Regulation Of Carbohydrate Metabolism Research Articles

Regulation of carbohydrate metabolism and insulin secretion in diabetic rats following treatment with Hypericum perforatum L. hairy root aqueous methanol extract

Hairy root (HR) cultures of Hypericum perforatum L. have shown promise in controlling hyperglycemia, regulating blood lipid and enzyme profiles, and improving metabolic function in vivo. These benefits are mainly attributed to the phenolic acids, flavonoids, and xanthones present in HR extracts. However, the specific mechanism underlying these effects remains unclear. This study was performed to elucidate the biochemical and molecular mechanisms driving HR the antihyperglycemic and antidiabetic effects of HR extracts. HR extract (200 mg/kg body weight) was administered daily for 14 days to healthy rats and rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes, with glibenclamide serving as a positive control. The phenolic composition of the HR extracts was confirmed through high-performance liquid chromatography/diode array detection/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC/DAD/ESI-MSn ) analysis. The results showed that HR extract treatment increased the plasma insulin level and pancreatic poly (adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase (PARP) activity in diabetic rats, thus normalizing blood glucose levels. Additionally, it reduced the activity of gluconeogenic enzymes, increased the activity of glycolytic enzymes, and normalized the glycogen content in the liver. HR extract-treated rats also exhibited increased hepatic adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) mRNA expression and a decreased protein kinase Cε (PKCε) concentration. In conclusion, HR extract demonstrated insulinotropic effects and effectively regulated hepatic carbohydrate metabolism in diabetic rats by modulating AMPK expression and the PKCε concentration. These findings suggest the potential use of HR extract as an herbal medicine for diabetes treatment and a source of antidiabetic drug development.

Histologic, metabolomic, and transcriptomic differences in fir trees from a peri-urban forest under chronic ozone exposure.

Urbanization modifies ecosystem conditions and evolutionary processes. This includes air pollution, mostly as tropospheric ozone (O3), which contributes to the decline of urban and peri-urban forests. A notable case are fir (Abies religiosa) forests in the peripheral mountains southwest of Mexico City, which have been severely affected by O3 pollution since the 1970s. Interestingly, some young individuals exhibiting minimal O3-related damage have been observed within a zone of significant O3 exposure. Using this setting as a natural experiment, we compared asymptomatic and symptomatic individuals of similar age (≤15 years old; n = 10) using histologic, metabolomic, and transcriptomic approaches. Plants were sampled during days of high (170 ppb) and moderate (87 ppb) O3 concentration. Given that there have been reforestation efforts in the region, with plants from different source populations, we first confirmed that all analyzed individuals clustered within the local genetic group when compared to a species-wide panel (Admixture analysis with ~1.5K SNPs). We observed thicker epidermis and more collapsed cells in the palisade parenchyma of needles from symptomatic individuals than from their asymptomatic counterparts, with differences increasing with needle age. Furthermore, symptomatic individuals exhibited lower concentrations of various terpenes (ß-pinene, ß-caryophylene oxide, α-caryophylene, and ß-α-cubebene) than asymptomatic trees, as evidenced through GC-MS. Finally, transcriptomic analyses revealed differential expression for 13 genes related to carbohydrate metabolism, plant defense, and gene regulation. Our results indicate a rapid and contrasting phenotypic response among trees, likely influenced by standing genetic variation and/or plastic mechanisms. They open the door to future evolutionary studies for understanding how O3 tolerance develops in urban environments, and how this knowledge could contribute to forest restoration.

Identification of gene isoforms and their switching events between male and female embryos of the parthenogenetic crustacean Daphnia magna

The cladoceran crustacean Daphnia exhibits phenotypic plasticity, a phenomenon that leads to diverse phenotypes from one genome. Alternative usage of gene isoforms has been considered a key gene regulation mechanism for controlling different phenotypes. However, to understand the phenotypic plasticity of Daphnia, gene isoforms have not been comprehensively analyzed. Here we identified 25,654 transcripts derived from the 9710 genes expressed during environmental sex determination of Daphnia magna using the long-read RNA-Seq with PacBio Iso-Seq. We found that 14,924 transcripts were previously unidentified and 5713 genes produced two or more isoforms. By a combination of Illumina short-read RNA-Seq, we detected 824 genes that implemented switching of the highest expressed isoform between females and males. Among the 824 genes, we found isoform switching of an ortholog of CREB-regulated transcription coactivator, a major regulator of carbohydrate metabolism in animals, and a correlation of this switching event with the sexually dimorphic expression of carbohydrate metabolic genes. These results suggest that a comprehensive catalog of isoforms may lead to understanding the molecular basis for environmental sex determination of Daphnia. We also infer the applicability of the full-length isoform analyses to the elucidation of phenotypic plasticity in Daphnia.

Immune system parameters in patients with chronic opistorchiasis based on genetic polymorphism associated with carbohydrate and lipid metabolism disorders

A study assessing differences in the immunopathogenesis of chronic opisthorchiasis with or without genetic polymorphisms in patients associated with predisposition to type II diabetes mellitus and lipid metabolism disorders was carried out. Venous blood samples from 89 patients were collected to analyze immunological parameters and genetic polymorphisms by using pyrosequencing. In the presence of mutations affecting regulation of carbohydrate metabolism, patients with opisthorchiasis had less pronouncedly increased phagocytic activity, a lower monocyte count, higher total T-lymphocyte count, lower T-cytotoxic cell and B-lymphocyte counts, lower IgA, IgG but higher IgM concentration. This indicates a moderately compromised nonspecific resistance, imbalanced effector T- and B-immunity, but in most cases (PPARG, TCF7L2 rs12255372, CDKAL1, CDKN2A/2B, SLC30A8) aggravated humoral immune reaction to invasion particularly revealed by lower B-lymphocyte count. The presence of polymorphisms that alter lipid metabolism regulation bidirectionally affects the parameters of immune response. An increased B-lymphocyte count and other indicators of humoral immune activation to invasion, which are detected in groups with mutations in the APOE (rs429358), PCSK9, ABCA1, APOC3 rs2854117 genes, can contribute to a more effective response to sustained antigenic stimulation. Changes in the T-lymphocytes subpopulations, characteristic of opisthorchiasis invasion, are aggravated in the presence of mutations in the PCSK9, ABCA1, and APOC3 rs2854117 genes. Mutations in the genes APOC3 rs5128, LPL rs268 activate patients’ nonspecific resistance, although this effect may also be associated with exhaustion of neutrophil bactericidal reserve. In general, minor alleles of the APOE (rs429358), APOC3 rs2854117, LPL rs268, LPL rs328, PON1 rs662 genes can be considered “protective” for the immunopathogenesis of chronic opisthorchiasis. Thus, patients with chronic opisthorchiasis with different genotypes predisposing to carbohydrate and lipid metabolism disorders had significant differences in immune system parameters, which can also affect the disease course. Mutations in different loci of the PCSK9, ABCA1, APOE, APOC3, and PON1 genes have opposite effects on the analyzed immune parameters. In the presence of mutations in other genes (PPARG, TCF7L2 rs12255372, CDKAL1, CDKN2A/2B, SLC30A8, LPL), opisthorchiasis invasion leads to more pronounced alterations in immune response; mutations in the lipoprotein lipase gene may have some “protective” immune-related effect in opisthorchiasis. The effect of all studied genetic polymorphisms associated with a predisposition to developing type II diabetes mellitus was predominantly negative.

Effect of Ginger on Cardiac Oxidative Stress and Carbohydrate Metabolic Profiles in STZ Induced Diabetic Rats

The purpose of this research was to investigate how ginger can protect oxidative stress (antioxidant status) and carbohydrate metabolism in rats with induced diabetes. In this study we observed in diabetic rats, activities of SOD, CAT, GSH content, total carbohydrates, and total proteins decreased, while glycogen content was increased. However, administering ginger to diabetic rats led to an improvement in antioxidant status, total carbohydrates, total proteins and a decrease in glycogen levels. These results indicate that ginger has antioxidant and other medicinal properties that can regulate carbohydrate metabolism in diabetic rats.

Combined Analysis of Untargeted Metabolomics and Transcriptomics Revealed Seed Germination and Seedling Establishment in Zelkova schneideriana.

Zelkova schneideriana Hand.-Mazz is a valuable ornamental tree and timber source, whose seedling breeding and large-scale cultivation are restricted by low seed germination and seedling rates. The regulatory mechanisms underlying seed germination and seedling establishment in Z. schneideriana remain unknown. This study conducted metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses of seed germination and seedling establishment in Z. schneideriana. Regular expression of genes and metabolite levels has been observed in plant hormone signal transduction, starch and sucrose metabolism, linoleic acid metabolism, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. The reduction in abscisic acid during seed germination may lead to seed release from dormancy. After the seed is released from dormancy, the metabolic levels of auxin, cytokinins, brassinolide, and various sugars are elevated, and they are consumed in large quantities during the seedling establishment stage. Linoleic acid metabolism is gradually activated during seedling establishment. Transcriptome analysis showed that a large number of genes in different metabolic pathways are upregulated during plant establishment, and material metabolism may be accelerated during seedling establishment. Genes regulating carbohydrate metabolism are altered during seed germination and seedling establishment, which may have altered the efficiency of carbohydrate utilization. In addition, the syntheses of lignin monomers and cellulose have different characteristics at different stages. These results provide new insights into the complex mechanisms underlying seed germination and seedling establishment in Z. schneideriana and other woody plants.

Regulation of carbohydrate metabolism during anther development in a thermo-sensitive genic male-sterile wheat line.

Bainong sterility (BNS) is a thermo-sensitive genic male sterile wheat line, characterised by anther fertility transformation in response to low temperature (LT) stress during meiosis, the failure of vacuole decomposition and the absence of starch accumulation in sterile bicellular pollen. Our study demonstrates that the late microspore (LM) stage marks the transition from the anther growth to anther maturation phase, characterised by the changes in anther structure, carbohydrate metabolism and the main transport pathway of sucrose (Suc). Fructan is a main storage polysaccharide in wheat anther, and its synthesis and remobilisation are crucial for anther development. Moreover, the process of pollen amylogenesis and the fate of the large vacuole in pollen are closely intertwined with fructan synthesis and remobilisation. LT disrupts the normal physiological metabolism of BNS anthers during meiosis, particularly affecting carbohydrate metabolism, thus determining the fate of male gametophytes and pollen abortion. Disruption of fructan synthesis and remobilisation regulation serves as a decisive event that results in anther abortion. Sterile pollen exhibits common traits of pollen starvation and impaired starch accumulation due to the inhibition of apoplastic transport starting from the LM stage, which is regulated by cell wall invertase TaIVR1 and Suc transporter TaSUT1.

Post-COVID syndrome: status of carbohydrate metabolism in patients with hypertension and stable ischemic heart disease

Background. Post-COVID syndrome is associated with a wide range of chronic symptoms or conditions. Coronavirus di­sease 2019 (COVID-19) causes metabolic disorders such as hyperglycemia, insulin resistance. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is associated with an impaired glucose tolerance and a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Currently, the study of molecules regulating carbohydrate metabolism as potential biomarkers of post-COVID syndrome and targets for therapeutic influence is relevant. The purpose of the study was to assess the level of IGF-1 and its relationship with regulation of carbohydrate metabolism, as well as the dynamics of the evaluated indicators under the influence of drug treatment in patients with hypertension and stable coronary heart disease who suffered from COVID-19. Materials and methods. Fifty-five patients who had a mild and moderate COVID-19 were included in the study; their average age was 55.87 [40; 75] years. The results of routine laboratory tests were registered and analyzed. The content of insulin and IGF-1 was assessed by enzyme immunoassay. The HOMA-IR was calculated. Results. In patients with a mode­rate COVID-19 compared to those with a mild one, a significant decrease in the level of IGF-1 (р = 0.008) was found against the background of increased reference values of glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR (р < 0.01). The influence of the degree of hypertension on the IGF-1 level was revealed (р = 0.004). An inverse relationship between IGF-1 and glucose level was noted (r = –0.28, p = 0.034). The use of meldonium contributed to a significant decrease in glucose and insulin content (p < 0.001), and an increase in IGF-1. Against the background of taking meldonium, the dynamics of the shift towards a decrease in the HOMA-IR was more significant. Conclusions. An inverse relationship was found between IGF-1 and blood glucose, regardless of the level of insulin and HOMA-IR, in patients with hypertension and stable ischemic heart disease in the post-COVID period. Meldonium has been shown to improve carbohydrate metabolism by normalizing insulin levels and redu­cing the phenomena of insulin resistance as a potential drug target. Meldonium improved the clinical course of ischemic heart disease and demonstrated good tolerability and safety.

Therapeutic Potential of Bacteroides fragilis SNBF-1 as a Next-Generation Probiotic: In Vitro Efficacy in Lipid and Carbohydrate Metabolism and Antioxidant Activity.

This study explores the potential of aerotolerant Bacteroides fragilis (B. fragilis) strains as next-generation probiotics (NGPs), focusing on their adaptability in the gastrointestinal environment, safety profile, and probiotic functions. From 23 healthy infant fecal samples, we successfully isolated 56 beneficial B. fragilis strains. Notably, the SNBF-1 strain demonstrated superior cholesterol removal efficiency in HepG2 cells, outshining all other strains by achieving a remarkable reduction in cholesterol by 55.38 ± 2.26%. Comprehensive genotype and phenotype analyses were conducted, including sugar utilization and antibiotic sensitivity tests, leading to the development of an optimized growth medium for SNBF-1. SNBF-1 also demonstrated robust and consistent antioxidant activity, particularly in cell-free extracts, as evidenced by an average oxygen radical absorbance capacity value of 1.061 and a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging ability of 94.53 ± 7.31%. The regulation of carbohydrate metabolism by SNBF-1 was assessed in the insulin-resistant HepG2 cell line. In enzyme inhibition assays, SNBF-1 showed significant α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition, with rates of 87.04 ± 2.03% and 37.82 ± 1.36%, respectively. Furthermore, the cell-free supernatant (CFS) of SNBF-1 enhanced glucose consumption and glycogen synthesis in insulin-resistant HepG2 cells, indicating improved cellular energy metabolism. This was consistent with the observation that the CFS of SNBF-1 increased the proliferation of HepG2 cells by 123.77 ± 0.82% compared to that of the control. Overall, this research significantly enhances our understanding of NGPs and their potential therapeutic applications in modulating the gut microbiome.

GLP-1 analogs: a comparison of new anti diabetic medications - presenting benefits and risks

Introduction and purpose: Diabetes has emerged as a global lifestyle disease, with an alarming rise in cases, particularly of type 2 diabetes. In Poland, over 3 million people are diagnosed, and an estimated 4 million cases are expected by 2030. Effective treatment involves a multifaceted approach, including dietary intervention, physical activity, and pharmacological options. Incretins, such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), play a pivotal role in carbohydrate metabolism regulation, and GLP-1 analogs have become essential in managing type 2 diabetes. This paper explores the development and mechanisms of GLP-1 analogs, detailing their impact on insulin secretion, gastric emptying, and weight reduction.
 Description of the state knowledge: Various GLP-1 receptor agonists, including exenatide, liraglutide, dulaglutide, semaglutide, and the novel tirzepatide, are discussed. These drugs exhibit diverse pharmacokinetics, modes of administration, and effects on glucose metabolism and weight. Despite their efficacy, there is a concerning trend of off-label use, particularly for obesity treatment, leading to shortages for patients with valid prescriptions. This misuse is fueled by para-advertising on social media platforms, contributing to a surge in prescriptions and reimbursement costs. To address this, guidelines for GLP-1 analog use in obesity treatment are proposed, emphasizing the need for a stable drug supply and normalizing drug availability.
 Summary: In 2023, concerns intensified with reports of counterfeit GLP-1 analogs, prompting regulatory interventions. The paper concludes by underscoring the critical role GLP-1 analogs play in diabetes and obesity treatment, while emphasizing the importance of responsible prescription practices, guidelines adherence, and regulatory vigilance to ensure patient safety and mitigate the risks associated with misuse and counterfeit drugs.

Effects of myo-inositol on growth and biomarkers of environmental stress and metabolic regulation in Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) reared at low salinity

This study explored the role of myo-inositol in alleviating the low salinity stress of White Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). Juvenile shrimp (0.4 ± 0.02 g) in low salinity (salinity 3) water were fed diets with myo-inositol levels of 0, 272, 518, 1020 and 1950 mg/kg (crude protein is 36.82 %, crude lipid is 7.58 %), fed shrimp in seawater at a salinity of 25 were fed a 0 mg/kg myo-inositol diet as a control (Ctrl). The experiment was carried out in tanks (50 L) with satiety feeding, and the experiment lasted for 6 weeks. After sampling, the serum was used to measure immune function, the hepatopancreas homogenate was used to measure the antioxidant capacity and hepatopancreas damage state, the hepatopancreas was used for transcriptomics analysis, and the gills were used for qPCR to measure osmotic pressure regulation. The results showed that the final weight and survival of the shrimp in the 1020 mg/kg group increased significantly compared with those in the other low salinity groups, but the final weight and biomass increase were significantly lower than those in the Ctrl group. Dietary myo-inositol improved the antioxidant capacity of shrimp under low salinity. B-cell hyperplasia and hepatic duct damage were observed in the hepatopancreas in the 0 mg/kg group. The results of transcriptome analysis showed that myo-inositol could participate in the osmotic pressure regulation of shrimp by regulating carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism and other related genes. Myo-inositol significantly affected the expression of related genes in ion transporter and G protein-coupled receptor-mediated pathways. This study demonstrated that myo-inositol can not only act as an osmotic pressure effector and participate in the osmolar regulation of shrimp through the phosphatidylinositol signaling pathway mediated by G protein-coupled receptors but also relieve low salinity stress by mediating physiological pathways such as immunity, antioxidation, and metabolism in shrimp. The binomial regression analysis of biomass increases and survival showed that the appropriate amount of myo-inositol in the L. vannamei diet was 862.50–1275.00 mg/kg under low salinity.

Insight into carbohydrate metabolism, protein quantification and mineral regulation in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) by the action of green synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) against heat stress

In the present investigation, the role of GS-AgNPs treatment in wheat plants was carried out in reducing heat stress with the aim of facilitating scientists on this topic. The effect of GS-AgNPs against heat stress has rarely been deliberated in wheat plants, and only a few studies have been established earlier in this scenario. This work illustrated the effect of GS-AgNPs on the regulation of carbohydrates metabolism, SOD, proteins, crude fibers, and minerals changes in wheat plants. Data were analysed using PCA analysis, correlation parameters, and normal probability distribution in PAST 3 software. The results indicated that heat stress alone caused severe changes in carbohydrates metabolism, SOD, proteins, crude fibers, and minerals immediately so that plants could not recover without foreign stabilizers such as GS-AgNPs. The application of GS-AgNPs increases the flux of carbohydrates metabolism, SOD, and proteins, including HSPs, crude fibers, and minerals, in wheat plants to reduce the effect of heat stress. The 50 mg/l concentration of GS-AgNPs has shown an increase in carbohydrates metabolism and SOD activity, while crude fibres have shown a significant enhancement at 100 mg/l of GS-AgNPs. The crude and true proteins were also shown pronounced increase in treatment to a concentration of 50 mg/l of GS-AgNPs. GS-AgNPs stimulated HSP production; most importantly, smHSP production was observed in the present results with other HSPs in wheat plants treated with a 50 mg/l concentration of GS-AgNPs. The mineral distribution was also regulated by the respective treatment of GS-AgNPs, and the highest amounts of Ca, P and Fe were found to be highest in wheat under heat stress. In general, we computed the expected model based on GS-AgNPs on the genes/factors that respond to heat stress and their potential role in mitigating heat stress in wheat. In addition, we discussed the prospective signalling pathway triggered by GS-AgNPs in wheat against heat stress. In the future, this work might be helpful in distinguishing the genetic variation due to GS-AgNPs in promoting tolerance in wheat against heat stress. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

The role of abiotic and biotic factors of aged brine in directing microbial assembly and volatile profiles of Paocai during fermentation

Aged brine is a representative natural starter that evolves with stable abiotic and biotic conditions for reproducible quality of fermented vegetables. In this study, the role of aged brine in directing the quality formation of Paocai (a traditional fermented vegetable) was investigated by analyzing the contribution of abiotic and biotic factors to physicochemical properties, volatile compound profiles, microbial composition and function in Paocai. Results showed that the abiotic factors in aged brine promoted reducing sugar consumption and lactic acid accumulation by facilitating the growth of indigenous lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeasts. Also, the masking effect of abiotic factors on isothiocyanates and disulfide alleviated the pungent flavor of Paocai. The biotic factors introduced indigenous dominant LAB genera of Liquorilactobacillus, Levilactobacillus, Lactiplantibacillus, Secundilactobacillus, Pediococcus, Lentilactobacillus, Lacticaseibacillus, Lactobacillus and indigenous dominant yeast genera of Kazachstania and Brettanomyces into Paocai. LAB functioned in the production of acid and aldehyde, while yeasts contributed to the accumulation of esters and lactones. Both LAB and yeasts reduced the contents of pungent compounds in Paocai during fermentation. Analysis of microbial function revealed that the role of aged brine was related to the regulation of carbohydrate metabolism and carbohydrate-active enzymes of the microbial community. This study provided an understanding of the role of aged brine in shaping the quality of fermented vegetables.

Targeting Mitochondrial ATP-Synthase: Evolving Role of Chromium as a Regulator of Carbohydrate and Fat Metabolism.

The micronutrient trivalent chromium, 3 + (Cr(III)), is postulated to play a role in carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism. Although the mechanisms by which chromium mediates its actions are largely unknown, previous studies have suggested that pharmacological doses of chromium improve cardiometabolic symptoms by augmenting carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) was among the many mechanisms proposed to explain the salutary actions of chromium on carbohydrate metabolism. However, the molecular pathways leading to the activation of AMPK by chromium remained elusive. In an elegant series of studies, Sun and coworkers recently demonstrated that chromium augments AMPK activation by binding to the beta-subunit of ATP synthase and inhibiting its enzymatic activity. This mini-review attempts to trace the evolving understanding of the molecular mechanisms of chromium leading to the hitherto novel pathway unraveled by Sun and coworkers and its potential implication to our understanding of the biological actions of chromium.

The Role of the FGF19 Family in the Pathogenesis of Gestational Diabetes: A Narrative Review.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common pregnancy complications. Understanding the pathogenesis and appropriate diagnosis of GDM enables the implementation of early interventions during pregnancy that reduce the risk of maternal and fetal complications. At the same time, it provides opportunities to prevent diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular diseases in women with GDM and their offspring in the future. Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) represent a heterogeneous family of signaling proteins which play a vital role in cell proliferation and differentiation, repair of damaged tissues, wound healing, angiogenesis, and mitogenesis and also affect the regulation of carbohydrate, lipid, and hormone metabolism. Abnormalities in the signaling function of FGFs may lead to numerous pathological conditions, including metabolic diseases. The FGF19 subfamily, also known as atypical FGFs, which includes FGF19, FGF21, and FGF23, is essential in regulating metabolic homeostasis and acts as a hormone while entering the systemic circulation. Many studies have pointed to the involvement of the FGF19 subfamily in the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases, including GDM, although the results are inconclusive. FGF19 and FGF21 are thought to be associated with insulin resistance, an essential element in the pathogenesis of GDM. FGF21 may influence placental metabolism and thus contribute to fetal growth and metabolism regulation. The observed relationship between FGF21 and increased birth weight could suggest a potential role for FGF21 in predicting future metabolic abnormalities in children born to women with GDM. In this group of patients, different mechanisms may contribute to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases in women in later life, and FGF23 appears to be their promising early predictor. This study aims to present a comprehensive review of the FGF19 subfamily, emphasizing its role in GDM and predicting its long-term metabolic consequences for mothers and their offspring.

Chromium – a scoping review for Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023

Trivalent chromium (CrIII) is the principal form of chromium found in diet and supplements. CrIII has been claimed to be involved in the regulation of carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism. Hexavalent chromium (CrVI) is a carcinogen when inhaled, which is uncommon, and occurs mainly by occupational exposures. There is a concern about adverse health effects also from exposure to CrVI by contaminated drinking water, although data from human studies are limited. Chromium had no recommendation in the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations (NNR) 2012 and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) did not set any reference values either. Methods for evaluating chromium status are lacking, and there is still uncertainty about how chromium deficiency in humans manifests itself. The essentiality of chromium is also disputed. This scoping review revealed new research activity relating to high-dose chromium supplements and several health outcomes (overweight, obesity, and diabetes). Although these issues are related to health concerns in the Nordic or Baltic countries, the relevance for the NNR is modest, since such a high intake of chromium cannot be achieved by diet. Thus, no strong evidence was identified in the scientific literature that justifies a recommendation for chromium intake.

Reactive oxygen species homeostasis and carbohydrate metabolism involved in wound healing of carrot induced by hot water treatment

Although the information on regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis or carbohydrate metabolism has been published in other wounding-responsive horticultural crops, the involvement of that in carrot remains unknown, especially treatment with hot water. In this study, ROS and carbohydrate metabolism analysis during wound healing was performed to clarify the underlying mechanism for the wounded carrots subjected to hot water treatment. Results showed that 45 ℃ hot water promoted NADPH oxidase (NOX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in healing carrots, elevated O2·− and H2O2 contents. Also, hot water enhanced catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) activities, the activities of AsA-GSH cycle-related as well as the ascorbic acid and glutathione levels. Additionally, hot water stimulated acid invertase (AI) and neutral invertase (NI) activities with a higher level of sucrose, fructose and glucose, triggered stronger activities of hexokinase (HK), phosphofruc tokinase (PFK), pyruvate kinase (PK) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PDH) in glycolytic and pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) during healing of carrots. Taken together, hot water can regulate ROS homeostasis and activate sucrose metabolism, glycolysis and PPP pathway to benefit carrot wound healing.

Effects of Zhuang medicine compound Xiancao Granule on diabetic kidney disease: A multi-omics analysis

Ethnopharmacological relevanceDiabetic kidney disease (DKD) poses a severe threat to human health. Compound Xiancao Granule (CXCG), a classic Zhuang medicinal formula, is reported as highly effective in treating DKD. However, the mechanisms underlying the action of CXCG in DKD remain unclear. Aim of the studyThis study aimed to investigate the mechanisms of action of CXCG against DKD using multi-omics analysis, including 16s rRNA sequencing, metabolomics, and transcriptomics. Materials and methodsThe chemical compounds of CXCG were identified using ultra-high- performance liquid chromatography quadrupole/electrostatic field orbital trap high-resolution mass spectrometry analysis. A rat model of DKD was established by combining nephrectomy of the left kidney, high-fat diet, and streptozotocin. The therapeutic effects of CXCG on DKD were assessed based on body weight, blood glucose level, renal function, inflammatory cytokine levels, and histological staining. Subsequently, 16s rRNA sequencing, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry untargeted metabolomic profiling, and RNA sequencing analysis were used to investigate the mechanisms of action of CXCG in DKD. Spearman's correlation analysis was performed to elucidate the correlations between efficacy indicators, gut microbiota, metabolites, and inflammation-related genes. ResultsA total of 118 compounds were identified in CXCG. CXCG significantly ameliorated glucose metabolism disorders, improved renal function, attenuated inflammation, and delayed renal pathological changes in DKD rats. CXCG modulated gut microbiota dysbiosis, including Alloprevotella, Oscillibacter, Anaeroplasma, Anaerotruncus, and Faecalibacterium. In addition, metabolic disruption in DKD rats was regulated by CXCG, which is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates and amino acids. Transcriptome analysis showed that CXCG affected DKD mainly by regulating inflammation-related genes and pathways, such as the PI3K/Akt and MAPK signaling pathways. Furthermore, there were significant correlations between efficacy indicators, gut microbiota, metabolites, and genes. ConclusionThis multi-omics association study provides novel insights into the effects of CXCG on DKD by remodeling the gut microbiota structure and restoring the metabolic homeostasis through the regulation of carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and inflammation-related pathways, highlighting a potential therapeutic strategy for DKD.

Cardiomyocyte intercellular signalling increases oxidative stress and reprograms the global‐ and phospho‐proteome of cardiac fibroblasts

AbstractPathological reprogramming of cardiomyocyte and fibroblast proteome landscapes drive the initiation and progression of cardiac fibrosis. Although the secretome of dysfunctional cardiomyocytes is emerging as an important driver of pathological fibroblast reprogramming, our understanding of the downstream molecular players remains limited. Here, we show that cardiac fibroblast activation (αSMA+) and oxidative stress mediated by the secretome of TGFβ‐stimulated cardiomyocytes is associated with a profound reprogramming of their proteome and phosphoproteome landscape. Within the fibroblast global proteome there was a striking dysregulation of proteins implicated in extracellular matrix, protein localisation/metabolism, KEAP1‐NFE2L2 pathway, lysosomes, carbohydrate metabolism, and transcriptional regulation. Kinase substrate enrichment analysis of phosphopeptides revealed potential role of kinases (CK2, CDK2, PKC, GSK3B) during this remodelling. We verified upregulated activity of casein kinase 2 (CK2) in secretome‐treated fibroblasts, and pharmacological CK2 inhibitor TBB (4,5,6,7‐Tetrabromobenzotriazole) significantly abrogated fibroblast activation and oxidative stress. Our data provides molecular insights into cardiomyocyte to cardiac fibroblast crosstalk, and the potential role of CK2 in regulating cardiac fibroblast activation and oxidative stress.

Effect of Cassia sieberiana DC (Fabaceae) on α-amylase and α-Glucosidase and Diabetes Treatment Trial in Rats

Background: Diabetes is a metabolic disease caused by a disturbance in the regulation of carbohydrate metabolism. It constitutes a public health problem whose major symptom is chronic hyperglycemia. The present study aims to assess the inhibitory effect of aqueous root extract of Cassia sieberiana (AECs) on two glycosidases, as well as its anti-diabetic potential in Wistar rats.
 Study Design: Experimental Design.
 Place and Duration of Study: Biology and Health Laboratory, Training and Research Unit Biosciences, Félix Houphouët-Boigny University of Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, is the place where this study was carried out. The work was conducted from November 2022 to February 2023.
 Methodology: The inhibitory effect of AECs on α-amylase and α-glucosidase was determined in vitro by measuring its ability to block the activity of these enzymes in the presence of their substrate. As for anti-diabetic activity, this was assessed in Wistar rats during experimental alloxane-induced diabetes. Diabetic rats were then treated with AECs at doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg bw and glibenclamide at a dose of 10 mg/kg bw for three weeks.
 Results: AECs exerts weak inhibitory effect on α-amylase activity (IC50 = 3.41x104 mg/mL) compared to its effect on α-glucosidase activity (IC50 =7.31x10-2 mg/mL). However, this inhibitory effect is lower than that of acarbose (IC50 = 3.13x10-4 mg/mL). In addition, treatment of diabetic rats reduced hyperglycemia by 38.75%, 55.48% and 63.55% in rats receiving AECs at doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg bw and glibenclamide respectively. In addition, changes in lipid, hepatic and renal profiles, and weight loss in diabetic rats were corrected by this extract.
 Conclusion: AECs inhibits α-glucosidase and α-amylase activity, but this effect is better with α-glucosidase. This extract is also able to reduce glycemia in diabetic rats and regulate certain parameters linked to complications associated with diabetes.