Irisin as a Multifunctional Protein: Implications for Health and Certain Diseases

Sedentary life style is considered to be an independent risk factor for many disorders, including development of type 2 diabetes, obesity, immune dysfunction, asthma, and neurological or coronary heart disease. Irisin is released from myocytes during physical activity, and acts as a link between muscles and other tissues and organs. This myokine is produced as a result of proteolytic cleavage of FNDC5 protein present in the membrane of myocytes. Secretion of irisin is regulated by N-linked oligosaccharides attached to the protein molecule. The two N-glycan molecules, which constitute a significant part of the irisin glycoprotein, regulate the browning of adipocytes, which is the most important function of irisin. A receptor specific for irisin has still not been discovered. In some tissues irisin probably acts via integrins, which are widely expressed transmembrane receptors. Many studies have confirmed the multifunctional role of irisin and the beneficial effects of this molecule on body homeostasis. Irisin reduces systemic inflammation, maintains the balance between resorption and bone formation, and modulates metabolic processes and the functioning of the nervous system. It suppresses the expression and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in obese individuals and attenuates inflammation in adipose tissue. The impact of irisin on cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion has also been demonstrated in numerous studies, which proves its role in carcinogenesis. Owing to these pleiotropic and beneficial properties, irisin may be a potential option to prevent and treat civilization-related diseases which are, nowadays, considered to be the major health problems in Western societies.

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LncRNA PAPAS may promote triple-negative breast cancer by downregulating miR-34a

Journal of International Medical Research ◽

10.1177/0300060519850724 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 47 (8) ◽

pp. 3709-3718 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Yan Kong ◽

Cuizhi Geng ◽

Qian Dong

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Triple Negative Breast Cancer ◽

Cancer Biology ◽

Triple Negative ◽

Migration And Invasion ◽

Cancer Cell Proliferation ◽

Healthy Controls ◽

Plasma Samples

Objective To investigate the role of promoter and pre-rRNA antisense (PAPAS) long noncoding (Lnc) RNA in cancer biology. Methods Tumour and tumour-adjacent healthy tissue biopsies from patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), and plasma samples from these patients plus healthy controls, were assessed for PAPAS and microRNA (miR)-34a. Effects of PAPAS and miR-34a overexpression were also investigated in vitro. Results PAPAS was upregulated in tumour tissues of patients with TNBC versus tumour-adjacent healthy tissues. Plasma PAPAS levels were also upregulated in patients with TNBC versus healthy controls. Levels of PAPAS in tumour tissue was significantly positively correlated with PAPAS levels in plasma from patients with TNBC. MiR-34a was downregulated in tumour tissues versus adjacent healthy tissues, and was significantly correlated with PAPAS in tumour tissues. PAPAS overexpression in vitro was associated with miR-34a inhibition, while miR-34a failed to significantly affect PAPAS levels. PAPAS overexpression promoted in vitro migration and invasion of TNBC cells, while miR-34a overexpression was inhibitory. MiR-34a overexpression decreased the enhanced cell migration and invasion associated with PAPAS overexpression. PAPAS overexpression showed no significant effects on cancer-cell proliferation. Conclusion LncRNA PAPAS may promote TNBC by downregulating miR-34a.

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Role of Oleic Acid in the Gut-Liver Axis: From Diet to the Regulation of Its Synthesis via Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase 1 (SCD1)

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu11102283 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (10) ◽

pp. 2283 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Elena Piccinin ◽

Marica Cariello ◽

Stefania De Santis ◽

Simon Ducheix ◽

Carlo Sabbà ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Oleic Acid ◽

Fatty Acid ◽

Olive Oil ◽

Intestinal Inflammation ◽

Principal Component ◽

Monounsaturated Fatty Acids ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Stearoyl Coa Desaturase ◽

The Impact

The consumption of an olive oil rich diet has been associated with the diminished incidence of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Several studies have attributed these beneficial effects to oleic acid (C18 n-9), the predominant fatty acid principal component of olive oil. Oleic acid is not an essential fatty acid since it can be endogenously synthesized in humans. Stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) is the enzyme responsible for oleic acid production and, more generally, for the synthesis of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA). The saturated to monounsaturated fatty acid ratio affects the regulation of cell growth and differentiation, and alteration in this ratio has been implicated in a variety of diseases, such as liver dysfunction and intestinal inflammation. In this review, we discuss our current understanding of the impact of gene-nutrient interactions in liver and gut diseases, by taking advantage of the role of SCD1 and its product oleic acid in the modulation of different hepatic and intestinal metabolic pathways.

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The Role of Metabolic Factors in Renal Cancers

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms21197246 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 21 (19) ◽

pp. 7246

Author(s):

Jacek Rysz ◽

Beata Franczyk ◽

Janusz Ławiński ◽

Robert Olszewski ◽

Anna Gluba-Brzózka

Keyword(s):

Diabetes Mellitus ◽

Insulin Resistance ◽

Malignant Tumours ◽

Metabolic Factors ◽

Lipid Disorders ◽

Igf System ◽

Low Body Mass Index ◽

The Impact

An increasing number of evidence indicates that metabolic factors may play an important role in the development and progression of certain types of cancers, including renal cell carcinoma (RCC). This tumour is the most common kidney cancer which accounts for approximately 3–5% of malignant tumours in adults. Numerous studies indicated that concomitant diseases, including diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension, as well as obesity, insulin resistance, and lipid disorders, may also influence the prognosis and cancer-specific overall survival. However, the results of studies concerning the impact of metabolic factors on RCC are controversial. It appears that obesity increases the risk of RCC development; however, it may be a favourable factor in terms of prognosis. Obesity is closely related to insulin resistance and the development of diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2T) since the adipocytes in visceral tissue secrete substances responsible for insulin resistance, e.g., free fatty acids. Interactions between insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system appear to be of key importance in the development and progression of RCC; however, the exact role of insulin and IGFs in RCC pathophysiology remains elusive. Studies indicated that diabetes increased the risk of RCC, but it might not alter cancer-related survival. The risk associated with a lipid profile is most mysterious, as numerous studies provided conflicting results. Even though large studies unravelling pathomechanisms involved in cancer growth are required to finally establish the impact of metabolic factors on the development, progression, and prognosis of renal cancers, it seems that the monitoring of health conditions, such as diabetes, low body mass index (BMI), and lipid disorders is of high importance in clear-cell RCC.

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The Role of Sexual Hormones on the Enteroinsular Axis

Endocrine Reviews ◽

10.1210/er.2019-00004 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 40 (4) ◽

pp. 1152-1162 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Sandra Handgraaf ◽

Jacques Philippe

Keyword(s):

Sex Hormones ◽

Glucose Homeostasis ◽

Fine Tuning ◽

Protective Effects ◽

Enteroinsular Axis ◽

Sexual Hormones ◽

The Impact ◽

Potential Therapeutics

AbstractSex steroid estrogens, androgens, and progesterone, produced by the gonads, which have long been considered as endocrine glands, are implicated in sexual differentiation, puberty, and reproduction. However, the impact of sex hormones goes beyond these effects through their role on energy metabolism. Indeed, sex hormones are important physiological regulators of glucose homeostasis and, in particular, of the enteroinsular axis. In this review, we describe the roles of estrogens, androgens, and progesterone on glucose homeostasis through their effects on pancreatic α- and β-cells, as well as on enteroendocrine L-cells, and their implications in hormonal biosynthesis and secretion. The analysis of their mechanisms of action with the dissection of the receptors implicated in the several protective effects could provide some new aspects of the fine-tuning of hormonal secretion under the influence of the sex. This knowledge paves the way to the understanding of transgender physiology and new potential therapeutics in the field of type 2 diabetes.

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Inflammation in Obesity-Related Complications in Children: The Protective Effect of Diet and Its Potential Role as a Therapeutic Agent

Biomolecules ◽

10.3390/biom10091324 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (9) ◽

pp. 1324

Author(s):

Valeria Calcaterra ◽

Corrado Regalbuto ◽

Debora Porri ◽

Gloria Pelizzo ◽

Emanuela Mazzon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dietary Intervention ◽

Critical Role ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Alcoholic Fatty Liver ◽

Nutrition And Diet ◽

Pediatric Overweight ◽

Healthy Growth ◽

The Impact

Obesity is a growing health problem in both children and adults, impairing physical and mental state and impacting health care system costs in both developed and developing countries. It is well-known that individuals with excessive weight gain frequently develop obesity-related complications, which are mainly known as Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and many other risk factors proven to be associated with chronic inflammation, causing disability and reduced life expectancy. This review aims to present and discuss complications related to inflammation in pediatric obesity, the critical role of nutrition and diet in obesity-comorbidity prevention and treatment, and the impact of lifestyle. Appropriate early dietary intervention for the management of pediatric overweight and obesity is recommended for overall healthy growth and prevention of comorbidities in adulthood.

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In vitrocolonic metabolism of coffee and chlorogenic acid results in selective changes in human faecal microbiota growth

British Journal Of Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s0007114514003948 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 113 (8) ◽

pp. 1220-1227 ◽

Cited By ~ 67

Author(s):

Charlotte E. Mills ◽

Xenofon Tzounis ◽

Maria-Jose Oruna-Concha ◽

Don S. Mottram ◽

Glenn R. Gibson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Distal Region ◽

Considerable Proportion ◽

Faecal Microbiota ◽

Bacterial Populations ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Equivalent Quantity ◽

Fermentation Model ◽

The Impact ◽

Preventive Effects

Coffee is a relatively rich source of chlorogenic acids (CGA), which, as other polyphenols, have been postulated to exert preventive effects against CVD and type 2 diabetes. As a considerable proportion of ingested CGA reaches the large intestine, CGA may be capable of exerting beneficial effects in the large gut. Here, we utilise a stirred, anaerobic, pH-controlled, batch culture fermentation model of the distal region of the colon in order to investigate the impact of coffee and CGA on the growth of the human faecal microbiota. Incubation of coffee samples with the human faecal microbiota led to the rapid metabolism of CGA (4 h) and the production of dihydrocaffeic acid and dihydroferulic acid, while caffeine remained unmetabolised. The coffee with the highest levels of CGA (P< 0·05, relative to the other coffees) induced a significant increase in the growth ofBifidobacteriumspp. relative to the control vessel at 10 h after exposure (P< 0·05). Similarly, an equivalent quantity of CGA (80·8 mg, matched with that in high-CGA coffee) induced a significant increase in the growth ofBifidobacteriumspp. (P< 0·05). CGA alone also induced a significant increase in the growth of theClostridium coccoides–Eubacteriumrectalegroup (P< 0·05). This selective metabolism and subsequent amplification of specific bacterial populations could be beneficial to host health.

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Could the beneficial effects of dietary calcium on obesity and diabetes control be mediated by changes in intestinal microbiota and integrity?

British Journal Of Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s0007114515003608 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 114 (11) ◽

pp. 1756-1765 ◽

Cited By ~ 23

Author(s):

J. M. G. Gomes ◽

J. A. Costa ◽

R. C. Alfenas

Keyword(s):

Gut Microbiota ◽

Metabolic Diseases ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Body Weight Reduction ◽

Intestinal Integrity ◽

Obesity And Diabetes ◽

Supplementation Period ◽

Inflammatory State ◽

The Impact

AbstractEvidence from animal and human studies has associated gut microbiota, increased translocation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and reduced intestinal integrity (II) with the inflammatory state that occurs in obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Consumption of Ca may favour body weight reduction and glycaemic control, but its influence on II and gut microbiota is not well understood. Considering the impact of metabolic diseases on public health and the role of Ca on the pathophysiology of these diseases, this review critically discusses possible mechanisms by which high-Ca diets could affect gut microbiota and II. Published studies from 1993 to 2015 about this topic were searched and selected from Medline/PubMed, Scielo and Lilacs databases. High-Ca diets seem to favour the growth of lactobacilli, maintain II (especially in the colon), reduce translocation of LPS and regulate tight-junction gene expression. We conclude that dietary Ca might interfere with gut microbiota and II modulations and it can partly explain the effect of Ca on obesity and T2DM control. However, further research is required to define the supplementation period, the dose and the type of Ca supplement (milk or salt) required for more effective results. As Ca interacts with other components of the diet, these interactions must also be considered in future studies. We believe that more complex mechanisms involving extraintestinal disorders (hormones, cytokines and other biomarkers) also need to be studied.

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Metabolic Effects of Bariatric Surgery

Clinical Chemistry ◽

10.1373/clinchem.2017.272336 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 64 (1) ◽

pp. 72-81 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Piriyah Sinclair ◽

Neil Docherty ◽

Carel W le Roux

Keyword(s):

Type 2 Diabetes ◽

Bariatric Surgery ◽

Metabolic Surgery ◽

Positive Impact ◽

Metabolic Effects ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Treatment Of Obesity ◽

The Impact ◽

The Brain

Abstract BACKGROUND Obesity can be defined as a chronic subcortical brain disease, as there is an important neurophysiological component to its etiology based on changes in the functioning of those areas of the brain controlling food intake and reward. Extensive metabolic changes accompany bariatric surgery-based treatment of obesity. Consequently, the term “metabolic” surgery is being increasingly adopted in relation to the beneficial effects these procedures have on chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes. CONTENT In the present review, we focus on the key biochemical and physiological changes induced by metabolic surgery and highlight the beneficial effects accrued systemically with the use of an organ-based approach. Understanding the impact on and interactions between the gut, brain, adipose tissue, liver, muscle, pancreas, and kidney is key to understanding the sum of the metabolic effects of these operations. SUMMARY Further mechanistic studies are essential to assess the true potential of metabolic surgery to treat metabolic comorbidities of obesity beyond type 2 diabetes. Approaches that may mitigate the metabolic side effects of surgery also require attention. Understanding the positive impact of metabolic surgery on metabolic health may result in a wider acceptance of this intervention as treatment for metabolic, comorbid conditions.

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The Ecological Role of Interactions Between Plants in Agroecosystems

Агрознање ◽

10.7251/agren1704293s ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 18 (4) ◽

pp. 293 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Amer Sunulahpašić ◽

Sanja Čekić ◽

Jelena Golijan ◽

Saud Hamidović

Keyword(s):

Agricultural Production ◽

Resistance Mechanisms ◽

Cultivated Plants ◽

Ecological Interactions ◽

Plant Populations ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Development Of Resistance ◽

Chemical Agents ◽

The Impact

Modern agricultural production considers intensive use of agro-technology and chemical agents, which in addition to multiple benefits, results in loss of diversity. One of the methods for improvement of ecological interactions within the agroecosystem is increasing the diversity of cultivated plants. Previous studies have shown the impact of diversification of crops on pest populations in agricultural agroecosystems and demonstrated how certain techniques such as intercropping, can significantly affect the control of herbivores. This paper presents the influence and the role of intercropping in suppression of pests, weeds and diseases. According to the data presented, it is evident that, by using intercropping, multiple beneficial effects for the plant populations can be achieved, followed by development of resistance mechanisms, as well as production of compounds with suppressive effects on overall plants pathogens, weeds and pests.

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Accept Anxiety to Improve Sleep: The Impact of the COVID-19 Lockdown on the Relationships between Mindfulness, Distress and Sleep Quality

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph182413149 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (24) ◽

pp. 13149

Author(s):

Marco Mirolli ◽

Luca Simione ◽

Monica Martoni ◽

Marco Fabbri

Keyword(s):

Sleep Quality ◽

Sleep Problems ◽

Self Report ◽

Dispositional Mindfulness ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Mediating Role ◽

Leading Role ◽

Improve Sleep Quality ◽

The Impact

It has been recently proposed that mindfulness can improve sleep quality through the mediating role on psychological distress and that acceptance may play a pivotal role in mindfulness beneficial effects. The aim of the present work was to understand the effects of the COVID-19 lockdown on dispositional mindfulness, sleep, and distress, and on their relationships. In particular, we wanted to test the hypothesis that the detrimental effects of lockdown on sleep depended on mindfulness and distress (including anxiety and depression) and that the acceptance facet of mindfulness played the leading role. A longitudinal study based on self-report questionnaires was conducted on 39 Italian adults (M age = 35.03, SD = 14.02; 21 men) assessing mindfulness, distress, and sleep quality before (23 December 2019–8 March 2020) and during (27 April 2020–10 May 2020) the first Italian COVID-19 lockdown. Lockdown decreased mindfulness while increasing distress and sleep problems. Path analysis showed that the effects of lockdown on sleep were fully mediated by mindfulness and distress. Furthermore, a more detailed analysis showed that these effects were mainly dependent on the acceptance component of mindfulness working through anxiety. The present study confirms, in the context of the COVID-19 lockdown, a model according to which mindfulness, and specifically acceptance, influences sleep through the mediating role of distress.

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