It’s possible that I shall make an ass of myself. But in that case one can always get out of it with a little dialectic. I have, of course, so worded my proposition as to be right either way (K.Marx, Letter to F.Engels on the Indian Mutiny)
Thursday, April 03, 2025
Western diet causes inflammation, traditional African food protects
Study from Tanzania shows major impact of diet on the immune system
A switch of just two weeks from a traditional African diet to a Western diet causes inflammation, reduces the immune response to pathogens, and activates processes associated with lifestyle diseases. Conversely, an African diet rich in vegetables, fiber, and fermented foods has positive effects. This study, published in Nature Medicine, highlights the significant impact of diet on the immune system and metabolism.
Lifestyle diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and chronic inflammatory conditions are surging across Africa, posing a growing challenge to healthcare systems throughout the continent. Increasing economic development, urbanization and wider availability of processed foods have accelerated the adoption of Western eating habits in Africa. To understand the health consequences of this shift, researchers from Radboud university medical center and KCMC University in Tanzania have studied the effects of such dietary changes on health.
Lifestyle diseases
Seventy-seven healthy men from Tanzania, both urban and rural residents, participated in the study. Some participants who traditionally ate an African diet switched to a Western diet for two weeks, while others who ate a Western diet adopted a traditional African diet. A third group consumed a fermented banana drink daily. As a control, ten participants maintained their usual diet. The researchers comprehensively analyzed the function of the immune system, blood inflammation markers, and metabolic processes at baseline, after the two-week intervention, and again four weeks later.
Participants who switched to a Western diet exhibited an increase in inflammatory proteins in their blood, alongside activation of biological processes linked to lifestyle diseases. Their immune cells also responded less effectively to pathogens. Meanwhile, those who switched to a traditional African diet or consumed the fermented drink showed a reduction in inflammatory markers. Some of these effects persisted even four weeks later, indicating that short-term dietary changes can have long-lasting effects.
Insights from Africa
This is the first study to comprehensively map the health effects of a traditional African diet. 'Previous research has focused on other traditional diets, such as the Japanese or Mediterranean diet', says internist Quirijn de Mast from Radboudumc. 'However, there is just as much to learn from traditional African diets, especially now, as lifestyles in many African regions are rapidly changing and lifestyle diseases are increasing. Africa's rich diversity in traditional diets offers unique opportunities to gain valuable insights into how food influences health.'
De Mast finds it remarkable how significant the effects of diet are, even after just two weeks. 'The African diet includes plenty of vegetables, fruits, beans, whole grains, and fermented foods. Our study highlights the benefits of these traditional food products for inflammation and metabolic processes in the body. At the same time, we show how harmful an unhealthy Western diet can be. It typically consists of processed and high-calorie foods, such as French fries and white bread, with excessive salt, refined sugars, and saturated fats. Inflammation is at the root of many chronic conditions, which makes this study highly relevant for Western countries as well.'
Radboudumc and KCMC University collaborated on this study with international partners from Bonn and Florence. The research was funded by ZonMw/JPI-HDHL.
Credit: Aksam Yassin, Raed M. Al-Zoubi, Raidh Talib Alzubaidi, Hatem Kamkoum, Ayman A. Zarour, Khalil Garada, Mai Elaarag, Ahmad R. Al-Qudimat, Zainab E. Fares, Abdulla A. Al-Ansari
The review article titled“Testosterone and men's health: An in-depth exploration of their relationship”, was published on February 18, 2025 in UroPrecision.
Testosterone is a steroid hormone that holds a central position in male health, influencing numerous physiological processes throughout a man's life. Primarily secreted by the testes, with smaller contributions from the adrenal glands, it is the main androgen responsible for male-specific characteristics.
During fetal development, testosterone drives sexual differentiation, determining the male reproductive system's formation. As boys reach puberty, it triggers the development of secondary sexual traits such as facial and body hair growth, a deeper voice, and increased muscle mass. These changes are not only physical but also have psychological implications, shaping a man's self-identity.
In adulthood, testosterone continues to play a crucial role in maintaining health. It is essential for male reproductive function, stimulating sperm production in the testes. Additionally, it supports libido and erectile function. Low testosterone levels are often associated with sexual dysfunction, including decreased sexual desire and erectile problems, which can significantly impact a man's quality of life and relationships.
Beyond the reproductive system, testosterone has far-reaching effects. It helps maintain muscle mass and strength. By promoting protein synthesis, it enables muscles to grow and repair, contributing to physical performance and overall mobility. Testosterone also plays a vital role in bone health. It helps preserve bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures, especially as men age.
Moreover, testosterone influences metabolism. It affects fat distribution, with low levels often leading to increased abdominal fat. This is significant because abdominal obesity is linked to various health issues, such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Adequate testosterone levels can help regulate cholesterol levels and improve insulin sensitivity, reducing the risk of these chronic conditions.
However, abnormal testosterone levels can pose problems. Hypogonadism, characterized by low testosterone, can be caused by issues in the testes, hypothalamus, or pituitary gland. It is more common in older men and those with certain health conditions like obesity and diabetes. On the other hand, hypergonadism, or excessive testosterone production, can result from tumors or genetic disorders and may lead to symptoms like early puberty in boys, aggression, and infertility.
Precision medicine offers hope in managing testosterone-related disorders. By considering genetic, hormonal, and lifestyle factors, doctors can develop personalized treatment plans. Biomarkers are key in this process, allowing for more accurate diagnosis and treatment monitoring. For instance, measuring free testosterone, SHBG, and LH levels helps assess a man's androgen status.
Despite the progress in understanding testosterone, there are still challenges. Research on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has limitations, including small sample sizes and safety concerns related to cardiovascular risks and prostate health. Future studies are needed to fully understand testosterone's complex role in men's health and to develop more effective and safer treatment options. In conclusion, testosterone is a critical factor in men's health, and continued research is essential for optimizing male health and well-being.
The review article titled“Current insights and future directions in Peyronie's disease management: A narrative review”, was published on November 12, 2024 in UroPrecision.
PD is an inflammatory and fibrotic condition characterized by the formation of fibrous plaques in the tunica albuginea, leading to penile curvature, pain, and significant psychological distress. Affecting up to one in nine men in the United States and between 0.3% and 13.1% globally, PD progresses through two distinct phases: an acute phase marked by pain and plaque formation, and a chronic or stable phase where pain subsides, and the deformity stabilizes. Despite ongoing research, the precise etiology of PD remains unclear, though microtrauma during intercourse, genetic predisposition, and systemic inflammatory conditions are thought to play significant roles.
Diagnosis of PD relies primarily on a thorough history and physical examination, with induced erection and ultrasonography being key diagnostic tools. Imaging beyond ultrasound is not routinely recommended, as it rarely provides additional actionable information. Current management strategies are tailored to the disease phase. In the acute phase, the focus is on pain control and slowing disease progression, often using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and, in some cases, extracorporeal shockwave therapy. In the stable phase, treatment shifts to correcting bothersome curvature, with options ranging from non-surgical interventions like traction therapy and intralesional injections to surgical procedures such as tunical plication or penile prosthesis implantation.
Non-surgical treatments, while widely used, are often poorly supported by robust evidence. Exceptions include traction therapy, which has shown promise in reducing curvature and preserving penile length, and intralesional injections of collagenase Clostridium histolyticum or interferon alpha-2b, which have demonstrated efficacy in specific patient populations. Surgical intervention is reserved for stable disease and is highly individualized, depending on the severity of curvature and the presence of erectile dysfunction. Techniques such as tunical shortening or lengthening, plaque incision or excision with grafting, and inflatable penile prosthesis placement are commonly employed, each with its own set of benefits and risks.
Future directions in PD management are focused on improving diagnostic accuracy, understanding the underlying biological mechanisms, and developing targeted therapies. Advances in imaging, such as contrast-enhanced MRI and nuclear scintigraphy, may help better distinguish between active and stable disease. Regenerative therapies, including stem cells and platelet-rich plasma, hold promise for addressing both fibrosis and erectile dysfunction. Additionally, ongoing clinical trials are exploring novel treatments, including combination therapies and new surgical techniques, which may further refine the management of PD.
In conclusion, while significant progress has been made in understanding and managing PD, many questions remain unanswered. As diagnostic tools and therapeutic options continue to evolve, the management of PD will become increasingly personalized, offering hope for improved outcomes and quality of life for affected men. This review highlights the current state of knowledge and outlines promising avenues for future research and clinical practice.
NTU scientists, in collaboration with local ecology and biomimicry design firm bioSEA, have developed ‘fungi tiles’ that could help cool buildings down without consuming energy.
A team of scientists led by Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) have developed ‘fungi tiles’ that could one day help to bring the heat down in buildings without consuming energy.
These wall tiles are made from a new biomaterial combining fungi's root network – called mycelium – and organic waste. Earlier research[1] has shown that mycelium-bound composites are more energy efficient than conventional building insulation materials such as expanded vermiculite and lightweight expanded clay aggregate.
Building on this proven insulating property, the NTU Singapore team worked with local ecology and biomimicry design firm bioSEA to add a bumpy, wrinkly texture to the tile, mimicking an elephant’s ability to regulate heat from its skin. Elephants do not have sweat glands and rely on these wrinkles and crevices on their skin to regulate heat.
In laboratory experiments, the scientists found that the cooling rate of their elephant skin-inspired mycelium tile was 25 per cent better than a fully flat mycelium tile, and the heating rate was 2 per cent lower. They also found that the elephant skin-inspired tile’s cooling effect improved a further 70 per cent in simulated rain conditions, making it suitable for tropical climates.
The construction industry accounts for nearly 40 per cent of all energy-related emissions worldwide, so the search for eco-friendly insulation materials is critical. NTU’s Associate Professor Hortense Le Ferrand, who led the study, said mycelium-bound composites could be a promising alternative.
Assoc Prof Le Ferrand, who holds a joint appointment at NTU’s Schools of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) and Materials Science and Engineering (MSE), said: “Insulation materials are increasingly integrated into building walls to enhance energy efficiency, but these are mostly synthetic and come with environmental consequences throughout their life cycle. Mycelium-bound composite is a biodegradable material that is highly porous, which makes it a good insulator. In fact, its thermal conductivity is comparable to or better than some of the synthetic insulating materials used in buildings today.
“We worked closely with bioSEA to integrate natural design principles that can optimise its performance as a building insulator. The result is a promising proof of concept that takes us one step closer to efficient, sustainable, and cheaper passive cooling solutions in hot and humid conditions.”
Dr Anuj Jain, the Founding Director of bioSEA explained the inspiration behind the elephant-linked innovation: “Elephants are large animals that live in hot and sometimes humid tropical climates. To withstand the heat, elephants evolved to develop a skin that is heavily wrinkled which increases water retention and cools the animal by evaporation. We were inspired by how an elephant could cool itself in hot weather without sweat glands, and tried to see how we could replicate the same cooling mechanisms of shading, trapping cool air, and increasing the surface area for water to evaporate.”
This study, published in Energy & Buildings in February, builds on Assoc Prof Le Ferrand’s work on possible uses for mycelium-bound composites, such as for greener construction materials.
Turning fungi into a functional material
Mycelium-bound composites are created by growing fungi on organic matter such as sawdust or agricultural waste. As the fungus grows, it binds the organic matter into a solid, porous composite.
For this study, the NTU scientists used the mycelium of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) – a commonly found fungus – and bamboo shavings collected from a furniture shop.
These two components were mixed with oats and water and packed into a hexagonal mould with an elephant skin-inspired texture designed by bioSEA using computational modelling and algorithms to select the optimal design.
The mycelium tiles were left to grow in the dark for two weeks, then removed from the hexagonal mould and left to grow in the same conditions for another two weeks.
Finally, the tiles were dried in an oven at 48°C for three days. This final step removes any remaining moisture, prohibiting further mycelial growth.
Previous research has shown that mycelium-bound composites have thermal conductivity comparable to conventional building insulation materials like glass wool and extruded polystyrene.
To assess how an elephant skin-inspired texture affects the mycelium tile’s heat regulation, the scientists heated mycelium tiles on a 100°C hot plate for 15 minutes and tracked temperature changes using an infrared camera.
They found that the elephant skin-inspired tile absorbed heat more slowly. When its bumpy textured surface faced the heat source, its temperature increased by 5.01°C per minute, compared to 5.85°C per minute when its flat surface was exposed to heat. As a control, the scientists also heated a flat mycelium tile and found it gained 5.11°C per minute.
To measure the tile’s cooling efficiency, the scientists heated one side at 100°C for 15 minutes, then exposed it to ambient conditions (22°C, 80% humidity) and measured temperature changes on the tile’s opposite side.
The elephant-skin-inspired tile cooled fastest when heated from the flat side, losing 4.26°C per minute. When heated from the textured side, its flat side lost 3.12°C per minute. The fully flat control tile lost 3.56°C per minute.
Based on these findings, the scientists recommended installing the tiles with the flat side adhered to the building façade and the textured surface exposed to external heat for optimal thermal performance (See image in Notes to Editor for how tiles could be used).
Tiles perform better in wet weather
To simulate the effect of rain on the tiles, the scientists heated the tiles as described earlier. While allowing them to cool, the scientists sprayed water onto the tiles at one-minute intervals over a 15-minute period.
When misted on its bumpy side, the elephant skin-inspired tile lost 7.27°C per minute – a 70 per cent improvement compared to its performance in dry conditions.
The scientists attributed this effect to the mycelium-bound composite’s hydrophobic nature. “The fungal skin that develops on the tile’s surface repels water, allowing droplets to remain on the surface rather than roll off immediately. This promotes evaporative cooling, increasing the cooling rate,” explained Eugene Soh, an NTU researcher and the study’s first author.
Building on this proof of concept, the scientists are now exploring ways to enhance the tiles for real-world use, such as increasing their mechanical stability and durability or using different mycelium strains.
The scientists are also working with local start-up MykÃlio to scale up the size of the mycelium tiles and conduct outdoor tests on building façades.
A challenge they foresee in scaling up the production of the tiles is the time needed to grow the mycelium tiles. While it requires minimal energy resources, the process takes three to four weeks.
The scientists also expect high inertia towards using mycelium tiles as an alternative construction material due to the well-established infrastructure in production, storage, and transportation of common insulating materials.
Said Assoc Prof Le Ferrand: “We’ve developed a promising eco-friendly alternative that transforms waste into a valuable resource while rethinking conventional thermal management materials. This opens the pathway for more elephant skin-inspired designs and the use of different mycelium strains to overcome the challenges that come with using mycelium tiles as an alternative construction material.”
These tiles have bumpy, wrinkly texture to the tile, mimicking an elephant’s ability to regulate heat from its skin. Elephants do not have sweat glands and rely on these wrinkles and crevices on their skin to regulate heat.
Scientists from #NTUsg have developed a new material for wall tiles made from fungi and bamboo with a texture inspired by elephant skin. It could help to keep buildings cool in the face of rising temperatures. Mycelium, the root network of fungi, has low thermal conductivity which reduces the rate at which the material gains heat. The rough, wrinkled skin of elephants contains more surface area than smoother skin textures which helps in dissipating heat. Combining both of these properties together results in a tile that can limit heat gain and accelerate heat loss. As these fungi tiles are biodegradable, they could provide a #green and more #sustainable alternative to current synthetic insulating materials.
