Role of stilbenes against insulin resistance: A review

A comprehensive review on the neuroprotective potential of resveratrol in ischemic stroke

Stroke is the second leading cause of death and the third leading cause of disability worldwide. Globally, 68 % of all strokes are ischemic, with 32 % being hemorrhagic. Ischemic stroke (IS) poses significant challenges globally, necessitating the development of effective therapeutic strategies. IS is among the deadliest illnesses. Major functions are played by neuroimmunity, inflammation, and oxidative stress in the multiple intricate pathways of IS. Secondary brain damage is specifically caused by the early pro-inflammatory activity that follows cerebral ischemia, which is brought on by excessive activation of local microglia and the infiltration of circulating monocytes and macrophages. Resveratrol, a natural polyphenol found in grapes and berries, has shown promise as a neuroprotective agent in IS. This review offers a comprehensive overview of resveratrol's neuroprotective role in IS, focusing on its mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential. Resveratrol exerts neuroprotective effects by activating nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) pathways. SIRT1 activation by resveratrol triggers the deacetylation and activation of downstream targets like peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator 1 alpha (PGC-1α) and forkhead box protein O (FOXO), regulating mitochondrial biogenesis, antioxidant defense, and cellular stress response. Consequently, resveratrol promotes cellular survival and inhibits apoptosis in IS. Moreover, resveratrol activates the NRF2 pathway, a key mediator of the cellular antioxidant response. Activation of NRF2 through resveratrol enhances the expression of antioxidant enzymes, like heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), which neutralize reactive oxygen species and mitigate oxidative stress in the ischemic brain. Combined, the activation of SIRT1 and NRF2 pathways contributes to resveratrol's neuroprotective effects by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in IS. Preclinical studies demonstrate that resveratrol improves functional outcomes, reduces infarct size, regulates cerebral blood flow and preserves neuronal integrity. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of these mechanisms holds promise for the development of targeted therapeutic interventions aimed at promoting neuronal survival and facilitating functional recovery in IS patients and to aid future studies in this matter.

The protective role of carnosine against type 2 diabetes-induced cognitive impairment

The morbidity and mortality associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have grown exponentially over the last 30 years. Together with its associated complications, the mortality rates have increased. One important complication in those living with T2DM is the acceleration of age-related cognitive decline. T2DM-induced cognitive impairment seriously affects memory, executive function, and quality of life. However, there is a lack of effective treatment for both diabetes and cognitive decline. Thus, finding novel treatments which are cheap, effective in both diabetes and cognitive impairment, are easily accessible, are needed to reduce impact on patients with diabetes and health-care systems. Carnosine, a histidine containing dipeptide, plays a protective role in cognitive diseases due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammation, and anti-glycation properties, all of which may slow the development of neurodegenerative diseases and ischemic injury. Furthermore, carnosine is also involved in regulating glucose and insulin in diabetes. Herein, we discuss the neuroprotective role of carnosine and its mechanisms in T2DM-induced cognitive impairment, which may provide a theoretical basis and evidence base to evaluate whether carnosine has therapeutic effects in alleviating cognitive dysfunction in T2DM patients.

Bibliometric and visualized analysis of resveratrol in anticancer investigations

A growing number of publications have shown that resveratrol has anticancer effects and has become a hotspot in cancer research. The purpose of this study is to analyze the academic results and research trends in resveratrol within the field of anticancer and to predict the future trends in this field. We conducted a literature search for resveratrol in anticancer research from 2003 to 2022 using the Science Citation Index Expanded of the Web of Science Core Collection. The visualization software was used to perform the bibliometric analysis. A total of 1463 publications from 2003 to 2022 were retrieved. China had the highest number of publications. Taipei Medical University became the research institution with the largest number of publications worldwide. The journals with the highest output and co-citation frequency were Molecules and Cancer Research. Levenson, Anait S and Jaeger, Walter published the largest number of papers. Jang, MS was the most co-cited author. Timeline View shows trends and relationship between research topics over time and suggests that the emerging frontier of resveratrol in anticancer may be "resveratrol induces apoptosis." As more and more evidence shows the important role of resveratrol in anticancer, further research on its mechanisms and target discovery may become a major direction for future research. The bibliometric analysis findings of this study will significantly contribute to scholars' comprehensive understanding of the anticancer effects and mechanisms of action of resveratrol, aiding in delineating research hotspots and frontier directions within this field, thereby providing guidance for future investigations.

Study on the mechanism of American ginseng extract for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus based on metabolomics

American ginseng extract (AGE) is an efficient and low-toxic adjuvant for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the metabolic mechanisms of AGE against T2DM remain unknown. In this study, a rat model of T2DM was created and administered for 28 days. Their biological (body weight and serum biochemical indicators) and pathological (pancreatic sections stained with HE) information were collected for further pharmacodynamic evaluation. Moreover, an ultra-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry–based (UHPLC–MS/MS–based) untargeted metabolomics method was used to identify potential biomarkers of serum samples from all rats and related metabolic pathways. The results indicated that body weight, fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting blood insulin (FINS), blood triglyceride concentration (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) and insulin sensitivity index (ISI), and impaired islet cells were significantly improved after the high dose of AGE (H_AGE) and metformin treatment. Metabolomics analysis identified 101 potential biomarkers among which 94 metabolites had an obvious callback. These potential biomarkers were mainly enriched in nine metabolic pathways linked to amino acid metabolism and lipid metabolism. Tryptophan metabolism and glutathione metabolism, as differential metabolic pathways between AGE and metformin for treating T2DM, were further explored. Further analysis of the aforementioned results suggested that the anti-T2DM effect of AGE was closely associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, dyslipidemia, immune response, insulin resistance, insulin secretion, and T2DM-related complications. This study can provide powerful support for the systematic exploration of the mechanism of AGE against T2DM and a basis for the clinical diagnosis of T2DM.

Impact of vitamin D on maternal and fetal health: A review

The role of vitamin D in improving maternal health and reducing the risk of developmental disorders in fetus has been an important domain of research since the past few years. Vitamin D, owing to its immunomodulatory, anti‐inflammatory, developmental roles, and regulating calcium homeostasis, is predicted to have a significant influence on maternal and fetal health status. Several observational studies and clinical trials, determining the impact of vitamin D on gestational diabetes, C‐section, postpartum depression, pre‐eclampsia, miscarriages, and preterm delivery, have been elaborated in this review. In addition, fetal birth defects including neurological development, reduced birth weight, respiratory infections, bone development, and altered anthropometrics have also been summarized with available evidences. Other important mechanisms related to the roles of vitamin D in the body are also explained. Furthermore, recent studies determining the effect of vitamin D at genetic level will also help in understanding and future design of research in the area of maternal and fetal health.