The Warburg effect in osteoporosis: Cellular signaling and epigenetic regulation of energy metabolic events to targeting the osteocalcin for phenotypic alteration

Interruption of mitochondrial symbiosis is associated with the development of osteoporosis

Mitochondria maintain bacterial traits because of their endosymbiotic origins, yet the host cell recognizes them as non-threatening since the organelles are compartmentalized. Nevertheless, the controlled release of mitochondrial components into the cytoplasm can initiate cell death, activate innate immunity, and provoke inflammation. This selective interruption of endosymbiosis as early as 2 billion years ago allowed mitochondria to become intracellular signaling hubs. Recent studies have found that the interruption of mitochondrial symbiosis may be closely related to the occurrence of various diseases, especially osteoporosis (OP). OP is a systemic bone disease characterized by reduced bone mass, impaired bone microstructure, elevated bone fragility, and susceptibility to fracture. The interruption of intra-mitochondrial symbiosis affects the energy metabolism of bone cells, leads to the imbalance of bone formation and bone absorption, and promotes the occurrence of osteoporosis. In this paper, we reviewed the mechanism of mitochondrial intersymbiosis interruption in OP, discussed the relationship between mitochondrial intersymbiosis interruption and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, osteoblasts and osteoclasts, as well as the inheritance and adaptation in the evolutionary process, and prospected the future research direction to provide new ideas for clinical treatment.

Sclerostin as a new target of diabetes-induced osteoporosis

Sclerostin, a protein synthesized by bone cells, is a product of the SOST gene. Sclerostin is a potent soluble inhibitor of the WNT signaling pathway, and is known to inhibit bone formation by inhibiting osteocyte differentiation and function. Currently, sclerostin has been the subject of numerous animal experiments and clinical investigations. By conducting a literature review, we have gained insights into the most recent advancements in research. Patients with both type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes have high levels of serum sclerostin. Patients with type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes are both more likely to suffer from osteoporosis, and serum sclerostin levels are elevated in osteoporosis. Many studies have confirmed that sclerostin has been implicated in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis, so we speculate that sclerostin plays an important role in osteoporosis through the glucose metabolism pathway, which may promote the osteoporosis of morbidity in type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Based on this, we propose whether serum sclerostin can predict type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes-induced osteoporosis, and whether it can be a new target for the prevention and treatment of type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes-induced osteoporosis, providing new ideas for clinicians and researchers.

Deciphering Depression: Epigenetic Mechanisms and Treatment Strategies

Depression, a significant mental health disorder, is under intense research scrutiny to uncover its molecular foundations. Epigenetics, which focuses on controlling gene expression without altering DNA sequences, offers promising avenues for innovative treatment. This review explores the pivotal role of epigenetics in depression, emphasizing two key aspects: (I) identifying epigenetic targets for new antidepressants and (II) using personalized medicine based on distinct epigenetic profiles, highlighting potential epigenetic focal points such as DNA methylation, histone structure alterations, and non-coding RNA molecules such as miRNAs. Variations in DNA methylation in individuals with depression provide opportunities to target genes that are associated with neuroplasticity and synaptic activity. Aberrant histone acetylation may indicate that antidepressant strategies involve enzyme modifications. Modulating miRNA levels can reshape depression-linked gene expression. The second section discusses personalized medicine based on epigenetic profiles. Analyzing these patterns could identify biomarkers associated with treatment response and susceptibility to depression, facilitating tailored treatments and proactive mental health care. Addressing ethical concerns regarding epigenetic information, such as privacy and stigmatization, is crucial in understanding the biological basis of depression. Therefore, researchers must consider these issues when examining the role of epigenetics in mental health disorders. The importance of epigenetics in depression is a critical aspect of modern medical research. These findings hold great potential for novel antidepressant medications and personalized treatments, which would significantly improve patient outcomes, and transform psychiatry. As research progresses, it is expected to uncover more complex aspects of epigenetic processes associated with depression, enhance our comprehension, and increase the effectiveness of therapies.

Energy homeostasis in the bone

The bone serves as an energy reservoir and actively engages in whole-body energy metabolism. Numerous studies have determined fuel requirements and bioenergetic properties of bone under physiological conditions as well as the dysregulation of energy metabolism associated with bone metabolic diseases. Here, we review the main sources of energy in bone cells and their regulation, as well as the endocrine role of the bone in systemic energy homeostasis. Moreover, we discuss metabolic changes that occur as a result of osteoporosis. Exploration in this area will contribute to an enhanced comprehension of bone energy metabolism, presenting novel possibilities to address metabolic diseases.

Histone lactylation bridges metabolic reprogramming and epigenetic rewiring in driving carcinogenesis: Oncometabolite fuels oncogenic transcription

Heightened lactate production in cancer cells has been linked to various cellular mechanisms such as angiogenesis, hypoxia, macrophage polarisation and T-cell dysfunction. The lactate-induced lactylation of histone lysine residues is noteworthy, as it functions as an epigenetic modification that directly augments gene transcription from chromatin. This epigenetic modification originating from lactate effectively fosters a reliance on transcription, thereby expediting tumour progression and development. Herein, this review explores the correlation between histone lactylation and cancer characteristics, revealing histone lactylation as an innovative epigenetic process that enhances the vulnerability of cells to malignancy. Moreover, it is imperative to acknowledge the paramount importance of acknowledging innovative therapeutic methodologies for proficiently managing cancer by precisely targeting lactate signalling. This comprehensive review illuminates a crucial yet inadequately investigated aspect of histone lactylation, providing valuable insights into its clinical ramifications and prospective therapeutic interventions centred on lactylation.

Multifactorial Distress, the Warburg Effect, and Respiratory and pH Imbalance in Cancer Development

Oncogenes are thought to play an important role in aberrant regulation of growth factors, which is believed to be an initiation event of carcinogenesis. However, recent genetic and pharmacological studies have shown that the Warburg effect (WE) is needed for tumour growth. It refers to extensively studied aerobic glycolysis over the past decade, although its impact on cancer remains unclear. Meanwhile, a large body of evidence has indicated that oxidative stress (OS) is connected with the occurrence and progression of various forms of cancer. Psychosocial factors (PSF), such as chronic depression, sadness, stressful life experiences, stress-prone personality, and emotional distress or poor quality of life affect the immune system and contribute to cancer outcomes. Here, we examine the relationship between WE, OS, PSF, metal ions, other carcinogens, and the development of different cancers from the viewpoint of physiological and biochemical mechanisms.

Coenzyme Q0 defeats NLRP3-mediated inflammation, EMT/metastasis, and Warburg effects by inhibiting HIF-1α expression in human triple-negative breast cancer cells

Coenzyme Q₀ (CoQ₀) is a derivative quinone from Antrodia camphorata (AC) that exerts anticancer activities. This study examined the anticancer attributes of CoQ₀ (0-4 µM) on inhibited anti-EMT/metastasis and NLRP3 inflammasome, and altered Warburg effects via HIF-1α inhibition in triple-negative breast cancer (MDA-MB-231 and 468) cells. MTT assay, cell migration/invasion assays, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, metabolic reprogramming, and LC-ESI-MS were carried out to assess the therapy potential of CoQ₀. CoQ₀ inhibited HIF-1α expression and suppressed the NLRP3 inflammasome and ASC/caspase-1 expression, followed by downregulation of IL-1β and IL-18 expression in MDA-MB-231 and 468 cells. CoQ₀ ameliorated cancer stem-like markers by decreasing CD44 and increasing CD24 expression. Notably, CoQ₀ modulated EMT by upregulating the epithelial marker E-cadherin and downregulating the mesenchymal marker N-cadherin. CoQ₀ inhibited glucose uptake and lactate accumulation. CoQ₀ also inhibited HIF-1α downstream genes involved in glycolysis, such as HK-2, LDH-A, PDK-1, and PKM-2 enzymes. CoQ₀ decreased extracellular acidification rate (ECAR), glycolysis, glycolytic capacity, and glycolytic reserve in MDA-MB-231 and 468 cells under normoxic and hypoxic (CoCl₂) conditions. CoQ₀ inhibited the glycolytic intermediates lactate, FBP, and 2/3-PG, and PEP levels. CoQ₀ increased oxygen consumption rate (OCR), basal respiration, ATP production, maximal respiration, and spare capacity under normoxic and hypoxic (CoCl₂) conditions. CoQ₀ increased TCA cycle metabolites, such as citrate, isocitrate, and succinate. CoQ0 inhibited aerobic glycolysis and enhanced mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation in TNBC cells. Under hypoxic conditions, CoQ₀ also mitigated HIF-1α, GLUT1, glycolytic-related (HK-2, LDH-A, and PFK-1), and metastasis-related (E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and MMP-9) protein or mRNA expression in MDA-MB-231 and/or 468 cells. Under LPS/ATP stimulation, CoQ₀ inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome/procaspase-1/IL-18 activation and NFκB/iNOS expression. CoQ₀ also hindered LPS/ATP-stimulated tumor migration and downregulated LPS/ATP-stimulated N-cadherin and MMP-2/-9 expression. The present study revealed that suppression of HIF-1α expression caused by CoQ₀ may contribute to inhibition of NLRP3-mediated inflammation, EMT/metastasis, and Warburg effects of triple-negative breast cancers.