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Residues in the fructose-binding pocket are required for ketohexokinase-A activity

Excessive fructose consumption is a primary contributor to the global surges in obesity, cancer, and metabolic syndrome. Fructolysis is not robustly regulated and is initiated by ketohexokinase (KHK). In this study, we determined the crystal structure of KHK-A, one of two human isozymes of KHK, in the apo-state at 1.85 Å resolution, and we investigated the roles of residues in the fructose-binding pocket by mutational analysis. Introducing alanine at D15, N42, or N45 inactivated KHK-A, whereas mutating R141 or K174 reduced activity and thermodynamic stability. Kinetic studies revealed that the R141A and K174A mutations reduced fructose affinity by 2- to 4-fold compared to WT KHK-A, without affecting ATP affinity. Molecular dynamics simulations provided mechanistic insights into the potential roles of the mutated residues in ligand coordination and the maintenance of an open state in one monomer and a closed state in the other. Protein-protein interactome analysis indicated distinct expression patterns and downregulation of partner proteins in different tumor tissues, warranting a reevaluation of KHK's role in cancer development and progression. The connections between different cancer genes and the KHK signaling pathway suggest that KHK is a potential target for preventing cancer metastasis. This study enhances our understanding of KHK-A's structure and function and offers valuable insights into potential targets for developing treatments for obesity, cancer, and metabolic syndrome.

Prevalence of Psychoactive Substance Consumption in People With Obesity

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and the kind of psychoactive substances consumed by people with obesity.

METHODS

Patients were included at their first visit for bariatric surgery. Socio-demographic characteristics, anxiety, depressive disorders and psychoactive substance consumption were assessed. The prevalence of psychoactive substance consumption was compared to that of the general population reported by the French National Institute of Prevention and Health Education.

RESULTS

One hundred (100) patients were consecutively recruited: 60 women (mean age 41 ± 14 years) and 40 men (mean age 46 ± 13 years). Sixty-seven percent of subjects consumed alcohol. Consumption rates of cannabis (21% vs. 10%), cocaine (7.0% vs. 0.8%) and amphetamine (6.0% vs. 0.3%) were significantly (p < .0001) higher in people with obesity than in the general population.

CONCLUSIONS

People with obesity have an excess risk of amphetamine, cocaine and cannabis consumption. This consumption may increase the risk of cardiovascular and psychiatric morbidity and should therefore be detected before surgery.

Constipation in patients with thiamine deficiency after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery is the most common bariatric surgery worldwide. We have described thiamine deficiency in patients with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth after gastric bypass. We hypothesized that symptoms of thiamine deficiency are common after gastric bypass. The aims of this study were to examine the prevalence of and treatment of symptoms of thiamine deficiency after gastric bypass.

METHODS

This is a prospective study performed in a large urban, community hospital. Consecutive gastric bypass patients seen from February 1, 2008 to May 1, 2009 are included. Thiamine deficiency in this study included both: consistent clinical symptoms and either (1) low blood thiamine level or (2) resolution of clinical symptoms after receiving thiamine.

RESULTS

Of 151 patients, 25 females and 2 males met the criteria for thiamine deficiency (prevalence of 18%). In these 27 patients, 12 had one symptom of thiamine deficiency, while 15 had symptoms consistent with multiple subtypes. Eleven patients reported constipation at 0.33-12 years (mean 4.8) after gastric bypass. Elevated serum folate levels were seen in 6 of 10 tested patients and there was an abnormal glucose-hydrogen breath test in 9 of 10 tested patients, supporting the presence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Frequency of defecation improved after thiamine treatment.

CONCLUSION

Thiamine deficiency resulting from small intestinal bacterial overgrowth should be considered in patients being seen for constipation after gastric bypass surgery.

[Urinary incontinence and obesity]

Obesity, defined as a body mass index (BMI) more than or equal to 30kg/m(2), promotes pelvic floor disorders such as urinary incontinence (UI) and genital prolapse. Datas from cohort studies found an association between high BMI and the onset of UI. This association seems to be predominant with for mixed UI and stress UI. For the urge UI and overactive bladder syndrome, the analysis of the literature found a weaker association. The weight is therefore the only modifiable risk factor. Thus, the weight loss by a hypocaloric diet associated with pelvic floor muscle training should be the front line treatment in the obese patient suffering from UI. Bariatric surgery can be discussed in the most obese patient, even if the risk/benefit balance should be weighed because of significant morbidity of this surgery. The results of sub urethral sling (by retropubic tension-free vaginal tape or transobturator sling) in obese patients appear to be equivalent to those obtained in patients of normal weight. Datas on per- and postoperative complications for suburethral slings are reassuring.

Antipsychotics and physical attractiveness

BACKGROUND

Antipsychotics are effective in treating the symptoms of schizophrenia, but they may induce adverse effects, some of which-those that impact negatively on physical appearance-have not been sufficiently discussed in the psychiatric literature.

AIM

Through a narrative review, to catalog antipsychotic side effects that interfere with physical attractiveness and to suggest ways of addressing them.

METHOD

PubMed databases were searched for information on the association between "antipsychotic side effects" and "attractiveness" using those two search phrases plus the following terms: "weight," "teeth," "skin," "hair," "eyes," "gait," "voice," "odor." Data from relevant qualitative and quantitative articles were considered, contextualized, and summarized.

RESULTS

Antipsychotics, as a group, increase weight and may lead to dry mouth and bad breath, cataracts, hirsutism, acne, and voice changes; they may disturb symmetry of gait and heighten the risk for tics and spasms and incontinence, potentially undermining a person's attractiveness.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinicians need to be aware of the impact of therapeutic drugs on appearance and how important this issue is to patients. Early in treatment, they need to plan preventive and therapeutic strategies.