scholarly journals The Positive Effects of Grifola frondosa Heteropolysaccharide on NAFLD and Regulation of the Gut Microbiota

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (21) ◽  
pp. 5302 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li ◽  
Zeng ◽  
Huang ◽  
Liu
Keyword(s):  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Cholesterol Metabolism ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Grifola Frondosa ◽  
Specific Gene ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Alcoholic Fatty Liver ◽  
Positive Effects

: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major public health problem in many countries. In this study, the ability of Grifola frondosa heteropolysaccharide (GFP) to ameliorate NAFLD was investigated in rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD). The molecular mechanisms modulating the expression of specific gene members related to lipid synthesis and conversion, cholesterol metabolism, and inflammation pathways were determined. The components of the intestinal microflora in rats were analyzed by high-throughput next-generation 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Supplementation with GFP significantly increased the proportions of Allobaculum, Bacteroides, and Bifidobacterium and decreased the proportions of Acetatifactor, Alistipes, Flavonifractor, Paraprevotella, and Oscillibacter. In addition, Alistipes, Flavonifractor, and Oscillibacter were shown to be significant cecal microbiota according to the Spearman’s correlation test between the gut microbiota and biomedical assays (|r| > 0.7). Histological analysis and biomedical assays showed that GFP treatments could significantly protect against NAFLD. In addition, Alistipes, Flavonifractor, and Oscillibacter may play vital roles in the prevention of NAFLD. These results suggest that GFP could be used as a functional material to regulate the gut microbiota of NAFLD individuals.

scholarly journals Proteomic Profiling Reveals the Molecular Changes of Insomnia Patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Guanying Wang ◽  
Xiaojuan Ren ◽  
Xingping Zhang ◽  
Qingquan Wang ◽  
Tao Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Cholesterol Metabolism ◽  
Sleep Onset ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Sleep Time ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Proteomic Profiling ◽  
Ppi Network ◽  
Metabolic Systems ◽  
Hub Proteins

Background. Insomnia is an economic burden and public health problem. This study is aimed at exploring potential biological pathways and protein networks for insomnia characterized by wakefulness after sleep. Method. Proteomics analysis was performed in the insomnia group with wakefulness and the control group. The differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were enriched; then, hub proteins were identified by protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and verified by parallel reaction monitoring (PRM). Results. Compared with the control group, the sleep time and efficiency of insomnia patients were decreased, and awakening time and numbers after sleep onset were significantly increased ( P < 0.001 ). The results of proteomic sequencing found 68 DEPs in serum under 1.2-fold changed standard. These DEPs were significantly enriched in humoral immune response, complement and coagulation cascades, and cholesterol metabolism. Through the PPI network, we identified 10 proteins with the highest connectivity as hub proteins. Among them, the differential expression of 9 proteins was verified by PRM. Conclusion. We identified the hub proteins and molecular mechanisms of insomnia patients characterized by wakefulness after sleep. It provided potential molecular targets for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of these patients and indicated that the immune and metabolic systems may be closely related to insomnia characterized by wakefulness after sleep.

scholarly journals Dark or Bright Half of the Moon: A Qualitative Study Exploring the Experience of Iranian Heart Failure Patients Regarding their Quality of Life

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 824-830 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahdi Moshki ◽  
Abdoljavad Khajavi ◽  
Haydeh Hashemizadeh ◽  
Farveh Vakilian ◽  
Shima Minaee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Heart Failure ◽  
Functional Limitations ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Framework Analysis ◽  
Positive Effects

BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) is a major public health problem in different societies and has numerous impacts on quality of life (QOL). AIM: The present study was carried out with the aim to explore the experience of HF patients regarding the negative effects of the disease on their QOL. METHODS: In this qualitative exploratory study data collection was performed through face-to-face, semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 19 patients with HF, who were selected through purposive sampling method from April to September 2017. Data analysis was carried out based on the framework analysis method. RESULTS: The negative consequences of HF on QOL emerged in the form of 6 main themes including symptoms, disease complications, cognitive impairment, psychological distress, functional limitations and economic problems. Most of the participants (14 out of 19) assessed their QOL as well or very well. CONCLUSION: The majority of the patients in this study, despite the many negative impacts of HF, had a high QOL that could indicate their satisfaction and effective coping with HF by creating a positive outlook and the perceived positive effects of the disease.

scholarly journals The effect of PDE5 inhibitors on bone and oxidative damage in ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis

2017 ◽  
Vol 242 (10) ◽  
pp. 1051-1061 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamit H Alp ◽  
Zübeyir Huyut ◽  
Serkan Yildirim ◽  
Yıldıray Başbugan ◽  
Levent Ediz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mass Density ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate ◽  
Guanosine Monophosphate ◽  
Protein Kinase G ◽  
Bone Mass Density ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Pde5 Inhibitors ◽  
Positive Effects

Osteoporosis is a major public health problem associated with many factors, and it affects more than 50% of women over 50 years old. In the current study, our purpose was to investigate the effects of phosphodiestarase-5 inhibitors on osteoporosis via the nitric oxide/3′,5′-cyclic guanosine monophosphate/protein kinase G signalling pathway. A total of 50 female albino Wistar rats were separated into five groups. The first group was appointed as the healthy control group with no ovariectomy. All animals in the other groups underwent a bilateral ovariectomy. Six months after the ovariectomy, vardenafil, udenafil and tadalafil were given to the third, fourth and fifth groups, respectively, but were not administered to the positive control group (10 mg/kg per day for two months). The bone mineral density values were determined using a densitometry apparatus for all groups pre- and post-ovariectomy as well as after treatment. The levels of nitric oxide, endothelial nitric oxidesynthase, asymmetric dimethylarginine, 3′,5′-cyclic guanosine monophosphate, protein kinase G, phosphodiestarase-5, pyridinoline, deoxypyridinoline, carboxyterminal telopeptide fragments and plasma carboxy terminal propeptide of type I collagen were determined using an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The levels of malondialdehyde, 8-hydroxy-2-deoxy guanosine, deoxyguanosine and coenzyme Q10 were determined by a high-performance liquid chromatography assay. Additionally, the right femoral trabecular bone density and the epiphyseal plate were measured in all groups. Angiogenesis was histologically observed in the bone tissue. In addition, we determined that the inhibitors may have caused a positive impact on the increased bone mass density and reduction of bone resorption markers. We also observed the positive effects of these inhibitors on oxidative stress. In conclusion, these phosphodiestarase-5 inhibitors increase angiogenesis in bone tissue and improve the re-formation rate of bone in rats with osteoporosis. Chemical compounds studied in this article Udenafil (PubChem CID: 6918523); Tadalafil (PubChem CID: 110635); Vardanafil (PubCham CID: 110634). Impact statement The results in our study appear to establish the osteoporosis model and provide evidence of the positive effects of three separate PDE5 inhibitors (vardenafil, udenafil, and tadalafil). The positive effects of these PDE5 inhibitors are investigated and demonstrated by the bone mass density and bone resorption markers. These effects are associated with significant demonstrated antioxidant activities. Osteoporosis is a significant major public health problem especially in more aged populations. Advances in identifying and understanding new potential therapeutic modalities for this disease are significant. This study provides such an advance.

scholarly journals Using fecal immunochemical tubes for the analysis of gut microbiome has potential to improve colorectal cancer screening

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kertu Liis Krigul ◽  
Oliver Aasmets ◽  
Kreete Lull ◽  
Tonis Org ◽  
Elin Org
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Cancer Screening ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Colorectal Cancer Screening ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Fecal Occult Blood ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Screening Programs ◽  
Fresh Frozen ◽  
The Impact

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is an important and challenging public health problem which successful treatment depends on the early detection of the disease. Recently, colorectal cancer specific microbiome signatures have been proposed as an additional marker for CRC detection. A desirable aim would be the possibility to analyze microbiome from the fecal samples collected during CRC screening programs into FIT tubes for fecal occult blood testing. Methods: We investigated the impact of Fecal Immunohistochemical Test (FIT) and stabilization buffer on the microbial community structure in stool samples from 30 volunteers and compared their communities to fresh-frozen samples highlighting also the previously published cancer-specific communities. Altogether 214 samples were analyzed including positive and negative controls using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Results: The variation between individuals is greater than differences introduced by collection strategy. The vast majority of the genera are stable up to 7 days. None of the changes observed between fresh frozen samples and FIT tubes are related to previously shown colorectal cancer specific bacteria. Conclusions: Overall, our results show that FIT tubes can be used for profiling the gut microbiota in colorectal cancer screening programs as the community is similar to fresh frozen samples and stable at least for 7 days. Impact: Sample material from FIT tubes could be used in addition to fecal immunochemical tests for future investigations into the role of gut microbiota in colorectal cancer screening programs circumventing the need to collect additional samples and possibly improving the sensitivity of FIT.

scholarly journals Effect of chewing betel nut on the gut microbiota of Hainanese

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (10) ◽  
pp. e0258489
Author(s):  
Li Ying ◽  
Yunjia Yang ◽  
Jun Zhou ◽  
Hairong Huang ◽  
Guankui Du
Keyword(s):  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
16S Rrna Gene Sequencing ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Betel Nut ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Α Diversity ◽  
Host Health ◽  
Betel Nut Chewing ◽  
Rrna Gene Sequencing

Betel nut chewing (BNC) is prevalent in South Asia and Southeast Asia. BNC can affect host health by modulating the gut microbiota. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of BNC on the gut microbiota of the host. Feces samples were obtained from 34 BNC individuals from Ledong and Lingshui, Hainan, China. The microbiota was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. BNC decreased the microbial α-diversity. Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, and Proteobacteria were the predominant phyla, accounting for 99.35% of the BNC group. The Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio was significantly increased in the BNC group compared to a control group. The abundances of the families Aerococcaceae, Neisseriaceae, Moraxellaceae, Porphyromonadaceae, and Planococcaceae were decreased in the BNC/BNC_Male/BNC_Female groups compared to the control group, whereas the abundances of Coriobacteriaceae, Streptococcaceae, Micrococcaceae, Xanthomonadaceae, Coxiellaceae, Nocardioidaceae, Rhodobacteraceae, and Succinivibrionaceae were increased. In general, the gut microbiome profiles suggest that BNC may have positive effects, such as an increase in the abundance of beneficial microbes and a reduction in the abundance of disease-related microbes. However, BNC may also produce an increase in the abundance of disease-related microbes. Therefore, extraction of prebiotic components could increase the beneficial value of betel nut.

scholarly journals Streptococcus, the Predominant Bacterium to Predict the Severity of Liver Injury in Alcoholic Liver Disease

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaodan Zhong ◽  
Ping Cui ◽  
Junjun Jiang ◽  
Chuanyi Ning ◽  
Bingyu Liang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Liver Disease ◽  
Liver Injury ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Alcoholic Liver Disease ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Characteristic Curve ◽  
Hepatic Function ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Alcoholic Fatty Liver ◽  
Predominant Bacterium

BackgroundNew evidence implies that the imbalance of gut microbiota is associated with the progression of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and that the composition of gut microbiota is altered in ALD patients. However, the predominant bacterium in patients involved in the progress of ALD has not been identified. The purpose of this study is to investigate the predominant bacterium in the early and end-stages of ALD as well as the relationship between the bacterium and the degree of liver injury.MethodsWe enrolled 21 alcoholic fatty liver (AFL) patients, 17 alcoholic liver cirrhosis (ALC) patients and 27 healthy controls, and sequenced the 16S rRNA gene of their fecal microbiota. The gut microbiota composition and its relationship with the indicators of clinical hepatic function were assessed using canonical correspondence analysis (CCA), spearman correlation heatmap and multivariate association with linear (MaAsLin) Models.ResultsThe composition and structure of gut microbiota changed greatly in different stages of ALD, and the degree of disorder was aggravated with the progression of ALD, even in the early stage. Moreover, the relative abundance of Streptococcus was highly enriched only in patients with ALC (P &lt;0.001), and positively correlated with AST level (P = 0.029). The abundance of Streptococcus distinguished the liver injury of ALC patients from the controls with an area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.877 (P &lt; 0.001).ConclusionsThese findings indicate that the imbalance of gut microbiota exists at the early and end-stages of ALD, and the degree of disorder is aggravated with the progression of ALD. Streptococcus, as the predominant bacterium, may be a microbiological marker to evaluate the severity of liver injury in ALD patients.

scholarly journals Exchange Proteins Directly Activated by cAMP and Their Roles in Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection

2018 ◽  
Vol 92 (22) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eun-Jin Choi ◽  
Yuping Ren ◽  
Yu Chen ◽  
Shengxuan Liu ◽  
Wenzhe Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽  
Therapeutic Target ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Inflammatory Responses ◽  
Dominant Role ◽  
Specific Treatment ◽  
Specific Inhibitor ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Specific Gene ◽  
Syncytial Virus

ABSTRACT Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of respiratory infection in young children and high-risk adults. However, a specific treatment for this viral infection is not currently available. In this study, we discovered that an exchange protein directly activated by cyclic AMP (EPAC) can serve as a potential therapeutic target for RSV. In both lower and upper epithelial cells, treatment with EPAC inhibitor (ESI-09), but not protein kinase A inhibitor (H89), significantly inhibits RSV replication and proinflammatory cytokine/chemokine induction. In addition, RSV-activated transcriptional factors belonging to the NF-κB and IRF families are also suppressed by ESI-09. Through isoform-specific gene knockdown, we found that EPAC2, but not EPAC1, plays a dominant role in controlling RSV replication and virus-induced host responses. Experiments using both EPAC2 knockout and EPAC2-specific inhibitor support such roles of EPAC2. Therefore, EPAC2 is a promising therapeutic target to regulate RSV replication and associated inflammation. IMPORTANCE RSV is a serious public health problem, as it is associated with bronchiolitis, pneumonia, and asthma exacerbations. Currently no effective treatment or vaccine is available, and many molecular mechanisms regarding RSV-induced lung disease are still significantly unknown. This project aims to elucidate an important and novel function of a protein, called EPAC2, in RSV replication and innate inflammatory responses. Our results should provide an important insight into the development of new pharmacologic strategies against RSV infection, thereby reducing RSV-associated morbidity and mortality.

Metabonomics Study on the Hepatoprotective Effect of Panax notoginseng Leaf Saponins Using UPLC/Q-TOF-MS Analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (03) ◽  
pp. 559-575 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fang Liu ◽  
Meng Wang ◽  
Yang Wang ◽  
Yiwei Cao ◽  
Zhaolin Sun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Liver ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Panax Notoginseng ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Hepatoprotective Effect ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Panax Notoginseng Saponins ◽  
Alcoholic Fatty Liver ◽  
Hepatoprotective Effects

Alcohol liver disease is a major public health problem associated with lifestyle. Our recent study demonstrated that the roots of Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) exert hepatoprotective effects against alcohol consumption. Considering that the leaves of Panax notoginseng saponins (LPNS) have similar chemical ingredients with PNS, increased attention should be given to the hepatoprotective effects of LPNS. In this study, a metabonomic approach based on ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF/MS) was developed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of LPNS on alcoholic fatty liver and elucidate the interaction mechanisms. Results showed that the ethanol-induced metabolic perturbations were restored after treatment with LPNS. Furthermore, 12 potential biomarkers (11 upregulated and 1 downregulated) were identified by V-plot and orthogonal partial least square discriminant analysis. Changes in the levels of these metabolites indicated that glycerophospholipid and fatty acid metabolism were disturbed in alcoholic fatty liver mouse. Our findings demonstrated that the UHPLC–QTOF/MS-based metabonomic method may provide a useful means for exploring biomarkers involved in alcoholic fatty liver and elucidating the therapeutic effects of LPNS. This work also showed that the metabonomic approach is a powerful and promising tool for the evaluation of the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine and elucidation of related mechanisms.

scholarly journals The Relevance of MicroRNAs in the Pathogenesis and Prognosis of HCV-Disease: The Emergent Role of miR-17-92 in Cryoglobulinemic Vasculitis

Viruses ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 1364
Author(s):  
Serena Lorini ◽  
Laura Gragnani ◽  
Anna Linda Zignego
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Lymphoproliferative Disorders ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Cryoglobulinemic Vasculitis ◽  
Association Analyses ◽  
Non Invasive

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major public health problem. HCV is a hepatotropic and lymphotropic virus that leads to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and lymphoproliferative disorders such as cryoglobulinemic vasculitis (CV) and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). The molecular mechanisms by which HCV induces these diseases are not fully understood. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding molecules that negatively regulate post-transcriptional gene expression by decreasing their target gene expression. We will attempt to summarize the current knowledge on the role of miRNAs in the HCV life cycle, HCV-related HCC, and lymphoproliferative disorders, focusing on both the functional effects of their deregulation as well as on their putative role as biomarkers, based on association analyses. We will also provide original new data regarding the miR 17-92 cluster in chronically infected HCV patients with and without lymphoproliferative disorders who underwent antiviral therapy. All of the cluster members were significantly upregulated in CV patients compared to patients without CV and significantly decreased in those who achieved vasculitis clinical remission after viral eradication. To conclude, miRNAs play an important role in HCV infection and related oncogenic processes, but their molecular pathways are not completely clear. In some cases, they may be potential therapeutic targets or non-invasive biomarkers of tumor progression.

Hepatitis C virus resistance to interferon therapy: an alarming situation

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 1155-1167
Author(s):  
Sobia Kanwal ◽  
Tariq Mahmood
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Social Factors ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Pegylated Interferon ◽  
Host Factors ◽  
Interferon Α ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Choice Of Treatment

AbstractHepatitis C virus is presently a major public health problem across the globe. The main objective in treating hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is to achieve a sustained virological response (SVR). Interferon-α (IFN-α) and pegylated interferon (PegIFN) in combination with Ribavirin (RBV) are the choice of treatment nowadays against chronic hepatitis C. There are several mechanisms evolved by the hepatitis C virus that facilitate the persistence of virus and further lead the patient’s status as non responder. Various factors involved in patient’s lack ofresponse to the therapy include: (1) viral factors, (2) host factors, (3) molecular mechanisms related to the lack of response and (4) social factors. Herein we have made an attempt to summarize all the related predictors of drug resistance in one article so that the future polices can be planned to overcome this obstacle and potential therapies can be designed by considering these factors.

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