Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease-associated fibrosis and cardiac dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD),particularly in the presence of liver fibrosis,increases the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality,but the nature of the cardio-hepatic interaction in the context type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)is not fully understood.AIM To evaluate the changes in cardiac morphology and function in patients with T2DM and MASLD-associated liver fibrosis.METHODS T2DM patients with MASLD underwent a medical evaluation that included an assessment of lifestyle,anthropometric measurements,vital signs,an extensive laboratory panel,and a standard echocardiography.Liver fibrosis was evaluated using two scores[Fibrosis-4(FIB4)and Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease-Fibrosis Score(NFS)],and subjects were classified as having advanced fibrosis,no fibrosis,or an indeterminate risk.The correlations between structural and functional cardiac parameters and markers of liver fibrosis were evaluated through bivariate and multiple regression analyses.Statistical significance was set at P<0.05.RESULTS Data from 267 T2DM-MASLD subjects with complete assessment was analyzed.Patients with scores indicating advanced fibrosis exhibited higher interventricular septum and left ventricular(LV)posterior wall thickness,atrial diameters,LV end-systolic volume,LV mass index(LVMi),and epicardial adipose tissue thickness(EATT).Their mean ejection fraction(EF)was significantly lower(49.19%±5.62%vs 50.87%±5.14%vs 52.00%±3.25%;P=0.003),and a smaller proportion had an EF≥50%(49.40%vs 68.90%vs 84.21%;P=0.0017).Their total and mid LV wall motion score indexes were higher(P<0.05).Additionally,they had markers of diastolic dysfunction,with a higher E/e’ratio[9.64±4.10 vs 8.44(2.43-26.33)vs 7.35±2.62;P=0.026],and over 70%had lateral e’values<10 cm/second,though without significant differences between groups.In multiple regression analyses,FIB4 correlated with left atrium diameter(LAD;β=0.044;P<0.05),and NFS with both LAD(β=0.039;P<0.05)and right atrium diameter(β=0.041;P<0.01),Moreover,LVMi correlated positively with age and EATT(β=1.997;P=0.0008),and negatively with serum sex-hormone binding protein(SHBP)concentrations(β=-0.280;P=0.004).SHBP also correlated negatively with LAD(β=-0.036;P<0.05).CONCLUSION T2DM patients with markers of MASLD-related liver fibrosis exhibit lower EF and present indicators of diastolic dysfunction and cardiac hypertrophy.Additionally,LVMi and LAD correlated negatively with serum SHBP concentrations.

Mitochondrial dysfunction and quality control lie at the heart of subarachnoid hemorrhage

The dramatic increase in intracranial pressure after subarachnoid hemorrhage leads to a decrease in cerebral perfusion pressure and a reduction in cerebral blood flow.Mitochondria are directly affected by direct factors such as ischemia,hypoxia,excitotoxicity,and toxicity of free hemoglobin and its degradation products,which trigger mitochondrial dysfunction.Dysfunctional mitochondria release large amounts of reactive oxygen species,inflammatory mediators,and apoptotic proteins that activate apoptotic pathways,further damaging cells.In response to this array of damage,cells have adopted multiple mitochondrial quality control mechanisms through evolution,including mitochondrial protein quality control,mitochondrial dynamics,mitophagy,mitochondrial biogenesis,and intercellular mitochondrial transfer,to maintain mitochondrial homeostasis under pathological conditions.Specific interventions targeting mitochondrial quality control mechanisms have emerged as promising therapeutic strategies for subarachnoid hemorrhage.This review provides an overview of recent research advances in mitochondrial pathophysiological processes after subarachnoid hemorrhage,particularly mitochondrial quality control mechanisms.It also presents potential therapeutic strategies to target mitochondrial quality control in subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Olfactory dysfunction and its related molecular mechanisms in Parkinson’s disease

Changes in olfactory function are considered to be early biomarkers of Parkinson’s disease.Olfactory dysfunction is one of the earliest non-motor features of Parkinson’s disease,appearing in about 90%of patients with early-stage Parkinson’s disease,and can often predate the diagnosis by years.Therefore,olfactory dysfunction should be considered a reliable marker of the disease.However,the mechanisms responsible for olfactory dysfunction are currently unknown.In this article,we clearly explain the pathology and medical definition of olfactory function as a biomarker for early-stage Parkinson’s disease.On the basis of the findings of clinical olfactory function tests and animal model experiments as well as neurotransmitter expression levels,we further characterize the relationship between olfactory dysfunction and neurodegenerative diseases as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying olfactory dysfunction in the pathology of early-stage Parkinson’s disease.The findings highlighted in this review suggest that olfactory dysfunction is an important biomarker for preclinical-stage Parkinson’s disease.Therefore,therapeutic drugs targeting non-motor symptoms such as olfactory dysfunction in the early stage of Parkinson’s disease may prevent or delay dopaminergic neurodegeneration and reduce motor symptoms,highlighting the potential of identifying effective targets for treating Parkinson’s disease by inhibiting the deterioration of olfactory dysfunction.

Elaidic acid leads to mitochondrial dysfunction via mitochondria-associated membranes triggers disruption of mitochondrial calcium fluxes

Elaidic acid(EA)stimulation can lead to endoplasmic reticulum stress(ERS),accompanied by a large release of Ca^(2+),and ultimately the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in Kupffer cells(KCs).Mitochondrial instability or dysfunction may be the key stimulating factors to activate NLRP3 inflammasome,and sustained Ca^(2+)transfer can result in mitochondrial dysfunction.We focused on KCs to explore the damage to mitochondria by EA.After EA stimulation,cells produced an oxidative stress(OS)response with a significant increase in ROS release.Immunoprecipitation experiments and the addition of inhibitors revealed that the increase in the level of intracellular Ca^(2+)led to Ca^(2+)accumulation in the mitochondrial matrix via mitochondria-associated membranes(MAMs).This was accompanied by a significant release of m ROS,loss of MMP and ATP,and a significant increase in mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening,ultimately leading to mitochondrial instability.These findings confirmed the mechanism that EA induced mitochondrial Ca^(2+)imbalance in KCs via MAM,ultimately leading to mitochondrial dysfunction.Meanwhile,EA induced OS and the decrease of MMP and ATP in rat liver,and significant lesions were found in liver mitochondria.Swelling of the inner mitochondrial cristae and mitochondrial vacuolization occurred,with a marked increase in lipid droplets.

Frequency and associated factors of accommodation and non-strabismic binocular vision dysfunction among medical university students

AIM:To investigate the frequency and associated factors of accommodation and non-strabismic binocular vision dysfunction among medical university students.METHODS:Totally 158 student volunteers underwent routine vision examination in the optometry clinic of Guangxi Medical University.Their data were used to identify the different types of accommodation and nonstrabismic binocular vision dysfunction and to determine their frequency.Correlation analysis and logistic regression were used to examine the factors associated with these abnormalities.RESULTS:The results showed that 36.71%of the subjects had accommodation and non-strabismic binocular vision issues,with 8.86%being attributed to accommodation dysfunction and 27.85%to binocular abnormalities.Convergence insufficiency(CI)was the most common abnormality,accounting for 13.29%.Those with these abnormalities experienced higher levels of eyestrain(χ2=69.518,P<0.001).The linear correlations were observed between the difference of binocular spherical equivalent(SE)and the index of horizontal esotropia at a distance(r=0.231,P=0.004)and the asthenopia survey scale(ASS)score(r=0.346,P<0.001).Furthermore,the right eye's SE was inversely correlated with the convergence of positive and negative fusion images at close range(r=-0.321,P<0.001),the convergence of negative fusion images at close range(r=-0.294,P<0.001),the vergence facility(VF;r=-0.234,P=0.003),and the set of negative fusion images at far range(r=-0.237,P=0.003).Logistic regression analysis indicated that gender,age,and the difference in right and binocular SE did not influence the emergence of these abnormalities.CONCLUSION:Binocular vision abnormalities are more prevalent than accommodation dysfunction,with CI being the most frequent type.Greater binocular refractive disparity leads to more severe eyestrain symptoms.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease:A silent pandemic

The worldwide epidemiology of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is showing an upward trend,parallel to the rising trend of metabolic syndrome,owing to lifestyle changes.The pathogenesis of NAFLD has not been fully understood yet.Therefore,NAFLD has emerged as a public health concern in the field of hepatology and metabolisms worldwide.Recent changes in the nomenclature from NAFLD to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease have brought a positive outlook changes in the understanding of the disease process and doctor-patient communication.Lifestyle changes are the main treatment modality.Recently,clinical trial using drugs that target‘insulin resistance’which is the driving force behind NAFLD,have shown promising results.Further translational research is needed to better understand the underlying pathophysiological mechanism of NAFLD which may open newer avenues of therapeutic targets.The role of gut dysbiosis in etiopathogenesis and use of fecal microbiota modification in the treatment should be studied extensively.Prevention of this silent epidemic by spreading awareness and early intervention should be our priority.

A Single-Cell Landscape of Human Liver Transplantation Reveals a Pathogenic Immune Niche Associated with Early Allograft Dysfunction

Liver transplantation(LT)is the standard therapy for individuals afflicted with end-stage liver disease.Despite notable advancements in LT technology,the incidence of early allograft dysfunction(EAD)remains a critical concern,exacerbating the current organ shortage and detrimentally affecting the prognosis of recipients.Unfortunately,the perplexing hepatic heterogeneity has impeded characterization of the cellular traits and molecular events that contribute to EAD.Herein,we constructed a pioneering single-cell transcriptomic landscape of human transplanted livers derived from non-EAD and EAD patients,with 12 liver samples collected from 7 donors during the cold perfusion and portal reperfusion stages.Comparison of the 75231 cells of non-EAD and EAD patients revealed an EAD-associated immune niche comprising mucosal-associated invariant T cells,granzyme B^(+)(GZMB^(+))granzyme K^(+)(GZMK^(+))natural killer cells,and S100 calcium binding protein A12^(+)(S100A12^(+))neutrophils.Moreover,we verified this immune niche and its association with EAD occurrence in two independent cohorts.Our findings elucidate the cellular characteristics of transplanted livers and the EAD-associated pathogenic immune niche at the single-cell level,thus,offering valuable insights into EAD onset.

Interleukin 1βreceptor and synaptic dysfunction in recurrent brain infection with Herpes simplex virus type-1

Several experimental evidence suggests a link between brain Herpes simplex virus type-1 infection and the occurrence of Alzheimer’s disease.However,the molecular mechanisms underlying this association are not completely understood.Among the molecular mediators of synaptic and cognitive dysfunction occurring after Herpes simplex virus type-1 infection and reactivation in the brain neuroinflammatory cytokines seem to occupy a central role.Here,we specifically reviewed literature reports dealing with the impact of neuroinflammation on synaptic dysfunction observed after recurrent Herpes simplex virus type-1 reactivation in the brain,highlighting the role of interleukins and,in particular,interleukin 1βas a possible target against Herpes simplex virus type-1-induced neuronal dysfunctions.

The emerging role of nitric oxide in the synaptic dysfunction of vascular dementia

With an increase in global aging,the number of people affected by cerebrovascular diseases is also increasing,and the incidence of vascular dementia-closely related to cerebrovascular risk-is increasing at an epidemic rate.However,few therapeutic options exist that can markedly improve the cognitive impairment and prognosis of vascular dementia patients.Similarly in Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological disorders,synaptic dysfunction is recognized as the main reason for cognitive decline.Nitric oxide is one of the ubiquitous gaseous cellular messengers involved in multiple physiological and pathological processes of the central nervous system.Recently,nitric oxide has been implicated in regulating synaptic plasticity and plays an important role in the pathogenesis of vascular dementia.This review introduces in detail the emerging role of nitric oxide in physiological and pathological states of vascular dementia and summarizes the diverse effects of nitric oxide on different aspects of synaptic dysfunction,neuroinflammation,oxidative stress,and blood-brain barrier dysfunction that underlie the progress of vascular dementia.Additionally,we propose that targeting the nitric oxide-sGC-cGMP pathway using certain specific approaches may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for vascular dementia.

Recombinant chitinase-3-like protein 1 alleviates learning and memory impairments via M2 microglia polarization in postoperative cognitive dysfunction mice

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction is a seve re complication of the central nervous system that occurs after anesthesia and surgery,and has received attention for its high incidence and effect on the quality of life of patients.To date,there are no viable treatment options for postoperative cognitive dysfunction.The identification of postoperative cognitive dysfunction hub genes could provide new research directions and therapeutic targets for future research.To identify the signaling mechanisms contributing to postoperative cognitive dysfunction,we first conducted Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses of the Gene Expression Omnibus GSE95426 dataset,which consists of mRNAs and long non-coding RNAs differentially expressed in mouse hippocampus3 days after tibial fracture.The dataset was enriched in genes associated with the biological process"regulation of immune cells,"of which Chill was identified as a hub gene.Therefore,we investigated the contribution of chitinase-3-like protein 1 protein expression changes to postoperative cognitive dysfunction in the mouse model of tibial fractu re surgery.Mice were intraperitoneally injected with vehicle or recombinant chitinase-3-like protein 124 hours post-surgery,and the injection groups were compared with untreated control mice for learning and memory capacities using the Y-maze and fear conditioning tests.In addition,protein expression levels of proinflammatory factors(interleukin-1βand inducible nitric oxide synthase),M2-type macrophage markers(CD206 and arginase-1),and cognition-related proteins(brain-derived neurotropic factor and phosphorylated NMDA receptor subunit NR2B)were measured in hippocampus by western blotting.Treatment with recombinant chitinase-3-like protein 1 prevented surgery-induced cognitive impairment,downregulated interleukin-1βand nducible nitric oxide synthase expression,and upregulated CD206,arginase-1,pNR2B,and brain-derived neurotropic factor expression compared with vehicle treatment.Intraperitoneal administration of the specific ERK inhibitor PD98059 diminished the effects of recombinant chitinase-3-like protein 1.Collectively,our findings suggest that recombinant chitinase-3-like protein 1 ameliorates surgery-induced cognitive decline by attenuating neuroinflammation via M2 microglial polarization in the hippocampus.Therefore,recombinant chitinase-3-like protein1 may have therapeutic potential fo r postoperative cognitive dysfunction.

Standardization of meibomian gland dysfunction in an Egyptian population sample using a non-contact meibography technique

AIM:To develop normative data for meibomian gland dysfunction(MGD)parameters,using non-contact meibography technique of Sirius Costruzione Strumenti Oftalmici(CSO)machine,in an Egyptian population sample.METHODS:Observational,cross-sectional,analytic study,in which 104 Egyptian volunteers were included.Both upper lids were examined,using“Sirius CSO”machine.Each eyelid was given a degree of meibomian gland loss(MGL),which was calculated by the software of the machine.RESULTS:Mean percentage MGL in right upper lid was of 30.9%±12.6%,and that of left upper lid was 32.6%±11.8%.Thirty-four volunteers(32.7%)had first-degree MGL in their right upper lid,and 67.3%had second-degree loss.One volunteer(1%)had zero-degree MGL in left upper lid,28(26.9%)had first-degree loss,and 75(72.1%)had second-degree loss.Degree of MGL in right upper eyelid was not related to age,but degree of MGL in left upper eyelid increased with age.There was statistically significant difference between both genders for degree of MGL in right eye(P=0.036)and in left eye(P=0.027).CONCLUSION:Noncontact meibography is a useful non-invasive tool for diagnosing MGL.MGL is diagnosed in 100%of apparently normal individuals;26.9%-32.7%of which have first-degree MGL,and 67.3%-72.1%have second-degree MGL.

Trimethylamine N-oxide aggravates vascular permeability and endothelial cell dysfunction under diabetic condition:in vitro and in vivo study

AIM:To provide the direct evidence for the crucial role of trimethylamine N-oxide(TMAO)in vascular permeability and endothelial cell dysfunction under diabetic condition.METHODS:The role of TMAO on the in vitro biological effect of human retinal microvascular endothelial cells(HRMEC)under high glucose conditions was tested by a cell counting kit,wound healing,a transwell and a tube formation assay.The inflammation-related gene expression affected by TMAO was tested by real-time polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR).The expression of the cell junction was measured by Western blotting(WB)and immunofluorescence staining.In addition,two groups of rat models,diabetic and non-diabetic,were fed with normal or 0.1%TMAO for 16wk,and their plasma levels of TMAO,vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),interleukin(IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-αwere tested.The vascular permeability of rat retinas was measured using FITC-Dextran,and the expression of zonula occludens(ZO)-1 and claudin-5 in rat retinas was detected by WB or immunofluorescence staining.RESULTS:TMAO administration significantly increased the cell proliferation,migration,and tube formation of primary HRMEC either in normal or high-glucose conditions.RT-PCR showed elevated inflammation-related gene expression of HRMEC under TMAO stimulation,while WB or immunofluorescence staining indicated decreased cell junction ZO-1 and occludin expression after high-glucose and TMAO treatment.Diabetic rats showed higher plasma levels of TMAO as well as retinal vascular leakage,which were even higher in TMAO-feeding diabetic rats.Furthermore,TMAO administration increased the rat plasma levels of VEGF,IL-6 and TNF-αwhile decreasing the retinal expression levels of ZO-1 and claudin-5.CONCLUSION:TMAO enhances the proliferation,migration,and tube formation of HRMEC,as well as destroys their vascular integrity and tight connection.It also regulates the expression of VEGF,IL-6,and TNF-α.

USP19 Stabilizes TAK1 to Regulate High Glucose/Free Fatty Acid-induced Dysfunction in HK-2 Cells

Objective Obesity-induced kidney injury contributes to the development of diabetic nephropathy(DN).Here,we identified the functions of ubiquitin-specific peptidase 19(USP19)in HK-2 cells exposed to a combination of high glucose(HG)and free fatty acid(FFA)and determined its association with TGF-beta-activated kinase 1(TAK1).Methods HK-2 cells were exposed to a combination of HG and FFA.USP19 mRNA expression was detected by quantitative RT-PCR(qRT-PCR),and protein analysis was performed by immunoblotting(IB).Cell growth was assessed by Cell Counting Kit-8(CCK-8)viability and 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine(EdU)proliferation assays.Cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry.The USP19/TAK1 interaction and ubiquitinated TAK1 levels were assayed by coimmunoprecipitation(Co-IP)assays and IB.Results In HG+FFA-challenged HK-2 cells,USP19 was highly expressed.USP19 knockdown attenuated HG+FFA-triggered growth inhibition and apoptosis promotion in HK-2 cells.Moreover,USP19 knockdown alleviated HG+FFA-mediated PTEN-induced putative kinase 1(PINK1)/Parkin pathway inactivation and increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species(ROS)generation in HK-2 cells.Mechanistically,USP19 stabilized the TAK1 protein through deubiquitination.Importantly,increased TAK1 expression reversed the USP19 knockdown-mediated phenotypic changes and PINK1/Parkin pathway activation in HG+FFA-challenged HK-2 cells.Conclusion The findings revealed that USP19 plays a crucial role in promoting HK-2 cell dysfunction induced by combined stimulation with HG and FFAs by stabilizing TAK1,providing a potential therapeutic strategy for combating DN.

Anesthesia,Anesthetics,and Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction in Elderly Patients

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction(POCD)remains a major issue that worsens the prognosis of elderly surgery patients.This article reviews the current research on the effect of different anesthesia methods and commonly utilized anesthetics on the incidence of POCD in elderly patients,aiming to provide an understanding of the underlying mechanisms contributing to this condition and facilitate the development of more reasonable anesthesia protocols,ultimately reducing the incidence of POCD in elderly surgery patients.

Punicalagin prevents obesity-related cardiac dysfunction through promoting DNA demethylation in mice

The aim of this study was to investigate whether punicalagin(PU)could prevent obesity-related cardiac dysfunction by promoting DNA demethy lation,and to explore its possible mechanism.C57BL/6J mice were fed with standard diet,high-fat diet(HFD),HFD supplemented with resveratrol,low-dose PU(LPU)and high-dose PU(HPU)for 8 weeks.Compared with HFD group,body weight was significantly lower in PU treatment groups,number of cardionwocytes and the protein level of myosin heavy chain 7B were significantly higher in PU treatment groups.Levels of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine and 5-formylcytosine were significantly lower in HFD group than in other groups.Compared with the HFD group,the protein level of ten-eleven translocation enzyme(TET)2 was significantly higher in PU treatment groups,p-AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK)was significantly higher in LPU group.Levels of total antioxidant capacity and the protein levels of complexesⅡ/Ⅲ/Ⅴ,oxoglutarate dehydrogenase,succinate dehydrogenase B and fumarate hdrolase were significantly lower in HFD group than PU treatment group.The ratio of(succinic acid+fumaric acid)/a-ketoglutarate was significantly higher in HFD group than other groups.In conclusion,PU up-regulated TETs enzyme activities and TET2 protein stability through alleviating mitochondrial dysfunction and activating AMPK,so as to promote DNA demethylation,thus preventing obesity-related cardiac dysfunction.

Effect of exogenous free N^(ε)-(carboxymethyl)lysine on diabetes-associated cognitive dysfunction:neuroinflammation,and metabolic disorders

Diabetes-associated cognitive dysfunction has already been attracted considerable attention.Advanced glycation end products(AGEs)from daily diets are thought to be a vital contributor to the development of this diseases.However,the effect of one of the best-characterized exogenous AGEs N^(ε)-(carboxymethyl)lysine(CML)on cognitive function is not fully reported.In the present study,diabetical Goto-Kakizaki(GK)rats were treated with free CML for 8-weeks.It was found that oral consumption of exogenous CML significantly aggravated diabetes-associated cognitive dysfunction in behavioral test.In details,exogenous CML increased levels of oxidative stress,promoted the activation of glial cells in the brain,up-regulated the release of inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6,inhibited the protein expression of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor and thus led to neuroinflammation.Furthermore,exogenous CML promoted the amyloidogenesis in the brain of GK rats,and inhibited the expression of GLUT4.Additionally,several tricarboxylic acid cycle and glutamate-glutamine/γ-aminobutyric acid cycle intermediates including pyruvate,succinic acid,glutamine,glutamate were significantly changed in brain of GK rats treated with exogenous free CML.In conclusion,exogenous free CML is a potentially noxious compounds led to aggravated diabetes-associated cognitive dysfunction which could be possibly explained by its effects on neuroinflammation,energy and neurotransmitter amino acid homeostasis.

Insufficient TRPM5 Mediates Lipotoxicity-induced Pancreaticβ-cell Dysfunction

Objective:While the reduction of transient receptor potential channel subfamily M member 5(TRPM5)has been reported in islet cells from type 2 diabetic(T2D)mouse models,its role in lipotoxicity-induced pancreaticβ-cell dysfunction remains unclear.This study aims to study its role.Methods:Pancreas slices were prepared from mice subjected to a high-fat-diet(HFD)at different time points,and TRPM5 expression in the pancreaticβcells was examined using immunofluorescence staining.Glucose-stimulated insulin secretion(GSIS)defects caused by lipotoxicity were mimicked by saturated fatty acid palmitate(Palm).Primary mouse islets and mouse insulinoma MIN6 cells were treated with Palm,and the TRPM5 expression was detected using qRT-PCR and Western blotting.Palm-induced GSIS defects were measured following siRNA-based Trpm5 knockdown.The detrimental effects of Palm on primary mouse islets were also assessed after overexpressing Trpm5 via an adenovirus-derived Trpm5(Ad-Trpm5).Results:HFD feeding decreased the mRNA levels and protein expression of TRPM5 in mouse pancreatic islets.Palm reduced TRPM5 protein expression in a time-and dose-dependent manner in MIN6 cells.Palm also inhibited TRPM5 expression in primary mouse islets.Knockdown of Trpm5 inhibited insulin secretion upon high glucose stimulation but had little effect on insulin biosynthesis.Overexpression of Trpm5 reversed Palm-induced GSIS defects and the production of functional maturation molecules unique toβcells.Conclusion:Our findings suggest that lipotoxicity inhibits TRPM5 expression in pancreaticβcells both in vivo and in vitro and,in turn,drivesβ-cell dysfunction.

Efficacy of tadalafil on improvement of men with erectile dysfunction caused by COVID-19:A randomized placebo-controlled trial

Objective: According to the high prevalence of COVID-19 and the subsequent risk of men's sexual health, we decided to investigate the efficacy of tadalafil on improvement of men with erectile dysfunction caused by COVID-19.Methods: In this study, 70 outpatients who were recovered from COVID-19 without acute respiratory distress syndrome with negative polymerase chain reaction test and a complaint of erectile dysfunction were divided into two groups: 35 patients who received tadalafil 5 mg daily and 35 who received placebo. For each patient, basic assessment of sexual function was performed using the 5-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire. Then, treatment was started from 2 months after complete recovery of COVID-19 with negative polymerase chain reaction test for 3 months. At the end of the treatments, the patients were re-evaluated for sexual function using the complete version of IIEF questionnaire. Finally, the results before and after treatment in the intervention group were compared with those of the control group.Results: Treatment with both tadalafil and placebo improved the patients' sexual function criteria compared to the baseline. However, this improvement was significantly higher in the intervention group with tadalafil than the control group with placebo (p<0.05).Conclusion: Daily administration of tadalafil 5 mg seems to be effective and safe for improvement of erectile dysfunction caused by COVID-19.

Interplay between metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease and renal function: An intriguing pediatric perspective

Over recent years,the nomenclature of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease has undergone significant changes.Indeed,in 2020,an expert consensus panel proposed the term“Metabolic(dysfunction)associated fatty liver disease”(MAFLD)to underscore the close association of fatty liver with metabolic abnormalities,thereby highlighting the cardiometabolic risks(such as metabolic syndrome,type 2 diabetes,insulin resistance,and cardiovascular disease)faced by these patients since childhood.More recently,this term has been further replaced with metabolic associated steatotic liver disease.It is worth noting that emerging evidence not only supports a close and independent association of MAFLD with chronic kidney disease in adults but also indicates its interplay with metabolic impairments.However,comparable pediatric data remain limited.Given the progressive and chronic nature of both diseases and their prognostic cardiometabolic implications,this editorial aims to provide a pediatric perspective on the intriguing relationship between MAFLD and renal function in childhood.

Fibrinogen’s potential role in connecting cerebrovascular abnormalities with glymphatic dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease(AD)stands out as the primary manifestation of age-related dementia,portraying a chronic neurodegenerative disorder distinguished by the accumulation of fibrillar amyloid-β(Aβ)plaques and neurofibrillary tangles of hyperphosphorylated tau.However,from a clinical standpoint,AD presents itself as a complex condition with a spectrum of dysfunctions rather than a singular pathological mechanism.An often-overlooked aspect of the disease is the presence of extensive cerebrovascular abnormalities,given that the majority of AD patients experience altered cerebral blood flow,damaged vasculature,increased microinfarcts and microhemorrhages.Animal models of AD further support this observation,showing cerebrovascular dysfunction such as impaired cerebral blood flow and altered cerebrovascular reactivity(Tataryn et al.,2021;Gareau et al.,2023).