High Mobility Group Box Protein (HMGB1): A Potential Therapeutic Target for Diabetic Encephalopathy

The role of high mobility group box-1 on the development of diabetes complications: A plausible pharmacological target

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus has emerged as a pressing global concern, with a notable increase in recent years. Despite advancements in treatment, existing medications struggle to halt the progression of diabetes and its associated complications. Increasing evidence underscores inflammation as a significant driver in the onset of diabetes mellitus. Therefore, perspectives on new therapies must consider shifting focus from metabolic stress to inflammation. High mobility group box (HMGB-1), a nuclear protein regulating gene expression, gained attention as an endogenous danger signal capable of sparking inflammatory responses upon release into the extracellular environment in the late 1990s.

PURPOSE

Given the parallels between inflammatory responses and type 2 diabetes (T2D) development, this review paper explores HMGB-1's potential involvement in onset and progression of diabetes complications. Specifically, we will review and update the understanding of HMGB-1 and its inflammatory pathways in insulin resistance, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic neuropathy, and diabetic retinopathy.

CONCLUSIONS

HMGB-1 and its receptors i.e. receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) and toll-like receptors (TLRs) present promising targets for antidiabetic interventions. Ongoing and future projects in this realm hold promise for innovative approaches targeting HMGB-1-mediated inflammation to ameliorate diabetes and its complications.

Chemokine CX3CL1 (Fractalkine) Signaling and Diabetic Encephalopathy

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the most common metabolic disease in humans, and its prevalence is increasing worldwide in parallel with the obesity pandemic. A lack of insulin or insulin resistance, and consequently hyperglycemia, leads to many systemic disorders, among which diabetic encephalopathy (DE) is a long-term complication of the central nervous system (CNS), characterized by cognitive impairment and motor dysfunctions. The role of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in the pathomechanism of DE has been proven. Fractalkine (CX3CL1) has unique properties as an adhesion molecule and chemoattractant, and by acting on its only receptor, CX3CR1, it regulates the activity of microglia in physiological states and neuroinflammation. Depending on the clinical context, CX3CL1-CX3CR1 signaling may have neuroprotective effects by inhibiting the inflammatory process in microglia or, conversely, maintaining/intensifying inflammation and neurotoxicity. This review discusses the evidence supporting that the CX3CL1-CX3CR1 pair is neuroprotective and other evidence that it is neurotoxic. Therefore, interrupting the vicious cycle within neuron-microglia interactions by promoting neuroprotective effects or inhibiting the neurotoxic effects of the CX3CL1-CX3CR1 signaling axis may be a therapeutic goal in DE by limiting the inflammatory response. However, the optimal approach to prevent DE is simply tight glycemic control, because the elimination of dysglycemic states in the CNS abolishes the fundamental mechanisms that induce this vicious cycle.

Unraveling the Complexities of Toll-like Receptors: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Applications

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are vital components of the innate immune system, serving as the first line of defense against pathogens by recognizing a wide array of molecular patterns. This review summarizes the critical roles of TLRs in immune surveillance and disease pathogenesis, focusing on their structure, signaling pathways, and implications in various disorders. We discuss the molecular intricacies of TLRs, including their ligand specificity, signaling cascades, and the functional consequences of their activation. The involvement of TLRs in infectious diseases, autoimmunity, chronic inflammation, and cancer is explored, highlighting their potential as therapeutic targets. We also examine recent advancements in TLR research, such as the development of specific agonists and antagonists, and their application in immunotherapy and vaccine development. Furthermore, we address the challenges and controversies surrounding TLR research and outline future directions, including the integration of computational modeling and personalized medicine approaches. In conclusion, TLRs represent a promising frontier in medical research, with the potential to significantly impact the development of novel therapeutic strategies for a wide range of diseases.