Diabetes and inflammation: fundamental aspects and clinical implications

Epimedin B protects against bone loss and inflammation in diabetic osteoporosis rats by regulating OPG/RANKL pathway

BACKGROUND

Diabetes is a common disease contributing to osteoporosis. Epimedin B (EB), a major ingredient of Herba Epimedii, has been found to be effective in preventing osteoporosis in mice. However, the potential of EB to ameliorate diabetic osteoporosis (DOP) remains elusive. In this study, our goal is to investigate the functions and underlying mechanisms of EB in the progression of DOP.

METHODS

A DOP rat model was established via a high-fat diet combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ). DOP rats were daily administered with EB or vehicle via intragastric administration for 8 weeks. Body weights and blood glucose levels were measured every 4 weeks during the drug administration period. Blood samples and femoral tissues were collected for further analysis. Bone parameters and bone histopathological changes were detected. Bone formation and resorption markers as well as inflammatory factors were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were conducted to measure the expression of osteoprotegerin (OPG) and Rev-Erbα, receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL).

RESULTS

EB improved weight loss and lowered blood glucose of DOP rats. EB promoted the formation of bone trabeculae and altered several bone microstructure parameters in DOP rats. EB ameliorated improved bone structure, restored histological abnormalities of femoral bone, and reduced the number of bone marrow adipocytes in DOP rats. EB inhibited excessive bone resorption and inflammation and increased bone formation in DOP rats. EB regulated the OPG/RANKL axis in DOP rats.

CONCLUSION

EB attenuates STZ-induced DOP in rats by maintaining the balance between bone formation and resorption and inhibiting inflammation through regulating the OPG/RANKL axis.

Physical exercise, systemic inflammation and adult-onset asthma: a 12-year follow-up study

Objective: Physical exercise in treatment of asthma is scarcely studied with no clear exercise guidelines for asthmatics. We aimed to investigate the associations between physical exercise frequency, systemic inflammation and asthma control. This has not been previously studied in adult-onset asthma.

Methods: This study is part of Seinäjoki Adult Asthma Study (SAAS), where 203 patients with adult-onset asthma were evaluated in 2012-2013. Exercise frequency was recorded with a structured lifestyle questionnaire. Study population was divided into two categories by exercise frequency: Low-frequency group exercised ≤2 times/week and high frequency group >2 times/week. Blood inflammatory markers were measured and IL-6 > 1.55 pg/ml and hs-CRP > 4.12 mg/l indicated systemic inflammation.

Results: High-exercise frequency group had lower levels of hs-CRP (p = 0.007), IL-6 (p = 0.015), suPAR (p = 0.008) and adipsin (p = 0.031) and higher levels of adiponectin (p = 0.010) than low-exercise frequency group. In logistic multivariate regression models, higher-exercise frequency lowered odds for elevated hs-CRP (OR = 0.37, 95% CI 0.15-0.94) and IL-6 levels (OR = 0.43, 95% CI 0.20-0.91), after adjusting for possible confounding factors. There was no difference in lung function tests, asthma control test or airways questionnaire 20 scores between the exercise frequency groups. However, differences were found in single symptom questions; high-exercise frequency group had less symptoms during light housework and laughing but experienced more limitation of activity in self-reports.

Conclusions: Higher-exercise frequency is associated with lower level of systemic inflammation in patients with adult-onset asthma but no clear association was found to asthma outcomes. Exercise frequency may be associated with lesser amount of some individual asthma symptoms.

Targeting Diabetic Atherosclerosis: The Role of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists, SGLT2 Inhibitors, and Nonsteroidal Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists in Vascular Protection and Disease Modulation

Atherosclerosis is a closely related complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), driven by endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and oxidative stress. The progression of atherosclerosis is accelerated by hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and hyperlipidemia. Novel antidiabetic agents, SGLT2 inhibitors, and GLP-1 agonists improve glycemic control and offer cardiovascular protection, reducing the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) and heart failure hospitalization. These agents, along with nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (nsMRAs), promise to mitigate metabolic disorders and their impact on endothelial function, oxidative stress, and inflammation. This review explores the potential molecular mechanisms through which these drugs may prevent the development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD), supported by a summary of preclinical and clinical evidence.

Advancements in Injectable Hydrogels for Controlled Insulin Delivery: A Comprehensive Review of the Design, Properties and Therapeutic Applications for Diabetes and Its Complications

Glycemic management in diabetes patients remains heavily reliant on multiple daily insulin injections, which often leads to poor patient compliance and an elevated risk of hypoglycemia. To overcome these limitations, injectable hydrogels capable of encapsulating insulin within polymeric networks have emerged as a promising alternative. Ideally, a single injection can form an in situ depot that allows prolonged glycemic control and lower injection frequency. This review summarizes recent advances in injectable hydrogels for controlled insulin delivery, focusing on the polymer sources, crosslinking strategies, and stimuli-responsive release mechanisms. Synthetic polymers such as PEG, PNIPAM, and Pluronics dominate the current research due to their highly tunable properties, whereas naturally derived polysaccharides and proteins generally require further modifications for enhanced functionality. The crosslinking types, ranging from relatively weak physical interactions (hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interactions, etc.) to dynamic covalent bonds with higher binding strength (e.g., Schiff base, phenylboronate ester), significantly influence the shear-thinning behavior and stimuli-responsiveness of hydrogel systems. Hydrogels' responsiveness to temperature, glucose, pH, and reactive oxygen species has enabled more precise insulin release, offering new options for improved diabetic management. Beyond glycemic regulation, this review also explores insulin-loaded hydrogels for treating complications. Despite the progress, challenges such as burst release, long-term biocompatibility, and scalability remain. Future research should focus on optimizing hydrogel design, supported by robust and comprehensive data.

Current Understanding and Translational Prospects of Tetrahedral Framework Nucleic Acids

Tetrahedral framework nucleic acids (tFNAs) represent a promising advancement in nucleic acid nanotechnology due to their unique structural properties, high biocompatibility, and multifaceted biomedical applications. Constructed through a one-pot annealing method, four single-stranded DNAs self-assemble into stable, three-dimensional tetrahedral nanostructures with enhanced mechanical robustness and physiological stability, resisting enzymatic degradation. Their ability to permeate mammalian cells without transfection agents, coupled with modifiable surfaces, positions tFNAs as versatile carriers for drug and gene delivery systems. The tFNA-based platforms exhibit superior therapeutic efficacy, including antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects, alongside efficient cellular uptake and tissue penetration. These features underpin their role in precision medicine, enabling targeted delivery of diverse therapeutic agents such as synthetic compounds, peptides, and nucleic acids. Additionally, tFNAs demonstrate significant potential in regenerative medicine, immune modulation, antibacterial strategies, and oncology. By addressing challenges in translational integration, tFNAs stand poised to accelerate the development of biomedical research and clinical applications, fostering novel therapies and enhancing therapeutic outcomes across a wide spectrum of diseases. This Perspective thoroughly details the unique attributes and diverse applications of tFNAs and critically evaluates tFNAs' clinical translational potential, outlining inherent implementation challenges and exploring potential solutions to these obstacles.

Effects of a diverse prebiotic fibre supplement on HbA1c, insulin sensitivity and inflammatory biomarkers in pre-diabetes: a pilot placebo-controlled randomised clinical trial

Prebiotic fibre represents a promising and efficacious treatment to manage pre-diabetes, acting via complementary pathways involving the gut microbiome and viscosity-related properties. In this study, we evaluated the effect of using a diverse prebiotic fibre supplement on glycaemic, lipid and inflammatory biomarkers in patients with pre-diabetes. Sixty-six patients diagnosed with pre-diabetes (yet not receiving glucose-lowering medications) were randomised into treatment (thirty-three) and placebo (thirty-three) interventions. Participants in the treatment arm consumed 20 g/d of a diverse prebiotic fibre supplement, and participants in the placebo arm consumed 2 g/d of cellulose for 24 weeks. A total of fifty-one and forty-eight participants completed the week 16 and week 24 visits, respectively. The intervention was well tolerated, with a high average adherence rate across groups. Our results extend upon previous work, showing a significant change in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) in the treatment group but only in participants with lower baseline HbA1c levels (< 6 % HbA1c) (P = 0·05; treatment -0·17 ± 0·27 v. placebo 0·07 ± 0·29, mean ± sd). Within the whole cohort, we showed significant improvements in insulin sensitivity (P = 0·03; treatment 1·62 ± 5·79 v. placebo -0·77 ± 2·11) and C-reactive protein (P FWE = 0·03; treatment -2·02 ± 6·42 v. placebo 0·94 ± 2·28) in the treatment group compared with the placebo. Together, our results support the use of a diverse prebiotic fibre supplement for physiologically relevant biomarkers in pre-diabetes.

Zinc Supplementation in Individuals with Prediabetes and type 2 Diabetes: a GRADE-Assessed Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-analysis

Zinc supplementation has therapeutic effects on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, including dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, and inflammation as the main contributors to CVD pathogenesis. Since CVD is a major cause of mortality among people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), this study aimed to overview the potential effects of zinc supplementation on CVD risk factors in T2DM patients. To determine appropriate randomized clinical trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of zinc supplementation on CVD risk factors, electronic sources including PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were systematically searched until January 2023. The heterogeneity of trials was checked using the I2 statistic. According to the heterogeneity tests, random-effects models were estimated, and pooled data were defined as the weighted mean difference (WMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Of the 4004 initial records, 23 studies that met inclusion criteria were analyzed in this meta-analysis. The pooled findings indicated the significant lowering effects of zinc supplementation on triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), fasting blood glucose (FBG), hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C), and C-reactive protein (CRP), while high-density cholesterol (HDL) concentrations showed an elevation after zinc supplementation. In addition to statistical significance, the effect of zinc supplementation on most of the variables was clinically significant; however, the quality of evidence in the included studies is regarded as low or very low for most variables. Our study demonstrated that zinc supplementation has beneficial effects on glycemic control markers, lipid profile, and CRP levels as a classic marker of inflammation in T2DM. Due to the high degree of heterogeneity between studies and the low rate of quality in them, further well-designed studies are necessitated to strengthen our findings.

Anti-inflammatory benefits of semaglutide: State of the art

Individuals with diabetes often have chronic inflammation and high levels of inflammatory cytokines, leading to insulin resistance and complications. Anti-inflammatory agents are proposed to prevent these issues, including using antidiabetic medications with anti-inflammatory properties like semaglutide, a GLP-1 analogue. Semaglutide not only lowers glucose but also shows potential anti-inflammatory effects. Studies suggest it can modulate inflammatory responses and benefit those with diabetes. However, the exact mechanisms of its anti-inflammatory effects are not fully understood. This review aims to discuss the latest findings on semaglutide's anti-inflammatory effects and the potential pathways involved.

Interaction of Colorectal Neoplasm Risk Factors and Association with Metabolic Health Status Focusing on Normal Waist-to-Hip Ratio in Adults

BACKGROUND

We aimed to evaluate the interaction between colorectal adenoma risks among asymptomatic individuals in terms of metabolic health status and obesity, and examine the normal waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) in adults with colorectal adenoma risk.

METHODS

A cross-sectional, retrospective study was conducted at MacKay Memorial Hospital involving 16,996 participants who underwent bidirectional gastrointestinal endoscopy between 2013 and 2023. The study recorded important clinicopathological characteristics, including age, body mass index and WHR, Framingham Risk Score (FRS), blood glucose level, and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection status.

RESULTS

Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that elevated hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), increased FRS, positive H. pylori infection, and WHR ≥ 0.9 are independent risk factors for colorectal adenoma. In examining the interaction between FRS and WHR using multivariate logistic regression to evaluate adenoma risk, the OR for the interaction term was 0.95, indicating a decline in adenoma risk when considering the interaction between these two factors. Incorporating HbA1c into the analysis, evaluating the interaction between FRS and WHR still demonstrated a statistically significant impact on adenoma risk (OR 0.96, p < 0.001). Participants with WHR < 0.9, elevated FRS, positive H. pylori infection, and increased HbA1c levels were associated with a higher risk of colorectal adenoma formation. Remarkably, the increased risk of adenoma due to rising HbA1c levels was statistically significant only for those with a WHR < 0.9.

CONCLUSIONS

An increase in FRS and HbA1c or a positive H. pylori infection still warrants vigilance for colorectal adenoma risk when WHR is 0.9. These factors interacted with each other and were found to have a minimal decline in adenoma risk when considering the interaction between WHR and FRS.

Critical review on the research of chemical structure, bioactivities, and mechanism of actions of Dendrobium officinale polysaccharide

Dendrobium officinale (Tie-Pi-Shi-Hu) is a precious traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The principal active components are polysaccharides (DOP), which have a high potency in therapeutic applications. However, limitations in structure analysis and underlying mechanism investigation impede its further research. This review systemically and critically summarises current understanding in both areas, and points out the influence of starch impurities and the role of gut microbiota in DOP research. As challenges faced in studying natural polysaccharide investigations are common, this review contributes to a broader understanding of polysaccharides beyond DOP.

Anti-inflammatory potential of ulvan

Green seaweeds are a widespread group of marine macroalgae that could be regarded as biorenewable source of valuable compounds, in particular sulfated polysaccharides like ulvans with interesting biological properties. Among them, anti-inflammatory activity represents an interesting target, since ulvans could potentially avoid side effects of conventional therapies. However, a great variability in ulvan content, composition, structure and properties occurs depending on seaweed specie and growth and processing conditions. All these aspects should be carefully considered in order to have reproducible and well characterized products. This review presents some concise ideas on ulvan composition and general concepts on inflammation mechanisms. Then, the main focus is on the importance of adequate selection of extraction, depolymerization and purification technologies followed by an updated survey on anti-inflammatory properties of ulvans through modulation of different signaling pathways. The potential application in a number of diseases, with special emphasis on inflammaging, gut microbiota dysbiosis, wound repair, and metabolic diseases is also discussed. This multidisciplinary overview tries to present the potential of ulvans considering not only mechanistic, but also processing and applications aspects, trusting that it can aid in the development and application of this widely available and renewable resource as an efficient and versatile anti-inflammatory agent.

Uterine Arteries Resistance in Pregnant Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Diabetes Mellitus Type 1, Diabetes Mellitus Type 2, and Uncomplicated Pregnancies

BACKGROUND

The examination of the uterine arteries using Doppler in the first trimester of pregnancy serves as a valuable tool for evaluating the uteroplacental circulation. Diabetes mellitus is associated with altered placental implantation and pregnancy-related pathologies, such as preeclampsia. The aim of this study was to compare the uterine arteries' pulsatility indices (UtA PI) in women with diabetes mellitus type 1 (DM1), diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and uncomplicated pregnancies.

METHODS

This was a retrospective case-control trial including pregnant women with DM1, DM2, GDM, and uncomplicated pregnancies, presenting for first-trimester ultrasound screening in two tertiary university hospitals between 2013 and 2023. The first-trimester UtA pulsatility index (PI), expressed in multiples of medians (MoMs), was compared between the four groups.

RESULTS

Out of 15,638 pregnant women, 58 women with DM1, 67 women with DM2, 65 women with GDM, and 65 women with uncomplicated pregnancies were included. The mean UtA PI were 1.00 ± 0.26 MoMs, 1.04 ± 0.32 MoMs, 1.02 ± 0.31 MoMs, and 1.08 ± 0.33 MoMs in pregnant women with DM1, DM2, GDM, and uncomplicated pregnancies, respectively (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Potential alterations in the implantation of the placenta in pregnant women with diabetes were not displayed in the first-trimester pulsatility indices of the uterine arteries, as there were no changes between the groups.

Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract suppresses oxidative stress in the rat pancreas of type-1 diabetes

AIM

This study aimed to elucidate the effects of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) on oxidative stress (OS), antioxidant enzymes, free radicals and cytokines in the pancreas of T1DM rats.

METHODS

Two-month-old Wistar rats were assigned to the control (CON), CON + GSPE (CON + PA), diabetics (STZ, 60 mg/kg b.w.), diabetes + GSPE (STZ + PA), diabetes + insulin (STZ + INS, 3 U/day) and diabetics + GSPE and INS (STZ + INS + PA) groups. GSPE (75 mg/kg b.w.) was administered daily either alone or with INS for 8 weeks.

RESULTS

Glutathione was lowest in diabetics while it increased in the STZ + INS + PA (p < .001) group, similar to catalase activity (p < .05). Hydrogen peroxide, superoxide and lipid peroxidation increased with iNOS, TNF-α and IL-1β in the diabetic pancreases, while GSPE decreased (p < .001). Further, reduced β-cells/islet number was improved in diabetics (p < .001) with treatment.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that GSPE with INS is effective in minimising OS and pancreatic degeneration in T1DM rats.

Monocyte-to-High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio Together With the Lymphocyte-to-Monocyte Ratio in Predicting the Malignancy of the Thyroid Nodule in Patients Complicated With Type 2 Diabetes

Background

Thyroid nodules, although mostly benign and symptomless, have a small chance of being cancerous, necessitating accurate diagnosis. This study aims to develop and validate a nomogram for differentiating malignant and non-malignant thyroid nodules in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

The study included 484 patients with both thyroid nodules and type 2 diabetes who underwent thyroid gland lobectomy at Wenzhou Medical University Hospital. Optimal cutoff values for continuous variables were determined using ROC curve analysis. Significant factors identified in univariable analysis were used to construct the nomogram. The monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) was visualized through a histogram and scatter diagram. Discriminatory power was assessed using ROC analysis, and calibration curves ensured consistency. Decision curve analysis (DCA) evaluated clinical benefits.

Results

The cohort was divided into a training group (70%) and an internal validation group (30%). The scatter diagram revealed a correlation between MHR levels and the proportion of goiter cases, with higher MHR levels associated with increased goiter incidence. The histogram showed higher average MHR levels in goiter patients compared to those with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) in both groups. Multivariate logistic regression identified age, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), fasting blood sugar (FSG), fibrinogen, lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), and MHR as independent predictive factors for malignancy in thyroid nodules with type 2 diabetes. The nomogram achieved high discrimination, with C-index values of 0.901 (training data set) and 0.760 (internal validation data set). Calibration curves displayed good agreement, and DCA demonstrated significant net clinical benefits.

Conclusions

MHR is associated with sex, serum cholesterol levels, and peripheral blood cell counts, making it a potential novel biomarker for differentiating between PTC and goiter in type 2 diabetes patients.

Experimental animal models of chronic inflammation

Inflammation is a general term for a wide variety of both physiological and pathophysiological processes in the body which primarily prevents the body from diseases and helps to remove dead tissues. It has a crucial part in the body immune system. Tissue damage can recruit inflammatory cells and cytokines and induce inflammation. Inflammation can be classified as acute, sub-acute, and chronic. If it remained unresolved and lasted for prolonged periods, it would be considered as chronic inflammation (CI), which consequently exacerbates tissue damage in different organs. CI is the main pathophysiological cause of many disorders such as obesity, diabetes, arthritis, myocardial infarction, and cancer. Thus, it is critical to investigate different mechanisms involved in CI to understand its processes and to find proper anti-inflammatory therapeutic approaches for it. Animal models are one of the most useful tools for study about different diseases and mechanisms in the body, and are important in pharmacological studies to find proper treatments. In this study, we discussed the various experimental animal models that have been used to recreate CI which can help us to enhance the understanding of CI mechanisms in human and contribute to the development of potent new therapies.

Review on the protective mechanism of astragaloside IV against cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular disease is a global health problem. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is a saponin compound extracted from the roots of the Chinese herb Astragalus. Over the past few decades, AS-IV has been shown to possess various pharmacological properties. It can protect the myocardium through antioxidative stress, anti-inflammatory effects, regulation of calcium homeostasis, improvement of myocardial energy metabolism, anti-apoptosis, anti-cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, anti-myocardial fibrosis, regulation of myocardial autophagy, and improvement of myocardial microcirculation. AS-IV exerts protective effects on blood vessels. For example, it can protect vascular endothelial cells through antioxidative stress and anti-inflammatory pathways, relax blood vessels, stabilize atherosclerotic plaques, and inhibit the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells. Thus, the bioavailability of AS-IV is low. Toxicology indicates that AS-IV is safe, but should be used cautiously in pregnant women. In this paper, we review the mechanisms of AS-IV prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases in recent years to provide a reference for future research and drug development.

Three Pairs of Novel Enantiomeric 8-O-4' Type Neolignans from Saussurea medusa and Their Anti-inflammatory Effects In Vitro

Three pairs of novel enantiomeric 8-O-4′ type neolignans (1a/1b−3a/3b), together with seven known analogues (4−10), were isolated from the whole plants of Saussurea medusa. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic data analysis and electric circular dichroism (ECD) calculations after chiral separations. All compounds were obtained from S. medusa for the first time, and compounds 1−3 and 5−10 had never been obtained from the genus Saussurea previously. The anti-inflammatory activities of the compounds were evaluated by determining their inhibitory activities on the production of NO and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Compounds (+)-1a, (−)-1b and 5−7 inhibited NO production and had IC50 values ranging from 14.3 ± 1.6 to 41.4 ± 3.1 μM. Compound 7 induced a dose-dependent reduction in the expression of iNOS in LPS-treated RAW 264.7 cells. Molecular docking experiments showed that all active compounds exhibited excellent docking scores (<−7.0 kcal/mol) with iNOS. Therefore, compounds (+)-1a, (−)-1b and 5−7 isolated from the whole plants of S. medusa may have therapeutic potential in inflammatory diseases.

Red, white, and processed meat consumption related to inflammatory and metabolic biomarkers among overweight and obese women

BACKGROUND

Considering that a high meat intake is directly associated with obesity, it is critical to address the relationship between consuming different types of meat with inflammation and metabolism in overweight and obese cohorts. Thus, we evaluated the association between red, white, and processed meat consumption with inflammatory and metabolic biomarkers in overweight and obese women.

METHODS

The current cross-sectional study was conducted on 391 overweight and obese Iranian women. Dietary intake was obtained from a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) with 147 items. The anthropometric measurements, serum lipid profile, and inflammatory markers were measured by standard protocols. All associations were assessed utilizing one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), and linear regression models.

RESULTS

In the adjusted model, it was established that higher intake of processed meat had a significant positive association with leptin levels (β: 0.900, 95% CI: 0.031;1.233, p = 0.015). Moreover, after considering the confounders, a significant positive association between processed meat and macrophage inflammatory protein (MCP-1) levels was observed (β: 0.304, 95% CI:0.100;1.596, p = 0.025). Positive significant associations between high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (β:0.020, 95% CI:0.000;0.050, P = 0.014) and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) (β:0.263, 95% CI:0.112;0.345, p = 0.053) and MCP-1 (β:0.490, 95% CI: 0.175;1.464, p = 0.071) levels with red meat were also shown; while there was a significant negative association between red meat and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (β: -0.016, 95% CI: -0.022, -0.001, p = 0.033). Furthermore, a significant negative association were established following confounding adjustment between Galectin-3 (Gal-3) (β: -0.110, 95% CI: -0.271;0.000, p = 0.044), MCP-1 (β: -1.933, 95% CI: -3.721;0.192, p = 0.022) and Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) (β: -0.011, 95% CI: -0.020,0.000, p = 0.070) levels with high adherence of white meat intake. In contrast, a significant marginally positive association between PAI-1 levels and high adherence to white meat intake (β: -0.340, 95% CI: -0.751;0.050, p = 0.070) has been shown.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher red and processed meat consumption were positively associated with inflammatory and metabolic markers in overweight and obese women. In contrast, negative relationships between high adherence to white meat and various inflammatory and metabolic parameters were established. Further studies are needed to confirm the causality of these associations and potential mediating pathways.

Neuroinflammation represents a common theme amongst genetic and environmental risk factors for Alzheimer and Parkinson diseases

Multifactorial diseases are characterized by inter-individual variation in etiology, age of onset, and penetrance. These diseases tend to be relatively common and arise from the combined action of genetic and environmental factors; however, parsing the convoluted mechanisms underlying these gene-by-environment interactions presents a significant challenge to their study and management. For neurodegenerative disorders, resolving this challenge is imperative, given the enormous health and societal burdens they impose. The mechanisms by which genetic and environmental effects may act in concert to destabilize homeostasis and elevate risk has become a major research focus in the study of common disease. Emphasis is further being placed on determining the extent to which a unifying biological principle may account for the progressively diminishing capacity of a system to buffer disease phenotypes, as risk for disease increases. Data emerging from studies of common, neurodegenerative diseases are providing insights to pragmatically connect mechanisms of genetic and environmental risk that previously seemed disparate. In this review, we discuss evidence positing inflammation as a unifying biological principle of homeostatic destabilization affecting the risk, onset, and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Specifically, we discuss how genetic variation associated with Alzheimer disease and Parkinson disease may contribute to pro-inflammatory responses, how such underlying predisposition may be exacerbated by environmental insults, and how this common theme is being leveraged in the ongoing search for effective therapeutic interventions.

Diyabetik Periferik Polinöropatili Hastalarda İnterlökin-23R Gen Polimofizmleri

Amaç: Diyabetik nöropatinin patogenezinde proinflamatuar ve nörovasküler değişiklikler suçlanmaktadır. Diyabetin vasküler inflamasyonu tetiklediği kabul edilse de inflamasyonun da diyabeti tetikleyebileceği öne sürülmüştür. İnterlökin-23 (IL-23) aktive makrofajlar ve dendritik hücreler tarafından salgılanan proinflamatuar bir sitokindir. Interleukin-23R'nin kronik inflamatuar hastalıklarda kritik bir rolü olduğu bilinmektedir. Bu çalışmanın amacı, IL-23R polimorfizmi ile diyabetik periferik nöropati arasındaki ilişkiyi incelemektir. Yöntem: Nöroloji polikliniğine başvuran 50 diyabetik periferik nöropati hastası ve hasta grubuna yaş ve cinsiyet açısından uyumlu 52 sağlıklı kontrol çalışmaya dahil edildi. Çalışmaya katılmayı kabul eden gönüllülerin tamamına elektromiyografi uygulandı ve EDTA'lı tüplere 2 ml kan örneği alındı. Pyrosequencing yöntemi ile IL-23R gen polimorfizmi analiz edildi. Bulgular: IL-23R gen varyantları rs2201841, rs199542433, rs201052419, rs11209026 diyabetik periferik nöropati (DPN) hastalarında ve kontrol grubunda analiz edildi. IL23R polimorfizmleri sıklıkları açısından hasta ve kontrol grupları arasında anlamlı bir fark saptanmadı. Ancak, odd’s oranlarına bakıldığında, rs2201841'in koruyucu rolü var gibi görünmekte, rs199542433 hem baskın hem de çekinik modellerde ve rs11209026 sadece çekinik modelde, DPN için 10 kata kadar daha yüksek risklerle ilişkili olabileceği görünmektedir. Sonuç: IL-23R gen polimorfizminin birçok otoimmün ve inflamatuar hastalık ile ilişkili olduğu gösterilmiştir. İnflamasyonun diyabet üzerinde önemli bir etkisi olduğu bilinmektedir. Diyabetik periferik nöropatide IL-23R gen polimorfizminin sıklığı anlamlı değildi. Çalışmamız diyabetik periferik nöropatide IL-23R gen polimorfizminin rolünü araştıran tek ve ilk çalışmadır. Etnik köken, genetik çalışmalarda çok önemlidir ve bu çalışmanın başka etnik kökene sahip hastalarda yapılması ve daha geniş çalışma gruplarının alınması, bize ilerisi için daha net bilgiler verecektir.

Glucose-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (GLR) as a Predictor of Preoperative Central Lymph Node Metastasis in Papillary Thyroid Cancer Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Construction of the Nomogram

Background

Detection of metastasis of central lymph nodes in papillary thyroid cancer is difficult before surgery. The role of routine or preventive central lymph node dissection in the management of papillary thyroid cancer remains inconclusive. Moreover, glucose metabolism and systemic inflammation are related to the aggressiveness of several malignant tumors and the prognoses of these patients. This study aimed to construct a nomogram based on the readily available preoperative clinical features for predicting the occurrence of preoperative central lymph node metastasis in patients with papillary thyroid cancer and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The findings may underlie clinical implications for determining the appropriate treatment strategies for these patients.

Methods

A total of 419 patients were enrolled. We used the receiver operating characteristic curves to determine the best cut-off value and converted the continuous into categorical variables. Next, a single-factor logistic analysis for the independent variables was performed, following which a multivariate regression analysis was conducted for the selected significant risk factors. Finally, the nomogram was constructed and verified using external data; the existing data were compared with the original model.

Results

According to the receiver operating characteristic curves, the best cut-off values ​​for glucose-to-lymphocyte ratio and tumor size were 4.23 cm and 0.95 cm, respectively. Findings from the multivariate logistic regression analysis suggested that age, bilateral tumors, maximum tumor size, and the ratio of glucose-to-lymphocytes were independent risk factors for preoperative central lymph node metastasis. The C-indexes in the training and the external validation data sets were 0.733 and 0.664, respectively. Both calibration curves and the Hosmer-Lemeshow tests indicated that the model was well-calibrated. Through decision curve analysis, the predictive model was estimated to have strong clinical applicability and greater benefits. To compare the performance of the new with that of the original model, we performed a net reclassification index and the integrated discrimination improvement analyses, both of which indicated that the new model had a better predictive ability.

Conclusion

In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and papillary thyroid cancer, a high preoperative glucose-to-lymphocyte ratio was an independent predictor of the preoperative central lymph node metastasis. The nomogram so constructed could better predict the preoperative central lymph node metastasis in these patients.

Effects of almond on cardiometabolic outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

An enhanced risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) still exists even when T2DM patients have tight control on blood sugar. Thus, identification of treatment approaches that address CVD risk factors may be useful for patients beyond the blood sugar management. Although emerging evidence suggests that nuts consumption have beneficial effects on cardiometabolic health, the effects of almond intake in patients with type 2 diabetes are still controversial. Therefore, our objective was to investigate the effect of almond on cardiometabolic outcomes in patients with T2DM through a systematic review and meta-analysis of available randomized controlled trials (RCTs). A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar to identify relevant RCTs up to March 2021. There was no language and time limitation. Weighted mean difference (WMD) was pooled using a random effects model. Heterogeneity, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias were reported using standard methods. Nine RCTs were included in the final analysis. Almond intake resulted in significant reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (WMD: -5.28 mg/dL; 95% CI, -9.92, -0.64; p = .026) compared with the control group. This lowering effect of LDL-C was robust in subgroups with almond consumption >50 g/day, and baseline LDL-C level <130 mg/dL. However, the effect of almond on total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting plasma glucose, insulin, hemoglobin A1c, body mass index, weight, body fat, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and CRP was not significant compared with the control group. In summary, the current meta-analysis indicated that almond consumption decreased LDL-C, and had no favorable effect on other cardiometabolic outcomes in patients with T2DM. However, further high-quality studies are needed to firmly establish the clinical efficacy of the almond.

Secondary Metabolites with Anti-Inflammatory from the Roots of Cimicifuga taiwanensis

The genus Cimicifuga is one of the smallest genera in the family Ranunculaceae. Cimicifugae Rhizoma originated from rhizomes of Cimicifuga simplex, and C. dahurica, C. racemosa, C. foetida, and C. heracleifolia have been used as anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic remedies in Chinese traditional medicine. Inflammation is related to many diseases. Cimicifuga taiwanensis was often used in folk therapy in Taiwan for inflammation. Phytochemical investigation and chromatographic separation of extracts from the roots of Cimicifuga taiwanensis has led to the isolation of six new compounds: cimicitaiwanins A-F (1-6, respectively). The structures of the new compounds were unambiguously elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic data analysis (1D- and 2D-NMR, MS, and UV) and comparison with the literature data. The effect of some isolates on the inhibition of NO production in lipopolysaccharide-activated RAW 264.7 murine macrophages was evaluated. Of the isolates, 3-6 exhibited potent anti-NO production activity, with IC50 values ranging from 6.54 to 24.58 μM, respectively, compared with that of quercetin, an iNOS inhibitor with an IC50 value of 34.58 μM. This is the first report on metabolite from the endemic Taiwanese plant-C. taiwanensis.

Stress reduction via neuro-emotional technique to achieve the simultaneous resolution of chronic low back pain with multiple inflammatory and biobehavioural indicators: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Beginning with the concepts of stress developed by Selye, an approach to stress and pain management, known as neuro-emotional technique (NET), has been developed. It is a treatment approach based on the principle that the stressor effects of dormant and/or current unresolved issues or trauma are what determine one's bodily responses. These responses are relatively personalized to the conditioned, experiential and emotional reality of the individual.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of NET on patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) over time.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, AND INTERVENTIONS

In a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study conducted in a single clinic, NET or control treatments were given twice weekly for 4 weeks in a population of 112 patients.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Outcome measures, including Oswestry Disability Index, Quadruple Visual Analogue Scale, the psychoneuroimmunology markers of blood serum levels of C-reactive protein, tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6, and IL-10, and 10 dimensions of the Short Form Health Survey scale, were assessed at baseline and at 1, 3 and 6 months following the intervention period.

RESULTS

Compared to placebo, NET produced clinical and statistical significance (P < 0.001) via declines of virtually all physiological, pain and disability markers, accompanied by gains in quality-of-life indicators at 0 (baseline), 1, 3 and 6 months. Reductions of the percentages of patients whose 5 biomarkers lay outside the normative range were achieved at 1, 3 and 6 months by NET but not control interventions.

CONCLUSION

A randomized, controlled trial of CLBP patients indicated that 8 NET interventions, compared to placebo, produced clinically and statistically significant reductions in pain, disability and inflammatory biomarkers, and improvements in quality-of-life measures.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The trial was registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (No. ACTRN12608000002381).

Disrupting Interleukin 12 Improves Microvascular Endothelial Function in Type 2 Diabetes Through ER Stress CHOP and Oxidative Stress Mechanisms

PURPOSE

Vascular endothelial dysfunction is well established in type 2 diabetes. Interleukin-12 (IL-12) and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress are up-regulated in type 2 diabetic patients and animal models of type 2 diabetes. However, the role and underlying mechanisms of IL-12 and the ER stress CHOP in endothelial dysfunction are not fully understood.

METHODS

We generated double knockout mice between db^-/db^- and p40IL-12^-/- mice (db^-/db^{-p40-IL-12-/-}) and endoplasmic (ER) stress-CHOP^-/- mice (db^-/db^-CHOP-/-). We performed a glucose tolerance test (GTT) to determine the effect of IL-12 and ER stress CHOP on glucose metabolism. We assessed the endothelial function and determined the phosphorylation level of eNOS, Akt, AMPK, and the expression of ER stress (CHOP, BIP), and oxidative stress (Nox2 and Nox4 and NADPH oxidase activity).

RESULTS

The results showed that GTT was improved in db-/db^{-p40-IL-12-/-} and db^-/db^-CHOP-/- suggesting IL-12 and CHOP as parts of a mechanism involved in the development of type 2 diabetes. The microvascular endothelial dysfunction in db^-/db^- mouse is associated with decreased phosphorylated eNOS, Akt, AMPK, and increased CHOP, BIP, Nox2, and Nox4 expressions. Interestingly, disrupting IL-12 and ER stress CHOP in db^-/db^- mice significantly improved endothelial function, increased survival markers expression and decreased ER and oxidative stress.

CONCLUSION

Using a genetic approach, these findings provide evidence that IL-12 and ER stress CHOP play a significant role in microvascular endothelial dysfunction in type 2 diabetes.

The potential role of COVID-19 in the induction of DNA damage

The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is challenging global health and economic systems. In some individuals, COVID-19 can cause a wide array of symptoms, affecting several organs, such as the lungs, heart, bowels, kidneys and brain, causing multiorgan failure, sepsis and death. These effects are related in part to direct viral infection of these organs, immunological deregulation, a hypercoagulatory state and the potential for development of cytokine storm syndrome. Since the appearance of COVID-19 is recent, the long-term effects on the health of recovered patients remain unknown. In this review, we focused on current evidence of the mechanisms of DNA damage mediated by coronaviruses. Data supports that these viruses can induce DNA damage, genomic instability, and cell cycle deregulation during their replication in mammalian cells. Since the induction of DNA damage and aberrant DNA repair mechanisms are related to the development of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, and atherosclerosis, it will be important to address similar effects and outcomes in recovered COVID-19 patients.

The Correlation between Carotid Intima-Media Thickness and Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio in Prediabetes Patients

Background

Prediabetes is a metabolic state between normoglycemia and diabetes and is known to carry a higher risk of developing overt diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The relative and absolute risks of all-cause mortality, CVD, coronary heart disease, and stroke in prediabetes patients, as well as in diabetic patients, is higher than that in patients with normoglycemia. Carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) is a method used to stratify CVD risk. In this study, we aimed to determine whether the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) correlates with cIMT in prediabetes patients.

Methods

From January 1, 2016, to February 20, 2021, 581 adults their 30s–70s who underwent carotid ultrasonography as part of a comprehensive medical examination at the Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital were enrolled. Statistical analysis using SPSS presented t-test and chi-square test significance levels into a group with normal cIMT (nIMT; cIMT <1 mm) and a group with thick cIMT (tIMT; cIMT ≥1 mm). Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to confirm the correlation between NLR and cIMT.

Results

In prediabetic adults, age, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), systolic blood pressure, and NLR were significantly higher in the tIMT group than in the nIMT group. In the regression analysis, NLR, age, and HbA1c were significantly correlated with cIMT.

Conclusion

NLR was significantly higher in the tIMT group than in the nIMT group; therefore, NLR may be used to assess CVD risk in prediabetes patients.

Anti-Inflammatory, Antipyretic, and Analgesic Properties of Potamogeton perfoliatus Extract: In Vitro and In Vivo Study

Natural antioxidants, especially those of plant origins, have shown a plethora of biological activities with substantial economic value, as they can be extracted from agro-wastes and/or under exploited plant species. The perennial hydrophyte, Potamogeton perfoliatus, has been used traditionally to treat several health disorders; however, little is known about its biological and its medicinal effects. Here, we used an integrated in vitro and in vivo framework to examine the potential effect of P. perfoliatus on oxidative stress, nociception, inflammatory models, and brewer’s yeast-induced pyrexia in mice. Our results suggested a consistent in vitro inhibition of three enzymes, namely 5-lipoxygenase, cyclooxygenases 1 and 2 (COX-1 and COX-2), as well as a potent antioxidant effect. These results were confirmed in vivo where the studied extract attenuated carrageenan-induced paw edema, carrageenan-induced leukocyte migration into the peritoneal cavity by 25, 44 and 64% at 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg, p.o., respectively. Moreover, the extract decreased acetic acid-induced vascular permeability by 45% at 600 mg/kg, p.o., and chemical hyperalgesia in mice by 86% by 400 mg/kg, p.o., in acetic acid-induced writhing assay. The extract (400 mg/kg) showed a longer response latency at the 3 h time point (2.5 fold of the control) similar to the nalbuphine, the standard opioid analgesic. Additionally, pronounced antipyretic effects were observed at 600 mg/kg, comparable to paracetamol. Using LC-MS/MS, we identified 15 secondary metabolites that most likely contributed to the obtained biological activities. Altogether, our findings indicate that P. perfoliatus has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic and antipyretic effects, thus supporting its traditional use and promoting its valorization as a potential candidate in treating oxidative stress-associated diseases.

Development and Validation of a Nomogram for Preoperative Prediction of Central Compartment Lymph Node Metastasis in Patients with Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Purpose

To develop and validate a nomogram to predict central compartment lymph node metastasis in PTC patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

Patients and Methods

The total number of enrolled patients was 456. The optimal cut-off values of continuous variables were obtained by ROC curve analysis. Significant risk factors in univariate analysis were further identified to be independent variables in multivariable logistic regression analysis, which were then incorporated and presented in a nomogram. The ROC curve analysis was performed to evaluate the discrimination of the nomogram, calibration curves and Hosmer-Lemeshow test were used to visualize and quantify the consistency. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was performed to evaluate the net clinical benefit patients could get by applying this nomogram.

Results

ROC curve analysis showed the optimal cutoff values of NLR, PLR, and tumor size were 2.9204, 154.7003, and 0.95 (cm), respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that age, multifocality, largest tumor size, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio were independent prognostic factors of CLNM. The C-index of this nomogram in the training data set was 0.728, and 0.618 in the external validation data set. When we defined the predicted possibility (>0.5273) as high-risk of CLNM, we could get a sensitivity of 0.535, a specificity of 0.797, a PPV(%) of 67.7, and an NPV(%) of 68.7. Great consistencies were represented in the calibration curves. DCA showed that applying this nomogram will help patients get more clinical net benefit than having all of the patients or none of the patients treated with central compartment lymph node dissection (CLND).

Conclusion

A high level of preoperative NLR was an independent predictor for CLNM in PTC patients with T2DM. And the verified optimal cutoff value of NLR in this study was 2.9204. Applying this nomogram will help stratify high-risk CLNM patients, consequently enabling these patients to be treated with appropriate measures. What is more, we hope to find more sensitive indicators in the near future to further improve the sensitivity and specificity of our nomogram.

Immune Infiltration of CD8+ T Cells in Patients With Diabetic Pancreatic Cancer Reduces the Malignancy of Cancer Tissues: An In Silico Study

BACKGROUND

Although the functional damage of the diabetic pancreas can affect the postoperative recovery of pancreatic cancer patients, there is no significant difference in the prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients with a history of diabetes and ordinary pancreatic cancer patients. There is still no practical theory to explain this phenomenon.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

The mRNA expression profile data of 141 cases and 51 cases with clinical data of diabetes status were obtained from the TCGA database and the GEO database, respectively. The CRA001160 data set was obtained in the TISCH database. The Seurat was used to process single-cell expression profile sequencing data. The Cibersortx was used to construct a feature matrix of single-cell sequencing data and to deconvolve Bulk-RNAseq data to obtain each pancreatic cancer patients' tumour invasion score. TIDE was used to assess the immune escape potential of the tumour. MiRNet was used to construct the miRNA-mRNA regulatory network.

RESULT

Compared with regular pancreatic cancer patients, the immune-related signal transduction pathways in diabetic pancreatic cancer patients are in an activated state. In patients with diabetic pancreatic cancer, the infiltration score of CD8+ T cells is high, and the infiltration score of corresponding malignant tumour cells is low. The Bayesian classifier can distinguish diabetic pancreatic cancer patients from non-diabetic pancreatic cancer patients based on 10 signature genes. The miRNA-mRNA regulatory network suggests that regulation by miRNA can influence mRNA expression and thus prognostic survival of pancreatic cancer patients.

CONCLUSION

The activation of inflammatory-related signalling pathways in diabetic pancreatic cancer patients increases the immune infiltration of CD8+ T cells in cancer patients and reduces the development of malignant tumour tissues. The expression of 10 signature genes allowed the diagnosis of diabetic and non-diabetic pancreatic cancer patients. The miRNA-mRNA regulatory network may be the main cause of the differences in the tumour inflammatory microenvironment between the two groups of patients. These findings help us further understand the immune microenvironment of patients with diabetic pancreatic cancer.

Chronic High Glucose Concentration Induces Inflammatory and Remodeling Changes in Valvular Endothelial Cells and Valvular Interstitial Cells in a Gelatin Methacrylate 3D Model of the Human Aortic Valve

Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD), a degenerative disease characterized by inflammation, fibrosis and calcification, is accelerated in diabetes. Hyperglycemia contributes to this process by mechanisms that still need to be uncovered. We have recently developed a 3D model of the human aortic valve based on gelatin methacrylate and revealed that high glucose (HG) induced osteogenic molecules and increased calcium deposits in a pro-osteogenic environment. To further understand the events leading to calcification in diabetic conditions in CAVD, we analyzed here the inflammatory and remodeling mechanisms induced by HG in our 3D model. We exposed valvular endothelial cells (VEC) and interstitial cells (VIC) to normal glucose (NG) or HG for 7 and 14 days, then we isolated and separated the cells by anti-CD31 immunomagnetic beads. The changes induced by HG in the 3D model were investigated by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blot, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunofluorescence. Our results showed that HG induced expression of different cytokines, cell adhesion molecules and matrix metalloproteinases in VEC and VIC. In addition, protein kinase C was increased in VEC and VIC, indicating molecular mechanisms associated with HG induced inflammation and remodeling in both valvular cells. These findings may indicate new biomarkers and targets for therapy in diabetes associated with CAVD.

Effect of resistant starch type 2 on inflammatory mediators: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Inflammation is the main cause in the development of chronic diseases. The enhancement of pro-inflammatory factors, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is the main risk factor in chronic diseases. Resistant starch type 2 (RS2) is non-gelatinized granules which their enzymatic hydrolysis is very low. RS2 might be able to reduce inflammatory mediators, therefore; our aim for this study was indicating RS2 effects on inflammatory mediators such as IL-6, TNF-a, and CRP among healthy and unhealthy subjects.

METHODS

Articles which assessed RS2 effect on IL-6, TNF-α, and hs-CRP were found by advanced search methods. Electronic databases including Google scholar, ISI web of science, SCOPUS, and PubMed, were searched up to October 2019. Treatment effect was the mean difference between changes in serum levels of inflammatory biomarkers in each arm of the clinical trials. To pool the effect of resistant starch on inflammatory biomarkers, we used random effects model.

RESULTS

We included eight articles in systematic review and meta-analysis. The overall effect illustrated no significant change in serum levels of hs-CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α in intervention group compared with the control group (WMD: -7.18 pg/mL, 95% CI: -27.80, 13.45; P = 0.495, I² = 100.0%, WMD: -0.003 pg/mL, 95% CI: -0.07, 0.06; P = 0.919, I² = 98.1%, WMD: -0.003 pg/mL, 95% CI: -0.004, -0.001; P < 0.0001, I² = 98.0% respectively).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, we found that RS2 could not reduce inflammatory mediators, but we still need more RCTs with longer intervention duration, higher dose, and studies in different countries.

Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Inflammatory Markers in Non-Obese Lebanese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

A low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH) D) concentration has been associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), especially in older people. Our aim in this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effect of vitamin D treatment on inflammatory markers in non-obese Lebanese patients with T2DM, living in Beirut, Lebanon.

METHODS

Non-Obese patients with T2DM (n = 88), deficient/insufficient in vitamin D, were randomly assigned into one of two groups-a treatment group receiving 30,000 IU cholecalciferol/week for a period of six months, and a placebo group. Serum concentrations of TNF-α, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) were the primary outcomes. A homeostatic model of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was assessed, in addition to serum concentrations of fasting blood glucose (FBG), HbA1C, (25(OH) D), and PTH.

RESULTS

The vitamin D group showed higher blood levels of (25(OH) D) (p < 0.0001), and a significant reduction in hs-CRP and TNF-α concentrations (p < 0.0001) compared to placebo. The decrease perceived in IL-6 concentrations was not significant (p = 0.1). No significant changes were seen in FBG (p = 0.9) and HbA1c levels (p = 0.85).

CONCLUSION

Six months of vitamin D supplementation led to a decrease in some inflammatory markers in patients with T2DM. Additional studies with a larger sample and a longer period are advised in this regard. This trial was registered at ClinicalTrial.gov; Identifier number: NCT03782805.

Neutrophil: lymphocyte ratio is positively associated with subclinical diabetic cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND

Subclinical diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) occurs frequently in asymptomatic subjects with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The direct association between the immune system and DCM with effective biomarkers has been demonstrated in previous studies.

METHODS

Five hundred seven subjects with T2DM were recruited from April 2018 to October 2019 and divided into T2DM with cardiac dysfunction (DCM) group and T2DM without cardiac dysfunction (non-DCM) group. The relationship between the quartiles of Neutrophil: lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and subclinical DCM was evaluated by using adjusted logistic regression models.(covariates: age, sex, BMI, duration of diabetes, and hyperlipidemia).

RESULTS

Blood NLR was significantly upregulated in DCM group compared to non-DCM group (P = 0.05). Then the adjusted odds ratio (95% CI) of the highest NLR quartile was 14.32 (2.92-70.31) compared with the lowest quartile of NLR after multiple adjusted (P < 0.001). However, there was no significant relation between neutrophil and lymphocyte counts and the occurrence of DCM in T2DM patients.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that NLR was associated with the occurrence of subclinical DCM, suggesting that NLR may be a biomarker for predicting DCM with effectiveness and accuracy.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1900027080) . Registered 30 October 2019. Retrospectively registered: www.medresman.org.

Epigenetic Regulation of S100A9 and S100A12 Expression in Monocyte-Macrophage System in Hyperglycemic Conditions

The number of diabetic patients in Europe and world-wide is growing. Diabetes confers a 2-fold higher risk for vascular disease. Lack of insulin production (Type 1 diabetes, T1D) or lack of insulin responsiveness (Type 2 diabetes, T2D) causes systemic metabolic changes such as hyperglycemia (HG) which contribute to the pathology of diabetes. Monocytes and macrophages are key innate immune cells that control inflammatory reactions associated with diabetic vascular complications. Inflammatory programming of macrophages is regulated and maintained by epigenetic mechanisms, in particular histone modifications. The aim of our study was to identify the epigenetic mechanisms involved in the hyperglycemia-mediated macrophage activation. Using Affymetrix microarray profiling and RT-qPCR we identified that hyperglycemia increased the expression of S100A9 and S100A12 in primary human macrophages. Expression of S100A12 was sustained after glucose levels were normalized. Glucose augmented the response of macrophages to Toll-like receptor (TLR)-ligands Palmatic acid (PA) and Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) i.e., pro-inflammatory stimulation. The abundance of activating histone Histone 3 Lysine 4 methylation marks (H3K4me1, H3K4me3) and general acetylation on histone 3 (AceH3) with the promoters of these genes was analyzed by chromatin immunoprecipitation. Hyperglycemia increased acetylation of histones bound to the promoters of S100A9 and S100A12 in M1 macrophages. In contrast, hyperglycemia caused a reduction in total H3 which correlated with the increased expression of both S100 genes. The inhibition of histone methyltransferases SET domain-containing protein (SET)7/9 and SET and MYND domain-containing protein (SMYD)3 showed that these specifically regulated S100A12 expression. We conclude that hyperglycemia upregulates expression of S100A9, S100A12 via epigenetic regulation and induces an activating histone code on the respective gene promoters in M1 macrophages. Mechanistically, this regulation relies on action of histone methyltransferases SMYD3 and SET7/9. The results define an important role for epigenetic regulation in macrophage mediated inflammation in diabetic conditions.

Analysis of serum inflammatory mediators in type 2 diabetic patients and their influence on renal function

Aim

To evaluate the serum concentrations of inflammatory mediators in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with or without renal alteration (RA) function.

Methods

Serum samples from 76 patients with T2DM and 24 healthy individuals were selected. Patients with T2DM were divided into two groups according to eGFR (> or < 60mL/min/1.73m²). Cytokines, chemokines and adipokines levels were evaluated using the Multiplex immunoassay and ELISA.

Results

TNFR1 and leptin were higher in the T2DM group with RA than in the T2DM group without RA and control group. All patients with T2DM showed increased resistin, IL-8, and MIP-1α compared to the control group. Adiponectin were higher and IL-4 decreased in the T2DM group with RA compared to the control group. eGFR positively correlated with IL-4 and negatively with TNFR1, TNFR2, and leptin in patients with T2DM. In the T2DM group with RA, eGFR was negatively correlated with TNFR1 and resistin. TNFR1 was positively correlated with resistin and leptin, as well as resistin with IL-8 and leptin.

Conclusion

Increased levels of TNFR1, adipokines, chemokines and decrease of IL-4 play important role in the inflammatory process developed in T2DM and decreased renal function. We also suggest that TNFR1 is a strong predictor of renal dysfunction in patients with T2DM.

Lack of Differences in Inflammation and T Cell-Mediated Function between Young and Older Women with Obesity

Both obesity and aging are associated with dysregulated immune and inflammatory responses. There is limited knowledge, however, on differences in the immune system between young and older adults with obesity. The goal of this study was to compare circulating inflammatory cytokines and T cell-mediated immune response between young and older women with obesity. Twenty-three young (23-43 years) and 21 older (60-83 years) women with obesity were recruited at the Weight and Wellness Center at Tufts Medical Center. Circulating inflammatory cytokines (CRP, IL-6, and IL-1β) and ex vivo indicators of T cell-mediated immune function were compared between the groups. Older women with obesity had significantly fewer circulating CD3+, CD8+, CD19+, and natural killer T (NKT) cells compared to young women with obesity (p = 0.016, p < 0.0001, p = 0.0003, and p < 0.0001, respectively). However, with few exceptions, there was no significant difference in inflammation markers or stimulated lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells between young and older participants. These findings are in contrast to those previously reported in young and old subjects with healthy weight and call for further investigation into the impact of obesity on premature aging of the immune system.

Anti-inflammatory potentials of incretin-based therapies used in the management of diabetes

GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors (DPP-4i) are two classes of antidiabetic agents used in the management of diabetes based on incretin hormones. There is emerging evidence that they have anti-inflammatory effects. Since most long-term complications of diabetes have a background of chronic inflammation, these agents may be beneficial against diabetic complications not only due to their hypoglycemic potential but also via their anti-inflammatory effects. However, the exact molecular mechanisms by which GLP-1RAs and DPP-4i exert their anti-inflammatory effects are not clearly understood. In this review, we discuss the potential molecular pathways by which these incretin-based therapies exert their anti-inflammatory effects.

The effect of green tea on C-reactive protein and biomarkers of oxidative stress in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

The beneficial effects of green tea on regulating insulin sensitivity and preventing the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have been identified.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to investigate the effect of green tea on serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and biomarkers of oxidative stress in patients with T2DM.

METHODS

A systematic search was performed in the ISI Web of science, PubMed and Scopus to find articles related to the effect of the green tea on CRP, malondealdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in T2DM patients, up to June 2019. There was no language and time limitation. Meta-analyses were performed using both the random and fixed effects model where appropriate, and I2 index was used to evaluate the heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Initial search yielded 780 publications. Eight articles with 614 T2DM patients were eligible. Following green tea consumption, CRP levels significantly decreased (weighted mean difference (WMD): -5.51 mg/dl, 95% CI: -9.18 to -1.83, p = 0.003) compared with the controlled group. Green tea consumption had no significant effect on plasma levels of TAC and MDA (0.02 mg/dl, CI: -0.06 to 0.10; -0.14 mg/dl, CI: -0.40 to 0.12; respectively).

CONCLUSION

This systematic review and meta-analysis indicated that green tea significantly reduced the circulating levels of CRP, whereas, it had no significant effect on MDA and TAC. Overall, green tea can be considered as a healthy drink to reduce CRP levels in T2DM patients.

Astragaloside IV Suppresses High Glucose-Induced NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation by Inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB and CaSR

Long-term exposure to high glucose induces vascular endothelial inflammation that can result in cardiovascular disease. Astragaloside IV (As-IV) is widely used for anti-inflammatory treatment of cardiovascular diseases. However, its mechanism of action is still not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the effect of As-IV on high glucose-induced endothelial inflammation and explored its possible mechanisms. In vivo, As-IV (40 and 80 mg/kg/d) was orally administered to rats for 8 weeks after a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 65 mg/kg). In vitro, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with high glucose (33 mM glucose) in the presence or absence of As-IV, NPS2143 (CaSR inhibitor), BAY 11-7082 (NF-κB p65 inhibitor), and INF39 (NLRP3 inhibitor), and overexpression of CaSR was induced by infection of CaSR-overexpressing lentiviral vectors to further discuss the anti-inflammatory property of As-IV. The results showed that high glucose increased the expression of interleukin-18 (IL-18), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), NLRP3, caspase-1, and ASC, as well as the protein level of TLR4, nucleus p65, and CaSR. As-IV can reverse these changes in vivo and in vitro. Meanwhile, NPS2143, BAY 11-7082, and INF39 could significantly abolish the high glucose-enhanced NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, IL-18, and IL-1β expression in vitro. In addition, both NPS2143 and BAY 11-7082 attenuated high glucose-induced upregulation of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, IL-18, and IL-1β expression. In conclusion, this study suggested that As-IV could inhibit high glucose-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation and subsequent secretion of proinflammatory cytokines via inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway and CaSR, which provides new insights into the anti-inflammatory activity of As-IV.

Potential Role of Flavonoids in Treating Chronic Inflammatory Diseases with a Special Focus on the Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Apigenin

Inflammation has been reported to be intimately linked to the development or worsening of several non-infectious diseases. A number of chronic conditions such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, autoimmune diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders emerge as a result of tissue injury and genomic changes induced by constant low-grade inflammation in and around the affected tissue or organ. The existing therapies for most of these chronic conditions sometimes leave more debilitating effects than the disease itself, warranting the advent of safer, less toxic, and more cost-effective therapeutic alternatives for the patients. For centuries, flavonoids and their preparations have been used to treat various human illnesses, and their continual use has persevered throughout the ages. This review focuses on the anti-inflammatory actions of flavonoids against chronic illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and neuroinflammation with a special focus on apigenin, a relatively less toxic and non-mutagenic flavonoid with remarkable pharmacodynamics. Additionally, inflammation in the central nervous system (CNS) due to diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) gives ready access to circulating lymphocytes, monocytes/macrophages, and dendritic cells (DCs), causing edema, further inflammation, and demyelination. As the dearth of safe anti-inflammatory therapies is dire in the case of CNS-related disorders, we reviewed the neuroprotective actions of apigenin and other flavonoids. Existing epidemiological and pre-clinical studies present considerable evidence in favor of developing apigenin as a natural alternative therapy against chronic inflammatory conditions.

C-reactive protein and blood pressure variability in type 2 hypertensive diabetic patients

OBJECTIVE

Increased blood pressure (BP) variability and inflammation are included among the factors recognized as potential predictors of cardiovascular events in type 2 diabetes and hypertension. This study aimed to evaluate whether C-reactive protein (CRP) is associated with increased BP variability in diabetic-hypertensive patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We carried out a cross-sectional study with 285 diabetic-hypertensive patients, evaluating laboratory characteristics and 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring. SD, coefficient of variation (CV%), time-rate index of 24-h systolic BP (SBP), and 24-h BP patterns were evaluated. Pearson's χ-test, Student's t-test, and the Mann-Whitney test were used to compare the groups. Groups were defined by CRP of up to 3 mg/l (low) and more than 3 mg/l (high).

RESULTS

The age of the patients was 59 (54-62) years; 101 (35%) were men. There was an increase in office SBP [137 (127-148) vs. 145 (130-157) mmHg] and DBP [79 (73-86) vs. 82 (76-91) mmHg] in the high CRP group. Blood pressure variability indexes were not different among groups [SD: 11.2 (9-15) vs. 12.2 (10-15) mmHg; CV%: 8.6 (7-11) vs. 9.4 (7-12); time rate: 0.55±0.12 vs.12.2 (10-15) mmHg/min]. In addition, BMI (29.3±3.8 vs. 30.9±3.6 kg/m), total cholesterol [166 (148-190) vs. 177 (156-210) mg/dl], and HbA1c [7.5% (6.6-8.9) vs.8.3% (7.1-9.9)] were higher in the high CRP group.

CONCLUSION

In patients with diabetes and hypertension, higher CRP levels are linked to cardiometabolic derangements, although they are not associated with increased BP variability.

The Action of Polyphenols in Diabetes Mellitus and Alzheimer's Disease: A Common Agent for Overlapping Pathologies

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are two prevalent diseases in modern societies, which are caused mainly by current lifestyle, aging and genetic alterations. It has already been demonstrated that these two diseases are associated, since individuals suffering from DM are prone to develop AD. Conversely, it is also known that individuals with AD are more susceptible to DM, namely type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Therefore, these two pathologies, although completely different in terms of symptomatology, end up sharing several mechanisms at the molecular level, with the most obvious being the increase of oxidative stress and inflammation. Polyphenols are natural compounds widely spread in fruits and vegetables whose dietary intake has been considered inversely proportional to the incidence of DM and AD. So, it is believed that this group of phytochemicals may have preventive and therapeutic potential, not only by reducing the risk and delaying the development of these pathologies, but also by improving brain's metabolic profile and cognitive function. The aim of this review is to understand the extent to which DM and AD are related pathologies, the degree of similarity and the relationship between them, to detail the molecular mechanisms by which polyphenols may exert a protective effect, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and highlight possible advantages of their use as common preventive and therapeutic alternatives.

Modulating impacts of quercetin/sitagliptin combination on streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus in rats

BACKGROUND

Since many diabetic patients require combination therapy, the use of herbal remedies with anti-diabetic activity represents a vital option in diabetes mellitus (DM) management. It has been reported that quercetin has hypoglycemic alongside anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities.

AIM

The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of combining quercetin with sitagliptin; a selective dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) inhibitor, in the management of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.

METHODS

DM was induced by a single injection of STZ (45 mg/kg, i.p.) in male adult albino Wistar rats. Diabetic rats were orally treated with sitagliptin (70 mg/kg), quercetin (50 mg/kg) or their combination daily for three consecutive weeks. Serum levels of glucose, C-peptide, total cholesterol, triglycerides, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase, (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), tumor necrosis factor alpha, (TNF-α), nuclear factor kappa-B, (NF-κB) and adiponectin were estimated. In addition, histopathological, morphometrical and immunohistochemical examinations of pancreatic tissues were conducted.

RESULTS

The combined administration of quercetin and sitagliptin normalized serum C-peptide, MDA, and significantly increased SOD, GSH and decreased NF-κB more than sitagliptin alone. Moreover, this combination normalized Islet number, β-cells' number, area and perimeter alongside restoring the immunostaining intensity of β-cells.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest the use of quercetin/sitagliptin combination for treating DM based on the observed improvements in glycemic control, metabolic profile, oxidative and inflammatory status, islet structure as well as β-cells function compared with either treatment alone.

Monocyte-to-high density lipoprotein ratio is associated with a decreased compound muscle action potential amplitude in patients with diabetic axonal polyneuropathy

The monocyte-to-high density lipoprotein ratio (MHR) has recently been implemented as an indicator of inflammation and oxidative stress. The present study characterized MHR in patients with diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN), in which oxidative stress and microvascular damage play a role in pathogenesis, relative to patients with non-DPN, diabetic patients without polyneuropathy, and healthy individuals. We further aimed to evaluate the association between MHR and the decreased compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude of patients with diabetic axonal polyneuropathy.We enrolled 90 patients with DPN, 75 patients with nonDPN, 92 diabetic patients without polyneuropathy, and 67 healthy individuals; The monocyte, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) values were obtained for all participants and MHR was calculated for each individual. Intergroup comparison was performed. The relationship between MHR and the posterior tibial nerve CMAP amplitudes was examined.Statistically significant negative correlation was observed between MHR and the posterior tibial nerve CMAP amplitudes of patients with DPN. The MHR values of the patients with DPN were significantly higher than those of the patients with non-DPN, diabetic patients without polyneuropathy and the control group.This study demonstrated that diabetic patients with higher MHR values may be more likely to develop polyneuropathy.

The Effect of Morinda citrifolia L. Fruit Juice on the Blood Sugar Level and Other Serum Parameters in Patients with Diabetes Type 2

Background

The effect of the daily consumption of Morinda citrifolia (Noni) fruit juice on the physiological status of patients with diabetes type 2 (DT2) was tested over a period of two months.

Methods

Morinda citrifolia (Noni) fruit juice (NFJ), 2 ml per kg bw per day, was consumed by twenty patients with DT2 after they underwent a standard treatment regimen including carbohydrate reduced diet and treatment with an antidiabetic drug and/or insulin. NFJ consumption started only after no further improvement was achieved. The intake of NFJ was terminated after eight weeks. The fasting blood sugar level was monitored every morning during the entire treatment period. Blood samples were taken before, at, and four and eight weeks after the start of NFJ intake. The analysis of the blood samples included the concentration of blood glucose, HbA1c, C-peptide, hs-CRP, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL, and HDL.

Results

The consumption of NFJ by 20 patients with DT2 resulted in a significant mean decrease of the morning blood sugar level monitored over a period of eight weeks. While NFJ reduced the blood glucose level in several but not all hyperglycemic patients, it did not cause hypoglycemia in normoglycemic patients. NFJ consumption also reduced the mean HbA1c value significantly (p= 0.033). Significant decreases (p= 0.01) were also achieved for high sensitive CRP values in patients starting with high levels (>2 mg/L), whereas no change was observed in patients with normal values (< 2 mg/L). The level of C-peptide showed a significant mean increase after four weeks of NFJ consumption in those patients who started with low levels (<3 μg/l, p=0.004, N=11) but not in patients with higher levels (> 3 μg/L).

Conclusion

The daily consumption of NFJ has the potential to regulate elevated blood sugar levels and some other pathological parameters in patients with DT2. NFJ therefore serves as a suitable additive to the diet of diabetic patients.