Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Hui-Fang Chiu, Kamesh Venkatakrishnan, Oksana Golovinskaia, Chin-Kun Wang
Summary: Hypertension is a critical risk factor for detrimental diseases, and researchers are focusing on diet and lifestyle modification, with micronutrients playing a central role in blood pressure regulation. While studies have shown the beneficial effects of micronutrients on controlling blood pressure, there is still ambiguity in determining the best combination for optimal blood pressure regulation.
Article
Oncology
Catherine Metayer, Partow Imani, Sandrine Dudoit, Libby Morimoto, Xiaomei Ma, Joseph L. L. Wiemels, Lauren M. M. Petrick
Summary: Leukemia is the most common cancer in children in industrialized countries, and prenatal folic acid intake is known to reduce the risk of childhood leukemia. However, our study found that the nutrients measured in the folate metabolism pathway at birth were unable to predict subsequent leukemia in children. Further research is needed to understand the impact of these nutrients at the time of conception or during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Yanfei Zhang, Chenhong Gu, Ying Lei, Jingwen Wang, Leiqin Sun, Junwei Fan, Yanlin Wang, Xiaoqing Zhang
Summary: This study aimed to explore the effects of one-carbon metabolic (OCM) indicators on pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) and preeclampsia (PE) in pregnant women who were supplemented with folate and vitamin B12. The results showed that high homocysteine, high folate status, and high BMI were independent risk factors for PIH in pregnant women with MTHFR CC genotype. Additionally, low folate levels were identified as an independent risk factor for the progression from PIH to PE.
FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Tetzi Oliveira Brandao, Eduardo Carvalho de Arruda Veiga, Rozeli Ferreira Levy, Enio Luis Damaso, Valeria Cristina Sandrim, Ricardo Carvalho Cavalli
Summary: This study found that ethnicity, self-reported hypertension, and gestational hypertension are associated with arterial hypertension measured by ABPM.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Omid Asbaghi, Sara Salehpour, Mahnaz Rezaei Kelishadi, Reza Bagheri, Damoon Ashtary-Larky, Behzad Nazarian, Delsa Mombaini, Matin Ghanavati, Cain C. T. Clark, Alexei Wong, Amirmansour Alavi Naeini
Summary: This systematic review and meta-analysis summarizes the effects of folic acid supplementation on blood pressure. The results show that folic acid supplementation significantly decreases both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, making it beneficial for individuals with hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN FOOD SCIENCE AND NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Kazuomi Kario, Naoko Tomitani, Satoshi Hoshide, Masafumi Nishizawa, Tetsuro Yoshida, Tomoyuki Kabutoya, Takeshi Fujiwara, Hiroyuki Mizuno, Yukie Okawara, Hiroshi Kanegae, HI JAMP Study Grp
Summary: Home blood pressure control status defined using different thresholds can predict the control status of 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure in treated hypertension. When home blood pressure is controlled to less than 125/75 mm Hg, ambulatory blood pressure is well controlled.
Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Anna Kivioja, Elli Toivonen, Jaakko Tyrmi, Sanni Ruotsalainen, Samuli Ripatti, Heini Huhtala, Tiina Jaaskelainen, Seppo Heinonen, Eero Kajantie, Juha Kere, Katja Kivinen, Anneli Pouta, Tanja Saarela, Hannele Laivuori
Summary: The study found that the polygenic risk score for blood pressure (BP-PRS) is associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia and its severe subtypes, with women with high BP-PRS presenting higher blood pressure values during pregnancy.
Article
Cell Biology
Jie Xu, Hongyan Yang, Lu Yang, Zhen Wang, Xinghua Qin, Jiaheng Zhou, Ling Dong, Jia Li, Minsheng Zhu, Xing Zhang, Feng Gao
Summary: The study demonstrates that acute glucose challenge induces vascular smooth muscle contraction through mitochondrial hyperpolarization-inactivated myosin phosphatase, representing a novel mechanism for vascular constriction and circulating metabolite clearance. Myosin phosphatase target subunit 1 plays a key role in mediating the activity of myosin phosphatase regulated by mitochondrial membrane potential.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Benedicte M. J. Merle, Stephanie Barthes, Catherine Feart, Audrey Cougnard-Gregoire, Jean-Francois Korobelnik, Marie-Benedicte Rougier, Marie-Noelle Delyfer, Cecile Delcourt
Summary: B vitamins may protect against age-related macular degeneration (AMD), as suggested by a cohort study on older adults in Bordeaux, France. The study found a significant association between normal serum folate levels and a high dietary intake of B5 and B6 with a lower risk for developing advanced AMD. Adopting a healthy diet rich in B vitamins may help reduce vision loss due to AMD.
Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Thomas Willmott, Laura Ormesher, Andrew J. Mcbain, Gavin J. Humphreys, Jenny E. Myers, Gurdeep Singh, Jon O. Lundberg, Eddie Weitzberg, Carina Nihlen, Elizabeth C. Cottrell
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the role of oral microbiota profiles and oral nitrate-reducing capacity in explaining individual differences in blood pressure (BP) lowering following dietary nitrate supplementation. The results showed that women with hypertension had lower salivary nitrite concentrations and reduced abundance of nitrate-reducing bacteria compared to normotensive women. Oral nitrate reductase (NaR) activity did not differ significantly between pregnant and nonpregnant women, but it tended to be lower in hypertensive women. Oral NaR activity was associated with both baseline diastolic BP and changes in diastolic BP after acute nitrate intake.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Adam G. Maynard, Boryana Petrova, Naama Kanarek
Summary: This article presents notes from the Folate, Vitamin B12, and One-Carbon Metabolism Conference held in Asheville, North Carolina, USA, from August 14-19, 2022, organized by The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB). It aims to share the latest research findings in the field with scientists who were unable to attend the conference but are interested in the topic. The research discussed includes various aspects of one-carbon metabolism, such as its biochemical and physiological levels, its role in development and adulthood, and its relevance in diseases like COVID-19, neurodegeneration, and cancer.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jing Li, Xinchun Yang, Xin Zhou, Jun Cai
Summary: Studies have shown a close association between gut microbiome and hypertension, with gut dysbiosis and metabolites playing a significant role in blood pressure control. Future research should focus on verifying the mechanisms through which the gut regulates blood pressure and exploring the feasibility of intervention strategies targeting gut dysbiosis for individuals with hypertension.
ANTIOXIDANTS & REDOX SIGNALING
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Eirini Lionaki, Christina Ploumi, Nektarios Tavernarakis
Summary: One-carbon metabolism is a biochemical network that delivers one-carbon units to biosynthetic pathways. It plays a crucial role in cellular proliferation, homeostasis, energy regulation, and longevity.
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Eleonora Rubini, Nicole Schenkelaars, Melek Rousian, Kevin D. Sinclair, Lieske Wekema, Marijke M. Faas, Regine P. M. Steegers-Theunissen, Sam Schoenmakers
Summary: A healthy diet before and during pregnancy is important for acquiring essential B vitamins and maintaining a healthy gut microbiota. Obese pregnant women often have derangements in 1-carbon metabolism and gut dysbiosis, which can lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes and impaired fetal development. Dietary and lifestyle counseling, along with monitoring B vitamin levels and gut microbiome, may be beneficial for preconceptional and pregnant obese women. Probiotic bacteria with folate biosynthetic capacity may also be used as intervention strategies.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Clinical Neurology
Marte-Helene Bjork, Torbjoern Tomson, Julie Werenberg Dreier, Silje Alvestad, Nils Erik Gilhus, Mika Gissler, Jannicke Igland, Maarit K. Leinonen, Yuelian Sun, Hakon Magne Vegrim, Helga Zoega, Jakob Christensen
Summary: Women taking antiseizure medication during pregnancy are often advised to take high doses of folic acid supplements (1mg to 5mg) to minimize the risk of birth defects. However, a recent report has shown a link between high dose folic acid intake and an increased risk of childhood cancer in the offspring. This has sparked a debate regarding the recommended dose of folic acid for pregnant women on antiseizure medication. In this Commentary, the authors explain their findings, the methodology used, and address emerging questions.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Dominique Turck, Torsten Bohn, Jacqueline Castenmiller, Stefaan De Henauw, Karen Ildico Hirsch-Ernst, Alexandre Maciuk, Inge Mangelsdorf, Harry J. McArdle, Androniki Naska, Carmen Pelaez, Kristina Pentieva, Alfonso Siani, Frank Thies, Sophia Tsabouri, Marco Vinceti, Francesco Cubadda, Thomas Frenzel, Marina Heinonen, Rosangela Marchelli, Monika Neuhauser-Berthold, Morten Poulsen, Miguel Prieto Maradona, Josef Rudolf Schlatter, Henk van Loveren, Ruth Roldan-Torres, Helle Katrine Knutsen
Summary: This article discusses the evaluation of a novel food made from fermented pea and rice protein by Shiitake mushroom mycelia. The food is found to have good nutritional value and protein intake. The analysis suggests that the intake of nutrients and contaminants in the food does not raise any concerns. Although toxicological studies were not provided, it is concluded that such studies are not necessary for this food. The food has the potential to sensitise individuals or induce allergic reactions in those allergic to pea, rice, or Shiitake mushroom, but the risk is not expected to be higher than that from consuming these ingredients separately. Overall, the food is considered safe under the proposed conditions of use.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Dominique Turck, Torsten Bohn, Jacqueline Castenmiller, Stefaan de Henauw, Karen Ildico Hirsch-Ernst, Helle Katrine Knutsen, Alexandre Maciuk, Inge Mangelsdorf, Harry J. McArdle, Androniki Naska, Carmen Pelaez, Kristina Pentieva, Frank Thies, Sophia Tsabouri, Marco Vinceti, Jean-Louis Bresson, Alfonso Siani
Summary: This article presents the scientific advice provided by the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens regarding the development of harmonised mandatory front-of-pack nutrition labelling and the setting of nutrient profiles for restricting nutrition and health claims on foods. The article states that the dietary intakes of saturated fatty acids, sodium, and added/free sugars are excessive in European populations, while dietary fibre and potassium intakes are below the recommended levels. These imbalances in nutrient intake have adverse health effects and could be included in nutrient profiling models.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Dominique Turck, Torsten Bohn, Jacqueline Castenmiller, Stefaan De Henauw, Karen Ildico Hirsch-Ernst, Alexandre Maciuk, Inge Mangelsdorf, Harry J. McArdle, Androniki Naska, Carmen Pelaez, Kristina Pentieva, Alfonso Siani, Frank Thies, Sophia Tsabouri, Marco Vinceti, Francesco Cubadda, Thomas Frenzel, Marina Heinonen, Miguel Prieto Maradona, Rosangela Marchelli, Monika Neuhauser-Berthold, Morten Poulsen, Josef Rudolf Schlatter, Henk van Loveren, Antonio Fernandez, Helle Katrine Knutsen
Summary: Based on the opinion from the European Food Safety Authority, beta-lactoglobulin is considered a novel food and can be used as an ingredient in various products without any adverse nutritional effects. There were no genotoxic or toxic effects observed in the experiments. Therefore, the consumption of this food is deemed safe under the proposed conditions of use.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Dominique Turck, Torsten Bohn, Jacqueline Castenmiller, Stefaan De Henauw, Karen Ildico Hirsch-Ernst, Alexandre Maciuk, Inge Mangelsdorf, Harry J. McArdle, Androniki Naska, Carmen Pelaez, Kristina Pentieva, Alfonso Siani, Frank Thies, Sophia Tsabouri, Marco Vinceti, Francesco Cubbada, Thomas Frenzel, Marina Heinonen, Rosangela Marchelli, Monika Neuhauser-Berthold, Morten Poulsen, Miguel Prieto Maradona, Josef Schlatter, Henk van Loveren, Ermolaos Ververis, Helle Katrine Knutsen
Summary: The EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens has concluded that dried coffee husk from Coffea arabica L. is a safe novel food. The husk, which mainly consists of carbohydrates, dietary fibre, and water, is intended to be used for making beverages. However, these beverages may contain high levels of caffeine, making them unsuitable for children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding women.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Adam H. Dyer, Eamon Laird, Leane Hoey, Catherine F. Hughes, Helene McNulty, Mary Ward, J. J. Strain, Maurice O'Kane, Fergal Tracey, Anne M. Molloy, Conal Cunningham, Donal J. Sexton, Kevin McCarroll
Summary: This study found that reduced kidney function in older adults is associated with poorer cognitive performance, especially in domain-specific areas. The strongest associations were observed in individuals with eGFR <45 ml/min/1.73 m(2) and those aged 60-70.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Martina Rooney, Catherine F. Hughes, J. J. Strain, Michelle Clements, Helene McNulty, Mary Ward
Summary: This study provides the first evidence that brachial and central blood pressure are significantly higher in adults with the variant MTHFR 677TT genotype, and this phenomenon is more pronounced in women.
JOURNAL OF HUMAN NUTRITION AND DIETETICS
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Harry Jarrett, Helene McNulty, Catherine F. Hughes, Kristina Pentieva, J. J. Strain, Adrian McCann, Liadhan McAnena, Conal Cunningham, Anne M. Molloy, Albert Flynn, Sinead M. Hopkins, Geraldine Horigan, Ciara O'Connor, Janette Walton, Breige A. McNulty, Michael J. Gibney, Yvonne Lamers, Mary Ward
Summary: The concentration of vitamin B-6 is lower in older adults, and riboflavin levels affect the status of vitamin B-6, especially in older individuals. The combination of the MTHFR 677TT genotype with riboflavin deficiency leads to a decrease in vitamin B-6 levels. Intake of vitamin B-6, supplement use, and EGRac are associated with PLP levels.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Dominique Turck, Jacqueline Castenmiller, Stefaan De Henauw, Karen Ildico Hirsch-Ernst, Alexandre Maciuk, Inge Mangelsdorf, Harry J. McArdle, Androniki Naska, Carmen Pelaez, Kristina Pentieva, Alfonso Siani, Frank Thies, Sophia Tsabouri, Marco Vinceti, Francesco Cubadda, Thomas Frenzel, Marina Heinonen, Miguel Prieto Maradona, Rosangela Marchelli, Monika Neuhaeuser-Berthold, Morten Poulsen, Josef Rudolf Schlatter, Henk van Loveren, Reinhard Acker, Helle Katrine Knutsen
Summary: The EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens evaluated the safety and bioavailability of iron milk proteinate as a novel food source, concluding that it is both safe and bioavailable.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Dominique Turck, Torsten Bohn, Jacqueline Castenmiller, Stefaan De Henauw, Karen Ildico Hirsch-Ernst, Alexandre Maciuk, Inge Mangelsdorf, Harry J. McArdle, Androniki Naska, Carmen Pelaez, Kristina Pentieva, Alfonso Siani, Frank Thies, Sophia Tsabouri, Marco Vinceti, Francesco Cubadda, Thomas Frenzel, Marina Heinonen, Miguel Prieto Maradona, Rosangela Marchelli, Monika Neuhauser-Berthold, Morten Poulsen, Josef Rudolf Schlatter, Henk van Loveren, Oceane Albert, Tilemachos Goumperis, Helle Katrine Knutsen
Summary: The EFSA Panel evaluated the safety of beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) salts as a novel food, finding the data provided by the applicant unsatisfactory and unable to establish a safe intake level. The safety of the NF has not been established.
Editorial Material
Nutrition & Dietetics
Ali Niklewicz, A. David Smith, Alison Smith, Andre Holzer, Andrew Klein, Andrew McCaddon, Anne M. Molloy, Bruce H. R. Wolffenbuttel, Ebba Nexo, Helene McNulty, Helga Refsum, Jean-Louis Gueant, Marie-Joe Dib, Mary Ward, Michelle Murphy, Ralph Green, Kourosh R. Ahmadi, Luciana Hannibal, Martin J. Warren, P. Julian Owen
Summary: Vitamin B-12 deficiency is common among vegetarians and vegans, especially pregnant women or women of child-bearing age. It is associated with increased risk of neuro, vascular, immune, and inflammatory disorders. However, the current recommended nutrient intake for vitamin B-12 does not adequately consider the needs of individuals choosing a plant-based diet.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NUTRITION
(2023)
Editorial Material
Food Science & Technology
Dominique Turck, Torsten Bohn, Jacqueline Castenmiller, Stefaan De Henauw, Karen Ildico Hirsch-Ernst, Alexandre Maciuk, Inge Mangelsdorf, Harry J. McArdle, Androniki Naska, Carmen Pelaez, Kristina Pentieva, Alfonso Siani, Frank Thies, Sophia Tsabouri, Marco Vinceti, Francesco Cubadda, Thomas Frenzel, Marina Heinonen, Miguel Prieto Maradona, Rosangela Marchelli, Monika Neuhauser-Berthold, Morten Poulsen, Josef Rudolf Schlatter, Oceane Albert, Leonard Matijevic, Helle Katrine Knutsen
Summary: Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) has provided an opinion on the aqueous extract of Labisia pumila as a novel food. They concluded that a daily intake of up to 350 mg of the extract is safe for the target population.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Dominique Turck, Torsten Bohn, Jacqueline Castenmiller, Stefaan de Henauw, Karen-Ildico Hirsch-Ernst, Helle Katrine Knutsen, Alexandre Maciuk, Inge Mangelsdorf, Harry J. McArdle, Carmen Pelaez, Kristina Pentieva, Alfonso Siani, Frank Thies, Sophia Tsabouri, Marco Vinceti, Peter Aggett, Marta Crous Bou, Francesco Cubadda, Laura Ciccolallo, Agnes de Sesmaisons Lecarre, Lucia Fabiani, Ariane Titz, Androniki Naska
Summary: Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens delivered a scientific opinion on the tolerable upper intake level for selenium. Based on systematic reviews of the literature, they established a UL of 255 μg/day for adult men and women. The ULs for children were derived from the UL for adults using allometric scaling. Intake of selenium from natural food sources does not raise concerns, but caution should be exercised when using selenium-containing supplements in toddlers and children.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
A. Caffrey, Y. Lamers, M. M. Murphy, N. Letourneau, R. E. Irwin, K. Pentieva, M. Ward, A. Tan, A. Rojas-Gomez, L. A. Santos-Calderon, J. Canals-Sans, B. M. Y. Leung, R. Bell, G. F. Giesbrecht, D. Dewey, C. J. Field, M. Kobor, C. P. Walsh, H. McNulty
Summary: The suboptimal status of folate and/or interrelated B vitamins can negatively impact brain development and function. Maternal folate status during pregnancy is associated with cognitive development in children, and optimal B vitamin status can help prevent cognitive dysfunction in later life. Understanding the epigenetic mechanisms related to folate and B vitamins is crucial for improving brain health at different stages of life.
NUTRITION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Soteris Christophe, Kristina Pentieva, George Botsaris
Summary: The study aims to evaluate the knowledge and practices of Cypriot bovine farmers towards safer manure management and highlights the importance of providing relevant training to farmers to ensure proper manure management. Interventions to promote the use of more effective treatment methods would be beneficial in decreasing manure pathogens.
VETERINARY SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Dominique Turck, Torsten Bohn, Jacqueline Castenmiller, Stefaan De Henauw, Karen Ildico Hirsch-Ernst, Alexandre Maciuk, Inge Mangelsdorf, Harry J. McArdle, Androniki Naska, Carmen Pelaez, Kristina Pentieva, Alfonso Siani, Frank Thies, Sophia Tsabouri, Marco Vinceti, Francesco Cubadda, Thomas Frenzel, Marina Heinonen, Rosangela Marchelli, Monika Neuhauser-Berthold, Morten Poulsen, Miguel Prieto Maradona, Josef Rudolf Schlatter, Henk van Loveren, Antonio Fernandez Dumont, Helle Katrine Knutsen
Summary: Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens evaluated the safety of whole seeds of oilseed rape as a novel food. The proposed use of this novel food is as an ingredient in certain baked goods. However, the safety of the oilseed rape seeds has not been established, as the applicant failed to provide additional studies to support its safety.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Siva Santhiya Arul, Brinda Balakrishnan, Savithri S. Handanahal, Sangita Venkataraman
Summary: Viral nanoparticles are self-assembling delivery systems used for vaccines and therapeutic agents. They have improved biocompatibility and are widely used in various biomedical applications. However, large-scale production of VNPs still faces challenges.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wisely Chua, Carl O. Marsh, Si En Poh, Winston LC. Koh, Melody Li Ying Lee, Li Fang Koh, Xin-Zi Emily Tang, Peter See, Zheng Ser, Shi Mei Wang, Radoslaw M. Sobota, Thomas L. Dawson Jr, Yik Weng Yew, Steven Thng, Anthony J. O'Donoghue, Hazel H. Oon, John E. Common, Hao Li
Summary: In this study, the gene expression of enzymes secreted by Malassezia globosa in the skin was investigated using targeted RNA sequencing. The study found that the expression of these enzymes is regulated by the fungus's environment and differs significantly from healthy skin sites. Additionally, a pseudoprotease MGL_3331 was identified to elicit an immune reaction in patients with atopic dermatitis. This highlights the importance of studying fungal proteins in physiologically relevant environments and their role in host immunity.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Belisa Parmeggiani, Marian Flores Signori, Cristiane Cecatto, Marina Rocha Frusciante, Manuela Bianchin Marcuzzo, Debora Guerini Souza, Rafael Teixeira Ribeiro, Bianca Seminotti, Diogo Onofre Gomes de Souza, Cesar Augusto Joa o Ribeiro, Moacir Wajner, Guilhian Leipnitz
Summary: Non ketotic hyperglycinemia (NKH) is a disorder caused by mutations in the genes encoding glycine cleavage system proteins, leading to severe neurodegeneration and white matter alterations. The study found that glycine affects myelin structure, glutamatergic system, and induces oxidative stress in neonatal rats and MO3.13 oligodendroglial cells.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marie Rose Ndella Thiaw, Pascal Gantet
Summary: Mini zinc fingers play important roles in plant development, including control of cell division and expansion, meristem state transition, and growth and organ development. They have diverse modes of action, such as direct gene activation, interaction with specific transcription factors, and aggregation of protein complexes for chromatin remodeling. Further research is needed to explore their wider range of biological functions and their involvement in biotic and abiotic stress responses.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shao-Jui Lai, Takahiro Kameda, Maasa Morita, Yuka Yamagata, Kaoruko Nishizaka, Yuna Horiuchi, Yukihiro Kobayashi, Yoko Usami, Jun-Jen Liu, Takeshi Kasama, Minoru Tozuka, Ryunosuke Ohkawa
Summary: In this study, the co-modification and impact of chymase and MPO on HDL were investigated. Sequential treatment with MPO and chymase generated two novel apoA-I fragments from HDL, one of which has a specific immunological property and can be used to predict patients with normal HDL-C levels and cardiovascular diseases.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiao-Mi Sun, Asami Yoshida, Takuya Ishii, Yan-Rong Jiang, Yi-Li Gao, Mikinori Ueno, Katsuya Hirasaka, Kiyoshi Osatomi
Summary: This study found that infection with the causative bacteria of edwardsiellosis, Edwardsiella tarda NUF251, leads to the production of superoxide radicals, causing oxidative stress. The research on the Jfsod1 gene suggests that the transcription factor NF-IL6 plays a significant role in upregulating the transcriptional activity of the gene in response to oxidative stress induced by NUF251 infection.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shane M. Carey, Sean P. Kearns, Matthew E. Millington, Gregory S. Buechner, Beda E. Alvarez Jr, Leily Daneshian, Brendan Abiskaroon, Maksymilian Chruszcz, Edward L. D'Antonio
Summary: The importance of F337 in TcGlcK was investigated using the hole mutagenesis approach, revealing its key interactions with aromatic tail groups in inhibitor molecules. Mutants retaining activity and structural similarity were obtained, suggesting the possibility of TcHxK existing as a monomer lacking the F337 residue. Similar D-glucosamine inhibitors may bind less strongly to TcHxK due to the absence of van der Waals contacts from residue side chains.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Catia Barria, Diogo Athayde, Guillem Hernandez, Leonor Fonseca, Jorge Casinhas, Tiago N. Cordeiro, Margarida Archer, Cecilia M. Arraiano, Jose A. Brito, Rute G. Matos
Summary: Ribonucleases play a crucial role in RNA regulation by processing, degrading, and quality controlling cellular transcripts. Campylobacter jejuni, the main cause of human gastroenteritis, relies on the exoribonuclease PNPase (CjPNP) for low-temperature survival, virulence factor synthesis, and swimming, cell adhesion/invasion, and chick colonization abilities. The crystallographic structure of CjPNP, along with SAXS analysis, confirms its trimeric arrangement and provides insight into domain arrangement and flexibility. Mutations in highly conserved residues reveal unexpected RNA degradation activity even under conditions favoring polymerization. These findings have significant implications for the development of strategies to combat C. jejuni infections.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elvira R. Shaykhutdinova, Maria S. Severyukhina, Inna V. Kholoshenko, Elena A. Gondarenko, Irina V. Shelukhina, Elena V. Kryukova, Alina M. Ismailova, Elena S. Sadovnikova, Igor A. Dyachenko, Arkady N. Murashev, Victor I. Tsetlin, Yuri N. Utkin
Summary: Evidence suggests that activating nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) can reduce cardiac injury caused by ischemia and reperfusion. In this study, the expression of a4, a6, and a132 nAChR subunits in the rat heart's left ventricle was demonstrated. The nAChR agonists cytisine and varenicline, commonly used for nicotine addiction treatment, were found to significantly reduce myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, with varenicline showing greater protection. The presence of a4132, a7, and/or a6132-containing receptors suggests that the protective effect of varenicline may be mediated by these subunits. These findings indicate a potential new use for cytisine and varenicline as cardioprotective agents.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xinhai Xiong, Wenjie Chen, Cheng Chen, Qi Wu, Chaopeng He
Summary: This article summarizes the important roles of Cx43 in disease development from the perspective of subcellular localization and provides new ideas for Cx43 as a therapeutic target and the search for related pathological mechanisms.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Veronica Bastos, Simone Pascoal, Kamila Lopes, Marcia Mortari, Helena Oliveira
Summary: Cancer, especially melanoma, is a major global health problem due to its metastatic capacity, treatment resistance, and high mortality rates. The Chartergellus-CP1 peptide isolated from Chartergellus communis wasp venom showed selective cytotoxicity towards melanoma cell lines, inducing apoptosis, cell cycle impairment, and intracellular ROS increase.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Charlotte Claeyssen, Nathan Bulangalire, Bruno Bastide, Onnik Agbulut, Caroline Cieniewski-Bernard
Summary: Maintenance of striated muscle tissue relies on a dynamic network of protein-protein interactions. Desmin intermediate filaments play a crucial role in heart and skeletal muscle by maintaining cell structure and contributing to various cellular processes. The assembly of desmin intermediate filaments requires aB-crystallin, which is involved in multiple cellular functions.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dhritiman Dey, Adhiraj Dasgupta, Dipanjan Ghosh, Oindrila Bhattacharjee, Abhrajyoti Ghosh, Ayae Honda, Dhrubajyoti Chattopadhyay
Summary: This study successfully identified host factors that interact with Chandipura Virus (CHPV) and play a critical role in infection, including A2M, LRP1, and GRP78. Knocking out A2M has a severe effect on viral infection, indicating the potential role of these host proteins in viral entry into host cells.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anna Dotsenko, Igor Sinelnikov, Aleksandra Rozhkova, Ivan Zorov, Arkady Sinitsyn
Summary: Xylanases play important roles in various industrial applications, such as feed additives, pulp and paper bleaching, and the production of bread, food, and drinks. Xylanases from the GH10 family show high thermostability and resistance to protein inhibitors, making them promising candidates for these processes. This study successfully improved the thermostability and enzymatic activity of GH10 xylanase, which could enhance its effectiveness as a feed additive and during pulp and paper bleaching.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
M. Jaquet, M. Bengue, K. Lambert, G. Carnac, D. Misse, C. Bisbal
Summary: Changes to our environment have led to the emergence of human pathogens such as chikungunya virus, which is now a major public health concern. In this study, the interconnection between skeletal muscle cells metabolism, their differentiation stage, and the infectivity of chikungunya virus was investigated. The results showed that chikungunya virus infectivity is dependent on cell differentiation and metabolism and that the virus interferes with cellular metabolism.