Review
Oncology
Yan Tan, Mina Wang, Ke Yang, Tiange Chi, Zehuan Liao, Peng Wei
Summary: PPAR modulators have the potential to play a significant role in cancer treatment, as they can regulate various biological behaviors of cancer cells and have broad application prospects.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Bianca Seminotti, Mateus Grings, Jerry Vockley, Guilhian Leipnitz
Summary: Inherited metabolic disorders (IMDs) are genetic disorders that disrupt specific metabolic pathways, leading to biochemical, clinical, and pathophysiological consequences. Secondary mitochondrial dysfunction, particularly oxidative phosphorylation impairment and elevated reactive oxygen species, has been found to play a crucial role in many of these disorders. Peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), a group of nuclear hormone receptors, regulate various cellular functions and processes, including oxidative stress response, inflammation, lipid metabolism, and mitochondrial bioenergetics. Activation of PPARs has shown to improve oxidative phosphorylation and reduce reactive species levels, making pharmacological treatment with PPAR activators a promising approach for IMDs. This review summarizes preclinical and clinical data on the effects of PPARs in IMDs.
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Daria Schneider-Matyka, Anna Maria Cybulska, Malgorzata Szkup, Bogumila Pilarczyk, Mariusz Panczyk, Agnieszka Tomza-Marciniak, Elzbieta Grochans
Summary: The study examined the relationship between selenium and PPAR-gamma in the health of middle-aged women. Results showed that selenium may affect the expression of the PPAR-gamma gene and influence waist circumference and the occurrence of hypertension. Women with higher selenium levels had higher HDL levels in the group meeting the criteria for metabolic syndrome.
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Zhicheng Sun, Xiyang Wang, Zhenchao Xu
Summary: The SIRT family of proteins, including SIRT1, plays vital roles in various biological functions, with polydatin being considered a potential activator of SIRT1. Polydatin's mechanisms involve signaling pathways with related molecules like PGC-1 alpha, Nrf2, p38-MAPK, NLPR3 inflammasome, and p53, regulating metabolism and potentially serving as a pharmacological target.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Faiz-ul Faiz-ul Hassan, M. Saif-ur Rehman, Maryam Javed, Khalil Ahmad, Israr Fatima, Muhammad Safdar, Noman Ashraf, Asif Nadeem
Summary: This study identified two phytochemicals, quercetin-3-o-rhamnoside and (-)-epicatechingallate, as potential ligands for modulating bovine PPAR alpha function through molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. These compounds showed high binding affinity, stability, and favorable pharmacokinetic properties, making them potential drug candidates for preventing disease mechanisms associated with PPAR alpha.
JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Donna D. Yu, Gregg Van Citters, Hongzhi Li, Brian M. Stoltz, Barry M. Forman
Summary: The study demonstrates that the novel selective PPAR alpha modulators DY series activate PPAR alpha by up-regulating PPAR alpha target genes directly involved in NAFLD and NASH. The design and evaluation of these modulators provide a new approach for the treatment of NAFLD and NASH.
BIOORGANIC & MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Carlos Villarroel-Vicente, Sergio Gutierrez-Palomo, Jordi Ferri, Diego Cortes, Nuria Cabedo
Summary: Natural products and synthetic analogs are potential therapeutic drugs for metabolic syndrome by activating the transcriptional activity of PPARs and managing obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and non-fatty liver disease. Compounds like quercetin, resveratrol, and curcumin have shown beneficial effects on patients. Further large-scale clinical trials may be needed for promising compounds.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Mohammad H. Mirhakkak, Sascha Schaeuble, Tilman E. Klassert, Sascha Brunke, Philipp Brandt, Daniel Loos, Ruben Uribe, Felipe Senne de Oliveira Lino, Yueqiong Ni, Slavena Vylkova, Hortense Slevogt, Bernhard Hube, Glen J. Weiss, Morten O. A. Sommer, Gianni Panagiotou
Summary: The study reconstructed a metabolic model of Candida albicans to investigate bacterial-fungal metabolic interactions in the gut, predicting key gut bacterial species modulating C. albicans colonization levels. The findings were confirmed through metagenomic sequencing and fungal growth experiments, demonstrating the potential impact of gut microbiome on harmful levels of C. albicans.
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Somaya Albhaisi, Arun J. Sanyal
Summary: NAFLD has become a leading cause of chronic liver disease globally, closely linked to metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease. Metabolic inflexibility is considered a key factor in the progression of NAFLD to NASH and cirrhosis.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biology
Maria M. Bayliak, Tetiana R. Dmytriv, Antonina Melnychuk, Nadia Strilets, Kenneth B. Storey, Volodymyr Lushchak
Summary: Obesity is a growing health concern associated with various metabolic disorders. Herbal products containing biologically active compounds, such as antioxidant polyphenols, can help counteract obesity-related oxidative stress. Chamomilla, commonly known as chamomile, is a medicinal plant with high content of phenolic compounds and essential oils, demonstrating antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, sedative, and gastrointestinal function improving effects. Recent studies have shown positive effects of chamomile preparations in preventing obesity and diabetes complications, involving modulation of signaling pathways. Chamomile's potential in managing obesity may be underestimated and its molecular mechanisms in anti-obesity effects are of interest.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yuki Kitamura, Shinji Oikawa, Jie Chang, Yurie Mori, Gaku Ichihara, Sahoko Ichihara
Summary: This study used 2D-Oxyblot and 2D-DIGE techniques to analyze carbonylated proteins induced by oxidative stress in a metabolic syndrome animal model, as well as changes in protein expression levels in adipose tissue at different stages of the syndrome. The results showed that up-regulated proteins at the pre-symptomatic stage were mainly involved in ATP production and redox reactions, while down-regulated proteins at the symptomatic stage were associated with antioxidant activity and the TCA cycle. Increased levels of carbonylated proteins, including gelsolin, may contribute to the oxidative stress state and progression of metabolic syndrome.
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Fatemeh Mahboobifard, Mohammad H. Pourgholami, Masoumeh Jorjani, Leila Dargahi, Mina Amiri, Somaye Sadeghi, Fahimeh Ramezani Tehrani
Summary: This article reviews the current understanding of estrogen's role in regulating energy balance at central and peripheral levels. It discusses the importance of estrogen signaling through nuclear and extranuclear pathways, the influence of sex differences on metabolic disorders, and the clinical significance of estrogen signaling in abnormal metabolic conditions such as obesity or high-fat diets. The review highlights research gaps in our understanding of metabolic diseases and their potential impact on developing more effective treatment options.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jiu-Qiang Xiong, Xin Qi, Jing-Yu Qin
Summary: This study investigated the metabolic perturbations in a freshwater microalga caused by sulfacetamide (SFM), an antibiotic. The results revealed that SFM disrupted energy metabolism and induced upregulation of genes related to tolerance against SFM. Moreover, the study also provided insights into the molecular mechanisms of antibiotics' ecotoxicological effects on microalgae.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Jinyu Li, Longqing Shi, Wei Chen, Yi Mao, Liette Vasseur, Geoff Gurr, Minsheng You, Shijun You
Summary: The study on the tea green leafhopper found that climatic differences play a significant role in the subpopulation differentiation of the leafhopper, which explains the observed increase in outbreak frequency under climate change. This study also demonstrates the usefulness of molecular genetic approaches in studying the effects of environmental heterogeneity on natural population genetic variation.
ENTOMOLOGIA GENERALIS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Khushboo Borah, Tom A. Mendum, Nathaniel D. Hawkins, Jane L. Ward, Michael H. Beale, Gerald Larrouy-Maumus, Apoorva Bhatt, Martine Moulin, Michael Haertlein, Gernot Strohmeier, Harald Pichler, V. Trevor Forsyth, Stephan Noack, Celia W. Goulding, Johnjoe McFadden, Dany J. Beste
Summary: Mycobacterium tuberculosis requires co-catabolism of host-derived carbon substrates for infection, showing metabolic plasticity in utilizing cholesterol or glycerol in combination with two-carbon generating substrates. The partitioning of flux between the TCA cycle, glyoxylate shunt, and reversible methyl citrate cycle are critical metabolic nodes for Mtb’s nutritional flexibility. These findings provide novel insights into Mtb's adaptability to divergent carbon substrates.
MOLECULAR SYSTEMS BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Daniel Cuervo-Zanatta, Tauqeerunnisa Syeda, Vicente Sanchez-Valle, Mariangel Irene-Fierro, Pablo Torres-Aguilar, Monica Adriana Torres-Ramos, Mineko Shibayama-Salas, Angelica Silva-Olivares, Lilia G. Noriega, Nimbe Torres, Armando R. Tovar, Ivan Ruminot, L. Felipe Barros, Jaime Garcia-Mena, Claudia Perez-Cruz
Summary: Fiber intake is associated with a lower risk for Alzheimer's disease in older adults. The neuroprotective effects of fiber intake may depend on the modulation of gut microbiota dysbiosis and specific actions of short-chain fatty acids in brain cells.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Luis E. Gonzalez-Salazar, Aurora E. Serralde-Zuniga, Adriana Flores-Lopez, Juan P. Diaz-Sanchez, Isabel Medina-Vera, Edgar Pichardo-Ontiveros, Rocio Guizar-Heredia, Karla G. Hernandez-Gomez, Ana Vigil-Martinez, Liliana Arteaga-Sanchez, Azalia Avila-Nava, Natalia Vazquez-Manjarrez, Nimbe Torres, Armando R. Tovar, Martha Guevara-Cruz
Summary: The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of adiposity-based chronic disease (ABCD) and its association with anthropometric indices in the Mexican population. The results showed that the prevalence of ABCD was 87.4%, increasing with age. This suggests that obesity-related complications are common in this population.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jeremy J. Ratiu, William E. Barclay, Elliot Lin, Qun Wang, Sebastian Wellford, Naren Mehta, Melissa J. Harnois, Devon DiPalma, Sumedha Roy, Alejandra V. Contreras, Mari L. Shinohara, David Wiest, Yuan Zhuang
Summary: The study uncovers the role of transcription factor Zfp335 in regulating survival of post-beta-selection thymocytes via the cGAS/STING pathway, providing insights into an important regulatory mechanism in T cell development.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Darrell B. Newman, Ramin Garmany, Alejandra Meza Contreras, J. Martijn Bos, Jonathan N. Johnson, Jeffrey B. Geske, Thomas G. Allison, Steve R. Ommen, Michael J. Ackerman
Summary: Patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy have traditionally been restricted from participating in sports due to the perceived risk of sudden cardiac death. However, recent research suggests that competitive athletics may be relatively safe for these patients. This study investigated cardiopulmonary exercise testing in athletes with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and identified clinical characteristics associated with aerobic capacity.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Rocio Guizar-Heredia, Lilia G. Noriega, Ana Leonor Rivera, Osbaldo Resendis-Antonio, Martha Guevara-Cruz, Nimbe Torres, Armando R. Tovar
Summary: A prolonged and elevated postprandial glucose response (PPGR) is a key factor in the development of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes, and can be prevented through dietary interventions. However, dietary recommendations alone have not always been successful in preventing alterations in PPGR, as it is also influenced by genetics, body composition, gut microbiota, and other factors. Recent advancements in continuous glucose monitoring and machine learning have made it possible to predict the effects of different dietary foods on PPGRs, allowing for personalized dietary recommendations. Additional components such as nutrigenomics, nutrigenetics, and metabolomics can further enhance the predictive algorithms. This review summarizes the evidence and future prospects of personalized nutrition in preventing PPGR and improving metabolic diseases.
ARCHIVES OF MEDICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Sofia Moran-Ramos, Daniel Cerqueda-Garcia, Blanca Lopez-Contreras, Elena Larrieta-Carrasco, Hugo Villamil-Ramirez, Selene Molina-Cruz, Nimbe Torres, Monica Sanchez-Tapia, Rogelio Hernandez-Pando, Carlos Aguilar-Salinas, Teresa Villarreal-Molina, Samuel Canizales-Quinteros
Summary: This study aimed to characterize the gut microbiome composition of patients with obesity and biopsy-proven NAFLD. The study found that Parabacteroides distasonis and Alistipes putredenis were enriched in fatty liver patients but not in NASH patients. Furthermore, individuals with a Prevotella copri dominant bacterial community were more likely to develop NASH, possibly due to higher intestinal permeability and lower capacity for butyrate production.
JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Maria E. Meneses, Daniel Martinez-Carrera, Laura Gonzalez-Ibanez, Nimbe Torres, Monica Sanchez-Tapia, Claudia C. Marquez-Mota, Gilmar Rendon, Vladimir Mitzi, Alfredo Morales, Isaac Tello-Salgado, Armando R. Tovar
Summary: Well-characterized and standardized extracts of a Mexican genotype of Ganoderma lucidum cultivated on oak sawdust (Gl-1) or oak sawdust plus acetylsalicylic acid (Gl-2, ASA) were administered to rats for 14 days to assess toxicity. The extracts showed no significant adverse effects on the rats, including on the liver, kidney, biochemical parameters, inflammatory responses, and gut microbiota.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Monica Sanchez-Tapia, Alberto Mimenza-Alvarado, Lizbeth Granados-Dominguez, Adriana Flores-Lopez, Adriana Lopez-Barradas, Victor Ortiz, Claudia Perez-Cruz, Hilda Sanchez-Vidal, Julieta Hernandez-Acosta, Jose Alberto Avila-Funes, Martha Guevara-Cruz, Armando R. Tovar, Nimbe Torres
Summary: Currently, the number of individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia (D) is increasing. This study investigated the role of tau protein, beta-amyloid, LPS, and curli protein in elderly individuals with MCI or D, as well as the contribution of gut microbiota. The results showed that as individuals aged, tau protein, beta-amyloid, and LPS increased significantly in serum during MCI and D. This was associated with an increase in the abundance of E. coli that synthesize the amyloid protein curli, leading to the aggregation of amyloid proteins. Rats also exhibited an increase in curli protein abundance in the brain with aging. Thus, an alteration in the gut microbiota-brain axis, characterized by an increase in curli protein and LPS, contributes to cognitive impairment and dementia through the increase in tau and beta-amyloid protein.
Article
Plant Sciences
Azalia Avila-Nava, Joshua Ayork Acevedo-Carabantes, Itzayana Alamilla-Martinez, Sandra Tobon-Cornejo, Ivan Torre-Villalvazo, Armando R. Tovar, Nimbe Torres, Lilia G. Noriega
Summary: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Chaya leaf extracts on mitochondrial bioenergetics and fatty acid oxidation in muscle cells and liver cells. The results showed that Chaya leaf extracts have antioxidant activity and can increase mitochondrial function and fatty acid oxidation in liver cells, indicating their potential in treating metabolic diseases.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Laura Patricia Arellano-Gomez, Alejandra Jauregui, Claudia Nieto, Alejandra Contreras-Manzano, Kathia Larissa Quevedo, Christine M. White, James F. Thrasher, Rachel E. Davis, David Hammond, Simon Barquera
Summary: The study found high awareness and use of front-of-package warning labels in Mexico shortly after implementation. The sweetener disclaimer seemed to help consumers change their perceptions of industrialised beverages designed for children. Further research may help improve regulations and communication strategies.
PUBLIC HEALTH NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Laura Gonzalez-Ibanez, Maria E. Meneses, Monica Sanchez-Tapia, Daniel Perez-Luna, Nimbe Torres, Ivan Torre-Villalvazo, Myrna Bonilla, Beatriz Petlacalco, Ivan Castillo, Adriana Lopez-Barradas, Antonio Macias, Armando R. Tovar, Daniel Martinez-Carrera
Summary: Obesity is a global public health problem, and functional foods, such as edible and medicinal mushrooms, can be used as a strategy to treat obesity. In a study with Wistar rats, the consumption of these mushrooms showed significant effects in reducing weight gain, fat mass, serum lipid parameters, and preventing adipocyte hypertrophy and collagen deposition. Mushroom consumption also reduced endoplasmic reticulum stress and inflammation while increasing adiponectin expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue, surpassing the effects of the commercial drug atorvastatin. Thus, bioactive compounds from edible, functional, and medicinal mushrooms represent promising natural therapies for obesity treatments.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rebeca Fuentes-Romero, Laura A. A. Velazquez-Villegas, Sarai Vasquez-Reyes, Berenice Perez-Jimenez, Zuleima N. Dominguez N. Velazquez, Monica Sanchez-Tapia, Ariana Vargas-Castillo, Sandra Tobon-Cornejo, Adriana M. M. Lopez-Barradas, Valentin Mendoza, Nimbe Torres, Fernando Lopez-Casillas, Armando R. R. Tovar
Summary: Genistein, an isoflavone found in soybeans, has been shown to activate the thermogenic program in subcutaneous white adipose tissue (scWAT) in mice, leading to increased UCP1 expression. This effect is mediated through the interaction of genistein with estrogen and cAMP response elements on the UCP1 promoter. These findings provide mechanistic insights into genistein's role in thermogenesis and suggest its potential therapeutic applications for metabolic disorders.
Meeting Abstract
Endocrinology & Metabolism
A. Granich, A. Contreras, A. Cantoral, I Ramirez, L. Avila-Jimenez, Lund D. Christensen, Groth L. Grunnett, Kragelund K. Nielsen, Rivera J. A. Dommarco, H. Lamadrid-Figueroa
ANNALS OF NUTRITION AND METABOLISM
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Endocrinology & Metabolism
N. Torres
ANNALS OF NUTRITION AND METABOLISM
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Oncology
Powel H. Brown, Abhijit Mazumdar, William Tahaney, Jamal Hill, Yun Zhang, Sumankalai Ramachandran, Jitesh Kawedia, Jing Qian, Alejandra Contreras, Michelle Savage, Lana Vornik
CANCER PREVENTION RESEARCH
(2023)