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Dietary Macronutrient Intake and Cardiovascular Disease Risk and Mortality: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies.
Ma, Y, Zheng, Z, Zhuang, L, Wang, H, Li, A, Chen, L, Liu, L
Nutrients. 2024;(1)
Abstract
Many epidemiological studies have evaluated the intake of macronutrients and the risk of mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, current evidence is conflicting and warrants further investigation. Therefore, we carried out an umbrella review to examine and quantify the potential dose-response association of dietary macronutrient intake with CVD morbidity and mortality. Prospective cohort studies from PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL were reviewed, which reported associations of macronutrients (protein, fat, and carbohydrate) with all-cause, CVD, cancer mortality, or CVD events. Multivariable relative risks (RR) were pooled, and heterogeneity was assessed. The results of 124 prospective cohort studies were included in the systematic review and 101 in the meta-analysis. During the follow-up period from 2.2 to 30 years, 506,086 deaths and 79,585 CVD events occurred among 5,107,821 participants. High total protein intake was associated with low CVD morbidity (RR 0.88, 95% confidence interval 0.82-0.94), while high total carbohydrate intake was associated with high CVD morbidity (1.08, 1.02-1.13). For fats, a high intake of total fat was associated with a decreased all-cause mortality risk (0.92, 0.85-0.99). Saturated fatty acid intake was only associated with cancer mortality (1.10, 1.06-1.14); Both monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) intake was associated with all-cause mortality (MUFA: 0.92, 0.86-0.98; PUFA 0.91, 0.86-0.96). This meta-analysis supports that protein intake is associated with a decreased risk of CVD morbidity, while carbohydrate intake is associated with an increased risk of CVD morbidity. High total fat intake is associated with a low risk of all-cause mortality, and this effect was different in an analysis stratified by the type of fat.
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So close, yet so far away: the relationship between MAM and cardiac disease.
Lu, B, Chen, X, Ma, Y, Gui, M, Yao, L, Li, J, Wang, M, Zhou, X, Fu, D
Frontiers in cardiovascular medicine. 2024;:1353533
Abstract
Mitochondria-associated membrane (MAM) serve as crucial contact sites between mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Recent research has highlighted the significance of MAM, which serve as a platform for various protein molecules, in processes such as calcium signaling, ATP production, mitochondrial structure and function, and autophagy. Cardiac diseases caused by any reason can lead to changes in myocardial structure and function, significantly impacting human health. Notably, MAM exhibits various regulatory effects to maintain cellular balance in several cardiac diseases conditions, such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, and cardiotoxicity. MAM proteins independently or interact with their counterparts, forming essential tethers between the ER and mitochondria in cardiomyocytes. This review provides an overview of key MAM regulators, detailing their structure and functions. Additionally, it explores the connection between MAM and various cardiac injuries, suggesting that precise genetic, pharmacological, and physical regulation of MAM may be a promising strategy for preventing and treating heart failure.
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An Umbrella Insight into the Phytochemistry Features and Biological Activities of Corn Silk: A Narrative Review.
Wang, Y, Mao, J, Zhang, M, Liu, L, Zhu, Y, Gu, M, Zhang, J, Bu, H, Sun, Y, Sun, J, et al
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland). 2024;(4)
Abstract
Corn silk (Zea mays L.) is the stigma of an annual gramineous plant named corn, which is distributed in many regions worldwide and has a long history of medicinal use. In recent years, with the sustainable development of traditional Chinese medicine, studies of corn silk based on modern technologies, such as GC-MS, LC-MS, and other analytical means, have offered more comprehensive analyses. Phytochemistry studies have shown that the main bioactive components in corn silk include flavonoids, polyphenols, phenolic acids, fatty acids, and terpenoids. Pharmacological studies have shown that corn silk extract has various pharmacological effects, such as reducing blood lipids, lowering blood pressure, regulating blood sugar levels, anti-inflammatory effects, and anti-oxidation effects. In this paper, the related research on corn silk from the past few years is summarized to provide a theoretical reference for the further development and utilization of corn silk.
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Nano-crosslinked dynamic hydrogels for biomedical applications.
Wang, Q, Zhang, Y, Ma, Y, Wang, M, Pan, G
Materials today. Bio. 2023;:100640
Abstract
Hydrogels resemble natural extracellular matrices and have been widely studied for biomedical applications. Nano-crosslinked dynamic hydrogels combine the injectability and self-healing property of dynamic hydrogels with the versatility of nanomaterials and exhibit unique advantages. The incorporation of nanomaterials as crosslinkers can improve the mechanical properties (strength, injectability, and shear-thinning properties) of hydrogels by reinforcing the skeleton and endowing them with multifunctionality. Nano-crosslinked functional hydrogels that can respond to external stimuli (such as pH, heat, light, and electromagnetic stimuli) and have photothermal properties, antimicrobial properties, stone regeneration abilities, or tissue repair abilities have been constructed through reversible covalent crosslinking strategies and physical crosslinking strategies. The possible cytotoxicity of the incorporated nanomaterials can be reduced. Nanomaterial hydrogels show excellent biocompatibility and can facilitate cell proliferation and differentiation for biomedical applications. This review introduces different nano-crosslinked dynamic hydrogels in the medical field, from fabrication to application. In this review, nanomaterials for dynamic hydrogel fabrication, such as metals and metallic oxides, nanoclays, carbon-based nanomaterials, black phosphorus (BP), polymers, and liposomes, are discussed. We also introduce the dynamic crosslinking method commonly used for nanodynamic hydrogels. Finally, the medical applications of nano-crosslinked hydrogels are presented. We hope that this summary will help researchers in the related research fields quickly understand nano-crosslinked dynamic hydrogels to develop more preparation strategies and promote their development and application.
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Role of breastfeeding on maternal and childhood cancers: An umbrella review of meta-analyses.
Fan, D, Xia, Q, Lin, D, Ma, Y, Rao, J, Liu, L, Tang, H, Xu, T, Li, P, Chen, G, et al
Journal of global health. 2023;:04067
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple studies and meta-analyses have claimed that breastfeeding is inversely correlated with maternal and childhood cancers. These results could either be causal or confounded by shared risk factors. By conducting an umbrella review, we aimed to consolidate the relationship between breastfeeding and maternal and childhood cancers. METHODS We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Elsevier ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Library databases from inception to December 2022. Two reviewers independently extracted the data and assessed the quality of the studies using standardised forms. We considered two types of breastfeeding comparisons ("ever" vs "never" breastfeeding; and "longest" vs "shortest" duration). We estimated the pooled risk and 95% confidence interval (CI) for each meta-analysis. RESULTS We included seventeen meta-analyses with 55 comparisons. There was an inverse correlation between breastfeeding and childhood leukaemia (pooled risk = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.81-0.99), neuroblastoma (pooled risk = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.71-0.93), maternal ovarian cancer (pooled risk = 0.76, CI = 0.71-0.81), breast cancer (pooled risk = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.82-0.88), and oesophageal cancer (pooled risk = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.54-0.81) for "ever" vs "never" breastfeeding; and with childhood leukaemia (pooled risk = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.89-0.98), and maternal ovarian cancer (pooled risk = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.78-0.90) and breast cancer (pooled risk = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.89-0.96) for "longest" vs "shortest" breastfeeding duration. CONCLUSIONS We found evidence that breastfeeding may reduce the risk of maternal breast cancer, ovarian cancers, and childhood leukaemia, suggesting positive implications for influencing women's decision in breastfeeding. REGISTRATION PROSPERO (CRD42021255608).
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Molecular Mechanisms of Ferroptosis and Its Role in Viral Pathogenesis.
Huang, R, Wu, J, Ma, Y, Kang, K
Viruses. 2023;(12)
Abstract
Ferroptosis is a novelty form of regulated cell death, and it is mainly characterized by iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation in the cells. Its underlying mechanism is related to the amino acid, iron, and lipid metabolisms. During viral infection, pathogenic microorganisms have evolved to interfere with ferroptosis, and ferroptosis is often manipulated by viruses to regulate host cell servicing for viral reproduction. Therefore, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms underlying ferroptosis, elucidates the intricate signaling pathways involved, and explores the pivotal role of ferroptosis in the pathogenesis of viral infections. By enhancing our understanding of ferroptosis, novel therapeutic strategies can be devised to effectively prevent and treat diseases associated with this process. Furthermore, unraveling the developmental mechanisms through which viral infections exploit ferroptosis will facilitate development of innovative antiviral agents.
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Current Scenario and Future Prospects of Endophytic Microbes: Promising Candidates for Abiotic and Biotic Stress Management for Agricultural and Environmental Sustainability.
Anand, U, Pal, T, Yadav, N, Singh, VK, Tripathi, V, Choudhary, KK, Shukla, AK, Sunita, K, Kumar, A, Bontempi, E, et al
Microbial ecology. 2023;(3):1455-1486
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Abstract
Globally, substantial research into endophytic microbes is being conducted to increase agricultural and environmental sustainability. Endophytic microbes such as bacteria, actinomycetes, and fungi inhabit ubiquitously within the tissues of all plant species without causing any harm or disease. Endophytes form symbiotic relationships with diverse plant species and can regulate numerous host functions, including resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses, growth and development, and stimulating immune systems. Moreover, plant endophytes play a dominant role in nutrient cycling, biodegradation, and bioremediation, and are widely used in many industries. Endophytes have a stronger predisposition for enhancing mineral and metal solubility by cells through the secretion of organic acids with low molecular weight and metal-specific ligands (such as siderophores) that alter soil pH and boost binding activity. Finally, endophytes synthesize various bioactive compounds with high competence that are promising candidates for new drugs, antibiotics, and medicines. Bioprospecting of endophytic novel secondary metabolites has given momentum to sustainable agriculture for combating environmental stresses. Biotechnological interventions with the aid of endophytes played a pivotal role in crop improvement to mitigate biotic and abiotic stress conditions like drought, salinity, xenobiotic compounds, and heavy metals. Identification of putative genes from endophytes conferring resistance and tolerance to crop diseases, apart from those involved in the accumulation and degradation of contaminants, could open new avenues in agricultural research and development. Furthermore, a detailed molecular and biochemical understanding of endophyte entry and colonization strategy in the host would better help in manipulating crop productivity under changing climatic conditions. Therefore, the present review highlights current research trends based on the SCOPUS database, potential biotechnological interventions of endophytic microorganisms in combating environmental stresses influencing crop productivity, future opportunities of endophytes in improving plant stress tolerance, and their contribution to sustainable remediation of hazardous environmental contaminants.
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Advances in Antioxidant Applications for Combating 131I Side Effects in Thyroid Cancer Treatment.
Yang, L, Ma, J, Lei, P, Yi, J, Ma, Y, Huang, Z, Wang, T, Ping, H, Ruan, D, Sun, D, et al
Toxics. 2023;(6)
Abstract
Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine cancer, and its prevalence has been increasing for decades. Approx. 95% of differentiated thyroid carcinomas are treated using 131iodine (131I), a radionuclide with a half-life of 8 days, to achieve optimal thyroid residual ablation following thyroidectomy. However, while 131I is highly enriched in eliminating thyroid tissue, it can also retain and damage other body parts (salivary glands, liver, etc.) without selectivity, and even trigger salivary gland dysfunction, secondary cancer, and other side effects. A significant amount of data suggests that the primary mechanism for these side effects is the excessive production of reactive oxygen species, causing a severe imbalance of oxidant/antioxidant in the cellular components, resulting in secondary DNA damage and abnormal vascular permeability. Antioxidants are substances that are capable of binding free radicals and reducing or preventing the oxidation of the substrate in a significant way. These compounds can help prevent damage caused by free radicals, which can attack lipids, protein amino acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and double bonds of DNA bases. Based on this, the rational utilization of the free radical scavenging function of antioxidants to maximize a reduction in 131I side effects is a promising medical strategy. This review provides an overview of the side effects of 131I, the mechanisms by which 131I causes oxidative stress-mediated damage, and the potential of natural and synthetic antioxidants in ameliorating the side effects of 131I. Finally, the disadvantages of the clinical application of antioxidants and their improving strategies are prospected. Clinicians and nursing staff can use this information to alleviate 131I side effects in the future, both effectively and reasonably.
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The recent progress in the research of extraction and functional applications of basil seed gum.
Guan, L, Ma, Y, Yu, F, Jiang, X, Jiang, P, Zhang, Y, Yuan, C, Huang, M, Chen, Z, Liu, L
Heliyon. 2023;(9):e19302
Abstract
Basil seed gum (BSG) is a new hydrophilic colloid of natural plant origin. Extracted from basil seeds, it possesses excellent functional characteristics in terms of emulsification, rheology, gelation, stability, and adsorption, which are just as favorable as those of certain commercial gums. Besides, BSG has been widely used in food, medicine, industry, and many other fields for its physiological functions of weight reduction, detoxification, and control of blood sugar and cholesterol as a good dietary fiber. In this paper, we analyzed and discussed the extraction procedures, composition structures, functional characteristics, and modification strategies of BSG. In addition, we summarized the latest research on the applications of BSG in different industries to provide theoretical references for the high-value processing and utilization of BSG.
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SGLT2i in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes: Benefits, Risks, and Preventive Strategies.
Ma, Y, Zhao, Q, Peng, H, Nalisa, DL, Shan, P, Jiang, H
Frontiers in bioscience (Landmark edition). 2023;(5):98
Abstract
Sodium-glucose cotransporter inhibitors (SGLT2i) play an increasingly important role in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) due to their significant cardiovascular benefits and renal protection in addition to their hypoglycemic effects. In recent years, the application of SGLT2i in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) has attracted more and more attention. Studies have shown that SGLT2i improves glycemic control, reduces total daily insulin dose, decrease body weight in patients with T1DM, without increasing the risk of severe hypoglycemia. SGLT2i also reduces urinary protein levels, prevents atherosclerosis, and offers cardiorenal benefits in patients with T1DM. But simultaneously, they significantly increased risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which leads to increased hospitalization and mortality. Hence SGLT2i is recommended to T1DM who are motivated, adhere to self-glucose monitoring, well-trained in identifying DKA, and closely followed to ensure the efficacy and safety.