Expression, regulation, and function of IGF-1, IGF-1R, and IGF-1 binding proteins in blood vessels

Assessing causal associations of blood counts and biochemical indicators with pulmonary arterial hypertension: a Mendelian randomization study and results from national health and nutrition examination survey 2003-2018

Background

Blood counts and biochemical markers are among the most common tests performed in hospitals and most readily accepted by patients, and are widely regarded as reliable biomarkers in the literature. The aim of this study was to assess the causal relationship between blood counts, biochemical indicators and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

Methods

A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed to assess the causal relationship between blood counts and biochemical indicators with PAH. The genome-wide association study (GWAS) for blood counts and biochemical indicators were obtained from the UK Biobank (UKBB), while the GWAS for PAH were sourced from the FinnGen Biobank. Inverse variance weighting (IVW) was used as the primary analysis method, supplemented by three sensitivity analyses to assess the robustness of the results. And we conducted an observational study using data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003-2018 to verify the relationship.

Results

The MR analysis primarily using the IVW method revealed genetic variants of platelet count (OR=2.51, 95% CI 1.56-4.22, P<0.001), platelet crit(OR=1.87, 95% CI1.17-7.65, P=0.022), direct bilirubin (DBIL)(OR=1.71, 95%CI 1.18-2.47,P=0.004), insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1)(OR=0.51, 95% CI 0.27-0.96, P=0.038), Lipoprotein A (Lp(a))(OR=0.66, 95% CI 0.45-0.98, P=0.037) and total bilirubin (TBIL)(OR=0.51, 95% CI 0.27-0.96, P=0.038) were significantly associated with PAH. In NHANES, multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed a significant positive correlation between platelet count and volume and the risk of PAH, and a significant negative correlation between total bilirubin and PAH.

Conclusion

Our study reveals a causal relationship between blood counts, biochemical indicators and pulmonary arterial hypertension. These findings offer novel insights into the etiology and pathological mechanisms of PAH, and emphasizes the important value of these markers as potential targets for the prevention and treatment of PAH.

Linking peripheral atherosclerosis to blood-brain barrier disruption: elucidating its role as a manifestation of cerebral small vessel disease in vascular cognitive impairment

Aging plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD), contributing to the onset and progression of vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID). In older adults, CSVD often leads to significant pathological outcomes, including blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption, which in turn triggers neuroinflammation and white matter damage. This damage is frequently observed as white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) in neuroimaging studies. There is mounting evidence that older adults with atherosclerotic vascular diseases, such as peripheral artery disease, ischemic heart disease, and carotid artery stenosis, face a heightened risk of developing CSVD and VCID. This review explores the complex relationship between peripheral atherosclerosis, the pathogenesis of CSVD, and BBB disruption. It explores the continuum of vascular aging, emphasizing the shared pathomechanisms that underlie atherosclerosis in large arteries and BBB disruption in the cerebral microcirculation, exacerbating both CSVD and VCID. By reviewing current evidence, this paper discusses the impact of endothelial dysfunction, cellular senescence, inflammation, and oxidative stress on vascular and neurovascular health. This review aims to enhance understanding of these complex interactions and advocate for integrated approaches to manage vascular health, thereby mitigating the risk and progression of CSVD and VCID.

The diverging roles of insulin-like growth factor binding proteins in pulmonary arterial hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive, severe and to date not curable disease of the pulmonary vasculature. Alterations of the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) system are known to play a role in vascular pathologies and IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs) are important regulators of the bioavailability and function of IGFs. In this study, we show that circulating plasma levels of IGFBP-1, IGFBP-2 and IGFBP-3 are increased in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) patients compared to healthy individuals. These binding proteins inhibit the IGF-1 induced IGF-1 receptor (IGF1R) phosphorylation and exhibit diverging effects on the IGF-1 induced signaling pathways in human pulmonary arterial cells (i.e. healthy as well as IPAH-hPASMCs, and healthy hPAECs). Furthermore, IGFBPs are differentially expressed in an experimental mouse model of PH. In hypoxic mouse lungs, IGFBP-1 mRNA expression is decreased whereas the mRNA for IGFBP-2 is increased. In contrast to IGFBP-1, IGFBP-2 shows vaso-constrictive properties in the murine pulmonary vasculature. Our analyses show that IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-2 exhibit diverging effects on IGF-1 signaling and display a unique IGF1R-independent kinase activation pattern in human pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (hPASMCs), which represent a major contributor of PAH pathobiology. Furthermore, we could show that IGFBP-2, in contrast to IGFBP-1, induces epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling, Stat-3 activation and expression of Stat-3 target genes. Based on our results, we conclude that the IGFBP family, especially IGFBP-1, IGFBP-2 and IGFBP-3, are deregulated in PAH, that they affect IGF signaling and thereby regulate the cellular phenotype in PH.

Extravascular administration of IGF1R antagonists protects against aortic aneurysm in rodent and porcine models

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a life-threatening cardiovascular disease. We identified plasma insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) as an independent risk factor in patients with AAA by correlating plasma IGF1 with risk. Smooth muscle cell- or fibroblast-specific knockout of Igf1r, the gene encoding the IGF1 receptor (IGF1R), attenuated AAA formation in two mouse models of AAA induced by angiotensin II infusion or CaCl2 treatment. IGF1R was activated in aortic aneurysm samples from human patients and mice with AAA. Systemic administration of IGF1C, a peptide fragment of IGF1, 2 weeks after disease development inhibited AAA progression in mice. Decreased AAA formation was linked to competitive inhibition of IGF1 binding to its receptor by IGF1C and modulation of downstream alpha serine/threonine protein kinase (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling. Localized application of an IGF1C-loaded hydrogel was developed to reduce the side effects observed after systemic administration of IGF1C or IGF1R antagonists in the CaCl2-induced AAA mouse model. The inhibitory effect of the IGF1C-loaded hydrogel administered at disease onset on AAA formation was further evaluated in a guinea pig-to-rat xenograft model and in a sheep-to-minipig xenograft model of AAA formation. The therapeutic efficacy of IGF1C for treating AAA was tested through extravascular delivery in the sheep-to-minipig model with AAA established for 2 weeks. Percutaneous injection of the IGF1C-loaded hydrogel around the AAA resulted in improved vessel flow dynamics in the minipig aorta. These findings suggest that extravascular administration of IGF1R antagonists may have translational potential for treating AAA.

Atherosclerotic burden and cerebral small vessel disease: exploring the link through microvascular aging and cerebral microhemorrhages

Cerebral microhemorrhages (CMHs, also known as cerebral microbleeds) are a critical but frequently underestimated aspect of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD), bearing substantial clinical consequences. Detectable through sensitive neuroimaging techniques, CMHs reveal an extensive pathological landscape. They are prevalent in the aging population, with multiple CMHs often being observed in a given individual. CMHs are closely associated with accelerated cognitive decline and are increasingly recognized as key contributors to the pathogenesis of vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). This review paper delves into the hypothesis that atherosclerosis, a prevalent age-related large vessel disease, extends its pathological influence into the cerebral microcirculation, thereby contributing to the development and progression of CSVD, with a specific focus on CMHs. We explore the concept of vascular aging as a continuum, bridging macrovascular pathologies like atherosclerosis with microvascular abnormalities characteristic of CSVD. We posit that the same risk factors precipitating accelerated aging in large vessels (i.e., atherogenesis), primarily through oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways, similarly instigate accelerated microvascular aging. Accelerated microvascular aging leads to increased microvascular fragility, which in turn predisposes to the formation of CMHs. The presence of hypertension and amyloid pathology further intensifies this process. We comprehensively overview the current body of evidence supporting this interconnected vascular hypothesis. Our review includes an examination of epidemiological data, which provides insights into the prevalence and impact of CMHs in the context of atherosclerosis and CSVD. Furthermore, we explore the shared mechanisms between large vessel aging, atherogenesis, microvascular aging, and CSVD, particularly focusing on how these intertwined processes contribute to the genesis of CMHs. By highlighting the role of vascular aging in the pathophysiology of CMHs, this review seeks to enhance the understanding of CSVD and its links to systemic vascular disorders. Our aim is to provide insights that could inform future therapeutic approaches and research directions in the realm of neurovascular health.

Teprotumumab-Related Adverse Events in Thyroid Eye Disease: A Multicenter Study

PURPOSE

To assess the duration, incidence, reversibility, and severity of adverse events (AEs) in patients with thyroid eye disease (TED) treated with teprotumumab.

DESIGN

Multicenter, retrospective, observational cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients with TED of all stages and activity levels treated with at least 4 infusions of teprotumumab.

METHODS

Patients were treated with teprotumumab between February 2020 and October 2022 at 6 tertiary centers. Adverse event metrics were recorded at each visit.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcomes measure was AE incidence and onset. Secondary outcome measures included AE severity, AE reversibility, AE duration, proptosis response, clinical activity score (CAS) reduction, and Gorman diplopia score improvement.

RESULTS

The study evaluated 131 patients. Proptosis improved by 2 mm or more in 77% of patients (101/131), with average proptosis improvement of 3.0 ± 2.1 mm and average CAS reduction of 3.2 points. Gorman diplopia score improved by at least 1 point for 50% of patients (36/72) with baseline diplopia. Adverse events occurred in 81.7% of patients (107/131). Patients experienced a median of 4 AEs. Most AEs were mild (74.0% [97/131]), 28.2% (37/131) were moderate, and 8.4% (11/131) were severe. Mean interval AE onset was 7.9 weeks after the first infusion. Mean resolved AE duration was 17.6 weeks. Forty-six percent of patients (60/131) demonstrated at least 1 persistent AE at last follow-up. Mean follow-up was 70.2 ± 38.5 weeks after the first infusion. The most common type of AEs was musculoskeletal (58.0% [76/131]), followed by gastrointestinal (38.2% [50/131]), skin (38.2% [50/131]), ear and labyrinth (30.5% [40/131]), nervous system (20.6% [27/131]), metabolic (15.3% [20/131]), and reproductive system (12.2% [16/131]). Sixteen patients (12.2%) discontinued therapy because of AEs, including hearing loss (n = 4), inflammatory bowel disease flare (n = 2), hyperglycemia (n = 1), muscle spasms (n = 1), and multiple AEs (n = 8).

CONCLUSIONS

Adverse events are commonly reported while receiving teprotumumab treatment. Most are mild and reversible; however, serious AEs can occur and may warrant treatment cessation. Treating physicians should inform patients about AE risk, properly screen patients before treatment, monitor patients closely throughout therapy, and understand how to manage AEs should they develop.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)

Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Identification of Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF) Family Genes in the Golden Pompano, Trachinotus ovatus: Molecular Cloning, Characterization and Gene Expression

Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) are hormones that primarily stimulate and regulate animal physiological processes. In this study, we cloned and identified the open reading frame (ORF) cDNA sequences of IGF family genes: the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2), and insulin-like growth factor 3 (IGF3). We found that IGF1, IGF2, and IGF3 have a total length of 558, 648, and 585 base pairs (bp), which encoded a predicted protein with 185, 215, and 194 amino acids (aa), respectively. Multiple sequences and phylogenetic tree analysis showed that the mature golden pompano IGFs had been conserved and showed high similarities with other teleosts. The tissue distribution experiment showed that IGF1 and IGF2 mRNA levels were highly expressed in the liver of female and male fish. In contrast, IGF3 was highly expressed in the gonads and livers of male and female fish, suggesting a high influence on fish reproduction. The effect of fasting showed that IGF1 and mRNA expression had no significant difference in the liver but significantly decreased after long-term (7 days) fasting in the muscles and started to recover after refeeding. IGF2 mRNA expression showed no significant difference in the liver but had a significant difference in muscles for short-term (2 days) and long-term fasting, which started to recover after refeeding, suggesting muscles are more susceptible to both short-term and long-term fasting. In vitro incubation of 17β-estradiol (E2) was observed to decrease the IGF1 and IGF3 mRNA expression level in a dose- (0.1, 1, and 10 μM) and time- (3, 6, and 12 h) dependent manner. In addition, E2 had no effect on IGF2 mRNA expression levels in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The effect of 17α-methyltestosterone (MT) in vitro incubation was observed to significantly increase the IGF3 mRNA expression level in a time- and dose-dependent manner. MT had no effect on IGF2 mRNA but was observed to decrease the IGF1 mRNA expression in the liver. Taken together, these data indicate that E2 and MT may either increase or decrease IGF expression in fish; this study provides basic knowledge and understanding of the expression and regulation of IGF family genes in relation to the nutritional status, somatic growth, and reproductive endocrinology of golden pompano for aquaculture development.

Insulin-like growth factor-1 expression levels in pro-inflammatory response in calves with neonatal systemic inflammatory response syndrome

The objective of this study was to investigate the mRNA expression of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, and TNF-α), serum immunoglobulin profiles (IgG and IgM), and lipid peroxidation status (MDA) in relation to pro-inflammatory cytokines. A case-controlled, prospective, and observational investigation was completed on 85 calves. Total RNA was isolated from whole blood samples of both the SIRS and healthy calves, followed by reverse transcription into cDNA. The resulting cDNAs were mixed with iTaq Universal SYBR Green Supermix and primers specific to the relevant genes using the Rotor-Gene Q instrument. After the reaction was completed, gene expressions were normalised against β-actin using the 2-ΔΔCT method. The mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines namely (IL-1β [SIRS: 2.15 ± 0.55, Control: 1.13 ± 0.62; P = 0.001], IL-6 [SIRS: 2.82 ± 0.52, Control: 0.91 ± 0.11; P < 0.001], IL-18 [SIRS: 1.92 ± 0.41, Control: 0.99 ± 0.13; P < 0.001], and TNF-α [SIRS: 2.59 ± 0.28, Control: 0.93 ± 0.09; P < 0.001]) and IGF-1 (SIRS: 3.55 ± 0.55, Control: 0.91 ± 0.15; P < 0.001) were up-regulated in calves with SIRS, while serum IgG (SIRS: 4.16 ± 0.26, Control: 1.73 ± 0.17; P < 0.001), IgM (SIRS: 1.55 ± 0.11, Control: 1.09 ± 0.13; P < 0.001), and MDA levels (SIRS: 41.12 ± 3.48, Control: 3.76 ± 0.81; P < 0.001) increased significantly in these calves. Furthermore, significant (P < 0.01) positive correlations were found in calves with SIRS in relation to the expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, TNF-α, IGF-1, serum immunoglobulins, and MDA levels. These results suggest that IGF-1 could be a valuable pro-inflammatory marker, considering its high positive correlation with the expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, and TNF-α) and markers (MDA, IgG, and IgM) in calves with SIRS.

Deliberation on debilitating condition of cancer cachexia: Skeletal muscle wasting

BACKGROUND

Cancer cachexia is a debilitating syndrome associated with marked body loss because of muscular atrophy and fat loss. There are several mechanisms contributing to the pathogenesis of cachexia. The presence of the tumor releases cytokines from inflammatory and immune cells, which play a significant role in activating and deactivating certain pathways associated with protein, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism. This review focuses on various cascades involving an imbalance between protein synthesis and degradation in the skeletal muscles.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to elucidate the mechanisms involved in skeletal muscle wasting phenomenon over the last few years.

METHODS

This article briefly overviews different pathways responsible for muscle atrophy in cancer cachexia. Studies published up to April 2023 were included. Important findings and study contributions were chosen and compiled using several databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and ClinicalTrials.gov using relevant keywords.

RESULTS

Cancer cachexia is a complex disease involving multiple factors resulting in atrophy of skeletal muscles. Systemic inflammation, altered energy balance and carbohydrate metabolism, altered lipid and protein metabolism, and adipose tissue browning are some of the major culprits in cancer cachexia. Increased protein degradation and decreased protein synthesis lead to muscle atrophy. Changes in signaling pathway like ubiquitin-proteasome, autophagy, mTOR, AMPK, and IGF-1 also lead to muscle wasting. Physical exercise, nutritional supplementation, steroids, myostatin inhibitors, and interventions targeting on inflammation have been investigated to treat cancer cachexia. Some therapy showed positive results in preclinical and clinical settings, although more research on the efficacy and safety of the treatment should be done.

CONCLUSION

Muscle atrophy in cancer cachexia is the result of multiple complex mechanisms; as a result, a lot more research has been done to describe the pathophysiology of the disease. Targeted therapy and multimodal interventions can improve clinical outcomes for patients.

Integration of circulating microRNAs and transcriptome signatures identifies early-pregnancy biomarkers of preeclampsia

BACKGROUND

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been implicated in the pathobiology of preeclampsia, a common hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. In a nested matched case-control cohort within the Vitamin D Antenatal Asthma Reduction Trial (VDAART), we previously identified peripheral blood mRNA signatures related to preeclampsia and vitamin D status (≤30 ng/mL) during gestation from 10 to 18 weeks, using differential expression analysis.

METHODS

Using quantitative PCR arrays, we conducted profiling of circulating miRNAs at 10-18 weeks of gestation in the same VDAART cohort to identify differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs associated with preeclampsia and vitamin D status. For the validation of the expression of circulating miRNA signatures in the placenta, the HTR-8/SVneo trophoblast cell line was used. Targets of circulating miRNA signatures in the preeclampsia mRNA signatures were identified by consensus ranking of miRNA-target prediction scores from four sources. The connected component of target signatures was identified by mapping to the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and hub targets were determined. As experimental validation, we examined the gene and protein expression of IGF1R, one of the key hub genes, as a target of the DE miRNA, miR-182-5p, in response to a miR-182-5p mimic in HTR-8/SVneo cells.

RESULTS

Pregnant women with preeclampsia had 16 circulating DE miRNAs relative to normal pregnancy controls that were also DE under vitamin D insufficiency (9/16 = 56% upregulated, FDR < .05). Thirteen miRNAs (13/16 = 81.3%) were detected in HTR-8/SVneo cells. Overall, 16 DE miRNAs had 122 targets, of which 87 were unique. Network analysis demonstrated that the 32 targets of DE miRNA signatures created a connected subnetwork in the preeclampsia module with CXCL8, CXCL10, CD274, MMP9 and IGF1R having the highest connectivity and centrality degree. In an in vitro validation experiment, the introduction of an hsa-miR-182-5p mimic resulted in significant reduction of its target IGF1R gene and protein expression within HTR-8/SVneo cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The integration of the circulating DE miRNA and mRNA signatures associated preeclampsia added additional insights into the subclinical molecular signature of preeclampsia. Our systems and network biology approach revealed several biological pathways, including IGF-1, that may play a role in the early pathophysiology of preeclampsia. These pathways and signatures also denote potential biomarkers for the early stages of preeclampsia and suggest possible preventive measures.

Neuroprotective Effects of Probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri GMNL-263 in the Hippocampus of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Diabetes-related brain complications have been reported in clinical patients and experimental models. The objective of the present study was to investigate the neuroprotective mechanisms of Lactobacillus reuteri GMNL-263 in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. In this study, three different groups, namely control group, STZ-induced (55 mg/kg streptozotocin intraperitoneally) diabetic rats (DM), and DM rats treated with Lactobacillus reuteri GMNL-263 (1 × 109 CFU/rat/day), were utilized to study the protective effect of GMNL-263 in the hippocampus of STZ-induced diabetic rats. The results demonstrated that GMNL-263 attenuated diabetes-induced hippocampal damage by enhancing the cell survival pathways and repressing both inflammatory and apoptotic pathways. Histopathological analysis revealed that GMNL-263 prevented structural changes in the hippocampus in the DM group and decreased the level of inflammation and apoptosis in the hippocampus of DM rats. The IGF1R cell survival signaling pathway also improved after GMNL-263 treatment. These results indicate that probiotic GMNL-263 exerts beneficial effects in the brain of diabetic rats and has potential ability for clinical application.

Cellular and molecular mechanisms in vascular repair after traumatic brain injury: a narrative review

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) disrupts normal brain function and is associated with high morbidity and fatality rates. TBI is characterized as mild, moderate or severe depending on its severity. The damage may be transient and limited to the dura matter, with only subtle changes in cerebral parenchyma, or life-threatening with obvious focal contusions, hematomas and edema. Blood vessels are often injured in TBI. Even in mild TBI, dysfunctional cerebral vascular repair may result in prolonged symptoms and poor outcomes. Various distinct types of cells participate in vascular repair after TBI. A better understanding of the cellular response and function in vascular repair can facilitate the development of new therapeutic strategies. In this review, we analyzed the mechanism of cerebrovascular impairment and the repercussions following various forms of TBI. We then discussed the role of distinct cell types in the repair of meningeal and parenchyma vasculature following TBI, including endothelial cells, endothelial progenitor cells, pericytes, glial cells (astrocytes and microglia), neurons, myeloid cells (macrophages and monocytes) and meningeal lymphatic endothelial cells. Finally, possible treatment techniques targeting these unique cell types for vascular repair after TBI are discussed.

Angiogenesis and Tissue Repair Depend on Platelet Dosing and Bioformulation Strategies Following Orthobiological Platelet-Rich Plasma Procedures: A Narrative Review

Angiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessel from existing vessels and is a critical first step in tissue repair following chronic disturbances in healing and degenerative tissues. Chronic pathoanatomic tissues are characterized by a high number of inflammatory cells; an overexpression of inflammatory mediators; such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 (IL-1); the presence of mast cells, T cells, reactive oxygen species, and matrix metalloproteinases; and a decreased angiogenic capacity. Multiple studies have demonstrated that autologous orthobiological cellular preparations (e.g., platelet-rich plasma (PRP)) improve tissue repair and regenerate tissues. There are many PRP devices on the market. Unfortunately, they differ greatly in platelet numbers, cellular composition, and bioformulation. PRP is a platelet concentrate consisting of a high concentration of platelets, with or without certain leukocytes, platelet-derived growth factors (PGFs), cytokines, molecules, and signaling cells. Several PRP products have immunomodulatory capacities that can influence resident cells in a diseased microenvironment, inducing tissue repair or regeneration. Generally, PRP is a blood-derived product, regardless of its platelet number and bioformulation, and the literature indicates both positive and negative patient treatment outcomes. Strangely, the literature does not designate specific PRP preparation qualifications that can potentially contribute to tissue repair. Moreover, the literature scarcely addresses the impact of platelets and leukocytes in PRP on (neo)angiogenesis, other than a general one-size-fits-all statement that "PRP has angiogenic capabilities". Here, we review the cellular composition of all PRP constituents, including leukocytes, and describe the importance of platelet dosing and bioformulation strategies in orthobiological applications to initiate angiogenic pathways that re-establish microvasculature networks, facilitating the supply of oxygen and nutrients to impaired tissues.

Serum proteome profiling of naturally acquired Babesia rossi infection in dogs

Babesiosis is a disease of significant medically and veterinary importance with worldwide distribution. It is caused by intra-erythrocyte protozoal parasites, with Babesia rossi causing the most severe clinical signs of all the large Babesia parasites infecting dogs. The disease can be clinically classified into uncomplicated and complicated forms with a wide range of clinical presentations from a mild, subclinical illness to complicated forms and death. The aim of this study was to assess serum proteomic profiles from dogs with babesiosis and healthy dogs using a label-based proteomics approach. Altogether 32 dogs naturally infected with B. rossi (subdivided into 18 uncomplicated cases and 14 complicated cases of babesiosis) and 20 healthy dogs were included. There were 78 proteins with significantly different abundances between the three groups of dogs. Elucidation of proteins and pathways involved in canine babesiosis caused by B. rossi have revealed key differences associated with haemostasis, innate immune system, lipid metabolism and inflammation. Shotgun proteomic profiling allowed identification of potential serum biomarkers for differentiation of disease severity in canine babesiosis caused by B. rossi. These findings may be applicable to the study of host-parasite interactions and the development of novel therapeutic targets.

Thermoprotective molecules: Effect of insulin-like growth factor type I (IGF-1) in cattle oocytes exposed to high temperatures

The adverse effects of heat stress (HS) on the welfare and productivity of cattle are the result of the associated hyperthermia and the physiological and behavioral mechanisms performed by the animal to regulate body temperature. The negative effects of HS on in vitro oocyte maturation and in vitro bovine embryo production have been reported; being one of the major concerns due to economic and productive losses, and several mechanisms have been implemented to reduce its impact. These mechanisms include supplementation of the medium with hormones, adjuvants, identification of protective genes, among others. This review aims to explore the cellular and molecular mechanisms of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) during in vitro and in vivo maturation of bovine oocytes and its thermoprotective effect under HS. Although the supplementation of the culture medium during oocyte maturation with IGF-1 has been implemented during the last years, there are still controversial results, however, supplementation with low concentration showed a positive effect on maturation and thermoprotection of oocytes exposed to higher temperatures. Additionally, IGF-1 is involved in multiple cellular pathways, and it may regulate cell apoptosis in cases of HS and protect oocyte competence under in vitro conditions.

Insulin-like growth factor 1 reduces coronary atherosclerosis in pigs with familial hypercholesterolemia

Although murine models of coronary atherosclerotic disease have been used extensively to determine mechanisms, limited new therapeutic options have emerged. Pigs with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH pigs) develop complex coronary atheromas that are almost identical to human lesions. We reported previously that insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) reduced aortic atherosclerosis and promoted features of stable plaque in a murine model. We administered human recombinant IGF-1 or saline (control) in atherosclerotic FH pigs for 6 months. IGF-1 decreased relative coronary atheroma in vivo (intravascular ultrasound) and reduced lesion cross-sectional area (postmortem histology). IGF-1 increased plaque's fibrous cap thickness, and reduced necrotic core, macrophage content, and cell apoptosis, consistent with promotion of a stable plaque phenotype. IGF-1 reduced circulating triglycerides, markers of systemic oxidative stress, and CXCL12 chemokine levels. We used spatial transcriptomics (ST) to identify global transcriptome changes in advanced plaque compartments and to obtain mechanistic insights into IGF-1 effects. ST analysis showed that IGF-1 suppressed FOS/FOSB factors and gene expression of MMP9 and CXCL14 in plaque macrophages, suggesting possible involvement of these molecules in IGF-1's effect on atherosclerosis. Thus, IGF-1 reduced coronary plaque burden and promoted features of stable plaque in a pig model, providing support for consideration of clinical trials.

Progression of Thoracic Aortic Dissection Is Aggravated by the hsa_circ_0007386/miR-1271-5P/IGF1R/AKT Axis via Induction of Arterial Smooth Muscle Cell Apoptosis

BACKGROUND

The molecular mechanisms associated with thoracic aortic dissection (TAD) remain poorly understood. A comprehensive high-throughput sequencing-based analysis of the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network in TAD has not been conducted. The purpose of this study is to identify and verify the key ceRNA networks which may have crucial biological functions in the pathogenesis of TAD.

METHODS

Gene expression profiles of the GSE97745, GSE98770, and GSE52093 datasets were acquired from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using the GEO2R tools. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks of the hub genes were constructed using STRING; the hub genes and modules were identified by MCODE and CytoHubba plugins of the Cytoscape. We analyzed the hub genes using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis. The functions of these hub genes were assessed using Cytoscape software. Our data-along with data from GSE97745, GSE98770, and GSE52093-were used to verify the findings.

RESULTS

Upon combined biological prediction, a total of 11 ce-circRNAs, 11 ce-miRNAs, and 26 ce-mRNAs were screened to construct a circRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network. PPI network and module analysis identified four hub nodes, including IGF1R, JAK2, CSF1, and GAB1. Genes associated with the Ras and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways were clustered in the four hub node modules in TAD. The node degrees were most significant for IGF1R, which were also the most significant in the two modules (up module and hub module). IGF1R was selected as a key gene, and the hsa_circ_0007386/miR-1271-5P/IGF1R/AKT regulatory axis was established. The relative expression levels of the regulatory axis members were confirmed by RT-PCR in 12 samples, including TAD tissues and normal tissues. Downregulation of IGF1R expression in smooth muscle cells (SMCs) was found to induce apoptosis by regulating the AKT levels. In addition, IGF1R showed high diagnostic efficacy in both AD tissue and blood samples.

CONCLUSIONS

The hsa_circ_0007386/miR-1271-5P/IGF1R/AKT axis may aggravate the progression of TAD by inducing VSMCs apoptosis. CeRNA networks could provide new insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms of TAD. In addition, IGF1R showed high diagnostic efficacy in both tissue and plasma samples in TAD, which can be considered as a diagnostic marker for TAD.

Cell non-autonomous regulation of cerebrovascular aging processes by the somatotropic axis

Age-related cerebrovascular pathologies, ranging from cerebromicrovascular functional and structural alterations to large vessel atherosclerosis, promote the genesis of vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) and exacerbate Alzheimer's disease. Recent advances in geroscience, including results from studies on heterochronic parabiosis models, reinforce the hypothesis that cell non-autonomous mechanisms play a key role in regulating cerebrovascular aging processes. Growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) exert multifaceted vasoprotective effects and production of both hormones is significantly reduced in aging. This brief overview focuses on the role of age-related GH/IGF-1 deficiency in the development of cerebrovascular pathologies and VCID. It explores the mechanistic links among alterations in the somatotropic axis, specific macrovascular and microvascular pathologies (including capillary rarefaction, microhemorrhages, impaired endothelial regulation of cerebral blood flow, disruption of the blood brain barrier, decreased neurovascular coupling, and atherogenesis) and cognitive impairment. Improved understanding of cell non-autonomous mechanisms of vascular aging is crucial to identify targets for intervention to promote cerebrovascular and brain health in older adults.

New insights on the cardiovascular effects of IGF-1

INTRODUCTION

Cardiovascular (CV) disorders are steadily increasing, making them the world's most prevalent health issue. New research highlights the importance of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) for maintaining CV health.

METHODS

We searched PubMed and MEDLINE for English and non-English articles with English abstracts published between 1957 (when the first report on IGF-1 identification was published) and 2022. The top search terms were: IGF-1, cardiovascular disease, IGF-1 receptors, IGF-1 and microRNAs, therapeutic interventions with IGF-1, IGF-1 and diabetes, IGF-1 and cardiovascular disease. The search retrieved original peer-reviewed articles, which were further analyzed, focusing on the role of IGF-1 in pathophysiological conditions. We specifically focused on including the most recent findings published in the past five years.

RESULTS

IGF-1, an anabolic growth factor, regulates cell division, proliferation, and survival. In addition to its well-known growth-promoting and metabolic effects, there is mounting evidence that IGF-1 plays a specialized role in the complex activities that underpin CV function. IGF-1 promotes cardiac development and improves cardiac output, stroke volume, contractility, and ejection fraction. Furthermore, IGF-1 mediates many growth hormones (GH) actions. IGF-1 stimulates contractility and tissue remodeling in humans to improve heart function after myocardial infarction. IGF-1 also improves the lipid profile, lowers insulin levels, increases insulin sensitivity, and promotes glucose metabolism. These findings point to the intriguing medicinal potential of IGF-1. Human studies associate low serum levels of free or total IGF-1 with an increased risk of CV and cerebrovascular illness. Extensive human trials are being conducted to investigate the therapeutic efficacy and outcomes of IGF-1-related therapy.

DISCUSSION

We anticipate the development of novel IGF-1-related therapy with minimal side effects. This review discusses recent findings on the role of IGF-1 in the cardiovascular (CVD) system, including both normal and pathological conditions. We also discuss progress in therapeutic interventions aimed at targeting the IGF axis and provide insights into the epigenetic regulation of IGF-1 mediated by microRNAs.

Noncoding RNAs in Vascular Cell Biology and Restenosis

In-stent restenosis (ISR), characterised by ≥50% re-narrowing of the target vessel, is a common complication following stent implantation and remains a significant challenge to the long-term success of angioplasty procedures. Considering the global burden of cardiovascular diseases, improving angioplasty patient outcomes remains a key priority. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) including microRNA (miRNA), long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) and circular RNA (circRNA) have been extensively implicated in vascular cell biology and ISR through multiple, both distinct and overlapping, mechanisms. Vascular smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells and macrophages constitute the main cell types involved in the multifactorial pathophysiology of ISR. The identification of critical regulators exemplified by ncRNAs in all these cell types and processes makes them an exciting therapeutic target in the field of restenosis. In this review, we will comprehensively explore the potential functions and underlying molecular mechanisms of ncRNAs in vascular cell biology in the context of restenosis, with an in-depth focus on vascular cell dysfunction during restenosis development and progression. We will also discuss the diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target potential of ncRNAs in ISR. Finally, we will discuss the current shortcomings, challenges, and perspectives toward the clinical application of ncRNAs.

Examination of the potential roles of insulin-like peptide receptor in regulating the growth of Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum

The role of insulin/insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling pathway in the growth regulation of marine invertebrates has not been fully studied. In this study, the economically important species Ruditapes philippinarum was sacrificed to clarify the role of IGF system in the growth regulation of R. philippinarum by real-time quantitative PCR. Systematic bioinformatics analysis can identify the major genes of IGF signaling pathway and insulin-like peptide receptor (ILPR) - mediated signaling pathway in R. philippinarum. The expression levels of IGF and its downstream signaling pathway genes in larger clams were significantly higher than those in small clams, indicating that they were involved in the growth regulation of R. philippinarum. These results suggest that IGF signaling pathway and ILPR mediated signaling pathway to regulate the growth of R. philippinarum.

Age-related changes in Folliculogenesis and potential modifiers to improve fertility outcomes - A narrative review

Reproductive aging is characterized by a decline in oocyte quantity and quality, which is directly associated with a decline in reproductive potential, as well as poorer reproductive success and obstetrical outcomes. As women delay childbearing, understanding the mechanisms of ovarian aging and follicular depletion have become increasingly more relevant. Age-related meiotic errors in oocytes are well established. In addition, it is also important to understand how intraovarian regulators change with aging and how certain treatments can mitigate the impact of aging. Individual studies have demonstrated that reproductive pathways involving antimullerian hormone (AMH), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), neurotropins, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), and mitochondrial function are pivotal for healthy oocyte and cumulus cell development and are altered with increasing age. We provide a comprehensive review of these individual studies and explain how these factors change in oocytes, cumulus cells, and follicular fluid. We also summarize how modifiers of folliculogenesis, such as vitamin D, coenzyme Q, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) may be used to potentially overcome age-related changes and enhance fertility outcomes of aged follicles, as evidenced by human and rodent studies.

Evaluation of cell-cell interaction methods by integrating single-cell RNA sequencing data with spatial information

Background

Cell-cell interactions are important for information exchange between different cells, which are the fundamental basis of many biological processes. Recent advances in single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) enable the characterization of cell-cell interactions using computational methods. However, it is hard to evaluate these methods since no ground truth is provided. Spatial transcriptomics (ST) data profiles the relative position of different cells. We propose that the spatial distance suggests the interaction tendency of different cell types, thus could be used for evaluating cell-cell interaction tools.

Results

We benchmark 16 cell-cell interaction methods by integrating scRNA-seq with ST data. We characterize cell-cell interactions into short-range and long-range interactions using spatial distance distributions between ligands and receptors. Based on this classification, we define the distance enrichment score and apply an evaluation workflow to 16 cell-cell interaction tools using 15 simulated and 5 real scRNA-seq and ST datasets. We also compare the consistency of the results from single tools with the commonly identified interactions. Our results suggest that the interactions predicted by different tools are highly dynamic, and the statistical-based methods show overall better performance than network-based methods and ST-based methods.

Conclusions

Our study presents a comprehensive evaluation of cell-cell interaction tools for scRNA-seq. CellChat, CellPhoneDB, NicheNet, and ICELLNET show overall better performance than other tools in terms of consistency with spatial tendency and software scalability. We recommend using results from at least two methods to ensure the accuracy of identified interactions. We have packaged the benchmark workflow with detailed documentation at GitHub (https://github.com/wanglabtongji/CCI).

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13059-022-02783-y.

Quantitative measures of the vascular and neural components of the retina in adult individuals with congenital and untreated growth hormone deficiency

Background

The somatotrophic axis, including hypothalamic growth hormone (GH)-releasing hormone (GHRH), pituitary GH and circulating IGF-I, is critical for body size. However, the local production of GH/IGF-I (and IGF-II) and other peptides is relevant for other body functions, such as vascular, brain, and retinal function. The consequences of GH deficiency (GHD) on the retinal structure are still unclear, possibly reflecting the heterogeneity of patients and the different types of assessment in previous publications. Our purpose was to assess quantitative measures of the vascular and neural components of the retina in subjects with severe congenital isolated GHD (IGHD).

Methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out in 25 adult IGHD subjects and 25 age- and gender-matched controls. Interview, physical examination, laboratory data, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA) were performed.

Results

OCT revealed no difference in the areas of the nerve fiber layer average, nor in the areas of superior, inferior, or nasal quadrants, between the two groups. However, areas of the temporal quadrant (p = 0.041), the optical disc (p = 0.042), the cup (p < 0.0001), as well as the cup/disc ratio (p < 0.0001), were higher in IGHD subjects than controls. The rim area was smaller (p = 0.002), although still normal. In OCTA, there was no difference in the minimum foveal thickness, central fovea, foveal avascular zone, and retinal density in any assessed area.

Conclusions

In conclusion, congenital IGHD does not affect quantitative measures of the vascular and neural retina, and it is associated with increased optical disc in this genetically homogeneous cohort.

Protective role of IGF-1 and GLP-1 signaling activation in neurological dysfunctions

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), a pleiotropic polypeptide, plays an essential role in CNS development and maturation. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an endogenous incretin hormone that regulates blood glucose levels and fatty acid oxidation in the brain. GLP-1 also exhibits similar functions and growth factor-like properties to IGF-1, which is likely how it exerts its neuroprotective effects. Recent preclinical and clinical evidence indicate that IGF-1 and GLP-1, apart from regulating growth and development, prevent neuronal death mediated by amyloidogenesis, cerebral glucose deprivation, neuroinflammation and apoptosis through modulation of PI3/Akt kinase, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK/ERK). IGF-1 resistance and GLP-1 deficiency impair protective cellular signaling mechanisms, contributing to the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Over the past decades, IGF-1 and GLP-1 have emerged as an essential component of the neuronal system and as potential therapeutic targets for several neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric dysfunctions. There is substantial evidence that IGF-1 and GLP-1 analogues penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and exhibit neuroprotective functions, including synaptic formation, neuronal plasticity, protein synthesis, and autophagy. Conclusively, this review represents the therapeutic potential of IGF-1 and GLP-1 signaling target activators in ameliorating neurological disorders.

Cardiac inducing colonies halt fibroblast activation and induce cardiac/endothelial cells to move and expand via paracrine signaling

Myocardial fibrosis (MF), a common event that develops after myocardial infarction, initially is a reparative process but eventually leads to heart failure and sudden cardiac arrest. In MF, the infarct area is replaced by a collagenous-based scar induced by "excessive" collagen deposition from activated cardiac fibroblasts. The scar prevents ventricular wall thinning; however, over time it expands to noninfarcted myocardium. Therapies to prevent fibrosis include reperfusion, anti-fibrotic agents, and ACE inhibitors. Paracrine factor (PF)/stem cell research has recently gained significance as a therapy. We consistently find that cardiac inducing colonies (CiCs) (derived from human germline pluripotent stem cells) secrete PFs at physiologically relevant concentrations that suppress cardiac fibroblast activation and excessive extracellular matrix protein secretion. These factors also affect human cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells by inducing migration/proliferation of both populations into a myocardial wound model. Finally, CiC factors modulate matrix turnover and proinflammation. Taking the results together, we show that CiCs could help tip the balance from fibrosis toward repair.

Improvement of human sperm properties with platelet-rich plasma as a cryoprotectant supplement

PURPOSE

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a remarkable substance, which involves the growth and proliferation of all cell types. As a source of growth factors, we evaluated whether sperm cryopreservation supplemented with PRP improves the rates of sperm motility, viability, and DNA integrity after vitrification compared with conventional cryo-medium.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

20 normal semen specimens were collected from healthy men. After swim-up preparation, each sample was divided into four aliquots. One, as control, received no treatment, and the other three experimental samples were treated with three different concentrations of PRP as cryoprotectant. Sperm parameters were examined before and after freezing procedure.

RESULTS

PRP had no significant effect on sperm count. Meanwhile, the percentage of sperm progressive motility and viability in the PRP treated samples with 1×10⁵ /µL concentration was significantly higher than control group. Besides, the rate of immotile sperms in these samples was significantly lower than the control. Sperm viability was significantly higher in the PRP samples at 1×10⁵/µL concentration. In the case of DNA integrity, CMA3 staining showed that the lower PRP concentration was correlated with the higher rate of abnormal spermatozoa. SCD showed that the rate of abnormal sperms in the PRP samples with 1×10⁵ /µL concentration was significantly lower than control group.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed a protective effect of PRP on human sperm quality at an optimized concentration after vitrification. Besides, the effects of PRP supplementation of sperms on successful fertility following sperm preservation will be of interest.

Serum of Post-COVID-19 Syndrome Patients with or without ME/CFS Differentially Affects Endothelial Cell Function In Vitro

A proportion of COVID-19 reconvalescent patients develop post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS) including a subgroup fulfilling diagnostic criteria of Myalgic encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (PCS/CFS). Recently, endothelial dysfunction (ED) has been demonstrated in these patients, but the mechanisms remain elusive. Therefore, we investigated the effects of patients’ sera on endothelia cells (ECs) in vitro. PCS (n = 17), PCS/CFS (n = 13), and healthy controls (HC, n = 14) were screened for serum anti-endothelial cell autoantibodies (AECAs) and dysregulated cytokines. Serum-treated ECs were analysed for the induction of activation markers and the release of small molecules by flow cytometry. Moreover, the angiogenic potential of sera was measured in a tube formation assay. While only marginal differences between patient groups were observed for serum cytokines, AECA binding to ECs was significantly increased in PCS/CFS patients. Surprisingly, PCS and PCS/CFS sera reduced surface levels of several EC activation markers. PCS sera enhanced the release of molecules associated with vascular remodelling and significantly promoted angiogenesis in vitro compared to the PCS/CFS and HC groups. Additionally, sera from both patient cohorts induced the release of molecules involved in inhibition of nitric oxide-mediated endothelial relaxation. Overall, PCS and PCS/CFS patients′ sera differed in their AECA content and their functional effects on ECs, i.e., secretion profiles and angiogenic potential. We hypothesise a pro-angiogenic effect of PCS sera as a compensatory mechanism to ED which is absent in PCS/CFS patients.

The crosstalk between endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells aggravates high phosphorus-induced arterial calcification

Arterial calcification is highly prevalent, particularly in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The osteogenic differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is the critical process for the development of arterial calcification. However, the detailed mechanism of VSMCs calcification remains to be elucidated. Here, we investigated the role of exosomes (Exos) derived from endothelial cells (ECs) in arterial calcification and its potential mechanisms in ESRD. Accelerated VSMCs calcification was observed when VSMCs were exposed to ECs culture media stimulated by uremic serum or high concentration of inorganic phosphate (3.5 mM Pi). and the pro-calcification effect of the ECs culture media was attenuated by exosome depletion. Exosomes derived from high concentrations of inorganic phosphate-induced ECs (ECs^HPi-Exos) could be uptaken by VSMCs and promoted VSMCs calcification. Microarray analysis showed that miR-670-3p was dramatically increased in ECs^HPi-Exos compared with exosomes derived from normal concentrations of inorganic phosphate (0.9 mM Pi) induced ECs (ECs^NPi-Exos). Mechanistically, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) was identified as the downstream target of miR-670-3p in regulating VSMCs calcification. Notably, ECs-specific knock-in of miR-670-3p of the 5/6 nephrectomy with a high-phosphate diet (miR-670-3p^EC-KI + NTP) mice that upregulated the level of miR-670-3p in artery tissues and significantly increased artery calcification. Finally, we validated that the level of circulation of plasma exosomal miR-670-3p was much higher in patients with ESRD compared with healthy controls. Elevated levels of plasma exosomal miR-670-3p were associated with a decline in IGF-1 and more severe artery calcification in patients with ESRD. Collectively, these findings suggested that ECs-derived exosomal miR-670-3p could promote arterial calcification by targeting IGF-1, which may serve as a potential therapeutic target for arterial calcification in ESRD patients.

Probiotics: Protecting Our Health from the Gut

The gut microbiota (GM) comprises billions of microorganisms in the human gastrointestinal tract. This microbial community exerts numerous physiological functions. Prominent among these functions is the effect on host immunity through the uptake of nutrients that strengthen intestinal cells and cells involved in the immune response. The physiological functions of the GM are not limited to the gut, but bidirectional interactions between the gut microbiota and various extraintestinal organs have been identified. These interactions have been termed interorganic axes by several authors, among which the gut–brain, gut–skin, gut–lung, gut–heart, and gut–metabolism axes stand out. It has been shown that an organism is healthy or in homeostasis when the GM is in balance. However, altered GM or dysbiosis represents a critical factor in the pathogenesis of many local and systemic diseases. Therefore, probiotics intervene in this context, which, according to various published studies, allows balance to be maintained in the GM, leading to an individual’s good health.

Synergistic Effects Between Dietary Zinc Form Supplementation and Dietary Protein Levels on Performance, Intestinal Functional Topography, Hemato-biochemical Indices, Immune, Oxidative Response, and Associated Gene Expression of Nile Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus

The present study investigates the effect of different dietary protein levels suboptimum level (25%) and optimum level (35%), different Zn forms bulk zinc oxide (BZnO) or nanoparticles zinc oxide (NZnO), and their interaction on performance, intestinal topography, hematology, serum biochemical, antioxidant-immune responses, and related gene expression of Nile tilapia. Six experimental diets were formulated to contain approximately 25% and 35% crude protein and supplemented with Zn forms with 0 (normal level in ingredients), 60 mg kg^-1 BZnO and 60 mg kg^-1 nanoparticles of NZnO. Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, fingerlings (7.53 ± 0. 06 g) were fed on one of tested diets in triplicates with 5% of total biomass three times a day for 84 days. Results showed that, fish fed diet containing 35% crude protein and supplemented with NZnO form recorded the highest final body weight (FBW), weight gain (WG), and specific growth rate (SGR). However, no significant (P > 0.05) differences were recorded in FBW, WG, SGR, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and protein efficiency ratio (PER) between fish fed diet containing 35% crude protein without Zn supplementation and fish fed diet containing 25% crude protein supplemented with NZnO form. Either fish fed diet containing 25% or 35% crude protein and supplemented with NZnO exhibited the highest values of villi height/width. The highest absorption surface area (ASA) was obtained in fish fed diet containing 25% or 35% crude protein and supplemented with BZnO. Hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), and red blood cell count (RBCs) highest values were obtained for fish fed diet containing protein level 35% supplemented with NZnO. Fish fed diet containing protein level 35% and supplemented with NZnO had the lowest value of alanine amino transferase (ALT) and aspartate amino transferase (AST). The highest globulin value was recorded for fish provided with diet containing 35% crude protein and supplemented with BZnO followed by those fed diet containing 35% crude protein and supplemented with NZnO. Fish fed diet containing protein level 25% with NZnO supplementation recorded the highest super oxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GSH), and glutathione peroxidase (GP_X), with decreasing malondialdehyde (MAD) values. The highest values of immunoglobulin g (IgG), immunoglobulin M (IgM), complement 4 (C4), and complement 3 (C3) were obtained for diet containing 35% crude protein and supplemented with NZnO form. Growth hormone gene (GH) was upregulated in fish fed 25% dietary protein without Zn supplementation, while it was downregulated in fish fed 25% dietary protein and supplemented with NZnO. Transcription of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-I) gene recorded the highest value for fish fed 35% crude protein and supplemented with BZnO. This is although the diet of 35% crude protein + NZnO induced significant (IGF-I) gene expression compared with 25% crude protein with or without BZnO. Therefore, nano zinc is useful as a feed supplement for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

Actively targeted delivery of SN38 by ultrafine iron oxide nanoparticle for treating pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most lethal cancers largely due to the inefficient delivery of therapeutics. Nanomaterials have been extensively investigated as drug delivery platforms, showing improved drug pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. However, their applications in pancreatic cancer have not yet been successful due to limited tumor delivery caused by dense tumor stroma and distorted tumor vasculatures. Meanwhile, smaller-sized nanomaterials have shown improved tumor delivery and retention in various tumors, including pancreatic tumors, suggesting their potential in enhancing drug delivery. An ultrafine iron oxide nanoparticle (uIONP) was used to encapsulate 7-ethyl-10-hydroxyl camptothecin (SN38), the water-insoluble active metabolite of pancreatic cancer chemotherapy drug irinotecan. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) was conjugated to uIONP as a ligand for targeting pancreatic cancer cells overexpressing IGF-1 receptor (IGF1R). The SN38 loading and release profile were characterized. The pancreatic cancer cell targeting using IGF1-uIONP/SN38 and subsequently induced cell apoptosis were also investigated. IGF1-uIONP/SN38 demonstrated a stable drug loading in physiological pH with the loading efficiency of 68.2 ± 3.5% (SN38/Fe, wt%) and < 7% release for 24 h. In tumor-interstitial- and lysosomal-mimicking pH (6.5 and 5.5), 52.2 and 91.3% of encapsulated SN38 were released over 24 h. The IGF1-uIONP/SN38 exhibited specific receptor-mediated cell targeting and cytotoxicity Ato MiaPaCa-2 and Panc02 pancreatic cancer cells with IC50 of 11.8 ± 2.3 and 20.8 ± 3.5 nM, respectively, but not to HEK293 human embryonic kidney cells. IGF1-uIONP significantly improved the targeted SN38 delivery to pancreatic cancer cells, holding the potential for in vivo theranostic applications.

Targeting Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I in Management of Neurological Disorders

The degradation of neurons marks as the pathological reason for onset of most of the neurological diseases although the functional deficiencies and symptoms may vary. Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) boosts regeneration of both motor and sensory neurons and thus presents as a potential treatment in management of neurological disorders. IGF-I is a pleiotropic agent which stimulates the survival and outgrowth of neurons accompanied by their motility as well as myelination by glial cells. This hormone has been found to possess neuroprotective properties which is in association with its antioxidant and mitochondrial protection activity. Studying and exploring the signaling pathways which mediate pleotropic responses intracellularly have elucidated significant therapeutic approach in treatment and management of neurological disorders by IGF-I. The current review highlights the role of IGF-I in management of major neurological disorders such as depression, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease and also covers the mechanisms involved in the process.

Serum IGF-1 in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: correlation with disease activity

Objective

Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 participates in modulating immunity and inflammation. Its bioactivity is controlled by six IGF-binding proteins (IGFBP-1 to IGFBP-6). In particular, the IGFBP-3 level is reportedly linked to the disease activity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), consistent with our previous study. Therefore, the present study aimed to reproduce the previous results.

Results

The serum IGFBP-3 level was not significantly different among the three groups according to disease activity based on the DAS28-ESR/CRP (p > 0.05) but was significantly different between the low- and high-disease-activity groups based on the DAS28-CRP (p = 0.036). Meanwhile, the interleukin-6 (IL-6) level moderately correlated with DAS28-CRP (Spearman’s rho = 0.583, p < 0.001).

Role of IGF-1R in epithelial-mesenchymal transdifferentiation of human peritoneal mesothelial cells

BACKGROUND

Peritoneal fibrosis (PF) is caused by epithelial-mesenchymal transdifferentiation (EMT) in the peritoneum under high glucose (HG) conditions. The study aimed to explored the role of Insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) in the regulation of EMT in human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMCs).

METHODS

We used HG peritoneal dialysis fluid (PDF) to induce in vivo PF in mice, and treated HPMCs with HG in vitro to stimulate EMT.

RESULTS

In the mice, the higher the glucose concentration in the dialysate, the more obvious the peritoneal tissue thickening and the more that collagen was deposited. The in vitro study indicated that the expression of IGF-1R, α-SMA, vimentin was upregulated, while the expression of occludin, ZO-1, and E-cadherin was downregulated in HPMCs under HG and IGF-1R overexpression conditions. Conversely, the expression of IGF-1R, α-SMA, and vimentin was downregulated, while the expression of occludin, ZO-1, and E-cadherin was upregulated in IGF-1R-underexpressed HPMCs under HG conditions. The cell migration abilities were increased, while the cell adhesion abilities were reduced in HPMCs under HG and IGF-1R overexpression conditions. In contrast, cell migration abilities were reduced, while cell adhesion abilities were increased in IGF-1Runderexpressed HPMCs under HG conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

Targeting at IGF-1R may provide novel insights into the prevention and treatment of PF.

Elevated Serum IGFBP-2 and CTGF Levels Are Associated with Disease Activity in Patients with Dermatomyositis

Background. Insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins (IGFBPs) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) participate in angiogenesis. Dermatomyositis (DM) is characterized by microvasculopathy-derived skin lesions. Here, we investigated the clinical significance of serum IGFBP and CTGF levels in DM patients. Methods. In this study, 65 DM patients and 30 healthy controls were enrolled. Serum IGFBP and CTGF levels were examined by ELISA, and their correlation with clinical and laboratory findings was analyzed by Spearman’s correlation. Results. Serum IGFBP-2, IGFBP-4, and CTGF levels were higher in DM patients than in healthy controls (median (quartile): 258.9 (176.4–326.1) ng/mL vs. 167.7 (116.1–209.4) ng/mL, $p<0.0001$ ; 450.4 (327.3–631.8) ng/mL vs. 392.2 (339.0–480.2) ng/mL, $p=0.04$ ; and 45.71 (38.54–57.45) ng/mL vs. 35.52 (30.23–41.52) ng/mL, $p=0.001$ , respectively). IGFBP-2 and CTGF levels were positively correlated with cutaneous ( $r=0.257$ , $p=0.040$ and $r=0.427$ , $p=0.015$ , respectively) and global ( $r=0.380$ , $p=0.002$ and $r=0.292$ , $p=0.019$ , respectively) disease activity in DM patients. Conclusion. Serum IGFBP-2 and CTGF levels were increased in patients with DM and correlated with cutaneous and global disease activity.

DrugShot: querying biomedical search terms to retrieve prioritized lists of small molecules

Background

PubMed contains millions of abstracts that co-mention terms that describe drugs with other biomedical terms such as genes or diseases. Unique opportunities exist for leveraging these co-mentions by integrating them with other drug-drug similarity resources such as the Library of Integrated Network-based Cellular Signatures (LINCS) L1000 signatures to develop novel hypotheses.

Results

DrugShot is a web-based server application and an Appyter that enables users to enter any biomedical search term into a simple input form to receive ranked lists of drugs and other small molecules based on their relevance to the search term. To produce ranked lists of small molecules, DrugShot cross-references returned PubMed identifiers (PMIDs) with DrugRIF or AutoRIF, which are curated resources of drug-PMID associations, to produce an associated small molecule list where each small molecule is ranked according to total co-mentions with the search term from shared PubMed IDs. Additionally, using two types of drug-drug similarity matrices, lists of small molecules are predicted to be associated with the search term. Such predictions are based on literature co-mentions and signature similarity from LINCS L1000 drug-induced gene expression profiles.

Conclusions

DrugShot prioritizes drugs and small molecules associated with biomedical search terms. In addition to listing known associations, DrugShot predicts additional drugs and small molecules related to any search term. Hence, DrugShot can be used to prioritize drugs and preclinical compounds for drug repurposing and suggest indications and adverse events for preclinical compounds. DrugShot is freely and openly available at: https://maayanlab.cloud/drugshot and https://appyters.maayanlab.cloud/#/DrugShot.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12859-022-04590-5.

Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 Receptor Drives Hepatocellular Carcinoma Growth and Invasion by Activating Stat3-Midkine-Stat3 Loop

BACKGROUND

Activation of the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R)-mediated Janus kinase (JAK)1/2-Stat3 pathway contributes to hepatocarcinogenesis. Specifically, a previous study showed that IGF-1R inhibition downregulated Midkine expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

AIMS

The present study investigated the role of IGF-1R-JAK1/2-Stat3 and Midkine signaling in HCC, in addition to the molecular link between the IGF-1R-Stat3 pathway and Midkine.

METHODS

The expression levels of IGF-1R, Stat3, and Midkine were measured using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, following which the association of IGF-1R with Stat3 and Midkine expression was evaluated in HCC. The molecular link between the IGF-1R-Stat3 pathway and Midkine was then investigated in vitro before the effect of IGF-1R-Stat3 and Midkine signaling on HCC growth and invasion was studied in vitro and in vivo.

RESULTS

IGF-1R, Stat3, and Midkine mRNA overexpressions were all found in HCC, where the levels of Stat3 and Midkine mRNA correlated positively with those of IGF-1R. In addition, Midkine mRNA level also correlated positively with Stat3 mRNA expression in HCC tissues. IGF-1R promoted Stat3 activation, which in turn led to the upregulation of Midkine expression in Huh7 cells. Similarly, Midkine also promoted Stat3 activation through potentiating JAK1/2 phosphorylation. Persistent activation of this Stat3-Midkine-Stat3 positive feedback signal loop promoted HCC growth and invasion, the inhibition of which resulted in significant antitumor activities both in vitro and in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

Constitutive activation of the IGF-1R-mediated Stat3-Midkine-Stat3 positive feedback loop is present in HCC, the inhibition of which can serve as a potential therapeutic intervention strategy for HCC.

Macrophage-Specific IGF-1 Overexpression Reduces CXCL12 Chemokine Levels and Suppresses Atherosclerotic Burden in Apoe-Deficient Mice

OBJECTIVE

IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1) exerts pleiotropic effects including promotion of cellular growth, differentiation, survival, and anabolism. We have shown that systemic IGF-1 administration reduced atherosclerosis in Apoe^-/- (apolipoprotein E deficient) mice, and this effect was associated with a reduction in lesional macrophages and a decreased number of foam cells in the plaque. Almost all cell types secrete IGF-1, but the effect of macrophage-derived IGF-1 on the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is poorly understood. We hypothesized that macrophage-derived IGF-1 will reduce atherosclerosis. Approach and Results: We created macrophage-specific IGF-1 overexpressing mice on an Apoe^-/- background. Macrophage-specific IGF-1 overexpression reduced plaque macrophages, foam cells, and atherosclerotic burden and promoted features of stable atherosclerotic plaque. Macrophage-specific IGF1 mice had a reduction in monocyte infiltration into plaque, decreased expression of CXCL12 (CXC chemokine ligand 12), and upregulation of ABCA1 (ATP-binding cassette transporter 1), a cholesterol efflux regulator, in atherosclerotic plaque and in peritoneal macrophages. IGF-1 prevented oxidized lipid-induced CXCL12 upregulation and foam cell formation in cultured THP-1 macrophages and increased lipid efflux. We also found an increase in cholesterol efflux in macrophage-specific IGF1-derived peritoneal macrophages.

CONCLUSIONS

Macrophage IGF-1 overexpression reduced atherosclerotic burden and increased features of plaque stability, likely via a reduction in CXCL12-mediated monocyte recruitment and an increase in ABCA1-dependent macrophage lipid efflux.

Association between IGF-1 levels ranges and all-cause mortality: A meta-analysis

The association between IGF‐1 levels and mortality in humans is complex with low levels being associated with both low and high mortality. The present meta‐analysis investigates this complex relationship between IGF‐1 and all‐cause mortality in prospective cohort studies. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane Library up to September 2019. Published studies were eligible for the meta‐analysis if they had a prospective cohort design, a hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for two or more categories of IGF‐1 and were conducted among adults. A random‐effects model with a restricted maximum likelihood heterogeneity variance estimator was used to find combined HRs for all‐cause mortality. Nineteen studies involving 30,876 participants were included. Meta‐analysis of the 19 eligible studies showed that with respect to the low IGF‐1 category, higher IGF‐1 was not associated with increased risk of all‐cause mortality (HR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.68–1.05). Dose–response analysis revealed a U‐shaped relation between IGF‐1 and mortality HR. Pooled results comparing low vs. middle IGF‐1 showed a significant increase of all‐cause mortality (HR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.14–1.57), as well as comparing high vs. middle IGF‐1 categories (HR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.06–1.44). Finally, we provide data on the association between IGF‐1 levels and the intake of proteins, carbohydrates, certain vitamins/minerals, and specific foods. Both high and low levels of IGF‐1 increase mortality risk, with a specific 120–160 ng/ml range being associated with the lowest mortality. These findings can explain the apparent controversy related to the association between IGF‐1 levels and mortality.

Evaluation serum levels of Insulin Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) and its association with clinical parameters in severe COVID-19

Background

Severe coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is associated with dysregulated immune response and extreme inflammatory injury. Considering the role of insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in immune-mediated and inflammatory reactions, this study was conducted to investigate the IGF-1 contribution to the pathogenesis of severe form of COVID-19.

Material and methods

Sixty-two patients with severe COVID-19 and 52 healthy subjects were enrolled in this study. The serum levels of IGF-1 were measured using a solid-phase enzyme-linked chemiluminescent immunoassay on an Immulite 2000 system (Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics.

Result

The serum levels of IGF-1 had no significant difference in COVID-19 patients compared to the healthy subjects (p = 0.359). There was a positive correlation between IGF-1 and age in the severe COVID-19 patients, while a negative correlation was observed for the serum levels of IGF-1 and age in the control group (r = 0.364, p = 0.036, r = − 0.536, p = 0.001, respectively). Moreover, IGF-1 was remarkably associated with hypertension, neurogenic disease, shock, and nausea in patients with the severe form of COVID-19 (p = 0.031, p = 0.044, p = 0.01, p = 0.03, respectively).

Conclusion

Our results pointed to the complex role of IGF-1 in the severe form of COVID-19, and its association with clinical parameters, and some risk factors in the severe form of COVID-19.

The Role of Exercise-Induced Molecular Processes and Vitamin D in Improving Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Cardiac Rehabilitation in Patients With Heart Failure

Heart failure (HF) still affects millions of people worldwide despite great advances in therapeutic approaches in the cardiovascular field. Remarkably, unlike pathological hypertrophy, exercise leads to beneficial cardiac hypertrophy characterized by normal or enhanced contractile function. Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation improves cardiorespiratory fitness and, as a consequence, ameliorates the quality of life of patients with HF. Particularly, multiple studies demonstrated the improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) among patients with HF due to the various processes in the myocardium triggered by exercise. Exercise stimulates IGF-1/PI3K/Akt pathway activation involved in muscle growth in both the myocardium and skeletal muscle by regulating protein synthesis and catabolism. Also, physical activity stimulates the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway which regulates cellular proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. In addition, emerging data pointed out the anti-inflammatory effects of exercises as well. Therefore, it is of utmost importance for clinicians to accurately evaluate the patient’s condition by performing a cardiopulmonary exercise test and/or a 6-min walking test. Portable devices with the possibility to measure exercise capacity proved to be very useful in this setting as well. The aim of this review is to gather together the molecular processes triggered by the exercise and available therapies in HF settings that could ameliorate heart performance, with a special focus on strategies such as exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation.

Sirtuin function and metabolism: Role in pancreas, liver, and adipose tissue and their crosstalk impacting bone homeostasis

Mammalian sirtuins (SIRT1-7) are members of the nicotine adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)-dependent family of enzymes critical for histone deacetylation and posttranslational modification of proteins. Sirtuin family members regulate a wide spectrum of biological processes and are best known for maintaining longevity. Sirtuins are well characterized in metabolic tissues such as the pancreas, liver and adipose tissue (AT). They are regulated by a diverse range of stimuli, including nutrients and metabolic changes within the organism. Indeed, nutrient-associated conditions, such as obesity and anorexia nervosa (AN), were found to be associated with bone fragility development in osteoporosis. Interestingly, it has also been demonstrated that sirtuins, more specifically SIRT1, can regulate bone activity. Various studies have demonstrated the importance of sirtuins in bone in the regulation of bone homeostasis and maintenance of the balance between bone resorption and bone formation. However, to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in the negative regulation of bone homeostasis during overnutrition (obesity) or undernutrition, it is crucial to examine a wider picture and to determine the pancreatic, liver and adipose tissue pathway crosstalk responsible for bone loss. Particularly, under AN conditions, sirtuin family members are highly expressed in metabolic tissue, but this phenomenon is reversed in bone, and severe bone loss has been observed in human subjects. AN-associated bone loss may be connected to SIRT1 deficiency; however, additional factors may interfere with bone homeostasis. Thus, in this review, we focus on sirtuin activity in the pancreas, liver and AT in cases of over- and undernutrition, especially the regulation of their secretome by sirtuins. Furthermore, we examine how the secretome of the pancreas, liver and AT affects bone homeostasis, focusing on undernutrition. This review aims to lead to a better understanding of the crosstalk between sirtuins, metabolic organs and bone. In long term prospective it should contribute to promote improvement of therapeutic strategies for the prevention of metabolic diseases and the development of osteoporosis.

Novel Regulators of Retina Neovascularization: A Proteomics Approach

The purpose of this study was to identify proteins that regulate vascular remodeling in an ROP mouse model. Pups were subjected to fluctuating oxygen levels and retinas sampled during vessel regression (PN12) or neovascularization (PN17) for comparative SWATH-MS proteomics using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). We developed a human retinal endothelial cell (HREC) ROP correlate to validate the expression of retina neovascular-specific markers. A total of 5191 proteins were identified in OIR retinas with 498 significantly regulated in elevated oxygen and 345 after a return to normoxia. A total of 122 proteins were uniquely regulated during vessel regression and 69 during neovascularization (FC ≥ 1.5; p ≤ 0.05), with several validated by western blot analyses. Expressions of 56/69 neovascular-specific proteins were confirmed in hypoxic HRECs with 23 regulated in the same direction as OIR neovascular retinas. These proteins control angiogenesis-related processes including matrix remodeling, cell migration, adhesion, and proliferation. RNAi and transfection overexpression studies confirmed that VASP and ECH1, showing the highest levels in hypoxic HRECs, promoted human umbilical vein (HUVEC) and HREC cell proliferation, while SNX1 and CD109, showing the lowest levels, inhibited their proliferation. These proteins are potential biomarkers and exploitable intervention tools for vascular-related disorders. The proteomics data set generated has been deposited to the ProteomeXchange/iProX Consortium with the Identifier:PXD029208.

DR1 activation promotes vascular smooth muscle cell apoptosis via up-regulation of CSE/H2 S pathway in diabetic mice

The important role of hydrogen sulfide (H₂ S) as a novel gasotransmitter in inhibiting proliferation and promoting apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) has been widely recognized. The dopamine D1 receptor (DR1), a G protein coupled receptor, inhibits atherosclerosis by suppressing VSMC proliferation. However, whether DR1 contributes to VSMC apoptosis via the induction of endogenous H₂ S in diabetic mice is unclear. Here, we found that hyperglycemia decreased the expressions of DR1 and cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE, a key enzyme for endogenous H₂ S production) and reduced endogenous H₂ S generation in mouse arteries and cultured VSMCs. DR1 agonist SKF38393 increased DR1 and CSE expressions and stimulated endogenous H₂ S generation. Sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS, a H₂ S donor) increased CSE expressions and H₂ S generation but had no effect on DR1 expression. In addition, high glucose (HG) increased VSMC apoptosis, up-regulated IGF-1-IGF-1R and HB-EGF-EGFR, and stimulated ERK1/2 and PI3K-Akt pathways. Overexpression of DR1, the addition of SKF38393 or supply of NaHS further promoted VSMC apoptosis and down-regulated the above pathways. Knock out of CSE or the addition of the CSE inhibitor poly propylene glycol diminished the effect of SKF38393. Moreover, calmodulin (CaM) interacted with CSE in VSMCs; HG increased intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration and induced CaM expression, further strengthened the interaction of CaM with CSE in VSMCs, which were further enhanced by SKF38393. CaM inhibitor W-7, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP₃ ) inhibitor 2-APB, or ryanodine receptor inhibitor tetracaine abolished the stimulatory effect of SKF38393 on CaM expression and intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration. Taken together, these results suggest that DR1 up-regulates CSE/H₂ S signaling by inducing the Ca²⁺ -CaM pathway followed by down-regulations of IGF-1-IGF-1R and HB-EGF-EGFR and their downstream ERK1/2 and PI3K-Akt, finally promoting the apoptosis of VSMCs in diabetic mice.

Association of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels with gastric cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Many studies have investigated the association between serum IGF-1 and IGFBP levels with gastric cancer (GC), but the results remained inconclusive. In this work, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the precise association of serum levels of IGF-1 and IGFBP with GC.

METHODS

A comprehensive systematic search was carried out in PubMed/MEDLINE, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases for (nested) case-control studies that reported the levels of IGF-1 and IGFBP in GC cases and healthy controls, from inception until October 2020. Weighted mean difference (WMD) was calculated for estimating combined effect size. Subgroup analysis was performed to identify the source of heterogeneity among studies.

RESULTS

We found eight and five eligible studies (with 1541 participants) which provided data for IGF-1 and IGFBP, respectively. All studies on IGFBP reported the IGFBP-3 isoform. The pooled results indicate that GC patients had significantly lower serum IGF-1 [WMD = -26.21 ng/mL (95% CI, -45.58 to -6.85; P = .008)] and IGFBP-3 [WMD = -0.41 ng/mL (95% CI, -0.80 to -0.01; P = .04; I²  = 89.9%; P < .001)] levels than those in healthy subjects. Significant heterogeneity was observed in the association, which could be attributed to the sample size of the studies.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, our study reveals a significantly lower level of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 in GC patients compared with healthy control subjects.

The Role of Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) in the Control of Neuroendocrine Regulation of Growth

In mammals, the neuroendocrine system, which includes the communication between the hypothalamus and the pituitary, plays a major role in controlling body growth and cellular metabolism. GH produced from the pituitary somatotroph is considered the master regulator of somatic development and involved, directly and indirectly, in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism via complex, yet well-defined, signaling pathways. GH production from the pituitary gland is primarily regulated by the counter-regulatory effects of the hypothalamic GHRH and SST hormones. The role of IGF-1 feedback regulation in GH production has been demonstrated by pharmacologic interventions and in genetically modified mouse models. In the present review, we discuss the role of IGF-1 in the regulation of the GH-axis as it controls somatic growth and metabolic homeostasis. We present genetically modified mouse models that maintain the integrity of the GH/GHRH-axis with the single exception of IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) deficiency in the hypothalamic GHRH neurons and somatotroph that reveals a novel mechanism controlling adipose tissues physiology and energy expenditure.

Identification of Estrogen Signaling in a Prioritization Study of Intraocular Pressure-Associated Genes

Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is the only modifiable risk factor for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Herein we sought to prioritize a set of previously identified IOP-associated genes using novel and previously published datasets. We identified several genes for future study, including several involved in cytoskeletal/extracellular matrix reorganization, cell adhesion, angiogenesis, and TGF-β signaling. Our differential correlation analysis of IOP-associated genes identified 295 pairs of 201 genes with differential correlation. Pathway analysis identified β-estradiol as the top upstream regulator of these genes with ESR1 mediating 25 interactions. Several genes (i.e., EFEMP1, FOXC1, and SPTBN1) regulated by β-estradiol/ESR1 were highly expressed in non-glaucomatous human trabecular meshwork (TM) or Schlemm’s canal (SC) cells and specifically expressed in TM/SC cell clusters defined by single-cell RNA-sequencing. We confirmed ESR1 gene and protein expression in human TM cells and TM/SC tissue with quantitative real-time PCR and immunofluorescence, respectively. 17β-estradiol was identified in bovine, porcine, and human aqueous humor (AH) using ELISA. In conclusion, we have identified estrogen receptor signaling as a key modulator of several IOP-associated genes. The expression of ESR1 and these IOP-associated genes in TM/SC tissue and the presence of 17β-estradiol in AH supports a role for estrogen signaling in IOP regulation.