Maternal genetics and diet modulate vitamin A homeostasis of the offspring and affect the susceptibility to obesity in adulthood in mice

Perinatal nutrition exerts a profound influence on adult metabolic health. This study aimed to investigate whether increased maternal vitamin A (VA) supply can lead to beneficial metabolic phenotypes in the offspring. The researchers utilized mice deficient in the intestine-specific homeobox (ISX) transcription factor, which exhibits increased intestinal VA retinoid production from dietary β-carotene (BC). ISX-deficient dams were fed a VA-sufficient or a BC-enriched diet during the last week of gestation and the whole lactation period. Total retinol levels in milk and weanling livers were 2- to 2.5-fold higher in the offspring of BC-fed dams (BC offspring), indicating increased VA supplies during late gestation and lactation. The corresponding VA-sufficient and BC offspring (males and females) were compared at weaning and adulthood after being fed either a standard or high-fat diet (HFD) with regular VA content for 13 weeks from weaning. HFD-induced increases in adiposity metrics, such as fat depot mass and adipocyte diameter, were more pronounced in males than females and were attenuated or suppressed in the BC offspring. Notably, the BC offspring were protected from HFD-induced increases in circulating triacylglycerol levels and hepatic steatosis. These protective effects were associated with reduced food efficiency, enhanced capacity for thermogenesis and mitochondrial oxidative metabolism in adipose tissues, and increased adipocyte hyperplasia rather than hypertrophy in the BC offspring. In conclusion, maternal VA nutrition influenced by genetics may confer metabolic benefits to the offspring, with mild increases in late gestation and lactation protecting against obesity and metabolic dysregulation in adulthood.NEW & NOTEWORTHY A genetic mouse model, deficient in intestine-specific homeobox (ISX) transcription factor, is used to show that a mildly increased maternal vitamin A supply from β-carotene feeding during late gestation and lactation programs energy and lipid metabolism in tissues and protects the offspring from diet-induced hypertrophic obesity and hepatic steatosis. This knowledge may have implications for human populations where polymorphisms in ISX and ISX target genes involved in vitamin A homeostasis are prevalent.

Dietary content and combined training, but not daily physical activity, are associated with 6-month bone mineral changes in adolescents with obesity: A Secondary analysis of the PAC-MAnO trial

PURPOSE

The present study aimed to explore the influence of diet and physical activity (PA) changes on bone mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD) alterations in adolescents with obesity undergoing a weight loss program.

METHODS

Six-month longitudinal data from 71 adolescents (aged 15.1 [± 1.6] years; 57.7% girls) with a BMI z-score of 3.03 (± 0.78), previously recruited for the PAC-MAnO trial, were analyzed using Generalized Estimation Equations for over time changes and linear regressions with BMC, BMD and BMD z-score as dependent variables, adjusting for confounders (including type of exercise- aerobic vs. combined).

RESULTS

Adjusting for confounders, changes in carbohydrate (CH) and protein content showed to positively and negatively predict BMD z-score variance, respectively (β = 0.44, 95%CI: 0.01, 0.04, p < .001); β = -0.57, 95%CI: -0.06, -0.03, p < .001), yet no associations were found between PA and bone-related parameters. Combined exercise showed better results on BMC compared to aerobic exercise (β = 0.09, 95%CI: 0.05 to 0.13, p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Increased CH content, instead of protein, may be associated with BMD improvements in adolescents with obesity. Type of exercise may moderate the impact of PA on bone health.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02941770. What is Known • Adolescents with obesity may be at a higher risk of osteopenia/osteoporosis • Obesity and inadequate diet and physical activity (PA) may have an adverse effect on bone metabolism What is New • Improvements in adiposity and muscle mass and increased diet carbohydrate content are associated with bone mineral density (BMD) improvements • Type of exercise (i.e., combined training vs. aerobic) may moderate the impact of PA on BMD, and calcium intake may mediate this impact.

Treatment of chronic kidney disease in older populations

As the world population ages, an expected increase in the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) among older individuals will pose a considerable challenge for health care systems in terms of resource allocation for disease management. Treatment strategies for older patients with CKD should ideally align with those applied to the general population, focusing on minimizing cardiovascular events and reducing the risk of progression to kidney failure. Emerging therapies, such as SGLT-2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists, hold promise for the effective management of CKD in older individuals. In addition, non-pharmacological interventions such as nutritional and exercise therapies have a crucial role. These interventions enhance the effects of pharmacotherapy and, importantly, contribute to the maintenance of cognitive function and overall quality of life. Various factors beyond age and cognitive function must be taken into account when considering kidney replacement therapy for patients with kidney failure. Importantly, all treatment options, including dialysis, transplantation and conservative management approaches, should be tailored to the individual through patient-centred decision-making. The dynamic integration of digital technologies into medical practice has the potential to transform the management of CKD in the aging population.

Iron status is associated with tibial structure and vitamin D metabolites in healthy young men

The influence of iron on collagen synthesis and vitamin D metabolism has implications for bone health. This cross-sectional observational study investigated associations between markers of iron status and tibial structure, vitamin D metabolites, and circulating biochemical markers of bone metabolism in young healthy men. A total of 343 male British Army recruits participated (age 22 ± 3 y, height 1.77 ± 0.06 m, body mass 75.5 ± 10.1 kg). Circulating biochemical markers of iron status, vitamin D metabolites, and bone metabolism, and tibial structure and density by high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography scans (HRpQCT) were measured in participants during week 1 of basic military training. Associations between markers of iron status and HRpQCT outcomes, bone metabolism, and vitamin D metabolites were tested, controlling for age, height, lean body mass, and childhood exercise volume. Higher ferritin was associated with higher total, trabecular, and cortical volumetric bone mineral density, trabecular volume, cortical area and thickness, stiffness, and failure load (all p ≤ 0.037). Higher soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) was associated with lower trabecular number, and higher trabecular thickness and separation, cortical thickness, and cortical pore diameter (all p ≤ 0.033). Higher haemoglobin was associated with higher cortical thickness (p = 0.043). Higher ferritin was associated with lower βCTX, PINP, total 25(OH)D, and total 24,25(OH)2D, and higher 1,25(OH)2D:24,25(OH)2D ratio (all p ≤ 0.029). Higher sTfR was associated with higher PINP, total 25(OH)D, and total 24,25(OH)2D (all p ≤ 0.025). The greater density, size, and strength of the tibia, and lower circulating concentrations of markers of bone resorption and formation with better iron stores (higher ferritin) are likely as a result of the direct role of iron in collagen synthesis.

Genome-wide association studies of coffee intake in UK/US participants of European ancestry uncover cohort-specific genetic associations

Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages. We performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of coffee intake in US-based 23andMe participants (N = 130,153) and identified 7 significant loci, with many replicating in three multi-ancestral cohorts. We examined genetic correlations and performed a phenome-wide association study across hundreds of biomarkers, health, and lifestyle traits, then compared our results to the largest available GWAS of coffee intake from the UK Biobank (UKB; N = 334,659). We observed consistent positive genetic correlations with substance use and obesity in both cohorts. Other genetic correlations were discrepant, including positive genetic correlations between coffee intake and psychiatric illnesses, pain, and gastrointestinal traits in 23andMe that were absent or negative in the UKB, and genetic correlations with cognition that were negative in 23andMe but positive in the UKB. Phenome-wide association study using polygenic scores of coffee intake derived from 23andMe or UKB summary statistics also revealed consistent associations with increased odds of obesity- and red blood cell-related traits, but all other associations were cohort-specific. Our study shows that the genetics of coffee intake associate with substance use and obesity across cohorts, but also that GWAS performed in different populations could capture cultural differences in the relationship between behavior and genetics.

Host-Gut Microbiota Metabolic Interactions and Their Role in Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Cancers

The critical role of the gut microbiome in gastrointestinal cancers is becoming increasingly clear. Imbalances in the gut microbial community, referred to as dysbiosis, are linked to increased risks for various forms of gastrointestinal cancers. Pathogens like Fusobacterium and Helicobacter pylori relate to the onset of esophageal and gastric cancers, respectively, while microbes such as Porphyromonas gingivalis and Clostridium species have been associated with a higher risk of pancreatic cancer. In colorectal cancer, bacteria such as Fusobacterium nucleatum are known to stimulate the growth of tumor cells and trigger cancer-promoting pathways. On the other hand, beneficial microbes like Bifidobacteria offer a protective effect, potentially inhibiting the development of gastrointestinal cancers. The potential for therapeutic interventions that manipulate the gut microbiome is substantial, including strategies to engineer anti-tumor metabolites and employ microbiota-based treatments. Despite the progress in understanding the influence of the microbiome on gastrointestinal cancers, significant challenges remain in identifying and understanding the precise contributions of specific microbial species and their metabolic products. This knowledge is essential for leveraging the role of the gut microbiome in the development of precise diagnostics and targeted therapies for gastrointestinal cancers.

The complex interplay between ferroptosis and atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis, characterized by the accumulation of plaque within the arterial walls, is an intricate cardiovascular disease that often results in severe health issues. Recent studies have emphasized the importance of ferroptosis, a controlled type of cell death dependent on iron, as a critical factor in this disease state. Ferroptosis, distinguished by its reliance on iron and the accumulation of lipid hydroperoxides, offers a unique insight into the pathology of atherosclerotic lesions. This summary encapsulates the current knowledge of the intricate role ferroptosis plays in the onset and progression of atherosclerosis. It explores the molecular processes through which lipid peroxidation and iron metabolism contribute to the development of atheromatous plaques and evaluates the possibility of utilizing ferroptosis as a novel treatment approach for atherosclerosis. By illuminating the intricate relationship between ferroptosis-related processes and atherosclerosis, this review paves the way for future clinical applications and personalized medicine approaches aimed at alleviating the effects of atherosclerosis.

Zinc, antioxidant enzymes in preeclampsia, and association with newborn outcome

BACKGROUND

The etiology of preeclampsia (PE) may be associated with the increased of production of reactive species and decreased antioxidant activity of enzymes. Inadequate intake of Zn can affect gestational health due to its biological functions, such as its role in the antioxidant defense system. The study aimed to assess the nutritional status of Zn and antioxidant enzymes in postpartum women and its correlation with neonatal outcomes.

METHODS

A cross-sectional analytical study was carried out at a referral gynecology and obstetrics hospital. A total of 119 women (PE = 58, HP = 61) participated in the study. A quantitative food-frequency questionnaire was used to assess food consumption and further analyze the dietary Zn levels. Zinc levels in plasma and erythrocytes samples were analyzed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels were determined by UV-Vis spectrophotometry.

RESULTS

Plasma and dietary intake Zn results were considered adequate and without statistical difference between groups. SOD levels were significantly higher in the HP group (p = 0.011), and CAT levels were higher in the PE group (p = 0.050). There was a positive correlation between SOD activity in women with PE and the weight of their newborns (r = 0.336, p=0.021).

CONCLUSION

The results showed adequate Zn levels (consumption and serum levels) in the groups studied, although with a reduction of plasma Zn in the PE group compared to the PH group. Zinc in plasma fractions and erythrocytes are important markers for oxidative stress, in particular, plasma Zn seems to be related to the rapid response to preeclampsia. The activity of antioxidant enzymes was elevated in the groups studied. Better SOD activity improves birth weight in children of pregnant women with preeclampsia.

Long-term use of investigational β-Hydroxybutyrate salts in children with multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase or pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency

Several disorders of energy metabolism have been treated with exogenous ketone bodies. The benefit of this treatment is best documented in multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MADD) (MIM#231680). One might also expect ketone bodies to help in other disorders with impaired ketogenesis or in conditions that profit from a ketogenic diet. Here, we report the use of a novel preparation of dextro-β-hydroxybutyrate (D-βHB) salts in two cases of MADD and one case of pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) deficiency (MIM#312170). The two patients with MADD had previously been on a racemic mixture of D- and L‑sodium hydroxybutyrate. Patient #1 found D-βHB more palatable, and the change in formulation corrected hypernatraemia in patient #2. The patient with PDH deficiency was on a ketogenic diet but had not previously been given hydroxybutyrate. In this case, the addition of D-βHB improved ketosis. We conclude that NHS101 is a good candidate for further clinical studies in this group of diseases of inborn errors of metabolism.

A Pragmatic Approach to Introducing Translational Geroscience Into the Clinic: A Paradigm Based on the Incremental Progression of Aging-Related Clinical Research

Geroscience posits that molecular drivers underlie the aging process. Gerotherapeutics entail strategies to counter molecular drivers of aging to reduce the chronic diseases and geriatric syndromes they trigger. Although the concept of gerotherapeutics for prevention has generated much excitement, the implications of prescribing potentially harmful medications to older adults who are "healthy" have been associated with many delays. Concerns regarding safety and valid endpoints have contributed to holdups. In contrast, it has been relatively easier to implement trials of medications with gerotherapeutic properties as novel approaches to remedy disease. In these applications, the risks of the medications are easier to justify when therapeutic benefits are perceived as outweighing the harms of the disease. Likewise, metrics of effective disease treatments are often seen as more reliable and quantifiable than metrics of health prolongation. Overall, clarifying geroscience mechanisms in disease therapeutic applications provides key opportunities to advance translational geroscience, especially as preventive geroscience trials are often encumbered. In this review, gerotherapeutic benefits of canakinumab, cholchicine, and zoledronic acid as parts of disease management are considered. Longevity Clinics and other opportunities to advance translational geroscience as parts of contemporary care are also discussed.

Exploring the cause of reduced production responses to feeding corn dried distillers grains in lactating dairy cows

An experiment was conducted to identify the factors that cause reduced production of cows fed a diet with high content of corn distillers grains with solubles (DDGS). We hypothesized that the factors could be high sulfur (S) content in DDGS, which may directly (S toxicity) or indirectly (DCAD) cause reduced production. We also hypothesized that high PUFA in DDGS could be another major factor. In a randomized complete block design, 60 lactating cows (15 primiparous and 45 multiparous; average ± SD at the beginning of the trial: milk yield, 44.0 ± 6.9 kg/d; DIM, 123 ± 50; BW, 672 ± 82 kg) were blocked, and cows in each block were randomly assigned to 1 of the following treatments: SBM (4.7% fatty acids [FA], 0.22% S, and 178 mEq/kg DM of DCAD), a diet containing soybean meal as the main protein source; DG, with SBM replacing mainly soybean byproducts and supplemental fat with distillers grains at 30% dietary DM (4.7% FA, 0.44% S, and 42 mEq/kg DM of DCAD); SBM+S, SBM with sodium bisulfate for additional dietary S (4.8% FA, 0.37% S, and 198 mEq/kg DM of DCAD); SBM+CO, SBM with corn oil (4.7% FA, 0.23%, and 165 mEq/kg DM of DCAD); and DG+DCAD, DG with increased DCAD (4.7% FA, 0.40% S, and 330 mEq/kg DM of DCAD). Due to the limited number of tiestalls, blocks 1 to 6 started the experiment first as phase 1, and the rest of the blocks, as phase 2, started the experiment after phase 1. All cows were fed the SBM diet for 10 d as a covariate period followed by the experimental period for 35 d. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS (Version 9.4, SAS Institute Inc.); block and phase were random effects; and treatments, repeated week, and interaction were fixed effects. We found an interaction of week by treatment for DMI. Although milk yield did not change, milk fat concentration tended to decrease (2.78% vs. 3.34%) for DG compared with SBM. Dry matter, OM, NDF, and CP digestibilities were lower when cows were fed the DG diet compared with SBM. Additionally, cows fed DG had lower blood concentrations of HCO3-, base excess, and total (t)CO2 compared with SBM. The SBM+S diet did not affect production, nutrient digestibility, or blood parameters compared with SBM. The SBM+CO diet decreased milk fat concentration and yield compared with SBM. The DG+DCAD diet tended to increase milk fat yield and concentration (1.24 vs. 1.47 kg/d; 2.78% vs. 3.37%) and increased ECM (40.9 vs. 45.1 kg/d) compared with DG but did not improve nutrient digestibility. However, blood HCO3-, base excess, and tCO2 were greater for DG+DCAD compared with DG. In conclusion, the indirect role of S-, altering DCAD, along with the high PUFA content in DDGS, appear to be the factors causing reduced production responses to a high DDGS diet. Increasing DCAD to 300 mEq/kg DM in a high DDGS diet can be a feeding strategy to alleviate reduced production responses.

The Association Between Ultra-Processed Food Consumption and Chronic Insomnia in the NutriNet-Santé Study

BACKGROUND

The consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) is on the rise worldwide, and it has been linked to numerous health conditions, such as diabetes, obesity, and cancer. Few studies have focused on the effect of UPF consumption on sleep health and even fewer on chronic insomnia.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the association between UPF intake and chronic insomnia in a large population-based sample.

DESIGN

This was a cross-sectional analysis using the NutriNet-Santé study data, an ongoing Web cohort in France.

PARTICIPANTS/SETTING

Thirty-eight thousand five hundred seventy adult males and females who had completed a sleep questionnaire (2014) and at least two 24-hour dietary records were included in the analysis.

MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES

Chronic insomnia was defined according to established criteria. Categorization of food and beverages as UPF was based on the NOVA-Group 4 classification.

STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED

The cross-sectional association between UPF intake and chronic insomnia was assessed using multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

Among the 38,570 participants (mean age, 50.0 ±14.8 years, 77.0% female) included in the analysis, 19.4% had symptoms of chronic insomnia. On average, UPF represented 16% of the total amount (g/day) of the overall dietary intake. In the fully adjusted model, UPF consumption was associated with higher odds of chronic insomnia (odds ratio [OR] for an absolute 10% greater UPF intake in the diet = 1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02-1.09). Sex-specific OR for chronic insomnia for an absolute 10% greater UPF intake in the diet were 1.09 (1.01-1.18) among males and 1.05 (1.01-1.09) among females.

CONCLUSIONS

This large epidemiological study revealed a statistically significant association between UPF intake and chronic insomnia, independent of sociodemographic, lifestyle, diet quality, and mental health status covariates. The findings provide insights for future longitudinal research as well as nutrition- and sleep-focused intervention and prevention programs.

Introduced and extinct: neglected archival specimens shed new light on the historical biogeography of an iconic avian species in the Mediterranean

Collection specimens provide valuable and often overlooked biological material that enables addressing relevant, long-unanswered questions in conservation biology, historical biogeography, and other research fields. Here, we use preserved specimens to analyze the historical distribution of the black francolin (Francolinus francolinus, Phasianidae), a case that has recently aroused the interest of archeozoologists and evolutionary biologists. The black francolin currently ranges from the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East to the Indian subcontinent, but, at least since the Middle Ages, it also had a circum-Mediterranean distribution. The species could have persisted in Greece and the Maghreb until the 19th century, even though this possibility had been questioned due to the absence of museum specimens and scant literary evidence. Nevertheless, we identified four 200-year-old stuffed black francolins-presumably the only ones still existing-from these areas and sequenced their mitochondrial DNA control region. Based on the comparison with conspecifics (n = 396) spanning the entirety of the historic and current species range, we found that the new samples pertain to previously identified genetic groups from either the Near East or the Indian subcontinent. While disproving the former occurrence of an allegedly native westernmost subspecies, these results point toward the role of the Crown of Aragon in the circum-Mediterranean expansion of the black francolin, including the Maghreb and Greece. Genetic evidence hints at the long-distance transport of these birds along the Silk Road, probably to be traded in the commerce centers of the Eastern Mediterranean.

Thiazolium salt mimics the non-coenzyme effects of vitamin B1 in rat synaptosomes

Long-term studies have confirmed a causal relationship between the development of neurodegenerative processes and vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency. However, the biochemical mechanisms underlying the high neurotropic activity of thiamine are not fully understood. At the same time, there is increasing evidence that vitamin B1, in addition to its coenzyme functions, may have non-coenzyme activities that are particularly important for neurons. To elucidate which effects of vitamin B1 in neurons are due to its coenzyme function and which are due to its non-coenzyme activity, we conducted a comparative study of the effects of thiamine and its derivative, 3-decyloxycarbonylmethyl-5-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-methyl-1,3-thiazolium chloride (DMHT), on selected processes in synaptosomes. The ability of DMHT to effectively compete with thiamine for binding to thiamine-binding sites on the plasma membrane of synaptosomes and to participate as a substrate in the thiamine pyrophosphokinase reaction was demonstrated. In experiments with rat brain synaptosomes, unidirectional effects of DMHT and thiamine on the activity of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) and on the incorporation of radiolabeled [2-14C]pyruvate into acetylcholine were demonstrated. The observed effects of thiamine and DMHT on the modulation of acetylcholine synthesis can be explained by suggesting that both compounds, which interact in cells with enzymes of thiamine metabolism, are phosphorylated and exert an inhibitory/activating effect (concentration-dependent) on PDC activity by affecting the regulatory enzymes of the complex. Such effects were not observed in the presence of structural analogues of thiamine and DMHT without a 2-hydroxyethyl substituent at position 5 of the thiazolium cycle. The effect of DMHT on the plasma membrane Ca-ATPase was similar to that of thiamine. At the same time, DMHT showed high cytostatic activity against neuroblastoma cells.

Ascorbate insufficiency disrupts glutamatergic signaling and alters electroencephalogram phenotypes in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease

Clinical studies have reported that increased epileptiform and subclinical epileptiform activity can be detected in many patients with an Alzheimer's disease (AD) diagnosis using electroencephalogram (EEG) and this may correlate with poorer cognition. Ascorbate may have a specific role as a neuromodulator in AD as it is released concomitantly with glutamate reuptake following excitatory neurotransmission. Insufficiency may therefore result in an exacerbated excitatory/inhibitory imbalance in neuronal signaling. Using a mouse model of AD that requires dietary ascorbate (Gulo-/-APPswe/PSEN1dE9), EEG was recorded at baseline and during 4 weeks of ascorbate depletion in young (5-month-old) and aged (20-month-old) animals. Data were scored for changes in quantity of spike trains, individual spikes, sleep-wake rhythms, sleep fragmentation, and brainwave power bands during light periods each week. We found an early increase in neuronal spike discharges with age and following ascorbate depletion in AD model mice and not controls, which did not correlate with brain amyloid load. Our data also show more sleep fragmentation with age and with ascorbate depletion. Additionally, changes in brain wave activity were observed within different vigilance states in both young and aged mice, where Gulo-/-APPswe/PSEN1dE9 mice had shifts towards higher frequency bands (alpha, beta, and gamma) and ascorbate depletion resulted in shifts towards lower frequency bands (delta and theta). Microarray data supported ascorbate insufficiency altering glutamatergic transmission through the decreased expression of glutamate related genes, however no changes in protein expression of glutamate reuptake transporters were observed. These data suggest that maintaining optimal brain ascorbate levels may support normal brain electrical activity and sleep patterns, particularly in AD patient populations where disruptions are observed.

Long-term exposure to prometryn damages the visual system and changes color preference of female zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Color vision, initiated from the cone photoreceptors, is essential for fish to obtain environmental information. Although the visual impairment of triazine herbicide prometryn has been reported, data on the effect of herbicide such as prometryn on natural color sensitivity of fish is scarce. Here, zebrafish were exposed to prometryn (0, 1, 10, and 100 μg/L) from 2 h post-fertilization to 160 days post-fertilization, to explore the effect and underlying mechanism of prometryn on color perception. The results indicated that 10 and 100 μg/L prometryn shortened the height of red-green cone cells, and down-regulated expression of genes involved in light transduction pathways (arr3a, pde6h) and visual cycle (lrata, rpe65a); meanwhile, 1 μg/L prometryn increased all-trans-retinoic acid levels in zebrafish eyes, and up-regulated the expression of genes involved in retinoid metabolism (rdh10b, aldh1a2, cyp26a1), finally leading to weakened red and green color perception of female zebrafish. This study first clarified how herbicide such as prometryn affected color vision of a freshwater fish after a long-term exposure from both morphological and functional disruption, and its hazard on color vision mediated-ecologically relevant tasks should not be ignored.

An acridone based fluorescent dye for lipid droplet tracking and cancer diagnosis

Lipid droplets (LDs) are spherical organelles that localize in the cytosol of eukaryotic cells. Different proteins are embedded on the surface of LDs, so LDs play a vital role in the physiological activities of cells. The dysregulation of LDs is associated with various human diseases, such as diabetes and obesity. Therefore, it is essential to develop a fluorescent dye that labels LDs to detect and monitor illnesses. In this study, we developed the compound BDAA12C for staining LDs in cells. BDAA12C exhibits excellent LD specificity and low toxicity, enabling us to successfully stain and observe the fusion of LDs in A549 cancer cells. Furthermore, we also successfully distinguished A549 cancer cells and MRC-5 normal cells in a co-culture experiment and in normal and tumour tissues. Interestingly, we found different localizations of BDAA12C in well-fed and starved A549 cancer cells and consequently illustrated the transfer of fatty acids (FAs) from LDs to mitochondria to supply energy for β-oxidation upon starvation. Therefore, BDAA12C is a promising LD-targeted probe for cancer diagnosis and tracking lipid trafficking within cells.

Contaminated sites and Indigenous peoples in Canada and the United States: A scoping review

Indigenous communities are disproportionately exposed to contaminated sites, and this poses unique challenges as many Indigenous peoples consider land as an integral part of their culture and economy. This scoping review aimed to identify and map information on contaminated sites and Indigenous peoples in Canada and the United States, namely (1) the relationship between contaminated sites and Indigenous peoples and their land and food systems; (2) strategies, challenges, and successes for contaminated sites assessment and management on Indigenous land; and (3) Indigenous leadership and inclusion in contaminated site assessment and management. We followed a PRISMA-ScR (Transparent Reporting of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-Extension for Scoping Reviews) checklist to collect data that could be categorized into these three objectives. Between October 2021 and July 2023, information from three data streams was retrieved: a systematic literature search; a grey literature search; and federal site data retrieval (Canada's Federal Contaminated Sites Inventory, USEPA's contaminated sites databases, including Superfund). This search yielded 51 peer-reviewed articles, 21 grey literature articles, and 11 404 federal site records, evidencing the contamination of the lands of 875 Indigenous communities and the presence of 440 different contaminants or contaminant groups. The body of information was categorized into three themes within the above objectives: Objective 1: Indigenous communities and geographic patterns; Contaminated sites, sources, and media; Contaminated sites and Indigenous lands; Contaminated sites and Indigenous food systems; Contaminated sites and the health of Indigenous peoples; Objective 2: Site management and classification processes; Health risk assessment; Risk management; Long-term management; and Objective 3: Collaborative research, Collaborative site management; Traditional knowledge and contaminated sites. Results highlighted a need to prioritize holism, efficiency, and Indigenous leadership in site assessment, management, and research, including a focus on community-specific approaches to site assessment and management; a reconceptualization of risks that privileges Indigenous epistemologies; and greater collaboration between stakeholder networks. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:1306-1329. © 2023 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).

A deep learning-guided automated workflow in LipidOz for detailed characterization of fungal fatty acid unsaturation by ozonolysis

Understanding fungal lipid biology and metabolism is critical for antifungal target discovery as lipids play central roles in cellular processes. Nuances in lipid structural differences can significantly impact their functions, making it necessary to characterize lipids in detail to understand their roles in these complex systems. In particular, lipid double bond (DB) locations are an important component of lipid structure that can only be determined using a few specialized analytical techniques. Ozone-induced dissociation mass spectrometry (OzID-MS) is one such technique that uses ozone to break lipid DBs, producing pairs of characteristic fragments that allow the determination of DB positions. In this work, we apply OzID-MS and LipidOz software to analyze the complex lipids of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast strains transformed with different fatty acid desaturases from Histoplasma capsulatum to determine the specific unsaturated lipids produced. The automated data analysis in LipidOz made the determination of DB positions from this large dataset more practical, but manual verification for all targets was still time-consuming. The DL model reduces manual involvement in data analysis, but since it was trained using mammalian lipid extracts, the prediction accuracy on yeast-derived data was reduced. We addressed both shortcomings by retraining the DL model to act as a pre-filter to prioritize targets for automated analysis, providing confident manually verified results but requiring less computational time and manual effort. Our workflow resulted in the determination of detailed DB positions and enzymatic specificity.

Topical application of a P2X2/P2X3 purine receptor inhibitor suppresses the bitter taste of medicines and other taste qualities

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Many medications taste intensely bitter. The innate aversion to bitterness affects medical compliance, especially in children. There is a clear need to develop bitter blockers to suppress the bitterness of vital medications. Bitter taste is mediated by TAS2R receptors. Because different pharmaceutical compounds activate distinct sets of TAS2Rs, targeting specific receptors may only suppress bitterness for certain, but not all, bitter-tasting compounds. Alternative strategies are needed to identify universal bitter blockers that will improve the acceptance of every medication. Taste cells in the mouth transmit signals to afferent gustatory nerve fibres through the release of ATP, which activates the gustatory nerve-expressed purine receptors P2X2/P2X3. We hypothesized that blocking gustatory nerve transmission with P2X2/P2X3 inhibitors (e.g. 5-(5-iodo-4-methoxy-2-propan-2-ylphenoxy)pyrimidine-2,4-diamine [AF-353]) would reduce bitterness for all medications and bitter compounds.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Human sensory taste testing and mouse behavioural analyses were performed to determine if oral application of AF-353 blocks perception of bitter taste and other taste qualities but not non-gustatory oral sensations (e.g. tingle).

KEY RESULTS

Rinsing the mouth with AF-353 in humans or oral swabbing it in mice suppressed the bitter taste and avoidance behaviours of all compounds tested. We further showed that AF-353 suppressed other taste qualities (i.e. salt, sweet, sour and savoury) but had no effects on other oral or nasal sensations (e.g, astringency and oral tingle).

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

This is the first time a universal, reversible taste blocker in humans has been reported. Topical application of P2X2/P2X3 inhibitor to suppress bitterness may improve medical compliance.

Evaluation of in vitro anthelmintic activity of crude extract and synthesized green silver nanoparticles of the leaves of Mammea americana L

One of the most severe parasite infections to ever plague animals, paramphistomosis is particularly devastating in tropical and subtropical areas and causes significant economic losses to the world's food industry and poor animal health. In the present study potency of the crude extract and green synthesized silver nanoparticles from fresh and mature Mammea americana L. leaves was evaluated on trematode Paramphistomum cervi, collected from the infected rumen of the cow (Bos indicus) in 0.9% phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). The crude extract at five dose levels (1 mL, 2 mL, 3 mL 4 mL, and 5 ml), and silver nanoparticles (AgNps) at the five dose levels (10 mg/mL, 30 mg/mL, 50 mg/mL, 70 and 90 mg/mL) were applied. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized using UV-VIS spectrophotometry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. Characterization studies of AgNPs revealed the synthesis of stable, crystalline AgNPs measuring an average size of 20-50 nm. The efficacy was evaluated based on the spontaneous movement reduction and death of P. cervi. Maximum anthelmintic activity was found at the dose of 5 mL of crude extract and 90 mg/mL of AgNPs of M. americana leaves. The scanning electron micrograph study of treated helminths of crude and AgNps revealed conspicuous distortion on the surface architecture. It also showed shrinkage of the whole body and severe damage on both suckers (anterior and posterior). AgNPs caused more shredded and torn tegumental surfaces with loss of tegumental papillae compared to untreated. Thus, this study confirmed that the M. americana leaves extract and synthesized AgNPs can be a potential alternative herbal drug in traditional folklore medicine against serious helminth infections in our livestock industry.

The mitochondrial translocator protein (TSPO, 18 kDa): A key multifunctional molecule in liver diseases

Translocator protein (TSPO, 18 kDa), previously known as peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor, is an evolutionarily conserved and tryptophan-rich 169-amino-acid protein located on the outer mitochondrial membrane. TSPO plays a crucial role in various fundamental physiological functions and cellular processes. Its expression is altered in pathological conditions, thus rendering TSPO a potential tool for diagnostic imaging and an appealing therapeutic target. The investigation of synthetic TSPO ligands as both agonists and antagonists has provided valuable insights into the regulatory mechanisms and functional properties of TSPO. Recently, accumulating evidence has highlighted the significance of TSPO in liver diseases. However, a comprehensive summary of TSPO function in the normal liver and diverse liver diseases is lacking. This review aims to provide an overview of recent advances in understanding TSPO function in both normal liver cells and various liver diseases, with a particular emphasis on its involvement in liver fibrosis and inflammation and addresses the existing knowledge gaps in the field that require further investigation.

Deadly excess copper

Higher eukaryotes' life is impossible without copper redox activity and, literally, every breath we take biochemically demonstrates this. However, this dependence comes at a considerable price to ensure target-oriented copper action. Thereto its uptake, distribution but also excretion are executed by specialized proteins with high affinity for the transition metal. Consequently, malfunction of copper enzymes/transporters, as is the case in hereditary Wilson disease that affects the intracellular copper transporter ATP7B, comes with serious cellular damage. One hallmark of this disease is the progressive copper accumulation, primarily in liver but also brain that becomes deadly if left untreated. Such excess copper toxicity may also result from accidental ingestion or attempted suicide. Recent research has shed new light into the cell-toxic mechanisms and primarily affected intracellular targets and processes of such excess copper that may even be exploited with respect to cancer therapy. Moreover, new therapies are currently under development to fight against deadly toxic copper.

Exercise as a tool to mitigate metabolic disease

Metabolic diseases, notably obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D), have reached alarming proportions and constitute a significant global health challenge, emphasizing the urgent need for effective preventive and therapeutic strategies. In contrast, exercise training emerges as a potent intervention, exerting numerous positive effects on metabolic health through adaptations to the metabolic tissues. Here, we reviewed the major features of our current understanding with respect to the intricate interplay between metabolic diseases and key metabolic tissues, including adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, and liver, describing some of the main underlying mechanisms driving pathogenesis, as well as the role of exercise to combat and treat obesity and metabolic disease.

Optimization of Selenium Inclusion Level in the Larval Diet of Labeo rohita

The nutritional requirement of fish larvae remains a limiting factor in advanced aquaculture. Micronutrients are crucial for early development, but their dietary inclusion level in the larval feed of carps has not been standardized. The present study was executed to determine the optimum dietary inclusion level of organic and inorganic selenium in the larval feed of Rohu, Labeo rohita. A 35-day feeding trial in triplicate under semi-control conditions was conducted in 21 troughs divided into seven groups. Each trough (capacity 4.0 L) contained 200 larvae (average body weight 0.4 mg). The first group (control) was reared on nano-particulate basal diet (CP 50%), while three groups Se-Na(0.5), Se-Na(1), and Se-Na(1.5) were fed basal diet supplemented with graded levels (0.5-1.5 mg/kg diet) of inorganic form of Se, sodium selenite (Se-Na). The last three groups (Se-Met(0.5), Se-Met(1), and Se-Met(1.5)) were fed organic form of dietary Se, selenium methionine (Se-Met) at the same inclusion level as Se-Na. Results indicated the curvilinear relationship of dietary Se levels with body weight, activity of digestive enzymes (protease, amylase, lipases, and trypsin), and antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, POD, and GSH-Px) activity, intestinal villi, width, and absorptive area. A positive correlation was observed with up to 0.5 and 1 mg/kg diet of Se-Na and Se-Met, respectively; however, above these levels, a negative impact was observed. The upregulation of growth hormone mediator (IGF-1) and downregulation of heat shock protein (HSP-70) also followed a similar trend in response to Se-Na and Se-Met inclusion. Based on the results, 1 mg/kg diet Se-Met could be considered the optimum level and is recommended for the early rearing of rohu larvae.

Manganese oxide-constructed multifunctional biomimetic nanovaccine for robust tumor-specific T cell priming and chemodynamic therapy

The development of manganese oxide-based chemodynamic immunotherapy is emerging as a key strategy against solid tumors. However, the limited efficacy of nanoplatform in inducing efficient tumor therapeutic effects and creating the prominent antitumor immune responses remains a crucial issue. In this study, we construct a novel multifunctional biomimetic nanovaccine comprising manganese oxide-loaded poly(2-diisopropylaminoethyl methacrylate) (MP) nanoparticles and a coating layer of hybrid cell membrane (RHM) derived from manganese oxide-remodeled 4T1 cells and dendritic cells (DCs) (collectively called MP@RHM) for combination chemodynamic immunotherapy. Compared with the nanovaccines coated with the single cell membrane, the MP@RHM nanovaccine highly efficiently activates both DCs and T cells to boost tumor-specific T cell, owing to the synergistic effects of abundant damage-associated molecular patterns, Mn2+, and T cell-stimulating moieties. Upon peritumoral injection, the MP@RHM nanovaccine targets both the tumor site for focused chemodynamic therapy and the lymph nodes for robust tumor-specific T cell priming, thereby achieving highly efficient chemodynamic immunotherapy. Moreover, as a preventive cancer nanovaccine, MP@RHM generates strong immunological memory to inhibit postoperative tumor metastasis and recurrence. Our study findings highlight a promising approach to construct a multifunctional biomimetic nanovaccine for personalized chemodynamic immunotherapy against solid tumors.

Astrocyte-secreted lipocalin-2 elicits bioenergetic failure-induced neuronal death that is causally related to high fatality in a mouse model of hepatic encephalopathy

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a neurological complication arising from acute liver failure with poor prognosis and high mortality; the underlying cellular mechanisms are still wanting. We previously found that neuronal death caused by mitochondrial dysfunction in rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM), which leads to baroreflex dysregulation, is related to high fatality in an animal model of HE. Lipocalin-2 (Lcn2) is a secreted glycoprotein mainly released by astrocytes in the brain. We noted the presence of Lcn2 receptor (Lcn2R) in RVLM neurons and a parallel increase of Lcn2 gene in astrocytes purified from RVLM during experimental HE. Therefore, our guiding hypothesis is that Lcn2 secreted by reactive astrocytes in RVLM may underpin high fatality during HE by eliciting bioenergetic failure-induced neuronal death in this neural substrate. In this study, we first established the role of astrocyte-secreted Lcn2 in a liver toxin model of HE induced by azoxymethane (100 μg/g, ip) in C57BL/6 mice, followed by mechanistic studies in primary astrocyte and neuron cultures prepared from postnatal day 1 mouse pups. In animal study, immunoneutralization of Lcn2 reduced apoptotic cell death in RVLM, reversed defunct baroreflex-mediated vasomotor tone and prolonged survival during experimental HE. In our primary cell culture experiments, Lcn2 produced by cultured astrocytes and released into the astrocyte-conditioned medium significantly reduced cell viability of cultured neurons. Recombinant Lcn2 protein reduced cell viability, mitochondrial ATP (mitoATP) production, and pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) activity but enhanced the expression of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK) 1, PDK3 and phospho-PDHA1 (inactive PDH) through MAPK/ERK pathway in cultured neurons, with all cellular actions reversed by Lcn2R knockdown. Our results suggest that astrocyte-secreted Lcn2 upregulates PDKs through MAPK/ERK pathway, which leads to reduced PDH activity and mitoATP production; the reinforced neuronal death in RVLM is causally related to baroreflex dysregulation that underlies high fatality associated with HE.

Vasopressin, protein metabolism, and water conservation

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Highlight the mechanisms through which vasopressin and hypertonic stress regulate protein metabolism.

RECENT FINDINGS

Mammals have an 'aestivation-like' response in which hypertonic stress increases muscle catabolism and urea productionVasopressin can directly regulate ureagenesis in the liver and the kidneyIn humans chronic hypertonic stress is associated with premature aging, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and premature mortality.

SUMMARY

There is an evolutionarily conserved 'aestivation-like' response in humans in which hypertonic stress results in activation of the vasopressin system, muscle catabolism, and ureagenesis in order to promote water conservation.

Social and Structural Determinants of Health and Social Injustices Contributing to Obesity Disparities

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To analyze how social and structural determinants of health and social injustice impact the risk of obesity, its treatment and treatment outcomes, and to explore the implications for prevention and future treatment interventions. RECENT FINDINGS: Racial and ethnic minorities, such as non-Hispanic Black adults and Hispanic adults, and adults with a low socioeconomic status have a greater risk of obesity than non-Hispanic white adults and adults with a high socioeconomic status. The underlying causes of obesity disparities include obesogenic neighborhood environments, inequities in access to obesity treatment, and lack of access to affordable nutrient-dense foods. Experts have called for interventions that address the social and structural determinants of obesity disparities. Population-based interventions that focus on improving neighborhood conditions, discouraging the consumption of unhealthy foods and beverages, expanding access to obesity treatment, and ensuring equitable access to fruits and vegetables have been proven to be effective. There is a growing body of evidence that shows the relationship between social and structural determinants of health and injustice on disparities in obesity among racial and ethnic minorities and individuals with a low SES. Population-based, equity-focused interventions that address the underlying causes of obesity disparities are needed to reduce obesity disparities and improve the health outcomes of minoritized and marginalized groups.

Lactate and lactylation in cardiovascular diseases: current progress and future perspectives

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are often linked to structural and functional impairments, such as heart defects and circulatory dysfunction, leading to compromised peripheral perfusion and heightened morbidity risks. Metabolic remodeling, particularly in the context of cardiac fibrosis and inflammation, is increasingly recognized as a pivotal factor in the pathogenesis of CVDs. Metabolic syndromes further predispose individuals to these conditions, underscoring the need to elucidate the metabolic underpinnings of CVDs. Lactate, a byproduct of glycolysis, is now recognized as a key molecule that connects cellular metabolism with the regulation of cellular activity. The transport of lactate between different cells is essential for metabolic homeostasis and signal transduction. Disruptions to lactate dynamics are implicated in various CVDs. Furthermore, lactylation, a novel post-translational modification, has been identified in cardiac cells, where it influences protein function and gene expression, thereby playing a significant role in CVD pathogenesis. In this review, we summarized recent advancements in understanding the role of lactate and lactylation in CVDs, offering fresh insights that could guide future research directions and therapeutic interventions. The potential of lactate metabolism and lactylation as innovative therapeutic targets for CVD is a promising avenue for exploration.

Tankyrase1/2 inhibitor XAV-939 reverts EMT and suggests that PARylation partially regulates aerobic activities in human hepatocytes and HepG2 cells

The maintenance of a highly functional metabolic epithelium in vitro is challenging. Metabolic impairments in primary human hepatocytes (PHHs) over time is primarily due to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transitioning (EMT). The immature hepatoma cell line HepG2 was used as an in vitro model to explore strategies for enhancing the hepatic phenotype. The phenotypic characterization includes measuring the urea cycle, lipid storage, tricarboxylic acid-related metabolites, reactive oxygen species, endoplasmic reticulum calcium efflux, mitochondrial membrane potentials, oxygen consumptions rate, and CYP450 biotransformation capacity. Expression studies were performed with transcriptomics, co-immunoprecipitation and proteomics. CRISPR/Cas9 was also employed to genetically engineer HepG2 cells. After confirming that PHHs develop an EMT phenotype, expression of tankyrase1/2 was found to increase over time. EMT was reverted when blocking tankyrases1/2-dependent poly-ADP-ribosylation (PARylation) activity, by biochemical and genetic perturbation. Wnt/β-catenin inhibitor XAV-939 blocks tankyrase1/2 and treatment elevated several oxygen-consuming reactions (electron-transport chain, OXHPOS, CYP450 mono-oxidase activity, phase I/II xenobiotic biotransformation, and prandial turnover), suggesting that cell metabolism was enhanced. Glutathione-dependent redox homeostasis was also significantly improved in the XAV-939 condition. Oxygen consumption rate and proteomics experiments in tankyrase1/2 double knockout HepG2 cells then uncovered PARylation as master regulator of aerobic-dependent cell respiration. Furthermore, novel tankyrase1/2-dependent PARylation targets, including mitochondrial DLST, and OGDH, were revealed. This work exposed a new mechanistic framework by linking PARylation to respiration and metabolism, thereby broadening the current understanding that underlies these vital processes. XAV-939 poses an immediate and straightforward strategy to improve aerobic activities, and metabolism, in (immature) cell cultures.

A multi-omics analysis reveals vitamin D supplementation since childhood modulates molecules for signal transductions in the mouse striatum

Vitamin D is a critical fat-soluble vitamin for the nervous system. Research suggests a potential link between vitamin D deficiency and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), particularly in children and adolescents. The core symptoms of ADHD are associated with deficits in striatal functions, and maintaining sufficient levels of vitamin D may help prevent or alleviate ADHD symptoms. However, the molecular changes in the striatum caused by vitamin D supplementation that may contribute to the brain processes linked to ADHD symptoms remain unclear. In this study, we established a mouse model fed diets with three different dose gradients of vitamin D3 (0, 500, and 2000 IU/kg·day) from postnatal day 21 (P21) to 14 weeks of age. Striatal tissues from mice with gradient vitamin D3 intake were subjected to reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS), RNA-sequencing, and neurotransmitter profiling by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Our findings indicate that vitamin D supplementation since childhood influenced the overall landscape of DNA methylations and the expression of many genes involved in critical neurological functions in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, our data demonstrate how vitamin D modulated neuropeptide signaling pathways, as well as cholinergic and dopaminergic synapses in the striatum, through an orchestrated mechanism involving epigenetic and transcriptional regulations. Furthermore, we observed a synergistic effect of vitamin D on dopamine release following acute methylphenidate injection into our mouse model. In summary, this study provides mechanistic insights into how dietary vitamin D supplementation since childhood can modulate specific signal transductions among striatal cells, underscoring the importance of vitamin D supplementation for ADHD management.

Update on heme biosynthesis, tissue-specific regulation, heme transport, relation to iron metabolism and cellular energy

Heme is a primordial macrocycle upon which most aerobic life on Earth depends. It is essential to the survival and health of nearly all cells, functioning as a prosthetic group for oxygen-carrying proteins and enzymes involved in oxidation/reduction and electron transport reactions. Heme is essential for the function of numerous hemoproteins and has numerous other roles in the biochemistry of life. In mammals, heme is synthesised from glycine, succinyl-CoA, and ferrous iron in a series of eight steps. The first and normally rate-controlling step is catalysed by 5-aminolevulinate synthase (ALAS), which has two forms: ALAS1 is the housekeeping form with highly variable expression, depending upon the supply of the end-product heme, which acts to repress its activity; ALAS2 is the erythroid form, which is regulated chiefly by the adequacy of iron for erythroid haemoglobin synthesis. Abnormalities in the several enzymes of the heme synthetic pathway, most of which are inherited partial enzyme deficiencies, give rise to rare diseases called porphyrias. The existence and role of heme importers and exporters in mammals have been debated. Recent evidence established the presence of heme transporters. Such transporters are important for the transfer of heme from mitochondria, where the penultimate and ultimate steps of heme synthesis occur, and for the transfer of heme from cytoplasm to other cellular organelles. Several chaperones of heme and iron are known and important for cell health. Heme and iron, although promoters of oxidative stress and potentially toxic, are essential cofactors for cellular energy production and oxygenation.

Homeostatic regulation of NAD(H) and NADP(H) in cells

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)/reduced NAD+ (NADH) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP+)/reduced NADP+ (NADPH) are essential metabolites involved in multiple metabolic pathways and cellular processes. NAD+ and NADH redox couple plays a vital role in catabolic redox reactions, while NADPH is crucial for cellular anabolism and antioxidant responses. Maintaining NAD(H) and NADP(H) homeostasis is crucial for normal physiological activity and is tightly regulated through various mechanisms, such as biosynthesis, consumption, recycling, and conversion between NAD(H) and NADP(H). The conversions between NAD(H) and NADP(H) are controlled by NAD kinases (NADKs) and NADP(H) phosphatases [specifically, metazoan SpoT homolog-1 (MESH1) and nocturnin (NOCT)]. NADKs facilitate the synthesis of NADP+ from NAD+, while MESH1 and NOCT convert NADP(H) into NAD(H). In this review, we summarize the physiological roles of NAD(H) and NADP(H) and discuss the regulatory mechanisms governing NAD(H) and NADP(H) homeostasis in three key aspects: the transcriptional and posttranslational regulation of NADKs, the role of MESH1 and NOCT in maintaining NAD(H) and NADP(H) homeostasis, and the influence of the circadian clock on NAD(H) and NADP(H) homeostasis. In conclusion, NADKs, MESH1, and NOCT are integral to various cellular processes, regulating NAD(H) and NADP(H) homeostasis. Dysregulation of these enzymes results in various human diseases, such as cancers and metabolic disorders. Hence, strategies aiming to restore NAD(H) and NADP(H) homeostasis hold promise as novel therapeutic approaches for these diseases.

Nutritional Considerations During Major Weight Loss Therapy: Focus on Optimal Protein and a Low-Carbohydrate Dietary Pattern

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Considering the high prevalence of obesity and related metabolic impairments in the population, the unique role nutrition has in weight loss, reversing metabolic disorders, and maintaining health cannot be overstated. Normal weight and well-being are compatible with varying dietary patterns, but for the last half century there has been a strong emphasis on low-fat, low-saturated fat, high-carbohydrate based approaches. Whereas low-fat dietary patterns can be effective for a subset of individuals, we now have a population where the vast majority of adults have excess adiposity and some degree of metabolic impairment. We are also entering a new era with greater access to bariatric surgery and approval of anti-obesity medications (glucagon-like peptide-1 analogues) that produce substantial weight loss for many people, but there are concerns about disproportionate loss of lean mass and nutritional deficiencies.

RECENT FINDINGS

No matter the approach used to achieve major weight loss, careful attention to nutritional considerations is necessary. Here, we examine the recent findings regarding the importance of adequate protein to maintain lean mass, the rationale and evidence supporting low-carbohydrate and ketogenic dietary patterns, and the potential benefits of including exercise training in the context of major weight loss. While losing and sustaining weight loss has proven challenging, we are optimistic that application of emerging nutrition science, particularly personalized well-formulated low-carbohydrate dietary patterns that contain adequate protein (1.2 to 2.0 g per kilogram reference weight) and achieve the beneficial metabolic state of euketonemia (circulating ketones 0.5 to 5 mM), is a promising path for many individuals with excess adiposity.

Targeting ferroptosis for treating kidney disease

Ferroptosis is a type of regulated cell death hallmarked by iron-mediated excessive lipid oxidation. Over the past decade since the coining of the term ferroptosis, advances in research have led to the identification of intracellular processes that regulate ferroptosis such as GSH-GPX4 pathway and FSP1-coenzyme Q10/vitamin K pathway. From a disease perspective, the involvement of ferroptosis in pathological conditions including kidney disease has attracted attention. In terms of renal pathophysiology, ferroptosis has been widely investigated for its involvement in ischemia-reperfusion injury, nephrotoxin-induced kidney damage and other renal diseases. Therefore, therapeutic interventions targeting ferroptosis are expected to become a new therapeutic approach for these diseases. However, when considering cell death as a therapeutic target, careful consideration must be given to (i) in which type of cells, (ii) which type of cell death mode, and (iii) in which stage or temporal window of the disease. In the next decade, elucidation of the true involvement of ferroptosis in kidney disease setting in human, and development of clinically applicable and effective therapeutic drugs that target ferroptosis are warranted.

Vitamin D Relieves Epilepsy Symptoms and Neuroinflammation in Juvenile Mice by Activating the mTOR Signaling Pathway via RAF1: Insights from Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Studies

Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder, and the exploration of potential therapeutic drugs for its treatment is still ongoing. Vitamin D has emerged as a promising treatment due to its potential neuroprotective effects and anti-epileptic properties. This study aimed to investigate the effects of vitamin D on epilepsy and neuroinflammation in juvenile mice using network pharmacology and molecular docking, with a focus on the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. Experimental mouse models of epilepsy were established through intraperitoneal injection of pilocarpine, and in vitro injury models of hippocampal neurons were induced by glutamate (Glu) stimulation. The anti-epileptic effects of vitamin D were evaluated both in vivo and in vitro. Network pharmacology and molecular docking analysis were used to identify potential targets and regulatory pathways of vitamin D in epilepsy. The involvement of the mTOR signaling pathway in the regulation of mouse epilepsy by vitamin D was validated using rapamycin (RAPA). The levels of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Gene and protein expressions were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot, respectively. The terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end-labeling (TUNEL) staining was used to analyze the apoptosis of hippocampal neurons. In in vivo experiments, vitamin D reduced the Racine scores of epileptic mice, prolonged the latency of epilepsy, and inhibited the production of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the hippocampus. Furthermore, network pharmacology analysis identified RAF1 as a potential target of vitamin D in epilepsy, which was further confirmed by molecular docking analysis. Additionally, the mTOR signaling pathway was found to be involved in the regulation of mouse epilepsy by vitamin D. In in vitro experiments, Glu stimulation upregulated the expressions of RAF1 and LC3II/LC3I, inhibited mTOR phosphorylation, and induced neuronal apoptosis. Mechanistically, vitamin D activated the mTOR signaling pathway and alleviated mouse epilepsy via RAF1, while the use of the pathway inhibitor RAPA reversed this effect. Vitamin D alleviated epilepsy symptoms and neuroinflammation in juvenile mice by activating the mTOR signaling pathway via RAF1. These findings provided new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-epileptic effects of vitamin D and further supported its use as an adjunctive therapy for existing anti-epileptic drugs.

Untangling the role of the microbiome across the stages of HIV disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The primate microbiome consists of bacteria, eukaryotes, and viruses that dynamically shape and respond to host health and disease. Understanding how the symbiotic relationship between the host and microbiome responds to HIV has implications for therapeutic design.

RECENT FINDINGS

Advances in microbiome identification technologies have expanded our ability to identify constituents of the microbiome and to infer their functional capacity. The dual use of these technologies and animal models has allowed interrogation into the role of the microbiome in lentiviral acquisition, vaccine efficacy, and the response to antiretrovirals. Lessons learned from such studies are now being harnessed to design microbiome-based interventions.

SUMMARY

Previous studies considering the role of the microbiome in people living with HIV largely described viral acquisition as an intrusion on the host:microbiome interface. Re-framing this view to consider HIV as a novel, albeit unwelcome, component of the microbiome may better inform the research and development of pre and postexposure prophylaxes.

Ferroptosis in health and disease

Ferroptosis is a pervasive non-apoptotic form of cell death highly relevant in various degenerative diseases and malignancies. The hallmark of ferroptosis is uncontrolled and overwhelming peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids contained in membrane phospholipids, which eventually leads to rupture of the plasma membrane. Ferroptosis is unique in that it is essentially a spontaneous, uncatalyzed chemical process based on perturbed iron and redox homeostasis contributing to the cell death process, but that it is nonetheless modulated by many metabolic nodes that impinge on the cells' susceptibility to ferroptosis. Among the various nodes affecting ferroptosis sensitivity, several have emerged as promising candidates for pharmacological intervention, rendering ferroptosis-related proteins attractive targets for the treatment of numerous currently incurable diseases. Herein, the current members of a Germany-wide research consortium focusing on ferroptosis research, as well as key external experts in ferroptosis who have made seminal contributions to this rapidly growing and exciting field of research, have gathered to provide a comprehensive, state-of-the-art review on ferroptosis. Specific topics include: basic mechanisms, in vivo relevance, specialized methodologies, chemical and pharmacological tools, and the potential contribution of ferroptosis to disease etiopathology and progression. We hope that this article will not only provide established scientists and newcomers to the field with an overview of the multiple facets of ferroptosis, but also encourage additional efforts to characterize further molecular pathways modulating ferroptosis, with the ultimate goal to develop novel pharmacotherapies to tackle the various diseases associated with - or caused by - ferroptosis.

Urinary concentrations of mineral elements and their predictors in pregnant women in Jinan, China

BACKGROUND

The essential mineral elements play important roles in proper growth, development and maintenance of physiological homeostasis of an organism. Women are at greater risk of mineral deficiency during pregnancy. However, the predictors of mineral element levels in pregnant women remain unclear. This study was conducted to determine the urinary levels of calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn) and selenium (Se) in women during early pregnancy and to explore the predictors of urinary exposure to each mineral element and high co-exposure to mineral element mixture.

METHODS

298 pregnant women in first trimester were recruited when they attended antenatal care in a hospital in Jinan, Shandong Province, China. We collected their spot urine samples and questionnaire data on their sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, food and dietary supplement intake, and residential environment. The concentrations of Ca, Fe, Cu, Mn and Se in all urine samples were measured. LASSO regression, multiple linear regression and binary logistic regression were used to analyze the predictors affecting mineral element levels.

RESULTS

The geometric means of creatinine-corrected Ca, Fe, Cu, Mn and Se concentrations were 99.37 mg/g, 1.75 µg/g, 8.97 µg/g, 0.16 µg/g and 16.83 µg/g creatinine, respectively. Factors that influenced the concentrations of individual mineral element were as follows: (1) Se and Ca concentrations increased with maternal age; (2) women taking tap water as family drinking water had higher Ca levels and those taking polyunsaturated fatty acids intermittently had higher Cu levels; (3) Fe was adversely related to consumption frequency of barbecued foods; (4) Pregnant women with more frequent consumption of shellfish/shrimp/crab and living near green spaces or parks had higher Mn exposure, and those with higher frequency of meat consumption had lower Mn exposure. In addition, maternal age and the frequency of egg consumption were associated with odds of exposure to a mixture of high Ca, Fe, Cu and Se.

CONCLUSIONS

The pregnant women in this study had comparable concentrations of urinary Cu and Se but lower concentrations of Ca, Fe and Mn compared with those in other areas. Predictors of urinary mineral elements included maternal age (Se and Ca), type of domestic drinking water (Ca), consumption frequency of barbecued food (Fe), polyunsaturated fatty acid use (Cu), the presence of urban green spaces or parks near the home and frequency of meat and shellfish/shrimp/crab intake (Mn). Moreover, maternal age and egg consumption frequency were significant predictors of high-level co-exposure to urinary Ca, Fe, Cu and Se.

Ocular Effects of Prenatal Carotenoid Supplementation in the Mother and Her Child: The Lutein and Zeaxanthin in Pregnancy (L-ZIP) Randomized Trial - Report Number 2

Purpose

Lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z) are xanthophyll carotenoids that have been promoted to enhance maternal health and infant visual and neurodevelopment. In this study, we determined the effects of prenatal L and Z supplementation on systemic and ocular carotenoid status in the mother and her newborn infant (NCT03750968). This report focuses on the ocular effects of prenatal carotenoid supplementation.

Design

A prospective randomized clinical trial with 47 subjects randomly assigned by 1:1 allocation to receive standard-of-care prenatal vitamins along with 10 mg L and 2 mg Z softgel (Carotenoid Group) or standard-of-care prenatal vitamins with a placebo softgel (Control Group) starting in the first trimester.

Subjects

We enrolled low-risk pregnancy subjects aged ≥18 years from the obstetrics and gynecology clinic of the University of Utah Hospital.

Methods

Maternal macular, skin, and serum carotenoid concentrations were measured using autofluorescence imaging, resonance Raman spectroscopy, and high-performance liquid chromatography, respectively. Infants' ocular carotenoids and retinal architecture were measured by blue light reflectance imaging and spectral-domain OCT, respectively.

Main Outcome Measures

Changes in maternal and infant macular pigment, skin, and serum carotenoid status over the study period. Differences in infants' retinal maturity indicators between the 2 study groups.

Results

Following supplementation, there was a statistically significant increase in maternal macular pigment optical volume (P < 0.001) in the Carotenoid Group relative to the Control Group at all study time points, and there was no detectable maternal ocular carotenoid depletion. Infant skin and serum carotenoids increased significantly in the Carotenoid Group compared with the Control Group. As exploratory endpoints, infants in the Carotenoid Group had a 20% increase in macular pigment optical density (P = 0.242) and more mature foveal parameters compared with those in the Control Group.

Conclusion

Prenatal carotenoid supplementation significantly increased maternal and infant systemic carotenoids and caused a pattern of increased infant ocular carotenoid status, which may benefit both mothers and their infants' ocular development and function. This study provides important data to design and power a future multicenter study of prenatal carotenoid supplementation in higher-risk pregnancies.

Financial Disclosures

The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

Glycolysis in gastrointestinal stromal tumor: a brief overview

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is the most prevalent mesenchymal tumor of the digestive tract. Its growth is primarily influenced by mutations in KIT or PDGFRA. Surgery is the primary treatment option for GIST; however, KIT inhibitors, such as imatinib, are used for inoperable cases. Resistance to imatinib is an upcoming challenge, especially because the effectiveness of alternative drugs is limited. Enhancement of the glycolysis pathway in cancer cells has been identified as a key feature in cancer. This unique metabolic activity has implications on tumor growth, prognosis, and resistance to therapy, even in GIST. Members of the glucose transporter (GLUT) family (particularly GLUT-1) play a significant role in GIST progression and response to treatment. Diagnostic imaging using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography, which enables visualization of glucose metabolism, can aid in GIST diagnosis and risk assessment. The interplay between glycolysis and GIST can lead to the development of various therapeutic strategies, especially those involving glycolysis-related molecules, such as hexokinase and lactate dehydrogenase. However, further research is required to understand the full spectrum of glycolysis in GIST and its therapeutic potential. Herein, we present an exhaustive overview and analysis of the role of glycolysis in GIST, especially as a therapeutic target.

The effects of intermittent fasting on body composition and cardiometabolic health in adults with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

To perform a meta-analysis to investigate the effects of intermittent fasting (IF), as compared with either a control diet (CON) and/or calorie restriction (CR), on body composition and cardiometabolic health in individuals with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes (T2D).

METHODS

PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched from their inception to March 2024 to identify original randomized trials with parallel or crossover designs that studied the effects of IF on body composition and cardiometabolic health. Weighted mean differences (WMDs) or standardized mean differences with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random-effects models.

RESULTS

Overall, 14 studies involving 1101 adults with prediabetes or T2D were included in the meta-analysis. IF decreased body weight (WMD -4.56 kg [95% CI -6.23 to -2.83]; p = 0.001), body mass index (BMI; WMD -1.99 kg.m2 [95% CI -2.74 to -1.23]; p = 0.001), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c; WMD -0.81% [95% CI -1.24 to -0.38]; p = 0.001), fasting glucose (WMD -0.36 mmol/L [95% CI -0.63 to -0.09]; p = 0.008), total cholesterol (WMD -0.31 mmol/L [95% CI -0.60 to -0.02]; p = 0.03) and triglycerides (WMD -0.14 mmol/L [95% CI -0.27 to -0.01]; p = 0.02), but did not significantly decrease fat mass, insulin, low-densitiy lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, or blood pressure as compared with CON. Furthermore, IF decreased body weight (WMD -1.14 kg [95% CI -1.69 to -0.60]; p = 0.001) and BMI (WMD -0.43 kg.m2 [95% CI -0.58 to -0.27]; p = 0.001), but did not significantly affect fat mass, lean body mass, visceral fat, insulin, HbA1c, lipid profiles or blood pressure.

CONCLUSION

Intermittent fasting is effective for weight loss and specific cardiometabolic health markers in individuals with prediabetes or T2D. Additionally, IF is associated with a reduction in body weight and BMI compared to CR, without effects on glycaemic markers, lipid profiles or blood pressure.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress as a target for retinoids in cancer treatment

Retinoids, natural and synthetic derivatives of vitamin A, have various regulatory activities including controlling cellular proliferation, differentiation, and death. Furthermore, they have been used to treat specific cancers with satisfying results. Nevertheless, retinoids have yet to be converted into effective systemic therapies for the majority of tumor types. Regulation of unfolded protein response signaling, and persistent activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER-stress) are promising treatment methods for cancer. The present article reviews the current understanding of how vitamin A and its derivatives may aid to cause ER-stress-activated apoptosis, as well as therapeutic options for exploiting ER-stress for achieving beneficial goal. The therapeutic use of some retinoids discussed in this article was related to decreased disease recurrence and improved therapeutic outcomes via ER-stress activation and promotion, indicating that retinoids may play an important role in cancer treatment and prevention. More research is needed to expand the use of vitamin A derivatives in cancer therapy, either alone or in combination with unfolded protein response inducers.

Metabolic dysfunctions in pearl oysters following recurrent marine heatwaves

Marine heatwaves (MHWs) have become more frequent, intense and extreme in oceanic systems in the past decade, resulting in mass mortality events of marine invertebrates and devastating coastal marine ecosystems. While metabolic homeostasis is a fundamental requirement in stress tolerance, little is known about its role under intensifying MHWs conditions. Here, we investigated impacts of MHWs on the metabolism in pearl oysters (Pinctada maxima) - an ecologically and economically significant bivalve species in tropical ecosystems. Activities of digestive enzymes (gastric proteases, lipases, and amylases) did not significantly respond to various scenario of recurrent MHWs varying from 24 °C to 28 °C (moderate) and 32 °C (severe). The metabolomics analysis revealed nine and five key metabolism pathways under both MHWs scenarios. Specifically, pathways associated with energy metabolism were impaired by moderate MHWs, manifesting in downregulation of differential metabolite (The nicotinic acid and N-acetyl-glutamic acid). The content of CDP-ethanolamine was significantly decrease, and the perturbations of oxidative stress caused by the decreased of content of D-glutamine. Metabolites related to a suite of body functions (e.g., the lipid metabolism, biomineralization, and antioxidant defenses) showed significantly negative responses by severe MHWs. These findings reveal the metabolic impairments of marine bivalves when subjected to MHWs varying in intensity and frequency, implying cascading consequences which deserve further investigation.

ELOVL5 and VLDLR synergistically affect n-3 PUFA deposition in eggs of different chicken breeds

There was no significant difference in the composition and content of fatty acids in eggs among different breeds initially, but following the supplementation of flaxseed oil, Dwarf Layer were observed to deposit more n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) in eggs. Currently, there is limited research on the mechanisms underlying the differences in egg composition among different breeds. Therefore, in this study, 150 twenty-four-wk-old hens of each breed, including the Dwarf Layer and White Leghorn, were fed either a basal diet or a diet supplemented with 2.5% flaxseed oil. After 28 d, eggs and liver samples were collected to determine fatty acid composition, and serum, liver, intestine, and follicles were collected for subsequent biochemical, intestinal morphology, and lipid metabolism-related genes expression analysis. Duodenal contents were collected for microbial analysis. The results showed that there was no significant difference in the content and deposition efficiency of total n-3 PUFA in the liver of the 2 breeds, but the content and deposition efficiency of total n-3 PUFA in the egg of Dwarf Layer were significantly higher than those of White Leghorn after feeding flaxseed oil. Flaxseed oil and breeds did not have significant effects on cholesterol (CHO), free fatty acids (NEFA), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and estrogen (E2) levels. After feeding with flaxseed oil, the villus height and the villus-to-crypt ratio in both breeds were increased and duodenal crypt depth was decreased. The villus-to-crypt ratio (4.78 vs. 3.60) in the duodenum of Dwarf Layer was significantly higher than that in White Leghorn after feeding with flaxseed oil. Flaxseed oil can impact the gut microbiota in the duodenum and reduce the microbiota associated with fatty acid breakdown, such as Romboutsia, Subdolibranulum, Lachnochlostridium, and Clostridium. This may mean that less ALA can be decomposed and more ALA can be absorbed into the body. Additionally, after feeding flaxseed oil, the mRNA levels of elongation enzymes 5 (ELOVL5), fatty acid desaturase 1 (FADS1), and fatty acid transporter 1 (FATP1) in the liver of Dwarf Layer were significantly higher than those in White Leghorn, while the mRNA levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR), carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1 (CPT1), Acyl CoA oxidase 1 (ACOX1), and Acyl-CoA synthetase (ACSL) were significantly lower than those in White Leghorn. The mRNA level of FABP1 in the duodenum of Dwarf Layer was significantly higher than that of White Leghorn, while the mRNA level of FATP1 was significantly lower than that of White Leghorn. The protein levels of ELOVL5 in the liver of Dwarf Layer and very low-density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR) in the follicles were significantly higher than those of White Leghorn. In summary, after feeding flaxseed oil, the higher ratio of villus height to crypt depth in Dwarf Layer allows more α-linolenic acid (ALA) to be absorbed into the body. The higher mRNA expression of FADS1, ELOVL5, and FATP1, as well as the higher protein expression of ELOVL5 in the liver of Dwarf Layer enhance the conversion of ALA into DHA. The higher protein expression of VLDLR in follicles of Dwarf Layer allows more n-3 PUFA to deposit in the follicles. These combined factors contribute to the Dwarf Layer's ability to deposit higher levels of n-3 PUFA in eggs, as well as improving the deposition efficiency of n-3 PUFA.

Evaluation of transport mechanisms of methotrexate in human choriocarcinoma cell lines by LC-MS/MS

Methotrexate (MTX) is commonly prescribed as the initial treatment for gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN), but MTX monotherapy may not be effective for high-risk GTN and choriocarcinoma. The cellular uptake of MTX is essential for its pharmacological activity. Thus, our study aimed to investigate the cellular pharmacokinetics and transport mechanisms of MTX in choriocarcinoma cells. For the quantification of MTX concentrations in cellular matrix, a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was created and confirmed initially. MTX accumulation in BeWo, JEG-3, and JAR cells was minimal. Additionally, the mRNA levels of folate receptor α (FRα) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) were relatively high in the three choriocarcinoma cell lines, whereas proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT), reduced folate carrier (RFC), and organic anion transporter (OAT) 4 were low. Furthermore, the expression of other transporters was either very low or undetectable. Notably, the application of inhibitors and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) targeting FRα, RFC, and PCFT led to a notable decrease in the accumulation of MTX in BeWo cells. Conversely, the co-administration of multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1) and BCRP inhibitors increased MTX accumulation. In addition, inhibitors of OATs and organic-anion transporting polypeptides (OATPs) reduced MTX accumulation, while peptide transporter inhibitors had no effect. Results from siRNA knockdown experiments and transporter overexpression cell models indicated that MTX was not a substrate of nucleoside transporters. In conclusion, the results indicate that FRα and multiple transporters such as PCFT, RFC, OAT4, and OATPs are likely involved in the uptake of MTX, whereas MDR1 and BCRP are implicated in the efflux of MTX from choriocarcinoma cells. These results have implications for predicting transporter-mediated drug interactions and offer potential directions for further research on enhancing MTX sensitivity.

NAD+ metabolism and therapeutic strategies in cardiovascular diseases

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a central and pleiotropic metabolite involved in cellular energy metabolism, cell signaling, DNA repair, and protein modifications. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide. Metabolic stress and aging directly affect the cardiovascular system. Compelling data suggest that NAD + levels decrease with age, obesity, and hypertension, which are all notable risk factors for CVD. In addition, the therapeutic elevation of NAD + levels reduces chronic low-grade inflammation, reactivates autophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis, and enhances oxidative metabolism in vascular cells of humans and rodents with vascular disorders. In preclinical models, NAD + boosting can also expand the health span, prevent metabolic syndrome, and decrease blood pressure. Moreover, NAD + storage by genetic, pharmacological, or natural dietary NAD + -increasing strategies has recently been shown to be effective in improving the pathophysiology of cardiac and vascular health in different animal models, and human health. Here, we review and discuss NAD + -related mechanisms pivotal for vascular health and summarize recent experimental evidence in NAD + research directly related to vascular disease, including atherosclerosis, and coronary artery disease. Finally, we comparatively assess distinct NAD + precursors for their clinical efficacy and the efficiency of NAD + elevation in the treatment of major CVD. These findings may provide ideas for new therapeutic strategies to prevent and treat CVD in the clinic.

Site-directed mutagenesis of bifunctional riboflavin kinase/FMN adenylyltransferase via CRISPR/Cas9 to enhance riboflavin production

Vitamin B2 is an essential water-soluble vitamin. For most prokaryotes, a bifunctional enzyme called FAD synthase catalyzes the successive conversion of riboflavin to FMN and FAD. In this study, the plasmid pNEW-AZ containing six key genes for the riboflavin synthesis was transformed into strain R2 with the deleted FMN riboswitch, yielding strain R5. The R5 strain could produce 540.23 ± 5.40 mg/L riboflavin, which was 10.61 % higher than the R4 strain containing plasmids pET-AE and pAC-Z harboring six key genes. To further enhance the production of riboflavin, homology matching and molecular docking were performed to identify key amino acid residues of FAD synthase. Nine point mutation sites were identified. By comparing riboflavin kinase activity, mutations of T203D and N210D, which respectively decreased by 29.90 % and 89.32 % compared to wild-type FAD synthase, were selected for CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing of the genome, generating engineered strains R203 and R210. pNEW-AZ was transformed into R203, generating R6. R6 produced 657.38 ± 47.48 mg/L riboflavin, a 21.69 % increase compared to R5. This study contributes to the high production of riboflavin in recombinant E. coli BL21.

Nutritional and microbiota-based therapeutic interventions for alcohol-associated liver disease: From pathogenesis to therapeutic insights

Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) manifests as a consequence of prolonged and excessive alcohol consumption. This disease is closely associated with the interplay between gut health and liver function, which can lead to complex pathophysiological changes in the body. This review offers a comprehensive exploration of ALD's multifaceted nature, with a keen focus on its pathogenesis and the potential of nutritional and microbiota-based therapies. Insights derived from diverse case studies are utilized to shed light on how interventions can rebalance the gut microbiome and enhance liver function in ALD patients. Furthermore, the feasibility of liver transplantation and stem cell therapy as ultimate measures for ALD has been discussed, with acknowledgment of the inherent risks and challenges accompanying them. ALD's complexity underscores the necessity for a thorough understanding of its etiology and progression to devise effective treatments that mitigate its profound impact on an individual's health.