Int J Med Sci
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This study investigates the role of Fundc1 in cardiac protection under high-altitude hypoxic conditions and elucidates its underlying molecular mechanisms. Using cardiomyocyte-specific Fundc1 knockout (Fundc1CKO ) mice, we demonstrated that Fundc1 deficiency exacerbates cardiac dysfunction under simulated high-altitude hypoxia, manifesting as impaired systolic and diastolic function. Mechanistically, we identified that Fundc1 regulates cardiac function through the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (mito-UPR) pathway. ⋯ We identified ATF5 as a key downstream effector of Fundc1, as ATF5 overexpression effectively reversed cardiac dysfunction and restored mito-UPR-related gene expression in Fundc1-deficient hearts. Additionally, we discovered that Fundc1-mediated cardioprotection involves regulation of mitophagy, where its activation improved cardiac function and mitochondrial homeostasis in Fundc1-deficient mice. Our findings reveal a novel Fundc1-ATF5-mito-UPR axis in cardioprotection against high-altitude hypoxia and highlight the crucial role of mitophagy in this protective mechanism, providing new insights into potential therapeutic strategies for high-altitude heart disease.
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Effective therapies for cognitive impairments induced by brain irradiation are currently lacking. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for radiation-induced brain injury in a randomized controlled experimental model using adult male Wistar rats. Adult male Wistar rats were divided into four experimental groups: 0 Gy whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) with normal baric air (NBA) treatment, 0 Gy WBRT with HBOT, 10 Gy WBRT with NBA, and 10 Gy WBRT with HBOT. ⋯ In addition, HBOT prevented and reversed the increased apoptosis among newborn neural stem cells and neuroblasts caused by 10 Gy WBRT on 7 days. The findings suggest that WBRT disrupts neurogenesis and enhance microgliosis, apoptosis of neuronal progenitors, and lipid peroxidation in the dentate gyrus, potentially leading to cognitive deficits and neuronal death. HBOT may offer a protective effect against these cognitive impairments and their underlying mechanisms in adult male rats following WBRT.
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The outbreak of COVID-19 has opened up new avenues for exploring the importance of vitamin D in immunity, in addition to its role in calcium absorption. Recently, vitamin D supplementation has been found to enhance T regulatory lymphocytes, which are reduced in individuals with COVID-19. Increased risk of pneumonia and increases in inflammatory cytokines have been reported to be major threats associated with vitamin-D deficiency. ⋯ COVID-19 was found to induce multiple organ damage, and vitamin D has a beneficial role in various organs, such as the intestines, pancreas, prostate, kidneys, liver, heart, brain, and immune cells. The consequences that occur after COVID-19 infection known as long COVID-19 are also a concern as they accumulate and target multiple organs, leading to immune dysregulation. The present review covers the overall role and impact of vitamin D and its deficiency for various organs in normal conditions and after COVID-19 infection, which is still a serious issue.
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Elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels are increasingly recognized as a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and may also contribute to atrial fibrillation (AF). This review investigated the indirect mechanisms through which Lp(a) may influence AF, including proatherogenic, prothrombotic, and proinflammatory pathways. Traditional lipid-lowering therapies, such as lifestyle modifications and statins, have limited effects on Lp(a) levels. ⋯ Research indicates varying associations between Lp(a) and AF across different populations, underscoring the need for diverse, large-scale studies to elucidate these differences. Ongoing trials aim to provide clearer insights into these relationships. Addressing these gaps is essential for developing targeted therapies to manage elevated Lp(a) and mitigate the risk of AF and associated cardiovascular events.
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Background: Carotene exists naturally in a complex mixture consisting of alpha (α), beta (β), and gamma (γ)-isoforms. Previous studies investigated the effects of individual carotene isomers on bone rather than their actions in a mixture. Purpose: This study explored the bone-protective properties of palm carotene mixture using both two- and three-dimensional co-culture systems. ⋯ Palm carotene mixture also increased bone volume and osteoblast number in the three-dimensional co-culture system. Conclusion: Palm carotene mixture potentially exhibits beneficial effects on bone by accelerating osteoblast proliferation and suppressing osteoclast maturation. The findings of current study serve as the basis for the further validation through animal experiments and human trials.