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Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism Jul 2024Data suggest malfunctioning mitochondria reduce oxidation and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, disrupting insulin signalling. Cytochrome c (CC), acylcarnitine... (Observational Study)
Observational Study Comparative Study
INTRODUCTION
Data suggest malfunctioning mitochondria reduce oxidation and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, disrupting insulin signalling. Cytochrome c (CC), acylcarnitine (AC) and citrate synthase (CS) are essential components of the mitochondria machinery and can be used as reliable biomarkers of mitochondrial dysfunction. This study aimed to determine whether mitochondrial biomarkers (AC, CS and CC) are altered in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and to examine the association between these biomarkers and insulin resistance.
METHODOLOGY
A cross-sectional observational study that recruited 170 participants (88 with T2DM and 82 without DM) was conducted. Blood samples were collected from the recruits and analysed for levels of fasting glucose (FBG), AC, CS, CC, insulin, total cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and magnesium. Blood pressure (BP) and anthropometric characteristics of participants were also taken. Appropriate formulas were used to determine %body fat, body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and insulin sensitivity (HOMA-β).
RESULTS
Patients with T2DM had higher levels of CC, %body fat, FBG, TG, HbA1c, BMI and HOMA-IR than controls (p < 0.05, respectively). Results showed a significant relationship between circulating CC levels versus HOMA-β (r = -0.40, p = 0.001), CS (r = -0.70, p = 0.001) and AC (r = -0.72, p = 0.001) levels in patients with T2DM. The adjusted odds increased in the T2DM patients for VLDL (OR = 6.66, p = 0.002), HbA1c (OR = 6.50, p = 0.001), FPG (OR = 3.17, p = 0.001), TG (OR = 2.36, p = 0.010), being female (OR = 2.09, p = 0.020) and CC (OR = 1.14, p = 0.016).
CONCLUSION
Overall, alterations in mitochondrial biomarkers, measured by AC, CC and CS, were observed in people with T2DM and showed a direct relationship with insulin resistance. These findings are potentially significant in Africa, although additional confirmation from a larger cohort is necessary.
Topics: Humans; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Insulin Resistance; Cross-Sectional Studies; Male; Female; Biomarkers; Middle Aged; Mitochondria; Adult; Carnitine; Cytochromes c; Citrate (si)-Synthase; Glycated Hemoglobin; Blood Glucose; Aged; Body Mass Index
PubMed: 38943337
DOI: 10.1002/edm2.507 -
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology Jun 2024The increasing quest for effective and safe antiaging skincare solutions has led to a surge in the exploration of natural compounds such as phenolic acids. Despite the...
BACKGROUND
The increasing quest for effective and safe antiaging skincare solutions has led to a surge in the exploration of natural compounds such as phenolic acids. Despite the proven efficacy of traditional antiaging ingredients like retinol, their associated side effects have necessitated the search for alternatives.
AIMS
This study aimed to assess the anti-wrinkle efficacy of a standardized phenolic acids polymer extract (PAPE) from propolis, employing both in vitro and clinical methodologies to explore its suitability as a novel antiaging skincare ingredient for sensitive and nonsensitive skin types.
PATIENTS/METHODS
The study comprised of evaluating PAPE effects on key skin health biomarkers in dermal fibroblasts and keratinocytes. A double-blind, randomized clinical trial involving female participants aged 30-70 years assessed the wrinkle-reducing effectiveness of face creams formulated with two concentrations of PAPE (1.5% and 3%) over a 28-day period.
RESULTS
In vitro studies indicated that PAPE could modulate inflammation and tissue remodeling biomarkers. The clinical trial demonstrated that applying PAPE-enriched cream resulted in significant wrinkle reduction, with 25% and 34% improvements for the 1.5% and 3% PAPE formulations, respectively. Subjective feedback from participants further validated the antiaging efficacy and overall satisfaction with the product.
CONCLUSION
Incorporating PAPE offers a compelling antiaging solution, significantly reducing wrinkle depth with a favorable safety profile. The study substantiates PAPE's potential as an effective and safe alternative to conventional antiaging ingredients, aligning with the cosmetic industry's shift toward natural, evidence-based formulations.
PubMed: 38943252
DOI: 10.1111/jocd.16405 -
Parasites & Vectors Jun 2024African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious and severe haemorrhagic disease of Suidae, with mortalities that approach 100 percent. Several studies suggested the...
BACKGROUND
African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious and severe haemorrhagic disease of Suidae, with mortalities that approach 100 percent. Several studies suggested the potential implication of non-biting dipterans in the spread of ASFV in pig farms due to the identification of the ASFV DNA. However, to our knowledge, no study has evaluated the viral DNA load in non-biting dipterans collected in outbreak farms and no risk factors have been analysed. In this context, our study aimed to analyse the risk factors associated with the presence of non-biting dipterans collected from ASF outbreaks in relation to the presence and load of viral DNA.
METHODS
Backyard farms (BF), type A farms (TAF), and commercial farms (CF), were targeted for sampling in 2020. In 2021, no BF were sampled. Each farm was sampled only once. The identification of the collected flies to family, genus, or species level was performed based on morphological characteristics using specific keys and descriptions. Pools were made prior to DNA extraction. All extracted DNA was tested for the presence of the ASFV using a real-time PCR protocol. For this study, we considered every sample with a CT value of 40 as positive. The statistical analysis was performed using Epi Info 7 software (CDC, USA).
RESULTS
All collected non-biting flies belonged to five families: Calliphoridae, Sarcophagidae, Fanniidae, Drosophilidae, and Muscidae. Of the 361 pools, 201 were positive for the presence of ASFV DNA. The obtained CT values of the positive samples ranged from 21.54 to 39.63, with a median value of 33.59 and a mean value of 33.56. Significantly lower CT values (corresponding to higher viral DNA load) were obtained in Sarcophagidae, with a mean value of 32.56; a significantly higher number of positive pools were noticed in August, mean value = 33.12.
CONCLUSIONS
Our study brings compelling evidence of the presence of the most common synanthropic flies near domestic pig farms carrying ASFV DNA, highlighting the importance of strengthening the biosecurity measures and protocols for prevention of the insect life cycle and distribution.
Topics: Animals; African Swine Fever Virus; African Swine Fever; Swine; Disease Outbreaks; Farms; DNA, Viral; Romania; Diptera; Insect Vectors
PubMed: 38943218
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06346-x -
Parasites & Vectors Jun 2024Chicken coccidiosis is a protozoan disease that leads to considerable economic losses in the poultry industry. Live oocyst vaccination is currently the most effective...
Oral vaccination with a recombinant Lactobacillus plantarum expressing the Eimeria tenella rhoptry neck 2 protein elicits protective immunity in broiler chickens infected with Eimeria tenella.
BACKGROUND
Chicken coccidiosis is a protozoan disease that leads to considerable economic losses in the poultry industry. Live oocyst vaccination is currently the most effective measure for the prevention of coccidiosis. However, it provides limited protection with several drawbacks, such as poor immunological protection and potential reversion to virulence. Therefore, the development of effective and safe vaccines against chicken coccidiosis is still urgently needed.
METHODS
In this study, a novel oral vaccine against Eimeria tenella was developed by constructing a recombinant Lactobacillus plantarum (NC8) strain expressing the E. tenella RON2 protein. We administered recombinant L. plantarum orally at 3, 4 and 5 days of age and again at 17, 18 and 19 days of age. Meanwhile, each chick in the commercial vaccine group was immunized with 3 × 10 live oocysts of coccidia. A total of 5 × 10 sporulated oocysts of E. tenella were inoculated in each chicken at 30 days. Then, the immunoprotection effect was evaluated after E. tenella infection.
RESULTS
The results showed that the proportion of CD4 and CD8 T cells, the proliferative ability of spleen lymphocytes, inflammatory cytokine levels and specific antibody titers of chicks immunized with recombinant L. plantarum were significantly increased (P < 0.05). The relative body weight gains were increased and the number of oocysts per gram (OPG) was decreased after E. tenella challenge. Moreover, the lesion scores and histopathological cecum sections showed that recombinant L. plantarum can significantly relieve pathological damage in the cecum. The ACI was 170.89 in the recombinant L. plantarum group, which was higher than the 150.14 in the commercial vaccine group.
CONCLUSIONS
These above results indicate that L. plantarum expressing RON2 improved humoral and cellular immunity and enhanced immunoprotection against E. tenella. The protective efficacy was superior to that of vaccination with the commercial live oocyst vaccine. This study suggests that recombinant L. plantarum expressing the RON2 protein provides a promising strategy for vaccine development against coccidiosis.
Topics: Animals; Eimeria tenella; Chickens; Coccidiosis; Poultry Diseases; Protozoan Vaccines; Lactobacillus plantarum; Administration, Oral; Protozoan Proteins; Vaccination; Antibodies, Protozoan; Vaccines, Synthetic
PubMed: 38943202
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06355-w -
Veterinary Research Jun 2024Migratory birds are important vectors for virus transmission, how migratory birds recognize viruses and viruses are sustained in birds is still enigmatic. As an animal...
Migratory birds are important vectors for virus transmission, how migratory birds recognize viruses and viruses are sustained in birds is still enigmatic. As an animal model for waterfowl among migratory birds, studying and dissecting the antiviral immunity and viral evasion in duck cells may pave a path to deciphering these puzzles. Here, we studied the mechanism of antiviral autophagy mediated by duck STING in DEF cells. The results collaborated that duck STING could significantly enhance LC3B-II/I turnover, LC3B-EGFP puncta formation, and mCherry/EGFP ratio, indicating that duck STING could induce autophagy. The autophagy induced by duck STING is not affected by shRNA knockdown of ATG5 expression, deletion of the C-terminal tail of STING, or TBK1 inhibitor BX795 treatment, indicating that duck STING activated non-classical selective autophagy is independent of interaction with TBK1, TBK1 phosphorylation, and interferon (IFN) signaling. The STING R235A mutant and Sar1A/B kinase mutant abolished duck STING induced autophagy, suggesting binding with cGAMP and COPII complex mediated transport are the critical prerequisite. Duck STING interacted with LC3B through LIR motifs to induce autophagy, the LIR 4/7 motif mutants of duck STING abolished the interaction with LC3B, and neither activated autophagy nor IFN expression, indicating that duck STING associates with LC3B directed autophagy and dictated innate immunity activation. Finally, we found that duck STING mediated autophagy significantly inhibited duck plague virus (DPV) infection via ubiquitously degraded viral proteins. Our study may shed light on one scenario about the control and evasion of diseases transmitted by migratory birds.
Topics: Animals; Ducks; Autophagy; Signal Transduction; Mardivirus; Interferons; Alphaherpesvirinae; Immunity, Innate; Membrane Proteins; Poxviridae Infections
PubMed: 38943190
DOI: 10.1186/s13567-024-01338-2 -
Journal of Ovarian Research Jun 2024This study aimed to investigate the mitigating effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on doxorubicin (DOX)-induced ovarian and uterine toxicity in rats using laboratory tests,...
BACKGROUND
This study aimed to investigate the mitigating effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on doxorubicin (DOX)-induced ovarian and uterine toxicity in rats using laboratory tests, ultrasonographic (US) imaging, and histopathology analysis.
METHODS
Forty-eight rats were divided into six groups (n = 8) as follows: Group A (control) (0.5 mL saline administered intraperitoneally [IP]), Group B (a single 10 mg/kg dose of DOX administered IP on day 1), Group C (a single 10 mg/kg dose of DOX administered IP 24 h before sacrifice), Group D (100 mg/kg of NAC administered IP for 21 days), Group E ( a single 10 mg/kg dose of DOX administered IP on day 1 and 100 mg/kg of NAC administered IP for 21 days), and Group F (100 mg/kg of NAC administered IP for 21 days and a single 10 mg/kg dose of DOX administered IP 24 h before sacrifice). The ovaries were examined using B-mode US on days 1, 14, and 21, and the histopathological examinations of the ovaries and the uterus were undertaken after sacrifice on day 22.
RESULTS
Histomorphological analyses showed that ovarian weight decreased after DOX administration in Group B but not in Group E. US revealed a transient increase in ovarian size in Group B and E, reverting to baseline levels over time, as well as a progressive increase in peritoneal fluid in Groups B and E. Group B exhibited a significant decrease in the thickness of the endometrium and myometrium and uterine cornual length, which was not observed in Group E. Histopathological examination showed that DOX caused a decline in follicular count, especially in primordial, secondary, and Graafian follicles, and resulted in follicular atresia, predominantly in Group B. Destructive degeneration/necrosis and vascular changes were most prominently seen in the corpus luteum of Groups C and B. In NAC-treated rats (Groups E and F), although germ cell damage was present, atretic follicles and vascular changes, such as hyperemia and congestion, were reduced. The anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) level was the highest in Group F.
CONCLUSIONS
NAC, an antioxidant, attenuated DOX-induced gonadotoxicity in rats.
Topics: Animals; Female; Doxorubicin; Acetylcysteine; Rats; Ovary; Ultrasonography; Uterus; Antibiotics, Antineoplastic
PubMed: 38943148
DOI: 10.1186/s13048-024-01459-4 -
Pediatric Cardiology Jun 2024Congenital heart disease (CHD) is one of today's leading birth anomalies. Children with CHD are at risk for adaptive functioning challenges. Sleep difficulties are also...
Congenital heart disease (CHD) is one of today's leading birth anomalies. Children with CHD are at risk for adaptive functioning challenges. Sleep difficulties are also common in children with CHD. Indeed, sleep-disordered breathing, a common type of sleep dysfunction, is associated with increased mortality for infants with CHD. The present study examined the associations between adaptive functioning and sleep quality (i.e., duration and disruptions) in children with CHD (n = 23) compared to healthy children (n = 38). Results demonstrated associations between mean hours slept and overall adaptive functioning in the CHD group r(21) = .57, p = .005 but not in the healthy group. The CHD group demonstrated lower levels of adaptive functioning in the Conceptual, t(59) = 2.12, p = .039, Cohen's d = 0.53 and Practical, t(59) = 2.22, p = .030, Cohen's d = 0.55 domains, and overall adaptive functioning (i.e., General Adaptive Composite) nearing statistical significance in comparison to the healthy group, t(59) = 2.00, p = .051, Cohen's d = 0.51. The CHD group also demonstrated greater time awake at night, t(56) = 2.19, p = .033, Cohen's d = 0.58 and a greater instance of parent-caregiver reported snoring, χ (1, N = 60) = 5.25, p = .022, V = .296 than the healthy group. Further exploration of the association between adaptive functioning and sleep quality in those with CHD is required to inform clinical practice guidelines.
PubMed: 38942985
DOI: 10.1007/s00246-024-03565-y -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of inflammation requires robust animal models. Sheep are commonly used in immune-related studies, yet the validity of... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of inflammation requires robust animal models. Sheep are commonly used in immune-related studies, yet the validity of sheep as animal models for immune and inflammatory diseases remains to be established. This cross-species comparative study analyzed the in vitro inflammatory response of ovine (oPBMCs) and human PBMCs (hPBMCs) using mass spectrometry, profiling the proteome of the secretome and whole cell lysate. Of the entire cell lysate proteome (oPBMCs: 4217, hPBMCs: 4574 proteins) 47.8% and in the secretome proteome (oPBMCs: 1913, hPBMCs: 1375 proteins) 32.8% were orthologous between species, among them 32 orthologous CD antigens, indicating the presence of six immune cell subsets. Following inflammatory stimulation, 71 proteins in oPBMCs and 176 in hPBMCs showed differential abundance, with only 7 overlapping. Network and Gene Ontology analyses identified 16 shared inflammatory-related terms and 17 canonical pathways with similar activation/inhibition patterns in both species, demonstrating significant conservation in specific immune and inflammatory responses. However, ovine PMBCs also contained a unique WC1γδ T-cell subset, not detected in hPBMCs. Furthermore, differences in the activation/inhibition trends of seven canonical pathways and the sets of DAPs between sheep and humans, emphasize the need to consider interspecies differences in translational studies and inflammation research.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Sheep; Leukocytes, Mononuclear; Proteomics; Inflammation; Proteome
PubMed: 38942936
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-66059-0 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Helminth infections lead to an overdispersion of the parasites in humans as well as in animals. We asked whether early immune responses against migrating Ascaris larvae...
Helminth infections lead to an overdispersion of the parasites in humans as well as in animals. We asked whether early immune responses against migrating Ascaris larvae are responsible for the unequal distribution of worms in natural host populations and thus investigated a susceptible versus a resistant mouse strain. In mice, the roundworm larvae develop until the lung stage and thus early anti-Ascaris immune responses against the migrating larvae in the liver and lung can be deciphered. Our data show that susceptible C57BL/6 mice respond to Ascaris larval migration significantly stronger compared to resistant CBA mice and the anti-parasite reactivity is associated with pathology. Increased eosinophil recruitment was detected in the liver and lungs, but also in the spleen and peritoneal cavity of susceptible mice on day 8 post infection compared to resistant mice. In serum, eosinophil peroxidase levels were significantly higher only in the susceptible mice, indicating functional activity of the recruited eosinophils. This effect was associated with an increased IL-5/IL-13 production by innate lymphoid cells and CD4 T cells and a pronounced type 2 macrophage polarization in the lungs of susceptible mice. Furthermore, a comparison of wildtype BALB/c and eosinophil-deficient dblGATA-1 BALB/c mice showed that eosinophils were not essential for the early control of migrating Ascaris larvae. In conclusion, in primary infection, a strong local and systemic type 2 immune response during hepato-tracheal helminth larval migration is associated with pathology rather than protection.
Topics: Animals; Ascariasis; Larva; Mice; Th2 Cells; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Lung; Ascaris; Eosinophils; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Inbred CBA; Liver; Female
PubMed: 38942904
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65281-0 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Oxyberberine (OBB) is a significant natural compound, with excellent hepatoprotective properties. However, the poor water solubility of OBB hinders its release and...
Oxyberberine (OBB) is a significant natural compound, with excellent hepatoprotective properties. However, the poor water solubility of OBB hinders its release and absorption thus resulting in low bioavailability. To overcome these drawbacks of OBB, amorphous spray-dried powders (ASDs) of OBB were formulated. The dissolution, characterizations, and pharmacokinetics of OBB-ASDs formulation were investigated, and its hepatoprotective action was disquisitive in the D-GalN/LPS-induced acute liver injury (ALI) mouse model. The characterizations of OBB-ASDs indicated that the crystalline form of OBB active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) was changed into an amorphous form in OBB-ASDs. More importantly, OBB-ASDs showed a higher bioavailability than OBB API. In addition, OBB-ASDs treatment restored abnormal histopathological changes, improved liver functions, and relieved hepatic inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress in ALI mice. The spray drying techniques produced an amorphous form of OBB, which could significantly enhance the bioavailability and exhibit excellent hepatoprotective effects, indicating that the OBB-ASDs can exhibit further potential in hepatoprotective drug delivery systems. Our results provide guidance for improving the bioavailability and pharmacological activities of other compounds, especially insoluble natural compounds. Meanwhile, the successful development of OBB-ASDs could shed new light on the research process of poorly soluble medicine.
Topics: Animals; Toll-Like Receptor 4; Mice; Biological Availability; Berberine; Male; Solubility; Liver; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury; Disease Models, Animal; Oxidative Stress; Protective Agents; Lipopolysaccharides; Powders; Drug Delivery Systems
PubMed: 38942824
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65190-2