Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Samira Aouichat, Miguel Navarro-Alarcon, Pablo Alarcon-Guijo, Diego Salagre, Marwa Ncir, Lazhar Zourgui, Ahmad Agil
Summary: The study demonstrated that melatonin can play a renoprotective role by suppressing ER stress and the pro-apoptotic IRE1α/JNK signaling pathway.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Eva Tvrda, Jan Kovac, Kristina Ferenczyova, Barbora Kalocayova, Michal Duracka, Filip Benko, Viera Almasiova, Monika Bartekova
Summary: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of quercetin on testicular architecture and markers of oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic profile in Zucker diabetic fatty rats with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. The results showed that quercetin improved testicular appearance, stabilized antioxidant capacity, decreased lipid peroxidation, and reduced inflammation levels.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Physiology
Adriana Moreno-Salgado, Nayeli Coyotl-Santiago, Roberto Moreno-Vazquez, Mayte Lopez-Teyssier, Mario Garcia-Carrasco, Francesco Moccia, Roberto Berra-Romani
Summary: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a rapidly rising disease with cardiovascular complications as the most common cause of death among diabetic patients. Chronic hyperglycemia can induce vascular dysfunction through damage to vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), which play a role in vascular tone regulation and repair. The mechanisms by which T2DM affects calcium handling in VSMCs are still not well understood. This study aimed to investigate the impact of T2DM on calcium homeostasis in VSMCs. Results showed that T2DM decreases calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and increases the activity of store-operated channels (SOCs). Furthermore, T2DM enhances the activity of calcium extrusion mechanisms during the early stage of ATP-induced calcium transient decay and alters calcium entry during the late stage of the signal decay. These findings suggest that enhanced cytosolic calcium activity in VSMCs may contribute to vascular dysfunction associated with T2DM.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Gabor Viczjan, Anna Szilagyi, Barbara Takacs, Ignac Ovari, Reka Szekeres, Vera Tarjanyi, Tamas Erdei, Vanda Teleki, Judit Zsuga, Zoltan Szilvassy, Bela Juhasz, Balazs Varga, Rudolf Gesztelyi
Summary: CBD has been shown to have effects on the adenosinergic system in obese type Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) rats, potentially enhancing adenosinergic protection through inhibition of adenosine transport.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Marcia Spoelder, Yami Bright, Martine C. Morrison, Veerle van Kempen, Lilian de Groodt, Malvina Begalli, Nikita Schuijt, Eva Kruiger, Ronald Bulthuis, Gabriele Gross, Robert Kleemann, Janna A. van Diepen, Judith R. Homberg, Giovanni Cirillo
Summary: Increased insulin levels may contribute to the development of neural circuits involved in cognition, while chronic mild inflammation may lead to cognitive impairment. This study investigated whether cognition is affected during adolescence in a genetic rat model for obesity and type 2 diabetes. The results showed that adolescent obese rats displayed enhanced cognition despite their early diabetic profile.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Qinghe Meng, Derek M. Culnan, Tamer Ahmed, Mingjie Sun, Robert N. Cooney
Summary: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) has significant effects on intestinal GLP-1 release and glucose transport in obese rats, potentially improving glycemic control by increasing GRP119 and FFAR2/3.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Mate Kozma, Mariann Bombicz, Balazs Varga, Daniel Priksz, Rudolf Gesztelyi, Vera Tarjanyi, Rita Kiss, Reka Szekeres, Barbara Takacs, Akos Menes, Jozsef Balla, Gyorgy Balla, Judit Szilvassy, Zoltan Szilvassy, Bela Juhasz
Summary: Impaired mitochondrial function is associated with metabolic diseases and cardiovascular diseases. The BGP-15 derivative of vitamin B3 shows therapeutic potential in improving cardiac function and protecting mitochondrial respiration.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Tian Zhao, Libin Zhan, Wen Zhou, Wanxin Chen, Jintong Luo, Lijing Zhang, Zebin Weng, Chunyan Zhao, Shenlin Liu
Summary: The study found that Erchen Decoction (ECD) can reduce body weight, improve insulin resistance (IR) and lipid metabolism by interfering with specific signaling pathways in Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats. Additionally, ECD was shown to adjust the structure of gut microbiota and change its function in ZDF rats, demonstrating a potentially close relationship between specific biomarkers, metabolites, and host phenotypes. The results suggest that ECD's beneficial effects on obesity, particularly lipid metabolism disorders, are linked to regulation of gut microbiota in ZDF rats, providing a foundation for further research on its mechanisms and clinical applications.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Ya-Qin Du, Xue-Ying Sha, Jie Cheng, Jin Wang, Jing-Yu Lin, Wen-Tao An, Wei Pan, Li-Jun Zhang, Xiao-Na Tao, Yun-Fei Xu, Ying-Li Jia, Zhao Yang, Peng Xiao, Ming Liu, Jin-Peng Sun, Xiao Yu
Summary: This study reveals the existence of endogenous LCFA-GPR120 circuits in pancreatic islets that modulate islet homeostasis. Oleic acid (OA) and linoleic acid (LA) were identified as GPR120 agonists within the islets, promoting insulin secretion by inhibiting somatostatin secretion. LA exerted higher potency compared to OA, depending on beta-arrestin2 function. Impaired GPR120 signaling in diabetic models could be improved by replenishing OA and LA, and LA administration improved glucose metabolism in db/db mice.
Article
Biology
Ahmed Sultan, Ernest Adeghate, Bright Starling Emerald, Muhammad A. Qureshi, Saeed Tariq Minhas, Frank Christopher Howarth
Summary: The study found that the amplitude of shortening in ZF rat ventricular myocytes was increased, while resting Ca2+ levels were elevated in ZDF rat myocytes. Additionally, the time for Ca2+ transient half decay was prolonged in ZDF rats and reduced in ZF rats compared to ZL rats. Changes in protein expression and cell structure were also noted.
Article
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Yajing Li, Jiaojiao Chen, Haiye Tu, Quanxin Ma, Mulan Wang, Jie Chen, Minli Chen
Summary: In this study, it was found that GuanXinNing Tablet (GXNT) has a highly satisfactory protective effect on diabetic encephalopathy (DE) in ZDF rats. Its mechanism of action may be based on the regulation of glucolipid metabolism and its protective effect on the vascular endothelium.
BMC COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE AND THERAPIES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Samira Aouichat, Enrique Raya, Antonio Molina-Carballo, Antonio Munoz-Hoyos, Abdelkarim Saleh Aloweidi, Ehab Kotb Elmahallawy, Ahmad Agil
Summary: The study reveals a dose-dependent relationship between melatonin dosage and weight control as well as thermogenic activation of brown adipose tissue (BAT). The findings suggest the potential therapeutic use of melatonin at dosages of 1 to 10 mg/kg for treating obesity.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Barbora Bot'anska, Monika Bartekova, Kristina Ferenczyova, Maria Fogarassyova, Lucia Kindernay, Miroslav Barancik
Summary: This study revealed that obesity worsened heart function with changes in MMP-2, MMP-28, and SODs, which were not modulated by QCT treatment. However, QCT activated Akt kinase and prevented diabetes-induced negative effects on SODs, suggesting its potential in mediating adaptive responses against oxidative stress in diabetes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wei Zhang, Jun Ma, Shan Wang, Tao Huang, Min Xia
Summary: Tranilast plays a crucial role in modulating T2DM-related neuropathic pain, likely through inhibiting hypoxia.
ARCHIVES OF PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tiannan Wang, Xia Tang, Xinge Hu, Jing Wang, Guoxun Chen
Summary: The study found that reducing dietary vitamin A status can prevent the development of type 2 diabetes and obesity in ZDF rats, especially in high-fat diets.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Enrrico Bloise, Jianhong Zhang, Jittanan Nakpu, Hirotaka Hamada, Caroline E. Dunk, Siliang Li, Guinever E. Imperio, Lubna Nadeem, Mark Kibschull, Phetcharawan Lye, Stephen G. Matthews, Stephen J. Lye
Summary: The study aims to investigate the expression pattern of specific severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 cell entry genes, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and transmembrane protease serine 2, in the placenta across human pregnancy and in paired samples of decidua and placenta in pregnancies complicated by preterm birth or preeclampsia compared with those in term uncomplicated pregnancies. The increased expression of these genes in the placenta in the first trimester of pregnancy compared with later stages suggests differential susceptibility to placental entry of SARS-CoV-2 across pregnancy.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Elizabeth Asztalos, Kellie E. Murphy, Stephen G. Matthews
Summary: Synthetic antenatal corticosteroids are commonly used in women at risk for preterm birth before 34 weeks of gestation, but there are concerns about their potential long-term effects on the fetal brain. Further research is needed to gather sufficient safety data, both short term and long term. Caution should be exercised in the use of antenatal corticosteroids until dosing strategies can be optimized and better identification of women at risk of preterm birth is achieved.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PERINATOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Education, Scientific Disciplines
Holly E. Bates, Shanna Lowes, Sarah L. West
Summary: This article discusses the importance of small-scale, individualized undergraduate research experiences based on established methods in filling the knowledge gap for undergraduate Biology students, particularly important for STEM students aspiring to non-research scientific careers and underrepresented STEM students.
ADVANCES IN PHYSIOLOGY EDUCATION
(2021)
Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Guinever E. Imperio, Phetcharawan Lye, Hafsah Mughis, Hirotaka Hamada, Enrrico Bloise, Stephen J. Lye, Stephen G. Matthews
Summary: This study demonstrated that hypoxia can regulate the expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in human brain endothelial cells, indicating potential susceptibility of the brain endothelium to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
MICROVASCULAR RESEARCH
(2021)
Editorial Material
Neurosciences
Jessica T. Y. Yue, Frank A. Duca, Tony K. T. Lam
Summary: A recent study found that the duodenum can distinguish between sugar and sweeteners, but the specific cells involved in this process remain unknown. Researchers engineered a flexible optic fiber for optogenetic manipulation of gut cells in mice, and found that silencing CCK cells in the duodenum reduced the preference for sugar and increased the intake of sweeteners. This study suggests that gut optogenetics may provide insights into how the gut-brain axis regulates feeding and glucose homeostasis.
NATURE NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Kyla Bruce, Rosa J. W. Li, Yumi Lim, Jessica T. Yue, Tony K. Lam
Article
Pediatrics
Derrick Ssewanyana, Julia A. Knight, Stephen G. Matthews, Jody Wong, Nadya Adel Khani, Jennifer Lye, Kellie E. Murphy, Kim Foshay, Justin Okeke, Stephen J. Lye, Rayjean J. Hung
Summary: This study suggests that moderate-severe prenatal psychological distress in early pregnancy is associated with poor cognition in children at the age of 4, and daily intake of prenatal vitamins does not ameliorate this association. The findings highlight the importance of early screening and treatment for prenatal maternal mental illness.
PEDIATRIC RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Aya Sasaki, Kellie E. Murphy, Laurent Briollais, Patrick O. McGowan, Stephen G. Matthews
Summary: Maternal obesity is a risk factor for childhood obesity and metabolic diseases in offspring. This study examined DNA methylation patterns in infants born to mothers with normal BMI and obesity, and found differential methylation regions associated with gene regulation. The findings support the developmental origins of health and disease paradigm, suggesting that adverse prenatal exposures can influence health trajectories.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Wrivu N. Martin, Carol A. Wang, Stephen J. Lye, Rebecca M. Reynolds, Stephen G. Matthews, Carly E. McLaughlin, Christopher Oldmeadow, Trevor A. Mori, Lawrence Beilin, Roger Smith, Craig E. Pennell
Summary: Animal and human data show independent relationships between fetal growth, HPA-A function, and adult cardiometabolic outcomes. While the association between fetal growth and adult cardiometabolic outcomes is well-established, the specific role of HPA-A in these relationships remains unclear.
JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL ORIGINS OF HEALTH AND DISEASE
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Margaret E. Eng, Guinever E. Imperio, Enrrico Bloise, Stephen G. Matthews
Summary: The blood-brain barrier plays an important role in protecting the developing brain from environmental toxins and xenobiotics. Drug transporters, such as P-gp and BCRP, are crucial for developmental homeostasis and fetal brain protection. Various factors can modulate the expression and function of these drug transporters, either increasing or inhibiting brain protection.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Pediatrics
Jennifer M. Lye, Julia A. Knight, Jasleen Arneja, Ryan A. Seeto, Jody Wong, Nadya Adel Khani, Jennifer D. Brooks, Robert D. Levitan, Stephen G. Matthews, Stephen J. Lye, Rayjean J. Hung
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between maternal acetaminophen use during pregnancy and cognitive development at 4 years old. Through data analysis and regression models, the study found no association between acetaminophen use and cognitive development in offspring.
PEDIATRIC RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Phetcharawan Lye, Enrrico Bloise, Guinever E. Imperio, David Chitayat, Stephen G. Matthews
Summary: There is limited information about the expression and function of the drug transporters P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) in the developing blood-brain barrier (BBB). In this study, primary human fetal brain endothelial cells (hfBECs) from early and mid-gestation brains were isolated and cultured to assess the expression and function of P-gp and BCRP. The results showed that both P-gp and BCRP are expressed and functionally competent in hfBECs from early and mid-gestation, indicating their potential role in the protective phenotype of the BBB during early stages of pregnancy.
Article
Developmental Biology
Robert D. Levitan, Maria Sqapi, Martin Post, Julia A. Knight, Stephen J. Lye, Stephen G. Matthews
Summary: This study found a correlation between maternal age and placental protein expression, which is related to fetal neurodevelopment.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Stepheny C. de Campos C. Zani, Ren Wang, Hellen Veida-Silva, Robin D. D. Clugston, Jessica T. Y. Yue, Marcelo A. A. Mori, Jianping Wu, Catherine B. B. Chan
Summary: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a global health problem and currently has no approved pharmacological treatment. This study found that a bioactive peptide derived from egg white (Peptide 2) improved insulin sensitivity and decreased hepatic steatosis in high-fat diet-fed mice. This peptide showed better effects than the insulin-sensitizing drug rosiglitazone.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Cindy X. W. Zhang, Justin C. Okeke, Robert D. Levitan, Kellie E. Murphy, Kim Foshay, Stephen J. Lye, Julia A. Knight, Stephen G. Matthews
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on postpartum depression and anxiety in pregnant women, highlighting the need for increased screening and interventions for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders in the postpartum period.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY MFM
(2022)