Diabetes and inflammatory diseases: An overview from the perspective of Ca2+/3'-5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate signaling

Baicalein: A potential GLP-1R agonist improves cognitive disorder of diabetes through mitophagy enhancement

There is increasing evidence that the activation of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) can be used as a therapeutic intervention for cognitive disorders. Here, we have screened GLP-1R targeted compounds from Scutellaria baicalensis, which revealed baicalein is a potential GLP-1R small-molecule agonist. Mitophagy, a selective autophagy pathway for mitochondrial quality control, plays a neuroprotective role in multiple cognitive impairment diseases. We noticed that Glp1r knock-out (KO) mice present cognitive impairment symptoms and appear worse in spatial learning memory and learning capacity in Morris water maze (MWM) test than their wide-type (WT) counterparts. Our mechanistic studies revealed that mitophagy is impaired in hippocampus tissue of diabetic mice and Glp1r KO mice. Finally, we verified that the cognitive improvement effects of baicalein on diabetic cognitive dysfunction occur through the enhancement of mitophagy in a GLP-1R-dependent manner. Our findings shed light on the importance of GLP-1R for cognitive function maintenance, and revealed the vital significance of GLP-1R for maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis. Furthermore, we identified the therapeutic potential of baicalein in the treatment of cognitive disorder associated with diabetes.

Dose-Dependent Effect of Aspirin Use in Reducing Diabetes-Associated Dementia Risk Among Elderly Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the association between aspirin use and diabetes-associated dementia in older patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), assessing aspirin's potential protective effects, intensity of use, and dose-dependency against dementia.

DESIGN

A cohort study evaluating the dose-dependent protective impact of aspirin against dementia in a population-based sample.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Older patients with T2DM (≥60 years), comparing aspirin users with nonusers.

METHODS

Used a time-varying Cox hazards model to assess dementia incidence.

RESULTS

Older aspirin users exhibited a significant reduction in dementia risk (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.44; 95% CI, 0.41-0.46). The lowest aHRs for dementia were observed at a daily intensity of 0.91 defined daily doses (DDDs), and higher daily dosages (>0.91 DDD) showed gradually increasing aHRs (although still <1). Analysis of cumulative DDD revealed a dose-response relationship, with progressively lower aHRs across quartiles (0.16, 0.42, 0.57, and 0.63 for quartiles 4, 3, 2, and 1, respectively) compared with never aspirin users (P for trend < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Aspirin use in older patients with T2DM significantly reduces dementia risk. The optimal daily intensity of aspirin use (0.91 DDD) is associated with the lowest aHR for dementia. These findings suggest a dose-dependent relationship, supporting the potential benefits of higher cumulative dosages of aspirin in reducing dementia risk in this population.

Targeting P2Y14R protects against necroptosis of intestinal epithelial cells through PKA/CREB/RIPK1 axis in ulcerative colitis

Purinergic signaling plays a causal role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease. Among purinoceptors, only P2Y14R is positively correlated with inflammatory score in mucosal biopsies of ulcerative colitis patients, nevertheless, the role of P2Y14R in ulcerative colitis remains unclear. Here, based on the over-expressions of P2Y14R in the intestinal epithelium of mice with experimental colitis, we find that male mice lacking P2Y14R in intestinal epithelial cells exhibit less intestinal injury induced by dextran sulfate sodium. Mechanistically, P2Y14R deletion limits the transcriptional activity of cAMP-response element binding protein through cAMP/PKA axis, which binds to the promoter of Ripk1, inhibiting necroptosis of intestinal epithelial cells. Furthermore, we design a hierarchical strategy combining virtual screening and chemical optimization to develop a P2Y14R antagonist HDL-16, which exhibits remarkable anti-colitis effects. Summarily, our study elucidates a previously unknown mechanism whereby P2Y14R participates in ulcerative colitis, providing a promising therapeutic target for inflammatory bowel disease.

Ca2+/cAMP ratio: An inflammatory index for diabetes, hypertension, and COVID-19

Ca2+/cAMP ratio could serve as an inflammatory index for diseases like hyp-ertension, diabetes, and coronavirus disease 2019.

The interplay of inflammation, exosomes and Ca2+ dynamics in diabetic cardiomyopathy

Diabetes mellitus is one of the prime risk factors for cardiovascular complications and is linked with high morbidity and mortality. Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) often manifests as reduced cardiac contractility, myocardial fibrosis, diastolic dysfunction, and chronic heart failure. Inflammation, changes in calcium (Ca²⁺) handling and cardiomyocyte loss are often implicated in the development and progression of DCM. Although the existence of DCM was established nearly four decades ago, the exact mechanisms underlying this disease pathophysiology is constantly evolving. Furthermore, the complex pathophysiology of DCM is linked with exosomes, which has recently shown to facilitate intercellular (cell-to-cell) communication through biomolecules such as micro RNA (miRNA), proteins, enzymes, cell surface receptors, growth factors, cytokines, and lipids. Inflammatory response and Ca²⁺ signaling are interrelated and DCM  has been known to adversely affect many of these signaling molecules either qualitatively and/or quantitatively. In this literature review, we have demonstrated that Ca²⁺ regulators are tightly controlled at different molecular and cellular levels during various biological processes in the heart. Inflammatory mediators, miRNA and exosomes are shown to interact with these regulators, however how these mediators are linked to Ca²⁺ handling during DCM pathogenesis remains elusive. Thus, further investigations are needed to understand the mechanisms to restore cardiac Ca²⁺ homeostasis and function, and to serve as potential therapeutic targets in the treatment of DCM.

Mass Spectrometric Identification of Licania rigida Benth Leaf Extracts and Evaluation of Their Therapeutic Effects on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatory Response

Licania rigida Benth has been evaluated as an alternative drug to treat diseases associated with inflammatory processes. This study evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of aqueous and hydroalcoholic leaf extracts of L. rigida with inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharides in in vitro and in vivo inflammation models. The phytochemical profile of the extracts, analyzed by ultra-fast liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry, revealed the presence of gallic and ellagic acids in both extracts, whereas isovitexin, ferulate, bulky amino acids (e.g., phenylalanine), pheophorbide, lactic acid, and pyridoxine were detected in the hydroalcoholic extract. The extracts displayed the ability to modulate in vitro and in vivo inflammatory responses, reducing approximately 50% of pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6), and inhibiting both NO production and leukocyte migration by approximately 30 and 40% at 100 and 500 µg/mL, respectively. Overall, the results highlight and identify, for the first time, the ability of L. rigida leaf extract to modulate inflammatory processes. These data suggest that the leaf extracts of this plant have potential in the development of herbal formulations for the treatment of inflammation.

Systems biology models to identify the influence of SARS-CoV-2 infections to the progression of human autoimmune diseases

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been circulating since 2019, and its global dominance is rising. Evidences suggest the respiratory illness SARS-CoV-2 has a sensitive affect on causing organ damage and other complications to the patients with autoimmune diseases (AD), posing a significant risk factor. The genetic interrelationships and molecular appearances between SARS-CoV-2 and AD are yet unknown. We carried out the transcriptomic analytical framework to delve into the SARS-CoV-2 impacts on AD progression. We analyzed both gene expression microarray and RNA-Seq datasets from SARS-CoV-2 and AD affected tissues. With neighborhood-based benchmarks and multilevel network topology, we obtained dysfunctional signaling and ontological pathways, gene disease (diseasesome) association network and protein-protein interaction network (PPIN), uncovered essential shared infection recurrence connectivities with biological insights underlying between SARS-CoV-2 and AD. We found a total of 77, 21, 9, 54 common DEGs for SARS-CoV-2 and inflammatory bowel disorder (IBD), SARS-CoV-2 and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), SARS-CoV-2 and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and SARS-CoV-2 and type 1 diabetes (T1D). The enclosure of these common DEGs with bimolecular networks revealed 10 hub proteins (FYN, VEGFA, CTNNB1, KDR, STAT1, B2M, CD3G, ITGAV, TGFB3). Drugs such as amlodipine besylate, vorinostat, methylprednisolone, and disulfiram have been identified as a common ground between SARS-CoV-2 and AD from drug repurposing investigation which will stimulate the optimal selection of medications in the battle against this ongoing pandemic triggered by COVID-19.

cAMP сoncentrations in cardiac mitochondria and serum in the С57ВL/6 mice under independent melanoma В16/F10 growth versus melanoma В16/F10 growth linked to chronic neurogenic pain

The aim of this research work is to study the cAMP level in the cardiac mitochondria and serum in the С57ВL/6 strain mice of both genders under the independent melanoma В16/F10 growth versus the melanoma В16/F10 growth linked to chronic neurogenic pain (CNP). Materials and methods. Mice of strain С57ВL/6 (n=336) have been grouped as follows: the intact group of the mice (♂n=21; ♀n=21), the reference group (♂n=21; ♀n=21) with the reproduced CNP model, the comparison group (♂n=63; ♀n=63) to include the mice with melanoma В16/F10, and the main test group (♂n=63; ♀n=63) to cover the mice with the melanoma growth against the CNP background. Upon expiration of 1 week, 2 and 3 weeks of the melanoma growth, in the animals of the above experimental groups the cardiac mitochondria have been isolated with the centrifugation using high-performance refrigerated centrifuge Avanti J-E, BECMAN COULTER, USA. With ELISA Kit (RayBio USA) we have determined cAMP concentrations in serum and in the cardiac mitochondria. Results. CNP has induced a decrease in the cAMP level in the cardiac mitochondria by a factor of 3,6 in the female mice only. In the animals of the comparison group the cAMP level in the heart has been increasing beginning with week 2 of the tumor growth on average by a factor of 4, while in the main test group starting from week 1 of the tumor growth it has been recorded 2-4 times higher and was depleted by the end of the experiment. As to the cAMP concentration in serum, the dynamics thereof has not been found to be in correlation with the cardiac mitochondrial data, and its concentration decrease has been recorded both in the females and the males. Conclusion. So, the changes in the cAMP concentration in the cardiac mitochondria demonstrate their gender-specific feature; the female mice as against the males have responded to an independent impact produced by CNP. As to the main test group, CNP has stimulated an increase in the cAMP level in the cardiac mitochondria 1 week earlier than it is the case with the comparison group, and it has resulted in the full cAMP depletion by the 3rd week of the experiment.

A Timeline of Ca2+/cAMP Signalling: From Basic Research to Potential Therapeutics for Dementia

BACKGROUND

The hypothesis that a dyshomeostasis of Ca2+ increases the incidence of dementia has been established. Several discoveries have emphasized the concept that a decrease in the excess of Ca2+ could be an interesting pharmacological target to alleviate dementia symptoms. Aging along with a healthy brain can be supported by daily exercise, self-control in caloric ingestion, and participation in intellectually challenging events. These lifestyle factors may alleviate the excess of Ca2+ resulting from a Ca2+ dyshomeostasis. Curiously, epidemiological and clinical studies have also reported a clinical relationship between hypertension, diabetes, and other inflammatory processes, and a higher risk of cognition decline. Considering the cumulative data from the scientific literature, including data of high evidence such as meta-analysis and systematic reviews, we can now link a Ca2+ dyshomeostasis as an upstream factor for hypertension, diabetes and other inflammatory processes, and dementia. Several reports have also indicated that increasing cAMP levels may induce neuroprotective outcomes, thus alleviating dementia symptoms.

METHODS

With these concepts in mind, we found that the pharmacological manipulation of Ca2+/cAMP signalling could be a novel plausible target to treat dementia. This article puts together fundamental concepts and current therapies to treat dementia, including novel therapeutics coming from the pharmacological manipulation of Ca2+/cAMP signalling.

RESULTS

Then, combined with improvements in the lifestyle issues, these novel therapeutics may allow sustained improvements in the life quality of age-related neurological patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In addition, considering coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a rapidly evolving field, this article also reviewed recent reports about Ca2+ channel blockers' role in restoring Ca2+ signalling disruption due to COVID-19. Finally, this article also presents a timeline of the major events in Ca2+/cAMP signaling.

The Interactions among Hypertension, Cancer, and COVID-19: Perspective with Regard to Ca2+/cAMP Signalling

BACKGROUND

The hypothesis that hypertension is clinically associated with an enhanced risk of developing cancer has been highlighted. However, the working principles involved in this link are still under intensive discussion. A correlation among inflammation, hypertension, and cancer could accurately describe the clinical link between these diseases. In addition, dyshomeostasis of Ca2+ has been considered to be involved in both cancer and hypertension, and inflammation. There is a strong link between Ca2+ signalling, e.g. enhanced Ca2+ signals, and inflammatory outcomes. cAMP also modulates pro- and anti-inflammatory outcomes; pharmaceuticals, which increase intracellular cAMP levels, can decrease the production of proinflammatory mediators and enhance the production of antiinflammatory outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

This article highlights the participation of Ca2+/cAMP signalling in the clinical association among inflammation, hypertension, and an enhanced risk for the development of cancer. In addition, considering that research on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a rapidly evolving field, this article also reviews recent reports related to the role of Ca2+ channel blockers in restoring Ca2+ signalling disruption due to COVID-19, including the relationship among COVID-19, cancer, and hypertension.

CONCLUSION

An understanding of the association among these diseases could expand current pharmacotherapy, involving Ca2+ channel blockers and pharmaceuticals that facilitate a rise in cAMP levels.

Neuroinflammation, Diabetes and COVID-19: Perspectives Coming from Ca2+/cAMP Signalling

A link between inflammatory diseases, e.g., epilepsy, dementia, diabetes, and COVID-19, has been established. For instance, observational studies involving several individuals reported that people with epilepsy show an enhanced incidence of manifesting dysfunctions related to cognition, e.g., dementia, while people with dementia have a higher incidence of manifesting epilepsy, thus an evident bidirectional relationship between epilepsy and dementia might occur. In addition, epilepsy commonly cooccurs in patients with diabetes, indicating an association between these two disorders. Intriguingly, some reports have also observed a poor prognosis of people with both diabetes and COVID-19. It is recognized that a dyshomeostasis of both Ca2+ and cAMP signalling pathways could be a molecular connection for these disorders. Therefore, clarifying this clinical relationship among epilepsy, dementia, diabetes, and COVID-19 may outcome in novel hypotheses for identifying the etiology of these disorders.