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Topic Review
High-Density Lipoproteins as Homeostatic Nanoparticles
It is well known that blood lipoproteins (LPs) are multimolecular complexes of lipids and proteins that play a crucial role in lipid transport. High-density lipoproteins (HDL) are a class of blood plasma LPs that mediate reverse cholesterol transport (RCT)—cholesterol transport from the peripheral tissues to the liver. Due to this ability to promote cholesterol uptake from cell membranes, HDL possess antiatherogenic properties. This function was first observed at the end of the 1970s to the beginning of the 1980s, resulting in high interest in this class of LPs. It was shown that HDL are the prevalent class of LPs in several types of living organisms (from fishes to monkeys) with high resistance to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disorders. Lately, understanding of the mechanisms of the antiatherogenic properties of HDL has significantly expanded. Besides the contribution to RCT, HDL have been shown to modulate inflammatory processes, blood clotting, and vasomotor responses. These particles also possess antioxidant properties and contribute to immune reactions and intercellular signaling.
  • 1.4K
  • 30 Nov 2020
Topic Review
Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1
This article details the critical roles that insulin-like growth factor-1 and its receptor insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (GFR1) play in maintaining bone homeostasis and how exposure of bone cells to microgravity affects the function of these growth factors. 
  • 1.4K
  • 14 Jul 2020
Topic Review
Effect of Probiotics on Glucose Metabolism and Homeostasis
The maintenance of a healthy status depends on the coexistence between the host organism and the microbiota. Early studies have already focused on the nutritional properties of probiotics, which may also contribute to the structural changes in the gut microbiota, thereby affecting host metabolism and homeostasis. Maintaining homeostasis in the body is therefore crucial and is reflected at all levels, including that of glucose, a simple sugar molecule that is an essential fuel for normal cellular function. Despite numerous clinical studies that have shown the effect of various probiotics on glucose and its homeostasis, knowledge about the exact function of their mechanism is still scarce. 
  • 1.4K
  • 12 Aug 2022
Topic Review
Estrogen Receptor Positive Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most common cancer and the deadliest among women worldwide. Estrogen signaling is closely associated with hormone-dependent breast cancer (estrogen and progesterone receptor positive), which accounts for two-thirds of tumors.  Approximately 70% of patients have hormone-dependent breast cancer with tumor cells, called luminal A and B, expressing the estrogen receptor (ER). In these tumors, estrogens are the principal signals that play a major role in tumor cell growth and progression. The cellular action of estrogens is primarily mediated by the nuclear ERα, ERβ and the membrane G protein-coupled ER (GPER, called also GPR30). The ERα, being considered to be the receptor most involved in the development of breast cancer, constitutes therefore a pivotal target for breast cancer therapy.
  • 1.4K
  • 14 Apr 2023
Topic Review
Liquid–Liquid Phase Separation in Metabolic Diseases
Liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) is a reversible and dynamical biophysical process where homogeneous biomacromolecules spontaneously de-mix into two coexisting liquid phases (a condensed phase and a dilute phase) through transient multivalent macromolecular interactions.
  • 1.4K
  • 10 Oct 2022
Topic Review
LIN28-let-7-ARID3B Pathway
Placental disorders are a major cause of pregnancy loss in humans, and 40%–60% of embryos are lost between fertilization and birth. Successful embryo implantation and placental development requires rapid proliferation, invasion, and migration of trophoblast cells. In recent years, microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as key regulators of molecular pathways involved in trophoblast function. A miRNA binds its target mRNA in the 3ʹ-untranslated region (3ʹ-UTR), causing its degradation or translational repression. Lethal-7 (let-7) miRNAs induce cell differentiation and reduce cell proliferation by targeting proliferation-associated genes. The oncoprotein LIN28 represses the biogenesis of mature let-7 miRNAs. Proliferating cells have high LIN28 and low let-7 miRNAs, whereas differentiating cells have low LIN28 and high let-7 miRNAs. In placenta, low LIN28 and high let-7 miRNAs can lead to reduced proliferation of trophoblast cells, resulting in abnormal placental development. In trophoblast cells, let-7 miRNAs reduce the expression of proliferation factors either directly by binding their mRNA in 3ʹ-UTR or indirectly by targeting the -rich interaction domain (ARID)3B complex, a transcription-activating complex comprised of ARID3A, ARID3B, and histone demethylase 4C (KDM4C). In this review, we discuss regulation of trophoblast function by miRNAs, focusing on the role of LIN28-let-7-ARID3B pathway in placental development.
  • 1.4K
  • 27 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Molecules from Mexican Hypoglycemic Plants
Like in many developing countries, in Mexico, the use of medicinal plants is a common practice. Based on our own field experience, there are at least 800 plants used for treating diabetes nowadays. Thus, their investigation is essential. The molecules isolated from Mexican hypoglycemic plants, including their source and target tested, are worth studying. In the last few years, some researchers have focused on the study of Mexican hypoglycemic plants. Herewith we provide a review of the 86 active compounds belonging to different classes of natural products, that have been isolated from Mexican Hypoglycemic plants.
  • 1.4K
  • 27 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Sortilin/Neurotensin Receptor-3 in Cancer
The multifunctional role of sortilin in cancers development The development of cancerous tumors is known to be the consequence of the overexpression of growth factors. Unfortunately, when treated with radiotherapy or chemical therapy, some tumors can metastasize as a result of the weakening of cancer cell–cell interactions in the tumor tissue, leading to the dissemination of cancer cells in the circulation. Both mechanisms of cancer growth and metastasis are regulated by a large panel of circulating activators from several neuropeptides to membrane-bound factors released by matrix metalloprotease (MMP)-dependent shedding, such as Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) ligands. One of the most studied neuropeptides involved in cancer progression is neurotensin (NTS), the three known receptors of which (two G-protein coupled receptors, NTSR1 and NTSR2, and a type I receptor, NTSR3) are expressed in numerous cancers and particularly in digestive cancers. Interestingly, NTSR3, also previously identified as Sortilin, is shed from the plasma membrane, leading to the release of a soluble form of sortilin (sSortilin). However, growing evidence indicates the emerging role of membrane-bound Sortilin/NTSR3 and its soluble counterpart in cancer cell proliferation and dissemination.
  • 1.4K
  • 21 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Anti-Cancer Effects of Atrial Natriuretic Peptides
The atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), a cardiovascular hormone, plays a pivotal role in the homeostatic control of blood pressure, electrolytes, and water balance and is approved to treat congestive heart failure. In addition, there is a growing realization that ANPs might be related to immune response and tumor growth. The anti-inflammatory and immune-modulatory effects of ANPs in the tissue microenvironment are mediated through autocrine or paracrine mechanisms, which further suppress tumorigenesis. In cancers, ANPs show anti-proliferative effects through several molecular pathways. Furthermore, ANPs attenuate the side effects of cancer therapy. Therefore, ANPs act on several hallmarks of cancer, such as inflammation, angiogenesis, sustained tumor growth, and metastasis. 
  • 1.4K
  • 12 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Sex-Specific SARS-CoV-2 Mortality
COVID-19 shows a sex-dependent epidemiology. This letter aims to point out some molecular mechanisms which could explain this gender-related difference. Such knownledge may be useful for the future management of COVID-19 patients.
  • 1.3K
  • 02 Nov 2020
Topic Review
Targeting PAI-1 for Potential Therapies
Hypofibrinolysis is a key abnormality in diabetes and contributes to the adverse vascular outcome in this population. Plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1 is an important regulator of the fibrinolytic process and levels of this antifibrinolytic protein are elevated in diabetes and insulin resistant states. This review describes both the physiological and pathological role of PAI-1 in health and disease, focusing on the mechanism of action as well as protein abnormalities in vascular disease with special focus on diabetes. Attempts at inhibiting protein function, using different techniques, are also discussed including direct and indirect interference with production as well as inhibition of protein function. Developing PAI-1 inhibitors represents an alternative approach to managing hypofibrinolysis by targeting the pathological abnormality rather than current practice that relies on profound inhibition of the cellular and/or acellular arms of coagulation, and which can be associated with increased bleeding events. The review offers up-to-date knowledge on the mechanisms of action of PAI-1 together with the role of altering protein function to improve hypofirbinolysis. Developing PAI-1 inhibitors may form for the basis of future new class of antithrombotic agents that reduce vascular complications in diabetes.
  • 1.3K
  • 31 May 2021
Topic Review
DICER1 in Thyroid Manifestations
DICER1 protein is a member of the ribonuclease (RNAse) III family with a key role in the biogenesis of microRNAs (miRNA) and in microRNA processing, potentially affecting gene regulation at the post-transcriptional level. The role of DICER1 and its relevance to thyroid cellular processes and tumorigenesis have only recently been explored, following the acknowledgement that DICER1 germline and somatic changes can contribute not only to non-toxic multinodule goiter (MNG) lesions detected in individuals of affected families but also to a series of childhood tumours, including thyroid neoplasms, which can be identified from early infancy up until the decade of 40s.
  • 1.3K
  • 04 Mar 2022
Topic Review
RONS and Myokines in Skeletal Muscle Glucose Uptake
The skeletal muscle is the largest organ in the body that performs different functions, including those related to the movement of the body such as stability, equilibrium, and locomotion; vital functions such as breathing; and those associated with the maintenance of metabolic homeostasis, in which the generation and expenditure of energy and heat production are critical. The adequate interplay of these functions leads to the maintenance of life in organisms. Glucose is essential in metabolism since it is one of the main substrates that produces ATP, the key molecule that transfers energy during chemical reactions in organisms. To produce ATP, glucose needs to be transported from the extracellular space into the cytosol of the cell. This process is called glucose uptake, and it is critical in skeletal muscle since it provides enough glucose to the cell to produce ATP and satisfy the high demand for energy of the skeletal muscle. Glucose uptake in skeletal muscle tissue is a process mainly regulated by insulin, which is a hormone synthesized in the pancreas and released into the blood stream, where it is transported until it binds to specific insulin receptors that are anchored at the plasma membrane of skeletal muscle cells.
  • 1.3K
  • 23 Dec 2022
Topic Review
Low Carbohydrate Diet
Low-carbohydrate diets are increasingly used to help patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes. We sought to provide an overview of the evidence for this treatment approach, considering the epidemiology and pathophysiology of obesity and diabetes in terms of carbohydrate excess. We describe the mechanistic basis for the clinical benefits associated with nutritional ketosis and identify areas of practice where the evidence base could be improved. 
  • 1.3K
  • 28 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Diabetic Kidney Disease Protein Restriction
Low-protein diets have been recommended as diet therapy for the management of chronic kidney disease. Several studies have reported significantly more favorable results with low-protein diet than with normal-protein diet, the renal protective effects of low-protein diets are still unclear in diabetic patients with chronic kidney disease. Moreover, some studies have reported that extremely low-protein diets may increase the risk of mortality.
  • 1.3K
  • 03 May 2021
Topic Review
The ABA/LANCL Hormone/Receptor System in Diabetes
Abscisic acid (ABA), long known as a plant stress hormone, is present and functionally active in organisms other than those pertaining to the land plant kingdom, including cyanobacteria, fungi, algae, protozoan parasites, lower Metazoa, and mammals. 
  • 1.3K
  • 30 Jan 2023
Topic Review
Parabens Exposure and Breast Cancer
There is increasing recognition that environmental exposure to chemicals, such as endocrine-disruptive chemicals (EDCs), contributes to the development of breast cancer. Parabens are a group of EDCs commonly found in personal care products, foods, and pharmaceuticals. Systemic exposure to parabens has been confirmed by the ubiquitous detection of parabens in human blood and urine samples. Although evidence from in vivo and epidemiological studies linking parabens exposure to breast cancer is limited, the current evidence suggests that parabens may negatively interfere with some endocrine and intracrine targets relevant to breast carcinogenesis. So far, most studies have focused on a single paraben’s effects and the direct modulating effects on estrogen receptors or the androgen receptor in vitro. Recent studies have revealed that parabens can modulate local estrogen-converting enzymes, 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 and 2 and increase local estrogen levels. Also, parabens can crosstalk with the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) pathway and work with ER signaling to increase pro-oncogenic c-Myc expression in ER+/HER2+ breast cancer cells. Future studies investigating paraben mixtures and their crosstalk with other EDCs or signaling pathways both in vitro and in vivo in the context of breast cancer development are warranted. 
  • 1.3K
  • 22 Feb 2022
Topic Review
CIDE Proteins in Human Health
Cell death-Inducing DNA Fragmentation Factor Alpha (DFFA)-like Effector (CIDE) proteins have emerged as lipid droplet-associated proteins that regulate fat metabolism. There are three members in the CIDE protein family—CIDEA, CIDEB, and CIDEC (also known as fat-specific protein 27 (FSP27)). CIDEA and FSP27 are primarily expressed in adipose tissue, while CIDEB is expressed in the liver. Originally, based upon their homology with DNA fragmentation factors, these proteins were identified as apoptotic proteins. However, recent studies have changed the perception of these proteins, redefining them as regulators of lipid droplet dynamics and fat metabolism, which contribute to a healthy metabolic phenotype in humans. Despite various studies in humans and gene-targeting studies in mice, the physiological roles of CIDE proteins remains elusive.
  • 1.3K
  • 07 Jun 2022
Topic Review
Adiponectin System (Rescue Hormone)
The adipose tissue, regardless of its role in generating and storing energy, acts as a key player as an endocrine tissue, producing a wide scale of cytokines/hormones called adipokines. Adipokines such as leptin, resistin, visfatin and osteopontin own pro-inflammatory effects on the cardiovascular system in some cases. In contrast, some adipokines have cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory impacts including adiponectin, omentin, and apelin.
  • 1.3K
  • 12 Jul 2022
Topic Review
The Glycerolipid/NEFA Cycle
Lipotoxicity and glucotoxicity emerged as established mechanisms participating in the pathophysiology of obesity-related type 2 diabetes in general, and in the loss of β-cell function in particular. Glycerolipid/free fatty acid cycle as a protective pathway mediating active storage and recruitment of lipids.
  • 1.3K
  • 29 Mar 2022
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