Effect of Paleolithic-based low-carbohydrate vs. moderate-carbohydrate diets with portion-control and calorie-counting on CTRP6, asprosin and metabolic markers in adults with metabolic syndrome: A randomized clinical trial

Exploring CTRP6: a biomarker and therapeutic target in metabolic diseases

The rising prevalence of metabolic diseases is a significant global health concern. Beyond lifestyle management, targeting key molecules involved in metabolic regulation is essential. C1q/TNF-related protein 6 (CTRP6) is notably associated with glucose and lipid metabolism, with numerous studies highlighting its regulatory functions in metabolic diseases. This review summarizes the current knowledge on CTRP6, focusing on its gene expression profiles, protein structure, gene regulation, and role in metabolic diseases. CTRP6 is widely expressed across various tissues and features four distinct domains, with the C1q domain predicted to bind to its receptor. Notably, serum levels of CTRP6 are significantly elevated in patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes. In these conditions, adipose tissue serves as a key source of CTRP6 and its involvement in adipose tissue expansion, inflammation, and nutrient sensing has been observed in several studies. CTRP6 is also implicated in type 1 diabetes, gestational diabetes mellitus, and diabetic complications, particularly diabetic nephropathy. Although some studies have suggested that CTRP6 has protective roles in atherosclerotic cell models, myocardial infarction rat models, and ischemia/reperfusion injury mouse models, methodological issues such as unreliable antibodies and unstrict controls make it difficult to draw accurate conclusions from these studies. Patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) exhibit elevated serum levels of CTRP6, although its direct impact on PCOS phenotypes remains unclear. In conclusion, CTRP6 emerges as a promising therapeutic target for metabolic diseases. A deeper understanding of CTRP6 will empower the scientific community to develop effective interventions to address the increasing prevalence of these diseases.

Effect of White Tea on Leptin and Asprosin Levels in Rats Feeding a High-Fat Diet

BACKGROUND

Currently, obesity affects over 600 million individuals and is responsible for numerous severe health conditions, particularly diabetes and metabolic syndrome. The objective of our study was to examine the impact of white tea, known for its potent antioxidant properties, on the reduction in body weight as well as the levels of leptin and asprosin.

METHODS

A total of 72 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to 9 groups, with each group consisting of 8 rats. The groups were partitioned into two in order to examine the preventative and therapeutic effects of white tea on obesity. During this study, the case groups were administered white tea together with a high-fat diet, whereas the positive control group was administered orlistat along with a high-fat diet through oral gavage. After the experiment concluded, the levels of leptin, asprosin, and insulin hormones were evaluated in serum samples collected from rats using the ELISA method.

RESULTS

The findings demonstrated that the administration of white tea led to a significant decrease in body weight, serum leptin, and asprosin levels, as well as oxidative stress indicators, in rats that were fed a high-fat diet.

CONCLUSIONS

Utilizing natural chemicals, such as white tea, which possess minimal side effects and have powerful antioxidant activity, can mitigate the detrimental consequences associated with obesity.

A Narrative Review of the Significance of Popular Diets in Diabetes Mellitus Management

Diabetes mellitus is a collection of metabolic disorders marked by elevated levels of glucose in the blood due to irregularities in the generation or functioning of insulin. Medical nutrition therapy and weight loss are crucial elements in the management of diabetes and the prevention of complications. Several diets have become popular over time for the goal of achieving weight loss, but their popularity has declined due to a lack of reliable scientific evidence. This study classifies popular diets into three categories: diets that manage the composition of macronutrients, diets that restrict specific foods or food groups, and diets that manipulate meal timing. The review includes research studies that investigated the effects of popular diets on the prevention, management, and complications of diabetes. It is clear that different popular diets can have positive effects on both preventing and treating diabetes and preventing and treating complications related to diabetes. However, it is not practical to determine which diet is the most effective option for preventing or controlling diabetes. Thus, the main focus should be on common underlying factors that support well-being, such as decreasing the intake of refined grains and added sugar, choosing non-starchy vegetables, and giving priority to whole foods over processed foods whenever possible, until there is stronger evidence supporting the specific benefits of different dietary patterns.

C1q/TNF-Related Proteins 1, 6 and 8 Are Involved in Corneal Epithelial Wound Closure by Targeting Relaxin Receptor RXFP1 In Vitro

Inadequate wound healing of ocular surface injuries can lead to permanent visual impairment. The relaxin ligand-receptor system has been demonstrated to promote corneal wound healing through increased cell migration and modulation of extracellular matrix formation. Recently, C1q/tumor necrosis factor-related protein (CTRP) 8 was identified as a novel interaction partner of relaxin receptor RXFP1. Additional data also suggest a role for CTRP1 and CTRP6 in RXFP1-mediated cAMP signaling. However, the role of CTRP1, CTRP6 and CTRP8 at the ocular surface remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of CTRP1, CTRP6, and CTRP8 on epithelial ocular surface wound closure and their dependence on the RXFP1 receptor pathway. CTRP1, CTRP6, and CTRP8 expression was analyzed by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry in human tissues and cell lines derived from the ocular surface and lacrimal apparatus. In vitro ocular surface wound modeling was performed using scratch assays. We analyzed the effects of recombinant CTRP1, CTRP6, and CTRP8 on cell proliferation and migration in human corneal and conjunctival epithelial cell lines. Dependence on RXFP1 signaling was established by inhibiting ligand binding to RXFP1 using a specific anti-RXFP1 antibody. We detected the expression of CTRP1, CTRP6, and CTRP8 in human tissue samples of the cornea, conjunctiva, meibomian gland, efferent tear ducts, and lacrimal gland, as well as in human corneal, conjunctival, and meibomian gland epithelial cell lines. Scratch assays revealed a dose-dependent increase in the closure rate of surface defects in human corneal epithelial cells after treatment with CTRP1, CTRP6, and CTRP8, but not in conjunctival epithelial cells. Inhibition of RXFP1 fully attenuated the effect of CTRP8 on the closure rate of surface defects in human corneal epithelial cells, whereas the CTRP1 and CTRP6 effects were not completely suppressed. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate a novel role for CTRP1, CTRP6, and CTRP8 in corneal epithelial wound closure and suggest an involvement of the relaxin receptor RXFP1 signaling pathway. This could be a first step toward new approaches for pharmacological and therapeutic intervention.

Diet-Induced Microbiome's Impact on Heart Failure: A Double-Edged Sword

Heart failure (HF) is a debilitating disease with a significant clinical and economic impact worldwide. Multiple factors seem to increase the risk of developing HF, such as hypertension, obesity and diabetes. Since chronic inflammation plays a significant role in HF pathophysiology and gut dysbiosis is associated with low-grade chronic inflammation, the risk of cardiovascular diseases is likely modulated by the gut microbiome (GM). Considerable progress has been made in HF management. However, there is a need to find new strategies to reduce mortality and increase the quality of life, mainly of HFpEF patients, since its prevalence continues to rise. Recent studies validate that lifestyle changes, such as diet modulation, represent a potential therapeutic approach to improve several cardiometabolic diseases, although their effects on the GM and its indirect cardiac impact still warrant further research. Hence, in this paper, we aim to clarify the link between HF and the human microbiome.

Fibrillin-1 and asprosin, novel players in metabolic syndrome

Fibrillin-1 is a major component of the extracellular microfibrils, where it interacts with other extracellular matrix proteins to provide elasticity to connective tissues, and regulates the bioavailability of TGFβ family members. A peptide consisting of the C-terminal 140 amino acids of fibrillin-1 has recently been identified as a glucogenic hormone, secreted from adipose tissue during fasting and targeting the liver to release glucose. This fragment, called asprosin, also signals in the hypothalamus to stimulate appetite. Asprosin levels are correlated with many of the pathologies indicative of metabolic syndrome, including insulin resistance and obesity. Previous studies and reviews have addressed the therapeutic potential of asprosin as a target in obesity, diabetes and related conditions without considering mechanisms underlying the relationship between generation of asprosin and expression of the much larger fibrillin-1 protein. Profibrillin-1 undergoes obligatory cleavage at the cell surface as part of its assembly into microfibrils, producing the asprosin peptide as well as mature fibrillin-1. Patterns of FBN1 mRNA expression are inconsistent with the necessity for regulated release of asprosin. The asprosin peptide may be protected from degradation in adipose tissue. We present evidence for an alternative possibility, that asprosin mRNA is generated independently from an internal promoter within the 3' end of the FBN1 gene, which would allow for regulation independent of fibrillin-synthesis and is more economical of cellular resources. The discovery of asprosin opened exciting possibilities for treatment of metabolic syndrome related conditions, but there is much to be understood before such therapies could be introduced into the clinic.

Effects of Different Bud Thinning Methods on Nutritional Quality and Antioxidant Activities of Fruiting Bodies of Pleurotus eryngii

The cultivation of Pleurotus eryngii was studied by different methods, such as puncturing and fixed-point mushroom production, shading treatment at the top of the bag, and pulling the top of the bag. The agronomic characters, yield, nutritional components, and antioxidant activities in vitro of fruiting bodies of P. eryngii were determined. The results showed that the number of buds in the perforated treatment was less than that in the production method of traditional fruiting bodies to a certain extent. When a circular hole with a diameter of 1.5 cm was drilled in the perforated treatment, the number of buds was 5, which was less than that in the control group. The efficiency of artificial removal of buds was significantly higher than that of the control group, but the harvesting date was longer than that of other methods. The number of buds in shading treatment and bag opening treatment was significantly less than that in the control group, which could effectively control the number of buds and reduce the cost of manpower and material resources. In terms of nutritional components, the A3 treatment group with a hole diameter of 1.0 cm and a quantity of one had the highest crude protein content of 151.34 g, and a significant difference was observed in crude fiber content compared with other treatments. The extraction rate of B5 crude polysaccharide was the highest, and the extraction rate was 12.90%. The antioxidant activities in vitro increased with the increase of crude polysaccharide concentration. Using A3 treatment to cultivate fruiting bodies is conducive to meeting people's requirements for improving quality of life.