ABSTRACT
The rising prevalence of diabetes mellitus has casted a spotlight on one of its significant sequelae: cognitive impairment. Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, originally developed for diabetes management, are increasingly studied for their cognitive benefits. These benefits may include reduction of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, decrease of amyloid burdens, enhancement of neuronal plasticity, and improved cerebral glucose utilization. The multifaceted effects and the relatively favorable side-effect profile of SGLT2 inhibitors render them a promising therapeutic candidate for cognitive disorders. Nonetheless, the application of SGLT2 inhibitors for cognitive impairment is not without its limitations, necessitating more comprehensive research to fully determine their therapeutic potential for cognitive treatment. In this review, we discuss the role of SGLT2 in neural function, elucidate the diabetes-cognition nexus, and synthesize current knowledge on the cognitive effects of SGLT2 inhibitors based on animal studies and clinical evidence. Research gaps are proposed to spur further investigation.
Subject(s)
Cognitive Dysfunction , Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors , Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors/pharmacology , Humans , Cognitive Dysfunction/drug therapy , Cognitive Dysfunction/psychology , Cognitive Dysfunction/metabolism , Animals , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/drug therapyABSTRACT
Intestinal fibrosis is a prevalent complication of IBD that that can frequently be triggered by prolonged inflammation. Fibrosis in the gut can cause a number of issues, which continue as an ongoing challenge to healthcare systems worldwide. The primary causes of intestinal fibrosis are soluble molecules, G protein-coupled receptors, epithelial-to-mesenchymal or endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and the gut microbiota. Fresh perspectives coming from in vivo and in vitro experimental models demonstrate that fibrogenic pathways might be different, at least to some extent, independent of the ones that influence inflammation. Understanding the distinctive procedures of intestinal fibrogenesis should provide a realistic foundation for targeting and blocking specific fibrogenic pathways, estimating the risk of fibrotic consequences, detecting early fibrotic alterations, and eventually allowing therapy development. Here, we first summarize the inflammatory and non-inflammatory components of fibrosis, and then we elaborate on the underlying mechanism associated with multiple cytokines in fibrosis, providing the framework for future clinical practice. Following that, we discuss the relationship between modernization and disease, as well as the shortcomings of current studies. We outline fibrosis diagnosis and therapy, as well as our recommendations for the future treatment of intestinal fibrosis. We anticipate that the global review will provides a wealth of fresh knowledge and suggestions for future fibrosis clinical practice.
Subject(s)
Fibrosis , Inflammation , Humans , Inflammation/pathology , Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/complications , Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/pathology , Intestines/pathology , Animals , Gastrointestinal Microbiome , Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition , Cytokines/metabolismABSTRACT
Osteoporosis is a prevalent chronic metabolic bone disease that poses a significant risk of fractures or mortality in elderly individuals. Its pathophysiological basis is often attributed to postmenopausal estrogen deficiency and natural aging, making the progression of primary osteoporosis among elderly people, especially older women, seemingly inevitable. The treatment and prevention of osteoporosis progression have been extensively discussed. Recently, as researchers delve deeper into the molecular biological mechanisms of bone remodeling, they have come to realize the crucial role of posttranscriptional gene control in bone metabolism homeostasis. RNA-binding proteins, as essential actors in posttranscriptional activities, may exert influence on osteoporosis progression by regulating the RNA life cycle. This review compiles recent findings on the involvement of RNA-binding proteins in abnormal bone metabolism in osteoporosis and describes the impact of some key RNA-binding proteins on bone metabolism regulation. Additionally, we explore the potential and rationale for modulating RNA-binding proteins as a means of treating osteoporosis, with an overview of drugs that target these proteins.
Subject(s)
Osteoporosis , Female , Humans , Aged , Osteoporosis/drug therapy , Aging , Bone and Bones , HomeostasisABSTRACT
In clinical trials, rhubarb extract (Rb) was demonstrated to efficiently alleviate constipation. We would like to find out the underlying mechanism of rhubarb relieving constipation. However, there are few studies on the effects of rhubarb on colonic mucus secretion and constipation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of rhubarb on colonic mucus secretion and its underlying mechanism. The mice were randomly divided into four groups. Group I was the control group and Group II was the rhubarb control group, with Rb (24 g/kg body weight [b.w.]) administered through intragastric administration for three days. Group III mice were given diphenoxylate (20 mg/kg b.w.) for five days via gavage to induce constipation. Group IV received diphenoxylate lasting five days before undergoing Rb administration for three days. The condition of the colon was evaluated using an endoscope. Particularly, the diameter of blood vessels in the colonic mucosa expanded considerably in constipation mice along with diminishing mucus output, which was in line with the observation via scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). We also performed metagenomic analysis to reveal the microbiome related to mucin gene expression level referring to mucin secretion. In conclusion, Rb relieves constipation by rebuilding mucus homeostasis and regulating the microbiome.
Subject(s)
Rheum , Mice , Animals , Diphenoxylate/metabolism , Diphenoxylate/pharmacology , Diphenoxylate/therapeutic use , Mucins/metabolism , Mucins/pharmacology , Mucins/therapeutic use , Constipation/drug therapy , Constipation/metabolism , Colon/metabolism , Mucus/metabolism , HomeostasisABSTRACT
Intestinal diseases have always posed a serious threat to human health, with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) being one of them. IBD is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation, including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). The "alarm" cytokine IL-33, which is intimately associated with Th2 immunity, is a highly potent inflammatory factor that is considered to have dual functions-operating as both a pro-inflammatory cytokine and a transcriptional regulator. IL-33 has been shown to play a crucial role in both the onset and development of IBD. Therefore, this review focuses on the pathogenesis of IBD, the major receptor cell types, and the activities of IL-33 in innate and adaptive immunity, as well as its underlying mechanisms and conflicting conclusions in IBD. We have also summarized different medicines targeted to IL-33-associated diseases. Furthermore, we have emphasized the role of IL-33 in gastrointestinal cancer and parasitic infections, giving novel prospective therapeutic utility in the future application of IL-33.
Subject(s)
Colitis, Ulcerative , Crohn Disease , Inflammatory Bowel Diseases , Humans , Cytokines , Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/drug therapy , Interleukin-33ABSTRACT
Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), a subtype of DC, possess unique developmental, morphological, and functional traits that have sparked much debate over the years whether they should be categorized as DCs. The digestive system has the greatest mucosal tissue overall, and the pDC therein is responsible for shaping the adaptive and innate immunity of the gastrointestinal tract, resisting pathogen invasion through generating type I interferons, presenting antigens, and participating in immunological responses. Therefore, its alleged importance in the gut has received a lot of attention in recent years, and a fresh functional overview is still required. Here, we summarize the current understanding of mouse and human pDCs, ranging from their formation and different qualities compared with related cell types to their functional characteristics in intestinal disorders, including colon cancer, infections, autoimmune diseases, and intestinal graft-versus-host disease. The purpose of this review is to convey our insights, demonstrate the limits of existing research, and lay a theoretical foundation for the rational development and use of pDCs in future clinical practice.
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(1) Background: Depression is the most prevalent psychiatric symptom present among individuals of all ages and backgrounds, impacting an estimated 300 million people globally. Therefore, it demands a significant amount of attention when it comes to managing depression. A growing amount of data reveal that probiotics and fatty acids could be beneficial to depression. However, the opposing position maintains that they have no influence on depression. A network meta-analyses of existing datasets aid in the estimation of comparative efficacy as well as in achieving an understanding of the relative merits of different therapies. The purpose of this study was to investigate the current evidence for probiotic or fatty acid depression therapy and to establish a practical alternative for depression patients using a meta-analysis and metagenomic data from a Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) depressed rat model. (2) Methods: Probiotic data were obtained from seven randomized controlled trial studies (n = 394), and fatty acid data were obtained from 24 randomized controlled trial studies (n = 1876). Meanwhile, a metagenomics analysis of data on animal gut flora was also applied to validate the preceding evidence. (3) Results: The fatty acid studies were separated into three sections based on the duration of probiotic delivery: ≤8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, and >12 weeks. The results were as follows: for ≤8 weeks, MD = -1.65 (95% CI: -2.96--0.15), p = 0.01; for 9-12 weeks, MD = -2.22 (95% CI: -3.03--1.22), p < 0.001; for >12 weeks, MD = -1.23 (95% CI: -2.85-0.39), p = 0.14. Regarding the probiotics, the meta-analysis revealed MD = -2.19 (95% CI: -3.38--2.43), p < 0.001. The research presented herein illustrates that probiotics and fatty acids may successfully lower depression scores. Additionally, the probiotics were drastically reduced in the WKY rats. (4) Conclusions: According to the data, a depression intervention utilizing probiotics outperformed the control, implying that the use of probiotics and fatty acids may be a successful strategy for depression treatment.
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Background: Glioma is one of the most malignant and aggressive tumors, with an extremely poor prognosis. Human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) promoter mutation is regarded as a risk factor in tumor growth. Although the prevalence of hTERT promoter (pTERT) mutation in gliomas has been investigated, the results are inconsistent. This meta-analysis aims to investigate the prognostic value of hTERT in glioma patients and its interaction with other biomarkers. Materials and Methods: We searched 244 citations from four databases: PubMed (2000-2021), Web of Science (2000-2021), Embase (2010-2021), and Cochrane Library (2000-2021) with 28 articles included. Results: We calculated hazard ratios (HRs) using the random effect model and the pooled result suggested that TERT promoter mutation predicted poorer overall survival (HR: 1.53, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.34-1.75, P < 0.001, I2: 49.9%, pheterogeneity:0.002) and progression-free survival (HR: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.27-1.88, P < 0.001, I2: 0.0%, pheterogeneity: 0.473). For subgroup analysis, we analyzed multiple factors including iso-citrate dehydrogenase (IDH) genotype, age, diagnosis, pTERT region, so as to locate the sources of heterogeneity. Interestingly, in IDH mutant subgroup, pTERT mutation became a beneficial prognostic factor (HR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.57-0.93, I2: 22.3%, pheterogeneity: 0.277), which is contrary to the results in pooled analysis. Conclusion: In general, pTERT mutation may result in shorter survival time in glioma patients, but longer survival time when glioma patients are combined with IDH mutation.
ABSTRACT
Riboswitches are functional RNA elements that regulate gene expression by directly detecting metabolites. Twenty years have passed since it was first discovered, researches on riboswitches are becoming increasingly standardized and refined, which could significantly promote people's cognition of RNA function as well. Here, we focus on some representative orphan riboswitches, enumerate the structural and functional transformation and artificial design of riboswitches including the coupling with ribozymes, hoping to attain a comprehensive understanding of riboswitch research.
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Due to mucin's important protective effect on epithelial tissue, it has garnered extensive attention. The role played by mucus in the digestive tract is undeniable. On the one hand, mucus forms "biofilm" structures that insulate harmful substances from direct contact with epithelial cells. On the other hand, a variety of immune molecules in mucus play a crucial role in the immune regulation of the digestive tract. Due to the enormous number of microorganisms in the gut, the biological properties of mucus and its protective actions are more complicated. Numerous pieces of research have hinted that the aberrant expression of intestinal mucus is closely related to impaired intestinal function. Therefore, this purposeful review aims to provide the highlights of the biological characteristics and functional categorization of mucus synthesis and secretion. In addition, we highlight a variety of the regulatory factors for mucus. Most importantly, we also summarize some of the changes and possible molecular mechanisms of mucus during certain disease processes. All these are beneficial to clinical practice, diagnosis, and treatment and can provide some potential theoretical bases. Admittedly, there are still some deficiencies or contradictory results in the current research on mucus, but none of this diminishes the importance of mucus in protective impacts.
Subject(s)
Intestinal Mucosa , Mucus , Intestinal Mucosa/metabolism , Mucus/metabolism , Epithelial Cells , Biofilms , EpitheliumABSTRACT
Hypertension (HTN) is a common endpoint for numerous cardiovascular diseases, the prevalence of which has been quickly increasing due to a wide range of reasons. Previous research has found that following stress, ELISA and 16S rDNA sequencing indicated substantial changes in plasma cytokines or hormones, as well as alterations in gut microbiota in juvenile hypertensive rats. However, it remains still unclear how such interaction modifications affect microbial populations and organismal function. Stress-related hormones show a significant drop. Similar to earlier research, the stress group had dramatically increased release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-17. Importantly, a unified collection of tools that allows for deep and comprehensive colonic structural investigation has been developed. Stress may limit the transition of macrophages (Mφs) to M1Mφs while increasing the transfer to M2Mφs. Evidence highlighted that tight junction proteins were decreased along with enhancement in intestinal permeability. Morphological analysis revealed that the SHR-S group exhibited considerably higher levels of morphological alterations and fibrosis in colon, heart, and thoracic aorta tissues.Significant improvements in bacteria linked with short-chain fatty acid synthesis, such as Prevotella and Ruminococcus, were discovered by metagenomic analysis. Adult hypertensive rats are more susceptible to gut microbiota disruption and fibrosis as a result of mild restraint stress. This might contribute to some innovative ideas for HTN both treatment and prevention.
Subject(s)
Gastrointestinal Microbiome , Hypertension , Rats , Animals , Blood Pressure , Rats, Inbred SHR , FibrosisABSTRACT
Vascular fibrosis is a widespread pathologic condition that arises during vascular remodeling in cardiovascular dysfunctions. According to previous studies, vascular fibrosis is characterized by endothelial matrix deposition and vascular wall thickening. The RAAS and TGF-ß/Smad signaling pathways have been frequently highlighted. It is, however, far from explicit in terms of understanding the cause and progression of vascular fibrosis. In this review, we collected and categorized a large number of molecules which influence the fibrosing process, in order to acquire a better understanding of vascular fibrosis, particularly of pathologic dysfunction. Furthermore, several mediators that prevent vascular fibrosis are discussed in depth in this review, with the aim that this will contribute to the future prevention and treatment of related conditions.
ABSTRACT
Background: Constipation is a common syndrome and a worldwide healthy problem. Constipation patients are becoming younger, with a 29.6% overall prevalence in children, which has captured significant attention because of its epigenetic rejuvenation and recurrent episodes. Despite the usage of rhubarb extract to relieve constipation, novel targets and genes implicated in target-relevant pathways with remarkable functionalities should still be sought for. Materials and methods: We established a reliable constipation model in C57B/6N male mice using intragastric administration diphenoxylate, and the eligible subjects received 600 mg/25 g rhubarb extract to alleviate constipation. Resultant constipation was morphological and genetically compared with the specimen from different groups. Results: Constipation mice exhibited thicker muscle layers, higher levels of cytokines, including IL-17 and IL-23, and lower content of IL-22. Bacterial abundance and diversity varied tremendously. Notably, the alterations were reversed following rhubarb extract treatment. Additionally, Constipation also had a substantial impact on short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), medium- and long-chain fatty acids (MLCFAs), and the expression of SCFA receptors, GPR41 and GPR43. Conclusion: This thesis has provided insight that rhubarb extract promoted the flexibility of collagen fiber, reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines, enhanced anti-inflammatory cytokines, and maintained gut microflora balance with potential impacts on the fatty acid and polyamine metabolism.
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[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.708336.].
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[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.864039.].
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Reference-quality genomes of both sexes are essential for studying sex determination and sex-chromosome evolution, as their gene contents and expression profiles differ. Here, we present independent chromosome-level genome assemblies for the female (XX) and male (XY) genomes of desert poplar (Populus euphratica), resolving a 22.7-Mb X and 24.8-Mb Y chromosome. We also identified a relatively complete 761-kb sex-linked region (SLR) in the peritelomeric region on chromosome 14 (Y). Within the SLR, recombination around the partial repeats for the feminizing factor ARR17 (ARABIDOPSIS RESPONSE REGULATOR 17) was potentially suppressed by flanking palindromic arms and the dense accumulation of retrotransposons. The inverted small segments S1 and S2 of ARR17 exhibited relaxed selective pressure and triggered sex determination by generating 24-nt small interfering RNAs that induce male-specific hyper-methylation at the promoter of the autosomal targeted ARR17. We also detected two male-specific fusion genes encoding proteins with NB-ARC domains at the breakpoint region of an inversion in the SLR that may be responsible for the observed sexual dimorphism in immune responses. Our results show that the SLR appears to follow proposed evolutionary dynamics for sex chromosomes and advance our understanding of sex determination and the evolution of sex chromosomes in Populus.
Subject(s)
Populus , Populus/genetics , Sex Characteristics , Sex Chromosomes/genetics , Genome, PlantABSTRACT
The gut microbiota is the most abundant and diverse microbiota in the human body and the vagus nerve is the most widely distributed and complex nerve in the body, both of them are essential in maintaining homeostasis. The most important phenomenon is how they coordinate to regulate functions, which has attracted the great attention of scientists. The academic literature on the correlation with a host of intestinal diseases and even systemic diseases has revealed the bidirectional communication between the gut microbiota and the brain, which can be carried out via multiple patterns. In the review, firstly, we have a general overview of the gut microbiota and the gut microbiota-brain axis. Secondly, according to the distribution characteristics of the vagus nerve, we analyzed and summarized its function in the intestinal tract. At the same time, we have summarized the underlying mechanism of some behavior changes such as depressive and anxiety-like behaviors and related neurodegenerative diseases caused by the vagus nerve and intestinal microecological environment disorders, and then we also analyzed inconsistency of the experimental evidence in order to propose novel strategies for the clinical practice.
ABSTRACT
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.817392.].
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With the incidence of hypertension increasing worldwide, more and more the mechanisms of hypertension from the perspective of immunity have found. Intestinal microbiota as well as its metabolites relationship with hypertension has attracted great attention from both clinicians and investigators. However, the associations of hypertension with lesions of a large number of immune factors including IL-17, MCP-1, IL-6, TGF-ß, IL-10 and others have not been fully characterized. In this review, after introducing the immune factors as the most potent anti/pro-hypertension agents known, we provide detailed descriptions of the IL-17 involved in the pathology of hypertension, pointing out the underlying mechanisms and suggesting the clinical indications.
ABSTRACT
Inflammatory bowel disease has been a growing concern of lots of people globally, including both adults and children. As a chronic inflammatory disease of the intestine, even though the etiology of inflammatory bowel disease is still unclear, the available evidence from clinic observations has suggested a close association with microorganisms. The oral microbiota possesses the characteristics of a large number and abundant species, second only to the intestinal microbiota in the human body; as a result, it successfully attracts the attention of researchers. The highly diverse commensal oral microbiota is not only a normal part of the oral cavity but also has a pronounced impact on the pathophysiology of general health. Numerous studies have shown the potential associations between the oral microbiota and inflammatory bowel disease. Inflammatory bowel disease can affect the composition of the oral microbiota and lead to a range of oral pathologies. In turn, there are a variety of oral microorganisms involved in the development and progression of inflammatory bowel disease, including Streptococcus spp., Fusobacterium nucleatum, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Campylobacter concisus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Saccharibacteria (TM7), and Candida albicans. Based on the above analysis, the purpose of this review is to summarize this relationship of mutual influence and give further insight into the detection of flora as a target for the diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease to open up a novel approach in future clinical practice.