Perspective of Metabolism: Potential Therapeutic Targets of Metabolic Diseases such as Obesity-Associated Diabetes, Atherosclerosis and Fatty Liver

A special issue of Medicines (ISSN 2305-6320). This special issue belongs to the section "Endocrinology and Metabolic Disorders".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2022) | Viewed by 55883

Special Issue Editor

Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
Interests: lipid and glucose metabolism; atherosclerosis; diabetes; muscle atrophy; NAFLD; NASH; obesity

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Preclinical and clinical studies have shown that elevated levels of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRL) and their remnant particles are associated with the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D), coronary atherosclerosis, and fatty liver. Under normal physiological conditions, triacylglycerol (TAG) is transported through the bloodstream in circulating TRL, including chylomicrons and very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL). TRL is hydrolyzed into free fatty acids (FFA) and glycerol by the lipoprotein lipase (LPL) in the capillary beds of many tissues, especially adipose, cardiac, and skeletal muscle where LPL releases the TAGs for intracellular storage or energy production.

The imbalance between dyslipidemia (high levels of circulating TAGs and cholesterol) and ectopic lipid accumulation is critical in metabolic homeostasis. While reducing circulating lipids could help to prevent cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, excessive accumulation of lipids in tissues can lead to lipotoxicity and insulin resistance (IR). Therefore, the management of the serum lipoprotein profile could be an effective potential therapeutic target for the treatment of metabolic diseases. For this Special Issue, we invite articles related to a metabolic pathway based on lipid and glucose metabolism that reveal therapeutic targets against cardio-metabolic disease.

Dr. Abhishek Singh
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • obesity
  • diabetes
  • atherosclerosis
  • muscle atrophy
  • liver disease
  • nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
  • nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
  • therapies
  • lipoprotein-lipid metabolism
  • glucose homeostasis
  • cardiometabolism

Published Papers (15 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 1997 KiB  
Article
Fasting Protocols Do Not Improve Intestinal Architecture and Immune Parameters in C57BL/6 Male Mice Fed a High Fat Diet
by Raed Y. Ageeli, Sunita Sharma, Melissa Puppa, Richard J. Bloomer, Randal K. Buddington and Marie van der Merwe
Medicines 2023, 10(2), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines10020018 - 17 Feb 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2956
Abstract
Background: The intestinal ecosystem, including epithelium, immune cells, and microbiota, are influenced by diet and timing of food consumption. The purpose of this study was to evaluate various dietary protocols after ad libitum high fat diet (HFD) consumption on intestinal morphology and mucosal [...] Read more.
Background: The intestinal ecosystem, including epithelium, immune cells, and microbiota, are influenced by diet and timing of food consumption. The purpose of this study was to evaluate various dietary protocols after ad libitum high fat diet (HFD) consumption on intestinal morphology and mucosal immunity. Methods: C57BL/6 male mice were fed a 45% high fat diet (HFD) for 6 weeks and then randomized to the following protocols; (1) chow, (2) a purified high fiber diet known as the Daniel Fast (DF), HFD consumed (3) ad libitum or in a restricted manner; (4) caloric-restricted, (5) time-restricted (six hours of fasting in each 24 h), or (6) alternate-day fasting (24 h fasting every other day). Intestinal morphology and gut-associated immune parameters were investigated after 2 months on respective protocols. Results: Consuming a HFD resulted in shortening of the intestine and reduction in villi and crypt size. Fasting, while consuming the HFD, did not restore these parameters to the extent seen with the chow and DF diet. Goblet cell number and regulatory T cells had improved recovery with high fiber diets, not seen with the HFD irrespective of fasting. Conclusion: Nutritional content is a critical determinant of intestinal parameters associated with gut health. Full article
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7 pages, 1520 KiB  
Article
Group Medical Visits for Addressing Weight and Blood Pressure in an Underserved Population
by Amit Algotar, Stephanie Trofymenko, Myra Muramoto, Amy Howerter and Randa Kutob
Medicines 2022, 9(12), 60; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/medicines9120060 - 01 Dec 2022
Viewed by 1180
Abstract
The effect of group medical visits (GMV) compared to individual medical visits (IMV), on weight and blood pressure in a large primary care practice serving a predominantly underserved population, was assessed. The records of 304 patients attending a weight-loss program were analyzed using [...] Read more.
The effect of group medical visits (GMV) compared to individual medical visits (IMV), on weight and blood pressure in a large primary care practice serving a predominantly underserved population, was assessed. The records of 304 patients attending a weight-loss program were analyzed using mixed-effects regression models. Patients in GMV lost an average of 11.63 lbs, whereas patients in IMV lost an average of 3.99 lbs (p < 0.001). A total of 55% of patients lost ≥7% in GMV compared to 11% of patients in IMV (p ≤ 0.001). Individuals who lost >5% of their baseline weight had a higher reduction in overall blood pressure. For systolic and diastolic blood pressure, the differences between baseline and three months for GMV and IMV were −7.4 vs. 4.1 mm of Hg (p = 0.002) and −4.6 vs. 4.2 mm of Hg (p = 0.003), respectively. Results from this study demonstrate that GMV may be a potentially useful modality for addressing weight and blood pressure in an underserved population. Full article
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17 pages, 2274 KiB  
Article
Antidiabetic Actions of Ethanol Extract of Camellia sinensis Leaf Ameliorates Insulin Secretion, Inhibits the DPP-IV Enzyme, Improves Glucose Tolerance, and Increases Active GLP-1 (7–36) Levels in High-Fat-Diet-Fed Rats
by Prawej Ansari, J. M. A. Hannan, Samara T. Choudhury, Sara S. Islam, Abdullah Talukder, Veronique Seidel and Yasser H. A. Abdel-Wahab
Medicines 2022, 9(11), 56; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/medicines9110056 - 11 Nov 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2859
Abstract
Camellia sinensis (green tea) is used in traditional medicine to treat a wide range of ailments. In the present study, the insulin-releasing and glucose-lowering effects of the ethanol extract of Camellia sinensis (EECS), along with molecular mechanism/s of action, were investigated in vitro [...] Read more.
Camellia sinensis (green tea) is used in traditional medicine to treat a wide range of ailments. In the present study, the insulin-releasing and glucose-lowering effects of the ethanol extract of Camellia sinensis (EECS), along with molecular mechanism/s of action, were investigated in vitro and in vivo. The insulin secretion was measured using clonal pancreatic BRIN BD11 β cells, and mouse islets. In vitro models examined the additional glucose-lowering properties of EECS, and 3T3L1 adipocytes were used to assess glucose uptake and insulin action. Non-toxic doses of EECS increased insulin secretion in a concentration-dependent manner, and this regulatory effect was similar to that of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). The insulin release was further enhanced when combined with isobutylmethylxanthine (IBMX), tolbutamide or 30 mM KCl, but was decreased in the presence of verapamil, diazoxide and Ca2+ chelation. EECS also depolarized the β-cell membrane and elevated intracellular Ca2+, suggesting the involvement of a KATP-dependent pathway. Furthermore, EECS increased glucose uptake and insulin action in 3T3-L1 cells and inhibited dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) enzyme activity, starch digestion and protein glycation in vitro. Oral administration of EECS improved glucose tolerance and plasma insulin as well as inhibited plasma DPP-IV and increased active GLP-1 (7–36) levels in high-fat-diet-fed rats. Flavonoids and other phytochemicals present in EECS could be responsible for these effects. Further research on the mechanism of action of EECS compounds could lead to the development of cost-effective treatments for type 2 diabetes. Full article
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8 pages, 303 KiB  
Communication
The Effectiveness of GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Semaglutide on Body Composition in Elderly Obese Diabetic Patients: A Pilot Study
by Yoshinori Ozeki, Takayuki Masaki, Akari Kamata, Shotaro Miyamoto, Yuichi Yoshida, Mitsuhiro Okamoto, Koro Gotoh and Hirotaka Shibata
Medicines 2022, 9(9), 47; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/medicines9090047 - 16 Sep 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3394
Abstract
Background and Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the changes in obesity severity, glucose metabolism, and body composition in patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus treated with glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP1-RA) semaglutide. Materials and Methods: Body weight (BW), metabolic [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the changes in obesity severity, glucose metabolism, and body composition in patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus treated with glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP1-RA) semaglutide. Materials and Methods: Body weight (BW), metabolic parameters, and body composition were examined before and 3 months after semaglutide administration. The mass of body fat (FM), fat weight percentage (%FM), mass of skeletal muscle (MM), skeletal MM percentage (%MM), and limb muscles were measured using the bioelectrical impedance method. Results: Semaglutide dramatically reduced the weight, the body mass index (BMI), and the levels of the glucose metabolic markers, including fasting blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c, and accelerated the loss of excess BW. FM, MM, and %FM after semaglutide treatment also decreased. Conversely, semaglutide had no effect on the %MM after 3 months. In limb muscle analyses, right upper and lower leg muscle percentages, left upper and lower leg muscles, and the ratios of the lower/upper muscles were maintained by semaglutide treatment. Conclusions: These results suggest that the GLP1-RA semaglutide effectively reduces body adiposity while maintaining the MM in obese type 2 diabetic patients. Full article
14 pages, 2339 KiB  
Article
Early Time-Restricted Feeding Amends Circadian Clock Function and Improves Metabolic Health in Male and Female Nile Grass Rats
by Chidambaram Ramanathan, Hayden Johnson, Suman Sharma, Wangkuk Son, Melissa Puppa, Saba Neyson Rohani, Aaryani Tipirneni-Sajja, Richard J. Bloomer and Marie van der Merwe
Medicines 2022, 9(2), 15; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/medicines9020015 - 21 Feb 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4154
Abstract
Lengthening the daily eating period contributes to the onset of obesity and metabolic syndrome. Dietary approaches, including energy restriction and time-restricted feeding, are promising methods to combat metabolic disorders. This study explored the effect of early and late time-restricted feeding (TRF) on weight [...] Read more.
Lengthening the daily eating period contributes to the onset of obesity and metabolic syndrome. Dietary approaches, including energy restriction and time-restricted feeding, are promising methods to combat metabolic disorders. This study explored the effect of early and late time-restricted feeding (TRF) on weight and adiposity, food consumption, glycemic control, clock gene expression, and liver metabolite composition in diurnal Nile grass rats (NGRs). Adult male and female Nile grass rats were randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) access to a 60% high-fat (HF) diet ad-libitum (HF-AD), (2) time-restricted access to the HF diet for the first 6 h of the 12 h light/active phase (HF-AM) or (3) the second 6 h of the 12 h light/active phase (HF-PM). Animals remained on their respective protocols for six weeks. TRF reduced total energy consumption and weight gain, and early TRF (HF-AM) reduced fasting blood glucose, restored Per1 expression, and reduced liver lipid levels. Although sex-dependent differences were observed for fat storage and lipid composition, TRF improved metabolic parameters in both male and female NGRs. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that early TRF protocol benefits weight management, improves lipid and glycemic control, and restores clock gene expression in NGRs. Full article
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13 pages, 518 KiB  
Article
Effect of Breastfeeding and Its Duration on Impaired Fasting Glucose and Diabetes in Perimenopausal and Postmenopausal Women: Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2010–2019
by Byung-Soo Kwan, In-Ae Cho and Ji-Eun Park
Medicines 2021, 8(11), 71; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/medicines8110071 - 12 Nov 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2499
Abstract
Background and Objectives: To examine the effect of maternal breastfeeding on the subsequent risk of diabetes in parous Korean women aged >50 years. Materials and Methods: A total of 14,433 participants from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) were included. [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: To examine the effect of maternal breastfeeding on the subsequent risk of diabetes in parous Korean women aged >50 years. Materials and Methods: A total of 14,433 participants from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) were included. The subjects were divided into three groups: normal, impaired fasting glucose, and diabetes. The adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and diabetes were assessed using multivariate logistic regression. Results: A total of 2301 (15.94%) women were classified as having diabetes, and 3670 (25.43%) women were classified as having impaired fasting glucose. Breastfeeding was associated with an OR for diabetes of 0.76 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.61, 0.95) compared with non-breastfeeding after adjustment for possible confounders in the multivariable logistic regression analysis. Breastfeeding for 13–24 months was associated with an OR of 0.68 (95% CI, 0.5, 0.91), and breastfeeding for 25–36 months was associated with an OR of 0.68 (95% CI, 0.52, 0.87) for diabetes compared with breastfeeding for <1 month in the multivariable logistic regression analysis. Conclusions: Our results suggest that long-term breastfeeding, particularly breastfeeding for 13–36 months, may be associated with a lower risk for diabetes later in life. Full article
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13 pages, 924 KiB  
Article
Recent Trends of Metabolic Syndrome and Its Components in Military Recruits from Saudi Arabia
by Hamoud Abdullah Al-Shehri, Abdulrahman Khazim Al-Asmari, Haseeb Ahmad Khan, Ghaleb Bin Horaib, Ahmed Al-Buraidi, Abdullah Ali Al-Sharif, Saeed Ghander Kadasah, Saud Al-Omani, Fayez S. Mohammed, Rajamohamed Abbasmanthiri and Nasreddien Mohammed Osman
Medicines 2021, 8(11), 65; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/medicines8110065 - 30 Oct 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2933
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome (Met-S) constitutes the risk factors and abnormalities that markedly increase the probability of developing diabetes and coronary heart disease. An early detection of Met-S, its components and risk factors can be of great help in preventing or controlling its adverse consequences. [...] Read more.
Metabolic syndrome (Met-S) constitutes the risk factors and abnormalities that markedly increase the probability of developing diabetes and coronary heart disease. An early detection of Met-S, its components and risk factors can be of great help in preventing or controlling its adverse consequences. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of cardio-metabolic risk factors in young army recruits from Saudi Arabia. A total of 2010 Saudis aged 18–30 years were randomly selected from groups who had applied to military colleges. In addition to designed questionnaire, anthropometric measurements and blood samples were collected to measure Met-S components according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria. Met-S prevalence was 24.3% and it was higher in older subjects than the younger ones. There were significant associations between Met-S and age, education level and marital status. The most common Met-S components were high fasting blood sugar (63.6%) followed by high blood pressure (systolic and diastolic, 63.3% and 37.3% respectively) and high body mass index (57.5%). The prevalence of pre-diabetes and diabetes were found to be 55.2% and 8.4%, respectively. Hypertriglyceridemia was found in 19.3% and low levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) in 11.7% of subjects. In conclusion, there is a high prevalence of Met-S in young adults of Saudi Arabia. There is a need for regular monitoring of Met-S in young populations to keep them healthy and fit for nation building. It is also important to design and launch community-based programs for educating people about the importance of physical activity, cessation of smoking and eating healthy diet in prevention of chronic diseases. Full article
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7 pages, 1393 KiB  
Communication
Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Morinda citrifolia Extract against Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation in RAW264 Cells
by Takashi Tanikawa, Masashi Kitamura, Yasuhiro Hayashi, Natsumi Tomida, Akemi Uwaya, Fumiyuki Isami and Yutaka Inoue
Medicines 2021, 8(8), 43; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/medicines8080043 - 04 Aug 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3265
Abstract
Leaves of Morinda citrifolia (noni) have been used in Polynesian folk medicine for the treatment of pain and inflammation, and their juice is very popular worldwide as a functional food supplement. This study aimed to demonstrate that M. citrifolia seed extract exerts anti-inflammatory [...] Read more.
Leaves of Morinda citrifolia (noni) have been used in Polynesian folk medicine for the treatment of pain and inflammation, and their juice is very popular worldwide as a functional food supplement. This study aimed to demonstrate that M. citrifolia seed extract exerts anti-inflammatory effects on RAW264 cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide. To confirm the inhibitory effect of M. citrifolia seed extract, we assessed the production of nitric oxide (NO) and inflammatory cytokines. The M. citrifolia seed extract showed a significant inhibition of NO production, with no effect on cell viability, and was more active than M. citrifolia seed oil, leaf extract, and fruit extract. The M. citrifolia seed extract was found to reduce the expression of inducible NO synthase and tumor necrosis factor-alpha of pro-inflammatory cytokines. These results suggest that the anti-inflammatory effect of M. citrifolia seed extract is related to a reduction in the expression of inflammatory mediators and support its potential therapeutic use. Full article
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19 pages, 2338 KiB  
Article
Gut Microbiota Regulates the Interaction between Diet and Genetics to Influence Glucose Tolerance
by Jeralyn J. Franson, Julianne H. Grose, Kaitlyn W. Larson and Laura C. Bridgewater
Medicines 2021, 8(7), 34; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/medicines8070034 - 01 Jul 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3993
Abstract
Background: Metabolic phenotypes are the result of an intricate interplay between multiple factors, including diet, genotype, and the gut microbiome. Per–Arnt–Sim (PAS) kinase is a nutrient-sensing serine/threonine kinase, whose absence (PASK−/−) protects against triglyceride accumulation, insulin resistance, and weight gain on [...] Read more.
Background: Metabolic phenotypes are the result of an intricate interplay between multiple factors, including diet, genotype, and the gut microbiome. Per–Arnt–Sim (PAS) kinase is a nutrient-sensing serine/threonine kinase, whose absence (PASK−/−) protects against triglyceride accumulation, insulin resistance, and weight gain on a high-fat diet; conditions that are associated with dysbiosis of the gut microbiome. Methods: Herein, we report the metabolic effects of the interplay of diet (high fat high sugar, HFHS), genotype (PASK−/−), and microbiome (16S sequencing). Results: Microbiome analysis identified a diet-induced, genotype-independent forked shift, with two discrete clusters of HFHS mice having increased beta and decreased alpha diversity. A “lower” cluster contained elevated levels of Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria and Defferibacteres, and was associated with increased weight gain, glucose intolerance, triglyceride accumulation, and decreased claudin-1 expression. Genotypic effects were observed within the clusters, lower cluster PASK−/− mice displayed increased weight gain and decreased triglyceride accumulation, whereas upper PASK−/− were resistant to decreased claudin-1. Conclusions: These results confirm previous reports that PAS kinase deficiency can protect mice against the deleterious effects of diet, and they suggest that microbiome imbalances can override protection. In addition, these results support a healthy diet for beneficial microbiome maintenance and suggest microbial culprits associated with metabolic disease. Full article
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16 pages, 1512 KiB  
Article
The Role of Poly-Herbal Extract in Sodium Chloride-Induced Oxidative Stress and Hyperlipidemia in Male Wistar Rats
by Olubukola Sinbad Olorunnisola, Peter Ifeoluwa Adegbola, Bamidele Stephen Ajilore, Olayemi Adebola Akintola and Olumide Samuel Fadahunsi
Medicines 2021, 8(6), 25; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/medicines8060025 - 31 May 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4107
Abstract
Consistent consumption of high salt diet (HSD) has been associated with increased cellular generation of free radicals, which has been implicated in the derangement of some vital organs and etiology of cardiovascular disorders. This study was designed to investigate the combined effect of [...] Read more.
Consistent consumption of high salt diet (HSD) has been associated with increased cellular generation of free radicals, which has been implicated in the derangement of some vital organs and etiology of cardiovascular disorders. This study was designed to investigate the combined effect of some commonly employed medicinal plants on serum lipid profile and antioxidant status of aorta, kidney, and liver of high salt diet-fed animals. Out of the total fifty male Wistar rats obtained, fifteen were used for acute toxicity study, while the remaining thirty-five were divided into 5 groups of 7 animals each. Group 1 and 2 animals were fed normal rat chow (NRC) and 16% high salt diet (HSD) only, respectively. Animals in groups 3, 4 and 5 were fed 16% HSD with 800, 400, and 200 mg/kg bw poly-herbal extract (PHE), respectively, once for 28 consecutive days. Serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triacylglycerol (TG), total cholesterol (TC) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione concentration, and activities were assessed in the aorta, kidney, and liver. Poly-herbal extract (p < 0.05) significantly reduced malondialdehyde and nitric oxide concentrations and also increased antioxidant enzymes and glutathione activity. Elevated serum TG, TC, LDL, and TC content in HSD-fed animals were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced to normal in PHE-treated rats while HDL was significantly elevated (p < 0.05) in a concentration-dependent manner in PHE treated animals. Feeding with PHE attenuated high-salt diet imposed derangement in serum lipid profile and antioxidant status in the organs of the experimental rats. Full article
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Review

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15 pages, 2767 KiB  
Review
Salubrious Effects of Green Tea Catechins on Fatty Liver Disease: A Systematic Review
by Omar Abunofal and Chandra Mohan
Medicines 2022, 9(3), 20; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/medicines9030020 - 01 Mar 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 8185
Abstract
Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is a polyphenol green tea catechin with potential health benefits and therapeutic effects in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a common liver disorder that adversely affects liver function and lipid metabolism. This systematic review surveyed the effects of EGCG or green [...] Read more.
Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is a polyphenol green tea catechin with potential health benefits and therapeutic effects in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a common liver disorder that adversely affects liver function and lipid metabolism. This systematic review surveyed the effects of EGCG or green tea extract (GTE) on NAFLD reported in studies involving rodent models or humans with a focus on clinicopathologic outcomes, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, and inflammatory, oxidative stress, and liver injury markers. Articles involving clinical efficacy of EGCG/GTE on human subjects and rodent models were gathered by searching the PUBMED database and by referencing additional articles identified from other literature reviews. EGCG or GTE supplementation reduced body weight, adipose tissue deposits, and food intake. Mechanistically, the majority of these studies confirmed that EGCG or GTE supplementation plays a significant role in regulating lipid and glucose metabolism and expression of genes involved in lipid synthesis. Importantly, EGCG and GTE supplementation were shown to have beneficial effects on oxidative stress-related pathways that activate pro-inflammatory responses, leading to liver damage. In conclusion, green tea catechins are a potentially useful treatment option for NAFLD. More research is required to determine the ideal dosage, treatment duration, and most effective delivery method of EGCG or GTE, and to provide more definitive conclusions by performing large, randomized clinical trials. Full article
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11 pages, 854 KiB  
Review
Exercise, Diet and Sleeping as Regenerative Medicine Adjuvants: Obesity and Ageing as Illustrations
by Abdelaziz Ghanemi, Mayumi Yoshioka and Jonny St-Amand
Medicines 2022, 9(1), 7; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/medicines9010007 - 14 Jan 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4995
Abstract
Regenerative medicine uses the biological and medical knowledge on how the cells and tissue regenerate and evolve in order to develop novel therapies. Health conditions such as ageing, obesity and cancer lead to an impaired regeneration ability. Exercise, diet choices and sleeping pattern [...] Read more.
Regenerative medicine uses the biological and medical knowledge on how the cells and tissue regenerate and evolve in order to develop novel therapies. Health conditions such as ageing, obesity and cancer lead to an impaired regeneration ability. Exercise, diet choices and sleeping pattern have significant impacts on regeneration biology via diverse pathways including reducing the inflammatory and oxidative components. Thus, exercise, diet and sleeping management can be optimized towards therapeutic applications in regenerative medicine. It could allow to prevent degeneration, optimize the biological regeneration and also provide adjuvants for regenerative medicine. Full article
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Other

Jump to: Research, Review

5 pages, 613 KiB  
Opinion
DNA Damage as a Mechanistic Link between Air Pollution and Obesity?
by Abdelaziz Ghanemi, Mayumi Yoshioka and Jonny St-Amand
Medicines 2023, 10(1), 4; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/medicines10010004 - 29 Dec 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1171
Abstract
It has been shown that the risk of developing obesity, a serious modern health problem, increases with air pollution. However, the molecular links are yet to be fully elucidated. Herein, we propose a hypothesis via which air pollution-induced DNA damage would be the [...] Read more.
It has been shown that the risk of developing obesity, a serious modern health problem, increases with air pollution. However, the molecular links are yet to be fully elucidated. Herein, we propose a hypothesis via which air pollution-induced DNA damage would be the mechanistic link between air pollution and the enhanced risk of obesity and overweight. Indeed, whereas air pollution leads to DNA damage, DNA damage results in inflammation, oxidative stress and metabolic impairments that could be behind energy balance changes contributing to obesity. Such thoughts, worth exploring, seems an important starting point to better understand the impact of air pollution on obesity development independently from the two main energy balance pillars that are diet and physical activity. This could possibly lead to new applications both for therapies as well as for policies and regulations. Full article
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6 pages, 1081 KiB  
Opinion
Impact of Adiposity and Fat Distribution, Rather Than Obesity, on Antibodies as an Illustration of Weight-Loss-Independent Exercise Benefits
by Abdelaziz Ghanemi, Mayumi Yoshioka and Jonny St-Amand
Medicines 2021, 8(10), 57; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/medicines8100057 - 08 Oct 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4300
Abstract
Obesity represents a risk factor for a variety of diseases because of its inflammatory component, among other biological patterns. Recently, with the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, a special focus has been put on obesity as a status in which antibody production, among other immune [...] Read more.
Obesity represents a risk factor for a variety of diseases because of its inflammatory component, among other biological patterns. Recently, with the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, a special focus has been put on obesity as a status in which antibody production, among other immune functions, is impaired, which would impact both disease pathogenesis and vaccine efficacy. Within this piece of writing, we illustrate that such patterns would be due to the increased adiposity and fat distribution pattern rather than obesity (as defined by the body mass index) itself. Within this context, we also highlight the importance of the weight-loss-independent effects of exercise. Full article
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7 pages, 1372 KiB  
Case Report
Advances in the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Safety and Efficiency of Transnasal Endoscopy
by Hiroyuki Abe, Kenya Kamimura, Yoshihisa Arao, Junji Kohisa and Shuji Terai
Medicines 2021, 8(9), 53; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/medicines8090053 - 14 Sep 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3968
Abstract
Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a common disorder and a gastroenterological emergency. With the development of new techniques and devices, the survivability after gastrointestinal bleeding is improving. However, at the same time, we are facing the difficulty of severely complicated cases with [...] Read more.
Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a common disorder and a gastroenterological emergency. With the development of new techniques and devices, the survivability after gastrointestinal bleeding is improving. However, at the same time, we are facing the difficulty of severely complicated cases with various diseases. For example, while endoscopic examination with a normal diameter endoscope is essential for the diagnosis and treatment of UGIB, there are several cases in which it cannot be used. In these cases, transnasal endoscopy (TNE) may be a viable treatment option. This report reviews current hemostatic devices for endoscopic treatment and the safety and efficiency of using TNE in complicated cases. The latter will be demonstrated in a case report where TNE was employed in a patient with severe esophageal stenosis. This review summarizes the advances made in the devices used and will provide further ideas for the physician in terms of combining these devices and TNE. Full article
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