Recent advances in understanding glucose transport and glucose disposal

OGT-1 regulates synaptic assembly through the insulin signaling pathway

The formation and maintenance of synapses are precisely regulated, and the misregulation often leads to neurodevelopmental or neurodegenerative disorders. Besides intrinsic genetically encoded signaling pathways, synaptic structure and function are also regulated by extrinsic factors, such as nutrients. O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT), a nutrient sensor, is abundant in the nervous system and required for synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory. However, whether OGT is involved in synaptic development and the mechanism underlying the process are largely unknown. In this study, we found that OGT-1, the OGT homolog in C. elegans, regulates the presynaptic assembly in AIY interneurons. The insulin receptor DAF-2 acts upstream of OGT-1 to promote the presynaptic assembly by positively regulating the expression of ogt-1. This insulin-OGT-1 axis functions most likely by regulating neuronal activity. In this study, we elucidated a novel mechanism for synaptic development, and provided a potential link between synaptic development and insulin-related neurological disorders.

Serum metabolomic responses to aerobic exercise in rats under chronic unpredictable mild stress

This study analyzed the effects of aerobic exercise on endogenous serum metabolites in response to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) using a rat model, aiming to identify the metabolic regulatory pathways involved in the antidepressant effect resulted from a 28-day treadmill aerobic exercise intervention. The animals were randomly divided into four groups (n = 8): normal control, normal with aerobic exercise, CUMS control, and CUMS with aerobic exercise. Body weight, sucrose preference and open field tests were performed weekly during the intervention period for changes in depressant symptoms. Serum metabolic profiles obtained by using the LC-MS/MS metabolomics were analyzed to explore the regulatory mechanism for the effect of the aerobic exercise on depression. Behavior tests showed that the aerobic exercise resulted in a significant improvement in depression-like behavior in the CUMS rats. A total of 21 differential metabolites were identified as being associated with depression in serum metabolic profile, of which the aerobic exercise significantly modulated 15, mainly related to amino acid metabolism and energy metabolism. Collectively, this is the first study that LC-MS/MS techniques were used to reveal the modulatory effects of aerobic exercise on the serum metabolic profile of depressed rats and the findings further enriched our understanding of potential mechanisms of aerobic exercise interventions on depression.

An Overview of Phytotherapy Used in the Management of Type II Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is related to unconstrained high blood sugar and linked with long-term impairment, dysfunction and failure of several organs. Since 1980, the global frequency of diabetes has almost doubled in the adult population. In very rare cases due to poor prevention and management programs, diabetes causes worsening of health and reduced lifespan of the world population, thus impacting on the world's economy. Supplements, however, help in the improvement of nutritional deficiencies. Phytotherapeutics has the advantage of being economical and easy to access with marginal side effects. So, it is a preferred candidate for the management of diabetes. Currently, a multitude of pharmaceuticals are used which are obtained from natural sources having medicinal properties. The mechanistic approaches are based on the regulation of insulin signaling pathways, translocation of GLUT-4 receptors and/or activation of PPAR γ. These natural compounds include numerous flavonoids which help in preventing glucose absorption by preventing the absorption of α-amylase and α-glucosidase. But to validate the efficacy and safety profile of these compounds, detailed validatory clinical studies are required. This review majorly focuses on the mechanistic approaches of various naturally derived compounds relevant for the condition of Diabetes Mellitus.

Current State and Principles of Basal Insulin Therapy in Type 2 Diabetes

Treatment with basal insulins is a fundamental part of management in many patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Multiple management schemes may be indicated in these individuals, for example, the use of oral antihyperglycemic agents with basal insulins (basal-supported oral therapy) or the combinations of basal insulins with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists; each of these strategies makes it easier to achieve glycemic control goals. A basic knowledge of the physiology, pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic aspects of the different basal insulins is essential to achieve treatment goals and compliance. This review addresses the principles of management with basal insulins.

In situ growth of TiO2 nanowires on Ti3C2 MXenes nanosheets as highly sensitive luminol electrochemiluminescent nanoplatform for glucose detection in fruits, sweat and serum samples

A sensitive electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) biosensor for glucose was developed based on in situ growth of TiO₂ nanowires on Ti₃C₂ MXenes (TiO₂-Ti₃C₂) as the nanoplatform. Via tuning the alkaline oxidation time, different amount of TiO₂ nanowires can be found on MXenes. An ECL biosensor for glucose was constructed by covalent immobilization of glucose oxidase (GODx) on the glycine functional TiO₂-Ti₃C₂ surface, with the ECL signal depending on the in-situ formation of H₂O₂ via the specifically catalysis of glucose by GODx, resulting in the apparent increase of ECL signal. The TiO₂-Ti₃C₂ can also act as the catalyst for the oxidation of H₂O₂ into O₂ to enhance the ECL of luminol. Based on this strategy, a highly sensitive ECL biosensor for glucose was obtained in wide concentration range of 20 nM-12 mM with a low detection limit of 1.2 nM (S/N = 3). The synergistic effects of large surface area, excellent conductivity, and high catalytic activity of the TiO₂-Ti₃C₂ make the sensor highly sensitive toward glucose; the specific enzyme catalysis reaction promises excellent selectivity of the ECL sensor. The proposed biosensor has been employed to detect glucose in human serum, fruits, and sweat samples with excellent performance, providing a universal approach for glucose in various samples, which shows great prospect in clinical diagnostics and wearable sensors.