Carbohydrate Metabolism Research Articles

Microbial communities during the composting process of Agaricus subrufescens and their effects on mushroom agronomic and nutritional qualities

IntroductionTunnel composting technology for preparing Agaricus subrufescens cultivation media can achieve a higher biological efficiency (BE) and a lower contamination rate (CR). However, this technology lacks in-depth and systematic study.MethodsIn the present study, the changes in the microbiome and microbial metabolic functions were surveyed using metagenomic analysis. The physicochemical parameters, agronomic properties and nutritional qualities were also evaluated.Results and discussionResults showed that the contents of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin dropped to 10.18, 11.58, 27.53%, respectively at the end of composting. The tunnel composting technology led to significant increases in crude protein content (32.56%) and crude fiber content (13.68%). Variations of physicochemical characteristics led to different successions of microbial communities. Bacteria manifested significantly higher abundance than fungi. Firmicutes, Actinobacteriota, Chloroffexi and Deinococcota were the predominant bacterial phyla. Ascomycota and Basidiomycota were the dominant fungal phyla in the thermophilic phase. Pseudonocardia, Truepera, and Thermopolyspora were positively correlated with the yield of A. subrufescens. In addition to TN, most of the physicochemical properties were significantly correlated with fungal communities in the thermophilic phase. The metabolisms of carbohydrate, amino acid and energy were the primary enrichment pathways. These findings deepen the understanding of microbial communities composition during the composting of A. subrufescens substrates. Moreover, this study provides a basis for improving tunnel composting technology.

Control of Starch Molecular Weight by Enzyme Treatment Facilitates the Formation of V-Type Starch-Resveratrol Complexes in a High-Pressure Homogenization Environment and Their Modulation Effects on the Gut Microbiota.

As the concept of precision nutrition has been gradually popularized in recent years, the relationship between the structure of starch-polyphenol complexes with significant health effects and their nutritional functions has been progressively investigated. In this study, G50 high-amylose maize starch with different molecular weights was first prepared by pullulanase and α-amylase, and their effects on the structural formation, digestion properties, and release behaviors of the starch-resveratrol (RA) complex were discussed. The results confirmed that enzyme-treated starch could enhance intermolecular hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions between starch and RA in a high-pressure homogeneous (HPH) environment, forming stable single-helix and V-type crystalline structures while reducing the B-type crystalline structures. Meanwhile, the in vitro experiment showed that when the RA addition was 3%, the resistant starch content of the starch-RA complex could reach 60.3%, and its RA colonic transport rate could reach more than 97%. Interestingly, the starch-RA complex with a relatively higher V-type crystalline structure content contributed to the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), especially butyrate, and it might be effective in carbohydrate metabolism and immunometabolism by promoting the functions of Phascolarctobacteriu and Alistipes. These findings provide new ideas for the design of the nutritional functions of RS.

O PAPEL DO ENFERMEIRO PARA OS CUIDADOS DO DIABETES MELLITUS GESTACIONAL EM USF DO MUNICÍPIO DE FEIRA DE SANTANA – BAHIA

During pregnancy, women will be susceptible to the occurrence of several hormonal adaptations that can interfere with carbohydrate metabolism, which may result in the triggering of GDM. In this sense, the objective was to describe nursing care for quality care for women with GDM in primary health care. This study is a descriptive literature review, selecting articles indexed in the VHL and LILACS databases, using the descriptors: Diabetes; Enfermagem; Gravidez and its correspondents in the English language between the years 2017 and 2023, excluding those that did not fit the proposed theme. The results of this review demonstrate the need to understand the prevention and control of GDM to humanize care and make the services provided increasingly beneficial to pregnant women. Therefore, promoting, curing and improving health, developing strategies to mitigate complications and proposing ways to prevent this metabolic disorder, referring pregnant women to appropriate levels of monitoring based on their risk classification are the responsibilities of nursing professionals to pregnant women with GDM.

The H3K27me3 histone mark correlates with repression of colour and aroma development post-harvest in strawberry fruit.

Strawberry ripening is non-climacteric, and post-harvest fruit enter senescence and deteriorate rapidly. Chilled storage induces transcriptome wide changes in gene expression, including the down-regulation of aroma related genes. Histone marks are associated with transcriptional activation or repression; the H3K27me3 mark is mainly associated with repression of gene expression. Here genes associated with H3K27me3 were identified through ChIP-seq in ripe red strawberry fruit at harvest and after 5 days of chilled storage in the dark. The number of ChIP peaks increased with storage time, indicating an increased role for this mark in regulation of gene expression following chilled dark storage. Comparing ChIP-seq data to RNA-seq data from the same material identified 440 genes whose expression correlates with H3K27me3 repression. Abiotic stress genes, especially cold stress response genes, were down-regulated during storage. Increased association with the H3K27me3 mark indicates that they may be repressed via this epigenetic mark. Other functional groups included cell wall and carbohydrate metabolism. The association with the H3K27me3 mark of two transcription factors (FaHY5 and FaTRAB1) and FaADH, involved in ester biosynthesis, was validated by ChIP-PCR. These three genes are all down-regulated during storage and indicate a network of H3K27me3 gene repression affecting both anthocyanin and ester biosynthesis.

Transcriptional Responses of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus to TNFα, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 Cytokines

The interaction between gut microbiota and the host immune system is a complex and understudied field, with cytokines like TNFα, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 playing pivotal roles. Commensal bacteria, including lactobacilli, respond to these cytokines through adaptive mechanisms that support their survival and function within the gut. While the influence of cytokines on pathogenic bacteria is well documented, their impact on commensal bacteria, particularly lactobacilli, remains underexplored. This study investigates the transcriptional responses of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus strains K32 and R19-3 to various cytokines using next-generation RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). Our findings reveal that cytokines, especially IL-8 and IL-10, significantly alter the L. rhamnosus transcriptome, affecting genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism, stress response, and transcriptional regulation. Notably, IL-8 and IL-10 induce a significant downregulation of genes related to the phosphotransferase system, suggesting a reduction in metabolic activity in response to inflammatory signals. This study unveils a previously unexplored aspect of L. rhamnosus adaptation, highlighting its intricate response to cytokine signals. By modulating gene expression, L. rhamnosus may mitigate the adverse effects of inflammation and promote gut health. These insights could inform the development of targeted probiotic therapies for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and other conditions with altered cytokine levels. Our results suggest that co-evolution between a host and gut microbiota enables bacteria to respond to specific cytokines through gene expression changes, revealing a unique and underexplored facet of the interaction between commensal bacteria and the host organism.

Rotating culture regulates the formation of HepaRG-derived liver organoids via YAP translocation.

Liver organoid serves as an alternative model for liver pathophysiology in carbohydrate or lipid metabolism and xenobiotic metabolism transformation. Biomechanical cues including spaceflight mission can affect liver organoid construction and their related functions, but their underlying mechanisms are not fully understood yet. Here, a rotating cell culture device, namely Rotating Flat Chamber (RFC), was specifically designed for adhering cells or cell aggregated to elucidate the effects of altered gravity vector on HepaRG-derived liver organoids construction. The organoids so formed under RFC presented the fast growth rate and large projection area. Meanwhile, the expressions of two pluripotency markers of SOX9 and CD44 were enhanced. This finding was positively correlated with the increased YAP expression and nuclear translocation as well as the elevated α4β6-integrin expression. Inhibition of YAP expression and nuclear translocation decreased the expression of SOX9 and CD44 under RFC, thereby attenuating the pluripotency of HepaRG-derived liver organoids. In conclusion, we proposed a novel liver organoid construction method using rotating culture, by which the pluripotency of liver organoids so constructed is mediated by α4β6-integrin and YAP translocation. This work furthered the understanding in how the gravity vector orientation affects the construction of liver organoids and the related mechanotransductive pathways.

Discovery and characterization of complete genomes of 38 head-tailed proviruses in four predominant phyla of archaea.

Archaea play a significant role in natural ecosystems and the human body. Archaeal viruses exert a considerable influence on the structure and composition of archaeal communities and their associated ecological environments. The present study revealed the complete genomes of 38 archaeal head-tailed proviruses through comprehensive data mining. The hosts of these proviruses were identified as belonging to the following four dominant phyla: Halobacteriota, Thermoplasmatota, Thermoproteota, and Nanoarchaeota. In addition to the 14 proviruses of halophilic archaea related to the Graaviviridae family, the remaining proviruses exhibited limited genetic similarities to known (pro)viruses, suggesting the existence of 14 potential novel families. Of the 38 archaeal proviruses, 30 have the potential to lyse host cells. Eleven proviruses contain genes linked to antiviral defense mechanisms, including those involved in restriction modification (RM), clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-associated (CRISPR-Cas) nucleases, defense island system associated with restriction-modification (DISARM), and DNA degradation (Dnd). Moreover, auxiliary metabolic genes were identified in the proviruses of Bathyarchaeia and Halobacteriota archaea, including those involved in carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism. Our findings indicate the diversity of archaeal viruses, their interactions with archaeal hosts, and their roles in the adaptation of the host.IMPORTANCEThe field of archaeal virology has seen a rapid expansion through the use of metagenomics, yet the diversity of these viruses remains largely uncharted. In this study, the complete genomes of 38 novel archaeal proviruses were identified for the following four dominant phyla: Halobacteriota, Thermoplasmatota, Thermoproteota, and Nanoarchaeota. Two families and six genera of Archaea were the first to be identified as hosts for viruses. The proviruses were found to contain diverse genes that were involved in distinct adaptation strategies of viruses to hosts. Our findings contribute to the expansion of the lineages of archaeal viruses and highlight their intricate interactions and essential roles in enabling host survival and adaptation to diverse environmental conditions.

Metagenomics analysis of bacterial community structure from wood- and soil-feeding termites: metabolic pathways and functional structures toward the degradation of lignocellulose and recalcitrant compounds

Some essential information on gut bacterial profiles and their unique contributions to food digestion in wood-feeding termites (WFT) and soil-feeding termites (SFT) is still inadequate. The feeding type of termites is hypothesized to influence their gut bacterial composition and its functionality in degrading lignocellulose or other organic chemicals. This could potentially provide alternative approaches for the degradation of some recalcitrant environmental chemicals. Therefore, metagenomic analysis can be employed to examine the composition and functional profiles of gut bacterial symbionts in WFT and SFT. Based on the metagenomic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences of gut bacterial symbionts in the WFT, Microcerotermes sp., and the SFT, Pericapritermes nitobei, the findings revealed a total of 26 major bacterial phyla, with 18 phyla commonly represented in both termites, albeit in varying abundances. Spirochaetes dominated the bacterial symbionts in Microcerotermes sp. at 55%, followed by Fibrobacters, while Firmicutes dominated the gut bacteria symbionts in P. nitobei at 95%, with Actinobacteria coming in second at 2%. Furthermore, the Shannon and phylogenetic tree diversity indices, as well as the observed operational taxonomic units and Chao 1 richness indices, were all found to be higher in the WFT than in the SFT deduced from the alpha diversity analysis. Based on the principal coordinate analysis, exhibited a significant distance dissimilarity between the gut bacterial symbionts. The results showed that the gut bacterial composition differed significantly between the WFT and SFT. Furthermore, Tax4Fun analysis evaluated bacterial functions, revealing the predominance of carbohydrate metabolism, followed by amino acid metabolism and energy metabolism in both Microcerotermes sp. and P. nitobei termites. The results implicated that bacterial symbionts inhabiting the guts of both termites were actively involved in the degradation of lignocellulose and other recalcitrant compounds.

Biochemical characterization of the human ubiquitous glucose-6-phosphatase in neutrophil granulocytes.

Glucose-6-phosphatase-β (G6PC3) is a ubiquitous phosphatase present in the endoplasmic reticulum, which, unlike G6PC1, is not responsible for maintaining blood glucose level under starvation. Recently, G6PC3 has been shown to play an important role in neutrophil granulocytes, eliminating the toxic metabolite 1,5-anhydroglucitol-6-phosphate. The present study aimed to look for alternative substrates for the enzyme and outline the expression changes in the parts of this multicomponent system during neutrophil granulocyte differentiation. We determined the kinetic characteristics of recombinant human G6PC3 towards different sugar phosphates, and the transport of these compounds was also measured in rat liver microsomes. We found that all investigated sugar phosphates are substrates for G6PC3, although their microsomal transport is much slower than that of glucose-6-phosphate. Using the HL-60 promyelocytic leukemia cell line as an in vitro model system for myeloid differentiation, we found no significant differences in enzyme expression and phosphatase activity latency between undifferentiated and differentiated cells. Our results provide novel insights into the possible role of G6PC3 in the dephosphorylation of alternative sugar phosphates or their metabolites synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum and confirm the potential feature of the enzyme in the promyelocytic stage as well. These findings contribute to our knowledge of intracellular carbohydrate metabolism of neutrophil granulocytes, which facilitates further research directions to better understand the underlying mechanisms of neutropenias.

Select Endocrine Disorders and Exosomes in Early PDAC Diagnosis

Disturbances in carbohydrate metabolism are suggested to be the early symptoms of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The accumulated data suggests that endocrine function-related biomarkers may represent a breakthrough in the early detection of PDAC. Factors which may predispose one to the development of PDAC are insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia. Elevated insulin levels induce the onset of carcinogenesis by altering the differentiation and function of islet cells through stimulating growth factors, including insulin-like growth factors (IGFs). Impaired β cell function, along with the impact of PDAC-released factors (e.g., adrenomedullin (ADM), IGF-1, and macrophage inhibitory factor (MIF) on pancreatic islets, may contribute to the induction of diabetes associated with PDAC. Recently, exosomes have attracted worldwide attention due to their role in varied features of cell function, particularly in cancer progression. Exosomes comprise of small extracellular vesicles produced by almost all cells. These vesicles contain a vast array of biomolecules, including proteins and microRNAs. Exosomes participate in cancer growth and promote angiogenesis. They promote tumorigenesis and metastasis, and are associated with the acquisition of cancer cells resistant to chemotherapy. Data have been accumulating recently on the role of exosomes in the rapid recognition, prognosis and potential therapy of pancreatic cancer.

Comparative analysis of oral saliva microbiomes and metabolites in Han population at different altitudes

ObjectiveThis study investigated the differences in oral saliva microbiota composition and metabolic products among Han Chinese populations living at different altitudes, as well as their correlations.MethodThe analysis was conducted using the 16S rRNA gene sequencing method and untargeted metabolomics.Results16S gene sequencing results showed significant differences in bacterial diversity and composition between HH (High altitude Han) group and LH (Low altitude Han) group. LEfSe analysis showed that Selenomonas, Leptotrichia, Veillonella, Prevotella relatively abundant are higher in HH group, Haemophilus, Neisseria, Actinobacillus, Aggregatibacter are higher in LH group (p<0.05). Furthermore, as depicted in the phylogenetic tree, there are differences observed between the two groups at all taxonomic levels: 4 phyla, 6 classes, 6 orders, 9 families, 9 genera and 8 species (p<0.05). After conducting PICRUSt functional prediction analysis, we identified 11 significantly different KEGG categories (level 2) between the two groups. These categories primarily encompass energy metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and carbohydrate metabolism. Furthermore, non-targeted metabolomics analysis revealed a total of 997 distinct metabolites in the two groups. These differentiated metabolites can be classified into 13 Class I categories including amino acids and their metabolites, benzene and its derivatives, organic acids and their derivatives, heterocyclic compounds, aldehydes, ketones and esters, nucleotides and their metabolites among others. Additionally, fatty acyl compounds, alcohols and amines as well as glycerophospholipids are present along with carbohydrates and other physiologically active components such as hormones. Finally, Pearson correlation analysis of the top 20 differential metabolites with microorganisms demonstrated an interaction between them; however further experimental verification is required to elucidate the specific mechanism of action.ConclusionTherefore, this study revealed the effect of altitude on oral saliva microbes and metabolites, as well as their correlations.

Antidiabetic Potential of Hylocereus Polyrhizus and Hylocereus Megalanthus Fruit Peel: An In vitro Study

ABSTRACT Background: Diabetes is a chronic metabolic condition affecting mainly carbohydrate metabolism. Dragon fruit is a commonly consumed fruit in Asia-pacific countries, with reported anti-diabetic potential. Objectives: The presents study explores the use of dragon fruit peel as an anti-diabetic supplement. Materials And Method: Fruit peels from two varieties (Red and Yellow) were evaluated for their ability to absorb glucose, inhibit glucose diffusion, and inhibit starch digestion using in vitro models. Result: Both red and yellow dragon fruit peel powder samples decreased starch digestion significantly compared to wheat bran and inhibited glucose diffusion, as indicated by the glucose dialysis retardation index (GDRI) values. Conclusion: The findings of the study indicate that both red and yellow dragon fruit peel possesses significant antidiabetic potential.

Linalool and 1,8-Cineole as Constitutive Disease-Resistant Factors of Norway Spruce Against Necrotrophic Pathogen Heterobasidion Parviporum.

Norway spruce is an important coniferous species in boreal forests. Root and stem rot diseases caused by the necrotrophic pathogen Heterobasidion parviporum threaten the wood production of Norway spruce which necessitates the search for durable control and management strategies. Breeding for resistant traits is considered a viable long-term strategy. However, identification of potential resistant traits and markers remains a major challenge. In this study, short-term disease resistance screening was conducted using 218 Norway spruce clones from 17 families. Disease resistance was evaluated based on the size of necrosis lesion length following infection with the pathogen. A subset of needles/branches from clones with small (partial resistant) or large (susceptible) lesions were used for terpene analysis and transcriptomic profiling. The results revealed that the content of monoterpene linalool and 1,8-cineole and their respective encoded genes were significantly more abundant and highly expressed in the partial resistant group. Furthermore, linalool and 1,8-cineole were demonstrated to have inhibitory effect on the growth of the pathogen H. parviporum, with morphological distortion of the hyphae. RNAseq analysis revealed that transcript of pathogen genes involved in the regulation of carbohydrate metabolism and stress responses were significantly decreased in presence of the terpenes. The results suggest the relevance of monoterpenes together with jasmonic acid precursor and some genes involved in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, as constitutive tolerance factors for Norway spruce tolerance against necrotrophic pathogen. The high level of necrosis related cell death gene expression might be factors critical for host susceptibility and disease development.

Overexpression of vacuolar H+-pyrophosphatase from a recretohalophyte Reaumuria trigyna enhances vegetative growth and salt tolerance in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana

Reaumuria trigyna, a wild and endangered salt-secreting small shrub, is distributed in arid and semi-arid areas of Inner Mongolia, China. An H+-pyrophosphatase gene (RtVP1) was isolated from R. trigyna according to transcriptomic data, which encoded a plasma membrane and tonoplast-localized protein. RtVP1 was quickly upregulated by NaCl and exogenous abscisic acid treatment and rescued the sucrose deficiency sensitive phenotype of the AtVP1 mutant (avp1). Transgenic Arabidopsis overexpressing RtVP1 exhibited a higher leaf area, plant height, fresh weight, root length, and soluble carbohydrate accumulation compared to the wild type (WT) under normal conditions. RtVP1 overexpression increased the seed germination rate and decreased the reduction rate of fresh weight, root length, and chlorophyll content in transgenic plants under salt stress. Catalase enzyme activity, proline content, relative water content, and soluble sugar content were significantly increased in transgenic Arabidopsis under salt stresses, but the malondialdehyde content was dramatically decreased. More K+ and less Na+ were accumulated in transgenic Arabidopsis leaves, resulting in a relatively lower Na+/K+ ratio. In transgenic Arabidopsis roots, K+ was unchanged, but Na+ and the Na+/K+ ratios were reduced compared to those in WT. More Na+ and K+ were accumulated in the intracellular of transgenic yeast, and the Na+/K+ ratio was significantly reduced compared to the control. These results showed that R. trigyna RtVP1 promotes the vegetative growth of plants, mainly by regulating carbohydrate metabolism, and confers salt tolerance in transgenic Arabidopsis by maintaining Na+/K+ homeostasis and enhancing the antioxidant and osmotic regulatory capacity. These results indicated that RtVP1 can serve as an important candidate gene for genetic improvement of crop yield and salt tolerance.

An integrated microbiome- and metabolome-genome-wide association study reveals the role of heritable ruminal microbial carbohydrate metabolism in lactation performance in Holstein dairy cows.

Despite the growing number of studies investigating the connection between host genetics and the rumen microbiota, there remains a dearth of systematic research exploring the composition, function, and metabolic traits of highly heritable rumen microbiota influenced by host genetics. Furthermore, the impact of these highly heritable subsets on lactation performance in cows remains unknown. To address this gap, we collected and analyzed whole-genome resequencing data, rumen metagenomes, rumen metabolomes and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) content, and lactation performance phenotypes from a cohort of 304 dairy cows. The results indicated that the proportions of highly heritable subsets (h2 ≥ 0.2) of the rumen microbial composition (55%), function (39% KEGG and 28% CAZy), and metabolites (18%) decreased sequentially. Moreover, the highly heritable microbes can increase energy-corrected milk (ECM) production by reducing the rumen acetate/propionate ratio, according to the structural equation model (SEM) analysis (CFI = 0.898). Furthermore, the highly heritable enzymes involved in the SCFA synthesis metabolic pathway can promote the synthesis of propionate and inhibit the acetate synthesis. Next, the same significant SNP variants were used to integrate information from genome-wide association studies (GWASs), microbiome-GWASs, metabolome-GWASs, and microbiome-wide association studies (mWASs). The identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of rs43470227 and rs43472732 on SLC30A9 (Zn2+ transport) (P < 0.05/nSNPs) can affect the abundance of rumen microbes such as Prevotella_sp., Prevotella_sp._E15-22, Prevotella_sp._E13-27, which have the oligosaccharide-degradation enzymes genes, including the GH10, GH13, GH43, GH95, and GH115 families. The identified SNPs of chr25:11,177 on 5s_rRNA (small ribosomal RNA) (P < 0.05/nSNPs) were linked to ECM, the abundance alteration of Pseudobutyrivibrio_sp. (a genus that was also showed to be linked to the ECM production via the mWASs analysis), GH24 (lysozyme), and 9,10,13-TriHOME (linoleic acid metabolism). Moreover, ECM, and the abundances of Pseudobutyrivibrio sp., GH24, and 9,10,13-TRIHOME were significantly greater in the GG genotype than in the AG genotype at chr25:11,177 (P < 0.05). By further the SEM analysis, GH24 was positively correlated with Pseudobutyrivibrio sp., which was positively correlated with 9,10,13-triHOME and subsequently positively correlated with ECM (CFI = 0.942). Our comprehensive study revealed the distinct heritability patterns of rumen microbial composition, function, and metabolism. Additionally, we shed light on the influence of host SNP variants on the rumen microbes with carbohydrate metabolism and their subsequent effects on lactation performance. Collectively, these findings offer compelling evidence for the host-microbe interactions, wherein cows actively modulate their rumen microbiota through SNP variants to regulate their own lactation performance. Video Abstract.

Metabolic Effects of Sodium Thiosulfate During Resuscitation from Trauma and Hemorrhage in Cigarette-Smoke-Exposed Cystathionine-γ-Lyase Knockout Mice

Background: Acute and chronic pre-traumatic cigarette smoke exposure increases morbidity and mortality after trauma and hemorrhage. In mice with a genetic deletion of the H2S-producing enzyme cystathione-γ-lyase (CSE−/−), providing exogenous H2S using sodium thiosulfate (Na2S2O3) improved organ function after chest trauma and hemorrhagic shock. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of Na2S2O3 during resuscitation from blunt chest trauma and hemorrhagic shock on CSE−/− mice with pre-traumatic cigarette smoke (CS) exposure. Since H2S is well established as being able to modify energy metabolism, a specific focus was placed on whole-body metabolic pathways and mitochondrial respiratory activity. Methods: Following CS exposure, the CSE−/− mice underwent anesthesia, surgical instrumentation, blunt chest trauma, hemorrhagic shock for over 1 h (target mean arterial pressure (MAP) ≈ 35 ± 5 mmHg), and resuscitation for up to 8 h comprising lung-protective mechanical ventilation, the re-transfusion of shed blood, fluid resuscitation, and continuous i.v. noradrenaline (NoA) to maintain an MAP ≥ 55 mmHg. At the start of the resuscitation, the mice randomly received either i.v. Na2S2O3 (0.45 mg/gbodyweight; n = 14) or the vehicle (NaCl 0.9%; n = 11). In addition to the hemodynamics, lung mechanics, gas exchange, acid–base status, and organ function, we quantified the parameters of carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism using a primed continuous infusion of stable, non-radioactive, isotope-labeled substrates (gas chromatography/mass spectrometry) and the post-mortem tissue mitochondrial respiratory activity (“high-resolution respirometry”). Results: While the hemodynamics and NoA infusion rates did not differ, Na2S2O3 was associated with a trend towards lower static lung compliance (p = 0.071) and arterial PO2 (p = 0.089) at the end of the experiment. The direct, aerobic glucose oxidation rate was higher (p = 0.041) in the Na2S2O3-treated mice, which resulted in lower glycemia levels (p = 0.050) and a higher whole-body CO2 production rate (p = 0.065). The mitochondrial respiration in the heart, kidney, and liver tissue did not differ. While the kidney function was comparable, the Na2S2O3-treated mice showed a trend towards a shorter survival time (p = 0.068). Conclusions: During resuscitation from blunt chest trauma and hemorrhagic shock in CSE−/− mice with pre-traumatic CS exposure, Na2S2O3 was associated with increased direct, aerobic glucose oxidation, suggesting a switch in energy metabolism towards preferential carbohydrate utilization. Nevertheless, treatment with Na2S2O3 coincided with a trend towards worsened lung mechanics and gas exchange, and, ultimately, shorter survival.

Description of Oryzobacter telluris sp. nov., a New Species Isolated from Bank-Side Soil in Seomjin River, South Korea

A novel bacterial strain, designated 24SJ04S-52T, was isolated from bank-side soil in the Osucheon Stream of the Seomjin River, Republic of Korea. This strain is aerobic, Gram-stain-positive, and short-rod-shaped, with optimal growth observed at 30 °C, pH 7, and 0% salinity, and growth occurring across a temperature range of 15–37 °C, pH 5–9, and salinity of 0–4%. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene showed that strain 24SJ04S-52T shares 98.3% sequence similarity with Oryzobacter terrae PSGM2-16T. However, the average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) values were 85.0% and 50.1%, respectively, which are well below the species delineation thresholds of 95–96% for ANI and 70% for dDDH, confirming the novelty of this species. Genomic analysis identified a genome size of 3.98 Mb with a G+C content of 72.9 mol%. Functional annotation revealed various genes involved in amino acid, carbohydrate, and protein metabolism, suggesting metabolic versatility that may support adaptation to nutrient-variable environments. Chemotaxonomic analyses revealed distinctive profiles, including major fatty acids such as C17:1 ω8c, iso-C16:0, and iso-C14:0, with MK-8(H4) as the predominant menaquinone. The polar lipids included diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, and phosphatidylinositol, and the peptidoglycan was of type A4γ with meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid. These comprehensive analyses support the classification of strain 24SJ04S-52T as a novel species within the genus Oryzobacter, for which the name Oryzobacter telluris sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 24SJ04S-52T (=KACC 23836T = FBCC-B16192T).

Targeting carbohydrate metabolism in colorectal cancer - synergy between DNA-damaging agents, cannabinoids, and intermittent serum starvation.

Chemotherapy is a therapy of choice for many cancers. However, it is often inefficient for long-term patient survival and is usually accompanied by multiple adverse effects. The adverse effects are mainly associated with toxicity to normal cells, frequently resulting in immune system depression, nausea, loss of appetite and metabolic changes. In this respect, the combination of chemotherapy with cannabinoids, especially non-psychoactive, such as cannabidiol, cannabinol and other minor cannabinoids, as well as terpenes, may become very useful. This is especially pertinent because the mechanisms of anticancer effects of cannabinoids on cancer cells are often different from conventional chemotherapeutics. In addition, cannabinoids help alleviate chemotherapy-induced adverse effects, regulate sleep and appetite, and are shown to have analgesic properties. Another component for achieving potential anti-cancer synergism is regulating nutrient availability and metabolism by calorie restriction and intermittent fasting in cancer cells. As tumours require a lot of energy to grow and because glucose is constantly available, malignant cells often opt to use glucose as a primary source of ATP production through substrate-level phosphorylation (fermentation) rather than through oxidative phosphorylation. Thus, periodic depletion of cancer cells of primary fuel, glucose, could result in a strong synergy in killing cancer cells by chemo- and possibly radiotherapy when combined with cannabinoids. This commentary will discuss what is known about such combinatorial treatments, including potential mechanisms and future protocols.

Visfatin and VEGF levels are not increased in adolescent girls with polycystic ovary syndrome

IntroductionPCOS is one of the most commonly occurring endocrinopathies among women and increasingly affects adolescent populations. The connection between PCOS and various endocrinological, psychological, and CVD is increasingly recognized. Some studies have shown elevated levels of visfatin and VEGF among patients with PCOS, which are markers of vascular endothelial dysfunction. In our study, we evaluated the concentration of these parameters, focusing solely on a group of adolescents with PCOS, to assess whether these early markers of CVD are present at an early stage of diagnosis.Material and methodsIn total, 80 adolescent girls participated in the study. 47 adolescents diagnosed with PCOS were included in the study group (mean age 15.68 ± 1.18 years, BMI 26.66 ± 6.41 kg/m2), while the remaining 33 regularly menstruating individuals (mean age 15.79 ± 1.22 years, BMI 25.44 ± 7.24 kg/m2) were assigned to the control group. Each participant underwent imaging, biochemical, and hormonal tests. Additionally, markers of endothelial dysfunction: VEGF and visfatin, were measured in all adolescents.ResultsBoth VEGF and visfatin levels did not differ significantly between PCOS and control group (p=0.30 and p=0.15, respectively). In the group of adolescent girls with PCOS, visfatin was significantly correlated with HDL, FSH, cortisol, and testosterone levels &amp;gt;55 ng/dl. VEGF was significantly correlated with fasting glucose, glucose levels after OGTT, estradiol, and waist circumference &amp;gt;80 cm.ConclusionIt can be indirectly inferred that both visfatin and VEGF should not be used as early markers for cardiometabolic complications among adolescent patients with PCOS. On the other hand, low visfatin levels, through their negative correlation with HDL, may have a protective effect on cardiovascular complications, while low VEGF levels, through their positive correlation with glucose levels, may have a protective influence on carbohydrate metabolism disorders.

TUDY OF CHRONIC TOXICITY OF AN IMPROVED A-SILICONE IMPRESSION MATERIAL PRODUCED IN UKRAINE

The objective of this study is to evaluate the potential toxic effects of an improved A-silicone impression material with decorative properties on the organs and mucous membranes of laboratory animals. Materials and Methods The experiment was conducted on white laboratory rats aged 9 months and weighing 230–285 g. Findings indicate that prolonged contact (30 days) with the material does not result in significant changes in the function of major organ systems in these laboratory rats. Results. A single exposure of laboratory rats to A-silicone impression material with disinfectant properties did not cause significant changes in the physiological state of the animals. Weights of internal organs, including the liver, spleen, heart, and adrenal glands, remained within normal limits, indicating that the material had no toxic effects. The analysis of the peripheral blood composition did not reveal any abnormalities in the number of red blood cells, leukocytes, hemoglobin and other cellular components. The functional state of the liver and kidneys, including the activity of the enzymes AlаT and AсаT, levels of total protein, albumin, creatinine and urea, remained stable and did not change under the influence of the material. There was also no effect on carbohydrate metabolism. No abnormalities in protein synthesis and nitrogen excretion functions were detected, which confirms the safety of the material during the 30-day observation. Conclusion. It was established that this material in the tested dose does not affect the enzyme-synthetic function of the liver and does not exhibit cytolytic effects. The material was found to have no toxic impact on liver function with prolonged use, nor does it cause statistically significant deviations in the measured indicators between the control and experimental groups. The absence of sugar, ketones, and protein in the urine indicates no adverse effect on the renal nitrogen-excreting and saluretic functions, as well as on the vital organs of the rats.