Small molecules exert anti-apoptotic effect and reduce oxidative stress augmenting insulin secretion in stem cells engineered islets against hypoxia

Barrier function of zebrafish embryonic chorions against microplastics and nanoplastics and its impact on embryo development

Embryonic stage is important for the development of aquatic animals, and embryonic chorion is an efficient barrier against exogenous pollutants. The efficient barrier function of zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryonic chorions against micro- and nano- polystyrene (PS) particles was observed. Embryonic chorions presented high affinity to PS particles. The covering layer of PS particles on the outer surface of chorions affected the patency of pores in chorions, and the nano- PS particles exerted a considerable effect. The accelerated heart rate and blood flow velocity in the embryos indicated that the PS particles adhering to embryonic chorions might cause an internal hypoxic microenvironment in the embryos. The coating of PS particles on embryonic chorions also resulted in delayed hatching of the embryos. The observed development toxicity induced by the nano- and micro-PS particles was confirmed via the expressions of metabolic pathways related to antioxidant system. The pathways of biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acid, linoleic acid metabolism and alanine, and aspartate and glutamate metabolism extensively altered when the embryos were exposed to PS particles, especially to the nano- PS particles. Although micro- and nano- plastic particles can be efficiently blocked by embryonic chorions, they can still affect the early development of aquatic organisms.

Impact of Oxygen on Pancreatic Islet Survival

Pancreatic islet transplantation is a promising treatment option for individuals with type 1 diabetes; however, maintaining islet function after transplantation remains a large challenge. Multiple factors, including hypoxia associated events, trigger pretransplant and posttransplant loss of islet function. In fact, islets are easily damaged in hypoxic conditions before transplantation including the preparation steps of pancreas procurement, islet isolation, and culture. Furthermore, after transplantation, islets are also exposed to the hypoxic environment of the transplant site until they are vascularized and engrafted. Because islets are exposed to such drastic environmental changes, protective measures are important to maintain islet viability and function. Many studies have demonstrated that the prevention of hypoxia contributes to maintaining islet quality. In this review, we summarize the latest oxygen-related islet physiology, including computational simulation. Furthermore, we review recent advances in oxygen-associated treatment options used as part of the transplant process, including up-to-date oxygen generating biomaterials as well as a classical oxygen inhalation therapy.

MiR-30a targets IL-1α and regulates islet functions as an inflammation buffer and response factor

Diabetes is an inflammatory disease. Inflammation plays an important role in islet functions. However, the exact mechanisms by which inflammation affects islet functions remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the regulatory effects of miR-30a on inflammation and islet functions. The results indicate that miR-30a serves as an inflammation-resolving buffer factor by targeting interleukin 1a (IL-1α) in immune cells and in islet cells, which might play an important role in inflammation homeostasis. miR-30a ameliorates islet functions in an inflammatory micro-environment by targeting the IL-1α/nuclear factor kappa B (NFKB) p65 subunit (p65)/p62 (SQSTM1)/insulin axis, which can be developed into a novel antidiabetic approach. miR-30a serves as a promising inflammation-response biomarker in inflammatory diseases and is possibly activated by the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/IL-1α/NFKB pathways. However, the exact molecular mechanisms by which miR-30a regulates inflammation and islet functions as well as the potential applications in transitional medicine require further elucidation.