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1.
Dietary fiber and polyphenols from whole grains: effects on the gut and health improvements.
Wei, X, Wang, J, Wang, Y, Zhao, Y, Long, Y, Tan, B, Li, QX, Dong, Z, Wan, X
Food & function. 2024
Abstract
Cereals are the main source of energy in the human diet. Compared to refined grains, whole grains retain more beneficial components, including dietary fiber, polyphenols, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Dietary fiber and bound polyphenols (biounavailable) in cereals are important active substances that can be metabolized by the gut microorganisms and affect the intestinal environment. There is a close relationship between the gut microbiota structures and various disease phenotypes, although the consistency of this link is affected by many factors, and the specific mechanisms are still unclear. Remodeling unfavorable microbiota is widely recognized as an important way to target the gut and improve diseases. This paper mainly reviews the interaction between the gut microbiota and cereal-derived dietary fiber and polyphenols, and also summarizes the changes to the gut microbiota and possible molecular mechanisms of related glycolipid metabolism. The exploration of single active ingredients in cereals and their synergistic health mechanisms will contribute to a better understanding of the health benefits of whole grains. It will further help promote healthier whole grain foods by cultivating new varieties with more potential and optimizing processing methods.
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[Effects of Exogenous Zinc on Growth and Root Architecture Classification of Maize Seedlings Under Cadmium Stress].
Zhang, HH, Wei, C, Liu, HT, Zhang, JJ, Liu, F, Zhao, Y, Zhang, XH, Li, GZ, Jiang, Y
Huan jing ke xue= Huanjing kexue. 2024;(2):1128-1140
Abstract
To explore the effects of different concentrations of zinc (Zn) on the growth and root architecture classification of maize seedlings under cadmium (Cd) stress, a hydroponic experiment was conducted to study the effects of different concentrations of Zn (0, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200, and 400 μmol·L-1) on the growth, root architecture and classification characteristics, Cd content, root Cd uptake capacity, and photosynthetic system of maize seedlings under Cd stress (50 μmol·L-1) by using Zhengdan 958 as the experimental material. Principal component analysis and the membership function method were used for comprehensive evaluation. The results showed that the 50 μmol·L-1 Cd stress had a significant toxic effect on maize seedlings, which significantly reduced chlorophyll content and photosynthetic parameters. The main root length, plant height, biomass, root forks, and root tips, including the root length and root surface area of the grade Ⅰ-Ⅲ diameter range and the root volume of the grade Ⅰ-Ⅱ diameter range, decreased significantly, which hindered the normal growth and development of maize seedlings. Compared with that under no Zn application, 100 μmol·L-1 and 200 μmol·L-1 Zn application reduced the uptake of Cd by maize seedlings, significantly reduced the Cd content in shoots and roots and the Cd uptake efficiency. The toxic effect on maize seedlings was alleviated, and the fresh weight, dry weight, tolerance index, and root forks of shoots and roots were significantly increased. The photosynthesis of maize seedlings was significantly enhanced, and the photosynthetic rate and the total chlorophyll content was significantly increased. The RL, SA, and RV in the Ⅰ-Ⅱ diameter range reached the maximum at 100 μmol·L-1 Zn, and the RL, SA, and RV in the Ⅲ diameter range reached the maximum at 200 μmol·L-1 Zn, which were significantly higher than those without Zn treatment. The comprehensive evaluation of the growth tolerance of maize seedlings showed that 100 μmol·L-1 and 200 μmol·L-1 Zn had better effects on alleviating Cd toxicity. Comprehensive analysis showed that the application of appropriate concentration of Zn could reduce the Cd content in maize seedlings, the Cd uptake capacity, and Cd uptake efficiency of roots; increase the biomass accumulation of maize seedlings; reduce the effect of Cd toxicity on root architecture; reduce the effect on the light and system; and improve the tolerance of maize seedlings to Cd.
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3.
Sweet regulation - The emerging immunoregulatory roles of hexoses.
Xu, J, Zhao, Y, Tyler Mertens, R, Ding, Y, Xiao, P
Journal of advanced research. 2024
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is widely acknowledged that dietary habits have profound impacts on human health and diseases. As the most important sweeteners and energy sources in human diets, hexoses take part in a broad range of physiopathological processes. In recent years, emerging evidence has uncovered the crucial roles of hexoses, such as glucose, fructose, mannose, and galactose, in controlling the differentiation or function of immune cells. AIM OF REVIEW Herein, we reviewed the latest research progresses in the hexose-mediated modulation of immune responses, provided in-depth analyses of the underlying mechanisms, and discussed the unresolved issues in this field. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW Owing to their immunoregulatory effects, hexoses affect the onset and progression of various types of immune disorders, including inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases, and tumor immune evasion. Thus, targeting hexose metabolism is becoming a promising strategy for reversing immune abnormalities in diseases.
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Therapeutic efficacy and safety of JAK inhibitors in treating polymyositis/dermatomyositis: a single-arm systemic meta-analysis.
Ma, C, Liu, M, Cheng, Y, Wang, X, Zhao, Y, Wang, K, Wang, W
Frontiers in immunology. 2024;:1382728
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We performed a single-arm meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of JAK inhibitors in the treatment of dermatomyositis (DM)/ polymyositis (PM). METHODS Relevant studies from four databases were systematically searched until April 25, 2023. The primary endpoint was Cutaneous Dermatomyositis Disease Area and Severity Index (CDASI) and other outcomes were Manual Muscle Testing (MMT) and Creatine Kinase (CK). According to the type of JAK and medication regimen, we conducted subgroup analyses. The registration number in PROSPERO was CRD42023416493. RESULTS According to the selection criteria, we identified 7 publications with a total of 91 patients. Regarding skin lesions, the CDASI decreased by 17.67 (95% CI: -20.94 ~ -14.41). The CK increased by 8.64 U (95% CI: -28.25 ~ 45.53). About muscle lesions, MMT increased by 10.31 (95% CI: -2.83 ~ 23.46). Subgroup analysis revealed that different types of JAK inhibitors had various degrees of reduction. CDASI in patients treated with RUX had the lowest one [-20.00 (95% CI: -34.9 ~ -5.1)], followed by TOF [-18.29 (95% CI: -21.8 ~ -14.78)] and BAR [-11.2 (95% CI: -21.51 ~ -0.89)]. Additionally, the mean reduction in CDASI in patients treated with TOF alone was 16.16 (95% CI: -21.21 ~ -11.11), in combination with other immunosuppressants was 18.59 (95% CI: -22.74 ~ -14.45). For safety evaluation, one patient developed Orolabial HSV, and two patients developed thromboembolism events. DISCUSSION In summary, this meta-analysis demonstrated that JAK inhibitors can potentially treat DM/PM without severe adverse reactions. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023416493, identifier CRD42023416493.
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Recurrent Cerebral Infarction Due to Moyamoya Disease Complicated With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Case Report and Literature Review.
Wang, Q, Yao, Q, Yuan, S, Shen, Y, Feng, Y, Liu, L, Zhu, Y, Zhao, Y, Cui, J, Qin, J, et al
The neurologist. 2024;(1):4-13
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We report a rare case of moyamoya disease caused by an RNF213 mutation, complicated with systemic lupus erythematosus. CASE REPORT A 32-year-old woman experienced 4 cerebral ischemia stroke events within 6 months. The main symptom was left limb weakness with blurred vision in the right eye. Results of digital subtraction angiography conducted at another hospital were consistent with moyamoya disease. On genetic testing, we found that the patient carried 2 mutations in the moyamoya disease-related gene RNF213 (p.R4810K, p.T1727M). On the basis of the laboratory immunologic indicators, such as positive antibodies and abnormal immunoglobulin levels and imaging examinations, the patient was finally diagnosed as moyamoya disease complicated with systemic lupus erythematosus. She was treated with aspirin, butylphthalide, urinary kallidinogenase, and sodium methylprednisolone. CONCLUSIONS This was a 32-year-old young patient diagnosed with moyamoya disease carrying RNF213 gene mutation and accompanied by lupus with cerebral ischemic event as the first occurrence. The patient's condition was complex; therefore, comprehensive analysis and in-depth consideration were needed to avoid a missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis. When the primary disease cannot be identified, genetic testing can help to clarify the diagnosis of moyamoya disease.
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6.
Role and mechanism of miRNA in cardiac microvascular endothelial cells in cardiovascular diseases.
Yan, J, Zhong, X, Zhao, Y, Wang, X
Frontiers in cardiovascular medicine. 2024;:1356152
Abstract
The occurrence and development of myocardial dysfunction are associated with damage in the cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (CMECs), which can regulate nutrient exchange and oxy-gen-carbon cycling to protect cardiomyocytes. Interventions targeting microRNAs (miRNAs) can effectively mitigate CMEC injury and thus improve cardiovascular diseases. MiRNAs are a class of noncoding single-strand RNA molecules typically 21-23 nucleotides in length that are encoded by endogenous genes. They are critical regulators of organism development, cell differentiation, metabolism, and apoptosis. Current clinical trials on miRNA drugs indicate that patient-specific miRNA levels are now being used as one of the criteria for predicting heart disease. However, the cellular process of various miRNAs in CMECs in cardiovascular diseases has not been fully elucidated. These mechanisms are a field that immediately requires further investigation. Accordingly, this review summarizes the roles and mechanisms of various miRNAs in CMECs in cardiovascular disease and includes the process of CMEC crosstalk between miRNAs and other cell types in the heart. Our study serves as a theoretical basis for the formal introduction of miRNA use into the treatment of cardiovascular diseases in the future.
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Flavonoids in vegetables: improvement of dietary flavonoids by metabolic engineering to promote health.
Tao, H, Li, L, He, Y, Zhang, X, Zhao, Y, Wang, Q, Hong, G
Critical reviews in food science and nutrition. 2024;(11):3220-3234
Abstract
Flavonoids are the most abundant polyphenols in plants, and have antioxidant effects as well as other bioactivities (e.g., anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-allergic, and neuroprotective effects). Vegetables are rich in flavonoids and are indispensable in our daily diet. Moreover, the vegetables as chassis for producing natural products would emerge as a promising means for cost-effective and sustainable production of flavonoids. Understanding the metabolic engineering of flavonoids in vegetables allows us to improve their nutrient composition. In this review, a comprehensive overview of flavonoids in vegetables, including the characterized types and distribution, health-promoting effects, associated metabolic pathways, and applied metabolic engineering are provided. We also introduce breakthroughs in multi-omics approaches that pertain to the elucidation of flavonoids metabolism in vegetables, as well as prospective and potential genome-editing technologies. Based on the varied composition and content of flavonoids among vegetables, dietary suggestions are further provided for human health.
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Modulation of Tau Pathology in Alzheimer's Disease by Dietary Bioactive Compounds.
Shi, H, Zhao, Y
International journal of molecular sciences. 2024;(2)
Abstract
Tau is a microtubule-associated protein essential for microtubule assembly and stability in neurons. The abnormal intracellular accumulation of tau aggregates is a major characteristic of brains from patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other tauopathies. In AD, the presence of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), which is composed of hyperphosphorylated tau protein, is positively correlated with the severity of the cognitive decline. Evidence suggests that the accumulation and aggregation of tau cause synaptic dysfunction and neuronal degeneration. Thus, the prevention of abnormal tau phosphorylation and elimination of tau aggregates have been proposed as therapeutic strategies for AD. However, currently tau-targeting therapies for AD and other tauopathies are limited. A number of dietary bioactive compounds have been found to modulate the posttranslational modifications of tau, including phosphorylation, small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) mediated modification (SUMOylation) and acetylation, as well as inhibit tau aggregation and/or promote tau degradation. The advantages of using these dietary components over synthetic substances in AD prevention and intervention are their safety and accessibility. This review summarizes the mechanisms leading to tau pathology in AD and highlights the effects of bioactive compounds on the hyperphosphorylation, aggregation and clearance of tau protein. The potential of using these bioactive compounds for AD prevention and intervention is also discussed.
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Advances in the Interaction between Food-Derived Nanoparticles and the Intestinal Barrier.
Jiang, B, Zhao, Y, Cao, Y, Sun, C, Lu, W, Fang, Y
Journal of agricultural and food chemistry. 2024;(7):3291-3301
Abstract
The maintenance of the intestinal barrier is crucial for the overall balance of the gut and the organism. Dysfunction of the intestinal barrier is closely associated with intestinal diseases. In recent years, due to the increased presence of nanoparticles (NPs) in the human diet, there has been a growing concern regarding the safety and potential impact of these NPs on gastrointestinal health. The interactions between food-derived NPs and the intestinal barrier are numerous. This review provides an introduction to the structure and function of the intestinal barrier along with a comprehensive summary of the interactions between food NPs and the intestinal barrier. Additionally, we highlight the potential connection between the food NPs-induced dysfunction of the intestinal barrier and inflammatory bowel disease. Finally, we discuss the enhancement of food NPs on the repair of the intestinal barrier damage and the nutrients absorption. This review holds significant importance in furthering our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of food-derived NPs on the intestinal barrier.
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10.
Adherence to direct or vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation: a long-term observational study.
Salmasi, S, Safari, A, De Vera, MA, Högg, T, Lynd, LD, Koehoorn, M, Barry, AR, Andrade, JG, Deyell, MW, Rush, KL, et al
Journal of thrombosis and thrombolysis. 2024;(3):437-444
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Abstract
Our objectives were to measure long-term adherence to oral anticoagulants (OACs) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and to identify patient factors associated with adherence. Using linked, population-based administrative data from British Columbia, Canada, an incident cohort of adults prescribed OACs for AF was identified. We calculated the proportion of days covered (PDC) as a time-dependent covariate for each 90-day window from OAC initiation until the end of follow-up. Associations between patient attributes and adherence were assessed using generalized mixed effect linear regression models. 30,264 patients were included. Mean PDC was 0.69 (SD 0.28) over a median follow-up of 6.7 years. 54% of patients were non-adherent (PDC < 0.8). After controlling for confounders, factors positively associated with adherence were number of drug class switches, history of stroke or transient ischemic attack, history of vascular disease, time since initiation, and age. Age > 75 years at initiation, polypharmacy (among VKA users only), and receiving DOAC (vs. VKA) were negatively associated with adherence. PDC decreased over time for VKA users and increased for DOAC users. Over half of AF patients studied were, on average, nonadherent to OAC therapy and missed 32% of their doses. Several patient factors were associated with higher or lower adherence, and adherence to VKA declined during therapy while DOAC adherence increased slightly over time. To min im ize the risk stroke, adherence-supporting interventions are needed for all patients with AF, particularly those aged > 75 years, those with prior stroke or vascular disease, VKA users with polypharmacy, and DOAC recipients.