Zinc, selenium and chromium co-supplementation improves insulin resistance by preventing hepatic endoplasmic reticulum stress in diet-induced gestational diabetes rats

Is chromium(III) supplementation beneficial for dietary rodent models of prediabetes?

Chromium as the trivalent ion is believed to pharmaceutically active, increasing insulin sensitivity in high doses in genetic rodent models of diabetes. However, contradictory results have been obtained chemical rodent models of diabetes. The current review analyses the effects of dietary Cr supplementation of rodent models of prediabetes, where the condition is administered using a high-fat or high-sugar diet. Rat model studies display a range of quality, with studies utilizing basal diets of known Cr content suggesting Cr beneficially affects insulin sensitivity. Mouse model studies display too much heterogeneity in results for any firm conclusions to be drawn. Comparison of these results with those of clinical trials suggest that the effective dose of Cr may be proportionally lower for rodents than humans, if one exists for humans.

Adipose stem cells-derived small extracellular vesicles transport Thrombospondin 1 cargo to promote insulin resistance in gestational diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a highly prevalent disease and poses a significant risk to the health of pregnant women. Abdominal adipose tissue (AT) contributes to insulin resistance (IR) associated with GDM. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.

METHODS

In this study, we developed a mouse model of GDM by subjecting mice to a high-fat diet. We collected adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) from the abdominal and inguinal regions and examined their role in inducing IR in normal tissues through the secretion of small extracellular vesicles (sEVs). The sEVs derived from ADSCs isolated from GDM mice (ADSC/GDM) were found to inhibit cell viability and insulin sensitivity in AML12, a normal mouse liver cell line.

RESULTS

Through proteomic analysis, we identified high levels of the thrombospondin 1 (Thbs1) protein in the sEVs derived from ADSC/GDM. Subsequent overexpression of Thbs1 protein in AML12 cells demonstrated similar IR as observed with ADSC/GDM-derived sEVs. Mechanistically, the Thbs1 protein within the sEVs interacted with CD36 and transforming growth factor (Tgf) β receptors in AML12 cells, leading to the activation of Tgfβ/Smad2 signaling. Furthermore, the administration of LSKL, an antagonistic peptide targeting Thbs1, suppressed Thbs1 expression in ADSC/GDM-derived sEVs, thereby restoring insulin sensitivity in AML12 cells and GDM mice in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings shed light on the intercellular transmission mechanism through which ADSCs influence hepatic insulin sensitivity and underscore the therapeutic potential of targeting the Thbs1 protein within sEVs.

The association between the urinary chromium and blood pressure: a population-based study

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The impact of trace elements and heavy metals on human health has attracted widespread attention. However, the correlation between urinary chromium concentrations and blood pressure remains unclear and inadequately reported, and the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between urinary chromium concentrations and blood pressure in adults in the United States (US).

METHODS

We utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017-2018 for this study. Multivariate logistic regression and multivariate linear regression were used to explore the association of urinary chromium concentrations with hypertension and blood pressure. Additionally, we also performed subgroup analysis and restricted cubic splines (RCS).

RESULTS

A total of 2958 participants were enrolled in this study. The overall mean systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were 123.98 ± 0.60, 72.66 ± 0.57 mmHg, respectively. The prevalence of hypertension was found in 41.31% of the whole participants. In the fully adjusted model, we did not observe a correlation between urinary chromium concentrations and the risk of hypertension and systolic blood pressure. However, we found a negative association between urinary chromium concentrations and diastolic blood pressure. In subgroup analysis, we observed a positive association between urinary chromium and the risk of hypertension among participants older than 60 years of age and those who were Non-Hispanic Black. The interaction term highlighted the influence of age and race on this positive association. We also found a negative association of urinary chromium with diastolic blood pressure in male, participants who were current smokers, overweight, and other races, as well as those without alcohol use and anti-hypertensive drug use. However, the interaction term only revealed the influence of alcohol consumption on the negative association.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggested that urinary chromium concentrations may show a negative association with diastolic blood pressure and this association was significantly dependent on alcohol consumption. Besides, a positive association between urinary chromium and the risk of hypertension was also found among participants older than 60 years of age and those who were Non-Hispanic Black.

Nutrient patterns in relation to insulin resistance and endothelial dysfunction in Iranian women

Prior studies have mainly focused on the association of one specific nutrient with insulin resistance (IR) and endothelial dysfunction and limited studies have assessed the association with different nutrient patterns (NPs). We examined the association between various NPs and IR and endothelial dysfunction among Iranian women. This cross-sectional study was carried out on a sample of 368 female nurses. A 106-items food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was applied for dietary assessments. Using factor analysis, the relationships between NPs and markers of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR, HOMA-β, and QUICKY), and endothelial dysfunction (E-selectin, sICAM-1, and sVCAM-1) were assessed. Mean age and body mass index of participants were respectively 35.21 years and 24.04 kg/m2. Three major NPs were identified. NP1, named as "dairy, fruits, and vegetables" had high values of potassium, folate, vitamins A and C, magnesium, and beta carotene. No significant association was observed between this NP and insulin resistance or endothelial dysfunction indices. The second NP was full of chromium, selenium, copper, vitamin B6, monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), thiamin, vitamin D, and iron. Adherence to NP2 (named "legumes, nuts, and protein foods") was associated with lower values of insulin (6.8 ± 1.1 versus 8.4 ± 1.1, P = 0.01), homeostasis model assessment-Insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (1.3 ± 0.2 versus 1.7 ± 0.2, P = 0.02), and vascular adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) (444.2 ± 27.9 versus 475.8 ± 28.4, P = 0.03). However, adherence to the third NP, rich in saturated fatty acid (SFA), cholesterol, sodium, zinc, vitamin E, and B12, described as "animal fat and meat + vitamin E", was associated with higher amounts of homeostasis model assessment-β (HOMA-β) (531.3 ± 176.2 versus 48.7 ± 179.8, P = 0.03). In conclusion, following the NP2, correlated with higher intakes of chromium, selenium, copper, vitamin B6, MUFA and thiamin was associated with lower values of insulin, HOMA-IR, and sVCAM-1. Adherence to NP3, rich in SFA, cholesterol, vitamin E, vitamin B12, and zinc was associated with higher levels of HOMA-β.

Selenium Concentration Is Positively Associated with Triglyceride-Glucose Index and Triglyceride Glucose-Body Mass Index in Adults: Data from NHANES 2011-2018

Compiling evidence supports that selenium plays a vital role in glucose metabolism. Triglyceride-glucose index (TyG) and triglyceride-glucose-body mass index (TyG-BMI) are commonly used in epidemiologic studies to evaluate insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks. This study is aimed to investigate the association between whole blood selenium concentration and TyG and TyG-BMI. A total of 6290 participants (age ≥ 20 years) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2018 were included. Multiple linear regression models were used to examine the association between blood selenium quartiles and TyG and TyG-BMI. Subgroup analysis stratified by diabetes status was also performed. The adjusted model showed a positive association between TyG and blood selenium concentration (β [95%CI] = 0.099 [0.063, 0.134], p < 0.001) and TyG-BMI (β [95%CI] = 3.185 [2.102, 4.268], p < 0.001). The association persisted after stratification by diabetes status (p < 0.001). Participants were stratified into four quartiles based on selenium concentration (Q1: 1.08-2.24 μmol/L, Q2: 2.25-2.42 μmol/L, Q3: 2.43-2.62 µmol/L, Q4: 2.63-8.08). Compared with the Q1 group, TyG in the Q3 and Q4 groups was significantly higher (β = 0.075 [95%CI 0.039 to 0.112] and β = 0.140 [95%CI 0.103 to 0.176], respectively). Additionally, TyG-BMI in the Q2, Q3, and Q4 groups was higher than that in the Q1 group (β = 1.189 [95%CI 0.065 to 2.314], β = 2.325 [95%CI 1.204 to 3.446], and β = 4.322 [95%CI 3.210 to 5.435], respectively). Blood level of selenium was positively associated with TyG and TyG-BMI, indicating that excessive blood selenium may be associated with impaired insulin sensitivity and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Recent progress in metabolic reprogramming in gestational diabetes mellitus: a review

Gestational diabetes mellitus is a prevalent metabolic disease that can impact the normal course of pregnancy and delivery, leading to adverse outcomes for both mother and child. Its pathogenesis is complex and involves various factors, such as insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction. Metabolic reprogramming, which involves mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis, is crucial for maintaining human metabolic balance and is involved in the pathogenesis and progression of gestational diabetes mellitus. However, research on the link and metabolic pathways between metabolic reprogramming and gestational diabetes mellitus is limited. Therefore, we reviewed the relationship between metabolic reprogramming and gestational diabetes mellitus to provide new therapeutic strategies for maternal health during pregnancy and reduce the risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus.

Effects of co-supplementation of chromium and magnesium on metabolic profiles, inflammation, and oxidative stress in impaired glucose tolerance

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effects of chromium (Cr) and magnesium (Mg) ions on metabolic profiles, inflammation, and oxidative stress with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and insulin resistance (IR).

METHODS

120 individuals with IGT and IR were randomly divided into four groups treated with (1) chromium, (2) magnesium, (3) chromium and magnesium or (4) placebo. Metabolic and inflammatory indicators were measured at baseline and after 3 months intervention.

RESULTS

Comparison among groups showed that fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2 h post glucose (2hPPG), fasting insulin (FINS) and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in Cr + Mg group were significantly decreased compared with the other three groups (p < .05), and high density lipoprotein (HDL-c) levels were higher. 8-iso prostaglandin F2 alpha (8-iso-PGF2a) decreased in Cr, Mg, and Cr + Mg groups compared with placebo (p < .05), and 8-iso-PGF2a decreased in Cr + Mg groups compared with Cr group and Mg groups (p > .05). Intra-group comparison showed that the levels of FPG, 2hPPG and FINS in Cr + Mg group were significantly decreased after intervention (p < .05), and FINS in Mg group was significantly decreased (p < .01). The levels of HDL-c and triacylglycerol (TG) in Cr + Mg group were significantly improved (p < .05). The level of HDL-c in Mg group was significantly improved compared with baseline (p < .05). Compared with baseline, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels in Cr + Mg group and Mg group were significantly decreased (p < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

The co-supplementation of Cr and Mg improves glycemic and lipid levels and reduces the inflammatory response and oxidative stress profiles of individuals with impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance.

High-fat-diet induced inflammation and apoptosis via activation of Ire1α in liver and hepatocytes of black seabream (Acanthopagrus schlegelii)

The present study aimed to reveal the role of inositol-requiring enzyme 1α (Ire1α) in mediating high-fat-diet (HFD) induced inflammation and apoptosis in fish and elucidate underling mechanisms of action. In experiment 1, black seabream juveniles were fed a control diet (Control, 12 % dietary lipid) or a high fat diet (HFD, 19 % dietary lipid) for eight weeks. In experiment 2, primary hepatocytes were isolated from black seabream juveniles and treated with oleic acid (OA, 200 μmol/L), OA + transfection with non-silencing control siRNA (negative control) (OA + NC), and OA + transfection with ire1α-small interfering RNA (OA + siire1α) for 48 h versus untreated (Control). Results indicated that fish fed HFD increased lipid deposition in the liver and caused hepatic steatosis. HFD group had significantly higher ire1α/Ire1α mRNA and phosphorylated protein expression and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) related genes expression compared to the Control group, indicating that ERS was triggered. Meanwhile, feeding HFD induced inflammation and apoptosis by evaluated nuclear factor kappa B (nf-κb) mRNA and phosphorylated Nf-κb p65 protein expression, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (jnk) mRNA and protein expression. However, knock down of ire1α (OA + siire1α) in primary hepatocytes alleviated OA-induced increased expression of ire1α/Ire1α mRNA and protein expression, nf-κb/Nf-κb p65 mRNA and phosphorylated protein expression, and jnk/Jnk mRNA and phosphorylated protein expression. These findings revealed the underling mechanism of action of HFD in fish, confirming that HFD increased ESR stress and Ire1α that, in turn, activated Nf-κb and Jnk pathways in hepatocytes and liver mediating HFD-induced inflammation and apoptosis.

Novel mechanism for zinc inducing hepatic lipolysis via the HDAC3-mediated deacetylation of β-catenin at lysine 311

Zinc (Zn) is a multipurpose trace element indispensable for vertebrates and possesses essential regulatory roles in lipid metabolism, but the fundamental mechanism remains largely unknown. In the current study, we found that a high-Zn diet significantly increased hepatic Zn content and influenced the expression of Zn transport-relevant genes. Dietary Zn addition facilitated lipolysis, inhibited lipogenesis, and controlled β-catenin signal; Zn also promoted T-cell factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2) to interact with β-catenin and regulating its transcriptional activity, thereby inducing lipolysis and inhibiting lipogenesis; Zn-induced lipid degradation was mediated by histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) which was responsible for β-catenin deacetylation and the regulation of β-catenin signal under the Zn treatment. Mechanistically, Zn promoted lipid degradation via stimulating HDAC3-mediated deacetylation of β-catenin at lysine 311 (K311), which enhanced the interaction between β-catenin and TCF7L2 and then transcriptionally inhibited fatty acid synthase (FAS), 2-acylglycerol O-acyltransferase 2 (MOGAT2), and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP1) expression, but elevated the mRNA abundance of adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), hormone-sensitive lipase a (HSLA) and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1a1b (CPT1A1B). Overall, our research reveals a novel mechanism into the important roles of HDAC3/β-catenin pathway in Zn promoting lipolysis and inhibiting lipogenesis, and highlights the essential roles of K311 deacetylation in β-catenin actions and lipolytic metabolism, and accordingly provides novel insight into the prevention and treatment of steatosis in the vertebrates.

Insulin-like growth factor 1 in heat stress-induced neuroinflammation: novel perspective about the neuroprotective role of chromium

Heat stress (HS) can cause a series of stress responses, resulting in numerous negative effects on the body, such as the diminished food intake, carcass quality and reproductive capacity. In addition to the negative effects on the peripheral system, HS leads to central nervous system (CNS) disorders given its toll on neuroinflammation. This neuroinflammatory process is mainly mediated by microglia and astrocytes, which are involved in the activation of glial cells and the secretion of cytokines. While the regulation of inflammatory signaling has a close relationship with the expression of heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70), HS-induced neuroinflammation is closely related to the activation of the TLR4/NF-κB pathway. Moreover, oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress are key players in the development of neuroinflammation. Chromium (Cr) has been widely shown to have neuroprotective effects in both humans and animals, despite the lack of mechanistic evidence. Evidence has shown that Cr supplementation can increase the levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), a major neurotrophic factor with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. This review highlights recent advances in the attenuating effects and potential mechanisms of Cr-mediated IGF-1 actions on HS-induced neuroinflammation, providing presently existing evidence supporting the neuroprotective role of Cr.

Pharmacological and Pathological Effects of Mulberry Leaf Extract on the Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Mice

This study investigated the pharmacological and pathological effects of aqueous mulberry leaf extract on type 1 diabetes mellitus mice induced with an intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ). Diabetic mice were randomized into six groups: control (normal group), model, metformin-treated mice, and high-dose, medium-dose, and low-dose mulberry. The mulberry-treated mice were divided into high-, medium-, and low-dose groups based on the various doses of aqueous mulberry leaf extract during gavage. The efficacy of the six-week intervention was evaluated by measuring levels of fasting plasma glucose, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate transaminase, blood urea nitrogen, gamma-glutamyl transferase, glucose, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, lactate dehydrogenase, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and recording body weight. Results revealed that mulberry leaf extract exhibited an ideal hypoglycemic effect, and the high-dose group was the most affected. Histology analysis, glycogen staining and apoptosis detection were used to study the extract's effects on the liver, kidney, and pancreatic cells of diabetic mice, enabling the assessment of its effectiveness and complications on a clinical and theoretical basis. It was shown that a certain concentration of aqueous mulberry leaf extract repaired the islet cells of type 1 diabetes mellitus mice, promoting normal insulin secretion. Herein, it was confirmed that mulberry leaf could be used to develop new hypoglycemic drugs or functional health food with broad applicability.

Microcystin-LR-Exposure-Induced Kidney Damage by Inhibiting MKK6-Mediated Mitophagy in Mice

Previous studies have reported that microcystin-LR (MC-LR) levels are highly correlated with abnormal renal function indicators, suggesting that MC-LR is an independent risk factor for kidney damage. However, the evidence for the exact regulation mechanism of MC-LR on kidney damage is still limited, and further in-depth exploration is needed. In addition, the mitochondria-related mechanism of MC-LR leading to kidney damage has not been elucidated. To this end, the present study aimed to further explore the mechanism of mitophagy related to kidney damage induced by MC-LR through in vitro and in vivo experiments. Male C57BL/6 mice were fed with a standard rodent pellet and exposed daily to MC-LR (20 μg/kg·bw) via intraperitoneal injections for 7 days. Moreover, HEK 293 cells were treated with MC-LR (20 μM) for 24 h. The histopathological results exhibited kidney damage after MC-LR exposure, characterized by structurally damaged nephrotomies, with inflammatory cell infiltration. Similarly, a significant increase in renal interstitial fibrosis was observed in the kidneys of MC-LR-treated mice compared with those of the control group (CT) mice. MC-LR exposure caused impaired kidney function, with markedly increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr), and uric acid (UA) levels in mice. Ultrastructural analysis exhibited obviously swollen, broken, and disappearing mitochondrial crests, and partial mitochondrial vacuoles in the MC-LR-treated HEK 293 cells. The Western blotting results demonstrated that exposure to MC-LR significantly increased the protein expressions of MKK6, p-p38, and p62, while the expression of mitophagy-related proteins was significantly inhibited in the kidneys of mice and HEK293 cells, including parkin, TOM20, and LC3-II, indicating the inhibition of mitophagy. Therefore, our data suggest that the inhibition of MKK6-mediated mitophagy might be the toxicological mechanism of kidney toxicity in mice with acute exposure to MC-LR.

Effects of Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid and 4-Phenylbutyric Acid on Selenium Distribution in Mice Model with Type 1 Diabetes

The effect of selenium on diabetes is significant. As pharmaceutical chaperones, tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) and 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA) can effectively improve the oxidative stress of the endoplasmic reticulum. This study established a mice model with type 1 diabetes (T1D) to evaluate the effects of pharmaceutical chaperones on selenium distribution. Streptozotocin was used to induce Friend virus B-type mice to establish a T1D mice model. Mice were administered with TUDCA or 4-PBA. Selenium levels in different tissues were measured by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). After treatment with TUDCA and 4-PBA, related laboratory findings such as glucose and glycated serum protein were significantly reduced and were closer to normal levels. At 2 weeks, 4-PBA normalized selenium levels in the heart, and 4-PBA and TUDCA maintained the selenium in the liver, kidney, and muscle at normal. At 2 months, 4-PBA and TUDCA maintained the selenium in the heart, liver, and kidney at normal levels. The serum selenium had a positive correlation with zinc and copper in the diabetes group and the control group, while the serum selenium had no significant association with magnesium and calcium at 2 weeks and 2 months. TUDCA and 4-PBA have crucial effects on selenium distribution in diabetic mice, and further research is needed to research their internal mechanisms.

The protective effect of zinc, selenium, and chromium on myocardial fibrosis in the offspring of rats with gestational diabetes mellitus

The offspring of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) mothers are considered to be at the risk of cardiovascular diseases due to intrauterine hyperglycemia exposure. Our previous study showed that zinc, selenium, and chromium dramatically alleviated glucose intolerance in GDM rats and their offspring (P < 0.05). However, the effects of these elements on the damage of the cardiac myocytes of GDM offspring and the underlying mechanisms have not been demonstrated. Here, we investigated the beneficial effects of zinc (10 mg per kg bw), selenium (20 μg per kg bw), and chromium (20 μg per kg bw) supplementation on myocardial fibrosis in the offspring of GDM rats induced by a high-fat and sucrose (HFS) diet. The results showed that maternal GDM induced glucose intolerance, oxidative stress, cardiac inflammation and myocardial fibrosis in offspring rats during different ages (3 days, 3 weeks, and adulthood), which were ameliorated by zinc, selenium and chromium supplementation (P < 0.05). The activity of cardiac damage markers such as creatine kinase-myocardial band isoenzyme (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) decreased by 40-60% in element-supplemented offspring compared to that in non-supplemented offspring of GDM dams (P < 0.05). Moreover, maternal GDM-induced expression of fibrosis-related proteins and the transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1)/small mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 3 (Smad3) signaling pathway in the heart tissue of offspring was down-regulated by zinc, selenium, and chromium supplementation (P < 0.05). In conclusion, zinc, selenium, and chromium may play a protective role in maternal GDM-induced myocardial fibrosis in offspring from birth to adulthood by inactivating the TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway.

Transgenerational effects of zinc, selenium and chromium supplementation on glucose homeostasis in female offspring of gestational diabetes rats

Clinical studies have demonstrated that maternal gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) increases the offspring's risk of developing glucose intolerance. Our previous study reported that co-supplementation with zinc, selenium, and chromium improved insulin resistance in diet-induced GDM rats. Here, Transgenerational effects of supplementation with zinc (10 mg/kg.bw), selenium (20 μg/kg.bw), and chromium (20 μg/kg.bw) in F1 female offspring of both zinc, selenium and chromium (ZnSeCr)-treated, and untreated GDM rats daily by gavage from weaning to the postpartum were investigated in the present study. Glucose homeostasis in the F1 female offspring of GDM at different stages were evaluated. Maternal GDM did increase the birth mass of newborn F1 female offspring, as well as the serum glucose and insulin levels. Zinc, selenium and chromium supplementation attenuated the GDM-induced mass gain, increased serum glucose and insulin levels in the female neonates. The high fat and sucrose (HFS) diet-fed GDM-F1 offspring developed GDM, with glucose intolerance, hyperglycemia and insulin resistance during pregnancy. Moreover, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-related protein levels were increased and the activation of insulin signaling pathways were reduced in the liver of HFS-fed GDM-F1 offspring. Whereas glucose homeostasis in parallel with insulin sensitivity was normalized in the female offspring of GDM by supplementation both F0 dams and F1 offspring with zinc, selenium and chromium, not in those either F0 or F1 elements supplemented offspring. Therefore, we speculate that zinc, selenium and chromium supplementation may have a potential beneficial transgenerational effect on the glucose homeostasis in the female offspring of GDM.

Lipid metabolic disorders and physiological stress caused by a high-fat diet have lipid source-dependent effects in juvenile black seabream Acanthopagrus schlegelii

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different dietary lipid sources on growth performance, lipid metabolism, and physiological stress responses including oxidative stress (OS) and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) of juvenile Acanthopagrus schlegelii (initial weight 0.88 ± 0.01 g) fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Four isonitrogenous and isolipidic experimental diets containing different lipid sources were formulated: fish oil (FO), palm oil (PO), linseed oil (LO), and soybean oil (SO), respectively. Results indicated that fish fed HFD supplemented with FO significantly improved growth than SO treatment. The high concentrations of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine transaminase were found in HFD supplemented with SO. Fish fed dietary LO supplementation showed significantly lower serum cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein contents than those in SO group. Likewise, hepatic paraffin section analysis indicated that HFD with PO or SO supplementation increased fat drop. The expression levels of peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor alpha (pparα) and silent regulator 1 (sirt1) were significantly elevated by HFD with FO or LO supplementation. Additionally, the key marker of OS malonaldehyde was significantly increased in FO and SO groups. ERS-related genes were activated in dietary PO or SO supplementation and, hence, triggering inflammation and apoptosis by promoting the expression levels of nuclear factor kappa B (nf-κb) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (jnk). Overall, the present study reveals that lipid metabolic disorders and physiological stress caused by a HFD have significant lipid source-dependent effects, which have important guiding significance for the use of HFD in marine fish.

The association between urine elements and fasting glucose levels in a community-based elderly people in Beijing

Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that various kinds of urinary element concentrations were different between healthy, prediabetes, and diabetes patients. Meanwhile, many studies have explored the relationship between element concentration and fasting blood glucose (FBG), but the association between joint exposure to co-existing elements and FBG level has not been well understood. The study explored the associations of joint exposure to co-existing urinary elements with FBG level in a cross-sectional design. 275 retired elderly people were recruited from Beijing, China. The questionnaire survey was conducted, and biological samples were collected. The generalized linear model (GLM) and two-phase Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) model were used to perform in-depth association analysis between urinary elements and FBG. The GLM analysis showed that Zn, Sr, and Cd were significantly correlated with the FBG level, under control potential confounding factors. The BKMR analysis demonstrated 8 elements (Zn, Se, Fe, Cr, Ni, Cd, Mn, and Al) had a higher influence on FBG (posterior inclusion probabilities > 0.1). Further intensive analyses result of the BKMR model indicated that the overall estimated exposure of 8 elements was positively correlated with the FBG level and was statistically significant when all creatinine-adjusted element concentrations were at their 65th percentile. Meanwhile, the BKMR analysis showed that Cd and Zn had a statistically significant association with FBG levels when other co-existing elements were controlled at different levels (25th, 50th, or 75th percentile), respectively. The results of the GLM and BKMR model were inconsistent. The BKMR model could flexibly calculate the joint exposure to co-existing elements, evaluate the possible interaction effects and nonlinear correlations. The meaningful conclusions were found that it was difficult to get by traditional methods. This study will provide methodological reference and experimental evidence for the association between joint exposure to co-existing elements and FBG in elderly people.