Circulating MicroRNAs Related to Arterial Stiffness in Adults with HIV Infection.

People with HIV (PWH) have an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease compared to those without HIV. This study aimed to investigate the relative serum expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) associated with arterial stiffness, a significant marker of cardiovascular disease. A total of 36 male PWH and 36 people without HIV, matched for age, body mass index, pack years, and dyslipidemia, were included in the study.

Chronic Hepatitis C Infection Treated with Direct-Acting Antiviral Agents and Occurrence/Recurrence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Does It Still Matter?

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a significant risk factor for liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Traditionally, the primary prevention strategy for HCV-associated HCC has focused on removing infection through antiviral regimes. Currently, highly effective direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) offer extraordinary success across all patient categories, including cirrhotics.

The Laboratory Opossum () Is a Unique Model for Research on Zika Virus: Robust Immune Response, Widespread Dissemination, and Long-Term Persistence.

The Zika virus (ZIKV) epidemic elicited a rapid commitment to the development of animal models for ZIKV research. Non-human primates (NHPs) and mice have made significant contributions to this research, but NHPs are expensive, have a long gestation period, and are available only in small numbers; non-genetically modified mice are resistant to infection. To address these deficiencies, we have established the laboratory opossum, , as a small animal model that complements the mouse and monkey models.

Immunoprophylaxis with MV140 Is Effective in the Reduction of Urinary Tract Infections-A Prospective Real-Life Study.

Background/objectives: Urinary tract infections (UTI) represent a highly frequent and debilitating disease. Immunoactive prophylaxis, such as the polyvalent bacterial whole-cell-based sublingual vaccine MV140, have been developed to avoid antibiotic use. However, the effectiveness of this tool in the Portuguese population is still unknown.

Peripheral Hemodynamics Estimation Using the Photoplethysmography Method.

Diabetes is known to reduce blood circulation in capillaries and arterioles; however, no devices can easily measure this on a daily basis. In this study, we developed a tool for measuring finger photoplethysmograms using green light and near-infrared LEDs. Thereafter, photoplethysmography was conducted on 25 inpatients/outpatients with diabetes and 21 adult males and females who had not been diagnosed with or treated for diabetes, hypertension, or cardiovascular disease (control group).

Discovery of Non-Peptide GLP-1 Positive Allosteric Modulators from Natural Products: Virtual Screening, Molecular Dynamics, ADMET Profiling, Repurposing, and Chemical Scaffolds Identification.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor is currently one of the most explored targets exploited for the management of diabetes and obesity, with many aspects of its mechanisms behind cardiovascular protection yet to be fully elucidated. Research dedicated towards the development of oral GLP-1 therapy and non-peptide ligands with broader clinical applications is crucial towards unveiling the full therapeutic capacity of this potent class of medicines. This study describes the virtual screening of a natural product database consisting of 695,133 compounds for positive GLP-1 allosteric modulation.

Experimental and Theoretical Design on the Development of Matrix Tablets with Multiple Drug Loadings Aimed at Optimizing Antidiabetic Medication.

Diabetes is a growing global health crisis that requires effective therapeutic strategies to optimize treatment outcomes. This study aims to address this challenge by developing and characterizing extended-release polymeric matrix tablets containing metformin hydrochloride (M-HCl), a first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes, and honokiol (HNK), a bioactive compound with potential therapeutic benefits. The objective is to enhance glycemic control and overall therapeutic outcomes through an innovative dual-drug delivery system.

Nanotechnology-Based Approaches for the Management of Diabetes Mellitus: An Innovative Solution to Long-Lasting Challenges in Antidiabetic Drug Delivery.

Diabetes is a widespread metabolic illness. Mismanagement of diabetes can lead to severe complications that tremendously impact patients' quality of life. The assimilation of nanotechnology in diabetes care holds the potential to revolutionize treatment paradigms, improve patient outcomes, and reduce the economic burden associated with this pervasive disease.

Nanocrystals in Dermal Drug Delivery: A Breakthrough for Enhanced Skin Penetration and Targeted Skin Disorder Treatments.

One of the major challenges in dermal drug delivery is the adequate penetration of the active compound into the skin without causing any skin irritation and inflammation. Nanocrystals (NCs) are nanoscale particles, and their sizes are below 1000 nm. NCs are made up of drug particles only, which are used to improve the aqueous solubility and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs.

Development of a Population Pharmacokinetic Gabapentin Model Leveraging Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Concentrations.

Gabapentin has variable pharmacokinetics (PK), which contributes to difficulty in dosing and increased risk of adverse events. The objective of this study was to leverage gabapentin concentrations from therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) to develop a population PK (popPK) model and characterize significant covariates that impact gabapentin PK. Data were retrospectively collected from 82 hospitalized adult patients with TDM gabapentin concentrations.

Enhanced Ocular Bioavailability and Prolonged Duration via Hydrophilic Surface Nanocomposite Vesicles for Topical Drug Administration.

Background: Internal ocular diseases, such as macular edema, uveitis, and diabetic macular edema require precise delivery of therapeutic agents to specific regions within the eye. However, the eye's complex anatomical structure and physiological barriers present significant challenges to drug penetration and distribution. Traditional eye drops suffer from low bioavailability primarily due to rapid clearance mechanisms.

Traditional Knowledge, Use, and Management of Among the Mijikenda Community in Kilifi, Kenya.

Although Lam. (Moringaceae) is a multipurpose tree with remarkable nutritional and therapeutic benefits, it is undervalued and neglected in Kenya, as the local people associate it with famine and poverty. The present study aims to assess and document the traditional knowledge on use and management as well as production constraints of the species among the Mijikenda community in Kilifi County, Kenya.

Harnessing the Antibacterial, Anti-Diabetic and Anti-Carcinogenic Properties of Linn (Tulsi).

Linn ( L.), commonly known as Holy Basil or Tulsi, is a fragrant herbaceous plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. This plant is widely cultivated and found in north-central parts of India, several Arab countries, West Africa and tropical regions of the Eastern World.

Associations Between Brominated Flame Retardant Exposure and Depression in Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are a type of widespread pollutant that can be transmitted through particulate matter, such as dust in the air, and have been associated with various adverse health effects, such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease. However, there is limited research on the link between exposure to mixtures of BFRs and depression in the general population.

Methods: To analyze the association between exposure to BFRs and depression in the population, nationally representative data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES; 2005-2016) were used.

Circ_0000284 Is Involved in Arsenite-Induced Hepatic Insulin Resistance Through Blocking the Plasma Membrane Translocation of GLUT4 in Hepatocytes via IGF2BP2/PPAR-γ.

Arsenic exposure can induce liver insulin resistance (IR) and diabetes (DM), but the underlying mechanisms are not yet clear. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are involved in the regulation of the onset of diabetes, especially in the progression of IR. This study aimed to investigate the role of circRNAs in arsenic-induced hepatic IR and its underlying mechanism.

Is Polyhexamethylene Guanidine and Oligo(2-(2-Ethoxy) Ethoxyethyl Guanidium Chloride Exposure Related to Gestational Diabetes?

This study aims to investigate the association between exposure to toxic indoor chemicals, specifically polyhexamethylene guanidine (PHMG) and oligo(2-(2-ethoxy) ethoxyethyl guanidinium) chloride (PGH), used in humidifier disinfectants, and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). We confirmed pregnancy from 2003 to 2017 and identified GDM by linking a cohort of claimants who reported exposure to PHMG/PGH with National Health Insurance Service data. The GDM incidence was calculated, and PHMG/PGH exposure characteristics-exposure status, the humidifier's distance/location, and exposure duration/hours-were investigated.

Correction: Wang et al. Integration of Transcriptomics and Lipidomics Profiling to Reveal the Therapeutic Mechanism Underlying (Sangzhi) Alkaloids for the Treatment of Liver Lipid Metabolic Disturbance in High-Fat-Diet/Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mice. 2023, , 3914.

In the original publication [...

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Through Lifestyle Interventions in Women with a History of Gestational Diabetes-A Summary of Participant and Intervention Characteristics.

: We aimed to review the effect of lifestyle interventions in women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) based on the participants and intervention characteristics. : We systematically searched seven databases for RCTs of lifestyle interventions published up to 24 July 2024. We included 30 studies that reported the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) or body weight.

Adipokines and Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase as Biomarkers of Metabolic Syndrome Risk in Mexican School-Aged Children.

: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in children has been increasing, raising concerns about early detection and clinical management. Adipokines, which are secreted by adipose tissue, play a critical role in metabolic regulation and inflammation, while gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), as a liver enzyme, is linked to oxidative stress and metabolic disorders. The objective was to examine the association of circulating adipokines and GGT with metabolic syndrome risk in school-aged children from Northeast Mexico.

Regulates the Immune Response and Gut Microbiota in Mice.

Background: Cactus contains dietary fiber and minerals and is expected to have preventive effects against diabetes, arteriosclerosis, and other diseases. Additionally, cactus intake induces the production of short-chain fatty acids derived from the gut microbiota, which might influence immune functions. In this study, we examined the effects of a cactus (: NC)-supplemented diet on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced immune responses and intestinal barrier function.

The Camden Study-A Pregnancy Cohort Study of Pregnancy Complications and Birth Outcomes in Camden, New Jersey, USA.

Background: Pregnancy is a unique stage of the life course characterized by trade-offs between the nutritional, immune, and metabolic needs of the mother and fetus. The Camden Study was originally initiated to examine nutritional status, growth, and birth outcomes in adolescent pregnancies and expanded to study dietary and molecular predictors of pregnancy complications and birth outcomes in young women.

Methods: From 1985-2006, 4765 pregnant participants aged 12 years and older were recruited from Camden, NJ, one of the poorest cities in the US.

Exploring the Potential of Epigallocatechin Gallate in Combating Insulin Resistance and Diabetes.

Background/objectives: In this study, the potential effects are evaluated of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) on the prognosis of diabetes and insulin resistance.

Methods: In an experiment, 35 male Wistar albino rats were used and in the streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats, the effects were examined of different doses (50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg) of EGCG on metabolic parameters associated with diabetes and insulin resistance.

Results: The findings show favorable effects of EGCG on fasting blood glucose levels, insulin secretion, insulin resistance, and beta cell function.

Sulfur Amino Acid Restriction Mitigates High-Fat Diet-Induced Molecular Alterations in Cardiac Remodeling Primarily via FGF21-Independent Mechanisms.

Dietary sulfur amino acid restriction (SAAR) elicits various health benefits, some mediated by fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21). However, research on SAAR's effects on the heart is limited and presents mixed findings. This study aimed to evaluate SAAR-induced molecular alterations associated with cardiac remodeling and their dependence on FGF21.

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Breastfeeding, and Progression to Type 2 Diabetes: Why Is It So Hard to Achieve the Protective Benefits of Breastfeeding? A Narrative Review.

Women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) face a significantly heightened risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) later in life. Breastfeeding (BF) has been identified as a potential strategy to delay or prevent T2DM; however, women with GDM often encounter barriers in initiating and maintaining adequate BF practices compared to those with uncomplicated pregnancies. This paradox prompts an exploration into the causes of these BF challenges and considers the possibility of reverse causation: Does prolonged and intensive BF mitigate the risk of subsequent glucose dysregulation and T2DM? Alternatively, do women with compromised insulin secretion and sensitivity, who are predisposed to T2DM, struggle to sustain intensive BF practices? This narrative review aims to explore the interplay between GDM, BF, and T2DM development by examining the different factors that present BF challenges among women with GDM.

The Role of Phytochemicals in Managing Neuropathic Pain: How Much Progress Have We Made?

Neuropathic pain is a complex and debilitating condition resulting from nerve damage, characterized by sensations such as burning, tingling, and shooting pain. It is often associated with conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), and diabetic polyneuropathy. Conventional pain therapies frequently provide limited relief and are accompanied by significant side effects, emphasizing the need to explore alternative treatment options.