Identification of ferroptosis-related genes in type 2 diabetes mellitus based on machine learning

Improving understanding of ferroptosis: Molecular mechanisms, connection with cellular senescence and implications for aging

In the face of cell damage, cells can initiate a response ranging from survival to death, the balance being crucial for tissue homeostasis and overall health. Cell death, in both accidental and regulated forms, plays a fundamental role in maintaining tissue homeostasis. Among the regulated mechanisms of cell death, ferroptosis has garnered attention for its iron-dependent phospholipid (PL) peroxidation and its implications in aging and age-related disorders, as well as for its therapeutic relevance. In this review, we provide an overview of the mechanisms, regulation, and physiological and pathological roles of ferroptosis. We present new insights into the relationship between ferroptosis, cellular senescence and aging, emphasizing how alterations in ferroptosis pathways contribute to aging-related tissue dysfunction. In addition, we examine the therapeutic potential of ferroptosis in aging-related diseases, offering innovative insights into future interventions aimed at mitigating the effects of aging and promoting longevity.

Effects of Zinc Combined with Metformin on Zinc Homeostasis, Blood-Epididymal Barrier, and Epididymal Absorption in Male Diabetic Mice

Diabetes increases the likelihood of germ cell damage, hypogonadism, and male infertility. Diabetes leads to lower zinc (Zn) levels, an important micronutrient for maintaining male fertility, and zinc deficiency can lead to decreased male fertility through multiple mechanisms. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of combined metformin and zinc administration on epididymis in diabetic mice; 10 of 50 male mice were randomly selected as the control group (group C), and the remaining 40 mice were randomly divided into untreated diabetes group (group D), diabetes + zinc group (group Z), diabetes + metformin group (group M), and diabetes + metformin + zinc group (group ZM) with 10 mice each. Diabetic mice in group Z received oral zinc (10 mg/kg) once daily for 4 weeks; diabetic mice in group M received oral metformin (200 mg/kg) once daily for 4 weeks; diabetic mice in group ZM received oral metformin and zinc once daily for 4 weeks; and groups C and D received the same amount of sterile water by gavage. Overnight fasted mice were sacrificed, and blood samples, mouse epididymides, and sperm were collected for further experiments. In group D, fasting blood glucose and insulin resistance index increased significantly, semen quality, serum insulin, and testosterone decreased, and epididymal structure was disordered. In group D, epididymal tissue zinc, free zinc ions in the caput, and cauda of epididymis and zinc transporter (ZnT2) decreased significantly, while ZIP12, metallothionein (MT), and metal transcription factor (MTF1) increased significantly. In addition, the expressions of blood-epididymal barrier (BEB)-related molecules (including ZO-1 β-catenin and N-cadherin) and aquaporins (AQPs, including AQP3, AQP9, and AQP11) in the epididymis of mice in group D were significantly decreased. In addition, compared with groups D, Z, and M, in the ZM group, the expression of BEB-related molecules (including ZO-1, β-catenin, and N-cadherin) and aquaporins (AQP3, AQP9, and AQP11) in epididymis tissue were significantly increased, and sperm motility and serum testosterone were significantly increased. It was concluded that male diabetic mice have a disturbed epididymal structure and decreased semen quality by causing an imbalance in epididymal zinc homeostasis, BEB, and impaired absorptive function. The combination of zinc and metformin is an effective and safe alternative treatment and provides additional benefits over metformin alone.

Identification of the shared genes in type 2 diabetes mellitus and osteoarthritis and the role of quercetin

This study investigated the underlying comorbidity mechanism between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and osteoarthritis (OA), while also assessing the therapeutic potential of quercetin for early intervention and treatment of these two diseases. The shared genes were obtained through GEO2R, limma and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), and validated using clinical databases and the area under the curves (ROC). Functional enrichment analysis was conducted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of comorbidity between T2DM and OA. The infiltration of immune cells was analysed using the CIBERSORT algorithm in conjunction with ESTIMATE algorithm. Subsequently, transcriptional regulation analysis, potential chemical prediction, gene-disease association, relationships between the shared genes and ferroptosis as well as immunity-related genes were investigated along with molecular docking. We identified the 12 shared genes (EPHA3, RASIP1, PENK, LRRC17, CEBPB, EFEMP2, UBAP1, PPP1R15A, SPEN, MAFF, GADD45B and KLF4) across the four datasets. Our predictions suggested that targeting these shared genes could potentially serve as therapeutic interventions for both T2DM and OA. Specifically, they are involved in key signalling pathways such as p53, IL-17, NF-kB and MAPK signalling pathways. Furthermore, the regulation of ferroptosis and immunity appears to be interconnected in both diseases. Notably, in this context quercetin emerges as a promising drug candidate for treating T2DM and OA by specifically targeting the shared genes. We conducted a bioinformatics analysis to identify potential therapeutic targets, mechanisms and drugs for T2DM and OA, thereby offering novel insights into molecular therapy for these two diseases.