scholarly journals Natural Products in the Prevention of Metabolic Diseases: Lessons Learned from the 20th KAST Frontier Scientists Workshop

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 1881
Author(s):  
Seung J. Baek ◽  
Bruce D. Hammock ◽  
In-Koo Hwang ◽  
Qingxiao Li ◽  
Naima Moustaid-Moussa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Natural Products ◽  
Metabolic Diseases ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Analytical Techniques ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Bioactive Components ◽  
Underlying Causes ◽  
The University ◽  
And Oxidative Stress

The incidence of metabolic and chronic diseases including cancer, obesity, inflammation-related diseases sharply increased in the 21st century. Major underlying causes for these diseases are inflammation and oxidative stress. Accordingly, natural products and their bioactive components are obvious therapeutic agents for these diseases, given their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Research in this area has been significantly expanded to include chemical identification of these compounds using advanced analytical techniques, determining their mechanism of action, food fortification and supplement development, and enhancing their bioavailability and bioactivity using nanotechnology. These timely topics were discussed at the 20th Frontier Scientists Workshop sponsored by the Korean Academy of Science and Technology, held at the University of Hawaii at Manoa on 23 November 2019. Scientists from South Korea and the U.S. shared their recent research under the overarching theme of Bioactive Compounds, Nanoparticles, and Disease Prevention. This review summarizes presentations at the workshop to provide current knowledge of the role of natural products in the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases.

scholarly journals Molecular Mechanisms of Obesity-Linked Cardiac Dysfunction: An Up-Date on Current Knowledge

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 629
Author(s):  
Jorge Gutiérrez-Cuevas ◽  
Ana Sandoval-Rodriguez ◽  
Alejandra Meza-Rios ◽  
Hugo Christian Monroy-Ramírez ◽  
Marina Galicia-Moreno ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Cardiac Dysfunction ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator ◽  
White Adipocyte ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptors ◽  
And Oxidative Stress

Obesity is defined as excessive body fat accumulation, and worldwide obesity has nearly tripled since 1975. Excess of free fatty acids (FFAs) and triglycerides in obese individuals promote ectopic lipid accumulation in the liver, skeletal muscle tissue, and heart, among others, inducing insulin resistance, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes (T2D), atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular disease (CVD). These diseases are promoted by visceral white adipocyte tissue (WAT) dysfunction through an increase in pro-inflammatory adipokines, oxidative stress, activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), and adverse changes in the gut microbiome. In the heart, obesity and T2D induce changes in substrate utilization, tissue metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation, leading to myocardial fibrosis and ultimately cardiac dysfunction. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are involved in the regulation of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, also improve insulin sensitivity, triglyceride levels, inflammation, and oxidative stress. The purpose of this review is to provide an update on the molecular mechanisms involved in obesity-linked CVD pathophysiology, considering pro-inflammatory cytokines, adipokines, and hormones, as well as the role of oxidative stress, inflammation, and PPARs. In addition, cell lines and animal models, biomarkers, gut microbiota dysbiosis, epigenetic modifications, and current therapeutic treatments in CVD associated with obesity are outlined in this paper.

scholarly journals El Enfoque de Competencias para formar Emprendedores: Evaluación del modelo de la Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, México (The role of competence focusing in entrepreneur shaping: Evaluating the University of Yucatan (Mexico) model)

2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 29
Author(s):  
Luis Carlos G. Cantón Castillo ◽  
Alan García Lira ◽  
Magaly Carmen Iuit González
Keyword(s):  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Educational Model ◽  
Start Up ◽  
Entrepreneurial Knowledge ◽  
The University

<p>El presente trabajo pretende aportar conoci- miento en la formación y evaluación de programas o modelos de emprendedores en el enfoque de com- petencias, y ofrece al lector la evaluación realizada al modelo de emprendedores de la UADY, cuyo objetivo es verificar si el programa y las vertientes del modelo de emprendedores actuales están alineadas con el nue- vo modelo educativo de la institución, MEFI, y si el programa provee al alumno de las competencias que este documento establece para emprender. Desde el punto de vista metodológico, se comparó los resulta- dos obtenidos en las diferentes vertientes del modelo de emprendedores con lo establecido en los ejes del MEFI, y en el caso de las competencias que desarrolla el estudiante, se aplicó una encuesta que, además de las competencias establecidas en el MEFI, adicionó las de otros autores a nivel internacional. Los principales hallazgos muestran que el programa emprendedor y las principales vertientes del modelo de emprendedores cumplen fehacientemente con los ejes del MEFI. Por otro lado, todos los estudiantes encuestados admiten beneficios de aprendizaje tras su participación en el programa, sea en la modalidad de adquisición o en la de mejoramiento.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Abstract </strong></p><p>This work aims to increase current knowledge in establishing and evaluating models for entrepreneur shaping by competence focusing, and offers readers the evaluation made to the “UADY” model whose objective was to verify if the program and its outco- mes are aligned with the university’s new educational model or “MEFI”, and whether or not it provides students with the competences required to start up companies.  Results obtained in different outcomes of the entrepreneurial model were compared with ob-jectives established in the “MEFI” and with a survey done among students that incorporated competences recommended by internationally recognized authors added to the ones suggested by the model.  Results showed that both the entrepreneurial program and its outcomes closely followed the “MEFI” guidelines and that students surveyed showed a significant increase in learning after participating in the program, either acquiring or perfecting entrepreneurial knowledge.</p>

scholarly journals Role of Dietary Lipids in Modulating Inflammation through the Gut Microbiota

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 117 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul J. Wisniewski ◽  
Robert A. Dowden ◽  
Sara C. Campbell
Keyword(s):  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Metabolic Diseases ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Endocannabinoid System ◽  
Dietary Lipids ◽  
Taxonomic Resolution ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Energy Regulation ◽  
Microbial Dysbiosis

Inflammation and its resolution is a tenuous balance that is under constant contest. Though several regulatory mechanisms are employed to maintain homeostasis, disruptions in the regulation of inflammation can lead to detrimental effects for the host. Of note, the gut and microbial dysbiosis are implicated in the pathology of systemic chronic low-grade inflammation which has been linked to several metabolic diseases. What remains to be described is the extent to which dietary fat and concomitant changes in the gut microbiota contribute to, or arise from, the onset of metabolic disorders. The present review will highlight the role of microorganisms in host energy regulation and several mechanisms that contribute to inflammatory pathways. This review will also discuss the immunomodulatory effects of the endocannabinoid system and its link with the gut microbiota. Finally, a brief discussion arguing for improved taxonomic resolution (at the species and strain level) is needed to deepen our current knowledge of the microbiota and host inflammatory state.

scholarly journals Impact of Lifestyles (Diet and Exercise) on Vascular Health: Oxidative Stress and Endothelial Function

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andy W. C. Man ◽  
Huige Li ◽  
Ning Xia
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Metabolic Diseases ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Vascular Dysfunction ◽  
The Body ◽  
Physical Factors ◽  
Normal Functions ◽  
The Impact ◽  
And Oxidative Stress

Healthy lifestyle and diet are associated with significant reduction in risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Oxidative stress and the imbalance between prooxidants and antioxidants are linked to cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Changes in antioxidant capacity of the body may lead to oxidative stress and vascular dysfunction. Diet is an important source of antioxidants, while exercise offers many health benefits as well. Recent findings have evidenced that diet and physical factors are correlated to oxidative stress. Diet and physical factors have debatable roles in modulating oxidative stress and effects on the endothelium. Since endothelium and oxidative stress play critical roles in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, dietary and physical factors could have significant implications on prevention of the diseases. This review is aimed at summarizing the current knowledge on the impact of diet manipulation and physical factors on endothelium and oxidative stress, focusing on cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. We discuss the friend-and-foe role of dietary modification (including different diet styles, calorie restriction, and nutrient supplementation) on endothelium and oxidative stress, as well as the potential benefits and concerns of physical activity and exercise on endothelium and oxidative stress. A fine balance between oxidative stress and antioxidants is important for normal functions in the cells and interfering with this balance may lead to unfavorable effects. Further studies are needed to identify the best diet composition and exercise intensity.

scholarly journals Oxidative Stress, Intrauterine Growth Restriction, and Developmental Programming of Type 2 Diabetes

Physiology ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 348-359 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cetewayo S. Rashid ◽  
Amita Bansal ◽  
Rebecca A. Simmons
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Intrauterine Growth Restriction ◽  
Metabolic Diseases ◽  
Growth Restriction ◽  
Mitochondria Dysfunction ◽  
Intrauterine Growth ◽  
And Oxidative Stress

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) leads to reduced birth weight and the development of metabolic diseases such as Type 2 diabetes in adulthood. Mitochondria dysfunction and oxidative stress are commonly found in key tissues (pancreatic islets, liver, and skeletal muscle) of IUGR individuals. In this review, we explore the role of oxidative stress in IUGR-associated diabetes etiology.

scholarly journals NUPR1: A Critical Regulator of the Antioxidant System

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (15) ◽  
pp. 3670
Author(s):  
Can Huang ◽  
Patricia Santofimia-Castaño ◽  
Juan Iovanna
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Antioxidant System ◽  
Mitochondrial Function ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Redox Homeostasis ◽  
Antioxidant Genes ◽  
Intrinsically Disordered ◽  
And Oxidative Stress

Nuclear protein 1 (NUPR1) is a small intrinsically disordered protein (IDP) activated in response to various types of cellular stress, including endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and oxidative stress. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are mainly produced during mitochondrial oxidative metabolism, and directly impact redox homeostasis and oxidative stress. Ferroptosis is a ROS-dependent programmed cell death driven by an iron-mediated redox reaction. Substantial evidence supports a maintenance role of the stress-inducible protein NUPR1 on cancer cell metabolism that confers chemotherapeutic resistance by upregulating mitochondrial function-associated genes and various antioxidant genes in cancer cells. NUPR1, identified as an antagonist of ferroptosis, plays an important role in redox reactions. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the mechanism behind the observed impact of NUPR1 on mitochondrial function, energy metabolism, iron metabolism, and the antioxidant system. The therapeutic potential of genetic or pharmacological inhibition of NUPR1 in cancer is also discussed. Understanding the role of NUPR1 in the antioxidant system and the mechanisms behind its regulation of ferroptosis may promote the development of more efficacious strategies for cancer therapy.

scholarly journals Nutritional Modulation of Immune and Central Nervous System Homeostasis: The Role of Diet in Development of Neuroinflammation and Neurological Disease

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 1076 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Antonio Estrada ◽  
Irazú Contreras
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Dietary Patterns ◽  
Neurological Disease ◽  
Metabolic Diseases ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Treg Cells ◽  
Signaling Molecules ◽  
Metabolic Alterations ◽  
Microbiome Composition

The gut-microbiome-brain axis is now recognized as an essential part in the regulation of systemic metabolism and homeostasis. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that dietary patterns can influence the development of metabolic alterations and inflammation through the effects of nutrients on a multitude of variables, including microbiome composition, release of microbial products, gastrointestinal signaling molecules, and neurotransmitters. These signaling molecules are, in turn, implicated in the regulation of the immune system, either promoting or inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the expansion of specific leukocyte subpopulations, such as Th17 and Treg cells, which are relevant in the development of neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative conditions. Metabolic diseases, like obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus, are related to inadequate dietary patterns and promote variations in the aforementioned signaling pathways in patients with these conditions, which have been linked to alterations in neurological functions and mental health. Thus, maintenance of adequate dietary patterns should be an essential component of any strategy aiming to prevent neurological pathologies derived from systemic metabolic alterations. The present review summarizes current knowledge on the role of nutrition in the modulation of the immune system and its impact in the development of neuroinflammation and neurological disease.

scholarly journals The Effects of Mediterranean Diet on the Human Gut Microbiota; a Brief Discussion of Evidence in Humans

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anita H Kelleher ◽  
Angelos K Sikalidis ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Metabolic Diseases ◽  
Short Chain Fatty Acids ◽  
Gut Health ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Bioactive Components ◽  
Human Gut ◽  
The Mediterranean

The Mediterranean diet (MD) is considered one of the healthiest dietary patterns due to its rich provision of phytochemicals, antioxidants, vitamins, fiber, polyunsaturated, omega-3, and short-chain fatty acids through a variety of foods. The supply of such nutrients and bioactive components can support gut health and reduce systemic inflammation, with accumulating evidence from several human studies demonstrating the utility of the Mediterranean diet in the prevention of chronic and metabolic diseases. Further studies are needed to explore the role of the Mediterranean diet protecting against such diseases and the related mechanisms, including the interplay between components of the MD and gut microbiota. This brief systematic review specifically explores the recent evidence in humans investigating the link between MD and the human microbiota. Herein, over 50 articles were revised and referenced, after a careful vetting process, to produce this manuscript. Articles were ultimately selected based upon the detail and novelty of their content and contribution to the field.

scholarly journals Corporate Libraries: Bellwether of Change for the Library World at Large

2015 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
James M. Matarazzo ◽  
Toby Pearlstein
Keyword(s):  
Academic Library ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Academic Librarians ◽  
Digital Information ◽  
Library Community ◽  
Cost Cutting ◽  
Physical Assets ◽  
The University

In this article, the authors argue that the lessons learned from the increasing closures of corporate li- braries that began in the 1980s can be applied to the wider library community. These closures have accelerated since the 1990s due to corporate cost cutting measures and the ever increasing availability of internet services that bypass the information professional. Above all, the authors argue that corporate librarians have often failed to align their services to the priorities of the companies they serve. This has resulted in their institutional marginalization and the eventual closure of the library. The authors make the case that, among other types of libraries, the sacrosanct place of the academic library at the center of the university is not guaranteed. The information era with its vast digital resources has and will under- mine the physical assets of traditional libraries as well as the customary role of librarians who staff them. Academic librarians will increasingly be expected to show administrators that their services are aligned to their institution’s strategic priorities and that their libraries are providing added value to its customers, namely, the students, faculty and staff of their college or university. If they do not do so, they very well may face, in the not so distant future, what may now seem unimaginable –the reduction or closure of the academic library in favor of customer-accessed digital information services. 

scholarly journals Impact of Genetic Variations and Epigenetic Mechanisms on the Risk of Obesity

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (23) ◽  
pp. 9035
Author(s):  
Martina Chiurazzi ◽  
Mauro Cozzolino ◽  
Roberta Clara Orsini ◽  
Martina Di Maro ◽  
Matteo Nicola Dario Di Minno ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Balance ◽  
Early Onset ◽  
Severe Obesity ◽  
Metabolic Diseases ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Epigenetic Mechanisms ◽  
Comprehensive Understanding ◽  
Genetic Obesity ◽  
Adequate Management

Rare genetic obesity disorders are characterized by mutations of genes strongly involved in the central or peripheral regulation of energy balance. These mutations are effective in causing the early onset of severe obesity and insatiable hunger (hyperphagia), suggesting that the genetic component can contribute to 40–70% of obesity. However, genes’ roles in the processes leading to obesity are still unclear. This review is aimed to summarize the current knowledge of the genetic causes of obesity, especially monogenic obesity, describing the role of epigenetic mechanisms in obesity and metabolic diseases. A comprehensive understanding of the underlying genetic and epigenetic mechanisms, with the metabolic processes they control, will permit adequate management and prevention of obesity.

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