Low serum IGF1 is associated with hypertension and predicts early cardiovascular events in women with rheumatoid arthritis

Novel Multitarget ACE Inhibitory Peptides from Bovine Colostrum Immunoglobulin G: Cellular Transport, Efficacy in Regulating Endothelial Dysfunction, and Network Pharmacology Studies

In this study, we used traditional laboratory methods, bioinformatics, and cellular models to screen novel ACE inhibitory (ACEI) peptides with strong ACEI activity, moderate absorption rates, and multiple targets from bovine colostrum immunoglobulin G (IgG). The purified fraction of the compound proteinase hydrolysate of IgG showed good ACEI activity. After nano-UPLC-MS/MS identification and in silico analysis, eight peptides were synthesized and verified. Among them, SFYPDY, TSFYPDY, FSWF, WYQQVPGSGL, and GVHTFP were identified as ACEI peptides, as they exhibited strong ACEI activity (with IC50 values of 104.7, 80.0, 121.2, 39.8, and 86.3 μM, respectively). They displayed good stability in an in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion assay. In a Caco-2 monolayer model, SFYPDY, FSWF, and WYQQVPGSGL exhibited better absorption rates and lower IC50 values than the other peptides and were thereby identified as novel ACEI peptides. Subsequently, in a H2O2-induced endothelial dysfunction (ED) model based on HUVECs, SFYPDY, FSWF, and WYQQVPGSGL regulated ED by reducing apoptosis and ROS accumulation while upregulating NOS3 mRNA expression. Network pharmacology analysis and RT-qPCR confirmed that they regulated multiple targets. Overall, our results suggest that SFYPDY, FSWF, and WYQQVPGSGL can serve as novel multitarget ACEI peptides.

Label-free electrochemical immunosensor for detection of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) using a specific monoclonal receptor on electrospun Zein-based nanofibers/rGO-modified electrode

A novel electrochemical immunosensor was developed for ultrasensitive determination of the hormone insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) based on immobilization of a specific monoclonal antibody on the electrospun nanofibers of Polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/Zein-reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanoparticle. The nanofibers deposited on glassy carbon electrode (GCE) showed good electrochemical behaviors with synergistic effects between PAN, Zein, and rGO. PAN/Zein nanofibers were used due to flexibility, high porosity, good mechanical strength, high specific surface area, and flexible structures, while rGO nanoparticles were used to improve the detection sensitivity and anti-IGF-1 immobilizing. Different characterization techniques were applied consisting of FE-SEM, FT-IR, and EDS for the investigation of morphological features and nanofiber size. The redox reactions of [Fe(CN)6]4-/3- on the modified electrode surface were probed for studying the immobilization and determination processes, using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). Under optimal conditions, LOD (limit of detection) and LOQ (limit of quantification) were obtained as 55.72 fg/mL and 185.73 fg/mL respectively, and sensitivity was acquired 136.29 μA/cm2.dec. Moreover, a wide linear range was obtained ranging from 1 pg/mL to 10 ng/mL for IGF-1. Furthermore, the proposed method was applied for the analysis of IGF-1 in several human plasma samples with acceptable results, and it also exhibited high selectivity, stability, and reproducibility.

Hallmarks of cardiovascular ageing

Normal circulatory function is a key determinant of disease-free life expectancy (healthspan). Indeed, pathologies affecting the cardiovascular system, which are growing in prevalence, are the leading cause of global morbidity, disability and mortality, whereas the maintenance of cardiovascular health is necessary to promote both organismal healthspan and lifespan. Therefore, cardiovascular ageing might precede or even underlie body-wide, age-related health deterioration. In this Review, we posit that eight molecular hallmarks are common denominators in cardiovascular ageing, namely disabled macroautophagy, loss of proteostasis, genomic instability (in particular, clonal haematopoiesis of indeterminate potential), epigenetic alterations, mitochondrial dysfunction, cell senescence, dysregulated neurohormonal signalling and inflammation. We also propose a hierarchical order that distinguishes primary (upstream) from antagonistic and integrative (downstream) hallmarks of cardiovascular ageing. Finally, we discuss how targeting each of the eight hallmarks might be therapeutically exploited to attenuate residual cardiovascular risk in older individuals.

New insights on the cardiovascular effects of IGF-1

INTRODUCTION

Cardiovascular (CV) disorders are steadily increasing, making them the world's most prevalent health issue. New research highlights the importance of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) for maintaining CV health.

METHODS

We searched PubMed and MEDLINE for English and non-English articles with English abstracts published between 1957 (when the first report on IGF-1 identification was published) and 2022. The top search terms were: IGF-1, cardiovascular disease, IGF-1 receptors, IGF-1 and microRNAs, therapeutic interventions with IGF-1, IGF-1 and diabetes, IGF-1 and cardiovascular disease. The search retrieved original peer-reviewed articles, which were further analyzed, focusing on the role of IGF-1 in pathophysiological conditions. We specifically focused on including the most recent findings published in the past five years.

RESULTS

IGF-1, an anabolic growth factor, regulates cell division, proliferation, and survival. In addition to its well-known growth-promoting and metabolic effects, there is mounting evidence that IGF-1 plays a specialized role in the complex activities that underpin CV function. IGF-1 promotes cardiac development and improves cardiac output, stroke volume, contractility, and ejection fraction. Furthermore, IGF-1 mediates many growth hormones (GH) actions. IGF-1 stimulates contractility and tissue remodeling in humans to improve heart function after myocardial infarction. IGF-1 also improves the lipid profile, lowers insulin levels, increases insulin sensitivity, and promotes glucose metabolism. These findings point to the intriguing medicinal potential of IGF-1. Human studies associate low serum levels of free or total IGF-1 with an increased risk of CV and cerebrovascular illness. Extensive human trials are being conducted to investigate the therapeutic efficacy and outcomes of IGF-1-related therapy.

DISCUSSION

We anticipate the development of novel IGF-1-related therapy with minimal side effects. This review discusses recent findings on the role of IGF-1 in the cardiovascular (CVD) system, including both normal and pathological conditions. We also discuss progress in therapeutic interventions aimed at targeting the IGF axis and provide insights into the epigenetic regulation of IGF-1 mediated by microRNAs.

Potential Role of Insulin-Like Growth Factors in Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Narrative Review

ABSTRACT

Insulin-like growth factors have diverse functions in skeletal muscles by acting through multiple signaling pathways, including growth regulation and differentiation, anti-inflammation, and antioxidation. Insulin-like growth factors have anti-inflammatory effects and also play roles in nociceptive pathways, determining pain sensitivity, in addition to their protective role against ischemic injury in both the nervous system and skeletal muscle. In skeletal muscle, insulin-like growth factors maintain homeostasis, playing key roles in maintenance, accelerating muscle regeneration, and repair processes. As part of their maintenance role, increased levels of insulin-like growth factors may be required for the repair mechanisms after exercise. Although the role of insulin-like growth factors in myofascial pain syndrome is not completely understood, there is evidence from a recent study that insulin-like growth factor 2 levels in patients with myofascial pain syndrome are lower than those of healthy individuals and are associated with increased levels of inflammatory biomarkers. Importantly, higher insulin-like growth factor 2 levels are associated with increased pain severity in myofascial pain syndrome patients. This may suggest that too low or high insulin-like growth factor levels may contribute to musculoskeletal disorder process, whereas a midrange levels may optimize healing without contributing to pain hypersensitivity. Future studies are required to address the mechanisms of insulin-like growth factor 2 in myofascial pain syndrome and the optimal level as a therapeutic agent.

Metabolic Profile and Echocardiographic Evaluation in Adults with Growth Hormone Deficiency

Adult growth hormone deficiency (AGHD) is associated with increased cardiovascular risks. The primary endpoint of this retrospective cohort study was to compare metabolic profile and echocardiographic parameters in childhood-onset (CO) and adulthood-onset (AO) AGHD patients. 26 patients with CO AGHD (19 males, 26.8±8.5 years) and 41 patients with AO AGHD (23 males, 35.1±6.8 years) were included. The standard deviation score of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1 SDS), metabolic profile, liver sonography and echocardiographic parameters were compared. The IGF-1 SDS were significantly lower in CO AGHD patients (p<0.05). AO AGHD patients showed much profound glycolipid aberrations, elevated C-reactive protein levels (p=0.012), and proportionally higher prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (95.2% vs.8.3%, p<0.001). In all subjects, IGF-1 SDS was negatively related to low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and positively related to total cholesterol and lipoprotein a (Lpa). There were significant differences between the two group with regard to the correlations between IGF-1 SDS and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, LPa, uric acid and creatinine (all p for interaction<0.05). CO AGHD patients exhibited smaller heart, but similar ventricular ejection fraction compared to AO AGHD patients. AGHD may be a group of heterogenous entity based on the onset ages of disease. AO patients had prominent metabolic disorders, while CO patients had smaller heart but similar cardiac performance. Whether growth hormone replacement therapy will equally benefit both CO and AO AGHD patients needs further investigations.

Identification of Candidate Genes Related to Synovial Macrophages in Rheumatoid Arthritis by Bioinformatics Analysis

Objective

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most prevalent inflammatory arthritis worldwide. However, the genes and pathways associated with macrophages from synovial fluids in RA patients still remain unclear. This study aims to screen and verify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to identifying candidate genes related to synovial macrophages in rheumatoid arthritis by bioinformatics analysis.

Methods

We searched the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and GSE97779 and GSE10500 with synovial macrophages expression profiling from multiple RA microarray dataset were selected to conduct a systematic analysis. GSE97779 included nine macrophage samples from synovial fluids of RA patients and five macrophage samples from primary human blood of HC. GSE10500 included five macrophage samples from synovial fluids of RA patients and three macrophage samples from primary human blood of HC. Functional annotation of DEGs was performed, including Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) network of DEGs was established using the STRING database. CytoHubba was used to identify hub genes. MCODE was used to determine gene clusters in the interactive network.

Results

There were 2638 DEGs (1425 upregulated genes and 1213 downregulated ones) and 889 DEGs (438 upregulated genes and 451 downregulated ones) selected from GSE97779 and GSE10500, respectively. Venn diagrams showed that 173 genes were upregulated and 106 downregulated in both two datasets. The top 10 hub genes, including FN1, VEGFA, HGF, SERPINA1, MMP9, PPBP, CD44, FPR2, IGF1, and ITGAM, were identified using the PPI network.

Conclusion

This study provides new insights for the potential biomarkers and the relevant molecular mechanisms in RA patients. Our findings suggest that the 10 candidate genes might be used in diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy of RA in the future. However, further studies are required to confirm the expression of these genes in synovial macrophages in RA and control specimen.

Preclinical and clinical evidence of IGF-1 as a prognostic marker and acute intervention with ischemic stroke

Ischemic strokes are highly prevalent in the elderly population and are a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. The risk of ischemic stroke increases in advanced age, corresponding with a noted decrease in circulating insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1). IGF-1 is a known neuroprotectant involved in embryonic development, neurogenesis, neurotransmission, cognition, and lifespan. Clinically, several studies have shown that reduced levels of IGF-1 correlate with increased mortality rate, poorer functional outcomes, and increased morbidities following an ischemic stroke. In animal models of ischemia, administering exogenous IGF-1 using various routes of administration (intranasal, intravenous, subcutaneous, or topical) at various time points prior to and following insult attenuates neurological damage and accompanying behavioral changes caused by ischemia. However, there are some contrasting findings in select clinical and preclinical studies. This review discusses the role of IGF-1 as a determinant factor of ischemic stroke outcomes, both within the clinical settings and preclinical animal models. Furthermore, the review provides insight on the role of IGF-1 in mechanisms and cellular processes that contribute to stroke damage.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of cardiovascular risk in rheumatological disease: Symptomatic and non-symptomatic events in rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus

Although each autoimmune disease is associated with specific tissue or organ damage, rheumatic diseases share a pro-inflammatory pattern that might increase cardiovascular risk. Retrospective and prospective studies on patients affected by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) highlighted the concept of "accelerated atherosclerosis". Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is the assessment of symptomatic or asymptomatic cardiovascular events among patients with rheumatic diseases as RA and SLE. The literature research obtained all manuscripts published in the English language between 2015 and 2019 for a total of 2355 manuscripts. After selection through inclusion and exclusion criteria, four articles examined cardiovascular risk in RA patients, 8 in SLE patients, and 2 in RA and SLE patients. Patients with SLE had a RR of 1.98 (95% CI: 1.18-3.31) of symptomatic cardiovascular events compared to the unexposed cohort. The meta-regression analysis showed that younger patient (age per year increase β = -0.12 95%CI: -0.20, -0.4), belonging to studies conducted in continent different from America (β = -0.89; -95% CI: 1.67, -0.10), after 2000 (β = 0.87; 95% CI: 0.09, 1.65) and with a higher quality score 0.80 (95% CI: 0.31, 1.29) had a higher risk of cardiovascular events. In patients with RA, the RR of cardiovascular events was 1.55 (95% CI: 1.18-2.02). These data are helpful to implement cardiovascular preventive strategies among people suffering from rheumatologic diseases to decrease the incidence of cardiovascular events. However, these implementation needs to build a higher network between rheumatologists and primary care healthcare workers to furnish the same information to patients and monitor their preventive practice compliance.

A description of the relationship in healthy longevity and aging-related disease: from gene to protein

Human longevity is a complex phenotype influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. It is also known to be associated with various types of age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The central dogma of molecular biology demonstrates the conversion of DNA to RNA to the encoded protein. These proteins interact to form complex cell signaling pathways, which perform various biological functions. With prolonged exposure to the environment, the in vivo homeostasis adapts to the changes, and finally, humans adopt the phenotype of longevity or aging-related diseases. In this review, we focus on two different states: longevity and aging-related diseases, including CVD and AD, to discuss the relationship between genetic characteristics, including gene variation, the level of gene expression, regulation of gene expression, the level of protein expression, both genetic and environmental influences and homeostasis based on these phenotypes shown in organisms.

Liver circadian clock disruption alters perivascular adipose tissue gene expression and aortic function in mice

The liver plays a central role that influences cardiovascular disease outcomes through regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism. It is recognized that the local liver molecular clock regulates some liver-derived metabolites. However, it is unknown whether the liver clock may impact cardiovascular function. Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) is a specialized type of adipose tissue surrounding blood vessels. Importantly, cross talk between the endothelium and PVAT via vasoactive factors is critical for vascular function. Therefore, we designed studies to test the hypothesis that cardiovascular function, including PVAT function, is impaired in mice with liver-specific circadian clock disruption. Bmal1 is a core circadian clock gene, thus studies were undertaken in male hepatocyte-specific Bmal1 knockout (HBK) mice and littermate controls (i.e., flox mice). HBK mice showed significantly elevated plasma levels of β-hydroxybutyrate, nonesterified fatty acids/free fatty acids, triglycerides, and insulin-like growth factor 1 compared with flox mice. Thoracic aorta PVAT in HBK mice had increased mRNA expression of several key regulatory and metabolic genes, Ppargc1a, Pparg, Adipoq, Lpl, and Ucp1, suggesting altered PVAT energy metabolism and thermogenesis. Sensitivity to acetylcholine-induced vasorelaxation was significantly decreased in the aortae of HBK mice with PVAT attached compared with aortae of HBK mice with PVAT removed, however, aortic vasorelaxation in flox mice showed no differences with or without attached PVAT. HBK mice had a significantly lower systolic blood pressure during the inactive period of the day. These new findings establish a novel role of the liver circadian clock in regulating PVAT metabolic gene expression and PVAT-mediated aortic vascular function.

Impact of the Uncoupling Protein 1 on Cardiovascular Risk in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Adiposity is strongly associated with cardiovascular (CV) morbidity. Uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) increases energy expenditure in adipocytes and may counteract adiposity. Our objective was to investigate a connection between UCP1 expression and cardiovascular health in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in a longitudinal observational study. Transcription of UCP1 was measured by qPCR in the subcutaneous adipose tissue of 125 female RA patients and analyzed with respect to clinical parameters and the estimated CV risk. Development of new CV events and diabetes mellitus was followed for five years. Transcription of UCP1 was identified in 89 (71%) patients. UCP1 positive patients had often active RA disease (p = 0.017), high serum levels of IL6 (p = 0.0025) and were frequently overweight (p = 0.015). IL-6^hiBMI^hi patients and patients treated with IL6 receptor inhibitor tocilizumab had significantly higher levels of UCP1 compared to other RA patients (p < 0.0001, p = 0.032, respectively). Both UCP1^hi groups displayed unfavorable metabolic profiles with high plasma glucose levels and high triglyceride-to-HDL ratios, which indicated insulin resistance. Prospective follow-up revealed no significant difference in the incidence of new CV and metabolic events in the UCP1^hi groups and remaining RA patients. The study shows that high transcription of UCP1 in adipose tissue is related to IL6-driven processes and reflects primarily metabolic CV risk in female RA patients.

Cumulative inflammatory burden and obesity as determinants of insulin resistance in patients with established rheumatoid arthritis: cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

To describe the prevalence of insulin resistance (IR) in patients with established rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to analyse the contribution of cumulative inflammatory burden and other factors to its development.

DESIGN

Observational cross-sectional study.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients with RA and controls matched for age, sex and Body Mass Index. We excluded patients with diabetes.

SETTINGS

Patients from an RA inception cohort at Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Spain, were recruited between September 2016 and May 2018.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

IR was evaluated using the homeostasis model assessment for IR and beta-cell function and the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index. Other variables included the cumulative 28-Joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28) with C reactive protein (CRP) body composition and cytokines. Two logistic regression models were constructed to identify factors associated with IR in patients with RA.

RESULTS

Eighty-nine patients with RA and 80 controls were included. The prevalence of IR was similar in both cases and controls. Inflammatory activity was controlled appropriately in patients during follow-up (mean DAS28 3.1 (0.8)). The presence of IR in patients with RA was associated with obesity (OR 6.01, 95% CI 1.9 to 8.7), higher cumulative DAS28-CRP values during follow-up (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.3 to 6.0), and higher interleukin-1β levels (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.4). The second model showed that the risk of IR increased by 10% for each kilogram of excess body fat.

CONCLUSION

In patients with well-controlled, established RA, IR is associated mainly with poorer control of inflammation from diagnosis and with obesity, specifically total fat mass.

Prognostic model of 10 immune-related genes and identification of small molecule drugs in bladder urothelial carcinoma (BLCA)

Background

We aimed to establish an immune-related gene (IRG) based signature that could provide guidance for clinical bladder cancer (BC) prognostic surveillance.

Methods

Differentially expressed IRGs and transcription factors (TFs) between BCs and normal tissues were extracted from transcriptome data downloaded from the TCGA database. Gene Ontology (GO) function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were carried out to identify related pathways based on differently expressed IRGs. Then, univariate Cox regression analysis was performed to investigate IRGs with prognostic values and LASSO penalized Cox regression analysis was utilized to develop the prognostic index (PI) model.

Results

A total of 411 BC tissue samples and 19 normal bladder tissues in the TCGA database were enrolled in this study and 259 differentially expressed IRGs were identified. Networks between TFs and IRGs were also provided to seek the upstream regulators of differentially expressed IRGs. By means of univariate Cox regression analysis, 57 IRGs were analyzed with prognostic values and 10 IRGs were finally identified by LASSO penalized Cox regression analysis to construct the PI model. This model could significantly classified BC patients into high-risk group and low-risk group in terms of OS (P=9.923e-07) and its AUC reached 0.711. By means of univariate and multivariate COX regression analysis, this PI was proven to be a valuable independent prognostic factor (HR =1.119, 95% CI =1.066-1.175, P<0.001). CMap database analysis was also utilized to screen out 10 small molecules drugs with the potential for the treatment of BC.

Conclusions

Our study successfully provided a novel PI based on IRGs with the potential to predict the prognosis of BC and screened out 10 small molecules drugs with the potential to treat BC. Besides, networks between TFs and IRGs were also displayed to seek its upstream regulators for future researches.

Inferring Relationship of Blood Metabolic Changes and Average Daily Gain With Feed Conversion Efficiency in Murrah Heifers: Machine Learning Approach

Machine learning algorithms were employed for predicting the feed conversion efficiency (FCE), using the blood parameters and average daily gain (ADG) as predictor variables in buffalo heifers. It was observed that isotonic regression outperformed other machine learning algorithms used in study. Further, we also achieved the best performance evaluation metrics model with additive regression as the meta learner and isotonic regression as the base learner on 10-fold cross-validation and leaving-one-out cross-validation tests. Further, we created three separate partial least square regression (PLSR) models using all 14 parameters of blood and ADG as independent (explanatory) variables and FCE as the dependent variable, to understand the interactions of blood parameters, ADG with FCE each by inclusion of all FCE values (i), only higher FCE values (negative RFI) (ii), and inclusion of only lower FCE (positive RFI) values (iii). The PLSR model including only the higher FCE values was concluded the best, based on performance evaluation metrics as compared to PLSR models developed by inclusion of the lower FCE values and all types of FCE values. IGF1 and its interactions with the other blood parameters were found highly influential for higher FCE measures. The strength of the estimated interaction effects of the blood parameter in relation to FCE may facilitate understanding of intricate dynamics of blood parameters for growth.

miR-483-3p promotes cell proliferation and suppresses apoptosis in rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes by targeting IGF-1

Accumulating evidence suggests that miR-483-3p is implicated in maintaining biological properties in human cancers. However, its biological roles in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remain unknown. miR-483-3p levels in synovial tissue samples and fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) were determined using quantitative real-time PCR. The CCK-8 assay and EdU staining were performed to assess cell proliferation in RA FLSs after transfection with miR-483-3p mimics or inhibitor. Flow cytometry with Annexin V-FITC staining or PI staining was performed to assess apoptosis or cell cycle progression in RA FLSs, respectively. miR-483-3p was upregulated in RA, which markedly promoted cell proliferation, induced the G0/G1-to-S phase transition, and suppressed apoptosis in RA FLSs, whereas miR-483-3p silencing yielded opposite results. Moreover, insulin growth factor 1 (IGF-1) was detected as a direct miR-483-3p target. IGF-1 silencing partially restored cell proliferation, the G0/G1-to-S phase transition, and apoptosis suppression in RA FLSs via miR-483-3p inhibition. Our results showed that miR-483-3p promotes RA FLSs proliferation by targeting IGF-1, suggesting a potential strategy for diagnostic and treatment strategy for RA.