Article
Oncology
Qian Zhang, Ying Jia, Pan Pan, Xiuping Zhang, Yanfei Jia, Ping Zhu, Xiaowei Chen, Yang Jiao, Guiyu Kang, Lulu Zhang, Xiaoli Ma
Summary: This study uncovers a new interaction between alpha 5-nAChR and Ly6E that inhibits cancer cell migration by modulating the TGF-beta 1/Smad signaling pathway in NSCLC.
Article
Cell Biology
Chu-Yen Chien, Ying-Chen Chen, Chia-Chen Hsu, Yu-Ting Chou, Shine-Gwo Shiah, Shyun-Yeu Liu, Alexander Cheng-Ting Hsieh, Ching-Yu Yen, Chien-Hsing Lee, Yi-Shing Shieh
Summary: Nicotine induces the expression of BiP in oral squamous cell carcinoma cells through the activation of the YAP-TEAD transcriptional complex, leading to increased malignancy. Inhibition of BiP expression can suppress nicotine-induced malignant behaviors, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition, migration, and invasion.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Johan Paakkonen, Janne Janis, Juha Rouvinen
Summary: This article introduces a set of simulation applets for visualizing the behavior of association and dissociation reactions in protein studies. These applets can be used for experimental planning, result verification, and educational visualization of equilibria. Users can input the total concentrations and dissociation constants of protein species and complexes, and the applets output equilibrium concentrations graphically and numerically.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Cecilia Gotti, Francesco Clementi
Summary: Cytisine, a natural compound mainly isolated from plants, has been used for smoking cessation and shows potential in treating neurological and non-neurological diseases. It interacts with neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and has diverse biological effects on addiction, mood regulation, and autonomic nervous system. Further research is needed to explore its mechanisms of action and potential applications.
PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Belle Buzzi, Eda Koseli, Lauren Moncayo, Mohammed Shoaib, M. Imad Damaj
Summary: Cannabis is widely used worldwide and there is no approved treatment for cannabis use disorder (CUD). Co-use of nicotine and cannabis suggests overlapping neurobiological actions, supported by their receptor systems in the brain. Studying nicotinic receptors may help understand cannabinoid dependence, with different subtypes potentially modulating different effects of cannabinoids. Clinical and genetic studies indicate potential involvement of alpha 5, alpha 3, and beta 4 nAChR subunits, while the alpha 2 subunit is strongly implicated in CUD susceptibility. Current smoking cessation agents may also be beneficial in treating CUD, but further controlled studies are needed. Additional research is necessary to investigate the role of nAChR in the pharmacological effects of cannabinoids.
PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giorgia Giordani, Giulia Cattabriga, Andrea Becchimanzi, Ilaria Di Lelio, Giovanna De Leva, Silvia Gigliotti, Francesco Pennacchio, Giuseppe Gargiulo, Valeria Cavaliere
Summary: Acetylcholine (ACh) is a major neurotransmitter in insects that not only mediates synaptic interactions in the central nervous system but also regulates the innate immune response. This study found that inhibiting ACh synthesis or transport in neurons reduced the activation of drosomycin, an antimicrobial peptide gene, in infected flies. Mutations in the Drosophila alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor and expression of a dominant negative form of this receptor subunit also affected the transcription of drosomycin. Interestingly, the response was similar when the dominant negative form was expressed in non-neuronal tissues or hemocytes. Inhibition of ACh synthesis in non-neuronal cells also affected drosomycin expression. These findings reveal the involvement of neural and non-neural cholinergic signals in modulating insect immune defenses and highlight the role of hemocytes in regulating the humoral immune response.
INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Helen M. Kamens, Geneva Flarend, William J. Horton
Summary: The use of alcohol causes significant morbidity and mortality globally. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is characterized by excessive alcohol consumption despite negative consequences. Available medications for AUD have limited efficacy and side effects, highlighting the need for novel therapeutics. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) have emerged as a potential target for AUD treatment, as evidence from genetic and pharmacology studies demonstrate their role in modulating alcohol intake. Pharmacological modulation of various nAChR subtypes has shown promising results in reducing alcohol consumption. Therefore, further investigation of nAChRs as novel therapeutics for AUD is warranted.
PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Mina Afrashteh Nour, Khalil Hajiasgharzadeh, Fatemeh Kheradmand, Zahra Asadzadeh, Nadia Bolandi, Behzad Baradaran
Summary: Cancer treatment currently lacks a definitive cure, with most chemotherapy drugs facing limitations due to drug resistance and toxicity. Nicotine from cigarette smoke is a major cause of chemotherapeutic resistance, impacting apoptosis and cell proliferation, ultimately reducing the efficacy of chemotherapy drugs. Studies have shown that targeting nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) can improve chemotherapeutic outcomes and reduce side effects when used in combination with chemotherapy drugs.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Anna R. Tatarko, Anne S. Leonard, Dennis Mathew
Summary: Neonicotinoid pesticides can impair insect olfactory processing, affecting both the activity of olfactory neurons and the relative preference for odor sources. Our study on fruit flies exposed to the neonicotinoid imidacloprid demonstrated reduced neuronal activity and delayed recovery in their antennae, as well as an increased preference for ethanol-laced pineapple juice. These findings highlight the potential of using Drosophila as a model to investigate the effects of pesticides on insect behavior and physiology.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Hilary A. Tindle, Matthew S. Freiberg, Debbie M. Cheng, Natalia Gnatienko, Elena Blokhina, Tatiana Yaroslavtseva, Sally Bendiks, Gregory Patts, Judith Hahn, Kaku So-Armah, Michael D. Stein, Kendall Bryant, Dmitry Lioznov, Evgeny Krupitsky, Jeffrey H. Samet
Summary: This study found that varenicline and cytisine were not more effective than nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) in treating risky drinking and smoking among individuals with HIV, but behavior change rates were high in all groups.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Bankala Krishnarjuna, Punnepalli Sunanda, Jeffrey Seow, Han-Shen Tae, Samuel D. D. Robinson, Alessia Belgi, Andrea J. J. Robinson, Helena Safavi-Hemami, David J. J. Adams, Raymond S. S. Norton
Summary: Elevenin-Vc1, a peptide found in the venom of Conus victoriae, was shown to induce hyperactivity in mice. However, it was found to be inactive at various human nAChR subtypes.
Article
Cell Biology
Yuan Liu, Shi Xu, Haijun Zhang, Kaoliang Qian, Jiachen Huang, Xianger Gu, Yan Li, Yi Fan, Jun Hu
Summary: OA patients showed decreased levels of alpha 7-nAChRs and an imbalance between autophagy and apoptosis in knee joint cartilage tissues.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Yann S. Mineur, Alexa R. Soares, Ian M. Etherington, Zuhair I. Abdulla, Marina R. Picciotto
Summary: Human epidemiological studies have found a connection between nicotine intake and stress disorders such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD. This article reviews the clinical evidence for the activation and desensitization of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in relation to affective disorders. It also discusses how nAChR function may contribute to anxiety and depressive disorders, making them potential targets for medication development. The article further explores the role of nAChR in limbic system areas and its impact on stress-related behaviors that are relevant to human affective disorders.
PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Irida Papapostolou, Daniela Ross-Kaschitza, Florian Bochen, Christine Peinelt, Maria Constanza Maldifassi
Summary: Nicotine in tobacco induces tumor-promoting effects and chemotherapy resistance through nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). This study investigates the role of a5 subunit in nicotine-induced cancer cell proliferation and migration in breast, colon, and prostate cancer cells. The results show that nicotine-induced proliferation and migration are mediated by a5.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Jian Zhang, Runjiang Song, Shang Wu, Di Cai, Zengxue Wu, Deyu Hu, Baoan Song
Summary: In this study, a series of novel mesoionic pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidinone compounds were designed and synthesized, and their insecticidal activities were tested. The results showed that compound7 exhibited outstanding insecticidal activities against white-backed planthoppers and bean aphids, with superior activity against the latter compared to the existing insecticide triflumezopyrim. Further analysis indicated that compound7 may interact with specific protein subunits in white-backed planthoppers.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Pei-Sheng Lee, Ying-Ying Lu, Kalyanam Nagabhushanam, Chi-Tang Ho, Hui-Ching Mei, Min-Hsiung Pan
Summary: This study found that Calebin A, a novel compound derived from medicinal turmeric, has a good thermogenesis function and can modulate the composition of gut microbiota, thus reducing obesity induced by high-fat diet. Additionally, Calebin A can decrease body weight, blood sugar levels, and adipose tissue load in obese mice, demonstrating its potential as an anti-obesity agent.
JOURNAL OF TRADITIONAL AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Hua-Tsung Lin, An- Yeh, Tuan-Hua David Ho, Min-Hsiung Pan, Shih Hsin Chen
Summary: Cassava starch was modified with amylomaltase (AMase) to investigate its structural changes and retrogradation properties. The AMase treatment resulted in an increase in molecular weight and a reorganization of chain distributions in amylose and amylopectin. The extent of retrogradation was influenced by the enzyme/substrate ratio and reaction time. A new insight into the structural characteristics of the modified starch and its long-term retrogradation was gained through the analysis of the long-to-short chain ratio, the enzyme/substrate ratio, and reaction time.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Wei-Sheng Lin, Tai-Ling Chueh, Kalyanam Nagabhushanam, Chi -Tang Ho, Min-Hsiung Pan
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of Piceatannol (PIC) and 3'-hydroxypterostilbene (HPSB) on DSS-induced colitis in mice. The findings showed that both PIC and HPSB attenuated inflammation by inhibiting specific pathways and reducing inflammasome activation. PIC was also effective in modulating tight junctions. Additionally, both PIC and HPSB altered the composition of gut microbiota. These results suggest that PIC may be more effective in maintaining gut barrier integrity than HPSB and could be a promising ingredient for colitis prevention.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Yen-Chun Koh, Lee-Han Kuo, Ya-Yun Chang, Yen-Chen Tung, Yi-Chen Lo, Min-Hsiung Pan
Summary: This study investigates the anti-aging potential of fermented black soybean and adlay (FBA) supplements. The results show that FBA supplementation prevents muscle loss, reduces aging biomarkers, improves gut microbial dysbiosis, and reverses the reduced ability of microbiota in aged mice. These findings suggest that FBA has significant anti-aging effects and can be developed as a functional food for healthy aging.
MOLECULAR NUTRITION & FOOD RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Po-Li Wei, Chien-Yu Huang, Tung-Cheng Chang, Jang-Chun Lin, Cheng-Chin Lee, G. M. Shazzad Hossain Prince, Precious Takondwa Makondi, Angelina Wong-Ying Chui, Yu-Jia Chang
Summary: Colorectal cancer is a common and lethal type of cancer, and finding effective treatments for it is urgently needed. This study revealed that PCTK1 can suppress the proliferation and cancer stemness of colorectal cancer by regulating the BMPR1B-Smad1/5/8 signaling pathway, and enhance its response to chemotherapy.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Chiung-Jung Wen, Yen-Chun Koh, Yen-Chen Tung, Pin-Yu Ho, Shu-Chen Hsieh, Yi-Chen Lo, Jaw-Shiun Tsai, Min-Hsiung Pan
Summary: This study aims to explore the relationship between serum metabolites and gut microbiota in non-robust older adults as a potential diagnostic biomarker. The results show significant differences in gut microbial composition between robust and non-robust subjects, particularly with the abundance of Escherichia/Shigella. Moreover, the abundance of Escherichia/Shigella is positively correlated with the levels of discriminant metabolites. These findings indicate the clear interrelation between gut microbiota and serum metabolites in non-robust older adults, suggesting Escherichia/Shigella as a potential biomarker candidate for robustness sub-phenotypic identification.
MOLECULAR NUTRITION & FOOD RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Yen-Chun Koh, Dickson Chok, Chun-Han Chang, Chia-Cheng Wei, Chia-Tung Wu, Ko-Chun Cheng, Kalyanam Nagabhushanam, Chi-Tang Ho, Min-Hsiung Pan
Summary: This study aims to evaluate the preventive effect of piceatannol on glutamate-induced neurodegeneration via mitochondrial rescue. The results show that piceatannol can prevent glutamate-induced apoptosis, reduce mitochondrial reactive oxygen species accumulation, promote mitochondrial biogenesis, and preserve mitochondrial functionality. Piceatannol effectively protects dopaminergic neurons from degradation and preserves their controlled responses.
MOLECULAR NUTRITION & FOOD RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Donporn Wongwaiwech, Sudthida Kamchonemenukool, Chi-Tang Ho, Shiming Li, Nutthaporn Majai, Tepsuda Rungrat, Kawee Sujipuli, Min-Hsiung Pan, Monthana Weerawatanakorn
Summary: Crude rice bran oils from different rice cultivars and extraction methods have varying levels of nutraceuticals. The health benefits of rice bran oil in lowering cholesterol are due in part to non-nutrient nutraceuticals such as ?-oryzanol, phytosterols, and policosanols. In this study, the nutraceutical composition and antioxidant properties of crude rice bran oils extracted using different technologies were compared. The results showed that subcritical liquefied dimethyl ether extraction produced oils with higher yield and higher levels of phenolic compounds, ?-oryzanol, phytosterols, and policosanols compared to conventional hexane extraction and supercritical CO2 extraction. Overall, the choice of extraction method significantly affected the composition and properties of the crude rice bran oil.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chien-Yu Huang, Po-Li Wei, G. M. Shazzad Hossain Prince, Uyanga Batzorig, Cheng-Chin Lee, Yu-Jia Chang, Chin-Sheng Hung
Summary: This study aims to evaluate the role of thrombomodulin (TM) in ER-positive (ER+) breast cancer. The results showed that lower TM expression is associated with poor overall survival and relapse-free survival rates in ER+ breast cancer patients. Silencing TM in MCF7 cells increased cell proliferation, migration, and invasion ability, while overexpression of TM in T47D cells led to decreased cell proliferation, migration, and invasion ability. Furthermore, TM regulates curcumin sensitivity by interfering with the expression of drug-resistant genes.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cheng-Chin Lee, Kuei-Yen Tsai, Ai-Wei Lee, Po-Li Wei, Chien-Yu Huang, Uyanga Batzorig, Yu-Jia Chang
Summary: Colorectal cancer is a common and deadly form of cancer. The expression of CWH43 is reduced in colorectal cancer and is associated with poorer prognosis. Inhibition of CWH43 promotes cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasiveness, while its overexpression has inhibitory effects. CWH43 appears to regulate the TTK-mediated cell cycle, impacting the development of colorectal cancer.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Yen-Chun Koh, Shin-Jhih Lin, Kai-Yu Hsu, Kalyanam Nagabhushanam, Chi-Tang Ho, Min-Hsiung Pan
Summary: The study suggests that PSB and PIN, two analogs of resveratrol, can enhance thermogenesis and mitochondrial biogenesis, thus improving obesity and gut microbiota dysbiosis. PSB has a greater effect than PIN in activating the SIRT1 pathway.
MOLECULAR NUTRITION & FOOD RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yen-Chun Koh, Lee-Han Kuo, Yen-Chen Tung, Monthana Weerawatanakorn, Min-Hsiung Pan
Summary: Gut microbial indicators in aged mice have been identified, and these indicators are associated with human diseases and relevant metabolic processes.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Monthana Weerawatanakorn, Sang He, Chun-Han Chang, Yen-Chun Koh, Meei-Ju Yang, Min-Hsiung Pan
Summary: Obesity and overweight pose a growing risk for various health conditions, and diet, especially tea consumption, has been identified as a potential intervention. This study aimed to investigate the effects of GABA oolong tea extracts (OTEs) on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity using male C57BL/6 J mice. The results showed that GABA OTEs reduced leptin expression, protected against fatty liver disease, and promoted thermogenesis and lipid metabolism, therefore preventing obesity development.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Kai-Yu Hsu, Chi-Tang Ho, Min-Hsiung Pan
Summary: Turmeric is a medicinal plant commonly used in Chinese and Indian traditional medicine. It has various health benefits due to the active components called curcuminoids. This article reviews the composition of turmeric and the properties of curcumin, highlighting its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-colorectal cancer, and other physiological activities. It also discusses the challenges of using curcumin and provides three novel application strategies to overcome these limitations.
JOURNAL OF FOOD AND DRUG ANALYSIS
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Chun Ming How, Ko-Chun Cheng, Yong-Shan Li, Min-Hsiung Pan, Chia-Cheng Wei
Summary: This study finds that chronic exposure to Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) has negative effects on aging, and Tangeretin (TAN) supplementation can alleviate the aging toxicity induced by BaP.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2023)