Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Osteoarthritis: the Role of Glucose Transporters

Biological Activity of Lactic Acid Bacteria Exopolysaccharides and Their Applications in the Food and Pharmaceutical Industries

Exopolysaccharides are natural macromolecular bioactive substances produced by lactic acid bacteria. With their unique physiological activity and structural characteristics, they are gradually showing broad application prospects in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Exopolysaccharides have various biological functions, such as exerting antioxidant and anti-tumor activities and regulating gut microbiota. Meanwhile, as a food additive, exopolysaccharides can significantly enhance the taste and quality of food, bringing consumers a better eating experience. In the field of medicine, exopolysaccharides have been widely used as drug carriers due to their non-toxic properties and good biocompatibility. This article summarizes the biological activities of exopolysaccharides produced by lactic acid bacteria, their synthesis, and their applications in food and pharmaceutical industries, aiming to promote further research and development in this field.

Obesity, Metabolic Syndrome, and Osteoarthritis-An Updated Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Metabolic syndrome (MetS), also called the 'deadly quartet' comprising obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hypertension, has been ascertained to have a causal role in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA). This review is aimed at discussing the current knowledge on the contribution of metabolic syndrome and its various components to OA pathogenesis and progression.

RECENT FINDINGS

Lately, an increased association identified between the various components of metabolic syndrome (obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hypertension) with OA has led to the identification of the 'metabolic phenotype' of OA. These metabolic perturbations alongside low-grade systemic inflammation have been identified to inflict detrimental effects upon multiple tissues of the joint including cartilage, bone, and synovium leading to complete joint failure in OA. Recent epidemiological and clinical findings affirm that adipokines significantly contribute to inflammation, tissue degradation, and OA pathogenesis mediated through multiple signaling pathways. OA is no longer perceived as just a 'wear and tear' disease and the involvement of the metabolic components in OA pathogenesis adds up to the complexity of the disease. Given the global surge in obesity and its allied metabolic perturbations, this review aims to throw light on the current knowledge on the pathophysiology of MetS-associated OA and the need to address MetS in the context of metabolic OA management. Better regulation of the constituent factors of MetS could be profitable in preventing MetS-associated OA. The identification of key roles for several metabolic regulators in OA pathogenesis has also opened up newer avenues in the recognition and development of novel therapeutic agents.

Conditioned Medium of Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells as a Promising Candidate to Protect High Glucose-Induced Injury in Cultured C28I2 Chondrocytes

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of conditioned medium derived from human adipose mesenchymal stem cells (CM-hADSCs) on C28I2 chondrocytes against oxidative stress and mitochondrial apoptosis induced by high glucose (HG).

Methods: C28I2 cells were pre-treated with CM-hADSCs for 24 hours followed by HG exposure (75 mM) for 48 hours. MTT assay was used to assess the cell viability. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation were determined by 2,7-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFHDA) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assays, respectively. Expressions of glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPX 3), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1) were analyzed by RT-PCR. Finally, western blot analysis was used to measure Bax, Bcl-2, cleaved caspase-3, and Nrf-2 expression at protein levels.

Results: CM-hADSCs pretreatment mitigated the cytotoxic effect of HG on C28I2 viability. Treatment also markedly reduced the levels of ROS, lipid peroxidation, and augmented the expression of HO-1, NQO1, and GPx3 genes in HG-exposed group. CM-ADSCs enhanced Nrf-2 protein expression and reduced mitochondrial apoptosis through reducing Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and Caspase-3 activation.

Conclusion: MSCs, probably through its paracrine effects, declined the deleterious effect of HG on chondrocytes. Hence, therapies based on MSCs secretomes appear to be a promising therapeutic approaches to prevent joint complications in diabetic patients.