Article
Food Science & Technology
Hong Xu, Hang Gao, Feiyue Liu, Lingxiao Gong
Summary: This study found that red-skin extracts from lotus seeds can significantly improve obesity characteristics in high-fat-diet-fed mice by regulating lipoprotein lipase activity.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Junting Xie, Xiaoning Hou, Wanshi He, Jie Xiao, Yong Cao, Xiaojuan Liu
Summary: Although the specific action site and signal pathway of astaxanthin in weight loss remain unclear, this study used Caenorhabditis elegans to shed light on its efficacy and specific action sites. The supplementation of 60 μM astaxanthin significantly reduced fat deposition and triglyceride levels and prevented obesity caused by excessive energy accumulation. These effects were induced by sbp-1/mdt-15 and insulin/insulin-like growth factor pathways, and co-regulated the down-regulation of specific sites fat-6 and fat-7.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Kathryn M. Spitler, Shwetha K. Shetty, Emily M. Cushing, Kelli L. Sylvers-Davie, Brandon S. J. Davies
Summary: Hepatocyte-specific loss of ANGPTL4 does not improve triglyceride phenotypes during high-fat feeding, but these mice show improved glucose tolerance after chronic high-fat diet. Additionally, Angptl4(LivKO) mice have decreased fasting plasma triglyceride levels after an 18-h fast, but not after a 6-h fast.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-ENDOCRINOLOGY AND METABOLISM
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Xinbo Zhou, Junjie Zhang, Yutong Sun, Jian Shen, Bo Sun, Qingquan Ma
Summary: This study found that glutamine (Gln) has a positive effect on liver steatosis and promotes hepatic homeostasis by improving glucose metabolism and regulating signaling pathways. Obese mice fed with Gln had higher levels of colonic short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and lower levels of inflammation factor proteins, and a decrease in the abundance of Firmicutes bacteria was observed.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiaoyu Yang, Jing Li, Liting Zhao, Yazhuo Chen, Zhijun Cui, Taotao Xu, Xu Li, Shufang Wu, Yan Zhang
Summary: The study reveals that Ddr2 plays a crucial role in the crosstalk between fat and bone. Manipulation of the Ddr2 gene in adipocytes reduces fat accumulation while increasing bone mass and mechanical properties. This mechanism may be achieved by enhancing osteoblast growth and suppressing marrow adipocytes.
CELL DEATH AND DIFFERENTIATION
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Virginia Actis Dato, Gustavo Alberto Chiabrando
Summary: Studies have shown that α-2 Macroglobulin activated protein enhances insulin-induced glucose uptake in myocardium by promoting GLUT4 recycling through PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK signaling pathways and reduces intracellular cholesteryl ester accumulation. This antagonist action on LRP1 counteracts the detrimental effects of aggregated LDL in cardiomyocytes, potentially offering therapeutic implications for cardiovascular diseases associated with hypercholesterolemia.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yuchen Sun, Bo Sun, Zhishen Wang, Yinfeng Lv, Qingquan Ma
Summary: Branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) have various functions in metabolism and protein synthesis. The effects of low or high dietary BCAA on metabolic health are controversial due to different experimental conditions. This study in lean mice found that a diet without BCAA caused metabolic disorders, weight loss, and hormonal imbalances, while diets with supplemented BCAA improved lipid and glucose metabolism. Significant differences were observed between low and high dietary BCAA. These findings provide evidence and reference for understanding the effects of different BCAA levels in the long term.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Teresa Vezza, Jose Garrido-Mesa, Patricia Diez-Echave, Laura Hidalgo-Garcia, Antonio J. Ruiz-Malagon, Federico Garcia, Manuel Sanchez, Marta Toral, Miguel Romero, Juan Duarte, Enrique Guillamon, Alberto Banos, Rocio Moron, Julio Galvez, Alba Rodriguez-Nogales, Maria Elena Rodriguez-Cabezas
Summary: The study found that propyl propane thiosulfonate (PTSO) helps reduce weight gain, improve plasma markers, and attenuate obesity-associated inflammation, improving gut barrier integrity.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Elaine Soares, Aruanna C. Soares, Patricia Leticia Trindade, Elisa B. Monteiro, Fabiane F. Martins, Andrew J. Forgie, Kim O. P. Inada, Graziele F. de Bem, Angela Resende, Daniel Perrone, Vanessa Souza-Mello, Francisco Tomas-Barberan, Benjamin P. Willing, Mariana Monteiro, Julio B. Daleprane
Summary: The study showed that polyphenol-rich jaboticaba peel and seed powder improved non-alcoholic fatty liver disease induced by a high-fat diet, through ameliorating gut microbial community structure and reducing symptoms of metabolic syndrome.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Juliana Sales Rodrigues Costa, Graciene Fernandes Araujo Campos Fonseca, Natielle Cecilia dos Santos Ottone, Patrick Almeida Silva, Romulo Fernandes Antonaccio, Gabriela Silva, Maira da Silva Almeida Rocha, Candido Celso Coimbra, Elizabethe Adriana Esteves, Zachary A. Mang, Fabiano Trigueiro Amorim, Flavio de Castro Magalhaes
Summary: Strength training can improve insulin resistance and glucose tolerance through mitochondrial adaptation in skeletal muscle, increased skeletal muscle Hsp72, and reduced adipocyte size in visceral fat.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Thiago dos Reis Araujo, Mariana Roberta Rodrigues Muniz, Bruna Lourenconi Alves, Lohanna Monali Barreto dos Santos, Maressa Fernandes Bonfim, Joel Alves da Silva Junior, Jean Franciesco Vettorazzi, Claudio Cesar Zoppi, Everardo Magalhaes Carneiro
Summary: Early childhood malnutrition may lead to the onset of obesity and diabetes mellitus in adulthood. The study found that tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) has beneficial effects on glucose homeostasis and body fat accumulation in protein-restricted mice. TUDCA reduces obesity, improves metabolic flexibility, and restores glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity through multiple pathways, serving as a potential strategy to reverse metabolic disorders.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Aphichat Trakooncharoenvit, Hiroshi Hara, Tohru Hira
Summary: This study found that a combination of soybean fiber and AGIQ can improve quercetin bioavailability, enhance glucose metabolism, and reduce the risk of glucose intolerance in rats fed an obesogenic diet.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Tengteng Ji, Bing Fang, Fang Wu, Yaqiong Liu, Le Cheng, Yixuan Li, Ran Wang, Longjiao Zhu
Summary: The number of obese people is increasing worldwide due to high-fat diets causing excess energy intake. A 12-week dietary intervention study on high-fat diet-induced obese mice showed that changing the diet significantly reduced weight gain and subcutaneous adipose tissue weight. Diet change also affected lipolysis, lipogenesis, and the proportion of adipocyte stem cells in different fat tissues.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rui Li, Zhaozhao He, Wenyong Yan, He Yu, Xudong Yi, Yiwen Sha, Qiming Zhang, Rui Cai, Weijun Pang
Summary: The study found that tricaprylin has beneficial effects on intestinal health in high-fat diet-fed mice, improving intestinal morphology, digestive enzyme activity, and intestinal barrier function. However, it does not reduce fat deposition in the high-fat diet.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rui Li, Zhaozhao He, Wenyong Yan, He Yu, Xudong Yi, Yiwen Sha, Qiming Zhang, Rui Cai, Weijun Pang
Summary: Medium-chain triglyceride tricaprylin does not reduce fat deposition but is beneficial for intestinal health in high-fat diet-fed mice. Tricaprylin supplementation significantly increased body weight, fat mass, liver weight, and adipocyte size, as well as upregulated genes related to fat deposition. However, it also improved intestinal morphology, digestive enzyme activity, short-chain fatty acid concentration, and intestinal barrier function, while reducing inflammatory factor levels and harmful intestinal microorganisms.
Article
Hematology
Yasir AlSiraj, Sean E. Thatcher, Eric Blalock, Wesley N. Saintilnord, Alan Daugherty, Hong S. Lu, Wei Luo, Ying H. Shen, Scott A. LeMaire, Arthur P. Arnold, Lisa A. Cassis
Summary: The number of X chromosomes influences the development of aortopathies, with the absence of a second X chromosome promoting diffuse Ang II-induced aortopathies in females. This study demonstrates the role of sex chromosomes in disease development and highlights the importance of X chromosome genes in regulating aortic pathologies.
ARTERIOSCLEROSIS THROMBOSIS AND VASCULAR BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Joseph Park, Anastasia M. Lucas, Xinyuan Zhang, Kumardeep Chaudhary, Judy H. Cho, Girish Nadkarni, Amanda Dobbyn, Geetha Chittoor, Navya S. Josyula, Nathan Katz, Joseph H. Breeyear, Shadi Ahmadmehrabi, Theodore G. Drivas, Venkata R. M. Chavali, Maria Fasolino, Hisashi Sawada, Alan Daugherty, Yanming Li, Chen Zhang, Yuki Bradford, JoEllen Weaver, Anurag Verma, Renae L. Judy, Rachel L. Kember, John D. Overton, Jeffrey G. Reid, Manuel A. R. Ferreira, Alexander H. Li, Aris Baras, Scott A. LeMaire, Ying H. Shen, Ali Naji, Klaus H. Kaestner, Golnaz Vahedi, Todd L. Edwards, Jinbo Chen, Scott M. Damrauer, Anne E. Justice, Ron Do, Marylyn D. Ritchie, Daniel J. Rader
Summary: The study examined the phenotypic effects of rare loss-of-function gene variants using 10,900 whole-exome sequences linked to electronic health records in the Penn Medicine Biobank, identifying new gene-disease associations that replicated across other biobanks.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Maximillian A. Rogers, Joshua D. Hutcheson, Takehito Okui, Claudia Goettsch, Sasha A. Singh, Arda Halu, Florian Schlotter, Hideyuki Higashi, Lixiang Wang, Mary C. Whelan, Andrew K. Mlynarchik, Alan Daugherty, Masatoshi Nomura, Masanori Aikawa, Elena Aikawa
Summary: The study demonstrates that inhibition of the mitochondrial fission protein DRP1 can reduce remodeling of specific ER microdomains, promoting mitochondrial fission, autophagy, and enhancing mitochondrial calcium buffering and PCSK9 degradation. The findings suggest a novel role of DRP1 in regulating hepatic proteostasis and mdivi-1 as a potential small molecule PCSK9 inhibitor.
CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Acoustics
Misa Ito, Qian Wang, Dan Hao, Hisashi Sawada, Bin Huang, Ling Guo, Alan Daugherty, Xiang-An Li
Summary: This study used ultrasound approaches to monitor septic thymus involution in mice induced with cecum ligation and puncture (CLP). The results showed significant decreases in thymus area and volume at days 3 and 10 compared to baseline, with positive correlations between thymus areas/volumes and thymus weights. Ultrasonography was found to provide reliable thymus measurements and is an optimal technique for monitoring thymus involution in septic mice.
ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY
(2021)
Letter
Hematology
Satoko Ohno-Urabe, Masayoshi Kukida, Michael K. Franklin, Yuriko Katsumata, Wen Su, Ming C. Gong, Hong S. Lu, Alan Daugherty, Hisashi Sawada
ARTERIOSCLEROSIS THROMBOSIS AND VASCULAR BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Hongtu Cui, Yanghui Chen, Ke Li, Rui Zhan, Mingming Zhao, Yangkai Xu, Zhiyong Lin, Yi Fu, Qihua He, Paul C. Tang, Ienglam Lei, Jifeng Zhang, Chenze Li, Yang Sun, Xinhua Zhang, Tiffany Horng, Hong S. Lu, Y. Eugene Chen, Alan Daugherty, Daowen Wang, Lemin Zheng
Summary: Aortic aneurysm and dissection (AAD) are high-risk cardiovascular diseases with no effective cure. The study found that succinate plays an important role in the development of AAD, and plasma succinate concentrations can distinguish patients with AAD from healthy controls. Regulating succinate concentrations through the p38 alpha-CREB-OGDH axis in macrophages may have therapeutic potential for AAD.
EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Hematology
Jeff Z. Chen, Hisashi Sawada, Dien Ye, Yuriko Katsumata, Masayoshi Kukida, Satoko Ohno-Urabe, Jessica J. Moorleghen, Michael K. Franklin, Deborah A. Howatt, Mary B. Sheppard, Adam E. Mullick, Hong S. Lu, Alan Daugherty
Summary: Deletion of AT1aR and inhibition of Ang II production had similar effects in attenuating pathologies in the proximal thoracic aorta of male Fbn1(C1041G/+) mice. Inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system attenuated dysregulation of genes within the aorta related to pathology of Fbn1(C1041G/+) mice.
ARTERIOSCLEROSIS THROMBOSIS AND VASCULAR BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Hematology
Alan Daugherty, Robert A. Hegele, Hong S. Lu, Nigel Mackman, Daniel J. Rader, Christian Weber
Summary: This article discusses various metrics used to evaluate the performance and status of journals, with a focus on the journal impact factor (JIF) as the dominant metric. The limitations of using JIF without considering other factors that influence citation rates are highlighted. Clarivate Analytics provides transparent data for JIF calculation, and Web of Science (WoS) offers additional metrics such as article citation median and review citation median to minimize biases. The study suggests that these alternative metrics provide enhanced objectivity in assessing journal impact.
ARTERIOSCLEROSIS THROMBOSIS AND VASCULAR BIOLOGY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hisashi Sawada, Alan Daugherty, Hong S. Lu
CURRENT OPINION IN LIPIDOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Ashley Dawson, Yanming Li, Yang Li, Pingping Ren, Hernan G. Vasquez, Chen Zhang, Kimberly R. Rebello, Waleed Ageedi, Alon R. Azares, Aladdein Burchett Mattar, Mary Burchett Sheppard, Hong S. Lu, Joseph S. Coselli, Lisa A. Cassis, Alan Daugherty, Ying H. Shen, Scott A. LeMaire
Summary: This study used single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze the changes in cell populations and gene expression in aortic aneurysm tissues from patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS). The results showed alterations in cell populations, with increased de-differentiated proliferative smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and downregulation of key SMC genes MYOCD and MYH11 in MFS samples. Fibroblasts in MFS also showed upregulation of COL1A1/2. Additionally, TGF-beta signaling was impaired in MFS, despite the upregulation of TGFB1. These findings provide insights into the potential mechanisms underlying aortic aneurysm development in MFS.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Toru Ikezoe, Takahiro Shoji, Jia Guo, Fanru Shen, Hong S. Lu, Alan Daugherty, Masao Nunokawa, Hiroshi Kubota, Masaaki Miyata, Baohui Xu, Ronald L. Dalman
Summary: This study found that hypercholesterolemia had no noticeable impact on elastase-induced experimental abdominal aortic aneurysm progression in mice, adding further uncertainty to the controversy surrounding the efficacy of statin therapy in clinical AAA disease.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sohei Ito, Hong S. Lu, Alan Daugherty, Hisashi Sawada
Summary: This article summarizes imaging techniques used for aortic visualization in recent mouse studies and discusses their pros and cons. It emphasizes the importance of accurate evaluation of aortic dimensions in studying aortic aneurysms and dissections.
Review
Hematology
Hisashi Sawada, Hong S. Lu, Lisa A. Cassis, Alan Daugherty
Summary: AngII infusion in mice is a useful animal model for studying human abdominal aortic aneurysms, but many questions about the pathological characteristics and cell types involved in this process remain unanswered. Most studies focus on the initiation of abdominal aortic aneurysms rather than the treatment of established disease, which hinders the extrapolation of findings to the human disease.
ARTERIOSCLEROSIS THROMBOSIS AND VASCULAR BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dien Ye, Congqing Wu, Hui Chen, Ching-Ling Liang, Deborah A. Howatt, Michael K. Franklin, Jessica J. Moorleghen, Samuel C. Tyagi, Estrellita Uijl, A. H. Jan Danser, Hisashi Sawada, Alan Daugherty, Hong S. Lu
Summary: Fludrocortisone can induce aortic pathologies independently of hypercholesterolemia, showing potential risks based on mouse studies.
Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Nozomu Otaka, Haruhito A. Uchida, Michihiro Okuyama, Yoshiko Hada, Yasuhiro Onishi, Yuki Kakio, Hidemi Takeuchi, Ryoko Umebayashi, Katsuyuki Tanabe, Venkateswaran Subramanian, Alan Daugherty, Yasufumi Sato, Jun Wada
Summary: Exogenous VASH2 had no significant effect on AngII-induced abdominal aortic aneurysms or atherosclerosis, but increased dilation in the ascending aorta.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HYPERTENSION
(2021)