Article
Physiology
Pieter A. Arnold, Steven Delean, Phillip Cassey, Craig R. White
Summary: Individuals with relatively high RMR generally exhibit high fitness, possibly supported by increased energy intake. However, the nature of the RMR-fitness relationship varies depending on specific traits, and there is no consistent relationship between RMR and traits closely linked with actual fitness.
JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE PHYSIOLOGY B-BIOCHEMICAL SYSTEMS AND ENVIRONMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Fredrik Hoel, August Hoel, Ina K. N. Pettersen, Ingrid G. Rekeland, Kristin Risa, Kine Alme, Kari Sorland, Alexander Fossa, Katarina Lien, Ingrid Herder, Hanne L. Thurmer, Merete E. Gotaas, Christoph Schafer, Rolf K. Berge, Kristian Sommerfelt, Hans-Peter Marti, Olav Dahl, Olav Mella, Oystein Fluge, Karl J. Tronstad
Summary: ME/CFS is a debilitating disease that affects energy metabolism, with common and context-dependent metabolic changes found in patients. Elevated energy strain is likely a key symptom of ME/CFS, presenting a potential target for intervention.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Xin Dai, Yu-Xuan Han, Qiu-Yi Shen, Hao Tang, Li-Zhi Cheng, Feng-Ping Yang, Wan-Hong Wei, Sheng-Mei Yang
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between gut microbiota and food grinding behavior in rodents. The research found that food restriction resulted in changes in gut microbial abundance and metabolites, which significantly reduced food grinding. These findings suggest that reducing food supply can effectively inhibit food grinding in laboratory rodents.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jones Gyamfi, Jinyoung Kim, Junjeong Choi
Summary: Cancer is not only a genetic disease but also a result of metabolic dysregulation. Metabolic alterations in cancer cells, including key changes in glucose, glutamine, and fatty acid metabolism, are more common among different subtypes and types of cancer. Recognizing cancer as a metabolic disorder can reveal important diagnostic and treatment markers.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Meng Nie, Ke Yao, Xinsheng Zhu, Na Chen, Nan Xiao, Yi Wang, Bo Peng, LiAng Yao, Peng Li, Peng Zhang, Zeping Hu
Summary: Metabolic reprogramming occurs during cancer initiation and progression. The study deciphers metabolic trajectories from preneoplasia to lung adenocarcinoma in tumor samples and identifies plasma metabolites as potential predictive biomarkers for early detection.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Jixiang Du, Chao Zhang, Fuchen Liu, Xihan Liu, Dongdong Wang, Dandan Zhao, Guanghou Shui, Yuying Zhao, Chuanzhu Yan
Summary: This study aimed to elucidate the characteristic metabolic alterations and associated homeostatic regulation caused by TYMP deficiency. The results showed distinct metabolic profiles in patients with TYMP deficiency compared to those with the m.3243A > G mutation. TYMP deficiency leads to a global disruption of nucleoside metabolism and inhibits cholesterol and fatty acid metabolism. The findings suggest potential metabolite biomarkers that could be valuable clinical tools to improve the diagnosis of MNGIE. Overall, this study is important for expanding our knowledge of the biochemical outcome of TYMP deficiency in mitochondrial disorders.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR MEDICINE-JMM
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lisanne M. M. Gommers, Pieter A. Leermakers, Jenny van der Wijst, Sara R. Roig, Anastasia Adella, Melissa A. E. van de Wal, Rene J. M. Bindels, Jeroen H. F. de Baaij, Joost G. J. Hoenderop
Summary: This study reveals that butyrate, as an endogenous substance, directly inhibits intestinal magnesium absorption. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of butyrate on magnesium uptake is independent of metabolic regulation. This finding highlights the significance of microbial fermentation in the regulation of mineral absorption.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Review
Physiology
Xiaomeng Shi, Hongyu Qiu
Summary: This review highlights the importance of cardiac energy metabolism in cardiac pathogenesis and physiological adaptation, and provides updated findings regarding metabolic remodeling in the heart. The study of basic metabolic profiles in different conditions contributes to understanding the significance of metabolic regulation in the heart and exploring novel therapeutic strategies for cardiac diseases.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Debora Maria Soares de Souza, Maria Claudia Silva, Silvia Elvira Barros Farias, Ana Paula de J. Menezes, Cristiane Maria Milanezi, Karine de P. Lucio, Nivia Carolina N. Paiva, Paula Melo de Abreu, Daniela Caldeira Costa, Kelerson Mauro de Castro Pinto, Guilherme de Paula Costa, Joao Santana Silva, Andre Talvani
Summary: The study showed that tissue from mice subjected to a lard diet was more favorable for the growth of T. cruzi parasites, supporting the hypothesis of a relationship between the source of dietary lipids and parasite-induced immunopathology.
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tao Shen, Tingting Wang
Summary: Plenty of research has shown significant changes in metabolism due to COVID-19, leading to the perspective that COVID-19 is a metabolic disease. Reprogramming of amino acid, glucose, cholesterol and fatty acid is a distinctive characteristic of COVID-19 infection, offering new insights into COVID-19 pathophysiology. This metabolic reprogramming provides opportunities for developing novel biomarkers and therapeutic agents for effective adjuvant therapies against COVID-19 infection.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sara Tucci, Khaled Ibrahim Alatibi, Zeinab Wehbe
Summary: This work summarizes recent findings on metabolic flexibility and its implications in diseases such as VLCADD and ACSF3 deficiency, discussing the role of mitochondrial fatty acid metabolism in maintaining energy homeostasis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Jacopo Di Gregorio, Sabrina Petricca, Roberto Iorio, Elena Toniato, Vincenzo Flati
Summary: Metabolic alterations, including enhanced aerobic glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, gluconeogenesis, and fatty acid beta-oxidation, play crucial roles in the development and survival of cancers.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CELL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wen Ya Su, Lu Yao Tian, Lan Pin Guo, Lu Qi Huang, Wen Yuan Gao
Summary: Tumor metabolic reprogramming is closely associated with oncogenic signaling. Not only mutations or deletion of oncogenes, but also the reprogramming of cellular metabolism play a crucial role in tumorigenesis. The PI3K/AKT signaling pathway mediates the metabolic switch in cancer cells and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. PI3K/AKT regulates multiple steps of metabolism, including glucose, lipids, and amino acids, and targeting this pathway could effectively impede the oncogenic process and serve as biomarkers for tumor diagnosis and treatment. This review summarizes the significant impact of PI3K/AKT signaling on tumor metabolism, providing better understanding for therapeutic strategies targeting cancer cell metabolism.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-REVIEWS ON CANCER
(2023)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Sarah L. Armour, Jade E. Stanley, James Cantley, E. Danielle Dean, Jakob G. Knudsen
Summary: Glucagon and its producing cells, pancreatic islet alpha cells, have remained enigmatic in relation to insulin-producing beta cells. However, recent data suggest a more holistic model of metabolic signaling, involving the regulation of multiple nutrients and reciprocal feedback to regulate glucagon secretion and alpha cell mass.
JOURNAL OF ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Physiology
Kaitlyn M. J. H. Dennis, Lisa C. C. Heather
Summary: Numerous cellular proteins undergo post-translation modification through the addition of lipid groups, such as myristoylation and palmitoylation, which impact protein structure, localization, stability, and binding affinity. Palmitoylation, involving the covalent attachment of a 16-carbon saturated fatty acyl chain to a cysteine, is unique as it is reversible and enzyme-driven, rapidly affecting protein targeting and subcellular trafficking. Palmitoylation is catalyzed by palmitoyl acyltransferases (DHHCs), while the reverse reaction is catalyzed by acyl-protein thioesterases (APTs).
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Zoology
Thomas Ruf, Claudia Bieber
Summary: This article examines the ultimate selective advantages of hibernation, focusing on the edible dormouse. The study finds that predator avoidance is one of the primary reasons for hibernation in this species.
Article
Physiology
Thomas Ruf, M. Michel, F. Frey-Roos, S. Flatz, F. Tataruch
Summary: Organ mass in alpine marmots is significantly correlated with basal metabolic rate (BMR), suggesting that the digestive system and organs involved in digestion are metabolically expensive. The mass of abdominal white adipose tissue (WAT) and the remaining carcass are also correlated with BMR, indicating that even low metabolic rate tissues such as WAT can be costly to maintain. The uptake of fat by marmots prior to hibernation enables them to hibernate without food intake and reproduce in spring but at the expense of an elevated BMR.
JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE PHYSIOLOGY B-BIOCHEMICAL SYSTEMS AND ENVIRONMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biology
Mari Aas Fjelldal, Clare Stawski, Rune Soras, Jonathan Wright
Summary: Technological advancements have allowed for the measurement of skin or body temperatures in small animals, leading to debates on how to accurately define torpor. This study proposes a quantitative method for defining torpor entries, arousals, and stable torpor periods, providing insight into individual use of torpor. By avoiding strict threshold values, the researchers identified potential underestimations of torpor bout durations. Differentiating between torpor phases, particularly active arousals, is crucial for evaluating energetic savings gained through torpor use.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Wenjing You, Shiqi Liu, Jianfei Ji, Defeng Ling, Yuang Tu, Yanbing Zhou, Wentao Chen, Teresa G. Valencak, Yizhen Wang, Tizhong Shan
Summary: The study identifies GADD45A as a critical regulator of muscle repair and fat infiltration and suggests that EGCG may be a potential strategy to combat fat infiltration and its associated muscle dysfunction.
JOURNAL OF CACHEXIA SARCOPENIA AND MUSCLE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jia-Jin Wu, Senlin Zhu, Yi-Fan Tang, Fengfei Gu, Teresa G. Valencak, Jian-Xin Liu, Hui-Zeng Sun
Summary: By conducting single-cell RNA sequencing on the rumen and intestinal tissues of newborn and adult cattle, researchers have found that the transcriptomic profile of newborn ruminants is more random and unstable compared to adults. The development of the forestomach in newborn calves is driven by epithelial progenitor-like cells with high DNA repair and methylation activities. In addition, the microbiota, specifically Megasphaera genus, plays a role in regulating the transcriptional plasticity of epithelial progenitor-like cells. A specific cell type, STOML3+, is found to be newborn-specific and crucial for stemness maintenance in the liver microenvironment.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Feiwei Cao, Qinchao Ding, Hui Zhuge, Shanglei Lai, Kaixin Chang, Chunyan Le, Guorong Yang, Teresa G. Valencak, Songtao Li, Daxi Ren
Summary: This study found that Lactobacillus plantarum ZJUIDS14 has a protective effect against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in a high-fat diet-induced mouse model. The probiotic alleviated hepatic steatosis, liver damage, insulin resistance, and increased the expression of PPAR-alpha while activating AMPK. It also improved mitochondrial function and restored intestinal flora, providing an experimental basis for further exploration of L. plantarum ZJUIDS14 as a potential candidate for NAFLD prevention.
FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Qinchao Zhu, Xuhao Zhou, Yanan Zhang, Di Ye, Kang Yu, Wangbei Cao, Liwen Zhang, Houwei Zheng, Ziyang Sun, Chengchen Guo, Xiaoqian Hong, Yang Zhu, Yajun Zhang, Ying Xiao, Teresa G. Valencak, Tanchen Ren, Daxi Ren
Summary: This study presents a natural milk-derived casein hydrogel bioadhesive that can rapidly gelate under different light sources, enabling its convenient usage during emergency first-aid and minimally invasive surgeries. The casein hydrogel exhibits excellent hemostatic and wound healing abilities, and can serve as a promising solution for emergency wound management.
BIOMATERIALS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Luc Kieffer, Rune Soras, Tomasz M. Ciesielski, Clare Stawski
Summary: To assess the impact of increasing pollutant levels on wildlife, chemical contaminant loads in bats were measured. The concentrations of 55 elements in bat fur were measured using ICP-MS. Variations in element concentrations were analyzed, with a focus on arsenic, mercury, and lead. The results indicate potential dangers to bat health and offspring due to high levels of chemical contamination, emphasizing the conservation concern for these important insect control agents.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Julia Nowack, Clare Stawski, Fritz Geiser, Danielle L. Levesque
Summary: Torpor, traditionally believed to be a winter survival mechanism for animals in cold habitats, is not limited to Northern hemisphere species and can be triggered by various factors. Our macroanalysis of torpor use in mammal species reveals that predictable, seasonal torpor patterns observed in temperate and polar species are highly evolved forms, while the opportunistic and variable forms seen in tropical species are likely closer to ancestral patterns. These findings emphasize that torpor patterns in the tropics should be considered as the norm rather than the exception.
INTEGRATIVE AND COMPARATIVE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Physiology
Jessica M. Hoffman, Britta Schmitz, Johannes U. Pfabe, Sarah A. Ohrnberger, Teresa G. Valencak
Summary: Lactation is a demanding process that results in excess heat production, which can limit milk production. In this study, we used hairless mice as a model to examine the effects of improved heat dissipation. Surprisingly, cold exposure resulted in increased food intake but smaller weight pups. This suggests that in this mouse strain, maternal fitness is prioritized over offspring fitness. Further research is needed to understand the interaction between maternal effects and offspring fitness in the context of heat dissipation limitations.
JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE PHYSIOLOGY B-BIOCHEMICAL SYSTEMS AND ENVIRONMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Adne M. Nafstad, Bernt Ronning, Kenneth Aase, Thor Harald Ringsby, Ingerid J. Hagen, Peter S. Ranke, Thomas Kvalnes, Clare Stawski, Katja Raesaenen, Bernt-Erik Saether, Stefanie Muff, Henrik Jensen
Summary: The study explores the evolutionary potential of basal metabolic rate (BMR) in two populations of house sparrows. The results indicate that BMR is genetically correlated with body mass and has the potential to evolve independently of it. The spatial population structure also affects the evolutionary potential of BMR.
JOURNAL OF EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Virology
Elfi K. Schlohsarczyk, Stephan Drewes, Pawel Koteja, Susanne Roehrs, Rainer G. Ulrich, Jens P. Teifke, Christiane Herden
Summary: This study investigated the tropism, pathological changes, and endoparasite coinfections in PUUV-infected bank voles. The results showed that PUUV caused persistent infection in bank voles and had a broad organ tropism, particularly affecting the kidney and stomach. Additionally, PUUV-infected voles were frequently coinfected with Hepatozoon spp. and Sarcocystis (Frenkelia) spp. The findings provide important insights into virus-host interactions in natural hantavirus reservoirs.
Article
Ecology
Luca Corlatti, Rupert Palme, Teresa G. Valencak, Kimberlina Marie Gomez
Summary: Chronic stress in wildlife can have negative effects on individual fitness, including increased likelihood of disease and parasitic infections. This study investigated the relationship between forage quality and stress levels in Alpine chamois, using fecal cortisol metabolites as indicators of stress. The results suggest that higher quality forage is associated with decreased stress hormones during the summer months.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Fengfei Gu, Senlin Zhu, Yifan Tang, Xiaohan Liu, Minghui Jia, Nilusha Malmuthuge, Teresa G. Valencak, Joseph W. McFadden, Jian-Xin Liu, Hui-Zeng Sun
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between postpartum immunosuppression in dairy cows with excessive lipolysis and the gut microbiome. It was found that immune cell functions were downregulated in cows with excessive lipolysis, and certain bacterial species in the gut microbiome were associated with this condition. Further analysis revealed that the synthesis of secondary bile acids (SBA) was significantly activated in cows with excessive lipolysis. The study concluded that altered microbial SBA synthesis may lead to postpartum immunosuppression.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Ortal Mizrahy-Rewald, Natalie Winkler, Frederik Amann, Katharina Neugebauer, Bernhard Voelkl, Herwig A. Grogger, Thomas Ruf, Johannes Fritz
Summary: The position and shape of biologging devices significantly influence flight distance, heart rate, and energy expenditure of birds. Unfavorable shape and positioning increase the effort required during flapping flight and impair the ability to glide or soar. The position of the devices also affects the length of flight stages. Optimizing the shape and position of the devices can reduce detrimental effects on bird performance and behavior.
ANIMAL BIOTELEMETRY
(2023)