Characteristics of glucose and lipid metabolism and the interaction between gut microbiota and colonic mucosal immunity in pigs during cold exposure

Background Cold regions have long autumn and winter seasons and low ambient temperatures.When pigs are unable to adjust to the cold,oxidative damage and inflammation may develop.However,the differences between cold and non-cold adaptation regarding glucose and lipid metabolism,gut microbiota and colonic mucosal immunological features in pigs are unknown.This study revealed the glucose and lipid metabolic responses and the dual role of gut microbiota in pigs during cold and non-cold adaptation.Moreover,the regulatory effects of dietary glucose supplements on glucose and lipid metabolism and the colonic mucosal barrier were evaluated in cold-exposed pigs.Results Cold and non-cold-adapted models were established by Min and Yorkshire pigs.Our results exhibited that cold exposure induced glucose overconsumption in non-cold-adapted pig models(Yorkshire pigs),decreasing plasma glucose concentrations.In this case,cold exposure enhanced the ATGL and CPT-1αexpression to promote liver lipolysis and fatty acid oxidation.Meanwhile,the two probiotics(Collinsella and Bifidobacterium)depletion and the enrichment of two pathogens(Sutterella and Escherichia-Shigella)in colonic microbiota are not conducive to colonic mucosal immunity.However,glucagon-mediated hepatic glycogenolysis in cold-adapted pig models(Min pigs)maintained the stability of glucose homeostasis during cold exposure.It contributed to the gut microbiota(including the enrichment of the Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group,[Eubacterium]coprostanoligenes group and WCHB1-41)that favored cold-adapted metabolism.Conclusions The results of both models indicate that the gut microbiota during cold adaptation contributes to the protection of the colonic mucosa.During non-cold adaptation,cold-induced glucose overconsumption promotes thermogenesis through lipolysis,but interferes with the gut microbiome and colonic mucosal immunity.Furthermore,glucagon-mediated hepatic glycogenolysis contributes to glucose homeostasis during cold exposure.

Effects of vitamin D supplementation on glucose and lipid metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and risk factors for insulin resistance

BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)is a chronic metabolic disease featured by insulin resistance(IR)and decreased insulin secretion.Currently,vitamin D deficiency is found in most patients with T2DM,but the relationship between vitamin D and IR in T2DM patients requires further investigation.AIM To explore the risk factors of IR and the effects of vitamin D supplementation on glucose and lipid metabolism in patients with T2DM.METHODS Clinical data of 162 T2DM patients treated in First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University between January 2019 and February 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.Based on the diagnostic criteria of IR,the patients were divided into a resistance group(n=100)and a non-resistance group(n=62).Subsequently,patients in the resistance group were subdivided to a conventional group(n=44)or a joint group(n=56)according to the treatment regimens.Logistic regression was carried out to analyze the risk factors of IR in T2DM patients.The changes in glucose and lipid metabolism indexes in T2DM patients with vitamin D deficiency were evaluated after the treatment.RESULTS Notable differences were observed in age and body mass index(BMI)between the resistance group and the non-resistance group(both P<0.05).The resistance group exhibited a lower 25-hydroxyvitamin D_(3)(25(OH)D_(3))level,as well as notably higher levels of 2-h postprandial blood glucose(2hPG),fasting blood glucose(FBG),and glycosylated hemoglobin(HbA1c)than the non-resistance group(all P<0.0001).Additionally,the resistance group demonstrated a higher triglyceride(TG)level but a lower high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol(HDL-C)level than the non-resistance group(all P<0.0001).The BMI,TG,HDL-C,25(OH)D_(3),2hPG,and HbA1c were found to be risk factors of IR.Moreover,the posttreatment changes in levels of 25(OH)D_(3),2hPG,FBG and HbA1c,as well as TG,total cholesterol,and HDL-C in the joint group were more significant than those in the conventional group(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION Patients with IR exhibit significant abnormalities in glucose and lipid metabolism parameters compared to the noninsulin resistant group.Logistic regression analysis revealed that 25(OH)D_(3)is an independent risk factor influencing IR.Supplementation of vitamin D has been shown to improve glucose and lipid metabolism in patients with IR and T2DM.

NLRP3 Inflammasome in Relation to Glucose and Lipid Metabolism, and Insulin Resistance in Diabetes and Pre-Diabetes

Aims: To investigate the relationship among NLRP3 inflammasome, glucose and lipid metabolism, and insulin resistance (IR) in the serum of patients with diabetes and pre-diabetes. Methods: A total of 100 patients with abnormal blood glucose divided into the pre-diabetes mellitus (PDM) group (N = 46) and the type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) group (N = 54). 20 normoglycemic subjects (NG, N = 20) were selected as a control group. The serum levels of glucose and lipid metabolism, IR, and the expression of NLRP3, ASC and Caspase-1 were measured. Besides, the correlations of NLRP3 inflammasome with glucose and lipid metabolism, and IR were analyzed. Results: Compared with the NG group, the levels of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, FBG, HbA1C, TG, LDL-C, FINs, and HOMA-IR were higher (P β were lower (P P β were seen (P P β. Regression analysis further showed that blood glucose related indexes, FINs, and NLRP3 have made a decisive contribution to IR. Conclusions: Collectively, this evidence suggested that NLRP3 is closely related to glucose and lipid metabolism, and IR, and activated in PDM and T2DM.

Decabromodiphenyl ether causes insulin resistance and glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in mice

BACKGROUND Decabromodiphenyl ether(BDE-209)is the most commonly used brominated flame retardant.Recently,BDE-209 has been suspected of being an environmental risk factor for metabolic diseases such as obesity,insulin resistance(IR),type 2 diabetes mellitus,and hypertension.AIM To investigate the effects of BDE-209 on IR and glucose and lipid metabolism in C57BL/6 mice.METHODS Adult male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into high,medium-high,medium,medium-low,and low dose BDE-209 groups,and a control group(n=6 per group),which received 1000,800,600,450,300,and 0 mg/kg BDE-209,respectively.After BDE-209 exposure for 60 d,the mice were fasted overnight,and then sacrificed to obtain tissues.An automatic biochemical analyzer was used to detect serum triglyceride(TG),total cholesterol(TC),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),and high density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C);enzymelinked immunosorbent assay kits were used to detect fasting serum insulin(FINS),leptin(LEP),and adiponectin(Adp)levels;a blood glucose meter was used to detect fasting blood glucose(FBG).Morphological changes of the liver were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining.Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot were used to determine the messenger ribonucleic acid(mRNA)and protein levels,respectively,of LEP,Adp,and peroxisome proliferators activated receptor-γ(PPARγ)in mouse liver and adipose tissues.RESULTS There was a statistically significant difference in the weight of mice in each group after 45 and 60 d of exposure(P<0.05).After 60 d of exposure,the weight of liver and adipose tissues in the exposure groups were greater than that of the control group(P<0.05).The liver tissue structure was disordered and the liver tissues were accompanied by local inflammatory cell infiltration in the high,mediumhigh,and medium dose BDE-209 groups.The levels of FINS,insulin sensitivity index,Adp,and HDL-C were decreased in the BDE-209 group compared with the control group,as were the mRNA and protein levels of Adp in liver and adipose tissues(P<0.05).Serum level of FBG and LEP were higher in the BDE-209 group than in controls.TC,TG,and LDL-C levels as well as the mRNA and protein expression of LEP and PPARγin liver and adipose tissues were higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).Homeostatic assessment model of IR was higher in the medium and medium-low dose BDE-209 groups(P<0.05).CONCLUSION BDE-209 increases the body weight,fat and liver tissue weight,TC,TG,and LDLC,reduces HDL-C,and causes IR in mice,which may be related to activating the PPARγreceptor.

Sucrose-free hawthorn leathers formulated with fructooligosaccharides and xylooligosaccharides ameliorate high-fat diet induced inflammation, glucose and lipid metabolism in liver of mice

High sucrose content in traditional hawthorn leathers limits the potential consumption, particularly for elders and diabetics. In this study, sucrose-free hawthorn leathers were formulated with 75% fructooligosaccharides(FOS) and 25% xylooligosaccharides(XOS)(HLF75), which exhibited comparable morphology and sensory properties to the traditional ones. Then, the anti-obesity activity of HLF75 was investigated using high-fat diet(HFD) fed C57BL/6J mice. Comparing with traditional hawthorn leathers, HLF75 supplementation in HFD significantly decreased the levels of blood glucose and serum lipid. The histomorphologies of liver and subcutaneous fat tissues were ameliorated by HLF75, as well as the down-regulated m RNA expression levels of IL-1β, Nos2 and Cox-2 in the liver. M oreover, the protein levels of M y D88 and NF-κB in the liver were suppressed by HLF75 treatment with decreased F4/80-positive macrophage number. Ho wever, the expression levels of PI3K, phosphorylated-AKT(Thr308), and phosphorylated-m TOR(Ser2448) proteins related to glucose metabolism were increased in the liver. Moreover, fat synthesis-related gene expression in HLF75-fed mice was suppressed while expressions of lipolysis genes were improved. Thus, HLF75 supplementation alleviated HFD-induced obesity through the alleviation of inflammation and restoration of the disturbed glucose and lipid metabolism. Functional oligosaccharides could be effective sucrose substitutes in hawthorn leathers and enable their potential utilization as functional foods.

Proteomic analysis of overweight/obesity and related abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism caused by phlegm-dampness retention

Objective:To investigate the proteomic characteristics of overweight/obesity and related abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism caused by phlegm-dampness retention to identify related biomarkers.Methods:Seventy-one subjects were enrolled in the study.We assessed blood glucose,blood lipids,body mass index(BMI),and phlegm-dampness pattern,which was confirmed by a traditional Chinese medicine clinician.Of the participants,we included healthy participants with normal weight(NW,n=23),overweight/obese participants with normal metabolism(ONM,n=19),overweight/obese participants with pre-diabetes(OPD,n=12),and overweight/obese participants with marginally-elevated blood lipids(OML,n=17).Among them,the ONM,OPD,and OML groups were diagnosed with phlegmdampness pattern.The data-independent acquisition(DIA)method was first used to analyze the plasma protein expression of each group,and the relevant differential proteins of each group were screened.The co-expressed proteins were evaluated by Venn analysis.The pathway analyses of the differential proteins were analyzed using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis(IPA)software.Parallel reaction monitoring(PRM)was used to verify the differential and common proteins in each group.Results:After comparing ONM,OPD,and OML groups with NW group,we identified the differentially expressed proteins(DEPs).Next,we determined the DEPs among OPD,OML,and ONM groups.Using Venn analysis of the DEPs in each group,24 co-expressed proteins were screened.Two co-expressed proteins were verified by PRM.IPA analysis showed that pathways including LXR/RXR activation,acute phase response signaling,and FXR/RXR activation were common to all three groups of phlegmdamp overweight/obesity participants.However,the activation or inhibition of these pathways was different among the three groups.Conclusion:Participants with overweight/obesity have similar proteomic characteristics,though each type shows specific proteomic characteristics.Two co-expressed proteins,VTN and ORM1,are potential biomarkers for glucose and lipid metabolism diseases with overweight/obesity caused by phlegmdampness retention.

Association between polymorphism of MC4R rs489693 gene and disorder of glucose and lipid metabolism in schizophrenia patients treated with olanzapine

Objective:To investigate the effect of Melanocortin four receptor,MC4R rs489693 polymorphism on glucose and Lipid metabolism in schizophrenia patients treated with Olanzapine for 12 weeks.Methods:171 patients with schizophrenia were divided into AA Group(N=12),AC group(N=59)and CC Group(N=100)according to the polymorphism of MC4R gene at 489693 locus detected by DNA sequencing.Blood Glucose and lipid levels were measured before and 12 weeks after treatment,the differences of variables among the 3 groups were compared,and the incidence of glucose and lipid abnormalities after treatment was statistically analyzed.Results:After 12 weeks of treatment,the net increase of blood glucose in AA group was greater than that in CC group(P<0.05),and the net increase of cholesterol and triglyceride in AA group was greater than that in AC group and CC group(all P<0.05),and the incidence of Blood Glucose and at least one dyslipidemia in AA Group was higher than that in AC and CC group(all P<0.01).Conclusion:The rs489693 gene polymorphism of MC4R gene is related to the disorder of glucose and lipid metabolism in schizophrenia treated with olanzapine.

Chlorogenic acid modulates glucose and lipid metabolisms via AMPK activation in HepG2 cells and shows its anti-hyperglycemic effect on streptozocin-induced diabetic mice

Objective:In this study,we focus on the hypoglycemic effects of chlorogenic acid(CGA)in vitro and in vivo and its mechanism base on regulate glucose and lipid metabolism via AMPK activation.Methods:The cytotoxicity,glucose consumption and intracellular triglyceride assay were been detected by commercial kits.The western blots were used to detection the associated protein levels after CGA treatment,and the inhibiter blocking experiments were also be done.In vivo experiment,the fasting blood-glucose,lipid metabolism,liver function,insulin resistance,glucose tolerance,and pathological change were assessed on streptozocin induced diabetic mice.Results:We found that CGA exhibited no cytotoxicity at concentrations of 100μM,it caused a significant increasing of glucose consumption and reducing of the PA-BSA induced intracellular TG level on HepG2 cells at 50μM and 100μM treatment,CGA exhibited up-regulating the level of p-AMPK(Thr172)and p-ACC(Ser79)in dose-dependent manners in vitro and in vivo.The stimulating activities of CGA on AMPK were completely blocked by compound c(CC)on HepG2 cells.And the efficacies of CGA on glucose consumption and intracellular TG accumulation were also completely blocked by CC pretreatment.The CGA also exhibited potent anti-diabetic effects with hypoglycemic activity,improve insulin resistance and glucose tolerance,regulate glucose and lipid metabolism and protect the liver function in vivo.Conclusion:Our results suggested that CGA can regulate glucose and lipid metabolism by AMPK activation,and exhibit potent anti-hyperglycemic effect in streptozocin induced diabetes mice,and may be used as a potential effective anti-diabetes drug.

Effects of Mogroside V on Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in High Fat Diet Mice

[Objectives]To explore the effects and mechanism of mogroside V(MV)on glucose and lipid metabolism in high-fat diet(HFD)mice.[Methods]The experiment fed mice with high-fat diet for 8 weeks,and 40 mice with successful modeling were randomly divided into normal group,model group,and MV dose group(100,200 mg/kg),with 10 mice in each group.From the ninth week,the MV dose group was given intragastric administration,and the normal group and the model group were given an equal volume of distilled water by intragastric administration for 6 weeks,then killed and blood samples and livers were collected.Serum triglycerides(TG),total cholesterol(TC),low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),high density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C),free fatty acids(FFA),Advanced glycation end products(AGE-P)-peptides(AGE-P)and glycosylated hemoglobin(HbA1c)content,and TG and hepatic glycogen content in liver were detected by biochemical method.Fasting blood glucose(FBG)was measured by glucose oxidase method.The fasting serum insulin(FINS)content was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA),and the insulin resistance index(HOMA-IR)was calculated.Oil red O staining was used to observe the fat deposition in liver tissue.[Results]MV(100,200 mg/kg)dose groups could significantly down-regulate the contents of TC,TG,LDL-C,FBG,FINS,AGE-P and HbA1c and HOMA-IR,and up-regulate HDL-C and hepatic glycogen content and reduce the fat deposits.[Conclusions]The mechanism of MV regulating glucose and lipid metabolism in mice may be related to the regulation of insulin resistance.

Alleviating effects and mechanisms of action of large-leaf yellow tea drinking on diabetes and diabetic nephropathy in mice

Our previous study found that large-leaf yellow tea(LYT)had interesting hypoglycemic activity in high-fat diet-induced obese mice and highly safety in healthy mice. To study the anti-diabetic potential of LYT, the present study further investigated the preventive effects and mechanisms of action of LYT administration on diabetes and diabetic nephropathy in high-fat diet plus streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Results showed that LYT infusions(1/100 and 1/50, m/V)as drinking fluid for 4 weeks reduced diabetic polydipsia and polyuria, enhanced glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, and lowered fasting blood glucose level. The underlying mechanisms involve downregulation of gluconeogenesis(lower protein levels of TXNIP and FBP and enzyme activity of FBP), upregulation of lipid catabolism(higher protein levels of CPT-1α and PPARα), downregulation of lipogenesis(lower protein level of SREBP-1), and modification of the structure and abundance of gut microbiota to modulate metabolic homeostasis. Moreover, LYT administration prevented diabetic nephropathy, possibly due to reduced glucose-caused osmotic diuresis and lowered levels of renal PKC-β2, NLRP3 as well as membrane PKC-α, AQP2 and glycosylated AQP2 proteins. Taken together, LYT exhibits the activities in alleviating diabetic symptoms, ameliorating glucose and lipid dysmetabolism and fatty liver, and preventing diabetic nephropathy in diabetic mice. These activities may be explored for the prevention and treatment of diabetes in humans.

Impact of Low Frequency Electro-acupuncture on Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in Unmarried PCOS Women:A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective:To explore the effect of electro-acupuncture(EA)on glucose and lipid metabolism in unmarried patients with polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS).Methods:Fifty-four PCOS patients were equally randomized into true acupuncture group and sham acupuncture group(control)for totally 16 weeks of treatment by random method with a computerized randomization program.Patients in true acupuncture group accepted traditional acupuncture methods with EA and two sets of acupoint groups were used alternatively.The first set consisted of Zhongji(CV 3),Qihai(CV 6),Guilai(ST 29),Sanyinjiao(SP 6),Yinlingquan(SP 9),Hegu(LI4)and Baihui(GV 20),and the second set consisted of Tianshu(ST 25),ST 29,CV 3,CV 6,SP 6,Taichong(LR 3),Neiguan(PC)6 and GV 20.Patients in the sham acupuncture group accepted shallow acupuncture methods through EA without electricity at 4 non-meridian points in each shoulder and upper arm.Outcome measures included body mass index(BMI),waist-hip-ratio(WHR),oral glucose tolerance test(OGTT),insulin release test,glucose and lipid metabolism indicators such as total cholesterol(TC),triglycerides,high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol,adiponectin,leptin,visfatin,resistin,and interleukin(IL-6).Results:Twenty-six subjects in the true acupuncture group and 20 subjects in the sham group completed the clinical trial.After 16 weeks of treatment,no significant difference in the outcome measures were observed between the two groups(P>0.05).However,as compared with baseline data,a reduction in weight,BMI,hipline,WHR,fasting glucose,homeostatic model assessment of insulin sensitivity,visfatin and HDL-C,and an increase in resistin and IL-6 were observed in the true acupuncture group(P<0.05).In addition,a reduction in visfatin and an increase in TC were also observed in the sham group(P<0.05).Conclusions:Acupuncture may have a beneficial effect in the treatment of PCOS by improving glucose and lipid metabolism.Moreover,the sham acupuncture may be not completely ineffective.Sham acupuncture may improve some of the aspects of the glucose and lipid metabolism of PCOS patients through a placebo effect.(Registration Nos.ChiCTR-TRC-12002529 and NCT01812161)

Fructus Zanthoxyli extract improves glycolipid metabolism disorder of type 2 diabetes mellitus via activation of AMPK/PI3K/Akt pathway:Network pharmacology and experimental validation

Objective:This study investigated the potential mechanisms behind the beneficial effects of Fructus Zanthoxyli(FZ)against type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)based on network pharmacology and experimental validation.Methods:Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with hybrid quadrupole-orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry,and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were used to identify the constituents of FZ.Next,the differentially expressed genes linked to the treatment of diabetes with FZ were screened using online databases(including Gene Expression Omnibus database and Swiss Target Prediction online database),and the overlapping genes and their enrichment were analyzed by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG).Finally,the pathway was verified by in vitro experiments,and cell staining with oil red and Nile red showed that the extract of FZ had a therapeutic effect on T2DM.Results:A total of 43 components were identified from FZ,and 39 differentially expressed overlapping genes were screened as the possible targets of FZ in T2DM.The dug component-target network indicated that PPARA,PPARG,PIK3R3,JAK2 and GPR88 might be the core genes targeted by FZ in the treatment of T2DM.Interestingly,the enrichment analysis of KEGG showed that effects of FZ against T2DM were closely correlated with the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK)and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt)signaling pathways.In vitro experiments further confirmed that FZ significantly inhibited palmitic acid-induced lipid formation in Hep G2 cells.Moreover,FZ treatment was able to promote the AMPK and PI3K/Akt expressions in Hep G2 cells.Conclusion:Network pharmacology combined with experimental validation revealed that FZ extract can improve the glycolipid metabolism disorder of T2DM via activation of the AMPK/PI3K/Akt pathway.

Brain metabolism in Alzheimer’s disease:biological mechanisms of exercise

Alzheimer’s disease(AD)is a major subtype of neurodegenerative dementia caused by long-term interactions and accumulation of multiple adverse factors,accompanied by dysregulation of numerous intracellular signaling and molecular pathways in the brain.At the cellular and molecular levels,the neuronal cellular milieu of the AD brain exhibits metabolic abnormalities,compromised bioenergetics,impaired lipid metabolism,and reduced overall metabolic capacity,which lead to abnormal neural network activity and impaired neuroplasticity,thus accelerating the formation of extracellular senile plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles.The current absence of effective pharmacological therapies for AD points to the urgent need to investigate the benefits of non-pharmacological approaches such as physical exercise.Despite the evidence that regular physical activity can improve metabolic dysfunction in the AD state,inhibit different pathophysiological molecular pathways associated with AD,influence the pathological process of AD,and exert a protective effect,there is no clear consensus on the specific biological and molecular mechanisms underlying the advantages of physical exercise.Here,we review how physical exercise improves crucial molecular pathways and biological processes associated with metabolic disorders in AD,including glucose metabolism,lipid metabolism,Aβmetabolism and transport,iron metabolism and tau pathology.How metabolic states influence brain health is also presented.A better knowledge on the neurophysiological mechanisms by which exercise improves AD metabolism can contribute to the development of novel drugs and improvement of non-pharmacological interventions.

The journey towards physiology and pathology: Tracing the path of neuregulin 4

Neuregulin 4 (Nrg4),an epidermal growth factor (EGF) family member,can bind to and activate the ErbB4 receptor tyrosine kinase.Nrg4 has five different isoforms by alternative splicing and performs a wide variety of functions.Nrg4 is involved in a spectrum of physiological processes including neurobiogenesis,lipid metabolism,glucose metabolism,thermogenesis,and angiogenesis.In pathological processes,Nrg4 inhibits inflammatory factor levels and suppresses apoptosis in inflammatory diseases.In addition,Nrg4 could ameliorate obesity,insulin resistance,and cardiovascular diseases.Furthermore,Nrg4 improves non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by promoting autophagy,improving lipid metabolism,and inhibiting cell death of hepatocytes.Besides,Nrg4 is closely related to the development of cancer,hyperthyroidism,and some other diseases.Therefore,elucidation of the functional role and mechanisms of Nrg4 will provide a clearer view of the therapeutic potential and possible risks of Nrg4.

Black phosphorus quantum dots induce myocardial inflammatory responses and metabolic disorders in mice

As an ultrasmall derivative of black phosphorus(BP)sheets,BP quantum dots(BP-QDs)have been effectively used in many fields.Currently,information on the cardiotoxicity induced by BP-QDs remains limited.We aimed to evaluate BP-QD-induced cardiac toxicity in mice.Histopathological examination of heart tissue sections was performed.Transcriptome sequencing,real-time quantitative PCR(RT–qPCR),western blotting,and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)assays were used to detect the m RNA and/or protein expression of proinfammatory cytokines,nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB),phosphatidylinositol3 kinase-protein kinase B(PI3K-AKT),peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma(PPARγ),and glucose/lipid metabolism pathway-related genes.We found that heart weight and heart/body weight index(HBI)were significantly reduced in mice after intragastric administration of 0.1 or 1 mg/kg BP-QDs for 28 days.In addition,obvious infammatory cell infiltration and increased cardiomyocyte diameter were observed in the BP-QD-treated groups.Altered expression of proinfammatory cytokines and genes related to the NF-κB signaling pathway further confirmed that BP-QD exposure induced infammatory responses.In addition,BP-QD treatment also affected the PI3K-AKT,PPARγ,thermogenesis,oxidative phosphorylation,and cardiac muscle contraction signaling pathways.The expression of genes related to glucose/lipid metabolism signaling pathways was dramatically affected by BP-QD exposure,and the effect was primarily mediated by the PPAR signaling pathway.Our study provides new insights into the toxicity of BP-QDs to human health.

Dan-gua Fang (丹瓜方) Improves Glycolipid Metabolic Disorders by Promoting Hepatic Adenosine 5'-monophosphate Activated Protein Kinase Expression in Diabetic Goto-kakizaki Rats

Objective：To investigate the effect of Dan-gua Fang（丹瓜方） on adenosine 5’-monophosphate（AMP） activated protein kinase（AMPK） α expression in liver and subsequent improvement of glucose and lipid metabolism.Methods：Forty 13-week-old diabetic Goto-Kakizaki（GK） rats were randomly divided into model,Dan-gua Fang,metformin and simvastatin groups（n=10 for each）,and fed high-fat diet ad libitum.Ten Wistar rats were used as normal group and fed normal diet.After 24 weeks,liver expression of AMPK α mRNA was assessed by real-time PCR.AMPK α and phospho-AMPK α protein expression in liver was evaluated by Western blot.Liver histomorphology was carried out after hematoxylin-eosin staining,and blood glucose（BG）,glycosylated hemoglobin A1c（HbA1c）,food intake and body weight recorded.Results：Similar AMPK α mRNA levels were found in the Dan-gua Fang group and normal group,slightly higher than the values obtained for the remaining groups（P〈0.05）.AMPK α protein expression in the Dan-gua Fang group animals was similar to other diabetic rats,whereas phospho-AMPK α（Thr-172） protein levels were markedly higher than in the metformin group and simvastatin group（P〈0.05）,respectively.However,phosphor-AMPKa/AMPK α ratios were similar in all groups.Dan-gua Fang reduced fasting blood glucose with similar strength to metformin,and was superior in reducing cholesterol,triglycerides,high-density lipoprotein cholesterol as well as improving low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in comparison with simvastatin and metformin.Dan-gua Fang decreases plasma alanine aminotransferase（ALT） significantly.Conclusion：Dan-gua Fang,while treating phlegm-stasis,could decrease BG and lipid in type 2 diabetic GK rats fed with high-fat diet,and effectively protect liver histomorphology and function.This may be partly explained by increased AMPK expression in liver.Therefore,Dan-gua Fang might be an ideal drug for comprehensive Intervention for glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Krüppel-like factor 10 (KLF10) as a critical signaling mediator: Versatile functions in physiological and pathophysiological processes

Krüppel-like factor 10 (KLF10), also known as TGFβ-inducible early gene-1 (TIEG1), was first found in human osteoblasts. Early studies show that KLF10 plays an important role in osteogenic differentiation. Through decades of research, KLF10 has been found to have complex functions in many different cell types, and its expression and function is regulated in multiple ways. As a downstream factor of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ)/SMAD signaling, KLF10 is involved in various biological functions, including glucose and lipid metabolism in liver and adipose tissue, the maintenance of mitochondrial structure and function of the skeletal muscle, cell proliferation and apoptosis, and plays roles in multiple disease processes, such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and tumor. Besides, KLF10 shows gender-dependent difference of regulation and function in many aspects. In this review, the biological functions of KLF10 and its roles in disease states is updated and discussed, which would provide new insights into the functional roles of KLF10 and a clearer view of potential therapeutic strategies by targeting KLF10.