Search Results (30,264)

There is increasing interest in Australian finger lime (Citrus australasica) due to its nutritional and bioactive potential. In this study, polar extracts from five finger lime cultivars were investigated for their potential bioactivity using a range of assays: antioxidant capacity (total phenolic content (TPC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC)), total monomeric anthocyanin content (TMAC), anti-diabetic activity (α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition), anti-Alzheimer activity (acetylcholinesterase inhibition), Skin-whitening activity skin-brightening activity (tyrosinase inhibition), and anti-inflammatory activity (COX-2 inhibition). Commercial Tahitian lime was used as a “control” (comparison). The TPC ranged from 328 to 779 mg GAE/100 g dry weight (DW) in the pulp (compared to 1043 mg GAE/100 g for Tahitian lime) and from 755 to 1048 mg GAE/100 g in the peel (1704 mg GAE/100 g for Tahitian lime). A similar range of variation was seen for FRAP, ranging from 114 to 436 mg TE/100 g DW in the pulp (422 mg TE/100 g for Tahitian lime) and 259 to 495 mg TE/100 g DW in the peel (491 mg TE/100 g for Tahitian lime). Similarly, the TFC was generally lower in finger lime pulp (100–392 mg QE/100 g DW) compared to Tahitian lime (312 mg QE/100 g). The polar extracts did not show any significant inhibition of α-glucosidase, α-amylase, tyrosinase, or COX-2. One finger lime variety showed moderate (>50%) inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) at the highest concentration screened (~1500 mg/L), as did Tahitian lime. Additionally, in silico docking against acetylcholinesterase suggested that some of the polyphenols present, including catechin, quercetin-3-glucoside, and cyanidin-3-glucoside, could potentially dock to AChE and inhibit it. This is the first time the species has been investigated for many of these bioactive properties, and also the first time in silico docking has been performed to explore which potential compounds from this species could provide its bioactivity. Although little bioactivity was generally found across the applied bioassays, these findings nevertheless provide important basic data for future research and any claims about the potential health benefits of Australian finger lime. Full article

Background/Objectives: The external environment constantly influences human health through many factors, including air quality, access to green spaces, exposure to pollutants, and climate change. Contamination poses a substantial threat to human well-being; conversely, environmental factors also positively impact health. The purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive review of the complex relationship between various environmental factors and human health. While individual studies have explored specific aspects, a broader integrative understanding is lacking. Methods: Through databases (PubMed, Cochrane, Copernicus), 4888 papers were identified, with 166 selected for detailed analysis. Results: We summarized recent research, identifying multiple associations between environmental factors such as air pollution, climate change, solar radiation, and meteorological conditions and their impact on various health outcomes, including respiratory, cardiovascular, metabolic and gastrointestinal, renal and urogenital, neurological and psychological health, infectious and skin diseases, and major cancers. We use chord diagrams to illustrate these links. We also show the interaction between different environmental factors. Findings begin with exploring the direct impact of environmental factors on human health; then, the interplay and combined effects of environmental factors, elucidating their (often indirect) interaction and collective contribution to human health; and finally, the implications of climate change on human health. Conclusions: Researchers and policymakers need to consider that individuals are exposed to multiple pollutants simultaneously, the “multipollutant exposure phenomenon”. It is important to study and regulate environmental factors by considering the combined impact of various pollutants rather than looking at each pollutant separately. We emphasize actionable recommendations and solutions. Full article

Background and Objectives: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune disease with T cell-mediated pathogenesis of pancreatic β-cell destruction, leading to insulin deficiency. MicroRNAs such as miR-223 and miR-106b, along with PTEN, have been reported to participate in the pathophysiology of diabetes and its complications. The current study has explored the expression of miR-223, miR-106b, and PTEN and their association with various clinical and biochemical parameters in subjects diagnosed with T1DM. Materials and Methods: Sixty T1DM patients (two groups as uncomplicated/ with microalbuminuria) and fifty healthy volunteers, age- and sex-matched, were enrolled in this study. The fasting venous blood samples were collected, and PTEN and miRNAs (miR-223 and miR-106b) levels were measured by ELISA and real-time PCR, respectively. Results: The PTEN levels of patients with microalbuminuria were significantly lower than those of patients without microalbuminuria, while those of miR-223 and miR-106b were significantly increased in the T1DM group compared with the healthy control group (p < 0.001). ROC analysis indicated that PTEN, miR-223, and miR-106b could be potential biomarkers for diagnosing T1DM with high specificity but with variable sensitivities. Also, PTEN and miR-223 were negatively correlated with r =−0.398 and p < 0.0001, indicating that they were interrelated in their role within the T1DM pathophysiology. Conclusions: In the current study, it has been shown that the circulating levels of PTEN, miR-223, and miR-106b are significantly changed in T1DM patients and may back their potential to be used as non-invasive biomarkers for the diagnosis and monitoring of T1DM. Low PTEN protein expression was related to high miR-223 expression, indicating involvement of these miRNA in the regulation of PTEN. Further studies should be performed to clarify the exact mechanisms and possible clinical applications of these molecules. Full article

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) represents a significant medical complication during pregnancy, with a global prevalence ranging from 2% to 26% and increasing by over 30% in recent decades. Therefore, the aim of our study is to assess the trends and distribution of published studies, as well as the contributions of countries, institutions, journals, and authors to the development of primary care for pregnant women with gestational diabetes. In this bibliometric analysis, we examine the role of primary health care in GDM from 1991 to 2024. The data were sourced from Scopus and Web of Science, encompassing 276 articles from 150 sources and involving 1375 authors. The analysis reveals a steady increase in publications, with a 4.29% annual growth rate. This study identifies the USA and UK as leading countries in GDM research, and there are significant international collaborations, with the USA having 17 joint articles with other countries. The University of Eastern Finland, Ohio State University, and Harvard University are noted as the most prolific institutions, with 23, 17, and 16 articles, respectively. Additionally, the journal Diabetes Care published the highest number of articles, totaling 635. Prominent authors such as Bernstein J. and McCloskey L., with seven articles each, have made substantial contributions to the field. Our work highlights the need to pay special attention to primary care for gestational diabetes, as many negative consequences of the disease can be prevented at this stage. Innovative approaches to screening for GDM can significantly improve treatment outcomes and reduce health risks, which will have long-term positive effects both for individual patients and society as a whole. Full article

Introduction: Limited studies have explored the impact of cystic fibrosis (CF) transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators on glucose tolerance and insulin secretion in patients with CF, yielding varied results. This study aims to assess alterations in glucose metabolism and insulin secretion over 24 and 52 weeks following CFTR modulator initiation in a cohort of pediatric and adult patients with CF. Materials and Methods: A prospective longitudinal study conducting oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) with C-peptide and insulin levels. The insulin secretion rate at 60 min (ISR60) and the insulinogenic index (IGI) were calculated during the first 60 and 30 min of the OGTT, respectively. Glucose metabolism status was categorized as normal (NGT), indeterminate (INDET), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), or cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD). Additionally, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) was performed for 14 days at each visit. We employed a repeated-measures general linear model to assess changes in insulin secretion and CGM metrics, with glucose tolerance status as the between-subjects factor and visit (baseline, 24 and 52 weeks) as the within-subjects factor. Results: The study comprised 25 patients (11 adults and 14 pediatrics). At baseline, 2 patients (8%) had NGT, 8 (32%) had INDET, 10 (40%) had IGT, and 5 (20%) had CFRD. Overall, there were no significant changes in insulin and C-peptide area under the curve (AUC), IGI and DI after 52 weeks. However, we observed an increase in ISR60 among NGT patients (mean change: 1.766; 95% CI: 1.414; 2.118, p < 0.001). Consistently, average glucose exhibited a significant decrease in NGT patients between 24 and 52 weeks (mean change: −5.645; 95% CI: −4.233; −10.866, p = 0.028). Conclusions: Treatment with CFTR modulators potentially enhances insulin secretion in patients with CF NGT. Early initiation of treatment, as evaluated through long-term prospective trials, is essential to further investigate whether decreased glucose control is preventable or reversible. Full article

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease remains a major health issue, often developing silently as subclinical atherosclerotic disease (SAD). The Mediterranean diet (MDiet) is known for its cardiovascular benefits, but the combined influence of both MDiet adherence and physical activity (PA) on SAD progression has not been previously documented. Objective: We aimed to investigate how adherence to a healthy lifestyle, defined as MDiet adherence and PA level, influences SAD progression in subjects from the ILERVAS cohort follow-up. Methods: A study on 3097 participants from the ILERVAS prospective cohort was conducted. MDiet adherence was assessed using the MEDAS score, and PA categories were established using the IPAQ, both categorized into low, moderate, and high levels. Two different lifestyle scores integrating the MDiet and PA categories were built. The presence of atherosclerotic plaques was assessed by carotid and femoral ultrasound examination. Demographic, clinical, and biochemical data were also obtained. Multivariable linear, logistic, and Poisson regression models adjusted for potential confounders were used to analyze the association between the lifestyle scores and SAD progression, as well as the MDiet and PA as separate variables and number of territories with plaque. Results: A healthier lifestyle score did not show an effect on SAD progression. However, a higher MEDAS score was associated with a 3% decrease in the number of territories with plaque (IRR 0.97, 95% CI 0.96–0.99, p < 0.001), suggesting a protective effect of the adherence to the MDiet. PA did not show a significant association (IRR 1.00, 95% CI 1.00–1.00, p = 0.269). Older age, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, and lower eGFR were associated with SAD progression, while the female sex was protective (IRR 0.67, 95% CI 0.63–0.72, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The findings of this study show that higher adherence to the MDiet is associated with reduced incidence of SAD, indicating its potential role in cardiovascular prevention strategies. Although a higher lifestyle score or physical activity levels did not show any significant effect, promoting the MDiet, alongside managing traditional cardiovascular risk factors, could be an effective public health intervention to prevent atherosclerosis and reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease. Full article

Red seaweeds from the coastal shores of Ilo (Peru) are a natural source of high-value compounds beneficial to health due to their high antioxidant capacity. Thus, this work evaluated the effect of water–ethanol mixtures (0, 15, and 30%; v/v) at high temperatures (90, 120, and 150 °C) on the polyphenol content, antioxidant capacity, and polyphenols profile of red seaweed (Chondracanthus chamissoi) during a pressurized liquid extraction process, whose parameters were set at 10 atm, with a single cycle of extraction and a volume of 150%. An increase in temperature and ethanol had a positive effect on antioxidant compounds. Thus, the best processing conditions were established at 150 °C and 30% ethanol, allowing for the extraction of a high polyphenol content (2.04 mg GAE/g dw) and antioxidant capacity (IC50: 7.46 mg/mL, ORAC: 148.98 μmol TE/g dw). High ethanol concentrations (30%) effectively recovered phenolic acids, flavonols, and phlorotannins for the polyphenols profile. However, the use of pure water was more effective in recovering flavonols. Interestingly, using pure water as an extraction solvent at high temperatures allowed for a more significant inhibition of the α-amylase enzyme than water–ethanol mixtures under the same conditions. Finally, the results can be utilized for future industrial scaling and the potential utilization of extracts in developing diabetes treatments. Full article

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is marked by a progressive loss of central vision and is the third leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. The exact mechanisms driving the progression of this macular degenerative condition remain elusive, and as of now, there are no available preventative measures for dry AMD. According to ancient records, ginseng affects the eyes by brightening them and enhancing wisdom. Modern pharmacological research shows that the active ingredients in ginseng, ginsenosides, may be used to prevent or improve eye diseases that threaten vision. Some articles have reported that ginsenoside Rg3 can treat diabetic retinopathy in mice, but no reports exist on its effects and mechanisms in AMD. Therefore, the role and mechanism of ginsenoside Rg3 in AMD warrant further study. This study aims to investigate the effects of Rg3 on AMD and its underlying molecular mechanisms. We established a mouse model of AMD to examine the impact of ginsenoside Rg3 on NaIO₃-induced apoptosis in the retina and to explore the related intrinsic mechanisms. The in vivo results indicated that ginsenoside Rg3 prevents NaIO₃-induced apoptosis in retinal pigment epithelial cells by inhibiting reactive oxygen species production and preventing the reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential. Additionally, we assessed the levels of protein expression within the apoptosis pathway. Ginsenoside Rg3 decreased the expression of Bax, cleaved caspase-3, and cleaved caspase-9 proteins. Additionally, it increased the expression of Bcl-2 by decreasing P-JNK levels. Moreover, our in vivo results showed that ginsenoside Rg3 enhanced retinal structure, increased the relative thickness of the retina, and decreased the extent of disorganization in both the inner and outer nuclear layers. Ginsenoside Rg3 may safeguard the retina against NaIO₃-induced cell apoptosis by attenuating reactive-oxygen-species-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction, in which the JNK signaling pathway is also involved. These findings suggest that ginsenoside Rg3 has the potential to prevent or attenuate the progression of AMD and other retinal pathologies associated with NaIO₃-mediated apoptosis. Full article

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multilineage differentiating stromal cells with extensive immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. MSC-based therapy is widely used in the treatment of various pathologies, including bone and cartilage diseases, cardiac ischemia, diabetes, and neurological disorders. Along with MSCs, it is promising to study the therapeutic properties of exosomes derived from MSCs (MSC-Exo). A number of studies report that the therapeutic properties of MSC-Exo are superior to those of MSCs. In particular, MSC-Exo are used for tissue regeneration in various diseases, such as healing of skin wounds, cancer, coronary heart disease, lung injury, liver fibrosis, and neurological, autoimmune, and inflammatory diseases. In this regard, it is not surprising that the scientific community is interested in studying the therapeutic properties of MSCs and MSC-Exo in the treatment of psoriasis. This review summarizes the recent advancements from preclinical and clinical studies of MSCs and MSC-Exo in the treatment of psoriasis, and it also discusses their mechanisms of therapeutic action involved in the treatment of this disease. Full article

Ischemic wounds are frequently encountered in clinical practice and may be related to ischemia secondary to diabetes, peripheral artery disease and other chronic conditions. Angiogenesis is critical to the resolution of ischemia. Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is now recognized as an important factor in this process. H₂S donors NaHS and GYY4137 were incorporated into the photosensitive polymer hydrogel gelatin methacrylate and evaluated. Human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) culture was used to quantify toxicity and angiogenesis. Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to ischemic myocutaneous flap wound creation with and without application of H₂S-eluting hydrogels. Tissue perfusion during wound healing was quantified using laser speckle contrast imaging, and gene and protein expression for VEGF were evaluated. Vascular density was assessed by CD31 immunohistochemistry. Successful incorporation of sulfide compounds was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, and under physiologic conditions, detectable H₂S was present for up to 14 days by high-performance liquid chromatography. HUVECs exposed to hydrogels did not demonstrate excess cytotoxicity or apoptosis. A two-fold increase in angiogenic tube formation was observed in HUVECs exposed to H₂S-eluting hydrogels. Rat ischemic flap wounds demonstrated greater perfusion at 14 days, and there was greater vascularity of healed wounds compared to untreated animals. A nearly two-fold increase in VEGF mRNA and a four-fold increase in VEGF protein expression were present in wounds from treated animals. Local-regional administration of H₂S represents a novel potential therapeutic strategy to promote angiogenesis and improve wound healing after tissue injury or as a result of ischemic disease. Full article

Gestational diabetes mellitus is characterised by an insufficient insulin response to hyperglycaemia and the development of insulin resistance. This state has adverse effects on the health outcomes of the mother and child. Existing hyperglycaemia triggers a state of inflammation that involves several tissues, including the placenta. In this study, we analysed the putative pathomechanism of GDM, with special emphasis on the role of chronic, sterile, pro-inflammatory pathways. The expression and regulation of the elements of IL-1β and Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways in GDM maternal blood plasma, healthy placental explants and a choriocarcinoma cell line (BeWo cell line) stimulated with pro-inflammatory factors was evaluated. Our results indicate elevated expression of the IL-1β and TLR pathways in GDM patients. After stimulation with IL-1β or LPS, the placental explants and BeWo cell line showed increased production of pro-inflammatory IL-6, TNFa and IL-1β together with increased expression of the elements of the signalling pathways. The application of selected inhibitors of NF-ĸB, MAPK and recombinant interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL1RA) proved the key involvement of the IL-1β pathway and TLRs in the pathogenesis of GDM. Our results show the possible existence of loops of autocrine stimulation and a possible inflammatory pathomechanism in placentas affected by GDM. Full article

Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) are formed through non-enzymatic reactions between reducing sugars and proteins, nucleic acids or lipids (for example through hyperoxidation). In diabetes, elevated glucose levels provide more substrate for AGEs formation. AGEs can also be ingested through the diet from foods cooked at high temperatures, or containing much sugar. The present work aimed to review all published randomized controlled trials (RCT) on low-dietary AGE (L-dAGEs) interventions in patients with diabetes. Pubmed, Scopus and Cochrane databases were searched (until 29 February 2024) with appropriate keywords (inclusion criteria: RCT, patients with diabetes, age > 18 years, outcomes related to inflammation, glucose, and lipids; exclusion criteria: non-RCTs, case-series, case reports and Letter to the Editor, or animal studies). The present review was registered to the Open Science Framework (OSF). From 7091 studies, seven were ultimately included. Bias was assessed with the updated Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. A reduction in circulating AGEs was documented in 3/3 studies. No particular differences were documented in glycemic parameters after a L-dAGEs diet. Reductions in glucose levels were observed in one out of six studies (1/6), while HbA1c and HOMA did not change in any study (0/6 and 0/3, correspondingly). Lipid profile also changed in one out of four studies (1/4). More consistent results were observed for oxidative stress (beneficial effects in 3/3 studies) and inflammatory markers (beneficial effects in 4/4 studies). Other athero-protective effects, such as adiponectin increases, were reported. Limitations included the small sample size and the fact that dietary and physical activity habits were not considered in most studies. In conclusion, a L-dAGEs pattern may minimize AGEs accumulation and have beneficial effects on oxidative stress and inflammation indices, while its effects on glycemic and lipemic parameters are inconsistent and modest in patients with diabetes. Full article

Silicon as a functional ingredient of restructured meat (RM) shows antidiabetic and hypocholesterolemic effects in a type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rat model. The present paper investigated the mechanisms involved in this cholesterol-lowering effect by studying the impact of silicon-RM consumption on bile acid (BA) and cholesterol metabolism. In addition, the main effects of cecal BA and short-chain fatty acids derived from the microbiota on intestinal barrier integrity were also tested. Rats were fed an RM high-saturated-fat, high-cholesterol diet (HSFHCD) combined with a low dose of streptozotocin plus nicotinamide injection (LD group) and for an 8 wk. period. Silicon-RM was included in the HSFHCD as a functional food (LD-Si group). An early-stage T2DM group fed a high-saturated-fat diet (ED group) was used as a reference. Silicon decreased the BA pool with a higher hydrophilic BA profile and a lower ability to digest fat and decreased the damaging effects, increasing the occludin levels and the integrity of the intestinal barrier. The ileal BA uptake and hepatic BA synthesis through CYP7A1 were reduced by FXR/FGF15 signaling activation. The silicon up-regulated the hepatic and ileal FXR and LXRα/β, improving transintestinal cholesterol (TICE), biliary BA and cholesterol effluxes. The inclusion of silicon in meat products could be used as a new therapeutic nutritional tool in the treatment of diabetic dyslipidemia. Full article

Background: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between food insecurity and physical- and mental-health-related quality of life in adults with diabetes. Methods: Using two years of national Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data (2016–2017), we investigated the relationship between food insecurity and physical-health-related (PCS) and mental-health-related (MCS) quality of life in adults with diabetes. PCS and MCS were measured with the Short-Form 12 health survey and food insecurity was measured with the USDA 10-item adult scale. Analyses were weighted to represent the US adult population. Adjusted linear regression models, including covariates of age, gender, education, race/ethnicity, marital status, region, poverty level, employment status, health insurance, and comorbidities were used. Results: After adjustment, food-insecure adults with diabetes maintained significantly lower quality of life compared to food-secure adults with diabetes (PCS: −3.44, 95%CI −4.63, −2.25; MCS: −5.37, 95%CI −6.68, −4.06). This drop in PCS was larger than the drop for chronic conditions, including arthritis (−3.77, 95%CI −5.02, −2.52), emphysema (−2.82, 95%CI −5.12, −0.53), stroke (−2.63, 95%CI −4.11, −1.15), cancer (−2.59, 95%CI −4.00, −1.17), and heart attack (2.58, 95%CI 4.68, 0.48). Similarly, the drop for MCS was larger than for chronic pain (−2.37, 95%CI −3.24, −1.50) and arthritis (−1.31, 95%CI −2.28, −0.33). Conclusions: Food insecurity was associated with a significant reduction in both physical- and mental-health-related quality of life in adults with diabetes, with a magnitude of effect greater than adjusted estimates for the drop in quality of life for key chronic conditions. Addressing food insecurity through integration of social and medical care may lead to improvements in quality of life for adults with diabetes. Full article

Diabetes is a global disease that can lead to a range of complications. Currently, the treatment of type 2 diabetes focuses on oral hypoglycemic drugs and insulin analogues. Studies have shown that drugs such as oral metformin are useful in the treatment of diabetes but can limit the liver’s ability to release sugar. The development of glucose-lowering peptides has provided new options for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Peptide drugs have low oral utilization due to their easy degradation, short half-life, and difficulty passing through the intestinal mucosa. Therefore, improving the oral utilization of peptide drugs remains an urgent problem. This paper reviews the research progress of peptide drugs in the treatment of diabetes mellitus and proposes that different types of nano-formulation carriers, such as liposomes, self-emulsifying drug delivery systems, and polymer particles, should be combined with peptide drugs for oral administration to improve their absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. Full article