Potential effects of bisphenol A on diabetes mellitus and its chronic complications: A narrative review

Identification of Key Efferocytosis-Related Genes and Mechanisms in Diabetic Retinopathy

This study aimed to explore the key efferocytosis-related genes in diabetic retinopathy (DR) and their regulatory mechanisms. Public DR-related gene expression datasets, GSE160306 (training) and GSE60436 (validation), were downloaded. Differentially expressed efferocytosis-related genes (DEERGs) were analyzed using differential expression analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis. Functional enrichment analysis was conducted. Moreover, efferocytosis-related signature genes were identified using machine learning analysis, and their expression levels and diagnostic value were analyzed. Furthermore, nomograms were constructed; immune cell infiltration was analyzed; and gene set enrichment analysis, transcriptional regulation analysis, and small-molecule drug (SMD) prediction of efferocytosis-related signature genes were performed. In total, 36 DEERGs were identified in DR, and were markedly enriched in multiple functions, such as visual system development. Through further machine learning analysis, two efferocytosis-related signature genes, Ferritin Light Chain (FTL) and Fc Gamma Binding Protein (FCGBP), were identified, and were found to be upregulated in DR samples and showed high diagnostic performance for DR. A nomogram constructed using FTL and FCGBP accurately predicted the risk of DR. Moreover, the level of infiltration of immature B cells was positively correlated with FTL and FCGBP expression levels. Multiple transcription factors (TFs), such as CCCTC-Binding Factor (CTCF) and KLF Transcription Factor 9 (KLF9), were found to interact with both FTL and FCGBP. In addition, FTL can be targeted by miRNAs, such as miR-22-3p, and FCGBP can be targeted by miR-7973. In addition, both FTL and FCGBP can be targeted by SMDs, such as bisphenol A. Key efferocytosis-related genes, such as FTL and FCGBP, may promote DR development. Detecting or targeting FTL and FCGBP may aid in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of DR.

Association of ultraprocessed food consumption with risk of microvascular complications among individuals with type 2 diabetes in the UK Biobank: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

The poor nutritional characteristics and potentially harmful molecules in ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) are risk factors for diabetic microvascular complications. However, the evidence regarding UPFs and diabetic microvascular complications remains limited.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to evaluate the associations between UPF consumption and risk of diabetic microvascular complications, to examine the underlying biological pathways (e.g., inflammation and lipid profile), and to identify whether the associations differ by type of UPF dietary patterns.

METHODS

We included a prospective cohort of UK Biobank participants with type 2 diabetes (T2D) having at least one 24-h dietary recall (N = 5685). UPFs were defined using the Nova classification. Principal component analysis was used to derive UPF consumption patterns. Associations of UPFs and their consumption patterns with microvascular complications were assessed using Cox proportional hazards regression models. Mediation analyses were used to estimate the mediating effects of 22 biomarkers.

RESULTS

During a median of 12.7 y of follow-up, 1243 composite microvascular complications events occurred (599 diabetic retinopathy, 237 diabetic neuropathy, and 662 diabetic kidney disease events). Five consumption patterns were identified (spread and bread, cereal prepared with liquids, dairy-based products, sugary beverage and snack, and mixed beverage and savory snack patterns). A 10% increment in the proportion of UPF was associated with higher hazards of the composite microvascular complications (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.08; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03, 1.13) and diabetic kidney disease (HR: 1.13; 95% CI: 1.06, 1.20). Triglycerides, C-reactive protein, and body mass index collectively explained 22.0% (9.6%-43.0%) of the association between UPF intake and composite microvascular complications. Pattern high in mixed beverage and savory snack was associated with a higher risk of composite microvascular complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher UPF consumption was associated with higher risks of diabetic microvascular complications, and the association was partly mediated through multiple potential ways.

Oestrogens, adipose tissues and environmental exposures influence obesity and diabetes across the lifecycle

Endogenous oestrogens regulate essential functions to include menstrual cycles, energy balance, adipose tissue distribution, pancreatic β-cell function, insulin sensitivity and lipid homeostasis. Oestrogens are a family of hormones which include oestradiol (E2), oestrone (E1) and oestriol (E3). Oestrogens function by binding and activating oestrogen receptors (ERs). Phytoestrogens are plant-derived compounds which exhibit oestrogenic-like activity and can bind to ERs. Phytoestrogens exert potential oestrogenic-like benefits; however, their effects are context-dependent and require cautious consideration regarding generalised health benefits. Xenoestrogens are synthetic compounds which have been determined to disrupt endocrine function through binding to ERs. Xenoestrogens enter the body through various routes and given their chemical structure they can accumulate, posing long-term health risks. Xenoestrogens interfere with endogenous oestrogens and their functions contributing to conditions like cancer, infertility, and metabolic disorders. Understanding the interplay between endogenous and exogenous oestrogens is critical in order to determine their potential health consequences and requires further investigation. This manuscript provides a summary of the role endogenous oestrogens have in regulating metabolic functions. Additionally, we discuss the impact phytoestrogens and synthetic xenoestrogens have on biological systems across various life stages. We highlight their mechanisms of action, potential benefits, risks and discuss the need for further research to bridge gaps in understanding and mitigate exposure-related health risks.

Emerging Contaminants: An Emerging Risk Factor for Diabetes Mellitus

Emerging contaminants have been increasingly recognized as critical determinants in global public health outcomes. However, the intricate relationship between these contaminants and glucose metabolism remains to be fully elucidated. The paucity of comprehensive clinical data, coupled with the need for in-depth mechanistic investigations, underscores the urgency to decipher the precise molecular and cellular pathways through which these contaminants potentially mediate the initiation and progression of diabetes mellitus. A profound understanding of the epidemiological impact of these emerging contaminants, as well as the elucidation of the underlying mechanistic pathways, is indispensable for the formulation of evidence-based policy and preventive interventions. This review systematically aggregates contemporary findings from epidemiological investigations and delves into the mechanistic correlates that tether exposure to emerging contaminants, including endocrine disruptors, perfluorinated compounds, microplastics, and antibiotics, to glycemic dysregulation. A nuanced exploration is undertaken focusing on potential dietary sources and the consequential role of the gut microbiome in their toxic effects. This review endeavors to provide a foundational reference for future investigations into the complex interplay between emerging contaminants and diabetes mellitus.

Developmental Programming: Impact of Prenatal Exposure to Bisphenol A on Senescence and Circadian Mediators in the Liver of Sheep

Prenatal exposure to endocrine disruptors such as bisphenol A (BPA) plays a critical role in the developmental programming of liver dysfunction that is characteristic of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Circadian and aging processes have been implicated in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. We hypothesized that the prenatal BPA-induced fatty-liver phenotype of female sheep is associated with premature hepatic senescence and disruption in circadian clock genes. The expression of circadian rhythm and aging-associated genes, along with other markers of senescence such as telomere length, mitochondrial DNA copy number, and lipofuscin accumulation, were evaluated in the liver tissue of control and prenatal BPA groups. Prenatal BPA exposure significantly elevated the expression of aging-associated genes GLB1 and CISD2 and induced large magnitude differences in the expression of other aging genes-APOE, HGF, KLOTHO, and the clock genes PER2 and CLOCK-in the liver; the other senescence markers remained unaffected. Prenatal BPA-programmed aging-related transcriptional changes in the liver may contribute to pathological changes in liver function, elucidating the involvement of aging genes in the pathogenesis of liver steatosis.

Advances in optical and electrochemical sensing of bisphenol a (BPA) utilizing microfluidic Technology: A mini perspective

Continuous exposure to toxic pollutants highlights the need for sensitive detection technologies that can be rapidly applied in the current world for quick screening of real samples. Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the most common environmental contaminants, and it has the potential to harm both the environment and human health, notably causing reproductive disorders, cancer, heart disease, infertility, mental disorders, etc. Thus, significant attention has been paid to the detection of BPA and microplastics to promote food safety, environmental health, and human health on a sustainable earth. Among the current technologies, microfluidic based systems have garnered a lot of interest as future diagnostic tools for healthcare applications. Microfluidic devices can be deployed for quick screening and real-time monitoring, with inherent advantages like portability, miniaturisation, highly sensing tool and ease of integration with various detection systems. Optical and electrochemical sensors are two major analytical tools found in almost all microfluidic-based devices for ultrasensitive BPA and microplastics determination. In this review, we have evaluated and discussed microfluidic-based detection methods for BPA and microplastics.

Transfer of Bisphenol A and Trace Metals from Plastic Packaging to Mineral Water in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

The consumption of packaged water is growing rapidly in both urban and rural centres in Burkina Faso. Bisphenol A (BPA) and trace metals are among the compounds used in the manufacture of plastic packaging, and their presence in water can pose a health risk to consumers due to their alleged toxicity. Therefore, this study explores the transfer of these compounds from plastic packaging to mineral water in Sudano-Sahelian climatic conditions. Ten samples of packaged sachet water commercialised in Ouagadougou were studied. An absence of BPA in the borehole water used to produce packaged water has been shown. The transfer of BPA into mineral water increases with storage temperature. The BPA that appears in packaged water degrades over time. BPA concentrations ranged from 0 to 0.38 mg/L after two weeks of storage, 0 to 0.8 mg/L after four weeks of storage and 0 to 0.35 mg/L after 8 weeks of storage. Analysis of the trace metals showed steadily increasing concentrations from the second to the sixth weeks, with concentrations ranging from 0 to 9.7 µg/L for cadmium and from 0 to 0.13 mg/L for iron in the sachet water samples.