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Nutrients Jun 2024Iron deficiency is the number one nutritional problem worldwide. Iron uptake is regulated at the intestine and is highly influenced by the gut microbiome. Blood from the...
Iron deficiency is the number one nutritional problem worldwide. Iron uptake is regulated at the intestine and is highly influenced by the gut microbiome. Blood from the intestines drains directly into the liver, informing iron status and gut microbiota status. Changes in either iron or the microbiome are tightly correlated with the development of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). To investigate the underlying mechanisms of the development of MASLD that connect altered iron metabolism and gut microbiota, we compared specific pathogen free (SPF) or germ-free (GF) mice, fed a normal or low-iron diet. SPF mice on a low-iron diet showed reduced serum triglycerides and MASLD. In contrast, GF low-iron diet-fed mice showed increased serum triglycerides and did not develop hepatic steatosis. SPF mice showed significant changes in liver lipid metabolism and increased insulin resistance that was dependent upon the presence of the gut microbiota. We report that total body loss of mitochondrial iron importer Mitoferrin2 () exacerbated the development of MASLD on a low-iron diet with significant lipid metabolism alterations. Our study demonstrates a clear contribution of the gut microbiome, dietary iron, and Mfrn2 in the development of MASLD and metabolic syndrome.
Topics: Animals; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Mice; Liver; Fatty Liver; Lipid Metabolism; Iron, Dietary; Male; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Triglycerides; Iron; Mitochondria; Mitochondrial Proteins; Insulin Resistance; Mice, Knockout; Iron Deficiencies
PubMed: 38931165
DOI: 10.3390/nu16121804 -
Nutrients Jun 2024Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) suffer disproportionately from a high burden of cardiovascular disease, which, despite recent scientific advances, remains... (Review)
Review
Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) suffer disproportionately from a high burden of cardiovascular disease, which, despite recent scientific advances, remains partly understood. Vascular calcification (VC) is the result of an ongoing process of misplaced calcium in the inner and medial layers of the arteries, which has emerged as a critical contributor to cardiovascular events in CKD. Beyond its established role in blood clotting and bone health, vitamin K appears crucial in regulating VC via vitamin K-dependent proteins (VKDPs). Among these, the matrix Gla protein (MGP) serves as both a potent inhibitor of VC and a valuable biomarker (in its inactive form) for reflecting circulating vitamin K levels. CKD patients, especially in advanced stages, often present with vitamin K deficiency due to dietary restrictions, medications, and impaired intestinal absorption in the uremic environment. Epidemiological studies confirm a strong association between vitamin K levels, inactive MGP, and increased CVD risk across CKD stages. Based on the promising results of pre-clinical data, an increasing number of clinical trials have investigated the potential benefits of vitamin K supplementation to prevent, delay, or even reverse VC, but the results have remained inconsistent.
Topics: Humans; Vascular Calcification; Vitamin K; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Matrix Gla Protein; Vitamin K Deficiency; Extracellular Matrix Proteins; Calcium-Binding Proteins; Dietary Supplements; Cardiovascular Diseases; Biomarkers
PubMed: 38931153
DOI: 10.3390/nu16121798 -
Nutrients Jun 2024Infant birth sizes are vital clinical parameters to predict poor growth and micronutrient deficiency in early life. However, their effects on childhood anemia remain...
Infant birth sizes are vital clinical parameters to predict poor growth and micronutrient deficiency in early life. However, their effects on childhood anemia remain unclear. We aimed to explore the associations between birth weight, crown-heel length, and head circumference with anemia in early childhood, as well as potential modification factors. This population-based prospective cohort study included 204,556 participants with singleton live births delivered at gestational ages of 28-42 weeks. A logistic regression model was used to estimate the associations of the measures of infant birth size and their Z-score with anemia under five years old. There were 26,802 (13.10%) children under five years old who were diagnosed has having anemia. Compared with children who did not have anemia, children who had anemia had a lower birth weight and smaller head circumference and a longer crown-heel length (all -values < 0.05). After adjusting for confounders, not only birth weight (β coefficient, -0.008; 95% CI, -0.011--0.004; < 0.001) and head circumference (β coefficient, -0.004; 95% CI, -0.007--0.001; = 0.009), but also the related Z-scores were negatively associated with childhood anemia, while the trends for crown-heel length were the opposite. We further found significant interactions of folic acid use and maternal occupation with infant birth sizes. In conclusion, infants having abnormal sizes at birth are significantly associated with the risk for childhood anemia, which can be modified by folic acid use during pregnancy and maternal occupation.
Topics: Humans; Prospective Studies; Female; Birth Weight; China; Male; Anemia; Child, Preschool; Infant, Newborn; Infant; Adult; Pregnancy; Risk Factors; Logistic Models
PubMed: 38931151
DOI: 10.3390/nu16121796 -
Nutrients Jun 2024Growing evidence indicates that human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are important bioactive compounds that enhance health and developmental outcomes in breastfed babies....
Growing evidence indicates that human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are important bioactive compounds that enhance health and developmental outcomes in breastfed babies. Maternal dietary intake likely contributes to variation in HMO composition, but studies identifying diet-HMO relationships are few and inconsistent. This study aimed to investigate how the maternal intake of macronutrients and micronutrients-specifically proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals-associated with HMOs at 1 month (n = 210), 6 months (n = 131), and 12 months postpartum (n = 84). Several associations between maternal dietary factors and HMO profiles were identified utilizing partial correlation analysis. For example, maternal free sugar (rho = -0.02, < 0.01), added sugar (rho = -0.22, < 0.01), and sugary sweetened beverage (rho = -0.22, < 0.01) intake were negatively correlated with the most abundant HMO, 2'-fucosyllactose (2'-FL), at 1 month, suggesting that higher sugar consumption was associated with reduced levels of 2'-FL. Further, vitamins D, C, K, and the minerals zinc and potassium were positively correlated with 2'-FL at 1 month (p < 0.05). For the longitudinal analysis, a mixed-effects linear regression model revealed significant associations between maternal vitamin intake and HMO profiles over time. For example, for each unit increase in niacin intake, there was a 31.355 nmol/mL increase in 2'-FL concentration ( = 0.03). Overall, the results provide additional evidence supporting a role for maternal nutrition in shaping HMO profiles, which may inform future intervention strategies with the potential of improving infant growth and development through optimal HMO levels in mothers' milk.
Topics: Humans; Milk, Human; Female; Oligosaccharides; Adult; Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Hispanic or Latino; Diet; Young Adult; Infant; Breast Feeding; Trisaccharides; Vitamins; Longitudinal Studies; Mothers
PubMed: 38931150
DOI: 10.3390/nu16121795 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Nitroxides are stable radicals consisting of a nitroxyl group, >N-O, which carries an unpaired electron. This group is responsible for the paramagnetic and antioxidant...
Nitroxides are stable radicals consisting of a nitroxyl group, >N-O, which carries an unpaired electron. This group is responsible for the paramagnetic and antioxidant properties of these compounds. A recent study evaluated the effects of pyrrolidine and pyrroline derivatives of nitroxides on the antioxidant system of human red blood cells (RBCs). It showed that nitroxides caused an increase in the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the level of methemoglobin (MetHb) in cells (in pyrroline derivatives) but had no effect on the activity of catalase and lactate dehydrogenase. Nitroxides also reduced the concentration of ascorbic acid (AA) in cells but did not cause any oxidation of proteins or lipids. Interestingly, nitroxides initiated an increase in thiols in the plasma membranes and hemolysate. However, the study also revealed that nitroxides may have pro-oxidant properties. The drop in the AA concentration and the increase in the MetHb level and in SOD activity may indicate the pro-oxidant properties of nitroxides in red blood cells.
Topics: Humans; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Erythrocytes; Methemoglobin; Nitrogen Oxides; Oxidation-Reduction; Pyrrolidines; Superoxide Dismutase
PubMed: 38931005
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29122941 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024This article reports a simple hydrothermal method for synthesizing nickel disulfide (NiS) on the surface of fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) glass, followed by the...
This article reports a simple hydrothermal method for synthesizing nickel disulfide (NiS) on the surface of fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) glass, followed by the deposition of 5 nm Au nanoparticles on the electrode surface by physical vapor deposition. This process ensures the uniform distribution of Au nanoparticles on the NiS surface to enhance its conductivity. Finally, an Au@NiS-FTO electrochemical biosensor is obtained for the detection of dopamine (DA). The composite material is characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The electrochemical properties of the sensor are investigated using cyclic voltammetry (CV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), and time current curves in a 0.1 M PBS solution (pH = 7.3). In the detection of DA, Au@NiS-FTO exhibits a wide linear detection range (0.1~1000 μM), low detection limit (1 nM), and fast response time (0.1 s). After the addition of interfering substances, such as glucose, L-ascorbic acid, uric acid, CaCl, NaCl, and KCl, the electrode potential remains relatively unchanged, demonstrating its strong anti-interference capability. It also demonstrates strong sensitivity and reproducibility. The obtained Au@NiS-FTO provides a simple and easy-to-operate example for constructing nanometer catalysts with enzyme-like properties. These results provide a promising method utilizing Au coating to enhance the conductivity of transition metal sulfides.
Topics: Dopamine; Gold; Nickel; Biosensing Techniques; Metal Nanoparticles; Electrochemical Techniques; Electrodes; Tin Compounds; Limit of Detection; Reproducibility of Results; Fluorine
PubMed: 38930990
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29122925 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024The crystal structures of two newly synthesized nitrilotriacetate oxidovanadium(IV) salts, namely [QH][VO(nta)(HO)](HO) () and [(acr)H][VO(nta)(HO)](HO) (), were...
The crystal structures of two newly synthesized nitrilotriacetate oxidovanadium(IV) salts, namely [QH][VO(nta)(HO)](HO) () and [(acr)H][VO(nta)(HO)](HO) (), were determined. Additionally, the cytotoxic effects of four N-heterocyclic nitrilotriacetate oxidovanadium(IV) salts-1,10-phenanthrolinium, [(phen)H][VO(nta)(HO)](HO) (), 2,2'-bipyridinium [(bpy)H][VO(nta)(HO)](HO) (), and two newly synthesized compounds () and ()-were evaluated against prostate cancer (PC3) and breast cancer (MCF-7) cells. All the compounds exhibited strong cytotoxic effects on cancer cells and normal cells (HaCaT human keratinocytes). The structure-activity relationship analysis revealed that the number and arrangement of conjugated aromatic rings in the counterion had an impact on the antitumor effect. The compound (III), the 1,10-phenanthrolinium analogue, exhibited the greatest activity, whereas the acridinium salt (II), with a different arrangement of three conjugated aromatic rings, showed the lowest toxicity. The increased concentrations of the compounds resulted in alterations to the cell cycle distribution with different effects in MCF-7 and PC3 cells. In MCF-7 cells, compounds and were observed to block the G/M phase, while compounds and were found to arrest the cell cycle in the G/G phase. In PC3 cells, all compounds increased the rates of cells in the G/G phase.
Topics: Humans; Antineoplastic Agents; Breast Neoplasms; Male; Female; MCF-7 Cells; Prostatic Neoplasms; Nitrilotriacetic Acid; Structure-Activity Relationship; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation; Heterocyclic Compounds; Vanadium; PC-3 Cells; Cell Cycle; Molecular Structure; Salts; Cell Survival; Apoptosis
PubMed: 38930989
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29122924 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Two-dimensional MXenes have become an important material for electrochemical sensing of biomolecules due to their excellent electric properties, large surface area and...
Two-dimensional MXenes have become an important material for electrochemical sensing of biomolecules due to their excellent electric properties, large surface area and hydrophilicity. However, the simultaneous detection of multiple biomolecules using MXene-based electrodes is still a challenge. Here, a simple solvothermal process was used to synthesis the TiCT coated with TiO nanosheets (TiCT@TiO NSs). The surface modification of TiO NSs on TiCT can effectively reduce the self-accumulation of TiCT and improve stability. Glassy carbon electrode was modified by TiCT@TiO NSs (TiCT@TiO NSs/GCE) and was able simultaneously to detect dopamine (DA), ascorbic acid (AA) and uric acid (UA). Under concentrations ranging from 200 to 1000 μM, 40 to 300 μM and 50 to 400 μM, the limit of detection (LOD) is 2.91 μM, 0.19 μM and 0.25 μM for AA, DA and UA, respectively. Furthermore, TiCT@TiO NSs/GCE demonstrated remarkable stability and reliable reproducibility for the detection of AA/DA/UA.
Topics: Titanium; Uric Acid; Dopamine; Ascorbic Acid; Nanostructures; Limit of Detection; Electrochemical Techniques; Electrodes; Reproducibility of Results; Biosensing Techniques
PubMed: 38930980
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29122915 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Copper (II), a vital fungicide in organic viticulture, also acts as a wine oxidation catalyst. However, limited data are currently available on the impact that maximum...
Copper (II), a vital fungicide in organic viticulture, also acts as a wine oxidation catalyst. However, limited data are currently available on the impact that maximum allowed copper (II) ion doses in wine grapes at harvest can have on aged wine quality. This was the focus of the present study. We investigated the copper (II) effects by producing both white and red wines from musts containing three initial metal concentrations according to the limits set for organic farming. In detail, the influence of copper (II) on fermentation evolution, chromatic characteristics, and phenolic compounds was evaluated. Interestingly, the white wine obtained with the highest permitted copper (II) dose initially exceeded the concentration of 1.0 mg/L at fermentation completion. However, after one year of storage, the copper (II) content fell below 0.2 ± 0.01 mg/L. Conversely, red wines showed copper (II) levels below 1.0 mg/L at the end of fermentation, but the initial copper (II) level in musts significantly affected total native anthocyanins, color intensity, hue, and acetaldehyde concentration. After 12-month aging, significant differences were observed in polymeric pigments, thus suggesting a potential long-term effect of copper (II) on red wine color stability.
Topics: Wine; Copper; Acetaldehyde; Phenols; Fermentation; Vitis; Color; Anthocyanins
PubMed: 38930972
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29122907 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024In the field of human health research, the homeostasis of copper (Cu) is receiving increased attention due to its connection to pathological conditions, including... (Review)
Review
In the field of human health research, the homeostasis of copper (Cu) is receiving increased attention due to its connection to pathological conditions, including diabetes mellitus (DM). Recent studies have demonstrated that proteins associated with Cu homeostasis, such as ATOX1, FDX1, ATP7A, ATPB, SLC31A1, p53, and UPS, also contribute to DM. Cuproptosis, characterized by Cu homeostasis dysregulation and Cu overload, has been found to cause the oligomerization of lipoylated proteins in mitochondria, loss of iron-sulfur protein, depletion of glutathione, production of reactive oxygen species, and cell death. Further research into how cuproptosis affects DM is essential to uncover its mechanism of action and identify effective interventions. In this article, we review the molecular mechanism of Cu homeostasis and the role of cuproptosis in the pathogenesis of DM. The study of small-molecule drugs that affect these proteins offers the possibility of moving from symptomatic treatment to treating the underlying causes of DM.
Topics: Humans; Diabetes Mellitus; Copper; Homeostasis; Drug Design; Animals; Small Molecule Libraries; Mitochondria; Reactive Oxygen Species
PubMed: 38930917
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29122852