scholarly journals Anthocyanin Bioactivity in Obesity and Diabetes: The Essential Role of Glucose Transporters in the Gut and Periphery

Cells ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 2515
Author(s):  
Patrick Solverson
Keyword(s):  
Antioxidant Properties ◽  
Glucose Transporters ◽  
The United States ◽  
Glucose Absorption ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Binding Affinities ◽  
Obesity And Diabetes ◽  
And Function ◽  
Diabetes Trends

Obesity and type-2 diabetes trends continue to worsen in the United States. Dietary anthocyanins (typically provided by berries and other fruits) are reported to have protective effects against both conditions using a variety of experimental research models including animal and human feeding studies. This review highlights studies that explore the biochemical pathways in both tissue and rodent models which could explain clinical improvements noted with anthocyanin consumption. First, the primary mode of intestinal absorption of anthocyanins is through both sGLT1 and GLUT2 glucose transporters. Stronger binding affinities may allow anthocyanins to be more inhibitive to glucose absorption compared to the reverse, where GLUT2 expression may also be affected. Genetic or chemical inhibition of sGLT1 or GLUT2 demonstrate their essential function in anthocyanin absorption across the enterocyte, where the former interacts with a greater variety of anthocyanins but the latter is the major transporter for specific anthocyanin-glycosides. Once absorbed, anthocyanins positively modulate GLUT4 density and function in both skeletal muscle and adipose tissues via the upregulation of AMPK and restoration of insulin sensitivity. Antioxidant properties and phosphodiesterase inhibition by anthocyanins promote both mitochondrial function and density which could be novel targets for dietary management of obesity and its complications.

The Role of the CX3CL1-CX3CR1 Axis in Renal Disease

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana Hamdan ◽  
Lisa A. Robinson
Keyword(s):  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Kidney Diseases ◽  
Transmembrane Protein ◽  
Soluble Form ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Chronic Kidney Diseases ◽  
The Family ◽  
Soluble Species ◽  
And Function

Excessive infiltration of immune cells into the kidney is a key feature of acute and chronic kidney diseases. The family of chemokines are key drivers of this process. CX3CL1 (fractalkine) is one of two unique chemokines synthesized as a transmembrane protein which undergoes proteolytic cleavage to generate a soluble species. Through interacting with its cognate receptor, CX3CR1, CX3CL1 was originally shown to act as a conventional chemoattractant in the soluble form, and as an adhesion molecule in the transmembrane form. Since then, other functions of CX3CL1 beyond leukocyte recruitment have been described, including cell survival, immunosurveillance, and cell-mediated cytotoxicity. This review summarizes diverse roles of CX3CL1 in kidney disease and potential uses as a therapeutic target and novel biomarker. As the CX3CL1-CX3CR1 axis has been shown to contribute to both detrimental and protective effects in various kidney diseases, a thorough understanding of how the expression and function of CX3CL1 are regulated is needed to unlock its therapeutic potential.

scholarly journals The Forensic Engineer in State and Federal Court

2014 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard M. Ziernicki
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Legal System ◽  
Expert Witness ◽  
Federal Court ◽  
The United States ◽  
Court System ◽  
Civil Lawsuits ◽  
Forensic Engineering ◽  
And Function

This paper outlines the legal system in the United States, the different types of courts, the differences between criminal and civil law, and the role of forensic engineering experts involved in civil lawsuits. After providing a summary of relevant procedures employed by civil and criminal courts, the paper describes the basic principles and requirements for the selection and work of a forensic engineering expert in both the state and federal court system. This paper outlines the role and function of forensic experts (specifically forensic engineers), in the United States court system. It is not a treatise on the legal system but on the role of experts. The paper presents the requirements typically used in today’s legal system to qualify a forensic engineer as an expert witness and to accept his or her work and opinions. Furthermore, this paper discusses who can be an expert witness, the expert’s report, applicable standards, conducted research, engineering opinions, and final testimony in court — and how those elements fit into the legal system. Lastly, the paper describes the concept of spoliation of evidence.

scholarly journals Understanding the Role of Dysfunctional and Healthy Mitochondria in Stroke Pathology and Its Treatment

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (7) ◽  
pp. 2127 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hung Nguyen ◽  
Sydney Zarriello ◽  
Mira Rajani ◽  
Julian Tuazon ◽  
Eleonora Napoli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cell ◽  
Neurovascular Unit ◽  
The United States ◽  
Stroke Therapy ◽  
Molecular Processes ◽  
Innovative Strategies ◽  
Mitochondria Transfer ◽  
And Function ◽  
Research Endeavor

Stroke remains a major cause of death and disability in the United States and around the world. Solid safety and efficacy profiles of novel stroke therapeutics have been generated in the laboratory, but most failed in clinical trials. Investigations into the pathology and treatment of the disease remain a key research endeavor in advancing scientific understanding and clinical applications. In particular, cell-based regenerative medicine, specifically stem cell transplantation, may hold promise as a stroke therapy, because grafted cells and their components may recapitulate the growth and function of the neurovascular unit, which arguably represents the alpha and omega of stroke brain pathology and recovery. Recent evidence has implicated mitochondria, organelles with a central role in energy metabolism and stress response, in stroke progression. Recognizing that stem cells offer a source of healthy mitochondria—one that is potentially transferrable into ischemic cells—may provide a new therapeutic tool. To this end, deciphering cellular and molecular processes underlying dysfunctional mitochondria may reveal innovative strategies for stroke therapy. Here, we review recent studies capturing the intimate participation of mitochondrial impairment in stroke pathology, and showcase promising methods of healthy mitochondria transfer into ischemic cells to critically evaluate the potential of mitochondria-based stem cell therapy for stroke patients.

Propofol Attenuates Peroxynitrite-mediated DNA Damage and Apoptosis in Cultured Astrocytes

2004 ◽  
Vol 101 (6) ◽  
pp. 1363-1371 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosaria Acquaviva ◽  
Agata Campisi ◽  
Paolo Murabito ◽  
Giuseppina Raciti ◽  
Roberto Avola ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Caspase 3 ◽  
Antioxidant Properties ◽  
Lactic Dehydrogenase ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Astroglial Cells ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Scavenging Effect ◽  
Cultured Astrocytes ◽  
Diphenyl Tetrazolium Bromide

Background The concentration of peroxynitrite in the brain increases after central nervous system injuries. The authors hypothesized that propofol, because of its particular chemical structure, mitigates the effects of peroxynitrite-mediated oxidative stress and apoptosis by the induction of heme oxygenase (HO)-1 in primary cultured astroglial cells. Methods Primary cultured astroglial cells were incubated for 18 h with a known peroxynitrite donor (3 mm SIN-1) in the presence or absence of propofol (40 microm, 80 microm, 160 microm, and 1 mm). The protective effects of propofol were evaluated by 3(4,5-dimethyl-thiazol-2-yl)2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide cytotoxicity assay, lactic dehydrogenase release, DNA ladderization by Comet assay, and caspase-3 activation by Western blot analysis. Results Appropriate propofol concentrations (ranging from 40 microm to 1 mm) significantly increased HO-1 expression and attenuated SIN-1-mediated DNA ladderization and caspase-3 activation. The protective effects of propofol were mitigated by the addition of tin mesoporphyrin, a potent inhibitor of HO activity. The addition of a specific synthetic inhibitor of nuclear factor kappaB abolished propofol-mediated HO-1 induction, suggesting a possible role of this nuclear transcriptional factor in our experimental conditions. Conclusions The antioxidant properties of propofol can be partially attributed to its scavenging effect on peroxynitrite as well as to its ability to increase HO-1 expression at higher concentrations, a property that might be relevant to neuroprotection during anesthesia.

scholarly journals Plasticizers and Cardiovascular Health: Role of Adipose Tissue Dysfunction

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mikyla A. Callaghan ◽  
Samuel Alatorre-Hinojosa ◽  
Liam T. Connors ◽  
Radha D. Singh ◽  
Jennifer A. Thompson
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Adipose Tissue ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Cardiovascular Health ◽  
The United States ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting ◽  
And Function

Since the 1950s, the production of plastics has increased 200-fold, reaching 360 million tonnes in 2019. Plasticizers, additives that modify the flexibility and rigidity of the product, are ingested as they migrate into food and beverages. Human exposure is continuous and widespread; between 75 and 97% of urine samples contain detectable levels of bisphenols and phthalates, the most common plasticizers. Concern over the toxicity of plasticizers arose in the late 1990s, largely focused around adverse developmental and reproductive effects. More recently, many studies have demonstrated that exposure to plasticizers increases the risk for obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease (CVD). In the 2000s, many governments including Canada, the United States and European countries restricted the use of certain plasticizers in products targeted towards infants and children. Resultant consumer pressure motivated manufacturers to substitute plasticizers with analogues, which have been marketed as safe. However, data on the effects of these new substitutes are limited and data available to-date suggest that many exhibit similar properties to the chemicals they replaced. The adverse effects of plasticizers have largely been attributed to their endocrine disrupting properties, which modulate hormone signaling. Adipose tissue has been well-documented to be a target of the disrupting effects of both bisphenols and phthalates. Since adipose tissue function is a key determinant of cardiovascular health, adverse effects of plasticizers on adipocyte signaling and function may underlie their link to cardiovascular disease. Herein, we discuss the current evidence linking bisphenols and phthalates to obesity and CVD and consider how documented impacts of these plasticizers on adipocyte function may contribute to the development of CVD.

scholarly journals Networks of modern intellectuals in pursuit of overcoming crisis trends: theoretical-applied aspect

2020 ◽  
pp. 74-90
Author(s):  
Nikita Nikolaevich Ravochkin ◽  
Valerii Nikolaevich Bobrikov
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
The United States ◽  
Structural Elements ◽  
Behavioral Strategies ◽  
Applied Aspect ◽  
The Government ◽  
And Function

This article examines the role of networks of intellectuals in the aspect of seeking ways to overcome the current crises (primarily political-legal) trends. The object of this research is the networks of modern intellectuals. The authors clarify the concept of the networks of intellectuals, review the structural elements and relationship models between the participants. Leaning on the contemporary scientific material, the article describes most popular relationship strategies between the users of the networks of intellectuals and the government. Practical examples of relationships between the U. S. and European intellectuals along with the key difference in the applied strategies are analyzed. Among the main conclusions, the authors note the peculiarities of interaction inside and between various networks of intellectual; however, confrontation between the opponents appeared to be most constructive. Networks of intellectuals can be formed and function for several centuries and on the territories of multiple countries, launching functional chains presented by the developed ideas and concepts. The applied analysis demonstrate that intellectuals of the United States and Europe (despite commonality of views) adhere to different behavioral strategies in their relationship with the authorities: being in management structures or holding a position of independent experts respectively.

The Gaelic Athletic Association, Transnational Identities and Irish-America

2010 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 351-370 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Darby
Keyword(s):  
The United States ◽  
Ethnographic Research ◽  
Irish Nationalism ◽  
Transnational Identities ◽  
Migrant Communities ◽  
Irish America ◽  
The Us ◽  
And Function ◽  
Role And Function

This article draws on the concept of transnationalism to examine the role and function of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) among Irish migrant communities in the United States. In particular, it examines the role of the GAA in the production and reproduction of shifting notions of Irish national identification in America. The analyses here are rooted in ethnographic research conducted in the US and Ireland and are informed, theoretically, by the work of Basch, Glick-Schiller and Szanton Blanc (1994) and Duany (2002) on transnational identities. The article argues that Irish nationalism, as constructed and articulated in and through the GAA in America, can be considered as a deterritorialized form of identity rather than one that is necessarily limited or constrained by national borders.

scholarly journals UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE OF DYSFUNCTIONAL AND HEALTHY MITOCHONDRIA IN STROKE PATHOLOGY AND ITS TREATMENT

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hung Nguyen ◽  
Sydney Zarriello ◽  
Mira Rajani ◽  
Julian Tuazon ◽  
Eleonora Napoli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Neurovascular Unit ◽  
The United States ◽  
Stroke Therapy ◽  
Innovative Strategies ◽  
Mitochondria Transfer ◽  
Stem Cells Transplantation ◽  
And Function ◽  
Research Endeavor

Stroke remains a major cause of death and disability in the United States and around the world. Solid safety and efficacy profiles of novel stroke therapeutics have been generated in the laboratory, but most failed in clinical trials. Investigations into the pathology and treatment of the disease remain a key research endeavor in advancing scientific understanding and clinical applications. In particular, cell-based regenerative medicine, specifically stem cells transplantation, may hold promise as stroke therapy because grafted cells and their components may recapitulate the growth and function of the neurovascular unit, which arguably represents the alpha and omega of stroke brain pathology and recovery. Recent evidence has implicated mitochondria, organelles with a central role in energy metabolism and stress response, in stroke progression. Recognizing that stem cells offer a source of healthy mitochondria, potentially transferrable into ischemic cells, may provide a new therapeutic tool. To this end, deciphering cellular and molecular processes underlying dysfunctional mitochondria may reveal innovative strategies for stroke therapy. Here, we review recent studies capturing the intimate participation of mitochondrial impairment in stroke pathology, and showcase promising methods of healthy mitochondria transfer into ischemic cells, to critically evaluate the potential of mitochondria-based stem cell therapy for stroke.

scholarly journals The Role of the Gut Microbiome in Diabetes and Obesity-Related Kidney Disease

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (17) ◽  
pp. 9641
Author(s):  
Amgad Zaky ◽  
Sarah J. Glastras ◽  
May Y. W. Wong ◽  
Carol A. Pollock ◽  
Sonia Saad
Keyword(s):  
Kidney Disease ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Renin Angiotensin System ◽  
Short Chain Fatty Acids ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Obesity And Diabetes ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Diabetes And Obesity

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a progressive disorder, which is increasing globally in prevalence due to the increased incidence of obesity and diabetes mellitus. Despite optimal clinical management, a significant number of patients with diabetes develop DKD. Hence, hitherto unrecognized factors are likely to be involved in the initiation and progression of DKD. An extensive number of studies have demonstrated the role of microbiota in health and disease. Dysregulation in the microbiota resulting in a deficiency of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as propionate, acetate, and butyrate, by-products of healthy gut microbiota metabolism, have been demonstrated in obesity, type 1 and type 2 diabetes. However, it is not clear to date whether such changes in the microbiota are causative or merely associated with the diseases. It is also not clear which microbiota have protective effects on humans. Few studies have investigated the centrality of reduced SCFA in DKD development and progression or the potential therapeutic effects of supplemental SCFAs on insulin resistance, inflammation, and metabolic changes. SCFA receptors are expressed in the kidneys, and emerging data have demonstrated that intestinal dysbiosis activates the renal renin-angiotensin system, which contributes to the development of DKD. In this review, we will summarize the complex relationship between the gut microbiota and the kidney, examine the evidence for the role of gut dysbiosis in diabetes and obesity-related kidney disease, and explore the mechanisms involved. In addition, we will describe the role of potential therapies that modulate the gut microbiota to prevent or reduce kidney disease progression.

scholarly journals The Role of Regulatory B cells in Kidney Diseases

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wang Long ◽  
Hedong Zhang ◽  
Wenjia Yuan ◽  
Gongbin Lan ◽  
Zhi Lin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
B Cells ◽  
Autoimmune Diseases ◽  
Kidney Diseases ◽  
Specific Marker ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Regulatory B Cells ◽  
Multiple Phenotypes ◽  
Therapeutic Value ◽  
And Function

B cells, commonly regarded as proinflammatory antibody-producing cells, are detrimental to individuals with autoimmune diseases. However, in recent years, several studies have shown that regulatory B (Breg) cells, an immunosuppressive subset of B cells, may exert protective effects against autoimmune diseases by secretion of inhibitory cytokines such as IL-10. In practice, Breg cells are identified by their production of immune-regulatory cytokines, such as IL-10, TGF-β, and IL-35, however, no specific marker or Breg cell-specific transcription factor has been identified. Multiple phenotypes of Breg cells have been found, whose functions vary according to their phenotype. This review summarizes the discovery, phenotypes, development, and function of Breg cells and highlights their potential therapeutic value in kidney diseases.

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