Mechanism of Generation of Oxidative Stress and Pathophysiology of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: How Are They Interlinked?

Effects and Mechanistic Role of Mulberry Leaves in Treating Diabetes and its Complications

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has become a surge burden worldwide owing to its high prevalence and range of associated complications such as coronary artery disease, blindness, stroke, and renal failure. Accordingly, the treatment and management of DM have become a research hotspot. Mulberry leaves (Morus alba L.) have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for a long time, with the first record of its use published in Shennong Bencao Jing (Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica). Mulberry leaves (MLs) are considered highly valuable medicinal food homologs that contain polysaccharides, flavonoids, alkaloids, and other bioactive substances. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that MLs have multiple bioactive effects, including hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, antioxidation, and anti-inflammatory properties, with the ability to protect islet [Formula: see text]-cells, alleviate insulin resistance, and regulate intestinal flora. However, the pharmacological mechanisms of MLs in DM have not been fully elucidated. In this review, we summarize the botanical characterization, traditional use, chemical constituents, pharmacokinetics, and toxicology of MLs, and highlight the mechanisms involved in treating DM and its complications. This review can provide a valuable reference for the further development and utilization of MLs in the prevention and treatment of DM.

Comprehensive Overview of the Effects of Amaranthus and Abelmoschus esculentus on Markers of Oxidative Stress in Diabetes Mellitus

The use of medicinal plants in the management of diabetes mellitus (DM) is extensively reported. However, there is still very limited information on the role of these plants as markers of oxidative stress in DM. This current review evaluated the effect of Amaranthus spinosus, Amaranthus hybridus, and Abelmoschus esculentus on markers of oxidative stress in rodent models of DM. Current findings indicate that these plants have the potential to reduce prominent markers of oxidative stress, such as serum malondialdehyde and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, while increasing enzymes that act as antioxidants, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, and glutathione peroxidase. This may reduce reactive oxygen species and further ameliorate oxidative stress in DM. Although the potential benefits of these plants are acknowledged in rodent models, there is still a lack of evidence showing their efficacy against oxidative stress in diabetic patients. Therefore, we recommend future clinical studies in DM populations, particularly in Africa, to evaluate the potential effects of these plants. Such studies would contribute to enhancing our understanding of the significance of incorporating these plants into dietary practices for the prevention and management of DM.

New therapeutic directions in type II diabetes and its complications: mitochondrial dynamics

As important organelles of energetic and metabolism, changes in the dynamic state of mitochondria affect the homeostasis of cellular metabolism. Mitochondrial dynamics include mitochondrial fusion and mitochondrial fission. The former is coordinated by mitofusin-1 (Mfn1), mitofusin-2 (Mfn2), and optic atrophy 1 (Opa1), and the latter is mediated by dynamin related protein 1 (Drp1), mitochondrial fission 1 (Fis1) and mitochondrial fission factor (MFF). Mitochondrial fusion and fission are generally in dynamic balance and this balance is important to preserve the proper mitochondrial morphology, function and distribution. Diabetic conditions lead to disturbances in mitochondrial dynamics, which in return causes a series of abnormalities in metabolism, including decreased bioenergy production, excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), defective mitophagy and apoptosis, which are ultimately closely linked to multiple chronic complications of diabetes. Multiple researches have shown that the incidence of diabetic complications is connected with increased mitochondrial fission, for example, there is an excessive mitochondrial fission and impaired mitochondrial fusion in diabetic cardiomyocytes, and that the development of cardiac dysfunction induced by diabetes can be attenuated by inhibiting mitochondrial fission. Therefore, targeting the restoration of mitochondrial dynamics would be a promising therapeutic target within type II diabetes (T2D) and its complications. The molecular approaches to mitochondrial dynamics, their impairment in the context of T2D and its complications, and pharmacological approaches targeting mitochondrial dynamics are discussed in this review and promise benefits for the therapy of T2D and its comorbidities.

Diabetes mellitus promotes susceptibility to periodontitis-novel insight into the molecular mechanisms

Diabetes mellitus is a main risk factor for periodontitis, but until now, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Diabetes can increase the pathogenicity of the periodontal microbiota and the inflammatory/host immune response of the periodontium. Hyperglycemia induces reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and enhances oxidative stress (OS), exacerbating periodontal tissue destruction. Furthermore, the alveolar bone resorption damage and the epigenetic changes in periodontal tissue induced by diabetes may also contribute to periodontitis. We will review the latest clinical data on the evidence of diabetes promoting the susceptibility of periodontitis from epidemiological, molecular mechanistic, and potential therapeutic targets and discuss the possible molecular mechanistic targets, focusing in particular on novel data on inflammatory/host immune response and OS. Understanding the intertwined pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus and periodontitis can explain the cross-interference between endocrine metabolic and inflammatory diseases better, provide a theoretical basis for new systemic holistic treatment, and promote interprofessional collaboration between endocrine physicians and dentists.

Preoperative Oral Carbohydrate (CHO) Supplementation Is Beneficial for Clinical and Biochemical Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Elective Cesarean Delivery under Spinal Anaesthesia-A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Preoperative fasting and surgery cause metabolic stress, insulin resistance with ketosis, and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Oral carbohydrate loading strategy (CHO) improves outcomes in labor and general surgery. We aimed to compare the effectiveness of CHO with standard fasting in patients undergoing elective cesarean delivery (CD) under spinal anesthesia.

METHODS

A single-center, parallel, prospective randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted in a tertiary university obstetrics department at Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Poland. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1 ratio) to the CHO group (oral carbohydrate 2 h before elective CD, n = 75) or the SF group (control-standard fasting, n = 73). The main outcome measures were incidence and severity of PONV at 6 and 24 h after CD, time to the first peristalsis, time to first bowel movement, and biochemical parameters indicating ketosis in mothers and their children.

RESULTS

A total of 148 adult females with singleton pregnancies undergoing elective CD under spinal anesthesia (ASA I and II) were included in the final analysis. At 24 h after CD, 8.0% from the CHO group vs. 20.55% reported three or more episodes of vomiting or dry retching as compared to patients in the SF group (p = 0.041). Preoperative CHO supplementation decreased preoperative feelings of hunger (p < 0.001) and thirst (p < 0.001). Laboratory results in the CHO group showed higher plasma pH (p = 0.001) and glucose (p < 0.001), lower F2-isoprostane in plasma (p = 0.049) and urine (p = 0.018), lower urine F2-isoprostane/creatinine ratio (p = 0.045) than in the SF group. HOMA-IR (p < 0.001) and lactate (p < 0.001) were higher in the CHO group than in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no significant difference in the incidence or severity of early PONV at 6 h. The incidence of vomiting or dry retching at 24 h after cesarean delivery was lower in the CHO group as compared to standard starvation, but the combined results of PONV frequency and severity on the Wengritzky scale did not differ between the two study groups. Preoperative CHO supplementation decreased preoperative feelings of hunger and thirst, enhancing the comfort of pregnant women.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04069806.

Influence of Nitrosyl Iron Complex with Thiosulfate Ligands on Therapeutically Important Targets Related to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

The high prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and the lack of effective therapy, determine the need for new treatment options. The present study is focused on the NO-donors drug class as effective antidiabetic agents. Since numerous biological systems are involved in the pathogenesis and progression of T2DM, the most promising approach to the development of effective drugs for the treatment of T2DM is the search for pharmacologically active compounds that are selective for a number of therapeutic targets for T2DM and its complications: oxidative stress, non-enzymatic protein glycation, polyol pathway. The nitrosyl iron complex with thiosulfate ligands was studied in this work. Binuclear iron nitrosyl complexes are synthetic analogues of [2Fe-2S] centers in the regulatory protein natural reservoirs of NO. Due to their ability to release NO without additional activation under physiological conditions, these compounds are of considerable interest for the development of potential drugs. The present study explores the effects of tetranitrosyl iron complex with thiosulfate ligands (TNIC-ThS) on T2DM and its complications regarding therapeutic targets in vitro, as well as its ability to bind liposomal membrane, inhibit lipid peroxidation (LPO), and non-enzymatic glycation of bovine serum albumin (BSA), as well as aldose reductase, the enzyme that catalyzes the reduction in glucose to sorbitol in the polyol pathway. Using the fluorescent probe method, it has been shown that TNIC-ThS molecules interact with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions of model membranes. TNIC-ThS inhibits lipid peroxidation, exhibiting antiradical activity due to releasing NO (IC50 = 21.5 ± 3.7 µM). TNIC-ThS was found to show non-competitive inhibition of aldose reductase with Ki value of 5.25 × 10^-4 M. In addition, TNIC-ThS was shown to be an effective inhibitor of the process of non-enzymatic protein glycation in vitro (IC50 = 47.4 ± 7.6 µM). Thus, TNIC-ThS may be considered to contribute significantly to the treatment of T2DM and diabetic complications.

Maternal and Child Health, Non-Communicable Diseases and Metabolites

Mothers influence the health and disease trajectories of their children, particularly during the critical developmental windows of fetal and neonatal life reflecting the gestational-fetal and lactational-neonatal phases. As children grow and develop, they are exposed to various stimuli and insults, such as metabolites, that shape their physiology and metabolism to impact their health. Non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and mental illness, have high global prevalence and are increasing in incidence. Non-communicable diseases often overlap with maternal and child health. The maternal milieu shapes progeny outcomes, and some diseases, such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, have gestational origins. Metabolite aberrations occur from diets and physiological changes. Differential metabolite profiles can predict the onset of non-communicable diseases and therefore inform prevention and/or better treatment. In mothers and children, understanding the metabolite influence on health and disease can provide insights for maintaining maternal physiology and sustaining optimal progeny health over the life course. The role and interplay of metabolites on physiological systems and signaling pathways in shaping health and disease present opportunities for biomarker discovery and identifying novel therapeutic agents, particularly in the context of maternal and child health, and non-communicable diseases.

Polygenic Variants Linked to Oxidative Stress and the Antioxidant System Are Associated with Type 2 Diabetes Risk and Interact with Lifestyle Factors

Oxidative stress is associated with insulin resistance and secretion, and antioxidant systems are essential for preventing and managing type 2 diabetes (T2DM). This study aimed to explore the polygenic variants linked to oxidative stress and the antioxidant system among those associated with T2DM and the interaction of their polygenic risk scores (PRSs) with lifestyle factors in a large hospital-based cohort (n = 58,701). Genotyping, anthropometric, biochemical, and dietary assessments were conducted for all participants with an average body mass index of 23.9 kg/m2. Genetic variants associated with T2DM were searched through genome-wide association studies in participants with T2DM (n = 5383) and without T2DM (n = 53,318). The Gene Ontology database was searched for the antioxidant systems and oxidative stress-related genes among the genetic variants associated with T2DM risk, and the PRS was generated by summing the risk alleles of selected ones. Gene expression according to the genetic variant alleles was determined on the FUMA website. Food components with low binding energy to the GSTA5 protein generated from the wildtype and mutated GSTA5_rs7739421 (missense mutation) genes were selected using in silico analysis. Glutathione metabolism-related genes, including glutathione peroxidase (GPX)1 and GPX3, glutathione disulfide reductase (GSR), peroxiredoxin-6 (PRDX6), glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC), glutathione S-transferase alpha-5 (GSTA5), and gamma-glutamyltransferase-1 (GGT1), were predominantly selected with a relevance score of >7. The PRS related to the antioxidant system was positively associated with T2DM (ORs = 1.423, 95% CI = 1.22-1.66). The active site of the GASTA proteins having valine or leucine at 55 due to the missense mutation (rs7739421) had a low binding energy (<-10 kcal/mol) similarly or differently to some flavonoids and anthocyanins. The PRS interacted with the intake of bioactive components (specifically dietary antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin D, and coffee) and smoking status (p < 0.05). In conclusion, individuals with a higher PRS related to the antioxidant system may have an increased risk of T2DM, and there is a potential indication that exogenous antioxidant intake may alleviate this risk, providing insights for personalized strategies in T2DM prevention.

Exposure to herbicides mixtures in relation to type 2 diabetes mellitus among Chinese rural population: Results from different statistical models

BACKGROUND

Although it has been reported that herbicides exposure is related to adverse outcomes, available evidence on the associations of quantitatively measured herbicides with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and prediabetes is still scant. Furthermore, the effects of herbicides mixtures on T2DM and prediabetes remain unclear among the Chinese rural population.

AIMS

To assess the associations of plasma herbicides with T2DM and prediabetes among the Chinese rural population.

METHODS

A total of 2626 participants were enrolled from the Henan Rural Cohort Study. Plasma herbicides were measured with gas chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry. Generalized linear regression analysis was employed to assess the associations of a single herbicide with T2DM, prediabetes, as well as indicators of glucose metabolism. In addition, the quantile g-computation and environmental risk score (ERS) structured by adaptive elastic net (AENET), and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) were used to estimate the effects of herbicides mixtures on T2DM and prediabetes.

RESULTS

After adjusting for covariates, positive associations of atrazine, ametryn, and oxadiazon with the increased odds of T2DM were obtained. As for prediabetes, each 1-fold increase in ln-transformed oxadiazon was related to 8.4% (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.033, 1.138) higher odds of prediabetes. In addition, several herbicides were significantly related to fasting plasma glucose, fasting insulin, and HOMA2-IR (false discovery rates adjusted P value < 0.05). Furthermore, the quantile g-computation analysis showed that one quartile increase in multiple herbicides was associated with T2DM (OR (odds ratio): 1.099, 95%CI: 1.043, 1.158), and oxadiazon was assigned the largest positive weight, followed by atrazine. In addition, the ERS calculated by the selected herbicides from AENET were found to be associated with T2DM and prediabetes, and the corresponding ORs and 95%CIs were 1.133 (1.108, 1.159) and 1.065 (1.016, 1.116), respectively. The BKMR analysis indicated a positive association between mixtures of herbicides exposure and the risk of T2DM.

CONCLUSIONS

Exposure to mixtures of herbicides was associated with an increased risk of T2DM among Chinese rural population, indicating that the impact of herbicides exposure on diabetes should be paid attention to and measures should be taken to avoid herbicides mixtures exposure.

Ginsenoside Rg3 Protects Mouse Islet β-Cells Injured by High Glucose

To investigate the effect of Ginsenoside Rg3 on insulin secretion in mouse MIN6 cells and the possible mechanism. The cultured mouse pancreatic islet MIN6 cells were divided into control group (NC), Rg3 group (Rg3, 50 μg/L), high glucose group (HG, 33 mmol/L), High glucose and Rg3 group (HG + Rg3), after 48 h of continuous culture, CCK-8 was used to detect cell viability; mouse insulin enzyme-linked immunoassay kit to detect insulin release; ATP content detection kit to detect ATP; DCFH-DA to detect intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels; total glutathione (T-GSH)/oxidized glutathione (GSSG) assay kit to detect the ratio of GSH/GSSG; Using the mitochondrial membrane channel pore (MPTP) fluorescence detection kit in MIN6 cells and collect the intensity of green fluorescence; Western blot to detect the expression of antioxidant proteins Glutathione reductase (GR). The results showed that compared with the NC group, the cell viability of the HG was decreased (P < 0.05), insulin release decreased (P < 0.001), ATP content decreased significantly (P < 0.001), and ROS content increased (P < 0.01), the GSH/GSSH ratio of pancreatic islet cells decreased (P < 0.05),the green fluorescence intensity decreased (P < 0.001), indicating that the permeability of mitochondria increased and the content of antioxidant protein in the cells decreased (P < 0.05). Compared with the HG group, the cell viability of the HG + Rg3 group was significantly increased (P < 0.05), the amount of insulin released was significantly increased (P < 0.001), ATP content was significantly increased (P < 0.01), and the ROS content was significantly decreased (P < 0.01), GSH/GSSH ratio increased significantly (P < 0.05), the green fluorescence intensity was increased (P < 0.001), indicating that the permeability of mitochondria decreased and antioxidant protein GR content increased significantly (P < 0.05). Taken together, our results suggest that Rg3 has an antioxidant protective effect on mouse pancreatic islet cells damaged by high glucose and maintains pancreatic islet cell function and promotes insulin secretion.

Antioxidant Nutrients and Risk of Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults and Type 2 Diabetes: A Swedish Case-Control Study and Mendelian Randomization Analysis

Antioxidant vitamins C and E are inversely associated with type 1 diabetes (T1D). We investigated if antioxidants are also associated with latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA), with low (LADA^low) and high (LADA^high) autoantibody levels, type 2 diabetes (T2D), and estimates of beta cell function (HOMA-B) and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). We used Swedish case-control data with incident cases of LADA (n = 584) and T2D (n = 1989) and matched population-based controls (n = 2276). Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated per one standard deviation higher beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, and zinc intakes. Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses assessed causality between genetically predicted circulating antioxidants and LADA, T1D, and T2D, using summary statistics from genome-wide association studies. Among the antioxidants, vitamins C and E were inversely associated with LADA^high (OR 0.84, CI 0.73, 0.98 and OR 0.80, CI 0.69, 0.94 respectively), but not with LADA^low or T2D. Vitamin E was also associated with higher HOMA-B and lower HOMA-IR. MR analyses estimated an OR of 0.50 (CI 0.20, 1.25) for the effect of vitamin E on T1D, but did not support causal relationships between antioxidants and either LADA or T2D. In conclusion, vitamin E may have a protective effect on autoimmune diabetes, possibly through preserved beta cell function and less insulin resistance.

Effects of Tofogliflozin and Anagliptin Alone or in Combination on Glucose Metabolism and Atherosclerosis-Related Markers in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Purpose

In people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), both glucose metabolism abnormalities and atherosclerosis risk are significant concerns. This study aims to investigate the effects of the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor tofogliflozin (TOFO) and the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor anagliptin (ANA) on markers of glucose metabolism and atherosclerosis when administered individually or in combination.

Methods

Fifty T2DM patients were divided into two groups (receiving either TOFO or ANA monotherapy) and observed for 12 weeks (observation points: 0 and 12 weeks). The TOFO and ANA groups were then further treated with ANA and TOFO, respectively, and the patients were observed for an additional 36 weeks (observation points: 24 and 48 weeks). Therapeutic effects and various biomarkers were compared between the two groups at the observation points.

Results

Combination therapy led to significant improvements in HbA1c levels and atherosclerosis markers. Additionally, the TOFO pretreatment group exhibited significant reductions in sLOX-1 and IL-6 levels.

Conclusion

The increase in sLOX-1 and IL-6 levels, which indicates the response of scavenger receptors to oxidized low-density lipoproteins in people with T2DM, is mitigated following TOFO and ANA combination therapy. TOFO alone or in combination with ANA may be beneficial for preventing atherosclerosis development in people with T2DM, in addition to its effect on improving HbA1c levels.

Gentisic acid ameliorates type 2 diabetes induced by Nicotinamide-Streptozotocin in male mice by attenuating pancreatic oxidative stress and inflammation through modulation of Nrf2 and NF-кB pathways

AIMS

There is a close link between oxidative stress, inflammation, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Gentisic acid (GA) is a di-phenolic compound and an active metabolite of aspirin that possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but its potential anti-diabetic effects have not been evaluated so far. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate GA's potential antidiabetic effects through the Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor (Nrf2) and Nuclear Factor Kappa Beta (NF-кB) signaling pathways.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In this study, T2DM induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (65 mg/kg B.W) after 15 min nicotinamide (120 mg/kg B.W) injection. After seven days of injections, fasting blood glucose (FBS) was measured. Seven days after FBS monitoring treatments started. Grouping and treatments were as follows: 1) Normal control group; NC, 2) Diabetic control group; DC, 3) Metformin group; MT (150 mg/kg B.W, daily), 4) Test group; GA (100 mg/kg B.W, daily). Treatments continued for 14 consecutive days.

KEY FINDINGS

Diabetic mice treatment with GA significantly decreased FBS, improved plasma lipid profiles and pancreatic antioxidant status. GA modulated Nrf2 pathway by upregulation of Nrf2 protein, NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (Nqo1), and p21, and downregulation of miR-200a, Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase-2 (NOX2). Also, GA attenuated inflammation by upregulation of metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) and downregulation of miR-125b, NF-кB, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß).

SIGNIFICANCE

GA attenuates T2DM, possibly by improving antioxidant status through the Nrf2 pathway and attenuation of inflammation.

Oral administration of Turnera diffusa willd. ex Schult. extract ameliorates steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis impairment in the testes of rats with type-2 diabetes mellitus

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Turnera diffusa Willd. ex Schult. (T. diffusa) has traditionally been used to treat male reproductive dysfunction and have aphrodisiac properties.

AIMS OF THE STUDY

This study aims to investigate the ability of T. diffusa to ameliorate the impairment in testicular steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis in DM that might help to improve testicular function, and subsequently restore male fertility.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

DM-induced adult male rats were given 100 mg/kg/day and 200 mg/kg/day T. diffusa leaf extract orally for 28 consecutive days. Rats were then sacrificed; sperm and testes were harvested and sperm parameter analysis were performed. Histo-morphological changes in the testes were observed. Biochemical assays were performed to measure testosterone and testicular oxidative stress levels. Immunohistochemistry and double immunofluorescence were used to monitor oxidative stress and inflammation levels in testes as well as Sertoli and steroidogenic marker proteins' expression.

RESULTS

Treatment with T. diffusa restores sperm count, motility, and viability near normal and reduces sperm morphological abnormalities and sperm DNA fragmentation in diabetic rats. T. diffusa treatment also reduces testicular NOX-2 and lipid peroxidation levels, increases testicular antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GPx) activities, ameliorates testicular inflammation via downregulating NF-ΚB, p-Ikkβ and TNF-α and upregulating IκBα expression. In diabetic rats, T. diffusa treatment increases testicular steroidogenic proteins (StAR, CYP11A1, SHBG, and ARA54, 3 and 17β-HSD) and plasma testosterone levels. Furthermore, in diabetic rats treated with T. diffusa, Sertoli cell marker proteins including Connexin 43, N-cadherin, and occludin levels in the testes were elevated.

CONCLUSION

T. diffusa treatment could help to ameliorate the detrimental effects of DM on the testes, thus this plant has potential to be used to restore male fertility.

Gender-specific effects of oxidative balance score on the prevalence of diabetes in the US population from NHANES

Background

The relationship between oxidative balance score (OBS) and diabetes remains poorly understood and may be gender-specific. We conducted a cross-sectional study to investigate the complex association between OBS and diabetes among US adults.

Methods

Overall, 5,233 participants were included in this cross-sectional study. The exposure variable was OBS, composed of scores for 20 dietary and lifestyle factors. Multivariable logistic regression, subgroup analysis, and restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression were applied to examine the relationship between OBS and diabetes.

Results

Compared to the lowest OBS quartile group (Q1), the multivariable-adjusted odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval (CI) for the highest OBS quartile group (Q4) was 0.602 (0.372-0.974) (p for trend = 0.007), and for the highest lifestyle, the OBS quartile group was 0.386 (0.223-0.667) (p for trend < 0.001). Moreover, gender effects were found between OBS and diabetes (p for interaction = 0.044). RCS showed an inverted-U relationship between OBS and diabetes in women (p for non-linear = 6e-04) and a linear relationship between OBS and diabetes in men.

Conclusions

In summary, high OBS was negatively associated with diabetes risk in a gender-dependent manner.

Activation of the Cap'n'collar C pathway (Nrf2 pathway in vertebrates) signaling in insulin pathway compromised Drosophila melanogaster flies ameliorates the diabetic state upon pro-oxidant conditions

The insulin pathway is a crucial central system for metabolism and growth. The Nrf2 signaling pathway functions to counteract oxidative stress. Here we sought to study the consequences of an oxidative stress challenge to insulin compromised and control adult flies of different ages, varying the activation state of the Nrf2 pathway in flies, the Cap'n'collar C pathway. For this, we employed two different pro-oxidative conditions: 3 % hydrogen peroxide or 20 mM paraquat laced in the food. In both cases, wild type (control) flies die within a few days, yet there are significant differences between males and females, and also within flies of different ages (seven versus thirty days old flies). We repeated the same conditions with young (seven days old) flies that were heterozygous for a loss-of-function mutation in Keap1. There were no significant differences. We then tested two hypomorphic viable conditions of the insulin pathway (heteroallelic combination for the insulin receptor and the S6 Kinase), challenged in the same way: Whereas they also die in the pro-oxidant conditions, they fare significantly better when heterozygous for Keap1, in contrast to controls. We also monitored locomotion in all of these conditions, and, in general, found significant differences between flies without and with a mutant allele (heterozygous) for Keap1. Our results point to altered oxidative stress conditions in diabetic flies. These findings suggest that modest activation of the Cap'n'collar C pathway may be a treatment for diabetic symptoms.

Red meat consumption is associated with prediabetes and diabetes in rural Vietnam: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association between red/processed meat consumption and glycaemic conditions (i.e. prediabetes (preDM) and diabetes mellitus (DM)) among middle-aged residents in rural Khánh Hòa, Vietnam.

DESIGN

In this cross-sectional study, a multinomial logistic regression model was used to examine the association between daily consumption of red/processed meat (0-99 g, 100-199 g or ≥ 200 g) and preDM/DM with adjustments for socio-demographic, lifestyle-related and health-related variables.

SETTING

Khánh Hòa Province, Vietnam.

PARTICIPANTS

The study used data collected through a baseline survey conducted during a prospective cohort study on CVD among 3000 residents, aged 40-60 years, living in rural communes in Khánh Hòa Province.

RESULTS

The multinomial regression model revealed that the relative-risk ratios for DM were 1·00 (reference), 1·11 (95 % CI = 0·75, 1·62) and 1·80 (95 % CI = 1·40, 2·32) from the lowest to the highest red/processed meat consumption categories (Ptrend = 0·006). The corresponding values for preDM were 1·00 (reference), 1·25 (95 % CI = 1·01, 1·54) and 1·67 (95 % CI = 1·20, 2·33) (Ptrend = 0·004). We did not find any evidence of statistical significance in relation to poultry consumption.

CONCLUSION

Increased red/processed meat consumption, but not poultry consumption, was positively associated with the prevalence of preDM/DM in rural communes in Khánh Hòa Province, Vietnam. Dietary recommendations involving a reduction in red/processed meat consumption should be considered in low- and middle-income countries.

Examining the immunoepigenetic-gut microbiome axis in the context of self-esteem among Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders

Introduction: Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander (NHPI) populations experience higher rates of immunometabolic diseases compared to other racial-ethnic groups in Hawaii. As annual NHPI mortality rates for suicide and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) exceed those of the state as a whole, understanding the social and biological mechanisms underlying these disparities are urgently needed to enable preventive strategies. Methods: A community-based approach was used to investigate the immunoepigenetic-gut microbiome axis in an NHPI-enriched cohort of Oahu residents (N = 68). Self-esteem (SE) data was collected using a modified Rosenberg self-esteem (SE) assessment as a proxy measure for mental wellbeing in consideration for cultural competency. T2DM status was evaluated using point-of-care A1c (%) tests. Stool samples were collected for 16s-based metagenomic sequencing analyses. Plasma from blood samples were isolated by density-gradient centrifugation. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected from the same samples and enriched for monocytes using negative selection techniques. Flow-cytometry was used for immunoprofiling assays. Monocyte DNA was extracted for Illumina EPIC array-based methylation analysis. Results: Compared to individuals with normal SE (NSE), those with low SE (LSE) exhibited significantly higher plasma concentrations (pg/ml) of proinflammatory cytokines IL-8 (p = 0.051) and TNF-α (p = 0.011). Metagenomic analysis revealed that the relative abundance (%) of specific gut bacteria significantly differed between SE groups - some of which directly correlated with SE scores. Gene ontology analysis revealed that 104 significantly differentially methylated loci (DML) between SE groups were preferentially located at genes involved in immunometabolic processes. Horvath clock analyses indicated epigenetic age (Epi-Age) deceleration in individuals with LSE and acceleration in individuals with NSE (p = 0.042), yet was not reproduced by other clocks. Discussion: These data reveal novel differences in the immunoepigenetic-gut microbiome axis with respect to SE, warranting further investigation into its relationship to brain activity and mental health in NHPI. Unexpected results from Epi-Age analyses warrant further investigation into the relationship between biological age and disparate health outcomes among the NHPI population. The modifiable component of epigenetic processes and the gut microbiome makes this axis an attractive target for potential therapeutics, biomarker discovery, and novel prevention strategies.

Insights into SGLT2 inhibitor treatment of diabetic cardiomyopathy: focus on the mechanisms

Among the complications of diabetes, cardiovascular events and cardiac insufficiency are considered two of the most important causes of death. Experimental and clinical evidence supports the effectiveness of SGLT2i for improving cardiac dysfunction. SGLT2i treatment benefits metabolism, microcirculation, mitochondrial function, fibrosis, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, programmed cell death, autophagy, and the intestinal flora, which are involved in diabetic cardiomyopathy. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the mechanisms of SGLT2i for the treatment of diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Evaluation of mulberry leaves’ hypoglycemic properties and hypoglycemic mechanisms

The effectiveness of herbal medicine in treating diabetes has grown in recent years, but the precise mechanism by which it does so is still unclear to both medical professionals and diabetics. In traditional Chinese medicine, mulberry leaf is used to treat inflammation, colds, and antiviral illnesses. Mulberry leaves are one of the herbs with many medicinal applications, and as mulberry leaf study grows, there is mounting evidence that these leaves also have potent anti-diabetic properties. The direct role of mulberry leaf as a natural remedy in the treatment of diabetes has been proven in several studies and clinical trials. However, because mulberry leaf is a more potent remedy for diabetes, a deeper understanding of how it works is required. The bioactive compounds flavonoids, alkaloids, polysaccharides, polyphenols, volatile oils, sterols, amino acids, and a variety of inorganic trace elements and vitamins, among others, have been found to be abundant in mulberry leaves. Among these compounds, flavonoids, alkaloids, polysaccharides, and polyphenols have a stronger link to diabetes. Of course, trace minerals and vitamins also contribute to blood sugar regulation. Inhibiting alpha glucosidase activity in the intestine, regulating lipid metabolism in the body, protecting pancreatic -cells, lowering insulin resistance, accelerating glucose uptake by target tissues, and improving oxidative stress levels in the body are some of the main therapeutic properties mentioned above. These mechanisms can effectively regulate blood glucose levels. The therapeutic effects of the bioactive compounds found in mulberry leaves on diabetes mellitus and their associated molecular mechanisms are the main topics of this paper’s overview of the state of the art in mulberry leaf research for the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

Corchorus olitorius extract exhibit anti-hyperglycemic and anti-inflammatory properties in rodent models of obesity and diabetes mellitus

Obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are chronic conditions with detrimental impacts on the overall health of individuals. Presently, the use of pharmacological agents in obesity and T2D offers limited benefits and pose side effects. This warrant studies on remedies that are less toxic and inexpensive while effective in ameliorating secondary complications in obesity and T2D. Plant-based remedies have been explored increasingly due to their remarkable properties and safety profile. We searched for pre-clinical evidence published from inception until 2023 on PubMed, Scopus, Google, and Semantic scholar on Corchorus olitorius (C. olitorius) in both obesity and T2D. Our focus was to understand the beneficial impact of this plant-based remedy on basic glycemic, lipid, inflammatory, and biomarkers of oxidative stress. The evidence gathered in this review suggests that C. olitorius treatment may significantly reduce blood glucose, body weight, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in concomitant with increasing high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c) in rodent models of obesity and T2D. Interestingly, this effect was consistent with the reduction of malonaldehyde, superoxide dismutase and catalases, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukins, and leptin. Some of the mechanisms by which C. olitorius reduces blood glucose levels is through stimulation of insulin secretion, increasing β-cell proliferation, thus promoting insulin sensitivity; the process which is mediated by ascorbic acid present in this plant. C. olitorius anti-hyperlipidemia is attributable to the content of ferulic acid found in this plant, which inhibits 3-Hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors and thus results in reduced synthesis of cholesterol and increased hepatic LDL-c receptor expression, respectively. The present review provides extensive knowledge and further highlights the potential benefits of C. olitorius on basic metabolic parameters, lipid profile, inflammation, and oxidative stress in rodent models of obesity and T2D.

Effect of breathing exercises on oxidative stress biomarkers in humans: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Breathing exercises improve oxidative stress in healthy young adults and patients with diabetes, hypertension, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Furthermore, the mechanism of respiratory intervention is controversial. Therefore, in this meta-analysis, we aimed to systematically evaluate the effects of breathing exercises on oxidative stress biomarkers in humans and provide evidence for the clinical application of breathing exercises.

Methods

The Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, and WANFANG databases were searched for studies about the effects of breathing exercises on human oxidative stress levels, with no restraints regarding time, race, or language. The experimental group included various breathing exercises, and the outcome index included malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione, nitric oxide, vitamin C, or total antioxidant capacity levels from a randomized controlled trial. Data were extracted by more than two authors and reviewed by one author.

Results

Ten studies were included from five countries. Data from patients with no disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, or diabetes were included. Participants who performed breathing exercises had greater changes in the included biomarkers than those who did not, suggesting that these biomarkers can be used to evaluate oxidative stress after respiratory interventions.

Conclusion

Breathing exercises increased SOD and GSH activities and decreased MDA content.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022337119, identifier CRD42022337119.

Plasmonic optical fiber biosensor development for point-of-care detection of malondialdehyde as a biomarker of oxidative stress

Numerous pieces of evidence demonstrate that oxidative stress impairs biological functions, speeds up aging, and has a role in a variety of human diseases, including systemic and oral inflammatory disorders, and even cancer. Therefore, technologies providing accurate measures of oxidative stress indicators or biomarkers appear essential in the identification/prevention of such diseases, and in their management. Particularly advantageous is the employement of point-of-care tests based on affordable and small biochips since they can quickly process biological samples and deliver results near the point of care for a prompt therapeutic intervention. Malondialdehyde (MDA) is a key byproduct of oxidative reaction and has been identified as an effective marker of oxidative stress. Herein, we describe the detection of MDA in buffer and in a complex matrix such as saliva, using a plasmonic optical fiber device combined with a highly selective anti-MDA antibody. The experimental results highlight the excellent performance of the proposed biosensor, as well as its ability to provide a low-cost point-of-care test (PoC-T) to be used in real life situations. We demonstrated that a single saliva dilution step and a short incubation time are required for the accurate detection of low concentrations of total MDA (free and conjugated). As a proof-of-concept of future biomedical applications, the method has been tested to determine MDA concentration in saliva of a periodontitis patient compared to that of a healthy control. The obtained findings represent the basis for developing PoC-Ts to be employed in monitoring oral diseases like periodontitis, oral cancers or systemic oxidative-stress associated pathologies. Conclusively, our study puts the ground for an oxidative stress biosensor widely-applicable to different scenarios.

The Role of Heme and Copper in Alzheimer's Disease and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Beyond the well-explored proposition of protein aggregation or amyloidosis as the central event in amyloidogenic diseases like Alzheimer's Disease (AD), and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2Dm); there are alternative hypotheses, now becoming increasingly evident, which suggest that the small biomolecules like redox noninnocent metals (Fe, Cu, Zn, etc.) and cofactors (Heme) have a definite influence in the onset and extent of such degenerative maladies. Dyshomeostasis of these components remains as one of the common features in both AD and T2Dm etiology. Recent advances in this course reveal that the metal/cofactor-peptide interactions and covalent binding can alarmingly enhance and modify the toxic reactivities, oxidize vital biomolecules, significantly contribute to the oxidative stress leading to cell apoptosis, and may precede the amyloid fibrils formation by altering their native folds. This perspective highlights this aspect of amyloidogenic pathology which revolves around the impact of the metals and cofactors in the pathogenic courses of AD and T2Dm including the active site environments, altered reactivities, and the probable mechanisms involving some highly reactive intermediates as well. It also discusses some in vitro metal chelation or heme sequestration strategies which might serve as a possible remedy. These findings might open up a new paradigm in our conventional understanding of amyloidogenic diseases. Moreover, the interaction of the active sites with small molecules elucidates potential biochemical reactivities that can inspire designing of drug candidates for such pathologies.

Nanofibrous Scaffolds for Diabetic Wound Healing

Chronic wounds are one of the secondary health complications that develop in individuals who have poorly managed diabetes mellitus. This is often associated with delays in the wound healing process, resulting from long-term uncontrolled blood glucose levels. As such, an appropriate therapeutic approach would be maintaining blood glucose concentration within normal ranges, but this can be quite challenging to achieve. Consequently, diabetic ulcers usually require special medical care to prevent complications such as sepsis, amputation, and deformities, which often develop in these patients. Although several conventional wound dressings, such as hydrogels, gauze, films, and foams, are employed in the treatment of such chronic wounds, nanofibrous scaffolds have gained the attention of researchers because of their flexibility, ability to load a variety of bioactive compounds as single entities or combinations, and large surface area to volume ratio, which provides a biomimetic environment for cell proliferation relative to conventional dressings. Here, we present the current trends on the versatility of nanofibrous scaffolds as novel platforms for the incorporation of bioactive agents suitable for the enhancement of diabetic wound healing.

The Emerging Importance of Cirsimaritin in Type 2 Diabetes Treatment

Cirsimaritin is a dimethoxy flavon that has different biological activities such as antiproliferative, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities. This study aims to investigate the anti-diabetic effects of cirsimaritin in a high-fat diet and streptozotocin-(HFD/STZ)-induced rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). Rats were fed HFD, followed by a single low dose of STZ (40 mg/kg). HFD/STZ diabetic rats were treated orally with cirsimaritin (50 mg/kg) or metformin (200 mg/kg) for 10 days before terminating the experiment and collecting plasma, soleus muscle, adipose tissue, and liver for further downstream analysis. Cirsimaritin reduced the elevated levels of serum glucose in diabetic rats compared to the vehicle control group (p < 0.001). Cirsimaritin abrogated the increase in serum insulin in the treated diabetic group compared to the vehicle control rats (p < 0.01). The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was decreased in the diabetic rats treated with cirsimaritin compared to the vehicle controls. The skeletal muscle and adipose tissue protein contents of GLUT4 (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively) and pAMPK-α1 (p < 0.05) were upregulated following treatment with cirsimaritin. Cirsimaritin was able to upregulate GLUT2 and AMPK protein expression in the liver (p < 0.01, <0.05, respectively). LDL, triglyceride, and cholesterol were reduced in diabetic rats treated with cirsimaritin compared to the vehicle controls (p < 0.001). Cirsimaritin reduced MDA, and IL-6 levels (p < 0.001), increased GSH levels (p < 0.001), and reduced GSSG levels (p < 0.001) in diabetic rats compared to the vehicle control. Cirsimaritin could represent a promising therapeutic agent to treat T2D.

Alfuzosin ameliorates diabetes by boosting PGK1 activity in diabetic mice

AIMS

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has become a global problem, causing a huge economic burden. The purpose of this study is to find a new potential method and mechanism for the treatment of DM.

MAIN METHODS

The oxidation, glycation and insulin resistance cell models were built to screen the potential anti-diabetic chemicals. Then the DM mice were induced by the combination of high-fat diet (HFD) and intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg) for five days. The alfuzosin (1.2 mg/kg) was administered by intraperitoneal injection once daily for sequential 12 weeks. Fasting blood glucose, blood lipid, oxidative stress and key markers of glucose metabolism were detected. PGK1/AKT/GLUT4 pathway related proteins were analyzed by Western blot.

KEY FINDINGS

Alfuzosin ameliorated oxidative stress, glycative stress and insulin resistance in HepG2 cells. Further, in a high-fat diet/streptozotocin (HFD/STZ)-induced diabetic mouse model, alfuzosin reduced fasting blood glucose, improved insulin sensitivity. Mechanically, alfuzosin activated PGK1 directly to stimulate the protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway, thus facilitating glucose uptake as well as improving insulin resistance.

SIGNIFICANCE

The present finding has shed a new light on the treatment of DM and provides validation for PGK1 as a therapeutic target for DM.

Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effect of pentaamino acid fullerene C60 derivative in rats with metabolic disorder

Pentaamino acid fullerene C₆₀ derivative is a promising nanomaterial, which exhibited antihyperglycemic activity in high-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. This study investigates the effect of pentaaminoacid C₆₀ derivative (PFD) in rats with metabolic disorders. Rats were assigned to 3 groups (of 10 rats each) as follows: Group 1 (normal control), group 2 included the protamine-sulfate-treated rats (the untreated group of animals with the model metabolic disorder); group 3 (Protamine sulfate + PFD) included the protamine-sulfate-treated model rats that received an intraperitoneal injection of PFD. Metabolic disorder in rats was initiated by protamine sulfate (PS) administration. The PS + PFD group was injected intraperitoneally with PFD solution (3 mg/kg). Protamine sulfate induces biochemical changes (hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertriglyceridemia) in the blood and morphological lesions in rat liver and pancreas. The potassium salt of fullerenylpenta-N-dihydroxytyrosine in protamine sulfate-induced rats normalized blood glucose level and the serum lipid profile and improved hepatic function markers. Treatment with PFD restored pancreas islets and liver structure of protamine sulfate-induced rats compared to the untreated group. PFD is a promising compound for further study as a drug against metabolic disorders.

Biomarkers of oxidative stress and reproductive complications

Oxidative stress is the result of an imbalance between the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the levels of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. The assessment of biological redox status is performed by the use of oxidative stress biomarkers. An oxidative stress biomarker is defined as any physical structure or process or chemical compound that can be assessed in a living being (in vivo) or in solid or fluid parts thereof (in vitro), the determination of which is a reproducible and reliable indicator of oxidative stress. The use of oxidative stress biomarkers allows early identification of the risk of developing diseases associated with this process and also opens up possibilities for new treatments. At the end of the last century, interest in oxidative stress biomarkers began to grow, due to evidence of the association between the generation of free radicals and various pathologies. Up to now, a significant number of studies have been carried out to identify and apply different oxidative stress biomarkers in clinical practice. Among the most important oxidative stress biomarkers, it can be mentioned the products of oxidative modifications of lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, and uric acid as well as the measurement of the total antioxidant capacity of fluids in the human body. In this review, we aim to present recent advances and current knowledge on the main biomarkers of oxidative stress, including the discovery of new biomarkers, with emphasis on the various reproductive complications associated with variations in oxidative stress levels.

Sirt3-dependent regulation of mitochondrial oxidative stress and apoptosis contributes to the dysfunction of pancreatic islets after severe burns

BACKGROUND

Severe burns are often complicated with hyperglycemia caused by mitochondrial oxidative stress-related pancreatic islet dysfunction. Silent information regulator of transcription 3 (Sirt3) can regulate mitochondrial oxidative stress. However, the role and mechanism of Sirt3 on islet function after severe burns remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether Sirt3 played a role in both mitochondrial oxidative stress in islets and mediating islet function post severe burns.

METHODS

A mouse model of 30% total body surface area full-thickness burn and an in vitro MIN6 cell hypoxia model were established. Sirt3 KO mice were used to demonstrate further the role of Sirt3 in maintaining redox homeostasis and regulating islet function. Fasting blood glucose and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) were detected to assess the islet function. The levels of mitochondrial ROS and deacetylation, and the activities of Mn-SOD and IDH2 were measured to evaluate oxidative stress. The mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP)was detected and the apoptosis rate measured.

RESULTS

In vitro MIN6 cells, the hypoxia treatment significantly reduced Sirt3 expression, resulting in increased deacetylation of Mn-SOD and IDH2, which further led to a higher level of mitochondrial ROS. In addition, hypoxia reduced MMP and increased apoptosis rate, which impaired GSIS eventually. Knockdown of Sirt3 caused similar alterations. The hypoxia-induced high level of mitochondrial ROS and apoptosis and impaired GSIS could be reversed by overexpression of Sirt3. Similarly, after severe burns, the expression of Sirt3 in islets decreased significantly with a high level of deacetylation of Mn-SOD, IDH2, mitochondrial ROS and apoptosis, and islet dysfunction. Oxidative stress and apoptosis also occurred in islets of Sirt3 KO mice, accompanied by islet dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS

Sirt3 and downstream signalling are critical in modulating the islet function post severe burns by regulating mitochondrial oxidative stress and apoptosis.

The Bidirectional Relationship between Periodontal Disease and Diabetes Mellitus-A Review

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by the presence of a bacterial biofilm known as dental plaque. This biofilm affects the supporting apparatus of the teeth, especially the periodontal ligaments and the bone surrounding the teeth. Periodontal disease and diabetes seem to be interrelated and in a bidirectional relationship, and have been increasingly studied in recent decades. For example, diabetes mellitus has a detrimental effect on periodontal disease, increasing its prevalence, extent, and severity. In turn, periodontitis negatively affects glycemic control and the course of diabetes. This review aims to present the most recently discovered factors that contribute to the pathogenesis, therapy, and prophylaxis of these two diseases. Specifically, the article focuses on microvascular complications, oral microbiota, pro- and anti-inflammatory factors in diabetes, and periodontal disease. As presented in this review, these two diseases require specific/ complementary therapeutic solutions when they occur in association, with new clinical trials and epidemiological research being necessary for better control of this interdependent pathogenic topic.

Early Detection Is the Best Prevention-Characterization of Oxidative Stress in Diabetes Mellitus and Its Consequences on the Cardiovascular System

Previous studies demonstrated an important role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in diabetic patients due to hyperglycemia. CVD remains the leading cause of premature death in the western world. Therefore, diabetes mellitus-associated oxidative stress and subsequent inflammation should be recognized at the earliest possible stage to start with the appropriate treatment before the onset of the cardiovascular sequelae such as arterial hypertension or coronary artery disease (CAD). The pathophysiology comprises increased reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) production by enzymatic and non-enzymatic sources, e.g., mitochondria, an uncoupled nitric oxide synthase, xanthine oxidase, and the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase (NOX). Considering that RONS originate from different cellular mechanisms in separate cellular compartments, adequate, sensitive, and compartment-specific methods for their quantification are crucial for early detection. In this review, we provide an overview of these methods with important information for early, appropriate, and effective treatment of these patients and their cardiovascular sequelae.

Neuroimaging findings related to glymphatic system alterations in older adults with metabolic syndrome

OBJECTIVE

The glymphatic system is a glial-based perivascular network that promotes brain metabolic waste clearance. Reduced glymphatic flow has been observed in rat models of type 2 diabetes and hypertension, indicating the role of vascular risk factors in the glymphatic system. However, little is known about how vascular risk factors affect the human glymphatic system. The present study aims to assess the relationships between metabolic syndrome (MetS), a cluster of vascular risk factors, and the glymphatic system function using diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based measures of water diffusivity in the glymphatic compartments, including the brain interstitial space and perivascular spaces around the deep medullary vein. We hypothesized that vascular risk factors are associated with glymphatic dysfunction, leading to cognitive impairment in older adults.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study assessed 61 older adults (age range, 65-82 years) who had participated in the Bunkyo Health Study, including 15 healthy controls (mean age, 70.87 ± 4.90 years) and 46 individuals with MetS (mean age, 71.76 ± 4.61 years). Fractional volume of extracellular-free water (FW) and an index of diffusion tensor imaging along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) were used as indirect indicators of water diffusivity in the interstitial extracellular and perivenous spaces of white matter, respectively.

RESULTS

After adjusting for age, sex, years of education, total Fazekas scale, Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) score, and intracranial volume (ICV), a significantly (P = 0.030; Cohen's d = 1.01) higher FW was observed in individuals with MetS than in the healthy controls. Furthermore, individuals with MetS had a significantly (P = 0.031; Cohen's d = 0.86) lower ALPS index than the healthy controls, with age, sex, years of education, total Fazekas scale, PSQI score, ICV, fractional anisotropy, and mean diffusivity included as confounding factors. Higher FW was significantly associated with lower ALPS index (r = -0.37; P = 0.004). Multiple linear regression (MLR) with backward elimination analyses showed that higher diastolic blood pressure (BP; standardized β = 0.33, P = 0.005) was independently associated with higher FW, whereas higher fasting plasma glucose levels (standardized β = -0.63, P = 0.002) or higher Brinkman index of cigarette consumption cumulative amount (standardized β = -0.27, P = 0.022) were associated with lower ALPS index. The lower ALPS index (standardized β, 0.28; P = 0.040) was associated with poorer global cognitive performance, which was determined using the Japanese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA-J) scores. Finally, partial correlation analyses showed a significant correlation between higher FW and lower MOCA-J scores (r = -0.35; P = 0.025) and between higher FW and higher diastolic BP (r = 0.32, P = 0.044).

CONCLUSION

The present study shows the changes in diffusion MRI-based measures reflected by the higher FW and lower ALPS index in older adults with MetS, possibly due to the adverse effect of vascular risk factors on the glymphatic system. Our findings also indicate the associations between the diffusion MRI-based measures and elevated diastolic BP, hyperglycemia, smoking habit, and poorer cognitive performance. However, owing to the limitations of this study, the results should be cautiously interpreted.

Modeling the progression of Type 2 diabetes with underlying obesity

Environmentally induced or epigenetic-related beta-cell dysfunction and insulin resistance play a critical role in the progression to diabetes. We developed a mathematical modeling framework capable of studying the progression to diabetes incorporating various diabetogenic factors. Considering the heightened risk of beta-cell defects induced by obesity, we focused on the obesity-diabetes model to further investigate the influence of obesity on beta-cell function and glucose regulation. The model characterizes individualized glucose and insulin dynamics over the span of a lifetime. We then fit the model to the longitudinal data of the Pima Indian population, which captures both the fluctuations and long-term trends of glucose levels. As predicted, controlling or eradicating the obesity-related factor can alleviate, postpone, or even reverse diabetes. Furthermore, our results reveal that distinct abnormalities of beta-cell function and levels of insulin resistance among individuals contribute to different risks of diabetes. This study may encourage precise interventions to prevent diabetes and facilitate individualized patient treatment.

The effect of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) on glycemia, lipid profile, and antioxidant status in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized placebo-controlled trial

In the current study, we aimed to investigate the effect of saffron supplementation on glycemic status, lipid profile, atherogenic indices, and oxidative status in patients with type-2 diabetes (T2DM). In a randomized, double-blind controlled trial, 70 patients were randomly allocated into two groups (n = 35, each) and received 100 mg/day of saffron or placebo for eight weeks. Dietary intake, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist and hip circumferences (WC and HC), waist to hip ratio (WHR), fasting blood sugar (FBS), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), insulin, and Homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), lipid profile, atherogenic indices, oxidative status, and liver enzymes were determined before and after the intervention. At the end of the eighth week, saffron intervention could significantly reduce FBS (7.57%), lipid profile (except high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C]), atherogenic indices, and liver enzymes (p < .05). Moreover, saffron could improve oxidative status (nitric oxide [NO] and malondialdehyde [MDA] reduced by 26.29% and 16.35%, respectively). Catalase (CAT) concentration remained unchanged. Saffron supplementation may alleviate T2DM by improving glycemic status, lipid profile, liver enzymes, and oxidative status. Further investigation is necessary to assess possible side effects and confirm the positive effect of saffron as a complementary therapy in clinical recommendations for T2DM.

Association of self-rated chewing function and oral health status with metabolic syndrome

PURPOSE

The study aimed to examine the association of self-rated chewing function, the number of teeth and periodontal status with metabolic syndrome.

METHODS

The participants were 11,119 adults aged 40-74 years who underwent specific health checkups, including an oral health examination, in 2018 in Japan. This study used the standard questions of the specific health checkups to obtain information on self-rated chewing function. A multinomial logistic regression analysis was performed with metabolic syndrome status as the dependent variable, and age, sex, lifestyle questions, self-rated chewing function, number of teeth, and periodontal status as the independent variables.

RESULTS

Number of teeth and periodontal status were significantly associated with metabolic syndrome after adjusting for confounding variables. Self-rated chewing function was significantly associated with metabolic syndrome in the crude analysis, but not after adjustment for confounding variables. Both number of teeth and periodontal status were significantly associated with self-rated chewing function.

CONCLUSION

There was no significant direct association between self-rated chewing function and metabolic syndrome. Self-rated chewing function may be an indicator of poor oral condition that links to metabolic syndrome.

Association between systemic iron status and β-cell function and insulin sensitivity in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

Abnormal iron metabolism is related to the risk of diabetes, but the underlying mechanism of this association remains uncertain. This study was conducted to evaluate the contributions of systemic iron status to β-cell function and insulin sensitivity of patients with newly diagnosed T2DM.

METHODS

A total of 162 patients with newly diagnosed T2DM and 162 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Basic characteristics, biochemical indicators, and iron metabolism biomarkers, including serum iron (SI), ferritin (SF), transferrin (Trf), and transferrin saturation (TS), were collected. All patients underwent a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test. A series of parameters for assessing β-cell function and insulin sensitivity were calculated. The multivariate stepwise linear regression model was used to investigate the contributions of iron metabolism to β-cell function and insulin sensitivity.

RESULTS

Compared with healthy controls, patients with newly diagnosed T2DM had significantly higher levels of SF. Among the diabetic patients, the SI and TS levels were higher, and the percentage of Trf levels below normal values was lower in men than in women. In all diabetic patients, SF was the independent risk factor associated with impaired β-cell function. Further stratification analysis showed that Trf was an independent protective factor for β-cell function in male patients, while SF was an independent risk factor for impaired β-cell function in female patients. However, systemic iron status did not affect insulin sensitivity.

CONCLUSION

Elevated SF levels and decreased Trf levels had a profound effect on impaired β-cell function in Chinese patients with newly diagnosed T2DM.

Raspberry Ketone Protects Kidney Damage in Diabetic Nephropathy by Improving Kidney Mitochondrial Dysfunction

Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress play essential roles in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN). The respiratory oxygen consumption and oxidative stress status of kidney mitochondria are closely associated with the development of DN. In this study, raspberry ketone (RK), the predominant bioactive component extracted from raspberry, was applied to treat the established DN mice model. This study investigated whether RK protects the kidneys of high-fat and high-sugar/streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats by inhibiting oxidative stress and ameliorating mitochondrial dysfunction. Besides, the DN mice models were established by injecting high-fat and high-sugar/STZ (130 mg/kg, intraperitoneal injection). The animals were randomly divided into the control group (normal saline, ig), DN group (normal saline, ig), DN + RK group (200 mg/kg RK + normal saline, ig), DN + RK group (400 mg/kg RK + normal saline, ig), and DN + Metformin (Met) (200 mg/kg Met + normal saline, ig). Regular monitoring of fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels was observed in mice. After 10 weeks of drug treatment, the kidneys of mice in each group were analyzed using ultrasound, and the mice were euthanized humanely. Kidney weight (KW)/body weight (BW) and kidney injury, mitochondrial function, and oxidative stress indicators were determined. The histopathological changes in renal tissue were observed after hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. The results recommended that RK has a renoprotective function on DN mice by improving mitochondrial dysfunction and inhibiting oxidative stress.

N-3 PUFA Deficiency Aggravates Streptozotocin-Induced Pancreatic Injury in Mice but Dietary Supplementation with DHA/EPA Protects the Pancreas via Suppressing Inflammation, Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis

It has been reported that dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) exert therapeutic potential for the preservation of functional β-cell mass. However, the effect of dietary n-3 PUFA deficiency on pancreatic injury and whether the supplementation of n-3 PUFA could prevent the development of pancreatic injury are still not clear. In the present study, an n-3 PUFA deficiency mouse model was established by feeding them with n-3 PUFA deficiency diets for 30 days. Results showed that n-3 PUFA deficiency aggravated streptozotocin (STZ)-induced pancreas injury by reducing the insulin level by 18.21% and the HOMA β-cell indices by 31.13% and the area of islet by 52.58% compared with the STZ group. Moreover, pre-intervention with DHA and EPA for 15 days could alleviate STZ-induced pancreas damage by increasing the insulin level by 55.26% and 44.33%, the HOMA β-cell indices by 118.81% and 157.26% and reversed the area of islet by 196.75% and 205.57% compared to the n-3 Def group, and the effects were significant compared to γ-linolenic acid (GLA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) treatment. The possible underlying mechanisms indicated that EPA and DHA significantly reduced the ration of n-6 PUFA to n-3 PUFA and then inhibited oxidative stress, inflammation and islet β-cell apoptosis levels in pancreas tissue. The results might provide insights into the prevention and alleviation of pancreas injury by dietary intervention with PUFAs and provide a theoretical basis for their application in functional foods.

Molecular alteration of the proteasome contributes to AD-like pathology in the brain of HFD-STZ diabetic rats

Diabetes-related cognitive impairment has been shown in diverse epidemiological investigations and lab-based studies, although the underlying pathological mechanisms remain unclear. Unbalanced protein homeostasis may contribute to cognitive decline by inducing abnormal protein aggregation in the diabetic brain. This study aimed to determine possible changes in the proteasome, which is an important pathway involved in abnormal protein degradation. To this end, we examined potential alterations of proteasomal subunits and hydrolytic activity in the brain of diabetic rats fed with high-fat diet combined with small doses of streptozotocin (STZ). Furthermore, lactacystin were used to inhibit proteasomal activity in vivo and typical Alzheimer's disease (AD)-like pathologies were detected, including amyloid-beta, tau phosphorylation, and oxidative protein changes. Our results showed that proteasomal activity increased in the brains of diabetic rats compared to age-matched control rats. After proteasome inhibition, the levels of tau phosphorylation and protein oxidative modification significantly increased; however, no changes were detected in the pathway involved in amyloid production. These results indicated that changes in protein homeostasis balance in diabetes play a role in some typical AD-like changes, especially in oxidative protein degradation, providing evidence that prevention of diabetes-induced protein imbalance may be a potential therapeutic target.

Effect of Lycopene Intake on the Fasting Blood Glucose Level: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

Lycopene is a lipophilic unsaturated carotenoid exhibiting a strong singlet oxygen-quenching ability. Herein, we investigated the effect of lycopene intake on the fasting blood glucose (FBG) level by conducting a systematic review and meta-analyses. We searched 15 databases (from the earliest date to June 2022 for PubMed or to August or September 2018 for the other databases) and included human interventional studies that assessed the effects of oral lycopene intake on FBG levels of participants ≥ 18 years of age. Three authors independently selected applicable studies and then assessed the study quality. Data were pooled as standardized mean difference (SMD) and analyzed by the random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed by I² statistics. A meta-analysis including 11 trial arms (n = 750) revealed a tendency towards a significant decrease in FBG level with not-important heterogeneity [SMD = -0.15 (95% CI: -0.31, 0.00), p = 0.05, I² = 9%]. Subgroup meta-analysis including two studies (n = 152) in type 2 diabetes patients revealed significantly decreased FBG levels with not-important heterogeneity [SMD = -0.37 (95% CI: -0.69, -0.05), p = 0.02, I² = 0%]. Most studies meeting the eligibility criteria had a moderate risk of bias. The funnel plot for FBG suggested an absence of publication bias. In conclusion, this systematic review and meta-analyses suggested that lycopene intake exerted an FBG-decreasing effect.

Tissue specific changes of phytochemicals, antioxidant, antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory activities of tea [Camellia sinensis (L.)] extracted with different solvents

Different parts of Camellia sinensis (L.) were extracted with solvents according to polarity, and the extracts' phytochemical profiling and biological activities were examined. The total phenolic (TPC) and total flavonoid (TFC) contents increased with the increasing polarity of the solvent which met its maximum in polar solvents. The increasing antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic activities were recorded with increasing polarity of solvents which showed hydroalcoholic as best solvent. The strong and significant correlation was among the TPC, TFC, DPPH, anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic activities for different parts of tea. HPTLC study of individual phenolic acids, epigallocatechin gallate, gallocatechin and theaflavin met their maximum level of content with polar solvents like hydroalcohol, methanol and water mostly in mainly tea leaves. Our finding suggested that the polar solvents and young leaves of tea were beneficial for obtaining extracts. On the other hand, phenolics were found to be potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic agent.

UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS Profiling of Phenolic Compounds from Eriocephalus africanus: In Vitro Antioxidant, Antidiabetic, and Anti-Inflammatory Potentials

The present study investigated phenolic compounds, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and the anti-inflammatory potentials of methanolic and chloroform extracts of Eriocephalus africanus. The methanolic extract included, polyphenols (112 ± 2.81 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g), flavonols (76.12 ± 7.95 mg quercetin equivalents (QE)/g); antioxidant capacity (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) (752.64 ± 89.0 μmol of ascorbic acid equivalents (AAE) per g dry weight (µmol AAE/g), 2,2-dyphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (812.18 ± 51.12 Trolox equivalents per gram of dry mass of plant extracts (μmol TE/g), TEAC (631.63 ± 17.42 µmol TE/g)), while the chloroform extract included polyphenols (39.93 ± 1.36 mg GAE/g), flavonols (44.81 ± 3.74 mg QE/g); antioxidant capacity, DPPH (58.70 ± 5.18 µmol TE/g), TEAC (118.63 ± 3.74 µmol TE/g) and FRAP (107.10 ± 2.41 µmol AAE/g). The phytochemicals profiling performed by UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS revealed some important polyphenols, predominantly flavonoids, that could be responsible for the antioxidant capacity and biological effects. Both extracts demonstrated a dose-dependent manner of the alpha-glucosidase inhibition with an IC₅₀ between 125 and 250 μg/mL for methanolic extract, while the chloroform extract was at 250 μg/mL. In the L6 myoblasts and C3A hepatocytes, the methanolic extract slightly increased the utilization of glucose, and both extracts exhibited a dose-dependent increase in the glucose uptake in both cell types without significantly increasing the cytotoxicity. Furthermore, both extracts exhibited an anti-inflammatory potential and the findings from the present study could serve as a baseline for further research in the development of pharmaceutical agents.

Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Alleviate Hypertrophic Scar by Inhibiting Bioactivity and Inducing Apoptosis in Hypertrophic Scar Fibroblasts

Background: As a fibrotic disease with a high incidence, the pathogenesis of hypertrophic scarring is still not fully understood, and the treatment of this disease is also challenging. In recent years, human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) have been considered an effective treatment for hypertrophic scars. This study mainly explored whether the therapeutic effect of AD-MSCs on hypertrophic scars is associated with oxidative-stress-related proteins. Methods: AD-MSCs were isolated from adipose tissues and characterized through flow cytometry and a differentiation test. Afterwards, coculture, cell proliferation, apoptosis, and migration were detected. Western blotting and a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were used to detect oxidative stress-related genes and protein expression in hypertrophic scar fibroblasts (HSFs). Flow cytometry was used to detect reactive oxygen species (ROS). A nude mouse animal model was established; the effect of AD-MSCs on hypertrophic scars was observed; and hematoxylin and eosin staining, Masson's staining, and immunofluorescence staining were performed. Furthermore, the content of oxidative-stress-related proteins, including nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), B-cell lymphoma 2(Bcl2), Bcl2-associated X(BAX) and caspase 3, was detected. Results: Our results showed that AD-MSCs inhibited HSFs' proliferation and migration and promoted apoptosis. Moreover, after coculture, the expression of antioxidant enzymes, including HO-1, in HSFs decreased; the content of reactive oxygen species increased; and the expression of Nrf2 decreased significantly. In animal experiments, we found that, at 14 days after injection of AD-MSCs into human hypertrophic scar tissue blocks that were transplanted onto the dorsum of nude mice, the weight of the tissue blocks decreased significantly. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and Masson's staining demonstrated a rearrangement of collagen fibers. We also found that Nrf2 and antioxidant enzymes decreased significantly, while apoptotic cells increased after AD-MSC treatment. Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that AD-MSCs efficiently cured hypertrophic scars by promoting the apoptosis of HSFs and by inhibiting their proliferation and migration, which may be related to the inhibition of Nrf2 expression in HSFs, suggesting that AD-MSCs may provide an alternative therapeutic approach for the treatment of hypertrophic scars.

Oral nano-formulation improves pancreatic islets dysfunction via lymphatic transport for antidiabetic treatment

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) therapy is facing the challenges of long-term medication and gradual destruction of pancreatic islet β-cells. Therefore, it is timely to develop oral prolonged action formulations to improve compliance, while restoring β-cells survival and function. Herein, we designed a simple nanoparticle with enhanced oral absorption and pancreas accumulation property, which combined apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter-mediated intestinal uptake and lymphatic transportation. In this system, taurocholic acid (TCA) modified poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) was employed to achieve pancreas location, hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) was loaded to execute therapeutic efficacy, and 1,2-dilauroyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DLPC) was introduced as stabilizer together with synergist (PLGA-TCA/DLPC/HCQ). In vitro and in vivo results have proven that PLGA-TCA/DLPC/HCQ reversed the pancreatic islets damage and dysfunction, thus impeding hyperglycemia progression and restoring systemic glucose homeostasis via only once administration every day. In terms of mechanism PLGA-TCA/DLPC/HCQ ameliorated oxidative stress, remodeled the inflammatory pancreas microenvironment, and activated PI3K/AKT signaling pathway without obvious toxicity. This strategy not only provides an oral delivery platform for increasing absorption and pancreas targetability but also opens a new avenue for thorough T2DM treatment.

Physical activity attenuated the association of ambient ozone with type 2 diabetes mellitus and fasting blood glucose among rural Chinese population

The association of ozone with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is uncertain. Moreover, the moderating effect of physical activity on this association is largely unknown. This study aims to evaluate the independent and combined effects of ozone and physical activity on T2DM and fasting blood glucose (FBG) in a Chinese rural adult population. A total of 39,192 participants were enrolled in the Henan Rural Cohort Study. Individual ozone exposure was assessed by using a satellite-based random forest model. The logistic regression and generalized linear models were used to evaluate the associations of ozone and physical activity with T2DM and FBG, respectively. Interaction plots were used to visualize the interaction effects of ozone and physical activity on T2DM or FBG. An interquartile range (IQR) increase in ozone exposure concentration was related to a 53.3% (odds ratio (OR),1.533; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.426, 1.648) increase in odds of T2DM and a 0.292 mmol/L (95%CI, 0.263, 0.321) higher FBG level, respectively. The effects of ozone on T2DM and FBG generally decreased as physical activity levels increased. Negative additive interactions between ozone and physical activity on T2DM risk were observed (relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI), -0.261; 95%CI, -0.473, -0.048; attributable proportion due to interaction (AP), -0.203; 95%CI, -0.380, -0.027; synergy index (S), 0.520; 95%CI, 0.299, 0.904). The larger effects of ozone were observed among elderly and men on T2DM and FBG than young and women. Long-term exposure to ozone was associated with higher odds of T2DM and higher FBG levels, and these associations might be attenuated by increasing physical activity levels. In addition, there was a negative additive interaction (antagonistic effect) between ozone exposure and physical activity level on T2DM risk, suggesting that physical activity might be an effective method to reduce the burden of T2DM attributed to ozone exposure. Trail registration: The Henan Rural Cohort Study has been registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Register (registration number: ChiCTR-OOC-15006699). Date of registration: 06 July 2015, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=11375.

Protective and therapeutic effectiveness of taurine supplementation plus low calorie diet on metabolic parameters and endothelial markers in patients with diabetes mellitus: a randomized, clinical trial

Background

Taurine supplementation as a sulfur-containing amino acid may attenuate and/or alleviate diabetes-induced complications and endothelial dysfunction via its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Our purpose was to investigate the effect of Taurine supplementation on endothelial dysfunction markers, oxidative stress, inflammation, and glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

In the current clinical trial, 120 patients with T2DM were randomly allocated to take either Taurine (containing 1 g Taurine, n = 60) or placebo (n = 60) three times per day for an eight-week period. Moreover, all patients were on a low-calorie diet. The primary outcome was fasting blood glucose (FBG) and endothelial markers including sera intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM), and matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9). The secondary outcome was dietary intake, anthropometric indices, serum insulin and Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), malondialdehyde (MDA), and lipid profile.

Results

After 8 weeks, Taurine-supplemented patients had a considerable decrease in serum insulin and HOMA-IR compared to placebo group. However, Taurine supplementation did not improve other metabolic parameters including lipid profiles, glycated hemoglobin, and fasting blood glucose (FBG). There was a significant decline in MDA, TNF, and hs-CRP levels after these eight-week period of Taurine supplementation. In addition, the Taurine group had fewer serum levels of endothelial dysfunction markers than the placebo group.

Conclusions

The evidence from our study revealed that Taurine supplementation significantly reduced insulin and HOMA-IR, as well as oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial markers in individuals with T2DM.

Trial registration The protocol of the study was recorded in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20180712040438N3).

Chemical composite of indigenous whole grain scented joha rice varietal prevents type 2 diabetes in rats through ameliorating insulin sensitization by the IRS-1/AKT/PI3K signalling cascade

Preventive measures to lower the prevalence of type-2 diabetes development using dietary phytochemicals are most realistic. A phytochemical composite derived from whole grain scented joha rice (PCKJ), which is indigenous to the North-eastern Region, India, was investigated to understand its preventive efficacy in rats in which type 2 diabetes was induced using a high-fat high-fructose (HFHF) diet and a low dose of streptozotocin, and the findings were correlated with those in L6-myotubes. Studies on cultured L6 myotubes revealed that treatment with PCKJ facilitated glucose uptake and GLUT-4 translocation to the plasma membrane, as evidenced by confocal microscopy and/or cell fractionation studies. Furthermore, the FFA-induced L6 myotubes were identified as having elevated levels of PI3K, p-AKT (Ser473) and GLUT-4, which returned to the basal level upon exposure to PCKJ. The administration of PCKJ (100 mg per kg body weight, oral gavage, 24 weeks) to rats significantly reduced their blood glucose levels along with common lipid and liver biomarkers (LDL, triglycerides, cholesterol, ALT, and AST) compared to the control group. Moreover, immunoblotting analysis showed that upon PCKJ treatment, PI3K, p-AKT and GLUT-4 levels are upregulated in the skeletal tissue of HFHF-fed rats, similar to the in vitro model. The alteration in the levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-10 and IFN-γ in diabetic rats returned to normal levels upon exposure to PCKJ. Histological analysis of vital tissues further strengthens the findings of the preventive value of PCKJ against the development of insulin resistance. In conclusion, this study showed the prophylactic effect of PCKJ as a potent chemical composite, which can be used to develop functional foods (nutraceuticals) for ameliorating type-2 diabetes by improving insulin sensitization and thereby glucose metabolism.