Trace Elements, PPARs, and Metabolic Syndrome

Imbalanced and Unchecked: The Role of Metal Dyshomeostasis in Driving COPD Progression

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by persistent inflammation and oxidative stress, which ultimately leads to progressive restriction of airflow. Extensive research findings have cogently suggested that the dysregulation of essential transition metal ions, notably iron, copper, and zinc, stands as a critical nexus in the perpetuation of inflammatory processes and oxidative damage within the lungs of COPD patients. Unraveling the intricate interplay between metal homeostasis, oxidative stress, and inflammatory signaling is of paramount importance in unraveling the intricacies of COPD pathogenesis. This comprehensive review aims to examine the current literature on the sources, regulation, and mechanisms by which metal dyshomeostasis contributes to COPD progression. We specifically focus on iron, copper, and zinc, given their well-characterized roles in orchestrating cytokine production, immune cell function, antioxidant depletion, and matrix remodeling. Despite the limited number of clinical trials investigating metal modulation in COPD, the advent of emerging methodologies tailored to monitor metal fluxes and gauge responses to chelation and supplementation hold great promise in unlocking the potential of metal-based interventions. We conclude that targeted restoration of metal homeostasis represents a promising frontier for ameliorating pathological processes driving COPD progression.

Zinc ions regulate mitochondrial quality control in neurons under oxidative stress and reduce PANoptosis in spinal cord injury models via the Lgals3-Bax pathway

Spinal cord injury is a serious traumatic nervous system disorder characterized by extensive neuronal apoptosis. Oxidative stress, a key factor in neuronal apoptosis, leads to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, making mitochondrial quality control within cells crucial. Previous studies have demonstrated zinc's anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties in protecting mitochondria during spinal cord injury treatment, yet the precise mechanisms remain elusive. Single-cell sequencing analysis has identified Lgals3 and Bax as core genes in apoptosis. This study aimed to investigate whether zinc ions protect intracellular mitochondria by inhibiting the apoptotic proteins Lgals3 and Bax. We elucidated zinc ions' key role in mitigating mitochondrial quality control dysfunction triggered by oxidative stress and confirmed this was achieved by targeting the Lgals3-Bax pathway. Zinc's inhibitory effect on this pathway not only preserved mitochondrial integrity but also significantly reduced PANoptosis after spinal cord injury. Under oxidative stress, zinc ion regulation of mitochondrial quality control reveals an organelle-targeted therapeutic strategy, offering a novel approach for more precise treatment of spinal cord injury.

The Effects of Antioxidant Supplementation on the Pathologic Mechanisms of Metabolic Syndrome and Cardiovascular Disease Development

In people with obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, lipid and glucose metabolism and oxidative stress generation interact. This condition, known as a "metabolic syndrome" (MetS), presents a global challenge and appears to be the underlying mechanism for the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). This review is designed based on evidence indicating the pathogenic mechanisms of MetS. In detail, we will look at the mechanisms of oxidative stress induction in MetS, the effects of elevated oxidative stress levels on the condition's pathophysiology, and matters related to endothelial function. According to different components of the MetS pathophysiological network, the effects of antioxidants and endothelial dysfunction are reviewed. After considering the strategic role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of MetS and its associated CVDs, oxidative stress management by antioxidant supplementation seems an appropriate therapeutic approach.

Overweight, Obesity, Hypertriglyceridemia, and Insulin Resistance Are Positively Associated with High Serum Copper Levels in Mexican Adults

Recently, the role of trace elements in the pathophysiology of obesity, insulin resistance (IR), and metabolic diseases has been explored. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to assess the association of overweight, obesity, and cardiometabolic traits with serum copper (Cu) levels in 346 Mexican adults. Serum Cu level was measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Anthropometrical data were collected, and biochemical parameters were measured. The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index was used as a surrogate marker to evaluate IR. Overweight and obesity status was positively associated with the serum Cu level (β = 19.434 ± 7.309, p = 0.008). Serum Cu level was observed to have a positive association with serum triglycerides level (β = 0.160 ± 0.045, p < 0.001) and TyG (β = 0.001 ± 0.001, p < 0.001). Additionally, high serum Cu level was positively associated with overweight and obesity status (odds ratio [OR] = 1.9, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.1-3.4, p = 0.014), hypertriglyceridemia (OR = 3.0, 95% CI 1.7-5.3, p < 0.001), and IR (OR = 2.6, 95% CI 1.4-4.6, p = 0.001). In conclusion, our results suggest that overweight, obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, and IR are positively associated with serum Cu levels in Mexican adults.

Association between serum trace element, mineral, and amino acid levels with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in adult women

The objective of the present study is assessment of serum trace element and amino acid levels in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients with subsequent evaluation of its independent associations with markers of liver injury and metabolic risk.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

140 women aged 20-90 years old with diagnosed NAFLD and 140 healthy women with a respective age range were enrolled in the current study. Analysis of serum and hair levels of trace elements and minerals was performed with inductively-coupled plasma mass-spectrometry (ICP-MS). Serum amino acid concentrations were evaluated by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) with UV-detection. In addition, routine biochemical parameters including liver damage markers, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), were assessed spectrophotometrically.

RESULTS

The findings demonstrated that patients with NAFLD were characterized by higher ALT, GGT, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and cholinesterase (CE) activity, as well as increased levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and uric acid. NAFLD patients were characterized by reduced serum and hair Co, Se, and Zn levels, as well as hair Cu content and serum Mn concentrations in comparison to controls. Circulating Ala, Cit, Glu, Gly, Ile, Leu, Phe, and Tyr levels in NAFLD patients exceeded those in the control group. Multiple linear regression demonstrated that serum and hair trace element levels were significantly associated with circulating amino acid levels after adjustment for age, BMI, and metabolic parameters including liver damage markers.

CONCLUSION

It is proposed that altered trace element handling may contribute to NAFLD pathogenesis through modulation of amino acid metabolism.

The association between intakes of dietary trace minerals and gallstone disease: A cross-sectional study from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017 to 2018

The gallstone disease is becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide. Dietary trace minerals have been proven to be closely related to many metabolic diseases, and this study aims to explore the association between intakes of dietary trace minerals (copper, iron, selenium, and zinc) and gallstone disease (GSD). Using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2017 to 2018, intakes of dietary trace minerals and GSD data were obtained through a 24-hour recall and diagnostic questionnaire, respectively. Weighted logistic regression models were used to identify the association between intakes of dietary trace minerals and the prevalence of GSD, and the results were presented as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). A total of 4077 participants were included in the final analysis, of which 456 participants had GSD and 3621 participants serving as the control group. No significant associations between GSD and intakes of dietary trace minerals (iron, selenium, and zinc) were found. However, after adjusting for all covariates, significant association was demonstrated between dietary copper (Cu) intake and GSD (OR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.45-0.98). After conducting a weighted quantile logistic regression, a significant negative correlation was also found between dietary Cu intake and highest GSD quartile (Q4) (OR = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.26-0.80). Following the research outlined above, no association was found between intakes of dietary trace minerals (iron, selenium, and zinc) and GSD; however, a linear negative association was identified between dietary Cu intake and GSD.

Deciphering the diurnal rhythm regulating mechanism of flavin-containing monooxygenase 3 in mouse liver

Circadian genes play an important role in the field of drug metabolism. Flavin-containing monooxygenase 3 is a well-known phase I enzyme which participates in metabolism of many exogenous and endogenous substances, especially production of trimethylamine N-oxide. Here, we aimed to decipher diurnal rhythms of flavin-containing monooxygenase 3 expression and activity, and explore the regulation mechanism by clock genes. Our results showed that its mRNA and protein exhibited robust diurnal rhythms in mouse liver and cell lines. Consistently, significant alterations were observed for in vitro microsomal N-oxidation rates of procainamide, which kept in line with its protein expression at different time in wild-type and reverse erythroblastosis virus α knockout mice. Further, flavin-containing monooxygenase 3 was negatively regulated by E4 promoter-binding protein 4 in AML12 and Hepa1-6 cells, while it was positively influenced by reverse erythroblastosis virus α and brain and muscle ARNT-like protein-1. Moreover, luciferase reporter assays and electrophoretic mobility shift assays showed E4 promoter-binding protein 4 inhibited the transcription of flavin-containing monooxygenase 3 by binding to a D-box1 element (-1606/-1594 bp), while brain and muscle ARNT-like protein-1 positively activated the transcription via direct binding to three E-boxes (-863/-858 bp, -507/-498 bp, and -115/-104 bp) in this enzyme promoter. Taken together, this study would be helpful to reveal the mechanism of clock-controlled drug metabolism and facilitate the practice of chrono-therapeutics.

Associations of urinary zinc exposure with blood lipid profiles and dyslipidemia: Mediating effect of serum uric acid

The relationship between zinc (Zn) exposure and abnormal blood lipids including dyslipidemia is contentious. Serum uric acid (SUA) has been reported to be correlated to both Zn exposure and dyslipidemia. The underlying mechanisms of Zn exposure associated with blood lipids and the mediating effects of SUA remain unclear. Therefore, this study analyzed the data from Chinese 2110 adults (mean age: 59.0 years old) in rural areas across China to explore the associations of Zn exposure with blood lipid profiles and dyslipidemia, and to further estimate the mediating effects of SUA in these relationships. The study data showed that urinary Zn was associated with increased levels of blood lipid components triglyceride (TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Moreover, an increased risk of dyslipidemia was observed in the study participants who had higher urinary Zn levels. Compared with the first quartile, the fourth quartile of urinary Zn concentration corresponded to the increase of TG (β = 0.20, 95 % CI: 0.12, 0.28), LDL-C (β = 0.06, 95 % CI: 0.01, 0.10) and dyslipidemia risk (OR = 2.16, 95 % CI: 1.50, 3.10), respectively. Elevated urinary Zn was also associated with higher levels of SUA and hyperuricemia risk. The SUA levels were positively related to total cholesterol (TC), TG, LDL-C levels and dyslipidemia risk. Mediation analyses revealed that SUA mediated 31.75 %, 46.16 % and 19.25 % of the associations of urinary Zn with TG, LDL-C levels and dyslipidemia risk, respectively. The subgroup and sensitivity analyses confirmed the positive associations between urinary Zn and blood lipid profiles and the mediating effect of SUA. The national population-based study further enhanced our understanding of the associations between Zn exposure and blood lipid profiles and mediating effect of SUA among generally healthy, middle-aged, and elderly individuals.

Antagonizing Effects of Chromium Against Iron-Decreased Glucose Uptake by Regulating ROS-Mediated PI3K/Akt/GLUT4 Signaling Pathway in C2C12

To investigate the effect of chromium and iron on glucose metabolism via the PI3K/Akt/GLUT4 signaling pathway. Skeletal muscle gene microarray data in T2DM (GSE7014) was selected using Gene Expression Omnibus database. Element-gene interaction datasets of chromium and iron were extracted from comparative toxicogenomics database (CTD). Gene ontology (GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed using DAVID online tool. Cell viability, insulin-stimulated glucose uptake, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, and protein expression level were measured in C2C12 cells. The bioinformatics research indicated that PI3K/Akt signaling pathway participated in the effects of chromium and iron associated with T2DM. Insulin-stimulated glucose uptake level was significantly higher in chromium picolinate (Cr group) and lower in ammonium iron citrate (FA group) than that for the control group (P < 0.05); chromium picolinate + ammonium iron citrate (Cr + FA group) glucose uptake level was higher than that for the FA group (P < 0.05). Intracellular ROS level was significantly higher in the FAC group than that for the control group (P < 0.05), and that for the Cr + FA group was lower than that for the FA group (P < 0.05). p-PI3K/PI3K, p-Akt/Akt, and GLUT4 levels were significantly lower in the FA group than that for the control group (P < 0.05), and the Cr + FA group had higher levels than the FA group (P < 0.05). Chromium might have a protective effect on iron-induced glucose metabolism abnormalities through the ROS-mediated PI3K/Akt/GLUT4 signaling pathway.

Elevated levels of Zn, Cu and Co are associated with an increased risk of endometriosis: Results from a casecontrol study

BACKGROUND

Endometriosis is a common gynecological disease that affects approximately 5 %∼10 % of reproductive-aged women. Zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co) and molybdenum (Mo) are essential trace elements and are very important for human health. However, studies on the relationship between mixtures of essential trace elements and the risk of endometriosis are limited and inconsistent. In particular, studies confirming the association via different sample types are limited.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the associations between Zn, Se, Cu, Co and Mo concentrations in blood and follicular fluid (FF) and endometriosis risk in a Chinese population.

METHODS

A total of 609 subjects undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) were recruited; 836 samples were analyzed, including 451 blood samples (234 controls and 217 cases) and 385 FF samples (203 controls and 182 cases). In addition, 227 subjects provided both blood and FF samples. Zn, Se, Cu, Co and Mo concentrations in blood and FF were quantified via inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The associations between the levels of Zn, Se, Cu, Co and Mo and the risk of endometriosis were assessed using single-element models (logistic regression models), and the combined effect of the trace elements on endometriosis risk was assessed using multielement models (Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression).

RESULTS

Based on the single-element models, significant associations of Zn concentrations in blood (high-level vs. low-level group: aOR = 14.17, 95 % CI: 7.31, 27.50) and FF (first tertile vs. second tertile group: aOR = 0.34, 95 % CI: 0.16, 0.71; third tertile vs. second tertile group: aOR = 2.32, 95 % CI: 1.38, 3.91, respectively) and Co concentrations in blood (first tertile vs. second tertile group, aOR = 0.24, 95 % CI: 0.12, 0.48) and FF (third tertile vs. second tertile group: aOR = 3.87, 95 % CI: 2.19, 6.84) with endometriosis risk were found after adjustment for all confounders. In FF, Cu and Mo levels were significantly greater among the cases than among the controls, with a positive association with endometriosis risk (Cu (first tertile vs. second tertile group: aOR = 0.39, 95 % CI: 0.19, 0.81; third tertile vs. second tertile group: aOR = 2.73, 95 % CI: 1.61, 4.66, respectively) and Mo (high-level vs. low-level group: aOR = 14.93, 95 % CI: 7.16, 31.12)). However, similar associations between blood Cu and Mo levels and endometriosis risk were not found. In addition, the levels of these five essential trace element mixtures in blood and in FF were significantly and positively associated with endometriosis risk according to the BKMR analyses; the levels of Zn and Cu in blood and the levels of Mo in FF were significantly related to the risk of endometriosis, and the posterior inclusion probabilities (PIPs) were 1.00, 0.99 and 1.00 for Zn and Cu levels in blood and Mo levels in FF, respectively. Furthermore, Zn and Mo were the highest weighted elements in blood and FF, respectively, according to WQS analyses.

CONCLUSION

The risk of endometriosis was associated with elevated levels of several essential trace elements (Zn, Cu and Co). Elevated levels of these elements may be involved in the pathomechanism of endometriosis. However, further studies with larger sample sizes will be necessary to confirm these associations.

Natural Changbai mineral water reduces obesity risk through regulating metabolism and gut microbiome in a hyperuricemia male mouse model

Access to clean and safe drinking water is essential. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a kind of small molecular natural mineral water, C-cell mineral water on hyperuricemia male mice metabolism condition. A 13-week drinking water intervention study was conducted in Uox-knockout mice (KO). The hepatic metabolite profiling and related genes expression were detected by UPLC-TOF-MS and transcriptomic, and the gut microbiota of KO mice was determined by metagenomics sequencing. Results showed that the body weight of mice fed with C-cell water was remarkably lower than that of control mice on D 77 and D 91. Hepatic metabolite profiling revealed a shift in the pathway of glycine, serine and threonine metabolism, pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis, and biosynthesis of cofactors in KO mice fed with C-cell mineral water. Increased energy metabolism levels were related to increased hepatic expression of genes responsible for coenzyme metabolism and lipid metabolism. Gut microbiota was characterized by increasing activity of beneficial bacteria Blautia, and reducing activity of pathobiont bacteria Parasutterella. These genera have been reported to be associated with obesity. Small molecular mineral-rich natural water ingestion regulates metabolism and gut microbiota, protecting against obesity induced by hyperuricemia through mediating a microbiota-liver axis.

Essential Trace Elements in Patients with Dyslipidemia: A Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Lipid metabolism is a complex process that includes lipid uptake, transport, synthesis, and degradation. Trace elements are vital in maintaining normal lipid metabolism in the human body. This study explores the relationship between serum trace elements and lipid metabolism.

METHODS

In this study, we reviewed articles on the relationship between alterations in somatic levels of zinc, iron, calcium, copper, chrome, manganese, selenium, and lipid metabolism. In this systematic review and mate-analysis, databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang was searched for articles on the relationship published between January 1, 1900, and July 12, 2022. The meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager5.3 (Cochrane Collaboration).

RESULTS

No significant association was found between serum zinc and dyslipidemia, while other serum trace elements (iron, selenium, copper, chromium, and manganese) were associated with hyperlipidemia.

CONCLUSION

The present study suggested that the human body's zinc, copper, and calcium content may be related to lipid metabolism. However, findings on lipid metabolism and Iron, Manganese have not been conclusive. In addition, the relationship between lipid metabolism disorders and selenium levels still needs to be further studied. Further research is needed on treating lipid metabolism diseases by changing trace elements.

An organic state trace element solution for rheumatoid arthritis treatment by modulating macrophage phenotypic from M1 to M2

Trace elements (TEs) are essential for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study aimed to prepare a TEs solution enriched with various organic states to evaluate its preventive, therapeutic effects, and mechanism of action in RA and to provide a treatment method for RA treatment. The TEs in natural ore were extracted and added to 0.5% (W/V) L-alanyl-L-glutamine (LG) to obtain a TEs solution (LG-WLYS), which was examined for its concentration and quality. The antioxidant properties and effects of LG-WLYS on cell behavior were evaluated at the cellular level. The preventive and therapeutic effects and mechanism of action of LG-WLYS in rats with RA were explored. The LG-WLYS solution was clear, free from visible foreign matter, and had a pH of 5.33 and an osmolality of 305.67 mOsmol/kg. LG-WLYS inhibited cell migration and angiogenesis. LG-WLYS solution induced macrophages to change from M1-type to M2-type, increased the content of antioxidant enzymes (glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and IL-10), decreased the levels of nitric oxide, malondialdehyde, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, COX-2, and iNOs, scavenging reactive oxygen species from the lesion site, inhibiting the apoptosis of chondrocytes, regulating inflammatory microenvironment, and decreasing inflammation response to exert the therapeutic effect for RA. In conclusion, LG-WLYS has outstanding therapeutic and preventive effects against RA and has enormous potential for further development.

Cinnamaldehyde Alleviates the Oxidative Stress of Caenorhabditis elegans in the Presence of Lactic Acid

Cinnamaldehyde is an excellent natural antioxidant with high antioxidant activity, but its function in food or human digestive tract under acidic conditions remains to be studied. The effects of cinnamaldehyde in the presence of lactic acid on oxidative stress of Caenorhabditis elegans and the underlying molecular mechanisms were investigated in the present study. Results showed that cinnamaldehyde with or without lactic acid exhibited good antioxidant ability, represented by high SOD and CAT activities in C. elegans, while lactic acid exerted no effect on the antioxidant enzymes. Trace elements, like Cu, Fe, or Se, are important for the activities of antioxidant enzymes. Data of metal elements analysis revealed that cinnamaldehyde made big differences on the levels of Mn, Cu, Se of worms compared with single lactic acid treatment. Moreover, mechanistic study suggested that in the presence of lactic acid, cinnamaldehyde could enhance the expressions of akt-2, age-1 to increase the antioxidant activities. In addition, we found that lactic acid was able to change the metabolic profile of cinnamaldehyde in C. elegans, characterized by nucleosides and amino acids, which were involved in the purine metabolism, the biosynthesis, and metabolism of some amino acids, etc. This study provides a theoretical basis for further revealing the functional activity and mechanism of cinnamaldehyde under acidic conditions.

Trace elements dyshomeostasis in liver and brain of weanling mice under altered dietary selenium conditions

BACKGROUND

A balanced diet containing selenium (Se) and other trace elements is essential for normal development and growth. Se has been recognized as an essential trace element; however, its interaction with other elements has not been fully investigated. In the present study, sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), Se and rubidium (Rb), were analysed in liver and brain regions under altered dietary Se intake in weanling mice to identify major discriminatory elements.

METHODS

The study investigated the effects of different levels of Se intake on the elemental composition in liver and brain tissues of weaned mice. After 24 weeks of feeding with Se adequate, deficient, and excess diets, elemental analysis was performed on the harvested tissues using Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Statistical analysis that included analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), correlation coefficient analysis, principal component analysis, and partial least squares discriminant analysis were performed.

RESULTS

The ANCOVA showed statistically significant changes and correlations among the analysed elements under altered dietary Se status. The multivariate analysis showed differential changes in elements in liver and brain regions. The results suggest that long-term dietary Se alternations lead to dyshomeostasis in trace elements that are required in higher concentrations compared to Se. It was observed that changes in the Fe, Co, and Rb levels were similar in all the tissues studied, whereas the changes in Mg, Cr, and Mn levels were different among the tissues under altered dietary Se status. Additionally, the changes in Rb levels correlated with the dietary Se intake but had no relation with the tissue Se levels.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest interactions between Mg, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, and Se under altered Se status may impact cellular functions during postnatal development. However, the possible biological significance of alterations in Rb levels under different dietary Se paradigms needs to be further explored.

Cuproptosis and its application in different cancers: an overview

Heavy metal ions are essential micronutrients for human health. They are also indispensable to maintaining health and regular operation of organs. Increasing or decreasing these metal ions will lead to cell death, such as ferroptosis. Tsvetkov et al. have recently proposed a novel cell death method called "Cuproptosis". Many researchers have linked this form of death to the diagnosis, prognosis, microenvironment infiltration, and prediction of immunotherapeutic efficacy of various tumors to better understand these tumors. Similarly, with the proposal of this mechanism, the killing effect of copper ionophores on cancer cells has come to our attention again. We introduced the mechanism of cuproptosis in detail and described the establishment of the corresponding prognostic model and risk score for uveal melanoma through cuproptosis. In addition, we describe the current progress in the study of cancer in other organs through cuproptosis and summarize the treatment of tumours by copper ionophore and its future research direction. With further research, the concept of cuproptosis may help us understand cancer and guide its clinical treatment.

Diet supplementation of organic zinc positively affects growth, antioxidant capacity, immune response and lipid metabolism in juvenile largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides

Zn is an important trace element involved in various biochemical processes in aquatic species. An 8-week rearing trial was thus conducted to investigate the effects of Zn on juvenile largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) by feeding seven diets, respectively, supplemented with no Zn (Con), 60 and 120 mg/kg inorganic Zn (Sul60 and Sul120), and 30, 60, 90 and 120 mg/kg organic Zn (Bio30, Bio60, Bio90 and Bio120). Sul120 and Bio120 groups showed significantly higher weight gain and specific growth rate than Con group, with Bio60 group obtaining the lowest viscerosomatic index and hepatosomatic index. 60 or 90 mg/kg organic Zn significantly facilitated whole body Zn retention. Up-regulation of hepatic superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities and decline of malondialdehyde contents indicated augmented antioxidant capacities by organic Zn. Zn treatment also lowered plasma aminotransferase levels while promoting acid phosphatase activity and hepatic transcription levels of alp1, acp1 and lyz-c than deprivation of Zn. The alterations in whole body and liver crude lipid and plasma TAG contents illustrated the regulatory effect of Zn on lipid metabolism, which could be possibly attributed to the changes in hepatic expressions of acc1, pparγ, atgl and cpt1. These findings demonstrated the capabilities of Zn in potentiating growth and morphological performance, antioxidant capacity, immunity as well as regulating lipid metabolism in M. salmoides. Organic Zn could perform comparable effects at same or lower supplementation levels than inorganic Zn, suggesting its higher efficiency. 60 mg/kg supplementation of organic Zn could effectively cover the requirements of M. salmoides.

Combined analysis of inorganic elements and flavonoid metabolites reveals the relationship between flower quality and maturity of Sophora japonica L

Flos Sophorae (FS), or the dried flower buds of Sophora japonica L., is widely used as a food and medicinal material in China. The quality of S. japonica flowers varies with the developmental stages (S1-S5) of the plant. However, the relationship between FS quality and maturity remains unclear. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization-triple quadrupole-linear ion trap mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-Q TRAP-MS/MS) were used to analyze inorganic elements and flavonoid metabolites, respectively. A combined analysis of the inorganic elements and flavonoid metabolites in FS was conducted to determine the patterns of FS quality formation. Sixteen inorganic elements and 173 flavonoid metabolites that accumulated at different developmental stages were identified. Notably, 54 flavonoid metabolites associated with the amelioration of major human diseases were identified, and Ca, P, K, Fe, and Cu were postulated to influence flavonoid metabolism and synthesis. This study offers a novel perspective and foundation for the further exploration of the rules governing the quality of plant materials.

Do the individual and population-level traits of Donax trunculus reflect the effects of metal contamination in aquatic environments?

Heavy metals are considered a major threat to aquatic ecosystems, due to their ability to penetrate and accumulate through the food chain, putting marine organisms and the ecosystem at risk. This research presents a case study of the Taghazout coast, located in the central Atlantic of Morocco, which has become the focal point of various development projects, including the Taghazout Bay tourist resort. The study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the harmful effects of these metals on the reproductive cycle and population dynamics of the bivalve Donax trunculus. The assessment of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and copper (Cu) levels in D. trunculus bivalves and sediment at the research location provides evidence of exposure to these metal sources by these bivalves. The analysis of the reproductive cycle revealed a balanced sex ratio of males to females. The Sexual Maturity Index (SMI) and Condition Index (CI) of the bivalves were found to be significantly influenced by trace elements Pb and Cu, as well as environmental factors like temperature, dissolved oxygen, and salinity. The maturity stages of the gonads were classified into five stages: undifferentiated, developing, mature, spawning, and spent. Two spawning periods were observed aligning with the population dynamics study that identified a bimodal recruitment (early autumn and spring) in D. trunculus. The population was found to have 11 size cohorts, with a maximum length of 37.96 cm, a yearly growth rate of 1.93 cm, and a short lifespan of 1.5 years. The high mortality rate of 3.30 per year was attributed to the presence of trace elements in Taghazout coast. These findings shed light on heavy metal's impact on the population of D. trunculus, revealing that a sole emphasis on its physiological or cellular effects may overlook its larger impact.

A national cross-sectional analysis of dietary copper intake and abdominal aortic calcification in the US adults: NHANES 2013-2014

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Copper is an essential dietary element with a crucial role in physiological regulation. However, the relationship between dietary copper intake and abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) remains uncertain.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This study encompassed a cohort of 2535 adults aged over 40 years, derived from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013-2014. Dietary copper intake from both food sources and supplements was assessed through two 24-h dietary recall interviews. AAC was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and classified into 3 groups using the Kauppila score system. Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to evaluate the association between dietary copper intake and AAC. Among the participants, a total of 771 individuals (30.4%) were diagnosed with AAC, of which 239 (9.4%) exhibited severe AAC. Higher dietary copper intake was significantly associated with a lower incidence of severe AAC. Specifically, for each 1 mg/day increase in dietary copper intake, the incidence of severe AAC decreased by 38% (odds ratios [OR] 0.62, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 0.39-0.98) after adjustment for relevant covariates. Moreover, individuals in the third tertile of copper intake had a 37% lower incidence of AAC compared to those in the first tertile [OR 0.63, 95% CI (0.43-0.95)]. However, no significant associations were found between supplemental copper intake or serum copper levels and AAC.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that lower dietary copper intake, rather than serum copper levels or supplement copper intake, is significantly associated with a higher prevalence of AAC in adults ≥40 years old in the United States.

Abnormalities in Copper Status Associated with an Elevated Risk of Parkinson's Phenotype Development

In the last 15 years, among the many reasons given for the development of idiopathic forms of Parkinson's disease (PD), copper imbalance has been identified as a factor, and PD is often referred to as a copper-mediated disorder. More than 640 papers have been devoted to the relationship between PD and copper status in the blood, which include the following markers: total copper concentration, enzymatic ceruloplasmin (Cp) concentration, Cp protein level, and non-ceruloplasmin copper level. Most studies measure only one of these markers. Therefore, the existence of a correlation between copper status and the development of PD is still debated. Based on data from the published literature, meta-analysis, and our own research, it is clear that there is a connection between the development of PD symptoms and the number of copper atoms, which are weakly associated with the ceruloplasmin molecule. In this work, the link between the risk of developing PD and various inborn errors related to copper metabolism, leading to decreased levels of oxidase ceruloplasmin in the circulation and cerebrospinal fluid, is discussed.

Macroelement and Microelement Levels in the Urine in Experimental Acanthamoebiasis

Free-living amoebas can impact the excretion of macroelements and microelements in urine. The aim of the present study was to examine the concentrations of macroelements, including calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), sodium (Na), potassium (K), and magnesium (Mg), as well as microelements such as manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and chromium (Cr), in the urine during acanthamoebiasis while considering the host's immunological status. This is the first study to show an increase in urinary excretion of Ca, Mn, Cu, Fe, Na, and Cr, along with a decreased excretion of K, in immunocompetent mice 16 days post Acanthamoeba sp. infection. In the final phase of infection (24 dpi), there was a further decrease in urinary K excretion and a lower level of P in Acanthamoeba sp. infected immunocompetent hosts. During acanthamoebiasis in immunosuppressed hosts, increased excretion of Zn, Fe, and Cr was observed at the beginning of the infection, and increased Na excretion only at 16 days post Acanthamoeba sp. infection. Additionally, host immunosuppression affected the concentration of Fe, Cr, Zn, Cu, Mn, and Ca in urine.

N6-methyladenosine RNA modification: an emerging molecule in type 2 diabetes metabolism

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a metabolic disease with an increasing rate of incidence worldwide. Despite the considerable progress in the prevention and intervention, T2D and its complications cannot be reversed easily after diagnosis, thereby necessitating an in-depth investigation of the pathophysiology. In recent years, the role of epigenetics has been increasingly demonstrated in the disease, of which N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is one of the most common post-transcriptional modifications. Interestingly, patients with T2D show a low m6A abundance. Thus, a comprehensive analysis and understanding of this phenomenon would improve our understanding of the pathophysiology, as well as the search for new biomarkers and therapeutic approaches for T2D. In this review, we systematically introduced the metabolic roles of m6A modification in organs, the metabolic signaling pathways involved, and the effects of clinical drugs on T2D.

The Role of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) constitutes the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. Patients usually suffer from severe menstrual irregularities, skin conditions, and insulin resistance-associated health conditions. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are nuclear receptor proteins that regulate gene expression. In order to investigate the role of PPARs in the pathophysiology of PCOS, we conducted a literature review using the MEDLINE and LIVIVO databases and were able to identify 74 relevant studies published between 2003 and 2023. Different study groups reached contradictory conclusions in terms of PPAR expression in PCOS. Interestingly, numerous natural agents were found to represent a novel, potent anti-PCOS treatment alternatives. In conclusion, PPARs seem to play a significant role in PCOS.

NGS Sequencing Reveals New UCP1 Gene Variants Potentially Associated with MetS and/or T2DM Risk in the Polish Population—A Preliminary Study

The number of people suffering from metabolic syndrome (MetS) including type 2 diabetes (T2DM), hypertension, and obesity increased over 10 times through the last 30 years and it is a severe public health concern worldwide. Uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) is a mitochondrial carrier protein found only in brown adipose tissue involved in thermogenesis and energy expenditure. Several studies showed an association between UCP1 variants and the susceptibility to MetS, T2DM, and/or obesity in various populations; all these studies were, however, limited to a few selected polymorphisms. The present study aimed to search within the entire UCP1 gene for new variants potentially associated with MetS and/or T2DM risk. We performed NGS sequencing of the entire UCP1 gene in 59 MetS patients including 29 T2DM patients, and 36 controls using the MiSeq platform. An analysis of allele and genotype distribution revealed nine variations which seem to be interesting in the context of MetS and fifteen in the context of T2DM. Altogether, we identified 12 new variants, among which only rs3811787 was investigated previously by others. Thereby, NGS sequencing revealed new intriguing UCP1 gene variants potentially associated with MetS and/or T2DM risk in the Polish population.

Selenium as a predictor of metabolic syndrome in middle age women

BACKGROUND

Selenium plays an important role in metabolic homeostasis. It has been suggested that it may also affect the expression and activity of PPAR-γ. The aim of study was to analyze the relationships between these variables in the context of the health of women, for whom the risk of MetS increases with age.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study involved 390 women in middle age. The stages of study: a survey-based part; anthropometric measurements; analysis of biological material (blood) in terms of glycemia, triglyceride, HDL, and selenium levels, as well as genetic analysis of the PPAR-γ polymorphisms.

RESULTS

It was found that selenium may moderate the effect of the G allele of the PPAR-γ gene on the occurrence of elevated waist circumference (OR=1.030, 95%CI 1.005-1.057, p=0.020); and the effect of the C (OR=1.077, 95%CI 1.009-1.149, p=0.026) and the G alleles (OR=1.052, 95%CI 1.025-1.080, p<0.000) on the odds of elevated blood pressure. Women in whom HDL levels were not significantly reduced, had higher selenium levels (p=0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

1. The effect of selenium on MetS and its components has not been demonstrated. 2. The effect of individual alleles of the PPAR-γ gene on MetS and its components was not demonstrated. 3. The concentration of selenium may affect waist circumference in carriers of the G allele, and arterial hypertension in carriers of the C and G alleles by affecting the expression of PPAR-γ. 4. Higher selenium concentrations increased the odds of higher HDL levels in the group of subjects meeting the MetS criteria.

The effect of a high-calorie diet on the total content of chemical elements and metal-ligand forms of zinc in the blood serum and liver of Wistar rats

Background. Worldwide, there is a rapid increase in the number of people suffering from various forms of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism disorders. Modern studies show that the transport, distribution, excretion and accumulation of chemical elements in these types of metabolic disorders change in different ways and affect the further functional state of the body differently.

The aim. To evaluate the level of macro- and microelements in the blood serum and liver, as well as the content of metal-ligand forms of zinc in the blood serum of a Wistar rat in a high-calorie diet.

Materials and methods. Thirty male rats were selected for the experiment, from which two groups were formed: control (n = 15) and experimental (n = 15). The animals of the control group received the basic diet (270 kcal/100 g), and the animals of  the experimental group received a high-calorie diet. During the  experiment, the caloric content of the diet of the experimental group gradually increased from the caloric content of the total diet. During the study, body weight, biochemical parameters of blood and urine were evaluated. The analysis of macro- and microelements in the samples was carried out using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Determination of the content of individual zinc compounds in blood serum was carried out using a combination of a chromatograph and a mass spectrometer.

Results. It was found that a high-calorie diet led to a decrease in the level of iron, chromium, iodine, zinc, potassium, calcium, and an increase in vanadium in blood serum. In the liver, there was a decrease in the level of lithium and an increase in  the  level of calcium, vanadium, chromium, iron, zinc, cobalt. When assessing the chemical forms of zinc in the blood serum, a percentage increase in the albumin fraction was recorded against the background of a decrease in amino acid complexes and low-molecular-weight forms of zinc.

Conclusion. The data obtained suggest that a high-calorie diet leads to an imbalance of chemical elements, which can serve as one of the triggers for dysregulation of a number of physiological functions of the body. 

Clinical Significance of Trace Element Zinc in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

The trace element zinc is essential for diverse physiological processes in humans. Zinc deficiency can impair growth, skin reproduction, immune function, maintenance of taste, glucose metabolism, and neurological function. Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are susceptible to zinc deficiency, which is associated with erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) hypo-responsive anemia, nutritional problems, and cardiovascular diseases as well as non-specific symptoms such as dermatitis, prolonged wound healing, taste disturbance, appetite loss, or cognitive decline. Thus, zinc supplementation may be useful for the treatment of its deficiency, although it often causes copper deficiency, which is characterized by several severe disorders including cytopenia and myelopathy. In this review article, we mainly discuss the significant roles of zinc and the association between zinc deficiency and the pathogenesis of complications in patients with CKD.

Recent advances in the application of ionomics in metabolic diseases

Trace elements and minerals play a significant role in human health and diseases. In recent years, ionomics has been rapidly and widely applied to explore the distribution, regulation, and crosstalk of different elements in various physiological and pathological processes. On the basis of multi-elemental analytical techniques and bioinformatics methods, it is possible to elucidate the relationship between the metabolism and homeostasis of diverse elements and common diseases. The current review aims to provide an overview of recent advances in the application of ionomics in metabolic disease research. We mainly focuses on the studies about ionomic or multi-elemental profiling of different biological samples for several major types of metabolic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, obesity, and metabolic syndrome, which reveal distinct and dynamic patterns of ion contents and their potential benefits in the detection and prognosis of these illnesses. Accumulation of copper, selenium, and environmental toxic metals as well as deficiency of zinc and magnesium appear to be the most significant risk factors for the majority of metabolic diseases, suggesting that imbalance of these elements may be involved in the pathogenesis of these diseases. Moreover, each type of metabolic diseases has shown a relatively unique distribution of ions in biofluids and hair/nails from patients, which might serve as potential indicators for the respective disease. Overall, ionomics not only improves our understanding of the association between elemental dyshomeostasis and the development of metabolic disease but also assists in the identification of new potential diagnostic and prognostic markers in translational medicine.

Maternal micronutrient disturbance as risks of offspring metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is defined as a constellation of individual metabolic disturbances, including central obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. The established pathogenesis of MetS varies extensively with gender, age, ethnic background, and nutritional status. In terms of nutritional status, micronutrients are more likely to be discounted as essential components of required nutrition than macronutrients due to the small amount required. Numerous observational studies have shown that pregnant women frequently experience malnutrition, especially in developing and low-income countries, resulting in chronic MetS in the offspring due to the urgent and increasing demands for micronutrients during gestation and lactation. Over the past few decades, scientific developments have revolutionized our understanding of the association between balanced maternal micronutrients and MetS in the offspring. Examples of successful individual, dual, or multiple maternal micronutrient interventions on the offspring include iron for hypertension, selenium for type 2 diabetes, and a combination of folate and vitamin D for adiposity. In this review, we aim to elucidate the effects of maternal micronutrient intake on offspring metabolic homeostasis and discuss potential perspectives and challenges in the field of maternal micronutrient interventions.

Selenium in Bodily Homeostasis: Hypothalamus, Hormones, and Highways of Communication

The ability of the body to maintain homeostasis requires constant communication between the brain and peripheral tissues. Different organs produce signals, often in the form of hormones, which are detected by the hypothalamus. In response, the hypothalamus alters its regulation of bodily processes, which is achieved through its own pathways of hormonal communication. The generation and transmission of the molecules involved in these bi-directional axes can be affected by redox balance. The essential trace element selenium is known to influence numerous physiological processes, including energy homeostasis, through its various redox functions. Selenium must be obtained through the diet and is used to synthesize selenoproteins, a family of proteins with mainly antioxidant functions. Alterations in selenium status have been correlated with homeostatic disturbances in humans and studies with animal models of selenoprotein dysfunction indicate a strong influence on energy balance. The relationship between selenium and energy metabolism is complicated, however, as selenium has been shown to participate in multiple levels of homeostatic communication. This review discusses the role of selenium in the various pathways of communication between the body and the brain that are essential for maintaining homeostasis.

The effect of almond intake on cardiometabolic risk factors, inflammatory markers, and liver enzymes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Almond intake may be correlated with improvements in several cardiometabolic parameters, but its effects are controversial in the published literature, and it needs to be comprehensively summarized. We conducted a systematic search in several international electronic databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov until April 2021 to identify randomized controlled trials that examined the effects of almond consumption on cardiometabolic risk factors, inflammatory markers, and liver enzymes. Data were pooled using the random-effects model method and presented as standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Twenty-six eligible trials were analyzed (n = 1750 participants). Almond intake significantly decreased diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), non-high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and very LDL (p < 0.05). The effects of almond intake on systolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, insulin, hemoglobin A1c, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, C-peptide, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, C-reactive protein (CRP), hs-CRP (high sensitivity C-reactive protein), interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor-α, ICAM (Intercellular Adhesion Molecule), VCAM (Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule), homocysteine, HDL, ox-LDL, ApoA1, ApoB, and lipoprotien-a were not statistically significant (p > .05). The current body of evidence supports the ingestion of almonds for their beneficial lipid-lowering and antihypertensive effects. However, the effects of almonds on antiinflammatory markers, glycemic control, and hepatic enzymes should be further evaluated via performing more extensive randomized trials.

A selenium-enriched diet helps to recover liver function after antibiotic administration in mice

Antibiotic (Abx) treatments or inadvertent exposure to Abx-contaminated food and water can adversely affect health. Many studies show strong correlations between Abx and liver damage pointing to gut dysbiosis as a contributing factor because the gut microbiota (GM) forms a complex network with liver. Selenium (Se) is a beneficial micronutrient able to shape the composition of the GM. We analyzed here the ability of a low dose (120 μg/kg bodyweight/day) Se-enriched diet to ameliorate the effects of a 7-day intervention with an Abx-cocktail over the global health and the homeostasis of cholesterol and bile acids in the mouse liver. We found that Se restored lipid metabolism preventing the increased synthesis and accumulation of cholesterol caused by Abx treatment. Integrating these results with previous metataxonomic and metabolomic data in same mice, we conclude that part of the effect of Se against liver dysfunction (cholesterol and bile acids metabolism and transport) could be mediated by the GM. We provide data that contribute to a more complete view of the molecular mechanisms underlying the beneficial action of Se on health, pointing to a possible use of low doses of Se as a functional food additive (prebiotic) to prevent the negative effects of antibiotics.

Associations between dietary copper intake, general obesity and abdominal obesity risk: A nationwide cohort study in China

OBJECTIVE

Copper plays a crucial role in redox reactions. The aims of this research are to examine the effects of copper consumption on general obesity and abdominal obesity risk.

METHODS

Overall, data of 13,282 participants were obtained from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (1997-2011). A combination of individual 24-h recall and household survey was used to assess dietary intake. Time-dependent mixed effect Cox regression model treating family as a random effect were used to assess the associations between quintiles of copper intake, general obesity and abdominal obesity risk. Obesity was defined by BMI ≥ 28 kg/m2, and abdominal obesity was defined as waist circumference ≥85 cm in men and ≥80 cm in women.

RESULTS

During follow-up, 1,073 and 4,583 incident cases of general obesity and abdominal obesity occurred respectively. There were U-shaped associations of dietary copper intakes with general obesity and abdominal obesity (P for nonlinearity <0.001). In the general obesity track, compared with quintile 3 (reference category), participants in the top quintile and bottom quintile showed higher general obesity risk (HR, 2.00; 95%CI: 1.63, 2.45 for the top quintile, HR, 1.34; 95%CI: 1.08, 1.68 for the bottom quintile). In the abdominal obesity track, compared with quintile 3, the top quintile and bottom quintile were also associated with a significantly increased risk of abdominal obesity (HR, 1.68; 95%CI: 1.52, 1.87 for the top quintile, HR, 1.36; 95%CI: 1.22, 1.52 for the bottom quintile).

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated U-shaped associations between dietary copper, general and abdominal obesity risk in Chinese and emphasized the importance of maintaining appropriate copper intake level for the prevention of obesity.

The Levels of Bioelements in Postmenopausal Women with Metabolic Syndrome

(1) Metabolic syndrome is a set of factors that considerably increase the risk of developing atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes, and their cardiovascular complications. Studies show that menopause and the levels of elements may be significantly associated with increased risk of MetS. The present study evaluated the relationship between element levels (Ca, P, Na, K, Fe, Mg, Cu, Zn, Sr) and the incidence of MetS and concomitant metabolic disorders in peri-menopausal women. (2) The study involved 170 perimenopausal women. The methods used were: survey, anthropometric measurement (WC, height, BMI, WHtR), blood pressure measurement, and biochemical analysis of venous blood (lipid profile, glucose, insulin, HbA1C). (3) The study demonstrated statistically significantly higher WC, WHtR, SBP, and DBP values in women with pre-Mets than in those with Mets and the control group. Significantly higher FPG, TG, LDL, HbA1C, insulin, TG/HDL ratio, and TC/HDL ratio were recorded in the MetS group compared to the rest of respondents. In addition, post hoc analysis revealed statistically significant differences in mean K concentrations between pre-MetS and MetS women. (4) Low blood K levels in perimenopausal women are associated with an increased risk of MetS. Significantly higher Cu levels were observed in overweight women. The concentration of Cu negatively correlates with the values of TC, LDL, and SBP.

Mineral metabolism and ferroptosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most prevalent chronic liver disease worldwide. Minerals including iron, copper, zinc, and selenium, fulfil an essential role in various biochemical processes. Moreover, the identification of ferroptosis and cuproptosis further underscores the importance of intracellular mineral homeostasis. However, perturbation of minerals has been frequently reported in patients with NAFLD and related diseases. Interestingly, studies have attempted to establish an association between mineral disorders and NAFLD pathological features, including oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammatory response, and fibrogenesis. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of the current understanding of mineral metabolism (i.e., absorption, utilization, and transport) and mineral interactions in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. More importantly, this review highlights potential therapeutic strategies, challenges, future directions for targeting mineral metabolism in the treatment of NAFLD.

Identification of a prognostic model using cuproptosis-related genes in uveal melanoma

The most common intraocular malignancy in adults remains uveal melanoma (UVM), and those with metastatic disease have a poor outlook. Proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis of tumor cells can be triggered by cuproptosis, affecting the survival of cancer patients. Nonetheless, cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) have not been identified in UVM. In this study, we analyzed 10 CRGs in 80 patients with UVM in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database regarding the alterations of the genes including copy number variation and methylation. We further constructed a prognostic gene model using these CRGs and built the risk score formula. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression was applied to validate the risk score as an independent prognostic factor. The prognostic model was validated using 63 UVM samples from the GSE22138 cohort, an independent validation data set. Based on the risk scores for 80 patients with UVM from TCGA, we categorized the patients into high- and low-risk groups. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between groups were enriched in allograft rejection, hypoxia, glycolysis, TNFα signaling via NF-κB, and interferon-γ responses via Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). CD8 T cells and exhausted T cells were notably enriched in the high-risk group. In conclusion, the alteration of CRGs is related to patients with UVM, and the constructed CRG-related model may be helpful to predict the prognosis of such patients.

Modulation of the gut microbiota and lipidomic profiles by black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa L.) polyphenols via the glycerophospholipid metabolism signaling pathway

Black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa L.) is rich in polyphenols with various physiological and pharmacological activities. However, the relationship between the modulation effect of black chokeberry polyphenols on obesity and the alteration of lipid metabolism is not clearly understood. This study aimed to investigate the beneficial effects of the black chokeberry polyphenols (BCPs) treatment on the structure of gut microbiota, lipid metabolism, and associated mechanisms in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese rats. Here, we found that a high-fat diet promoted body weight gain and lipid accumulation in rats, while oral BCPs supplementation reduced body weight, liver, and white adipose tissue weight and alleviated dyslipidemia and hepatic steatosis in HFD-induced obese rats. In addition, BCPs supplementation prevented gut microbiota dysbiosis by increasing the relative abundance of Bacteroides, Prevotella, Romboutsia, and Akkermansia and decreasing the relative abundance of Desulfovibrio and Clostridium. Furthermore, 64 lipids were identified as potential lipid biomarkers through lipidomics analysis after BCPs supplementation, especially PE (16:0/22:6), PE (18:0/22:6), PC (20:3/19:0), LysoPE (24:0), LysoPE (24:1), and LysoPC (20:0). Moreover, our studies provided new evidence that composition of gut microbiota was closely related to the alteration of lipid profiles after BCPs supplementation. Additionally, BCPs treatment could ameliorate the disorder of lipid metabolism by regulating the mRNA and protein expression of genes related to the glycerophospholipid metabolism signaling pathway in HFD-induced obese rats. The mRNA and protein expression of PPARα, CPT1α, EPT1, and LCAT were significantly altered after BCPs treatment. In conclusion, the results of this study indicated that BCPs treatment alleviated HFD-induced obesity by modulating the composition and function of gut microbiota and improving the lipid metabolism disorder via the glycerophospholipid metabolism signaling pathway.

New Progress in Early Diagnosis of Atherosclerosis

Coronary atherosclerosis is a potentially chronic circulatory condition that endangers human health. The biological cause underpinning cardiovascular disease is coronary atherosclerosis, and acute cardiovascular events can develop due to thrombosis, platelet aggregation, and unstable atherosclerotic plaque rupture. Coronary atherosclerosis is progressive, and three specific changes appear, with fat spots and stripes, atherosclerosis and thin-walled fiber atherosclerosis, and then complex changes in arteries. The progression and severity of cardiovascular disease are correlated with various levels of calcium accumulation in the coronary artery. The therapy and diagnosis of coronary atherosclerosis benefit from the initial assessment of the size and degree of calcification. This article will discuss the new progress in the early diagnosis of coronary atherosclerosis in terms of three aspects: imaging, gene and protein markers, and trace elements. This study intends to present the latest methods for diagnosing patients with early atherosclerosis through a literature review.

Acacetin attenuates diabetes-induced cardiomyopathy by inhibiting oxidative stress and energy metabolism via PPAR-α/AMPK pathway

Diabetic cardiomyopathy seriously affects the life quality of diabetic patients and can lead to heart failure and death in severe cases. Acacetin was reported to be an anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory agent in several cardiovascular diseases. However, the effect of acacetin on diabetic cardiomyopathy was not understood. This study was designed to explore the therapeutic effect of acacetin on diabetic cardiomyopathy and the potential mechanism with in vitro and in vivo experimental techniques. In cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes and H9C2 cardiac cells, acacetin (0.3, 1, 3 μM) showed effective protection against high glucose-induced injury in a concentration-dependent manner. Acacetin countered high glucose-induced increase of Bax and decrease of Bcl-2, SOD1, and SOD2. In streptozotocin-induced rat diabetic cardiomyopathy model, treatment with acacetin prodrug (10 mg/kg, s.c., b.i.d.) significantly improved the cardiac function and reduced myocardial injury, and reversed the increase of serum MDA, Ang Ⅱ, and IL-6 levels and myocardial Bax and IL-6, and the decrease of serum SOD, indicating that acacetin plays a cardioprotective effect by inhibiting oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. In addition, both in vitro and in vivo experimental results showed that acacetin increased the expression of PPAR-α and pAMPK, indicating that PPAR-α and pAMPK are potential targets of acacetin for the protection against diabetic cardiomyopathy. This study demonstrates the new application of acacetin for treating diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Long-term nutritional trends in the Finnish population estimated from a large laboratory database from 1987 to 2020

The assessments of malnutrition in adults with MUST or NRS-2002 criteria do not give a detailed insight into the sufficiency of micronutrients. Sufficiency assessment of essential micronutrients on the individual level can be achieved only with laboratory measurements. The aim of this study was to estimate long-term trends in micronutrient sufficiency in the Finnish population with regards to gender and sex covariates. We retrieved from the clinical laboratory database (n = 67,236) all results on whole blood Magnesium, (B-Mg), Manganese (B-Mn), Zinc (B-Zn), Selenium (B-Se) and Copper from erythrocytes (E-Cu) and fasting serum β-carotenes (fS-BKarot), vitamin A (fS-A-vit), coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone, fS-Q10) and serum vitamin D (S-D-25) from the database of clinical laboratory Mineraalilaboratorio Mila Oy from the years 1987-2020. A weak positive linear trend is seen for B-Mg, B-Zn and ln(fS-Q10) both for children and adults, but a moderate linear positive trend was observed for ln(S-D-25) based on correlation between calendar year and ln(S-D-25), R = 0.44 and 0.41, p < 0.001 for adults and children, respectively. Laboratory database is helpful to monitor the nutritional public policy to prevent hidden malnutrition in the society.

Decreased Iron Ion Concentrations in the Peripheral Blood Correlate with Coronary Atherosclerosis

(1) Background: Obesity and diabetes continue to reach epidemic levels in the population with major health impacts that include a significantly increased risk of coronary atherosclerosis. The imbalance of trace elements in the body caused by nutritional factors can lead to the progression of coronary atherosclerosis. (2) Methods: We measured the concentrations of sodium (Na), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), Zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) in peripheral blood samples from 4243 patients and performed baseline analysis and propensity matching of the patient datasets. The patients were grouped into acute myocardial infarction (AMI, 702 patients) and stable coronary heart disease (SCAD1, 253 patients) groups. Both of these groups were included in the AS that had a total of 1955 patients. The control group consisted of 2288 patients. The plasma concentrations of calcium, magnesium, and iron were measured using a colorimetric method. For comparison, 15 external quality assessment (EQA) samples were selected from the Clinical Laboratory Center of the Ministry of Health of China. SPSS software was used for statistical analysis. The average values and deviations of all of the indicators in each group were calculated, and a p-value threshold of <0.05 was used to indicate statistical significance. (3) Results: The iron ion concentrations of the acute myocardial infarction (AMI) group were significantly lower than the control group (p < 0.05, AUC = 0.724, AUC = 0.702), irrespective of tendency matching. Compared to the data from the stable coronary artery disease (SCAD) group, the concentration of iron ions in the acute myocardial infarction group was significantly lower (p < 0.05, AUC = 0.710, AUC = 0.682). Furthermore, the iron ion concentrations in the (AMI + SCAD) group were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than in the control group. (4) Conclusions: The data presented in this study strongly indicate that the concentration of iron ions in the peripheral blood is related to coronary atherosclerosis. Decreases in the levels of iron ions in the peripheral blood can be used as a predictive biomarker of coronary atherosclerosis.

Role of Phaseolus vulgaris L. in the Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases-Cardioprotective Potential of Bioactive Compounds

In terms of safe and healthy food, beans play a relevant role. This crop belongs to the species of Phaseolusvulgaris L., being the most consumed legume worldwide, both for poor and developed countries, the latter seek to direct their diet to healthy feeding, mainly low in fat. Phaseolus vulgaris L. stands out in this area-an important source of protein, vitamins, essential minerals, soluble fiber, starch, phytochemicals, and low in fat from foods. This species has been attributed many beneficial properties for health; it has effects on the circulatory system, immune system, digestive system, among others. It has been suggested that Phaseolus vulgaris L. has a relevant role in the prevention of cardiovascular events, the main cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Conversely, the decrease in the consumption of this legume has been related to an increase in the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases. This review will allow us to relate the nutritional level of this species with cardiovascular events, based on the correlation of the main bioactive compounds and their role as cardiovascular protectors, in addition to revealing the main mechanisms that explain the cardioprotective effects regulated by the bioactive components.

Effect of childhood phthalates exposure on the risk of overweight and obesity: A nested case-control study in China

BACKGROUND

There was growing interest in endocrine disrupting chemicals that might have effect on the obesity epidemic, but few studies on the association of phthalates (PAEs) with childhood overweight and obesity in China based on longitudinal cohort study were available, which was the purpose of the present study.

METHODS

A nested case-control study was conducted in a prospective cohort of 2298 children aged 7-13 years from October 2017 to October 2020 with five waves visits in Xiamen city, China. A total of 829 children remained in the first wave of follow up with collection of urine for measuring seven PAEs metabolites, including mono-methyl phthalate (MMP), mono-ethyl phthalate (MEP), mono-n-butyl phthalate (MBP), mono-iso-butyl phthalate (MiBP), mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP), mono-2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl phthalate (MEOHP) and mono-2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl phthalate (MEHHP), utilizing ultra high performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. Overweight and obesity, defined by WHO classifications, were allocated to the cases group, and those of all normal weight and matched cases with normal weight in each wave of follow-up as two control groups. Logistic regression models after adjusting for confounders were utilized to analyze the effect of PAEs on overweight and obesity in children with divided four groups based on the quartile distribution of each and total PAEs concentration.

RESULTS

The detection rates of children for each PAEs metabolite were 99.4% for MMP, 99.4% for MEP, 99.8% for MBP, 54.5% for MEHP, 84.4% for MEOHP, 99.9% for MEHHP, and 97.2% for MiBP. The geometric mean of concentrations of PAEs, MMP, MEP, MBP, MEHP, MEHHP, and MiBP were 310.085, 34.658, 9.127, 166.347, 7.043, 3.400, 18.571, and 24.093 (ng/ml), respectively. The total PAEs and seven metabolites concentrations were positively associated with childhood BMI Z-Scores with statistically significant slope rates and correlation coefficients, and were higher in the cases group than those in two controls groups in each wave of follow-up. The PAEs concentrations in the cases group was 5.90 (95 %CI: 5.79, 6.01) ng/ml in the first wave of survey, which was higher than those normal controls group (5.68 (95 %CI: 5.61, 5.75) ng/ml, P < 0.001) and matched controls group (5.72 (95 %CI: 5.61, 5.84) ng/ml, P = 0.018). The prevalence and ORs of overweight and obesity increased with quartile group of each and total PAEs concentrations accompanying a dose-response relationship. Compared with the quartile1 reference group with lowest total PAEs concentrations, the ORs of overweight and obesity in quartile2, quartile3 and quartile4 group increased gradually and reached at 1.20 (0.74-1.95), 1.49 (0.93-2.38) and 2.22 (1.41-3.48), respectively (P_trend < 0.001). The strength of the associations between PAEs and overweight and obesity was sex-specific in children.

DISCUSSION

Children in China were extensively exposed to PAEs, and the exposure to PAEs during childhood could significantly increase the risk of overweight and obesity with a dose-response relationship, particularly in girls. While limiting the exposure of PAEs products, the determination of exposure limit of plasticizer should be further strengthened.

Selenium alleviates mercury chloride-induced liver injury by regulating mitochondrial dynamics to inhibit the crosstalk between energy metabolism disorder and NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated inflammation

Mercury (Hg) is a persistent heavy metal contaminant with definite hepatotoxicity. Selenium (Se) has been shown to alleviate liver damage induced by heavy metals. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore the mechanism of the antagonistic effect of Se on mercury chloride (HgCl2)-induced hepatotoxicity in chickens. Firstly, we confirmed that Se alleviated HgCl2-induced liver injury through histopathological observation and liver function analyzation. The results also showed that Se prevented HgCl2-induced liver lipid accumulation and dyslipidemia by regulating the gene expression related to lipid as well as glucose metabolism. Moreover, Se blocked the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)/NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome signaling pathway, which was the key to alleviate the inflammation caused by HgCl2. Mechanically, Se inhibited immoderate mitochondrial division, fusion, and biogenesis caused by HgCl2, and also improved mitochondrial respiration, which were essential for preventing energy metabolism disorder and inflammation. In conclusion, our results suggested that Se inhibited energy metabolism disorder and inflammation by regulating mitochondrial dynamics, thereby alleviating HgCl2-induced liver injury in chickens. These results are expected to provide potential intervention and therapeutic targets for diseases caused by inorganic mercury poisoning.

Reduced Serum Zinc Ion Concentration Is Associated with Coronary Heart Disease

Imbalances in trace element concentrations in the blood as a result of poor nutrition may affect the development of coronary heart disease. To study the relationship between zinc ion concentration in the peripheral blood and coronary heart disease, we performed multiple logistic regression and hierarchical analyses on blood measurements of 3541 patients. The experimental group comprised 1253 patients diagnosed with coronary heart disease, and the control group included 2288 healthy patients. The zinc ion concentrations were measured by a color rendering method, and the results were analyzed using SPSS software. Fifteen laboratory quality evaluation samples from the Clinical Laboratory Center of the Chinese Ministry of Health were selected for analysis. The mean values and average bias were calculated. The estimated qualified judgment standard was < 1/2 TEa (the allowable total error for zinc). A hierarchical analysis of risk factors, including smoking, age, sex, and menopause in women, was performed. The results revealed that non-smoking, aging (especially postmenopausal women), and low blood zinc concentrations were independent risk factors for the development of coronary heart disease (P ≤ 0.05, zinc ion concentration less than 13.82 ± 2.91). The findings strongly suggest that decreased zinc ion concentrations in the peripheral blood can be used as an independent risk factor for the prediction of coronary heart disease, especially in older patients, non-smokers, and women, in particular, postmenopausal women.

Maternal Diet, Infection, and Risk of Cord Blood Inflammation in the Bangladesh Projahnmo Pregnancy Cohort

Inflammation may adversely affect early human brain development. We aimed to assess the role of maternal nutrition and infections on cord blood inflammation. In a pregnancy cohort in Sylhet, Bangladesh, we enrolled 251 consecutive pregnancies resulting in a term livebirth from July 2016-March 2017. Stillbirths, preterm births, and cases of neonatal encephalopathy were excluded. We prospectively collected data on maternal diet (food frequency questionnaire) and morbidity, and analyzed umbilical cord blood for interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and C-reactive protein. We determined associations between nutrition and infection exposures and cord cytokine elevation (≥75% vs. <75%) using logistic regression, adjusting for confounders. One-third of mothers were underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2) at enrollment. Antenatal and intrapartum infections were observed among 4.8% and 15.9% of the sample, respectively. Low pregnancy intakes of B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, B9 (folate)), fat-soluble vitamins (D, E), iron, zinc, and linoleic acid (lowest vs. middle tertile) were associated with higher risk of inflammation, particularly IL-8. There was a non-significant trend of increased risk of IL-8 and IL-6 elevation with history of ante-and intrapartum infections, respectively. In Bangladesh, improving micronutrient intake and preventing pregnancy infections are targets to reduce fetal systemic inflammation and associated adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Bioinformatics Analyses Reveal the Prognostic Value and Biological Roles of SEPHS2 in Various Cancers

Purpose

Selenophosphate synthetase 2 (SEPHS2) has been shown to regulate selenoprotein biosynthesis by catalyzing the synthesis of active selenium donor selenophosphate. SEPHS2 influences the survival of tumor cells. However, few studies have explored the expression level and prognostic of SEPHS2 in various cancers.

Methods

The expression of SEPHS2 in human tumor tissues and normal adjacent tissues was analyzed in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx), Human Protein Atlas (HPA), and UALCAN databases. Cox regression analysis and Kaplan–Meier curve analysis were performed to analyze the association of SEPHS2 expression with the prognosis of cancer patients. The expression and prognosis of SEPHS2 in gliomas were further verified using the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) dataset. The relationship between SEPHS2 and immune infiltration, tumor mutational burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), and neoantigens was comprehensively explored using a TCGA cohort. The mechanism by which SEPHS2 regulates tumor progression was explored by using the STRING database. A nomogram was constructed using the R software to predict the overall survival (OS) of patients with brain lower grade glioma (LGG).

Results

SEPHS2 was highly expressed in many cancers including LGG. Its high expression was significantly associated with poor OS, disease-free survival (DFS), and progression-free survival (PFS). Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses showed that SEPHS2 was an independent prognostic factor for LGG. Concordance index and calibration curves revealed that the nomogram had good predictive performance (concordance index: 0.791; 95% CI: 0.732–1). A significant correlation was found between SEPHS2 and immune infiltration, TMB, MSI, and tumor neoantigens across diverse cancers. Enrichment analysis showed that SEPHS2 may regulate the PPAR signaling pathway.

Conclusion

SEPHS2 expression regulates tumor development and it is a potential treatment target and prognostic biomarker, especially for lower grade glioma.

An observational study to estimate the level of essential trace elements and its implications in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients

Background and Objectives:

Insulin action of reducing blood glucose has been found to be enhanced by trace elements.

Material and Methods:

This was a cross sectional study including 150 patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and 50 controls. Serum concentrations of zinc, copper, chromium, selenium and magnesium was measured by colorimetric kit. Fasting Blood Glucose and Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1c) were assayed using the standard kit.

Results:

Out of 150 patients, 85.4% (n = 128) of the cases had uncontrolled blood sugar with HbA1c ≥7 and only 14.6% (n = 22) had good control of blood sugar with HbA1c <7%. Hypertension (42%) and hypothyroidism (14%) were the most commonly associated comorbidities among patients with T2DM. Following percentage of diabetic patients had complications such as peripheral neuropathy (45.3%), diabetic retinopathy (36.7%), coronary artery disease (20.7%), diabetic nephropathy (17.3%), peripheral vascular disease (8.7%), and cerebrovascular accident (6%) respectively. The mean level of zinc, copper, selenium and magnesium was significantly lower in patients with T2DM than the control cases (62.89 vs. 74.95 μg/dL, P < 0.05; 116.30 vs. 150.39 μg/dL, P < 0.001; 8.57 vs. 16.16 μg/dL, P < 0.001; 1.92 vs. 2.31 mg/dL, P < 0.05, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that there was a significant trend between levels of zinc, copper, selenium, and magnesium and the prevalence of T2DM.

Conclusions:

The levels of selenium, zinc, copper, and magnesium were significantly lower in patients with T2DM when compared to healthy counterparts.