Irisin alters D-galactose-induced apoptosis by increasing caveolin-1 expression in C2C12 myoblasts and skeletal muscle fibroblasts.

Muscle atrophy and skeletal muscle fibrosis are significant pathological manifestations of primary sarcopenia. The regulation of C2C12 myoblast and skeletal muscle fibroblast apoptosis is associated with these pathological changes. Previous studies have indicated that irisin, the cleaved form of fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 (FNDC5), can alleviate primary sarcopenia. However, the mechanisms of the effect of irisin in age-related apoptosis remain unknown. Our present research aimed to explore the effect of irisin and the underlying mechanism of D-galactose (D-gal)-induced apoptosis in skeletal muscle fibroblasts and C2C12 myoblasts. We found the opposite effects of D-gal on C2C12 myoblasts and fibroblasts. We also found that irisin suppressed C2C12 cell apoptosis and promoted fibroblast apoptosis. Mechanistically, irisin altered D-gal-induced apoptosis by increasing caveolin-1 expression. Taken together, these findings further demonstrated that irisin is a potential agent that can treat aged-relative muscle atrophy and fibrosis.

Assistive device utilization among disabled elderly in China: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the characteristics of assistive device users and influencing factors among disabled elderly in China. METHODS: A total of 13,510 disabled elderly in Sichuan Province were surveyed. Disability was assessed using the Barthel Activities of Daily Living Scale, mental status, sensory perception, and social engagement evaluation. Univariate analysis and logistic regression analysis were employed to identify the impact factors. RESULTS: The prevalence of assistive device utilization among participants was 79.2% (10,700/13,510, 95% CI 78.5%-79.9%), with the wheelchair being the most commonly used device. Various factors were found to influence the usage of the device, including disability level, somatic disability, age, caregivers, income, caregiver fees, and living situation (p < .05). Additionally, several factors were identified associated with the frequency of device usage, such as somatic disability, education background, income, caregiver fees, living situation, access to acquire assistive devices, duration of assistive device usage, education on assistive devices, and satisfaction level (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The use of assistive devices among elderly individuals in China is prevalent. There are many factors that affect the use of assistive devices, which can provide a reference for the formulation of policies in the field of assistive devices.

Global epidemiological features and impact of osteosarcopenia: A comprehensive meta-analysis and systematic review.

Osteosarcopenia is defined as the concurrent occurrence of osteopenia/osteoporosis and sarcopenia. The aim of the current study was to perform a systematic review with meta-analysis to determine the global prevalence, risk factors and clinical outcomes of osteosarcopenia. This review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022351229). PubMed, Cochrane, Medline and Embase were searched from inception to February 2023 to retrieve eligible observational population-based studies. Pooled osteosarcopenia prevalence was calculated with 95% confidence interval (CI), and subgroup analyses were performed. The risk factor of osteosarcopenia and its association with clinical outcomes were expressed as odds ratio (OR) and hazard ratio (HR), respectively. Heterogeneity was estimated using the I2 test. Study quality was assessed using validated instruments matched to study designs. The search identified 55 158 studies, and 66 studies (64 404 participants, mean age from 46.6 to 93 years) were analysed in the final analysis, including 48 cross-sectional studies, 17 cohort studies and 1 case-control study. Overall, the pooled prevalence of osteosarcopenia was 18.5% (95% CI: 16.7-20.3, I2  = 98.7%), including 15.3% (95% CI: 13.2-17.4, I2  = 97.6%) in men and 19.4% (95% CI: 16.9-21.9, I2  = 98.5%) in women. The prevalence of osteosarcopenia diagnosed using sarcopenia plus osteopenia/osteoporosis was 20.7% (95% CI: 17.1-24.4, I2  = 98.55%), and the prevalence of using sarcopenia plus osteoporosis was 16.1% (95% CI: 13.3-18.9, I2  = 98.0%). The global osteosarcopenia prevalence varied in different regions with 22.9% in Oceania, 21.6% in Asia, 20.8% in South America, 15.7% in North America and 10.9% in Europe. A statistically significant difference was found in the subgroups of the study population between the hospital (24.7%) and community (12.9%) (P = 0.001). Frailty (OR = 4.72, 95% CI: 2.71-8.23, I2  = 61.1%), malnutrition (OR = 2.35, 95% CI: 1.62-3.40, I2  = 50.0%), female sex (OR = 5.07, 95% CI: 2.96-8.69, I2  = 73.0%) and higher age (OR = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.06-1.15, I2 ==86.0%) were significantly associated with a higher risk for osteosarcopenia. Meta-analysis of cohort studies showed that osteosarcopenia significantly increased the risk of fall (HR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.20-1.97; I2  = 1.0%, three studies), fracture (HR = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.61-2.81; I2  = 67.8%, seven studies) and mortality (HR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.34-2.28; I2  = 0.0%, five studies). Despite the heterogeneity arising from varied definitions and criteria, our findings highlight a significant global prevalence of osteosarcopenia and its negative impact on clinical health. Standardizing diagnostic criteria for osteosarcopenia would be advantageous in the future, and early detection and management should be emphasized in this patient population.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence and correlation of mild cognitive impairment in sarcopenia.

Sarcopenia is a progressive skeletal muscle disorder involving the loss of muscle mass and function, associated with an increased risk of disability and frailty. Though its prevalence in dementia has been studied, its occurrence in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) has not been well established. As MCI is often a prelude to dementia, our study aims to investigate the prevalence of MCI among individuals with sarcopenia and to also ascertain whether sarcopenia is independently associated with MCI. The Cochrane Library, PubMed, Ovid, Embase and Web of Science were systematically searched for articles on MCI and/or sarcopenia published from inception to 1 February 2022. We reviewed the available literature on the number of individuals with MCI and/or sarcopenia and calculated odds ratios (ORs) of sarcopenia in MCI and MCI in sarcopenia, respectively. Statistical analyses were performed using the meta package in Stata, Version 12.0. A total of 13 studies and 27 428 patients were included in our analysis. The pooled prevalence of MCI in participants with sarcopenia was 20.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.140-0.269) in a total sample of 2923 cases with a high level of heterogeneity (P < 0.001; I2  = 95.4%). The overall prevalence of sarcopenia with MCI was 9.1% (95% CI: 0.047-0.134, P < 0.001; I2  = 93.0%). For overall ORs, there were 23 364 subjects with a mean age of 73 years; the overall adjusted OR between MCI and sarcopenia was 1.46 (95% CI: 1.31-1.62). Slight heterogeneity in both adjusted ORs (P = 0.46; I2  = 0%) was noted across the studies. The prevalence of MCI is relatively high in patients with sarcopenia, and sarcopenia may be a risk factor for MCI.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the clinical efficacy and safety of Chinese patent medicines in treating subacute thyroiditis.

BACKGROUND: This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Chinese patent medicines in the treatment of subacute thyroiditis (SAT). METHODS: Chinese databases were searched using a combination of "patent Chinese medicine", "traditional Chinese medicine", "traditional Chinese and western medicine", "sub-thyroiditis", and "subacute thyroiditis". Studies that set Chinese patent medicine treatment of SAT as the experimental group were selected. Then, meta-analysis was performed by RevMan 5.3. RESULTS: A total of 12 studies were included, and most of them had a high risk of bias (low quality). The heterogeneity test results of clinical efficacy showed that Chi2=6.21, df=7, P=0.52>0.1, and I2=0%<50%. Then, the fixed effects model (FEM) was used, with OR =2.80; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.89-4.13. The heterogeneity test of recurrence rate showed that Chi2=10.69, df=9, P=0.30>0.1, and I2=16%<50%. The heterogeneity test of erythrocyte sedimentation rate showed that I2=97%, P<0.00001, MD =-10.02; 95% CI: -12.88 to -7.16, and P<0.00001. The heterogeneity test of free triiodothyronine showed that Chi2=500.75, I2=99%>50%, P<0.00001, MD =-2.88; 95% CI: -3.85 to -1.91; Z=5.83, and P<0.00001. The heterogeneity test of free thyroid hormone showed that Chi2=25.15, I2=72%>50%, P=0.0007, MD =-2.48; 95% CI: -3.69 to -1.26; Z=3.99, and P<0.0001. The heterogeneity test of the occurrence of adverse reactions showed that Chi2=11.28, df=11, P=0.42>0.1, and I2=3%<50%, and the combined effect size was Z=6.49 and P<0.00001, with OR =0.21; 95% CI: 0.13-0.34. DISCUSSION: The meta-analysis of this study confirms that Chinese patent medicines have considerable clinical effects in the treatment of SAT. They can reduce the recurrence rate, adjust the levels of free triiodothyronine and free thyroid hormone, and have good safety.

A novel charge derivatization-direct infusion mass spectrometry method for the quantitative analysis of C1-C8 fatty acids in rubber seed oil-based biodiesel.

The free fatty acids that contain one to eight carbons (C1-C8) in biodiesel would affect the quality of biodiesel. It is still a matter of challenge to simultaneously determine the composition of C1-C8 fatty acids in seed oil and seed oil-based biodiesel. Herein, a novel method of charge derivatization coupling with direct infusion mass spectrometry (CD-DIMS) was developed for the determination of the C1-C8 fatty acids in biodiesels. A fixed-charge derivatization reagent, 1-cyclohexyl-3-(2-morpholinoethyl)carbodiimide (CMCT), was used to convert fatty acids into their cationic derivatives, which significantly improved the sensitivity and selectivity of detection. Good linearity was observed with the limits of detection (LODs) in the range of 0.0002-0.001 µg mL-1 for the investigated fatty acids. The recovery was in the range of 85.1%-101.9% and the matrix effect was within the range of 75.5-93.2%. The developed method was carried out to analyze C1-C8 fatty acids in rubber seed oil (RSO) and RSO-based biodiesels produced by different catalysts, including NaOH, TiO2, and carbodiimide. It was also applied to the dynamic monitoring of C1-C8 fatty acids in RSO and produced RSO biodiesels during the oxidation process. As results, formic acid, acetic acid, and propionic acid were detected in aged RSO and biodiesel samples. The contents of formic acid, acetic acid, and propionic acid all increased in aged RSO and biodiesels, but with different growth rates. These results demonstrated that the developed CD-DIMS method can provide a quick, accurate, and sensitive analysis of C1-C8 fatty acids in seed oil and biodiesel samples.

Falls among older adults with sarcopenia dwelling in nursing home or community: A meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To assess and quantify sarcopenia as a risk for falls among community-dwelling older people and nursing home older persons. METHODS: Prospective cohort studies that evaluated the association between sarcopenia and falls in older adults were identified via a systematic literature search of Medline (via Ovid), PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane CENTRAL Library from database inception until October 15, 2018, in English and Chinese. RESULTS: 10 studies (10,073 participants) were included in the meta-analysis. Among older adults, having sarcopenia was significantly associated with a higher risk of falls, compared to older adults without sarcopenia (pooled OR-odds ratio = 1.52, 95% CI-confidence interval: 1.32-1.77, I2 = 39.1%). In addition, the results of subgroup analysis indicated that male participants with sarcopenia had a higher risk of falls than mixed gender participants with sarcopenia (pooled OR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.36-2.18 versus pooled OR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.16-1.70). Other subgroup analyses were conducted using different study follow-up periods (>1 year versus ≤ 1 year) (pooled OR 1.63, 95% CI: 1.38-1.92 versus 1.20, 95% CI: 0.87-1.65). In addition, community-dwelling older people with sarcopenia was significantly increase risk of fall, compared with non-sarcopenia (pooled OR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.43-2.00), whereas it was not found among nursing home residents (pooled OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 0.84-1.51). Furthermore, sarcopenia definition subgroup analysis found that older adults with sarcopenia increase the risk of falls when using EWGSOP (pooled OR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.19-1.72), FNIH (pooled OR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.39-2.37), AWGS (pooled OR = 7.68, 95% CI: 1.41-41.80), respectively. CONCLUSION: The present study found that sarcopenia is a risk factor for falls among community-dwelling older people, but not among nursing home older persons. Future research is needed to provide evidence for specific interventions aimed at treating sarcopenia and preventing falls among older adults dwelling in the community.

Prevalence and associated factors of depressive symptoms among elderly inpatients of a Chinese tertiary hospital.

BACKGROUND: Depression in the elderly is a serious and often underdiagnosed psychiatric disorder that has been linked to adverse outcomes in the hospital setting. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of depressive symptoms and associated factors among elderly hospital inpatients. METHODS: The cross-sectional study included 411 consecutively hospitalized patients aged 60 years and older. Participants were evaluated within 48 hours of admission using an interviewer-administered questionnaire including the Geriatric Depression Scale and comprehensive geriatric assessment to provide basic demographic and clinical information. RESULTS: Most of the participants were male (64.5%), with a mean (SD) age of 75.9 (8.1) years between 60 and 97 years. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 32.8%. Univariate analysis showed significant associations between depressive symptoms and older age, female gender, lower body mass index, number of chronic diseases, impaired family function, impaired cognition, malnutrition, increased frailty, and decreased ability to perform activities of daily living. After logistic regression, variables that remained significantly associated with depression were cognitive decline (odds ratio =1.97, 95% CI: 1.09-3.55), poor family function (odds ratio =2.01, 95% CI: 1.10-3.66), and frailty (odds ratio =5.07, 95% CI: 1.95-13.20). Depressive symptoms were independently associated with prolonged hospital length. CONCLUSION: Depressive symptoms were prevalent among hospitalized elderly and independently associated with cognitive decline, poor family function, and frailty. Therefore, it is essential to screen for depression and perform a comprehensive geriatric assessment in these patients to identify and manage depressive symptoms.

NDRG1 disruption alleviates cisplatin/sodium glycididazole-induced DNA damage response and apoptosis in ERCC1-defective lung cancer cells.

BACKGROUND: Resistance to platinum-based chemotherapy becomes a major obstacle in lung cancer treatment. Compensatory activation of nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway is the major mechanism accounting for cisplatin-resistance. We aimed at identifying additional regulators in NER-mediated chemoresistance in a hypoxic setting induced by sodium glycididazole (CMNa)-sensitized cisplatin chemotherapy of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: We performed an RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) analysis to identify the genes whose expression had been differentially regulated in NER-deficient cells that had been treated by cisplatin/CMNa. DNA damage, apoptosis, and correlational analysis between the differentially expressed gene and drug sensitivity were determined by Western blots, flow cytometry and Oncomine expression analysis. RESULTS: The stress response gene, NDRG1 (N-Myc downstream-regulated gene 1), was among the differentially expressed genes in NER-deficient cells upon treatment of cisplatin/CMNa. Downregulation of NDRG1 by ERCC1 (excision repair cross-complementing 1) could be a prevalent mechanism for drug resistance. Furthermore, lower NDRG1 level is observed in human lung cancer cells showing chemotherapeutic drug resistance compared with the drug-sensitive cells. CONCLUSION: NDRG1 is an important modulator linking DNA damage response and hypoxia-related cellular stress response during the development of drug resistance to cisplatin/CMNa in lung cancer. Targeting both NDRG1 and ERCC1 may be a viable strategy for overcoming drug resistance in cancer therapy, and has significant clinical implications.