scholarly journals L-Carnitine in Drosophila: A Review

Antioxidants ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 1310
Author(s):  
Maria Rosaria Carillo ◽  
Carla Bertapelle ◽  
Filippo Scialò ◽  
Mario Siervo ◽  
Gianrico Spagnuolo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transport System ◽  
Essential Role ◽  
Energy Homeostasis ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Fatty Acyl ◽  
Amino Acid Derivative ◽  
Carnitine Transport ◽  
Human Transport ◽  
Drosophila Models

L-Carnitine is an amino acid derivative that plays a key role in the metabolism of fatty acids, including the shuttling of long-chain fatty acyl CoA to fuel mitochondrial β-oxidation. In addition, L-carnitine reduces oxidative damage and plays an essential role in the maintenance of cellular energy homeostasis. L-carnitine also plays an essential role in the control of cerebral functions, and the aberrant regulation of genes involved in carnitine biosynthesis and mitochondrial carnitine transport in Drosophila models has been linked to neurodegeneration. Drosophila models of neurodegenerative diseases provide a powerful platform to both unravel the molecular pathways that contribute to neurodegeneration and identify potential therapeutic targets. Drosophila can biosynthesize L-carnitine, and its carnitine transport system is similar to the human transport system; moreover, evidence from a defective Drosophila mutant for one of the carnitine shuttle genes supports the hypothesis of the occurrence of β-oxidation in glial cells. Hence, Drosophila models could advance the understanding of the links between L-carnitine and the development of neurodegenerative disorders. This review summarizes the current knowledge on L-carnitine in Drosophila and discusses the role of the L-carnitine pathway in fly models of neurodegeneration.

scholarly journals Liquid–liquid phase separation in human health and diseases

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bin Wang ◽  
Lei Zhang ◽  
Tong Dai ◽  
Ziran Qin ◽  
Huasong Lu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phase Separation ◽  
Liquid Phase ◽  
Human Health ◽  
Essential Role ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Liquid Phase Separation ◽  
Eukaryotic Cells ◽  
Liquid Liquid Phase Separation

AbstractEmerging evidence suggests that liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) represents a vital and ubiquitous phenomenon underlying the formation of membraneless organelles in eukaryotic cells (also known as biomolecular condensates or droplets). Recent studies have revealed evidences that indicate that LLPS plays a vital role in human health and diseases. In this review, we describe our current understanding of LLPS and summarize its physiological functions. We further describe the role of LLPS in the development of human diseases. Additionally, we review the recently developed methods for studying LLPS. Although LLPS research is in its infancy—but is fast-growing—it is clear that LLPS plays an essential role in the development of pathophysiological conditions. This highlights the need for an overview of the recent advances in the field to translate our current knowledge regarding LLPS into therapeutic discoveries.

scholarly journals One-Carbon Metabolism: Pulling the Strings behind Aging and Neurodegeneration

Cells ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 214
Author(s):  
Eirini Lionaki ◽  
Christina Ploumi ◽  
Nektarios Tavernarakis
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Metabolism ◽  
Energy Homeostasis ◽  
Cellular Proliferation ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Signaling Cascades ◽  
Cellular Redox ◽  
Transsulfuration Pathway ◽  
One Carbon Metabolism ◽  
Folate Cycle

One-carbon metabolism (OCM) is a network of biochemical reactions delivering one-carbon units to various biosynthetic pathways. The folate cycle and methionine cycle are the two key modules of this network that regulate purine and thymidine synthesis, amino acid homeostasis, and epigenetic mechanisms. Intersection with the transsulfuration pathway supports glutathione production and regulation of the cellular redox state. Dietary intake of micronutrients, such as folates and amino acids, directly contributes to OCM, thereby adapting the cellular metabolic state to environmental inputs. The contribution of OCM to cellular proliferation during development and in adult proliferative tissues is well established. Nevertheless, accumulating evidence reveals the pivotal role of OCM in cellular homeostasis of non-proliferative tissues and in coordination of signaling cascades that regulate energy homeostasis and longevity. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on OCM and related pathways and discuss how this metabolic network may impact longevity and neurodegeneration across species.

scholarly journals Treatment of COVID-19 by CD24FC; a mini-review to the current knowledge

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. e04-e04
Author(s):  
Ghazal Ghasempour Dabaghi ◽  
Mehrdad Rabiee Rad ◽  
Lillian Saberian
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Septic Shock ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Immune Responses ◽  
Essential Role ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Kidney Liver ◽  
Worse Prognosis ◽  
Immunomodulatory Function

The severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is already known for its respiratory infection, but it involved more organs such as the kidney, liver, and heart. Most of the patients with COVID-19 have mild symptoms, but 5% of cases are admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) for severe symptoms, including multi-organ failure and septic shock. Excessive immune responses play an essential role in sepsis development and are associated with worse prognosis in COVID-19 patients. Consequently, reduction of these immune responses may be helpful for managing COVID-19 patients. In this mini-review, we discuss the prospective role of CD24FC, as a recombinant protein with immunomodulatory function, in the treatment of COVID-19 patients and its mechanism of action in the regulation of the immune system.

Functional Role of Pi Transport in Osteogenic Cells

Physiology ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 119-125 ◽  
Author(s):  
J Caverzasio ◽  
C Montessuit ◽  
J-P Bonjour
Keyword(s):  
Growth Plate ◽  
Transport System ◽  
Functional Role ◽  
Essential Role ◽  
Bone Matrix ◽  
Growth Plate Chondrocytes ◽  
Osteogenic Cells ◽  
Pi Transport ◽  
Calcification Of Bone

Vesicles released into the bone matrix by growth plate chondrocytes and osteoblasts are considered important organelles for the development of primary calcification of bone. The Pi transport system in these structures plays an essential role in initial events responsible for accumulation of Ca2+ and Pi and calcification of these structures.

scholarly journals Central Regulation of Metabolism by Growth Hormone

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 129
Author(s):  
Jose Donato ◽  
Frederick Wasinski ◽  
Isadora C. Furigo ◽  
Martin Metzger ◽  
Renata Frazão
Keyword(s):  
Growth Hormone ◽  
Energy Homeostasis ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Metabolic Stress ◽  
Wide Distribution ◽  
Tissue Growth ◽  
Neuronal Populations ◽  
Hypothalamic Nuclei ◽  
The Brain

Growth hormone (GH) is secreted by the pituitary gland, and in addition to its classical functions of regulating height, protein synthesis, tissue growth, and cell proliferation, GH exerts profound effects on metabolism. In this regard, GH stimulates lipolysis in white adipose tissue and antagonizes insulin’s effects on glycemic control. During the last decade, a wide distribution of GH-responsive neurons were identified in numerous brain areas, especially in hypothalamic nuclei, that control metabolism. The specific role of GH action in different neuronal populations is now starting to be uncovered, and so far, it indicates that the brain is an important target of GH for the regulation of food intake, energy expenditure, and glycemia and neuroendocrine changes, particularly in response to different forms of metabolic stress such as glucoprivation, food restriction, and physical exercise. The objective of the present review is to summarize the current knowledge about the potential role of GH action in the brain for the regulation of different metabolic aspects. The findings gathered here allow us to suggest that GH represents a hormonal factor that conveys homeostatic information to the brain to produce metabolic adjustments in order to promote energy homeostasis.

scholarly journals Physical Exercise as Kynurenine Pathway Modulator in Chronic Diseases: Implications for Immune and Energy Homeostasis

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. 117864692093868
Author(s):  
Niklas Joisten ◽  
David Walzik ◽  
Alan J Metcalfe ◽  
Wilhelm Bloch ◽  
Philipp Zimmer
Keyword(s):  
Physical Exercise ◽  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Energy Homeostasis ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Kynurenine Pathway ◽  
Pathological Conditions ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Exercise Induced

Emerging evidence highlights the substantial role of the kynurenine pathway in various physiological systems and pathological conditions. Physical exercise has been shown to impact the kynurenine pathway in response to both single (acute) and multiple (chronic) exercise training stimuli. In this perspective article, we briefly outline the current knowledge concerning exercise-induced modulations of the kynurenine pathway and discuss underlying mechanisms. Furthermore, we expose the potential involvement of exercise-induced kynurenine pathway modulations on energy homeostasis (eg, through de novo synthesis of NAD+) and finally suggest how these modulations may contribute to exercise-induced benefits in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases.

scholarly journals The role of orexin in controlling the activity of the adipo-pancreatic axis

2018 ◽  
Vol 238 (2) ◽  
pp. R95-R108 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Skrzypski ◽  
M Billert ◽  
K W Nowak ◽  
M Z Strowski
Keyword(s):  
Energy Homeostasis ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Peripheral Tissues ◽  
Cell Functions ◽  
White Adipocytes ◽  
Obesity And Diabetes ◽  
Regulate Body Weight ◽  
G Protein Coupled

Orexin A and B are two neuropeptides, which regulate a variety of physiological functions by interacting with central nervous system and peripheral tissues. Biological effects of orexins are mediated through two G-protein-coupled receptors (OXR1 and OXR2). In addition to their strong influence on the sleep–wake cycle, there is growing evidence that orexins regulate body weight, glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, orexins promote energy expenditure and protect against obesity by interacting with brown adipocytes. Fat tissue and the endocrine pancreas play pivotal roles in maintaining energy homeostasis. Since both organs are crucially important in the context of pathophysiology of obesity and diabetes, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the role of orexins and their receptors in controlling adipocytes as well as the endocrine pancreatic functions. Particularly, we discuss studies evaluating the effects of orexins in controlling brown and white adipocytes as well as pancreatic alpha and beta cell functions.

scholarly journals Regulation and Metabolic Significance of De Novo Lipogenesis in Adipose Tissues

Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 1383 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ziyi Song ◽  
Alus Xiaoli ◽  
Fajun Yang
Keyword(s):  
Energy Homeostasis ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
De Novo Lipogenesis ◽  
Adipose Tissues ◽  
Brown Adipose ◽  
Therapeutic Opportunity ◽  
Regulate Energy Metabolism

De novo lipogenesis (DNL) is a complex and highly regulated process in which carbohydrates from circulation are converted into fatty acids that are then used for synthesizing either triglycerides or other lipid molecules. Dysregulation of DNL contributes to human diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Thus, the lipogenic pathway may provide a new therapeutic opportunity for combating various pathological conditions that are associated with dysregulated lipid metabolism. Hepatic DNL has been well documented, but lipogenesis in adipocytes and its contribution to energy homeostasis and insulin sensitivity are less studied. Recent reports have gained significant insights into the signaling pathways that regulate lipogenic transcription factors and the role of DNL in adipose tissues. In this review, we will update the current knowledge of DNL in white and brown adipose tissues with the focus on transcriptional, post-translational, and central regulation of DNL. We will also summarize the recent findings of adipocyte DNL as a source of some signaling molecules that critically regulate energy metabolism.

scholarly journals Role of Flavonoids in the Interactions among Obesity, Inflammation, and Autophagy

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 342
Author(s):  
María García-Barrado ◽  
María Iglesias-Osma ◽  
Elena Pérez-García ◽  
Sixto Carrero ◽  
Enrique Blanco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Bariatric Surgery ◽  
Essential Role ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Autophagic Flux ◽  
Obese Patients ◽  
Lifestyle Modifications ◽  
Inflammatory Signaling

Nowadays, obesity is considered as one of the main concerns for public health worldwide, since it encompasses up to 39% of overweight and 13% obese (WHO) adults. It develops because of the imbalance in the energy intake/expenditure ratio, which leads to excess nutrients and results in dysfunction of adipose tissue. The hypertrophy of adipocytes and the nutrients excess trigger the induction of inflammatory signaling through various pathways, among others, an increase in the expression of pro-inflammatory adipocytokines, and stress of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). A better understanding of obesity and preventing its complications are beneficial for obese patients on two facets: treating obesity, and treating and preventing the pathologies associated with it. Hitherto, therapeutic itineraries in most cases are based on lifestyle modifications, bariatric surgery, and pharmacotherapy despite none of them have achieved optimal results. Therefore, diet can play an important role in the prevention of adiposity, as well as the associated disorders. Recent results have shown that flavonoids intake have an essential role in protecting against oxidative damage phenomena, and presents biochemical and pharmacological functions beneficial to human health. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the anti-inflammatory actions and autophagic flux of natural flavonoids, and their molecular mechanisms for preventing and/or treating obesity.

scholarly journals Role of Leptin in the Digestive System

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Min-Hyun Kim ◽  
Hyeyoung Kim
Keyword(s):  
Digestive System ◽  
Energy Homeostasis ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Peptide Hormone ◽  
Downstream Signaling ◽  
Pathological Conditions ◽  
Therapeutic Uses ◽  
Tissue Healing ◽  
The Central Nervous System

Leptin is a pluripotent peptide hormone produced mainly by adipocytes, as well as by other tissues such as the stomach. Leptin primarily acts on the central nervous system, particularly the hypothalamus, where this hormone regulates energy homeostasis and neuroendocrine function. Owing to this, disruption of leptin signaling has been linked with numerous pathological conditions. Recent studies have also highlighted the diverse roles of leptin in the digestive system including immune regulation, cell proliferation, tissue healing, and glucose metabolism. Of note, leptin acts differently under physiological and pathological conditions. Here, we review the current knowledge on the functions of leptin and its downstream signaling in the gastrointestinal tract and accessory digestive organs, with an emphasis on its physiological and pathological implications. We also discuss the current therapeutic uses of recombinant leptin, as well as its limitations.

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