Health benefits of oat: current evidence and molecular mechanisms

Complex organisms rely heavily on intercellular communication. The rapidly expanding field of extracellular vesicle biology has made it clear that the necessary intercellular communication occurs partly through their paracrine and endocrine actions. Extracellular vesicles are nanoscale lipid membranes (30–2,000 nm in diameter) that shuttle functional biological material between cells. They are released from numerous tissues and are isolated from nearly all biofluids and cell cultures. Although their biogenesis, cell targeting, and functional roles are incompletely understood, they appear to have crucial roles in physiological and disease processes. Their enormous potential to serve as sensitive biomarkers of disease and also new therapeutic interventions for diseases have gained them considerable attention in recent years. Regular physical exercise training confers systemic health benefits and consequently prevents many age-related degenerative diseases. Many of the molecular mechanisms responsible for the salubrious effects of exercise are known, yet a common underlying mechanism potentially responsible for the holistic health benefits of exercise has only recently been explored (i.e., via extracellular vesicle transport of biological material). Here, we provide an overview of extracellular vesicle biology before outlining the current evidence on the capacity for a single bout and chronic exercise to elicit changes in extracellular vesicle content and modulate their molecular cargo (e.g., small RNAs). We highlight areas for future research and emphasize their potential utility as biomarkers and therapeutic strategies of disease and its prevention.

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Ginger and Heart Health: From Mechanisms to Therapeutics

Current Molecular Pharmacology ◽

10.2174/1874467213666201209105005 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 13 ◽

Author(s):

Sajad Fakhri ◽

Jayanta Kumar Patra ◽

Swagat Kumar Das ◽

Gitishree Das ◽

Mohammad Bagher Majnooni ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Side Effects ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Biological Activities ◽

Health Benefits ◽

Herbal Medicines ◽

Cardiovascular Complications ◽

National Database ◽

Heart Health ◽

Natural Entities ◽

Cardioprotective Effects

Background: As a major cause of morbidity and mortality, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are globally increasing. In spite of recent development in the management of cardiovascular complications, CVDs have remained a medical challenge. Numerous conventional drugs are used to play cardioprotective roles; however, they are associated with several side effects. Considering the rich phytochemistry and fewer side effects of herbal medicines, they have gained particular attention to develop novel herbal drugs with cardioprotective potentials. Amongst natural entities, ginger is an extensively used and well-known functional food and condiment, possessing plentiful bioactivities, like antiinflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties in several disorders management. Objective: The current review deliberated phytochemical properties as well as the ginger/ginger constituents' biological activities and health benefits in several diseases, with particular attention to cardiovascular complications. Methods: A comprehensive research was conducted using multiple databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, national database (Irandoc and SID), and related articles in terms of the health benefits and cardioprotective effects of ginger/ginger constituents. These data were collected from inception until August 2019. Results: In recent years, several herbal medicines were used to develop new drugs with more potency and also minor side effects. Amongst natural entities, ginger is an extensively used traditional medicine in several diseases. The crude extract, along with related pungent active constituents, is mostly attributed to heart health. The cardioprotective effects of ginger are contributed to its cardiotonic, antihypertensive, anti-hyperlipidemia, and anti-platelet effects. The signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms of ginger regarding its cardioprotective effects are also clarified. Conclusion: This study revealed the biological activities, health benefits, and cardioprotective properties of ginger/ginger constituents along with related mechanisms of action, which gave new insights to show new avenue in the treatment of CVDs.

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Current Evidence for a Role of Neuropeptides in the Regulation of Autophagy

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2017/5856071 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 2017 ◽

pp. 1-10 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Elisabetta Catalani ◽

Clara De Palma ◽

Cristiana Perrotta ◽

Davide Cervia

Keyword(s):

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Current Evidence ◽

Pathological Conditions ◽

Organ Systems ◽

Intercellular Signalling ◽

Physiological Homeostasis ◽

Response To Stress ◽

Autophagic Process ◽

Regulatory Functions

Neuropeptides drive a wide diversity of biological actions and mediate multiple regulatory functions involving all organ systems. They modulate intercellular signalling in the central and peripheral nervous systems as well as the cross talk among nervous and endocrine systems. Indeed, neuropeptides can function as peptide hormones regulating physiological homeostasis (e.g., cognition, blood pressure, feeding behaviour, water balance, glucose metabolism, pain, and response to stress), neuroprotection, and immunomodulation. We aim here to describe the recent advances on the role exerted by neuropeptides in the control of autophagy and its molecular mechanisms since increasing evidence indicates that dysregulation of autophagic process is related to different pathological conditions, including neurodegeneration, metabolic disorders, and cancer.

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Pathophysiology, incidence, management, and consequences of cardiac arrhythmia in pulmonary arterial hypertension and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension

Pulmonary Circulation ◽

10.1177/2045894019834890 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

pp. 204589401983489 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Meghan M. Cirulis ◽

John J. Ryan ◽

Stephen L. Archer

Keyword(s):

Pulmonary Hypertension ◽

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension ◽

Arterial Hypertension ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension ◽

Outcome Data ◽

Current Evidence ◽

Clinical Aspects ◽

Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension ◽

Pulmonary Arterial

Arrhythmias are increasingly recognized as serious, end-stage complications of pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension, including pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). Although arrhythmias contribute to symptoms, morbidity, in-hospital mortality, and possibly sudden death in PAH/CTEPH, there remains a paucity of epidemiologic, pathophysiologic, and outcome data to guide management of these patients. This review summarizes the most current evidence on the topic: from the molecular mechanisms driving arrhythmia in the hypertrophied or failing right heart, to the clinical aspects of epidemiology, diagnosis, and management.

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Gut Microbiota as Important Mediator Between Diet and DNA Methylation and Histone Modifications in the Host

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu12030597 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (3) ◽

pp. 597 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Patrizia D’Aquila ◽

Laurie Lynn Carelli ◽

Francesco De Rango ◽

Giuseppe Passarino ◽

Dina Bellizzi

Keyword(s):

Dna Methylation ◽

Gut Microbiota ◽

Histone Modifications ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Current Evidence ◽

Long Term Effects ◽

Metabolic Functions ◽

Complex Ecosystem ◽

Short And Long Term ◽

And Function

The human gut microbiota is a complex ecosystem consisting of trillions of microorganisms that inhabit symbiotically on and in the human intestine. They carry out, through the production of a series of metabolites, many important metabolic functions that complement the activity of mammalian enzymes and play an essential role in host digestion. Interindividual variability of microbiota structure, and consequently of the expression of its genes (microbiome), was largely ascribed to the nutritional regime. Diet influences microbiota composition and function with short- and long-term effects. In spite of the vast literature, molecular mechanisms underlying these effects still remain elusive. In this review, we summarized the current evidence on the role exerted by gut microbiota and, more specifically, by its metabolites in the establishment of the host epigenome. The interest in this topic stems from the fact that, by modulating DNA methylation and histone modifications, the gut microbiota does affect the cell activities of the hosting organism.

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A Systematic Review of Organic Versus Conventional Food Consumption: Is There a Measurable Benefit on Human Health?

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu12010007 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

pp. 7 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Vigar ◽

Myers ◽

Oliver ◽

Arellano ◽

Robinson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trials ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Human Health ◽

Food Consumption ◽

Health Benefits ◽

Organic Food ◽

Observational Research ◽

Current Evidence ◽

Current Evidence Base ◽

Organic Food Consumption

The current review aims to systematically assess the evidence related to human health outcomes when an organic diet is consumed in comparison to its conventional counterpart. Relevant databases were searched for articles published to January 2019. Clinical trials and observational research studies were included where they provided comparative results on direct or indirect health outcomes. Thirty-five papers met the criteria for inclusion in the review. Few clinical trials assessed direct improvements in health outcomes associated with organic food consumption; most assessed either differences in pesticide exposure or other indirect measures. Significant positive outcomes were seen in longitudinal studies where increased organic intake was associated with reduced incidence of infertility, birth defects, allergic sensitisation, otitis media, pre-eclampsia, metabolic syndrome, high BMI, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The current evidence base does not allow a definitive statement on the health benefits of organic dietary intake. However, a growing number of important findings are being reported from observational research linking demonstrable health benefits with organic food consumption. Future clinical research should focus on using long-term whole-diet substitution with certified organic interventions as this approach is more likely to determine whether or not true measurable health benefits exist.

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Noncoding RNAs

Anesthesiology ◽

10.1097/aln.0000000000000265 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 121 (2) ◽

pp. 409-417 ◽

Cited By ~ 56

Author(s):

Brianna Marie Lutz ◽

Alex Bekker ◽

Yuan-Xiang Tao

Keyword(s):

Chronic Pain ◽

Dorsal Root Ganglion ◽

Antisense Rna ◽

Dorsal Root ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Noncoding Rnas ◽

Current Evidence ◽

Noxious Stimuli ◽

Chronic Pain Conditions ◽

Novel Therapeutic Strategies

Abstract Chronic pain, a common clinical symptom, is often treated inadequately or ineffectively in part due to the incomplete understanding of molecular mechanisms that initiate and maintain this disorder. Newly identified noncoding RNAs govern gene expression. Recent studies have shown that peripheral noxious stimuli drive expressional changes in noncoding RNAs and that these changes are associated with pain hypersensitivity under chronic pain conditions. This review first presents current evidence for the peripheral inflammation/nerve injury–induced change in the expression of two types of noncoding RNAs, microRNAs, and Kcna2 antisense RNA, in pain-related regions, particularly in the dorsal root ganglion. The authors then discuss how peripheral noxious stimuli induce such changes. The authors finally explore potential mechanisms of how expressional changes in dorsal root ganglion microRNAs and Kcna2 antisense RNA contribute to the development and maintenance of chronic pain. An understanding of these mechanisms may propose novel therapeutic strategies for preventing and/or treating chronic pain.

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Research Progress in the Mechanism of Effect of PRP in Bone Deficiency Healing

The Scientific World JOURNAL ◽

10.1155/2013/134582 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 2013 ◽

pp. 1-7 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Ning Zhang ◽

Yong-Ping Wu ◽

Sheng-Jun Qian ◽

Chong Teng ◽

Shuai Chen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bone Repair ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Platelet Rich Plasma ◽

Autologous Blood ◽

Research Progress ◽

Current Evidence ◽

Clinical Settings ◽

Bone Deficiency ◽

Defect Repair

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a recently developed technique that uses a concentrated portion of autologous blood to try to improve and accelerate the healing of various tissues. There is a considerable interest in using these PRP products for the treatment used in bone deficiency healing. Because PRP products are safe and easy to prepare and administer, there has been increased attention toward using PRP in numerous clinical settings. The benefits of PRP therapy appear to be promising, and many investigators are exploring the ways in which this therapy can be used in the clinical setting. At present, the molecular mechanisms of bone defect repair studies have focused on three aspects of the inflammatory cytokines, growth factors and angiogenic factors. The role of PRP works mainly through these three aspects of bone repair. The purpose of this paper is to review the current evidence on the mechanism of the effect of PRP in bone deficiency healing.

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Infant Male Circumcision

The Linacre Quarterly ◽

10.1177/0024363918761714 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 85 (1) ◽

pp. 49-62 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

David Albert Jones

Keyword(s):

Male Circumcision ◽

Health Benefits ◽

Jewish People ◽

Complete Removal ◽

The United States ◽

Current Evidence ◽

Medical Opinion ◽

Moral Principles ◽

The Church ◽

Infant Male

Infant male circumcision (IMC) has become controversial among Catholics, and many have criticized the practice of routine IMC, still widely performed in the United States. Others have gone further, claiming that circumcision has been condemned explicitly by the Church and criticizing IMC as “mutilation” and, hence, prohibited implicitly by Catholic moral principles. However, closer examination of the Catholic tradition shows that the Church regards IMC as having been a means of grace under the Old Covenant and, more importantly, in the flesh of Jesus. This positive theological account of IMC cannot be evaded by invoking a supposed historical distinction between milah (a token cut) and periah (the complete removal of the foreskin). The Church has never condemned IMC as mutilation, and while IMC carries some risk, there is no evidence that it inflicts per se disabling mutilation. A reasonable body of medical opinion regards IMC as conferring net health benefits. Summary: This paper concerns the ethics of infant male circumcision especially, though not only, as this is practiced within contemporary Judaism. This topic is examined from a Catholic ethical and theological perspective. It is found that the Church has never sought to restrict Jews from practicing circumcision and has never condemned circumcision as “mutilation.” Current evidence suggests that infant male circumcision confers net health benefits. Catholic theology since the Second Vatican Council has increasingly emphasized that God’s covenant with the Jewish people remains valid. It has never been revoked. This covenant includes infant male circumcision.

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Neuronal Activity-Dependent Control of Postnatal Neurogenesis and Gliogenesis

Annual Review of Neuroscience ◽

10.1146/annurev-neuro-072116-031054 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 41 (1) ◽

pp. 139-161 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Ragnhildur T. Káradóttir ◽

Chay T. Kuo

Keyword(s):

Nervous System ◽

Neuronal Activity ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Driving Forces ◽

Nervous System Development ◽

Current Evidence ◽

Mammalian Brain ◽

Postnatal Neurogenesis ◽

Proliferation And Differentiation ◽

Activity Dependent

The addition of new neurons and oligodendroglia in the postnatal and adult mammalian brain presents distinct forms of gray and white matter plasticity. Substantial effort has been devoted to understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms controlling postnatal neurogenesis and gliogenesis, revealing important parallels to principles governing the embryonic stages. While during central nervous system development, scripted temporal and spatial patterns of neural and glial progenitor proliferation and differentiation are necessary to create the nervous system architecture, it remains unclear what driving forces maintain and sustain postnatal neural stem cell (NSC) and oligodendrocyte progenitor cell (OPC) production of new neurons and glia. In recent years, neuronal activity has been identified as an important modulator of these processes. Using the distinct properties of neurotransmitter ionotropic and metabotropic channels to signal downstream cellular events, NSCs and OPCs share common features in their readout of neuronal activity patterns. Here we review the current evidence for neuronal activity-dependent control of NSC/OPC proliferation and differentiation in the postnatal brain, highlight some potential mechanisms used by the two progenitor populations, and discuss future studies that might advance these research areas further.

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