Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most prevalent metabolic diseases in pregnant women. In this study, we investigated the effects of Salusin-α in rodent models of GDM. We observed decreased levels of Salu...Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most prevalent metabolic diseases in pregnant women. In this study, we investigated the effects of Salusin-α in rodent models of GDM. We observed decreased levels of Salusin-α in the placental tissue of GDM mice. Salusin-α alleviated GDM symptoms by reducing blood glucose and increasing serum insulin levels. Further analysis revealed that Salusin-α improved lipid profiles and foetal outcomes in GDM mice. Additionally, Salusin-α mitigated oxidative and nitrosative stress in the placental tissue of GDM mice by enhancing the levels of Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and reduced GSH, while decreasing levels of TBARS and nitric oxide metabolites (nitrite + nitrate = NOx). Salusin-α also reduced the levels of MCP-1 and IL-8. Mechanically, Salusin-α inhibited the activation of p38/NF-κB by reducing phosphorylated p38 and phosphorylated NF-κB p65. In conclusion, our findings support the potential clinical application of Salusin-α as a novel peptide for molecular intervention in GDM.
UNLABELLED: The aim of this study is to examine the effects of cinnamon and statins on the renal and liver functions of gentamicin-received rats. METHODS: Forty male albino rats were recruited into 4 groups (10 rat each)...UNLABELLED: The aim of this study is to examine the effects of cinnamon and statins on the renal and liver functions of gentamicin-received rats. METHODS: Forty male albino rats were recruited into 4 groups (10 rat each) for a 21-day period by gavage treatment. The control group 1 was given nothing but 0.5 ml normal saline, and others injected with a dose of 100 mg/kg of Gentamicin intraperitoneally for one week before treatment. Group 2 received Gentamicin alone, Group 3 received an aqueous extract of cinnamon, and Group 4 treated with a statin medication. RESULTS: Gentamicin-treated group compared to other groups showed a significant increase in lever and kidney enzymes. The group treated with cinnamon or statin revealed noticeable positive effects on these markers, whereas statin showed decrease in Alanine Aminotransferase ALT levels. CONCLUSION: Parameters of hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity induced by gentamicin were significantly reserved by cinnamon or statin, statin less effective.
OBJECTIVE: Maximum-voluntary-ventilation (MVV) is the maximal volume of which an individual can move by voluntary effort in one minute. It is possible that the first second forced-expiratory-volume (FEV) could be more to...OBJECTIVE: Maximum-voluntary-ventilation (MVV) is the maximal volume of which an individual can move by voluntary effort in one minute. It is possible that the first second forced-expiratory-volume (FEV) could be more to reliable assess respiratory muscle endurance to estimate MVV. METHODS: For this aim, 422 athletes (Age 22.9 ± 8.5 years; 98/324 - females/males) were performed a MVV, and FEV measurements. RESULTS: The coefficient of determination was R = 0.594 between MVV and FEV, with a predictive equation for overall participants: MVV = (FEV × 33.5)+12.7. The robust regression showed a good multiple correlation coefficient (R = 0.815) with the coefficient of determination R = 0.661 for the model including FEV, age and gender as predictors. These equations MVV = (FEV X 27.3)+(Age(y) × 1.1)+20.5 and MVV = (FEV × 27.3)+(Age(y) × 1.1) were derived for male and female, respectively. CONCLUSION: FEV can predict MVV in different athletes with greater accuracy when stratified per gender. Therefore, this new approach can be used in a short all-out test without stress of the respiratory muscle to predict MVV in athletes.
BACKGROUND: Obesity is an increased condition arising from the combination of two factors genetic and environmental. The genetic predisposition has been shown to contribute substantially to the development of obesity. OB...BACKGROUND: Obesity is an increased condition arising from the combination of two factors genetic and environmental. The genetic predisposition has been shown to contribute substantially to the development of obesity. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to investigate the association of the rs1801133 SNP and trace elements in a cohort of obese patients. METHODS: This case-control study looked at a total of 104 university students, 51 individuals with obesity, and 53 individuals as controls. Biochemical measurements by the colorimetric method include zinc and copper. Genetic analysis by the tetra primers ARMS-PCR was used for genotyping the rs180113 SNP in the MTHFR gene. RESULTS: Serum zinc levels were significantly higher in the obese group compared to the non-obese group (145.1 ± 24.89 ug/dl vs. 114.8 ± 29.44 ug/dl, = 0.0133), while copper levels showed no significant difference. Genotyping revealed the rs1801133 polymorphism in the MTHFR gene is significantly associated with obesity, with the A allele more frequent in obese individuals (39.6% vs. 14.5%, < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Zn and rs1801133 are associated with obesity, the A allele of rs1801133 SNP and the significant associations observed in different genetic models highlight the potential of this polymorphism as a genetic marker for obesity risk.
BACKGROUND: This study investigates Berberine's (BBR) impact on metabolic and bone changes in ovariectomized rats, a model for postmenopausal conditions. METHODS: Sixty adult female rats divided into six groups: control,...BACKGROUND: This study investigates Berberine's (BBR) impact on metabolic and bone changes in ovariectomized rats, a model for postmenopausal conditions. METHODS: Sixty adult female rats divided into six groups: control, sham ovariectomized, ovariectomized, and three BBR treated ovariectomized groups (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg/day, for eight weeks). Measurements included serum oestradiol, glucose, HOMA-IR, lipid profile, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), oxidative stress markers, osteocalcin (OC), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (ALP), cross-linked Carboxy-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-I), and bone tissue analysis. RESULTS: Ovariectomized rats exhibited significant metabolic and bone deterioration, such as increased glucose, insulin, HOMA IR, total cholestrol (TC), LDL-C, TNF-α, OC, ALP, CTX-I, and MDA levels, alongside decreased oestradiol, HDL-C, and GSH levels, and DNA fragmentation ( < 0.001). BBR treatment showed dose-dependent improvements in all parameters. CONCLUSION: BBR demonstrates significant ameliorative effects on metabolic and bone health in ovariectomized rats, highlighting its potential therapeutic benefits for postmenopausal conditions.
Metformin is used as a first-line treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and is effective as monotherapy and in combination with other glucose-lowering medications. Lepidine, a natural product found in , had antidi...Metformin is used as a first-line treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and is effective as monotherapy and in combination with other glucose-lowering medications. Lepidine, a natural product found in , had antidiabetic, antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and hypolipidemic effects. This study aimed to assess the effects of lepidine alone and in combination with metformin in nicotinamide (NA)/streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic Wistar rats. T2DM was induced by intraperitoneal injection of NA 15 minutes before intraperitoneal injection of STZ. Diabetic rats were orally treated with lepidine (20 mg/kg body weight) and/or metformin (70 mg/kg body weight) every other day for four weeks. Both lepidine and metformin treated diabetic rats showed a significant decrease in fasting blood glucose (FBG), amelioration of serum lipid profile, increase in serum insulin, and C-peptide , and downregulation in the elevated serum tumour necrosis α (TNF-α) level in association with the improvement in the pancreatic islet integrity and function. In conclusion, the lepidine has potent anti-diabetic effects and may add more to the therapeutic value of metformin when the two agents are used in combination. However, further clinical studies on human beings with T2DM are required to assess the efficacy and safety of the combination of metformin and lepidine before its approval and therapeutic application.
Androgenic steroids abuse among young athletes has long-term health consequences, causing profound damage to vital organs such as the heart, blood vessels, brain, liver, gonads, kidneys, and skin. In the vessels, steroi...Androgenic steroids abuse among young athletes has long-term health consequences, causing profound damage to vital organs such as the heart, blood vessels, brain, liver, gonads, kidneys, and skin. In the vessels, steroids cause plaque formation, vascular calcification, thrombosis, and coronary artery disease, and in the heart, they lead to pathological fibrosis, dilated cardiomyopathy, heart failure, fatal ventricular arrhythmias, acute myocardial infarction, and reduced ejection fraction. The brain also suffers from cognitive decline, memory impairment, and a constellation of neurotransmitter abnormalities that lead to depression. In the liver, the consequences are severe and manifest as increased oxidative stress, liver dysfunction, hepatotoxicity, cholestatic jaundice, liver tumours, cell death, and elevations in liver enzymes, bilirubin, and cholesterol. Male athletes experience testicular atrophy, temporary suppression of spermatogenesis, hypogonadism, reduced fertility, infertility, and hormonal imbalance. In contrast, women experience ovarian dysfunction and menstrual irregularities. In the kidney, steroids lead to increased inflammatory cytokines, fibrosis, renal tubular hypertrophy, glomerular changes, and structural damage, and show higher levels of serum creatinine, urinary protein, and cystatin C. In athletes, steroids can lead to various skin problems such as acne, gynecomastia, prostatitis, and alopecia.
OBJECTIVE: Metformin is an anti-diabetic drug used to control blood glucose levels. The effects of metformin on insulin sensitivity in inflammation-induced adipocytes are not fully understood.This study aimed to explore...OBJECTIVE: Metformin is an anti-diabetic drug used to control blood glucose levels. The effects of metformin on insulin sensitivity in inflammation-induced adipocytes are not fully understood.This study aimed to explore the mechanism of metformin on insulin sensitivity enhancement in the coculture of LPS-induced 3T3-L1 adipocytes and RAW 264.7 macrophages. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Insulin resistance was induced in coculture cells using Lipopolysaccharide, followed by adding 25, 50, and 100 µg/ml of metformin for 24 h of incubation. Glucose consumption, GLUT-4, IRS-1, and IL-6 mRNA expressions were quantified. RESULTS: Metformin, starting at a concentration of 25 µg/ml, enhanced glucose consumption, upregulated GLUT-4 mRNA expression, and stimulated the expression of IRS-1 mRNA in coculture cells at 100 µg/ml of concentration. Additionally, Metformin inhibited inflammation by reducing IL-6 mRNA expression in coculture cells up to 100 µg/ml. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that metformin attenuated inflammation and improved insulin sensitivity in inflammation-induced adipocytes that may be mediated by the IRS-1/GLUT-4 pathway.
OBJECTIVE: Chronic inflammation contributes to myocardial complications in diabetes, marked by tissue fibrosis, necrosis, and apoptosis. and have individually demonstrated efficacy in diabetes management. In this study...OBJECTIVE: Chronic inflammation contributes to myocardial complications in diabetes, marked by tissue fibrosis, necrosis, and apoptosis. and have individually demonstrated efficacy in diabetes management. In this study, it is hypothesised that a combination of these herbs in a polyherbal formulation would protect against diabetic cardiomyopathy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Diabetes was induced in male Sprague Dawley rats using strepetozotocin at a single dose of (55 mg/kg of body weight, in citrate buffer. Polyherbal formulation was administred as a treatment for 8 weeks. UNLABELLED: Rats receiving treatment with polyherbal formulation showed decreased blood glucose, plasma creatinine, Blood Urea Nitrogen, Creatine kinase- myocardial band, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, Troponin-I, NADPH oxidase 4, and Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate-1. In contrast, Superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione enzyme activities were increased. CONCLUSION: Thus, a polyherbal formulation containing herbs was able to attenuate the progression of diabetes mellitus and diabetic cardiomyopathy.
To examine the effects of self-paced combined high-intensity interval training and resistance training (HIIT-RT) on oxidative stress, inflammation lipid profile and body composition in people with multiple sclerosis (PwM...To examine the effects of self-paced combined high-intensity interval training and resistance training (HIIT-RT) on oxidative stress, inflammation lipid profile and body composition in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Twenty-three PwMS were randomly assigned to either a control group (CG, n = 12) or a training group (TG, n = 11). The TG performed a 12-week self-paced HIIT-RT (3 times/week). Biomarkers of oxidative stress, inflammation, lipid profile and cellular damage as well as body composition were assessed pre- and post- intervention. Comparatively with CG, the TG showed a decrease in advanced oxidation protein products (p = 0.002, Hedges'g (g) = 1.50) and total thiols (p = 0.0011, g = 1.57), as well as an increase in reduced glutathione (p = 0.03, g = 0.98). Neutrophils (p = 0.003, g = 1.38), lymphocytes (p = 0.038, g = 0.92) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < 0.001, g = 2.14) decreased in TG compared with CG. There was also a decrease in body weight (p = 0.003, g = 1.39), body mass index (p = 0.002, g = 1.45) and fat mass (p = 0.006, g = 1.27) in TG comparatively with CG. This study revealed the effectiviness of self-paced HIIT-RT in alleviating oxidative stress, inflammatory responses and hyperlipidaemia, as well as in improving body composition in PwMS. This combined training may be recommended to better counteract the damage related to multiple sclerosis.
Adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) plays a crucial role in regulation of metabolic homeostasis. To understand the role of the catalytic α2 subunit of AMPK in skeletal muscle energy metabolis...Adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) plays a crucial role in regulation of metabolic homeostasis. To understand the role of the catalytic α2 subunit of AMPK in skeletal muscle energy metabolism, myotube cultures were established from and mice. Myotubes from mice had lower basal oleic acid and glucose oxidation compared to myotubes from mice. However, the relative response to mitochondrial uncoupling was increased for oleic acid oxidation. Incorporation of acetate into lipids was also lower in myotubes from mice. Proteomics analysis revealed that myotubes had upregulated pathways related to mitochondrial function and fatty acid oxidation, and decreased pathways related to fatty acid biosynthesis. In conclusion, ablation of AMPKα2 catalytic subunit in skeletal muscle cells resulted in reduced basal oxidation of glucose and fatty acids, however upregulated pathways related to mitochondrial function and fatty acid oxidation and reduced lipid formation.
BACKGROUND: Lipid metabolism, one of the three major metabolic processes, plays a crucial role in male fertility, particularly when lipid homeostasis is disrupted. Lipid droplets (LDs), cellular organelles that store lip...BACKGROUND: Lipid metabolism, one of the three major metabolic processes, plays a crucial role in male fertility, particularly when lipid homeostasis is disrupted. Lipid droplets (LDs), cellular organelles that store lipids primarily in the form of triglycerides and cholesterol esters, serve as central hubs in lipid metabolism.The degradation of LDs is regulated by lipases and lipophagy. OBJECTIVE: : This review explores the various forms of lipophagy, its molecular mechanisms, and its critical role in male fertility. Specifically, it examines the association between lipophagy and male infertility, sexual dysfunction, and reproductive cancers. METHODS: : This review synthesizes current research on the molecular pathways regulating lipophagy, focusing on its impact on male reproductive health. RESULTS: : Lipophagy is essential for maintaining lipid homeostasis in male reproductive tissues. Dysfunction of lipophagy is associated with impaired sperm function, infertility, sexual dysfunction, and an increased risk of reproductive cancers in men. CONCLUSION: : Lipophagy plays a pivotal role in regulating lipid metabolism and maintaining male fertility. It may serve as a potential therapeutic target for treating male reproductive disorders.
OBJECTIVE: This research assesses renoprotective effects of saracatinib (Src) in diabetic nephropathy (DN) and the potential underlying processes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats were divided into: control, DN, DN + Met + Lo...OBJECTIVE: This research assesses renoprotective effects of saracatinib (Src) in diabetic nephropathy (DN) and the potential underlying processes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats were divided into: control, DN, DN + Met + Los, DN + Met + Src, and DN + Met + Los + Src. Rats' ABP, urinary albumin, urinary nephrin, and creatinine clearance were assessed. Blood samples were collected for measuring glycaemic state parameters, renal functions, oxidative stress markers, inflammatory mediators, aldosterone, and lipid profile. Kidneys were extracted for KIM-1 and nephrin gene expression, H&E, Masson's trichrome staining, and immunohistochemical assessment. RESULTS: Significant increases in ABP, urinary albumin and nephrin, glycaemic measurements, urea, creatinine, aldosterone, inflammatory cytokines, MDA, lipids, renal fibrosis, scores of VEGF and TGF-β, and renal KIM-1 expression were related to DN. However, there was a significant decrease in creatinine clearance, GSH, and nephrin expression in DN group compared with control group. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The combination of metformin (Met), losartan (Los), and Src repaired DN alterations. Adding Src to Met and Los is superior to using them alone.
This study explored the effects of melatonin on cardiac and vascular function, and redox homeostasis in model PAH. Male Wistar rats were divided into: control (CTR), monocrotaline [MCT (60 mg/kg, single dose i.p)], monoc...This study explored the effects of melatonin on cardiac and vascular function, and redox homeostasis in model PAH. Male Wistar rats were divided into: control (CTR), monocrotaline [MCT (60 mg/kg, single dose i.p)], monocrotaline + sildenafil [MCT + SIL (50 mg/kg/day)], and monocrotaline + melatonin [MCT + MEL (10 mg/kg/day)]. This protocol lasted 21 days. Echocardiographic, morphometric, histological, vascular reactivity, and oxidative/nitrosative stress analyses were performed. The reduced diastolic function and AT/ET ratio in the MCT group were partially attenuated by melatonin and sildenafil treatment ( < 0.05). Increased RV hypertrophy and pulmonary congestion were reduced by both treatments ( < 0.05). MCT-induced pulmonary arteriolar muscle layer hypertrophy was also reduced by both treatments ( < 0.05). MCT and MCT + SIL present diminished vasorelaxation as compared to control ( < 0.05). Augmented oxidative/nitrosative stress and reduced glutathione-s-transferase activity in MCT were mitigated by both treatments ( < 0.05). Then, melatonin was as effective as sildenafil against PAH-induced oxidative stress and pathological vascular remodelling.
Kerli Fernandes E, Türck P, Campos Carraro C
… +8 more, Tasca S, Teixeira Proença IC, Palma VM, Visioli F, Torres ILDS, Belló-Klein A, Luz De Castro A, Da Rosa Araujo AS
Sustained adrenergic overload in the heart causes maladaptive cardiac remodelling, which involves oxidative stress. Boldine (BOL) has antioxidant activity and represents a novel therapeutic approach. This study explored...Sustained adrenergic overload in the heart causes maladaptive cardiac remodelling, which involves oxidative stress. Boldine (BOL) has antioxidant activity and represents a novel therapeutic approach. This study explored the cardioprotective role of BOL in adverse left ventricular remodelling induced by isoproterenol. The rats were divided into four groups: control; BOL (25 mg/kg daily); isoproterenol (ISO) (5 mg/kg daily), and ISO + BOL. Morphometric, echocardiographic, and oxidative stress parameters were evaluated. BOL attenuated both cardiac hypertrophy and increased diastolic volume caused by adrenergic overstimulation (P < 0.05). BOL treatment reduced lipid peroxidation induced by ISO (ISO vs. ISO + BOL; P < 0.05), and this effect was associated with increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) (ISO vs. ISO + BOL; P < 0.05) and glutathione-S-transferase levels (GST) (ISO vs. ISO + BOL; P < 0.05). This data suggest that BOL may improve cardiac oxidative stress and attenuate some parameters of adverse cardiac remodelling.
Androgen independent phase in prostate cancer (PCa) commonly limits the therapeutic efficacy. through its main active compound, α-thujone, appears to be an option, considering its anti-proliferative, anti-metastatic and...Androgen independent phase in prostate cancer (PCa) commonly limits the therapeutic efficacy. through its main active compound, α-thujone, appears to be an option, considering its anti-proliferative, anti-metastatic and pro-apoptotic effects on hepatocellular carcinoma. However, studies on PCa are limited. To evaluate if could be useful against androgen responsive and unresponsive PCa cells. Androgen responsive (LNCaP) and unresponsive (DU145 and PC3) cell lines were exposed to hydroalcoholic extract (0.05 mL/mL) for different periods. Further, α-thujone was measured in the extract and tested in the cell lines. and α-thujone showed the highest cytotoxicity on LNCaP cells. In androgen unresponsive cells, decreased cell viability and density, and promoted apoptosis, necrosis and cell cycle arrest, possibly associated with Cav-1 downregulation. The α-thujone present in the extract significantly LNCaP cells density, but did not affect DU145 and PC3 cells, suggesting that other compounds may also be cytotoxic to androgen unresponsive cells.
The neem plant () has popular ethnomedicinal applications. The anti-diabetic potential and mechanism of neem seed oil (NSO) in a rodent model of type 2 diabetes mellitus was evaluated in the present study. Experimentally...The neem plant () has popular ethnomedicinal applications. The anti-diabetic potential and mechanism of neem seed oil (NSO) in a rodent model of type 2 diabetes mellitus was evaluated in the present study. Experimentally-induced diabetic animals were administered NSO (200 and 400 mg/kg) or metformin (150 mg/kg) orally for 30 days, with some animals serving as positive and negative controls. NSO significantly ( < .05) reversed diabetes-induced impaired glucose metabolism, dyslipidaemia, and oxido-inflammatory imbalances typified by changes in the NADH/NAD+ ratio ( < .001) and increases in the mRNA or protein levels of C-reactive protein, 4-hydroxynonenal, and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and Il-1β) among others in the hepatic or pancreatic tissues of diabetic animals. The histological evaluation of the pancreatic tissue corroborated the protective effect of NSO. The findings showed that the antidiabetic effect of NSO proceeded through its hypolipidemic effect and modulation of redox and inflammatory signalling events in the tissues of animals.
CONTENT: The impact of triglyceride levels is important to understand the changes in metabolism and structure. With an increase in obesity and hyperlipidemia due to diet; cardiovascular and neuronal structural changes ha...CONTENT: The impact of triglyceride levels is important to understand the changes in metabolism and structure. With an increase in obesity and hyperlipidemia due to diet; cardiovascular and neuronal structural changes have been shown to be more distinct. OBJECTIVE: This review aims to discuss the pathophysiology and mechanisms involved in increased levels of triglycerides leading to vascular impairment, metabolic syndrome and cognitive decline. METHODS: The literature search was performed using the PubMed, Google scholar and Scopus databases, among which 180 articles were shortlisted based on key words, abstract, materials and methods and results. Among these 74 articles have been cited for the review. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The review discusses the impact of hypertriglyceridemia on metabolism, triglyceride storage, and neurovascular integrity, highlighting mechanisms contributing to vascular dysfunction, metabolic syndrome, and cognitive deterioration. CONCLUSION: Elevated triglyceride levels are a key factor in altering metabolic pathways and structural integrity in cardiovascular and neuronal systems. This review provides insights into the mechanisms underlying metabolic disorders caused by elevated triglyceride levels, It highlights the need for further studies to provide more supportive evidence and address existing limitations in understanding these changes.