The complex interplay among hepatocytes and immune cells at the crossroad between inflammation and cholesterol metabolism in hyperglycemia

The relationship of redox signaling with the risk for atherosclerosis

Oxidative balance plays a pivotal role in physiological homeostasis, and many diseases, particularly age-related conditions, are closely associated with oxidative imbalance. While the strategic role of oxidative regulation in various diseases is well-established, the specific involvement of oxidative stress in atherosclerosis remains elusive. Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by plaque formation within the arteries. Alterations in the oxidative status of vascular tissues are linked to the onset, progression, and outcome of atherosclerosis. This review examines the role of redox signaling in atherosclerosis, including its impact on risk factors such as dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, inflammation, and unhealthy lifestyle, along with dysregulation, vascular homeostasis, immune system interaction, and therapeutic considerations. Understanding redox signal transduction and the regulation of redox signaling will offer valuable insights into the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and guide the development of novel therapeutic strategies.

Nanomedicines based on trace elements for intervention of diabetes mellitus

Epidemiology shows that the incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is increasing year by year globally. Proper interventions are highly aspired for diabetics to improve the quality of life and prevent development of chronic complications. Trace elements, also known as microelements, are chemical substances that are present in our body in minute amounts. They are necessitated by the body for growth, development and functional metabolism. For the past few years, trace element nanoparticles have aroused considerable interest as a burgeoning form of nanomedicines in antidiabetic applications. These microelement-based nanomedicines can regulate glucose metabolism in several ways, showing great potential for diabetes management. Starting from the pathophysiology of diabetes, the state-of-the-art of diabetes treatment, the physiological roles of trace elements, various emerging trace element nanoparticles specific for diabetes were comprehensively reviewed in this work. Our findings disclose that trace element nanoparticles can fight against diabetes by lowering blood glucose, promoting insulin secretion, alleviating glucose intolerance, improving insulin sensitivity, ameliorating lipid profile, anti-inflammation and anti-oxidant stress, and other mechanisms. In conclusion, trace element nanoparticles can be applied as nanomedicines or dietary modifiers for effective intervention for diabetes.

The inflammatory environment mediated by a high-fat diet inhibited the development of mammary glands and destroyed the tight junction in pregnant mice

Long-term intake of a high-fat diet seriously affects the health of pregnant women and leads to increased levels of inflammation in the mammary gland. Therefore, to further explore the effect of a high-fat diet on mammary gland development and the tight junction (TJ) during pregnancy, we placed mice into two groups: a high-fat diet group and a control group. We detected the expression of proteins related to fat synthesis in the mammary gland by western blotting. The results showed that a high-fat diet could lead to an increase in fat synthesis in the mammary gland. Then, the inflammatory levels and acinar cell morphology in the mammary gland were detected by ELISA and H&E staining. We also measured the levels of MAPK and NF-κB signal pathway-related proteins by western blotting. The results showed that a high-fat diet activated the MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways and promoted the expression of inflammatory factors. Finally, the development of the mammary gland and the integrity of the TJ were determined by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and western blotting. The results showed that a high-fat diet inhibited the development of the mammary gland and the expression of tight junction proteins (TJs). Our study showed that a high-fat diet could promote the expression of inflammatory factors by activating the MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways and could reshape the microenvironment through extramammary inflammation. Finally, a high-fat diet inhibited the development of the mammary gland during pregnancy and destroyed the integrity of the TJ.