Metabolic Responses Research Articles

Reduced cardiovascular and metabolic responses during eccentric stepping exercise: A pilot study.

This study compared cardiovascular and metabolic responses during concentric and eccentric stepping. Eight participants (5 m, 3f; 22 ± 2 years) performed maximal concentric and eccentric ramp incremental tests on a modified stepping ergometer. Subsequently, three randomized 15-min constant-power tests were performed (1) concentric stepping at 90% of the concentric lactate threshold (LT), (2) eccentric stepping at the same power, and (3) eccentric stepping at the same oxygen uptake (V̇O2). At equivalent power (36 ± 6 W, p = 0.62), eccentric stepping resulted in 46 ± 8% lower V̇O2, 16 ± 6% lower heart rate (HR), and 11 ± 5% lower mean arterial blood pressure compared to concentric (p < 0.01). Matching V̇O2 required 65 ± 19% more power during eccentric stepping (p < 0.01). During this test, eccentric V̇O2 and HR continued to increase, resulting in a 22 ± 29% higher V̇O2 and 19 ± 16% higher HR in the final minute (p < 0.001). Reduced cardiorespiratory demand during eccentric stepping at the same power as concentric demonstrates a higher eccentric power is required to produce the same V̇O2. However, despite being below the concentric LT, eccentric V̇O2 and HR continued to increase past the predicted steady state, indicating a higher exercise intensity.

Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy for ectopic Cushing’s syndrome caused by metastatic neuroendocrine neoplasia

Background: Metastatic gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasia (GEPNEN) can cause ectopic Cushing’s syndrome (ECS). ECS is highly morbid and medical therapy is complex and can be ineffective. Patients unsuitable for bilateral adrenalectomy (BA) have dismal outcomes. Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) is a rational option for hormone and disease control in ECS caused by NEN with high somatostatin receptor (SSTR) expression. Aim: To describe characteristics and outcomes of patients with ECS treated with PRRT. Methods: Single-centre, retrospective analysis of imaging, biochemistry and outcomes of seven consecutive patients with ECS caused by metastatic GEPNEN treated with PRRT from 2006-2023. Results: Patients were aged 17–75 (female n=6). The primary site was pancreas (5/7) and rectum (2/7). Six patients were on medical therapy for ECS at baseline (one previous BA). A median of 34.4GBq of [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-octreotate was given. [90Y]Y-DOTA-octreotate (one patient) and [111In]In-octreotide (one patient) was also used. Five patients had radiosensitising chemotherapy. Five patients had a flare of ECS within one week of PRRT cycle 1 (PRRT-C1). Following PRRT-C1, 5/7 patients had complete biochemical resolution of ECS at 1.5–6 months (four ongoing; one recurred after 12 months and had elective BA at 18 months). Best metabolic response on [18F]F-FDG PET/CT: Four patients had a complete metabolic response (CMR), one had a partial metabolic response. PFS was 3–208 months. Two patients progressed at first follow-up. The longest ECS remission and CMR continues at &gt;17 years. Conclusion: PRRT can be effective for ECS caused by metastatic SSTR-positive GEPNEN and should be considered in its treatment algorithm.

Improved growth performance and physiological state in hybrid abalone (Haliotis rufescens and Haliotis fulgens) facing ocean acidification conditions

Abalone (Haliotis spp.) is a valuable global aquaculture resource in Mexican abalone industry, particularly red (Haliotis rufescens) and green (H. fulgens) abalone, showing significant growth. However, climate change -particularly ocean acidification (OA)- threatens production by negatively impacting mollusks, leading to recruitment failures, poor fertilization, malformations, and reduced calcification and growth jeopardizing sustainability and food security. This study aims to assess robustness of a hybrid abalone cross RF (H. rufescens ♀ x H. fulgens ♂) to OA conditions by evaluating biological performance (survival, growth in weight and length) and metabolic response (oxygen consumption, ammonia excretion rate, and atomic O:N ratio). Juveniles from hybrid RF cross and two pure parental crosses (RR, FF) were exposed to three pH levels: control (pH ≈ 8.0) and two reduced pH scenarios (pH 7.8 and 7.5), representing moderate and severe OA conditions. The results showed hybrid cross exhibiting better growth and metabolic response than pure crosses under all conditions. Notably, hybrid length growth was superior under moderate OA conditions (pH 7.8) compared to control (pH 8.0) and intense OA conditions (pH 7.5). Enhanced physiological hybrid status was evidenced by increased oxygen consumption and stable ammonia excretion, reflected in higher atomic O:N ratio. This study demonstrates hybrid cross RF robustness under OA conditions and supports interspecific hybridization as potential mitigation strategy to alleviate negative OA effects for sustainable abalone production.

Intercropping salt-sensitive Solanum lycopersicum L. and salt-tolerant Arthrocaulon macrostachyum in salt-affected agricultural soil under open field conditions: Physiological, hormonal, metabolic and agronomic responses

Salinity is one of the important environmental risks affecting agricultural production in the world. Under this condition and with the conventional cultivation methods, glycophyte plants, like tomato, are subjected to many stresses, such as ion toxicity, osmotic stress, nutritional disturbance, oxidative damage and metabolic disorders, which cause growth inhibition and yield reduction. In this context, the main objective of our study was to compare the physiological, hormonal, metabolic and agronomic responses of tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.) grown in monoculture (TM) or intercropping (TH) with the halophytic species Arthrocaulon macrostachyum in a salt affected soil. The results showed that the intercropping system (TH) reduced the soil electrical conductivity, and Na+ and Cl- contents, improving mineral nutrition in tomato plants compared to TM. In addition, TH decreased the osmotic stress, improved water potential and increased water use efficiency in tomato plants, whereas the integrity of gas exchange parameters were maintained; as a consequence, an increase in tomato yield was achieved. Moreover, the ratio of stress hormones (ABA, SA and JA) to growth regulating hormones (GA, auxins and cytokinins) decreased under TH. Metabolomic analysis showed clear defined patterns of differentially accumulated metabolites. Some of the metabolites with higher abundance in TH were linked to phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and phenylalanine metabolism, whereas alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, monoterpenoid biosynthesis and butanoate metabolism pathways were downregulated. Our results support the importance of A. macrostachyum in the desalination of salt-affected soils and in the improvement of tomato yield in mixed culture. Indeed, this intercropping system offers farmers a low-cost biosolution that improves yields while respecting the environment.

The evolutive role of shoot apical meristems in the adaptation of angiosperms to life at sea and the jump to potential environmental biotechnology applications

Seagrasses have adapted to a submerged lifestyle in seawater through a complex set of evolutionary processes. However, they show sensitivity to increases in natural salinity levels such as those commonly found in discharges of desalination plants, which have exponentially grown due to water scarcity in highly populated temperate areas, such as the Mediterranean basin. This study assessed the effects of brine-derived hypersalinity on the Mediterranean seagrass Posidonia oceanica, focusing on the metabolic responses of shoot apical meristems (SAMs). Although most physiological and genetic studies have used leaves, SAMs are more directly correlated with plant survival and might be more responsive to salinity stress. The experiments were: a controlled mesocosm of more than six practical salinity units (psu) over natural levels using either artificial salts or desalination brine and field transplantation experiments comparing two sites following the dilution plume of the brine (+5 and + 2 psu) with control. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and ascorbate were measured to determine oxidative stress and damage, as well as relative expression of genes related to osmotic regulation and oxidative responses. Overall, relative expression of genes related to osmotic regulation (SOS1, SOS3, AKT 2/3) and oxidative stress (STRK1, CAT, MnSOD, FeSOD, APX, GR) was higher in SAMs at higher brine exposures, indicating a more active metabolic response in this organ. Similarly, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and lipid peroxidation were higher closer to brine discharge and total ascorbate lower, indicating a correlative response with stressor intensity. These findings confirm that SAMs play an essential role in P. oceanica hypersalinity responses and its adaptation to life in the marine environment. Finally, the use of P. oceanica SAMs in this study is highly recommended for an early detection of threats caused by desalination brines that may cause physiological damage and meadow regression.

Vitality and metabolic responses to integrated naturopathy and yogic interventions among metabolic syndrome – A protocol for randomized controlled trial

BackgroundMetabolic Syndrome (MetS) refers to a collection of interrelated physiological, biochemical, clinical, and metabolic variables that significantly raise the risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and all-cause mortality. This trial aims to assess the effect of Naturopathy and Yogic Interventions on Vitality and Metabolic responses among patients with MetS. MethodThis trial is a single Centre Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) and will be conducted at Nature Cure and Yoga Centre in the Southern part of India. Enrolled subjects with MetS, who fulfilled National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III [NCEP ATP III Criteria], will be randomly allocated at a 1:1 ratio into Intervention and control groups. The Intervention group will receive Intensive Naturopathy and Yoga Intervention whereas the control group will receive a lifestyle advice during the initial consultation. The primary outcome will be measured by Heart Rate Variability (HRV), Blood Pressure Measurement, Biochemical Analysis, Anthropometric Measurement, Vitality Questionnaire, and Framingham Risk Score (FRS) which will be performed at the baseline and after 10 days of intervention and follow up will be taken at the 60th day. DiscussionA larger clinical trial will be possible as a result of this study's contribution to the understanding of the effectiveness of Yogic Interventions and Integrated Naturopathy for MetS and associated risk factors.

Variations in Primary and Secondary Metabolites of Panicum maximum under Diverse Wastewater Pollution Conditions

Panicum maximum is planted extensively in tropical and subtropical areas, due to its high-quality forage and high biomass yield. This study aims to assess the varied metabolic dynamics of P. maximum subject to different pollution-related wastewater levels, thus providing information for sustainable agriculture and soil restoration. We analyzed the primary and secondary metabolites in P. maximum subject to two different types of polluted wastewater (WW), compared to a control group. The alterations observed in the metabolite profiles were affected by several factors, including nutrient imbalances and oxidative stress induced by heavy metal accumulation. Initially, the increased nutrient availability stemming from wastewater treatment promoted plant growth; however, this positive effect was later diminished by the adverse impacts of heavy metals, which generated oxidative stress, resulting in metabolic disturbances and a decrease in the plant biomass. Importantly, the substantial increase in antioxidant enzymes, related to primary (e.g., sugars) and secondary metabolites (e.g., phenolics and flavonoids), underscores plants’ adaptive strategies to cope with stress. The increased biosynthesis of flavonoids and phenolic compounds is a protective mechanism against oxidative stress, which also improves the antimicrobial activity, following the activation of key biosynthetic pathways involved in their synthesis. These complex interactions among diverse metabolites suggest that plants exposed to polluted wastewater use various biochemical strategies to increase both their survival and defenses against pathogens. Collectively, these findings emphasize the significance of understanding how wastewater management practices can affect plant health, metabolic responses, and the broader implications for food safety and ecosystem stability.

Metabolic Responses in Human Kidney Organoids to Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Stimulation: Integration of Proteomic and Metabolomic Signatures

Metabolic Responses in Human Kidney Organoids to Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Stimulation: Integration of Proteomic and Metabolomic Signatures

A randomized controlled cross-over trial investigating the acute inflammatory and metabolic response after meals based on red meat, fatty fish, or soy protein: the postprandial inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis (PIRA) trial.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) has a point prevalence of around 20million people worldwide. Patients with RA often believe that food intake affects disease activity, and that intake of red meat aggravate symptoms. The main objective of the Postprandial Inflammation in Rheumatoid Arthritis (PIRA) trial was to assess whether postprandial inflammation and serum lipid profile are affected differently by a meal including red meat, fatty fish, or a soy protein (vegan) meal. Using a randomized controlled crossover design, 25 patients were assigned to eat isocaloric hamburger meals consisting of red meat (60% beef, 40% pork), fatty fish (salmon), or soy protein for breakfast. Blood samples were taken before meals and at intervals up to 5h postprandial. The analysis included the inflammation marker interleukin 6 (IL-6) and serum lipids. No significant differences in postprandial IL-6 or triglyceride concentrations were found between meals. However, the area under the curve of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) particle counts, as well as VLDL-4-bound cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids, was higher after the fatty fish compared to both red meat and soy protein. Postprandial inflammation assessed by IL-6 did not indicate any acute negative effects of red meat intake compared to fatty fish- or soy protein in patients with RA. The fatty fish meal resulted in a higher number of VLDL-particles and more lipids in the form of small VLDL particles compared to the other protein sources.

Effects Of Cadence Changes During Uphill And Downhill Walking On Metabolic Responses In Women

Effects Of Cadence Changes During Uphill And Downhill Walking On Metabolic Responses In Women

Aging reveals a sex-dependent susceptibility of sarcospan-deficient mice to cardiometabolic disease.

Numerous genes including sarcospan (SSPN) have been designated as obesity-susceptibility genes by human genome-wide association studies. Variants in the SSPN locus have been linked with sex-dependent obesity-associated traits; however, this association has not been investigated in vivo. To delineate the role SSPN plays in regulating metabolism with potential to impact cardiac function, we subjected young and aged global SSPN-deficient (SSPN-/-) male and female mice to obesogenic conditions (60% fat diet). We hypothesized that loss of SSPN combined with metabolic stress would increase susceptibility of mice to cardiometabolic disease. Baseline and end-point assessments of several anthropometric parameters were performed including weight, glucose tolerance, and fat distribution of mice fed control (CD) and high-fat (HFD) diet. Doppler echocardiography was used to monitor cardiac function. White adipose and cardiac tissues were assessed for inflammation by histological, gene expression, and cytokine analysis. Overall, SSPN deficiency protected both sexes and ages from diet-induced obesity, with a greater effect in females. SSPN-/- HFD mice gained less weight than wild-type (WT) cohorts, while SSPN-/- CD groups increased weight. Furthermore, aged SSPN-/- mice developed glucose intolerance regardless of diet. Echocardiography showed preserved systolic function for all groups; however, aged SSPN-/- males exhibited significant increases in left ventricular mass (CD) and signs of diastolic dysfunction (HFD). Cytokine analysis revealed significantly increased IL-1α and IL-17Α in white adipose tissue from young SSPN-/- male mice, which may be protective from diet-induced obesity. Overall, these studies suggest that several sex-dependent mechanisms influence the role SSPN plays in metabolic responses that become evident with age.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Young and aged sarcospan (SSPN)-deficient mice were examined to assess the role of SSPN in obesity and cardiometabolic disease. Both sexes displayed a "leaner" phenotype in response to high-fat diet (HFD). Notably, several sex differences were identified in aged SSPN-deficient mice: 1) females developed glucose intolerance (control and HFD) and 2) males exhibited increased left ventricular mass (control) and diastolic dysfunction (HFD). Therefore, we conclude that SSPN exerts a sex-dependent influence on obesity-associated diseases.

Clinical Spectrum and Outcome of Kidney Involvement in Non-Langerhans Histiocytosis

ObjectiveTo describe the clinical features and treatment responses of Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) and Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) with kidney involvement. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed RDD and ECD patients with kidney involvement from 2005 to 2023, evaluating kidney function changes, CT, and metabolic responses. ResultsThe study included 4 RDD and 44 ECD patients, with median ages of 58 and 51 years. RDD patients lacked kidney symptoms, while 27.3% of ECD patients exhibited lower extremity edema. The median estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 80.5 (63-125) in RDD and 100 (22-133) ml/min/1.73 m2 in ECD. All RDD patients had renal masses; 68.2% of ECD cases showed perirenal infiltration. Two RDD patients received steroids (one post-nephrectomy), and two received lenalidomide and dexamethasone. One RDD patient (25%) showed eGFR improvement, and three (75%) had CT and PET-CT responses. Of 34 ECD patients, 26 were treated with interferon-alpha (IFN-α), 5 with BRAF inhibitor, and 3 with cytarabine. The rates of eGFR improvement, CT response, and PET-CT response were 14.7%, 5.9%, and 52.9%. Median follow-up was 27.0 months for RDD and 53.0 months for ECD. The 5-year overall survival was 66.7% for RDD and 81.8% for ECD. The median progression-free survival was 18.3 months for RDD and 59.4 months for ECD. ConclusionWe detailed kidney involvement characteristics and treatment responses in RDD and ECD, highlighting the typical renal mass in RDD and perirenal soft tissue in ECD. ECD patients may experience irreversible kidney dysfunction, indicating the critical need for early diagnosis and timely treatment.

Immunotherapy response and resistance in patients with advanced uveal melanoma: a retrospective cohort study.

Metastatic uveal melanoma (mUM) is associated with poor prognosis. Ipilimumab/nivolumab has shown antitumor efficacy in phase II studies. Tebentafusp resulted in longer overall survival (OS) compared to investigator`s choice in a phase III study. We sought to describe the radiological response patterns of mUM patients treated with immunotherapy. Patients with mUM treated with ipilimumab/nivolumab and tebentafusp between July 2018 and December 2022, with available radiological assessment per RECISTv1.1 and/or imPERCIST5, were retrospectively identified and included. Progression-free survival (PFS) and OS rates, liver-specific response and pathological assessment in available liver biopsies were evaluated. In the ipilimumab/nivolumab group, median PFS (mPFS) was 2.9 months (95% CI 2.2-28.6) and mOS 28.9 months (95% CI 12.7-NR). Complete (CMR) and partial (PMR) metabolic response per imPERCIST5, and partial response (PR) per RECISTv1.1 were associated with longer PFS and OS by trend, compared to morphologically and metabolically stable or progressive disease. In the tebentafusp group, mPFS was 2.7 months (95% CI 2.2-3) and mOS 18.6 months (95% CI 11.5-NR). PMR and PR were associated with longer PFS by trend. In both treatments, the overall treatment response was associated with the radiological response at the liver site. In available liver tumor biopsies, differences in pathological and radiological responses were noted. ImPERCIST5 and RECIST v1.1 are valuable tools in the radiological response assessment, but both methods display limitations. Accurate biomarkers to stratify patients at risk for disease progression and future translational studies to investigate mechanisms of response and resistance are required.

Superior metabolic improvement of polycystic ovary syndrome traits after GLP1-based multi-agonist therapy

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous condition, defined by oligo-/anovulation, hyper-androgenism and/or polycystic ovaries. Metabolic complications are common in patients suffering PCOS, including obesity, insulin resistance and type-2 diabetes, which severely compromise the clinical course of affected women. Yet, therapeutic options remain mostly symptomatic and of limited efficacy for the metabolic and reproductive alterations of PCOS. We report here the hormonal, metabolic and gonadal responses to the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP1)-based multi-agonists, GLP1/Estrogen (GLP1/E), GLP1/gastric inhibitory peptide (GLP1/GIP) and GLP1/GIP/Glucagon, in two mouse PCOS models, with variable penetrance of metabolic and reproductive traits, and their comparison with metformin. Our data illustrate the superior efficacy of GLP1/E vs. other multi-agonists and metformin in the management of metabolic complications of PCOS; GLP1/E ameliorates also ovarian cyclicity in an ovulatory model of PCOS, without direct estrogenic uterotrophic effects. In keeping with GLP1-mediated brain targeting, quantitative proteomics reveals changes in common and distinct hypothalamic pathways in response to GLP1/E between the two PCOS models, as basis for differential efficiency. Altogether, our data set the basis for the use of GLP1-based multi-agonists, and particularly GLP1/E, in the personalized management of PCOS.

Pharmacological inhibition reveals participation of the endocytic compartment in positive feedback IL-6 secretion in human skeletal myotubes

IL-6 is an important cytokine involved in metabolic, immunological, and cell-fate responses. It is released upon stimulation by skeletal muscle cells through partially characterized mechanisms. In some cell types, IL-6 has been reported to activate a positive feedback loop involving endocytic vesicles, but evidence is mostly based on transcription and signal transduction mechanisms and is very scarce in muscle cells. Our aim was to directly demonstrate the presence of positive feedback in the ATP-induced release of IL-6 into the supernatant of human skeletal muscle cultures. The total release (production) of IL-6 was reduced for higher volumes of supernatant, when the secreted IL-6 molecules are more diluted, and enhanced when the supernatant volume was lower. In addition, secretion was impaired both by tocilizumab, a blocker of human IL-6 receptors, and by the soluble form of the receptor. The secretion in response to ATP was also inhibited by treatment with the endocytosis inhibitor dynasore, and by disruption of the acidic gradient of the endocytic compartment using different methods (chloroquine, NH4Cl or monensin). IL-6 secretion was also impaired by NED-19, a specific inhibitor of the two pore channels receptor mediating Ca2+ release from the endolysosomal compartment. IL-6 and ATP increased IL-6 mRNA levels, an effect blocked by tocilizumab. Altogether, our results demonstrate that ATP-secreted IL-6 activates a positive loop based on IL-6 receptors, endocytosis, two pore channels and IL-6 transcription. Given the importance of muscle IL-6 as a systemic regulator and as an inflammatory mediator, our study can help to understand muscle pathophysiology.

RNA m6A-mediated post-transcriptional repression of glucocorticoid receptor in LPS-activated Kupffer cells on broilers

Glucocorticoid receptors are distributed in various cells of the body and participate in the regulation of metabolism and immunity in response to glucocorticoids. RNA m6A methylation participates in various metabolic and inflammatory responses, yet it remains elusive whether m6A is involved in GR regulation during immune activation. Here, we observed uncoupled GR responses with increased mRNA yet suppressed protein levels in the LPS-challenged broilers chicken liver, in association with global elevation of RNA m6A methylation, especially in the expression of METTL3 and YTHDF2. Further analysis using isolated primary hepatocytes and Kupffer cells revealed that such uncoupled GR responses and m6A hypermethylation occurred specifically in KCs. The same GR and m6A responses were reproduced in LPS-activated KC cell line, implying a possible role of m6A in the post-transcriptional suppression of GR in KC. Indeed, m6A inhibitor cycloleucine alleviated LPS-induced GR protein suppression, whilst GR antagonist RU486 had no effect on global m6A methylation in KC. We observed that YTHDF2 siRNA can alleviate LPS-induced GR mRNA stability decrease. Subsequently, specific m6A sites on GR were predicted and verified. Mutation m6A sites and luciferase reporter assay was also applied to validate these findings. Mechanistically, m6A methylation on the transcripts of GR impairs its mRNA stability in a YTHDF2-dependent manner, which leads to the decrease of its protein. Our study indicates successive roles of RNA m6A modification in the down regulation of GR expression, which provides new drug targets for epigenetic therapy of liver inflammation.

Deleterious Biological Effects of Endocrine Disruptors: An Insight into Human Health Risks.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are environmental pollutants. Since EDCs are present in various consumer products, contamination of human beings is very common. EDCs have deleterious effects on various systems of the body, especially the endocrine and reproductive systems. EDCs interfere with the synthesis, metabolism, binding, or cellular responses of natural estrogens and alter various pathways. Biological samples such as blood, saliva, milk, placental tissue, and hair are frequently used for biomonitoring and the detection of EDCs. Early detection and intervention may help in preventing congenital anomalies and birth defects. The common methods for determining the presence of EDCs in body fluids include gas chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography, and mass spectrometry. Understanding the health effects and dangers of EDC is important, given their widespread use. This mini-review aims to summarize the adverse biological effects of several important classes of EDCs and highlights future perspectives for appropriate control.

Electric fields to support microalgae growth with a differentiated biochemical composition

Microalgae are a group of microorganisms well-known for their high metabolic plasticity and biomass with commercial interest for several industries. In the present work, the influence of in-situ electric field application (INEF) on the growth and biochemical composition of Pavlova gyrans was, for the first time, assessed. Electrical protocols were tested, namely by applying INEF in different growth stages, in varying treatment times and even by combining it with dark phase of cells' photoperiod. INEF did not promote a stimulatory effect on growth but influenced the biochemical composition of P. gyrans – maximum increases of 74.9 and 66.2 % in the chlorophyll a and carotenoid content and of 4.72, 18.7 and 5.41 % in the lipid, carbohydrate and protein content were observed in independent experiments. Hence, with this study, the potential of INEF application as a strategy to modulate growth and to promote biochemical composition alterations was proven. Industrial relevanceMicroalgae, with their unique ability to efficiently convert sunlight and carbon dioxide into biomass, offer a sustainable platform for the synthesis of diverse bioactive compounds. By subjecting microalgae to controlled electric stress conditions, their metabolic pathways can be redirected towards the production of specific target compounds. This strategy has the potential to enhance the yield of high-value molecules, including biofuels, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and pigments, whilst minimizing resource inputs. Additionally, metabolic stress responses in microalgae often trigger the accumulation of secondary metabolites with bioactive properties. Harnessing the metabolic plasticity of microalgae through controlled stress manipulation represents a cutting-edge strategy for sustainable and economically viable bioproduction systems that align with the goals of green chemistry and circular economy principles.

Heterogeneity in extracellular matrix and immune microenvironment of anterior vaginal wall revealed by single-cell sequencing in women with stress urinary incontinence

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI), characterized by involuntary urine leakage during increased abdominal pressure, remains poorly understood regarding its pathophysiology and treatment. In this study, we utilized single-cell sequencing to analyze the transcriptomic profiles of different cell types in anterior vaginal wall of SUI patients, aiming to explore the heterogeneity of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and immune microenvironment in SUI pathogenesis. Our results identified eleven cell types, including connective tissue cells, immune cells, and glial cells. Specifically, fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, epithelial cells and T cells displayed transcriptional characteristics highly relevant to SUI pathogenesis. We observed that most cell types participate in ECM metabolism and immune-inflammatory responses, indicating a synergistic role of multiple vaginal cell types in SUI. Furthermore, altered intercellular communication, particularly between fibroblasts and T cells, was noted in SUI. This study provides novel single-cell insights into SUI and identifies potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for future research.

Novel Therapeutic Target for ALI/ARDS: Forkhead Box Transcription Factors.

ALI/ARDS can be a pulmonary manifestation of a systemic inflammatory response or a result of overexpression of the body's normal inflammatory response involving various effector cells, cytokines, and inflammatory mediators, which regulate the body's immune response through different signalling pathways. Forkhead box transcription factors are evolutionarily conserved transcription factors that play a crucial role in various cellular processes, such as cell cycle progression, proliferation, differentiation, migration, metabolism, and DNA damage response. Transcription factors control protein synthesis by regulating gene transcription levels, resulting in diverse biological outcomes. The Fox family plays a role in activating or inhibiting the expression of various molecules related to ALI/ARDS through phosphorylation, acetylation/deacetylation, and control of multiple signalling pathways. An in-depth analysis of the integrated Fox family's role in ALI/ARDS can aid in the development of potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets for the condition.