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Novel Molecules in Diabetes Melitus, Dyslipidemia and Cardiovascular Disease 2.0

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Endocrinology and Metabolism".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 March 2024) | Viewed by 8670

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,  

The purpose of this issue is to present the impact in clinical practice as well as in medical research of novel molecules that have been introduced in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular disease. The topic focuses on the improvements in disease outcomes as well as the numerous beneficial effects of use of certain medications such as GLP-1 agonists, dual GLP-1/ GIP agonists, and SGLT-2 inhibitors for diabetes mellitus treatment; PCSK9 inhibitors and small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules for dyslipidemia; and antiaggregants, oral anticoagulants, scubitril/valsartan, and non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor agonists or dapagliflozin in cardiovascular diseases. We believe that the number of real-life studies and in vivo and in vitro research of the effects of these drugs is quite low at the moment, leading to a lack of understanding of the complex molecular effects and pleiotropic effects of these medications, as well as incomplete knowledge regarding the repurposing of these drugs in clinical practice. Thus, this Special Issue is incredibly topical and important, and we look forward to your submissions which will help to clarify the issues surrounding such drugs.

Dr. Cosmin Mihai Vesa
Prof. Dr. Simona Gabriela Bungau
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • GLP-1 agonists
  • GLP-1/GIP agonists
  • SGLT-2 inhibitors
  • dyslipidemia
  • PCSK9 inhibitors
  • diabetes mellitus
  • sacubitril/valsartan
  • small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules for dyslipidemia
  • novel oral anticoagulants
  • non-steroidal MRA
  • cardiovascular disease

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Editorial

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3 pages, 181 KiB  
Editorial
Novel Molecules in Diabetes Mellitus, Dyslipidemia and Cardiovascular Disease 2.0
by Cosmin Mihai Vesa and Simona Gabriela Bungău
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(17), 9527; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25179527 - 2 Sep 2024
Viewed by 289
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia and cardiovascular disorders represent very prevalent chronic diseases in developed countries contributing to a high morbidity and loss of quality of life [...] Full article

Research

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20 pages, 2880 KiB  
Article
Overexpression of miR-199b-5p in Colony Forming Unit-Hill’s Colonies Positively Mediates the Inflammatory Response in Subclinical Cardiovascular Disease Model: Metformin Therapy Attenuates Its Expression
by Sherin Bakhashab, Rosie Barber, Josie O’Neill, Catherine Arden and Jolanta U. Weaver
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(15), 8087; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25158087 - 25 Jul 2024
Viewed by 604
Abstract
Well-controlled type 1 diabetes (T1DM) is characterized by inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, thus constituting a suitable model of subclinical cardiovascular disease (CVD). miR-199b-5p overexpression in murine CVD has shown proatherosclerotic effects. We hypothesized that miR-199b-5p would be overexpressed in subclinical CVD yet downregulated [...] Read more.
Well-controlled type 1 diabetes (T1DM) is characterized by inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, thus constituting a suitable model of subclinical cardiovascular disease (CVD). miR-199b-5p overexpression in murine CVD has shown proatherosclerotic effects. We hypothesized that miR-199b-5p would be overexpressed in subclinical CVD yet downregulated following metformin therapy. Inflammatory and vascular markers were measured in 29 individuals with T1DM and 20 matched healthy controls (HCs). miR-199b-5p expression in CFU-Hill’s colonies was analyzed from each study group, and correlations with inflammatory/vascular health indices were evaluated. Significant upregulation of miR-199b-5p was observed in T1DM, which was significantly downregulated by metformin. miR-199b-5p correlated positively with vascular endothelial growth factor-D and c-reactive protein (CRP: nonsignificant). ROC analysis determined miR-199b-5p to define subclinical CVD by discriminating between HCs and T1DM individuals. ROC analyses of HbA1c and CRP showed that the upregulation of miR-199b-5p in T1DM individuals defined subclinical CVD at HbA1c > 44.25 mmol and CRP > 4.35 × 106 pg/mL. Ingenuity pathway analysis predicted miR-199b-5p to inhibit the target genes SIRT1, ETS1, and JAG1. Metformin was predicted to downregulate miR-199b-5p via NFATC2 and STAT3 and reverse its downstream effects. This study validated the antiangiogenic properties of miR-199b-5p and substantiated miR-199b-5p overexpression as a biomarker of subclinical CVD. The downregulation of miR-199b-5p by metformin confirmed its cardio-protective effect. Full article
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Figure 1
<p>The comparison of miR-199b-5p expression in CFU-Hill’s colonies between healthy controls and T1DM individuals before (T1DM) and after (T1DM + M) metformin treatment. Fold change between miR-199b-5p mean 2<sup>(ΔΔCq)</sup> values used as a measure of expression. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey test and presented as means ± SD: * <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05, *** <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.001.</p>
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<p>Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis of (<b>A</b>) miR-199b-5p in discriminating between healthy controls and T1DM individuals (AUC = 0.750; <span class="html-italic">p</span> = 0.0404), (<b>B</b>) HbA1c (AUC= 1.000; <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.0001), and (<b>C</b>) CRP (AUC = 0.900; <span class="html-italic">p</span> = 0.0010). ROC curve analysis was performed to determine optimal cutoff values. HbA1c: glycated hemoglobin; CRP: c-reactive protein.</p>
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<p>The relationship between miR-199b-5p expression in CFU-Hill’s colonies and plasma levels of VEGF-D. (<b>A</b>) Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis of VEGF-D. (<b>B</b>) Correlation between miR-199b-5p expression in CFU-Hill’s colonies and plasma levels of VEGF-D. ROC curve analysis was performed to determine optimal cutoff values, while correlations were assessed using linear regression analysis. VEGF: vascular endothelial growth factor.</p>
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<p>Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) prediction network of miR-199b-5p using this study’s data and its mRNA targets supporting its association with cardiovascular disease. Four pathways were considered relevant in this study: inflammatory response, vasculogenesis, angiogenesis, and atherosclerosis. Red signifies upregulation of miR-199b-5p, orange signifies predicted activation, and blue signifies predicted inhibition. Solid lines represent a direct interaction, and dashed lines represent an indirect interaction. All interactions have a value of <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05. CDH5: cadherin 5; CRP: c-reactive protein; ETS1: ETS proto-oncogene 1, transcription factor; HBA1/HBA2: glycated hemoglobin subunit α1/2; HGF: hepatocyte growth factor; IGF1: insulin-like growth factor 1; ITGβ1: integrin subunit β1; JAG1: jagged canonical notch ligand 1; KLF2: Krüppel-like factor 2; MMP1: matrix metallopeptidase 1; SFTPA1: surfactant protein A1; SHC1: SHC-transforming protein 1; SIRT1: sirtuin 1; VEGFD: vascular endothelial growth factor D.</p>
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<p>Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) prediction network of miR-199b-5p molecular targets and functional pathways following metformin intervention. Red signifies upregulation of metformin, orange signifies predicted activation, and blue signifies predicted inhibition. Solid lines represent a direct interaction, and dashed lines represent an indirect interaction. All interactions have a value of <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05. CDH5: cadherin 5; CRP: c-reactive protein; ETS1: ETS proto-oncogene 1, transcription factor; HBA1/HBA2: glycated hemoglobin subunit α1/2; HGF: hepatocyte growth factor; IGF1: insulin-like growth factor 1; ITGβ1: integrin subunit β1; JAG1: jagged canonical notch ligand 1; KLF2: Krüppel-like factor 2; MAPK8: mitogen-activated protein kinase 8; mir-199: micro-RNA-199; MMP1: matrix metallopeptidase-1; NFATC2: nuclear factor of activated T cells 2; RELA: RELA proto-oncogene, NF-κB subunit; SFTPA1: surfactant protein A1; SHC1: SHC-transforming protein 1; SIRT1: sirtuin 1; STAT3: signal transducer and activator of transcription 3; VEGFD: vascular endothelial growth factor D.</p>
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<p>Schematic summary of the findings of this research following the study in T1DM individuals with subclinical CVD. Upregulated miR-199b-5p, CRP, TNF-α, and thrombomodulin demonstrated proatherogenic effects and contributed to increased CVD risk in T1DM individuals. Downregulation of antiatherogenic CFU-Hill’s colonies, CD34<sup>+</sup> stem cells, and CD34<sup>+</sup>CD133<sup>+</sup> stem cells further contributed to elevated T1DM-related CVD risk. Upregulation of VEGF-D proposed a pro-atherosclerotic role in T1DM. Created using BioRender.com. T1DM: type 1 diabetes mellitus; CVD: cardiovascular disease; miR: micro-RNA; CRP: c-reactive protein; TNF: tumor necrosis factor; CD: cluster of differentiation; VEGF: vascular endothelial growth factor. The red color denoted increased and blue color decreased.</p>
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<p>Schematic summary of the findings of this research following metformin intervention. Metformin inhibited miR-199b-5p and subsequently downregulated CRP and TNF-α, thus contributing to reduced CVD risk in T1DM individuals. Upregulation of antiatherogenic CFU-Hill’s colonies, CD34<sup>+</sup> stem cells, and CD34<sup>+</sup>CD133<sup>+</sup> stem cells further contributed to reduced T1DM-related CVD risk. Downregulated thrombomodulin reflected the reduced level of inflammation. Downregulation of VEGF-D reduced its proatherosclerotic role in T1DM. Created using BioRender.com. T1DM: type 1 diabetes mellitus; CVD: cardiovascular disease; miR: micro-RNA; CRP: c-reactive protein; TNF: tumor necrosis factor; CD: cluster of differentiation; VEGF: vascular endothelial growth factor. The red color denoted increased and blue color decreased.</p>
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12 pages, 515 KiB  
Article
Circular RNA hsa_circ_0002268 (PHACTR1) Is Specific to Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in a Polish Pregnant Population
by Dominik Franciszek Dłuski, Marek Cieśla and Dorota Darmochwał-Kolarz
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(13), 7040; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25137040 - 27 Jun 2024
Viewed by 649
Abstract
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is an intolerance of carbohydrate of any degree, which appears for the first time or is diagnosed during pregnancy. The objective of this study is to assess the differences in circular RNA (circRNA) in a Polish pregnant population with [...] Read more.
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is an intolerance of carbohydrate of any degree, which appears for the first time or is diagnosed during pregnancy. The objective of this study is to assess the differences in circular RNA (circRNA) in a Polish pregnant population with and without GDM. A total of 62 pregnant women, 34 with GDM and 28 controls, were enrolled in the study. Total RNAs were extracted from plasma and reverse transcription to complementary DNA (cDNA) was performed. A panel covering 271 amplicons, targeting both linear and circular as well as negative control gene transcripts, was used. Next-generation sequencing was used to evaluate the circRNA quantity. Data analysis was performed using the Coverage Analysis plugin in the Torrent Suite Software (Torrent Suite 5.12.3). A two-step normalization was performed by dividing each transcript read count by the total number of reads generated for the sample, followed by dividing the quantity of each transcript by β-actin gene expression. Both circular and linear forms of RNAs were independently evaluated. A total of 57 transcripts were dysregulated between pregnant women with GDM and controls. Most of the targets (n = 25) were downregulated (cut-off ratio below 0.5), and one target showed a trend toward strong upregulation (ratio 1.45). A total of 39 targets were positively correlated with fasting plasma glucose (FPG), but none of the tested targets were correlated with insulin, CRP or HOMA-IR levels. Among the pregnant women with gestational diabetes, the relative quantity of hsa_circ_0002268 (PHACTR1) was approximately 120% higher than among healthy pregnant women: 0.046 [0.022–0.096] vs. 0.021 [0.007–0.047], respectively, (p = 0.0029). Elevated levels of hsa_circ_0002268 (PHACTR1) might be specific to the Polish population of pregnant women with GDM, making it useful as a potential molecular biomarker in the management of GDM in Poland. Full article
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<p>(<b>a</b>) Correlation between top 10 dysregulated transcripts and clinical variables (part 1). Abbreviations: CRP, C-reactive protein; FPG, fasting plasma glucose; HOMA-IR, Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance. Significant correlations are marked with a red star. Details are presented in <a href="#ijms-25-07040-t003" class="html-table">Table 3</a>. (<b>b</b>) Correlation between top 10 dysregulated transcripts and clinical variables (part 2). Abbreviations: please refer to <a href="#ijms-25-07040-f001" class="html-fig">Figure 1</a>a. Significant correlations are marked with a red star. Details are presented in <a href="#ijms-25-07040-t003" class="html-table">Table 3</a>.</p>
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13 pages, 2050 KiB  
Article
Cathelicidin Antimicrobial Peptide Levels in Atherosclerosis and Myocardial Infarction in Mice and Human
by Alexandra Höpfinger, Andreas Schmid, Thomas Karrasch, Sabine Pankuweit, Andreas Schäffler and Karsten Grote
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(5), 2909; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25052909 - 2 Mar 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1020
Abstract
Obesity represents a worldwide health challenge, and the condition is accompanied by elevated risk of cardiovascular diseases caused by metabolic dysfunction and proinflammatory adipokines. Among those, the immune-modulatory cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide (human: CAMP; murine: CRAMP) might contribute to the interaction of the innate [...] Read more.
Obesity represents a worldwide health challenge, and the condition is accompanied by elevated risk of cardiovascular diseases caused by metabolic dysfunction and proinflammatory adipokines. Among those, the immune-modulatory cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide (human: CAMP; murine: CRAMP) might contribute to the interaction of the innate immune system and metabolism in these settings. We investigated systemic CAMP/CRAMP levels in experimental murine models of atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction and cardiovascular patients. Atherosclerosis was induced in low-density lipoprotein receptor-deficient (Ldlr−/−) mice by high-fat diet (HFD). C57BL/6J wild-type mice were subjected to myocardial infarction by permanent or transient left anterior descending (LAD)-ligation. Cramp gene expression in murine organs and tissues was investigated via real-time PCR. Blood samples of 234 adult individuals with or without coronary artery disease (CAD) were collected. Human and murine CAMP/CRAMP serum levels were quantified by ELISA. Atherosclerotic mice exhibited significantly increased CRAMP serum levels and induced Cramp gene expression in the spleen and liver, whereas experimental myocardial infarction substantially decreased CRAMP serum levels. Human CAMP serum quantities were not significantly affected by CAD while being correlated with leukocytes and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Our data show an influence of cathelicidin in experimental atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, as well as in patients with CAD. Further studies are needed to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanism. Full article
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Figure 1
<p>Serum CRAMP levels were significantly increased in Ldlr<sup>−/−</sup> mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks compared to mice maintained on a standard diet (SD). Blood serum samples from Ldlr<sup>−/−</sup> mice were collected at the age of 22 weeks and CRAMP levels were measured by ELISA. Mann–Whitney U-test was applied for the calculation of statistical significance. Samples from <span class="html-italic">n</span> = 7–12 animals per group were investigated.</p>
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<p><span class="html-italic">Cramp</span> gene expression was significantly induced in the spleen and liver of Ldlr<sup>−/−</sup> mice fed a HFD. Tissues were collected from mice after 12 weeks of a HFD or a continued SD at the age of 22 weeks. After RNA isolation, <span class="html-italic">Cramp</span> gene expression was measured by RT-PCR. Kruskal–Wallis test was applied for the calculation of statistical significance. Samples from <span class="html-italic">n</span> = 4–5 animals per group were investigated. * <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05 vs. SD. n.d.: not detectable.</p>
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<p>Tissue gene expression of <span class="html-italic">Cramp</span>. After RNA isolation, CRAMP mRNA levels in different murine tissues and organs were determined by RT-PCR, and CRAMP serum levels were quantified by ELISA. Samples from <span class="html-italic">n</span> = 3–5 animals were investigated for gene expression and <span class="html-italic">n</span> = 10 for serum levels. n.d.: not detectable.</p>
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<p>CRAMP serum levels were significantly diminished after transient occlusion (TO) and permanent occlusion (PO) of the LAD in wild-type mice. Blood serum samples were collected at the age of 10–12 weeks and CRAMP levels were measured by ELISA. Kruskal–Wallis-test was applied for the calculation of statistical significance. Samples from <span class="html-italic">n</span> = 7–15 animals per group were investigated. Dots mark statistical outliers.</p>
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<p>CAMP serum levels did not differ between subgroups. Circulating CAMP levels were quantified by ELISA. The Kruskal–Wallis test was applied for the calculation of statistical significance. Dots mark statistical outliers. Outliers &gt; 2.5 SD are not shown; n.s.: not significant; CAMP: Cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide; Ctrl.: Control; CCS: chronic coronary syndrome; ACS: acute coronary syndrome.</p>
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<p>Circulating CAMP levels were positively correlated with triglyceride levels in CAD patients (<b>A</b>), especially in the subgroup of CCS patients (<b>B</b>). In women, weight and CAMP levels were positively correlated (<b>C</b>). CAMP serum levels were positively correlated with diastolic (<b>D</b>) and systolic (<b>E</b>) blood pressure in CAD patients. CAMP serum levels were negatively correlated with left ventricle ejection fraction in patients with recurrent acute events (<b>F</b>). CAMP serum levels were measured by ELISA. The Spearman-rho test was applied for the calculation of <span class="html-italic">p</span> values and statistical significance. CAMP: Cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide; LV-EF: left ventricular ejection fraction.</p>
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<p>Circulating CAMP levels were correlated with proinflammatory parameters. Leukocytes in male CAD patients (<b>A</b>), MCP-1 in the entire study cohort (<b>C</b>), and IL-1β in ACS-2 (<b>D</b>) were correlated positively with circulating CAMP levels. The amount of CD14<sup>++</sup>CD16<sup>−</sup> monocytes in lean patients was correlated negatively with circulating CAMP levels (<b>B</b>). CAMP serum levels were measured by ELISA. The Spearman-rho test was applied for the calculation of <span class="html-italic">p</span> values and statistical significance. CAMP: Cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide; MCP-1: monocyte chemoattractant protein-1; IL-1β: Interleukin-1β.</p>
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Review

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18 pages, 1635 KiB  
Review
Targeting Protein Kinases to Protect Beta-Cell Function and Survival in Diabetes
by Stéphane Dalle
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(12), 6425; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25126425 - 11 Jun 2024
Viewed by 856
Abstract
The prevalence of diabetes is increasing worldwide. Massive death of pancreatic beta-cells causes type 1 diabetes. Progressive loss of beta-cell function and mass characterizes type 2 diabetes. To date, none of the available antidiabetic drugs promotes the maintenance of a functional mass of [...] Read more.
The prevalence of diabetes is increasing worldwide. Massive death of pancreatic beta-cells causes type 1 diabetes. Progressive loss of beta-cell function and mass characterizes type 2 diabetes. To date, none of the available antidiabetic drugs promotes the maintenance of a functional mass of endogenous beta-cells, revealing an unmet medical need. Dysfunction and apoptotic death of beta-cells occur, in particular, through the activation of intracellular protein kinases. In recent years, protein kinases have become highly studied targets of the pharmaceutical industry for drug development. A number of drugs that inhibit protein kinases have been approved for the treatment of cancers. The question of whether safe drugs that inhibit protein kinase activity can be developed and used to protect the function and survival of beta-cells in diabetes is still unresolved. This review presents arguments suggesting that several protein kinases in beta-cells may represent targets of interest for the development of drugs to treat diabetes. Full article
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<p>Targeting kinases to protect beta-cell function and survival from inflammation. Insulin secretion dysfunction, apoptotic death, inflammation and macrophage recruitment induced by pro-inflammatory cytokines occur through the activation of several intracellular kinases (MST1, TAK1, TPL2, c-Abl, TYK2, JAK1, and JNK) [<a href="#B29-ijms-25-06425" class="html-bibr">29</a>,<a href="#B30-ijms-25-06425" class="html-bibr">30</a>,<a href="#B31-ijms-25-06425" class="html-bibr">31</a>,<a href="#B32-ijms-25-06425" class="html-bibr">32</a>,<a href="#B33-ijms-25-06425" class="html-bibr">33</a>,<a href="#B34-ijms-25-06425" class="html-bibr">34</a>,<a href="#B35-ijms-25-06425" class="html-bibr">35</a>,<a href="#B36-ijms-25-06425" class="html-bibr">36</a>]. In beta-cells, activation of these kinases induces adverse effects including mitochondrial alterations, release of death signals from mitochondria, oxidative stress, ER stress, regulation of pro-inflammatory gene transcription through NFκB signaling. Targeting these kinases by pharmacological inhibition represents a strategy to prevent insulin secretion dysfunction and apoptotic death of beta-cells.</p>
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<p>Targeting kinases to protect beta-cell function and survival from glucotoxicity and glucolipotoxicity. Insulin secretion dysfunction, apoptotic death, IL-1β production and secretion occur through the activation of intracellular kinases (GSK3β, IKKβ, MST1, CK2, JNK, p38) [<a href="#B29-ijms-25-06425" class="html-bibr">29</a>,<a href="#B42-ijms-25-06425" class="html-bibr">42</a>,<a href="#B43-ijms-25-06425" class="html-bibr">43</a>,<a href="#B44-ijms-25-06425" class="html-bibr">44</a>,<a href="#B45-ijms-25-06425" class="html-bibr">45</a>,<a href="#B46-ijms-25-06425" class="html-bibr">46</a>,<a href="#B47-ijms-25-06425" class="html-bibr">47</a>,<a href="#B48-ijms-25-06425" class="html-bibr">48</a>,<a href="#B49-ijms-25-06425" class="html-bibr">49</a>,<a href="#B50-ijms-25-06425" class="html-bibr">50</a>,<a href="#B51-ijms-25-06425" class="html-bibr">51</a>]. Activation of these kinases induces adverse effects including mitochondrial alterations, release of death signals from mitochondria, oxidative stress, ER stress, regulation of gene transcription, and stimulation of the inflammasome. Targeting these kinases by pharmacological inhibition represents a strategy to prevent insulin secretion dysfunction and apoptotic death of beta-cells. Pharmacological inhibition of the glucokinase activity decreases glucose metabolism, and may protect beta-cells from glucotoxicity.</p>
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<p>Structure of kinases. (<b>A</b>) Structure of kinases presents different domains: A catalytic domain usually composed of a larger α-helical domain; C-terminal regulatory domain, and N-terminal regulatory domain usually composed of a β-sheet domain. The N-and C-terminal domains can be linked by scaffold peptide forming a deep groove enabling nucleotide- and substrate-binding. The nucleotide-binding region can rotate into “on” and “off” conformations depending on the nucleotide-binding and kinase activation. Theses domains can display phosphorylation sites for activation, inactivation, degradation, or conformational changes. (<b>B</b>) Example of TPL2 kinase structure: TPL2 is expressed as 2 isoforms generated by alternative translation start sites (i.e., methionine1 (Met1), methionine30 (Met30)). The kinase domain is located in the center of the protein and flanked by N- and C-terminus regulatory domains. The C-terminus domain displays a degron sequence that targets TPL2 to the proteasome for degradation. Some phosphorylation sites are identified (Serine (Ser), Threonine (Thr)): Threonine 290 (Thr290) and serine 400 (ser400) are known to regulate kinase activity. The architecture of the TPL2 kinase domain is presented and illustrated in the review by Xu and collaborators [<a href="#B59-ijms-25-06425" class="html-bibr">59</a>].</p>
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28 pages, 1160 KiB  
Review
New Molecules in Type 2 Diabetes: Advancements, Challenges and Future Directions
by Kyriazoula Chatzianagnostou, Melania Gaggini, Adrian Suman Florentin, Ludovica Simonini and Cristina Vassalle
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(11), 6218; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25116218 - 5 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1011
Abstract
Although good glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) can prevent cardiovascular complications, many diabetic patients still have poor optimal control. A new class of antidiabetic drugs (e.g., glucagon-like peptide-1-GLP-1 receptor agonists, sodium-glucose co-transporters-SGLT2 inhibitors), in addition to the low hypoglycemic [...] Read more.
Although good glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) can prevent cardiovascular complications, many diabetic patients still have poor optimal control. A new class of antidiabetic drugs (e.g., glucagon-like peptide-1-GLP-1 receptor agonists, sodium-glucose co-transporters-SGLT2 inhibitors), in addition to the low hypoglycemic effect, exert multiple beneficial effects at a metabolic and cardiovascular level, through mechanisms other than antihyperglycemic agents. This review aims to discuss the effects of these new antidiabetic drugs, highlighting cardiovascular and metabolic benefits, through the description of their action mechanisms as well as available data by preclinical and clinical studies. Moreover, new innovative tools in the T2D field will be described which may help to advance towards a better targeted T2D personalized care in future. Full article
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Graphical abstract

Graphical abstract
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<p>Summary of the GLP-1RA in preclinical studies.</p>
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<p>Summary of the SGLT2i in preclinical studies.</p>
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22 pages, 1630 KiB  
Review
The Role of Polyphenols in Modulating PON1 Activity Regarding Endothelial Dysfunction and Atherosclerosis
by Teodora Bianca Sirca, Mariana Eugenia Mureșan, Annamaria Pallag, Eleonora Marian, Tunde Jurca, Laura Grațiela Vicaș, Ioana Paula Tunduc, Felicia Manole and Liana Ștefan
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(5), 2962; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25052962 - 4 Mar 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1389
Abstract
The incidence and prevalence of cardiovascular diseases are still rising. The principal mechanism that drives them is atherosclerosis, an affection given by dyslipidemia and a pro-inflammatory state. Paraoxonase enzymes have a protective role due to their ability to contribute to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory [...] Read more.
The incidence and prevalence of cardiovascular diseases are still rising. The principal mechanism that drives them is atherosclerosis, an affection given by dyslipidemia and a pro-inflammatory state. Paraoxonase enzymes have a protective role due to their ability to contribute to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways, especially paraoxonase 1 (PON1). PON1 binds with HDL (high-density lipoprotein), and high serum levels lead to a protective state against dyslipidemia, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, stroke, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and many others. Modulating PON1 expression might be a treatment objective with significant results in limiting the prevalence of atherosclerosis. Lifestyle including diet and exercise can raise its levels, and some beneficial plants have been found to influence PON1 levels; therefore, more studies on herbal components are needed. Our purpose is to highlight the principal roles of Praoxonase 1, its implications in dyslipidemia, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and other diseases, and to emphasize plants that can modulate PON1 expression, targeting the potential of some flavonoids that could be introduced as supplements in our diet and to validate the hypothesis that flavonoids have any effects regarding PON1 function. Full article
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<p>Prisma flow diagram for description of the selection process of the bibliographic sources.</p>
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<p>The most important factors implicated in endothelial dysfunction led to a state prone to atherosclerosis. The figure was composed using Servier Medical Art templates and PowerPoint, Servier Medical Art by Servier is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License (<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/" target="_blank">https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/</a> Accessed on 23 February 2024).</p>
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<p>IL-1 β and TNF-α inhibit PON1 function via the NF-kB pathway, leading to higher levels of oxLDL, with atherosclerosis being the consequence (the figure was composed using Servier Medical Art templates and PowerPoint, Servier Medical Art by Servier is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License (<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/" target="_blank">https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/</a>) Accessed on 23 February 2024).</p>
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<p>The pathways of polyphenols regarding the modulation of PON1 (the figure was composed using Servier Medical Art templates and PowerPoint, Servier Medical Art by Servier is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License (<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/" target="_blank">https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/</a> Accessed on 23 February 2024).</p>
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25 pages, 1824 KiB  
Review
Cardiometabolic Risk: Characteristics of the Intestinal Microbiome and the Role of Polyphenols
by Ioana Mariana Haș, Delia Mirela Tit, Simona Gabriela Bungau, Flavia Maria Pavel, Bernadette-Emoke Teleky, Dan Cristian Vodnar and Cosmin Mihai Vesa
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(18), 13757; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241813757 - 6 Sep 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1628
Abstract
Cardiometabolic diseases like hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, and obesity have been associated with changes in the gut microbiota structure, or dysbiosis. The beneficial effect of polyphenols on reducing the incidence of this chronic disease has been confirmed by numerous studies. Polyphenols [...] Read more.
Cardiometabolic diseases like hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, and obesity have been associated with changes in the gut microbiota structure, or dysbiosis. The beneficial effect of polyphenols on reducing the incidence of this chronic disease has been confirmed by numerous studies. Polyphenols are primarily known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but they can also modify the gut microbiota. According to recent research, polyphenols positively influence the gut microbiota, which regulates metabolic responses and reduces systemic inflammation. This review emphasizes the prebiotic role of polyphenols and their impact on specific gut microbiota components in patients at cardiometabolic risk. It also analyzes the most recent research on the positive effects of polyphenols on cardiometabolic health. While numerous in vitro and in vivo studies have shown the interaction involving polyphenols and gut microbiota, additional clinical investigations are required to assess this effect in people. Full article
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Graphical abstract

Graphical abstract
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<p>Literature selection depicted in a PRISMA 2020 flow diagram.</p>
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<p>Dietary polyphenol subclasses with roles in cardiometabolic health.</p>
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<p>Polyphenols effects and cardiometabolic risks.</p>
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