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Current Pharmaceutical Design 2017Zinc is a critical metal ion essential for life. The biological significance of zinc is highlighted by the enormous number of proteins (approximately 10% of the human... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Zinc is a critical metal ion essential for life. The biological significance of zinc is highlighted by the enormous number of proteins (approximately 10% of the human proteome) that have zinc-binding capacity. Accordingly, zinc concentrations in cells are tightly regulated by two families of zinc transporter proteins: Slc30a (ZnT) and Slc39a (Zip). ZnT and Zip are known to decrease and increase cytosolic zinc concentrations respectively. Both zinc transporters are suggested to be implicated in a number of disorders and disease states through dysfunctional zinc transport including cancer, diabetes and gastrointestinal (GI) disease.
METHOD
The goal of this work was to identify the role of zinc transporters in GI disease/disorders. Where possible, reference will be made in the context of the function of zinc transporters and their potential role in GI disorders/ diseases with a view towards their possible therapeutic utility in the treatment of these ailments. PubMed was utilized to search for articles with the terms "zinc and GI disease", "zinc transporters and GI disease", "zinc and gut", zinc transporters and gut", and "zinc transporters and intestinal disorders".
RESULTS
We identified a number of reviews on GI disorders/disease states associated with zinc deficiencies, but the very proteins that transport this metal ion in these systems are not well-defined. From a systematic review, we identified the following zinc transporters (Zip1, 2, 4-7, 10, 11 and 14; and ZnT1, 8 and 10) as having some functional role in the GI system and potentially could have a therapeutic role in the treatment of GI disease/disorders.
CONCLUSION
An increasingly common health issue in our communities is disorder/disease of the GI system. Although therapies targeting these disorders are somewhat beneficial, there is a need to develop better, more efficient treatments. Despite that many gut-related disorders/disease states have been analyzed in the context of zinc deficiencies, the transport proteins that move zinc across cells are not well-defined. Zinc transporters are expressed in a range of GI tissue and cells, and their roles in the maintenance, integrity and disease processes of the GI system need to be addressed. This might open a whole new avenue of opportunities for the development of novel therapies targeting these receptors in GI disease states.
Topics: Carrier Proteins; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Humans; Zinc
PubMed: 28120719
DOI: 10.2174/1381612823666170124115850 -
Toxins Apr 2020Centipedes are among the oldest venomous arthropods that use their venom to subdue the prey. The major components of centipede venom are a variety of...
Centipedes are among the oldest venomous arthropods that use their venom to subdue the prey. The major components of centipede venom are a variety of low-molecular-weight peptide toxins that have evolved to target voltage-gated ion channels to interfere with the central system of prey and produce pain or paralysis for efficient hunting. Peptide toxins usually contain several intramolecular disulfide bonds, which confer chemical, thermal and biological stability. In addition, centipede peptides generally have novel structures and high potency and specificity and therefore hold great promise both as diagnostic tools and in the treatment of human disease. Here, we review the centipede peptide toxins with reported effects on ion channels, including Nav, Kv, Cav and the nonselective cation channel polymodal transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1).
Topics: Animals; Arthropod Proteins; Arthropod Venoms; Bites and Stings; Chilopoda; Drug Discovery; Humans; Ion Channels; Membrane Transport Modulators; Protein Conformation; Signal Transduction; Structure-Activity Relationship
PubMed: 32260499
DOI: 10.3390/toxins12040230 -
Pain Physician 2015Individual response to opioid analgesics varies among patients. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Individual response to opioid analgesics varies among patients.
OBJECTIVE
This study sought to clarify the impact of distinct genetic variations on pain, opioid consumption, and opioid side effects in patients with postoperative pain.
STUDY DESIGN
A systematic review and meta-analysis of associations between genetic single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and opioids used for acute postoperative pain.
SETTING
This meta-analysis examined all studies involving an association between genetic polymorphisms and the analgesic efficacy or clinical outcome of opioid analgesics for postoperative pain.
METHODS
A literature search was performed up to January 31, 2014, using the PubMed, EMBase, ISI Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases.
RESULTS
Fifty-nine studies were included in this systematic review, and 23 studies (a total of 5,902 patients) were included in the final meta-analysis. The results showed that human μ-opioid receptor gene (OPRM1) 118G allele variant carriers consumed more opioids for analgesia (SMD = -0.17, 95% CI = [-0.25, -0.10], P < 0.00001), but reported higher pain scores (MD = -0.11, 95% CI = [-0.17, -0.04], P = 0.002) and less nausea and vomiting (odds ratio = 1.30, 95% CI = [1.08, 1.55], P = 0.005) than the homozygous 118AA patients during the first 24 hour but not the 48 hour postoperative period. Moreover, CYP3A4*1G carriers consumed less opioids than homozygous CYP3A4*1/*1 patients during the first 24 hours postoperative period (MD = 45.12, 95% CI = [36.17, 54.06], P < 0.00001). No significant differences were found in CYP3A5*3, ABCB1 C3435T, and G2477T/A genetic polymorphisms.
LIMITATIONS
Some potential non-genetic factors can modify the effects of gene SNP on pain and opioid consumption during the postoperative period, such as age, gender, mood, anxiety, and drug-drug interactions. But further analyses could not be performed in the present meta-analysis due to limited information.
CONCLUSION
The results indicate that among the genetic SNPs we studied which include those affecting analgesic drug metabolism, transport of analgesic agents across the blood-brain barrier, and their activity at target receptors and ion channels and in the modulation of neurotransmitter pathways, the A118G allele variant of OPRM1 has the most potent influence on pain management of postoperative patients. Opioid receptor gene information may provide valuable information for clinicians to properly manage the analgesic use of opioids individually for better pain management.
Topics: Analgesics, Opioid; Female; Genetic Variation; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Pain Management; Pain, Postoperative; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Receptors, Opioid, mu
PubMed: 25794200
DOI: No ID Found -
Sports Medicine - Open Sep 2019There is abundant and mounting information related to the molecular and biological structure and function of the Aquaporin-1 (AQP1) gene and the AQP1-Aquaporin channel.... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
There is abundant and mounting information related to the molecular and biological structure and function of the Aquaporin-1 (AQP1) gene and the AQP1-Aquaporin channel. Regulation of water flow across cell membranes is essential for supporting inter- and intracellular fluid balance, which is critical for health and exercise performance. The transmembrane water channel AQP1 is important for cardiorespiratory endurance (CE) because it influences fluid transfers in erythrocytes, endothelial, and pulmonary cells and is vital for transport of ammonium, bicarbonate, carbon dioxide, glycerol, nitric oxide, potassium ion, water, and trans-epithelial and renal water. Very recent publications suggest the association between a DNA sequence variant, rs1049305 (C > G), in the 3'-untranslated region of the AQP1 gene and CE performance. Other reports indicate further significant associations between AQP1 channel and CE phenotypes. The purposes of this systematic review were to examine the extent of the associations between the AQP1 rs1049305 genotype and CE exercise performance and body fluid loss in long-distance runners and AQP1 channel associations with other CE phenotypes.
METHODS
Data sources: A comprehensive review was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Cochrane electronic databases. The search ranged from January 1, 1988, to December 31, 2018. Studies reported in English, French, and Spanish were considered. Eligibility criteria: The criteria for inclusion in the review were (a) case-control study; (b) unequivocal definition of cases and controls; (c) CE was defined as performance in endurance events, laboratory tests, and/or maximal oxygen consumption; (d) exclusion criteria of known causes; (e) genotyping performed by PCR or sequencing; (f) genotype frequencies reported; and (g) no deviation of genotype frequencies from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in the control group. Study appraisal: The systematic review included studies examining the AQP1 gene and AQP1 channel structure and function, associations between the AQP1 gene sequence variant rs1049305 (C > G) and CE performance, body fluid loss in long-distance runners, and other studies reporting on the AQP1 gene and channel CE phenotype associations. Synthesis methods: For each selected study, the following data were extracted: authors, year of publication, sample size and number of cases and controls, CE definition, exclusion criteria, inclusion criteria for cases and controls, methods used for genotyping, genotype, allele frequencies and HWE for genotype frequencies in cases and control groups, and method of AQP1 gene and AQP1 channel analysis.
RESULTS
The initial databases search found 172 pertinent studies. Of those, 46 studies were utilized in the final synthesis of the systematic review. The most relevant findings were (a) the identification of an independent replication of the association between AQP1 gene sequence variant rs1049305 (C > G) and CE performance; (b) the association of the rs1049305 C-allele with faster CE running performance; (c) in knockout model, using a linear regression analysis of distance run as a function of Aqp1 status (Aqp1-null vs. wild-type mice) and conditions of hypoxia (ambient [O] = 16%), normoxia (21%), and hyperoxia (40%) indicated that the Aqp1 knockout ran less distance than the wild-type mice (p < 0.001); (d) in vitro, a reduced AQP1 expression was associated with the presence of the rs1049305 G-allele; (e) AQP1 null humans led normal lives and were entirely unaware of any physical limitations. However, they could not support fluid homeostasis when exposed to chronic fluid overload. The limited number of studies with "adequate sample sizes" in various racial and ethnic groups precluding to perform proper in-depth statistical analysis.
CONCLUSIONS
The AQP1 gene and AQP1 channel seems to support homeostatic mechanisms, yet to be totally understood, that are auxiliary in achieving an advantage during endurance exercise. AQP1 functions are vital during exercise and have a profound influence on endurance running performance. AQP1s are underappreciated structures that play vital roles in cellular homeostasis at rest and during CE endurance running exercise. The outcome of the present systematic review provide support to the statement of hypotheses and further research endeavors on the likely influence of AQP1 gene and AQP1 channel on CE performance. Registration: The protocol is not registered.
PubMed: 31486928
DOI: 10.1186/s40798-019-0213-0 -
Radiotherapy and Oncology : Journal of... Aug 2021Linear Energy Transfer (LET) is widely used to express the radiation quality of ion beams, when characterizing the biological effectiveness. However, averaged LET may be... (Review)
Review
Linear Energy Transfer (LET) is widely used to express the radiation quality of ion beams, when characterizing the biological effectiveness. However, averaged LET may be defined in multiple ways, and the chosen definition may impact the resulting reported value. We review averaged LET definitions found in the literature, and quantify which impact using these various definitions have for different reference setups. We recorded the averaged LET definitions used in 354 publications quantifying the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of hadronic beams, and investigated how these various definitions impact the reported averaged LET using a Monte Carlo particle transport code. We find that the kind of averaged LET being applied is, generally, poorly defined. Some definitions of averaged LET may influence the reported averaged LET values up to an order of magnitude. For publications involving protons, most applied dose averaged LET when reporting RBE. The absence of what target medium is used and what secondary particles are included further contributes to an ill-defined averaged LET. We also found evidence of inconsistent usage of averaged LET definitions when deriving LET-based RBE models. To conclude, due to commonly ill-defined averaged LET and to the inherent problems of LET-based RBE models, averaged LET may only be used as a coarse indicator of radiation quality. We propose a more rigorous way of reporting LET values, and suggest that ideally the entire particle fluence spectra should be recorded and provided for future RBE studies, from which any type of averaged LET (or other quantities) may be inferred.
Topics: Humans; Linear Energy Transfer; Monte Carlo Method; Proton Therapy; Protons; Radiobiology; Relative Biological Effectiveness
PubMed: 33894298
DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2021.04.007 -
American Journal of Respiratory and... Feb 2024Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) results from gene-environment interactions over the lifetime. These interactions are captured by epigenetic changes, such as...
BACKGROUND
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) results from gene-environment interactions over the lifetime. These interactions are captured by epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation. This systematic review synthesizes evidence from epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) related to COPD and lung function.
METHODS
Systematic literature search on PubMed, Embase and CINAHL databases, identified 1947 articles that investigated epigenetic changes associated with COPD/lung function; 17 of them met our eligibility criteria from which data was manually extracted. Differentially methylated positions (DMPs) and/or annotated genes, were considered replicated if identified by ≥2 studies with a p<1 x 10-4.
RESULTS
Ten studies profiled DNA methylation changes in blood and 7 in respiratory samples, including surgically resected lung tissue (n=3), small airways epithelial brushings (n=2), bronchoalveolar lavage (n=1) and sputum (n=1). Main results showed: (1) high variability in study design, covariates and effect sizes, which prevented a formal meta-analysis; (2) in blood samples, 51 DMPs were replicated in relation to lung function and 12 related to COPD; (3) in respiratory samples, 42 DMPs were replicated in relation to COPD but none in relation to lung function; and, (4) in COPD vs. control studies, 123 genes (2.6% of total) were shared between ≥1 blood and ≥1 respiratory sample and associated with chronic inflammation, ion transport and coagulation.
CONCLUSIONS
There is high heterogeneity across published COPD/lung function EWAS studies. A few genes (n=123; 2.6%) were replicated in blood and respiratory samples, suggesting that blood can recapitulate some changes in respiratory tissues. These findings have implications for future research.
PubMed: 38422471
DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202302-0231OC -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2022Potassium ion (K) channels are pore-forming transmembrane proteins that control the transport of K ions. Medicinal plants are widely used as complementary therapies for... (Review)
Review
Potassium ion (K) channels are pore-forming transmembrane proteins that control the transport of K ions. Medicinal plants are widely used as complementary therapies for several disorders. Studies have shown that the modulation of K channels is most likely involved in various pharmacological effects of medicinal plants. This review aimed to evaluate the modulatory effects of medicinal plants and their active constituents on K channels under pathological conditions. This systematic review was prepared according to the Preferred Reporting Items for the Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guideline. Four databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, embase, and Scopus, were searched. We identified 687 studies from these databases, from which we selected 13 studies for the review by using the Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes, Study (PICOS) tool. The results of the 13 selected studies showed a modulatory effect of medicinal plants or their active constituents on ATP-sensitive potassium channels (K), and small (SK) and large (BK) conductance calcium-activated K channels in several pathological conditions such as nociception, brain ischemia, seizure, diabetes, gastric ulcer, myocardial ischemia-reperfusion, and hypertension via possible involvement of the nitric oxide/cyclic GMP pathway and protein kinase. K channels should be considered as significant therapeutic milestones in the treatment of several diseases. We believe that understanding the mechanism behind the interaction of medicinal plants with K channels can facilitate drug development for the treatment of various K channel-related disorders.
PubMed: 35273505
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.831963 -
Molecular Neurobiology Dec 2023Migraine is a complex neurovascular disorder that is characterized by severe behavioral, sensory, visual, and/or auditory symptoms. It has been labeled as one of the ten... (Review)
Review
Migraine is a complex neurovascular disorder that is characterized by severe behavioral, sensory, visual, and/or auditory symptoms. It has been labeled as one of the ten most disabling medical illnesses in the world by the World Health Organization (Aagaard et al Sci Transl Med 6(237):237ra65, 2014). According to a recent report by the American Migraine Foundation (Shoulson et al Ann Neurol 25(3):252-9, 1989), around 148 million people in the world currently suffer from migraine. On the basis of presence of aura, migraine is classified into two major subtypes: migraine with aura (Aagaard et al Sci Transl Med 6(237):237ra65, 2014) and migraine without aura. (Aagaard K et al Sci Transl Med 6(237):237ra65, 2014) Many complex genetic mechanisms have been proposed in the pathophysiology of migraine but specific pathways associated with the different subtypes of migraine have not yet been explored. Various approaches including candidate gene association studies (CGAS) and genome-wide association studies (Fan et al Headache: J Head Face Pain 54(4):709-715, 2014). have identified the genetic markers associated with migraine and its subtypes. Several single nucleotide polymorphisms (Kaur et al Egyp J Neurol, Psychiatry Neurosurg 55(1):1-7, 2019) within genes involved in ion homeostasis, solute transport, synaptic transmission, cortical excitability, and vascular function have been associated with the disorder. Currently, the diagnosis of migraine is majorly behavioral with no focus on the genetic markers and thereby the therapeutic intervention specific to subtypes. Therefore, there is a need to explore genetic variants significantly associated with MA and MO as susceptibility markers in the diagnosis and targets for therapeutic interventions in the specific subtypes of migraine. Although the proper characterization of pathways based on different subtypes is yet to be studied, this review aims to make a first attempt to compile the information available on various genetic variants and the molecular mechanisms involved with the development of MA and MO. An attempt has also been made to suggest novel candidate genes based on their function to be explored by future research.
PubMed: 38135854
DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03837-3 -
Clinical Journal of the American... Aug 2015Neutral-pH, low-glucose degradation products solutions were developed in an attempt to lessen the adverse effects of conventional peritoneal dialysis solutions. A... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Effect of Neutral-pH, Low-Glucose Degradation Product Peritoneal Dialysis Solutions on Residual Renal Function, Urine Volume, and Ultrafiltration: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Neutral-pH, low-glucose degradation products solutions were developed in an attempt to lessen the adverse effects of conventional peritoneal dialysis solutions. A systematic review was performed evaluating the effect of these solutions on residual renal function, urine volume, peritoneal ultrafiltration, and peritoneal small-solute transport (dialysate to plasma creatinine ratio) over time.
DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS
Multiple electronic databases were searched from January of 1995 to January of 2013. Randomized trials reporting on any of four prespecified outcomes were selected by consensus among multiple reviewers.
RESULTS
Eleven trials of 643 patients were included. Trials were generally of poor quality. The meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model. The use of neutral-pH, low-glucose degradation products solutions resulted in better preserved residual renal function at various study durations, including >1 year (combined analysis: 11 studies; 643 patients; standardized mean difference =0.17 ml/min; 95% confidence interval, 0.01 to 0.32), and greater urine volumes (eight studies; 598 patients; mean difference =128 ml/d; 95% confidence interval, 58 to 198). There was no significant difference in peritoneal ultrafiltration (seven studies; 571 patients; mean difference =-110; 95% confidence interval, -312 to 91) or dialysate to plasma creatinine ratio (six studies; 432 patients; mean difference =0.03; 95% confidence interval, 0.00 to 0.06).
CONCLUSIONS
The use of neutral-pH, low-glucose degradation products solutions results in better preservation of residual renal function and greater urine volumes. The effect on residual renal function occurred early and persisted beyond 12 months. Additional studies are required to evaluate the use of neutral-pH, low-glucose degradation products solutions on hard clinical outcomes.
Topics: Biomarkers; Chi-Square Distribution; Creatinine; Dialysis Solutions; Glucose; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Kidney; Kidney Diseases; Peritoneal Dialysis; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Risk Factors; Treatment Outcome; Urination; Urodynamics
PubMed: 26048890
DOI: 10.2215/CJN.05410514 -
Revista de Neurologia Jan 2015We conduct a systematic review of the preclinical studies published to date involving the use of latrepirdine (Dimebon ®). Latrepirdine is capable of modulating... (Review)
Review
We conduct a systematic review of the preclinical studies published to date involving the use of latrepirdine (Dimebon ®). Latrepirdine is capable of modulating different targets, such as those related with mitochondria, acetylcholinesterase activity or intraneuronal calcium levels, perhaps thanks to its action upon the N-methyl-D-aspartate-type receptor, which belongs to the glutamate family. The findings published on the possible effect of latrepirdine in protein aggregation processes in disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease are quite controversial. Likewise, the possible neuroprotective effect of latrepirdine has been evaluated in animal models of neurodegenerative diseases, again with heterogeneous results. Consequently, it can be concluded that no preclinical scientific evidence has been found to justify carrying out clinical trials.
Topics: Animals; Biological Availability; Calcium Signaling; Cholinesterase Inhibitors; Disease Models, Animal; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists; Humans; Indoles; Mice; Mitochondria; Molecular Structure; Motor Neurons; Neurodegenerative Diseases; Neurons; Neuroprotective Agents; Parkinsonian Disorders; Protein Aggregation, Pathological; Rabbits; Rats; Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate; Tissue Distribution
PubMed: 25522862
DOI: No ID Found