Physical inactivity, insulin resistance, and the oxidative-inflammatory loop

Structure-based molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations study for the identification of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors in type 2 diabetes

Inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) activity has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Bioinformatics-driven approaches have emerged as crucial tools in drug discovery. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are effective tools in drug discovery, as they reduce the time and cost associated with experimental screening. In this study, we employed structure-assisted in-silico methods, including molecular docking and MD simulations, to identify SRT2183, a small molecule that may potentially inhibit the activity of DPP4 enzyme. The interaction between the small molecule "SRT2183" and DPP4 exhibited a binding affinity of -9.9 Kcal/Mol, leading to the formation of hydrogen bonds with the amino acid residues MET348, SER376, and THR351 of DPP4. The MD simulations over a period of 100 ns indicated stable protein-ligand interactions, with no significant conformational rearrangements observed within the simulated timeframe. In conclusion, our results suggest that the small molecule SRT2183 may have the potential to inhibit the DPP4 enzyme and pave the way for the therapeutics of T2DM.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Physical activity has a more beneficial effect on the risk of all-cause mortality in patients with metabolic syndrome than in those without

BACKGROUND

It has not been clarified whether physical activity (PA) has more benefit in terms of health outcomes, including mortality risk, among those with metabolic syndrome (MS) compared to those without. Therefore, the aim of this study is to elucidate whether regular PA has interaction with MS on health outcomes.

METHODS

Participants with no underlying cardiovascular diseases who underwent national health screening in 2009 were included. According to the metabolic equivalent (MET)-minutes/week, the amount of PA among the participants was grouped as follows: Group 1 (0 MET-minutes/week), Group 2 (1-499), Group 3 (500-999), Group 4 (1000-1499), and Group 5 (≥ 1500). Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were applied to evaluate the impacts of the amount of PA on health outcomes among those with and without MS. Health outcomes included all-cause mortality and incident cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).

RESULTS

Of 9,628,109 total participants, 335,970 deaths occurred during a median 8.3-year follow-up. After adjustment for age, sex, smoking status, alcohol consumption, and body mass index, the higher the PA amount was, the lower the risk of all-cause mortality in both those with MS [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) compared with Group 1, 0.86 (95% CI 0.85, 0.87) in Group 2; 0.82 (95% CI 0.81, 0.83) in Group 3; 0.75 (95% CI 0.74, 0.77) in Group 4; and 0.78 (95% CI 0.76, 0.80) in Group 5; P for trend < 0.001] and those without MS [aHR compared with Group 1, 0.87 (95% CI 0.86, 0.88) in Group 2; 0.84 (95% CI 0.83, 0.85) in Group 3, 0.79 (95% CI 0.78, 0.80) in Group 4, and 0.82 (95% CI 0.81, 0.84) in Group 5; P for trend < 0.001]. The beneficial effects of the amount of PA on all-cause mortality were larger among those with MS than among those without MS in a multiplicative interaction (P for interaction < 0.001). The results were similar in the analysis of the relationship between the PA amount and incident CVD.

CONCLUSIONS

More PA was associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality, which was more prominent in those with MS than in those without MS. Physicians should emphasize more the importance of PA in patients with MS.

Transplantation of adipose derived stem cells in diabetes mellitus; limitations and achievements

Objectives

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a complex metabolic disease that results from impaired insulin secreting pancreatic β-cells or insulin resistance. Although available medications help control the disease, patients suffer from its complications. Therefore, finding effective therapeutic approaches to treat DM is a priority. Adipose Derived Stem Cells (ADSCs) based therapy is a promising strategy in various regenerative medicine applications, but its systematic translational use is still somewhat out of reach. This review is aimed at clarifying achievements as well as challenges facing the application of ADSCs for the treatment of DM, with a special focus on the mechanisms involved.

Methods

Literature searches were carried out on "Scopus", "PubMed" and "Google Scholar" up to September 2022 to find relevant articles in the English language for the scope of this review.

Results

Recent evidence showed a significant role of ADSC therapies in DM by ameliorating insulin resistance and hyperglycemia, regulating hepatic glucose metabolism, promoting β cell function and regeneration, and functioning as a gene delivery tool. In addition, ADSCs could improve diabetic wound healing by promoting collagen deposition, inhibiting inflammation, and enhancing angiogenesis.

Conclusion

Overall, this literature review revealed the great clinical implications of ADSCs for translating into the clinical setting for the treatment of diabetes. However, further large-scale and controlled studies are needed to overcome challenges and confirm the safety and optimal therapeutic scheme before daily clinical application.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40200-023-01280-8.

Mechanisms of action of natural products on type 2 diabetes

Over the past several decades, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been considered a global public health concern. Currently, various therapeutic modalities are available for T2DM management, including dietary modifications, moderate exercise, and use of hypoglycemic agents and lipid-lowering medications. Although the curative effect of most drugs on T2DM is significant, they also exert some adverse side effects. Biologically active substances found in natural medicines are important for T2DM treatment. Several recent studies have reported that active ingredients derived from traditional medicines or foods exert a therapeutic effect on T2DM. This review compiled important articles regarding the therapeutic effects of natural products and their active ingredients on islet β cell function, adipose tissue inflammation, and insulin resistance. Additionally, this review provided an in-depth understanding of the multiple regulatory effects on different targets and signaling pathways of natural medicines in the treatment of T2DM as well as a theoretical basis for clinical effective application.

Relationship of Chronic Systemic Inflammation to Both Chronic Lifestyle-Related Diseases and Osteoarthritis: The Case for Lifestyle Medicine for Osteoarthritis

Systemic inflammation is a root cause of lifestyle-related chronic diseases and may also play a role in the development and progression of osteoarthritis (OA). Lifestyle medicine seeks to treat, prevent, and reverse lifestyle-related chronic disease via 6 pillars: nutrition, sleep health, stress management, physical activity, social connections, and risky behavior avoidance/reduction. This article presents a review of the literature in which we assess the connections between the 6 pillars of lifestyle medicine, chronic systemic inflammation, and OA. We also discuss the whole-person approach that lifestyle medicine interventions can provide to reduce chronic systemic inflammation and affect the development or progression of OA.

Oxidative stress following spinal cord injury: From molecular mechanisms to therapeutic targets

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a medical condition that results from severe trauma to the central nervous system; it imposes great psychological and economic burdens on affected patients and their families. The dynamic balance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants is essential for maintaining normal cellular physiological functions. As important intracellular signaling molecules, ROS regulate numerous physiological activities, including vascular reactivity and neuronal function. However, excessive ROS can cause damage to cellular macromolecules, including DNA, lipids, and proteins; this damage eventually leads to cell death. This review discusses the mechanisms of oxidative stress in SCI and describes some signaling pathways that regulate oxidative injury after injury, with the aim of providing guidance for the development of novel SCI treatment strategies.

Effectiveness of game-based exercise interventions on modifiable cardiovascular risk factors of individuals with type two diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Sedentary lifestyles have been identified as a major risk factor for cardiovascular complications for individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Using video-gaming components, game-based exercise interventions can encourage these individuals to engage in regular physical activity (PA), given their favorable interactive interfaces, feedback, and on-demand flow experiences.

AIM

To evaluate the effectiveness of game-based exercise interventions, on modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, quality of life, and PA levels among individuals with T2DM.

METHODS

Published and unpublished studies were retrieved from eight electronic databases and reference lists of the included studies. Articles included in this study were from the inception of the databases to January 2022. Two reviewers performed screening, quality appraisal, and data extraction independently. Meta-analyses were conducted for the primary and secondary outcomes through RevMan. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022298894).

RESULTS

Of the 11 selected studies involving 1045 individuals of both genders with T2DM, 9 were included in the meta-analyses for glycosylated hemoglobin, blood pressure (BP), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, quality of life, and physical activity levels. The meta-analyses reported very small to large effect sizes favoring game-based exercise interventions. Large effect sizes were reported for systolic BP, diastolic BP, and quality of life measured through SF-12 Mental Component Summary scores.

LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION

Game-based exercise interventions may improve modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, quality of life, and PA levels among individuals with T2DM. Supervision, PA levels, or motivation can affect the effectiveness of game-based exercise interventions.

Objectively-measured movement behaviors, systemic low-grade inflammation, and plasma neurofilament light chain in older adults: a population-based study

BACKGROUND

Evidence has linked self-reported sedentary behavior (SB) and physical activity (PA) with cognitive impairment; however, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. We examined the associations of the accelerometer-measured movement behaviors with plasma neurofilament light chain (NfL) among older adults and the role of systemic low-grade inflammation in the associations.

RESULTS

This population-based study included 1,029 dementia-free older adults (age ≥ 60 years, range 60-88 years; 59.48% women) who undertook the ActiGraph substudy (March 2018-December 2020) in MIND-China. There were nonlinear relationships of daily SB and PA time with plasma NfL concentration, such that more daily SB time or less time spent in daily light-intensity physical activity (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) was significantly associated with increased plasma NfL only when SB time ≥ 8.00 h/day or LPA time < 5.00 h/day or MVPA time < 2.00 h/day. Furthermore, more daily SB time or less daily LPA and MVPA time was significantly associated with higher serum low-grade inflammation score, a composite measure generated from serum IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and ICAM-1 (P < 0.05). Finally, low-grade inflammation score accounted for 14.5% to 17.8% of the associations between movement behaviors and plasma NfL.

CONCLUSIONS

More daily SB and less PA time are associated with neurodegeneration and systemic low-grade inflammation in older adults. The association of movement behaviors with neurodegeneration is partially mediated by low-grade inflammation.

Eco-friendly chitosan-based nanostructures in diabetes mellitus therapy: Promising bioplatforms with versatile therapeutic perspectives

Nature-derived polymers, or biopolymers, are among the most employed materials for the development of nanocarriers. Chitosan (CS) is derived from the acetylation of chitin, and this biopolymer displays features such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, low toxicity, and ease of modification. CS-based nano-scale delivery systems have been demonstrated to be promising carriers for drug and gene delivery, and they can provide site-specific delivery of cargo. Owing to the high biocompatibility of CS-based nanocarriers, they can be used in the future in clinical trials. On the other hand, diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease that can develop due to a lack of insulin secretion or insulin sensitivity. Recently, CS-based nanocarriers have been extensively applied for DM therapy. Oral delivery of insulin is the most common use of CS nanoparticles in DM therapy, and they improve the pharmacological bioavailability of insulin. Moreover, CS-based nanostructures with mucoadhesive features can improve oral bioavailability of insulin. CS-based hydrogels have been developed for the sustained release of drugs and the treatment of DM complications such as wound healing. Furthermore, CS-based nanoparticles can mediate delivery of phytochemicals and other therapeutic agents in DM therapy, and they are promising compounds for the treatment of DM complications, including nephropathy, neuropathy, and cardiovascular diseases, among others. The surface modification of nanostructures with CS can improve their properties in terms of drug delivery and release, biocompatibility, and others, causing high attention to these nanocarriers in DM therapy.

Genetic Susceptibility to Insulin Resistance and Its Association with Estimated Longevity in the Hungarian General and Roma Populations

Diabetes mellitus is a major public health problem with a wide range of prevalence among different ethnic groups. Early recognition of pre-diabetes is important to prevent the development of the disease, its complications, co-morbidities, and consequently early death. Insulin resistance (IR) is considered a condition that precedes type 2 diabetes; thus, understanding its underlying causes (genetic and non-genetic factors) will bring us closer to preventing it. The present study aimed to investigate the genetic susceptibility to IR and its impact on estimated longevity in populations with different ethnic origins using randomly selected samples of 372 Hungarian general (HG, as a reference with Caucasian origin) and 334 Roma participants (largest ethnic minority in Europe, with a northern India origin). In the present study, we used the Homeostasis Model Assessment—Insulin Resistance (HOMA—IR) to identify people with IR (>3.63) at the population level. To investigate the genetic predisposition to IR, 29 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identified in a systematic literature search were selected and genotyped in sample populations. In the analyses, the adjusted p < 0.0033 was considered significant. Of these 29 SNPs, the commutative effects of 15 SNPs showing the strongest association with HOMA—IR were used to calculate an optimized genetic risk score (oGRS). The oGRS was found nominally significantly (p = 0.019) higher in the Roma population compared to HG one, and it was more strongly correlated with HOMA—IR. Therefore, it can be considered as a stronger predictor of the presence of IR among the Roma (AUCRoma = 0.673 vs. AUCHG = 0.528). Furthermore, oGRS also showed a significant correlation with reduced estimated longevity in the Roma population (β = −0.724, 95% CI: −1.230−−0.218; p = 0.005), but not in the HG one (β = 0.065, 95% CI: −0.388−0.518; p = 0.779). Overall, IR shows a strong correlation with a genetic predisposition among Roma, but not in the HG population. Furthermore, the increased genetic risk of Roma is associated with shorter estimated longevity, whereas this association is not observed in the HG one. Increased genetic susceptibility of Roma to IR should be considered in preventive programs targeting the development of type 2 diabetes, which may also reduce the risk of preventable premature death among them.

Combination of HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS, Network Pharmacology, and Molecular Docking to Reveal the Mechanism of Apple Pollen in the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Studies have found that apple pollen can restrain the activity of amylase. Therefore, we speculate that it may be prescribed to treat patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), while its chemical and pharmacologic profiles remain to be further explained. In this study, the potential bioactive compounds of apple pollen and the underlying mechanism of action were investigated by performing chemical and network pharmacology analysis. Therefore, HPLC-QTOF-MS/MS analysis based on chemical compound libraries was applied in identifying the chemical profiles of apple pollen and network pharmacology was adopted for predicting the potential targets of the active components of apple pollen. Initially, the chemical map of apple pollen was identified and characterized. Secondly, the potential targets of active compounds of apple pollen were predicted with the Swiss Target Prediction and PharmMapper databases, whereas targets of T2DM were collected from the GeneCards and OMIM database. Thereafter, the target of active compounds and T2DM targets established common targets using Venn. Afterwards, the common targets were imported into the STRING database in order to construct the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and select the core targets of apple pollen treatment of T2DM. In addition, GO and KEGG signaling pathway enrichment analyses were conducted on the selected core targets using the DAVID database. As a result, totally 28 compounds were identified. Meanwhile, network pharmacological analysis showed that 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaric acid, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, DL-3-phenyllactic acid, isorhamnetin-3-glucoside-4′-glucoside, isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside, syringetin-3-O-galactoside, rhamnetin, m-coumaric acid, quercitrin, isorhamnetin-3-galactoside-6″-rhamnoside, and kaempferol-3-O-alpha-L-arabinoside might be the active compounds of apple pollen. Moreover, AKT1, PPARG, SRC, EGFR, CASP3, ESR1, and the other potential core targets might be involved in the treatment of T2DM by modulating the following pathways, containing insulin resistance, hepatitis C, pancreatic cancer, insulin signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, and PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. Quercitrin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside bound most stably to AKT1. Isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside and quercitrin bound most stably to SRC. In addition, arachidonic acid bound most stably to PPARG.

Role of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species in homeostasis regulation

Mitochondria are the main source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells. Early studies have shown that mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mROS) are related to the occurrence and adverse outcomes of many diseases, and are thus regarded as an important risk factor that threaten human health. Recently, increasing evidence has shown that mROS are very important for an organism’s homeostasis. mROS can regulate a variety of signaling pathways and activate the adaptation and protection behaviors of an organism under stress. In addition, mROS also regulate important physiological processes, such as cell proliferation, differentiation, aging, and apoptosis. Herein, we review the mechanisms of production, transformation, and clearance of mROS and their biological roles in different physiological processes.

Skeletal muscle as a treatment target for older adults with diabetes mellitus: The importance of a multimodal intervention based on functional category

Although the lifespan of people with diabetes has increased in many countries, the age-related increase in comorbidities (sarcopenia, frailty and disabilities) and diabetic complications has become a major issue. Diabetes accelerates the aging of skeletal muscles and blood vessels through mechanisms, such as increased oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, mitochondrial dysfunction, genetic polymorphism (fat mass and obesity-associated genes) and accumulation of advanced glycation end-products. Diabetes is associated with early onset, and progression of muscle weakness and sarcopenia, thus resulting in diminished daily life function. The type and duration of diabetes, insulin section/resistance, hyperglycemia, diabetic neuropathy, malnutrition and low physical activity might affect muscular loss and weakness. To prevent the decline in daily activities in older adults with diabetes, resistance training or multicomponent exercise should be recommended. To maintain muscle function, optimal energy and sufficient protein intake are necessary. Although no specific drug enhances muscle mass and function, antidiabetic drugs that increase insulin sensitivity or secretion could be candidates for improvement of sarcopenia. The goals of glycemic control for older patients are determined based on three functional categories through an assessment of cognitive function and activities of daily living, and the presence or absence of medications that pose a hypoglycemic risk. As these functional categories are associated with muscle weakness, frailty and mortality risk, providing multimodal interventions (exercise, nutrition, social network or support and optimal medical treatment) is important, starting at the category II stage for maintenance or improvement in daily life functions. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; ••: ••-••.

Impact of Physical Activity on Oxidative Stress Markers in Patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer

Purpose

Regular physical activity (PA) can affect oxidative stress, known to be involved in carcinogenesis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the associations between a six-month PA intervention and oxidative stress biomarkers, PA, and clinical outcomes in patients with metastatic breast cancer.

Methods

Forty-nine newly diagnosed patients with metastatic breast cancer were recruited for a single-arm, unsupervised, and personalized six-month walking intervention with activity tracker. PA level and PA fitness, plasma concentrations of DNA oxidation (8OhdG), lipid peroxidation (MDA), and protein oxidation (AOPP), plasma activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and catalase, plasma and leucocyte activities of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and NADPH oxidase (NOX), and clinical markers of tumor progression (RECIST criteria) were measured at baseline and after the six-month intervention.

Results

GPX activity (+17%) and MDA (+9%) significantly increased between baseline and the end of the intervention. Changes in PA level and fitness were significantly positively correlated with changes in plasma GPX and significantly negatively with changes in NOX in the leucocytes. Plasma MDA was significantly higher (+20%) whereas plasma AOPP was lower (-46%) for patients with tumor progression or that died during the six months as compared to patients without progression.

Conclusion

A six-month PA intervention may be potentially beneficial in metastatic breast cancer patients for enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity and decreasing prooxidant enzyme activity. Moreover, AOPP and MDA could also be favorable and unfavorable biomarkers, respectively, since they are associated with disease progression and fitness level in this population. This trial is registered with NCT number: NCT03148886.

Synergistic harmful interaction between sustained physical inactivity and hypertension/diabetes mellitus on the risk of all-cause mortality: a retrospective observational cohort study

OBJECTIVE

Hypertension, diabetes mellitus and physical inactivity can cause cardiovascular complications or premature death. However, it has not been clarified whether those major comorbidities and physical activity interact in affecting health outcomes. The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential interaction between temporal physical activity profiles and hypertension or diabetes mellitus on the risk for all-cause mortality.

METHODS

This study used Korea National Health Insurance Service (KNHIS) database and included about 6.5 million participants who underwent health screening in 2009 and 2011. Physical activity was evaluated as 2-year change based on self-reported survey using 7-day recall method, and grouped as remained active, inactive-to-active, active-to-inactive, or remained inactive. Participants were categorized into groups according to the presence of hypertension/diabetes mellitus. Outcome included all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

In total, 6 554 082 participants (48.4 ± 13.3 years; 56.7% men) were included. During a median 6.4-year follow-up, 83 241 deaths occurred. Compared with the 'remained active' group, other groups had a higher mortality risk after adjustment for covariates [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.17, 95% CI 1.13-1.21 in the 'inactive-to-active' group, aHR 1.28, 95% CI 1.24-1.32 in the 'active-to-inactive' group, aHR 1.52, 95% CI 1.48-1.57 in the 'remained inactive' group). Hypertension and diabetes mellitus were significant effect modifiers in the association between physical activity and the risk of all-cause mortality (P for interaction <0.001). The harmful effects of persistent physical inactivity on all-cause mortality were the most obvious in those with both hypertension and diabetes mellitus among groups.

CONCLUSION

Sustained physical inactivity was associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality in those with hypertension or diabetes mellitus more strongly than in those without. Physicians should emphasize sustained physical activity even more in patients with hypertension or diabetes mellitus.

Dietary nutrients and their control of the redox bioenergetic networks as therapeutics in redox dysfunctions sustained pathologies

Electrons exchange amongst the chemical species in an organism is a pivotal concomitant activity carried out by individual cells for basic cellular processes and continuously contribute towards the maintenance of bioenergetic networks plus physiological attributes like cell growth, phenotypic differences and nutritional adaptations. Humans exchange matter and energy via complex connections of metabolic pathways (redox reactions) amongst cells being a thermodynamically open system. Usually, these reactions are the real lifeline and driving forces of health and disease in the living entity. Many shreds of evidence support the secondary role of reactive species in the cellular process of control apoptosis and proliferation. Disrupted redox mechanisms are seen in malaises, like degenerative and metabolic disorders, cancerous cells. This review targets the importance of redox reactions in the body's normal functioning and the effects of its alterations in cells to obtain a better understanding. Understanding the redox dynamics in a pathological state can provide an opportunity for cure or diagnosis at the earlier stage and serve as an essential biomarker to predict in advance to give personalized therapy. Understanding redox metabolism can also highlight the use of naturally available antioxidant in the form of diet.

Berberine Protests the Heart from Ischemic Reperfusion Injury via Interference with Oxidative and Inflammatory Pathways

BACKGROUND

Ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) is a pathological condition characterized by an initial restriction of blood supply to an organ followed by the subsequent restoration of perfusion and concomitant reoxygenation.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study is to assess the possible cardioprotective potential effect of berberine in myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury induced by ligation of coronary artery in a male rat model.

METHODS

Total amount of 28 adult male albino rats were randomized into 4 equal groups: 1) Sham group, rats underwent the same anesthetic and surgical procedure as the control group except for LAD ligation; 2), Active control group, rats subjected to regional ischemia for 30 min by ligation of LAD coronary artery and reperfusion for 2 hours, 3), Control vehicle group, rats received dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) (vehicle of berberine) via IP route and subjected to ischemia for 30 minutes before ligation of LAD coronary artery & reperfusion for 2 hr; 4), Berberine treated group, rats pretreated with berberine10 mg/kg via IP injection 30minutes before ligation of LAD coronary artery & then subjected to reperfusion for 2 hr.

RESULTS

In the control group, as compared with sham, tissue TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, caspase-3 and BAX, plasma cTn-T and serum MDA significantly increased (P<0.05), while serum GSH significantly decreased (P<0.05). The histopathological control group showed a significant cardiac injury (P<0.05) compared with the sham group. Berberine significantly counteracted (P<0.05) the increase of TNF-α, IL-6, caspase-3 and BAX and counteracted the increase in plasma cTn-T and serum MDA. Berberine produces a significant elevation (P<0.05) in cardiac IL-10 and serum GSH with a significant reduction in (P<0.05) cardiac injury.

CONCLUSION

Berberine attenuates myocardial I/R injury in male rats via interfering with inflammatory reactions and apoptosis which were induced by I/R injury.

Sex differences in the link between blood cobalt concentrations and insulin resistance in adults without diabetes

Background

Little is known about the effects of environmental cobalt exposure on insulin resistance (IR) in the general adult population. We investigated the association between cobalt concentration and IR.

Methods

A total of 1281 subjects aged more than 20 years with complete blood cobalt data were identified from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2015–2016 cycle. Blood cobalt levels were analyzed for their association with IR among all populations and subgroups by sex. Regression coefficients and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of blood cobalt concentrations in association with fasting glucose, insulin and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were estimated using multivariate linear regression after adjusting for age, sex, ethnicity, alcohol consumption, body mass index, education level, and household income. A multivariate generalized linear regression analysis was further carried out to explore the association between cobalt exposure and IR.

Results

A negative association between blood cobalt concentration (coefficient = − 0.125, 95% CI − 0.234, − 0.015; P = 0.026) and HOMA-IR in female adults in the age- and sex-adjusted model was observed. However, no associations with HOMA-IR, fasting glucose, or insulin were found in the overall population. In the generalized linear models, participants with the lowest cobalt levels had a 2.74% (95% CI 0.04%, 5.50%) increase in HOMA-IR (P for trend = 0.031) compared with subjects with the highest cobalt levels. Restricted cubic spline regression suggested that a non-linear relationship may exist between blood cobalt and HOMA-IR.

Conclusions

These results provide epidemiological evidence that low levels of blood cobalt are negatively associated with HOMA-IR in female adults.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12199-021-00966-w.

The Relevance of a Physical Active Lifestyle and Physical Fitness on Immune Defense: Mitigating Disease Burden, With Focus on COVID-19 Consequences

The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a fast spreading virus leading to the development of Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19). Severe and critical cases are characterized by damage to the respiratory system, endothelial inflammation, and multiple organ failure triggered by an excessive production of proinflammatory cytokines, culminating in the high number of deaths all over the world. Sedentarism induces worse, continuous, and progressive consequences to health. On the other hand, physical activity provides benefits to health and improves low-grade systemic inflammation. The aim of this review is to elucidate the effects of physical activity in physical fitness, immune defense, and its contribution to mitigate the severe inflammatory response mediated by SARS-CoV-2. Physical exercise is an effective therapeutic strategy to mitigate the consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this sense, studies have shown that acute physical exercise induces the production of myokines that are secreted in tissues and into the bloodstream, supporting its systemic modulatory effect. Therefore, maintaining physical activity influence balance the immune system and increases immune vigilance, and also might promote potent effects against the consequences of infectious diseases and chronic diseases associated with the development of severe forms of COVID-19. Protocols to maintain exercise practice are suggested and have been strongly established, such as home-based exercise (HBE) and outdoor-based exercise (OBE). In this regard, HBE might help to reduce levels of physical inactivity, bed rest, and sitting time, impacting on adherence to physical activity, promoting all the benefits related to exercise, and attracting patients in different stages of treatment for COVID-19. In parallel, OBE must improve health, but also prevent and mitigate COVID-19 severe outcomes in all populations. In conclusion, HBE or OBE models can be a potent strategy to mitigate the progress of infection, and a coadjutant therapy for COVID-19 at all ages and different chronic conditions.

Anti-inflammatory phytochemicals for the treatment of diabetes and its complications: Lessons learned and future promise

Diabetes mellitus (type 1 and type 2) and its various complications continue to place a huge burden on global medical resources, despite the availability of numerous drugs that successfully lower blood glucose levels. The major challenging issue in diabetes management is the prevention of various complications that remain the leading cause of diabetes-related mortality. Moreover, the limited long-term durability of monotherapy and undesirable side effects of currently used anti-diabetic drugs underlie the urgent need for novel therapeutic approaches. Phytochemicals represent a rich source of plant-derived molecules that are of pivotal importance to the identification of compounds with therapeutic potential. In this review, we aim to discuss recent advances in the identification of a large array of phytochemicals with immense potential in the management of diabetes and its complications. Given that metabolic inflammation has been established as a key pathophysiological event that drives the progression of diabetes, we focus on the protective effects of representative phytochemicals in metabolic inflammation. This paper also discusses the potential of phytochemicals in the development of new drugs that target the inflammation in the management of diabetes and its complications.

Fetuin-A as a Potential Biomarker of Metabolic Variability Following 60 Days of Bed Rest

Background: Fetuin-A is a hepatokine linked to the development of insulin resistance. The purpose of this study was to determine if 60 days head-down-tilt (HDT) bed rest increased circulating fetuin-A and if it was linked to whole body insulin sensitivity (IS). Additionally, we examined whether reactive jump training (RJT) could alleviate the metabolic changes associated with bed rest. Methods: 23 young men (29 ± 6 years, 181 ± 6 cm, 77 ± 7 kg) were randomized to a control (CTRL, n = 11) or RJT group (JUMP, n = 12) and exposed to 60 days of bed rest. Before and after bed rest, body composition and V . O 2 ⁢ p ⁢ e ⁢ a ⁢ k were measured and an oral glucose tolerance test was performed to estimate IS. Circulating lipids and fetuin-A were measured in fasting serum. Results: Body weight, lean mass, and V . O 2 ⁢ p ⁢ e ⁢ a ⁢ k decreased in both groups following bed rest, with greater reductions in CTRL (p < 0.05). There was a main effect of time, but not the RJT intervention, for the increase in fetuin-A, triglycerides (TG), area under the curve for glucose (AUCG) and insulin (AUCI), and the decrease in Matsuda and tissue-specific IS (p < 0.05). Fetuin-A increased in participants who became less insulin sensitive (p = 0.019). In this subgroup, liver IS and adipose IS decreased (p < 0.05), while muscle IS was unchanged. In a subgroup, where IS did not decrease, fetuin-A did not change. Liver IS increased (p = 0.012), while muscle and adipose tissue IS remained unchanged. Conclusions: In this study, we report an increase in circulating fetuin-A following 60 days of bed rest, concomitant with reduced IS, which could not be mitigated by RJT. The amount of fetuin-A released from the liver may be an important determinant of changes in whole body IS. In this regard, it may also be a useful biomarker of individual variation due to inactivity or lifestyle interventions.

Association between Organophosphate Pesticide Exposure and Insulin Resistance in Pesticide Sprayers and Nonfarmworkers

Insulin resistance is a risk factor for various diseases. Chronic organophosphate exposure has been reported to be a cause of insulin resistance in animal models. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the association between organophosphate exposure and insulin resistance in pesticide sprayers and nonfarmworkers. Participants aged 40-60 years, consisting of 150 pesticide sprayers and 150 nonfarmworkers, were interviewed and assessed for their homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) level. Organophosphate (OP) exposure was measured in 37 sprayers and 46 nonfarmworkers by first morning urinary dialkyl phosphate (DAP) metabolites. The DAP metabolite levels were not different in either group except for diethylthiophosphate (DETP; p = 0.03), which was higher in sprayers. No significant association was observed between DAP metabolite levels and HOMA-IR. Wearing a mask while handling pesticides was associated with lower dimethyl metabolites (95% CI = -11.10, -0.17). Work practices of reading pesticide labels (95% CI = -81.47, -14.99) and washing hands after mixing pesticide (95% CI = -39.97, -3.35) correlated with lower diethyl alkylphosphate level. Overall, we did not observe any association between OP exposure and insulin resistance in pesticide sprayers and the general population. However, personal protective equipment (PPE) utilization and work practice were associated with OP exposure level in sprayers.

Insulin-Like Proteins in Plant Sources: A Systematic Review

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by hyperglycemia. Proteins in plant sources that enable the maintenance of the glycemic profile may be of interest in the context of T2DM. However, their mechanisms of action are unclear, unlike other bioactive compounds. This systematic review identified and described the mechanisms of action of isolated and purified proteins and peptides extracted from vegetables on the reduction of blood glucose in T2DM in experimental studies. The research was done in PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase and Virtual Health Library (VHL) databases in March 2019. The initial search retrieved 916 articles, and, after reading the title, abstract and keywords, 24 articles were eligible for full reading. Then, five articles were eligible to build this systematic review. The evaluation of the evidence and the strength of the recommendations of the studies was evaluated with the SYstematic Review Center for Laboratory animal Experimentation - SYRCLE. Studies with proteins or peptides extracted from soybean (Glycine max), corn (Zea mays), peas (Pisum sativum), costus (Costus igneus) and ginseng (Panax ginseng) were found, and all of them decreased glycemia but not by the same mechanisms. The mechanism of action of proteins extracted from Glycine max, Pisum sativum, Costus igneus were similar, acting in the insulin-mediated pathways. The peptide derived from Zea mays increased GLP-1 expression, and the peptide from Panax ginseng reduced NF-kB signaling, both resulting in stimulating the release of insulin. Therefore, bioactive proteins and peptides of plant sources act through biochemical pathways, in the modulation of insulin resistance and the hyperglycemic state. These compounds are promising in scientific research on T2DM, because there is a probable similarity of these proteins with insulin, which enables them to act as insulin-like molecules.

Gongronema latifolium leaf extract modulates hyperglycaemia, inhibits redox imbalance and inflammation in alloxan-induced diabetic nephropathy

Background

Gongronema latifolium leaf is used traditionally to treat diabetes and other diseases. The present study aimed to provide the modulatory effect of G. latifolium on hyperglycemia, inhibitory effect of redox imbalance and inflammation in alloxan-induced nephropathy in Wistar rats.

Methods

Alloxan monohydrate was used to induce diabetes by an intraperitoneal injection of (150 mg/kg). Three diabetic groups were administered aqueous leaf extract of G. latifolium at 6.36, 12.72 and 25.44 mg/kg bodyweight (BW) respectively; a group was administered with metformin (5 mg/kg BW), while the other two were served as positive and negative control. Thereafter, fasting blood glucose, antioxidant enzymes, malondialdehyde (MDA) level, interleukin 2 and 6 were determined.

Results

G. latifolium leaf significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the alloxan-induced increases in blood glucose, MDA, interleukin 2 and interleukin 6 level and increased the alloxan-induced decreases in superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reduced and glutathione transferase activity. All these changes compared with those of metformin-treated diabetic rats.

Conclusion

The data from this study suggest that G. latifolium modulates glucose homeostasis as well as inhibiting redox imbalance and inflammation in diabetic rats, which may be attributed to the effects of its phytochemical constituents such as saponins, flavonoids and alkaloids. It also indicated that inhibition of inflammatory cytokines and redox imbalance are likely mechanisms by which G. latifolium leaf exert its antidiabetic action.

Physical Activity and Insulin Resistance in 6,500 NHANES Adults: The Role of Abdominal Obesity

This cross-sectional investigation studied differences in insulin resistance across levels of physical activity in 6,500 US adults who were randomly selected as part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Another important objective was to determine the influence of abdominal obesity on the physical activity and insulin resistance relationship. MET-minutes were utilized to quantify total activity based on participation in 48 different physical activities. Two strategies were employed to categorize levels of physical activity: one was based on relative MET-minutes (quartiles), and the other approach was based on the US physical activity guidelines. Insulin resistance was indexed using the homeostatic model assessment (HOMA). Abdominal obesity was indexed using waist circumference. Effect modification was tested by dividing waist circumferences into sex-specific quartiles and then evaluating the relationship between physical activity and HOMA-IR within each quartile separately. Results showed that relative physical activity level was associated with HOMA-IR after controlling for demographic and demographic and lifestyle covariates (F = 11.5, P < 0.0001 and F = 6.0, P=0.0012, respectively). Adjusting for demographic and demographic and lifestyle covariates also resulted in significant relationships between guideline-based activity and HOMA-IR (F = 8.0, P < 0.0001 and F = 4.9, P=0.0017, respectively). However, statistically controlling for differences in waist circumference with the other covariates nullified the relationship between total physical activity and HOMA-IR. Effect modification testing showed that when the sample was delimited to adults with abdominal obesity (Quartile 4), relative (F = 5.6, P=0.0019) and guideline-based physical activity (F = 3.7, P=0.0098) and HOMA-IR were significantly associated. Physical activity and HOMA-IR were not related within the other three quartiles. In conclusion, it appears that differences in physical activity may play a meaningful role in insulin resistance in those with abdominal obesity, but total activity does not seem to account for differences in insulin resistance among US adults with smaller waists.

Physiological regulation of reactive oxygen species in organisms based on their physicochemical properties

Oxidative stress is recognized as free radical dyshomeostasis, which has damaging effects on proteins, lipids and DNA. However, during cell differentiation and proliferation and other normal physiological processes, free radicals play a pivotal role in message transmission and are considered important messengers. Organisms maintain free radical homeostasis through a sophisticated regulatory system in which these "2-faced" molecules play appropriate roles under physiological and pathological conditions. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), including a large number of free radicals, act as redox signalling molecules in essential cellular signalling pathways, including cell differentiation and proliferation. However, excessive ROS levels can induce oxidative stress, which is an important risk factor for diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease. An overall comprehensive understanding of ROS is beneficial for understanding the pathogenesis of certain diseases and finding new therapeutic treatments. This review primarily focuses on ROS cellular localization, sources, chemistry and molecular targets to determine how to distinguish between the roles of ROS as messengers and in oxidative stress.

Biochemical aspects of KB-28 compound on physically loaded study subjects

In previous studies of actoprotective activity of 5-R-thio-tetrazolo[1,5]quinazoline derivatives in normal and complicated experimental conditions, sodium 2-(tetrazolo [1,5-c]quinazoline-5-ylthio)acetate (KB-28) was found to be the leader of the experiment. The objective of the current study was to characterize the effects of KB-28 compounds on carbohydrate and lipid exchange indices under the conditions of physical load as a possible mechanism of actoprotective effect. In the course of the experiment, the indices of carbohydrate and lipid exchange in the muscle, blood and liver of animal models were determined following a 15-day physical load course. In doing so, glucose, glycogen and total lipid concentrations were assessed. The KB-28 compound was administered daily at levels determined during the course of regular physical load normalized metabolic processes in rats. The results were then compared to a control which received intraperitoneally the equivolume 0.9% sodium chloride solution. The phenomenon of actoprotection consisted in enhancing concentrations of glycogen in skeletal muscles and liver. Compared to the control figures, this increase was 28.8% and 25.0%, accordingly. Moreover, the course of KB-28 caused a statistically significant reduction (by 32.1%) of the total serum lipid concentration in the animals under physical load. The effect may be a sign of the ability of this substance to utilize active lipolysis for improvement of the skeletal muscle performance. Having analyzed the results obtained, we can draw a conclusion that influencing the biochemical processes in the study models is one of the mechanisms of the KB-28 actoprotective effect.

Targeting Early Atherosclerosis: A Focus on Oxidative Stress and Inflammation

Atherosclerosis is a chronic vascular inflammatory disease associated to oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction. Oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is one of the key factors for the development of atherosclerosis. Nonoxidized LDL have a low affinity for macrophages, so they are not themselves a risk factor. However, lowering LDL levels is a common clinical practice to reduce oxidation and the risk of major events in patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Atherosclerosis starts with dysfunctional changes in the endothelium induced by disturbed shear stress which can lead to endothelial and platelet activation, adhesion of monocytes on the activated endothelium, and differentiation into proinflammatory macrophages, which increase the uptake of oxidized LDL (oxLDL) and turn into foam cells, exacerbating the inflammatory signalling. The atherosclerotic process is accelerated by a myriad of factors, such as the release of inflammatory chemokines and cytokines, the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), growth factors, and the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells. Inflammation and immunity are key factors for the development and complications of atherosclerosis, and therefore, the whole atherosclerotic process is a target for diagnosis and treatment. In this review, we focus on early stages of the disease and we address both biomarkers and therapeutic approaches currently available and under research.

Regular exercise, overweight/obesity and sedentary lifestyle cause adaptive changes in thiol-disulfide homeostasis

Dynamic thiol-disulfide homeostasis is considered to have critical roles in maintenance of physiological functioning. We aimed to reveal whether there is any specific aberration in thiol-disulfide homeostasis in three distinct categories of individuals, including those who 1) exercise regularly (fitness group), 2) have a sedentary lifestyle (sedentary group) and 3) are overweight or obese (overweight/obese group). 72 male individuals were included in the study, 21 of whom were in fitness group, 28 of whom were overweight or obese and 23 of whom had a sedentary lifestyle. Plasma native thiol (-SH) and total thiol [(-SH) + (-S-S-)] levels were quantitatively determined. Total thiol levels in sedentary group were significantly lower than those in overweight/obese (p<0.05) and fitness groups (p<0.001). Also, disulfide values in fitness group were significantly higher than those in sedentary and overweight/obese groups (p<0.005, p<0.05). On the other hand, disulfide level, reduced and oxidized thiol ratios and oxidation/reduction ratio in fitness group differed significantly from the other groups (p<0.05). Thiol-disulfide homeostasis varies depending on lifestyle. The results of our study indicate that higher total thiol and disulfide levels are conspicuously distinctive features of thiol-disulfide homeostasis in individuals exercising regularly.

Skeletal muscle ceramides do not contribute to physical-inactivity-induced insulin resistance

Physical inactivity increases the risk to develop type 2 diabetes, a disease characterized by a state of insulin resistance. By promoting inflammatory state, ceramides are especially recognized to alter insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscle. The present study was designed to analyze, in mice, whether muscle ceramides contribute to physical-inactivity-induced insulin resistance. For this purpose, we used the wheel lock model to induce a sudden reduction of physical activity, in combination with myriocin treatment, an inhibitor of de novo ceramide synthesis. Mice were assigned to 3 experimental groups: voluntary wheel access group (Active), a wheel lock group (Inactive), and wheel lock group treated with myriocin (Inactive-Myr). We observed that 10 days of physical inactivity induces hyperinsulinemia and increases basal insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). The muscle ceramide content was not modified by physical inactivity and myriocin. Thus, muscle ceramides do not play a role in physical-inactivity-induced insulin resistance. In skeletal muscle, insulin-stimulated protein kinase B phosphorylation and inflammatory pathway were not affected by physical inactivity, whereas a reduction of glucose transporter type 4 content was observed. Based on these results, physical-inactivity-induced insulin resistance seems related to a reduction in glucose transporter type 4 content rather than defects in insulin signaling. We observed in inactive mice that myriocin treatment improves glucose tolerance, insulin-stimulated protein kinase B, adenosine-monophosphate-activated protein kinase activation, and glucose transporter type 4 content in skeletal muscle. Such effects occur regardless of changes in muscle ceramide content. These findings open promising research perspectives to identify new mechanisms of action for myriocin on insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.

Exercise and Arterial Modulation in Children: The EXAMIN YOUTH Study

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains to be one of the most frequent causes of death worldwide. Cardiovascular (CV) risk factors such as hypertension and obesity often manifest in childhood. The study examines the associations of blood pressure, body mass index and physical activity with cardiopulmonary, metabolic, and psychosocial health of children in a systems physiology approach. Methods/Design: This cross-sectional study will be performed in a cohort of 6 to 8 year old school children (n = 1000). As a measure of vascular health, retinal microvascular diameters and large artery pulse wave velocity will be examined. Anthropometric parameters, such as weight, height, body mass index, and blood pressure will be assessed according to standardized protocols for children. Physical fitness and activity will be measured by a 20 m shuttle run, a 20 m sprint and a proxy-reported questionnaire on lifestyle behavior. Spirometry, assessment of heart rate variability and skin advanced glycation end products as well as a flanker test will be performed to determine systemic end organ alterations. Discussion: The study offers a unique integrative primary prevention concept that aims to set the grounds for a healthy and active lifestyle approach during childhood. It will help optimize CV risk stratification to identify children at risk of disease progression later in life. The study will demonstrate the importance of specific CV screening programs in children to reduce the growing burden of CV disease in adulthood. Prospective follow-up studies will have to prove the efficacy of primary prevention programs in children to achieve healthier aging as a long-term goal.

Pathways and mechanisms linking dietary components to cardiometabolic disease: thinking beyond calories

Calories from any food have the potential to increase risk for obesity and cardiometabolic disease because all calories can directly contribute to positive energy balance and fat gain. However, various dietary components or patterns may promote obesity and cardiometabolic disease by additional mechanisms that are not mediated solely by caloric content. Researchers explored this topic at the 2017 CrossFit Foundation Academic Conference 'Diet and Cardiometabolic Health - Beyond Calories', and this paper summarizes the presentations and follow-up discussions. Regarding the health effects of dietary fat, sugar and non-nutritive sweeteners, it is concluded that food-specific saturated fatty acids and sugar-sweetened beverages promote cardiometabolic diseases by mechanisms that are additional to their contribution of calories to positive energy balance and that aspartame does not promote weight gain. The challenges involved in conducting and interpreting clinical nutritional research, which preclude more extensive conclusions, are detailed. Emerging research is presented exploring the possibility that responses to certain dietary components/patterns are influenced by the metabolic status, developmental period or genotype of the individual; by the responsiveness of brain regions associated with reward to food cues; or by the microbiome. More research regarding these potential 'beyond calories' mechanisms may lead to new strategies for attenuating the obesity crisis.

The Pathogenesis of Diabetes Mellitus by Oxidative Stress and Inflammation: Its Inhibition by Berberine

A substantial knowledge on the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus (DM) by oxidative stress and inflammation is available. Berberine is a biologically active botanical that can combat oxidative stress and inflammation and thus ameliorate DM, especially type 2 DM. This article describes the potential of berberine against oxidative stress and inflammation with special emphasis on its mechanistic aspects. In diabetic animal studies, the modified levels of proinflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress markers were observed after administering berberine. In renal, fat, hepatic, pancreatic and several others tissues, berberine-mediated suppression of oxidative stress and inflammation was noted. Berberine acted against oxidative stress and inflammation through a very complex mechanism consisting of several kinases and signaling pathways involving various factors, including NF-κB (nuclear factor-κB) and AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinases). Moreover, MAPKs (mitogen-activated protein kinases) and Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2) also have mechanistic involvement in oxidative stress and inflammation. In spite of above advancements, the mechanistic aspects of the inhibitory role of berberine against oxidative stress and inflammation in diabetes mellitus still necessitate additional molecular studies. These studies will be useful to examine the new prospects of natural moieties against DM.

Anti-Hyperglycemic and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Polyphenolic-Rich Extract of Syzygium cumini Linn Leaves in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

In this study, anti-hyperglycemic and anti-inflammatory activities of polyphenolic-rich extract of Syzygium cumini leaves in alloxan-induced diabetic rats were determined. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan (150 mg/kg body weight) in female Wistar rats. The rats were orally administered with 400 mg/kg free phenol, 400 mg/kg bound phenol, and 5 mg/kg metformin, respectively. On the 14th day of oral administration, the animals were sacrificed, anti-hyperglycemic and anti-inflammatory were assessed. Fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin levels; homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance scores, lipid peroxidation concentration, glucose-6-phosphatase activity, and all concentrations of anti-inflammatory studied in alloxan-induced diabetic rats were significantly ( P < .05) reduced with the administration of polyphenolic-rich extract of Syzygium cumini leaves. Also there was significant ( P < .05) increase in glycogen and insulin concentrations, pancreatic β-cell scores, antioxidant enzymes and hexokinase activities, as well as glucose transporter levels in diabetic animals administered with polyphenolic-rich extract of S cumini leaves. The results indicate that S cumini leaves possess anti-hyperglycemic and anti-inflammatory activities.

Antidiabetic Activity and Chemical Composition of Sanbai Melon Seed Oil

Objectives

Many fruits and herbs had been used in Traditional Chinese Medicines for treating diabetes mellitus (DM); however, scientific and accurate evidences regarding their efficacy and possible mechanisms were largely unknown. Sanbai melon seed oil (SMSO) was used in folk medicine in treating DM, but there is no literature about these effects. The present study was aimed at confirming the treatment effects of SMSO in type 1 DM.

Methods

Diabetes was induced by single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) at a dose of 65 mg/kg body weight. After diabetes induction, mice were treated with SMSO at dose of 1 g/kg, 2 g/kg, and 4 g/kg. Drugs were given by gavage administration once a day continuously for 28 days. At the end of treatment, several biochemical parameters and molecular mechanisms were determined by biochemical assays, ELISA, and Western blotting. The chemical compositions of SMSO were also tested.

Results

SMSO treatment significantly improved the symptoms of weight loss, polydipsia, reduced FBG level, increased plasma insulin levels, reduced plasma lipids levels, and protected islet injury. The results also showed that SMSO mitigated oxidative stress and alleviated the liver and renal injury in diabetes mice. SMSO also protected islet cells from apoptotic damage by suppressing ER mediated and mitochondrial dependent apoptotic pathways. Further constituent analysis results showed that SMSO had rich natural resources which had beneficial effects on DM.

Conclusions

This study showed that SMSO had excellent antidiabetes effect and provided scientific basis for the use of SMSO as the functional ingredients production and dietary supplements production in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Metabolic Inflexibility Is an Early Marker of Bed-Rest-Induced Glucose Intolerance Even When Fat Mass Is Stable

Context

The effects of energy-balanced bed rest on metabolic flexibility have not been thoroughly examined.

Objective

We investigated the effects of 21 days of bed rest, with and without whey protein supplementation, on metabolic flexibility while maintaining energy balance. We hypothesized that protein supplementation mitigates metabolic inflexibility by preventing muscle atrophy.

Design and Setting

Randomized crossover longitudinal study conducted at the German Aerospace Center, Cologne, Germany.

Participants and Interventions

Ten healthy men were randomly assigned to dietary countermeasure or isocaloric control diet during a 21-day bed rest.

Outcome Measures

Before and at the end of the bed rest, metabolic flexibility was assessed during a meal test. Secondary outcomes were glucose tolerance by oral glucose tolerance test, body composition by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, ectopic fat storage by magnetic resonance imaging, and inflammation and oxidative stress markers.

Results

Bed rest decreased the ability to switch from fat to carbohydrate oxidation when transitioning from fasted to fed states (i.e., metabolic inflexibility), antioxidant capacity, fat-free mass (FFM), and muscle insulin sensitivity along with greater fat deposition in muscle (P < 0.05 for all). Changes in fasting insulin and inflammation were not observed. However, glucose tolerance was reduced during acute overfeeding. Protein supplementation did not prevent FFM loss and metabolic alterations.

Conclusions

Physical inactivity triggers metabolic inflexibility, even when energy balance is maintained. Although reduced insulin sensitivity and increased fat deposition were observed at the muscle level, systemic glucose intolerance was detected only in response to a moderately high-fat meal. This finding supports the role of physical inactivity in metabolic inflexibility and suggests that metabolic inflexibility precedes systemic glucose intolerance.

Interaction Between Depression, Obesity, and Type 2 Diabetes: A Complex Picture

Depression plays an important role in the pathogenesis and treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, its relevance is frequently unrecognized by clinicians and researchers. The purpose of this review is to present a critical analysis of the evidence linking depression and metabolic disorders and to highlight the practical implications of this complex relationship. Evidence obtained from epidemiological, basic, clinical and controlled studies demonstrate that the association goes beyond a random phenomenon. Epidemiological studies have rendered controversial results due to the lack of control of the confounding variables and the bidirectional relationship that exists between the outcomes and the conditions that modulate the association (i.e. socioeconomic status). Animal and human studies have been useful to define the anatomic substrates and physiologic processes that participate in the association, but, the evidence is preliminary in many areas (i.e gene × environmental interactions). Controlled studies have shown the strong impact that treatment of depression has on body weight and the large effect that has the correction of excess body weight on the depression-related symptoms. Practical implications of the depression-obesity duet include the training of the health providers to assess and treat these conditions in a concomitant manner, the need for translational medicine projects and the application the systems biology approach to fill the existing gaps of knowledge.

Rhizoma Coptidis and Berberine as a Natural Drug to Combat Aging and Aging-Related Diseases via Anti-Oxidation and AMPK Activation

Aging is the greatest risk factor for human diseases, as it results in cellular growth arrest, impaired tissue function and metabolism, ultimately impacting life span. Two different mechanisms are thought to be primary causes of aging. One is cumulative DNA damage induced by a perpetuating cycle of oxidative stress; the other is nutrient-sensing adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and rapamycin (mTOR)/ ribosomal protein S6 (rpS6) pathways. As the main bioactive component of natural Chinese medicine rhizoma coptidis (RC), berberine has recently been reported to expand life span in Drosophila melanogaster, and attenuate premature cellular senescence. Most components of RC including berberine, coptisine, palmatine, and jatrorrhizine have been found to have beneficial effects on hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia and hypertension aging-related diseases. The mechanism of these effects involves multiple cellular kinase and signaling pathways, including anti-oxidation, activation of AMPK signaling and its downstream targets, including mTOR/rpS6, Sirtuin1/ forkhead box transcription factor O3 (FOXO3), nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor-2 (Nrf2), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathways. Most of these mechanisms converge on AMPK regulation on mitochondrial oxidative stress. Therefore, such evidence supports the possibility that rhizoma coptidis, in particular berberine, is a promising anti-aging natural product, and has pharmaceutical potential in combating aging-related diseases via anti-oxidation and AMPK cellular kinase activation.

Disrupted Skeletal Muscle Mitochondrial Dynamics, Mitophagy, and Biogenesis during Cancer Cachexia: A Role for Inflammation

Chronic inflammation is a hallmark of cancer cachexia in both patients and preclinical models. Cachexia is prevalent in roughly 80% of cancer patients and accounts for up to 20% of all cancer-related deaths. Proinflammatory cytokines IL-6, TNF-α, and TGF-β have been widely examined for their regulation of cancer cachexia. An established characteristic of cachectic skeletal muscle is a disrupted capacity for oxidative metabolism, which is thought to contribute to cancer patient fatigue, diminished metabolic function, and muscle mass loss. This review's primary objective is to highlight emerging evidence linking cancer-induced inflammation to the dysfunctional regulation of mitochondrial dynamics, mitophagy, and biogenesis in cachectic muscle. The potential for either muscle inactivity or exercise to alter mitochondrial dysfunction during cancer cachexia will also be discussed.

Araliasaponin II isolated from leaves of Acanthopanax henryi (Oliv.) Harms inhibits inflammation by modulating the expression of inflammatory markers in murine macrophages

Araliasaponin II (AS II) is a bioactive compound isolated from Acanthopanax henryi (Oliv.) Harms, a plant widely used in traditional oriental medicine. The present study investigated the anti‑inflammatory effects of AS II using murine macrophages. The effects of AS II on inflammatory mediator and cytokine production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‑stimulated RAW 264.7 cells was evaluated. Nitric oxide (NO) and cytokine production were determined using the Griess reagent and an ELISA kit. The expression levels of cytokines, inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase‑2 (COX‑2) mRNA were examined by reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The expression levels of iNOS, COX‑2 and toll‑like receptor (TLR)‑4 protein were examined by western blotting. Translocation of nuclear factor‑κB (NF‑κB) and TLR‑4 expression were visualized by immunofluorescence staining. AS II markedly inhibited the production of NO and prostaglandin E2, and reduced iNOS and COX‑2 expression at the transcriptional and translational levels. AS II downregulated the expression of interleukin‑6 and tumor necrosis factor‑α at the protein and mRNA levels. Furthermore, pre‑treatment with AS II significantly suppressed the TLR‑4‑NF‑κB signaling pathway; this effect may be cause by AS II competing with LPS for binding to TLR‑4 and subsequently inhibiting translocation of the NF‑κB/p65 protein to the nucleus. The results suggested that the anti‑inflammatory properties of AS II may result from inhibiting pro‑inflammatory mediators by suppressing the initiation of the inflammatory response and inhibiting TLR-4-NF-κB signaling pathways.

Antidiabetic effects of Brucea javanica seeds in type 2 diabetic rats

Background

Brucea javanica (B. javanica) seeds, also known as “Melada pahit” in Indo-Malay region are traditionally used to treat diabetes. The objective of this study was to determine antidiabetic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of B. javanica seeds on nicotinamide (NA)-streptozotocin (STZ) induced type 2 diabetic (T2D) rats and to analyze its chemical composition that correlate with their pharmacological activities.

Methods

A hydroethanolic extract of B. javanica seeds was fractionated with n-hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate. An active fraction was selected after screening for its ability to inhibit α-glucosidase and glycogen phosphorylase α (GP-α). Isolation and characterization were carried out by using column chromatography, NMR and LCMS/MS. All isolates were assayed for inhibition of GP-α and α-glucosidase. Antidiabetic effect of active fraction was further evaluated in T2D rat model. Blood glucose and body weight were measured weekly. Serum insulin, lipid profile, renal function, liver glycogen and biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation were analyzed after 4-week treatment and compared with standard drug glibenclamide.

Results

Ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) exerted good inhibitory potential for α-glucosidase and GP-α compared with other fractions. Chromatographic isolation of the EAF led to the identification of seven compounds: vanillic acid (1), bruceine D (2), bruceine E (3), parahydroxybenzoic acid (4), luteolin (5), protocatechuic acid (6), and gallic acid (7). Among them, Compound (5) was identified as the most potent inhibitor of GP-α and α-glucosidase and its GP-α inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ = 45.08 μM) was 10-fold higher than that of caffeine (IC₅₀ = 457.34 μM), and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ = 26.41 μM) was 5.5-fold higher than that of acarbose (IC₅₀ = 145.83 μM), respectively. Compounds (4), (6), and (7) inhibited GP-α activity in a concentration-dependent manner with IC₅₀ values of 357.88, 297.37, and 214.38 μM, and their inhibitory effect was higher than that of caffeine. These compounds exhibited weak potency on α-glucosidase compared with acarbose. Compounds (1), (2), and (3) showed no inhibition on both GP-α and α-glucosidase. In vivo study showed that EAF treatment significantly reduced blood glucose level, increased insulin and glycogen contents, decreased markers of oxidative stress and inflammation, and lipid levels in T2D rats compared with untreated group.

Conclusions

The EAF has potential therapeutic value for the treatment of T2D via acting as GP-α and α-glucosidase inhibitors by improving hepatic glucose and carbohydrate metabolism, suppressing oxidative stress, and preventing inflammation in T2D rats. According to the results, the efficacy of EAF could be due to the presence of luteolin along with synergistic effect of multiple compounds such as parahydroxybenzoic acid, protocatechuic acid, and gallic acid in B. javanica seeds.

From physical inactivity to immobilization: Dissecting the role of oxidative stress in skeletal muscle insulin resistance and atrophy

In the literature, the terms physical inactivity and immobilization are largely used as synonyms. The present review emphasizes the need to establish a clear distinction between these two situations. Physical inactivity is a behavior characterized by a lack of physical activity, whereas immobilization is a deprivation of movement for medical purpose. In agreement with these definitions, appropriate models exist to study either physical inactivity or immobilization, leading thereby to distinct conclusions. In this review, we examine the involvement of oxidative stress in skeletal muscle insulin resistance and atrophy induced by, respectively, physical inactivity and immobilization. A large body of evidence demonstrates that immobilization-induced atrophy depends on the chronic overproduction of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS). On the other hand, the involvement of RONS in physical inactivity-induced insulin resistance has not been investigated. This observation outlines the need to elucidate the mechanism by which physical inactivity promotes insulin resistance.

Association of circulating irisin levels with normal weight obesity, glycemic and lipid profile

Background

Irisin, a recently identified myokine/adipokine, has potential role in type 2 diabetes and obesity. Normal weight obesity (NWO) is associated with a significantly higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome and cardiometabolic dysfunction. The aim of this study was to investigate association of irisin level with NWO, glycemicand lipid profile in women.

Methods

In this matchedcase-control study, 38 subjects with NWO (body mass index (BMI) <25 kg/m2 and BF % > 30) as case and 26 controls (BMI <25 kg/m2 and BF % < 30) were selected randomly from sport clubs in the East area of Tehran, Iran. In addition to anthropometric variables, including BMI and body composition, fasting blood sugar (FBS), fasting levels of irisin andinsulin, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol were measured. All statistical analyses were performed with SPSS 18.0.

Results

In univariate analysis, levels of irisin were significantly higher in subjects with NWO compared to controls (0.81 ± 0.41vs. 0.58 ± 0.26 ng/ml, P = 0.009). This association remained significant after adjusting for confounders (adjusted for energy intake, physical activity, waist circumference and BMI) (P = 0.049). In NWO, irisin level was not significantly correlated with all glycemic and lipid profile. In control group, only correlation ofirisin with insulin was statistically significant (P = 0.03).

Conclusion

Serum irisin levels were higher in NWO subjects than controls. In control group, only the negative association between irisin and insulin levels was statistically significant. Further studies with larger sample size are clearly needed to evaluate the potential role of irisin in NWO subject and other disturbed metabolic conditions.

Is immunosenescence influenced by our lifetime "dose" of exercise?

The age-associated decline in immune function, referred to as immunosenescence, is well characterised within the adaptive immune system, and in particular, among T cells. Hallmarks of immunosenescence measured in the T cell pool, include low numbers and proportions of naïve cells, high numbers and proportions of late-stage differentiated effector memory cells, poor proliferative responses to mitogens, and a CD4:CD8 ratio <1.0. These changes are largely driven by infection with Cytomegalovirus, which has been directly linked with increased inflammatory activity, poor responses to vaccination, frailty, accelerated cognitive decline, and early mortality. It has been suggested however, that exercise might exert an anti-immunosenescence effect, perhaps delaying the onset of immunological ageing or even rejuvenating aged immune profiles. This theory has been developed on the basis of evidence that exercise is a powerful stimulus of immune function. For example, in vivo antibody responses to novel antigens can be improved with just minutes of exercise undertaken at the time of vaccination. Further, lymphocyte immune-surveillance, whereby cells search tissues for antigens derived from viruses, bacteria, or malignant transformation, is thought to be facilitated by the transient lymphocytosis and subsequent lymphocytopenia induced by exercise bouts. Moreover, some forms of exercise are anti-inflammatory, and if repeated regularly over the lifespan, there is a lower morbidity and mortality from diseases with an immunological and inflammatory aetiology. The aim of this article is to discuss recent theories for how exercise might influence T cell immunosenescence, exploring themes in the context of hotly debated issues in immunology.

Effects of naringin on learning and memory dysfunction induced by gp120 in rats

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of naringin on learning and memory dysfunction induced by HIV-1-enveloped protein gp120 in rats, and to identify its potential mechanisms of action. Learning and memory ability was evaluated via Morris water maze test, P2X7 receptor and P65 protein expressions in the rat hippocampus were detected by western blot analysis, and P2X7 mRNA expression in the hippocampus was measured by RT-PCR. We also recorded P2X7 agonist BzATP-activated current in the hippocampus via patch clamp technique. The results showed that naringin treatment (30mg/kg/day) markedly decreased the escape latency and target platform errors of rats treated with gp120 (50ng/day), and further, that naringin treatment significantly decreased the expression of P2X7 and P65 protein and P2X7 mRNA in the hippocampus of gp120-treated rats. In addition, naringin treatment reduced BzATP-activated current in the hippocampus of gp120-treated rats. These results altogether demonstrated that naringin can improve gp120-induced learning and memory dysfunction via mechanisms involving the inhibition of P2X7 expression in the hippocampus.

Berberine and Its Role in Chronic Disease

Berberine is a quaternary ammonium salt from the protoberberine group of isoquinoline alkaloids. It is found in such plants as Berberis [e.g. Berberis aquifolium (Oregon grape), Berberis vulgaris (barberry), Berberis aristata (tree turmeric)], Hydrastis canadensis (goldenseal), Xanthorhiza simplicissima (yellowroot), Phellodendron amurense ^[2] (Amur corktree), Coptis chinensis (Chinese goldthread), Tinospora cordifolia, Argemone mexicana (prickly poppy) and Eschscholzia californica (Californian poppy). In vitro it exerts significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. In animal models berberine has neuroprotective and cardiovascular protective effects. In humans, its lipid-lowering and insulin-resistance improving actions have clearly been demonstrated in numerous randomized clinical trials. Moreover, preliminary clinical evidence suggest the ability of berberine to reduce endothelial inflammation improving vascular health, even in patients already affected by cardiovascular diseases. Altogether the available evidences suggest a possible application of berberine use in the management of chronic cardiometabolic disorders.