The role of anti-diabetic drugs in NAFLD. Have we found the Holy Grail? A narrative review.

Purpose: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become a leading cause of liver disease, affecting 30% of the global population. NAFLD prevalence is particularly high in obese individuals and patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). NAFLD ranges from simple fat deposition in the liver to necroinflammation and fibrosis (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)), NASH-cirrhosis, and/or hepatocellular carcinoma.

Structural Speciation of Ti(IV)-(α-Hydroxycarboxylic Acid) Complexes in Metabolism-Related (Patho)Physiology-In Vitro Approaches to (Pre)Adipocyte Differentiation and Mineralization.

The prospect of developing soluble and bioavailable Ti(IV) complex forms with physiological substrates, capable of influencing (patho)physiological aberrations, emerges as a challenge in the case of metabolism-related pathologies (e.g., diabetes mellitus 1 and 2).

What is the role of CHCHD2 in adrenal tumourigenesis?

Purpose: CHCHD2 is an antiapoptotic mitochondrial protein acting through the BCL2/BAX pathway in various cancers. However, data on the regulatory role of CHCHD2 in adrenal tumourigenesis are scarce.

Methods: We studied the expression of CHCHD2, BCL2, and BAX in human adrenocortical tissues and SW13 cells.

Perspectives and Challenges of COVID-19 with Obesity-Related Cancers.

The emergence of COVID-19 has created an unprecedented threat worldwide, involving overwhelmed health-care systems in the majority of countries [...

Genetic and Diet-Induced Animal Models for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) Research.

A rapidly increasing incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is noted worldwide due to the adoption of western-type lifestyles and eating habits. This makes the understanding of the molecular mechanisms that drive the pathogenesis of this chronic disease and the development of newly approved treatments of utmost necessity. Animal models are indispensable tools for achieving these ends.

Estrogen Receptor Subtypes Elicit a Distinct Gene Expression Profile of Endothelial-Derived Factors Implicated in Atherosclerotic Plaque Vulnerability.

In the presence of established atherosclerosis, estrogens are potentially harmful. MMP-2 and MMP-9, their inhibitors (TIMP-2 and TIMP-1), RANK, RANKL, OPG, MCP-1, lysyl oxidase (LOX), PDGF-β, and ADAMTS-4 play critical roles in plaque instability/rupture. We aimed to investigate (i) the effect of estradiol on the expression of the abovementioned molecules in endothelial cells, (ii) which type(s) of estrogen receptors mediate these effects, and (iii) the role of p21 in the estrogen-mediated regulation of the aforementioned factors.

Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor Ameliorates Endothelial Activation and Thrombotic Diathesis Biomarkers in a Murine Model of Hind Limb Ischemia.

Novel therapies in peripheral arterial disease, such as granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (GCSF) administration, might result in anti-atherosclerotic effects. In this study, we used 10-week-old male ApoE mice, which were fed an atherosclerosis-inducing diet for four weeks. At the end of the four weeks, hind limb ischemia was induced through left femoral artery ligation, the atherosclerosis-inducing diet was discontinued, and a normal diet was initiated.

Endothelial Cell Dysfunction and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): A Concise Review.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common liver diseases worldwide. It is strongly associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and other metabolic syndrome features. Reflecting the underlying pathogenesis and the cardiometabolic disorders associated with NAFLD, the term metabolic (dysfunction)-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has recently been proposed.

Management of Hematologic Malignancies in the Era of COVID-19 Pandemic: Pathogenetic Mechanisms, Impact of Obesity, Perspectives, and Challenges.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought about an unprecedented societal and healthcare system crisis, considerably affecting healthcare workers and patients, particularly those with chronic diseases. Patients with hematologic malignancies faced a variety of challenges, pertinent to the nature of an underlying hematologic disorder itself as well as its therapy as a risk factor for severe SARS-CoV-2 infection, suboptimal vaccine efficacy and the need for uninterrupted medical observation and continued therapy. Obesity constitutes another factor which was acknowledged since the early days of the pandemic that predisposed people to severe COVID-19, and shares a likely causal link with the pathogenesis of a broad spectrum of hematologic cancers.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress in nonalcoholic (metabolic associated) fatty liver disease (NAFLD/MAFLD).

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by hepatic fat accumulation in the absence of excessive alcohol consumption and is strongly associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and other metabolic syndrome features. NAFLD is becoming increasingly prevalent and currently constitutes the leading cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recently, the term metabolic (dysfunction) associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has been proposed reflecting more accurately the underlying pathogenesis and the cardiometabolic disorders associated to NAFLD/MAFLD.

SGLT-2 Inhibitors in NAFLD: Expanding Their Role beyond Diabetes and Cardioprotection.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an 'umbrella' term, comprising a spectrum ranging from benign, liver steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, liver fibrosis and eventually cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. NAFLD has evolved as a major health problem in recent years. Discovering ways to prevent or delay the progression of NAFLD has become a global focus.

Polycystin-1 and hydrostatic pressure are implicated in glioblastoma pathogenesis in vitro.

The mechanobiological aspects of glioblastoma (GBM) pathogenesis are largely unknown. Polycystin-1 (PC1) is a key mechanosensitive protein which perceives extracellular mechanical cues and transforms them into intracellular biochemical signals that elicit a change in cell behaviour. The aim of the present study was to investigate if and how PC1 participates in GBM pathogenesis under a mechanically induced microenvironment.

Adrenocortical Cancer: A 20-Year Experience of a Single Referral Center in Prognosis and Outcomes.

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare but very aggressive endocrine malignancy with poor survival. Histopathology is important for diagnosis, while in some cases immunohistochemical markers and gene profiling of the resected tumor may be superior to current staging systems to determine prognosis. We aimed to present the 20-year experience at a tertiary hospital in patients with ACCs and correlate the immunohistochemical characteristics of ACCs with the clinical and morphological characteristics of the tumors and the survival of the patients.

Methylprednisolone stimulated gene expression (GILZ, MCL-1) and basal cortisol levels in multiple sclerosis patients in relapse are associated with clinical response.

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are the main treatment of relapse in multiple sclerosis (MS). Decreased sensitivity to GCs in MS patients has been associated with lack of the suppressive effect of GCs on inflammatory molecules as well as increased resistance to apoptosis. We investigated GC-sensitivity by measuring the effect of intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) treatment on transactivation of anti-inflammatory and apoptotic genes (GILZ, MCL-1 and NOXA respectively), in accordance to clinical outcome.

Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Autophagy in the Pathogenesis of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): Current Evidence and Perspectives.

Purpose Of Review: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common causes of chronic liver disease with rising prevalence worldwide. Herein, we provide a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge supporting the role of ER stress and autophagy processes in NAFLD pathogenesis and progression. We also highlight the interrelation between these two pathways and the impact of ER stress and autophagy modulators on NAFLD treatment.

Empagliflozin Attenuates Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) in High Fat Diet Fed ApoE Mice by Activating Autophagy and Reducing ER Stress and Apoptosis.

Aims/hypothesis: SGLT-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i) have been studied as potential treatments against NAFLD, showing varying beneficial effects. The molecular mechanisms mediating these effects have not been fully clarified. Herein, we investigated the impact of empagliflozin on NAFLD, focusing particularly on ER stress, autophagy and apoptosis.

Extra-skeletal effects of bisphosphonates.

Bisphosphonates (BPs) are pyrophosphate analogues widely used in diseases related to bone loss and increased bone turnover. Their high affinity for bone hydroxyapatite makes them ideal agents for bone diseases, while preventing them from reaching other cells and tissues. Data of the last decade, however, have demonstrated extra-skeletal tissue deposition and a variety of non-skeletal effects have been recently recognized.

Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 (FGF23) and Klotho Protein in Beta-Thalassemia.

Derangements in phosphate and calcium homeostasis are common in patients with beta-thalassemia. Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is among the main hormones regulating phosphate levels, while several studies underline an interplay between iron (Fe) and FGF23. Herein, we investigated, for the first time, the serum intact molecule (iFGF23) and the carboxyl-terminal fragment (C-FGF23) and Klotho levels simultaneously in patients with beta-thalassemia major receiving iron chelation regimens in comparison to healthy control subjects.

Expression of clock-related genes in benign and malignant adrenal tumors.

Although the effect of the central clock system on adrenal function has been extensively studied, the role of the peripheral clock system in adrenal tumorigenesis remains largely unexplored. In this study we investigated the expression of clock-related genes in normal adrenocortical tissue and adrenocortical tumors. Twenty-seven fresh frozen human adrenal tissues including 13 cortisol secreting adenomas (CSA), seven aldosterone producing adenomas (APA), and seven adrenocortical carcinomas (ACC) were collected.

Orexin-A Exerts Equivocal Role in Atherosclerosis Process Depending on the Duration of Exposure: In Vitro Study.

Orexin-A is a peptide hormone that plays a crucial role in feeding regulation and energy homeostasis. Diurnal intermittent fasting (DIF) has been found to increase orexin-A plasma levels during fasting hours, while Ramadan fasting which resembles DIF, has led to beneficial effects on endothelial function. Herein, we aimed to investigate the effects of orexin-A on the expression of molecules involved in the atherogenesis process: Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 (MMP-2 and MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 and 2 (TIMP-1 and TIMP-2), in human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs).

Empagliflozin improves primary haemodynamic parameters and attenuates the development of atherosclerosis in high fat diet fed APOE knockout mice.

The effects of long-term treatment with empagliflozin on biochemical and immunohistochemical markers related to atherosclerosis and atherosclerosis development in the aorta of apolipoprotein E knockout [Apo-E ] mice were evaluated in this study. Empagliflozin-treated mice had lower total cholesterol (P < 0.05), fasting glucose (P < 0.

The role of epithelial growth factors and insulin growth factors in the adrenal neoplasms.

Human fetal and adult adrenal gland express both insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and IGF-2, their receptors (IGF-Rs) and a variety of specific IGF binding proteins suggesting their potential role in the regulation of adrenal growth and function. overexpression is essential for the growth of monoclonal lesions, such as large benign adenomas (ACA) and adrenocortical carcinomas (ACC) and has been found to contribute to tumorigenesis in Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome. IGF-2 is the most highly expressed gene observed in more than 85% of ACCs.

Clock genes alterations and endocrine disorders.

Background: Various endocrine signals oscillate over the 24-hour period and so does the responsiveness of target tissues. These daily oscillations do not occur solely in response to external stimuli but are also under the control of an intrinsic circadian clock.

Design: We searched the PubMed database to identify studies describing the associations of clock genes with endocrine diseases.