Review of the correlation between Chinese medicine and intestinal microbiota on the efficacy of diabetes mellitus

Evidence of traditional Chinese medicine for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus: from molecular mechanisms to clinical efficacy

CONTEXT

The global prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has increased significantly in recent decades. Despite numerous studies and systematic reviews, there is a gap in comprehensive and up-to-date evaluations in this rapidly evolving field.

OBJECTIVE

This review provides a comprehensive and current overview of the efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in treating T2DM.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, Wanfang Data, CNKI, and Medline databases, with a search timeframe extending up to November 2023. The search strategy involved a combination of subject terms and free words in English, including 'Diabetes,' 'Traditional Chinese Medicine,' 'TCM,' 'Hypoglycemic Effect,' 'Clinical Trial,' and 'Randomized Controlled Trial.' The studies were rigorously screened by two investigators, with a third investigator reviewing and approving the final selection based on inclusion and exclusion criteria.

RESULTS

A total of 108 relevant papers were systematically reviewed. The findings suggest that TCMs not only demonstrate clinical efficacy comparable to existing Western medications in managing hypoglycemia but also offer fewer adverse effects and a multitarget therapeutic approach. Five main biological mechanisms through which TCM treats diabetes were identified: improving glucose transport and utilization, improving glycogen metabolism, promoting GLP-1 release, protecting pancreatic islets from damage, and improving intestinal flora.

CONCLUSIONS

TCM has demonstrated significant protective effects against diabetes and presents a viable option for the prevention and treatment of T2DM. These findings support the further exploration and integration of TCM into broader diabetes management strategies.

Deciphering molecular mechanisms underlying the inhibition of β-glucuronidase by xanthones from Centaurium spicatum

Herein, we scrutinized the inhibitory potential of five xanthones and a flavonoid, sourced from Centaurium spicatum, against β-glucuronidase activity. The results showed that gentisin and azaleatin emerged as the most potent inhibitors, with significantly lower IC50 values of 0.96 ± 0.10 and 0.57 ± 0.04 μM, respectively. The evaluation of enzyme kinetics unveiled that the isolated xanthones manifested inhibition of β-glucuronidase through a mixed inhibition mode, whereas azaleatin exhibited a noncompetitive inhibition mechanism. The findings from molecular docking analysis unveiled that the compounds under investigation, particularly azaleatin, displayed comparatively diminished binding affinities towards β-glucuronidase. Furthermore, the tested drugs were shown to occupy a common binding site as the employed reference drug. Our comprehensive Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations analysis revealed consistent trajectories for the investigated drugs, wherein azaleatin and gentisin demonstrated notable stabilization of energy levels. Analysis of various MD parameters revealed that drugs with the lowest IC50 values maintained relatively stable interactions with β-glucuronidase. These drugs were shown to exert notable alterations in their conformation or flexibility upon complexation with the target enzyme. Conversely, the flexibility and accessibility of β-glucuronidase was reduced upon drug binding, particularly with azaleatin and gentisin, underscoring the stability of the drug-enzyme complexes. Analysis of Coul-SR and LJ-SR interaction energies unveiled consistent and stable interactions between certain isolated drugs and β-glucuronidase. Azaleatin notably displayed the lowest average Coul-SR interaction energy, suggesting strong electrostatic interactions with the enzyme's active site and significant conformational variability during simulation. Remarkably, LJ-SR interaction energies across different xanthones complexes were more negative than their Coul-SR counterparts, emphasizing the predominant role of van der Waals interactions, encompassing attractive dispersion and repulsive forces, in stabilizing the drug-enzyme complexes rather than electrostatic interactions.

Anti-Oxidative and Anti-Apoptotic Oligosaccharides from Pichia pastoris-Fermented Cress Polysaccharides Ameliorate Chromium-Induced Liver Toxicity

Oxidative stress impairs the structure and function of the cell, leading to serious chronic diseases. Antioxidant-based therapeutic and nutritional interventions are usually employed for combating oxidative stress-related disorders, including apoptosis. Here, we investigated the hepatoprotective effect of oligosaccharides, produced through Pichia pastoris-mediated fermentation of water-soluble polysaccharides isolated from Lepidium sativum (cress) seed mucilage, on chromium(VI)-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in mice. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC), using Bio-Gel P-10 column, of the oligosaccharides product of fermentation revealed that P. pastoris effectively fermented polysaccharides as no long chain polysaccharides were observed. At 200 µg/mL, fractions DF73, DF53, DF72, and DF62 exhibited DPPH radical scavenging activity of 92.22 ± 2.69%, 90.35 ± 0.43%, 88.83 ± 3.36%, and 88.83 ± 3.36%, respectively. The antioxidant potential of the fermentation product was further confirmed through in vitro H2O2 radical scavenging assay. Among the screened samples, the highest H2O2 radical scavenging activity was displayed by DF73, which stabilized the free radicals by 88.83 ± 0.38%, followed by DF53 (86.48 ± 0.83%), DF62 (85.21 ± 6.66%), DF72 (79.9 4± 1.21%), and EPP (77.76 ± 0.53%). The oligosaccharide treatment significantly alleviated chromium-induced liver damage, as evident from the increase in weight gain, improved liver functions, and reduced histopathological alterations in the albino mice. A distinctly increased level of lipid peroxide (LPO) free radicals along with the endogenous hepatic enzymes were evident in chromium induced hepatotoxicity in mice. However, oligosaccharides treatment mitigated these effects by reducing the LPO production and increasing ALT, ALP, and AST levels, probably due to relieving the oxidative stress. DNA fragmentation assays illustrated that Cr(VI) exposure induced massive apoptosis in liver by damaging the DNA which was then remediated by oligosaccharides supplementation. Histopathological observations confirmed that the oligosaccharide treatment reverses the architectural changes in liver induced by chromium. These results suggest that oligosaccharides obtained from cress seed mucilage polysaccharides through P. pastoris fermentation ameliorate the oxidative stress and apoptosis and act as hepatoprotective agent against chromium-induced liver injury.

Double resolvability parameters of fosmidomycin anti-malaria drug and exchange property

The practical and theoretical significance of the resolvability parameter makes it an important factor, particularly in the context of network analysis. Its significance is seen in various applications and consequences: Network security, efficient routing, social network analysis, facility location, and site selection. This article finds the double resolvability parameters of the fosmidomycin anti-malaria drug. Resolvability parameters like double metric, double edge metric, and double mixed metric dimensions of fosmidomycin anti-malaria drug also hold exchange properties in the molecular graph of fosmidomycin. We convert the molecular structures of fosmidomycin into molecular graphs and then find some resolvability parameters.

Preparation and Evaluation of Berberine-Excipient Complexes in Enhancing the Dissolution Rate of Berberine Incorporated into Pellet Formulations

Berberine is used in the treatment of metabolic syndrome and its low solubility and very poor oral bioavailability of berberine was one of the primary hurdles for its market approval. This study aimed to improve the solubility and bioavailability of berberine by preparing pellet formulations containing drug-excipient complex (obtained by solid dispersion). Berberine-excipient solid dispersion complexes were obtained with different ratios by the solvent evaporation method. The maximum saturation solubility test was performed as a key factor for choosing the optimal complex for the drug-excipient. The properties of these complexes were investigated by FTIR, DSC, XRD and dissolution tests. The obtained pellets were evaluated and compared in terms of pelletization efficiency, particle size, mechanical strength, sphericity and drug release profile in simulated media of gastric and intestine. Solid-state analysis showed complex formation between the drug and excipients used in solid dispersion. The optimal berberine-phospholipid complex showed a 2-fold increase and the optimal berberine-gelucire and berberine-citric acid complexes showed more than a 3-fold increase in the solubility of berberine compared to pure berberine powder. The evaluation of pellets from each of the optimal complexes showed that the rate and amount of drug released from all pellet formulations in the simulated gastric medium were significantly lower than in the intestine medium. The results of this study showed that the use of berberine-citric acid or berberine-gelucire complex could be considered a promising technique to increase the saturation solubility and improve the release characteristics of berberine from the pellet formulation.

Assessing causal associations of bile acids with obesity indicators: A Mendelian randomization study

Maintaining a balanced bile acids (BAs) metabolism is essential for lipid and cholesterol metabolism, as well as fat intake and absorption. The development of obesity may be intricately linked to BAs and their conjugated compounds. Our study aims to assess how BAs influence the obesity indicators by Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. Instrumental variables of 5 BAs were obtained from public genome-wide association study databases, and 8 genome-wide association studies related to obesity indicators were used as outcomes. Causal inference analysis utilized inverse-variance weighted (IVW), weighted median, and MR-Egger methods. Sensitivity analysis involved MR-PRESSO and leave-one-out techniques to detect pleiotropy and outliers. Horizontal pleiotropy and heterogeneity were assessed using the MR-Egger intercept and Cochran Q statistic, respectively. The IVW analysis revealed an odds ratio of 0.94 (95% confidence interval: 0.88, 1.00; P = .05) for the association between glycolithocholate (GLCA) and obesity, indicating a marginal negative causal association. Consistent direction of the estimates obtained from the weighted median and MR-Egger methods was observed in the analysis of the association between GLCA and obesity. Furthermore, the IVW analysis demonstrated a suggestive association between GLCA and trunk fat percentage, with a beta value of -0.014 (95% confidence interval: -0.027, -0.0004; P = .04). Our findings suggest a potential negative causal relationship between GLCA and both obesity and trunk fat percentage, although no association survived corrections for multiple comparisons. These results indicate a trend towards a possible association between BAs and obesity, emphasizing the need for future studies.

The association between dietary inflammatory index with some cardio-metabolic risk indices among the patients with type 2 diabetes from Hoveyzeh cohort study: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

The dietary inflammatory index (DII) serves as a tool to assess the inflammatory impact of an individual's diet. This study aimed to investigate the association between DII and some cardio-metabolic risk indices among patients with T2DM.

METHODS

Data from the Hoveyzeh Cohort Study, encompassing 2045 adults with T2DM, were analyzed. DII scores were calculated based on food frequency questionnaires. Anthropometric measurements and biochemical tests were performed to assess cardio-metabolic risk factors.

RESULTS

Higher DII scores were positively associated with elevated triglyceride levels, triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, lipid accumulation product (LAP), anthropometric indices including a body shape index (ABSI), body roundness index (BRI), body mass index (BMI), hip, waist circumferences (WC), and waist-to-height ratio (all Ptrend < 0.05). Notably, no significant association was observed between DII and fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels (Ptrend > 0.05). Additionally, dietary intake analysis revealed a negative correlation between DII scores and intake of fiber, fruits, vegetables, legumes, fish, seafood, dairy products, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, D, and E (all Ptrend < 0.05). Conversely, higher DII scores were associated with increased consumption of red meat, processed meat, refined cereals, potatoes, and soft drinks (all Ptrend < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study underscores the critical link between dietary inflammation, assessed by the DII score, and a multitude of cardio-metabolic risk factors in patients with T2DM. Notably, while the study did not find a significant association between DII and fasting blood sugar levels, it identified robust associations with novel anthropometric and biochemical indices indicative of cardio-metabolic risk. These findings highlight the potential of dietary interventions as a cornerstone strategy for managing T2DM and mitigating its associated complications.

Unveiling the causal link between metabolic factors and ovarian cancer risk using Mendelian randomization analysis

Background

Metabolic abnormalities are closely tied to the development of ovarian cancer (OC), yet the relationship between anthropometric indicators as risk indicators for metabolic abnormalities and OC lacks consistency.

Method

The Mendelian randomization (MR) approach is a widely used methodology for determining causal relationships. Our study employed summary statistics from the genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and we used inverse variance weighting (IVW) together with MR-Egger and weighted median (WM) supplementary analyses to assess causal relationships between exposure and outcome. Furthermore, additional sensitivity studies, such as leave-one-out analyses and MR-PRESSO were used to assess the stability of the associations.

Result

The IVW findings demonstrated a causal associations between 10 metabolic factors and an increased risk of OC. Including "Basal metabolic rate" (OR= 1.24, P= 6.86×10-4); "Body fat percentage" (OR= 1.22, P= 8.20×10-3); "Hip circumference" (OR= 1.20, P= 5.92×10-4); "Trunk fat mass" (OR= 1.15, P= 1.03×10-2); "Trunk fat percentage" (OR= 1.25, P= 8.55×10-4); "Waist circumference" (OR= 1.23, P= 3.28×10-3); "Weight" (OR= 1.21, P= 9.82×10-4); "Whole body fat mass" (OR= 1.21, P= 4.90×10-4); "Whole body fat-free mass" (OR= 1.19, P= 4.11×10-3) and "Whole body water mass" (OR= 1.21, P= 1.85×10-3).

Conclusion

Several metabolic markers linked to altered fat accumulation and distribution are significantly associated with an increased risk of OC.

α-Glucosidase inhibitory potential of Oroxylum indicum using molecular docking, molecular dynamics, and in vitro evaluation

Background

According to the International Diabetes Federation, there will be 578 million individuals worldwide with diabetes by 2030 and 700 million by 2045. One of the promising drug targets to fight diabetes is α-glucosidase (AG), and its inhibitors may be used to manage diabetes by reducing the breakdown of complex carbohydrates into simple sugars. The study aims to identify and validate potential AG inhibitors in natural sources to combat diabetes.

Methods

Computational techniques such as structure-based virtual screening and molecular dyncamic simulation were employed to predict potential AG inhibitors from compounds of Oroxylum indicum. Finally, in silico results were validated by in vitro analysis using n-butanol fraction of crude methanol extracts.

Results

The XP glide scores of top seven hits OI_13, OI_66, OI_16, OI_44, OI_43, OI_20, OI_78 and acarbose were -14.261, -13.475, -13.074, -13.045, -12.978, -12.659, -12.354 and -12.296 kcal/mol, respectively. These hits demonstrated excellent binding affinity towards AG, surpassing the known AG inhibitor acarbose. The MM-GBSA dG binding energies of OI_13, OI_66, and acarbose were -69.093, -62.950, and -53.055 kcal/mol, respectively. Most of the top hits were glycosides, indicating that active compounds lie in the n-butanol fraction of the extract. The IC50 value for AG inhibition by n-butanol fraction was 248.1 μg/ml, and for that of pure acarbose it was 89.16 μg/ml. The predicted oral absorption rate in humans for the top seven hits was low like acarbose, which favors the use of these compounds as anti-diabetes in the small intestine.

Conclusion

In summary, the study provides promising insights into the use of natural compounds derived from O. indicum as potential AG inhibitors to manage diabetes. However, further research, including clinical trials and pharmacological studies, would be necessary to validate their efficacy and safety before clinical use.

GC-MS based antioxidants characterization in Saussurea heteromalla (D. Don) Hand-Mazz by inhibition of nitric oxide generation in macrophages

For centuries, medicinal plants have served as the cornerstone for traditional health care systems and same practice is still prevalent today. In the Himalayan region, Saussurea heteromalla holds a significant place in traditional medicine and is used to address various health issues. Despite its historical use, little exploration has focused on its potential for scavenging free radicals and reducing inflammation. Hence, our current study aims to investigate the free radical scavenging capabilities of S. heteromalla extracts. The n-hexane extract of entire plant revealed promising activity. This extract underwent extensive extraction on a larger scale. Subsequent purification, employing column chromatography, HPLC-DAD techniques, led to the identification of active compounds, confirmed via GC-MS and the NIST database as 1-O-butyl 2-O-octyl benzene-1,2-dicarboxylate and 2,4-ditert-butylphenol. Assessing the free radical scavenging properties involved utilizing RAW-264.7 macrophages activated by lipopolysaccharides. Notably, the compound 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol exhibited remarkable scavenging abilities, demonstrating over 80% inhibition of Nitric oxide. This study stands as the inaugural report on the isolation of these compounds from S. heteromalla.

Synthesis, Glucosidase Inhibition, and In Silico Modeling Analysis of Highly Fluorinated 2-Imino-1,3-thiazolines in Search of Potent Antidiabetic Agents

In the present work, 2-imino-1,3-thiazolines featuring highly fluorinated fragments were synthesized through a straightforward cyclization of diversely substituted thioureas with 2-bromo-1-(4-fluorophenyl)ethan-1-one. The target compounds were obtained in good yields, and structures were established by FTIR and 1H- and 13C NMR spectroscopic methods. The in vitro biological assay revealed that all the compounds significantly obstruct the α-glucosidase. Compound 6d (3-fluoro-N-(3-(2-fluorophenyl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)thiazol-2(3H)-ylidene)benzamide) showed the highest antidiabetic potential with an IC50 value of 1.47 ± 0.05 μM. In addition, computational analysis revealed the binding energy of -11.1 kcal/mol for 6d which was lower than the positive standard, acarbose (-7.9 kcal/mol). Several intermolecular interactions between the active site residues and 6d highlight the significance of 2-imino-1,3-thiazoline core in attaining the potent efficacy and making these compounds a valuable pharmacophore in drug discovery.

Solubility of digitoxin in supercritical CO2: Experimental study and modeling

In this communication, the solubility of digitoxin drug in supercritical CO2 was studied at different operating conditions (311 < T (K) < 343, 120 < P (bar) < 300). The results revealed digitoxin drug solubility (in mole fraction) was between 0.095 × 10-5 to 1.12 × 10-5. In the case of thermodynamic solubility modeling, cubic and non-cubic equation of states i.e. SAFT (statistical associating fluid theory), SRK (Soave-Redlich-Kwong) and sPC-SAFT (simplified perturbed chain SAFT) EoSs and six density-based correlations (Chrastil, Kumar-Johnston (KJ), Mendez-Santiago-Teja (MST), Garlapati and Madras (GM), Bartle et al. and Sung-Shim models) were considered. All used equations indicated reasonable behavior with appropriate accuracy for the solubility of the digitoxin drug. Meanwhile, sPC-SAFT EoS and Kumar-Johnston correlation with AARD% set to 8.96 % and 6.25 %, respectively exhibited greater accuracy in fitting the solubility data. Moreover, total, solvation and vaporization enthalpies of the digitoxin/supercritical carbon dioxide binary mixture were calculated based on KJ, Chrastil and Bartle et al. models.

Synthesis of novel hydrazide Schiff bases with anti-diabetic and anti-hyperlipidemic effects: in-vitro, in-vivo and in-silico approaches

The increasing global incidence of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) necessitates innovative therapeutic solutions. This study focuses on the design, synthesis and biological evaluation of Schiff base derivatives from 2-bromo-2-(2-chlorophenyl) acetic acid, particularly hydrazone compounds 4a and 4b. Both in-vitro and in-vivo assays demonstrate these derivatives' strong antidiabetic and anti-hyperlipidemic properties. In a 15-d experiment, we administered 4a and 4b at doses of 2.5 and 5 mg/kg body weight, which effectively improved symptoms of alloxan-induced diabetes in mice. These symptoms included weight loss, increased water consumption and high blood glucose levels. The compounds also normalized abnormal levels of total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), while raising the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC). Computational analysis showed that these compounds effectively inhibited the α-glucosidase enzyme by interacting with key catalytic residues, specifically Asp214 and Asp349. These computational results were confirmed through in-vitro tests, where 4a and 4b showed strong α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, with IC50 values of 0.70 ± 0.11 and 10.29 ± 0.30 µM, respectively. These compounds were more effective than the standard drug, acarbose, which had an IC50 value of 873.34 ± 1.67 µM. Mechanistic studies further indicated competitive inhibition, reinforcing the therapeutic potential of 4a and 4b for NIDDM treatment.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Advances in microscopy characterization techniques for lipid nanocarriers in drug delivery: a comprehensive review

This review paper provides an in-depth analysis of the significance of lipid nanocarriers in drug delivery and the crucial role of characterization techniques. It explores various types of lipid nanocarriers and their applications, emphasizing the importance of microscopy-based characterization methods such as light microscopy, confocal microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The paper also delves into sample preparation, quantitative analysis, challenges, and future directions in the field. The review concludes by underlining the pivotal role of microscopy-based characterization in advancing lipid nanocarrier research and drug delivery technologies.

Synergistic impact of Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Decoction and leflunomide on gut microbiota in rheumatoid arthritis: insights from 16S rDNA sequencing

BACKGROUND

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease with complex pathogenesis, including alterations in the gut microbiota. Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Decoction (GSZD), a traditional Chinese herbal formula, has shown efficacy in RA treatment, but its impact on intestinal microflora remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of GSZD combined with leflunomide on the gut microbiota of RA patients.

METHODS

The study enrolled 48 RA patients who were randomly assigned to either a control group receiving leflunomide or a treatment group receiving GSZD combined with leflunomide for 12 weeks. Gut microbiota composition was analyzed pre- and post-intervention using 16S rDNA sequencing. Changes in microbial diversity, abundance, and metabolic functions were assessed.

RESULTS

Post-treatment, both groups exhibited significant alterations in gut microbiota composition. GSZD combined with leflunomide led to an increased Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio and a reduction in Actinobacteria compared to leflunomide alone. This was associated with beneficial shifts in microbial genera and metabolic pathways, suggesting improved gut health and systemic immune modulation.

CONCLUSION

GSZD combined with leflunomide significantly modulates the gut microbiota in RA patients. This study provides insights into the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of GSZD and highlights the potential of integrating traditional Chinese medicine with conventional treatments in managing RA.

Molecular docking of bioactive compounds extracted and purified from selected medicinal plant species against covid-19 proteins and in vitro evaluation

Bioactive compounds are secondary metabolites of plants. They offer diverse pharmacological properties. Peganum harmala is reported to have pharmaceutical effects like insecticidal, antitumor, curing malaria, anti-spasmodic, vasorelaxant, antihistaminic effect. Rosa brunonii has medicinal importance in its flower and fruits effective against different diseases and juice of leaf is reported to be applied externally to cure wounds and cuts. Dryopteris ramosa aqueous leaf extract is used to treat stomach ulcers and stomachaches. Each of these three medicinal plants have been indicated to have anticancer, antiviral, antioxidant, cytotoxic and antifungal effects but efficacy of their bioactive compounds remained unexplored. Study was aimed to explore In-vitro and In-silico anticancer, antiviral, antioxidant, cytotoxic and antifungal effects of bioactive compounds of above three medicinal plants. DPPH and ABTS assay were applied for assessment of antioxidant properties of compounds. Antibacterial properties of compounds were checked by agar well diffusion method. Brine shrimp lethality assay was performed to check cytotoxic effect of compounds. Molecular docking was conducted to investigate the binding efficacy between isolated compounds and targeted proteins. The compound isomangiferrin and tiliroside presented strong antioxidant potential 78.32% (± 0.213) and 77.77% (± 0.211) respectively in DPPH assay while harmaline showed 80.71% (± 0.072) at 200 µg/mL in ABTS assay. The compound harmine, harmaline and PH-HM 17 exhibited highest zone of inhibition 22 mm, 23 mm, 22 mm respectively against Xanthomonas while Irriflophenone-3-C-β- D-glucopyranoside showed maximum zone of inhibition 34 mm against E. coli. The compound isomangiferrin and vasicine contained strong antibacterial activity 32 mm and 22 mm respectively against S. aureus. The compound mangiferrin, astragalin, tiliroside, quercitin-3-O-rhamnoside showed maximum inhibitory zone 32 mm, 26 mm, 24 mm and 22 mm respectively against Klebsiella pneumoniae. Highest cytotoxic effect was observed by compound tiliroside i.e. 95% with LD50 value 73.59 µg/mL. The compound tiliroside showed the best binding mode of interaction to all targeted proteins presenting maximum hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds. The binding affinity of tiliroside was - 17.9, - 14.9, - 14.6, - 13.8, - 12.8 against different proteins 6VAR, 5C5S, IEA3, 2XV7 and 6LUS respectively. Bioactive compounds are significant natural antioxidants, which could help to prevent the progression of various diseases caused by free radicals. Based on molecular docking we have concluded that phytochemicals can have better anticancer and antiviral potential.

Differences in Immune Characteristics and Related Gene Expression in Spleen among Ningxiang, Berkshire Breeds and Their Hybrid Pigs

To investigate the differential immunology in Ningxiang and Berkshire pigs and their F1 offspring (F1 offspring), physiological and biochemical indicators in the plasma and spleen were analyzed. Then, transcriptomic analysis of the spleen identified 1348, 408, and 207 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in comparisons of Ningxiang vs. Berkshire, Berkshire vs. F1 offspring, and Ningxiang vs. F1 offspring, respectively. In Ningxiang vs. Berkshire pigs, the gene ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis indicated that the DEGs included CD163, MARCO, CXCL14, CCL19, and PPBP, which are associated with immunity. GO and KEGG analyses were also conducted comparing F1 offspring and their parents. The DEGs, including BPIFB1, HAVCR2, CD163, DDX3X, CCR5, and ITGB3, were enriched in immune-related pathways. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis indicated that the EGFR and ITGA2 genes were key hub genes. In conclusion, this study identifies significant immune DEGs in different pig breeds, providing data to support the exploration of breeding strategies for disease resistance in local and crossbred pig populations.

Beyond the beat: A pioneering investigation into exercise modalities for alleviating diabetic cardiomyopathy and enhancing cardiac health

Patients with preexisting cardiovascular disease or those at high risk for developing the condition are often offered exercise as a form of therapy. Patients with cancer who are at an increased risk for cardiovascular issues are increasingly encouraged to participate in exercise-based, interdisciplinary programs due to the positive correlation between these interventions and clinical outcomes following myocardial infarction. Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DC) is a cardiac disorder that arises due to disruptions in the homeostasis of individuals with diabetes. One of the primary reasons for mortality in individuals with diabetes is the presence of cardiac structural damage and functional abnormalities, which are the primary pathological features of DC. The aetiology of dilated cardiomyopathy is multifaceted and encompasses a range of processes, including metabolic abnormalities, impaired mitochondrial function, dysregulation of calcium ion homeostasis, excessive cardiomyocyte death, and fibrosis. In recent years, many empirical investigations have demonstrated that exercise training substantially impacts the prevention and management of diabetes. Exercise has been found to positively impact the recovery of diabetes and improve several metabolic problem characteristics associated with DC. One potential benefit of exercise is its ability to increase systolic activity, which can enhance cardiometabolic and facilitate the repair of structural damage to the heart caused by DC, leading to a direct improvement in cardiac health. In contrast, exercise has the potential to indirectly mitigate the pathological progression of DC through its ability to decrease circulating levels of sugar and fat while concurrently enhancing insulin sensitivity. A more comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanism via exercise facilitates the restoration of DC disease must be understood. Our goal in this review was to provide helpful information and clues for developing new therapeutic techniques for motion alleviation DC by examining the molecular mechanisms involved.

Nourishing Yin traditional Chinese medicine: potential role in the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), a common and frequently occurring disease in contemporary society, has become a global health threat. However, current mainstream methods of prevention and treatment, mainly including oral hypoglycemic drugs and insulin injections, do not fundamentally block the progression of T2DM. Therefore, it is imperative to find new ways to prevent and treat diabetes. Traditional Chinese medicine is characterized by multiple components, pathways, and targets with mild and long-lasting effects. Pharmacological studies have shown that nourishing yin traditional Chinese medicine (NYTCM) can play a positive role in the treatment of T2DM by regulating pathways such as the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/serine-threonine kinase, mitogen-activated protein kinase, nuclear factor-kappa B, and other pathways to stimulate insulin secretion, protect and repair pancreatic β cells, alleviate insulin resistance, ameliorate disordered glucose and lipid metabolism, mitigate oxidative stress, inhibit inflammatory responses, and regulate the intestinal flora. The pharmacologic activity, mechanisms, safety, and toxicity of NYTCM in the treatment of T2DM are also reviewed in this manuscript.

Assessment of potential risk factors associated with gestational diabetes mellitus: evidence from a Mendelian randomization study

Background

Previous research on the association between risk factors and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) primarily comprises observational studies with inconclusive results. The objective of this study is to investigate the causal relationship between 108 traits and GDM by employing a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to identify potential risk factors of GDM.

Methods

We conducted MR analyses to explore the relationships between traits and GDM. The genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for traits were primarily based on data from the UK Biobank (UKBB), while the GWAS for GDM utilized data from FinnGen. We employed a false discovery rate (FDR) of 5% to account for multiple comparisons.

Results

The inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method indicated that the genetically predicted 24 risk factors were significantly associated with GDM, such as "Forced expiratory volume in 1-second (FEV1)" (OR=0.76; 95% CI: 0.63, 0.92), "Forced vital capacity (FVC)" (OR=0.74; 95% CI: 0.64, 0.87), "Usual walking pace" (OR=0.19; 95% CI: 0.09, 0.39), "Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG)" (OR=0.86; 95% CI: 0.78, 0.94). The sensitivity analyses with MR-Egger and weighted median methods indicated consistent results for most of the trats.

Conclusion

Our study has uncovered a significant causal relationship between 24 risk factors and GDM. These results offer a new theoretical foundation for preventing or mitigating the risks associated with GDM.

Green Synthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles Using Azadirachta indica Seeds Extract: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of Anti-Diabetic Activity

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a non-communicable, life-threatening syndrome that is present all over the world. The use of eco-friendly, cost-effective, and green-synthesised nanoparticles as a medicinal therapy in the treatment of DM is an attractive option.

OBJECTIVE

In the present study, silver nanoparticles (AI-AgNPs) were biosynthesized through the green synthesis method using Azadirachta indica seed extract to evaluate their anti-diabetic potentials.

METHODS

These nanoparticles were characterized by using UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometers (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), DLS, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The biosynthesized AI-AgNPs and crude extracts of Azadirachta indica seeds were evaluated for anti-diabetic potentials using glucose adsorption assays, glucose uptake by yeast cells assays, and alpha-amylase inhibitory assays.

RESULTS

Al-AgNPs showed the highest activity (75 ± 1.528%), while crude extract showed (63 ± 2.5%) glucose uptake by yeast at 80 µg/mL. In the glucose adsorption assay, the highest activity of Al-AgNPs was 10.65 ± 1.58%, while crude extract showed 8.32 ± 0.258% at 30 mM, whereas in the alpha-amylase assay, Al-AgNPs exhibited the maximum activity of 73.85 ± 1.114% and crude extract 65.85 ± 2.101% at 100 µg/mL. The assay results of AI-AgNPs and crude showed substantial dose-dependent activities. Further, anti-diabetic potentials were also investigated in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Mice were administered with AI-AgNPs (10 to 40 mg/kg b.w) for 30 days.

CONCLUSIONS

The results showed a considerable drop in blood sugar levels, including pancreatic and liver cell regeneration, demonstrating that AI-AgNPs have strong anti-diabetic potential.

Exploring the synthesis, structure, spectroscopy and biological activities of novel 4-benzylidene-1-(2-(2,4-dichloro phenyl)acetyl) thiosemicarbazide derivatives: An integrated experimental and theoretical investigation

BACKGROUND

Novel α-amylase inhibitors play a crucial role in managing diabetes and obesity, contributing to improved public health by addressing these challenging and prevalent conditions. Moreover, the synthesis of anti-oxidant agents is essential due to their potential in combating oxidative stress-related diseases and promoting overall health.

OBJECTIVE

Synthesis of thoisemicarbazone derivatives of 2,4-dichlorophenyl acetic acid and to screened them for their biological activities.

METHOD

Thiosemicarbazone derivatives (4-13) were synthesized by refluxing 2,4-dichlorophenyl acetic acid with sulfuric acid in ethanol to get the ester (2), which was further refluxed with thiosemicarbazide to get compound (3). Finally, different aromatic aldehydes were refluxed with compound (3) in ethanol in catalytic amount of acetic acid to obtained the final products (4-13). Using modern spectroscopic techniques including HR-ESI-MS, 13C-, and 1H NMR, the structures of the created derivatives were confirmed.

RESULTS

The synthesized derivatives showed excellent to good inhibitory activity in the range of IC50 values of 4.95 ± 0.44 to 69.71 ± 0.05 µM against α-amylase enzyme when compared to standard drug acarbose (IC50 = 21.55 ± 1.31 µM). In case of iron chelating activity, these products showed potent activity better than standard EDTA (IC50 = 66.43 ± 1.07 µM) in the range of IC50 values of 22.43 ± 2.09 to 61.21 ± 2.83 µM. However, the obtained products also show excellent to good activity in the range of IC50 values of 28.30 ± 1.17 to 64.66 ± 2.43 µM against hydroxyl radical scavenging activity when compared with standard vitamin C (IC50 = 60.51 ± 1.02 µM). DFT used to calculate different reactivity factors including ionization potential, electronegativity, electron affinity, chemical softness, and chemical hardness were calculated using frontier molecular orbital (FMO) computations. The molecular docking studies for the synthesized derivatives with α-amylase were carried out using the AutoDock Vina to understand the binding affinities with active sites of the protein.

Influencing factors for residual kidney function in incident peritoneal dialysis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Residual kidney function (RKF) impacts patients' survival rate and quality of life when undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD). This meta-analysis was conducted to systematically identify risk and protective factors associated with RKF decline and loss.

METHODS

We searched three English and one Chinese databases from inception to January 31, 2023, for cohort and cross-sectional studies exploring factors associated with RKF decline or loss. The random effects model was employed to aggregate risk estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) from multivariate analysis. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were performed to explore the heterogeneity among the studies.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven studies comprising 13549 individuals and 14 factors were included in the meta-analysis. Based on the meta-analysis results, risk factors involving male gender (hazard ratio (HR) 1.689, 95%CI 1.385-2.061), greater body mass index (BMI) (odds ratio (OR) 1.081, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.029-1.135), higher systolic blood pressure (SBP) (HR 1.014, 95%CI 1.005-1.024), diabetes mellitus (DM) (HRRKF loss 1.873, 95%CI 1.475-2.378), DM (ORRKF decline 1.906, 95%CI 1.262-2.879), peritonitis (relative ratio (RR) 2.291, 95%CI 1.633-3.213), proteinuria (OR 1.223, 95%CI 1.117-1.338), and elevated serum phosphorus (RR 2.655, 95%CI 1.679-4.201) significantly contributed to the risk of RKF decline and loss in PD patients. Conversely, older age (HR 0.968, 95%CI 0.956-0.981), higher serum albumin (OR 0.834, 95%CI 0.720-0.966), weekly Kt/V urea (HR 0.414, 95%CI 0.248-0.690), baseline urine volume (UV) (HR 0.791, 95%CI 0.639-0.979), baseline RKF (HR 0.795, 95%CI 0.739-0.857) exhibited protective effects. However, diuretics use, automatic peritoneal dialysis (APD) modality and baseline RKF did not significantly impact RKF decline.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with male gender, greater BMI, higher SBP, DM, peritonitis, proteinuria, and elevated serum phosphorus might have a higher risk of RKF decline and loss. In contrast, older age, higher serum albumin, weekly Kt/V urea, baseline UV, and baseline RKF might protect against RKF deterioration.

Dissecting causal associations of type 2 diabetes with 111 types of ocular conditions: a Mendelian randomization study

Background

Despite the well-established findings of a higher incidence of retina-related eye diseases in patients with diabetes, there is less investigation into the causal relationship between diabetes and non-retinal eye conditions, such as age-related cataracts and glaucoma.

Methods

We performed Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to examine the causal relationship between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and 111 ocular diseases. We employed a set of 184 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that reached genome-wide significance as instrumental variables (IVs). The primary analysis utilized the inverse variance-weighted (IVW) method, with MR-Egger and weighted median (WM) methods serving as supplementary analyses.

Results

The results revealed suggestive positive causal relationships between T2DM and various ocular conditions, including "Senile cataract" (OR= 1.07; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.11; P=7.77×10-4), "Glaucoma" (OR= 1.08; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.13; P=4.81×10-3), and "Disorders of optic nerve and visual pathways" (OR= 1.10; 95% CI: 0.99, 1.23; P=7.01×10-2).

Conclusion

Our evidence supports a causal relationship between T2DM and specific ocular disorders. This provides a basis for further research on the importance of T2DM management and prevention strategies in maintaining ocular health.

Astragalus polysaccharide restores insulin secretion impaired by lipopolysaccharides through the protein kinase B /mammalian target of rapamycin/glucose transporter 2 pathway

BACKGROUND

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced dysfunction of pancreatic β-cells leads to impaired insulin (INS) secretion. Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) is a bioactive heteropolysaccharide extracted from Astragalus membranaceus and is a popular Chinese herbal medicine. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanisms by which APS affects INS secretion from β-cells under LPS stress.

METHODS

Rat insulinoma (INS-1) cells were treated with LPS at a low, medium, or high concentration of APS. Glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) was evaluated using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Transcriptome sequencing was used to assess genome-wide gene expression. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis was used to determine the signaling pathways affected by APS. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to evaluate the gene expression of glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2), glucokinase (GCK), pancreatic duodenal homeobox-1 (PDX-1), and INS. Western blot analysis was used to detect the protein expression of phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-Akt), total Akt (t-Akt), phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR), total mTOR (t-mTOR), and GLUT2.

RESULTS

LPS decreased GLUT2, GCK, PDX-1, and INS expression and reduced GSIS. These LPS-induced decreases in gene expression and GSIS were restored by APS treatment. In addition, transcriptome sequencing in combination with KEGG enrichment analysis revealed changes in the INS signaling pathway following APS treatment. LPS decreased p-Akt and p-mTOR expression, which was restored by APS treatment. The restorative effects of APS on GSIS as well as on the expression of GLUT2, GCK, PDX-1, and INS were abolished by treatment with the Akt inhibitor MK2206 or the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin (RPM).

CONCLUSIONS

APS restored GSIS in LPS-stimulated pancreatic β-cells by activating the Akt/mTOR/GLUT2 signaling pathway.

Astragalus improves intestinal barrier function and immunity by acting on intestinal microbiota to treat T2DM: a research review

Diabetes is a significant chronic endocrine/metabolism disorder that can result in a number of life-threatening consequences. According to research, the gut microbiota is strongly linked to the development of diabetes, making it a viable target for diabetes treatment. The intestinal microbiota affects intestinal barrier function, organism immunity, and thus glucose metabolism and lipid metabolism. According to research, a disruption in the intestinal microbiota causes a decrease in short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), alters the metabolism of bile acids (BAs), branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and endotoxin secretion, resulting in insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, and the progression to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Astragali Radix is a medicinal herb of the same genus as food that has been extensively researched for treating diabetes mellitus with promising results in recent years. Polysaccharides, saponins, flavonoids, and other components are important. Among them, Astragaloside has a role in protecting the cellular integrity of the pancreas and liver, can leading to alleviation of insulin resistance and reducing blood glucose and triglyceride (TC) levels; The primary impact of Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) on diabetes is a decrease in insulin resistance, encouragement of islet cell proliferation, and suppression of islet β cell death; Astragali Radix flavonoids are known to enhance immunity, anti-inflammatory, regulate glucose metabolism and control the progression of diabetes. This study summarizes recent studies on Astragali Radix and its group formulations in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus by modulating the intestinal microbiota.