Simulated weightlessness induces hippocampal insulin resistance and cognitive impairment

Structural characterization and anti-weightless bone loss activity of an anionic polysaccharide from Dictyophora indusiata

This study explores the extraction and purification of polysaccharides from Dictyophora indusiata (D. indusiata) with its antioxidant and anti-weightlessness bone loss properties. An anionic polysaccharide (SADIP) with a molecular weight of 13.42 kDa was isolated and purified from D. indusiata. SADIP consists of a glucose-based sugar chain backbone. Its backbone consists of glycosidic linkages of →4)-α-D-Glcp-(1 → and →4)-β-D-Glcp-(1→, with sulfate groups attached at the O-6 position of →4)-β-D-Glcp-(1 → residues. Side chains were α-D-Glcp-(1 → 6)-α-D-Glcp-(1 → linked at C-6 position of →4,6)-α-D-Glcp-(1 → through O-6 bonds. In vitro, SADIP scavenged up to 99.32 ± 0.24 % of 2,2'-Azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonate) (ABTS) radicals and 76.72 ± 0.34 % of hydroxyl radicals. In vivo, SADIP reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels induced by weightlessness and increased low levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) caused by weightlessness. Additionally, three-point mechanical bending tests and Micro-CT analysis demonstrated that SADIP has ability to alleviate bone loss induced by weightlessness. This study provides a theoretical foundation for the rational developmation of D. indusiata resources.

A narrative review about cognitive impairment in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD): Another matter to face through a holistic approach

BACKGROUND

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most common chronic hepatic disorder worldwide in both adults and children. It is well established that MASLD represents the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome whose definition includes the presence of obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2D), dyslipidemia, hypertension and hypercoagulability. All these conditions contribute to a chronic inflammatory status which may impact on blood brain barrier (BBB) integrity leading to an impaired function of central nervous system (CNS).

AIM OF REVIEW

Since the mechanisms underlying the brain-liver-gut axis derangement are still inconclusive, the present narrative review aims to make a roundup of the most recent studies regarding the cognitive decline in MASLD also highlighting possible therapeutic strategies to reach a holistic advantage for the patients.

KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW

Due to its ever-growing prevalence, the MASLD-related mental dysfunction represents an enormous socio-economic burden since it largely impacts on the quality of life of patients as well as on their working productivity. Indeed, cognitive decline in MASLD translates in low concentration and processing speed, reduced memory, sleepiness but also anxiety and depression. Chronic systemic inflammation, hyperammonemia, genetic background and intestinal dysbiosis possibly contribute to the cognitive decline in MASLD patients. However, its diagnosis is still underestimated since the leading mechanisms are multi-faceted and unexplained and do not exist standardized diagnostic tools or cognitive test strategies. In this scenario, nutritional and lifestyle interventions as well as intestinal microbiota manipulation (probiotics, fecal transplantation) may represent new approaches to counteract mental impairment in these subjects. In sum, to face the "mental aspect" of this multifactorial disease which is almost unexplored, cognitive tools should be introduced in the management of MASLD patients.

Recent progresses on space life science research in China

In the past decades, China has made significant progress on space life science research. Since completing the construction of the China Space Station (CSS) at the end of 2022, space life science research in China has entered a new era. Through carrying out numerous experiments on space life sciences, space medicine, and space agriculture conducted aboard the Shenzhou series, the CSS, and ground-based space environment simulation platforms, Chinese scientists have uncovered the effects of the space environment on the physiological and molecular mechanisms of live organisms. These findings provide essential theoretical support for long-term manned space exploration. In this article, we review the new discoveries made by Chinese researchers, focusing on the impacts of both actual and simulated space environment on cells, microorganisms, plants, animals, and human health.