Increased Serum Cystatin C Levels Were Associated with Depressive Symptoms in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Accelerated epigenetic aging in alcohol dependence

Alcohol dependence poses a global health threat associated with aging and reduced life expectancy. Recently, aging research through deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation has gained attention. New epigenetic clocks have been developed; however, no study has investigated GrimAge components, GrimAge2 components and DunedinPACE in patients with alcohol dependence. In this study, we aimed to perform epigenetic clock analysis to evaluate epigenetic age acceleration and DNA methylation-based age-predictive components in patients with alcohol dependence and controls. We utilized publicly available DNA methylation data (GSE98876) for our analysis. Additionally, we compared the values of the same items before and after the patients underwent a treatment program. The dataset comprised 23 controls and 24 patients. We observed that DunedinPACE accelerated more in patients with alcohol dependence. AgeAccelGrim and AgeAccelGrim2 decelerated more after the treatment program than before, and beta-2-microglobulin and Cystatin C decreased after the treatment program than before. These findings are crucial as they affect the cranial nerve area, potentially contributing to cognitive dysfunction and psychiatric symptoms in patients with alcohol dependence.

Comprehensive Sex-Stratified Genetic Analysis of 28 Blood Biomarkers and Depression Reveals a Significant Association between Depression and Low Levels of Total Protein in Females

Introduction

Major depression (MD) is more common amongst women than men, and MD episodes have been associated with fluctuations in reproductive hormones amongst women. To investigate biological underpinnings of heterogeneity in MD, the associations between depression, stratified by sex and including perinatal depression (PND), and blood biomarkers, using UK Biobank (UKB) data, were evaluated, and extended to include the association of depression with biomarker polygenic scores (PGS), generated as proxy for each biomarker.

Method

Using female (N = 39,761) and male (N = 38,821) UKB participants, lifetime MD and PND were tested for association with 28 blood biomarkers. A GWAS was conducted for each biomarker and genetic correlations with depression subgroups were estimated. Using independent data from the Australian Genetics of Depression Study, PGS were constructed for each biomarker, and tested for association with depression status (n [female cases/controls] = 9,006/6,442; n [male cases/controls] = 3,106/6,222). Regions of significant local genetic correlation between depression subgroups and biomarkers highlighted by the PGS analysis were identified.

Results

Depression in females was significantly associated with levels of twelve biomarkers, including total protein (OR = 0.90, CI = [0.86, 0.94], p = 3.9 × 10-6) and vitamin D (OR = 0.94, CI = [0.90, 0.97], p = 2.6 × 10-4), and PND with five biomarker levels, also including total protein (OR = 0.88, CI = [0.81, 0.96], p = 4.7 × 10-3). Depression in males was significantly associated with levels of eleven biomarkers. In the independent Australian Genetics of Depression Study, PGS analysis found significant associations for female depression and PND with total protein (female depression: OR = 0.93, CI = [0.88, 0.98], p = 3.6 × 10-3; PND: OR = 0.91, CI = [0.86, 0.96], p = 1.1 × 10-3), as well as with vitamin D (female depression: OR = 0.93, CI = [0.89, 0.97], p = 2.0 × 10-3; PND: OR = 0.92, CI = [0.87, 0.97], p = 1.4 × 10-3). The male depression sample did not report any significant results, and the point estimate of total protein (OR = 0.98, CI = [0.92-1.04], p = 4.7 × 10-1) did not indicate any association. Local genetic correlation analysis highlighted significant genetic correlation between PND and total protein, located in 5q13.3 (rG = 0.68, CI = [0.33, 1.0], p = 3.6 × 10-4).

Discussion and Conclusion

Multiple lines of evidence from genetic analysis highlight an association between total serum protein levels and depression in females. Further research involving prospective measurement of total protein and depressive symptoms is warranted.

The Role of Adipokines in the Pathologies of the Central Nervous System

Adipokines are protein hormones secreted by adipose tissue in response to disruptions in physiological homeostasis within the body's systems. The regulatory functions of adipokines within the central nervous system (CNS) are multifaceted and intricate, and they have been identified in a number of pathologies. Therefore, specific adipokines have the potential to be used as biomarkers for screening purposes in neurological dysfunctions. The systematic review presented herein focuses on the analysis of the functions of various adipokines in the pathogenesis of CNS diseases. Thirteen proteins were selected for analysis through scientific databases. It was found that these proteins can be identified within the cerebrospinal fluid either by their ability to modify their molecular complex and cross the blood-brain barrier or by being endogenously produced within the CNS itself. As a result, this can correlate with their measurability during pathological processes, including Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, depression, or brain tumors.

Accelerated epigenetic aging and decreased natural killer cells based on DNA methylation in patients with untreated major depressive disorder

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is known to cause significant disability. Genome-wide DNA methylation (DNAm) profiles can be used to estimate biological aging and as epigenetic clocks. However, information on epigenetic clocks reported in MDD patients is inconsistent. Since antidepressants are likely confounders, we evaluated biological aging using various DNAm-based predictors in patients with MDD who had never received depression medication. A publicly available dataset consisting of whole blood samples from untreated MDD patients (n = 40) and controls (n = 40) was used. We analyzed five epigenetic clocks (HorvathAge, HannumAge, SkinBloodAge, PhenoAge, and GrimAge), DNAm-based telomere length (DNAmTL), and DNAm-based age-related plasma proteins (GrimAge components), as well as DNAm-based white blood cell composition. The results indicate that patients with untreated MDD were significantly associated with epigenetic aging acceleration in HannumAge and GrimAge. Furthermore, a decrease in natural killer cells, based on DNAm, was observed in patients with untreated MDD.

Epigenetic clock analysis reveals increased plasma cystatin C levels based on DNA methylation in major depressive disorder

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common mental illness and a major public health concern worldwide. Depression is associated with epigenetic changes that regulate gene expression, and analyzing these changes may help elucidate the pathophysiology of MDD. Genome-wide DNA methylation (DNAm) profiles can function as 'epigenetic clocks' that can help estimate biological aging. Here, we assessed biological aging in patients with MDD using various DNAm-based indicators of epigenetic aging. We used a publicly available dataset containing data obtained from the whole blood samples of MDD patients (n = 489) and controls (n = 210). We analyzed five epigenetic clocks (HorvathAge, HannumAge, SkinBloodAge, PhenoAge, and GrimAge) and DNAm-based telomere length (DNAmTL). We also investigated seven DNAm-based age-predictive plasma proteins (including cystatin C) and smoking status, which are components of GrimAge. Following adjustment for confounding factors such as age and sex, patients with MDD showed no significant difference in epigenetic clocks and DNAmTL. However, DNAm-based plasma cystatin C levels were significantly higher in patients with MDD than controls. Our findings revealed specific DNAm changes predicting plasma cystatin C levels in MDD. These findings may help elucidate the pathophysiology of MDD, leading to the development of new biomarkers and medications.

Increased serum cystatin C levels and responses of pancreatic α- and β-cells in type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND

Increased serum cystatin C (CysC) can predict the onset of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Meanwhile, impaired pancreatic α- and β-cell functions get involved in the pathophysiological processes of T2D. So this study was to explore the relationships between serum CysC levels and pancreatic α- and β-cell functions in T2D.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional observational study, a total of 2634 patients with T2D were consecutively recruited. Each recruited patient received a serum CysC test and oral glucose tolerance test for synchronous detection of serum C-peptide and plasma glucagon. As components of pancreatic β-cell function, insulin secretion and sensitivity indices were evaluated by C-peptide area under the curve (AUC-CP) and C-peptide-substituted Matsuda's index (Matsuda-CP), respectively. Fasting glucagon (F-GLA) and post-challenge glucagon calculated by glucagon area under the curve (AUC-GLA) were used to assess pancreatic α-cell function. These skewed indices and were further natural log-transformed (ln).

RESULTS

With quartiles of serum CysC levels ascending, AUC-CP, F-GLA and AUC-GLA were increased, while Matsuda-CP was decreased (P for trend <0.001). Moreover, serum CysC levels were positively related to lnAUC-CP, lnF-GLA and lnAUC-GLA (r= 0.241, 0.131 and 0.208, respectively, P < 0.001), and inversely related to lnMatsuda-CP (r= -0.195, P < 0.001). Furthermore, after controlling for other relevant variables via multivariable linear regression analysis, serum CysC levels were identified to account for lnAUC-CP (β= 0.178, t= 10.518, P < 0.001), lnMatsuda-CP (β= -0.137, t= -7.118, P < 0.001), lnF-GLA (β= 0.049, t= 2.263, P = 0.024) and lnAUC-GLA (β= 0.121, t= 5.730, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Increased serum CysC levels may be partly responsible for increased insulin secretion from β-cells, decreased systemic insulin sensitivity, and elevated fasting and postprandial glucagon secretion from α-cells in T2D.

Precision Medicine in Alzheimer's Disease: Investigating Comorbid Common Biological Substrates in the Rat Model of Amyloid Beta-Induced Toxicity

Alzheimer's disease (AD), one of the most widespread neurodegenerative disorder, is a fatal global burden for the elder population. Although many efforts have been made, the search of a curative therapy is still ongoing. Individuating phenotypic traits that might help in investigating treatment response is of growing interest in AD research. AD is a complex pathology characterized by many comorbidities, such as depression and increased susceptibility to pain perception, leading to postulate that these conditions may rely on common biological substrates yet to be determined. In order to investigate those biological determinants to be associable with phenotypic traits, we used the rat model of amyloid beta-induced toxicity. This established model of early phase of AD is obtained by the intracerebroventricular injection of soluble amyloid beta1-42 (Aβ) peptide 7 days before performing experiments. In this model, we have previously reported increased immobility in the forced swimming test, reduced cortical serotonin levels and subtle alterations in the cognitive domain a depressive-like phenotype associated with subtle alteration in memory processes. In light of evaluating pain perception in this animal model, we performed two different behavioral tests commonly used, such as the paw pressure test and the cold plate test, to analyze mechanical hyperalgesia and thermal allodynia, respectively. Behavioural outcomes confirmed the memory impairment in the social recognition test and, compared to sham, Aβ-injected rats showed an increased selective susceptibility to mechanical but not to thermal stimulus. Behavioural data were then corroborated by neurochemical and biochemical biomarker analyses either at central or peripheral level. Data showed that the peptide injection evoked a significant increase in hypothalamic glutamate, kynurenine and dopamine content, while serotonin levels were reduced. Plasma Cystatin-C, a cysteine protease, was increased while serotonin and melatonin levels were decreased in Aβ-injected rats. Urinary levels paralleled plasma quantifications, indicating that Aβ-induced deficits in pain perception, mood and cognitive domain may also depend on these biomarkers. In conclusion, in the present study, we demonstrated that this animal model can mimic several comorbid conditions typical of the early phase of AD. Therefore, in the perspective of generating novel therapeutic strategies relevant to precision medicine in AD, this animal model and the biomarkers evaluated herein may represent an advantageous approach.

Diagnostic biomarkers of dilated cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a condition involving dilation of cardiac chambers, which results in contraction impairment. Besides invasive and non-invasive diagnostic procedures, cardiac biomarkers are of great importance in both diagnosis and prognosis of the disease. These biomarkers are categorized into three groups based on their site; cardiomyocyte biomarkers, microenvironmental biomarkers and macroenvironmental biomarkers.

AIMS

In this review, an overview of characteristics, epidemiology, etiology and clinical manifestations of DCM is provided. In addition, the most important biomarkers, of all three categories, and their diagnostic and prognostic values are discussed.

CONCLUSION

Considering the association of DCM with conditions such as infections and autoimmunity, which are prevalent among the population, introducing efficient diagnostic tools is of high value for the early detection of DCM to prevent its severe complications. The three discussed classes of biomarkers are potential candidates for the detection of DCM. However, further studies are necessary in this regard.

Assessment of seminal cystatin C levels in infertile men with varicocele: A preliminary study

Varicocele has been raised as a contributor to male infertility supported by the improvement of sperm parameters after varicocelectomy. Cystatin C (Cys C) has been linked to several cellular changes that are common in male infertility cases associated with varicocele such as apoptosis and autophagy. This preliminary study aimed to assess the seminal levels of Cys C in infertile oligoasthenoteratozoospermic (OAT) men associated with varicocele that have been shown to have spermatic vein vasodilation and active death pathway. Overall, 60 men were investigated being divided into two equivalent groups-infertile OAT men with varicocele who underwent varicocelectomy and healthy fertile men as a control group. These men were subjected to history taking, clinical examination, semen analysis and assessment of seminal Cys C pre and 6 months post-varicocelectomy. The results showed a significant increase of seminal Cys C in infertile OAT men with varicocele than the fertile control (55.57 ± 25.6 ng/ml versus 10.78 ± 1.88 ng/ml, p = .001). Seminal Cys C was a significantly decreased post-operative than its pre-operative level (34.69 ± 14.02 versus 55.57 ± 25.6 ng/ml, p = .01). These results show a potential role of Cys C in varicocele-induced infertility.