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Effect of Sugar-Free Jelly on Glycemic Metabolism and Its Potential Health Benefits in Non-Diabetic Adults.
Han, H, Kim, Y, Gim, M, Shin, H, Jang, H, Yoon, WJ, Lee, GH, Park, YK
Foods (Basel, Switzerland). 2024;(6)
Abstract
Excessive sugar consumption provides energy but has little nutritional value, contributing to the prevalence of obesity. Hence, "sugar-free" products using artificial or natural sweeteners, including sugar alcohols, have become popular. Accordingly, safety concerns and curiosity have arisen. Therefore, this study used a double-blind, crossover design to compare the effects of commercial sugar-free and sugar jellies (control) on the glycemic response in 16 adults without diabetes. Blood samples were collected to measure blood glucose, insulin, glucagon, ghrelin, C-peptide, glycated hemoglobin, and glycated albumin levels, and an oral glucose tolerance test was performed. Questionnaires on satiety and intestinal health were also administered. Sugar-free jellies resulted in significantly lower glucose and insulin levels and a reduced area under the curve while showing higher glucagon levels than the controls. Moreover, the sugar-free jelly initially resulted in the greater secretion of ghrelin; however, after 2 h, the control jelly resulted in higher ghrelin. No significant differences were observed in gut quotient, C-peptide, glycated hemoglobin, and glycated albumin levels. In conclusion, substituting sugar jelly with sugar-free jelly may induce lower blood glucose and insulin levels and higher glucagon levels, indicating a better ability to control glucose metabolism. Appetite was not stimulated by sugar-free jelly consumption.
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Andrographis Reverses Gemcitabine Resistance through Regulation of ERBB3 and Calcium Signaling Pathway in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma.
Okuno, K, Xu, C, Pascual-Sabater, S, Tokunaga, M, Takayama, T, Han, H, Fillat, C, Kinugasa, Y, Goel, A
Biomedicines. 2023;(1)
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal malignancies, primarily due to intrinsic or acquired resistance to chemotherapy, such as Gemcitabine (Gem). Naturally occurring botanicals, including Andrographis (Andro), can help enhance the anti-tumorigenic therapeutic efficacy of conventional chemotherapy through time-tested safety and cost-effectiveness. Accordingly, we hypothesized that Andro might reverse Gem resistance in PDAC. The critical regulatory pathways associated with Gem resistance in PDAC were identified by analyzing publicly available transcriptomic profiling and PDAC tissue specimens. A series of systematic in vitro experiments were performed using Gem-resistant (Gem-R) PDAC cells and patient-derived 3D-organoids to evaluate the Andro-mediated reversal of Gem resistance in PDAC. Transcriptomic profiling identified the calcium signaling pathway as a critical regulator of Gem-resistance (Fold enrichment: 2.8, p = 0.002). Within this pathway, high ERBB3 expression was significantly associated with poor prognosis in PDAC patients. The combination of Andro and Gem exhibited superior anti-cancer potential in Gem-R PDAC cells through potentiating cellular apoptosis. The combined treatment down-regulated ERBB3 and decreased intracellular calcium concentration in Gem-R PDAC cells. Finally, these findings were successfully interrogated in patient-derived 3D-organoids. In conclusion, we demonstrate novel evidence for Andro-mediated reversal of chemoresistance to Gem in PDAC cells through the regulation of ERBB3 and calcium signaling.
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Biomedical application of 2D nanomaterials in neuroscience.
Li, K, Ji, Q, Liang, H, Hua, Z, Hang, X, Zeng, L, Han, H
Journal of nanobiotechnology. 2023;(1):181
Abstract
Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials, such as graphene, black phosphorus and transition metal dichalcogenides, have attracted increasing attention in biology and biomedicine. Their high mechanical stiffness, excellent electrical conductivity, optical transparency, and biocompatibility have led to rapid advances. Neuroscience is a complex field with many challenges, such as nervous system is difficult to repair and regenerate, as well as the early diagnosis and treatment of neurological diseases are also challenged. This review mainly focuses on the application of 2D nanomaterials in neuroscience. Firstly, we introduced various types of 2D nanomaterials. Secondly, due to the repairment and regeneration of nerve is an important problem in the field of neuroscience, we summarized the studies of 2D nanomaterials applied in neural repairment and regeneration based on their unique physicochemical properties and excellent biocompatibility. We also discussed the potential of 2D nanomaterial-based synaptic devices to mimic connections among neurons in the human brain due to their low-power switching capabilities and high mobility of charge carriers. In addition, we also reviewed the potential clinical application of various 2D nanomaterials in diagnosing and treating neurodegenerative diseases, neurological system disorders, as well as glioma. Finally, we discussed the challenge and future directions of 2D nanomaterials in neuroscience.
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Sustainable transformation agenda for enhanced global food and nutrition security: a narrative review.
Oluwole, O, Ibidapo, O, Arowosola, T, Raji, F, Zandonadi, RP, Alasqah, I, Lho, LH, Han, H, Raposo, A
Frontiers in nutrition. 2023;:1226538
Abstract
The world's population is currently growing at an exponential rate, which is estimated to be over 8 billion inhabitants as reported by United Nations on November 15, 2022. According to FAO, 870 million people out of this population do not have enough food to eat, with the vast majority of hungry people (98%) living in developing countries, where almost 15% of the population is undernourished. Furthermore, the world's population is estimated to come to 9 billion by 2050, which would incur severe food scarcity and would seriously hamper global food security. Food losses, especially post-harvest loss as a result of poor agricultural practices have also been reported to greatly impact the economy, the environment, and the livelihoods of low and medium countries and Sub-Saharan-African. Therefore, realistic options should be established for promoting sustainable agriculture systems, improving nutrition, and achieving food security to end hunger in our nations. This paper elucidates the drivers of food insecurity including food losses, escalating population growth, hunger, and food production, among others, and provided some transformation approaches such as value addition through appropriate and emerging food processing and preservation techniques, application of biotechnological options through genetically modified foods and functional foods consumption and integration of indigenous underutilized nutrient-dense food crops which could serve as all-inclusive and sustainable transformation options for enhanced food and nutrition security, especially in developing countries, which is where the hunger burden and the prevalence of malnutrition and non-communicable diseases are high.
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5.
Role of ion channels in the mechanism of proteinuria (Review).
Liu, J, Li, X, Xu, N, Han, H, Li, X
Experimental and therapeutic medicine. 2023;(1):27
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Abstract
Proteinuria is a common clinical manifestation of kidney diseases, such as glomerulonephritis, nephrotic syndrome, immunoglobulin A nephropathy and diabetic nephropathy. Therefore, proteinuria is considered to be a risk factor for renal dysfunction. Furthermore, proteinuria is also significantly associated with the progression of kidney diseases and increased mortality. Its occurrence is closely associated with damage to the structure of the glomerular filtration membrane. An impaired glomerular filtration membrane can affect the selective filtration function of the kidneys; therefore, several macromolecular substances, such as proteins, may pass through the filtration membrane and promote the manifestation of proteinuria. It has been reported that ion channels play a significant role in the mechanisms underlying proteinuria. Ion channel mutations or other dysfunctions have been implicated in several diseases, therefore ion channels could be used as major therapeutic targets. The mechanisms underlying the action of ion channels and ion transporters in proteinuria have been overlooked in the literature, despite their importance in identifying novel targets for treating proteinuria and delaying the progression of kidney diseases. The current review article focused on the four key ion channel groups, namely Na+, Ca2+, Cl- and K+ ion channels and the associated ion transporters.
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Associations between plant-based dietary patterns and risks of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and mortality - a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Wang, Y, Liu, B, Han, H, Hu, Y, Zhu, L, Rimm, EB, Hu, FB, Sun, Q
Nutrition journal. 2023;22(1):46
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According to the World Health Organization, type 2 diabetes (T2D), cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer account for nearly one in every two deaths globally. These diseases have significant clinical and public health implications. This study's aim was to assess the association of adherence to plant-based dietary patterns and changes in them with risks of major chronic diseases, including T2D, CVD, and cancer, and mortality. This study was a systematic review and meta-analysis of 55 prospective studies. Results showed that greater adherence to a plant-based dietary pattern was inversely associated with risks of T2D, CVD, cancer and all-cause mortality. Associations for T2D, CVD, and cancer were strengthened when the plant-based diets further emphasised healthful plant-based foods, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes. Authors concluded that their findings support the current recommendations that emphasise consuming high-quality plant-based foods for achieving optimal health.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plant-based dietary patterns are gaining more attention due to their potential in reducing the risk of developing major chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes (T2D), cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer, and mortality, while an up-to-date comprehensive quantitative review is lacking. This study aimed to summarize the existing prospective observational evidence on associations between adherence to plant-based dietary patterns and chronic disease outcomes. METHODS We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of evidence across prospective observational studies. The data sources used were PubMed and MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and screening of references. We included all prospective observational studies that evaluated the association between adherence to plant-based dietary patterns and incidence of T2D, CVD, cancer, and mortality among adults (≥ 18 years). RESULTS A total of 76 publications were identified, including 2,230,443 participants with 60,718 cases of incident T2D, 157,335 CVD cases, 57,759 cancer cases, and 174,435 deaths. An inverse association was observed between higher adherence to a plant-based dietary pattern and risks of T2D (RR, 0.82 [95% CI: 0.77-0.86]), CVD (0.90 [0.85-0.94]), cancer (0.91 [0.87-0.96]), and all-cause mortality (0.84 [0.78-0.92]) with moderate to high heterogeneity across studies (I2 ranged: 47.8-95.4%). The inverse associations with T2D, CVD and cancer were strengthened when healthy plant-based foods, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes, were emphasized in the definition of plant-based dietary patterns (T2D: 0.79 [0.72-0.87]; CVD: 0.85 [0.80-0.92]; cancer: 0.86 [0.80-0.92]; I2 ranged: 53.1-84.1%). Association for mortality was largely similar when the analyses were restricted to healthy plant-based diets (0.86 [0.80-0.92], I2 = 91.9%). In contrast, unhealthy plant-based diets were positively associated with these disease outcomes. Among four studies that examined changes in dietary patterns, increased adherence to plant-based dietary patterns was associated with a significantly reduced risk of T2D (0.83 [0.71-0.96]; I2 = 71.5%) and a marginally lower risk of mortality (0.95 [0.91-1.00]; I2 = 0%). CONCLUSIONS Better adherence to plant-based dietary patterns, especially those emphasizing healthy plant-based foods, is beneficial for lowering the risks of major chronic conditions, including T2D, CVD, cancer, as well as premature deaths. REGISTRATION OF REVIEW PROTOCOL This review was registered at the PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews ( https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/ ) with the registration number CRD42022290202.
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Plant protection from virus: a review of different approaches.
Anikina, I, Kamarova, A, Issayeva, K, Issakhanova, S, Mustafayeva, N, Insebayeva, M, Mukhamedzhanova, A, Khan, SM, Ahmad, Z, Lho, LH, et al
Frontiers in plant science. 2023;:1163270
Abstract
This review analyzes methods for controlling plant viral infection. The high harmfulness of viral diseases and the peculiarities of viral pathogenesis impose special requirements regarding developing methods to prevent phytoviruses. The control of viral infection is complicated by the rapid evolution, variability of viruses, and the peculiarities of their pathogenesis. Viral infection in plants is a complex interdependent process. The creation of transgenic varieties has caused much hope in the fight against viral pathogens. The disadvantages of genetically engineered approaches include the fact that the resistance gained is often highly specific and short-lived, and there are bans in many countries on the use of transgenic varieties. Modern prevention methods, diagnosis, and recovery of planting material are at the forefront of the fight against viral infection. The main techniques used for the healing of virus-infected plants include the apical meristem method, which is combined with thermotherapy and chemotherapy. These methods represent a single biotechnological complex method of plant recovery from viruses in vitro culture. It widely uses this method for obtaining non-virus planting material for various crops. The disadvantages of the tissue culture-based method of health improvement include the possibility of self-clonal variations resulting from the long-term cultivation of plants under in vitro conditions. The possibilities of increasing plant resistance by stimulating their immune system have expanded, which results from the in-depth study of the molecular and genetic bases of plant resistance toward viruses and the investigation of the mechanisms of induction of protective reactions in the plant organism. The existing methods of phytovirus control are ambiguous and require additional research. Further study of the genetic, biochemical, and physiological features of viral pathogenesis and the development of a strategy to increase plant resistance to viruses will allow a new level of phytovirus infection control to be reached.
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Progress in pathogenesis research of Ustilago maydis, and the metabolites involved along with their biosynthesis.
Yu, C, Qi, J, Han, H, Wang, P, Liu, C
Molecular plant pathology. 2023;(5):495-509
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Ustilago maydis is a pathogenic fungus that causes corn smut. Because of its easy cultivation and genetic transformation, U. maydis has become an important model organism for plant-pathogenic basidiomycetes. U. maydis is able to infect maize by producing effectors and secreted proteins as well as surfactant-like metabolites. In addition, the production of melanin and iron carriers is also associated with its pathogenicity. Here, advances in our understanding of the pathogenicity of U. maydis, the metabolites involved in the pathogenic process, and the biosynthesis of these metabolites, are reviewed and discussed. This summary will provide new insights into the pathogenicity of U. maydis and the functions of associated metabolites, as well as new clues for deciphering the biosynthesis of metabolites.
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Probio-X Relieves Symptoms of Hyperlipidemia by Regulating Patients' Gut Microbiome, Blood Lipid Metabolism, and Lifestyle Habits.
Wang, H, Ma, C, Li, Y, Zhang, L, A, L, Yang, C, Zhao, F, Han, H, Shang, D, Yang, F, et al
Microbiology spectrum. 2023;11(3):e0444022
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A long-term high-fat diet will not only disrupt the balance of lipid metabolism in the body and cause metabolic disorders but also lead to chronic diseases, such as hyperlipidaemia, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. Hyperlipidaemia is also an important contributing factor in cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of a mixed probiotic formulation on hyperlipidaemia, with focus on changes in patients’ gut microbiota and their metabolic potential. This study was a 3-month randomised controlled intervention trial. A total of 56 hyperlipidaemic patients were recruited and randomised into either the placebo or probiotic (receiving a mixed probiotic formulation) group. Results show that the intake of the probiotic mix effectively reduced the serum levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, while increasing serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, in patients with hyperlipidaemia. In fact, there was a strong association between the desirable changes in patients’ lifestyle habits and lowering of these indexes. Furthermore, although insignificant changes were observed in the lipid metabolome and gut microbiota structure, some interesting fecal bacteria and blood metabolites increased significantly after Probio-X intervention. Authors conclude that their findings show that probiotic administration is a promising approach in managing hyperlipidaemia and improving public health.
Abstract
Hyperlipidemia is a key risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and it is associated with lipid metabolic disorders and gut microbiota dysbiosis. Here, we aimed to investigate the beneficial effects of 3-month intake of a mixed probiotic formulation in hyperlipidemic patients (n = 27 and 29 in placebo and probiotic groups, respectively). The blood lipid indexes, lipid metabolome, and fecal microbiome before and after the intervention were monitored. Our results showed that probiotic intervention could significantly decrease the serum levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.05), while increasing the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.05) in patients with hyperlipidemia. Probiotic recipients showing improved blood lipid profile also exhibited significant differences in their lifestyle habits after the 3-month intervention, with an increase in daily intake of vegetable and dairy products, as well as weekly exercise time (P < 0.05). Moreover, two blood lipid metabolites (namely, acetyl-carnitine and free carnitine) significantly increased after probiotic supplementation cholesterol (P < 0.05). In addition, probiotic-driven mitigation of hyperlipidemic symptoms were accompanied by increases in beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum in patients' fecal microbiota. These results supported that mixed probiotic application could regulate host gut microbiota balance, lipid metabolism, and lifestyle habits, through which hyperlipidemic symptoms could be alleviated. The findings of this study urge further research and development of probiotics into nutraceuticals for managing hyperlipidemia. IMPORTANCE The human gut microbiota have a potential effect on the lipid metabolism and are closely related to the disease hyperlipidemia. Our trial has demonstrated that 3-month intake of a mixed probiotic formulation alleviates hyperlipidemic symptoms, possibly by modulation of gut microbes and host lipid metabolism. The findings of the present study provide new insights into the treatment of hyperlipidemia, mechanisms of novel therapeutic strategies, and application of probiotics-based therapy.
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Machine Learning Case Study: Patterns of Kidney Function Decline and Their Association With Clinical Outcomes Within 90 Days After the Initiation of Renal Dialysis.
Kaufman, HW, Wang, C, Wang, Y, Han, H, Chaudhuri, S, Usvyat, L, Hahn Contino, C, Kossmann, R, Kraus, MA
Advances in kidney disease and health. 2023;(1):33-39
Abstract
A case study explores patterns of kidney function decline using unsupervised learning methods first and then associating patterns with clinical outcomes using supervised learning methods. Predicting short-term risk of hospitalization and death prior to renal dialysis initiation may help target high-risk patients for more aggressive management. This study combined clinical data from patients presenting for renal dialysis at Fresenius Medical Care with laboratory data from Quest Diagnostics to identify disease trajectory patterns associated with the 90-day risk of hospitalization and death after beginning renal dialysis. Patients were clustered into 4 groups with varying rates of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline during the 2-year period prior to dialysis. Overall rates of hospitalization and death were 24.9% (582/2341) and 4.6% (108/2341), respectively. Groups with the steepest declines had the highest rates of hospitalization and death within 90 days of dialysis initiation. The rate of eGFR decline is a valuable and readily available tool to stratify short-term (90 days) risk of hospitalization and death after the initiation of renal dialysis. More intense approaches are needed that apply models that identify high risks to potentially avert or reduce short-term hospitalization and death of patients with a severe and rapidly progressive chronic kidney disease.