Background: Nutritional status affects the health of the public and is one of the key factors influencing social-economic development. To date, little research on the nutritional status of the Macao university student population has been conducted. Objectives: To identify and evaluate the dietary pattern and the nutritional intake among Macao university students. Methods: The Macao students were selected by the stratified cluster random sampling method. A semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to investigate food consumption. Data were analyzed through a t-test and factor analysis by using SPSS Version 24.0. Results: A total of 1230 questionnaires were distributed. From the respondents, 1067 (86.7%) were valid. In general, we identified three major dietary patterns in this population: (1) fruit and vegetable dietary pattern, characterized by abundant consumption of fruits and vegetables; (2) grain and high fat dietary pattern, characterized as high intakes of grains and animal foods; (3) high sugar dietary pattern, characterized by a large quantity of daily sugary drinks. The average daily intake of vitamin A, thiamine, calcium, and iodine were significantly lower than the Chinese Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI) in the subjects. Conclusions: The dietary pattern of Macao students is similar to that of other Asians. Surprisingly, the daily intake of vitamin A, thiamine, calcium, and iodine by Macao university students is significantly lower than the Chinese RNI.

This study utilized Mendelian randomization (MR) to investigate the impact of inflammatory proteins on knee osteoarthritis (KOA), measured using the ratio of protein levels (rQTLs). The primary objective was to identify potential intervention targets to mitigate KOA progression. Data from 2821 rQTLs, 91 inflammatory proteins, and KOA-related genetic variations were obtained through genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Bidirectional MR identified rQTLs with unidirectional causal relationships with KOA. Further analyses included false discovery rate (FDR) correction, colocalization, and mediation analysis. Two inflammatory proteins were found to be associated with KOA: T-cell surface glycoprotein CD5 [OR (95% CI) = 0.867 (0.760–0.990), P_IVW = 0.035] and C-X-C motif chemokine 9 [OR (95% CI) = 1.150 (1.001–1.320), P_IVW = 0.048]. Variations in their levels influenced rQTLs, producing differential effects on KOA. Specifically, rQTL-ANGPTL3/TFPI (human recombinant angiopoietin-like protein 3/Tissue factor pathway inhibitor) was identified as a mediator in the effect of T-cell surface glycoprotein CD5 levels on KOA. T-cell surface glycoprotein CD5 levels were negatively correlated with rQTL-ANGPTL3/TFPI (β1 = −0.084), while rQTL-ANGPTL3/TFPI was positively correlated with KOA (β2 = 0.159). These findings align with the total effect, where T-cell surface glycoprotein CD5 levels were negatively associated with KOA (β = −0.143). Thus, rQTL-ANGPTL3/TFPI may serve as a reliable mediator in the pathway through which T-cell surface glycoprotein CD5 levels affect KOA. This mediator may not only represent a potential therapeutic target but also serve as a biomarker for assessing KOA treatment efficacy, offering a novel direction for KOA diagnosis and management.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the role of the gut microbiome in androgenetic alopecia (AGA) among obese individuals using Mendelian randomization (MR), and to identify potential therapeutic targets for mitigating AGA in this population. Methods: Genomic data for 412 gut microbiomes, AGA, and obesity were obtained from genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Bidirectional MR was performed using inverse variance weighted (IVW) as the primary analysis method, complemented by sensitivity analyses. Potential therapeutic targets within the gut microbiome associated with AGA in obese individuals were identified. Results: Two gut microbiomes were identified as having a significant impact on obese individuals with AGA. Specifically, the abundance of the sulfoglycolysis pathway in gut bacteria was found to significantly increase the risk of both obesity and AGA. In contrast, the abundance of the de novo biosynthesis of the adenosine ribonucleotide pathway in gut bacteria was associated with a significant increase in the risk of obesity but a significant decrease in the risk of AGA. Conclusions: The abundance of gut bacterial pathways, including sulfoglycolysis and the de novo biosynthesis of adenosine ribonucleotides, can serve as potential therapeutic targets for managing obesity-associated AGA. These findings offer a novel research direction for the development of innovative diagnostic and treatment strategies for patients with obesity and AGA.

University students commonly experience reduced cardiorespiratory fitness and elevated psychological stress due to sedentary lifestyles and academic pressure. Although high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and B-vitamin supplementation are individually known to enhance physiological and psychological health, their combined effects remain underexplored. This systematically guided narrative review synthesizes current evidence on how HIIT and B-vitamin supplementation may interact to influence aerobic capacity, metabolic regulation, and stress resilience. Existing studies demonstrate that HIIT improves VO₂max, mitochondrial efficiency, and HPA-axis stability, while B-vitamins facilitate energy metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis, and oxidative stress control. Together, these mechanisms suggest a potential synergistic interaction that enhances endurance and psychological well-being through coordinated metabolic and neuroendocrine pathways. However, this synergy remains a theoretical model requiring empirical validation through controlled trials. The findings highlight the importance of integrated exercise–nutrition strategies in promoting health and resilience among college populations.

Neglectful eating habits, a sedentary lifestyle, and psychological disturbance are common issues among college students. This study aims to identify the relationships between these factors among college students through an intervention in Guangdong, China. Data on a sample of college students (N = 683) was collected through a cross-sectional study alongside the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21, Diet Balance Index-16, and Physical Activity Rating Scale-3 questionnaires, all of which comprise standardized scales. An intervention trial with 440 participants (220 intervention participants and 220 control participants) was also conducted to gauge the impacts of psychological disturbances, poor diets, and a lack of physical activity. The statistical methods employed included descriptive statistics, nonparametric group comparisons, correlation analyses, and pre–post comparison. Students reported substantial stress and anxiety and exhibited depressive symptoms, with their mean scores nearing and/or crossing mild thresholds. The physical and psychosocial correlates of dietary quality were suboptimal, featuring positive associations with cereals, condiments, and energy-dense foods, and negative associations with vegetables, fruits, dairy, and protein. A majority of participants reported a low level of physical activity, though there were notable differences across genders and grade levels. Correlation analysis revealed that increases in physical activity were linked to improved mental health, while more severe dietary imbalances were associated with worsened mental health. Notably, participants in the control group exhibited greater improvements in stress, anxiety, depression, physical activity, and dietary balance compared to the intervention group (all P < .05). Mental health issues, low physical activity, and poor dietary patterns represent pressing concerns among college students in Guangdong. However, evidence suggests that integrated lifestyle interventions have the potential to address these issues.