Diabetic Complications: An Update on Pathobiology and Therapeutic Strategies

Herbal small molecule-based low/medium internal phase supramolecular gel emulsion for diabetic wound healing

It remains a big challenge to fabricate low / medium internal phase gel emulsion for the safe wound dressing with low stimulation to the skin. Herein, utilizing the self-assembly and gelation of amphiphilic herbal small molecule-glycyrrhizic acid (GA) derived from traditional Chinese medicine, a new type of supramolecular gel emulsion (SGE) with antibacterial activity and low / medium internal phase was proposed. In the SGE, the oil droplets were stabilized by the nanofibers self-assembled from GA, and the SGE was formed by the supramolecular assembly of GA nanofibers in the presence of Pickering emulsions. As a result, under low / medium internal phase (φ = 30-50 %), SGEs could be readily prepared. Antibacterial tests demonstrated that the growth of gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) could be effectively inhibited by the SGE. Additionally, compared to high internal phase SGE, SGE with φ = 50 % displayed lower cytotoxicity and a positive impact on the healing process of infectious diabetic wounds. This work provided a novel approach for constructing low / medium internal phase gel emulsion via herbal small molecule-based supramolecular assembly.

Theaflavin-3,3'-Digallate Protects Liver and Kidney Functions in Diabetic Rats by Up-Regulating Circ-ITCH and Nrf2 Signaling Pathway

Theaflavin-3,3'-digallate (TFDG) in black tea has a strong antioxidant capacity. However, its effect on diabetic liver and kidney injury and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In the present study, our findings indicated that TFDG administration effectively lowers the fasting blood glucose and serum lipid concentrations and enhances the functionality and cellular architecture of the liver and kidney in rats with diabetes. The data also showed that TFDG mitigates oxidative harm in the liver and kidney of rats afflicted with diabetes. Additionally, metformin combined with TFDG was significantly more effective in reducing blood glucose and oxidative stress. Further studies suggested that TFDG upregulates the Nrf2 signal pathway and circ-ITCH (hsa_circ_0001141) expression. Silencing of circ-ITCH by transfection of the interfering plasmid apparently reduces the effects of TFDG on the Nrf2 signal pathway and oxidative stress in high-glucose-treated hepatic and renal cells. In conclusion, the present study highlights the great potential of TFDG in ameliorating diabetic liver and kidney injury by up-regulating circ-ITCH to promote the Nrf2 signal pathway and provides a potential option for the prevention and treatment of diabetic complications.

Cardiovascular health metrics defined by Life's Essential 8 scores and subsequent macrovascular and microvascular complications in individuals with type 2 diabetes: A prospective cohort study

AIM

To investigate the association between cardiovascular health metrics defined by Life's Essential 8 (LE8) scores and vascular complications among individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective study included 11 033 participants with T2D, all devoid of macrovascular diseases (including cardiovascular and peripheral artery disease) and microvascular complications (e.g. diabetic retinopathy, neuropathy and nephropathy) at baseline from the UK Biobank. The LE8 score comprised eight metrics: smoking, body mass index, physical activity, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, blood pressure, glycated haemoglobin, diet and sleep duration. Cox proportional hazards models were established to assess the associations of LE8 scores with incident macrovascular and microvascular complications.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 12.1 years, we identified 1975 cases of incident macrovascular diseases and 1797 cases of incident microvascular complications. After adjusting for potential confounders, each 10-point increase in the LE8 score was associated with an 18% lower risk of macrovascular diseases and a 15% lower risk of microvascular complications. Comparing individuals in the highest and lowest quartiles of LE8 scores revealed hazard ratios of 0.55 (95% confidence interval 0.47-0.62) for incident macrovascular diseases, and 0.61 (95% confidence interval 0.53-0.70) for incident microvascular complications. This association remained robust across a series of sensitivity analyses and nearly all subgroups.

CONCLUSION

Higher LE8 scores were associated with a lower risk of incident macrovascular and microvascular complications among individuals with T2D. These findings underscore the significance of adopting fundamental strategies to maintain optimal cardiovascular health and curtail the risk of developing diabetic vascular complications.

Jellyfish protein hydrolysates: Multifunctional bioactivities unveiled in the battle against diabetes, inflammation, and bacterial pathogenesis

This study investigates the multifunctional bioactivities of pepsin-hydrolyzed jellyfish by-products (Rhopilema hispidum and Lobonema smithii), focusing on their anti-α-glucosidase activity, anti-inflammatory effects, anti-bacterial properties, and ability to inhibit biofilm formation of Staphylococcus aureus. Our findings revealed that jellyfish protein hydrolysates, particularly from Rhopilema hispidum, exhibit significant anti-α-glucosidase activity, surpassing the well-known α-glucosidase inhibitor Acarbose. Furthermore, we demonstrated the anti-inflammatory capabilities of these hydrolysates in suppressing lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide production in murine macrophage cells. This effect was dose-dependent and non-cytotoxic, highlighting the hydrolysate potential in treating inflammation-related conditions. Regarding anti-bacterial activity, pepsin-hydrolyzed jellyfish selectively exhibited a potent effect against S. aureus, including Methicillin-susceptible and Methicillin-resistant strains. This activity was evident at minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of 25 μg/mL for S. aureus ATCC10832, while a modest effect was observed against other Gram-positive strains. The hydrolysates effectively delayed bacterial growth dose-dependently, suggesting their use as alternative agents against bacterial infections. Most notably, pepsin-hydrolyzed jellyfish showed significant anti-biofilm activity against S. aureus. The umbrella section hydrolysate of Rhopilema hispidum was particularly effective, reducing biofilm formation through downregulating the icaA gene, crucial for biofilm development. Furthermore, the hydrolysates modulated the expression of the agrA gene, a key regulator in the pathogenesis of S. aureus. In conclusion, pepsin-hydrolyzed jellyfish protein hydrolysates exhibit promising multifunctional bioactivities, including anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-biofilm properties. These findings suggest their potential application in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical fields, particularly in managing diabetic risks, inflammation, bacterial infections, and combating the biofilm-associated pathogenicity of S. aureus.

Immunomodulatory effects of Kaempferol on microglial and Macrophage cells during the progression of diabetic retinopathy

BACKGROUND

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) stands as a prevalent secondary complication of diabetes, notably Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1D), characterized by immune system involvement potentially impacting the retinal immune response mediated by microglia. Early stages of DR witness blood-retinal barrier permeabilization, facilitating peripheral immune cell interaction with the retinal immune system. Kaempferol (Kae), known for its potent anti-inflammatory activity, presents a promising avenue in DR treatment by targeting the immune mechanisms underlying its onset and progression. Our investigation delves into the molecular intricacies of innate immune cell interaction during DR progression and the attenuation of inflammatory processes pivotal to its pathology.

METHODS

Employing in vitro studies, we exposed HAPI microglial and J774.A1 macrophage cells to pro-inflammatory stimuli in the presence or absence of Kae. Ex vivo and in vivo experiments utilized BB rats, a T1D animal model. Retinal explants from BB rats were cultured with Kae, while intraperitoneal Kae injections were administered to BB rats for 15 days. Quantitative PCR, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and Spectral Domain - Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT) facilitated survival assessment, cellular signaling analysis, and inflammatory marker determination.

RESULTS

Results demonstrate Kae significantly mitigates inflammatory processes across in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo DR models, primarily targeting immune cell responses. Kae administration notably inhibits proinflammatory responses during DR progression while promoting an anti-inflammatory milieu, chiefly through microglia-mediated synthesis of Arginase-1 and Hemeoxygenase-1(HO-1). In vivo, Kae administration effectively preserves retinal integrity amid DR progression.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings elucidate the interplay between retinal and systemic immune cells in DR progression, underscoring a differential treatment response predominantly orchestrated by microglia's anti-inflammatory action. Kae treatment induces a phenotypic and functional shift in immune cells, delaying DR progression, thereby spotlighting microglial cells as a promising therapeutic target in DR management.

Diabetes Warriors from Heart Wood: Unveiling Dalbergin and Isoliquiritigenin from Dalbergia latifolia as Potential Antidiabetic Agents in-vitro and in-vivo

Diabetes mellitus is a serious and complex metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia. In recent years natural products has gained much more interest by researchers as alternative sources for diabetes treatment. Though many potential agents are identified so far but their clinical utility is limited because of their adverse effects. Therefore, there is a keen interest in discovering natural compounds to treat diabetes efficiently with less side effects. Dalbergia latifolia is well explored because of its diverse pharmacological activities including diabetes. Therefore, the present research work aimed to identify and isolate the potential antidiabetic agents from the heart wood of Dalbergia latifolia. We successfully extracted DGN and ISG from the heartwood and evaluated their antidiabetic potential both in-vivo and in-vitro. Alpha amylase activity inhibition of ISG and DGN was found to be 99.05 ± 8.54% (IC50 = 0.6025 µg/mL) and 84.68 ± 5.2% (IC50 = 0.0216 µg/mL) respectively. Glucose uptake assay revealed DGN (158%) promoted maximum uptake than ISG (77%) over control. In vivo anti diabetic activity was evaluated by inducing diabetes in SD rats with the help of HFD and STZ (35 mg/kg body weight). After the continuous administration of DGN (5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg) and ISG (5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg) for 14 days, we observed the reduction in the blood glucose levels, body weight, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein, blood urea, serum creatinine, serum glutamate oxaloacetic transaminase, serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase and alkaline phosphatase levels than vehicle group indicates the potency of ISG and DGN against diabetes.

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes mortality burden: Predictions for 2030 based on Bayesian age-period-cohort analysis of China and global mortality burden from 1990 to 2019

AIMS

This study assessed diabetes (type 1 and type 2) mortality in China and globally from 1990 to 2019, predicting the next decade's trends.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data came from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) database. The annual percentage change (AAPC) in age-standardized mortality rates (ASMR) for diabetes (type 1 and type 2) during 1990-2019 was calculated. A Bayesian age-period-cohort (BAPC) model predicted diabetes (type 1 and type 2) mortality from 2020 to 2030.

RESULTS

In China, type 1 diabetes deaths declined from 6,005 to 4,504 cases (AAPC -2.827), while type 2 diabetes deaths rose from 64,084 to 168,388 cases (AAPC -0.763) from 1990 to 2019. Globally, type 1 diabetes deaths increased from 55,417 to 78,236 cases (AAPC 0.223), and type 2 diabetes deaths increased from 606,407 to 1,472,934 cases (AAPC 0.365). Both China and global trends showed declining type 1 diabetes ASMR. However, female type 2 diabetes ASMR in China initially increased and then decreased, while males had a rebound trend. Peak type 1 diabetes deaths were in the 40-44 age group, and type 2 diabetes peaked in those over 70. BAPC predicted declining diabetes (type 1 and type 2) mortality burden in China and globally over the next 10 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Type 2 diabetes mortality remained high in China and globally despite decreasing type 1 diabetes mortality over 30 years. Predictions suggest a gradual decrease in diabetes mortality over the next decade, highlighting the need for continued focus on type 2 diabetes prevention and treatment.

Targeting autophagy with natural products as a potential therapeutic approach for diabetic microangiopathy

As the quality of life improves, the incidence of diabetes mellitus and its microvascular complications (DMC) continues to increase, posing a threat to people's health and wellbeing. Given the limitations of existing treatment, there is an urgent need for novel approaches to prevent and treat DMC. Autophagy, a pivotal mechanism governing metabolic regulation in organisms, facilitates the removal of dysfunctional proteins and organelles, thereby sustaining cellular homeostasis and energy generation. Anomalous states in pancreatic β-cells, podocytes, Müller cells, cardiomyocytes, and Schwann cells in DMC are closely linked to autophagic dysregulation. Natural products have the property of being multi-targeted and can affect autophagy and hence DMC progression in terms of nutrient perception, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. This review consolidates recent advancements in understanding DMC pathogenesis via autophagy and proposes novel perspectives on treating DMC by either stimulating or inhibiting autophagy using natural products.

Integrin β8 prevents pericyte-myofibroblast transition and renal fibrosis through inhibiting the TGF-β1/TGFBR1/Smad3 pathway in diabetic kidney disease

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is one of the leading causes to develop end-stage kidney disease worldwide. Pericytes are implicated in the development of tissue fibrosis. However, the underlying mechanisms of pericytes in DKD remain largely unknown. We isolated and cultured primary pericytes and rat mesangial cells (HBZY-1). Western blot and qRT-PCR analysis were used to explore the role and regulatory mechanism of Integrin β8/transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) pathway. We also constructed pericyte-specific Integrin β8 knock-in mice as the research objects to determine the role of Integrin β8 in vivo. We discovered that reduced Integrin β8 expression was closely associated with pericyte transition in DKD. Overexpressed Integrin β8 in pericytes dramatically suppressed TGF-β1/TGF beta receptor 1 (TGFBR1)/Smad3 signaling pathway and protected glomerular endothelial cells (GECs) in vitro. In vivo, pericyte-specific Integrin β8 knock-in ameliorated pericyte transition, endothelium injury and renal fibrosis in STZ-induced diabetic mice. Mechanistically, Murine double minute 2 (MDM2) was found to increase the degradation of Integrin β8 and caused TGF-β1 release and activation. Knockdown MDM2 could partly reverse the decline of Integrin β8 and suppress pericytes transition. In conclusion, the present findings suggested that upregulated MDM2 expression contributes to the degradation of Integrin β8 and activation of TGF-β1/TGFBR1/Smad3 signaling pathway, which ultimately leads to pericyte transition during DKD progression. These results indicate MDM2/Integrin β8 might be considered as therapeutic targets for DKD.

MCC950 Ameliorates Diabetic Muscle Atrophy in Mice by Inhibition of Pyroptosis and Its Synergistic Effect with Aerobic Exercise

Diabetic muscle atrophy is an inflammation-related complication of type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Even though regular exercise prevents further deterioration of atrophic status, there is no effective mediator available for treatment and the underlying cellular mechanisms are less explored. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of MCC950, a specific, small-molecule inhibitor of NLRP3, to treat pyroptosis and diabetic muscle atrophy in mice. Furthermore, we used MCC950 to intervene in the protective effects of aerobic exercise against muscle atrophy in diabetic mice. Blood and gastrocnemius muscle (GAS) samples were collected after 12 weeks of intervention and the atrophic state was assessed. We initially corroborated a diabetic muscle atrophy phenotype in db/db mice (D) by comparison with control m/m mice (W) by examining parameters such as fasting blood glucose (D vs. W: 24.47 ± 0.45 mmol L-1 vs. 4.26 ± 0.6 mmol L-1, p < 0.05), grip strength (D vs. W: 166.87 ± 15.19 g vs. 191.76 ± 14.13 g, p < 0.05), exercise time (D vs. W: 1082.38 ± 104.67 s vs. 1716 ± 168.55 s, p < 0.05) and exercise speed to exhaustion (D vs. W: 24.25 ± 2.12 m min-1 vs. 34.75 ± 2.66 m min-1, p < 0.05), GAS wet weight (D vs. W: 0.07 ± 0.01 g vs. 0.13 ± 0.01 g, p < 0.05), the ratio of GAS wet weight to body weight (D vs. W: 0.18 ± 0.01% vs. 0.54 ± 0.02%, p < 0.05), and muscle fiber cross-sectional area (FCSA) (D vs. W: 1875 ± 368.19 µm2 vs. 2747.83 ± 406.44 µm2, p < 0.05). We found that both MCC950 (10 mg kg-1) treatment and exercise improved the atrophic parameters that had deteriorated in the db/db mice, inhibited serum inflammatory markers and significantly attenuated pyroptosis in atrophic GAS. In addition, a combined MCC950 treatment with exercise (DEI) exhibited a further improvement in glucose uptake capacity and muscle performance. This combined treatment also improved the FCSA of GAS muscle indicated by Laminin immunofluorescence compared to the group with the inhibitor treatment alone (DI) (DEI vs. DI: 2597 ± 310.97 vs. 1974.67 ± 326.15 µm2, p < 0.05) or exercise only (DE) (DEI vs. DE: 2597 ± 310.97 vs. 2006.33 ± 263.468 µm2, p < 0.05). Intriguingly, the combination of MCC950 treatment and exercise significantly reduced NLRP3-mediated inflammatory factors such as cleaved-Caspase-1, GSDMD-N and prevented apoptosis and pyroptosis in atrophic GAS. These findings for the first time demonstrate that targeting NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis with MCC950 improves diabetic muscle homeostasis and muscle function. We also report that inhibiting pyroptosis by MCC950 can enhance the beneficial effects of aerobic exercise on diabetic muscle atrophy. Since T2DM and muscle atrophy are age-related diseases, the young mice used in the current study do not seem to fully reflect the characteristics of diabetic muscle atrophy. Considering the fragile nature of db/db mice and for the complete implementation of the exercise intervention, we used relatively young db/db mice and the atrophic state in the mice was thoroughly confirmed. Taken together, the current study comprehensively investigated the therapeutic effect of NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis inhibited by MCC950 on diabetic muscle mass, strength and exercise performance, as well as the synergistic effects of MCC950 and exercise intervention, therefore providing a novel strategy for the treatment of the disease.

Individuals Diagnosed With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and the Status of Vitamin B12 Deficiency: A Review

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a complex metabolic disorder with a multifactorial etiology and a significant global burden. In recent years, emerging evidence has suggested a potential link between T2DM and vitamin B12 deficiency, raising concerns about its impact on disease progression, management, and associated complications. This comprehensive review critically examines the current understanding of the prevalence, risk factors, clinical implications, and management strategies related to vitamin B12 deficiency in individuals diagnosed with T2DM. The review begins by providing an overview of the epidemiology of T2DM and its associated complications, underscoring the need for comprehensive management approaches. Subsequently, it delves into the physiology of vitamin B12, including its sources, absorption mechanisms, and biological functions, laying the groundwork for understanding the potential implications of deficiency in T2DM. A thorough analysis of the literature is conducted to elucidate the prevalence and risk factors of vitamin B12 deficiency in individuals with T2DM, considering factors such as age, duration of diabetes, medication use (e.g., metformin), dietary patterns, and comorbidities. Special attention is given to the role of metformin, the first-line therapy for T2DM, in precipitating or exacerbating vitamin B12 deficiency through mechanisms involving alterations in the gut microbiota and intestinal absorption. The review further explores the clinical manifestations and diagnostic challenges associated with vitamin B12 deficiency in the context of T2DM, emphasizing the importance of recognizing subtle symptoms and implementing appropriate screening protocols. It discusses the potential implications of vitamin B12 deficiency on glycemic control, diabetic neuropathy, cognitive function, cardiovascular health, and overall quality of life in individuals with T2DM. In addressing the management of vitamin B12 deficiency in T2DM, the review examines various therapeutic strategies, including oral and parenteral supplementation, dietary modifications, and lifestyle interventions. It critically evaluates the evidence supporting routine screening for vitamin B12 deficiency in individuals with T2DM and discusses controversies surrounding optimal supplementation protocols, dosing regimens, and monitoring strategies. Furthermore, the review highlights gaps in current knowledge and identifies areas for future research, such as the long-term effects of vitamin B12 supplementation on clinical outcomes in T2DM, the impact of genetic factors on vitamin B12 metabolism, and the potential role of personalized interventions. Overall, this review consolidates existing evidence and provides insights into the complex relationship between T2DM and vitamin B12 deficiency, aiming to inform clinical practice, enhance patient care, and guide future research endeavors in this important area of metabolic medicine.

Understanding molecular mechanisms and miRNA-based targets in diabetes foot ulcers

In today's culture, obesity and overweight are serious issues that have an impact on how quickly diabetes develops and how it causes complications. For the development of more effective therapies, it is crucial to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the chronic problems of diabetes. The most prominent effects of diabetes are microvascular abnormalities such as retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy, especially diabetes foot ulcers, as well as macrovascular abnormalities such as heart disease and atherosclerosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), which are highly conserved endogenous short non-coding RNA molecules, have been implicated in several physiological functions recently, including the earliest stages of the disease. By binding to particular messenger RNAs (mRNAs), which cause mRNA degradation, translation inhibition, or even gene activation, it primarily regulates posttranscriptional gene expression. These molecules exhibit considerable potential as diagnostic biomarkers for disease and are interesting treatment targets. This review will provide an overview of the latest findings on the key functions that miRNAs role in diabetes and its complications, with an emphasis on the various stages of diabetic wound healing.

S1PR2 inhibition mitigates cognitive deficit in diabetic mice by modulating microglial activation via Akt-p53-TIGAR pathway

Cognitive deficit is one of the challenging complications of type 2 diabetes. Sphingosine 1- phosphate receptors (S1PRs) have been implicated in various neurodegenerative and metabolic disorders. The association of S1PRs and cognition in type 2 diabetes remains elusive. Microglia-mediated neuronal damage could be the thread propagating cognitive deficit. The effects of S1PR2 inhibition on cognition in high-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice were examined in this work. We further assessed microglial activation and putative microglial polarisation routes. Cognitive function loss was observed after four months of diabetes induction in Type 2 diabetes animal model. JTE013, an S1PR2 inhibitor, was used to assess neuroprotection against cognitive decline and neuroinflammation in vitro and in vivo diabetes model. JTE013 (10 mg/kg) improved synaptic plasticity by upregulating psd95 and synaptophysin while reducing cognitive decline and neuroinflammation. It further enhanced anti-inflammatory microglia in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC), as evidenced by increased Arg-1, CD206, and YM-1 levels and decreased iNOS, CD16, and MHCII levels. TIGAR, TP53-induced glycolysis and apoptosis regulator, might facilitate the anti-inflammatory microglial phenotype by promoting oxidative phosphorylation and decreasing apoptosis. However, since p53 is a TIGAR suppressor, inhibiting p53 could be beneficial. S1PR2 inhibition increased p-Akt and TIGAR levels and reduced the levels of p53 in the PFC and hippocampus of type 2 diabetic mice, thereby decreasing apoptosis. In vitro, palmitate was used to imitate sphingolipid dysregulation in BV2 cells, followed by conditioned media exposure to Neuro2A cells. JTE013 rescued the palmitate-induced neuronal apoptosis by promoting the anti-inflammatory microglia. In the present study, we demonstrate that the inhibition of S1PR2 improves cognitive function and skews microglia toward anti-inflammatory phenotype in type 2 diabetic mice, thereby promising to be a potential therapy for neuroinflammation.

Potential Association of The Pathogenic Kruppel-like Factor 14 (KLF14) and Adiponectin (ADIPOQ) SNVs with Susceptibility to T2DM

AIM

To evaluate the associations of the pathogenic variants in Kruppel-like Factor 14 (KLF 14) and Adiponectin (ADIPOQ) with susceptibility to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a pandemic metabolic disease characterized by increased blood sugar and caused by resistance to insulin in peripheral tissues and damage to pancreatic beta cells. Kruppel-like Factor 14 (KLF-14) is proposed to be a regulator of metabolic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus (DM) and obesity. Adiponectin (ADIPOQ) is an adipocytokine produced by the adipocytes and other tissues and was reported to be involved in T2DM.

OBJECTIVES

To study the possible association of the KLF-14 rs972283 and ADIPOQ-rs266729 with the risk of T2DM in the Saudi population.

METHODS

We have evaluated the association of KLF-14 rs972283 C>T and ADIPOQ-rs266729 C>G SNV with the risk to T2D in the Saudi population using the Amplification Refractory Mutation System PCR (ARMS-PCR), and blood biochemistry analysis. For the KLF-14 rs972283 C>T SNV we included 115 cases and 116 healthy controls, and ADIPOQ-rs266729 C>G SNV, 103 cases and 104 healthy controls were included.

RESULTS

Results indicated that the KLF-14 rs972283 GA genotype and A allele were associated with T2D risk with OR=2.14, p-value= 0.014 and OR=1.99, p-value=0.0003, respectively. Results also ADIPOQ-rs266729 CG genotype and C allele were associated with an elevated T2D risk with an OR=2.53, p=0.003 and OR=1.66, p-value =0.012, respectively.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that SNVs in KLF-14 and ADIPOQ are potential loci for T2D risk. Future large-scale studies to verify these findings are recommended. These results need further verifications in protein functional and large-scale case control studies before being introduced for genetic testing.

Road map for personalized exercise medicine in T2DM

The number of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is rising at an alarming rate. Regular physical activity and exercise are cornerstones in the therapy of T2DM. While a one-size-fits-all approach fails to account for many between-subject differences, the use of personalized exercise medicine has the potential of optimizing health outcomes. Here, a road map for personalized exercise therapy targeted at patients with T2DM is presented. It considers secondary complications, glucose management, response heterogeneity, and other relevant factors that might influence the effectiveness of exercise as medicine, taking exercise-medication-diet interactions, as well as feasibility and acceptance into account. Furthermore, the potential of artificial intelligence and machine learning-based applications in assisting sports therapists to find appropriate exercise programs is outlined.

Garden Cress Seed Oil Abrogates Testicular Oxidative Injury and NF-kB-Mediated Inflammation in Diabetic Mice

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder associated with various complications encompassing male reproductive dysfunction. The present study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of biologically active Lepidium sativum seed oil (LSO) against the testicular dysfunction associated with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes. Male adults (n = 24) were divided into four groups: control, LSO-administered, diabetic (D), and LSO-treated diabetic (D+LSO) groups. LSO was extracted from L. sativum seeds, and its chemical composition was determined using GC-MS. Serum testosterone levels, testicular enzymatic antioxidants (catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)), an oxidative stress (OS) biomarker, malondialdehyde (MDA), pro-inflammatory markers (NF-kB, IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α), and the expression level of NF-kB were assessed. In addition, histopathological changes were evaluated in testicular tissues. The results obtained showed that the chemical composition of LSO indicated its enrichment mainly with γ-tocopherol (62.1%), followed by 2-methylhexacosane (8.12%), butylated hydroxytoluene (8.04%), 10-Methylnonadecane (4.81%), and δ-tocopherol (3.91%). Moreover, LSO administration in the D+LSO mice significantly increased testosterone levels and ameliorated the observed testicular oxidative damage, inflammatory response, and reduced NF-kB expression compared to the diabetic mice. Biochemical and molecular analyses confirmed the histological results. In conclusion, LSO may prevent the progression of diabetes-induced impairment in the testes through inhibition of the OS- and NF-kB-mediated inflammatory response.

Association between metformin and vitamin B12 deficiency in patients with type 2 diabetes

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is still one of the most common diseases worldwide, and its prevalence is still increasing globally. According to the American and European recommendations, metformin is considered a first-line oral hypo-glycemic drug for controlling type 2 DM (T2DM) patients. Metformin is the ninth most often prescribed drug in the world, and at least 120 million diabetic people are estimated to receive the drug. In the last 20 years, there has been increasing evidence of vitamin B12 deficiency among metformin-treated diabetic patients. Many studies have reported that vitamin B12 deficiency is related to the ma-labsorption of vitamin B12 among metformin-treated T2DM patients. Vitamin B12 deficiency may have a very bad complication for the T2DM patient. In this review, we will focus on the effect of metformin on the absorption of vitamin B12 and on its proposed mechanisms in hindering vitamin B12 absorption. In addition, the review will describe the clinical outcomes of vitamin B12 deficiency in metformin-treated T2DM.

Gastrodin protects endothelial cells against high glucose-induced injury through up-regulation of PPARβ and alleviation of nitrative stress

In diabetes mellitus (DM), high glucose can result in endothelial cell injury, and then lead to diabetic vascular complications. Gastrodin, as the mainly components of Chinese traditional herb Tianma (Gastrodia elata Bl.), has been widely used for cardiovascular diseases. However, the known of the effect of gastrodin on endothelial cell injury is still limited. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect and possible mechanism of gastrodin on high glucose-injured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). High glucose (30 mmol/L) treatment caused HUVEC injury. After gastrodin (0.1, 1, 10 μmol/L) treatment, compared with the high glucose group, the cell proliferation ability increased in a dose-dependent manner. Meanwhile, gastrodin (10 μmol/L) up-regulated the mRNA and protein expressions of PPARβ and eNOS, decreased the expressions of iNOS, also reduced the protein expression of 3-nitrotyrosine, and lowed the level of ONOO^-, increased NO content. Both the PPARβ antagonist GSK0660 (1 μmol/L) and the eNOS inhibitor L-NAME (10 μmol/L) were able to block the above effects of gastrodin. In conclusion, gastrodin protectes vascular endothelial cells from high glucose injury, which may be, at least partly, mediated by up-regulating the expression of PPARβ and negatively regulating nitrative stress.

Expression profiles of tRNA‑derived fragments in high glucose‑treated tubular epithelial cells

Transfer RNA-derived fragments (tRFs), a novel class of small non-coding RNA produced by the cleavage of pre- and mature tRNAs, are involved in various diseases. Renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis is a common final pathway in diabetic nephropathy (DN) in which hyperglycemia-induced tubular extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation serves a vital role. The present study aimed to detect and investigate the role of tRFs in the accumulation of tubular ECM. Differentially expressed tRFs were analysed with high-throughput sequencing in primary mouse tubular epithelial cells treated with high glucose (HG). The Gene Ontology (GO) was used to analyze the potential molecular functions of these differentially expressed tRFs, and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) were used to analyze the associated signaling pathways involved in these differentially expressed tRFs. tRF-1:30-Gln-CTG-4 was overexpressed using tRF-1:30-Gln-CTG-4 mimic, followed by HG treatment. A total of 554 distinct tRFs were detected and 64 differentially expressed tRFs (fold change >2; P<0.05) were identified in tubular epithelial cells following high glucose (HG) treatment, among which 27 were upregulated and 37 were downregulated. Ten selected tRFs with the greatest difference (fold change >2; P<0.05) were verified to be consistent with small RNA-sequencing data, of which tRF-1:30-Gln-CTG-4 showed the most pronounced difference in expression and was significantly decreased in response to HG. GO analysis indicated that the differentially expressed tRFs were associated with 'cellular process', 'biological regulation' and 'metabolic process'. An analysis of the KEGG database suggested that these differentially expressed tRFs were involved in 'autophagy' and signaling pathways for 'forkhead box O', 'the mammalian target of rapamycin' and 'mitogen-activated protein kinase'. Finally, the overexpression of tRF-1:30-Gln-CTG-4 ameliorated HG-induced ECM accumulation in tubular epithelial cells. Therefore, the present study demonstrated that there may be a significant association between tRFs and HG-induced ECM accumulation in tubular epithelial cells; these differentially expressed tRFs warrant further study to explore the pathogenesis of DN.

Research progress on ncRNAs regulation of mitochondrial dynamics in diabetes

Diabetes mellitus and its complications are major health concerns worldwide that should be routinely monitored for evaluating disease progression. And there is currently much evidence to suggest a critical role for mitochondria in the common pathogenesis of diabetes and its complications. Mitochondrial dynamics are involved in the development of diabetes through mediating insulin signaling and insulin resistance, and in the development of diabetes and its complications through mediating endothelial impairment and other closely related pathophysiological mechanisms of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are closely linked to mitochondrial dynamics by regulating the expression of mitochondrial dynamic-associated proteins, or by regulating key proteins in related signaling pathways. Therefore, this review summarizes the research progress on the regulation of Mitochondrial Dynamics by ncRNAs in diabetes and its complications, which is a promising area for future antibodies or targeted drug development.

Diabetic Muscular Atrophy: Molecular Mechanisms and Promising Therapies

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a typical chronic disease that can be divided into 2 types, dependent on insulin deficiency or insulin resistance. Incidences of diabetic complications gradually increase as the disease progresses. Studies in diabetes complications have mostly focused on kidney and cardiovascular diseases, as well as neuropathy. However, DM can also cause skeletal muscle atrophy. Diabetic muscular atrophy is an unrecognized diabetic complication that can lead to quadriplegia in severe cases, seriously impacting patients' quality of life. In this review, we first identify the main molecular mechanisms of muscle atrophy from the aspects of protein degradation and synthesis signaling pathways. Then, we discuss the molecular regulatory mechanisms of diabetic muscular atrophy, and outline potential drugs and treatments in terms of insulin resistance, insulin deficiency, inflammation, oxidative stress, glucocorticoids, and other factors. It is worth noting that inflammation and oxidative stress are closely related to insulin resistance and insulin deficiency in diabetic muscular atrophy. Regulating inflammation and oxidative stress may represent another very important way to treat diabetic muscular atrophy, in addition to controlling insulin signaling. Understanding the molecular regulatory mechanism of diabetic muscular atrophy could help to reveal new treatment strategies.

Diabetes Aggravates Photoreceptor Pathologies in a Mouse Model for Ocular Vitamin A Deficiency

Emerging evidence indicates that diabetes disturbs photoreceptor function and vitamin A homeostasis. However, the biochemical basis of this phenotype is not well established. Here, we compared the effects of streptozotocin-induced diabetes in wild-type (WT) mice and Stra6^-/- mice, a mouse model for ocular vitamin A deficiency. After 8 weeks, diabetes increased serum retinyl esters in mice of both genotypes. The eyes of diabetic WT mice displayed increased superoxide levels but no changes in retinoid concentrations. Diabetic Stra6^-/- mice showed increased ocular retinoid concentrations, but superoxide levels remained unchanged. After 30 weeks, significant alterations in liver and fat retinoid concentrations were observed in diabetic mice. Diabetic WT mice exhibited a decreased expression of visual cycle proteins and a thinning of the photoreceptor layer. Stra6^-/- mice displayed significantly lower ocular retinoid concentration than WT mice. An altered retinal morphology and a reduced expression of photoreceptor marker genes paralleled these biochemical changes and were more pronounced in the diabetic animals. Taken together, we observed that diabetes altered vitamin A homeostasis in several organ systems and aggravated photoreceptor pathologies in the vitamin-deficient mouse eyes.

Mechanistic Pathogenesis of Endothelial Dysfunction in Diabetic Nephropathy and Retinopathy

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) are microvascular complications of diabetes. Microvascular endothelial cells are thought to be the major targets of hyperglycemic injury. In diabetic microvasculature, the intracellular hyperglycemia causes damages to the vascular endothelium, via multiple pathophysiological process consist of inflammation, endothelial cell crosstalk with podocytes/pericytes and exosomes. In addition, DN and DR diseases development are involved in several critical regulators including the cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family and the Notch signal. The present review attempts to gain a deeper understanding of the pathogenesis complexities underlying the endothelial dysfunction in diabetes diabetic and retinopathy, contributing to the development of new mechanistic therapeutic strategies against diabetes-induced microvascular endothelial dysfunction.

Do Magnetic Fields Have a Place in Treating Vascular Complications in Diabetes?

The use of electromagnetic field therapy (EMFT) is a non-invasive, potential alternative or complementary choice in the treatment of wounds, chronic pain, neuropathy, and other medical conditions, including tissue repair and cell proliferation. Static magnetic fields (SMFs) have been reported to increase microcirculatory blood flow by mediating vasodilation via nitric oxide. Studies report that SMF exposure causes homeostatic, normalizing effects on the vascular tone that may have beneficial effects in situations where tissue perfusion is limited, such as may be present in diabetes. Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) have also shown promise in treating diabetic wounds by improving wound healing rates and other attributes. Our purpose was to critically review prior applications of EMFT for relevancy and effectiveness in treating diabetic complications. The goal was to provide information to allow for informed decisions on the possible use of these modalities in the treatment of persons with diabetic complications. The focus was on the following major areas: wound healing, neuropathy, blood glucose control, blood flow, inflammation and oxidative stress.

Precision Medicine in Patients with Differential Diabetic Phenotypes: Novel Opportunities from Network Medicine

INTRODUCTION

Diabetes mellitus (DM) comprises differential clinical phenotypes ranging from rare monogenic to common polygenic forms, such as type 1 (T1DM), type 2 (T2DM), and gestational diabetes, which are associated with cardiovascular complications. Also, the high- -risk prediabetic state is rising worldwide, suggesting the urgent need for early personalized strategies to prevent and treat a hyperglycemic state.

OBJECTIVE

We aim to discuss the advantages and challenges of Network Medicine approaches in clarifying disease-specific molecular pathways, which may open novel ways for repurposing approved drugs to reach diabetes precision medicine and personalized therapy.

CONCLUSION

The interactome or protein-protein interactions (PPIs) is a useful tool to identify subtle molecular differences between precise diabetic phenotypes and predict putative novel drugs. Despite being previously unappreciated as T2DM determinants, the growth factor receptor-bound protein 14 (GRB14), calmodulin 2 (CALM2), and protein kinase C-alpha (PRKCA) might have a relevant role in disease pathogenesis. Besides, in silico platforms have suggested that diflunisal, nabumetone, niflumic acid, and valdecoxib may be suitable for the treatment of T1DM; phenoxybenzamine and idazoxan for the treatment of T2DM by improving insulin secretion; and hydroxychloroquine reduce the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) by counteracting inflammation. Network medicine has the potential to improve precision medicine in diabetes care and enhance personalized therapy. However, only randomized clinical trials will confirm the clinical utility of network- oriented biomarkers and drugs in the management of DM.

Curcumin Antagonizes Glucose Fluctuation-Induced Renal Injury by Inhibiting Aerobic Glycolysis via the miR-489/LDHA Pathway

It has been considered that glucose fluctuation (GF) plays a role in renal injury and is related to diabetic nephropathy (DN) development. But the mechanism is still unclear. Aerobic glycolysis has become a topical issue in DN in recent years. There is an internal connection between GF, aerobic glycolysis, and DN. Curcumin (Cur) is a principal curcuminoid of turmeric and possesses specific protective properties in kidney functions. Cur also participates in the regulation of aerobic glycolysis switch. In this study, we first measured the levels of aerobic glycolysis and evaluated Cur's inhibitory ability in a cell model of HEK-293 under the condition of oscillating high glucose. The results indicated that GF exacerbated inflammation injury, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in HEK-293 cell, while Cur alleviated this cytotoxicity induced by GF. We found that GF increased aerobic glycolysis in HEK-293 cells and Cur presented a dose-dependent weakening effect to this exacerbation. Next, we built a panel of 17 miRNAs and 8 lncRNAs that were previously reported to mediate the Warburg effect. Our RT-qPCR results indicated that GF reduced the miR-489 content in the HEK-293 cell model and Cur could prevent this downregulation. Then, we planned to explore the character of miR-489 in Cur-triggered attenuation of the Warburg effect under GF condition. Our findings presented that Cur prevented GF-triggered aerobic glycolysis by upregulating miR-489 in HEK-293 cells. Next, we choose the miR-489/LDHA axis for further investigation. We confirmed that Cur prevented GF-triggered aerobic glycolysis via the miR-489/LDHA axis in HEK-293 cells. In conclusion, this study presented that Cur prevented GF-triggered renal injury by restraining aerobic glycolysis via the miR-489/LDHA axis in the HEK-293 cell model.