Influence of circulating nesfatin-1, GSH and SOD on insulin secretion in the development of T2DM

Limosilactobacillus Fermentun ZS09 Can Improve Antibiotic-Induced Motor Dysfunction in Mice by Regulating the Brain-Gut Functions

Purpose

When consumed in appropriate quantities, probiotics, which are live microorganisms, are good for health. In this study, a mouse model of antibiotic-induced dyskinesia was established using a sterile mixed antibiotic solution to investigate the preventive impact of Limosilactobacillus fermentum ZS09 (LFZS09) on this condition in mice.

Methods

Following modeling, alterations in the serum and brain tissue of mice were assessed for motor measures such as running and swimming, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione, interleukin (IL-6, IL-10), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. The mouse cecum was used to evaluate the relative mRNA expression levels of the intestinal barrier genes, namely occludin-1, zona occludens-1 (ZO-1), and claudin-1. The relative mRNA expression levels of cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) genes in the mouse brain tissue were also evaluated.

Results

Compared with the model group, LFZS09 considerably increased the swimming and running duration of mice, significantly decreased the levels of the inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-6 and increased SOD expression in the mouse brain, and decreased MDA accumulation in the mouse brain and serum. Furthermore, LFZS09 upregulated occludin-1 gene expression in the cecal tissue to maintain the intestinal barrier, which in turn maintained the normal physiological function of the body. LFZS09 also enhanced the effect of BDNF and increased the expression of BDNF metabolic pathway-related genes, namely CREB, ERK1/2, and BDNF, in the mouse brain tissue. LFZS09 increased the number of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in the gut of mice with motor dysregulation, and decreased the number of Enterococcus and Clostridium perfringens.

Conclusion

The findings indicate that LFZS09 regulates antibiotic-induced motor impairment in mice, thereby offering a theoretical foundation for future studies and probiotic or parabiotics production aimed at augmenting motor function.

Evaluating the impact of metabolic and cognitive stress on ghrelin and nesfatin-1 hormones in patients with diabetes and diabetic depression

Nesfatin-1 and ghrelin, initially recognised as hormones involved in regulating energy, have emerged as crucial players with vital functions in various human body systems. In this study, we conducted a comparative assessment of nesfatin-1 and ghrelin responses in individuals experiencing metabolic stress due to diabetes, those with depressive diabetes characterised by both metabolic and mental stress, and healthy controls. We collected blood samples from a total of 90 participants, consisting of 30 people with type II diabetes mellitus (DM), 30 people with type II DM and major depressive disorders, and 30 healthy individuals. Diabetes was diagnosed based on glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, while depression was assessed using DSM-V criteria. Insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated, and serum ghrelin and nesfatin-1 levels were measured using ELISA kits. We observed statistically significant decreases in nesfatin-1 and ghrelin levels in the diabetic group (p < 0.0001). However, in the depressive diabetic group, nesfatin-1 levels increased significantly, while ghrelin levels decreased further. The nesfatin-1 to ghrelin ratio decreased in the diabetic group but increased significantly in the depressive diabetic group (p < 0.0001). Nesfatin-1 and ghrelin hormones exhibit parallel impacts in response to metabolic stress, but nesfatin-1 demonstrates contrasting actions compared to ghrelin when mental stress is added to metabolic stress. The findings of this study suggest that nesfatin-1 and ghrelin hormones may play active roles as protective, prognostic, and even etiological factors in various stress situations, particularly those involving mental stress, in addition to their known functions in regulating energy.

Correlation between circulating lipoprotein(a) levels and cardiovascular events risk in patients with type 2 diabetes

Background

High circulatory lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] concentration promotes atherosclerosis; however, its efficacy in predicting the extent of atherosclerotic coronary heart disease (CHD) with coronary artery obstruction and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in diabetic patients remains questionable. This study aimed to examine whether elevated circulating Lp(a) levels exacerbate CHD and to assess their utility in predicting MACEs in individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

In total, 4332 patients diagnosed with T2DM who underwent coronary angiography (CAG) were included and categorized into two groups (CHD and non-CHD) based on the CAG results. We used a correlation analysis to explore the potential links between the levels of circulating Lp(a) and CHD severity. Cox regression analysis was performed to evaluate MACEs.

Results

The concentrations of circulating Lp(a) were markedly elevated in the CHD group and positively correlated with disease severity. Our results indicate that elevated circulating Lp(a) is a crucial risk factor that significantly contributes to both the progression and severity of CHD. The differences between the two groups are evident in the risk of CHD occurrence [odds ratio (OR) = 1.597, 95 % confidence interval (CI): 1.354-1.893, p < 0.001], the different levels of vessel involvement (OR = 1.908 for triple-vessel vs. single-vessel disease, 95 % CI: 1.401-2.711, p < 0.001), and their relation to the Gensini Score (OR = 2.002 for high vs. low GS, 95 % CI: 1.514-2.881, p < 0.001). Over the course of the 7-year follow-up period, the multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that increased levels Lp(a) levels are independently associated with the occurrence of MACEs [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.915, 95 % CI: 1.571-2.493, p < 0.001].

Conclusion

We confirmed a positive correlation among circulating Lp(a) levels, CHD lesions count, and Gensini scores. Moreover, Lp(a) levels have predictive significance for the occurrence of MACEs in T2DM patients.

Nesfatin-1: A Novel Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarker in Digestive Diseases

Nesfatin-1, deriving from a precursor protein, NUCB2, is a newly discovered molecule with anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anorexigenic effects. It was initially identified in the central nervous system (CNS) and received increasing interest due to its energy-regulating properties. However, research showed that nesfatin-1 is also expressed in peripheral tissues, including the digestive system. The aim of this review is to give a résumé of the present state of knowledge regarding its structure, immunolocalization, and potential implications in diseases with inflammatory components. The main objective was to focus on its clinical importance as a diagnostic biomarker and potential therapeutic molecule in a variety of disorders, among which digestive disorders were of particular interest. Previous studies have shown that nesfatin-1 regulates the balance between pro- and antioxidant agents, which makes nesfatin-1 a promising therapeutic agent. Further in-depth research regarding the underlying mechanisms of action is needed for a better understanding of its effects.

Protective effects of Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis HFY14 supplementation on the brain, intestines, and motor function of antibiotic-treated mice

Introduction

This study aimed to explore the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis HFY14 (LLSLHFY14) and investigate its effects on the intestinal barrier, cranial nerve, and motor function in mice treated with antibiotics.

Methods

Mice were administered an antibiotic mixture (neomycin 5 mg/mL, vancomycin 25 mg/mL, amphotericin B 0.1 mg/mL, ampicillin 10 mg/mL, metronidazole file 5 mg/mL, and lipopolysaccharide 1.5 μg/mL) intraperitoneally, and oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in the serum and brain tissues, and liver index were measured. H&E staining was performed to detect pathological alterations in brain tissues. The expression of intestinal-barrier-related genes and that of genes involved in inflammatory pathways in the brain were detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results

LLSLHFY14 administration extended the weight-loaded swimming and running times of mice and decreased the liver index. Moreover, the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in the serum and brain tissue were reduced, whereas those of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were elevated. Elevated brain expression of the protein kinase B (AKT)/cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB)/brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 (ERK1) pathway, decreased brain expression of the IL-6 gene, and elevated cecum expression of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), occludin-1, and claudin-1 genes were noted. LLSLHFY14 supplementation significantly increased Bacteroidetes expression but decreased Firmicutes expression, thus increasing the Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio.

Discussion

Overall, LLSLHFY14 supplementation ameliorated antibiotic-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in the mouse central nervous system, intestinal barrier dysfunction, and increased motor function, thus confirming its potential application as probiotics.

The Mediterranean diet, but not time-restricted eating, mediates the effects of nesfatin on beta cell function among overweight, metabolically healthy individuals

Nesfatin concentrations are positively correlated with beta cell function. However, it is unclear whether diet composition mediates this relationship. We recruited 27 overweight individuals who practiced Orthodox fasting (OF), a subset of the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), for 7 weeks. Fourteen overweight people who practiced 16:8 time-restricted eating served as control group. Anthropometric parameters, biochemical data and adipokine levels were evaluated at baseline and after the end of the diet period (7 weeks from baseline). Subsequently, participants were asked to return to their usual eating plans, and an additional evaluation was performed 5 weeks after the end of the research diets (12 weeks from baseline). We observed a significant and negative correlation between HOMA-B and nesfatin values at 12 weeks, only in the OF group (r = -0.455, p = 0.01). In conclusion, returning to normal eating habits after 7 weeks of strict adherence to MedDiet affects the homeostatic balance between insulin secretion and nesfatin.

Dihydrocapsaicin suppresses the STING-mediated accumulation of ROS and NLRP3 inflammasome and alleviates apoptosis after ischemia-reperfusion injury of perforator skin flap

Avascular necrosis frequently occurs as a complication following surgery involving the distal perforator flap. Dihydrocapsaicin (DHC) can protect tissue from ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, but its specific role in multizone perforator flaps remains unclear. In this study, the prospective target of DHC in the context of I/R injury was predicted using network pharmacology analysis. Flap viability was determined through survival area analysis, laser Doppler blood flow, angiograms, and histological examination. The expressions of angiogenesis, apoptosis, NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, oxidative stress, and molecules related to cyclic guanosine monophosphate (GMP)-adenosine monophosphate synthase (cGAS)-interferon gene stimulant (STING) pathway were assessed using western blotting, immunofluorescence, TUNEL staining, and dihydroethidium (DHE) staining. Our finding revealed that DHC promoted the perforator flap survival, which involves the cGAS-STING pathway, oxidative stress, NLRP3 inflammasome, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. DHC induced oxidative stress resistance and suppressed the NLRP3 inflammasome, preventing apoptosis in vascular endothelial cells. Through regulation of STING pathway, DHC controlled oxidative stress in endothelial cells and NLRP3 levels in ischemic flaps. However, activation of the cGAS-STING pathway led to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and NLRP3 inflammasome, thereby diminishing the protective role of DHC. DHC enhanced the survival of multidomain perforator flaps by suppressing the cGAS-STING pathway, oxidative stress, and the formation of NLRP3 inflammasome. These findings unveil a potentially novel mechanism with clinical significance for promoting the survival of multidomain perforator flaps.

Do Serum Nesfatin-1 Levels have A Predictive Role in Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus and its Microvascular Complications? A Case-Control Study

Background Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic disease with macrovascular and microvascular complications. Nesfatin-1 is a neuropeptide that develops from a more substantial intermediate compound known as nucleobindin 2 (NUCB2). Nesfatin-1 is known to play a role in regulating various physiological processes related to appetite, energy balance, and body weight. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the serum levels of nesfatin-1 in Egyptian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in comparison to healthy subjects and to assess the association of serum nesfatin-1 levels with the occurrence of diabetic microvascular complications in those patients. Methods This matched case-control study was conducted on 90 subjects 40-80 years old, with normal hepatic, cardiac, and respiratory functions, and 60 of them had T2DM. The included participants were divided into two groups: group 1, which was the control group and included 30 healthy subjects, and group 2, which included 60 subjects with T2DM. Group 2 was subdivided according to the presence or absence of microvascular complications into group 2a, which included 30 patients having T2DM with no microvascular complications, and group 2b, which included 30 patients having T2DM with one or more microvascular complications. Results T2DM patients had significantly lower serum nesfatin-1 levels (5.07±1.78 versus 9.05±2.1 mmol/L, <0.001) compared to healthy controls. Also, T2DM patients with microvascular complications had lower serum nesfatin-1 levels (4.32±1.72 versus 5.83±1.51 mmol/L, <0.001) compared to T2DM patients without microvascular complications. Serum nesfatin-1 level at a cutoff value of <8.09 mmol/L can be a marker for the detection of diabetes mellitus (DM) with the area under the curve (AUC) of 94.3%, 95% sensitivity, 74.3% specificity, 77.9% positive predictive value (PPV), and 65.7% negative predictive value (NPV), and at a cutoff value of <5.87 mmol/L can be a marker for the detection of microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus at AUC of 75.5%, 76.7% sensitivity, 67.3% specificity, 77.1% PPV, and 62.9% NPV. Conclusions Serum Nesfatin-1 may play a potential protective role in diabetes mellitus (DM) and its microvascular complications, as it decreases in individuals with diabetes and those with diabetic microvascular complications compared to controls. Additionally, serum Nesfatin-1 levels may have predictive value for the early detection of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients, diabetic microvascular complications, and diabetic kidney disease (DKD) at cut-off values of < 8.09 (mmol/L), < 5.87 (mmol/L), and < 5.46 (mmol/L), respectively. Therefore, targeted Nesfatin-1 drug therapy may be tried to reduce morbidity and mortality caused by microvascular complications of diabetes.

Association between serum PCSK9 and coronary heart disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is considered a new biomarker for atherosclerosis, but its ability to predict cardiovascular outcomes has been controversial. This study aimed to address the lack of data on PCSK9, coronary heart disease (CHD) severity, and major cardiovascular events (MACEs) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

A total of 2984 T2DM patients underwent selective coronary angiography, and their serum PCSK9 levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Correlation and logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the association between PCSK9 expression and CHD severity. This study used Cox regression analysis to assess the association between circulating PCSK9 levels and the risk of MACEs.

RESULTS

Circulating PCSK9 levels were significantly higher in the CHD group than in the non-CHD group [554.62 (265.11) ng/mL vs. 496.86 (129.05) ng/mL, p < 0.001]. Circulating PCSK9 levels positively correlated with CHD severity (diseased vessels: r = 0.35, p < 0.001; Gensini score: r = 0.46, p < 0.001). Elevated PCSK9 levels are an independent risk factor for CHD risk and severity (CHD group vs. non-CHD group: OR = 2.829, 95% CI: 1.771-4.520, p < 0.001; three vessel disease group vs. one vessel disease group: OR = 4.800, 95% CI: 2.387-9.652, p < 0.001; high GS group vs. low GS group: OR = 5.534, 95% CI: 2.733-11.208, p < 0.001). Through a six-year follow-up and multivariate Cox regression analysis, elevated circulating PCSK9 levels were found to be independently associated with MACEs in all participants (HR: 3.416, 5% CI: 2.485-4.697, p < 0.001; adjusted HR: 2.780, 95% CI: 1.930-4.004, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Serum PCSK9 levels were positively correlated with multi-vessel CHD and Gensini score. Elevated circulating PCSK9 levels are an independent risk factor for CHD and increased incidence of MACEs in T2DM.

NESFATIN-1 ACTIVITY IN THE BLOOD SERUM IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC HEART FAILURE OF ISCHEMIC ORIGIN AGAINST THE BACKGROUND OF TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS AND OBESITY

OBJECTIVE

The aim: To study the nesfatin-1 activity in the blood serum of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) of ischemic origin against the background of such metabolic disorders as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Materials and methods: 154 patients with CHF were examined, and divided into 4 groups, according to the presence of metabolic disorders. Group 1 included patients with CHF on the background of coronary heart disease (CHD) and T2DM and obesity (n=42). The second group consisted of patients with heart failure on the background of CHD with concomitant T2DM (n=46), the third group - with concomitant obesity (n=36), the fourth group was formed from patients with signs of heart failure of ischemic origin without metabolic disorders (n=30). The control group (CG) included 30 practically healthy persons of comparable age.

RESULTS

Results: The mean level of serum nesfatin-1 was 1.64±0.27 ng/mL in the СHF group, 0.342±0.19 ng/mL in the CHF + T2DM + obesity group, 1.06±0.36 ng/ mL in the obese + CHF group, 0.96±0.27 ng/mL in the CHF + T2DM group and 2.98±0.38 ng/mL in the CG. Significant correlation was found between the serum nesfatin-1 level and BMI (r=-0.34, p<0.05), HOMA (r=-0.54, p<0.05), insulin (r=-0.41, p<0.05). No significant correlation was found between the serum nesfatin-1 level and blood glucose level (r=0.13, p=0.65).

CONCLUSION

Conclusions: Thus, nesfatin-1 may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of both weight-related abnormalities and type 2 diabetes mellitus in patients with chronic heart failure of ischemic origin.

Oxidative Regulation of Vascular Cav1.2 Channels Triggers Vascular Dysfunction in Hypertension-Related Disorders

Blood pressure is determined by cardiac output and peripheral vascular resistance. The L-type voltage-gated Ca²⁺ (Ca_v1.2) channel in small arteries and arterioles plays an essential role in regulating Ca²⁺ influx, vascular resistance, and blood pressure. Hypertension and preeclampsia are characterized by high blood pressure. In addition, diabetes has a high prevalence of hypertension. The etiology of these disorders remains elusive, involving the complex interplay of environmental and genetic factors. Common to these disorders are oxidative stress and vascular dysfunction. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) derived from NADPH oxidases (NOXs) and mitochondria are primary sources of vascular oxidative stress, whereas dysfunction of the Ca_v1.2 channel confers increased vascular resistance in hypertension. This review will discuss the importance of ROS derived from NOXs and mitochondria in regulating vascular Ca_v1.2 and potential roles of ROS-mediated Ca_v1.2 dysfunction in aberrant vascular function in hypertension, diabetes, and preeclampsia.