Genistein treatment improves fracture resistance in obese diabetic mice

Is Web-Based Program Effective on Self-Care Behaviors and Glycated Hemoglobin in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) as a framework focuses on seven self-care behaviors. Moreover, technology-assisted self-care education is increasingly suggested for patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Therefore, we examined the effect of a web-based program on self-care behaviors and glycated hemoglobin values in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Materials and Methods

This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted at Alzahra Hospital in Isfahan, Iran, between April and November 2020 and included 70 patients with T2DM. Data were collected using a questionnaire that included a demographic information section and a diabetes self-management section with 21 questions on a Likert scale. Fasting blood samples (2.50 ml) were collected before and after the interventions to measure HbA1c levels. The study intervention involved a web-based program that included multimedia educational content (such as videos, lectures, educational motion graphics, text files, posters, and podcasts) presented in seven sections based on DSMES over a 21-day period with monitoring by an instructor.

Results

The mean scores for healthy eating (F = 3.48, p = 0.034) and medication adherence (F = 6.70, p < 0.001) significantly increased in the interventional group, while the mean scores for being active, monitoring, reducing risks, problem-solving, and healthy coping did not significantly change. Additionally, the mean differences in HbA1c values significantly improved in the interventional group compared to the control (F = 5,1, p = 0.026).

Conclusions

A web-based program in accordance with DSMES improved HbA1c levels and increased scores for healthy eating and medication adherence in patients with T2DM. However, further research with larger sample sizes and qualitative interviews is needed.

Potential use of the Asteraceae family as a cure for diabetes: A review of ethnopharmacology to modern day drug and nutraceuticals developments

The diabetes-associated mortality rate is increasing annually, along with the severity of its accompanying disorders that impair human health. Worldwide, several medicinal plants are frequently urged for the management of diabetes. Reports are available on the use of medicinal plants by traditional healers for their blood-sugar-lowering effects, along with scientific evidence to support such claims. The Asteraceae family is one of the most diverse flowering plants, with about 1,690 genera and 32,000 species. Since ancient times, people have consumed various herbs of the Asteraceae family as food and employed them as medicine. Despite the wide variety of members within the family, most of them are rich in naturally occurring polysaccharides that possess potent prebiotic effects, which trigger their use as potential nutraceuticals. This review provides detailed information on the reported Asteraceae plants traditionally used as antidiabetic agents, with a major focus on the plants of this family that are known to exert antioxidant, hepatoprotective, vasodilation, and wound healing effects, which further action for the prevention of major diseases like cardiovascular disease (CVD), liver cirrhosis, and diabetes mellitus (DM). Moreover, this review highlights the potential of Asteraceae plants to counteract diabetic conditions when used as food and nutraceuticals. The information documented in this review article can serve as a pioneer for developing research initiatives directed at the exploration of Asteraceae and, at the forefront, the development of a botanical drug for the treatment of DM.

Obstructive sleep apnea risk and its associated factors among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients at wolkite university specialized hospital, Wolkite, Southern Ethiopia, 2021. A comparative cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Obstructive sleep apnea is a syndrome characterized by recurrent partial, or complete upper airway collapse during sleep. Although obstructive sleep apnea is common in type 2 diabetes mellitus, the majority of patients remain undiagnosed because of the prohibitive cost of the test and paucity of the sleep clinic, especially in developing nations. The study aimed to assess high-risk obstructive sleep apnea and its associated factors among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients at Wolkite University Specialized Hospital.

METHODS

A Hospital-based comparative cross-sectional study was employed from October 15 to December 5, 2021, among 204 participants. Data collection was done by semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaires. Data was entered into the Epi data version 4.6 and exported to SPSS version 25.0 for analysis. Independent t-test and chi-square test were used to compare continuous and categorical variables accordingly. Binary and multiple logistic regression analysis was used to assess factors associated with high-risk obstructive sleep apnea. Statistical significance was set at P-value < 0.05.

RESULTS

A total of 204 participants with an equal proportion of the two groups were included with a 100% response rate. About 56.9% of the participants were males. The mean age of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients was 57.1 (± 12.0) years and the non-diabetic group was 55.3 (± 10.9) years. The prevalence of high-risk obstructive sleep apnea among type 2 diabetes mellitus was 42.2%, and that of non-diabetics was 13.7% (p < 0.001). Age (AOR: 1.13; 95%CI: 1.04, 1.22), neck grasp (AOR: 6.48; 95%CI: 1.56, 26.96), waist circumference (AOR: 4.44; 95%CI: 1.12, 17.61) and the presence of diabetes-related complications (AOR: 4.18; 95%CI: 1.13, 15.43) were independently associated with high-risk obstructive sleep apnea among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of high-risk obstructive sleep apnea among type 2 diabetes mellitus was higher with a significant difference from their comparison group. Age, neck grasp, waist circumference, and diabetes-related complications were significantly associated with high-risk obstructive sleep apnea among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Therefore, type 2 diabetes mellitus patients should be screened for obstructive sleep apnea in the early course of their follow-up to take preventive measures and early treatments.

Body impedance analyzer and anthropometric indicators; predictors of metabolic syndrome

Aim

Metabolic syndrome is one of the outcomes of a sedentary lifestyle in the modern world. In this study, we want to introduce the predictors of metabolic syndrome using anthropometric indices and Bio-Electrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) test values.

Method

This cross-sectional study was performed on 2284 employees of Tehran University of Medical Sciences in different job categories. Metabolic syndrome was determined according to IDF criteria. Anthropometric dimensions, para-clinical tests, basic information were collected from the participants. Also, the body analysis of the participants was performed using a BIA method.

Result

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in this study was 23.2% based on IDF criteria, which was 21% and 26.6% in men and women, respectively. The most important factor among the components of IDF criteria was HDL deficiency. In this study, neck circumference, fat mass, visceral fat, muscle mass percentage and waist to height ratio were observed as predictors of metabolic syndrome.

Conclusion

This study realized that there is association between fat mass, fat-free mass, visceral fat and muscle mass which all are some elements of body composition analysis and metabolic syndrome as a major health issue.

Clinical relevance of tumor consistency in pituitary adenoma

PURPOSE

To review the clinical relevance of pituitary adenoma (PA) consistency and its relationship to clinical presentation, radiologic and histopathological characteristics, and surgical outcomes.

BACKGROUND

PA consistency is a critical factor influencing operative planning, surgical outcomes, and patient counseling. There is no validated classification of PA consistency in the literature, and there are no current preoperative variables capable of predicting it.

REVIEW

We conducted a thorough literature review of the Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases. The inclusion criteria were all articles that described PA consistency and correlated it with preoperative aspects, radiological, pathological, and operative findings, or clinical outcomes.

DISCUSSION

Although most authors differentiate easily aspirated (soft) tumors from those that are not (fibrous, might require prior fragmentation), there is no universally accepted PA consistency classification. Fibrous PA tends to be hypointense on T2WI and has lower apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values. Fibrous tumors seemed to present higher invasion into neighboring structures, including the cavernous sinus. Several articles suggest that dopamine agonists could increase PA consistency and that prior surgery and radiotherapy also make PA more fibrous. The anatomopathological studies identify collagen as being mainly responsible for fibrous consistency of adenomas.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative knowledge of PA consistency affords the neurosurgeon substantial benefit, which clearly appears to be relevant to surgical planning, risks, and surgery outcomes. It could also encourage the centralization of these high complexity tumors in reference centers. Further studies may be enhanced by applying standard consistency classification of the PA and analyzing a more extensive and prospective series of fibrous PA.

Genistein: Dual Role in Women's Health

Advanced research in recent years has revealed the important role of nutrients in the protection of women's health and in the prevention of women's diseases. Genistein is a phytoestrogen that belongs to a class of compounds known as isoflavones, which structurally resemble endogenous estrogen. Genistein is most often consumed by humans via soybeans or soya products and is, as an auxiliary medicinal, used to treat women's diseases. In this review, we focused on analyzing the geographic distribution of soybean and soya product consumption, global serum concentrations of genistein, and its metabolism and bioactivity. We also explored genistein's dual effects in women's health through gathering, evaluating, and summarizing evidence from current in vivo and in vitro studies, clinical observations, and epidemiological surveys. The dose-dependent effects of genistein, especially when considering its metabolites and factors that vary by individuals, indicate that consumption of genistein may contribute to beneficial effects in women's health and disease prevention and treatment. However, consumption and exposure levels are nuanced because adverse effects have been observed at lower concentrations in in vitro models. Therefore, this points to the duplicity of genistein as a possible therapeutic agent in some instances and as an endocrine disruptor in others.

Genistein prevents bone loss in type 2 diabetic rats induced by streptozotocin

Background

Diabetic osteoporosis has become a severe public health problem in the aging societies. Genistein has been reported to play an important role in preventing and treating metabolic diseases via its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-estrogenic, and estrogen-like functions.

Objective

We aimed to investigate whether genistein exerts bone-protective effect on diabetic rats induced by 35 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ) plus a 4-week high-fat diet.

Design

Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: (1) control group, (2) type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) model group, (3) T2DM with 10 mg/kg genistein, and (4) T2DM with 30 mg/kg genistein. After an 8-week treatment with genistein, the femurs, tibias, and blood were collected from all rats for further analysis.

Results

Genistein at 10 mg/kg showed little effect on diabetic osteoporosis, whereas genistein at 30 mg/kg significantly improved glucose and bone metabolisms compared with diabetic rats. Our results showed that 30 mg/kg genistein significantly increased bone mineral density, serum osteocalcin, and bone alkaline phosphatase. Genistein also effectively lowered fasting blood glucose, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and numbers of adipocytes and osteoclasts. Compared with the T2DM group, protein levels of receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) were decreased, while protein levels of osteoprotegerin (OPG), β-catenin, and runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx-2) were increased after genistein intervention.

Conclusion

Genistein could effectively improve abnormal bone metabolism in STZ-induced diabetic rats; the underlying molecular mechanisms might be related to OPG/RANKL, PPAR-γ, and β-catenin/Runx-2 pathways.

Magnitude and Associated Factors of Metabolic Syndrome Among Adult Urban Dwellers of Northern Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is becoming a big public health problem in developing countries like Ethiopia. Developing countries have an almost two-fold higher risk of death due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) compared to high-income countries. This study aimed to assess the magnitude and factors associated with MetS among adult residents of Mekelle city.

METHODS

A population-based cross-sectional study was carried out among 266 randomly selected adults from July to September 2019. Data were collected on socio-demographic, clinical, anthropometric, and lifestyle characteristics using a structured questionnaire adapted from the WHO STEPs survey tool. Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG) and lipid profiles were tested using a blood sample. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with MetS and variables were considered statistically significant at p ≤0.05.

RESULTS

The findings of this study showed the magnitude of MetS was 21.8%. The proportion of MetS was relatively higher among women (24.6%) than men (18.5%). Raised blood pressure was the most prominent (42.5%) component of MetS followed by central obesity (41.7%). The magnitude of the other components of MetS was 38.0%, 21.4%, and 14.3% for elevated triglyceride, raised FBG, and low HDL-C, respectively. Advanced age, medium and high monthly income, walking less than 10 minutes per day, raised Body Mass Index (BMI), higher waist to hip ratio, and elevated total cholesterol were significantly associated with a higher risk of metabolic syndrome.

CONCLUSION

In this study, we found a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its components, which highlights an urgent need for a public health strategy for its prevention, early diagnosis, and management.

Genistein and Galantamine Combinations Decrease β-Amyloid Peptide (1-42)-Induced Genotoxicity and Cell Death in SH-SY5Y Cell Line: an In Vitro and In Silico Approach for Mimic of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the primary dementia-causing disease worldwide, involving a multifactorial combination of environmental, genetic, and epigenetic factors, with essential participation of age and sex. Biochemically, AD is characterized by the presence of abnormal deposition of beta amyloid peptide (Aβ_(1-42)), which in the brain is strongly correlated with oxidative stress, inflammation, DNA damage, and cholinergic impairment. The multiple mechanisms involved in its etiology create significant difficulty in producing an effective treatment. Neuroprotective properties of genistein and galantamine have been widely demonstrated through different mechanisms; however, it is unknown a possible synergistic neuroprotective effect against Aβ_(1-42). In order to understand how genistein and galantamine combinations regulate the mechanisms of neuroprotection, we conducted a set of bioassays in vitro to evaluate cell viability, clonogenic survival, cell death, and anti-genotoxicity. Through molecular docking and therapeutic viability assays, we analyzed the inhibitory activity exerted by genistein on three major protein targets (AChE, BChE, and NMDA) involved in AD. The results showed that genistein and galantamine afforded significant protection at higher concentrations; however, combinations of sub-effective concentrations of both compounds provided marked neuroprotection when they were combined. In silico approaches showed that genistein has higher scores than the positive controls and low toxicity levels; nevertheless, the therapeutic viability indicated that unlike galantamine, genistein cannot undergo the action by P glycoprotein (PGP) and probably may be unable to cross the blood-brain barrier. In conclusion, our results show that genistein and galantamine exert neuroprotective by decreasing genotoxicity and cell death. In silico analysis, suggest that genistein modulates positively the expression of AChE, BChE, and NMDA. In this context, a combination of two or more drugs could inspire an attractive therapeutic strategy.

Spontaneous neck hematoma secondary to parathyroid adenoma: a case series

PURPOSE

Spontaneous neck hematoma is a rare yet potentially fatal complication of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). Here we aim to describe novel presentations of neck hematomas secondary to PHPT, discussing tools and signs that facilitate diagnosis.

METHODS

Case series data were extracted by retrospective chart reviews of our institution's electronic medical records, including all neck hematoma cases from parathyroid origin between 2005 and 2020. Cases from PubMed and EMBASE between 1999 and 2020 were analyzed in a systematic literature review.

RESULTS

Four patients were identified with five acute bleeding events, including a novel report of recurrent neck hemorrhage due to parathyroid adenoma. There was postmenopausal female predominance (75%), consistent with previous reports (72.7%). Common presentations included neck pain, dysphagia and hoarseness. All bleedings spread into the retropharyngeal space. Vocal cord paralysis was found in a single case and in 8.6% of the benign lesions in the reviewed cases. A single case presented with normal calcium levels (20% of bleeding episodes), in line with the reviewed cases (17.4%). A subtle CT sign of an enhancing area within the parathyroid gland, which led to the diagnosis, was identified in a single case. Conservative treatments were employed in 80% of our cases and in 51.5% of the reviewed cases, all being successful. Neck explorations performed after a 3-month waiting period from the acute event demonstrated better results compared to immediate surgery.

CONCLUSION

A high suspicion index is needed, particularly in post-menopausal women, to reach a diagnosis and allow optimal management. Normal laboratory values do not exclude parathyroid etiology, yet assessment should include calcium and PTH levels along with targeted imaging. Since bleeding may recur, we suggest that PHPT complicated with neck hematoma should be an independent indication for definitive parathyroidectomy surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3b.

Bone Strength Is Improved with Genistein Treatment in Mice with Diet-Induced Obesity

BACKGROUND

High caloric intake of saturated fat and refined sugars accelerates the development of obesity and diabetes and increases bone fracture risk. Some evidence suggests that consumption of a diet rich in phytoestrogens like genistein has the potential to strengthen bone biomechanical properties. Its bone-strengthening properties may mitigate fracture risk associated with metabolic conditions like obesity and diabetes, especially when combined with exercise.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we test the effects of genistein, exercise training, and combination treatment on biomechanical properties of cortical bone in mice fed a high-fat, high-sugar (HFHS) diet.

METHODS

Eighty C67BL6 mice (40 females, 40 males) aged 6 wk were treated for 12 wk with an HFHS diet containing 60% fat and drinking water with 4.2 g/L sugar (55% sucrose, 45% fructose). Subgroups of the mice were also treated with genistein and/or moderate exercise (treadmill running). Genistein was incorporated into the HFHS diet (600 mg genistein/kg HFHS) and exercise was performed daily for 30 min, 5 d/wk (n = 10 females, 10 males per group). Three-point bending mechanical testing and quantitative fluorescence microscopy were conducted on femurs to measure bone strength and matrix quality.

RESULTS

Mechanical testing revealed HFHS-fed mice treated with genistein, either alone or combined with exercise, had femurs that exhibited increased postyield displacement and reduced stiffness during 3-point bending in comparison with mice only treated with the HFHS diet. Femurs of genistein-treated mice also exhibited greater ultimate force required to achieve fracture. Quantitative fluorescence showed genistein reduced advanced glycation end product accumulation in bone matrix. Exercise treatment alone had no effect.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with genistein, either alone or in combination with exercise, improves fracture resistance in mice fed an HFHS diet by improving bone matrix quality and increasing bone strength.

Exercise and resveratrol increase fracture resistance in the 3xTg-AD mouse model of Alzheimer's disease

Background

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and osteoporosis are progressive diseases that affect the elderly population. Both conditions are associated with fracture risk that is greater than twice that of the healthy population. Resveratrol and exercise are two treatments that have been linked with attenuation of age-related diseases, including the risk of bone fractures. In this study, we test the hypothesis that these treatments improve fracture resistance in a mouse model representative of the AD condition.

Methods

Three-month-old male 3xTg-AD mice were treated for 4 months with resveratrol or exercise or both combined, and compared with wild type mice. Exercise training was performed on a treadmill at 15 m/min for 45 min/day, 5 days/week. Resveratrol was given at 4 g/kg diet in the form of pellets. Three-point bending, cross-sectional geometric, and fluorescence analyses were conducted on tibias and compared by treatment group.

Results

Tibias of 3xTg mice exhibited signs of diminished bone quality and fracture under less force than age-matched wild type mice (P < 0.05). Treatment with both resveratrol and exercise improved indicators of fracture resistance and bone quality in AD mice to levels comparable to that of wild type mice (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The 3xTg mouse model of AD is at elevated risk for limb bone fracture compared to wild type controls. Treatment with resveratrol, exercise, or both in combination improves fracture resistance and cross-sectional geometric indicators of bone strength.

Leptin-deficient mice have altered three-dimensional growth plate histomorphometry

BACKGROUND

Leptin is an adipokine that regulates energy homeostasis and is also needed for normal bone growth and maintenance. Mutation in the lep gene, which characterizes the ob/ob mouse model, results in the development of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus, as well as reduced limb bone length and increased fracture risk. However, the relationship between limb bone length and growth plate cartilage structure in obese diabetic adolescents is incompletely understood. Here, we tested the hypothesis that leptin deficiency affects the microstructure of growth plate cartilage in juvenile ob/ob mice.

METHODS

Tibial growth plate cartilage structure was compared between lean and obese, leptin-deficient (ob/ob) female mice aged 10 weeks. We used confocal laser scanning microscopy to assess 3D histological differences in Z stacks of growth plate cartilage at 0.2 µm intervals, 80-100 µm in depth. Histomorphometric comparisons were made between juvenile lean and ob/ob mice.

RESULTS

We found obese mice have significantly reduced tibial length and growth plate height in comparison with lean mice (P < 0.05). Obese mice also have fewer chondrocyte columns in growth plate cartilage with reduced chondrocyte cell volumes relative to lean mice (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These data help explicate the relationship between growth plate cartilage structure and bone health in obese diabetic juvenile mice. Our findings suggest obesity and diabetes may adversely affect growth plate cartilage structure.

Intranasal Delivery of Genistein-Loaded Nanoparticles as a Potential Preventive System against Neurodegenerative Disorders

Genistein has been reported to have antioxidant and neuroprotective activity. Despite encouraging in vitro and in vivo results, several disadvantages such as poor water solubility, rapid metabolism, and low oral bioavailability limit the clinical application of genistein. The aim of this study was to design and characterize genistein-loaded chitosan nanoparticles for intranasal drug delivery, prepared by the ionic gelation technique by using sodium hexametaphosphate. Nanoparticles were characterized in vitro and their cytotoxicity was tested on PC12 cells. Genistein-loaded nanoparticles were prepared, and sodium hexametaphosphate was used as a valid alternative to well-known cross-linkers. Nanoparticle characteristics as well as their physical stability were affected by formulation composition and manufacturing. Small (mean diameters of 200–300 nm) and homogeneous nanoparticles were obtained and were able to improve genistein penetration through the nasal mucosa as compared to pure genistein. Nanoparticle dispersions showed a pH consistent with the nasal fluid and preserved PC12 cell vitality.

High-fat, high-sugar diet induces splenomegaly that is ameliorated with exercise and genistein treatment

Objective

We tested the effect of exercise training and genistein treatment on splenomegaly in mice fed a high-fat, high-sugar diet (HFSD).

Results

Male and female C57BL6 mice fed HFSD containing 60% fat along with drinking water containing 42 g/L sugar (55% sucrose/45% fructose) for 12 weeks exhibited significant obesity, hyperglycemia, and elevated plasma IL-6 levels. This was accompanied by splenomegaly characterized by spleen weights 50% larger than mice fed standard chow (P < 0.05) with enlarged rad and white pulps. Mice fed HFSD and treated with a combination of exercise (30 min/day, 5 days/week) and genistein (600 mg genistein/kg diet) had reduced spleen weight (P < 0.05). The decrease in spleen weight was associated with a significant improvement in red-to-white pulp area ratio and plasma glucose and IL-6 (P < 0.05). Our findings indicate that reversal of splenomegaly by regular exercise and genistein treatment may be important in the clinical management of HFSD-induced obesity.

Bone Health and Natural Products- An Insight

Bone metabolism involves a complex balance between matrix deposition, mineralization, and resorption. Numerous evidences have revealed that dietary components and phytoconstituents can influence these processes, through inhibition of bone resorption, thus exhibiting beneficial effects on the skeleton. Various traditional herbal formulae in ayurvedic and Chinese medicine have shown demonstrable benefits in pharmacological models of osteoporosis. The present review discusses normal bone metabolism and disorders caused by bone disruption, with particular reference to osteoporosis and current therapeutic treatment. Furthermore the effects of constituents from natural products on bone tissue are explained, with relevant evidences of efficacy in various experimental models.

Feeding Obese Diabetic Mice a Genistein Diet Induces Thermogenic and Metabolic Change

Obesity is associated with elevated plasma levels of glucocorticoids and reduced levels of thyroid hormones, both known to effect food intake and energy expenditure. Furthermore, tissue specific glucocorticoid metabolism is altered in obesity, increasing insulin resistance and cardiometabolic risk. The goal of this study was to examine whether these metabolic disturbances can be prevented with the isoflavone genistein in the ob/ob mouse, a model that resembles the phenotype in human obesity. Male ob/ob mice, aged 5 weeks, were fed either a genistein-rich diet (600 mg/kg) or a genistein-free diet for 4 weeks. ob/ob mice weighed 70% more than lean controls. While there was no effect of genistein on body weight, food consumption during weeks 3 and 4 was significantly increased in genistein-fed mice. This was associated with increases in body temperature and plasma levels of triiodothyronine (T3), suggesting a thermogenic effect. The hypercorticosteronism observed in the ob/ob mouse was reduced with genistein treatment. This effect was accompanied by a decrease in protein expression of renal 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2) without changes in hepatic 11β-HSD1. Our results suggest that a diet containing genistein can have beneficial effects on energy expenditure, T3 production, and corticosterone status in the ob/ob mouse model of obesity.

Genistein diet does not modify crypt morphology in the ob/ob mouse jejunum: a comparison of cryostat and clearing techniques

INTRODUCTION

Diabetes is commonly associated with gastrointestinal dysfunction. We have previously shown that transepithelial short circuit current, I_sc (chloride secretion), is significantly reduced in the jejunum from ob/ob mice vs lean controls, and consumption of 600 mg genistein/kg of diet (600 G) for 4 weeks significantly rescues I_sc. We aimed to evaluate whether morphological changes in the jejunal crypts contribute to the rescue of I_sc.

METHODS

Male mice (ob/ob and lean controls) were fed either a genistein-free diet or genistein-containing diet (600 G). Comparisons of crypt morphology were made for crypt depth, length, and numbers of proliferative cells. Assessments of crypt measures using DAPI and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) were performed using traditional cryostat sectioning and an innovative 3D optical clearing method.

RESULTS

We found that crypt length in the ob/ob genistein-fed group was significantly greater when measured with cleared tissue (85.19±4.73 µm, P<0.05, n=8) compared to lengths measured with cryostat (65.42±3.48 µm, n=8). In addition, proliferative EdU+ counts were approximately fivefold greater with clearing, compared to counts obtained via single plane images from cryostat sections for all groups measured. The average length to EdU+ ratio was unchanged between groups.

CONCLUSION

Thus, we conclude that genistein diet does not affect overall cellular proliferation or crypt morphology, other than for the modest increased crypt length measured via clearing in the ob/ob genistein group. The increase in crypt length is likely indicative of the greater accuracy of the 3D measures compared to single plane. Genistein diet-induced increases in the intestinal I_sc are therefore likely not attributed to changes in intestinal crypt morphology.

Genistein protects hippocampal neurons against injury by regulating calcium/calmodulin dependent protein kinase IV protein levels in Alzheimer's disease model rats

Genistein has a neuroprotective effect in Alzheimer's disease, but its mechanism of action needs further clarification. Accumulating evidence suggests that excessive phosphorylation of tau protein causes production of neurofibrillary tangles, which is one of the main pathological characteristics of Alzheimer's disease, and tau protein can be phosphorylated by calcium/calmodulin dependent protein kinase IV (CAMK4). After 7 days of pre-administration of genistein (90 mg/kg), an Alzheimer's disease rat model was established using an intraperitoneal injection of D-galactose combined with an intracerebral injection of amyloid-β peptide (25-35). The rat was then continuously administered genistein (90 mg/kg) for 42 days. The Morris water maze test, western blotting and hematoxylin-eosin staining results showed that genistein significantly decreased the escape latency and increased the number of times crossing the platform, reduced p-tau, CALM, CAMKK1 and p-CAMK4 protein levels in the hippocampus, and alleviated hippocampal neuron damage. These findings indicate that genistein may play a neuroprotective role in Alzheimer's disease through regulating CAMK4 to modulate tau hyperphosphorylation.

Genistein improves inflammatory response and colonic function through NF-κB signal in DSS-induced colonic injury

This study aimed to investigate the protective potential of genistein in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colonic injury in vitro and in vivo models. The results showed that DSS exposure caused growth suppression, colonic injury, inflammation, and barrier dysfunction in mice. Dietary genistein alleviated DSS-caused colonic injury via reducing colonic weight, rectal bleeding, and diarrhea ratio. Meanwhile, genistein reduced colonic inflammatory response via downregulating cytokines expression and improved colonic permeability and barrier in DSS-challenged mice. In Caco-2 cells, genistein improved cell viability and cellular permeability and inhibited DSS-induced activation of TLR4/NF-κB signal. In conclusion, genistein alleviated DSS-caused colonic injury, inflammation, and gut dysfunction, which might be associated with the TLR4/NF-κB signal.