers with high or recommended PA,short sleepers with low volume of PA(HR=1.81,95%CI:1.46-2.25),not recommended(below the World Health Organization-recommended level of)MVPA(HR=1.92,95%CI:1.55-2.36),or low light-intensity PA(HR=1.49,95%CI:1.13-1.90)had a higher risk of type 2 diabetes,while short sleepers with a high volume of PA(HR=1.14,95%CI:0.88-1.49),recommended MVPA(HR=1.02,95%CI:0.71-1.48),or high light-intensity PA(HR=1.14,95%CI:0.92-1.41)did not.Conclusion:Accelerometer-measured short but not long sleep duration was associated with a higher risk of incident type 2 diabetes.A higher level of PA,regardless of intensity,potentially ameliorates this excessive risk.

The association of diet quality and physical activity with cardiovascular disease and mortality in 85,545 older Australians:A longitudinal study

Background:A quality diet and an active lifestyle are both important cornerstones of cardiovascular disease(CVD)prevention.However,despite their interlinked effects on metabolic health,the 2 behaviors are rarely considered jointly,particularly within the context of CVD prevention.We examined the independent,interactive,and joint associations of diet and physical activity with CVD hospitalization,CVD mortality,and all-cause mortality.Methods:CVD-free Australian participants aged 4574 years(n=85,545)reported physical activity,diet,sociodemographic,and lifestyle characteristics at baseline(20062009)and follow-up(20122015),and data were linked to hospitalization and death registries(03/31/2019 for CVD hospitalization and all-cause mortality and 12/08/2017 for CVD mortality).Diet quality was categorized as low,medium,and high based on meeting dietary recommendations.Physical activity was operationalized as(a)total moderate-to-vigorous physical activity(MVPA)as per guidelines,and(b)the composition of MVPA as the ratio of vigorous-intensity physical activity(VPA)to total MVPA.We used a left-truncated cause-specific Cox proportional hazards model using time-varying covariates.Results:During a median of 10.7 years of follow-up,6576 participants were admitted to the hospital for CVD and 6581 died from all causes(876 from CVD during 9.3 years).A high-quality diet was associated with a 17%lower risk of all-cause mortality than a low-quality diet,and the highest MVPA category(compared with the lowest)was associated with a 44%and 48%lower risk of CVD and all-cause mortality,respectively.Multiplicative interactions between diet and physical activity were non-significant.For all outcomes,the lowest risk combinations involved a high-quality diet and the highest MVPA categories.Accounting for total MVPA,some VPA was associated with further risk reduction of CVD hospitalization and all-cause mortality.Conclusion:For CVD prevention and longevity,one should adhere to both a healthy diet and an active lifestyle and incorporate some VPA when possible.

Association of daily sitting time and leisure-time physical activity with body fat among U.S.adults

Background:Prolonged sitting and reduced physical activity lead to low energy expenditures.However,little is known about the joint impact of daily sitting time and physical activity on body fat distribution.We investigated the independent and joint associations of daily sitting time and physical activity with body fat among adults.Methods:This was a cross-sectional analysis of U.S.nationally representative data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey2011-2018 among adults aged 20 years or older.Daily sitting time and leisure-time physical activity(LTPA)were self-reported using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire.Body fat(total and trunk fat percentage)was determined via dual X-ray absorptiometry.Results:Among 10,808 adults,about 54.6%spent 6 h/day or more sitting;more than one-half reported no LTPA(inactive)or less than 150 min/week LTPA(insufficiently active)with only 43.3%reported 150 min/week or more LTPA(active)in the past week.After fully adjusting for sociodemographic data,lifestyle behaviors,and chronic conditions,prolonged sitting time and low levels of LTPA were associated with higher total and trunk fat percentages in both sexes.When stratifying by LTPA,the association between daily sitting time and body fat appeared to be stronger in those who were inactive/insuufficiently active.In the joint analyses,inactive/insuufficiently active adults who reported sitting more than 8 h/day had the highest total(female:3.99%(95%confidence interval(95%CI):3.09%-4.88%);male:3.79%(95%CI:2.75%-4.82%))and trunk body fat percentages(female:4.21%(95%CI:3.09%-5.32%);male:4.07%(95%CI:2.95%-5.19%))when compared with those who were active and sitting less than 4 h/day.Conclusion:Prolonged daily sitting time was associated with increased body fat among U.S.adults.The higher body fat associated with 6 h/day sitting may not be offset by achieving recommended levels of physical activity.

Bridging the gap:Unveiling the crisis of physical inactivity in inflammatory bowel diseases

In this editorial we comment on the article titled“Inflammatory bowel diseases patients suffer from significant low levels and barriers to physical activity:The BE-FIT-IBD study”published in a recent issue of the World Journal of Gastroen-terology 2023;29(41):5668-5682.Inflammatory bowel diseases(IBD)are emerging as a significant global health concern as their incidence continues to rise on a global scale,with detrimental impacts on quality of life.While many advances have been made regarding the management of the disease,physical inactivity in these patients represents an underexplored issue that may hold the key for further and better understanding the ramifications of IBD.Chronic pain,fatigue,and fear of exacerbating symptoms promotes physical inactivity among IBD patients,while the lack of clear guidelines on safe exercise regimens contributes to a norm of physical inactivity.Physical activity(PA)is accepted to have a positive effect on disease outcomes and quality of life,while inactivity exacerbates comorbidities like cardiovascular disease and mental health disorders.The“BE-FIT-IBD”study,focusing on PA levels and barriers in IBD patients of Southern Italy,revealed that a significant proportion(42.9%)were physically inactive.This lack of PA is attributed to barriers such as fear of flare-ups and misconceptions about exercise exacerbating the disease.The study also highlighted the need for better communication between healthcare providers and patients regarding the benefits of PA and safe incorporation into lifestyles.Moreover,physical inactivity may also contribute to disability in IBD patients,having a great impact on employment status.Of note is the fact that IBD also comes with an important psychological burden with relevant evidence suggesting that regular PA can improve mood,reduce anxiety,and enhance mental health.The“BE-FIT-IBD”study advocated for the integration of PA into IBD management,emphasizing the bidirectional link between PA and IBD.Regular exercise can influence the course of IBD,potentially reducing symptom severity and prolonging remission periods.As such,it is mandatory that healthcare providers actively educate patients,dispel misconceptions,and tailor exercise recommendations to improve the quality of life and reduce IBD-related complications.

Interaction between inflammatory bowel disease,physical activity,and myokines:Assessment of serum irisin levels

Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD),including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis,showed a wide spectrum of intestinal and extra-intestinal manifestations,which rendered the patients physically inactive and impaired their quality of life.It has been found that physical activity is a non-pharmacological intervention that improves the quality of life for those patients.Irisin is one member of the myokines secreted by muscle contraction during exercise and could be used as an antiinflammatory biomarker in assessing the physical activity of IBD patients.In addition,experimental studies showed that exogenous irisin significantly decreased the inflammatory markers and the histological changes of the intestinal mucosa observed in experimental colitis.Furthermore,irisin produces changes in the diversity of the microbiota.Therefore,endogenous or exogenous irisin,via its anti-inflammatory effects,will improve the health of IBD patients and will limit the barriers to physical activity in patients with IBD.