scholarly journals Polyamine Homeostasis in Development and Disease

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 28
Author(s):  
Shima Nakanishi ◽  
John L. Cleveland
Keyword(s):  
Human Health ◽  
Polyamine Metabolism ◽  
Growth And Survival ◽  
Effective Strategies ◽  
Promote Tumor Growth ◽  
Mammalian Cell Growth ◽  
Health And Disease ◽  
Living Organisms ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
And Function

Polycationic polyamines are present in nearly all living organisms and are essential for mammalian cell growth and survival, and for development. These positively charged molecules are involved in a variety of essential biological processes, yet their underlying mechanisms of action are not fully understood. Several studies have shown both beneficial and detrimental effects of polyamines on human health. In cancer, polyamine metabolism is frequently dysregulated, and elevated polyamines have been shown to promote tumor growth and progression, suggesting that targeting polyamines is an attractive strategy for therapeutic intervention. In contrast, polyamines have also been shown to play critical roles in lifespan, cardiac health and in the development and function of the brain. Accordingly, a detailed understanding of mechanisms that control polyamine homeostasis in human health and disease is needed to develop safe and effective strategies for polyamine-targeted therapy.

scholarly journals Mitochondrial Fission Protein 1: Emerging Roles in Organellar Form and Function in Health and Disease

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ugochukwu Kelvin Ihenacho ◽  
Kelsey A. Meacham ◽  
Megan Cleland Harwig ◽  
Michael E. Widlansky ◽  
R. Blake Hill
Keyword(s):  
Human Health ◽  
Neurological Disorders ◽  
Mitochondrial Fission ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Mitochondrial Division ◽  
Form And Function ◽  
Health And Disease ◽  
Genetic Deletion ◽  
And Function

Mitochondrial fission protein 1 (Fis1) was identified in yeast as being essential for mitochondrial division or fission and subsequently determined to mediate human mitochondrial and peroxisomal fission. Yet, its exact functions in humans, especially in regard to mitochondrial fission, remains an enigma as genetic deletion of Fis1 elongates mitochondria in some cell types, but not others. Fis1 has also been identified as an important component of apoptotic and mitophagic pathways suggesting the protein may have multiple, essential roles. This review presents current perspectives on the emerging functions of Fis1 and their implications in human health and diseases, with an emphasis on Fis1’s role in both endocrine and neurological disorders.

scholarly journals An Update on the Effects of Glyceollins on Human Health: Possible Anticancer Effects and Underlying Mechanisms

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thu Ha Pham ◽  
Sylvain Lecomte ◽  
Theo Efstathiou ◽  
Francois Ferriere ◽  
Farzad Pakdel
Keyword(s):  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Human Health ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Receptor Protein ◽  
Lipid Kinase ◽  
New Family ◽  
Anticancer Effects ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
And Function

Biologically active plant-based compounds, commonly referred to as phytochemicals, can influence the expression and function of various receptors and transcription factors or signaling pathways that play vital roles in cellular functions and are then involved in human health and diseases. Thus, phytochemicals may have a great potential to prevent and treat chronic diseases. Glyceollins, a group of phytoalexins that are isolated from soybeans, have attracted attention because they exert numerous effects on human functions and diseases, notably anticancer effects. In this review, we have presented an update on the effects of glyceollins in relation to their potential beneficial roles in human health. Despite a growing number of studies suggesting that this new family of phytochemicals can be involved in critical cellular pathways, such as estrogen receptor, protein kinase, and lipid kinase signaling pathways, future investigations will be needed to better understand their molecular mechanisms and their specific significance in biomedical applications.

scholarly journals Carotenoid metabolism in mitochondrial function

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 115-122
Author(s):  
Peiran Lu ◽  
Siau Yen Wong ◽  
Lei Wu ◽  
Dingbo Lin
Keyword(s):  
Human Health ◽  
Cell Fate ◽  
Mitochondrial Function ◽  
Redox Homeostasis ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Mitochondrial Structure ◽  
Carotenoid Metabolism ◽  
Health And Disease ◽  
Eukaryotic Organisms ◽  
And Function

Abstract Mitochondria are highly dynamic organelles that are found in most eukaryotic organisms. It is broadly accepted that mitochondria originally evolved from prokaryotic bacteria, e.g. proteobacteria. The mitochondrion has its independent genome that encodes 37 genes, including 13 genes for oxidative phosphorylation. Accumulative evidence demonstrates that mitochondria are not only the powerhouse of the cells by supplying adenosine triphosphate, but also exert roles as signalling organelles in the cell fate and function. Numerous factors can affect mitochondria structurally and functionally. Carotenoids are a large group of fat-soluble pigments commonly found in our diets. Recently, much attention has been paid in carotenoids as dietary bioactives in mitochondrial structure and function in human health and disease, though the mechanistic research is limited. Here, we update the recent progress in mitochondrial functioning as signalling organelles in human health and disease, summarize the potential roles of carotenoids in regulation of mitochondrial redox homeostasis, biogenesis, and mitophagy, and discuss the possible approaches for future research in carotenoid regulation of mitochondrial function.

scholarly journals Effects of Probiotics on Human Health and Disease: A Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 95-100
Author(s):  
A. Amiri ◽  
F. Firoozeh ◽  
M. Zibaei ◽  
A. Khaledi
Keyword(s):  
Human Health ◽  
Digestive System ◽  
Intestinal Microflora ◽  
Normal Flora ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Prevention And Treatment ◽  
Health And Disease ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

Abstract Alteration of the gut microbiome in order to achieve a balance in the normal flora of the intestine could be very beneficial in maintaining the health of the human. Probiotics are living microbial supplements that are added to the diet and have beneficial effects on the host by improving the balance of the intestinal microflora. The purpose of this study is to review previous studies on the effects of probiotics on human health and various diseases. The Farsi and English electronic databases such as, SID, Iranmedex, Magiran, Google Scholar, PubMed and ISI Web of Knowledge were searched and the published articles that have studied the effects of probiotics on the prevention and treatment of various diseases were included in the study. The review of published articles related to the subject showed that consumption of probiotics, prebiotics and proper diet have the significant effects on the health of the digestive system and has reduced and improved symptoms of different disorders and diseases. Further research is needed to better understand the underlying mechanisms of probiotic function and confirm the role of the probiotics in preventing and treating various types of cancers and other diseases.

scholarly journals Biological membranes

2015 ◽  
Vol 59 ◽  
pp. 43-69 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Watson
Keyword(s):  
Biological Membranes ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Electrical Signals ◽  
Selective Permeability ◽  
Processing Information ◽  
Health And Disease ◽  
Living Organisms ◽  
And Function

Biological membranes allow life as we know it to exist. They form cells and enable separation between the inside and outside of an organism, controlling by means of their selective permeability which substances enter and leave. By allowing gradients of ions to be created across them, membranes also enable living organisms to generate energy. In addition, they control the flow of messages between cells by sending, receiving and processing information in the form of chemical and electrical signals. This essay summarizes the structure and function of membranes and the proteins within them, and describes their role in trafficking and transport, and their involvement in health and disease. Techniques for studying membranes are also discussed.

The role of nanotechnology in the study of human DNA and delivery of drugs

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 01-02
Author(s):  
Ihtesham Shafiq ◽  
Faryal Ahmad ◽  
Fatima Ali
Keyword(s):  
Human Health ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Medical Applications ◽  
Targeted Drugs ◽  
Ability To Work ◽  
Human Dna ◽  
Health And Disease ◽  
And Function ◽  
Areas Of Interest

Increasingly, newer discoveries lead to innovative technologies that enable the study of existing phenomena as well as pave the way for advancement of other disciplines. One such field, that of Nanotechnology, offers unlimited promise and potential to enable researchers the ability to work at molecular or near-atomic levels. Medical applications are expected in vital areas of human health and disease, such as the structure and function of DNA, and the delivery of targeted drugs or other chemicals to areas of interest.

scholarly journals A Novel Murine Anti-Lactoferrin Monoclonal Antibody Activates Human Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes through Membrane-Bound Lactoferrin and TLR4

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiao-Min Hu ◽  
Yan-Rui Xu ◽  
Ru Yan ◽  
Shu-Liang Sun ◽  
Hong-Liang Dong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes ◽  
Iron Homeostasis ◽  
Prognostic Biomarker ◽  
Conformational Epitope ◽  
Health And Disease ◽  
Membrane Bound ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
And Function ◽  
Human Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes ◽  
Murine Igg1

Soluble lactoferrin (LTF) is a versatile molecule that not only regulates the iron homeostasis, but also harbors direct microbicidal and immunomodulating abilities in mammalian body fluids. In contrast, little is known about the function of membrane-bound LTF (mbLTF), although its expression on human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (huPMNs) has been reported for decades. Given that LTF/anti-LTF antibodies represent a potential diagnostic/prognostic biomarker and a therapeutic target in patients with immune disorders, we wished, in the present study, to generate a novel human LTF- (huLTF-) specific mAb suitable for detailed analyses on the expression and function of mbLTF as well as for deciphering the underlying mechanisms. By using the traditional hybridoma cell fusion technology, we obtained a murine IgG1 (kappa) mAb, M-860, against huLTF. M-860 recognizes a conformational epitope of huLTF as it binds to natural, but not denatured, huLTF in ELISA. Moreover, M-860 detects mbLTF by FACS and captures endogenous huLTF in total cell lysates of huPMNs. Functionally, M-860 induces the activation of huPMNs partially through TLR4 but independently of phagocytosis. M-860 is thus a powerful tool to analyze the expression and function of human mbLTF, which will further our understanding of the roles of LTF in health and disease.

scholarly journals Subverting sterols: rerouting an oxysterol-signaling pathway to promote tumor growth

2013 ◽  
Vol 210 (9) ◽  
pp. 1653-1656 ◽  
Author(s):  
Autumn G. York ◽  
Steven J. Bensinger
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Immune Cell ◽  
Signaling Molecules ◽  
Lipid Signaling ◽  
Sterol Metabolism ◽  
Growth And Survival ◽  
Promote Tumor Growth ◽  
And Function ◽  
Derivatives Of ◽  
Oxidized Derivatives Of Cholesterol

Oxysterols are oxidized derivatives of cholesterol that are generated enzymatically or through autoxidation. Initially identified as important lipid signaling molecules in the context of atherosclerosis and inflammation, accumulated evidence indicates that these lipid-signaling molecules can have pleiotropic effects on the fate and function of the immune system. These effects range from the regulation of immune cell survival and proliferation to chemotaxis and antiviral immunity. New studies now indicate that tumor-derived oxysterols can serve to subvert the immune system by recruiting protumorigenic neutrophils into the tumor microenvironment. The consequence of this recruitment is the generation of proangiogenic factors and matrix metalloproteinase proteins that provide a tumor a significant growth and survival advantage. In combination with other recent studies, these data highlight the ongoing cross talk between sterol metabolism and the immune system, and they raise the intriguing possibility that targeting oxysterol pathways could serve as a novel therapeutic approach in the war on cancer.

scholarly journals Some Near- and Far-Environmental Effects on Human Health and Disease with a Focus on the Cardiovascular System

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (9) ◽  
pp. 3083
Author(s):  
Germaine Cornelissen Guillaume ◽  
Denis Gubin ◽  
Larry A Beaty ◽  
Kuniaki Otsuka
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular System ◽  
Human Health ◽  
Environmental Effects ◽  
Biological Rhythms ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Physiological Variables ◽  
Long Period ◽  
Health And Disease ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Shed Light

Environmental effects on human physiopathology are revisited herein from a chronobiologic viewpoint, with a focus on the cardiovascular system. Physiological variables undergo recurring changes that are predictable in a statistical, albeit not deterministic way. Biological rhythms cover a broad range of frequencies, which are usually shared by the environment as “co-periodisms”. Some of these photic and non-photic periodicities shared by the environment and physiopathology are reviewed herein, together with their possible underlying mechanisms. A plausible cascade of events from the long-period cycles found in the cosmic environment to those affecting the Earth’s atmosphere and weather conditions is presented, which may shed light on how they may shape the cycles characterizing human health. Maps of important cycles shared between the environment and physiopathology are being catalogued in an atlas of chronomes with the goal of distinguishing between strong and weak associations and providing an estimate of the lag that can be anticipated before observing physiological changes.

scholarly journals Sex-Based Differences in Cardiac Gene Expression and Function in BDNF Val66Met Mice

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (13) ◽  
pp. 7002
Author(s):  
Marcus Negron ◽  
Jeffrey Kristensen ◽  
Van Thuan Nguyen ◽  
Lauren E. Gansereit ◽  
Frank J. Raucci ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiac Function ◽  
Interferon Γ ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
Growth And Survival ◽  
Cardiometabolic Disorders ◽  
Cardiac Gene ◽  
Inflammatory Profile ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
And Function ◽  
Female Specific

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a pleiotropic neuronal growth and survival factor that is indispensable in the brain, as well as in multiple other tissues and organs, including the cardiovascular system. In approximately 30% of the general population, BDNF harbors a nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphism that may be associated with cardiometabolic disorders, coronary artery disease, and Duchenne muscular dystrophy cardiomyopathy. We recently showed that transgenic mice with the human BDNF rs6265 polymorphism (Val66Met) exhibit altered cardiac function, and that cardiomyocytes isolated from these mice are also less contractile. To identify the underlying mechanisms involved, we compared cardiac function by echocardiography and performed deep sequencing of RNA extracted from whole hearts of all three genotypes (Val/Val, Val/Met, and Met/Met) of both male and female Val66Met mice. We found female-specific cardiac alterations in both heterozygous and homozygous carriers, including increased systolic (26.8%, p = 0.047) and diastolic diameters (14.9%, p = 0.022), increased systolic (57.9%, p = 0.039) and diastolic volumes (32.7%, p = 0.026), and increased stroke volume (25.9%, p = 0.033), with preserved ejection fraction and fractional shortening. Both males and females exhibited lower heart rates, but this change was more pronounced in female mice than in males. Consistent with phenotypic observations, the gene encoding SERCA2 (Atp2a2) was reduced in homozygous Met/Met mice but more profoundly in females compared to males. Enriched functions in females with the Met allele included cardiac hypertrophy in response to stress, with down-regulation of the gene encoding titin (Tcap) and upregulation of BNP (Nppb), in line with altered cardiac functional parameters. Homozygous male mice on the other hand exhibited an inflammatory profile characterized by interferon-γ (IFN-γ)-mediated Th1 immune responses. These results provide evidence for sex-based differences in how the BDNF polymorphism modifies cardiac physiology, including female-specific alterations of cardiac-specific transcripts and male-specific activation of inflammatory targets.

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