Search Results (2,425)

The oscillation synchronization analysis in biological systems will expand our knowledge about the response of living systems to changes in environmental conditions. This knowledge can be used in medicine (diagnosis, therapy, monitoring) and agriculture (increasing productivity, resistance to adverse effects). Currently, the search is underway for an informative, accurate and sensitive method for analyzing the synchronization of oscillatory processes in cell biology. It is especially pronounced in analyzing the concentration oscillations of intracellular signaling molecules in electrically nonexcitable cells. The bispectral analysis method could be applied to assess the characteristics of synchronized oscillations of intracellular mediators. We chose endothelial cells from mouse microvessels as model cells. Concentrations of well-studied calcium and nitric oxide (NO) were selected for study in control conditions and well-described stress: heating to 40 °C and hyperglycemia. The bispectral analysis allows us to accurately evaluate the proportion of synchronized cells, their synchronization degree, and the amplitude and frequency of synchronized calcium and NO oscillations. Heating to 40 °C increased cell synchronization for calcium but decreased for NO oscillations. Hyperglycemia abolished this effect. Heating to 40 °C changed the frequencies and increased the amplitudes of synchronized oscillations of calcium concentration and the NO synthesis rate. The first part of this paper describes the principles of the bispectral analysis method and equations and modifications of the method we propose. In the second part of this paper, specific examples of the application of bispectral analysis to assess the synchronization of living cells in vitro are presented. The discussion compares the capabilities of bispectral analysis with other analytical methods in this field. Full article

Introduction: Stress-induced hyperglycemia (SIH) and malnutrition are common in trauma patients and are linked to worse outcomes. This study examined the influence of nutritional status, determined by the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI), on the incidence of SIH in trauma patients. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on adult trauma patients admitted to a Level I trauma center from 1 January 2009 to December 31, 2021. Patients were categorized into four groups: SIH, diabetic hyperglycemia (DH), diabetic normoglycemia (DN), and non-diabetic normoglycemia (NDN). Nutritional status was assessed using GNRI: high risk (GNRI < 82), moderate risk (82 ≤ GNRI < 92), low risk (92 ≤ GNRI ≤ 98), and no risk (GNRI > 98). Incidence of SIH and outcomes were analyzed across GNRI groups. Results: SIH was associated with higher mortality across all GNRI groups compared to NDN, with the highest rate (45.7%) in the high-risk group. Mortality decreased as GNRI increased in all glucose groups. NDN patients had the lowest mortality rates across GNRI groups. There was no correlation between GNRI and SIH incidence (p = 0.259). Conclusion: SIH significantly influenced mortality across all nutritional status groups, with the highest impact in malnourished patients. Although malnutrition did not affect SIH incidence, both SIH and poor nutritional status independently contributed to worse trauma outcomes. Targeted management of hyperglycemia and nutritional deficiencies is crucial for improving survival. Full article

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a specific microvascular problem of diabetes, which is mainly caused by hyperglycemia and may lead to rapid vision loss. Dietary polyphenols have been reported to decrease the risk of DR. Apocynum venetum L. leaves are rich in polyphenolic compounds and are popular worldwide for their health benefits as a national tea drink. Building on previous findings of antioxidant activity and aldose reductase inhibition of A. venetum, this study investigated the chemical composition of polyphenol-rich extract of A. venetum leaves (AVL) and its protective mechanism on ARPE-19 cells in hyperglycemia. Ninety-three compounds were identified from AVL by LC-MS/MS, including sixty-eight flavonoids, twenty-one organic acids, and four coumarins. AVL regulated the polyol pathway by decreasing the expression of aldose reductase and the content of sorbitol, enhancing the Na⁺K⁺-ATPase activity, and weakening intracellular oxidative stress effectively; it also could regulate the expression of autophagy-related proteins via the AMPK/mTOR/ULK1 signaling pathway to maintain intracellular homeostasis. AVL could restore the polyol pathway, inhibit oxidative stress, and maintain intracellular autophagy to protect cellular morphology and improve DR. The study reveals the phytochemical composition and protective mechanisms of AVL against DR, which could be developed as a functional food and/or candidate pharmaceutical, aiming for retina protection in diabetic retinopathy. Full article

The adzuki bean is a mature seed of the red bean leguminous plant, and people like to eat it because of its nutritious properties and moderate proportion of amino acids. Adzuki bean germination and the enrichment of GABA greatly improve the health effects of the adzuki bean. The effects of the GABA-rich adzuki bean on the expression of insulin-pathway-related genes and proteins in the liver of T2DM mice were studied via Western blotting and qPCR. The results showed that a GABA-rich adzuki bean diet could promote glycogen synthesis in the liver of T2DM mice, inhibit the activities of PEPCK and G-6-Pase, and significantly down-regulate the gene expression levels of PEPCK, G6PC and FOXO1 (p < 0.05) and the phosphorylation levels of FOXO1 and GSK3β. In addition, it can also up-regulate the expression of the AMPKα gene and down-regulate the expression of the SREBP1c gene to inhibit the synthesis of triglycerides and cholesterol in T2DM mice. Lipid accumulation in mice can alleviate glucose and lipid metabolism disorders and play an effective role in regulating blood glucose at liver tissue targets. This study suggested that the GABA-rich adzuki bean can improve hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetic mice by activating the IRS/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in the liver. Full article

Diabetes mellitus-related morbidity and mortality are primarily caused by long-term complications such as retinopathy, nephropathy, cardiomyopathy, and neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy (DN) involves the progressive degeneration of axons and nerve fibers due to chronic exposure to hyperglycemia. This metabolic disturbance leads to excessive activation of the glycolytic pathway, inducing oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, ultimately resulting in nerve damage. There is no specific treatment for painful DN, and new approaches should aim not only to relieve pain but also to prevent oxidative stress and reduce inflammation. Given that existing therapies for painful DN are not effective for diabetic patients, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs)-based therapy shows promise for providing immunomodulatory and paracrine regulatory functions. MSCs from various sources can improve neuronal dysfunction associated with DN. Transplantation of MSCs has led to a reduction in hyperalgesia and allodynia, along with the recovery of nerve function in diabetic rats. While the pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathic pain is complex, clinical trials have demonstrated the importance of MSCs in modulating the immune response in diabetic patients. MSCs reduce the levels of inflammatory factors and increase anti-inflammatory cytokines, thereby interfering with the progression of DM. Further investigation is necessary to ensure the safety and efficacy of MSCs in preventing or treating neuropathic pain in diabetic patients. Full article

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels, which can lead to severe health issues if not managed effectively. Recent statistics indicate a significant global impact, with 463 million adults diagnosed worldwide and this projected to rise to 700 million by 2045. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks pancreatic beta cells, reducing insulin production. Type 2 diabetes is primarily due to insulin resistance. Both types of diabetes are linked to severe microvascular and macrovascular complications if unmanaged. Microvascular complications, such as diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy, result from damage to small blood vessels and can lead to organ and tissue dysfunction. Chronic hyperglycemia plays a central role in the onset of these complications, with prolonged high blood sugar levels causing extensive vascular damage. The emerging treatments and current research focus on various aspects, from insulin resistance to the intricate cellular damage induced by glucose toxicity. Understanding and intervening in these pathways are critical for developing effective treatments and managing diabetes long term. Furthermore, ongoing health initiatives, such as increasing awareness, encouraging early detection, and improving treatments, are in place to manage diabetes globally and mitigate its impact on health and society. These initiatives are a testament to the collective effort to combat this global health challenge. Full article

Background: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is considered one of the most common chronic complications of diabetes. Impairment of mitochondrial function is regarded as one of the causes. Iron–sulfur clusters are essential cofactors for numerous iron–sulfur (Fe-S)-containing proteins/enzymes, including mitochondrial electron transport chain complex I, II, and III and aconitase. Methods: To determine the impact of hyperglycemia on peripheral nerves, we used Schwann-like RSC96 cells and classical db/db mice to detect the expression of Fe-S-related proteins, mitochondrially enzymatic activities, and iron metabolism. Subsequently, we treated high-glucose-induced RSC96 cells and db/db mice with pioglitazone (PGZ), respectively, to evaluate the effects on Fe-S cluster biogenesis, mitochondrial function, and animal behavior. Results: We found that the core components of Fe-S biogenesis machinery, such as frataxin (Fxn) and scaffold protein IscU, significantly decreased in high-glucose-induced RSC96 cells and db/db mice, accompanied by compromised mitochondrial Fe-S-containing enzymatic activities, such as complex I and II and aconitase. Consequently, oxidative stress and inflammation increased. PGZ not only has antidiabetic effects but also increases the expression of Fxn and IscU to enhance mitochondrial function in RSC96 cells and db/db mice. Meanwhile, PGZ significantly alleviated sciatic nerve injury and improved peripheral neuronal behavior, accompanied by suppressed oxidative stress and inflammation in the sciatic nerve of the db/db mice. Conclusions: Iron–sulfur cluster deficiency may contribute to hyperglycemia-mediated DPN. Full article

The interplay between asthma and glucose metabolism disorders, such as hyperglycemia, has gained increasing attention due to the potential exacerbation of asthma symptoms and severity. This review explores the complex relationship between hyperglycemia and asthma, emphasizing the pathophysiological links, the impact of glucose metabolism disorders on asthma, and the effects of asthma medications on glucose levels. Hyperglycemia, often induced by asthma treatments like corticosteroids, has been associated with an increased risk of asthma exacerbations. This review delves into the pathophysiology underlying this association, highlighting the role of insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and obesity in both the development and management of asthma. Metabolic syndrome, characterized by abdominal obesity and hyperglycemia, independently increases the risk of worsening respiratory symptoms and asthma. Furthermore, this review examines the influence of various antidiabetic medications on asthma outcomes. Biguanides, like metformin, have shown promise in improving asthma outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and asthma. However, other medications have mixed results regarding their impact on asthma control and lung function. Considering these findings, this review advocates for further research into the role of metabolic pathways in asthma management. It calls for comparative studies and the inclusion of asthma-related outcomes in clinical trials of antidiabetic drugs to better understand their potential benefits for individuals with obesity and concurrent asthma. Full article

Over the last decades, the increased incidence of metabolic disorders, such as type two diabetes and obesity, has motivated researchers to investigate new enzyme inhibitors. Inhibition of the α-amylase enzyme is one therapeutic approach in lowering glucose levels in the blood to manage diabetes mellitus. The objective of this study was to synthesize short α-/β-mixed peptides in the solution phase. The Boc-protected α-L-leucine was converted to β-analogue by using Arndt–Eistert synthesis with the advantage of no racemization and retention of configuration. Three novel short peptides were successfully synthesized: N(Boc)-Gly-β-Leu–OCH₃(14), N(Boc)-O(Bz)α-Ser-β-Leu–OCH₃(16), and N(Boc)-O(Bz)-α-Tyr-α-Gly-β-Leu–OCH₃(17), characterized by FTIR and ¹H NMR analysis. The synthesized peptide 16 showed highest inhibitory activity (45.22%) followed by peptide 14 (18.51%) and peptide 17 (17.05%), respectively. Intriguingly, peptide 16 showed higher inhibition on α-amylase compared with other α-/β-mixed peptides. Full article

Wild rice (WLD) attenuated hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and chronic inflammation in mice receiving a high-fat diet (HFD) versus white rice (WHR), but the underlying mechanism is not well understood. We examined the influence of HFD + WLD on gut microbiota, short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and the correlation with metabolic or inflammatory markers in mice versus HFD + WHR. C57BL/6J mice received HFD + 26 g weight (wt) % WHR or WLD or 13 g wt% WHR + 13 g wt% WLD (WTWD) for 12 weeks. Plasma levels of glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides, insulin resistance and inflammatory markers after overnight fasting were lower, and the abundances of fecal Lactobacillus gasseri and propionic acid were higher in HFD + WLD-fed mice than in HFD + WHR-fed mice. The anti-inflammatory effects of HFD + WTWD were weaker than HFD + WLD but were greater than those in HFD + WHR-fed mice. Abundances of fecal Lactobacillus gasseri and propionic acid in mice receiving HFD + WLD were higher than those in mice fed with HFD + WHR. The abundances of fecal L. gasseri and propionic acid negatively correlated with metabolic and inflammatory markers. The findings of the present study suggest that WLD attenuated metabolic and inflammatory disorders in mice on HFD. Interactions between WLD components and gut microbiota may upregulate fecal SCFAs, and the latter may be attributed to the benefits of WLD on metabolism and inflammation in mice on HFD. Full article

Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) is a severe complication following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), linked to poor functional outcomes and prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stays. Timely DCI diagnosis is crucial but remains challenging. Dysregulated blood glucose, commonly observed after aSAH, may impair the constant glucose supply that is vital for brain function, potentially contributing to DCI. This study aimed to assess whether glucose indices could help identify at-risk patients and improve DCI detection. This retrospective, single-center observational study examined 151 aSAH patients between 2016 and 2019. Additionally, 70 of these (46.4%) developed DCI and 81 did not (no-DCI). To determine the value of glycemic indices for DCI, they were analyzed separately in patients in the period before (pre-DCI) and after DCI (post-DCI). The time-weighted average glucose (TWAG, p = 0.024), mean blood glucose (p = 0.033), and novel time-unified dysglycemic rate (TUDR140, calculated as the ratio of dysglycemic to total periods within a glucose target range of 70–140 mg/dL, p = 0.042), showed significantly higher values in the pre-DCI period of the DCI group than in the no-DCI group. In the time-series analysis, significant increases in TWAG and TUDR140 were observed at the DCI onset. In conclusion, DCI patients showed elevated blood glucose levels before and a further increase at the DCI onset. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings, as this retrospective, single-center study cannot completely exclude confounders and limitations. In the future blood glucose indices might become valuable parameters in multiparametric models to identify patients at risk and detect DCI onset earlier. Full article

In this study, we aimed to explore the hypoglycemic effects of a hydrolysate on Takifugu bimaculatus skin (TBSH). The effect of the dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) inhibitory activities from different TBSH fractions was investigated on basic indexes, gut hormones, blood lipid indexes, viscera, and the gut microbiota and its metabolites in rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The results showed that the <1 kDa peptide fraction from TBSH (TBP) exhibited a more potent DPP-IV inhibitory effect (IC₅₀ = 0.45 ± 0.01 mg/mL). T2DM rats were induced with streptozocin, followed by the administration of TBP. The 200 mg/kg TBP mitigated weight loss, lowered fasting blood glucose levels, and increased insulin secretion by 20.47%, 25.23%, and 34.55%, respectively, rectified irregular hormonal fluctuations, lipid metabolism, and tissue injuries, and effectively remedied gut microbiota imbalance. In conclusion, TBP exerts a hypoglycemic effect in rats with T2DM. This study offers the potential to develop nutritional supplements to treat T2DM and further promote the high-value utilization of processing byproducts from T. bimaculatus. It will provide information for developing nutritional supplements to treat T2DM and further promote the high-value utilization of processing byproducts from T. bimaculatus. Full article

Extracts from Jamaica flowers (Hibiscus sabdariffa) from Morelia (Mexico) were evaluated as antidiabetic ingredients in a diabetic rat lab model for 80 days at doses of 200, 400, and 600 mg extract/kg rat weight. The hydroalcoholic extract (water:ethanol 80:20 (v/v) at 50 °C) showed a TPC value of 403.28 ± 7.71 mg GAE/g extract, and an antioxidant activity of 0.219 ± 0.00003 mmol Trolox/g (ABTS) and 0.134 ± 0.00001 mmol Trolox/g (DPPH). The extract allowed reducing the diabetic glucose plasma levels under fasting conditions in a dose-dependent manner by 35.2%, 41.63%, and 50.1%. Additionally, the highest dose of the extract (600 mg/kg) slightly reduced the short-term postprandial glucose response while improving the long-term response, reducing hyperglycemia by 45.1%. The same dose also improved lipid metabolism by reducing total cholesterol, triglycerides, VLDL, and LDL, while the HDL level increased. The improvement in glucose and lipid management in the treated groups also led to reduced levels of glycosylated hemoglobin, as well as lower insulin resistance (TyG index), compared to the diabetic control group. The results of this study suggest that extracts from Hibiscus sabdariffa (Morelia) can be used as potential functional ingredients or nutraceuticals for managing the diabetic condition. Full article

The global prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is 10.5% among adults in the age range of 20–79 years. The primary marker of T2D is persistent fasting hyperglycemia, resulting from insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction. Multiple factors can promote the development of T2D, including obesity, inflammation, and oxidative stress. In contrast, dietary choices have been shown to prevent the onset of T2D. Oatmeal, lean proteins, fruits, and non-starchy vegetables have all been reported to decrease the likelihood of T2D onset. One of the most widely consumed beverages in the world, coffee, has also demonstrated an impressive ability to reduce T2D risk. Coffee contains a diverse array of bioactive molecules. The antidiabetic effects of coffee-derived polyphenols have been thoroughly described and recently reviewed; however, several non-polyphenolic molecules are less prominent but still elicit potent physiological actions. This review summarizes the effects of select coffee-derived non-polyphenols on various aspects of T2D pathogenesis. Full article

Rosa davurica Pall. is widely used in traditional oriental herbal therapy, but its components and molecular mechanisms of action remain unclear. This study investigates the antidiabetic potential of Rosa davurica Pall. root extract (RDR) and elucidates its underlying molecular mechanisms with in vitro and in vivo models. Data from the current study show that RDR exhibits strong antioxidant activity and glucose homeostasis regulatory effects. It significantly impacts glucose homeostasis in C2C12 skeletal muscle cells by inhibiting α-glucosidase activity. Further molecular mechanistic studies revealed that RDR promoted glucose uptake by phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), but not Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase)/Akt in C2C12 skeletal muscle cells. These actions increased the expression and translocation of glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) to the plasma membrane. In addition, RDR treatment in the STZ-induced diabetic rats remarkably improved the low body weight, polydipsia, polyphagia, hyperglycemia, and islet architecture and increased the insulin/glucose ratio. The liver (ALT and AST) and kidney marker enzyme (BUN and creatinine) levels were restored by RDR treatment as well. Phytochemical analysis identified eight major constituents in RDR, crucial for its antioxidant and antidiabetic activity. Through the molecular docking of representative glucose transporter GLUT4 with these compounds, it was confirmed that the components of RDR had a significantly high binding score in terms of structural binding. These findings from the current study highlight the antidiabetic effects of RDR. Collectively, our data suggest that RDR might be a potential pharmaceutical natural product for diabetic patients. Full article