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1.
Tumor iron homeostasis and immune regulation.
Zhang, YY, Han, Y, Li, WN, Xu, RH, Ju, HQ
Trends in pharmacological sciences. 2024;(2):145-156
Abstract
Abnormal iron metabolism has long been regarded as a key metabolic hallmark of cancer. As a critical cofactor, iron contributes to tumor progression by participating in various processes such as mitochondrial electron transport, gene regulation, and DNA synthesis or repair. Although the role of iron in tumor cells has been widely studied, recent studies have uncovered the interplay of iron metabolism between tumor cells and immune cells, which may affect both innate and adaptive immune responses. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of the regulatory networks of iron metabolism between cancer cells and immune cells and how they contribute to antitumor immunity, and we analyze potential therapeutics targeting iron metabolism. Also, we highlight several key challenges and describe potential therapeutic approaches for future investigations.
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2.
Genomic approaches to enhance adaptive plasticity to cope with soil constraints amidst climate change in wheat.
Bhoite, R, Han, Y, Chaitanya, AK, Varshney, RK, Sharma, DL
The plant genome. 2024;(1):e20358
Abstract
Climate change is varying the availability of resources, soil physicochemical properties, and rainfall events, which collectively determines soil physical and chemical properties. Soil constraints-acidity (pH < 6), salinity (pH ≤ 8.5), sodicity, and dispersion (pH > 8.5)-are major causes of wheat yield loss in arid and semiarid cropping systems. To cope with changing environments, plants employ adaptive strategies such as phenotypic plasticity, a key multifaceted trait, to promote shifts in phenotypes. Adaptive strategies for constrained soils are complex, determined by key functional traits and genotype × environment × management interactions. The understanding of the molecular basis of stress tolerance is particularly challenging for plasticity traits. Advances in sequencing and high-throughput genomics technologies have identified functional alleles in gene-rich regions, haplotypes, candidate genes, mechanisms, and in silico gene expression profiles at various growth developmental stages. Our review focuses on favorable alleles for enhanced gene expression, quantitative trait loci, and epigenetic regulation of plant responses to soil constraints, including heavy metal stress and nutrient limitations. A strategy is then described for quantitative traits in wheat by investigating significant alleles and functional characterization of variants, followed by gene validation using advanced genomic tools, and marker development for molecular breeding and genome editing. Moreover, the review highlights the progress of gene editing in wheat, multiplex gene editing, and novel alleles for smart control of gene expression. Application of these advanced genomic technologies to enhance plasticity traits along with soil management practices will be an effective tool to build yield, stability, and sustainability on constrained soils in the face of climate change.
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Efficacy and safety of psychedelics for the treatment of mental disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Yao, Y, Guo, D, Lu, TS, Liu, FL, Huang, SH, Diao, MQ, Li, SX, Zhang, XJ, Kosten, TR, Shi, J, et al
Psychiatry research. 2024;:115886
Abstract
We aim to systematically review and meta-analyze the effectiveness and safety of psychedelics [psilocybin, ayahuasca (active component DMT), LSD and MDMA] in treating symptoms of various mental disorders. Web of Science, Embase, EBSCO, and PubMed were searched up to February 2024 and 126 articles were finally included. Results showed that psilocybin has the largest number of articles on treating mood disorders (N = 28), followed by ayahuasca (N = 7) and LSD (N = 6). Overall, psychedelics have therapeutic effects on mental disorders such as depression and anxiety. Specifically, psilocybin (Hedges' g = -1.49, 95% CI [-1.67, -1.30]) showed the strongest therapeutic effect among four psychedelics, followed by ayahuasca (Hedges' g = -1.34, 95% CI [-1.86, -0.82]), MDMA (Hedges' g = -0.83, 95% CI [-1.33, -0.32]), and LSD (Hedges' g = -0.65, 95% CI [-1.03, -0.27]). A small amount of evidence also supports psychedelics improving tobacco addiction, eating disorders, sleep disorders, borderline personality disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and body dysmorphic disorder. The most common adverse event with psychedelics was headache. Nearly a third of the articles reported that no participants reported lasting adverse effects. Our analyses suggest that psychedelics reduce negative mood, and have potential efficacy in other mental disorders, such as substance-use disorders and PTSD.
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4.
A comprehensive review of ethnopharmacology, chemical constituents, pharmacological effects, pharmacokinetics, toxicology, and quality control of gardeniae fructus.
Wang, L, Chen, S, Liu, S, Biu, AM, Han, Y, Jin, X, Liang, C, Liu, Y, Li, J, Fang, S, et al
Journal of ethnopharmacology. 2024;:117397
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Gardeniae Fructus (GF), the desiccative mature fruitage of Gardenia jasminoides J. Ellis (G. jasminoides), belongs to the Rubiaceae family. It has abundant medicinal value, such as purging fire and eliminating annoyance, clearing heat and diuresis, cooling blood, and detoxifying. GF is usually used in combination with other drugs to treat diseases such as fever and jaundice in damp heat syndrome in traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) clinical practice. THE AIM OF THE REVIEW This review comprehensively summarizes the research progress in botany, traditional medical use, processing method, phytochemistry, pharmacological activity, quality control, pharmacokinetics, and toxicology, which aims to provide a scientific basis for the rational application and future research of GF. MATERIALS AND METHODS ScienceDirect, PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Embase, Scopus etc. databases were retrieved to gain the comprehensive information of GF. RESULTS At present, more than 215 compounds were isolated and identified from GF, including iridoids, diterpenes, triterpenoids, flavonoids, organic esters, and so on. The traditional application of GF mainly focused on clearing heat and detoxification. Pharmacological studies proved that GF had anti-inflammatory, antioxidation, antifatigue, antithrombotic, liver and gallbladder protection, and other pharmacological effects. In addition, many improved processing methods can alleviate the side effects and toxic reactions caused by long-term use of GF, so controlling its quality through multi-component content measurement has become an important means of research. CONCLUSION GF has a wide range of applications, the mechanisms by which some effective substances exert their pharmacological effects have not been clearly explained due to the complexity and diversity of its components. This review systematically elaborates on the traditional medical use, processing method, phytochemistry, pharmacological activity, quality control, and toxicology of GF, and it is expected to become a candidate drug for treating diseases, such as depression, pancreatitis, alcoholic or non-alcoholic fatty liver.
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Electronic Interactive Games for Glycemic Control in Individuals With Diabetes: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Yao, W, Han, Y, Yang, L, Chen, Y, Yan, S, Cheng, Y
JMIR serious games. 2024;:e43574
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several electronic interventions have been used to improve glycemic control in patients with diabetes. Electronic interactive games specific to physical activity are available, but it is unclear if these are effective at improving glycemic control in patients with diabetes. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine the effects of electronic game-based interventions on glycemic control in patients with diabetes. METHODS Relevant studies that were published before April 1, 2023, were searched from 5 databases: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library. Eligibility criteria included prospective studies examining the relationship between electronic games with physical activities or diet education and glycemic control as the outcome. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. All analyses were conducted using RevMan5.4.1. Depending on the heterogeneity across studies, the pooled effects were calculated using fixed-effects or random-effects models. RESULTS Participants from 9 studies were included and assessed. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting blood glucose improved in the intervention group, although the analysis revealed no significant reduction in HbA1c (-0.09%, 95% CI -0.29% to 0.10%) or fasting blood glucose (-0.94 mg/dL, 95% CI -9.34 to 7.46 mg/dL). However, the physical activity of individuals in the intervention group was significantly higher than that of those in the control group (standardized mean difference=0.84, 95% CI 0.30 to 1.38; P=.002). Other outcomes, such as weight and blood lipids, exhibited no significant improvement (all P>.05). CONCLUSIONS Electronic games had a good impact on participants' physical activity and offered an advantage in glycemic control without reaching statistical significance. Electronic games are convenient for reminders and education. Low-intensity exercise games may not be considered a better adjuvant intervention to improve diabetes self-management care.
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6.
Cellular metabolism: A key player in cancer ferroptosis.
Jiang, X, Peng, Q, Peng, M, Oyang, L, Wang, H, Liu, Q, Xu, X, Wu, N, Tan, S, Yang, W, et al
Cancer communications (London, England). 2024;(2):185-204
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Abstract
Cellular metabolism is the fundamental process by which cells maintain growth and self-renewal. It produces energy, furnishes raw materials, and intermediates for biomolecule synthesis, and modulates enzyme activity to sustain normal cellular functions. Cellular metabolism is the foundation of cellular life processes and plays a regulatory role in various biological functions, including programmed cell death. Ferroptosis is a recently discovered form of iron-dependent programmed cell death. The inhibition of ferroptosis plays a crucial role in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. However, the role of cellular metabolism, particularly glucose and amino acid metabolism, in cancer ferroptosis is not well understood. Here, we reviewed glucose, lipid, amino acid, iron and selenium metabolism involvement in cancer cell ferroptosis to elucidate the impact of different metabolic pathways on this process. Additionally, we provided a detailed overview of agents used to induce cancer ferroptosis. We explained that the metabolism of tumor cells plays a crucial role in maintaining intracellular redox homeostasis and that disrupting the normal metabolic processes in these cells renders them more susceptible to iron-induced cell death, resulting in enhanced tumor cell killing. The combination of ferroptosis inducers and cellular metabolism inhibitors may be a novel approach to future cancer therapy and an important strategy to advance the development of treatments.
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Research progress on the regulation of oxidative stress by phenolics: the role of gut microbiota and Nrf2 signaling pathway.
Liu, Y, Wang, X, Podio, NS, Wang, X, Xu, S, Jiang, S, Wei, X, Han, Y, Cai, Y, Chen, X, et al
Journal of the science of food and agriculture. 2024;(4):1861-1873
Abstract
In recent years, the increase in high-calorie diets and sedentary lifestyles has made obesity a global public health problem. An unbalanced diet promotes the production of proinflammatory cytokines and causes redox imbalance in the body. Phenolics have potent antioxidant activity and cytoprotective ability. They can scavenge free radicals and reactive oxygen species, and enhance the activity of antioxidant enzymes, thus combating the body's oxidative stress. They can also improve the body's inflammatory response, enhance the enzyme activity of lipid metabolism, and reduce the contents of cholesterol and triglyceride. Most phenolics are biotransformed and absorbed into the blood after the action by gut microbiota; these metabolites then undergo phase I and II metabolism and regulate oxidative stress by scavenging free radicals and increasing expression of antioxidant enzymes. Phenolics induce the expression of genes encoding antioxidant enzymes and phase II detoxification enzymes by stimulating Nrf2 to enter the nucleus and bind to the antioxidant response element after uncoupling from Keap1, thereby promoting the production of antioxidant enzymes and phase II detoxification enzymes. The absorption rate of phenolics in the small intestine is extremely low. Most phenolics reach the colon, where they interact with the microbiota and undergo a series of metabolism. Their metabolites will reach the liver via the portal vein and undergo conjugation reactions. Subsequently, the metabolites reach the whole body to exert biological activity by traveling with the systemic circulation. Phenolics can promote the growth of probiotics, reduce the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B), and improve intestinal microecological imbalance. This paper reviews the nutritional value, bioactivity, and antioxidant mechanism of phenolics in the body, aiming to provide a scientific basis for the development and utilization of natural antioxidants and provide a reference for elucidating the mechanism of action of phenolics for regulating oxidative stress in the body. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Epidemiological and clinical features of malignant hyperthermia: A scoping review.
Cong, Z, Wan, T, Wang, J, Feng, L, Cao, C, Li, Z, Wang, X, Han, Y, Zhou, Y, Gao, Y, et al
Clinical genetics. 2024;(3):233-242
Abstract
Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a potentially fatal inherited pharmacogenetic disorder related to pathogenic variants in the RYR1, CACNA1S, or STAC3 genes. Early recognition of the occurrence of MH and prompt medical treatment are indispensable to ensure a positive outcome. The purpose of this study was to provide valuable information for the early identification of MH by summarizing epidemiological and clinical features of MH. This scoping review followed the methodological framework recommended by Arksey and O'Malley. PubMed, Embase, and Web of science databases were searched for studies that evaluated the epidemical and clinical characteristics of MH. A total of 37 studies were included in this review, of which 26 were related to epidemiology and 24 were associated with clinical characteristics. The morbidity of MH varied from 0.18 per 100 000 to 3.9 per 100 000. The mortality was within the range of 0%-18.2%. Identified risk factors included sex, age, disorders associated with MH, and others. The most frequent initial clinical signs included hyperthermia, sinus tachycardia, and hypercarbia. The occurrence of certain signs, such as hypercapnia, delayed first temperature measurement, and peak temperature were associated with poor outcomes. The epidemiological and clinical features of MH varied considerably and some risk factors and typical clinical signs were identified. The main limitation of this review is that the treatment and management strategies were not assessed sufficiently due to limited information.
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Current progress in research focused on salt tolerance in Vitis vinifera L.
Han, Y, Li, X
Frontiers in plant science. 2024;:1353436
Abstract
Soil salinization represents an increasingly serious threat to agronomic productivity throughout the world, as rising ion concentrations can interfere with the growth and development of plants, ultimately reducing crop yields and quality. A combination of factors is driving this progressive soil salinization, including natural causes, global climate change, and irrigation practices that are increasing the global saline-alkali land footprint. Salt stress damages plants both by imposing osmotic stress that reduces water availability while also inducing direct sodium- and chlorine-mediated toxicity that harms plant cells. Vitis vinifera L. exhibits relatively high levels of resistance to soil salinization. However, as with other crops, grapevine growth, development, fruit yields, and fruit quality can all be adversely affected by salt stress. Many salt-tolerant grape germplasm resources have been screened in recent years, leading to the identification of many genes associated to salt stress and the characterization of the mechanistic basis for grapevine salt tolerance. These results have also been leveraged to improve grape yields through the growth of more tolerant cultivars and other appropriate cultivation measures. The present review was formulated to provide an overview of recent achievements in the field of research focused on grapevine salt tolerance from the perspectives of germplasm resource identification, the mining of functional genes, the cultivation of salt-tolerant grape varieties, and the selection of appropriate cultivation measures. Together, we hope that this systematic review will offer insight into promising approaches to enhancing grape salt tolerance in the future.
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10.
MicroRNAs in chronic pediatric diseases (Review).
Zhang, M, Han, Y
Experimental and therapeutic medicine. 2024;(3):100
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Abstract
MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs with a length of 20-24 nucleotides. They bind to the 3'-untranslated region of target genes to induce the degradation of target mRNAs or inhibit their translation. Therefore, they are involved in the regulation of development, apoptosis, proliferation, differentiation and other biological processes (including hormone secretion, signaling and viral infections). Chronic diseases in children may be difficult to treat and are often associated with malnutrition resulting from a poor diet. Consequently, further complications, disease aggravation and increased treatment costs impose a burden on patients and their families. Existing evidence suggests that microRNAs are involved in various chronic non-neoplastic diseases in children. The present review discusses the roles of microRNAs in five major chronic diseases in children, namely, diabetes mellitus, congenital heart diseases, liver diseases, bronchial asthma and epilepsy, providing a theoretical basis for them to become therapeutic biomarkers in chronic pediatric diseases.