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Journal of Assisted Reproduction and... Jun 2023The storage and release of calcium ions (Ca2 +) in oocyte maturation and fertilization are particularly noteworthy features of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The ER... (Review)
Review
The storage and release of calcium ions (Ca2 +) in oocyte maturation and fertilization are particularly noteworthy features of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The ER is the largest organelle in the cell composed of rough ER, smooth ER, and nuclear envelope, and is the main site of protein synthesis, transport and folding, and lipid and steroid synthesis. An appropriate calcium signaling response can initiate oocyte development and embryogenesis, and the ER is the central link that initiates calcium signaling. The transition from immature oocytes to zygotes also requires many coordinated organelle reorganizations and changes. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to generalize information on the function, structure, interaction with other organelles, and spatiotemporal localization of the ER in mammalian oocytes. Mechanisms related to maintaining ER homeostasis have been extensively studied in recent years. Resolving ER stress through the unfolded protein response (UPR) is one of them. We combined the clinical problems caused by the ER in in vitro maturation (IVM), and the mechanisms of ER have been identified by single-cell RNA-seq. This article systematically reviews the functions of ER and provides a reference for assisted reproductive technology (ART) research.
Topics: Animals; Oocytes; Unfolded Protein Response; Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress; Oogenesis; Endoplasmic Reticulum; Mammals
PubMed: 37171741
DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02782-3 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) May 2022Bile acids (BAs) are important steroidal molecules with a rapidly growing span of applications across a variety of fields such as supramolecular chemistry, pharmacy, and... (Review)
Review
Bile acids (BAs) are important steroidal molecules with a rapidly growing span of applications across a variety of fields such as supramolecular chemistry, pharmacy, and biomedicine. This work provides a systematic review on their transport processes within the enterohepatic circulation and related processes. The focus is laid on the description of specific or less-specific BA transport proteins and their localization. Initially, the reader is provided with essential information about BAs' properties, their systemic flow, metabolism, and functions. Later, the transport processes are described in detail and schematically illustrated, moving step by step from the liver via bile ducts to the gallbladder, small intestine, and colon; this description is accompanied by descriptions of major proteins known to be involved in BA transport. Spillage of BAs into systemic circulation and urine excretion are also discussed. Finally, the review also points out some of the less-studied areas of the enterohepatic circulation, which can be crucial for the development of BA-related drugs, prodrugs, and drug carrier systems.
Topics: Bile Acids and Salts; Bile Ducts; Carrier Proteins; Enterohepatic Circulation; Liver
PubMed: 35566302
DOI: 10.3390/molecules27092961 -
The Japanese Dental Science Review Dec 2023The mechanisms modulated by periodontal pathogens in atherosclerosis are not fully understood. Aim: to perform an integrative analysis of gene and protein expression... (Review)
Review
UNLABELLED
The mechanisms modulated by periodontal pathogens in atherosclerosis are not fully understood. Aim: to perform an integrative analysis of gene and protein expression modulated by periodontal pathogens in cells and animal models for atherosclerosis.
METHODS
Cochrane, PRISMA and AMSTAR2 guidelines for systematic reviews were followed. Data search was conducted in Pub-med, LILACS and Science Direct databases. Gene and protein expression data were collected from the included papers to perform an overrepresentation analysis using the Reactome Pathway Analysis tool and the KEGG database.
RESULTS
Thirty-two papers were included in the review, they analyzed the effect of , , , , , and or/and their virulent factors on gene and protein expression in human cells and animal models of atherosclerosis. Some of the modulated pathways include the immune system, programmed cell death, cellular responses to external stimuli, transport of small molecules, and signal transduction (p < 0.05). Those pathways are known to be involved in different stages of atherosclerosis progression.
CONCLUSION
Based on the performed analysis, it is possible to state that periodontal pathogens have the potential to be a contributing factor for atherosclerosis even in absence of a high-fat diet or high shear stress.
PubMed: 36654677
DOI: 10.1016/j.jdsr.2022.12.001 -
Journal of Affective Disorders Apr 2023Growing evidence suggests that epigenetic modification is vital in biological processes of depression. Findings from studies exploring the associations between DNA... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Growing evidence suggests that epigenetic modification is vital in biological processes of depression. Findings from studies exploring the associations between DNA methylation and depression have been inconsistent.
METHODS
A systematical search of EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, and PsycINFO databases was conducted to include studies focusing on the associations between DNA methylation and depression (up to November 1st 2021) according to PRISMA guidelines with registration in PROSPERO (CRD42021288664).
RESULTS
A total of 47 studies met inclusion criteria and 31 studies were included in the meta-analysis. This meta-analysis found that genes hypermethylation, including BDNF (OR: 1.15, 95%CI: 1.01-1.32, I = 90 %), and NR3C1 (OR: 1.43, 95%CI: 1.09-1.87, I = 88 %) was associated with increased risk of depression. Significant association of SLC6A4 hypermethylation with depression was only found in the subgroup of using original data (OR: 1.09, 95%CI: 1.01-1.19, I = 52 %). BDNF hypermethylation could increase the risk of depression only in the Asian population (OR: 1.18, 95%CI: 1.01-1.40, I = 91 %), and significant associations of NR3C1 hypermethylation with depression were found in the group for depressive symptoms (OR: 1.34, 95%CI: 1.08-1.67, I = 85 %), but not for depressive disorder (OR: 1.89, 95%CI: 0.54-6.55, I = 94 %).
LIMITATIONS
More studies are needed to explore the factors that might influence the estimates owing to the contextual heterogeneity of the pooling of included studies.
CONCLUSIONS
It is noted that DNA hypermethylation, namely BDNF and NR3C1, is associated with increased risk of depression. The findings in this study could provide some material evidence for preventing and diagnosing of depression.
Topics: Humans; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; Depression; DNA Methylation; Epigenesis, Genetic; Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins
PubMed: 36717033
DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.01.079 -
Reviews in Medical Virology Sep 2023Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with susceptibility and severity of coronavirus disease 2019... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with susceptibility and severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, identified SNPs are inconsistent across studies, and there is no compelling consensus that COVID-19 status is determined by genetic factors. Here, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the effect of genetic factors on COVID-19. A random-effect meta-analysis was performed to estimate pooled odds ratios (ORs) of SNP effects, and SNP-based heritability (SNP-h ) of COVID-19. The analyses were performed using meta-R package, and Stata version 17. The meta-analysis included a total of 96,817 COVID-19 cases and 6,414,916 negative controls. The meta-analysis showed that a cluster of highly correlated 9 SNPs (R > 0.9) at 3p21.31 gene locus covering LZTFL1 and SLC6A20 genes was significantly associated with COVID-19 severity, with a pooled OR of 1.8 [1.5-2.0]. Meanwhile, another 3 SNPs (rs2531743-G, rs2271616-T, and rs73062389-A) within the locus was associated with COVID-19 susceptibility, with pooled estimates of 0.95 [0.93-0.96], 1.23 [1.19-1.27] and 1.15 [1.13-1.17], respectively. Interestingly, SNPs associated with susceptibility and SNPs associated with severity in this locus are in linkage equilibrium (R < 0.026). The SNP-h on the liability scale for severity and susceptibility was estimated at 7.6% (Se = 3.2%) and 4.6% (Se = 1.5%), respectively. Genetic factors contribute to COVID-19 susceptibility and severity. In the 3p21.31 locus, SNPs that are associated with susceptibility are not in linkage disequilibrium (LD) with SNPs that are associated with severity, indicating within-locus heterogeneity.
Topics: Humans; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Genome-Wide Association Study; COVID-19; Linkage Disequilibrium; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Membrane Transport Proteins
PubMed: 37303119
DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2466 -
European Journal of Medical Research Mar 2023Glaucoma is a chronic neurodegenerative process of the optic nerve that is the leading cause of blindness worldwide, and early diagnosis of the disease could greatly... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Glaucoma is a chronic neurodegenerative process of the optic nerve that is the leading cause of blindness worldwide, and early diagnosis of the disease could greatly affect patients' prognoses. The pathophysiology of glaucoma is complicated by a combination of genetic and epigenetic factors. Deciphering the early diagnostic biomarkers in glaucoma could attenuate the disease's global burden and help us understand the exact mechanisms involved in glaucoma. The microRNAs are members of a larger family of non-coding RNAs that play an essential role in the epigenetic basis of glaucoma. A systematic study and meta-analysis of diagnostic microRNAs in glaucoma, jointly with network analysis of target genes, were carried out on published papers assessing differentially expressed microRNAs in human subjects. In total, 321 articles were found, and, after screening, six studies were eligible for further analysis. 52 differentially expressed microRNAs were found, of which 28 and 24 were up-regulated and down-regulated, respectively. Only 12 microRNAs were qualified for meta-analysis, with overall sensitivity and specificity of 80% and 74%, respectively. Then, using network analysis, it became apparent that the VEGF-A, AKT1, CXCL12, and HRAS genes were the most important targets for the microRNAs. Perturbations in WNT signaling, protein transport, and extracellular matrix organization pathways were discovered to be important in the etiology of glaucoma using the community detection approach. This study tries to uncover the promising microRNAs and their target genes that govern the epigenetics of glaucoma.
Topics: Humans; MicroRNAs; Glaucoma; Prognosis; Early Diagnosis
PubMed: 36973823
DOI: 10.1186/s40001-023-01093-8 -
Cureus Oct 2022Hypertension (HTN) is one of the most prevalent and dangerous cardiovascular diseases worldwide. Recently, its direct or indirect association with gut dysbiosis has been... (Review)
Review
Hypertension (HTN) is one of the most prevalent and dangerous cardiovascular diseases worldwide. Recently, its direct or indirect association with gut dysbiosis has been an interest of study for many. It also includes the metabolomic and functional gene changes in hypertensives compared with healthy individuals. This systematic review aims to study quantitative and qualitative interactions between the two and re-defining the heart-gut axis. We have strictly followed the (PRISMA), 2020, guidelines. We conducted an in-depth search of databases such as PubMed, PubMed Central (PMC), Medline, and ScienceDirect to find relevant studies for our topic of interest. After the final quality check, we included eight articles in the systematic review. A significant difference in richness and diversity in gut microbiota was observed in hypertensive patients compared with healthy controls. There was an increased abundance of many bacteria such as , , , Enterobacteriaceae, , , , , and , while a decreased abundance of , , spp., and . Alteration of the composition also varied based on diet, age, ethnicity, and severity of HTN. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)-producing bacteria are found to be on the lower side in hypertensives owing to the protective property of SCFAs against inflammation, especially butyric acid. From the perspective of metabolomic changes, harmful metabolites for cardiovascular health such as intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP), lipopolysaccharides (LPSs), zonulin, sphingomyelins, acylcarnitines, and trimethylamine -oxide (TMAO) were found to be increased in hypertensives. Changes in these biomarkers further establish the relation between gut epithelial health and high blood pressure (BP). Participants affected by diseases have an overall lower rate of acquiring new genes, which results in a low richness of genes in them compared with healthy individuals. There is increased expression of the choline utilization () gene and reduced expression of genes associated with biosynthesis and transport of amino acids in high-BP participants. The unique changes in the composition of the microbiota, functional changes in genes, and metabolome collectively help for a better understanding of the pathogenesis of HTN and also suggest the gut as a promising new therapeutic target for HTN. To establish a further causal relationship between the two, more research is required.
PubMed: 36381851
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.29927 -
Current Environmental Health Reports Jun 2023Despite increasing awareness of the ubiquity of microplastics (MPs) in our environments, little is known about their risk of developmental toxicity. Even less is known... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Despite increasing awareness of the ubiquity of microplastics (MPs) in our environments, little is known about their risk of developmental toxicity. Even less is known about the environmental distribution and associated toxicity of nanoplastics (NPs). Here, we review the current literature on the capacity for MPs and NPs to be transported across the placental barrier and the potential to exert toxicity on the developing fetus.
RECENT FINDINGS
This review includes 11 research articles covering in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo models, and observational studies. The current literature confirms the placental translocation of MPs and NPs, depending on physicochemical properties such as size, charge, and chemical modification as well as protein corona formation. Specific transport mechanisms for translocation remain unclear. There is emerging evidence of placental and fetal toxicity due to plastic particles based on animal and in vitro studies. Nine out of eleven studies examined in this review found that plastic particles were capable of placental translocation. In the future, more studies are needed to confirm and quantify the existence of MPs and NPs in human placentas. Additionally, translocation of different plastic particle types and heterogenous mixtures across the placenta, exposure at different periods of gestation, and associations with adverse birth and other developmental outcomes should also be investigated.
Topics: Animals; Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Placenta; Plastics; Microplastics; Water Pollutants, Chemical
PubMed: 36848019
DOI: 10.1007/s40572-023-00391-x -
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews Sep 2023Recent lifestyle changes have resulted in tremendous peer pressure and mental stress, and increased the incidences of chronic psychological disorders; like addiction,... (Review)
Review
Recent lifestyle changes have resulted in tremendous peer pressure and mental stress, and increased the incidences of chronic psychological disorders; like addiction, depression and anxiety (ADA). In this context, the stress-tolerance levels vary amongst individuals and genetic factors play prominent roles. Vulnerable individuals may often be drawn towards drug-addiction to combat stress. This systematic review critically appraises the relationship of various genetic factors linked with the incidences of ADA development. For coherence, we focused solely on cocaine as a substance of abuse in this study. Online scholarly databases were used to screen pertinent literature using apt keywords; and the final retrieval included 42 primary-research articles. The major conclusion drawn from this systematic analysis states that there are 51 genes linked with the development of ADA; and 3 (BDNF, PERIOD2 and SLC6A4) of them are common to all the three aspects of ADA. Further, inter-connectivity analyses of the 51 genes further endorsed the central presence of BDNF and SLC6A4 genes in the development of ADA disorders. The conclusions derived from this systematic study pave the way for future studies for the identification of diagnostic biomarkers and drug targets; and for the development of novel and effective therapeutic regimens against ADA.
Topics: Humans; Cocaine-Related Disorders; Depression; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; Anxiety; Anxiety Disorders; Cocaine; Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins
PubMed: 37271299
DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105270 -
Molecular Pain 2021Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a severe facial pain disease of unknown cause and unclear genetic background. To examine the existing knowledge about genetics in TN, we...
Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a severe facial pain disease of unknown cause and unclear genetic background. To examine the existing knowledge about genetics in TN, we performed a systematic study asking about the prevalence of familial trigeminal neuralgia, and which genes that have been identified in human TN studies and in animal models of trigeminal pain. MedLine, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science were searched from inception to January 2021. 71 studies were included in the systematic review. Currently, few studies provide information about the prevalence of familial TN; the available evidence indicates that about 1-2% of TN cases have the familial form. The available human studies propose the following genes to be possible contributors to development of TN: CACNA1A, CACNA1H, CACNA1F, KCNK1, TRAK1, SCN9A, SCN8A, SCN3A, SCN10A, SCN5A, NTRK1, GABRG1, MPZ gene, MAOA gene and SLC6A4. Their role in familial TN still needs to be addressed. The experimental animal studies suggest an emerging role of genetics in trigeminal pain, though the animal models may be more relevant for trigeminal neuropathic pain than TN per se. In summary, this systematic review suggests a more important role of genetic factors in TN pathogenesis than previously assumed.
Topics: Animals; Facial Pain; Humans; NAV1.7 Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel; Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins; Trigeminal Neuralgia
PubMed: 34000891
DOI: 10.1177/17448069211016139