Background/Objectives: Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents one of the most prevalent forms of cancer, with high mortality rates. The aim of this study was to observe and understand the metabolic changes in CRC through targeted metabolomics. Methods: Samples collected from 58 CRC patients and 35 healthy individuals have been analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), targeting two classes of metabolites: amino acids and acylcarnitines. Results: Statistical analysis revealed 26 significantly modified (p-value < 0.01; |FC| > 1.2) metabolites in CRC patients compared to the control group and 22 between colon cancer and control, whereas 8 metabolites differed only significantly between rectal cancer and healthy patients. Some of these significantly modified metabolites characterize cancer-specific adaptations, such as increased energy demand, increased tumor invasiveness, capabilities to promote amino acid synthesis, and tumor resistance against acute immune response. Moreover, receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed that a set of two acylcarnitines (C6DC and C4-OH) can differentiate between CRC patients and healthy individuals with a high degree of confidence (AUC 0.837). Conclusions: By implementing a metabolomics approach targeting amino acids and acylcarnitines, several metabolic alterations induced by CRC have been highlighted. Even though these modifications are not specific enough to act as disease markers, they might prove useful for evaluating patient status.

Background: As societies rapidly age, the prevalence of mental health disorders and chronic kidney disease (CKD) is simultaneously rising, and data on the link between these conditions remain inconclusive. This study aimed to investigate the associations among cognitive impairment, depression, and kidney involvement in elderly patients. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted among hospitalized patients aged ≥65 years. Standardized tools such as the geriatric depression scale (GDS) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) were used to assess depression and cognitive impairment, and kidney function was evaluated using eGFR and albuminuria. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed to identify associations. Results: The study population consisted of 719 participants with a median age of 80 years. Kidney and mental health issues were highly prevalent: CKD was identified in 59.4%, cognitive impairment in 74%, and depression in 61.9% of patients. Patients with CKD were older and exhibited lower MoCA scores (p = 0.001), higher GDS scores (p = 0.007), reduced albumin (p < 0.001), lower hemoglobin levels (p < 0.001), and elevated C-reactive protein (p < 0.001). Increased albuminuria was associated with poorer cognition (p < 0.001) but showed no correlation with GDS scores. Additionally, worse cognitive scores (p = 0.001) and increased depression symptoms (p < 0.001) were correlated with declining estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Conclusions: Cognitive impairment and depressive symptoms are highly prevalent among elderly hospitalized patients. Cognitive decline correlates with increased albuminuria and reduced eGFR, while depression worsens with declining kidney function. These findings highlight the complex interplay between renal health and neuropsychiatric conditions in aging populations.

Objectives: To evaluate the individual and combined impact of sarcopenia (SARC) and heart failure (HF) on functional performance, systemic biomarkers, and structural cardiac changes in hospitalized older adults. A total of 598 patients aged ≥65 years admitted to a geriatric unit between January 2023 and December 2024, stratified into four groups based on the presence or absence of sarcopenia and HF. Methods: Muscle strength (handgrip), gait speed, SPPB score, and calf circumference were assessed, along with inflammatory/nutritional markers and echocardiographic parameters. Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to EWGSOP2 criteria and HF was diagnosed according to ESC 2021 guidelines. Results: Functional impairment was the most severe in the SARC+/HF+ group, with significantly lower handgrip strength, gait speed, and SPPB scores (p < 0.001). Sarcopenia alone was associated with greater functional decline than HF alone. Serum hemoglobin and albumin levels were reduced in sarcopenic groups, while NT-proBNP and cardiac remodeling indices (IVS and LVEDD) were highest in patients with both conditions. Conclusions: Sarcopenia exerts a significant impact on physical performance in older adults, surpassing that of HF in isolation. The coexistence of sarcopenia and HF amplifies vulnerability and clinical decline, supporting the need for integrated assessment and early muscle-targeted interventions in geriatric cardiology.

Background: The global population is rapidly aging, and an epidemic increase in chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been reported. As the presence of malnutrition in elderly CKD patients can pose serious health problems, the aim of our study was to identify, using different assessment tools, the relationship between nutrition with kidney function and albuminuria in elderly patients. Methods: The study included 793 hospitalized patients aged 65 years and older. A comprehensive assessment of nutritional status and renal involvement was performed, and the relationship between malnutrition and kidney issues was tested. Results: CKD was highly prevalent in our geriatric population, with 39.84% having CKD G3a–5. Malnutrition, determined according to the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) score, was identified in 34.6% of patients. With an increase in albuminuria, we observed worse nutrition indicators: low serum albumin; lower body fat (p = 0.002) and visceral fat (p = 0.001), assessed via bioimpedance; and lower MNA (p = 0.04) and geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) (p = 0.002) scores. Elderly patients with CKD G3a–5 had lower HDL-cholesterol (p < 0.001), higher triglycerides (p < 0.001), lower albumin (p = 0.011), and a lower MNA score (p = 0.001). Conclusions: Malnutrition was found to be common and more severe with increased albuminuria and decreased eGFR. Our study sheds light on a novel relationship between malnutrition, albuminuria, and renal function in a geriatric population.

Objectives. To evaluate the individual and combined impact of sarcopenia (SARC) and heart failure (HF) on functional performance, systemic biomarkers, and structural cardiac changes in hospitalized older adults. Patients. A total of 598 patients aged ≥65 years admitted to a geriatric unit between January 2023 and December 2024, stratified into four groups based on the presence or absence of sarcopenia and HF. Measurements. Muscle strength (handgrip), gait speed, SPPB score, and calf circumference were assessed, along with inflammatory/nutritional markers and echocardiographic parameters. Sarcopenia was diagnosed per EWGSOP2 criteria, HF per ESC 2021 guidelines. Results. Functional impairment was the most severe in the SARC+/HF+ group, with significantly lower handgrip strength, gait speed, and SPPB scores (p < 0.001). Sarcopenia alone was associated with greater functional decline than HF alone. Serum hemoglobin and albumin levels were reduced in sarcopenic groups, while NT-proBNP and cardiac remodeling indices (IVS, LVEDD) were highest in patients with both conditions. Conclusions. Sarcopenia exerts a significant impact on physical performance in older adults, surpassing that of HF in isolation. The coexistence of sarcopenia and HF amplifies vulnerability and clinical decline, supporting the need for integrated assessment and early muscle-targeted interventions in geriatric cardiology.

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential predictive value of VKORC1, CYP4F2, and GGCX polymorphisms, as well as other clinical and demographic factors, for 5-year mortality in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Materials and Methods: The study enrolled 252 patients who were consecutively hospitalized for AIS. Demographic data, comorbidities, and laboratory tests were collected. Genotyping of the VKORC1 rs9923231 (-1639G > A; VKORC1*2), CYP4F2 rs2108622 (1347C > T), and GGCX rs11676382 (12970C > G) polymorphisms was performed. Mortality was noted if it occurred within five years following the 30 days after discharge, using the National Health Insurance House registry. Results: Death was recorded in 71 (28.1%) patients. In multivariate analysis the following variables were independent variables associated with 5-year mortality: age > 72 years (OR 2.83 (95%CI 1.32; 6.08), p = 0.007), a lesion volume > 12.6 mL (OR 4.05 (95%CI 2.05; 7.99), p < 0.001), and an NIHSS score > 7 (OR—2.64 (95%CI 1.31; 5.31), p = 0.006). VKORC1 (-1639G > A) SNP m/m variant was only marginally associated with mortality. Conclusions: In this study which included AIS patients, VKORC1, CYP4F2, and GGCX polymorphisms did not independently predict mortality. The VKORC1 variant was only marginally associated with mortality, but this was attenuated after correction for multiple testing. Advanced age, NIHSS score, and the lesion volume were independent predictors of long-term mortality in AIS patients.