Activation of α7 nicotinic receptors attenuated hyperalgesia and anxiety induced by palatable obesogenic diet withdrawal

Consumption of palatable food (PF) can alleviate anxiety, and pain in humans. Contrary, spontaneous withdrawal of long-term PF intake produces anxiogenic-like behavior and abnormal pain sensation, causing challenges to weight-loss diet and anti-obesity agents. Thus, we examined α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7nAChR) involvement since it plays essential role in nociception and psychological behaviors.

METHODS

Adult male C57BL/6 mice were placed on a Standard Chow (SC) alone or with PF on intermittent or continuous regimen for 6 weeks. Then, mice were replaced with normal SC (spontaneous withdrawal). Body weight, food intake, and calories intake with and without the obesogenic diet were measured throughout the study. During PF withdrawal, anxiety-like behaviors and pain sensitivity were measured with PNU-282987 (α7nAChR agonist) administration.

RESULTS

Six weeks of SC + PF-intermittent and continuous paradigms produced a significant weight gain. PF withdrawal displayed hyperalgesia and anxiety-like behaviors. During withdrawal, PNU-282987 significantly attenuated hyperalgesia and anxiety-like behaviors.

CONCLUSION

The present study shows that a PF can increase food intake and body weight. Also, enhanced pain sensitivity and anxiety-like behavior were observed during PF withdrawal. α7nAChR activation attenuated anxiolytic-like behavior and hyperalgesia in PF abstinent mice. These data suggest potential therapeutic effects of targeting α7 nAChRs for obesity-withdrawal symptoms in obese subjects.

Probing the energy landscape of the lipid interactions of the serotonin1A receptor

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are lipid-regulated transmembrane proteins that play a central role in cell signaling and pharmacology. Although the role of membrane lipids in GPCR function is well established, the underlying GPCR-lipid interactions have not been thermodynamically characterized due to the complexity of these interactions. In this work, we estimate the energetics and dynamics of lipid association from coarse-grain simulations of the serotonin1A receptor embedded in a complex membrane. We show that lipids bind to the receptor with varying energetics of 1-4 kT, and timescales of 1-10 μs. The most favorable energetics and longest residence times are observed for cholesterol, glycosphingolipid GM1, phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidylserine (PS) lipids. Multi-exponential fitting of the contact probability suggests distinct dynamic regimes, corresponding to ps, ns and μs timescales, that we correlate with the annular, intermediate and non-annular lipid sites. The timescales of lipid binding correspond to high barrier heights, despite their relatively weaker energetics. Our results highlight that GPCR-lipid interactions are driven by both thermodynamic interactions and the dynamical features of lipid binding.

Dehydration followed by restraint sustains high circulating corticosterone and improves immunity in toads

Amphibians are suffering population declines due to a variety of factors such as increased ultraviolet radiation, climate change, habitat loss, pathogens, and pollution, or a combination of these. Such changes are associated with a reduction in the availability of water, exposing these animals to a greater risk of desiccation. In this context, understanding how dehydration can modulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-interrenal axis (HPI) and the immune response is an imperative question to predict how stressors can affect amphibian species. We investigated whether dehydration promotes long-lasting effects on toads' ability to respond to a consecutive stressor (restraint) even if the toads are allowed to rehydrate, as well as its effects on the immune function. We also tested the hypothesis that the toads showing more severe dehydration would exhibit lower responsiveness to restraint challenge, even if the animals were allowed to rehydrate. Individuals of R. ornata were dehydrated mildly and severely. Thereafter, they were submitted to a restraint stress challenge for 1 and 24 h. Our results show that dehydration increased hematocrit and CORT in R. ornata toads. The restraint induced an acute stress response in fully hydrated toads (increased CORT and neutrophil: lymphocyte ratio). Otherwise, restraint in moistened cloth bags allowed full rehydration in previously dehydrated toads and did not induce an additional increase in CORT, but those toads sustained elevated CORT up to 24 h of restraint. Also, these animals showed increased neutrophil: lymphocyte ratio and the phagocytic activity of blood cells, even when they rehydrated during restraint. These results point to a continuous activation of the HPA during dehydration and subsequent restraint, even when they recovered from the dehydration state. Also, acute stressors seem to promote immune cell redistribution and augmentation of immune cellular function in R. ornata toads.

Aromatase inhibitors for the treatment of breast cancer: An overview (2019-2023)

Aromatase inhibition is considered a legitimate approach for the treatment of ER-positive (ER+) breast cancer as it accounts for more than 70% of breast cancer cases. Aromatase inhibitor therapy has been demonstrated to be highly effective in decreasing tumour size, increasing survival rates, and lowering the chance of cancer recurrence. The present review deliberates the pathophysiology and the role of aromatase in estrogen biosynthesis. Estrogen biosynthesis, various androgens, and their function in the human body have also been discussed. The salient aspects of the aromatase active site, its mode of action, and AIs, along with their intended interactions with presently FDA-approved inhibitors, have been briefly discussed. It has been detailed how different reported AIs were designed, their SAR investigations, in silico analysis, and biological evaluations. Various AIs from multiple origins, such as synthetic and semi-synthetic, have also been discussed.

Neuronal glucose sensing mechanisms and circuits in the control of insulin and glucagon secretion

Glucose homeostasis is mainly under the control of the pancreatic islet hormones insulin and glucagon, which, respectively, stimulate glucose uptake and utilization by liver, fat, and muscle and glucose production by the liver. The balance between the secretions of these hormones is under the control of blood glucose concentrations. Indeed, pancreatic islet β-cells and α-cells can sense variations in glycemia and respond by an appropriate secretory response. However, the secretory activity of these cells is also under multiple additional metabolic, hormonal, and neuronal signals that combine to ensure the perfect control of glycemia over a lifetime. The central nervous system (CNS), which has an almost absolute requirement for glucose as a source of metabolic energy and thus a vital interest in ensuring that glycemic levels never fall below ∼5 mM, is equipped with populations of neurons responsive to changes in glucose concentrations. These neurons control pancreatic islet cell secretion activity in multiple ways: through both branches of the autonomic nervous system, through the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and by secreting vasopressin (AVP) in the blood at the level of the posterior pituitary. Here, we present the autonomic innervation of the pancreatic islets; the mechanisms of neuron activation by a rise or a fall in glucose concentration; how current viral tracing, chemogenetic, and optogenetic techniques allow integration of specific glucose sensing neurons in defined neuronal circuits that control endocrine pancreas function; and, finally, how genetic screens in mice can untangle the diversity of the hypothalamic mechanisms controlling the response to hypoglycemia.

The effect of IGFBP3 gene knockout by the CRISPR/Cas9 system on the IGF-1 pathway in murine cells

BACKGROUND

The IGF-1 signaling pathway has been deeply involved in the aging mechanism. The insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) is a protein that binds to IGF-1 that regulates growth, survival, and aging.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of the IGFBP3 gene knockout (KO) on the expressions of aging-related proteins and genes using the CRISPR/Cas9 system.

METHODS

The IGFBP3 gene knockout (KO) was performed by the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Sanger DNA sequencing and Indel analyses were used to verify the induction of mutation.

RESULTS

First, Sanger DNA sequencing was used to analyze the IGFBP3 gene knockout in murine cells (B16F1). The isolation of three colonies with the mutated DNA sequences in the IGFBP3 gene was validated. In addition, the expression levels of the IGFBP3 gene and protein in the edited B16F1 cells were lower than in those of normal B16F1 cells in western blot analysis as well as RT-PCR and qPCR. Moreover, IGFBP3 gene KO cells enhanced the level of SA-ß-gal staining and short telomere length compared to normal B16F1 cells. In particular, it was found that the expression levels of senescence-related proteins such as PI3K, AKT1, PDK1, and p53 were higher in IGFBP3 gene KO cells than in normal cells in both the absence and presence of IGF-1.

CONCLUSIONS

Therefore, the above findings could provide a clue that IGFBP3 could play a key role in the aging mechanism.

Seasonal food intake and energy balance: Neuronal and non-neuronal control mechanisms

Animals inhabiting temperate and high latitudes undergo drastic seasonal changes in energy storage, facilitated by changes in food intake and body mass. Those seasonal changes in the animal's biology are not mere consequences of environmental energy availability but are anticipatory responses to the energetic requirements of the upcoming season and are actively timed by tracking the annual progression in photoperiod. In this review, we discuss how photoperiod is used to control energy balance seasonally and how this is distinct from energy homeostasis. Most notably, we suggest that photoperiodic control of food intake and body mass does not originate from the arcuate nucleus, as for homeostatic appetite control, but is rather to be found in hypothalamic tanycytes. Tanycytes are specialized ependymal cells lining the third ventricle, which can sense metabolites from the cerebrospinal fluid (e.g. glucose) and can control access of circulating signals to the brain. They are also essential in conveying time-of-year information by integrating photoperiod and altering hypothalamic thyroid metabolism, a feature that is conserved in seasonal vertebrates and connects to seasonal breeding and metabolism. We also discuss how homeostatic feedback signals are handled during times of rapid energetic transitions. Studies on leptin in seasonal mammals suggest a seasonal shift in central sensitivity and blood-brain transport, which might be facilitated by tanycytes. This article is part of the Special Issue on "Food intake and feeding states".

Hepatic stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 deficiency induces fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma-related gene activation under a high carbohydrate low fat diet

Stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD1) is a pivotal enzyme in lipogenesis, which catalyzes the synthesis of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) from saturated fatty acids, whose ablation downregulates lipid synthesis, preventing steatosis and obesity. Yet deletion of SCD1 promotes hepatic inflammation and endoplasmic reticulum stress, raising the question of whether hepatic SCD1 deficiency promotes further liver damage, including fibrosis. To delineate whether SCD1 deficiency predisposes the liver to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), we employed in vivo SCD1 deficient global and liver-specific mouse models fed a high carbohydrate low-fat diet and in vitro established AML12 mouse cells. The absence of liver SCD1 remarkably increased the saturation of liver lipid species, as indicated by lipidomic analysis, and led to hepatic fibrosis. Consistently, SCD1 deficiency promoted hepatic gene expression related to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and HCC. Deletion of SCD1 increased the circulating levels of Osteopontin, known to be increased in fibrosis, and alpha-fetoprotein, often used as an early marker and a prognostic marker for patients with HCC. De novo lipogenesis or dietary supplementation of oleate, an SCD1-generated MUFA, restored the gene expression related to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and HCC. Although SCD1 deficient mice are protected against obesity and fatty liver, our results show that MUFA deprivation results in liver injury, including fibrosis, thus providing novel insights between MUFA insufficiency and pathways leading to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and HCC under lean non-steatotic conditions.

Circular RNAs mediate the regulation of maternal placental nutrient transport and fetal development by sugar-sweetened beverages

Epidemiological and experimental studies have demonstrated a strong association between maternal diet and fetal birth weight, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. We investigated the pathways and modes of action of circular RNAs (circRNAs) that mediate the regulation of maternal reproductive performance and fetal development by sugar-sweetened beverages (20 % sucrose water, SSBs) using C57BL/6J mice as a model. Results showed that SSBs significantly increased the reproductive performance (P<0.05), body weight (P<0.01), fetal birth weight (P<0.05), placental weight (P<0.01), and the expression of nutrient transporter genes in the placenta and fetal liver (P<0.05), mainly by accelerating the maternal energy metabolism during pregnancy. However, maternal serum biochemical indices, antioxidant indices, and pathological damage to the liver and placenta predicted that the mother would be at greater health risks during this period. Moreover, transcriptomics results indicated that the differentially expressed (DE) circRNAs in the placenta regulate the maternal multiple metabolic pathways and the placental nutrient transport efficiency by sponging miRNAs and forming growth factors and proteins, ultimately improving the maternal reproductive performance. In addition, we verified the reliability of the sequencing results using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and identified the possibility of DE circRNAs binding to nutrient transporter genes using targeting relationship prediction. Finally, we constructed a correlation network that regulates maternal placental nutrient transport based on DE circRNAs, targeted miRNAs and nutrient transport-related genes. This study will provide scientific dietary guidance for pregnant women and new research ideas for preventing and treating pregnancy complications.

Age-Related Changes in the Glycolytic Enzymes of M2-Isoform of Pyruvate Kinase and Fructose-1,6-Bisphosphate Aldolase: Implications to Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Prior studies have emphasized a bioenergetic crisis in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) as a critical factor in the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The isoforms Fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase C (ALDOC) and pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) have been proposed to play a role in AMD pathogenesis. While PKM2 and ALDOC are crucial for aerobic glycolysis in the neural retina, they are not as essential for the RPE. In this study, we examined the expression and activity of PKM2 and ALDOC in both young and aged RPE cells, as well as in the retina and RPE tissue of mice, including an experimentally induced AMD mouse model. Our findings reveal an upregulation in PKM2 and ALDOC expression, accompanied by increased pyruvate kinase activity, in the aged and AMD mouse RPE. Conversely, there is a decrease in ALDOC expression but an increase in PKM2 expression and pyruvate kinase activity in the aged and AMD retina. Overall, our study indicates that aged and AMD RPE cells tend to favor aerobic glycolysis, while this tendency is diminished in the aged and AMD retina. These results underscore the significance of targeting PKM2 and ALDOC in the RPE as a promising therapeutic approach to address the bioenergetic crisis and prevent vision loss in AMD.

Analyzing urinary hippuric acid as a metabolic health biomarker through a supramolecular architecture

The prevalence of metabolic disorders has been found to increase concomitantly with alternations in habitual diet and lifestyle, indicating the importance of metabolic health monitoring for early warning of high-risk status and suggesting effective intervention strategies. Hippuric acid (HA), as one of the most abundant metabolites from the gut microbiota, holds potential as a regulator of metabolic health. Accordingly, it is imperative to establish an efficient, sensitive, and affordable method for large-scale population monitoring, revealing the association between HA level and metabolic disorders. Upon systematic screening of macrocycle•dye reporter pair, a supramolecular architecture (guanidinomethyl-modified calix[5]arene, GMC5A) was employed to sense urinary HA by employing fluorescein (Fl), whose complexation behavior was demonstrated by theoretical calculations, accomplishing quantification of HA in urine from 249 volunteers in the range of 0.10 mM and 10.93 mM. Excitedly, by restricted cubic spline, urinary HA concentration was found to have a significantly negative correlation with the risk of metabolic disorders when it exceeded 0.76 mM, suggesting the importance of dietary habits, especially the consumption of fruits, coffee, and tea, which was unveiled from a simple questionnaire survey. In this study, we accomplished a high throughput and sensitive detection of urinary HA based on supramolecular sensing with the GMC5A•Fl reporter pair, which sheds light on the rapid quantification of urinary HA as an indicator of metabolic health status and early intervention by balancing the daily diet.

Hydroxyapatite nano-pillars on TI-6Al-4V: Enhancements in cell spreading and proliferation during cell/surface integration

Despite the attractive combinations of cell/surface interactions, biocompatibility, and good mechanical properties of Ti-6Al-4V, there is still a need to enhance the early stages of cell/surface integration that are associated with the implantation of biomedical devices into the human body. This paper presents a novel, easy and reproducible method of nanoscale and nanostructured hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings on Ti-6Al-4V. The resulting nanoscale coatings/nanostructures are characterized using a combination of Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. The nanostructured/nanoscale coatings are shown to enhance the early stages of cell spreading and integration of bone cells (hFOB cells) on Ti-6Al-4V surfaces. The improvements include the acceleration of extra-cellular matrix, cell spreading and proliferation by nanoscale HA structures on the coated surfaces. The implications of the results are discussed for the development of HA nanostructures for the improved osseointegration of Ti-6Al-4V in orthopedic and dental applications.

The growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a agonists, anamorelin and ipamorelin, inhibit cisplatin-induced weight loss in ferrets: Anamorelin also exhibits anti-emetic effects via a central mechanism

This study investigated whether ghrelin mimetics, namely anamorelin and ipamorelin, can alleviate weight loss and inhibition of feeding observed during acute and delayed phases of cisplatin-induced emesis in ferrets. The potential of anamorelin to inhibit electrical field stimulation (EFS)-induced contractions of isolated ferret ileum was compared with ipamorelin. In other experiments, ferrets were administered anamorelin (1-3 mg/kg), ipamorelin (1-3 mg/kg), or vehicle intraperitoneally (i.p.) 30 s before cisplatin (5 mg/kg, i.p.) and then every 24 h, and their behaviour was recorded for up to 72 h. Food and water consumption was measured every 24 h. The effect of anamorelin (10 µg) was also assessed following intracerebroventricular administration. Anamorelin and ipamorelin inhibited EFS-induced contractions of isolated ileum by 94.4 % (half-maximal inhibitory concentration [IC50]=14.0 µM) and 54.4 % (IC50=11.7 µM), respectively. Neither of compounds administered i.p. had any effect on cisplatin-induced acute or delayed emesis, but both inhibited associated cisplatin-induced weight loss on the last day of delayed phase (48-72 h) by approximately 24 %. Anamorelin (10 µg) administered intracerebroventricularly reduced cisplatin-induced acute emesis by 60 % but did not affect delayed emesis. It also improved food and water consumption by approximately 20 %-40 % during acute phase, but not delayed phase, and reduced associated cisplatin-induced weight loss during delayed phase by ∼23 %. In conclusion, anamorelin and ipamorelin administered i.p. had beneficial effects in alleviating cisplatin-induced weight loss during delayed phase, and these effects were seen when centrally administered anamorelin. Anamorelin inhibited cisplatin-induced acute emesis following intracerebroventricular but not intraperitoneal administration, suggesting that brain penetration is important for its anti-emetic mechanism of action.

Atherosclerotic burden and cerebral small vessel disease: exploring the link through microvascular aging and cerebral microhemorrhages

Cerebral microhemorrhages (CMHs, also known as cerebral microbleeds) are a critical but frequently underestimated aspect of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD), bearing substantial clinical consequences. Detectable through sensitive neuroimaging techniques, CMHs reveal an extensive pathological landscape. They are prevalent in the aging population, with multiple CMHs often being observed in a given individual. CMHs are closely associated with accelerated cognitive decline and are increasingly recognized as key contributors to the pathogenesis of vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). This review paper delves into the hypothesis that atherosclerosis, a prevalent age-related large vessel disease, extends its pathological influence into the cerebral microcirculation, thereby contributing to the development and progression of CSVD, with a specific focus on CMHs. We explore the concept of vascular aging as a continuum, bridging macrovascular pathologies like atherosclerosis with microvascular abnormalities characteristic of CSVD. We posit that the same risk factors precipitating accelerated aging in large vessels (i.e., atherogenesis), primarily through oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways, similarly instigate accelerated microvascular aging. Accelerated microvascular aging leads to increased microvascular fragility, which in turn predisposes to the formation of CMHs. The presence of hypertension and amyloid pathology further intensifies this process. We comprehensively overview the current body of evidence supporting this interconnected vascular hypothesis. Our review includes an examination of epidemiological data, which provides insights into the prevalence and impact of CMHs in the context of atherosclerosis and CSVD. Furthermore, we explore the shared mechanisms between large vessel aging, atherogenesis, microvascular aging, and CSVD, particularly focusing on how these intertwined processes contribute to the genesis of CMHs. By highlighting the role of vascular aging in the pathophysiology of CMHs, this review seeks to enhance the understanding of CSVD and its links to systemic vascular disorders. Our aim is to provide insights that could inform future therapeutic approaches and research directions in the realm of neurovascular health.

The lipid side of unfolded protein response

Although our current knowledge of the molecular crosstalk between the ER stress, the unfolded protein response (UPR), and lipid homeostasis remains limited, there is increasing evidence that dysregulation of either protein or lipid homeostasis profoundly affects the other. Most research regarding UPR signaling in human diseases has focused on the causes and consequences of disrupted protein folding. The UPR itself consists of very complex pathways that function to not only maintain protein homeostasis, but just as importantly, modulate lipid biogenesis to allow the ER to adjust and promote cell survival. Lipid dysregulation is known to activate many aspects of the UPR, but the complexity of this crosstalk remains a major research barrier. ER lipid disequilibrium and lipotoxicity are known to be important contributors to numerous human pathologies, including insulin resistance, liver disease, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. Despite their medical significance and continuous research, however, the molecular mechanisms that modulate lipid synthesis during ER stress conditions, and their impact on cell fate decisions, remain poorly understood. Here we summarize the current view on crosstalk and connections between altered lipid metabolism, ER stress, and the UPR.

Mitochondrial quality control dysfunction in osteoarthritis: Mechanisms, therapeutic strategies & future prospects

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent chronic joint disease characterized by articular cartilage degeneration, pain, and disability. Emerging evidence indicates that mitochondrial quality control dysfunction contributes to OA pathogenesis. Mitochondria are essential organelles to generate cellular energy via oxidative phosphorylation and regulate vital processes. Impaired mitochondria can negatively impact cellular metabolism and result in the generation of harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS). Dysfunction in mitochondrial quality control mechanisms has been increasingly linked to OA onset and progression. This review summarizes current knowledge on the role of mitochondrial quality control disruption in OA, highlighting disturbed mitochondrial dynamics, impaired mitochondrial biogenesis, antioxidant defenses and mitophagy. The review also discusses potential therapeutic strategies targeting mitochondrial Quality Control in OA, offering future perspectives on advancing OA therapeutic strategies.

A rapid quantitative UPLC-MS/MS method for analysis of key regulatory oxysterols in biological samples for liver cancer

An UPLC-APCI-MS/MS method was developed for the simultaneous determination of cholesterol, 7-dehydrocholesterol (7DHC) and eight oxysterols including 27-hydroxycholesterol (27OHC), 7α-hydroxycholesterol (7αOHC), 7β-hydroxycholesterol (7βOHC), 24S-hydroxycholesterol (24SOHC), 25-hydroxycholesterol (25OHC), 7α,24S-dihydroxycholesterol (7α,24SdiOHC), 7α,25-dihydroxycholesterol (7α,25diOHC), and 7α,27-dihydroxycholesterol (7α,27diOHC). It has been used for quantitative analysis of cholesterol, 7DHC and eight oxysterols in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells, plasma and tumor tissue samples. And the above compounds were extracted from the biological matrix (plasma and tissue) using liquid-liquid extraction with hexane/isopropanol after saponification to cleave the steroids from their esterified forms without further derivatization. Then cholesterol, 7DHC and oxysterols were separated on a reversed phase column (Agilent Zorbax Eclipse plus, C18) within 8 min using a gradient elution with 0.1 % formic acid in H2O and methanol and detected by an APCI triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) of the cholesterol, 7DHC and oxysterols ranged from 3.9 ng/mL to 31.25 ng/mL, and the recoveries ranged from 83.0 % to 113.9 %. Cholesterol, 7DHC and several oxysterols including 27OHC, 7αOHC and 7βOHC were successfully quantified in HCC cells, plasma, tissues and urine of HCC mice. Results showed that 27OHC was at high levels in three kind of HCC cells and tumor tissues as well as plasma samples from both HepG2 and Huh7 bearing mice model，and the high levels of 27OHC in tumors were associated with HCC development. Moreover, the levels of cholesterol in HCC cells and tumor issues varied in different HCC cells and mice model. Oxysterols profiling in biological samples might provide complementary information in cancer diagnosis.

Cardiovascular disease and covid-19: A systematic review

Background

Cardiovascular complications of COVID-19 are numerous and aspects of this phenomenon are not well known. The main objective of this manuscript is a systematic review of the acute and chronic cardiovascular complications secondary to COVID-19.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature through Medline via PubMed was conducted (2020-2024).

Results

There is a plethora of effects of COVID-19 on the heart in the acute setting. Here we discuss pathophysiology, myocardial infarctions, heart failure, Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy, myocardial injury, myocarditis and arrhythmias that are caused by COVID-19. Additionally, these cardiovascular injuries can linger and may be an underlying cause of some Long COVID symptoms.

Conclusions

Cardiovascular complications of COVID-19 are numerous and life-threatening. Long COVID can affect cardiovascular health. Microclotting induced by SARS-CoV-2 infection could be a therapeutic target for some aspects of Long Covid.

p85α deficiency alleviates ischemia-reperfusion injury by promoting cardiomyocyte survival

Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is a prevalent cause of myocardial injury, involving a series of interconnected pathophysiological processes. However, there is currently no clinical therapy for effectively mitigating myocardial I/R injury. Here, we show that p85α protein levels increase in response to I/R injury through a comprehensive analysis of cardiac proteomics, and confirm this in the I/R-injured murine heart and failing human myocardium. Genetic inhibition of p85α in mice activates the Akt-GSK3β/Bcl-x(L) signaling pathway and ameliorates I/R-induced cardiac dysfunction, apoptosis, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. p85α silencing in cardiomyocytes alleviates hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) injury through activating the Akt-GSK3β/Bcl-x(L) signaling pathway, while its overexpression exacerbates the damage. Mechanistically, the interaction between MG53 and p85α triggers the ubiquitination and degradation of p85α, consequently enhancing Akt phosphorylation and ultimately having cardioprotective effects. Collectively, our findings reveal that substantial reduction of p85α and subsequently activated Akt signaling have a protective effect against cardiac I/R injury, representing an important therapeutic strategy for mitigating myocardial damage.

Establishing healthy longevity clinics in publicly funded hospitals

Healthy longevity medicine integrates geroscience and other disciplines into clinical settings, aiming to optimize health throughout one's lifespan. Multiple factors have led to increased consumer engagement, with private clinics currently meeting the demand for guidance to improve healthy longevity. The establishment of healthy longevity clinics in publicly funded hospitals is a significant development, making longevity-focused healthcare more accessible. These clinics rely on multidisciplinary teams of physicians and allied health professionals. Diagnostics involve comprehensive evaluations of medical history, physical examinations, and various clinical tests to detect early signs of age-related functional decline. Interventions in healthy longevity medicine encompass lifestyle modifications, supplements, repurposed drugs, and social and environmental interventions. Collaboration with research institutions and industry partners is crucial for advancing healthy longevity medicine and creating standardized protocols. In this article, we review the process of creating healthy longevity clinics in public hospitals to ensure the best possible care for individuals pursuing healthy longevity.

Lipocalin-2-mediated intestinal epithelial cells pyroptosis via NF-κB/NLRP3/GSDMD signaling axis adversely affects inflammation in colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a major inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characterized by intestinal epithelium damage. Recently, Lipocalin-2 (LCN2) has been identified as a potential fecal biomarker for patients with UC. However, further investigation is required to explore its pro-inflammatory role in UC and the underlying mechanism. The biological analysis revealed that Lcn2 serves as a putative signature gene in the colon mucosa of patients with UC and its association with the capsase/pyroptosis signaling pathway in UC. In wild-type mice with DSS-induced colitis, LCN2 overexpression in colon mucosa via in vivo administration of Lcn2 overexpression plasmid resulted in exacerbation of colitis symptoms and epithelium damage, as well as increased expression levels of pyroptosis markers (cleaved caspase1, GSDMD, IL-1β, HMGB1 and IL-18). Additionally, we observed downregulation in the expression levels of pyroptosis markers following in vivo silencing of LCN2. However, the pro-inflammatory effect of LCN2 overexpression was effectively restrained in GSDMD-KO mice. Moreover, single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that Lcn2 was predominantly expressed in the intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) within the colon mucosa of patients with UC. We found that LCN2 effectively regulated pyroptosis events by modulating the NF-κB/NLRP3/GSDMD signaling axis in NCM460 cells stimulated by LPS and ATP. These findings demonstrate the pro-inflammatory role of LCN2 in colon epithelium and provide a potential target for inhibiting pyroptosis in UC.

FoxO1-modulated macrophage polarization regulates osteogenesis via PPAR-γ signaling

Periodontitis, a common chronic inflammatory disease, epitomizes a significant impairment in the host immune system and an imbalance of bone metabolism. Macrophage polarization, a dynamic process dictated by the microenvironment, intricately contributes to the interplay between the immune system and bone remodeling, namely the osteoimmune system. Forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1) has been shown to play a dramatic role in mediating oxidative stress, bone mass, as well as cellular metabolism. Nevertheless, the function and underlying mechanisms of FoxO1 in regulating macrophage polarization-mediated osteogenesis in periodontitis remain to be further elucidated. Here, we found that FoxO1 expression was closely linked to periodontitis, accompanied by aggravated inflammation. Notably, FoxO1 knockdown skewed macrophage polarization from M1 to the antiinflammatory M2 phenotype under inflammatory conditions, which rescued the impaired osteogenic potential. Mechanistically, we revealed that the enhancement of the transcription of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling in FoxO1-knockdown macrophages. In agreement with this contention, GW9662, a specific inhibitor of PPAR-γ signaling, greatly aggravated macrophage polarization from M2 to the M1 phenotype and attenuated osteogenic potential under inflammatory conditions. Additionally, PPAR-γ signaling agonist rosiglitazone (RSG) was applied to address ligature-induced periodontitis with attenuated inflammation. Our data lend conceptual credence to the function of FoxO1 in mediating macrophage polarization-regulated osteogenesis which serves as a novel therapeutic target for periodontitis.

Densitometric analysis of GnRH and IBA1 immunocytochemistry in the basal ventromedial hypothalamus of the ewe

Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) synthesis and secretion regulates seasonal fertility. In the brain, the distribution of GnRH-positive neurons is diffuse, hindering efforts to monitor variations in its cellular and tissue levels. Here, we aim at assessing GnRH immunoreactivity in nuclei responsible for seasonal fertility regulation (SFR) within the posterior, anterior, and preoptic areas of the basal hypothalamus during estrous in ewes. We detected reaction products in the ventromedial basal hypothalamus in neurons, nerve fibers, non-neuronal immunoreactive bodies, and diffuse interstitial areas. Immunoreactivity correlated with the distribution of the main SFR nuclei in the arcuate, retrochiasmatic, periventricular, medial preoptic, supraoptic, and preoptic areas. By independent component analysis density segmentation and by interferential contrast, we identified GnRH non-neuronal positive bodies as microglial cells encapsulated within a dense halo of reaction products. These GnRH-positive microglial cells were distributed in patches and rows throughout the basal ventromedial hypothalamus, suggesting their role in paracrine or juxtacrine signaling. Moreover, as shown by ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (IBA1) immunocytochemistry, the distribution of GnRH reaction products overlapped with the microglial dense reactive zones. Therefore, our findings support the assertion that a combined densitometric analysis of GnRH and IBA1 immunocytochemistry enables activity mapping for monitoring seasonal changes following experimental interventions.

The role of protein kinase D (PKD) in obesity: Lessons from the heart and other tissues

Obesity causes a range of tissue dysfunctions that increases the risk for morbidity and mortality. Protein kinase D (PKD) represents a family of stress-activated intracellular signalling proteins that regulate essential processes such as cell proliferation and differentiation, cell survival, and exocytosis. Evidence suggests that PKD regulates the cellular adaptations to the obese environment in metabolically important tissues and drives the development of a variety of diseases. This review explores the role that PKD plays in tissue dysfunction in obesity, with special consideration of the development of obesity-mediated cardiomyopathy, a distinct cardiovascular disease that occurs in the absence of common comorbidities and leads to eventual heart failure and death. The downstream mechanisms mediated by PKD that could contribute to dysfunctions observed in the heart and other metabolically important tissues in obesity, and the predicted cell types involved are discussed to suggest potential targets for the development of therapeutics against obesity-related disease.

L-arginine loading porous PEEK promotes percutaneous tissue repair through macrophage orchestration

Infection and poor tissue repair are the key causes of percutaneous implantation failure. However, there is a lack of effective strategies to cope with due to its high requirements of sterilization, soft tissue healing, and osseointegration. In this work, l-arginine (L-Arg) was loaded onto a sulfonated polyetheretherketone (PEEK) surface to solve this issue. Under the infection condition, nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced through catalyzing L-Arg by inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and thus play a role in bacteria sterilization. Under the tissue repair condition, L-Arg is catalyzed to ornithine by Arginase-1 (Arg-1), which promotes the proliferation and collagen secretion of L929 and rBMSCs. Notably, L-Arg loading samples could polarize macrophages to M1 and M2 in infection and tissue repair conditions, respectively. The results in vivo show that the L-Arg loading samples could enhance infected soft tissue sealing and bone regeneration. In summary, L-Arg loading sulfonated PEEK could polarize macrophage through metabolic reprogramming, providing multi-functions of antibacterial abilities, soft tissue repair, and bone regeneration, which gives a new idea to design percutaneous implantation materials.

Understanding coenzyme Q

Coenzyme Q (CoQ), also known as ubiquinone, comprises a benzoquinone head group and a long isoprenoid side chain. It is thus extremely hydrophobic and resides in membranes. It is best known for its complex function as an electron transporter in the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) but is also required for several other crucial cellular processes. In fact, CoQ appears to be central to the entire redox balance of the cell. Remarkably, its structure and therefore its properties have not changed from bacteria to vertebrates. In metazoans, it is synthesized in all cells and is found in most, and maybe all, biological membranes. CoQ is also known as a nutritional supplement, mostly because of its involvement with antioxidant defenses. However, whether there is any health benefit from oral consumption of CoQ is not well established. Here we review the function of CoQ as a redox-active molecule in the ETC and other enzymatic systems, its role as a prooxidant in reactive oxygen species generation, and its separate involvement in antioxidant mechanisms. We also review CoQ biosynthesis, which is particularly complex because of its extreme hydrophobicity, as well as the biological consequences of primary and secondary CoQ deficiency, including in human patients. Primary CoQ deficiency is a rare inborn condition due to mutation in CoQ biosynthetic genes. Secondary CoQ deficiency is much more common, as it accompanies a variety of pathological conditions, including mitochondrial disorders as well as aging. In this context, we discuss the importance, but also the great difficulty, of alleviating CoQ deficiency by CoQ supplementation.

Association between immune-inflammation-based prognostic index and depression: An exploratory cross-sectional analysis of NHANES data

BACKGROUND

Immune-inflammatory mediators influence numerous immune and inflammatory pathways, elevating the likelihood of depression. The systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) emerges as an innovative prognostic indicator, integrating various peripheral blood immune cell subpopulations, specifically neutrophils, platelets, and lymphocytes. This exploratory study aims to examine the correlation between SII and depression.

METHODS

Data from the 2005-2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were utilized. Depression was diagnosed with a Patient Health Questionnaire score of 10 or higher. The relationship between log2-SII and depression incidence was analyzed using a restricted cubic spline (RCS). Logistic regression was employed to calculate the odds ratio of depression concerning log2-SII. In cases of non-linearity, piecewise linear models with change points were applied to assess the associations in both the overall population and specific subgroups. Additionally, subgroup analyses were conducted to determine the applicability of the findings to particular populations.

RESULTS

A total of 42,133 participants were included in the study, comprising 49.32 % men and 50.68 % women, with an average age of 47.02 ± 17.45 years. RCS analysis demonstrated a J-shaped non-linear relationship between log2-SII and depression incidence. When log2-SII was ≥8.50, SII showed a positive association with depression incidence, even after adjusting for covariates. Additionally, each unit increase in log2-SII corresponded to an 18 % rise in depression incidence (OR = 1.18, 95 % CI: 1.10-1.27). Subgroup analysis further revealed that the association between SII and depression incidence varied across different populations.

LIMITATIONS

Due to the cross-sectional nature of NHANES, causality or long-term implications cannot be inferred. Further research is needed to ascertain if a longitudinal relationship exists between SII and depression.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest a significant and complex non-linear association between SII and depression. However, further basic and prospective studies are necessary to explore SII's impact on depression and clarify its underlying mechanisms. Additionally, these studies will provide a foundation for personalized interventions targeting the immune-inflammatory processes in patients with depression and elevated SII.

Metformin use and survival in people with ovarian cancer: A population-based cohort study from British Columbia, Canada

OBJECTIVES

There is an active debate regarding whether metformin use improves survival in people with ovarian cancer. We examined this issue using methods designed to avoid immortal time bias-as bias that occurs when participants in a study cannot experience the outcome for a certain portion of the study time.

METHODS

We used time-dependent analyses to study the association between metformin use for all 4,951 patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1997 through 2018 in the province of British Columbia, Canada. Cox proportional hazards models were run to estimate the association between metformin and survival in the full cohort of ovarian cancer patients and among a cohort restricted to patients with diabetes.

RESULTS

Metformin use was associated with a 17 % better ovarian cancer survival in the full cohort (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 0.83 (95 %CI 0.67, 1.02)), and a 16 % better ovarian cancer survival for serous cancers patient's cohort (aHR = 0.84 (95 %CI 0.66, 1.07)), although both were not significant. However, a statistically significant protective effect was observed when restricting to the diabetic cohort (aHR = 0.71 (95 %CI 0.54-0.91)), which was also seen among serous cancers (aHR = 0.73 (95 %CI 0.54-0.98)).

CONCLUSION

Metformin use was associated with improved ovarian cancer survival. The lack of statistical significance in the full cohort may reflect that diabetes is associated with reduced cancer survival, and thus diabetes itself may offset the benefit of metformin when examining the full cohort. Future research should examine metformin use among non-diabetic ovarian cancer patients.

DPP-4 inhibitors sitagliptin and PF-00734,200 mitigate dopaminergic neurodegeneration, neuroinflammation and behavioral impairment in the rat 6-OHDA model of Parkinson's disease

Epidemiological studies report an elevated risk of Parkinson's disease (PD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) that is mitigated in those prescribed dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. With an objective to characterize clinically translatable doses of DPP-4 inhibitors (gliptins) in a well-characterized PD rodent model, sitagliptin, PF-00734,200 or vehicle were orally administered to rats initiated either 7-days before or 7-days after unilateral medial forebrain bundle 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesioning. Measures of dopaminergic cell viability, dopamine content, neuroinflammation and neurogenesis were evaluated thereafter in ipsi- and contralateral brain. Plasma and brain incretin and DPP-4 activity levels were quantified. Furthermore, brain incretin receptor levels were age-dependently evaluated in rodents, in 6-OHDA challenged animals and human subjects with/without PD. Cellular studies evaluated neurotrophic/neuroprotective actions of combined incretin administration. Pre-treatment with oral sitagliptin or PF-00734,200 reduced methamphetamine (meth)-induced rotation post-lesioning and dopaminergic degeneration in lesioned substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) and striatum. Direct intracerebroventricular gliptin administration lacked neuroprotective actions, indicating that systemic incretin-mediated mechanisms underpin gliptin-induced favorable brain effects. Post-treatment with a threefold higher oral gliptin dose, likewise, mitigated meth-induced rotation, dopaminergic neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation, and augmented neurogenesis. These gliptin-induced actions associated with 70-80% plasma and 20-30% brain DPP-4 inhibition, and elevated plasma and brain incretin levels. Brain incretin receptor protein levels were age-dependently maintained in rodents, preserved in rats challenged with 6-OHDA, and in humans with PD. Combined GLP-1 and GIP receptor activation in neuronal cultures resulted in neurotrophic/neuroprotective actions superior to single agonists alone. In conclusion, these studies support further evaluation of the repurposing of clinically approved gliptins as a treatment strategy for PD.

Impact of diet-induced maternal obesity on the reproductive capacity of F1 female offspring and the early development of the second generation

The aim of this study was to examine the impact of maternal obesity on the reproductive capacity of the female offspring (F1) and on the early development of the second generation (F2). To this end, rats were fed either standard (SD) or cafeteria (CD) diet. CD rats and their offspring were divided into 2 groups: rats with 18% and ≥25% overweight (CD18 and CD25, respectively) and offspring from CD18 and CD25 rats (OCD18 and OCD25, respectively). Both OCD groups achieved greater weight gain than controls, without changes in the serum levels of glucose, cholesterol or triglycerides. However, they showed increased gonadal cholesterol concentration and fat content compared to controls. Female OCD groups showed a slight prolongation of the estrous cycle and different pattern of changes in the weight gain during pregnancy. The OCD25 group displayed an increased fertility index and preimplantation losses, and changes in some fetal measurements. Some OCD25 dams gave birth to a larger litter of pups and displayed a lower viability index and lactation rate than controls. OCD25 dams also showed an increase in estradiol and a decrease in testosterone and anti-Müllerian hormone. OCD25 rats showed increased mRNA levels of steroidogenenic enzymes. The offspring from OCD25 females (F2OCD25 offspring) showed early vaginal opening and higher ovulation rate in females, and lower ano-genital distances in males, compared to controls. In conclusion, these results reflect that maternal obesity impacts on the reproductive health of successive generations, probably as a result of epigenetic changes in different systems, including germ cells.

Inflammation-related miRNAs in obesity, CVD, and NAFLD

Obesity, cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) pose significant worldwide health challenges, characterized by complex interplay among inflammatory pathways that underlie their development. In this review, we examine the contribution of inflammation and associated signaling molecules to the pathogenesis of these conditions, while also emphasizing the significant participation of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in modulating inflammatory pathways. In the context of obesity, aberrant expression patterns of inflammatory-associated miRNAs play a contributory role in adipose tissue inflammation and insulin resistance, thereby exacerbating disturbances in metabolic homeostasis. Similarly, in CVD, dysregulated miRNA expression alters inflammatory reactions, disrupts endothelial function, and induces cardiac remodeling, thereby impacting the advancement of the disease. Moreover, in the context of NAFLD, inflammatory-associated miRNAs are implicated in mediating hepatic inflammation, lipid deposition, and fibrosis, underscoring their candidacy as promising therapeutic targets. Additionally, the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network has emerged as a novel regulatory mechanism in the etiology of CVD, obesity, and NAFLD, wherein ncRNAs assume pivotal roles in facilitating communication across diverse molecular pathways. Moreover, in the concluding section, we underscored the potential efficacy of directing interventions towards inflammatory-related miRNAs utilizing herbal remedies and therapies based on exosome delivery systems as a promising strategy for ameliorating pathologies associated with inflammation in obesity, CVD, and NAFLD.

Targeting histone methylation and demethylation for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading chronic liver disease worldwide, facing increasing challenges in terms of prevention and treatment. The methylation of lysine and arginine residues on histone proteins is dynamically controlled by histone methyltransferases (HMTs) and histone demethylases (HDMs), regulating chromatin structure and gene transcription. Mutations, genetic translocations, and altered gene expression involving HMTs and HDMs are frequently observed in NAFLD. HMTs and HDMs are receiving increasing attention in regulating NALFD. Targeting specific HMTs and HDMs for drug development is becoming a new strategy for treating NAFLD. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the regulatory mechanism of histone methylation/demethylation in NAFLD. Additionally, we discuss the potential applications of HMTs and HDMs inhibitors in preventing NAFLD, which may provide a scientific basis for the treatment of NAFLD.

Role of pyruvate kinase M2 in regulating sepsis (Review)

Glycolysis occurs in all living organisms as a form of energy supply. Pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) is one of the rate‑limiting enzymes in the glycolytic process. PKM2 is considered to serve an important role in several terminal diseases, including sepsis. However, to the best of our knowledge, the specific mechanistic role of PKM2 in sepsis remains to be systematically summarised. Therefore, the present review aims to summarise the roles of PKM2 in sepsis progression. In addition, potential treatment strategies for patients with sepsis are discussed. The present review hopes to lay the groundwork for studying the role of PKM2 and developing therapeutic strategies against metabolic disorders that occur during sepsis.

Effects of exercise interventions on brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in overweight and obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

/Objective. An explosion in global obesity epidemic poses threats to the healthcare system by provoking risks of many debilitating diseases, including cognitive dysfunction. Physical activity has been shown to alleviate the deleterious effects of obesity-associated cognitive deficits across the lifespan. Given the strong neuroprotective role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and exercise training as a known modulator for its elevation, this systematic review sought to examine the strength of the association between exercise and BDNF levels in healthy people with overweight and obesity.

Methods

Six electronic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Ovid Nursing Database, and SPORTDiscus) were searched from their inceptions through December 2022. The primary outcome of interest was BDNF levels. Interventional studies (randomized and quasi-experimental) with English full text available were included. Risk of bias of the included studies was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database Scale. Data were extracted for meta-analyses by random-effects models.

Results

Thirteen studies (n = 750), of which 69.2% (9/13) had low risk of bias, were included. In the meta-analysis, exercise interventions had no significant effect on resting BDNF levels (standardized mean difference: -0.30, 95% CI -0.80 to 0.21, P = 0.25). Subgroup analyses also indicated no effects of age and types of control groups being compared on moderating the association.

Conclusion

To further inform the role of BDNF in obesity-related cognitive functioning, rigorous studies with larger samples of participants and raw data available were imperatively deserved.

Inflammatory age and its impact on age-related health in older Chinese adults

INTRODUCTION

A standardized measure for inflammaging is lacking. We introduced the inflammatory age (iAge) as a quantification method and explored its associations with age-related traits and diseases in an older Chinese cohort.

METHODS

Inflammatory markers including white blood cell count (WBC), neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, C-reactive protein, platelets and albumin were measured. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to measure telomere length. Traditional multivariable linear, partial least squares, and logistic regression were used.

RESULTS

iAge was constructed based on WBC, neutrophils, monocytes and albumin, which were associated with telomere length independently. A higher iAge indicated a heavier aging-related inflammation burden. Per 1-year increase in iAge was associated with higher body mass index (β 0.86 (95 % CI 0.67, 1.05) kg/m2), waist circumference (β 2.37 (95 % CI 1.85, 2.90) cm), glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (β 0.06 (95 % CI 0.02, 0.10) %), systolic blood pressure (β 1.06 (95 % CI 0.10, 2.03) mmHg), triglycerides (β 0.05 (95 % CI 0.01, 0.08) mmol/L), 10-year cardiovascular diseases risk (β 0.05 (95 % CI 0.02, 0.08) %), diabetes (OR 1.22 (95 % CI 1.02, 1.46)), hypertension (OR 1.21 (95 % CI 1.04, 1.42)) and metabolic syndrome risks (OR 1.25 (95 % CI 1.04, 1.51)), and lower fasting plasma glucose (β -0.016 (95 % CI -0.024, -0.007) mmol/L), total cholesterol (β -0.06 (95 % CI -0.12, -0.01) mmol/L) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (β -0.05 (95 % CI -0.07, -0.03) mmol/L).

CONCLUSION

The newly introduced iAge, derived from inflammatory markers and telomere length, aligns with various metabolic dysfunctions and age-related disease risks, underscoring its potential ability in identifying aging-related phenotypes.

Fasting-induced activity changes in MC3R neurons of the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus

The brain controls energy homeostasis by regulating food intake through signaling within the melanocortin system. Whilst we understand the role of the hypothalamus within this system, how extra-hypothalamic brain regions are involved in controlling energy balance remains unclear. Here we show that the melanocortin 3 receptor (MC3R) is expressed in the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT). We tested whether fasting would change the activity of MC3R neurons in this region by assessing the levels of c-Fos and pCREB as neuronal activity markers. We determined that overnight fasting causes a significant reduction in pCREB levels within PVT-MC3R neurons. We then questioned whether perturbation of MC3R signaling, during fasting, would result in altered refeeding. Using chemogenetic approaches, we show that modulation of MC3R activity, during the fasting period, does not impact body weight regain or total food intake in the refeeding period. However, we did observe significant differences in the pattern of feeding-related behavior. These findings suggest that the PVT is a region where MC3R neurons respond to energy deprivation and modulate refeeding behavior.

Current strategies for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease treatment (Review)

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the most common chronic hepatic disease, has become a leading health problem worldwide. The present review summarized the methods and mechanisms to treat NAFLD, including the Mediterranean diet, physical activity and exercise, bariatric surgery and specific therapeutic agents, including statins, peroxisome proliferator‑activated receptor agonists, cenicriviroc and farnesoid X receptor agonists. Biologically active substances, such as peptides, alkaloids, polyphenolic compounds, silymarin, antibiotics, fatty acids, vitamins, probiotics, synbiotics and lamiaceae have also demonstrated actions that combat NAFLD. Considering their different mechanisms of action, combining some of them may prove an efficacious treatment for NAFLD. In this light, the present review describes recent progress and future prospects in treating NAFLD.

Evaluation of changes in carbonyl stress markers with treatment in male patients with bipolar disorder manic episode: A controlled study

BACKGROUND

Carbonyl stress, a metabolic state characterized by elevated production of reactive carbonyl compounds (RCCs), is closely related to oxidative stress and has been implicated in various diseases. This study aims to investigate carbonyl stress parameters in drug-free bipolar disorder (BD) patients compared to healthy controls, explore their relationship with clinical features, and assess the effect of treatment on these parameters.

METHODS

Patients with a primary diagnosis of a manic episode of BD and healthy controls were recruited. Exclusion criteria included intellectual disability, presence of neurological diseases, chronic medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome, and clinical signs of inflammation. Levels of serum carbonyl stress parameters were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography.

RESULTS

Levels of glyoxal (GO) and methylglyoxal (MGO) did not differ between pre- and post-treatment patients, but malondialdehyde (MDA) levels decreased significantly post-treatment. Pre-treatment MGO and MDA levels were higher in patients compared to controls, and these differences persisted post-treatment. After adjusting for BMI and waist circumference, only MDA levels remained significantly higher in patients compared to controls.

LIMITATIONS

The study's limitations include the exclusion of female patients, which precluded any assessment of potential gender differences, and the lack of analysis of the effect of specific mood stabilizers or antipsychotic drugs.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first to focus on carbonyl stress markers in BD, specifically GO, MGO, and MDA. MDA levels remained significantly higher in patients, suggesting a potential role in BD pathophysiology. MGO levels were influenced by metabolic parameters, indicating a potential link to neurotoxicity in BD. Further research with larger cohorts is needed to better understand the role of RCCs in BD and their potential as therapeutic targets.

Mitigation of gestational diabetes-induced endothelial dysfunction through FGF21-NRF2 pathway activation involving L-Cystine

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) disrupts glucolipid metabolism, endangering maternal and fetal health. Despite limited research on its pathogenesis and treatments, we conducted a study using serum samples from GDM-diagnosed pregnant women. We performed metabolic sequencing to identify key small molecule metabolites and explored their molecular interactions with FGF21. We also investigated FGF21's impact on GDM using blood samples from affected women. Our analysis revealed a novel finding: elevated levels of L-Cystine in GDM patients. Furthermore, we observed a positive correlation between L-Cystine and FGF21 levels, and found that L-Cystine induces NRF2 expression via FGF21 for a period of 96 h. Under high glucose (HG) conditions, FGF21 upregulates NRF2 and downstream genes NQO1 and EPHX1 via AKT phosphorylation induced by activation of IRS1, enhancing endothelial function. Additionally, we confirmed that levels of FGF21, L-Cystine, and endothelial function at the third trimester were effectively enhanced through appropriate exercise and diet during pregnancy in GDM patients (GDM + ED). These findings suggest FGF21 as a potential therapeutic agent for GDM, particularly in protecting endothelial cells. Moreover, elevated L-Cystine via appropriate exercise and diet might be a potential strategy to enhance FGF21's efficacy.

Methylglyoxal induces endothelial cell apoptosis and coronary microvascular dysfunction through regulating AR-cPLA2 signaling

OBJECTIVE

Since diabetic patients with coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) exhibit high cardiac mortality and women have higher prevalence of non-obstructive coronary artery disease than men, we tried to expand the limited understanding about the etiology and the sex difference of diabetic CMD.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

Accumulated methylglyoxal (MGO) due to diabetes promotes vascular damage and it was used for mimicking diabetic status. Flow cytometry analysis and isometric tension measurement were performed to evaluate coronary artery endothelial injury. MGO induced apoptosis of coronary endothelial cells, accompanied by downregulation of androgen receptor (AR). Lentivirus-mediated stable expression of AR in coronary endothelial cells increased anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 expression and attenuated MGO-induced cell apoptosis. cPLA2 activation was the downstream of AR downregulation by MGO treatment. Moreover, MGO also activated cPLA2 rapidly to impair endothelium-dependent vasodilation of coronary arteries from mice. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction was demonstrated to account for MGO-mediated cPLA2 activation and endothelial dysfunction. Importantly, AR blockade increased endothelial ROS production whereas AR activation protected coronary artery endothelial vasodilatory function from the MGO-induced injury. Although galectin-3 upregulation was confirmed by siRNA knockdown in endothelial cells not to participate in MGO-induced endothelial apoptosis, pharmacological inhibitor of galectin-3 further enhanced MGO-triggered ROS generation and coronary artery endothelial impairment.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data proposed the AR downregulation-ROS overproduction-cPLA2 activation pathway as one of the mechanisms underlying diabetic CMD and postulated a possible reason for the sex difference of CMD-related angina. Meanwhile, MGO-induced galectin-3 activation played a compensatory role against coronary endothelial dysfunction.

Host response to Aplysia Abyssovirus 1 in nervous system and gill

The California sea hare (Aplysia californica) is a model for age associated cognitive decline. Recent researched identified a novel nidovirus, Aplysia Abyssovirus 1, with broad tropism enriched in the Aplysia nervous system. This virus is ubiquitous in wild and maricultured, young and old animals without obvious pathology. Here we re-evaluated gene expression data from several previous studies to investigate differential expression in the nervous system and gill in response to virus and aging as well as the mutational spectrum observed in the viral sequences obtained from these datasets. Viral load and age were highly correlated, indicating persistent infection. Upregulated genes in response to virus were enriched for immune genes and signatures of ER and proteostatic stress, while downregulated genes were enriched for mitochondrial metabolism. Differential expression with respect to age suggested increased iron accumulation and decreased glycolysis, fatty acid metabolism, and proteasome function. Interaction of gene expression trends associated with viral infection and aging suggest that viral infection likely plays a role in aging in the Aplysia nervous system. Mutation analysis of viral RNA identified signatures suggesting ADAR and AID/APOBEC like deaminase act as part of Aplysia anti-viral defense.

Activation of NF-κB signaling regulates ovariectomy-induced bone loss and weight gain

Postmenopausal women experience bone loss and weight gain. To date, crosstalk between estrogen receptor signals and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) has been reported, and estrogen depletion enhances bone resorption by osteoclasts via NF-κB activation. However, it is unclear when and in which tissues NF-κB is activated after menopause, and how NF-κB acts as a common signaling molecule for postmenopausal weight gain and bone loss. Therefore, we examined the role of NF-κB in bone and energy metabolism following menopause. NF-κB reporter mice, which can be used to measure NF-κB activation in vivo, were ovariectomized (OVX) and the luminescence intensity after OVX increased in the metaphyses of the long bones and perigonadal white adipose tissue, but not in the other tissues. OVX was performed on wild-type (WT) and p65 mutant knock-in (S534A) mice, whose mutation enhances the transcriptional activity of NF-κB. Weight gain with worsening glucose tolerance was significant in S534A mice after OVX compared with those of WT mice. The bone density of the sham group in WT or S534A mice did not change, whereas in the S534A-OVX group it significantly decreased due to the suppression of bone formation and increase in bone marrow adipocytes. Disulfiram, an anti-alcoholic drug, suppressed OVX-induced activation of NF-κB in the metaphyses of long bones and white adipose tissue (WAT), as well as weight gain and bone loss. Overall, the activation of NF-κB in the metaphyses of long bones and WAT after OVX regulates post-OVX weight gain and bone loss.

Periprostatic adipose tissue inhibits tumor progression by secreting apoptotic factors: A natural barrier induced by the immune response during the early stages of prostate cancer

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most prevalent malignancy in men worldwide. The risk factors for PCa include obesity, age and family history. Increased visceral fat has been associated with high PCa risk, which has prompted previous researchers to investigate the influence of body composition and fat distribution on PCa prognosis. However, there is a lack of studies focusing on the mechanisms and interactions between periprostatic adipose tissue (PPAT) and PCa cells. The present study investigated the association between the composition of pelvic adipose tissue and PCa aggressiveness to understand the role played by this tissue in PCa progression. Moreover, PPAT-conditioned medium (CM) was prepared to assess the influence of the PPAT secretome on the pathophysiology of PCa. The present study included 50 patients with localized PCa who received robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. Medical records were collected, magnetic resonance imaging scans were analyzed and body compositions were calculated to identify the associations between adipose tissue volume and clinical PCa aggressiveness. In addition, CM was prepared from PPAT and perivesical adipose tissue (PVAT) collected from 25 patients during surgery, and its effects on the PCa cell lines C4-2 and LNCaP, and the prostate epithelial cell line PZ-HPV-7, were investigated using a cell proliferation assay and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). The results revealed that the initial prostate-specific antigen level was significantly correlated with pelvic and periprostatic adipose tissue volumes. In addition, PPAT volume was significantly higher in patients with extracapsular tumor extension. PCa cell proliferation was significantly reduced when the cells were cultured in PPAT-CM compared with when they were cultured in control- and PVAT-CM. RNA-seq revealed that immune responses, and the cell death and apoptosis pathways were enriched in PPAT-CM-cultured cells indicating that the cytokines or other factors secreted from PPAT-CM induced PCa cell apoptosis. These findings revealed that the PPAT secretome may inhibit PCa cell proliferation by activating immune responses and promoting cancer cell apoptosis. This mechanism may act as a first-line defense during the early stages of PCa.

Maternal low-dose caffeine intake during the perinatal period promotes short- and long-term sex-dependent hormonal and behavior changes in the offspring

AIM

Maternal caffeine crosses the placenta and mammary barriers, reaching the baby and, because his/her caffeine metabolism is immature, our hypothesis is that even a low caffeine intake (250 mg/day), lower than the dose limit recommended by the World Health Organization, can promote caffeine overexposure in the offspring, leading to short- and long-term changes.

MAIN METHODS

Pregnant Wistar rats received intragastric caffeine (CAF) (25 mg/Kg/day) or vehicle during the gestation and lactation periods. We evaluated morphometrical, metabolic, hormonal, and behavioral parameters of male and female offspring at different ages.

KEY FINDINGS

Even a low caffeine intake promoted lower maternal body mass and adiposity, higher plasma cholesterol and lower plasma T3, without changes in plasma corticosterone. Female CAF offspring exhibited lower birth weight, body mass gain and food intake throughout life, and hyperinsulinemia at weaning, while male CAF offspring showed reduced food intake and lower plasma T3 at weaning. At puberty and adulthood, male CAF showed higher preference for palatable food, aversion to caffeine intake and higher locomotor activity, while female CAF only showed lower preference for high fat diet (HFD) and lower anxiety-like behavior. At adulthood, both male and female offspring showed higher plasma T3. Male CAF showed hypertestosteronemia, while female CAF showed hypoinsulinemia without effect on glucose tolerance.

SIGNIFICANCE

A low caffeine intake during the perinatal period affects rat's offspring development, promoting sex-dependent hormonal and behavior changes. Current data suggest the need to review caffeine recommendations during the perinatal period.

Glucose addition and oven-heating of pork stimulate glycoxidation and protein carbonylation, while reducing lipid oxidation during simulated gastrointestinal digestion

In the present study, it was investigated if glucose addition (3 or 5%) to pork stimulates glycoxidation (pentosidine, PEN), glycation (Maillard reaction products, MRP), lipid oxidation (4-hydroxy-2-nonenal, 4-HNE; hexanal, HEX; thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, TBARS), and protein oxidation (protein carbonyl compounds, PCC) during various heating conditions and subsequent in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. An increase in protein-bound PEN level was observed during meat digestion, which was significantly stimulated by glucose addition (up to 3.3-fold) and longer oven-heating time (up to 2.5-fold) of the meat. These changes were accompanied by the distinct formation of MRP during heating and digestion of the meats. Remarkably, stimulated glyc(oxid)ation was accompanied by increased protein oxidation, whereas lipid oxidation was decreased, indicating these reactions are interrelated during gastrointestinal digestion of meat. Glucose addition generally didn't affect these oxidative reactions when pork was packed preventing air exposure and oven-heated until a core temperature of 75 °C was reached.

Preliminary study on the mechanism by which exosomes derived from human exfoliated deciduous teeth improve the proliferation and osteogenic inhibitory effect of glucocorticoid-induced BMSCs

BACKGROUND

Steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (SONFH) is a disease characterized by a collapsed femoral head caused by the overuse of glucocorticoids. Dysfunction of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) is an important pathological feature of SONFH. In this study, we investigated whether exosomes from SHEDs (stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth) have a therapeutic effect on glucocorticoid-induced inhibition of proliferation and osteogenesis in BMSCs, and elucidated the underlying mechanisms involved.

METHODS

Primary dental pulp cells were isolated and cultured from human deciduous tooth pulp, SHEDs were isolated and purified by the limiting dilution method and exosomes were isolated from the supernatants of SHEDs by ultracentrifugation. The cell surface markers CD31, CD34, CD45, CD73, CD90 and CD105 were detected by flow cytometry. A Cell-Counting-Kit-8 assay was used to detect cell activity. ALP and Alizarin Red staining were used to identify osteogenic differentiation ability, and exosomes were identified using transmission electron microscopy, NanoFCM and Western blotting. PKH67 fluorescence was used to track the uptake of exosomes by BMSCs. Transcriptome analysis combined with quantitative real-time PCR was used to explore the underlying mechanism involved.

RESULTS

Exosomes secreted by SHEDs can be endocytosed by BMSCs, and can partially reverse the inhibitory effects of glucocorticoids on the viability and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. Transcriptome sequencing analysis revealed that the differentially expressed mRNAs regulated by SHED-derived exosomes were enriched mainly in signaling pathways such as the apoptosis pathway, the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, the Hippo signaling pathway and the p53 signaling pathway. qPCR showed that SHED-derived exosomes reversed the dexamethasone-induced upregulation of HGF and ITGB8 expression and the inhibition of EFNA1 expression, but further increased the dexamethasone-induced downregulation of IL7 expression. In conclusion, SHED-derived exosomes partially reversed the inhibitory effects of glucocorticoids on BMSC proliferation and osteogenesis by inhibiting the expression of HGF, ITGB8 and IL7, and upregulating the expression of EFNA1.

Immunometabolic characteristics of Dendritic Cells and its significant modulation by mitochondria-associated signaling in the tumor microenvironment influence cancer progression

Dendritic cells (DCs) mediated T-cell responses is critical to anti-tumor immunity. This study explores immunometabolic attributes of DC, emphasizing on mitochondrial association, in Tumor Microenvironment (TME) that regulate cancer progression. Conventional DC subtypes cross-present tumor-associated antigens to activate lymphocytes. However, plasmacytoid DCs participate in both pro- and anti-tumor signaling where mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) play crucial role. CTLA-4, CD-47 and other surface-receptors of DC negatively regulates T-cell. Increased glycolysis-mediated mitochondrial citrate buildup and translocation to cytosol with augmented NADPH, enhances mitochondrial fatty acid synthesis fueling DCs. Different DC subtypes and stages, exhibit variable mitochondrial content, membrane potential, structural dynamics and bioenergetic metabolism regulated by various cytokine stimulation, e.g., GM-CSF, IL-4, etc. CD8α+ cDC1s augmented oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) which diminishes at advance effector stages. Glutaminolysis in mitochondria supplement energy in DCs but production of kynurenine and other oncometabolites leads to immunosuppression. Mitochondria-associated DAMPs cause activation of cGAS-STING pathway and inflammasome oligomerization stimulating DC and T cells. In this study, through a comprehensive survey and critical analysis of the latest literature, the potential of DC metabolism for more effective tumor therapy is highlighted. This underscores the need for future research to explore specific therapeutic targets and potential drug candidates.

Exerkines: Benign adaptation for exercise and benefits for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Exercise has multiple beneficial effects on human metabolic health and is regarded as a "polypill" for various diseases. At present, the lack of physical activity usually causes an epidemic of chronic metabolic syndromes, including obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Remarkably, NAFLD is emerging as a serious public health issue and is associated with the development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Unfortunately, specific drug therapies for NAFLD and its more severe form, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), are currently unavailable. Lifestyle modification is the foundation of treatment recommendations for NAFLD and NASH, especially for exercise. There are under-appreciated organs that crosstalk to the liver during exercise such as muscle-liver crosstalk. Previous studies have reported that certain exerkines, such as FGF21, GDF15, irisin, and adiponectin, are beneficial for liver metabolism and have the potential to be targeted for NAFLD treatment. In addition, some of exerkines can be modified for the new proteins and get enhanced functions, like IL-6/IC7Fc. Another importance of exercise is the physiological adaptation that combats metabolic diseases. Thus, this review aims to summarize the known exerkines and utilize a multi-omics mining tool to identify more exerkines for the future research. Overall, understanding the mechanisms by which exercise-induced exerkines exert their beneficial effects on metabolic health holds promise for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for NAFLD and related diseases.

Juvenile hormone signal transducer hairy inhibits Krüppel homolog1 expression

Hairy and Krüppel homolog 1 (Kr-h1) are transcriptional repressors that act synergistically to mediate the gene-repressive action of juvenile hormone (JH). However, whether a regulatory relationship exists between Hairy and Kr-h1 remains unclear. In this study, an inhibitory effect of Hairy on Kr-h1 expression was found. Genetic studies in Drosophila have shown that the simultaneous overexpression of Hairy and Kr-h1 can rescue the defective phenotypes caused by the overexpression of a single factor. Reduced expression of Kr-h1 was observed in Hairy-overexpressing flies and cells, whereas the expression levels of Hairy were unaffected in cells with ectopic expression of Kr-h1. The inhibitory effect of Hairy on Kr-h1 expression was found to occur at the transcriptional level, as Hairy bound directly to the B-box within the Kr-h1 promoter via the bHLH motif and recruited the corepressors C-terminal binding protein (CtBP) and Groucho (Gro) through the PLSLV and WRPW motifs, respectively. Our findings revealed a regulatory relationship between two JH response factors, which advances our understanding of the molecular mechanism of JH signaling.

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor dynamics in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: From immune modulation to therapeutic opportunities

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a substantial global health burden. Immune escape mechanisms are important in ESCC progression, enabling cancer cells to escape the surveillance of the host immune system. One key player in this process is the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR), which influences multiple cellular processes, including proliferation, differentiation, metabolism, and immune regulation. Dysregulated AhR signaling participates in ESCC development by stimulating carcinogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and immune escape. Targeting AhR signaling is a potential therapeutic approach for ESCC, with AhR ligands showing efficacy in preclinical studies. Additionally, modification of AhR ligands and combination therapies present new opportunities for therapeutic intervention. This review aims to address the knowledge gap related to the role of AhR signaling in ESCC pathogenesis and immune escape.