Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Phiwayinkosi Dludla, Tawanda M. Nyambuya, Rabia Johnson, Sonia Silvestri, Patrick Orlando, Sithandiwe E. Mazibuko-Mbeje, Kwazi B. Gabuza, Vuyolwethu Mxinwa, Kabelo Mokgalaboni, Luca Tiano, Christo J. F. Muller, Johan Louw, Bongani B. Nkambule
Summary: Randomized clinical trials have shown that metformin has a certain modulatory effect on heart failure-related markers, improving heart failure indices, particularly in reducing myocardial oxygen consumption and certain prominent marker levels. The specific effects vary between diabetic and non-diabetic patients.
HEART FAILURE REVIEWS
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Dorota Rogacka, Agnieszka Piwkowska
Summary: Podocytes and their foot processes are crucial for regulating glomerular permeability, with disturbances in podocyte function playing a central role in the development of proteinuria in diabetic nephropathy. Metformin, an oral antidiabetic agent, has potential beneficial effects on diabetic kidney function in addition to lowering glucose levels. Additionally, the activation of AMPK is a key mechanism of action of metformin in protecting against pathological changes in podocytes induced by hyperglycemia.
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Microbiology
Minh Dao Ngo, Stacey Bartlett, Katharina Ronacher
Summary: Diabetes is a major risk factor for tuberculosis, making patients more susceptible to developing active pulmonary TB. The relative contribution of different metabolic factors to increased susceptibility to TB is still not well understood.
Review
Immunology
Jingxue Ye, Lanfang Li, Min Wang, Qiuxiao Ma, Yu Tian, Qiong Zhang, Jiushi Liu, Bin Li, Bengang Zhang, Haitao Liu, Guibo Sun
Summary: Atherosclerosis is a common complication of diabetes mellitus, characterized by endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and oxidative stress. NLRP3 plays a crucial role in both diabetes and atherosclerosis, with its diverse activation modes providing new insights for targeted interventions in metabolic diseases.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Michael S. Robeson, Kanishka Manna, Christopher Randolph, Stephanie Byrum, Reza Hakkak
Summary: Obesity is the leading cause of health-related diseases globally. This study investigated the effects of short-term metformin treatment on the gut microbiota profile in an obese rat model. The results showed that short-term metformin treatment altered the composition of the gut microbiota, particularly the Bacteroides species, in obese rats.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Hongping Sun, Hong Su, Rendong Zheng, Chao Liu, Yu Wang, Changqian Fang
Summary: The study aims to investigate the association between the uric acid/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (UHR) and visceral fat area (VFA) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The results show that UHR is positively correlated with VFA and may serve as a convenient tool for predicting metabolic risks in these patients.
DIABETES METABOLIC SYNDROME AND OBESITY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Guzel Bikbova, Toshiyuki Oshitari, Mukharram Bikbov
Summary: There is a clear connection between diabetes and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, necessitating therapeutic approaches that target both diseases. Ongoing clinical trials are examining the roles of obesity, adipose tissue, gut microbiota, and pancreatic beta cell function in diabetes. Inflammation plays a crucial role in diabetes pathophysiology and associated metabolic disorders, leading to increased interest in targeting inflammation for diabetes prevention and control. Diabetic retinopathy, a neurodegenerative and vascular disease that develops after poorly controlled diabetes, is also increasingly linked to inflammation. Molecular pathways such as oxidative stress and advanced glycation end-products contribute to the inflammatory response in diabetes-related complications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
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
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Stepan Melnyk, Reza Hakkak
Summary: Excessive weight and obesity are major risk factors for chronic diseases, including diabetes. Metformin, a medication commonly used for diabetes, has been found to significantly improve complications associated with the disease. In this study, metabolomics was used to analyze the effects of metformin on lean and obese Zucker rats, revealing both positive and negative impacts on different rat groups.
Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Till Schuette, Sarah M. Kedziora, Nadine Haase, Florian Herse, Andreas Busjahn, Anna Birukov, Natalia Alenina, Dominik N. Mueller, Michael Bader, Michael Schupp, Ralf Dechend, Kristin Kraeker, Michaela Golic
Summary: A study conducted on a rat model found that maternal diabetes during pregnancy without obesity did not have a negative impact on the metabolic health of male offspring. There were no significant differences in blood glucose control between offspring exposed to maternal hyperglycemia and those from control pregnancies. Intrauterine exposure to hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia without obesity did not lead to fetal programming of diabetes and obesity in this particular model.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Chaojun Yang, Xiaocan Jia, Yuping Wang, Jingwen Fan, Chenyu Zhao, Yongli Yang, Xuezhong Shi
Summary: This study examines the prevalence, intervention, and control of metabolic syndrome (MetS) among US adults from 1999 to 2018, finding a significant increase in MetS prevalence during this time period. Factors such as smoking and vigorous activity were found to influence MetS prevalence. Elevated blood glucose and obesity were identified as the main causes of MetS burden. The study suggests that targeting specific populations for treatment and lifestyle modification could improve the control of blood glucose and obesity.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Seung Gyun Lim, Young Ah Lee, Han Na Jang, Sung Hye Kong, Chang Ho Ahn, Sang Wan Kim, Choong Ho Shin, Jung Hee Kim
Summary: The lack of long-term outcome studies in Asian adults with classic CAH due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency prompted this research. The findings demonstrate that adults with CAH have a higher metabolic risk compared to their age- and sex-matched controls, with significantly higher rates of hypertension and obesity observed. Additionally, factors such as TARTs in men and irregular menstruation in women were also examined, revealing a correlation with hormonal levels.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Edson D. Hernandez-Velazquez, Mayra D. Herrera, Clara Alba-Betancourt, Pedro Navarro-Santos, Rafael Ortiz-Alvarado, Cesar R. Solorio-Alvarado
Summary: Metformin is a versatile and cheap bis-guanidine medication commonly used to treat type II diabetes. In order to enhance its activity, researchers synthesized a family of fluorobenzyl metformin derivatives and selected the five best performing compounds through enzymatic assays. These selected derivatives were then tested in vivo using mice, and two compounds (1 L and 1 M) showed enhanced activity and higher biocompatibility in terms of blood glucose, lipids metabolism, and liver GGT activity regulation.
ASIAN JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Rita Silva-Reis, Ana I. I. Faustino-Rocha, Jessica Silva, Abigael Valada, Tiago Azevedo, Lara Anjos, Lio Goncalves, Maria de Lurdes Pinto, Rita Ferreira, Artur M. S. Silva, Susana M. M. Cardoso, Paula A. A. Oliveira
Summary: This study assessed a humane endpoint scoring system to detect animal suffering in a rat model of type 2 diabetes. Results showed that weight loss, polyuria, polyphagia, abnormal posture, abdominal distension, and abnormal stool appearance were the most effective parameters to evaluate humane endpoints in this rat model. This study is important for defining humane endpoints in a rat model of type 2 diabetes.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Itam Ako Hogan, Yu-Cheng Kuo, Asmau N. Abubakar, Bashir Lawal, Abdulhakeem R. Agboola, Halimat Yusuf Lukman, Sunday Amos Onikanni, Femi Olawale, Adewale Oluwaseun Fadaka, Yunusa O. Ibrahim, Shukurat B. Babalola, Gaber El -Saber Batiha, Sarah M. Albogami, Mohammed Alorabi, Michel De Waard, Hsu-Shan Huang
Summary: The present study evaluated the potential protective effects of Tridax procumbens methanolic extract on an experimentally induced type 2 diabetes rat model. The results showed that the extract significantly restored alterations in blood glucose levels, body weight loss, insulin levels, and pancreatic histology in diabetic rats. Additionally, the extract improved dyslipidemia, serum biochemical alterations, and full blood count distortion in diabetic rats. It also enhanced antioxidant status and reduced proinflammatory mediators in the brain of diabetic rats. However, it failed to attenuate certain changes in the brain. In conclusion, Tridax procumbens methanolic extract shows promise as an alternative therapeutic option for managing diabetic complications.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Reinis Vilskersts, Dana Kigitovica, Stanislava Korzh, Melita Videja, Karlis Vilks, Helena Cirule, Andris Skride, Marina Makrecka-Kuka, Edgars Liepinsh, Maija Dambrova
Summary: This study found that improved mitochondrial bioenergetics by cardiometabolic drug meldonium can attenuate the development of right ventricular (RV) and left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. The results indicate that meldonium treatment restores mitochondrial function in cardiac fibers, preventing the systolic dysfunction in ventricular dysfunction models resembling cardiovascular complications in COVID-19 patients.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Edgars Liepinsh, Janis Kuka, Liga Zvejniece, Reinis Vilskersts, Maija Dambrova
Summary: Macro photography is a method used for imaging tissue samples at high magnification. This paper presents a method for evaluating ischemia-reperfusion-induced damage in the heart and brain using staining and macro photography, and provides guidelines for sample preparation, image acquisition, and avoiding common mistakes.
JOVE-JOURNAL OF VISUALIZED EXPERIMENTS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sergei Kopanchuk, Edijs Vavers, Santa Veiksina, Kadri Ligi, Liga Zvejniece, Maija Dambrova, Ago Rinken
Summary: The study used super-resolution imaging microscopy to investigate the intracellular dynamics of Sig1R. It was found that Sig1R is mainly located in the nuclear envelope and tubular/vesicular structures of the ER, but not in the plasma membrane. Activation of Sig1R reduced its colocalization with a marker of vesicular ER.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Melita Videja, Eduards Sevostjanovs, Sabine Upmale-Engela, Edgars Liepinsh, Ilze Konrade, Maija Dambrova
Summary: A fasting-mimicking diet (FMD) is shown to effectively reduce plasma levels of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) by limiting caloric intake and animal-derived protein consumption, potentially reducing the risk of cardiometabolic diseases.
Article
Plant Sciences
Inga Sile, Valerija Krizhanovska, Ilva Nakurte, Ieva Mezaka, Laura Kalane, Jevgenijs Filipovs, Alekss Vecvanags, Osvalds Pugovics, Solveiga Grinberga, Maija Dambrova, Arta Kronberga
Summary: In this study, the potential for commercial production of G. hederacea was evaluated, and the chemical composition and activity of extracts from wild-grown and cultivated G. hederacea collected at different harvesting periods were compared. The extracts showed potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and cultivation did not significantly affect the chemical composition and biological activity.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Maija Dambrova, Marina Makrecka-Kuka, Janis Kuka, Reinis Vilskersts, Didi Nordberg, Misty M. Attwood, Stefan Smesny, Zumrut Duygu Sen, An Chi Guo, Eponine Oler, Siyang Tian, Jiamin Zheng, David S. Wishart, Edgars Liepinsh, Helgi B. Schioth
Summary: Acylcarnitines are fatty acid metabolites that play important roles in cellular energy metabolism and have potential as biomarkers and pharmaceutical agents for various diseases. This comprehensive review provides detailed information on the identity, nomenclature, classification, biochemistry, pathophysiology, and clinical trials of acylcarnitines. It also discusses their use as dietary supplements and the emerging opportunities for using them as biomarkers and interventions in different indications. The review lays a solid foundation for further understanding the physiological roles of acylcarnitines and the identification of new drug targets.
PHARMACOLOGICAL REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Baiba Svalbe, Baiba Zvejniece, Gundega Stelfa, Karlis Vilks, Edijs Vavers, Jose Miguel Vela, Maija Dambrova, Liga Zvejniece
Summary: This study found that the absence of Sig1R significantly influenced metabolic pathways such as amino acids, sphingolipids, and serotonin. Sig1R KO mice had higher levels of serotonin and histamine in their blood and brain tissues, which were correlated with behavioral changes.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ieva Vaivode, Tatjana Zake, Ieva Strele, Sabine Upmale-Engela, Deniss Gogins, Gita Gersone, Andrejs Skesters, Maija Dambrova, Ilze Konrade
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between the number and impact of stressful life events in AITD patients with selenium status, and the Th1/Th2/Th17 immune response. The results showed that stress levels were associated with the development of AITD and could potentially affect disease progression by influencing selenium status and cytokine production.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Marina Makrecka-Kuka, Jelena Vasiljeva, Pavels Dimitrijevs, Pavel Arsenyan
Summary: This study reports the design and synthesis of three novel olaparib conjugates with selenophenoquinolinones, which can reverse doxorubicin resistance in uterus sarcoma cells by inhibiting the activity of ABCB1 transporter. The results demonstrate that the conjugation of PARP inhibitors with selenophenoquinolinones is a potential direction for the development of agents for the treatment of MDR cancers.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Melita Videja, Reinis Vilskersts, Eduards Sevostjanovs, Edgars Liepinsh, Maija Dambrova
Summary: This dataset provides detailed information on the effects of acute trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) administration on cardiac, vascular, and mitochondrial functionality in ex vivo and in vivo models. The dataset includes measurements of TMAO accumulation in target tissues, mitochondrial function, vascular reactivity, cardiac function, and infarct size. The data presented in the dataset are valuable for studying the molecular mechanisms targeted by elevated levels of TMAO and can be used in future in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Diana Zelencova-Gopejenko, Melita Videja, Aiga Grandane, Linda Pudnika-Okincica, Anda Sipola, Karlis Vilks, Maija Dambrova, Kristaps Jaudzems, Edgars Liepinsh
Summary: Heart-type fatty-acid binding protein (FABP3) is a cytosolic lipid transport protein that binds fatty acids (FAs) and protects cells from the detrimental effects of long-chain acylcarnitines (LCACs). Through cytotoxicity assays, nuclear magnetic resonance, and isothermal titration calorimetry, the study characterizes the novel binding mechanism between FABP3 and LCACs. The findings demonstrate that FABP3 competes with FAs for binding sites and has a concentration-dependent protective mechanism.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)