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Frontiers in Plant Science 2024The production of highly vigorous seeds with high longevity is an important lever to increase crop production efficiency, but its acquisition during seed maturation is...
INTRODUCTION
The production of highly vigorous seeds with high longevity is an important lever to increase crop production efficiency, but its acquisition during seed maturation is strongly influenced by the growth environment.
METHODS
An association rule learning approach discovered MtABI4, a known longevity regulator, as a gene with transcript levels associated with the environmentally-induced change in longevity. To understand the environmental sensitivity of transcription, Yeast One-Hybrid identified a class I BASIC PENTACYSTEINE (MtBPC1) transcription factor as a putative upstream regulator. Its role in the regulation of was further characterized.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Overexpression of MtBPC1 led to a modulation of transcripts and its downstream targets. We show that MtBPC1 represses transcription at the early stage of seed development through binding in the CT-rich motif in its promoter region. To achieve this, MtBPC1 interacts with SWINGER, a sub-unit of the PRC2 complex, and Sin3-associated peptide 18, a sub-unit of the Sin3-like deacetylation complex. Consistent with this, developmental and heat stress-induced changes in transcript levels correlated with H3K27me3 and H3ac enrichment in the promoter. Our finding reveals the importance of the combination of histone methylation and histone de-acetylation to silence at the early stage of seed development and during heat stress.
PubMed: 38916028
DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1395379 -
Frontiers in Chemistry 2024Numerous local herbal extract species have been investigated as potential medicinal ingredients due to their promising anti-cancer properties. However, the primary...
Numerous local herbal extract species have been investigated as potential medicinal ingredients due to their promising anti-cancer properties. However, the primary constraint of the class of plant flavonoids lies in their low solubility and limited membrane permeability, leading to chemical instability and restricted bioavailability that impede biomedical applications. In this study, we have developed an ideal nanozyme-Galazyme, comprising galangin-loaded copper Nanozyme coated by DSPE-PEG, which amplifies oxidative stress to induce apoptosis via the regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation. Galazyme exhibited significant peroxidase mimetic activity, demonstrating its potential to generate ROS and elevate oxidative stress. Upon uptake by HepG-2 cells, Galazyme efficiently converts excess hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into highly reactive •OH radicals and upregulates MAPK expression, leading to the activation of Bax and Caspase 3, thereby promoting irreversible tumor cell apoptosis. Both and results demonstrate that Galazyme inhibits tumor cell growth and induces apoptosis by generating ample ROS and activating the MAPK pathway. Our study offers novel evidence supporting the enhancement of Galazyme-induced apoptosis through the upregulation of Bax and Caspase 3, along with the elucidation of the interaction between MAPK and apoptosis.
PubMed: 38915904
DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2024.1426634 -
Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and... 2024The United Arab Emirates (UAE), with its characteristic local population, geography, and history, presents several risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in...
OBJECTIVE
The United Arab Emirates (UAE), with its characteristic local population, geography, and history, presents several risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in obese individuals. Obesity and its associated complications, including diabetes, atherogenic dyslipidemia, and CVDs leading to significant health risks. In the present study, "Youths" defined as young people between 18 and 22 years. We assessed dyslipidemia, inflammation, and oxidative stress biomarker levels and their association with endothelial dysfunction (ED) in both overweight/obese and normal weight youths of UAE.
METHODS
There were 160 youths with overweight/obese (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m) patients and healthy age- and sex-matched normal weight (BMI ≤ 24.9 kg/m) as controls participated in this study. The anthropometric data and blood samples were collected to assess the biomarkers for dyslipidemia, inflammation, oxidative stress, ED from all the youths.
RESULTS
The overall mean age and male-to-female ratio were 20±1.5years and 1.0:1.2, respectively. There was statistically significant difference in HDL-C (p<0.001), triglycerides (TG) (p<0.001), ApoA (p=0.002), ApoB/ApoA ratio (p=0.009) between the overweight/obese and normal weight youths. Among, inflammatory markers: hs-CRP, IL-6, TNF-α also showed significant p<0.001 and oxidative stress markers: DNA/RNA Damage, catalase and nitric oxide (NO) showed significant p<0.001 between groups. Spearman correlation of ED markers with lipid profile markers showed Vitamin C levels positively correlated with HDL-C (p<0.001) and negatively correlated with glucose (p<0.001). ICAM-1showed significant negative correlation with HDL-C (p<0.01) and ApoA (p<0.001) but positive correlation with TG (p<0.01) and HbA1c (p<0.001) among groups. Spearman correlation of ED markers with inflammatory/oxidative stress biomarkers showed Vitamin C levels negatively correlated with ferritin (p < 0.001), NO (p < 0.001), GGT (p < 0.001), and ALT (p < 0.001) levels. The ICAM-1showed significant positive correlation with hs-CRP (p < 0.01), IL-6 (p < 0.001), TNF-α (p < 0.01), GGT (p < 0.05), and ALT (p < 0.05) in both groups.
CONCLUSION
This study revealed a strong link between the biomarkers of dyslipidemia, inflammation, and oxidative stress with ED in overweight/obese patients. This study might be used to predict future cardiovascular events in this population.
PubMed: 38915900
DOI: 10.2147/DMSO.S458233 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2024Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a polygenic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance in peripheral tissues and impaired insulin secretion by the pancreas. While... (Review)
Review
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a polygenic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance in peripheral tissues and impaired insulin secretion by the pancreas. While the decline in insulin production and secretion was previously attributed to apoptosis of insulin-producing β-cells, recent studies indicate that β-cell apoptosis rates are relatively low in diabetes. Instead, β-cells primarily undergo dedifferentiation, a process where they lose their specialized identity and transition into non-functional endocrine progenitor-like cells, ultimately leading to β-cell failure. The underlying mechanisms driving β-cell dedifferentiation remain elusive due to the intricate interplay of genetic factors and cellular stress. Understanding these mechanisms holds the potential to inform innovative therapeutic approaches aimed at reversing β-cell dedifferentiation in T2D. This review explores the proposed drivers of β-cell dedifferentiation leading to β-cell failure, and discusses current interventions capable of reversing this process, thus restoring β-cell identity and function.
Topics: Humans; Insulin-Secreting Cells; Cell Dedifferentiation; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Animals; Cell Differentiation; Apoptosis; Insulin Secretion
PubMed: 38915897
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1414447 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2024Arteriosclerosis is a primary causative factor in cardiovascular diseases. This study aims to explore the correlation between the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and...
OBJECTIVE
Arteriosclerosis is a primary causative factor in cardiovascular diseases. This study aims to explore the correlation between the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and the 30-day mortality rate in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF).
METHODS
A total of 1,248 ADHF patients recruited from the Jiangxi-Acute Decompensated Heart Failure1 (JX-ADHF1) cohort between 2019 and 2022 were selected for this study. The primary outcome was the 30-day mortality rate. Multivariable Cox regression, restricted cubic splines (RCS), and stratified analyses were utilized to assess the relationship between AIP and the 30-day mortality rate in ADHF patients. Mediation models were employed for exploratory analysis of the roles of inflammation, oxidative stress, and nutrition in the association between AIP and the 30-day mortality rate in ADHF patients.
RESULTS
During the 30-day follow-up, 42 (3.37%) of the ADHF patients died. The mortality rates corresponding to the quartiles of AIP were as follows: Q1: 1.28%, Q2: 2.88%, Q3: 2.88%, Q4: 6.41%. The multivariable Cox regression revealed a positive correlation between high AIP and the 30-day mortality rate in ADHF patients [Hazard ratio (HR) 3.94, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08-14.28], independent of age, gender, heart failure type, cardiac function classification, and comorbidities. It is important to note that there was a U-shaped curve association between AIP (<0.24) and the 30-day mortality rate before the fourth quartile, with the lowest 30-day mortality risk in ADHF patients around an AIP of -0.1. Furthermore, mediation analysis suggested significant mediating effects of inflammation and nutrition on the 30-day mortality rate in ADHF patients related to AIP, with inflammation accounting for approximately 24.29% and nutrition for about 8.16% of the mediation effect.
CONCLUSION
This retrospective cohort analysis reveals for the first time the association between AIP and the 30-day mortality rate in ADHF patients. According to our findings, maintaining an AIP around -0.1 in ADHF patients could be crucial for improving poor prognoses from a medical perspective. Additionally, for ADHF patients with high AIP, it is important to assess and, if necessary, enhance nutritional support and anti-inflammatory treatment.
Topics: Humans; Heart Failure; Male; Female; Aged; Middle Aged; Atherosclerosis; Prognosis; Follow-Up Studies; Biomarkers; Acute Disease; Cohort Studies; Risk Factors
PubMed: 38915891
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1393644 -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2024High temperature induces heat stress, adversely affecting the growth and lactation performance of cows. Research has shown the protective effect of taurine against...
High temperature induces heat stress, adversely affecting the growth and lactation performance of cows. Research has shown the protective effect of taurine against hepatotoxicity both and . This study aimed to investigate the effect of taurine on the metabolomics of mammary epithelial cells of dairy cows under high-temperature conditions. Mammary epithelial cells were exposed to 0 mmol/L (HS, control), 8 mmol/L (HT-8), and 32 mmol/L (HT-32) of taurine, then incubated at 42°C for 6 h. Metabolomics analysis was conducted using Liquid Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer (LC-MS). Compared with the HS group, 2,873 and 3,243 metabolites were detected in the HT-8 group in positive and negative ion modes. Among these, 108 and 97 metabolites were significantly upregulated in positive and negative ion modes, while 60 and 166 metabolites were downregulated. Notably, 15 different metabolites such as palmitic acid, adenine and hypoxanthine were screened out in the HT-8 group. Compared with the HS group, 2,873 and 3,243 metabolites were, respectively, detected in the HT-32 group in the positive and negative ion modes. Among those metabolites, 206 metabolites were significantly up-regulated, while 206 metabolites were significantly downregulated in the positive mode. On the other hand, 497 metabolites were significantly upregulated in the negative mode, while 517 metabolites were reported to be downregulated. Noteworthy, 30 distinct metabolites, such as palmitic acid, phytosphingosine, hypoxanthine, nonanoic acid, and octanoic acid, were screened out in the HT-32 group. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that these metabolites were mainly involved in lipid metabolism, purine metabolism and other biological processes. Overall, our study indicates that taurine supplementation alters the metabolites primarily associated with purine metabolism, lipid metabolism and other pathways to alleviate heat stress in bovine mammary epithelial cells.
PubMed: 38915889
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1393276 -
Frontiers in Pediatrics 2024Nocturnal enuresis is associated with severe social and psychological problems that affect one's self-esteem, later in life, harmed adolescent and adult life, emotional...
Effects of sex, toilet training, stress, and caffeine on nocturnal enuresis among school children in Gondar Town, the metropolitan city of Ethiopia: a community-based study in 2023.
BACKGROUND
Nocturnal enuresis is associated with severe social and psychological problems that affect one's self-esteem, later in life, harmed adolescent and adult life, emotional stress on the family, and poor school performance. Moreover, enuresis children may cause panic attacks, mood disorders, and depression. This study aims to assess the prevalence and associated factors of nocturnal enuresis among children aged 5-14 years in Gondar city, Northwest Ethiopia, 2023.
METHODS
A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted from April 1, 2023, to May 30, 2023. A stratified multistage sampling technique was used to select study subject from kebeles in Gondar city. The data were collected by using a structured, interviewer-administer Questionnaire. The data were entered using EPI DATA version 4.6.02 software, and processed,and analyzed using the statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 25. All variables with ≤ 0.25 in the bivariate analysis were included in the final model of multivariate analysis. The multivariate binary logistic regression was used to assess the association between the independent and outcome variable. The direction and strength of statistical association were measured with an adjusted odds ratio along with 95% CI and a -value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
RESULT
The overall prevalence of nocturnal enuresis among children aged 5-14 years was 162 (22.2%). The findings showed that being boys [AOR = 0.54; 95% CI (0.31, 0.93)], child and no toilet training practices [AOR = 2.50; 95% CI (1.02, 6.15)], Having no caffeine [AOR = 0.16; 95% CI (0.09, 0.29)], and exposure to stressful events [AOR = 20; 95% CI (11.12, 33.34)] had a significant association with nocturnal enuresis, -value <0.05.
CONCLUSION
In this study, the prevalence of nocturnal enuresis children age 5-14 years was higher than that in previous studies. Sex of child, toilet training practices, caffeine c before bed, and presences of stressful event were a significant predictor of nocturnal enuresis.
PubMed: 38915871
DOI: 10.3389/fped.2024.1366430 -
Drug Design, Development and Therapy 2024Catalpol, as a natural medicine small-molecule drug, has been proven to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant pharmacological effects.
OBJECTIVE
Catalpol, as a natural medicine small-molecule drug, has been proven to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant pharmacological effects.
METHODS
The effect of catalpol on oxidative damage of mouse epidermal fibroblast L929 model and its mechanism were investigated by using hydrogen peroxide model, CCK8 method, flow cytometry, and Western blot.
RESULTS
The effect of catalpol on Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway was further studied to improve oxidative stress in cell models. The results showed that catalpol had no cytotoxicity to L929 cells, and inhibited the apoptosis of L929 cells after oxidative damage in a concentration-dependent manner, thus playing a role in cell protection. The oxidative damage of cells was inhibited by up-regulating the expression of the signature protein of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway and inhibiting the interstitial formation of cells.
CONCLUSION
This study is a preliminary study on the protective function of catalpol against oxidation and apoptosis in dermal fibroblasts, which can provide a theoretical basis and drug guidance for promoting skin wound healing in the later stage.
Topics: Iridoid Glucosides; NF-E2-Related Factor 2; Fibroblasts; Oxidative Stress; Animals; Mice; Signal Transduction; Heme Oxygenase-1; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Apoptosis; Cells, Cultured; Hydrogen Peroxide; Antioxidants; Skin; Structure-Activity Relationship; Cell Line; Membrane Proteins
PubMed: 38915869
DOI: 10.2147/DDDT.S467569 -
Frontiers in Nutrition 2024Professional and student-athletes are at risk of developing symptoms of eating disorders (ED), including drive for thinness and muscularity due to personal risk factors...
INTRODUCTION
Professional and student-athletes are at risk of developing symptoms of eating disorders (ED), including drive for thinness and muscularity due to personal risk factors (e.g., low self-esteem) and sport-specific characteristics (e.g., sport requirements). However, limited studies have focused on ED symptoms among NextGen athletes (identified in Canada as or ) who compete at the provincial, national, and international levels but are not yet part of national teams. As such, they have access to fewer financial resources and support from their sport federations, which can create additional stress for these athletes. The present study aimed to identify personal risk factors and types of sports associated with (a) drive for thinness and (b) drive for muscularity in NextGen athletes.
METHODS
These athletes ( = 254) aged between 14 and 25 years old completed an online questionnaire. Perfectionism, self-esteem in sport, drive for thinness, and drive for muscularity were, respectively, assessed by the Multidimensional Inventory of Perfectionism in Sport, the Sport State Self-Esteem Scale, the Eating Attitude Test-26, and the Drive for Muscularity Scale. Other personal risk factor (e.g., athletic status) were measured using in-house questions. Each personal risk factor was included in two multiple linear regressions, respectively, to determine which factors were most associated with drive for thinness and drive for muscularity.
RESULTS
Analyses revealed that perfectionist aspirations during training were linked to a stronger desire for thinness. In addition, not being in school or not having a job were also linked to a stronger desire for thinness. Several variables were found to be associated with a greater desire for muscularity: being a male athlete, playing team sport, weight category sport or endurance sport (as opposed to esthetic sport), having elite status, being less satisfied with one's current sporting performance and having higher perfectionist aspirations during training.
DISCUSSION
This study offers initial insights into the factors influencing EDs among NextGen athletes, which provides a foundation for deeper exploration and the creation or modification of targeted interventions. These findings can guide sport organizations in creating guidelines and programs to better support the next generation of national athletes (e.g., create programs to help athletes maintain investments outside).
PubMed: 38915858
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1392064 -
Frontiers in Nutrition 2024Excessive calorie intake poses a significant threat to female fertility, leading to hormonal imbalances and reproductive challenges. Overconsumption of unhealthy fats...
INTRODUCTION
Excessive calorie intake poses a significant threat to female fertility, leading to hormonal imbalances and reproductive challenges. Overconsumption of unhealthy fats exacerbates ovarian dysfunction, with an overproduction of reactive oxygen species causing oxidative stress, impairing ovarian follicle development and leading to irregular ovulation and premature ovarian failure. Interest in biological matrices with high antioxidant properties to combat diet-related oxidative stress has grown, as they contain various bioactive factors crucial for neutralizing free radicals potentially preventing female reproductive health. This systematic review evaluates the female reproductive impact of biological matrices in mitigating oxidative damages induced by over calory habits and, in particular, high fat diets.
METHODS
A comparative approach among mammalian models was utilized to interpret literature available data. This approach specifically investigates the antioxidant mechanisms of biological matrices on early and late ovarian folliculogenesis, under physiological and hormone-induced female reproductive cycle. Adhering to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, only English-language publications from peer-reviewed international indexes were considered.
RESULTS
The analysis of 121 publications meeting the inclusion criteria facilitated the identification of crucial components of biological matrices. These components, including carbocyclic sugars, phytonutrients, organosulfur compounds, and vitamins, were evaluated for their impact on ovarian follicle resilience, oocyte quality, and reproductive lifespan. The detrimental effects of oxidative stress on female fertility, particularly exacerbated by high saturated fat diets, are well-documented. studies across mammalian preclinical models have underscored the potential of antioxidants derived from biological matrices to mitigate diet-induced conditions. These antioxidants enhance steroidogenesis and ovarian follicle development, thereby improving oocyte quality. Additionally, discussions within these publications emphasized the clinical significance of these biological matrices, translating research findings into practical applications for female health.
CONCLUSION
Further research is essential to fully exploit the potential of these matrices in enhancing female reproduction and mitigating the effects of diets rich in fatty acids. This requires intensified studies and comprehensive collection of data before clinical trials. The promotion of ovarian resilience offers promising avenues for enhancing understanding and advancing female reproductive health world-wide.
PubMed: 38915855
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1415455