Retraction

Yang J, Shao X, Wang L, et al. Angelica polysaccharide exhibits antitumor effect in neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y by up-regulation of miR-205. BioFactors. 2023;49:201. https://doi.org/10.1002/biof.1586 This article, published online on 23 November 2019 in Wiley Online Library, has been retracted by agreement between the International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, the Editor in Chief (Dr. Angelo Azzi), and Wiley Periodicals LLC. The retraction has been agreed following an investigation based on allegations raised by a third party. Evidence for image manipulation was found in figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. As a result, the conclusions of this article are considered to be invalid.

Scutellaria baicalensis georgi is a promising candidate for the treatment of autoimmune diseases

Autoimmune diseases a group of disorders elicited by unexpected outcome of lymphocytes self-tolerance failure, and the common members of which include multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and type 1 diabetes mellitus, etc. The pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases is not fully understood and the current therapeutic regimen’s inefficacy in certain cases coupled with low rates of success, exorbitant financial burden, as well as numerous side effects, which do open new avenues for the role of natural products as novel therapeutic agents for auto-inflammatory disorders. Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi is a well-known and widely-recognized herbal medicine with certain ameliorative effect on diverse inflammation-involved dysfunction. Though recent advances do highlight its potential to be applied in the fight against autoimmune diseases, the specific mechanism and the related opinion on the exploring possibility are still limited which hampered the further progress. Here in this timeline review, we traced and collected the evidence of how Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi and its bioactive contents, namely baicalin, baicalein, wogonoside and wogonin affect autoimmune diseases. Moreover, we also discussed the clinical implications and therapeutic potential of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi and its bioactive contents in autoimmune diseases treatment.

The water extract of Radix scutellariae, its total flavonoids and baicalin inhibited CYP7A1 expression, improved bile acid, and glycolipid metabolism in T2DM mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Radix scutellariae (the root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi), is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Abundant flavonoids are the antidiabetic components of Radix scutellariae, of which baicalin (Baicalein 7-O-glucuronide, BG) is the major bioactive component. Our previous studies found that the water extract of Radix scutellariae (WESB) could exert hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic efficacies by adjusting the ileum FXR-medicated interaction between gut microbiota and bile acid (BA) metabolism. However, it remains unclear whether WESB and its biologically active ingredients exert an antidiabetic effect through bile acid signaling mediated by FXR-CYP7A1.

AIMS OF THE STUDY

To explore the mechanism of WESB and its total flavonoids (TF) further and BG on BA signals and glycolipid metabolism in T2DM mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The antidiabetic effects of WESB, TF and BG were evaluated by indexing the body weight, fasting blood glucose (FBG) and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in HFD/STZ-induced (high-fat diet and streptozocin) diabetic mice, and comparing them with the positive control (metformin). The lipids in the mouse liver and the total bile acids (TBA) in the mouse liver and bile were detected by commercial kits. The concentration of BAs in the mouse feces was determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The protein expression levels of cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1), farnesol X receptor (FXR), etc., in the liver and/or ileum, play a key role in the BAs metabolism of T2DM mice were evaluated by immunoblot analysis.

RESULTS

The hyperglycemia and impaired glucose tolerance of T2DM mice were improved after WESB, TF and BG treatment. Especially after BG administration, the levels of low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c) and total glyceride (TG) in the T2DM mouse liver were significantly decreased (p < 0.05). While the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) was significant increased (p < 0.001). Meanwhile, the levels of TBA in both the liver and bile of T2DM mice were significantly decreased by BG (p < 0.05). Moreover, the high expression of CYP7A1 in the liver of T2DM mice was significantly inhibited by WESB, TF and BG (p < 0.05), and the high expression of FXR in the ileum of T2DM mice was significantly inhibited by TF (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

These results indicated that the hypoglycemic effects of WESB, TF and BG might be exerted by inhibiting the expression of CYP7A1 in T2DM mice, and TF inhibited expression of intestinal FXR by inducing changes in fecal BA profile. BG significantly improved hepatic lipid metabolism. Moreover, BG reduced lipid accumulation in the liver and bile by inhibiting the expression of CYP7A1 in T2DM mice. These findings provide useful explanations for the antidiabetic mechanism of Radix scutellariae.

Targeting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in pancreatic β-cells to enhance their survival and function: An emerging therapeutic strategy for type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease caused by the destruction of the insulin-producing β-cells within the pancreas. Islet transplantation represents one cure; however, during islet preparation and post transplantation significant amounts of β-cell death occur. Therefore, prevention and cure of T1D is dependent upon the preservation of β-cell function and the prevention of β-cell death. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling represents a promising therapeutic target for T1D due to its pronounced effects on cellular survival, proliferation, and metabolism. A growing amount of evidence indicates that PI3K/Akt signaling is a critical determinant of β-cell mass and function. Modulation of the PI3K/Akt pathway, directly (via the use of highly specific protein and peptide-based biologics, excretory/secretory products of parasitic worms, and complex constituents of plant extracts) or indirectly (through microRNA interactions) can regulate the β-cell processes to ultimately determine the fate of β-cell mass. An important consideration is the identification of the specific PI3K/Akt pathway modulators that enhance β-cell function and prevent β-cell death without inducing excessive β-cell proliferation, which may carry carcinogenic side effects. Among potential PI3K/Akt pathway agonists, we have identified a novel parasite-derived protein, termed FhHDM-1 (Fasciola hepatica helminth defense molecule 1), which efficiently stimulates the PI3K/Akt pathway in β-cells to enhance function and prevent death without concomitantly inducing proliferation unlike several other identified stimulators of PI3K/Akt signaling . As such, FhHDM-1 will inform the design of biologics aimed at targeting the PI3K/Akt pathway to prevent/ameliorate not only T1D but also T2D, which is now widely recognized as an inflammatory disease characterized by β-cell dysfunction and death. This review will explore the modulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway as a novel strategy to enhance β-cell function and survival.

MicroRNA-217: a therapeutic and diagnostic tumor marker

INTRODUCTION

Cancer as one of the most common causes of death has always been one of the major health challenges globally. Since, the identification of tumors in the early tumor stages can significantly reduce mortality rates; it is required to introduce novel early detection tumor markers. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have pivotal roles in regulation of cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and tumor progression. Moreover, due to the higher stability of miRNAs than mRNAs in body fluids, they can be considered as non-invasive diagnostic or prognostic markers in cancer patients.

AREAS COVERED

In the present review we have summarized the role of miR-217 during tumor progressions. The miR-217 functions were categorized based on its target molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways.

EXPERT OPINION

It was observed that miR-217 mainly exerts its function by regulation of the transcription factors during tumor progressions. The WNT, MAPK, and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways were also important molecular targets of miR-217 in different cancers. The present review clarifies the molecular biology of miR-217 and paves the way of introducing miR-217 as a non-invasive diagnostic marker and therapeutic target in cancer therapy.

Lower threshold to NFκB activity sensitizes murine β-cells to streptozotocin

The β-cell response to injury may be as critical for the development of diabetes as the specific insult. In the current study, we used streptozotocin (STZ) to injure the β-cell in order to study the response with a focus on NFκB. MIN6 cells were exposed to STZ (0.5-8 mM, 0-24h) ±TNFα (100 ng/mL) and ±IκBβ siRNA to lower the threshold to NFκB activation. Cell viability was determined by trypan blue exclusion. NFκB activation was determined by the expression of the target genes Nos2 and Cxcl10, localization of the NFκB proteins p65 and p50, and expression and localization of the NFκB inhibitors, IκBβ and IκBα. There was no NFκB activation in MIN6 cell exposed to STZ (2 mM) alone. However, knocking down IκBβ expression using siRNA resulted in STZ-induced expression of NFκB target genes and increased cell death, while co-incubation with STZ and TNFα enhanced cell death compared to either exposure alone. Adult male IκBβ-/- and WT mice were exposed to STZ and monitored for diabetes. The IκBβ-/- mice developed hyperglycemia and diabetes more frequently than controls following STZ exposure. Based on these results we conclude that STZ exposure alone does not induce NFκB activity. However, lowering the threshold to NFκB activation by co-incubation with TNFα or lowering IκBβ levels by siRNA sensitizes the NFκB response to STZ and results in a higher likelihood of developing diabetes in vivo. Therefore, increasing the threshold to NFκB activation through stabilizing NFκB inhibitory proteins may prevent β-cell injury and the development of diabetes.

Promising influences of Scutellaria baicalensis and its two active constituents, baicalin, and baicalein, against metabolic syndrome: A review

Metabolic syndrome is known as a group of metabolic abnormalities with features including central obesity, insulin resistance, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and hypertension as well as low level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol. Previous studies showed the ameliorating effects of Scutellaria baicalensis on metabolic syndrome parameters, including antidiabetic, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-obesity, and antihypertensive. In this review, we deeply and mechanistically evaluated different studies on the effect of S. baicalensis and its two major bioactive constituents, baicalin, and baicalein, on the critical components of metabolic syndrome, including diabetes, hyperlipidemia, obesity, hypertension, and atherosclerosis. Scientific databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched in the English language until the end of June 2020. Accordingly, S. baicalensis, and its two major bioactive constituents, baicalin and baicalein, represent promising effects on the control of metabolic syndrome and its related disorders such as obesity, hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, diabetes, and their following complications. In summary, our findings show that S. baicalensis and its active constituents, baicalin and baicalein, by activation and upregulation of AMPK and PPAR-γ as the main signaling in the hemostasis of glucose and lipid metabolisms may be favorable candidates for the prevention and treatment of the metabolic syndrome.

Traditional uses, ten-years research progress on phytochemistry and pharmacology, and clinical studies of the genus Scutellaria

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Scutellaria (Lamiaceae), which includes approximately 360-469 accepted species, is widespread in Europe, North America, East Asia, and South America. Several species have a long history being used as traditional medicines to treat respiratory, peptic, neurological, and hepatic and gall diseases. The phytochemistry and pharmacology of the genus Scutellaria have been developed dramatically in the past ten years, and the traditional uses and clinical studies of the genus have not been systematically summarized. Therefore, it is especially valuable to review the current state of knowledge to provide a basis for further exploration of its medicinal potential.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

The review aims to provide updated information on the ethnopharmacology, the ten-year research progress of phytochemistry and pharmacology, and clinical studies of Scutellaria and to explore the potential medicinal values and further studies of Scutellaria.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This review is based on published studies and books from the library and electronic sources, including SciFinder, Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Baidu Scholar, CNKI, the online ethnobotanical database, and ethnobotanical monographs. This literature is related to ethnopharmacology, the ten-year research progress on the phytochemistry and pharmacology, and clinical studies of Scutellaria.

RESULTS

A total of 50 species, 5 subspecies and 17 varieties of the genus Scutellaria are used as traditional medicine with various biological activities. In the past ten years, 208 chemical constituents have been identified from 16 species and 1 variety of the genus Scutellaria, such as neo-clerodane diterpenoids, sesterterpenoids, terpenoids, flavonoids. Pharmacological research has demonstrated that the extracts and compounds identified from this genus exhibit extensive biological activities, including anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial activities, effects on cardiovascular, cerebrovascular diseases as well as hepatoprotective and neuroprotective effects. The species S. baicalensis, S. barbata, and S. lateriflora and the main compounds baicalein, baicalin and wogonin are involved in clinical trials, which point the way for us to conduct further studies, such as study on the anticancer, antihypertensive, anti-infective, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and other effects of Scutellaria.

CONCLUSIONS

The species included in the genus Scutellaria can be used to treat cancer, infection, hepatic disorders, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and other diseases. Some indications in traditional medicines have been confirmed by modern pharmacological studies, such as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-infective activity, and hepatoprotective and neuroprotective effects. The available literature indicated that most of the bioactivities could be attributed to flavonoids and neo-clerodane diterpenoids. Although there are some uses of Scutellaria in clinical practice, the existing research on this genus is still limited. In order to expand the development of medicinal resources of Scutellaria, the already studied species in this genus are recommended for more comprehensive investigation on their active substances, pharmacological mechanisms, quality control, clinical use and new drug research. Additionally, it is necessary to study species that their chemical composition or pharmacological activity have not yet been investigated, especially those used in folk medicine.

Baicalin Protects Against Acute Pancreatitis Involving JNK Signaling Pathway via Regulating miR-15a

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a kind of reversible inflammatory process of the exocrine pancreas. During the process, systemic inflammatory syndromes are involved, which relates closely to inflammatory mediators. Baicalin is a type of flavone compound extracted from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi and exhibits anti-inflammation effect in several cancers. In this study, baicalin displayed a suppressing role on IL-1[Formula: see text], TNF[Formula: see text] and IL-6 in both cell and mice models. Necrosis was decreased in the baicalin treatment group and got a markedly lower pathological score. In this study, miR-15a is the core intermediate in baicalin regulation, which increased through baicalin treatment and protected pancreas cells and tissues, inhibiting the JNK signaling pathway by targeting MAP2K4. The long non-coding RNA MALAT1 is also a direct target of miR-15a and forms a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network with MAP2K4, which can be regulated by baicalin. In addition, upstream genes, including CDC42 and MAP3K1, were also regulated by baicalin, of which CDC42 was confirmed to form the second ceRNA network with MALAT1 and miR-15a. In conclusion, baicalin exhibits therapeutic activity towards AP by pumping up miR-15a level and inhibiting CDC42/MAP3K1, which affects AP as a brake by targeting MAP2K4 and inhibiting the JNK signaling pathway.

The Herbal Medicine Scutellaria-Coptis Alleviates Intestinal Mucosal Barrier Damage in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Inflammation and Modulating the Gut Microbiota

Recent studies have confirmed that increased intestinal permeability and gut-origin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) translocation are important causes of metabolic inflammation in type 2 diabetes (T2D), but there are no recognized therapies for targeting this pathological state. Scutellaria baicalensis and Coptis chinensis are a classic herbal pair often used to treat diabetes and various intestinal diseases, and repair of intestinal barrier damage may be at the core of their therapeutic mechanism. This study investigated the effects of oral administration of Scutellaria-Coptis (SC) on the intestinal mucosal barrier in diabetic rats and explored the underlying mechanism from the perspective of anti-inflammatory and gut microbiota-modulatory effects. The main results showed that, in addition to regulating glycolipid metabolism disorders and inhibiting serum inflammatory factors, SC could also upregulate the expression levels of the tight junction proteins claudin-1, occludin, and zonula occludens (ZO-1), significantly improve intestinal epithelial damage, and inhibit excessive LPS translocation into the blood circulation. Furthermore, it was found that SC could reduce the levels of the inflammatory factors interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in intestinal tissue and that the anti-inflammatory effects involved the TLR-4/TRIF and TNFR-1/NF-κB signalling pathways. Moreover, SC had a strong inhibitory effect on some potential enteropathogenic bacteria and LPS-producing bacteria, such as Proteobacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, Enterobacter, Escherichia-Shigella, and Enterococcus, and could also promote the proliferation of butyrate-producing bacteria, such as Lachnospiraceae and Prevotellaceae. Taken together, the hypoglycaemic effects of SC were related to the protection of the intestinal mucosal barrier, and the mechanisms might be related to the inhibition of intestinal inflammation and the regulation of the gut microbiota.

Large dosage Huangqin (Scutellaria) and Huanglian (Rhizoma Coptidis) for T2DM: A protocol of systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

INTRODUCTION

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disease with widespread concern in the world. It has the characteristics of high incidence rate and high disability rate, which seriously affects economic and social development. large dose herb Rhizoma Coptidis (Huanglian) and Scutellaria (Huangqin) or compound prescription contain large dose Huanglian and Huanglian for treatment of T2DM has already been confirmed. However, due to the lack of evidence, there is no specific method or suggestion, so it is necessary to carry out systematic evaluation on Coptidis and Scutellaria and provide effective evidence for further research.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The following databases will be searched from their inception to June 2020: Electronic database includes PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Nature, Science online, Chinese Biomedical Database WanFang, VIP medicine information, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. Primary outcomes: fasting blood-glucose (FBG), 2 Hours Postprandial Blood Glucose (2hPBG), Glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). additional outcomes: Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL), High Density Lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides (TG), total serum cholesterol (TC). Data will be extracted by 2 researchers independently, risk of bias of the meta-analysis will be evaluated based on the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. All data analysis will be conducted by data statistics software Review Manager V.5.3. and Stata V.12.0.

RESULTS

The results of this study will systematically evaluate the effectiveness and safety of large dose Huanglian and Huangqin intervention for people with T2DM.

CONCLUSION

The systematic review of this study will summarize the current published evidence of large dose Huanglian and Huangqin for the treatment of T2DM, which can further guide the promotion and application of it.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study is a systematic review, the outcomes are based on the published evidence, so examination and agreement by the ethics committee are not required in this study. We intend to publish the study results in a journal or conference presentations.

OPEN SCIENCE FRAMEWORK (OSF) REGISTRATION NUMBER

July 21, 2020. osf.io/b6r3z. (https://osf.io/b6r3z).

In vitro model using cytokine cocktail to evaluate apoptosis in Min6 pancreatic beta cells

INTRODUCTION

Development of therapy options for treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus is hampered by non-availability of appropriate experimental models that can exactly mimic the in vivo situation. Apoptosis of beta cells by T cells and cytokine action leads to loss of beta cells. We propose a simple and elegant model using cytokine cocktail of TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-1β, the major cytokines responsible for apoptosis in Min6 beta cell line.

METHODS

A cocktail of TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-1β was used to induce apoptosis in Min6 beta cell line. Apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry using CytoFLEX (Beckman Coulter). The destruction of beta cells is through production of nitric oxide (NO), oxidative stress and change in mitochondrial membrane permeability. NO was measured using Griess reagent. Oxidative stress was assessed using 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate, a cell-permeable fluorogenic dye and mitochondrial membrane potential was determined on the basis of retention of rhodamine 123 using flow cytometer.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Very low concentration of the cocktail viz. TNF-α 25 ng/ml, IFN-γ 25 ng/ml and IL-1β 50 ng/ml has demonstrated effective early and late apoptosis in as short a time period as 6 h. The experimental model used demonstrated 1.5 fold higher production of NO, 1.2 fold increased oxidative stress and lower mitochondrial membrane potential as compared to the positive control used. Hence the above model can be easily used for assessment and screening of drugs that can prevent apoptosis of beta cells and stop progression of type 1 diabetes.

Composite probiotics alleviate type 2 diabetes by regulating intestinal microbiota and inducing GLP-1 secretion in db/db mice

BACKGROUD/AIM

Previous studies have found that probiotic fermented camel milk has anti-diabetic effect by inducing (glucagon-like peptide-1) GLP-1 secretion. Probiotics are valuable in prevention and treatment of diabetes. As a result, our team islolated 14 probiotics from fermented camel milk. These probiotics have beneficial characteristics, but the possible anti-diabetic mechanisms remains unclear. The present study aimed to explore the possoble anti-diabetic mechanisms of 14 probiotics.

METHODS

C57BL/Ks mice were normal group. The db/db mice were randomized into five groups: model group, metformin group, liraglutide group, low-dose and high-dose probiotic group. Biochemical parameters were determined by the respective assay kits. The levels of the short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and microbiota were respectively determined by gas chromatography and qRT-PCR. HE staining and immunofluorescence were used for histomorphological observation. Quantitative PCR and western-blot were determined the gene and protein expression of Bax, Bcl-2, Caspase-3 and PI3K/AKT.

RESULTS

Probiotics significantly improved blood glucose and blood lipid parameters, as well as the morphological changes of pancreas, liver and kidney. Probiotics improved the gut barrier function through increasing the levels of SCFA-producing bacteria and SCFAs as well as the expression of claudin-1 and mucin-2, and decreasing Escherichia coli and LPS level. In additon, probiotics enhanced insulin secretion through glucose-triggered GLP-1 secretion by upregulating G protein-coupled receptor 43/41 (GPR43/41), proglucagon and proconvertase 1/3 activity. Forthermore, probiotics protected pancreas against apoptosis, which may be dependent on the upregulation of PI3K/AKT pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

The anti-diabetic effect of 14 probiotics in db/db mice seem to be related to an increase of SCFA-producing bacteria, the improvement of intestinal barrier function and the upregulation of GLP-1 production, and indicate these probiotics might be a good candidate to prevent and treat diabetes.

Baicalin and its aglycone: a novel approach for treatment of metabolic disorders

BACKGROUND

The current strategies for prevention and treatment of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes are not fully effective and frequently accompanied by many negative effects. Therefore, novel ways to prevent insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes are urgently needed. The roots of Scutellaria radix are commonly used in traditional Chinese medicines for prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, dysentery, and other respiratory disorders. Baicalin and baicalein are the major and active ingredient extracts from Scutellaria baicalensis.

METHODS

A comprehensive and systematic review of literature on baicalin and baicalein was carried out.

RESULTS

Emerging evidence indicated that baicalin and baicalein possessed hepatoprotective, anti-oxidative, anti-dyslipidemic, anti-lipogenic, anti-obese, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic effects, being effective for treating obesity, insulin resistance, non-alcoholic fatty liver, and dyslipidemia. Besides, baicalin and baicalein are almost non-toxic to epithelial, peripheral, and myeloid cells.

CONCLUSION

The purpose of this study is to focus on the therapeutic applications and accompanying molecular mechanisms of baicalin and baicalein against hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, obesity, and non-alcoholic fatty liver, and trying to establish a novel anti-obese and anti-diabetic strategy.

Targeting miRNAs by polyphenols: Novel therapeutic strategy for aging

Regarding the importance of genetic and epigenetic factors in regulation of aging process, different expression pattern of non-coding RNAs in aging could be investigated. Accordingly, micro RNAs (miRNAs) with a wide range of physiological functions as well as a significant footprint in many diseases have been demonstrated to be down or upregulated during the aging process. Therefore, age-associated microRNAs and their targets have potentially detected the accelerated aging and predicted the risks for age-related diseases. Polyphenols as important antioxidants in human dietary observed in fruits and some beverages have beneficial effects on longevity and aging. Considering miRNAs as an interesting mediator in modulating polyphenols' biological effects, targeting miRNAs which is using polyphenols could be a novel strategy for aging.

Pleiotropic roles of the insulin-like growth factor axis in type 1 diabetes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

We review studies demonstrating lowered levels of insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) in patients with recent-onset type 1 diabetes (T1D) and discuss their potential roles in the disorder's pathogenesis.

RECENT FINDINGS

IGFs have long been recognized as a class of hormones that promote growth, development, and cellular metabolism throughout the human body. More recently, studies have noted an association between reduced pancreatic weight/volume and T1D. Thus, we believe it is important to understand pancreatic regulation of IGF expression and bioavailability, as well as the impact of IGFs on pancreatic growth and islet health. Additional studies of IGFs have been extended to their influence on the inflammatory/regulatory balance of monocytes, B cells, and T cells; features which have been previously established to show dysregulation in settings of T1D.

SUMMARY

These data suggest that IGFs may prevent known impairments in the pancreas and immune system in T1D and underscore the need to extend these studies, some of which were performed in health or other autoimmune diseases, toward T1D specifically. Collectively, the work emphasized here support the potential therapeutic use of IGFs in T1D prevention efforts as pancreatic growth factors and/or immunoregulatory agents.

The association of calcium channel blockers with β-cell function in type 2 diabetic patients: A cross-sectional study

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients are often accompanied with hypertension. However, the association of antihypertensive drugs with β-cell function has not been well studied. To investigate this question, the authors performed a cross-sectional study involving 882 hypertensive T2DM patients. To assess β-cell function, patients were given 75g glucose orally and C-peptide levels before and 1, 2, and 3 hours after glucose intake were measured. Homa-β was computed by Homeostasis Model Assessment model to evaluate β-cell function using fasting C-peptide and glucose levels in the plasma. Multivariable-adjusted analysis was performed to evaluate the association of antihypertensive drugs with C-peptide levels, HbA1c, and Homa-β. Among 882 hypertensive patients, 547 (62.0%) received antihypertensive treatment. Multivariate-adjusted analysis demonstrated that use of calcium channel blockers (CCBs) was negatively associated with HbA1c levels (CCBs: 0.95 [95% CI: 0.92-0.98], P = 0.002). Our data further illustrated that the C-peptide levels before and 1, 2, and 3 hours of OGTT were 1.10-, 1.18-, 1.19-, and 1.15-fold increase in T2DM patients taking CCBs (P = 0.084 for fasting C-peptide levels; P ≤ 0.024 for C-peptide levels at 1, 2, and 3 hours after OGTT) in comparison with non-CCB users. Nevertheless, usage of any other antihypertensive drugs did neither associated with HbA1c nor associated with C-peptide levels (P ≥ 0.11). In conclusion, CCB treatment was negatively associated with HbA1c levels but positively associated with β-cell function in hypertensive T2DM patients, implying that CCBs could be considered to treat hypertensive T2DM patients with reduced β-cell function.

Baicalin induced colon cancer cells apoptosis through miR-217/DKK1-mediated inhibition of Wnt signaling pathway

To analyze the anti-tumor mechanism of Baicalin in human colon cancer. The MTT assay and colony formation assay demonstrated that Baicalin treatment inhibits the proliferation of DLD1 and HCT-116 cells. The apoptosis rates were induced upon Baicalin treatment and which was determined by FACS. The qPCR and western blot analysis showed that Baicalin promotes expression of DKK1 (Dickkopf), an important antagonist of Wnt signaling pathway, thereby reduces the expression of its downstream protein β-catenin and c-Myc. Reduction of DKK1 expression by siRNA attenuates β-catenin and c-Myc expression. microRNA-217 (miR-217) is decreased upon Baicalin treatment. Moreover, DKK1 is identified as the direct downstream target gene of miR-217 through the dual-luciferase reporter assay. miR-217/DKK1-mediated inhibition of Wnt signaling pathway participate in apoptosis induced by Baicalin.

Baicalin attenuates myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury through Akt/NF-κB pathway

BACKGROUND

Baicalin can attenuate myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) on damage. However, the mechanisms are still not fully understood. The study aimed to investigate the antiapoptosis and anti-inflammatory effects of baicalin on myocardial I/R-induced injury.

METHODS

We established male rats I/R model, and baicalin was intragastric administration after ischemia onset. All experimental animals were randomly divided into five groups: group I, sham; group II, I/R; group III, 50 mg/kg; group IV, 100 mg/kg; and group V, 200 mg/kg baicalin. Postoperation, left ventricular (LV) function was recorded by transthoracic echocardiography. Myocardial infarct size, number of vessels and apoptosis were detected by histology and immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, the messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, Bcl2, Bax, caspase-3, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), Akt, p-Akt, and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 in myocardial tissues were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis assays.

RESULT

When compared with I/R groups, baicalin could significantly improve LV hemodynamic parameters. Myocardial infarct size and apoptosis were significantly decreased, but the vessel density was increased. The mRNA levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 were downregulated, but the levels of IL-10, proapoptotic genes caspase-3, and the ratio of Bax/Bcl2 were upregulated. Moreover, the protein expression of PI3K, p-Akt, and Akt were upregulated but NF-κB p65 was downregulated in the groups III, IV, and V than in group II.

CONCLUSION

Our current study suggested that baicalin attenuated myocardial I/R-induced damage, inhibited myocardial apoptosis, and inflammation by activating PI3K/Akt but suppressing NF-κB signaling.