Wnt signaling mediates TLR pathway and promote unrestrained adipogenesis and metaflammation: Therapeutic targets for obesity and type 2 diabetes

The effects of exercise on microRNA expression profiling in adipose tissue macrophages of mice

Background

Exercise is recognized for its broad health benefits, influencing various physiological processes, including the behavior of adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs). While existing studies mainly associate ATM activity with obesity and metabolic syndrome, our study explores the impact of aerobic exercise on ATM microRNA expression profiling in a non-obese context, highlighting its general health-promoting mechanisms.

Methods

Sixty male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to either a sedentary (S) or an exercise (E) group. The S group remained inactive, while the E group underwent a one-week treadmill adaptation, followed by an 8-week aerobic treadmill exercise protocol (60 min/day, 5 days/week, at 65%-75% VO2max). Post-training, glucose tolerance and the serum lipid levels were measured in mice subjected to both exercise and non-exercise conditions. ATMs harvested from visceral adipose tissues were analyzed and sorted using flow cytometer. To further investigate the effects of exercise in ATMs at the molecular level, miRNA microarray analysis was performed, followed by bioinformatic analysis.

Results

The 8-week regimen of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise ameliorated glucolipid metabolism and fostered a dynamic shift toward an M2 macrophage phenotype in the adipose tissue, independent of obesity. A total of 62 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified in ATMs of mice post-exercise. Notably, six miRNAs (miR-212-5p, miR-511-5p, miR-7b-5p, miR-142-3p, miR-1894-3p, and miR-31-5p) as well as their target gene were consistently altered and associated with macrophage polarization and metabolic regulation.

Conclusion

Our findings broaden the understanding of how exercise regulates ATM functions through significant changes in microRNA profiles, emphasizing its potential to enhance health and prevent chronic conditions. This study supports the application of aerobic exercise for its preventive effects on chronic diseases and underscores the importance of microRNA profiling in understanding the immune-modulatory impacts of exercise.

Glucocorticoid signaling and the impact of high-fat diet on adipogenesis in vivo

Our research used glucocorticoids as a medically relevant molecular probe to identify a previously unrecognized ADAMTS1-PTN-Wnt pathway. We elucidated the role of this pathway in regulating adipose precursor cell (APC) behavior to either proliferate or differentiate in response to systemic cues, such as elevated caloric intake. Further, our studies identified the non-muscle myosin protein MYH9 as a key target of this pathway to modulate adipogenesis in vivo. These findings enable strategies toward developing novel therapeutics for obesity and related metabolic disorders.

New insights into anti-diabetes effects and molecular mechanisms of dietary saponins

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a long-term metabolic disorder that manifests as chronic hyperglycemia and impaired insulin, bringing a heavy load on the global health care system. Considering the inevitable side effects of conventional anti-diabetic drugs, saponins-rich natural products exert promising therapeutic properties to serve as safer and more cost-effective alternatives for DM management. Herein, this review systematically summarized the research progress on the anti-diabetic properties of dietary saponins and their underlying molecular mechanisms in the past 20 years. Dietary saponins possessed the multidirectional anti-diabetic capabilities by concurrent regulation of various signaling pathways, such as IRS-1/PI3K/Akt, AMPK, Nrf2/ARE, NF-κB-NLRP3, SREBP-1c, and PPARγ, in liver, pancreas, gut, and skeletal muscle. However, the industrialization and commercialization of dietary saponin-based drugs are confronted with a significant challenge due to the low bioavailability and lack of the standardization. Hence, in-depth evaluations in pharmacological profile, function-structure interaction, drug-signal pathway interrelation are essential for developing dietary saponins-based anti-diabetic treatments in the future.

Noncoding RNAs as regulators of STAT3 pathway in gastrointestinal cancers: Roles in cancer progression and therapeutic response

Gastrointestinal (GI) tumors (cancers of the esophagus, gastric, liver, pancreas, colon, and rectum) contribute to a large number of deaths worldwide. STAT3 is an oncogenic transcription factor that promotes the transcription of genes associated with proliferation, antiapoptosis, survival, and metastasis. STAT3 is overactivated in many human malignancies including GI tumors which accelerates tumor progression, metastasis, and drug resistance. Research in recent years demonstrated that noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) play a major role in the regulation of many signaling pathways including the STAT3 pathway. The major types of endogenous ncRNAs that are being extensively studied in oncology are microRNAs, long noncoding RNAs, and circular RNAs. These ncRNAs can either be tumor-promoters or tumor-suppressors and each one of them imparts their activity via different mechanisms. The STAT3 pathway is also tightly modulated by ncRNAs. In this article, we have elaborated on the tumor-promoting role of STAT3 signaling in GI tumors. Subsequently, we have comprehensively discussed the oncogenic as well as tumor suppressor functions and mechanism of action of ncRNAs that are known to modulate STAT3 signaling in GI cancers.

A novel radiological index for the evaluation of cervical posterior subcutaneous fat tissue thickness and cervical spine degeneration: A retrospective study

Obesity is an important risk factor linked to the incidence of both neck pain (NP) and intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). Subcutaneous fat tissue thickness (SFTT) has been proposed as a more effective biomarker than body mass index (BMI) when gauging body fat levels. This study was thus designed to explore the optimal SFTT cutoff value for differentiating between NP patients and asymptomatic individuals by using the subcutaneous fat index (SFI). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) records from NP patients and asymptomatic controls were compared to evaluate IVDD, the fatty infiltration of the paravertebral muscles, and Modic changes. Cervical SFTT was also assessed at multiple levels. SFTT at the C3 level was found to be significantly associated with NP, with respective optimal cutoff values of 9.64 mm and 8.21 mm for females and males. Females in this study cohort more frequently exhibited spine deterioration with an SFI > 9.64 mm as compared to males with an SFI > 8.21 mm. Cervical SFTT is strongly correlated with the degree of disc degeneration. IVDD, Modic changes, and fatty infiltration in the paravertebral muscles were all more prevalent among both males and females exhibiting SFTT at the C3 level that was above the defined cutoff value.

Arjunolic acid modulate pancreatic dysfunction by ameliorating pattern recognition receptor and canonical Wnt pathway activation in type 2 diabetic rats

BACKGROUND

Arjunolic acid (AA) is a potent phytochemical with multiple therapeutics effects. In this study, AA is evaluated on type 2 diabetic (T2DM) rats to understand the mechanism of β-cell linkage with Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) and canonical Wnt signaling. However, its role in modulating TLR-4 and canonical Wnt/β-catenin crosstalk on insulin signaling remains unclear during T2DM. Aim The current study is aimed to examine the potential role of AA on insulin signaling and TLR-4-Wnt crosstalk in the pancreas of type 2 diabetic rats.

METHOD

Multiple methods were used to determine molecular cognizance of AA in T2DM rats, when treated with different dosage levels. Histopathological and histomorphometry analysis was conducted using masson trichrome and H&E stains. While, protein and mRNA expressions of TLR-4/Wnt and insulin signaling were assessed using automated Western blotting (jess), immunohistochemistry, and RT-PCR.

RESULTS

Histopathological findings revealed that AA had reversed back the T2DM-induced apoptosis and necrosis caused to rats pancreas. Molecular findings exhibited prominent effects of AA in downregulating the elevated level of TLR-4, MyD88, NF-κB, p-JNK, and Wnt/β-catenin by blocking TLR-4/MyD88 and canonical Wnt signaling in diabetic pancreas, while IRS-1, PI3K, and pAkt were all upregulated by altering the NF-κB and β-catenin crosstalk during T2DM.

CONCLUSION

Overall results, indicate that AA has potential to develop as an effective therapeutic in the treatment of T2DM associated meta-inflammation. However, future preclinical research at multiple dose level in a long-term chronic T2DM disease model is warranted to understand its clinical relevance in cardiometabolic disease.

Signaling pathways and intervention for therapy of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) represents one of the fastest growing epidemic metabolic disorders worldwide and is a strong contributor for a broad range of comorbidities, including vascular, visual, neurological, kidney, and liver diseases. Moreover, recent data suggest a mutual interplay between T2DM and Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). T2DM is characterized by insulin resistance (IR) and pancreatic β cell dysfunction. Pioneering discoveries throughout the past few decades have established notable links between signaling pathways and T2DM pathogenesis and therapy. Importantly, a number of signaling pathways substantially control the advancement of core pathological changes in T2DM, including IR and β cell dysfunction, as well as additional pathogenic disturbances. Accordingly, an improved understanding of these signaling pathways sheds light on tractable targets and strategies for developing and repurposing critical therapies to treat T2DM and its complications. In this review, we provide a brief overview of the history of T2DM and signaling pathways, and offer a systematic update on the role and mechanism of key signaling pathways underlying the onset, development, and progression of T2DM. In this content, we also summarize current therapeutic drugs/agents associated with signaling pathways for the treatment of T2DM and its complications, and discuss some implications and directions to the future of this field.

A role of STING signaling in obesity-induced lung inflammation

BACKGROUND

It is established that pulmonary disorders are comorbid with metabolic disorders such as obesity. Previous studies show that the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling plays crucial roles in obesity-induced chronic inflammation via TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) pathways. However, it remains unknown whether and how the STING signaling is implicated in the inflammatory processes in the lung in obesity.

METHODS

Human lung tissues were obtained from obese patients (n = 3) and controls (n = 3). Mice were fed with the high-fat diet or regular control diet to establish the diet-induced obese (DIO) and lean mice, and were treated with C-176 (a specific STING inhibitor) or vehicle respectively. The lung macrophages were exposed to palmitic acid (PA) in vitro. The levels of STING singaling and metabolic inflammation factors were detected and anlyzed.

RESULTS

We find that STING+/CD68+ macrophages are increased in lung tissues in patients with obesity. Our data also show that the expressions of STING and the levels of proinflammatory cytokines are increased both in lung tissues and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in obesity compared to controls, and inhibition of the STING blunted the obesity-induced lung inflammation. Mechanistically, our data demonstrate that the STING signaling pathway is involved in the PA-induced inflammation through the STING-TBK1-IRF3 (interferon regulatory factor 3)/NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa B) pathways in the lung macrophages.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results collectively suggest that the STING signaling contributes to obesity-associated inflammation by stimulating proinflammatory processes in lung macrophages, one that may serve as a therapeutic target in ameliorating obesity-related lung dysfunctions.

Bioinformatics and Next-Generation Data Analysis for Identification of Genes and Molecular Pathways Involved in Subjects with Diabetes and Obesity

Background and Objectives: A subject with diabetes and obesity is a class of the metabolic disorder. The current investigation aimed to elucidate the potential biomarker and prognostic targets in subjects with diabetes and obesity. Materials and Methods: The next-generation sequencing (NGS) data of GSE132831 was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Functional enrichment analysis of DEGs was conducted with ToppGene. The protein-protein interactions network, module analysis, target gene-miRNA regulatory network and target gene-TF regulatory network were constructed and analyzed. Furthermore, hub genes were validated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. A total of 872 DEGs, including 439 up-regulated genes and 433 down-regulated genes were observed. Results: Second, functional enrichment analysis showed that these DEGs are mainly involved in the axon guidance, neutrophil degranulation, plasma membrane bounded cell projection organization and cell activation. The top ten hub genes (MYH9, FLNA, DCTN1, CLTC, ERBB2, TCF4, VIM, LRRK2, IFI16 and CAV1) could be utilized as potential diagnostic indicators for subjects with diabetes and obesity. The hub genes were validated in subjects with diabetes and obesity. Conclusion: This investigation found effective and reliable molecular biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis by integrated bioinformatics analysis, suggesting new and key therapeutic targets for subjects with diabetes and obesity.

Physiological mechanisms of TLR4 in glucolipid metabolism regulation: Potential use in metabolic syndrome prevention

Over-nourishment or an unbalanced diet has been linked to an increase in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome. An imbalance in glucolipid metabolism is a major cause of metabolic syndrome, which has consequences for human health. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), a member of the innate immune pattern recognition receptor family, is involved in inflammation-related disorders, autoimmune diseases, and tumors. Recent research has shown that TLR4 plays a key role in glucolipid metabolism, which is linked to insulin resistance, intestinal flora, and the development of chronic inflammation. TLR4 activation regulates glucolipid metabolism and contributes to the dynamic relationship between innate immunity and nutrition-related disorders. Further, TLR4 regulates glucolipid metabolism by controlling glycolysis and pyruvate oxidative decarboxylation, interfering with insulin signaling, regulating adipogenic gene expression levels, influencing preadipocyte differentiation and lipid accumulation, and altering the intestinal microbiota and permeability. TLR4 functions may provide new therapeutic applications for the prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome. The purpose of this review is to enrich mechanistic research of diabetes, atherosclerosis, and other nutrition-related disorders by summarizing the role of TLR4 in the regulation of glucolipid metabolism as well as its physiological mechanisms.

Unraveling the Mechanism of Immunity and Inflammation Related to Molecular Signatures Crosstalk Among Obesity, T2D, and AD: Insights From Bioinformatics Approaches

Individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer disease (AD), and increasing evidence indicates a link between impaired immune signaling pathways and the development of AD. However, the shared cellular mechanisms and molecular signatures among these 3 diseases remain unknown. The purpose of this study was to uncover similar molecular markers and pathways involved in obesity, T2D, and AD using bioinformatics and a network biology approach. First, we investigated the 3 RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) gene expression data sets and determined 224 commonly shared differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from obesity, T2D, and AD diseases. Gene ontology and pathway enrichment analyses revealed that mutual DEGs were mainly enriched with immune and inflammatory signaling pathways. In addition, we constructed a protein-protein interactions network for finding hub genes, which have not previously been identified as playing a critical role in these 3 diseases. Furthermore, the transcriptional factors and protein kinases regulating commonly shared DEGs among obesity, T2D, and AD were also identified. Finally, we suggested potential drug candidates as possible therapeutic interventions for 3 diseases. The results of this bioinformatics analysis provided a new understanding of the potential links between obesity, T2D, and AD pathologies.

Adipose tissue aging is regulated by an altered immune system

Adipose tissue is a widely distributed organ that plays a critical role in age-related physiological dysfunctions as an important source of chronic sterile low-grade inflammation. Adipose tissue undergoes diverse changes during aging, including fat depot redistribution, brown and beige fat decrease, functional decline of adipose progenitor and stem cells, senescent cell accumulation, and immune cell dysregulation. Specifically, inflammaging is common in aged adipose tissue. Adipose tissue inflammaging reduces adipose plasticity and pathologically contributes to adipocyte hypertrophy, fibrosis, and ultimately, adipose tissue dysfunction. Adipose tissue inflammaging also contributes to age-related diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. There is an increased infiltration of immune cells into adipose tissue, and these infiltrating immune cells secrete proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Several important molecular and signaling pathways mediate the process, including JAK/STAT, NFκB and JNK, etc. The roles of immune cells in aging adipose tissue are complex, and the underlying mechanisms remain largely unclear. In this review, we summarize the consequences and causes of inflammaging in adipose tissue. We further outline the cellular/molecular mechanisms of adipose tissue inflammaging and propose potential therapeutic targets to alleviate age-related problems.

The transcriptomic and epigenetic alterations in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients of Chinese Tibetan and Han populations

BACKGROUND

Due to the distinctive living environment, lifestyle, and diet, the Tibetan community in China has the lowest prevalence of T2DM and prediabetes among numerous ethnic groups, while Han community shows the highest statistic. In this study, we aim to conclude the clinical manifestations of both Tibetan and Han T2DM patients and their association with transcriptomic and epigenetic alterations.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study including 120 T2DM patients from Han and Tibetan ethnic groups were conducted between 2019 to 2021 at the Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The various clinical features and laboratory tests were recorded and analyzed between the two groups. The genome-wide methylation pattern and RNA expression were determined by Reduced Representation Bisulfite Sequencing (RBBS) and Poly (A) RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) from leucocytes of peripheral blood samples in 6 Han and 6 Tibetan patients. GO analysis and KEGG analysis were conducted in differentially expressed genes and those with differentially methylated regions.

RESULTS

Compared to Han, Tibetan T2DM individuals intake more coarse grains, meat and yak butter, but less refined grains, vegetables and fruit. They also showed increased BMI, Hb, HbA1c, LDL, ALT, GGT and eGFR, and decreased level of BUN. Among the 12 patients in the exploratory cohort, we identified 5178 hypomethylated and 4787 hypermethylated regions involving 1613 genes in the Tibetan group. RNA-seq showed a total of 947 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the two groups, with 523 up-regulated and 424 down-regulated in Tibetan patients. By integrating DNA methylation and RNA expression data, we identified 112 DEGs with differentially methylated regions (overlapping genes) and 14 DEGs with promoter-related DMRs. The functional enrichment analysis demonstrated that the overlapping genes were primarily involved in metabolic pathways, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, pathways in cancer and Rap1 signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates the clinical characteristics of T2DM differ subtly between various ethnic groups that may be related to epigenetic modifications, thus providing evidence and ideas for additional research on the genetic pattern of T2DM.

Maternal inappropriate calcium intake aggravates dietary-induced obesity in male offspring by affecting the differentiation potential of mesenchymal stem cells

BACKGROUND

The effects of inappropriate dietary calcium intake in early life on later obesity have not been fully elucidated.

AIM

To raise the mechanism of maternal calcium intake on the multi-differentiation potential of mesenchymal stem cells among their male offspring.

METHODS

Four-week-old female C57BL/6N mice were fed by deficient, low, normal and excessive calcium reproductive diets throughout pregnancy and lactation. Bone MSCs (BMSCs) were obtained from 7-day-old male offspring to measure the adipogenic differentiation potential by the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. The other weaning male pups were fed a high-fat diet for 16 wk, along with normal-fat diet as the control. Then the serum was collected for the measurement of biochemical indicators. Meanwhile, the adipose tissues were excised to analyze the adipocyte sizes and inflammatory infiltration. And the target gene expressions on the adipogenic differentiation and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in the adipose tissues and BMSCs were determined by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, maternal deficient, low and excessive calcium intake during pregnancy and lactation aggravated dietary-induced obesity, with larger adipocytes, more serious inflammatory infiltration and higher serum metabolism indicators by interfering with higher expressions of adipogenic differentiation (PPARγ, C/EBPα, Fabp4, LPL, Adiponectin, Resistin and/or Leptin) among their male offspring (P < 0.05). And there were significantly different expression of similar specific genes in the BMSCs to successfully polarize adipogenic differentiation and suppress osteogenic differentiation in vivo and in vitro, respectively (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, it was accompanied by more significant disorders on the expressions of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway both in BMSCs and adulthood adipose tissues among the offspring from maternal inappropriate dietary calcium intake groups.

CONCLUSION

Early-life abnormal dietary calcium intake might program the adipogenic differentiation potential of BMSCs from male offspring, with significant expressions on the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway to aggravate high-fat-diet-induced obesity in adulthood.

microRNAs in newborns with low birth weight: relation to birth size and body composition

BACKGROUND

Children with low birth weight (LBW) have a higher risk of developing endocrine-metabolic disorders later in life. Deregulation of specific microRNAs (miRNAs) could underscore the programming of adult pathologies. We analyzed the miRNA expression pattern in both umbilical cord serum samples from LBW and appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) newborns and maternal serum samples in the 3rd trimester of gestation, and delineated the relationships with fetal growth, body composition, and markers of metabolic risk.

METHODS

Serum samples of 12 selected mother-newborn pairs, including 6 LBW and 6 AGA newborns, were used for assessing miRNA profile by RNA-sequencing. The miRNAs with differential expression were validated in a larger cohort [49 maternal samples and 49 umbilical cord samples (24 LBW, 25 AGA)] by RT-qPCR. Anthropometric, endocrine-metabolic markers and body composition (by DXA) in infants were determined longitudinally over 12 months.

RESULTS

LBW newborns presented reduced circulating concentrations of miR-191-3p (P = 0.015). miR-191-3p levels reliably differentiated LBW from AGA individuals (ROC AUC = 0.76) and were positively associated with anthropometric and body composition measures at birth and weight Z-score at 12 months (P &lt; 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

miR-191-3p was reliably different in LBW individuals, and could be a new player in the epigenetic mechanisms linking LBW and future endocrine-metabolic adverse outcomes.

IMPACT

Children with low birth weight (LBW) have a higher risk of developing endocrine-metabolic disorders. Deregulation of specific microRNAs (miRNAs) could underscore the programming of those pathologies. miR-191-3p is downregulated in serum of LBW newborns, and its concentrations associate positively with neonatal anthropometric measures, with lean mass and bone accretion at age 15 days and with weight Z-score at age 12 months. miR-191-3p was reliably different in individuals with LBW, and could be a new player in the epigenetic mechanisms connecting LBW and future endocrine-metabolic adverse outcomes.

Diallyl Trisulfide Prevents Adipogenesis and Lipogenesis by Regulating the Transcriptional Activation Function of KLF15 on PPARγ to Ameliorate Obesity

SCOPE

Diallyl trisulfide (DATS) is a bioactive compound in garlic. The anti-obesity effect of garlic oil has been reported, but the role and mechanism of DATS in preventing obesity remain to be explored.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We performed studies with high-fat-diet-induced obese mice and 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The results showed that DATS significantly reduced lipid accumulation and repaired disordered metabolism in vivo by restraining adipogenesis and lipogenesis, and promoting lipolysis and fatty acid oxidation in white adipose tissue. In cells, DATS played different roles at different stages of adipocyte differentiation. Notably, DATS reduced lipid accumulation mainly by inhibiting adipogenesis and lipogenesis at the late stage. KLF15 was knocked down in 3T3-L1 cells, which eliminated the inhibitory effect of DATS on adipogenesis and lipogenesis. The dual-luciferase reporter and ChIP assays indicated that DATS could inhibit the transcriptional activation function of KLF15 on PPARγ by inhibiting the binding of KLF15 to PPARγ promoter. The function comparison of structural analogs and the intervention of dithiothreitol showed that disulfide bond was crucial for DATS to work.

CONCLUSION

DATS prevents obesity by regulating the transcriptional activation function of KLF15 on PPARγ. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

The anti-obesity effects of a water-soluble glucan from Grifola frondosa via the modulation of chronic inflammation

Polysaccharides from Grifola frondosa (G. frondosa) have anti-obesity and anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, the major type, molecular weight, homogeneity and structure of a polysaccharide purified from G. frondosa (denoted GFPA) were determined. In high-fat diet (HFD)-treated mice, 8 weeks of GFPA administration efficiently decreased body weight and blood glucose concentration and counteracted hyperlipidemia. GFPA efficiently decreased adipocyte size and ameliorated inflammatory infiltration in the three types of white adipose tissue and alleviated steatosis, fat accumulation and inflammatory infiltration in the livers of HFD-fed mice. GFPA also decreased the concentrations of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and pro-inflammatory factors in the sera and livers of HFD-treated mice. Furthermore, GFPA was found to regulate lipid metabolism via the inhibition of ceramide levels in HFD-treated mice. GFPA exhibited strong anti-obesity effects via the modulation of chronic inflammation through Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor kappa-B signaling, which supports the use of GFPA for the treatment of obesity.

Astragalus polysaccharides and astragaloside IV alleviate inflammation in bovine mammary epithelial cells by regulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

The Wnt/β-catenin signaling regulates cell renewal and repair and is closely associated with inflammation. Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) and astragaloside IV (AS-IV), which are the main active substances extracted from Radix Astragali, protect cells by regulating Wnt signaling in cells, exerting antiinflammatory, antioxidant, and antistress effects. However, the mechanisms by which APS and AS-IV interact with Wnt signaling to achieve their therapeutic effects in bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMECs) are not understood. In this study, we used lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BMECs as an in vitro model of inflammation to investigate the effects of APS and AS-IV on Wnt signaling in inflamed BMECs. Drug concentrations were screened using the CCK-8 method, the effect on protein expression was analyzed using immunoblotting, the effect on inflammatory factors using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the effect on oxidative factors using enzyme labeling and flow cytometry. LPS activated the expression of inflammatory and oxidative factors in cells and inhibited Wnt/β-catenin signaling. APS and AS-IV antagonized the inhibitory effect of LPS, protecting BMECs. They inhibited the expression of the IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α inflammatory factors, and that of the MDA oxidative factor, and activated Wnt signaling in LPS-stimulated BMECs. Silencing of β-catenin abolished the protective effect of APS and AS-IV against LPS-stimulated BMECs. Thus, APS and AS-IV mediate protective effects in inflammatory BMECs model through activation of the Wnt signaling pathway. Wnt signaling pathway is one of the targets of the inhibitory effects of APS and AS-IV on inflammation.

Withanolide modulates the potential crosstalk between apoptosis and autophagy in different colorectal cancer cell lines

Withaferin A (WFA), a withanolide, is isolated from plants of Withania somnifera (L.) Dual (Solanaceae), known as Indian ginseng, Indian winter cherry or Ashwagandha. It has been reported to exert multifaceted anti-neoplastic effects. Here, we analyzed the impact of WFA on apoptosis and autophagy activation in different human colorectal cancer cell lines. We observed that WFA exposure caused an increased aggregation of cells in the subG1 arrest in cell cycle, and increased the number of late apoptotic cells. WFA also induced the apoptosis via PARP and caspase-3 cleavage accompanied with suppression of levels of anti-apoptotic proteins like Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl. The influence of WFA on autophagy was validated by acridine orange, MDC staining, and immunocytochemistry of LC3. It was found that 24 h treatment of WFA increased the acridine and MDC stained autophagosome with induced the LC3 and other autophagy markers Atg7 and beclin-1 activation. We used Z-DEVD-FMK, a caspase-3 blocker, and 3-MA, an autophagy inhibitor, to confirm whether these effects were specific to apoptosis and autophagy, and observed the recovery of both these processes upon exposure to WFA. Moreover, the activation of β-catenin protein was attenuated by WFA. Interestingly, small interfering RNA (siRNA)-promoted β-catenin knockdown augmented the WFA-induced active form of p-GSK-3β, and stimulated autophagy and apoptosis through PARP and LC3 activation. These findings suggested that WFA could stimulate activation of both apoptosis and autophagy process via modulating β-catenin pathway.

Coffee peel extracts ameliorate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease via a fibroblast growth factor 21-adiponectin signaling pathway

Coffee peel (CP) contains abundant phytochemicals which might prevent non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The present study aimed to identify the main phytochemicals in CP extracts, and to investigate whether CP extracts could ameliorate NAFLD through a hepatic fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 21-adiponectin signaling pathway. Caffeine and seven monomers of flavonoids were identified from CP extracts by using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). After 8 weeks of intervention, the mice fed a high-fat and high-sugar diet showed the pathophysiological characteristics of NAFLD. Treatment with CP extracts significantly alleviated hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance and reduced the concentrations of serum alanine transaminase, FGF21, and triglyceride, and hepatic interleukin-6, interleukin-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α, while increasing serum adiponectin concentrations. Meanwhile, CP extract supplementation significantly decreased the gene and protein expression levels of FGF21, while enhancing adiponectin expression levels. The present study demonstrated that CP extracts contained caffeine and seven monomers of flavonoids, and protected against NAFLD through regulating the FGF21-adiponectin signaling pathway.

The Advances on Bioactivities, Mechanisms of Action, and Structural Optimizations of Matrine and Its Derivatives

Matrine, a tetracyclo-quinolizidine alkaloid, is isolated from the industrial crop plant Sophora flavescens. Due to a wide range of pharmacological and agricultural properties, the research on the phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology and mechanisms of action of matrine and its derivatives has received much attention. On the other hand, to improve their biological activities, the study on structural optimizations and structure-activity relationships of matrine and its derivatives has also attached more and more importance. In this review article, the update advances on bioactivities, mechanisms of action, structural modifications and structure-activity relationships of matrine and its derivatives from 2017 to 2020 are presented. We hope that this review will provide a reference for the development and application of matrine and its derivatives as drugs or pesticides in the future.

The Emerging Role of Bone-Derived Hormones in Diabetes Mellitus and Diabetic Kidney Disease

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) causes the greatest proportion of end-stage renal disease (ESRD)-related mortality and has become a high concern in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Bone is considered an endocrine organ, playing an emerging role in regulating glucose and energy metabolism. Accumulating research has proven that bone-derived hormones are involved in glucose metabolism and the pathogenesis of DM complications, especially DKD. Furthermore, these hormones are considered to be promising predictors and prospective treatment targets for DM and DKD. In this review, we focused on bone-derived hormones, including fibroblast growth factor 23, osteocalcin, sclerostin, and lipocalin 2, and summarized their role in regulating glucose metabolism and DKD.

A new immunometabolic perspective of intervertebral disc degeneration

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a common finding on spine imaging that increases in prevalence with age. IVD degeneration is a frequent cause of low back pain, which is a leading cause of disability. The process of IVD degeneration consists of gradual structural change accompanied by severe alterations in metabolic homeostasis. IVD degeneration, like osteoarthritis, is a common comorbidity in patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus, two metabolic syndrome pathological conditions in which adipokines are important promoters of low-grade inflammation, extracellular matrix degradation and fibrosis. Impairment in white adipose tissue function, due to the abnormal fat accumulation in obesity, is characterized by increased production of specific pro-inflammatory proteins such as adipokines by white adipose tissue and of cytokines such as TNF by immune cells of the stromal compartment. Investigations into the immunometabolic alterations in obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus and their interconnections with IVD degeneration provide insights into how adipokines might affect the pathogenesis of IVD degeneration and impair IVD function and repair. Toll-like receptor-mediated signalling has also been implicated as a promoter of the inflammatory response in the metabolic alterations associated with IVD and is thus thought to have a role in IVD degeneration. Pathological starvation, obesity and adipokine dysregulation can result in immunometabolic alterations, which could be targeted for the development of new therapeutics.

The role of Wnt pathway in obesity induced inflammation and diabetes: a review

Diabetes has become a major killer worldwide and at present, millions are affected by it. Being a chronic disease it increases the risk of other diseases ranging from pulmonary disorders to soft tissue infections. The loss of insulin-producing capacity of the pancreatic β-cells is the main reason for the development of the disease. Obesity is a major complication that can give rise to several other diseases such as cancer, diabetes, etc. Visceral adiposity is one of the major factors that play a role in the development of insulin resistance. Obesity causes a chronic low-grade inflammation in the tissues that further increases the chances of developing diabetes. Several pathways have been associated with the development of diabetes due to inflammation caused by obesity. The Wnt pathway is one such candidate pathway that is found to have a controlling effect on the development of insulin resistance. Moreover, the pathway has also been linked to obesity and inflammation. This review aims to find a connection between obesity, inflammation, and diabetes by taking the wnt pathway as the connecting link.

Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling as a Driver of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression: An Emphasis on Molecular Pathways

Liver cancers cause a high rate of death worldwide and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is considered as the most common primary liver cancer. HCC remains a challenging disease to treat. Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is considered a tumor-promoting factor in various cancers; hence, the present review focused on the role of Wnt signaling in HCC, and its association with progression and therapy response based on pre-clinical and clinical evidence. The nuclear translocation of β-catenin enhances expression level of genes such as c-Myc and MMPs in increasing cancer progression. The mutation of CTNNB1 gene encoding β-catenin and its overexpression can lead to HCC progression. β-catenin signaling enhances cancer stem cell features of HCC and promotes their growth rate. Furthermore, β-catenin prevents apoptosis in HCC cells and increases their migration via triggering EMT and upregulating MMP levels. It is suggested that β-catenin signaling participates in mediating drug resistance and immuno-resistance in HCC. Upstream mediators including ncRNAs can regulate β-catenin signaling in HCC. Anti-cancer agents inhibit β-catenin signaling and mediate its proteasomal degradation in HCC therapy. Furthermore, clinical studies have revealed the role of β-catenin and its gene mutation (CTNBB1) in HCC progression. Based on these subjects, future experiments can focus on developing novel therapeutics targeting Wnt/β-catenin signaling in HCC therapy.

Lycium barbarum polysaccharides ameliorate LPS-induced inflammation of RAW264.7 cells and modify the behavioral score of peritonitis mice

In the present study, the anti-inflammatory effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) and the possible molecular mechanism thereof were examined, so as to perceive the pharmacological action of LBP. With acute peritonitis in mice as the inflammatory model, the protective effect of LBP on peritonitis mice was evaluated by recording the effect of behavioral scores, studying the pathological damage of intestine and liver, and detecting the levels of inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, by establishing an lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 macrophage model, the effect of LBP on RAW264.7 cell phenotype and culture supernatant inflammatory markers was observed. Finally, the activation of inflammation-related target genes, such as iNOS, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65, and IκBα, were further detected. The results reveal that pretreatment with LBP could decrease the behavioral score of inflammatory mice, inhibit the secretion of pro-inflammatory factors, and reduce liver and intestine injury. LBP can regulate the effect of lipopolysaccharide on the polarization of RAW264.7 cells, and reduce the production of NO and cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6). Further, LBP pretreatment was found to be able to significantly reduce the expression of iNOS, TLR4, NF-κB p65, and IκBα in macrophages. The present research provides evidence that LBP exerts potential anti-inflammatory activity in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages via inhibiting TLR4 and NF-κB inflammatory sites and improving the behavior score of peritonitis mice. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: In recent years, the number of deaths worldwide has continued to rise as a result of inflammation. Despite said rise in deaths, many synthetic drugs with anti-inflammatory properties are significantly expensive and also have a host of side effects. Thus, the development of new anti-inflammatory drugs derived from medicinal plants has broad application potential. As such, in the present study, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophages were used to establish inflammatory cell models to verify the anti-inflammatory effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP). Findings were made that LBP could reduce the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines and NO by regulating macrophage polarization and NF-κB translocation, and thus, could exert anti-inflammatory activity. In addition, by intraperitoneal injection of LPS to establish peritonitis mice models, LBP pretreatment was found to have significantly modified the behavioral score of mice, while decreasing the secretion of inflammatory factors and the damage to several organs. The present study provides a basis for further understanding the effects of LBP in acute inflammation.

Effect of black ginseng and silkworm supplementation on obesity, the transcriptome, and the gut microbiome of diet-induced overweight dogs

Like humans, weight control in overweight dogs is associated with a longer life expectancy and a healthier life. Dietary supplements are one of the best strategies for controlling obesity and obesity-associated diseases. This study was conducted to assess the potential of black ginseng (BG) and silkworm (SW) as supplements for weight control in diet-induced overweight beagle dogs. To investigate the changes that occur in dogs administered the supplements, different obesity-related parameters, such as body condition score (BCS), blood fatty acid profile, transcriptome, and microbiome, were assessed in high energy diet (HD) and HD with BG + SW supplementation (HDT) groups of test animals. After 12 weeks of BG + SW supplementation, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels were reduced in the HDT group. In the transcriptome analysis, nine genes (NUGGC, EFR3B, RTP4, ACAN, HOXC4, IL17RB, SOX13, SLC18A2, and SOX4) that are known to be associated with obesity were found to be differentially expressed between the ND (normal diet) and HD groups as well as the HD and HDT groups. Significant changes in some taxa were observed between the HD and ND groups. These data suggest that the BG + SW supplement could be developed as dietary interventions against diet-induced obesity, and obesity-related differential genes could be important candidates in the mechanism of the anti-obesity effects of the BG + SW supplement.

Attenuation of clinical and immunological outcomes during SARS-CoV-2 infection by ivermectin

The devastating pandemic due to SARS-CoV-2 and the emergence of antigenic variants that jeopardize the efficacy of current vaccines create an urgent need for a comprehensive understanding of the pathophysiology of COVID-19, including the contribution of inflammation to disease. It also warrants for the search of immunomodulatory drugs that could improve disease outcome. Here, we show that standard doses of ivermectin (IVM), an anti-parasitic drug with potential immunomodulatory activities through the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway, prevent clinical deterioration, reduce olfactory deficit, and limit the inflammation of the upper and lower respiratory tracts in SARS-CoV-2-infected hamsters. Whereas it has no effect on viral load in the airways of infected animals, transcriptomic analyses of infected lungs reveal that IVM dampens type I interferon responses and modulates several other inflammatory pathways. In particular, IVM dramatically reduces the Il-6/Il-10 ratio in lung tissue and promotes macrophage M2 polarization, which might account for the more favorable clinical presentation of IVM-treated animals. Altogether, this study supports the use of immunomodulatory drugs such as IVM, to improve the clinical condition of SARS-CoV-2-infected patients.

Serum Tsukushi levels are elevated in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients

AIMS

Tsukushi, a newly identified hepatokine, has been recently characterized as a potent modifier in lipid metabolism and energy homeostasis, but the role of Tsukushi in diabetes remains almost unknown. We detected for the first time the serum Tsukushi levels in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes, exploring the relationship between Tsukushi and various metabolic parameters.

METHODS

A total of 172 participants were recruited, including 86 patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes and 86 subjects with normal glucose tolerance according to oral glucose tolerance test. Serum Tsukushi was measured by ELISA. The insulin resistance, pancreas β-cell function and insulin sensitivity were determined by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR, HOMA-β), Stumvoll insulin sensitivity index (ISI_stumvoll) and Stumvoll metabolic clearance rate (MCR_stumvoll).

RESULTS

Serum Tsukushi was significantly higher in type 2 diabetes than in normal glucose tolerance [1.22(0.86,1.74) vs 0.8(0.5,1.38) ng/mL; P < 0.001]. Multiple regression analysis showed that BMI, 2-h post-OGTT glucose and TC were independently related factors influencing Tsukushi. Logistic regression analyses demonstrated that Tsukushi was associated with higher risk of type 2 diabetes independently.

CONCLUSIONS

Circulating Tsukushi levels significantly increase in patients with type 2 diabetes, which suggest that Tsukushi may play a role in type 2 diabetes pathogenesis.

Chronic and Intermittent Hyperglycemia Modulates Expression of Key Molecules of PI3K/AKT Pathway in Differentiating Human Visceral Adipocytes

Background: Due to its prominence in the regulation of metabolism and inflammation, adipose tissue is a major target to investigate alterations in insulin action. This hormone activates PI3K/AKT pathway which is essential for glucose homeostasis, cell differentiation, and proliferation in insulin-sensitive tissues, like adipose tissue. The aim of this work was to evaluate the impact of chronic and intermittent high glucose on the expression of biomolecules of insulin signaling pathway during the differentiation and maturation of human visceral preadipocytes. Methods: Human visceral preadipocytes (HPA-V) cells were treated with high glucose (30 mM)during the proliferation and/or differentiation and/or maturation stage. The level of mRNA (by Real-Time PCR) and protein (by Elisa tests) expression of IRS1, PI3K, PTEN, AKT2, and GLUT4 was examined after each culture stage. Furthermore, we investigated whether miR-29a-3p, miR-143-3p, miR-152-3p, miR-186-5p, miR-370-3p, and miR-374b-5p may affect the expression of biomolecules of the insulin signaling pathway. Results: Both chronic and intermittent hyperglycemia affects insulin signaling in visceral pre/adipocytes by upregulation of analyzed PI3K/AKT pathway molecules. Both mRNA and protein expression level is more dependent on stage-specific events than the length of the period of high glucose exposure. What is more, miRs expression changes seem to be involved in PI3K/AKT expression regulation in response to hyperglycemic stimulation.

Ginkgolide C promotes apoptosis and abrogates metastasis of colorectal carcinoma cells by targeting Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

Ginkgolide C (GGC), isolated from Ginkbiloba, has been reported to display various pharmacological actions, although, anti-cancer effect of GGC has been poorly understood till now. This study aimed to investigate whether GGC can exhibit anti-neoplastic effects against colon cancer cells and explore underlying mechanism. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling can regulate cell proliferation, survival, metastasis, and migration. Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays important role in colorectal cancer (CRC) and acts as a potential therapeutic target. Abnormal activation of this signaling cascades has been reported in colon CRC. We found that GGC down-regulated Wnt/β-catenin signaling cascade. GGC inhibited the expression of Wnt3a, β-catenin, and β-catenin down-stream signals (Axin-1, p-GSK3β, and β-TrCP). Also, GGC suppressed the expression of Wnt/β-catenin pathway target genes including c-myc, cyclin D1, and survivin. Additionally, GGC induced apoptosis and suppressed cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. GGC down-regulated the expressions of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and MMP-2 proteins. Moreover, silencing of β-catenin by small interfering RNA (siRNA) enhanced the GGC-induced apoptosis and inhibitory action of GGC on invasion. Overall, our results indicate that GGC can reduce proliferation and promote apoptosis in colon cancer cells through inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Thus, GGC can serve as a potent therapeutic agent for management of colon cancer as a novel wnt signaling inhibitor.

The complex role of Wnt ligands in type 2 diabetes mellitus and related complications

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the major chronic diseases, whose prevalence is increasing dramatically worldwide and can lead to a range of serious complications. Wnt ligands (Wnts) and their activating Wnt signalling pathways are closely involved in the regulation of various processes that are important for the occurrence and progression of T2DM and related complications. However, our understanding of their roles in these diseases is quite rudimentary due to the numerous family members of Wnts and conflicting effects via activating the canonical and/or non-canonical Wnt signalling pathways. In this review, we summarize the current findings on the expression pattern and exact role of each human Wnt in T2DM and related complications, including Wnt1, Wnt2, Wnt2b, Wnt3, Wnt3a, Wnt4, Wnt5a, Wnt5b, Wnt6, Wnt7a, Wnt7b, Wnt8a, Wnt8b, Wnt9a, Wnt9b, Wnt10a, Wnt10b, Wnt11 and Wnt16. Moreover, the role of main antagonists (sFRPs and WIF-1) and coreceptor (LRP6) of Wnts in T2DM and related complications and main challenges in designing Wnt-based therapeutic approaches for these diseases are discussed. We hope a deep understanding of the mechanistic links between Wnt signalling pathways and diabetic-related diseases will ultimately result in a better management of these diseases.

Non-toxic nature of chebulinic acid on biochemical, hematological and histopathological analysis in normal Sprague Dawley rats

Chebulinic acid (CA) is an ellagitannins isolated from the dried fruits of Terminalia chebula with diverse pharmacological activities. The present study focused on the acute toxicity of CA in normal Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. CA was administered via oral gavage to different groups in 300 and 2000 mg/kg body weight and vehicle respectively. All the animals were monitored carefully for any physiological or behavioral changes for 14 days. On day 15th animals were euthanized and blood was collected for hematological and biochemical analysis. Different tissues were collected for histopathological study using four different staining techniques (hematoxylin and eosin, Masson's trichrome, periodic acid Schiff and picro sirius red) to observe any pathological alterations. The results highlighted no morbidity and mortality after oral ingestion of CA (300 and 2000 mg/kg). Food and water consumption, body weight, relative organ weight, hematological and biochemical parameters were normal without any gross pathological lesions in harvested tissues. The outcome of the current study supported safety of CA even at high dose. However, further detailed study is required on experimentally disease model to unfold its therapeutic potential in laboratory animals.

Role of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling in heart and liver-related complications in a rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Aims

To analyze expression of members of the Toll-like receptor (TLR)4/myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling pathway in the heart and liver in a rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Our overall goal was to understand the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.

Methods

We measured fasting blood glucose (FBG) and insulin (FINS) in a rat model of T2DM. Expression of members of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway as well as downstream cytokines was investigated. Levels of mRNA and protein were assessed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, respectively. Protein content of tissue homogenates was assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

Results

Diabetic rats had lower body weights, higher FBG, higher FINS, and higher intraperitoneal glucose tolerance than normal rats. In addition, biochemical indicators related to heart and liver function were elevated in diabetic rats compared with normal rats. TLR4 and MyD88 were involved in the occurrence of T2DM as well as T2DM-related heart and liver complications. TLR4 caused T2DM-related heart and liver complications through activation of NF-κB.

Conclusions

TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling induces production of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, leading to the heart- and liver-related complications of T2DM.

Exosomes from TNF-α-treated human gingiva-derived MSCs enhance M2 macrophage polarization and inhibit periodontal bone loss

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)–derived exosome plays a central role in the cell-free therapeutics involving MSCs and the contents can be customized under disease-associated microenvironments. However, optimal MSC-preconditioning to enhance its therapeutic potential is largely unknown. Here, we show that preconditioning of gingival tissue-derived MSCs (GMSCs) with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) is ideal for the treatment of periodontitis. TNF-α stimulation not only increased the amount of exosome secreted from GMSCs, but also enhanced the exosomal expression of CD73, thereby inducing anti-inflammatory M2 macrophage polarization. The effect of GMSC-derived exosomes on inflammatory bone loss were examined by ligature-induced periodontitis model in mice. Local injection of GMSC-derived exosomes significantly reduced periodontal bone resorption and the number of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive osteoclasts, and these effects were further enhanced by preconditioning of GMSCs with TNF-α. Thus, GMSC-derived exosomes also exhibited anti-osteoclastogenic activity. Receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) expression was regulated by Wnt5a in periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs), and exosomal miR-1260b was found to target Wnt5a-mediated RANKL pathway and inhibit its osteoclastogenic activity. These results indicate that significant ability of the TNF-α-preconditioned GMSC-derived exosomes to regulate inflammation and osteoclastogenesis paves the way for establishment of a therapeutic approach for periodontitis.

Inflammation and Wnt Signaling: Target for Immunomodulatory Therapy?

Wnt proteins comprise a large family of highly conserved glycoproteins known for their role in development, cell fate specification, tissue regeneration, and tissue homeostasis. Aberrant Wnt signaling is linked to developmental defects, malignant transformation, and carcinogenesis as well as to inflammation. Mounting evidence from recent research suggests that a dysregulated activation of Wnt signaling is involved in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory diseases, such as neuroinflammation, cancer-mediated inflammation, and metabolic inflammatory diseases. Recent findings highlight the role of Wnt in the modulation of inflammatory cytokine production, such as NF-kB signaling and in innate defense mechanisms as well as in the bridging of innate and adaptive immunity. This sparked the development of novel therapeutic treatments against inflammatory diseases based on Wnt modulation. Here, we summarize the role and function of the Wnt pathway in inflammatory diseases and focus on Wnt signaling as underlying master regulator of inflammation that can be therapeutically targeted.

Medicinal Plants and Phytochemicals Regulating Insulin Resistance and Glucose Homeostasis in Type 2 Diabetic Patients: A Clinical Review

Diabetes is a major health problem affecting more than four hundred million adults worldwide. The transition from normal glucose tolerance to type 2 diabetes (T2D) is preceded by increased Insulin resistance (IR), an independent predictor of the development of T2D in high risk (e.g. obese populations, pre-diabetes) individuals. Insulin deficiency resulting from increased IR results in progressive glucose homeostasis dysfunction. Data has shown that IR is affected by many different factors such as genetics, age, exercise, dietary nutrients, obesity, and body fat distribution. One of the most important factors is diet, which plays an essential role in addressing T2D and metabolic syndrome. Nutraceuticals and medicinal plants have been shown to have efficacy in preventing chronic diseases like cancer, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome, likely through the anti-inflammatory properties found in nutraceuticals. However, the effect of these compounds, including traditional plant medicines, herbal formulations or their extracts on IR have not been systematically investigated. The objective of this review was to assess the reported effects of medicinal plants and bioactive natural compounds on IR. The findings confirm that most of the herbal bioactive compounds including resveratrol, garlic, curcumin, cinnamon, ginger, nuts, berberine, anthocyanin, soybean, flaxseed, vegetable oils, and soluble fibers have benefit in their efficacy for decreasing IR, fasting blood sugar (FBS), fasting insulin and HbA1c.

Serum Heparanase: A New Clinical Biomarker Involved in Senile Metabolic Inflammatory Syndrome

AIM

Metabolic inflammation syndrome (MIS) can lead to a series of complications, but its exact inflammatory mechanism is still unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the correlation between heparanase (HPA) and MIS, and the close relationship between HPA and other chronic low-grade inflammation index, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6).

METHODS

A total of 105 patients with MIS in the physical examination population of Huashan Hospital affiliated to Fudan University from May to June 2018 were selected as the MIS group, and 52 patients who were relatively healthy during the same period were used as the control group. The basic clinical data of the selected candidates were collected, the levels of serum HPA, CRP and IL-6 were measured by ELISA, and the levels of blood glucose and blood lipids were also detected.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, the levels of HPA, CRP, IL-6, FBG, HbA_1C, and TG of MIS group were all significantly elevated (all P<0.05), and HDL-C levels were considerably reduced (P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed that there was a noticeably positive correlation between serum HPA level and CRP, IL-6 levels (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Higher HPA levels might play a certain role in the occurrence and development of MIS. There was a certain close correlation between serum HPA level and CRP and IL-6 levels, and which indicated that HPA was involved in the chronic low-grade inflammatory reaction process of MIS.

The crosstalk of hedgehog, PI3K and Wnt pathways in diabetes

Hyperglycaemia causes pancreatic β-cells to release insulin that then attaches to a specific expression of receptor isoform and reverses high glucose concentrations. It is well known that insulin is capable of initiating insulin-receptor substrate (IRS)/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (PKB) signaling pathways in target cells; such as liver, adipose tissues, and muscles. However, recent discoveries indicate that many other pathways, such as the Hedgehog (Hh) and growth factor-stimulating Wingless-related integration (Wnt) signaling pathways; are activated in hyperglycaemia as well. Although these two pathways are traditionally thought to have a decisive role in cellular growth and differentiation only, recent reports show that they are involved in regulating cellular homeostasis and energy balance. While insulin-activated IRS/PI3K/PKB pathway cascades are primarily known to reduce glucose production, it was recently discovered to increase the Hh signaling pathway's stability, thereby activating the PI3K/PKB/mammalian target of rapamycin complex 2 (mTORC2) signaling pathway. The Hh signaling pathway not only plays a role in lipid metabolism, insulin sensitivity, inflammatory response, diabetes-related complications, but crosstalks with the Wnt signaling pathway resulting in improved insulin sensitivity and decrease inflammatory response in diabetes.

LDL cholesterol promotes the proliferation of prostate and pancreatic cancer cells by activating the STAT3 pathway

Hypercholesterolemia has been found to be closely linked with a significant increase in both cancer incidence and mortality. However, the exact correlation between serum cholesterol levels and cancer has not been completely deciphered. Here we analyzed the effect of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol on prostate and pancreatic cancer cells. We noted that LDL induced a substantial STAT3 activation and JAK1, JAK2, Src activation in diverse prostate and pancreatic tumor cells. Moreover, LDL promoted cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion as well as upregulated the expression of diverse oncogenic gene products. However, deletion of LDL-activated STAT3 in LNCaP and PANC-1 cells and reduced LDL-induced cell viability. Simvastatin (SV) treatment also alleviated LDL-induced cell viability and migration ability in both the prostate and pancreatic tumor cells. These results demonstrate that LDL-induced STAT3 activation may exert a profound effect on the proliferation and survival of tumor cells.

Prominent and emerging anti-diabetic molecular targets

Diabetes is on the rise across the globe affecting more than 463 million people and crucially increasing morbidities of diabetes-associated diseases. Urgent and immense actions are needed to improve diabetes prevention and treatment. Regarding the correlation of diabetes with many associated diseases, inhibition of the disease progression is more crucial than controlling symptoms. Currently, anti-diabetic drugs are accompanied by undesirable side-effects and target confined types of biomolecules. Thus, extensive research is demanding to identify novel disease mechanisms and molecular targets as probable candidates for effective treatment of diabetes. This review discusses the conventional molecule targets that have been applied for their therapeutic rationale in treatment of diabetes. Further, the emerging and prospective molecular targets for the future focus of library screenings are presented.