Glycogenic hepatopathy:A narrative review

Glycogenic hepatopathy(GH) is a rare complication of the poorly controlled diabetes mellitus characterized by the transient liver dysfunction with elevated liver enzymes and associated hepatomegaly caused by the reversible accumulation of excess glycogen in the hepatocytes. It is predominantly seen in patients with longstanding type 1 diabetes mellitus and rarely reported in association with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Although it was first observed in the pediatric population, since then, it has been reported in adolescents and adults with or without ketoacidosis. The association of GH with hyperglycemia in diabetes has not been well established. One of the essential elements in the pathophysiology of development of GH is the wide fluctuation in both glucose and insulin levels. GH and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) are clinically indistinguishable, and latter is more prevalent in diabetic patients and can progress to advanced liver disease and cirrhosis. Gradient dual-echo MRI can distinguish GH from NAFLD; however, GH can reliably be diagnosed only by liver biopsy. Adequate glycemic control can result in complete remission of clinical, laboratory and histological abnormalities. There has been a recent report of varying degree of liver fibrosis identified in patients with GH. Future studies are required to understand the biochemical defects underlying GH, noninvasive, rapid diagnostic tests for GH, and to assess the consequence of the fibrosis identified as severe fibrosis may progress to cirrhosis. Awareness of this entity in the medical community including specialists is low. Here we briefly reviewed the English literature on pathogenesis involved, recent progress in the evaluation, differential diagnosis, and management.

Glycogenic hepatopathy

Background: Glycogenic hepatopathy(GH) is a disorder associated with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus,most commonly type 1, expressed as right upper quadrant abdominal pain, hepatomegaly and increased liver enzymes. The diagnosis may be difficult, because laboratory and imaging tests are not pathognomonic. Although GH may be suggested based on clinical presentation and imaging studies, the gold standard for diagnosis is a liver biopsy, showing a significant accumulation of glycogen within the hepatocytes. GH may be diagnosed also after elevated liver enzymes in routine blood tests. GH usually regresses after tight glycemic control. Progression to end-stage liver disease has never been reported. This review aims to increase the awareness to this disease, to suggest a pathway for investigation that may reduce the use of unnecessary tests, especially invasive ones.Data sources: A Pub Med database search(up to July 1, 2017) was done with the words "glycogenic hepatopathy", "hepatic glycogenosis", "liver glycogenosis" and "diabetes mellitus-associated glycogen storage hepatopathy". Articles in which diabetes mellitus-associated liver glycogen accumulation was described were included in this review.Results: A total of 47 articles were found, describing 126 patients with GH. Hepatocellular disturbance was more profound than cholestatic disturbance. No synthetic failure was reported.Conclusions: GH may be diagnosed conservatively, based on corroborating medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests, imaging studies and response to treatment, even without liver biopsy. In case of doubt about the diagnosis or lack of clinical response to treatment, a liver biopsy may be considered.There is no role for noninvasive tests like fibroscan or fibrotest for the diagnosis of GH or for differentiation of this situation from nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Combined ATAC-seq,RNA-seq,and GWAS analysis reveals glycogen metabolism regulatory network in Jinjiang oyster(Crassostrea ariakensis)

Glycogen serves as the principal energy reserve for metabolic processes in aquatic shellfish and substantially contributes to the flavor and quality of oysters.The Jinjiang oyster(Crassostrea ariakensis)is an economically and ecologically important species in China.In the present study,RNA sequencing(RNA-seq)and assay for transposase-accessible chromatin using sequencing(ATAC-seq)were performed to investigate gene expression and chromatin accessibility variations in oysters with different glycogen contents.Analysis identified 9483 differentially expressed genes(DEGs)and 7215 genes with significantly differential chromatin accessibility(DCAGs)were obtained,with an overlap of 2600 genes between them.Notably,a significant proportion of these genes were enriched in pathways related to glycogen metabolism,including“Glycogen metabolic process”and“Starch and sucrose metabolism”.In addition,genome-wide association study(GWAS)identified 526 single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP)loci associated with glycogen content.These loci corresponded to 241 genes,63 of which were categorized as both DEGs and DCAGs.This study enriches basic research data and provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of glycogen metabolism in C.ariakensis.

Dose-response effect of pre-exercise carbohydrates under muscle glycogen unavailability:Insights from McArdle disease

Background:This study aimed to determine the effect of different carbohydrate(CHO)doses on exercise capacity in patients with McArdle disease—the paradigm of“exercise intolerance”,characterized by complete muscle glycogen unavailability—and to determine whether higher exogenous glucose levels affect metabolic responses at the McArdle muscle cell(in vitro)level.Methods:Patients with McArdle disease(n=8)and healthy controls(n=9)underwent a 12-min submaximal cycling constant-load bout followed by a maximal ramp test 15 min after ingesting a non-caloric placebo.In a randomized,double-blinded,cross-over design,patients repeated the tests after consuming either 75 g or 150 g of CHO(glucose:fructose=2:1).Cardiorespiratory,biochemical,perceptual,and electromyographic(EMG)variables were assessed.Additionally,glucose uptake and lactate appearance were studied in vitro in wild-type and McArdle mouse myotubes cultured with increasing glucose concentrations(0.35,1.00,4.50,and 10.00 g/L).Results:Compared with controls,patients showed the“classical”second-wind phenomenon(after prior disproportionate tachycardia,myalgia,and excess electromyographic activity during submaximal exercise,all p<0.05)and an impaired endurance exercise capacity(-51%ventilatory threshold and55%peak power output,both p<0.001).Regardless of the CHO dose(p<0.05 for both doses compared with the placebo),CHO intake increased blood glucose and lactate levels,decreased fat oxidation rates,and attenuated the second wind in the patients.However,only the higher dose increased ventilatory threshold(+27%,p=0.010)and peak power output(+18%,p=0.007).In vitro analyses revealed no differences in lactate levels across glucose concentrations in wild-type myotubes,whereas a doseresponse effect was observed in McArdle myotubes.Conclusion:CHO intake exerts beneficial effects on exercise capacity in McArdle disease,a condition associated with total muscle glycogen unavailability.Some of these benefits are dose dependent.

Glycogen metabolism-mediated intercellular communication in the tumor microenvironment influences liver cancer prognosis

Glycogen metabolism plays a key role in the development of hepatoellular carcinoma(HCC),but the function of glycogen metabolism genes in the tumor microenvironment(TME)is still to be elucidated.Single cell RNA-seq data were obtained from ten HCC tumor samples totaling 64,545 cells and 65 glycogen metabolism genes were analyzed bya nonnegative matrix factorization(NMF).The prognosis and immune response of new glycogen TME cell dusters were predicted by using HCC and immunotherapy cohorts from public databases.HOC single cell analysis was divided into fibroblasts,NT T cells,macrophages,endothelial clls,and B cells,which were separately divided into new cell clusters by glycogen metabolism gene annotation.Pseudo temporal trajectory analysis demonstrated the temporal differentiation trajectory of different glycogen subtype cell dusters.Cellular communication analysis revealed extensive interactions between endothelial cells with glycogen metabolizing TME cell.related subtypes and diferent glycogen subtype cell clusters.SCENIC analysis of transcription factors upstream of TME cell clusters with different glycogen metabolism.In addition,TME cell dusters of glycogen metabolism were found to be enriched in expression in CAF subtypes,CD8 depleted,M1,and M2 types.Bulk seq analysis showed the prognostic signifcance of glycogen metabolism.mediated TME cell dusters in HCC,while a significant immune response was found in the immunotherapy cohort in patients treated with immune checkpoint blockade(ICB),especially for CAFs,T cells,and macrophages In summary,our study reveals for the first time that glycogen metabolism mediates intercellular communication in the hepatocellular carcinoma microenvironment while elucidating the anti-tumor mechanisms and immune prognostic responses of different subtypes of cell dusters.

Glycogen storage diseases:An update

Glycogen storage diseases(GSDs),also referred to as glycogenoses,are inherited metabolic disorders of glycogen metabolism caused by deficiency of enzymes or transporters involved in the synthesis or degradation of glycogen leading to aberrant storage and/or utilization.The overall estimated GSD incidence is 1 case per 20000-43000 live births.There are over 20 types of GSD including the subtypes.This heterogeneous group of rare diseases represents inborn errors of carbohydrate metabolism and are classified based on the deficient enzyme and affected tissues.GSDs primarily affect liver or muscle or both as glycogen is particularly abundant in these tissues.However,besides liver and skeletal muscle,depending on the affected enzyme and its expression in various tissues,multiorgan involvement including heart,kidney and/or brain may be seen.Although GSDs share similar clinical features to some extent,there is a wide spectrum of clinical phenotypes.Currently,the goal of treatment is to maintain glucose homeostasis by dietary management and the use of uncooked cornstarch.In addition to nutritional interventions,pharmacological treatment,physical and supportive therapies,enzyme replacement therapy(ERT)and organ transplantation are other treatment approaches for both disease manifestations and longterm complications.The lack of a specific therapy for GSDs has prompted efforts to develop new treatment strategies like gene therapy.Since early diagnosis and aggressive treatment are related to better prognosis,physicians should be aware of these conditions and include GSDs in the differential diagnosis of patients with relevant manifestations including fasting hypoglycemia,hepatomegaly,hypertransaminasemia,hyperlipidemia,exercise intolerance,muscle cramps/pain,rhabdomyolysis,and muscle weakness.Here,we aim to provide a comprehensive review of GSDs.This review provides general characteristics of all types of GSDs with a focus on those with liver involvement.

Overexpression of fibroblast growth factor 13 ameliorates amyloid-β-induced neuronal damage

Previous studies have shown that fibroblast growth factor 13 is downregulated in the brain of both Alzheimer’s disease mouse models and patients,and that it plays a vital role in the learning and memory.However,the underlying mechanisms of fibroblast growth factor 13 in Alzheimer’s disease remain unclear.In this study,we established rat models of Alzheimer’s disease by stereotaxic injection of amyloid-β(Aβ_(1-42))-induced into bilateral hippocampus.We also injected lentivirus containing fibroblast growth factor 13 into bilateral hippocampus to overexpress fibroblast growth factor 13.The expression of fibroblast growth factor 13 was downregulated in the brain of the Alzheimer’s disease model rats.After overexpression of fibroblast growth factor 13,learning and memory abilities of the Alzheimer’s disease model rats were remarkably improved.Fibroblast growth factor 13 overexpression increased brain expression levels of oxidative stress-related markers glutathione,superoxide dismutase,phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase,AKT and glycogen synthase kinase 3β,and anti-apoptotic factor BCL.Furthermore,fibroblast growth factor 13 overexpression decreased the number of apoptotic cells,expression of pro-apoptotic factor BAX,cleaved-caspase 3 and amyloid-βexpression,and levels of tau phosphorylation,malondialdehyde,reactive oxygen species and acetylcholinesterase in the brain of Alzheimer’s disease model rats.The changes were reversed by the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase inhibitor LY294002.These findings suggest that overexpression of fibroblast growth factor 13 improved neuronal damage in a rat model of Alzheimer’s disease through activation of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/AKT/glycogen synthase kinase 3βsignaling pathway.

Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3β,NLRP3 Inflammasome,and Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most prevalent cause of dementia worldwide. Because of the progressive neurodegeneration, individual cognitive and behavioral functions are impaired, affecting the quality of life of millions of people. Although the exact pathogenesis of AD has not been fully elucidated, amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), and sustaining neuroinflammation dominate its characteristics. As one of the major tau kinases leading to hyperphosphorylation and aggregation of tau, glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) has been drawing great attention in various AD studies. Another research focus of AD in recent years is the inflammasome, a multiprotein complex acting as a regulator in immunological reactions to exogenous and endogenous danger signals, of which the Nod-like receptor (NLR) family, pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome has been studied mostly in AD and proven to play a significant role in AD development by its activation and downstream effects such as caspase-1 maturation and interleukin (IL)-1β release. Studies have shown that the NLRP3 inflammasome is activated in a GSK-3β-dependent way and that inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome downregulates GSK-3β, suggesting that these two important proteins are closely related. This article reviews the respective roles of GSK-3β and the NLRP3 inflammasome in AD as well as their relationship and interaction.

Anti-diabetic potential of apigenin,luteolin,and baicalein via partially activating PI3K/Akt/GLUT-4 signaling pathways in insulin-resistant HepG2 cells

Dietary flavonoids are abundant in natural plants and possess multiple pharmacological and nutritional activities.In this study,apigenin,luteolin,and baicalein were chosen to evaluate their anti-diabetic effect in high-glucose and dexamethasone induced insulin-resistant(IR)HepG2 cells.All flavonoids improves the glucose consumption and glycogen synthesis abilities in IR-HepG2 cells via activating glucose transporter protein 4(GLUT4)and phosphor-glycogen synthase kinase(GSK-3β).These fl avonoids signifi cantly inhibited the production of reactive oxygen species(ROS)and advanced glycation end-products(AGEs),which were closely related to the suppression of the phosphorylation form of NF-κB and P65.The expression levels of insulin receptor substrate-1(IRS-1),insulin receptor substrate-2(IRS-2)and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt)pathway in IR-HepG2 cells were all partially activated by the fl avonoids,with variable effects.Furthermore,the intracellular metabolic conditions of the fl avonoids were also evaluated.

Stress Biomarkers in the Giant Manta Mobula birostris Associated to Tourism in the Revillagigedo National Park, Mexico

A constant increase in dive tourism over the past years in the Revillagigedo National Park, Mexico, could result in a stressful scenario for giant mantas (Mobula birostris). The purpose of this study was to determine the degree of oxidative stress in terms of changes in catalase units (CAT) and muscle glycogen concentration in this species during two periods of different tourism intensity in this protected area. A total of 21 muscle biopsies were collected in March (peak tourism) and November (lower tourism), 2019. Stress biomarkers were analysed by commercial kits from the company Cayman Chemical. Oxidative stress (catalase activity) was significantly higher during the period with lower tourism (p = 0.002), compared to the period with more tourism, suggesting the presence of the general adaptation syndrome. In males, there was a significant difference (p = 0.0005) in oxidative stress between periods of different tourism intensity, suggesting that the reproductive season may be a stressor. Morphotypes showed different oxidative stress (p = 0.031);however, the reason is unknown. No statistical differences were detected in glycogen concentrations between the tourism periods (p = 0.123), probably because this polysaccharide is not a proper indicator of chronic stress in giant mantas. Based on these findings, giant mantas may have an adequate response in terms of oxidative stress due to an increase in tourism;however the observed increase in catalase suggests that it is within the tolerance range of these organisms.

The Relation Between Melatonin and Exercise

Melatonin is a hormone that regulates several physiological processes,including circadian rhythms,sleep,and immune function.Recent studies have suggested that melatonin may also play a role in exercise performance and recovery.Exercise-induced oxidative stress and inflammation can cause tissue damage and impair recovery.In addition to its intrinsic antioxidant properties,melatonin stimulates several antioxidative enzymes and enhances the efficacy of others.Melatonin also binds to a number of important antioxidant molecules,and indirectly contributes to the maintenance of the redox status in cells.The study suggests that melatonin may have a protective effect against the oxidative stress induced by exercise.Melatonin administration has increased muscle and liver glycogen content in both sedentary and exercised rats.The exercised groups are higher muscle and liver glycogen content compared to the sedentary groups.Melatonin treatment had no significant effect on body weight or food intake.The authors conclude that melatonin may play a role in regulating glycogen storage in skeletal muscle and liver,which could have implications for exercise performance and energy metabolism.Lactic acid is a byproduct of anaerobic metabolism that can accumulate in the muscle during exercise and contribute to muscle fatigue.The relationship between melatonin and lactic acid during exercise is not well understood,but some evidence suggests that melatonin may help to reduce lactic acid levels in the muscle.Zinc is necessary for melatonin synthesis.Melatonin,in turn,increases the absorption of zinc in the digestive system.The decrease observed in zinc levels after pinealectomy can cause muscle exhaustion,and thus,can have a negative impact on performance.It can be concluded that there is a significant relation between melatonin,zinc,and physical performance.

电项针对全脑缺血VD模型大鼠PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β信号通路的影响

目的研究电项针对全脑缺血血管性痴呆(vascular dementia,VD)模型大鼠磷脂酰肌醇-3-激酶/丝氨酸-苏氨酸蛋白激酶/糖原合成酶激酶-3β(Phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase/serine-threonine kinase/glycogen synthase kinase-3β,P13K/AKT/GSK-3β)信号通路的影响。方法采用四血管阻断方法制备VD模型大鼠,电项针组取双侧风池穴、供血穴,电针30 min/次,1次/d,治疗14d。采用Y迷宫评价大鼠学习记忆能力;荧光定量PCR(RT-PCR)、Western blot法检测大鼠海马组织中磷酸化蛋白激酶B(phosphorylatedproteinkinaseB,p-AKT)、磷酸化糖原合成酶激酶-3β(Phosphorylated GSK-3β,P-GSK-3β)mRNA和p-AKT、p-GSK-3β蛋白的表达。结果与模型组比较,电项针组可显著提高VD大鼠Y迷宫学习与记忆正确次数(P<0.01)。与模型组比较,电项针组大鼠海马组织中p-AKT、p-GSK-3βmRNA和p-AKT、p-GSK-3β蛋白表达均有不同程度的升高(P<0.01)。结论电项针能够改善VD模型大鼠学习记忆能力,具体机制可能是激活PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β信号通路,发挥抗凋亡作用,起到对缺血海马神经元的保护作用。

Gastrointestinal complications of diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus affects virtually every organ system in the body and the degree of organ involvement depends on the duration and severity of the disease,and other co-morbidities.Gastrointestinal(GI) involvement can present with esophageal dysmotility,gastro-esophageal reflux disease(GERD),gastroparesis,enteropathy,non alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) and glycogenic hepatopathy.Severity of GERD is inversely related to glycemic control and management is with prokinetics and proton pump inhibitors.Diabetic gastroparesis manifests as early satiety,bloating,vomiting,abdominal pain and erratic glycemic control.Gastric emptying scintigraphy is considered the gold standard test for diagnosis.Management includes dietary modifications,maintaining euglycemia,prokinetics,endoscopic and surgical treatments.Diabetic enteropathy is also common and management involves glycemic control and symptomatic measures.NAFLD is considered a hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome and treatment ismainly lifestyle measures,with diabetes and dyslipidemia management when coexistent.Glycogenic hepatopathy is a manifestation of poorly controlled type 1 diabetes and is managed by prompt insulin treatment.Though GI complications of diabetes are relatively common,awareness about its manifestations and treatment options are low among physicians.Optimal management of GI complications is important for appropriate metabolic control of diabetes and improvement in quality of life of the patient.This review is an update on the GI complications of diabetes,their pathophysiology,diagnostic evaluation and management.

GSK3β、p-GSK3β^(ser9)、p-GSK3β^(Tyr216)在宫颈癌组织中的表达及临床意义

目的检测糖原合成酶激酶3β(GSK3β)、p-GSK3β^(ser9)和p-GSK3β^(Tyr216)表达水平在宫颈癌组织中的表达情况及其与临床病理因素的相关性。方法收集2012年1月至2014年12月间第四军医大学西京医院妇产科收治的宫颈鳞癌病理标本80例,采用免疫组化SP法对宫颈癌组织中GSK3β、p-GSK3β^(ser9)和p-GSK3β^(Tyr216)表达水平进行检测,并分析GSK3β、p-GSK3β^(ser9)和p-GSK3β^(Tyr216)表达与临床病理因素之间关系。结果宫颈癌组织中GSK3β、p-GSK3β^(ser9)和p-GSK3β^(Tyr216)表达阳性率分别为18.8%、68.8%和12.5%。早期宫颈癌患者中GSK3β和p-GSK3β^(Tyr216)表达显著高于中晚期宫颈癌患者(25.5%vs.4.0%,χ~2=5.193,P=0.029;76.4%vs 52.0%,χ~2=4.749,P=0.039),早期宫颈癌患者中p-GSK3β^(ser9)表达显著低于中晚期宫颈癌患者(5.5%vs.28.0%,χ~2=7.988,P=0.009)。在宫颈癌组织中随着细胞学分级的降低,P-GSK3β^(ser9)阳性率也随之升高(7.4%、7.9%和33.3%,χ~2=7.329,P=0.031)。淋巴结转移阳性的宫颈癌患者中GSK3β和p-GSK3β^(Tyr216)表达均显著低于淋巴结转移阴性的宫颈癌患者(5.9%vs.28.3%,χ~2=6.427,P=0.018;52.9%vs.80.4%,χ~2=6.878,P=0.014),p-GSK3β^(ser9)在淋巴结转移阳性的宫颈癌患者中表达显著高于淋巴结转移阴性的宫颈癌患者(23.5%vs.4.3%,χ~2=6.577,P=0.015)。结论宫颈癌组织中GSK3β、p-GSK3β^(ser9)和p-GSK3β^(Tyr216)表达与宫颈癌临床分期、细胞学分级和淋巴结转移相关,提示GSK3β基因可能在宫颈癌组织发生发展中发挥重要作用。

糖原沉积病Ⅱ型合并脑干出血1例报告

糖原沉积病（glycogen storage disease）是一类由于先天性酶缺陷所造成的糖原代谢障碍疾病,主要表现为进行性肌营养不良、骨骼肌无力,合并脑血管损害则较为罕见,国内未见报道。现将我院收治的糖原沉积病II型（Pompe病）合并脑干出血1例报道如下。1临床资料患者,男性,17岁,因＂突发头痛头晕、意识不清10 h＂于2014年1月9日入院。

脂多糖预处理导致的糖原合成酶激酶-3抑制对肝糖原的影响和机制

目的探讨脂多糖预处理时糖原合成酶激酶3(glycogen synthase kinase-3,GSK-3)功能活性的变化及其对肝组织糖原代谢的影响和机制。方法雄性SD大鼠随机分为正常对照、脂多糖预处理和GSK-3抑制剂氯化锂预处理组,分别进行相应处理后再接受大剂量脂多糖(10 mg/kg)攻击以建立脂多糖诱导的急性肝损伤模型;采用PAS染色法观察肝组织糖原聚集,用试剂盒法定量检测肝组织糖原含量,以Western Blot法半定量分析GSK-3的蛋白表达和抑制性磷酸化水平,采用考马斯亮兰比色法测定肝组织钙依赖蛋白酶的活性。结果尽管大剂量脂多糖攻击后各组动物肝组织糖原含量组间比较均无显著差异(P>0.05),但均较攻击前有显著降低(P<0.05),且脂多糖和氯化锂预处理均可导致肝组织糖原含量增加(P<0.05);尽管诱导脂多糖预处理并未改变GSK-3的蛋白表达水平(P>0.05),但导致GSK-3β抑制性磷酸化(P<0.05)和GSK-3α不完全裂解;大剂量脂多糖攻击后肝组织钙依赖蛋白酶活性较前显著升高(P<0.05),但组间比较无显著差异(P>0.05)。结论脂多糖预处理导致GSK-3β抑制性磷酸化和GSK-3α不完全裂解,促进肝组织糖原合成和聚集,但不影响钙依赖蛋白酶活性,有利于增加肝组织糖原储备并可能在遭受大剂量脂多糖攻击时提供能量需求。

Anti-diabetic activity of quercetin extracted from Phyllanthus emblica L.fruit: In silico and in vivo approaches

In this study, molecular interactions of the ligands, quercetin, gallic acid, and metformin with various diabetes mellitus-related protein targets, such as glycogen phosphorylase and peroxisome proliferatoractivated receptor gamma, were assessed. It was revealed that quercetin possesses good binding affinity to both targets. Quercetin is a major constituent of methanolic extracts of Phyllanthus emblica fruit. The antihyperglycemic effect of quercetin in streptozotocin(STZ)-induced diabetic rats was examined. The isolated quercetin administered at a dose of 75 mg/kg body weight produced a maximum decrease of14.78% in blood glucose levels in the diabetic rats after 7 days of treatment. Furthermore, quercetin doses of 50 and 75 mg/kg were shown to significantly improve the profiles of triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, very-low-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and total cholesterol at the end of the study in STZ-induced diabetic rats. The administration of quercetin(25, 50, and 75 mg/kg body weight)daily for 28 days in STZ-induced diabetic rats resulted in a significant decrease in blood glucose and urine sugar levels, with a considerable rise in plasma insulin and hemoglobin levels. Therefore, quercetin is a potential drug with antidiabetic and antihyperglycemic action mediated by changes in the levels of glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides as indicated by in silico and in vivo studies.

Monitoring microbial community structure and succession of an A/O SBR during start-up period using PCR-DGGE

Polymerase chain reaction （PCR）-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis （DGGE） protocol was employed for revealing microbial community structure and succession in a sequential anaerobic and aerobic reactor performing enhanced biological phosphorus removal （EBPR） during start-up period. High phosphorus removal was achieved after 15 d. On day 30, phosphorus removal efficiency reached to 83.2% and the start-up was finished. DGGE profiles of periodical sludge samples showed that dominant microbial species were 19 OTUs （operational taxonomy units）. Unweighted pair-group method using arithmetic averages （UPGMA） clustering analysis revealed that rapid community succession correlated to low phosphorus removal rate and high phosphorus removal efficiency reflected on steady community structure. Sequencing results indicated that determined sequences （12 OTUs） belonged to Proteobacterium, Actinobacteria, Gemmatimonadales and unaffiliate group. Proteobacterium, Tetrasphaera elongate and Gemmatimonas aurantiaca may act important roles in phosphorus removal. With little amount as known glycogen accumulating organisms, Candidatus Competibacter phosphatis still at accumulating-phase had limited effect on microbial community structure. When climax community was obtained, dominant microbes were 14 OTUs. Microbes in a large amount were uncultured bacterium Thauera sp., uncultured y-Proteobacterium and Tetrasphaera elongata.

Expression of PI3-K,PKB and GSK-3β in the skeletal muscle tissue of gestational diabetes mellitus

Objective:To analyze the expression of phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase(PI3-K),protein kinase B(PKB)and glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta(GSK-3β)in skeletal muscle tissue of gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM).Methods:A total of 90 cases of pregnant women were divided into observation group and control group according to the occurrence of GDM with 45 cases in either,and the expression of PI3-K,PKB,GSK-3βmRNA expression in skeletal muscle tissue was compared between two groups.Results:The total PI3-K p85 protein was significantly higher in the observation group compared with the control group,the activity of PI3-K was lower than that of the latter;The total PKB,GSK-3βprotein in skeletal tissue had no significant difference between two groups,while the serine phosphorylation levels of PKB and GSK-3βwere significantly lower in observation group compared with the control group.Conclusions:The downregulation of PI3-K,PKB and GSK-3βin skeletal tissue of GDM caused by phosphorylation dysfunction of signaling molecules is the reason for insulin resistance and transporter function decline which lead to GDM.

Role of Microtubule-associated Protein Tau Phosphorylation in Alzheimer's Disease

As a major microtubule-associated protein, tau plays an important role in promoting microtubule assembly and stabilizing microtubules. In Alzheimer’s disease(AD) and other tauopathies, the abnormally hyperphosphorylated tau proteins are aggregated into paired helical filaments and accumulated in the neurons with the form of neurofibrillary tangles. An imbalanced regulation in protein kinases and protein phosphatases is the direct cause of tau hyperphosphorylation. Among various kinases and phosphatases, glycogen synthase kinase-3β(GSK-3β) and protein phosphatase 2A(PP2A) are the most implicated. Accumulation of the hyperphosphorylated tau induces synaptic toxicity and cognitive impairments. Here, we review the upstream factors or pathways that can regulate GSK-3β or PP2A activity mainly based on our recent findings. We will also discuss the mechanisms that may underlie tau-induced synaptic toxicity.