Ferroptosis, a distinct form of regulated cell death, is characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxide accumulation in cell membranes from dysregulated cellular iron homeostasis and compromised antioxidant defense mechanisms. Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4) is crucial in the regulation of ferroptosis by controlling lipid peroxide accumulation. Recent research established the association of ferroptosis with several diseases, prompting investigation toward ferroptosis-targeted therapeutic approaches.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFDiabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a microvascular complication that affects almost 21 % of the diabetic population. DFUs are characterized by lower limb abnormalities, chronic inflammation, and a heightened hypoxic environment. The challenge of healing these chronic wounds arises from impaired blood flow, neuropathy, and dysregulated cell death processes.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPhthalate-based polymeric plasticizers are widely used for their durability, transparency, and odorless nature, resulting in human exposure through inhalation, ingestion, or contaminated water. Epidemiological studies have identified bis-phthalate as a potential cardiovascular disease risk factor, though its mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigates the effects of bis-phthalate on endothelial dysfunction (ED), an early event in cardiovascular complications, with a focus on Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) stress pathways.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFNuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a redox-sensitive transcription factor, regulates proangiogenic mediators, and antioxidant and detoxification enzymes. However, hitherto its regulation in the progression of DFU was poorly examined. The regulation of Nrf2 has been reported to be affected by various factors, including histone deacetylase (HDACs) and DNA methylation.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe epigenetic regulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a pivotal redox transcription factor, plays a crucial role in maintaining cellular homeostasis. Recent research has underscored the significance of epigenetic modifications of Nrf2 in the pathogenesis of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). This study investigates the epigenetic reversal of Nrf2 by pterostilbene (PTS) in human endothelial cells in a hyperglycemic microenvironment (HGM).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFVitamin D deficiency is prevalent in pregnancy and has been associated with increased occurrences of preeclampsia, cesarean delivery, neonatal bacterial vaginosis, and gestational diabetes. CYP24A1, recognized as a key factor in vitamin D metabolism homeostasis, encodes 24-hydroxylase responsible for converting 25(OH)D3 and 1,25(OH)2D3 into inactive metabolites. Recently, we have reported CYP24A1 overexpression in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and trophoblast cells exposed to hyperglycemia.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFTranscription factors regulate gene expression and play crucial roles in development and differentiation of pancreatic β-cell. The expression and/or activities of these transcription factors are reduced when β-cells are chronically exposed to hyperglycemia, which results in loss of β-cell function. Optimal expression of such transcription factors is required to maintain normal pancreatic development and β-cell function.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFVitamin D is an essential vitamin indispensable for calcium and phosphate metabolism, and its deficiency has been implicated in several extra-skeletal pathologies, including cancer and chronic kidney disease. Synthesized endogenously in the layers of the skin by the action of UV-B radiation, the vitamin maintains the integrity of the bones, teeth, and muscles and is involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, and immunity. The deficiency of Vit-D is increasing at an alarming rate, with nearly 32% of children and adults being either deficient or having insufficient levels.
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