Fat Degeneration Research Articles

The association between vitamin E intake and hepatic steatosis in general and obese populations

PurposeUsing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and employing Controlled Attenuation Parameter (CAP) measures, this study explores the correlation between vitamin E (VE) intake and hepatic steatosis and its impact on different subsets.Materials and methodsWe selected 5757 participants with CAP data from the 2017–2020 NHANES dataset. Daily VE intake was assessed by a 24-hour dietary recall. Hepatic fat content was quantified using transient elastography to measure CAP. Stratified multivariable regression analysis investigated relationships in different subsets, and a generalized additive model identified nonlinear relationships and thresholds.ResultsAfter adjusting for confounders, higher VE intake correlated with lower CAP levels. Subgroup analyses and tests for interaction revealed a significantly stronger negative correlation between VE intake and CAP in obese individuals. Further analysis indicated a curvilinear relationship between VE intake and the severity of liver fat degeneration in both the general study population and the obese subgroup, demonstrating a threshold effect. In the general population, VE intake below the threshold (6.58 mg/day) is positively correlated with CAP levels, whereas intake above this threshold shows a negative correlation. For obese individuals, the threshold is set at 7.37 mg/day, above which the negative correlation with CAP is even more pronounced.ConclusionOur study revealed a negative correlation between VE intake and hepatic fat content, highlighting the potentially crucial role VE plays in obese fatty liver patients. Importantly, we identified threshold effects of VE intake in both general and obese populations. Our results support clinical nutritional interventions, personalized dietary guidance, and the development of drugs to combat fatty liver.

Dysfunction of the Murine Liver with Aging and Its Improvement with the Continuous Consumption of Enterococcus faecalis EC-12.

Chronic inflammation is involved in the development of age-related diseases. Given its persistence, controlling chronic inflammation is essential for preventing age-related diseases. In this study, we investigated the effects of Enterococcus faecalis EC-12 (EC-12), which has immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects, on liver gene expression and aging phenomena in mice. Short-term EC-12 administration stimulated the expression of genes involved in lipid synthesis and metabolism in the liver. Furthermore, long-term EC-12 administration from 10 weeks to 1.5 years of age resulted in significant increases in blood interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10 concentrations (both p < 0.05) and a significant decrease in the monocyte chemotactic protein-1 concentration (p < 0.05). These results indicated pathologic improvement, such as suppression of fat degeneration in the liver. These results suggest that continuous EC-12 intake from a young age can suppress liver function abnormalities, which is one of the aging phenomena in old age, and contribute to health in old age.

Safety analysis and risk management of autologous fat grafting in facial anti-aging

Abstract Ageing makes facial tissue aging unavoidable, which is mainly manifested as tissue volume reduction and contour change, and autologous fat grafting can better meet the clinical application of facial anti-aging. In the article, a total of 80 patients with poor facial contour or facial aging from May 2022 to July 2023 in NanChang HanYa Aesthetic Hospital were selected. The lower abdomen or inner and outer thigh fat was extracted by swelling solution. The acquired fat was filtered, purified, and cleaned. Then, the autologous fat particles were injected above the face using a blunt-ended injection needle. The risk factors were analyzed by using the multivariate regression model. The effective rate of treatment effect based on autologous fat transplantation reached 92.50%. The MMP-1 level of the patients in the observation group was reduced from 125.34±12.45 ng/ml before the operation to 102.41±7.32 ng/ml after the operation. The facial skin texture of the patients was significantly improved. Patients with autologous fat grafting had a low complication rate of only 10%, and they were satisfied with the results of facial anti-aging treatment at 96%. Under clinical conditions, the incidence of EAD risk was higher in mixed steatosis (OR=4.715, 95% CI 1.413-8.792). Facial volume restoration and improvement of facial aging can be effectively achieved by autologous fat grafting, and patients were satisfied with the facial anti-aging results. Still, the clinical risks caused by autologous fat degeneration also need to be noted.

Pentamidine Administered Subcutaneously in the Abdomen Resulted in Fat Degeneration Without Skin Ulceration

Pentamidine Administered Subcutaneously in the Abdomen Resulted in Fat Degeneration Without Skin Ulceration

Myosteatosis as a Prognostic Marker for Postoperative Mortality in Adult Patients Undergoing Surgery in General—A Systematic Review

Background: Assessing frailty is important in treating surgical patients to predict peri- and postoperative events like complications or mortality. The current standard is not optimal; therefore, new prognostic markers are being evaluated to enrich the current frailty assessment. One of these new markers is fat degeneration of the psoas muscle (myosteatosis). This can be assessed by measuring the psoas muscle density (PMD) with computed tomography (CT). The aim of this review is to investigate PMD, and, thus, myosteatosis, as a prognostic marker for postoperative mortality in adult patients undergoing general surgery. Methods: An electronic search was performed in PubMed to identify relevant studies associating PMD with postoperative mortality. The looked-upon period for mortality to occur did not matter for this review. The looked-upon outcome measure for this review was the hazard ratio. Results: From 659 potential articles from PubMed, 12 were included, for a total of 4834 participants. Articles were excluded when not focused on PMD, if the type of intervention was not specified, and when imaging other than with CT on the level of the third vertebra was performed. The included articles were assessed for bias with the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS). PMD was, after multivariable analyses, identified as an independent significant prognostic marker for several surgical cardiovascular interventions when we looked at the 5-year mortality rate and for fenestrated branched endovascular aortic repair (F-BEVAR) a slight significant protective correlation between postoperative mortality and PMD (when divided by psoas muscle area (PMI)) when we looked at the 30-day and 3-year mortality. Also, PMD was identified as an independent significant prognostic marker for a variety of surgical gastrointestinal interventions when we looked at 30-day/90-day/1-year/3-year/5-year mortality. PMD was not identified as a significant prognostic marker in urologic surgery. Conclusion: Myosteatosis has the potential to be a valuable contribution to the current frailty assessment for patients undergoing cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, or urologic surgery. However, more research must be conducted to further strengthen the prognostic value of myosteatosis, with special attention to, e.g., gender- or age-specific interpretations of the results.

Chitin Extracted from the Shell of Blue Swimming Crabs (Portunus pelagicus Linn.) Inhibits NF-kappaB p65 in Ethanol-Induced Gastric Ulcerative Wistar Rats.

Peptic ulcer disease is generated by the activation of NF-kappaB activity. A recent clinical study reported a significant increase in NF-kappaB2 gene expression in 79 samples of peptic ulcer patients compared to the control group. Moreover, the deacetylated chitin could alter the translocation of NF-kappaB p65 to the nucleus. Considering this, our work aims to explore the effect of chitin extracted from the shell of blue swimming crabs (Portunus pelagicus Linn.) towards NF-kappaB p65 levels in ethanol-induced gastric ulcerative Wistar rats. The shells are found abundantly as the waste of seafood processing in the northern part of West Java, Indonesia. In this study, chitin extraction was carried out using the microwave-assisted extraction method by employing choline chloride (C5H14ClNO) and DL-malic acid (C₄H₆O₅) as the solvents. The inhibitory activity assay of chitin on the expression of NF-kappaB p65 was performed by using Western blot. The extraction yielded a good quality of chitin with a deacetylation degree of 30.8026%, molecular weight of 3.35 × 105 Da, and a negligible heavy metals level. Moreover, chitin extract at doses of 150, 300, and 600 mg/kg BW significantly reduced the percentage of gastric ulcer index compared to the negative control group. Meanwhile, chitin extract at doses of 300 and 600 mg/kg BW significantly inhibited NF-kappaB expression compared to the negative control group. Histopathological examination demonstrated a decrease in the number of necrotic cells and fat degeneration in the gastric mucosa and an increase in normal cells. Taken together, chitin extract obtained from the shells of blue swimming crabs may be able to prevent gastric ulcers induced by ethanol via the inhibition of NF-kappaB p65; however, further studies are needed to verify its anti-ulcerative properties.

Reparative and Antioxidant Effects of New Analogues of Immunomodulator Thymogen in Experimental Model of Liver Damage.

We studied the reparative and antioxidant effects of Thymogen and its new structural analogues obtained by binding amino acid D-Ala to the N- or C-end of the peptide molecule in acute toxic hepatopathy. Intragastric administration of carbon tetrachloride for 5 days caused the development of fat degeneration of hepatocytes, a decrease in catalase activity, and an increase in malondialdehyde concentration. Administration of peptides suppressed oxidative peroxidation and stimulated reparative regeneration of hepatocytes; Thymogen analogues produced more pronounced hepatotropic and antioxidant effects than Thymogen. Inclusion of D-Ala enhanced the effect of Thymogen on the processes of regeneration in hepatocytes and the antioxidant effect under conditions of acute carbon tetrachloride hepatopathy. The highest efficiency was achieved when the amino acid was added to the C-end of the molecule.

Minimization of lumbar interbody fusion by percutaneous full-endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion (PELIF), and its minimally invasiveness comparison with minimally invasive surgery-transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF)

ObjectiveIn fusion surgery, minimization of muscle damage and bone resection is important. To achieve these, we have developed a percutaneous full endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion (PELIF). We report the detailed operation procedure, and moreover a comparison of its minimally invasiveness with that of the minimally invasive surgery-transforminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF). Methods52 patients were treated with PELIF. Total discectomy and cartilage endplate removal were performed using an 8 mm rotate-cutter. A cage was sandwiched between two L-retract sliders, which protected the exiting root. The cancellous bone chips were harvested from the pelvis with a 5 mm trephine.On the other hand, 74 patients were treated with MIS-TLIF. ResultsIn PELIF, bleeding volume, VAS (back pain), ODI, JOA score, and Macnab’s criteria were significantly superior to MIS-TLIF except for VAS (leg symptom).The MRI cross-sectional area of degenerative spondylolisthesis was significantly improved after PELIF, but that of MIS-TLIF was significantly broader.PELIF was superior to MIS-TLIF in fat degeneration of multifidus muscle in the cross-sectional MRI under 50 years old.CT recognized insufficient fusion in one case of PELIF and seven cases of MIS-TLIF, with a tendancy to have more insufficient fusion in MIS-TLIF. ConclusionsPELIF provides clear visualization under continuous water irrigation. PELIF is an indirect decompression without canal invasion. The dura mater, intestine, and large blood vessels don’t appear in the surgical field. It is understood that PELIF is a less invasive surgery than MIS-TLIF.

Design, synthesis and anti-NASH effect evaluation of novel GFT505 derivatives in vitro and in vivo

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is emerging as the largest burden of chronic liver disease worldwide. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a progressive form of NAFLD that can progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Unfortunately, current treatment options for NASH are very limited. Among the multiple pathways of NASH, peroxisome proliferators-activated receptors (PPARS) are recognized as an important and effective target. GFT 505 is a dual excitement agent for the treatment of PPAR-α/δ for the treatment of NASH. However, its activity and toxicity need to be further improved. Therefore, here we would like to report the design, synthesis and biological evaluation of 11 GFT 505 derivatives. The initial cytotoxicity through proliferation activity of HepG2 cells and in vitro anti-NASH activity evaluation demonstrated that under the same concentration, the compound 3d possess significantly lower cytotoxicity and better anti-NASH activity than that of GFT 505. Moreover, Molecular docking also shows that 3d and PPAR-α/δ can form a stable hydrogen bond and have the lowest binding energy. Therefore this novel molecule 3d was selected to go further in vivo investigation. Methionine-choline deficiency (MCD) induced C57BL/6J NASH model mice was used for the in vivo biological experiments and the compound 3d demostrated lower liver toxicity than that of GFT 505 in the body at the same dose, and it did more effectively improve hyperlipidemia, liver fat degeneration and liver inflammation as well as significantly enhance the content of the GSH which is inportant for the liver protection. This study suggested that the compound 3d is a very promising lead compound for the treatment of NASH.

Association Between Multifidus Intramyocellular Lipids and Pain-Related Disorders, Lumbar Spine Dysfunction, Gait Disturbance in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study Using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire

Background and aims: Fat degeneration in the multifidus muscle (Mm) was more common than in other trunk muscles. We hypothesised that the lipid contents of the Mm and patient-reported quality of life (QOL) are related. However, there are no papers examining the association between fatty degeneration of the Mm and patient-reported QOL using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association between patient-reported QOL, evaluated with the Japanese Orthopaedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire (JOABPEQ), and the intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) and extramyocellular lipid (EMCL) contents of the Mm and psoas major (PM) by MRS in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Materials and Methods: Forty-eight patients (mean age, 64.2 ± 13.2 years; age range, 41–79 years) with nonspecific CLBP underwent MRS for the quantification of IMCL and EMCL of the right Mm and PM in a volume of interest at L4/L5. All subjects underwent MRS and completed the JOABPEQ in the same day. We performed multiple linear regression analysis of the IMCL and EMCL contents of the Mm and PM with the five domains of the JOABPEQ adjusted for age, sex, and body mass index. Results: The IMCL content of the Mm was correlated with pain-related disorders (standardised partial regression coefficient (β)=−0.59, p&lt;0.01), lumbar spine dysfunction (β=−0.64, p&lt;0.01), and social life dysfunction (β=−0.31, p&lt;0.01) which showed moderate negative correlation, but not with psychological disorders. The EMCL content of the Mm was not correlated with the five domains of the JOABPEQ. The IMCL and EMCL contents of the PM was not correlated with the five domains of the JOABPEQ. Conclusions: IMCL content of the Mm was significantly correlated with the pain-related disorders, lumbar spine dysfunction, gait disturbance, and social life dysfunction domain scores of the JOABPEQ. Future studies using magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the Mm in patients with CLBP may help optimize exercise strategies using IMCL as an index to enhance patient-reported quality of life.

Acetylation of PPARγ in macrophages promotes visceral fat degeneration in obesity.

Obesity is characterized by chronic, low-grade inflammation, which is driven by macrophage infiltration of adipose tissue. PPARγ is well established to have an anti-inflammatory function in macrophages, but the mechanism that regulates its function in these cells remains to be fully elucidated. PPARγ undergoes post-translational modifications (PTMs), including acetylation, to mediate ligand responses, including on metabolic functions. Here, we report that PPARγ acetylation in macrophages promotes their infiltration into adipose tissue, exacerbating metabolic dysregulation. We generated a mouse line that expresses a macrophage-specific, constitutive acetylation-mimetic form of PPARγ (K293Qflox/flox:LysM-cre, mK293Q) to dissect the role of PPARγ acetylation in macrophages. Upon high-fat diet feeding to stimulate macrophage infiltration into adipose tissue, we assessed the overall metabolic profile and tissue-specific phenotype of the mutant mice, including responses to the PPARγ agonist Rosiglitazone. Macrophage-specific PPARγ K293Q expression promotes proinflammatory macrophage infiltration and fibrosis in epididymal white adipose tissue, but not in subcutaneous or brown adipose tissue, leading to decreased energy expenditure, insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance, and adipose tissue function. Furthermore, mK293Q mice are resistant to Rosiglitazone-induced improvements in adipose tissue remodeling. Our study reveals that acetylation is a new layer of PPARγ regulation in macrophage activation, and highlights the importance and potential therapeutic implications of such PTMs in regulating metabolism.

Ultrastructural Studies on Lamb Liver with Experimental Bunostomosis

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Ultrastructural studies were carried out on liver obtained after the appear- ance of clinical signs of bunostomosis from a group of experimentally infested lambs.&#x0D; In the hepatocytes of the liver severe changes affecting the endoplasmic reticulum, especially the rough one, and the nucleic chromatin were determined.&#x0D; The formation of lipid drops into the injured hepatocytes followed the way of a fat degeneration rather than of a lipid infiltration. Both the liver parenchyma and mesenchyma compounds were affected.&#x0D; This is an evidence of a direct toxic pathogenic action of the etiology agent. These data add to the knowledge of the bunostomosis pathogenesis more information about the leading role of the toxic factor.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

SUBACUTE TOXICITY TEST OF BEACH CABBAGE [Scaevola taccada (Gaertn.) Roxb.] LEAF EXTRACT ON HISTOPATHOLOGICAL CHANGES IN THE LIVER AND KIDNEYS OF WHITE RATS

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the toxic effects of beach cabbage leaves [Scaevola taccada (Gaertn.) Roxb.]by observing the histopathological changes in the livers and kidneys of male white rats. This study used 20 white rats which were divided into 4 groups: 1 control group and 3 groups receiving treatments in the form of Scaevola taccada leaf ethanolic extract (STLEE) in graded doses (200 mg/kg BW, 400 mg/kg BW, and 600 mg/kg BW). Toxicity test was performed by administering STLEE for 14 days. The results of daily observations showed that the experimental animals experienced diarrhea. Meanwhile, histopathological observations showed the occurrences of hydropic degeneration, fat degeneration, necrotic liver cells, and dilatation of Bowman's capsule in the animals’ kidney cells. It was concluded that STLEE at a dose of 200 mg/kg BW is safe to use, but is toxic at a dose of 600 mg/kg BW, both to the livers and kidneys.

Quercetin attenuates adipogenesis and fibrosis in human skeletal muscle

Age-associated increase in ectopic fat degeneration and fibrosis in the skeletal muscle contribute to muscle degradation and weakness. Quercetin is a bioactive flavonoid with anti-inflammatory and anti-obesity effects. Thus, we aimed to investigate the effects of quercetin on adipogenesis and fibrosis in the human skeletal muscle, which have not yet been elucidated. Human muscle-derived PDGFRα+/CD201+ cells (mesenchymal progenitors) were incubated with various concentrations of quercetin (0, 0.3, 1, and 3 μM) under adipogenic or fibrogenic conditions. Lipid accumulation was visualized via Oil Red O staining. The expression of genes implicated in adipocyte or fibroblast differentiation and activation of signaling pathways was analyzed. The quercetin-treated PDGFRα+/CD201+ cells showed attenuated lipid accumulation and adipogenic gene expression (CEBPA and ADIPOQ) via the inhibition of CREB phosphorylation under adipocyte differentiation conditions. Additionally, quercetin treatment significantly attenuated the expression of fibrogenic genes (TIMP1, ACTA2, COL1A1 and COL3A1) by inhibiting Smad2 phosphorylation. Quercetin suppressed the differentiation of muscle-derived PDGFRα+/CD201+ cells to adipocytes and fibroblasts at concentrations achievable by dietary and dietary supplement intake, which indicated its preventive or therapeutic effect against the loss of muscle quality.

Involvement of tissue changes induced by neoadjuvant treatment in total mesorectal excision (TME): novel suggestions for determining TME quality.

Few studies to date have investigated morphological changes after neoadjuvant treatment (NAT) and their implications in total mesorectal excision (TME). This study was primarily designed to evaluate whether tissue changes associated with NAT affected the quality of TME and additionally to suggest a more objective method evaluating TME quality. This study enrolled 1322 consecutive patients who underwent curative robot-assisted surgery for rectal cancer. Patients who did and did not receive NAT were subjected to propensity-score matching, yielding 402 patients in each group. NAT independently reduced complete achievement of TME [odds ratio (OR) = 2.056, p = 0.017]. Intraoperative evaluation identified seven tissue changes significantly associated with NAT, including tumor perforation, mucin pool, necrosis, fibrosis, fat degeneration, and rectal or perirectal edema NAT (p < 0.001-0.05). Tumor perforation (OR = 5.299, p = 0.001) and mucin pool (OR = 14.053, p = 0.002) were independently associated with inappropriate (near-complete + incomplete) TME. Complete TME resulted in significantly reduced local recurrence (4.3% vs 15.3%, p = 0.003) and increased 5-year DFS rate (80.6% vs 67.6%, p = 0.047) compared with inappropriate one. By contrast, two tiers of complete and near-complete TMEs vs incomplete TME did not. Notably, among patients with complete TME, those who received NAT had a lower 5-year DFS than those who did not (77.8% vs 83.3%, p = 0.048). NAT-associated tissue changes, somewhat interrupting complete TME, may provide unsolved clue to the relative inability of NAT to improve overall survival. The conventional three-tier grading of TME seems to be simplified into two tiers as complete and inappropriate.

Brazilian Green Propolis Modulates Cholesterol Homeostasis in a Preclinical Guinea Pig Model

This study investigates the effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of Brazilian green propolis on lipid metabolism in hypercholesterolemic guinea pigs. This product has been considered an important source of bioactive compounds with potential health benefits. Thirty‐six guinea pigs, Cavia porcellus (male), 90 days old, weight of 400 g, were divided into six groups of six animals each and fed a standard AIN‐93 M diet (C), hypercholesterolemic diet (H), hypercholesterolemic diet + hydroalcoholic extract (75 mg/kg body weight [HEtOH1]; 150 mg/kg body weight [HEtOH2], and 300 mg/kg body weight [HEtOH3]), or hypercholesterolemic diet + simvastatin (1.5 mg/kg body weight) (HS) for 10 weeks. The group‐specific diet and water were provided ad libitum throughout the experimental period. Blood and liver tissue samples were collected for biochemical analysis and histopathology. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism software version 5.0. The experimental protocol for the use of animals was approved by the Ethics Committee on Animal Use of the University of São Paulo (N°18.1.999.60.0). Animals in the H groups had a lower food intake than in the C group. Fecal excretion was regulated by the administration of extracts, being higher in these groups when compared to H and HS groups. Liver weights were influenced by the diet and administration of the hydroalcoholic extract of green propolis. Hypercholesterolemic diets determined an increase of about 2 times in the relative weight of this organ when compared to the C group, being more expressive in the groups of animals that received the hydroalcoholic extract. A significant increase in serum levels of total and non‐HDL cholesterol was observed in H group, concomitant with a reduction in the concentration of cholesterol‐HDL when compared to group C. However, these high levels of total cholesterol were reduced when simvastatin and extracts were administered with the hypercholesterolemic diet. The same was observed for the non‐HDL cholesterol fraction, where administration with simvastatin and extracts significantly reduced the concentration of these fractions, especially in HS and HEtOH3 groups when compared to group H. Analysis of the HDL fraction demonstrates that the animals submitted to the hypercholesterolemic diet had the lowest levels for this parameter when compared to the groups that received the control diet and/or extracts and simvastatin. There was a significant reduction in serum triacylglycerol levels in the HEtOH2 and HEtOH3 groups. However, a change in liver metabolism was observed, favoring the deposition of lipids in the liver, a different profile from what was observed when administering simvastatin. C group presented a histological aspect compatible with the normality of the organ. The H and HS groups presented moderate to severe fat degeneration, with a slight degeneration in the HS group when compared to the H group. A profile similar to that of the HS group was observed in the HEtOH2 group. Our results suggest that the Brazilian green propolis extract induces positive effects on dyslipidemia.

The surfactant Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate (DOSS) exposure causes adverse effects in embryos and adults of zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate (DOSS, CAS 577-11-7) is a chemical emulsifying surfactant that is widely used in the food and the cosmetic industry, and it is also the major component of the crude oil chemical dispersant Corexit™. Despite of its wide use, the studies related to its negative effect have been evaluated mainly in marine environments showing that DOSS is highly bioactive, extremely low volatile, and potential to persist in the environment longer than other dispersant components. Up to date, there is no available information of DOSS concentration in freshwater environments, little is known about its downstream fate after excretion and its effect on freshwater organisms. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of DOSS at different concentrations in embryos and adults of zebrafish Danio rerio in an acute-static bioassays of 96 h. The median lethal concentration in embryos was 33.3 mg/L. Malformations started to be observed at 10 mg/L. In adults, the gene expression analysis in gill tissues showed a deregulation in genes associated with the antioxidant system and the nucleotide excision repair mechanism. Additionally, Micronuclei (DNA damage) in erythrocytes, and fat degeneration in liver, hypertrophy and hyperplasia in gills, and hyaline drops in kidney tissues were also observed. In conclusion, the concentrations of DOSS evaluated here would be of health relevance to fish based on morphological alterations in embryos and changes in the gene expression profile, DNA damage and tissue impairment in adults.

Sagittaria sagittifolia polysaccharides regulates Nrf2/HO-1 to relieve liver injury caused by multiple heavy metals in vivo and in vitro

This study explored whether Sagittaria sagittifolia polysaccharides(SSP) activates the nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor2(Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1(HO-1) signaling pathway to protect against liver damage jointly induced by multiple heavy metals. First, based on the proportion of dietary intake of six heavy metals in rice available in Beijing market, a heavy metal mixture was prepared for inducing mouse liver injury and HepG2 cell injury. Forty male Kunming mice were divided into five groups: control group, model group, glutathione positive control group, and low-and high-dose SSP groups, with eight mice in each group. After 30 days of intragastric administration, the liver injury in mice was observed by HE staining. In the in vitro experiment, MTT assay was conducted to detect the effects of SSP at 0.25, 0.5, 1, and 2 mg·mL~(-1) on HepG2 cell survival at different time points. The content of alanine transaminase(ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase(AST) in the 48-h cell culture fluid was measured using micro-plate cultivation method, followed by the detection of the change in reactive oxygen species(ROS) content by flow cytometry. The mRNA expression levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 in cells were determined by RT-PCR, and their protein expression by Western blot. HE staining results showed that compared with the model group, the SSP administration groups exhibited significantly alleviated inflammatory cell infiltration and fatty infiltration in the liver, with better outcomes observed in the high-dose SSP group. In the in vitro MTT assay, compared with the model group, SSP at four concentrations all significantly increased the cell survival rate, decreased the ALT, AST, and ROS content(P&lt;0.05), and down-regulated Nrf2 and HO-1 mRNA and protein expression(P&lt;0.05). SSP significantly improves inflammatory infiltration in the liver tissue of mice exposed to a variety of heavy metals and corrects the liver fat degeneration, which may be related to its regulation of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, reduction of ROS, and alleviation of oxidative damage.

Muscle-MRI and Functional Levels for the Evaluation of Upper Limbs in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A Critical Review of the Literature.

Many qualitative and quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) techniques have been applied to evaluate muscle fat degeneration in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) subjects, but only few studies have focused on the upper limbs. We reviewed the literature in order to evaluate the association between muscle MRI findings and motor function levels in the upper limbs of DMD patients. Ten studies with upper limb muscle MRI data were available. Four explored all upper limb segments, while six explored only the forearm. Functional assessments were performed in nine of the ten studies. All of the studies showed a significant correlation between muscle MRI changes and motor function levels in both ambulant and non-ambulant DMD patients.

Development of resveratrol with thiolated alginate as a supplement to prevent nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Nowadays, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is a common metabolic liver disease of all ages worldwide. However, current pharmacological and surgical treatments are accompanied with side effects and complications. EndoBarrier, a less invasive bariatric surgery, blocks the upper portion of the intestine to reduce nutrition absorption. To mimic the nutrient restriction effect of EndoBarrier, thiol-containing materials may bind to the thiol groups of the mucus with an enhanced mucoadhesive property. Here, we develop thiolated alginate with cysteine conjugation via an N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N-ethylcarbodiimide/N-hydroxysuccinimide reaction. The alginate–cysteine (AC) exhibits excellent mucoadhesive properties and forms a physical barrier in the intestine to reduce absorption significantly, which was tested with both in vitro and in vivo mucoadhesive test and barrier function test. The nontoxicity property of AC was also proven with WST-1 and live and dead stain. In addition, AC demonstrates potent carrier properties of extending the release of resveratrol to improve the efficacy with the test of the transwell system in the release profile. In the long-term therapeutic evaluation, alginate cysteine with resveratrol (ACR) is orally administrated daily to mice with an methionine choline-deficient diet. The results of this in vivo study show that developed ACR could effectively alleviate fat degeneration in the liver and improve fat-related metabolic parameters in serum without hepatocellular damage and kidney dysfunction. In sum, AC was found to be mucoadhesive, reduce glucose absorption, alleviate inflammation, and decrease fatty degradation. This promising material exhibits the potential to be a supplement for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.