2022, Malinowska, Anna Maria, Kok, Dieuwertje E., Steegenga, Wilma T., Hooiveld, Guido J. E. J., Chmurzyńska, Agata

Abstract Purpose Some dietary habits cluster together, and for this reason it is advised to study the impact of entire dietary patterns on human health, rather than that of individual dietary habits. The main objective of this study was to evaluate differences in gut microbiota composition and their predicted functional properties between people with a healthy (HDP) and western (WDP) dietary pattern. Methods A cross-sectional, observational study was carried out on 200 participants enrolled 2017–2018 in Poznań, Poland, equally distributed into HDP and WDP groups. Diet was estimated using 3-day food records and information on stool transit times was collected. Fecal microbiota composition was assessed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and its functional properties were predicted by the PICRUSt2 workflow. Results The α-diversity did not differ between people with WDP and HDP, but β-diversity was associated with dietary pattern. People with HDP had higher relative abundances (RA) of Firmicutes and Faecalibacterium and lower RA of Bacteroidota and Escherichia–Shigella than participants with WDP. Only a small proportion of the variance in microbiota composition (1.8%) and its functional properties (2.9%) could be explained by dietary intake (legumes, simple sugars and their sources, like fruit, soft drinks) and stool transit characteristics. Conclusion Gut microbiota composition and predicted metabolic potential is shaped by overall diet quality as well as the frequency of defecation; however, the cumulative effect of these explain only a relatively low proportion of variance.

2022, Malinowska, Anna Maria, Schmidt, Marcin, Kok, Dieuwertje E., Chmurzyńska, Agata

2024, Mikołajczyk-Stecyna, Joanna, Zuk, Ewelina, Seremak-Mrozikiewicz, Agnieszka, Kurzawińska, Grażyna, Wolski, Hubert, Drews, Krzysztof, Chmurzyńska, Agata

2023, Matuszewska, Julia, Nowacka-Woszuk, Joanna, Radziejewska, Anna Maria, Grzęda, Emilia, Pruszyńska-Oszmałek, Ewa, Dylewski, Łukasz, Chmurzyńska, Agata, Śliwowska, Joanna Helena

Abstract Kisspeptin (KP, encoded by Kiss1, binding to the Gpr54 receptor) is a neuropeptide conveying information on the metabolic status to the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis. KP acts together with dynorphin A (encoded by Pdyn) and neurokinin B (encoded by Tac2) to regulate reproduction. KP is crucial for the onset of puberty and is under the control of sirtuin (encoded by Sirt1). We hypothesize that the maternal cafeteria (CAF) diet has adverse effects on the offspring’s hormonal, metabolic, and reproductive functions due to sex-specific alterations in the expression of Kiss1, Gpr54, Pdyn, Tac2, and Sirt1 in the hypothalamus, and Kiss1, Gpr54, and Sirt1 in the liver. Rats were fed a CAF diet before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and during lactation. The vaginal opening was monitored. Offspring were sacrificed in three age points: PND 30, PND 35, and PND 60 (females) and PND 40, PND 45, and PND 60 (males). Their metabolic and hormonal status was assessed. mRNA for Kiss1, Gpr54, Pdyn, Tac2, and Sirt1 were measured by real-time PCR in the hypothalamus and/or livers. We found that CAF offspring had lower weight and altered body composition; increased cholesterol and triglyceride levels, sex-specific changes in glucose and insulin levels; sex-dependent changes in Sirt1/Kiss1 mRNA ratio in the hypothalamus; sex-specific alterations in Kiss1 and Sirt1 mRNA in the liver with more diversity in males; and a delayed puberty onset in females. We concluded that the mother’s CAF diet leads to sex-specific alterations in metabolic and reproductive outcomes via Kiss1/Gpr54 and Sirt1 systems in offspring.

2022, Machek, Steven B., Harris, Dillon R., Zawieja, Emilia, Heileson, Jeffery L., Wilburn, Dylan T., Radziejewska, Anna Maria, Chmurzyńska, Agata, Cholewa, Jason M., Willoughby, Darryn S.

The purpose of this investigation was to compare the impacts of a potential blood flow restriction (BFR)-betaine synergy on one-leg press performance, lactate concentrations, and exercise-associated biomarkers. Eighteen recreationally trained males (25 ± 5 y) were randomized to supplement 6 g/day of either betaine anhydrous (BET) or cellulose placebo (PLA) for 14 days. Subsequently, subjects performed four standardized sets of one-leg press and two additional sets to muscular failure on both legs (BFR [LL-BFR; 20% 1RM at 80% arterial occlusion pressure] and high-load [HL; 70% 1RM]). Toe-tip lactate concentrations were sampled before (PRE), as well as immediately (POST0), 30 min (POST30M), and 3 h (POST3H) post-exercise. Serum homocysteine (HCY), growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 concentrations were additionally assessed at PRE and POST30M. Analysis failed to detect any significant between-supplement differences for total repetitions completed. Baseline lactate changes (∆) were significantly elevated from POST0 to POST30 and from POST30 to POST3H (p < 0.05), whereby HL additionally demonstrated significantly higher ∆Lactate versus LL-BFR (p < 0.001) at POST3H. Although serum ∆GH was not significantly impacted by supplement or condition, serum ∆IGF-1 was significantly (p = 0.042) higher in BET versus PLA and serum ∆HCY was greater in HL relative to LL-BFR (p = 0.044). Although these data fail to support a BFR-betaine synergy, they otherwise support betaine’s anabolic potential.

2025, Młodzik-Czyżewska, Monika, Szwengiel, Artur, Chmurzyńska, Agata

2023, Zawieja, Emilia, Chmurzyńska, Agata, Anioła, Jacek, Zawieja, Bogna, Cholewa, Jason

Purpose: To evaluate the association of CYP1A2 and ADORA2A gene polymorphisms, paraxanthine concentrations, and habitual caffeine (CAF) intake with respect to muscular performance after acute CAF supplementation. Methods: A total of 27 resistance-trained males participating in the study ingested either 5 mg/kg of CAF or PL 45 min before a battery of exercise tests in a cross-over design. DNA was tested for the rs5751876 and rs762551 polymorphisms. Results: CAF improved performance in jumping average power, average velocity, max velocity, bench press in the first set, and peak power in the second set. For the CYP1A2 genotype, C allele carriers improved in jumping average velocity (CAF: 1.77 ± 0.14 m/s, PL: 1.71 ± 0.16 m/s, p < 0.001), and AA homozygotes improved set 1 bench press (CAF: 9.7 ± 1.7 reps, PL: 8.9 ± 1.8 reps, p = 0.046). For the ADORA2A genotype, CC (CAF: 1.70 ± 0.20 m/s, PL: 1.67 ± 0.19 m/s, p = 0.005) and CT (CAF: 1.79 ± 0.09 m/s, PL: 1.74 ± 0.11 m/s, p < 0.001) improved in jumping average velocity and CT also improved in bench press set 2 peak power (CAF: 363 ± 76 W, PL: 323 ± 59 W, p = 0.021). For CAF habituation, CAF improved jumping average power (p = 0.007) and jumping average velocity (p < 0.001) in high users but not in low users (p > 0.05). Conclusions: CAF may improve jumping and bench press performance, irrespective of genotypes, but the associations with the genotypes in CYP1A2 and ADORA2A genes, as well as habitual CAF intake, are not clear and require further investigation.

2024, Główka, Natalia, Malik, Jakub, Anioła, Jacek, Zawieja, Emilia, Chmurzyńska, Agata, Durkalec-Michalski, Krzysztof

2023, Bulczak, Ewa, Chmurzyńska, Agata

2024, Zawieja, Emilia, Drabińska, Natalia, Jeleń, Henryk, Szwengiel, Artur, Durkalec-Michalski, Krzysztof, Chmurzyńska, Agata

2025, Zawieja, Emilia, Chmurzyńska, Agata

2024, Sadowski, Marcin, Zawieja, Emilia, Chmurzyńska, Agata

AbstractN‐acetylcysteine (NAC) is a compound whose mechanism of action is intricately linked to the provision of cysteine for glutathione synthesis. It has been used in medicine and has also made significant inroads into sports, as it can modify the levels of several biomarkers, including those of oxidative processes, inflammation and muscle damage after exercise. Because the effectiveness of NAC supplementation is unclear, the primary objective of the present study was to perform a meta‐analysis elucidating how NAC supplementation alters the concentrations of GSH (glutathione), GSSG (glutathione disulfide), TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances), IL‐6 (interleukin 6), TNF‐α (tumour necrosis factor alpha), CK (creatine kinase), lactate, and muscle soreness after physical exertion. Suitable studies were searched for from February to September 2023, and the results of those included (n = 20) indicate that NAC supplementation significantly diminishes both muscle soreness (p = 0.03; the mean difference (MD) of NAC's effect was −0.43 with a 95% confidence interval (CI), −0.81, −0.04) and lactate concentrations after exercise (p = 0.03; the MD −0.56 mmol/L; 95% CI, −1.07, −0.06). A substantial decrease was observed in concentrations of IL‐6 (p = 0.03; the standardized MD (SMD) was −1.71; 95% CI, −3.26, −0.16) and TBARS (p = 0.02; SMD was −1.03, 95% CI, −1.90, −0.15). Furthermore, an elevation in GSH concentration was observed following supplementation. However, we saw no significant effect of NAC on TNF‐α, CK or GSSG concentrations. NAC supplementation holds promise for attenuating muscle soreness, lactate, TBARS and IL‐6 concentrations and increasing GSH level following physical exertion.

2022, Młodzik-Czyżewska, Monika, Malinowska, Anna M., Szwengiel, Artur, Chmurzyńska, Agata

AbstractBackgroundCholine and its metabolites apppear to have relationships with body mass index (BMI), body fat, and body weight, but the research results have proved inconsistent. We thus investigated the associations of plasma levels of trimethylamine N‐oxide (TMAO), choline, and betaine with anthropometric measurements, including modulatory effects of genetics and diet.MethodsThe study was performed on a group of 421 adults, aged 20–40 years, who had been recruited in Poland. Plasma concentrations of choline, betaine, and TMAO were determined using reverse‐phase ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry. The following polymorphisms were genotyped using TaqMan probes: rs180113 (MTHFR), rs70991108 (DHFR), rs2236225 (MTHFD1), and rs7946 and rs12325817 (PEMT). We employed multivariate linear regression to examine the associations between anthropometric measurements, one‐carbon metabolism metabolites, and genotypes.ResultsHigher plasma choline was associated with higher BMI (β = 0.17; p < 0.01), body weight (β = 0.11; p < 0.05), body fat mass (FM) (β = 0.10; p < 0.05), and waist circumference (WC) (β = 0.14; p < 0.01), whereas higher choline intake was associated with lower body FM (β = −0.14; p < 0.01) and lower WC (β = −0.12; p < 0.01). After stratification by sex, plasma betaine was found to be associated with lower BMI (β = −0.20; p < 0.05) and body weight (β = −0.16; p < 0.05) in men only, whereas choline intake was associated with lower body FM (β = −0.19; p < 0.05) and waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR) (β = −0.19; p < 0.05) and MTHFR CC genotype was associated with WHR (β = 0.15; p < 0.05) in women only.ConclusionsHigher plasma betaine and higher dietary choline are associated with lower FM and body weight, whereas higher plasma choline is positively associated with body weight status and adiposity. Moreover, these associations appear to be sex‐specific.

2025, Mikołajczyk-Stecyna, Joanna, Zuk, Ewelina, Chmurzyńska, Agata, Blatkiewicz, Malgorzata, Jopek, Karol, Rucinski, Marcin

2022, Chmurzyńska, Agata

2022, Zawieja, Emilia, Durkalec-Michalski, Krzysztof, Muzsik-Kazimierska, Agata Joanna, Chmurzyńska, Agata

Betaine (BET) supplementation decreases homocysteine concentration in plasma, but it may also have an adverse effect on health by increasing blood lipid concentrations, at least in overweight and obese individuals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of BET supplementation on the lipid profile and concentrations of homocysteine, inflammatory cytokines, and liver enzymes in physically active, healthy males. This was a randomized, placebo (PL)-controlled, double-blinded, crossover trial. BET (2.5 or 5.0 g/d) was administered for 21 days. Before and after supplementation with BET or PL, anthropometric measurements and blood were collected in a fasted state. Our results show that BET supplementation significantly decreased homocysteine concentration (from 17.1 ± 4.0 μmol/L before BET to 15.6 ± 3.5 μmol/L after BET, p = 0.009, η2 = 0.164). However, the intervention had no effect on total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triacylglycerol, interleukins 1β and 6, and tumour necrosis factor α concentrations, or alanine and aspartate activities. In addition, there were no interactions between the MTHFR genotype and BET dose. In conclusion, BET supplementation may be beneficial for homocysteine concentration in healthy, physically active males, with no detrimental effect on lipid profile.

2022, Bordoni, Laura, Malinowska, Anna Maria, Petracci, Irene, Szwengiel, Artur, Gabbianelli, Rosita, Chmurzyńska, Agata

ScopeMitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) and its methylation level in the D‐loop area have been correlated with metabolic health and are suggested to vary in response to environmental stimuli, including diet. Circulating levels of trimethylamine‐n‐oxide (TMAO), which is an oxidative derivative of the trimethylamine (TMA) produced by the gut microbiome from dietary precursors, have been associated with chronic diseases and are suggested to have an impact on mitochondrial dynamics. This study is aimed to investigate the relationship between diet, TMA, TMAO, and mtDNAcn, as well as DNA methylation.Methods and resultsTwo hundred subjects with extreme (healthy and unhealthy) dietary patterns are recruited. Dietary records are collected to assess their nutrient intake and diets’ quality (Healthy Eating Index). Blood levels of TMA and TMAO, circulating levels of TMA precursors and their dietary intakes are measured. MtDNAcn, nuclear DNA methylation long interspersed nuclear element 1 (LINE‐1), and strand‐specific D‐loop methylation levels are assessed. There is no association between dietary patterns and mtDNAcn. The TMAO/TMA ratio is negatively correlated with d‐loop methylation levels but positively with mtDNAcn.ConclusionsThese findings suggest a potential association between TMA metabolism and mitochondrial dynamics (and mtDNA), indicating a new avenue for further research.

2025, Myszkowska-Ryciak, Joanna, Hamulka, Jadwiga, Czarniecka-Skubina, Ewa, Gębski, Jerzy, Chmurzyńska, Agata, Gutkowska, Krystyna

Objective: The study aimed to analyze the relationship between screen time (ST) duration, body weight status (BWS), and selected lifestyle behaviors in children aged 10–12. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 7763 (50.8% girls) Polish schoolchildren was conducted in 2023–2024. Data on ST, physical activity (PA), sleep duration (SD), frequency of consumption of unhealthy foods, family meals (FM), and sociodemographic data were collected using a paper questionnaire. Anthropometric data were obtained from measurements; body mass index (BMI) was used to assess BWS, and the waist-to-height ratio to measure central obesity. A logistic regression model was performed to assess the effect of unhealthy food consumption, FM, BWS, PA level, and SD on the odds of excessive ST (>2 h/day). Results: Girls were less likely to extend ST than boys (OR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.70–0.86). Increased PA had a limiting effect on the dependent variable (moderate OR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.53–0.77; vigorous OR: 0.37; 95% CI: 0.31–0.45). Sleeping 6–8 h per day was associated with a 41.6% increase in prolonged ST (OR: 1.42; 95% CI: 1.27–1.57). Overweight/obese individuals were 39.6% more likely to exceed ST compared to normal-weight peers (OR: 1.40; 95% CI: 1.16–1.68). Living in a village and a smaller city increased the odds of excessive ST (OR: 1.12; 95% CI: 1.07–1.41 and OR: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.03–1.34). Conclusions: Excessive body mass and unhealthy dietary habits, particularly sugary beverages, have been identified as significant risk factors for excessive ST. Optimal SD, high PA, and regular FM might have a protective effect on ST. This knowledge will contribute to designing more tailored and effective educational interventions promoting healthy lifestyles in children.

2024, Mikołajczyk-Stecyna, Joanna, Żuk, Ewelina, Chmurzyńska, Agata, Blatkiewicz, Malgorzata, Jopek, Karol, Rucinski, Marcin

2026, Zawieja, Emilia, Bykowska-Derda, Joanna, Chmurzyńska, Agata