Human embryonic stem cells as an in vitro model for studying developmental origins of type 2 diabetes

The developmental origins of health and diseases(DOHaD)is a concept stating that adverse intrauterine environments contribute to the health risks of offspring.Since the theory emerged more than 30 years ago,many epidemiological and animal studies have confirmed that in utero exposure to environmental insults,including hyperglycemia and chemicals,increased the risk of developing noncommunicable diseases(NCDs).These NCDs include metabolic syndrome,type 2 diabetes,and complications such as diabetic cardiomyopathy.Studying the effects of different environmental insults on early embryo development would aid in understanding the underlying mechanisms by which these insults promote NCD development.Embryonic stem cells(ESCs)have also been utilized by researchers to study the DOHaD.ESCs have pluripotent characteristics and can be differentiated into almost every cell lineage;therefore,they are excellent in vitro models for studying early developmental events.More importantly,human ESCs(hESCs)are the best alternative to human embryos for research because of ethical concerns.In this review,we will discuss different maternal conditions associated with DOHaD,focusing on the complications of maternal diabetes.Next,we will review the differentiation protocols developed to generate different cell lineages from hESCs.Additionally,we will review how hESCs are utilized as a model for research into the DOHaD.The effects of environmental insults on hESC differentiation and the possible involvement of epigenetic regulation will be discussed.

Comprehensive understanding of developmental origins of health and disease concepts: Early intervention to non-communicable diseases in China

Introduction Mortality due to various kinds of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) has become an increasing focus of attention in recent years.1 With rapidly increasing globalization, lifestyles in low-and middle-income countries increasingly include high-fat diets and inadequate physical exercises are resulting in an increased worldwide burden of NCDs.2,3 A study by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) showed that about 382 million people had diabetes in 2013, and this will rise to 592 million by 2035.The number of people with type 2 diabetes is increasing in every country, and 80％ of people with diabetes live in low-and middle-income countries.The burden of NCDs and the prevalence of related risk factors such asoverweight and diabetes have also increased in China over the past decades.In 2005, NCDs accounted for an estimated 80％ of deaths and 70％ of disability-adjusted life-years lost in China.

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Standardization——Origin and development of TCM

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is the medical science based on theories and practicing experience of traditional Chinese medicine to study transferring principles of health and sickness,as well as prevention, diagnosis,treatment,rehabilitation and healthcare.TCM is marked with its long history of development,integrated theory system and abundant practicing experience.

Study on the Rights to Subsistence and Development with Reference to the Origin of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

I.The History of the Drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights:the Position and Role of the UN Economic and Social Council and the General Assembly of the United Nations should not be Ignored The reason for me to use the term "source"in the discussion on the right to subsistence

Maternal low protein diet and fetal programming of lean type 2 diabetes

Maternal nutrition is found to be the key factor that determines fetal health in utero and metabolic health during adulthood.Metabolic diseases have been primarily attributed to impaired maternal nutrition during pregnancy,and impaired nutrition has been an immense issue across the globe.In recent years,type 2 diabetes(T2D)has reached epidemic proportion and is a severe public health problem in many countries.Although plenty of research has already been conducted to tackle T2D which is associated with obesity,little is known regarding the etiology and pathophysiology of lean T2D,a variant of T2D.Recent studies have focused on the effects of epigenetic variation on the contribution of in utero origins of lean T2D,although other mechanisms might also contribute to the pathology.Observational studies in humans and experiments in animals strongly suggest an association between maternal low protein diet and lean T2D phenotype.In addition,clear sex-specific disease prevalence was observed in different studies.Consequently,more research is essential for the understanding of the etiology and pathophysiology of lean T2D,which might help to develop better disease prevention and treatment strategies.This review examines the role of protein insufficiency in the maternal diet as the central driver of the developmental programming of lean T2D.

Embracing oligodendrocyte diversity in the context of perinatal injury

Emerging evidence is fueling a new appreciation of oligodendrocyte diversity that is overturning the traditional view that oligodendrocytes are a homogenous cell population.Oligodendrocytes of distinct origins,maturational stages,and regional locations may differ in their functional capacity or susceptibility to injury.One of the most unique qualities of the oligodendrocyte is its ability to produce myelin.Myelin abnormalities have been ascribed to a remarkable array of perinatal brain injuries,with concomitant oligodendrocyte dysregulation.Within this review,we discuss new insights into the diversity of the oligodendrocyte lineage and highlight their relevance in paradigms of perinatal brain injury.Future therapeutic development will be informed by comprehensive knowledge of oligodendrocyte pathophysiology that considers the particular facets of heterogeneity that this lineage exhibits.

Origin and development of acupuncture manipulation

It was found based on the history of acupuncture and records in ancient medicine writings that acupuncture manipulation originated from ancient times,formed in Pre-Qin and Han Dynasties（from the 21 century BC to220 AD）,slowly developed in Jin,Sui and Tang Dynasties（256 AD to 907 AD）,and gradually flourished in Song,Jin,and Yuan Dynasties（906 AD to 1368 AD）.It experienced prosperity and decline in the Ming and Qing Dynasties（1368 AD to 1912 AD）,tortuously developed in modern times,and is widely studied in nowadays.

Postnatal toxicant exposure in 3xTgAD mice promotes gene x environment-related early alterations to neuroimmune epigenetic profiles

Aim:The purpose of this study was to evaluate sex-biased,maladaptive changes to epigenetic regulation critical for development of neuroimmune crosstalk resulting from an early-life toxicant exposure previously associated with increased susceptibility to later-life neurodegeneration.Methods:An evaluation of early-life gene x environment(GxE)interactions was performed in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease(Tg)orally exposed to lead acetate(Pb)from postnatal day(PND)5-9.Following exposure,immunohistochemical analysis was used to evaluate hippocampal expression of DAP12,a marker for perinatal microglia related to microglial-mediated postnatal synaptic pruning of neurons.Altered profiles of three microRNAs critical to homeostatic microglia:neuron signaling(miR-34a,miR-124,miR-132)were measured by qRT-PCR.Results:Atypical and deleterious expression patterns in Pb-exposed Tg mice were detected with significant female bias by PND 10.Early exposure to Pb resulted in the upregulation of miR-124,a microRNA involved in microglial quiescence,as well as miR-34a,involved in p53-dependent apoptosis and decreased phagocytosis,by PND 21 and during a period of microglial-mediated synaptic pruning specific to females.In addition,we observed a sustained,imbalanced upregulation of miR-132 in Pb-exposed Tg females as well as decreased expression of DAP12.Conclusion:This study demonstrates the exacerbating effects and early manifestation of GxE interactions in this model.Furthermore,these findings underscore a period of female-specific vulnerability to epigenetic maladaptation during postnatal development,with implications on the faulty later-life adaptability of neuroimmune signaling.Further investigation is warranted to evaluate the persistence and relative contribution of these early influences on the etiopathology of Alzheimer's disease.

Mongolian medicine:History,development and existing problems

Mongolian medicine(MM)is an important part of Mongolian culture.Exploration of MM can play a crucial role in the prevention and treatment of various diseases and can help provide better health care globally.In this article,we gave a brief introduction to the origin and development of MM,the theoretical system of MM,the principles of Mongolian materia medica formula,the modern research on Mongolian materia medica and the quality control of Mongolian materia medica.The present situation and outlook of MM were also discussed.