Chronic Degenerative Diseases Research Articles

EEF2 improves dense connective tissue repair and healing outcome by regulating cellular death, autophagy, apoptosis, proliferation and migration

Outcomes following human dense connective tissue (DCT) repair are often variable and suboptimal, resulting in compromised function and development of chronic painful degenerative diseases. Moreover, biomarkers and mechanisms that guide good clinical outcomes after DCT injuries are mostly unknown. Here, we characterize the proteomic landscape of DCT repair following human Achilles tendon rupture and its association with long-term patient-reported outcomes. Moreover, the potential regulatory mechanisms of relevant biomarkers were assessed partly by gene silencing experiments. A mass-spectrometry based proteomic approach quantified a large number (769) of proteins, including 51 differentially expressed proteins among 20 good versus 20 poor outcome patients. A novel biomarker, elongation factor-2 (eEF2) was identified as being strongly prognostic of the 1-year clinical outcome. Further bioinformatic and experimental investigation revealed that eEF2 positively regulated autophagy, cell proliferation and migration, as well as reduced cell death and apoptosis, leading to improved DCT repair and outcomes. Findings of eEF2 as novel prognostic biomarker could pave the way for new targeted treatments to improve healing outcomes after DCT injuries.Trial registration: NCT02318472 registered 17 December 2014 and NCT01317160 registered 17 March 2011, with URL http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02318472 and http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/NCT01317160.

Cellular senescence and ophthalmic diseases: narrative review.

Cellular senescence is a state of permanent growth arrest whereby a cell reaches its replicative limit. However, senescence can also be triggered prematurely in certain stressors including radiation, oxidative stress, and chemotherapy. This stress-induced senescence has been studied in the context of promoting inflammation, tumor development, and several chronic degenerative diseases of aging. Emerging research has elucidated the role of senescence in various ocular diseases. The literature search was performed using PubMed with using the query (senescence OR aging) AND (eye disease OR ocular disease OR ophthalmic disease OR cornea OR glaucoma OR cataract OR retina) on October 20th, 2022. No time restriction was proposed. Articles were excluded if they were not referenced in English. Overall, 51 articles regarding senescence and ocular diseases were found and summarized in this study. Several signaling pathways have been implicated in the development of senescence. Currently, senescence has been linked to various corneal and retinal pathologies, as well as cataract and glaucoma. Given the number of pathologies, senolytics, which are small molecules with the ability to selective targeting of senescent cells, can be used as therapeutic or prophylactic agents. Senescence has been shown to underlie the pathogenesis of numerous ocular diseases. The overall literature on senescence and ocular disease is growing rapidly. There is an ongoing debate whether or not cellular senescence detected in experiments contributes in a significant way to diseases. Research on understanding the mechanism of senescence from ocular cells and tissues is just beginning. Multiple animal models are required to test potential senolytics. Currently, no studies exist to date which have demonstrated the benefits of senolytic therapies in human studies.

Mayan diet model based on the Mediterranean diet as a nutritional alternative for southeastern Mexico

Nutritional education in Mexico is a necessary strategy to address the serious public health problem that is currently being experienced, since the population is suffering from chronic degenerative diseases, such as obesity, dyslipidemias, arterial hypertension and pathologies that unfortunately are already present in children thanks to a poor and unbalanced diet. Seeking alternatives for food orientation and for reducing these health problems, the Mediterranean diet was taken as an inspiring model. This healthy pattern, which has been recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity, is characterized by several structural elements, such as the promotion of regional and seasonal food, the respect of the nature, the cooking food at home, the consumption of a moderate amount of food, the promotion of family ties and communication, the practice of daily physical exercise and adequate rest. The proposal for a Mediterranean-based Mayan diet model also aims to integrate the entity’s native resources, promote food security in the southeast region of Mexico nd preserve the ancient recipes that have been inherited from our Mayan ancestors.

Euthanasia and Pain in Canine Patients with Terminal and Chronic-Degenerative Diseases: Ethical and Legal Aspects

Euthanasia is commonly performed in veterinary medicine to humanely induce the death of an animal when its quality of life is affected by pain or chronic degenerative diseases. The choice of euthanasia is a bilateral decision that represents a challenge for both the veterinarian and the owner of the animal due to the close emotional human-animal bond. Currently, there is legislation that can orient veterinarians concerning euthanasia and the causes that would justify this resolution. However, it is still controversial, and deciding it as the last available resort requires considering it from a medical, legal, and moral perspective. Therefore, this review aims to explore the ethical and legal implications of euthanasia in canine patients. It will analyze the reason that can justify euthanasia in animals with pain or terminal and chronic degenerative diseases, highlighting the importance of effective communication, ethical knowledge, and consideration of euthanasia as a multimodal resolution.

Role of sleep disorders during gestation on fetal programming for the development of obesity and chronic-degenerative diseases

Role of sleep disorders during gestation on fetal programming for the development of obesity and chronic-degenerative diseases

Targeting a novel apoptotic pathway in human disease.

Apoptotic pathways have always been regarded as a key-player in preserving tissue and organ homeostasis. Excessive activation or resistance to activation of cell death signaling may indeed be responsible for several mechanisms of disease, including malignancy and chronic degenerative diseases. Therefore, targeting apoptotic factors gained more and more attention in the scientific community and novel strategies emerged aimed at selectively blocking or stimulating cell death signaling. This is also the case for the TMEM219 death receptor, which is activated by a circulating ligand, the Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP3) and induces a caspase-8-dependent apoptosis of the target cells. Interestingly, stimulation of the IGFBP3/TMEM219 axis exerts an anti-proliferative effect, while blockade of the TMEM219 deleterious signal protects TMEM219-expressing cells of the endocrine pancreas, lung, and intestine from damage and death. Here, we summarize the most updated reports on the role of the IGFBP3/TMEM219 apoptotic axis in disease conditions, including intestinal disorders and diabetes, and we describe the advancements in designing and testing novel TMEM219-based targeting approaches in emerging potential clinical applications.

Nursing Actions after Hip Total Joint Replacement Surgery

The joint replacement surgery is one of the greatest achievements of medicine these days. They are one of the most effective surgical interventions, performed recently, both in medical and economic terms [1].
 Every year in Lithuania as well as worldwide, the number of joint replacement surgeries is constantly increasing. This is influenced by the ageing population as well as the increasing number of people with chronic degenerative joint diseases [2].
 Despite the fact that hip, knee total joint replacement surgeries have become routine orthopedic surgeries, however, special care and nursing by medical employees are required during the postoperative period.
 The purpose of the research. To analyze nursing actions after the hip total joint replacement surgery. A quantitative survey has been performed by the questionnaire method; its participants were nurses, working in health care institutions of Utena City.
 The research revealed that the nurses shall assess the patient's general condition, his/her vital indicators, the wound, the drains and solve theproblems that have occurred.

Glaucoma and aging: therapeutic difficulties experienced by the elderly

Introduction: Glaucoma is a public health problem among chronic-degenerative visual diseases due to its high incidence and for causing disability. Thus, the Glaucoma Patient Assistance Program was created to improve follow-up and avoid bleak prognoses. Objectives: to analyze the difficulties of the elderly in the use of eye drops for the treatment of glaucoma.Methods: an exploratory research was carried out where the population was composed of elderly patients with glaucoma treated at the Integrated Unit of Ipiranga linked to Basic Care in District III of João Pessoa-PB, a questionnaire was the instrument for data collection for the 61 participants. Results: it was found that 38 (62.3%) %) of the participants , 53 (87%) received 1-2 minimum wages, and 23 (37.7%) studied only until primary school. As for administration, 37 (60.7%) had no problems remembering if they had already used the eye drops, 39 (63.9%) had no difficulty using it, and 34 (55.7%) were unable to follow its use in the basic assistance. Conclusion: respondents have their obstacles to medication adherence regardless of the disease, the lack of follow-up in basic care only adds another one, so that’s why educating them would enable lower dropout rates and better prognoses.

Osteopontin: A Bone-Derived Protein Involved in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis Immunopathology.

Osteopontin (OPN) is a bone-derived phosphoglycoprotein related to physiological and pathological mechanisms that nowadays has gained relevance due to its role in the immune system response to chronic degenerative diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). OPN is an extracellular matrix (ECM) glycoprotein that plays a critical role in bone remodeling. Therefore, it is an effector molecule that promotes joint and cartilage destruction observed in clinical studies, in vitro assays, and animal models of RA and OA. Since OPN undergoes multiple modifications, including posttranslational changes, proteolytic cleavage, and binding to a wide range of receptors, the mechanisms by which it produces its effects, in some cases, remain unclear. Although there is strong evidence that OPN contributes significantly to the immunopathology of RA and OA when considering it as a common denominator molecule, some experimental trial results argue for its protective role in rheumatic diseases. Elucidating in detail OPN involvement in bone and cartilage degeneration is of interest to the field of rheumatology. This review aims to provide evidence of the OPN's multifaceted role in promoting joint and cartilage destruction and propose it as a common denominator of AR and OA immunopathology.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN THE MAINTENANCE OF THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF ELDERLY PEOPLE WITH OSTEOPOROSIS

Osteoporosis is considered one of the most common chronic degenerative diseases in the elderly, and is currently recognized as a major public health problem in the world, characterized by reduced bone mass and deterioration of tissue microarchitecture, which weakens the bones making them more fragile and susceptible to fractures. Physical activity influences the maintenance of normal bone activities, being recommended in the treatment of osteoporosis, besides providing several benefits, both physical, psychological, and social, which are of great relevance for the promotion and maintenance of health and quality of life. Therefore, the interest in the subject of this article arises, which aims to verify in the scientific literature the influence of physical exercise in the treatment of osteoporosis in elders and the importance of the practice for the maintenance of life quality, as well as to identify which types of physical activities are more appropriate for the treatment of osteoporosis in seniors. For this study, a narrative literature review was carried out using the electronic databases SciELO, PubMed, and LILACS, with the following descriptors in Portuguese: osteoporose, idosos, atividade física e qualidade de vida; and in English: osteoporosis, physical activity, elderly, and quality of life. Regarding quality of life and physical aspects such as strength and balance, all the studies reported improvement in the quality of life and physical indicators of the participants, except for one. The adherence to a routine of physical exercises in the elderly population with osteoporosis proved to be essential for the maintenance of health and well being, acting both in the treatment and prevention of this pathology. The greatest benefits were evidenced with the association of resistance training to balance training, aerobic exercises, mobility, and stretching.

Phenolic content and antioxidant activity of medicinal plants

Medicinal plants have played an essential role in the development of human culture. Today, the contribution of plants in industries such as fine chemicals, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, drugs, and industrial raw materials is remarkable. Recent studies have shown that plants have constituents with functional properties that effectively treat and prevent chronic degenerative diseases. Based on the importance of medicinal plants, this study aimed to quantify the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of 10 medicinal plants. The phenolic content was quantified using the Swain and Hillis method with a Folin-Ciocalteau reagent, while the antioxidant activity was determined using a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) reagent. The samples were dried in a circulating air incubator at 60 ºC for 48 h before phenolic extraction. The compounds were extracted with 50% v/v ethanol, 50% v/v acetone, and distilled water. The results of this study showed that 80% of the plants analyzed had similar phenolic contents that were not statistically different, with an average content of 4.864 mg GAE g-1. The antioxidant activity ranged from 30% to 75%. The ability to scavenge free radicals was expressed as the percentage of inhibition of the oxidation of the radical. In addition, no significant differences were observed in the yield obtained from the extraction solvents, 50% v/v ethanol and 50% v/v acetone, used in this study.

In vitro and in silico studies of 7′′,8′′-buddlenol D anti-inflammatory lignans from Carallia brachiata as p38 MAP kinase inhibitors

Excessive macrophage activation induces the release of high levels of inflammatory mediators which not only amplify chronic inflammation and degenerative diseases but also exacerbate fever and retard wound healing. To identify anti-inflammatory molecules, we examined Carallia brachiata—a medicinal terrestrial plant from Rhizophoraceae. Furofuran lignans [(−)-(7′′R,8′′S)-buddlenol D (1) and (−)-(7′′S,8′′S)-buddlenol D (2)] isolated from the stem and bark inhibited nitric oxide (half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50): 9.25 ± 2.69 and 8.43 ± 1.20 micromolar for 1 and 2, respectively) and prostaglandin E2 (IC50: 6.15 ± 0.39 and 5.70 ± 0.97 micromolar for 1 and 2, respectively) productions in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7 cells. From western blotting, 1 and 2 suppressed LPS-induced inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 expression in a dose-dependent manner (0.3–30 micromolar). Moreover, analysis of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway showed decreased p38 phosphorylation levels in 1- and 2-treated cells, while phosphorylated ERK1/2 and JNK levels were unaffected. This discovery agreed with in silico studies which suggested 1 and 2 bound to the ATP-binding site in p38-alpha MAPK based on predicted binding affinity and intermolecular interaction docking. In summary, 7′′,8′′-buddlenol D epimers demonstrated anti-inflammatory activities via p38 MAPK inhibition and may be used as viable anti-inflammatory therapies.

Impact on Glycemic Variation Caused by a Change in the Dietary Intake Sequence

This work presents an analysis of the effect on glycemic variation caused by modifying the macronutrient intake sequence in a person without a diagnosis of diabetes. In this work, three types of nutritional studies were developed: (1) glucose variation under conditions of daily intake (food mixture); (2) glucose variation under conditions of daily intake modifying the macronutrient intake sequence; (3) glucose variation after a modification in the diet and macronutrient intake sequence. The focus of this research is to obtain preliminary results on the effectiveness of a nutritional intervention based on the modification of the sequence of macronutrient intake in a healthy person during 14-day periods. The results obtained corroborate the positive effect on the glucose of consuming vegetables, fiber, or proteins before carbohydrates, decreasing the peaks in the postprandial glucose curves (vegetables: 113-117 mg/dL; proteins: 107-112 mg/dL; carbohydrates: 115-125 mg/dL) and reducing the average levels of blood glucose concentrations (vegetables: 87-95 mg/dL; proteins: 82-99 mg/dL; carbohydrates: 90-98 mg/dL). The present work demonstrates the preliminary potential of the sequence in the macronutrient intake for the generation of alternatives of prevention and solution of chronic degenerative diseases, improving the management of glucose in the organism and permeating in the reduction of weight and the state of health of the individuals.

HEMOXIGENASE-1, IRON, AND BILIRUBIN LEVELS AS OXIDATIVE STRESS INDICATORS OF COLLOIDAL SILVER EXPOSURE IN HUMAN LYMPHOCYTES

Introduction:Colloidal silver and nanoparticles (AgNPs) are used to disinfect fruits and vegetables as well as to purify water. Its consumption induces oxidative stress and activate antioxidant mechanisms such as catalase and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) at cellular level. The HO-1 attenuatesthe toxic effectsof metals andROSinvolved inchronic degenerative diseases. Objective: Analyze the effects of Fe++ and bilirubin, products of HO-1 induction by exposure to Colloidal Silver (CS) and its association with oxidative stress parameters Methods: A primary human lymphocytes were exposed to different doses 0.036μg /mL, 0.36μg/ mL and 3.6 μg/mL of colloidal silver and after of 0.5, 2 and 24 hrs, and HO-1 and its productsironand bilirubin were measurement, also protein levelsby colorimetric methods. Data wereanalyzed usingSPSS software, version18,to determinethe association betweenthe parameters Results: TheCS increases HO-1 activity and was associated with bilirubin and iron R=0.518, p=0.0001. Moreover, ironwas associated with proteins levels, r=0.585 p0.0032, hydroxides r=0.390 p0.002, 8 –Iso r= 0.254 p.054, HO-1 r=0.518 p.0001, bilirubin r=.569 p.002 and tend to associate with cell viability r=-0.227 p.082. Also, Fe at theconcentration of 0.036μg/mL and low time exposurepresents association almost with all markers. Conclusion: Colloidal silver at low concentration and times exposure induce HO-1 highly associated with bilirubin and Fe++, which plays an important role when triggering oxidation damage in the membranes,related with citotoxity. These results can be useful tools to study through Fe the OS development in the chronic degenerative diseases, by exposure to xenobiotics such as CS.

PENGALAMAN KELUARGA DALAM MERAWAT PENDERITA OSTEOARTHRITIS

Osteoarthritis is one of the chronic degenerative diseases experienced by the elderly. Various changes that occur in the elderly affect the elderly in responding to the problems they cause. The family as a home health care provider will react to this response. This study aims to explore the experiences of families in caring for osteoarthritis. This study aims to determine the experience of families in caring for patients with osteoarthritis. Using qualitative research methods with a descriptive phenomenological approach, where researchers will describe, describe and describe clearly and in detail and get in-depth data and focus on the issues to be discussed. Participants were taken randomly from several families whose family members suffered from osteoarthritis. The number of participants in this study was nine participants. The results of this study identified two themes: family experience in caring for osteoarthritis sufferers and obstacles or obstacles in caring for osteoarthritis sufferers. It was concluded that the patients with osteoarthritis at home were mainly carried out by the families of the participants, both husbands, wives, and biological children. Experience in caring for people with osteoarthritis carried out by the family includes the family's efforts to overcome the symptoms experienced in osteoarthritis sufferers, experiencing changes in emotional responses, and experiences of support given by families to sufferers of osteoarthritis. Participants also shared their experiences about problems or obstacles experienced by families in caring for people with osteoarthritis and how to deal with these problems, such as experiencing a lack of knowledge in managing people with osteoarthritis and experiencing limitations in caring for people with osteoarthritis.

Selenium Nanoparticles Improve Quality, Bioactive Compounds and Enzymatic Activity in Jalapeño Pepper Fruits

Trace element malnutrition causes the development of chronic degenerative diseases. The consumption of minerals and other compounds of biochemical origin through the intake of vegetables can attenuate these deficiencies to a great extent. Because the content in the plant depends on the conditions where it develops, there are still deficiencies that should be taken into consideration. For example, in Mexico, the intake of selenium does not cover the recommended daily requirement. The objective of this study was to use selenium nanoparticles (nSe) as a selenium (Se) source and to determine the effects on agronomic indices, antioxidant compounds, enzymatic activity, and accumulation of Se in fruits of a jalapeño pepper crop. Different concentrations of nSe (1, 15, 30, and 45 mg L−1) were supplied via drench to jalapeño pepper plants at 15, 30, 45, and 60 days after transplanting. The results indicate that applying nSe via drench with 45 mg L−1 increased crop yield and antioxidant compounds. Moreover, all doses evaluated modified the activity of the enzymes ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and phenylalanine ammonium lyase (PAL), as well as improved the concentration of Se in fruits. The nSe incorporation via drench is an alternative to increase the content of Se and other nutraceutical compounds in jalapeño pepper fruits, possibly positively influencing human nutrition when consumed.

Neurotrophic Factors as Regenerative Therapy for Neurodegenerative Diseases: Current Status, Challenges and Future Perspectives

Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), multiple sclerosis (MS), spinal cord injury (SCI), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), are characterized by acute or chronic progressive loss of one or several neuronal subtypes. However, despite their increasing prevalence, little progress has been made in successfully treating these diseases. Research has recently focused on neurotrophic factors (NTFs) as potential regenerative therapy for neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we discuss the current state of knowledge, challenges, and future perspectives of NTFs with a direct regenerative effect in chronic inflammatory and degenerative disorders. Various systems for delivery of NTFs, such as stem and immune cells, viral vectors, and biomaterials, have been applied to deliver exogenous NTFs to the central nervous system, with promising results. The challenges that currently need to be overcome include the amount of NTFs delivered, the invasiveness of the delivery route, the blood-brain barrier permeability, and the occurrence of side effects. Nevertheless, it is important to continue research and develop standards for clinical applications. In addition to the use of single NTFs, the complexity of chronic inflammatory and degenerative diseases may require combination therapies targeting multiple pathways or other possibilities using smaller molecules, such as NTF mimetics, for effective treatment.

Gut-Microbiota, and Multiple Sclerosis: Background, Evidence, and Perspectives.

Many scientific studies reveal a significant connection between human intestinal microbiota, eating habits, and the development of chronic-degenerative diseases; therefore, alterations in the composition and function of the microbiota may be accompanied by different chronic inflammatory mechanisms. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS), in which autoreactive immune cells attack the myelin sheaths of the neurons. The purpose of this paper was to describe the main changes that occur in the gut microbiota of MS patients, with a focus on both microbiota and its implications for health and disease, as well as the variables that influence it. Another point stressed by this paper is the role of microbiota as a triggering factor to modulate the responses of the innate and adaptive immune systems, both in the intestine and in the brain. In addition, a comprehensive overview of the taxa modified by the disease is presented, with some points on microbiota modulation as a therapeutic approach for MS. Finally, the significance of gastro-intestinal pains (indirectly related to dysbiosis) was assessed using a case study (questionnaire for MS patients), as was the willingness of MS patients to modulate gut microbiota with probiotics.

Bioinformatic prediction of the molecular links between Alzheimer's disease and diabetes mellitus.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) are chronic degenerative diseases with complex molecular processes that are potentially interconnected. The aim of this work was to predict the potential molecular links between AD and DM2 from different sources of biological information. In this work, data mining of nine databases (DisGeNET, Ensembl, OMIM, Protein Data Bank, The Human Protein Atlas, UniProt, Gene Expression Omnibus, Human Cell Atlas, and PubMed) was performed to identify gene and protein information that was shared in AD and DM2. Next, the information was mapped to human protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks based on experimental data using the STRING web platform. Then, gene ontology biological process (GOBP) and pathway analyses with EnrichR showed its specific and shared biological process and pathway deregulations. Finally, potential biomarkers and drug targets were predicted with the Metascape platform. A total of 1,551 genes shared in AD and DM2 were identified. The highest average degree of nodes within the PPI was for DM2 (average = 2.97), followed by AD (average degree = 2.35). GOBP for AD was related to specific transcriptional and translation genetic terms occurring in neurons cells. The GOBP and pathway information for the association AD-DM2 were linked mainly to bioenergetics and cytokine signaling. Within the AD-DM2 association, 10 hub proteins were identified, seven of which were predicted to be present in plasma and exhibit pharmacological interaction with monoclonal antibodies in use, anticancer drugs, and flavonoid derivatives. Our data mining and analysis strategy showed that there are a plenty of biological information based on experiments that links AD and DM2, which could provide a rational guide to design further diagnosis and treatment for AD and DM2.

Contribution of Trimethylamine N-Oxide (TMAO) to Chronic Inflammatory and Degenerative Diseases.

Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) is a metabolite produced by the gut microbiota and has been mainly associated with an increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in humans. There are factors that affect one's TMAO level, such as diet, drugs, age, and hormones, among others. Gut dysbiosis in the host has been studied recently as a new approach to understanding chronic inflammatory and degenerative diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, metabolic diseases, and Alzheimer's disease. These disease types as well as COVID-19 are known to modulate host immunity. Diabetic and obese patients have been observed to have an increase in their level of TMAO, which has a direct correlation with CVDs. This metabolite is attributed to enhancing the inflammatory pathways through cholesterol and bile acid dysregulation, promoting foam cell formation. Additionally, TMAO activates the transcription factor NF-κB, which, in turn, triggers cytokine production. The result can be an exaggerated inflammatory response capable of inducing endoplasmic reticulum stress, which is responsible for various diseases. Due to the deleterious effects that this metabolite causes in its host, it is important to search for new therapeutic agents that allow a reduction in the TMAO levels of patients and that, thus, allow patients to be able to avoid a severe cardiovascular event. The present review discussed the synthesis of TMAO and its contribution to the pathogenesis of various inflammatory diseases.