Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is a highly prevalent metabolic disorder characterized by an imbalance in blood glucose level, altered lipid profile and high blood pressure. Genetic constituents, ...high-fat and high-energy dietary habits, and a sedentary lifestyle are three major factors that contribute to high risk of T2D. Several studies have reported gut microbiome dysbiosis as a factor in rapid progression of insulin resistance in T2D that accounts for about 90% of all diabetes cases worldwide. The gut microbiome dysbiosis may reshape intestinal barrier functions and host metabolic and signaling pathways, which are directly or indirectly related to the insulin resistance in T2D. Thousands of the metabolites derived from microbes interact with the epithelial, hepatic and cardiac cell receptors that modulate host physiology. Xenobiotics including dietary components, antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs strongly affect the gut microbial composition and can promote dysbiosis. Any change in the gut microbiota can shift the host metabolism towards increased energy harvest during diabetes and obesity. However, the exact mechanisms behind the dynamics of gut microbes and their impact on host metabolism at the molecular level are yet to be deciphered. We reviewed the published literature for better understanding of the dynamics of gut microbiota, factors that potentially induce gut microbiome dysbiosis and their relation to the progression of T2D. Special emphasis was also given to understand the gut microbiome induced breaching of intestinal barriers and/or tight junctions and their relation to insulin resistance.
Abstract
Our planet is being subjected to unprecedented climate change, with far-reaching social and ecological repercussions. Below the waterline, aquatic ecosystems are being affected by multiple ...climate-related and anthropogenic stressors, the combined effects of which are poorly understood and rarely appreciated at the global stage. A striking consequence of climate change on aquatic ecosystems is that many are experiencing shorter periods of ice cover, as well as earlier and longer summer stratified seasons, which often result in a cascade of ecological and environmental consequences, such as warmer summer water temperatures, alterations in lake mixing and water levels, declines in dissolved oxygen, increased likelihood of cyanobacterial algal blooms, and the loss of habitat for native cold-water fisheries. The repercussions of a changing climate include impacts on freshwater supplies, water quality, biodiversity, and the ecosystem benefits that they provide to society.
Objectives: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease requiring lifelong medical attention. With hundreds of millions suffering worldwide and a rapidly rising incidence, diabetes mellitus poses a great ...burden on health care systems. Recent studies investigating the underlying mechanisms involved in disease development in diabetes point to the role of the dysregulation of the intestinal barrier. Hyperglycemia-mediated tight junction deformity is known to contribute to leaky gut in various metabolic disorders. The present study aimed to investigate the role of oxidative stress on intestinal epithelial tight junction (TJ) barrier functions in hyperglycemia. Because many flavonoids are known to influence the cellular redox state, exploring these flavonoids may help to understand the role of TJ barrier in hyperglycemia-mediated oxidative stress, which in turn might unfold the association of oxidative stress and dysfunction of barrier-forming TJs.
Methods: Caco-2 cells were stimulated with high glucose (HG), with or without flavonoids (quercetin, morin, naringenin), for 24 h. We determined cellular viability, levels of reactive oxygen species, and mitochondrial membrane potential in flavonoids treated HG-Caco-2 cells. The levels of the proinflammatory cytokines, glucose uptake, and expression of glucose transporters were determined on flavonoids treatment. We investigated the effect of flavonoids on TJs functions by measuring transepithelial electrical resistance (a TJ integrity marker), membrane permeability using tracer compounds, and the expressions levels of TJs related molecules on hyperglycemic Caco-2 cell monolayers.
Results: We found that high glucose treatment resulted in reduced cell viability, increased reactive oxygen species production, measurable mitochondrial dysfunction, and decreased transepithelial electrical resistance, with increased membrane permeability. Treatment with the test flavonoids produced increased cell viability and reduced glucose uptake of HG-Caco-2 cells. A concomitant decrease in reactive oxygen species production, proinflammatory cytokines, and Glut-associated genes and proteins were identified with flavonoid treatment. Flavonoids prevented derangement of TJs protein interaction and stabilized membrane permeability.
Conclusions: These findings indicate that flavonoids confer protection against hyperglycemia-mediated oxidative stress and enhance intestinal barrier functions by modulating underlying intracellular molecular mechanisms.
•Quercetin, morin, and naringenin modulate hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress.•Flavonoids reduced glucose uptake and regulated GLUT expression levels in HG-Caco-2 cells.•Flavonoids promoted membrane integrity and limited permeability in HG-Caco-2 cells.•Flavonoids enhanced the expression levels of TJ-associated proteins in HG-Caco-2 cells.
The vast diversity of microbial communities reside in various locations of the human body, and they are collectively named as the ‘Human Microbiota.’ The majority of those microbes are found in the ...gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. The microorganisms present in the gastrointestinal and the respiratory tracts are called the gut microbiota and the airway microbiota, respectively. These microbial communities are known to affect both the metabolic functions and the immune responses of the host. Among multiple factors determining the composition of gut microbiota, diet has played a pivotal role. The gut microbes possess enzymatic machinery for assimilating dietary fibers and releasing different metabolites, primarily short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). The SCFAs modulate the immune responses of not only the gut but other distal mucosal sites as well, such as the lungs. Dysbiosis in normal gut flora is one of the factors involved in the development of asthma and other respiratory disorders. Of note, several human and murine studies have indicated significant cross-talk between gut microbiota and lung immunity, known as the gut–lung axis. Here, in this review, we summarize the recent state of the field concerning the effect of dietary metabolites, particularly SCFAs, on the “gut–lung axis” as well as discuss its impact on lung health. Moreover, we have highlighted the role of the “gut–lung axis” in SARS-CoV-2 mediated inflammation. Also, to analyze the global research progress on the gut–lung axis and to identify the knowledge gap in this field, we have also utilized the bibliographic tools Dimension database and VOS viewer analysis software. Through network mapping and visualization analysis, we can predict the present research trend and the possibility to explore new directions.
An association between endometriosis and psychiatric disturbances has been identified by some researchers. The purpose of this systematic review was to consolidate existing empirical findings to ...clarify the association between endometriosis and psychiatric conditions.
We searched three electronic databases (Medline/PubMed, PsychInfo, and ClinicalTrials.gov) using the following search items: "endometriosis" combined with "mood," "bipolar disorder," "major depressive disorder," "anxiety," "psychiatric," "psychosocial," "antidepressants," "antianxiety," "pharmacotherapy," or "psychotherapy."
We included all relevant articles published in English. We identified 18 original research studies examining the association between endometriosis and psychiatric symptoms, with a combined total of 999 endometriosis patients being examined.
Of the 18 studies examined, 14 reported that endometriosis was associated with at least some aspect of reduced psychological functioning or mental health quality of life. Tabulation of raw frequencies of the studies using clinical diagnostic criteria and a comparison group revealed that at least 56.4% of women (44/78) with a diagnosis of endometriosis and 43.6% of women (48/110) without such a diagnosis met the criteria for a psychiatric disorder.
The limited research suggests that women presenting with endometriosis are at risk for psychosocial disturbances or psychiatric distress. Whether such disruptions are a consequence of endometriosis, the associated chronic gynaecological pain, or another factor such as inflammation remains to be delineated. In the interim, women presenting with symptoms of endometriosis should also be screened for psychosocial and psychiatric disturbances.
South Asian diaspora comprise one of the largest ethnic minority groups in the world yet data about atrial fibrillation (AF) in this demographic is understudied. Our aim is to identify differences in ...AF prevalence and treatment between South Asians and white British stroke patients.
The UK arm of a prospective ongoing large international repository on stroke was analysed. Ethnic differences in AF prevalence and management in those with ischemic stroke were analysed.
Of the 3515 individuals recruited with ischemic stroke, 1482 (men: 972, women: 510) were South Asian and 2033 (men:1141, women:892) of white British ethnicity. AF was present in 462 white British and 193 South Asians stroke patients, with South Asians displaying a lower prevalence of AF (South Asians: 13.0% vs white British 22.7%, P<0.001). Despite adjustment for traditional AF risk factors, South Asians had a significantly lower OR of AF compared to white British stroke patients (OR: 0.40, 95%CI: 0.33:0.49, P<0.001). Among confirmed AF cases, 31.8% of South Asians and 41.4% of white British were untreated at admission (P = 0.02). Antiplatelet treatment was significantly higher among South Asians at both admission (South Asian: 47.4% vs. white British: 29.9%, P<0.001) and discharge (South Asian: 49.5% vs. white British: 34.7%, P = 0.001), although anticoagulation treatment was similar across both ethnic groups at admission (South Asian: 28.5% vs white British: 28.1%, P = 0.93), and discharge (South Asian: 45.1% vs white British: 43.1%, P = 0.64).
Stroke patients of South Asian descent are at significantly lower risk of AF but more likely to be on antiplatelet treatment compared to their white British counterparts.
Mucosal surface layers are the critical borders throughout epithelial membranes. These epithelial cells segregate luminal material from external environments. However, mucosal linings are also ...accountable for absorbing nutrients and requiring specific barrier permeability. These functional acts positioned the mucosal epithelium at the epicenter of communications concerning the mucosal immune coordination and foreign materials, such as dietary antigens and microbial metabolites. Current innovations have revealed that external stimuli can trigger several mechanisms regulated by intestinal mucosal barrier system. Crucial constituents of this epithelial boundary are physical intercellular structures known as tight junctions (TJs). TJs are composed of different types transmembrane proteins linked with cytoplasmic adaptors which helps in attachment to the adjacent cells. Disruption of this barrier has direct influence on healthy or diseased condition, as barrier dysfunctions have been interrelated with the initiation of inflammation, and pathogenic effects following metabolic complications. In this review we focus and overview the TJs structure, function and the diseases which are able to influence TJs during onset of disease. We also highlighted and discuss the role of phytochemicals evidenced to enhance the membrane permeability and integrity through restoring TJs levels.
Introduction
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is managed primarily by dopamine agonists and physiotherapy while virtual reality (VR) has emerged recently as a complementary method. The present study reviewed ...the effectiveness of VR in rehabilitation of patients with PD.
Methods
Literature search up to June 2019 identified ten studies (
n
= 343 participants) suitable for meta-analysis and 27 studies (
n
= 688 participants) for systematic review. Standard mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using a random effects model.
Results
In meta-analysis, compared with active rehabilitation intervention, VR training led to greater improvement of stride length, SMD = 0.70 (95%CI = 0.32–1.08,
p
= 0.0003), and was as effective for gait speed, balance and co-ordination, cognitive function and mental health, quality of life and activities of daily living. Compared with passive rehabilitation intervention, VR had greater effects on balance: SMD = 1.02 (95%CI = 0.38–1.65,
p
= 0.002). Results from single randomised controlled trials showed that VR training was better than passive rehabilitation intervention for improving gait speed SMD = 1.43 (95%CI = 0.51–2.34,
p
= 0.002), stride length SMD = 1.27 (95%CI = 0.38–2.16,
p
= 0.005) and activities of daily living SMD = 0.96 (95%CI = 0.02–1.89). Systematic review showed that VR training significantly (
p
< 0.05) improved motor function, balance and co-ordination, cognitive function and mental health, and quality of life and activities of daily living.
Conclusion
VR used in rehabilitation for patients with PD improves a number of outcomes and may be considered for routine use in rehabilitation.
Therapeutic hypothermia has been used to attenuate the effects of traumatic brain injuries. However, the required degree of hypothermia, length of its use, and its timing are uncertain. We undertook ...a comprehensive meta-analysis to quantify benefits of hypothermia therapy for traumatic brain injuries in adults and children by analyzing mortality rates, neurologic outcomes, and adverse effects.
Electronic databases PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov and manual searches of studies were conducted for relevant publications up until February 2016.
Forty-one studies in adults (n = 3,109; age range, 18-81 yr) and eight studies in children (n = 454; age range, 3 mo to 18 yr) met eligibility criteria.
Baseline patient characteristics, enrollment time, methodology of cooling, target temperature, duration of hypothermia, and rewarming protocols were extracted.
Risk ratios with 95% CIs were calculated. Compared with adults who were kept normothermic, those who underwent therapeutic hypothermia were associated with 18% reduction in mortality (risk ratio, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.70-0.96; p = 0.01) and a 35% improvement in neurologic outcome (risk ratio, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.18-1.54; p < 0.00001). The optimal management strategy for adult patients included cooling patients to a minimum of 33°C for 72 hours, followed by spontaneous, natural rewarming. In contrast, adverse outcomes were observed in children who underwent hypothermic treatment with a 66% increase in mortality (risk ratio, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.06-2.59; p = 0.03) and a marginal deterioration of neurologic outcome (risk ratio, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.80-1.01; p = 0.06).
Therapeutic hypothermia is likely a beneficial treatment following traumatic brain injuries in adults but cannot be recommended in children.
The fashion industry is the second most polluting industry, contributing 8% of all carbon emissions and 20% of all global wastewater, with an anticipated 50% increase in greenhouse gas emissions by ...2030. To gain a better understanding of the state of the academic literature on the environmental impacts of the fast fashion industry, we systematically identified 65 publications from 1996 to November 2021 that were subjected to (i) bibliometric, (ii) text, and (iii) content analysis. We found that there is a growing research interest surrounding fast fashion and water quality, with 74% of the articles published in the last 5 years, and the majority of publications and citations are from China and European countries. We summarise the evaluation of production processes, such as carbon and water footprints, along with recycling practices aimed to increase the sustainability of the fashion industry. Circular economy, social environmental responsibility, and sustainability governance are key areas for future research in this growing field.
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