New perspective on type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Hepatic and metabolic outcomes induced by sub-chronic exposure to polystyrene microplastics in mice

Microplastics (MPs) have attracted significant attention due to their global distribution in living environments. Although some studies have reported MP-induced hepatotoxicity in mouse models, a systematic approach to MP-mediated liver toxicity was still lacking. Therefore, we used a mouse model to study the sub-chronic effects of MP exposure on the liver. Female C57BL/6 mice, aged 6 weeks, received an oral administration of 0.3 mg of Nile Red-labeled polystyrene (PS) microplastics, with particle sizes of 0.5 µm (submicron) and 5 µm (micron), via gavage, while control mice received vehicle only. Each mouse was exposed to MPs twice a week for 12 weeks. After sacrifice, the levels of MP accumulation, oxidative stress, inflammation, and pathological changes were measured in the mouse liver, and blood samples were collected for serum biochemistry analysis. Our results demonstrated that 0.5 µm PS-MPs were accumulated in mouse livers post-MP exposure, but not in the 5 µm MP exposure group. Simultaneously, increased levels of glucose, triglyceride, alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), superoxide dismutase, 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal-mercapturic acid (HNE-MA), interleukin-6, and lipid droplets were found in the 0.5 µm MP exposure group, while the fewer responses, including elevated liver weight index, glucose, high-density lipoprotein, AST, and decreased HNE-MA were observed in 5 µm MP exposure group. These results indicate that sub-chronic exposure to submicron MPs causes MP deposition in mouse livers, which further induces oxidative stress, increases inflammatory cytokines and perturbs glucose and lipid homeostasis, which might trigger more severe metabolic dysfunction or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis-like hepatotoxicity.

"Adjusting internal organs and dredging channelon" electroacupuncture glycolipid metabolism disorders in NAFLD mice by mediating the AMPK/ACC signaling pathway

To investigate the effect mechanism of electroacupuncture based on the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) /acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) signaling pathway to improve glycolipid metabolism disorders in db/db mice. 10 db/m mice with normal genotype were used as the normal control group without diabetes (Con), and 30 db/db mice were divided randomly into three groups: Pathological model mice (Mod), Acupuncture + ACC antagonist group (Acu + ACC), and Acupuncture + AMPK antagonist group (Acu + AMPK). Con and Mod did not receive any special treatment, only as a control observation. The latter two groups of mice received electroacupuncture treatment for 4 weeks. Mouse triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C), and cholesterin(CHO) levels were detected by colorimetric assay. Enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) was used to detect insulin(INS) levels. Liver histopathologic changes and hepatic glycogen synthesis were observed by HE and PAS staining. The mRNA and protein expression of insulin receptor substrate-1(IRS1), Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K), protein kinase B (AKT), AMPK, and ACC were detected by Western blot and qRT-PCR.The results show that compared with Mod, TG, LDL, CHO, and INS levels of Acu + AMPK and Acu + ACC mice were significantly reduced (P < 0.05), and the HDL levels were significantly increased (P < 0.05), the steatotic degeneration of mice hepatocytes was reduced to different degrees, and the hepatocyte glycogen particles were increased, and the latter two groups had a decrease in AKT, ACC mRNA expression was reduced (P < 0.05), PI3K protein expression was increased, and AKT and ACC protein expression was reduced (P < 0.05), in addition, protein expression of AMPK was increased and IRS1 protein expression was reduced in Acu + ACC (P < 0.05). The study showed that electroacupuncture improves glucose-lipid metabolism disorders in db/db mice, and this mechanism is related to the AMPK/ACC signaling pathway.

Daraesoon (shoot of hardy kiwi) mitigates hyperglycemia in db/db mice by alleviating insulin resistance and inflammation

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Mitigating insulin resistance and hyperglycemia is associated with a decreased risk of diabetic complications. The effect of Daraesoon (shoot of hardy kiwi, Actinidia arguta) on hyperglycemia was investigated using a type 2 diabetes animal model.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Seven-week-old db/db mice were fed either an AIN-93G diet or a diet containing 0.4% of a 70% ethanol extract of Daraesoon, whereas db/+ mice were fed the AIN-93G diet for 7 weeks.

RESULTS

Consumption of Daraesoon significantly reduced serum glucose and blood glycated hemoglobin levels, along with homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance in db/db mice. Conversely, Daraesoon elevated the serum adiponectin levels compared to the db/db control group. Furthermore, Daraesoon significantly decreased both serum and hepatic triglyceride levels, as well as serum total cholesterol levels. Additionally, consumption of Daraesoon resulted in decreased hepatic tumor necrosis factor-α and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 expression.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that hypoglycemic effect of Daraesoon is mediated through the improvement of insulin resistance and the downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in db/db mice.

The Impact of Intermittent Fasting on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Older Adults: A Review of Clinicaltrials.gov Registry

Background

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a predominant health condition across the world due to its rising prevalence and association with various metabolic disorders. Intermittent fasting (IF) has attracted increasing attention as a dietary approach to addressing weight management and enhancing metabolic well-being, and its potential effects on NAFLD have been a topic of growing research interest.

Aim

This review aims to critically evaluate the current evidence on IF's impact on NAFLD, including the mechanisms underlying the observed effects in older adults (65+).

Methods

A comprehensive search of Clinicaltrials.gov was conducted to identify relevant studies that investigated the effects of IF on NAFLD in older adults (65+). Data on study design, sample size, intervention details, and outcomes related to NAFLD were extracted and analyzed.

Results

As of April 12th, 2023, there were 1304 clinical trials on NAFLD. Most of these were interventional studies. The investigation focused on completed studies and found that limited clinical trials were identified with limited interventional measures. Only five out of the 1304 studies on NAFLD involved IF. Basic and advanced outcome measures were examined.

Conclusion

Although some studies suggest that IF may have potential benefits for NAFLD, the evidence is still limited and inconclusive.

Pediococcus pentosaceus PR-1 modulates high-fat-died-induced alterations in gut microbiota, inflammation, and lipid metabolism in zebrafish

Introduction

Obesity is a health issue worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the beneficial effects of Pediococcus pentococcus PR-1 on the modulating of gut microbiota, inflammation and lipid metabolism in high-fat-diet (HFD)-fed zebrafish.

Methods

Adult zebrafish were fed a commercial (C), high fat (H, 25% fat), probiotic (P, 10⁶ CFU/g), or high fat with probiotic (HP) diets twice daily for 5 weeks. Gut microbiota were analysed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Gene expressions of intestinal cytokine, intestinal TJ protein, and liver lipid metabolism were analysed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Biochemical and histological analysis were also performed.

Results and discussion

P. pentosaceus PR-1 reduced body weight and BMI, indicating its anti-obesity effect. The 16S rRNA sequencing results showed HFD induced a distinct gut microbiota structure from C group, which was restored by probiotic. P. pentosaceus PR-1 improved gut health by decreasing the abundance of Ralstonia and Aeromonas which were increased induced by HFD. Moreover, probiotic restored abundance of Fusobacteria, Cetobacterium and Plesiomonas, which were decreased in HFD-fed zebrafish. The results of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction showed probiotic suppressed HFD-induced inflammation by decreasing the expressions of IL-1b and IL-6. Levels of hepatic TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6 were reduced by probiotic in HFD-fed zebrafish. Probiotic also ameliorated gut barrier function by increasing the expressions of occludin, Claudin-1, and ZO-1. Probiotic exerted anti-adipogenic activity through regulating the expressions of SREBP1, FAS and LEPTIN. Levels of hepatic triglyceride, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein were also reduced by probiotic. Histological analysis showed probiotic alleviated liver steatosis and injury induced by HFD. P. pentosaceus PR-1 might be useful as a dietary health supplement, especially for reducing obesity.

Rho-kinase inhibition ameliorates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in type 2 diabetic rats

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is linked to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), obesity, and insulin resistance. The Rho/ROCK pathway had been involved in the pathophysiology of diabetic complications. This study was designed to assess the possible protective impacts of the Rho/Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase (Rho/ROCK) inhibitor fasudil against NAFLD in T2DM rats trying to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Animals were assigned into control rats, non-treated diabetic rats with NAFLD, and diabetic rats with NAFLD that received fasudil treatment (10 mg/kg per day) for 6 weeks. The anthropometric measures and biochemical analyses were performed to assess metabolic and liver function changes. The inflammatory and oxidative stress markers and the histopathology of rat liver tissues were also investigated. Groups with T2DM showed increased body weight, serum glucose, and insulin resistance. They exhibited disturbed lipid profile, enhancement of inflammatory cytokines, and deterioration of liver function. Fasudil administration reduced body weight, insulin resistance, and raised liver enzymes. It improved the disturbed lipid profile and attenuated liver inflammation. Moreover, it slowed down the progression of high fat diet (HFD)-induced liver injury and reduced the caspase-3 expression. The present study demonstrated beneficial amelioration effect of fasudil on NAFLD in T2DM. The mechanisms underlying these impacts are improving dyslipidemia, attenuating oxidative stress, downregulated inflammation, improving mitochondrial architecture, and inhibiting apoptosis.

Changes of bile acids and resting energy expenditure after laparoscopic cholecystectomy in type 2 diabetes patients: a prospective study

BACKGROUND

We aimed to investigate changes of bile acids and resting energy expenditure (REE) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) and the role in metabolic homeostasis.

METHODS

From December 2019 to December 2021, a total of 77 T2DM patients with gallbladder polyps were included in our study. Among them, 40 patients who underwent LC were enrolled into the cholecystectomy group, and 37 patients who did not undergo LC were enrolled into the control group. Preoperative and 6-months postoperative demographic data, body weight, food intake, effects on diabetes control, and biomedical variables were recorded and compared.

RESULTS

The mean level of total bile acids (TBA) was higher than that in the control group (P = 0.033) and increased significantly after LC compared to baseline (P = 0.029). The REE level in the cholecystectomy group was higher than that in the control group (P = 0.032) and increased compared to the baseline (P = 0.011). The utilization of carbohydrates increased significantly after LC (P < 0.001) while the utilization of fat decreased (P < 0.001). The mean level of fasting plasma glucose (P = 0.004), hemoglobin A1C (P < 0.001), and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (P = 0.045) decreased after LC. The mean level of total cholesterol (P = 0.003) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol significantly decreased (P = 0.021), whereas the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The level of REE and TBA increased after LC in patients with T2DM, and the glucose and lipid metabolism improved. Trial registration This study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry on November 30, 2018, registered number: ChiCTR1900027823.

Beneficial Activities of Alisma orientale Extract in a Western Diet-Induced Murine Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis and Related Fibrosis Model via Regulation of the Hepatic Adiponectin and Farnesoid X Receptor Pathways

The hepatic adiponectin and farnesoid X receptor (FXR) signaling pathways play multiple roles in modulating lipid and glucose metabolism, reducing hepatic inflammation and fibrosis, and altering various metabolic targets for the management of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Alisma orientale (AO, Ze xie in Chinese and Taeksa in Korean) is an herbal plant whose tubers are enriched with triterpenoids, which have been reported to exhibit various bioactive properties associated with NAFLD. Here, the present study provides a preclinical evaluation of the biological functions and related signaling pathways of AO extract for the treatment of NAFLD in a Western diet (WD)-induced mouse model. The findings showed that AO extract significantly reversed serum markers (liver function, lipid profile, and glucose) and improved histological features in the liver sections of mice fed WD for 52 weeks. In addition, it also reduced hepatic expression of fibrogenic markers in liver tissue and decreased the extent of collagen-positive areas, as well as inhibited F4/80 macrophage aggregation and inflammatory cytokine secretion. The activation of adiponectin and FXR expression in hepatic tissue may be a major mechanistic signaling cascade supporting the promising role of AO in NAFLD pharmacotherapy. Collectively, our results demonstrated that AO extract improves non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) resolution, particularly with respect to NASH-related fibrosis, along with the regulation of liver enzymes, postprandial hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and weight loss, probably through the modulation of the hepatic adiponectin and FXR pathways.

Tandem mass tag-based proteomics analysis of type 2 diabetes mellitus with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in mice treated with acupuncture

OBJECTIVE

To explore the proteomics profiles of hepatocytes of mice treated with acupuncture for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

METHODS

We used a Tandem mass tag (TMT)-based quantitative proteomics approach to identify proteins with potential molecular mechanisms associated with acupuncture interventions for T2DM with NAFLD.

RESULTS

Acupuncture effectively improved body weight, blood glucose, and insulin levels in T2DM with NAFLD mouse models and reversed steatosis within hepatocytes. Quantitative TMT-based proteomics analysis identified a total of 4710 quantifiable proteins and 1226 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in the model control group (MCG) compared with the normal control group (NCG). The Acupuncture Treatment Group (ATG) presented in 122 DEPs was compared with the MCG group. We performed a bioinformatics analysis, which revealed that DEPs enriched in the KEGG pathway after acupuncture treatment were mainly involved in the PPAR signaling pathway, fatty acid biosynthesis, fatty acid metabolism, fatty acid elongation, fat digestion and absorption. We used parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) technology to explore the association of aldehyde oxidase 1 (Aox1), acyl-coenzyme A thioesterase 2 (Acot2), perilipin-2 (Plin2), acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 (Acc), NADP-dependent malic enzyme (Me1), fatty acid synthase (Fasn), ATP-citrate synthase (Acly), fatty acid-binding protein, intestinal (Fabp2) with lipid synthesis, fatty acid oxidation, and hepatocyte steatosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that acupuncture can regulate the protein expression of T2DM in the NAFLD mice model, and can effectively improve hepatocyte steatosis, and has potential benefits for the clinical treatment of this disease.

Danning tablets might improve glucose and lipid metabolism in asymptomatic T2MD patients after cholecystectomy: A cohort study

Considering the role of bile acids in glucose metabolism and the effect of farnesoid X receptor agonists on bile acids, we investigated the possible effect of Danning tablets (DNTs), a type of farnesoid X receptor agonist, on glucose and lipid metabolism in asymptomatic type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients.A series of asymptomatic T2DM patients who underwent cholecystectomy at least 2 years prior and were regularly followed up in our hospital were included in our analysis. According to their choice, they were divided into 2 groups: the DNT group and the control group. Demographic data, body weight, food intake, effects on diabetes control, and biomedical variables were collected.After propensity score matching, a total of 64 T2DM patients (41 males and 23 females) were included in the analysis. The amount of daily food intake (kcals) and diet composition were little changed 6-months after DNT administration (P = .612). However, the average fasting glucose level of the DNT group decreased from 9.5 ± 1.4 mmol/L to 8.3 ± 1.6 mmol/L (P < .001), and the level of hemoglobin A1c decreased from 8.3 ± 1.1% to 7.6 ± 1.0% (P = .001). The total cholesterol level (P = .024) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level (P = .034) decreased significantly (P = .018). Moreover, the average level of total bile acids decreased from 6.05 ± 2.60 μmol/L to 5.10 ± 1.83 μmol/L in the DNT group (P = .037), and the level of glucagon-like peptide-1 significantly increased from 6.93 ± 4.94 pmol/L to 11.25 ± 5.88 pmol/L (P < .001).The results of our study show that DNT intake improved glucose and lipid metabolism and increased the level of glucagon-like peptide-1.Trial registration: registered in Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (No. ChiCTR1900027823).

Maackiain Protects the Kidneys of Type 2 Diabetic Rats via Modulating the Nrf2/HO-1 and TLR4/NF-κB/Caspase-3 Pathways

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is aglobal health burden that accounts for about 90% of all cases of diabetes. Injury to the kidneys is aserious complication of type 2 diabetes. Maackiain, apterocarpan extracted from roots of Sophora flavescens, has been traditionally used for various disease conditions. However, nothing is known about its possible potential effect on HFD/STZ-T2D-induced nephrotoxicity.

METHODS

In this study, T2D rat model is created by high-fat diet (HFD) for 2 weeks with injection of asingle dose of streptozotocin (35mg/kg body weight). T2D rats were orally administered with maackiain (10 and 20mg/kg body weight) for 7 weeks.

RESULTS

Maackiain suppressed T2D-induced alterations in metabolic parameters, lipid profile and kidney functionality markers. By administering 10 and 20mg/kg maackiain to T2D rats, it was able to reduce lipid peroxidation while improving antioxidant levels (SOD, CAT, and GSH). Furthermore, the present study demonstrated the molecular mechanisms through which maackiain attenuated T2D-induced oxidative stress (mRNA: Nrf2, Nqo-1, Ho-1, Gclc and Gpx-1; protein: NRF2, NQO-1, HO-1 and NOX-4), inflammation (mRNA: Tlr, Myd88, IκBα, Mcp-1, Tgf-β, col4, Icam1, Vcam1 and E-selectin; Protein: TLR4, MYD88, NF-κB, IκBα, MCP-1; levels: TNF-α and MCP-1) and apoptosis (mRNA: Bcl-2, Bax, Bad, Apaf-1, Caspase-9 and Caspase-3; protein: Bcl-2, Bax, Caspase-3 and Caspase-9) mediated renal injury. Additionally, significant improvement in kidney architecture was observed after treatment of diabetic rats with 10 or 20mg/kg maackiain.

CONCLUSION

Maackiain protects the kidney by decreasing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis to preserve normal renal function in type 2 diabetes.

Scutellarin alleviates type 2 diabetes (HFD/low dose STZ)-induced cardiac injury through modulation of oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis and fibrosis in mice

BACKGROUND

Diabetes is a serious global health concern which severely affected public health as well as socio-economic growth worldwide. Scutellarin (SCU), a bioactive flavonoid, is known for its efficacious action against a range of ailments including cardiovascular problems. The present study was conducted to find out possible protective effect and its associated mechanisms of SCU on experimental type 2 diabetes-induced cardiac injury.

METHODS

Type 2 diabetes was induced by treating animals with high fat diet for 4 weeks and a single intraperitoneal dose (35 mg/kg body weight) of streptozotocin and diabetic animals received SCU (10 or 20 mg/kg/day) for 6 weeks.

RESULTS

Scutellarin attenuated type 2 diabetes-induced hyperglycemia, bodyweight loss, hyperlipidaemia, cardiac functional damage with histopathological alterations and fibrosis. Scutellarin treatment to type 2 diabetic mice ameliorated oxidative stress, inflammatory status and apoptosis in heart. Furthermore, the underlying mechanisms for such mitigation of oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis in heart involved modulation of Nrf2/Keap1 pathway, TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB mediated inflammatory pathway and intrinsic (mitochondrial) apoptosis pathway, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The current findings suggest that SCU is effective in protecting type 2 diabetes-induced cardiac injury by attenuating oxidative stress and inflammatory responses and apoptosis, and it is also worth considering the efficacious potential of SCU to treat diabetic cardiomyopathy patients.

Meta-inhibition of ocular and gastrointestinal dysfunctions by phenolic-rich fraction of Croton zambsicus leaves in a rat model exposed to chronic mixed metals

PURPOSE

This study was aimed at investigating the protective effect of antioxidant-rich fraction of Croton zambsicus (C-ZAMB) leaves on ocular-gastrointestinal dysfunction in rats exposed to environmental mixed-metal (EOMABRSL).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The rats were divided into five (n = 10) groups. Group I designates the control which received 0.5 mL of distilled water. Group II and III received 0.5 mL of EOMABRSL for 98 days (non-withdrawal) and 70 days (withdrawal for 28 days), respectively. Group IV received 0.5 mL EOMABRSL for 70 days and 400 mg/kg C-ZAMB fraction for 28 days. Group V received 400 mg/kg C-ZAMB only for 28 days via oral route.

RESULTS

Exposure of the animals to EOMARBSL for 98 days and 70 days significantly up-regulated the activities of ocular-gastrointestinal aldolase-reductase, α-amylase, α-glucosidase and eco-5¹-nucleotidase with corresponding depletion of lactate dehydrogenase activity. Furthermore, exposure to EOMABRSL significantly altered the antioxidant proteins with up-production of MDA content. Apparently, management with 400 mg/kg C-ZAMB fraction significantly inhibited the key markers linked with ocular-gastrointestinal disorders.

CONCLUSION

Hence, this study underscores the biochemical mechanisms for managing ocular-gastrointestinal lesions by 400 mg/kg C-ZAMB fraction on exposure to mixture of environmental metals.

Associations of Polygenetic Variants at the 11q23 Locus and Their Interactions with Macronutrient Intake for the Risk of 3GO, a Combination of Hypertension, Hyperglycemia, and Dyslipidemia

3GO is a condition in which hypertension, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia co-occur, and these conditions are related to each other and genetic and environmental factors. We hypothesized that common genetic variants and their interactions with lifestyles influenced 3GO risk. We aimed to explore common genetic variants to affect 3GO risk and their haplotype interaction with lifestyles in a city hospital-based cohort in 58,701 Koreans > 40 years. 3GO was defined as SBP ≥ 140 mmHg and DBP ≥ 90 mmHg for hypertension, fasting blood glucose ≥ 126 mg/dL for hyperglycemia, and LDL ≥ 160 mg/dL or HDL ≤ 40 mg/dL, or triglyceride ≥ 200 mg/dL for dyslipidemia. Haplotypes were generated by genetic variants selected from genome-wide association study ((GWAS) an observational study of the genetic variation of the whole genome in different individuals, used to see if any variation is related to traits) after adjusting for age, sex, area of residence, and body mass index (BMI). Nutrient intakes were assessed using food frequency questionnaires. Interactions between haplotype and lifestyles and 3GO risk were investigated. Parameters related to metabolic syndrome were significantly different in the 0GO, 1-2GO, and 3GO groups, that is, groups of individuals with none, one to two, or all three of the components of 3GO. At the 11q23 locus, KCNQ1_rs2237892, ZPR1_rs2075291, APOA5_rs662799, APOA1_rs5072, and SIK3_rs151139277, influenced 3GO risk, and the minor alleles of their haplotype had a 3GO risk 3.23 times higher than the major alleles. For subjects with a high energy intake, the 3GO risk of the minor alleles was significantly higher than that of the major alleles (OR = 3.230, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.062~5.061, p < 0.001). BMI, HbA1c, SBP, and serum concentrations of glucose, HDL, and triglyceride were significantly higher for the minor allele than the major alleles (p < 0.001). The haplotype interacted with the intakes of protein (p = 0.033), digestible carbohydrate (p = 0.012), fat (p = 0.008), and undigestible carbohydrates (p = 0.015) to increase 3GO risk. An interaction was also observed between smoking and the haplotype (p = 0.007). The minor allele effects on 3GO incidence were higher in the high digestible carbohydrate intake and smoking groups. By contrast, the minor allele impacts on 3GO frequencies were much higher in the low intake of undigestible carbohydrates, protein, and fat. In conclusion, people who carry a minor allele of the 11q23 locus haplotype should avoid smoking and replace digestible carbohydrate intake with consuming high-quality protein, healthy fat, and undigestible carbohydrates.

Hinokinin alleviates high fat diet/streptozotocin-induced cardiac injury in mice through modulation in oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis

Type 2 diabetes, a global health concern has been considered as major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Hinokinin, an emerging bioactive lignin, is reported to show wide range of pharmacological activities. However, the protective role and mechanisms of Hinokinin against type 2 diabetes-mediated cardiotoxicity are still remains unknown. An experimental type 2 diabetic mice model was created by treating animals with high fat diet for four weeks and intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (35 mg/kg body weight). Post-type 2 diabetic induction, animals orally treated with Hinokinin (20 or 40 mg/kg body weight) for six weeks. The type 2 diabetic mice exhibited a rise in blood glucose level as well as glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c %), decrease in weekly body weights, decrease in food intake, reduction in absolute heart weight, fall in serum insulin level with altered lipid profile and cardiac functional damage. Diabetic mice treated with Hinokinin attenuated hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia and cardiac dysfunction. In addition, Hinokinin ameliorated histological alterations, fibrosis and glycated proteins in HFD/STZ-induced mice. Type 2 diabetic condition in mice exacerbated oxidative stress, inflammatory status and apoptosis. Hinokinin treatment significantly assuaged oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis and elevated antioxidant defenses in diabetic heart. The underlying mechanisms for such mitigation involved the modulation of Nrf2/Keap1/ARE pathway, MAPKs (JNK, p38 and ERK 1/2) and TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB mediated inflammatory pathways and mitochondrial-dependent (intrinsic) apoptosis pathway. In conclusion, the results of this study provided clear evidence that Hinokinin protects against HFD/STZ (type 2 diabetes)-induced cardiac injury by alleviating oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis.

Improvement of Postprandial Lipid Metabolism After Ileal Transposition in Non-obese Diabetic Rats

BACKGROUND

Ileal transposition (IT) could reduce obesity and improve type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The main aim of our study was to investigate lipid metabolism changes in T2DM rats after IT without a weight reduction effect.

METHODS

Thirty male diabetic rats were randomly divided into IT, sham IT (SI), and control groups. The levels of plasma cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides (TGs), and bile acid were measured. After sacrifice, the white adipose tissue, brown adipose tissue and liver were weighed.

RESULTS

IT induced significant improvement in glucose and lipid metabolism. There were no significant differences in the levels of cholesterol (P = 0.87), HDL (P = 0.70), LDL (P = 0.96), or TGs (P = 0.97) among the groups before surgery. After IT, the levels of cholesterol (P = 0.019), LDL (P = 0.004), and TGs (P < 0.001) were lower than those in the SI and control groups, while the level of HDL was not significantly different compared to those of the other groups (P = 0.437). Higher bile acid level (P = 0.001), lower white adipose tissue/total body weight ratio (P < 0.001), and lower liver/total body weight ratio (P = 0.003) were found in the IT group. The BAT/total body weight ratio in the IT group was higher than that in the SI or control groups (P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

IT could improve lipid metabolism in diabetic rats.

Combination of Metformin and Exercise in Management of Metabolic Abnormalities Observed in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Excess nutrient intake and lack of exercise characterize the problem of obesity and are common factors in insulin resistance (IR). With an increasing number of prediabetic, and type 2 diabetic populations, metformin is still the most prescribed glucose-lowering drug and is often accompanied by recommendations for regular physical exercise. Metformin, by the inhibition of complex 1 of the electron transport chain, and exercise, by increasing energy expenditure, both elicit a low cellular energy state that leads to improvements in glucose control via activation of adenosine 5' monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK). An augmented stimulation of the energy-sensing enzyme AMPK by either of the two modalities leads to an increase in glycogenolysis, glucose uptake, fat oxidation, a decrease in glycogen and protein synthesis, and gluconeogenesis in muscle and the liver, which are remarked as having positive effects on metabolic pathophysiology observed in IR and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). While both modalities exploit the energy-sensing enzyme AMPK to attain glucose homeostasis, the synergistic effect of these two treatments is not distinctly supported by the literature. Further, an antagonistic dynamic has been observed in cases where metformin and exercise were combined. Reduction of insulin-sensitizing effects of exercise and an overall hindrance of exercise performance and adaptations have been reported and could suggest the possible incongruity of these two modalities. The aim of this review is to elucidate the effect that metformin and exercise have on the management of the metabolic abnormalities observed in T2DM and to provide an insight into the interaction of these two modalities.

Pharmacokinetic and metabolomic analyses of Mangiferin calcium salt in rat models of type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Background

Non-alcoholic fatty liver is one of the most common comorbidities of diabetes. It can cause disturbance of glucose and lipid metabolism in the body, gradually develop into liver fibrosis, and even cause liver cirrhosis. Mangiferin has a variety of pharmacological activities, especially for the improvement of glycolipid metabolism and liver injury. However, its poor oral absorption and low bioavailability limit its further clinical development and application. The modification of mangiferin derivatives is the current research hotspot to solve this problem.

Methods

The plasma pharmacokinetic of mangiferin calcium salt (MCS) and mangiferin were monitored by HPLC. The urine metabolomics of MCS were conducted by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS.

Results

The pharmacokinetic parameters of MCS have been varied, and the oral absorption effect of MCS was better than mangiferin. Also MCS had a good therapeutic effect on type 2 diabetes and NAFLD rats by regulating glucose and lipid metabolism. Sixteen potential biomarkers had been identified based on metabolomics which were related to the corresponding pathways including Pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis, fatty acid biosynthesis, citric acid cycle, arginine biosynthesis, tryptophan metabolism, etc.

Conclusions

The present study validated the favorable pharmacokinetic profiles of MCS and the biochemical mechanisms of MCS in treating type 2 diabetes and NAFLD.