This study examined the potential of liraglutide to attenuate ferroptosis in an in vitro model of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). HepG2 cells were allocated into three groups: control (Con), free fatty acid (FFA)-treated, and FFA with liraglutide treatment (FFA+LI). After 48 h of treatment, intracellular triglyceride (TG), glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and iron levels were quantified using commercially available kits. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was also measured. Lipid accumulation was visualized via Oil Red O staining. Expression of ferroptosis-associated genes was assessed through quantitative RT-PCR and western blotting. FFA treatment induced significant lipid accumulation, elevated TG, MDA, and iron levels, and reduced SOD activity and GSH levels compared to the Con group (all p<0.05). Additionally, FFA exposure increased the expression of TFR1 and downregulated SLC7A11, NRF2, and GPX4 (p<0.05 for all comparisons vs. Con). Liraglutide treatment partially reversed these changes, as evidenced by reduced MDA levels and iron content, downregulation of TFR1, and upregulation of NRF2 and GPX4 (FFA+LI vs. FFA, all p<0.05). Liraglutide demonstrated the ability to mitigate lipid accumulation, oxidative stress, and iron overload in HepG2 cells subjected to FFA-induced injury. These effects were associated with modulation of ferroptosis-related gene expression, suggesting a mechanistic basis for the potential protective role of liraglutide in MASLD. Key words Ferroptosis " Free fatty acid " Liraglutide " Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease " Oxidative stress.
Although muscle mass increases during puberty, it plateaus in girls and slowly increases in boys after around 15 years of age. This study investigated the relationship between phase angle and impedance ratio as indicators of muscle quality and age in Japanese individuals aged 15-18 years and examined their relationship with grip strength. Participants included 838 high school, college, or university students (534 boys, 304 girls). Body composition, phase angle, and impedance ratio were measured using a multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analyzer. Phase angle was calculated from the resistance and reactance to a 50-kHz alternating current, while impedance ratio was calculated from the impedance to 5- and 250-kHz currents. Grip strength was measured using a Smedley dynamometer. Significant effects of age were observed for body size, fat-free mass, grip strength, phase angle, and impedance ratio in the boys. Compared to 16-year-olds, 17-year-olds showed a significantly higher phase angle and significantly lower impedance ratio in whole body, upper limb, and lower limb. In contrast, no significant main effects of age were observed for any of these measures in the girls. Phase angle and impedance ratio were significantly correlated with grip strength at each age in both sexes. These results suggest that phase angle and impedance ratio can be used to assess muscle strength at any age during late adolescence. However, age-specific values may be preferable for boys in late adolescence when using the reference or percentile values for phase angle and impedance ratio. Key words Muscle quality " Muscle mass " Muscle strength " Puberty " Adolescence.
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of rosuvastatin (10 mg/kg/day, p.o.) on the flinching nociceptive behavior produced by subcutaneous injection of 0.5 % formalin in the dorsum of the right hind paw from Wistar rats submitted to a 16-week treatment, including a standard rat chow diet (STD-diet) or a high fat-diet (HF-diet). At three days post-treatment, the formalin-induced nociceptive response was assessed for 1 h. Compared to the STD-diet, the HF-diet significantly increased the number of flinches in the second phase of the formalin test, as well as inducing higher body weight and levels of glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, insulin and blood pressure. Rosuvastatin significantly decreased the formalin-induced nociceptive behavior after both diets and significantly reduced those metabolic parameters in rats with a HF- but not STD-diet.
Exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) significantly impacts daily work and life. The rapid promotion of repair for EIMD is worthy of attention. This study aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of microRNAs in treating EIMD. By establishing an acute skeletal muscle injury model, we determined the key time point for skeletal muscle injury repair and the time-specific changes in MRTF-A/Pax7/SRF and muscle regeneration factors during the repair process. MicroRNAs antagonists were injected to verify the targeting relationship between miR-1/133a and MRTF-A/Pax7/SRF. A single bout of acute eccentric exercise caused significant damage to the morphological ultrastructure of rat gastrocnemius muscles, with the most severe injuries occurring 72 h after exercise. At this particular time point, it was identified as crucial for damage repair. Both miR-1-3p and miR-133a-3p collectively targeted and suppressed the protein translation of MRTF-A, Pax7, and SRF. Furthermore, both miR-1-3p and miR-133a-3p antagonists targeted the MRTF-A/Pax7 axis as well as the MRTF-A/SRF axis. MiR-1-3p antagonists primarily promote muscle proliferation and differentiation, while miR-133a-3p antagonists mainly promote differentiation while inhibiting atrophy. Combined injection effectively promote both muscle proliferation and differentiation while inhibiting atrophy, thereby facilitating damage repair in skeletal muscle fiber structure.
This study examined the effects of varying durations of high-fat diet (HFD) exposure on oxidative stress and the NAD+/Sirtuins/PGC1α signaling pathway in rat skeletal muscle. Thirty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to either a control group or HFD groups with exposure periods of 4, 8, or 12 weeks. Outcome measures included body weight, inflammatory markers (IL-6, TNF-α, MCP-1), oxidative stress parameters (MDA, SOD, GSH), apoptotic activity, and protein expression levels of key components within the signaling pathway. The results demonstrated that body weight and systemic inflammation progressively increased with the duration of HFD intake. Markers of oxidative stress became significantly elevated by week 8 and further deteriorated by week 12, characterized by increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, diminished antioxidant capacity (reduced SOD and GSH), and enhanced apoptosis. A reduction in Sirt3 expression and increased acetylation of PGC1α were detected at 8 weeks, while by 12 weeks, dysregulation extended across the entire NAD+/Sirt1/PGC1α pathway. These alterations were associated with exacerbated oxidative damage. The findings suggest that the duration of HFD exposure plays a critical role in the development of skeletal muscle oxidative stress through progressive and time-dependent impairment of the NAD+/Sirtuins/PGC1α pathway.
This study investigated the effects of acupuncture on bone and lipid metabolism in a rat model of postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP). Thirty-two female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to four groups: blank control, sham-operated, model (ovariectomy), and acupuncture treatment (ovariectomy plus acupuncture). Following treatment, bone mineral density (BMD), bone tissue morphological changes with quantitative histomorphometry, serum bone metabolism markers, estradiol (E2) levels at multiple time points, body mass index (BMI), blood lipid indicators, inflammatory factors, and gut microbiota composition were measured in each group. Acupuncture increased femoral BMD after adjusting for femoral shaft thickness (P<0.05) and improved trabecular bone structure, with significant rises in trabecular number, thickness, and bone volume fraction (P<0.05). Serum osteoprotegerin levels increased and osteoclast markers decreased. Serial E2 measurements showed progressive restoration from week 4. Acupuncture reduced BMI (P<0.05), with BMI changes negatively correlating with BMD improvements (r=-0.68, P<0.01). Lipid metabolism and inflammatory markers were significantly improved (P<0.05). Gut microbiota analysis indicated increased abundance of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium and decreased pathogenic bacteria (P<0.05). Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry suggested acupuncture may promote osteogenic differentiation via upregulation of the cAMP-PKA-CREB pathway. Overall, acupuncture effectively enhances bone and lipid metabolism in PMOP rats through hormonal regulation, metabolic modulation, and gut microbiota optimization. Key words Acupuncture " Postmenopausal osteoporosis " Bone metabolism " Lipid metabolism " Estradiol " Gut microbiota " cAMP-PKA-CREB pathway.
The aim of this research was to examine the effects of an 8-week sprint interval training (SIT) intervention alongside caffeine (CAF) supplementation on the physiological adaptations related to the health of obese men. Thirty obese men volunteered to take part in this research and were randomly assigned to three distinct groups: Caffeine plus SIT (CAF+SIT, 6 mg·kg-1 body mass, n=10), Placebo plus SIT (PL+SIT, 6 mg·kg-1 body mass in cellulose, n=10), and Control (CON, n=10). The participants in the caffeine and placebo groups ingested their supplements three times weekly, one hour prior to each SIT session over a period of eight weeks. Lower body strength, and cardiorespiratory fitness as well as body fat were assessed at baseline and following the intervention. Additionally, blood samples for evaluating fasting glucose and lipid profiles were collected 48 h before and after the SIT intervention. Both the CAF+SIT and PL+SIT groups demonstrated notable changes (p<0.05) in the assessed variables after the 8-week intervention period. Furthermore, the CAF+SIT group exhibited significantly greater adaptive responses (p<0.05) compared to the PL+SIT group in terms of fat mass reduction (Standardized mean difference [SMD]=-0.58), strength improvement (SMD=0.36), and cardiorespiratory fitness enhancement (SMD=0.41), as well as modifications in fasting glucose (SMD=-0.57), HDL (SMD=0.18), LDL (SMD=-0.80), cholesterol (SMD=-0.53), triglyceride (SMD=-0.48) and non-HDL (SMD=-1.14) following the intervention. The administration of CAF prior to SIT led to more significant decreases in fat mass and enhancements in strength and cardiorespiratory fitness. Additionally, it resulted in more notable alterations in fasting glucose and lipid profiles among obese men, thereby elucidating the beneficial effects of CAF when combined with SIT to enhance men's health. Key words Interval intervention " Supplementation " Obesity " Health.
Adenomyosis is a chronic gynecological disorder characterized by ectopic endometrial tissue within the myometrium, leading to pelvic pain, menorrhagia, and infertility. Increasing evidence implicates dysregulated Wnt/beta-catenin signaling and aberrant activation of SFRP4+ natural killer T (NKT) cells in disease progression. This study reports the ultrasound-assisted synthesis of a cerium-doped zeolite nanocomplex (Ce-ZNC) and evaluates its therapeutic efficacy in experimental models of adenomyosis. Ce-ZNC was synthesized via an ultrasound-assisted doping approach and characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and polydispersity index (PDI) analysis. In vitro studies were conducted on human peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC)-derived SFRP4+ NKT cells. In vivo efficacy was evaluated in a murine adenomyosis model. IGFBP5 expression and Wnt/beta catenin signaling components were analyzed by RT-qPCR and Western blotting. Histological and cytokine analyses were performed to assess fibrosis and inflammation. Ce-ZNC exhibited spherical morphology with nanoscale dimensions and good colloidal stability. Treatment resulted in a dose-dependent suppression of IGFBP5 expression and inhibition of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling. In vivo administration significantly reduced uterine fibrosis, glandular invasion, and inflammatory cytokine levels. These findings suggest that Ce-ZNC exerts immunomodulatory and anti-fibrotic effects in adenomyosis. While promising, further studies are required to elucidate biodistribution, long-term safety, and translational potential in human models. Key words Adenomyosis " Cerium-doped zeolite " Nanomedicine " Wnt/beta-catenin pathway " IGFBP5 " SFRP4+ NKT cells " Inflammation " Fibrosis " Ultrasound-assisted synthesis.
Obese polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) involves insulin resistance (IR) and impaired endometrial receptivity, potentially driven by hypothalamic inflammation. We investigated if inhibiting the hypothalamic Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/IkappaB kinase beta (IKKbeta) pathway could ameliorate IR and improve endometrial receptivity in an obese PCOS rat model. An obese PCOS rat model was established using letrozole and high-fat diet. Rats were divided into control, PCOS, and three intervention groups: PCOS + intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) TAK242 (central TLR4 inhibitor), PCOS + intraperitoneal (i.p.) TAK242 (systemic inhibitor), and PCOS + Metformin. We assessed hypothalamic inflammation (TLR4/IKKbeta pathway), metabolic parameters (body weight, OGTT, ITT, HOMA-IR), systemic inflammation, and reproductive phenotypes. Endometrial receptivity was evaluated at pregnancy day 6 by uterine morphology, histology, pinopode development (SEM), and receptivity markers (BMP2, VEGF, IGFBP-1). The obese PCOS model successfully induced hypothalamic inflammation (activated TLR4/IKKbeta pathway), systemic inflammation, profound IR, and impaired endometrial receptivity (poor decidualization, sparse pinopodes, suppressed receptivity markers). Central (i.c.v.) TAK242 administration was most effective, significantly suppressing the hypothalamic TLR4/IKKbeta pathway, attenuating weight gain, normalizing insulin sensitivity, and, critically, restoring endometrial receptivity. Metformin also improved IR and receptivity, but was less potent at inhibiting the hypothalamic TLR4/IKKbeta pathway. Systemic (i.p.) TAK242 showed the least efficacy, particularly on metabolic and endometrial outcomes. Hypothalamic inflammation (TLR4/IKKbeta pathway) appears to be a critical mechanism linking IR and impaired endometrial receptivity in obese PCOS. Targeted central inhibition was more effective than systemic inhibition, suggesting this pathway is a novel therapeutic target. Key words Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) " Hypothalamic inflammation " Insulin resistance " Endometrial receptivity " TLR4/IKKbeta pathway.
Osteoporosis is an age-related disease associated with impaired bone remodeling and cellular senescence. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important regulatory role in these processes. This study aimed to identify senescence-associated miRNAs in human osteoporotic bone tissue and to assess their relationship with clinical parameters. A total of 46 patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty were included in this single-center cross-sectional study, representing a relatively large and unique cohort of human bone tissue samples: 21 with osteoporotic proximal femur fracture and 25 with elective arthroplasty for osteoarthritis as controls. Total RNA was isolated from femoral neck biopsies, and the relative expression of 11 selected miRNAs was quantified by qRT-PCR and expressed using 2^-DeltaDeltaCt method. Data were analyzed using t-tests, correlation analysis, and generalized linear models (GLM). MiR-106a-5p was significantly upregulated in osteoporotic patients, whereas miR-34a-5p, miR-218-5p, and miR-155-5p were significantly downregulated. After adjustment for clinical variables, miR-106a-5p remained independently positively associated with osteoporosis, while miR-34a-5p and miR-218-5p showed independent negative associations. MiR-92a-3p and miR-181a-5p became significantly associated with osteoporosis only after adjustment. Network analysis linked the dysregulated miRNAs to genes involved in DNA damage response and cell-cycle control. Osteoporosis is associated with a specific senescence-related miRNA signature in human bone tissue. Integration of molecular and clinical data improved the interpretation of miRNA-disease associations and supports the potential of selected miRNAs as biomarkers of bone aging and osteoporosis. Key words Cellular senescence " Bone metabolism " Osteoporosis " Bone biopsies " miRNA.
This study assessed the impact of gallic acid plus vitamin C on systemic oxidant stress, inflammation, hepatic and renal histology of rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Twenty five albino male rats were allotted into five categories of five rats each and treated hereafter as: control and diabetic group (fed rat diets and water), vitamin C (diabetic treated rats administered vitamin C, 50 mg/kg), gallic acid (diabetic treated rats administered gallic acid at 20 mg/kg), gallic acid plus vitamin C (diabetic treated rats administered 20 mg/kg gallic acid and 50 mg/kg vitamin C). The study duration was forty two days. The diabetic group had significant raise (P<0.05) of fasting glucose, glycated hemoglobin, insulin resistance scores, oxidative stress and inflammatory markers (in the liver, kidney and serum), alteration of relative liver and kidney weights, liver and kidney function indices, significant decrease (P<0.05) in total hemoglobin, serum insulin, insulin sensitivity and pancreatic beta cell function scores, body weights and pathological changes in their liver and kidney histology. These changes were ameliorated following supplementation of the diabetic group with gallic acid, vitamin C and gallic acid plus vitamin C combined treatment. Intervention with vitamin C was more efficacious than gallic acid. However, combined treatment of gallic acid plus vitamin C was more efficacious than the single treatments in modulating systemic and local oxidative stress, inflammation and in restoring the altered liver and kidney histology of the diabetic rats. Key words Antioxidants " Type 2 diabetes mellitus " Diabetic liver disease " Diabetic kidney complication " Natural products.
Prenatal hypoxia (PH) predisposes offspring to cardiovascular diseases. While maternal antioxidant treatment can normalize blood pressure (BP) in offspring, it typically requires high doses that may harm both mother and fetus. The antioxidant ergothioneine (ERG), noted for its very low toxicity, has emerged as a promising candidate. Because PH-induced changes have been primarily studied in male offspring, this study was performed to investigate the impact of maternal ERG treatment and late-gestational PH on cardiovascular outcomes in adult female rat offspring. Pregnant Wistar rats were exposed to 10.5 % O2 for 4 h on gestational days (GDs) 19 and 20. Adult offspring were implanted with telemetry sensors for continuous BP and heart rate (HR) monitoring. In a second experiment, pregnant rats received ERG (35 mg/kg/day) from GD6 until delivery, and on GD20 were exposed to 10.5 % O2 for 12 h. Cardiac and renal protein expression in adult offspring was analysed by western blot. PH offspring exhibited lower HR and BP responses to restraint stress than did controls. PH increased the low-to-high frequency ratio (a marker of sympathovagal balance; P=0.051) and the standard deviation of normal-to-normal interbeat intervals (P=0.024). Despite normal cardiovascular parameters at rest, late-gestational PH programmed subtle yet lasting changes in sympathovagal balance and impaired cardiovascular reactivity to stress in adult female offspring. ERG upregulated beta1-adrenergic receptor and endothelial nitric oxide synthase, particularly in the PH group. This selective effect highlights ERG's potential as a targeted antioxidant intervention against harmful prenatal conditions. Key words Ergothioneine " Prenatal hypoxia " Female " Cardiovascular " Telemetry.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) are complex disorders involving metabolic, immune, and hormonal dysregulation. Adipocytokines from adipose tissue influence metabolism, inflammation, and immune regulation. We investigated adiponectin, resistin, and visfatin in relation to thyroid, glucose, and metabolic parameters in adults with T2DM, AITD, both conditions, and healthy controls. A total of 385 adults were recruited. Clinical, anthropometric, and laboratory parameters were assessed, including glycemia, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), free thyroxine (fT4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroid antibodies, and serum levels of adiponectin, resistin, and visfatin. Correlation and regression analyses were performed, including models adjusted for age, sex, and BMI. Adiponectin was higher in AITD than T2DM (p=0.012), resistin was higher in T2DM&AITD than controls (p=0.004), and visfatin was lower in T2DM than other groups (p<0.001). In T2DM&AITD, adiponectin correlated positively with age and fT4 and negatively with BMI (p=0.028, p=0.034). Resistin correlated inversely with TSH in AITD (p=0.033). Visfatin correlated inversely with thyroid volume in T2DM (p=0.003) and with waist circumference in AITD and T2DM&AITD (p=0.007, p=0.020). After adjustment, resistin remained higher in T2DM&AITD vs. controls (p=0.013) and visfatin and adiponectin remained lower in T2DM vs. controls (p=0.049 and p=0.045, respectively). This study highlights distinct adipocytokine profiles in individuals with metabolic and autoimmune thyroid conditions. Adiponectin, resistin, and visfatin may be potential biomarkers for disease severity and metabolic dysfunction. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanistic pathways linking adipocytokines to the pathophysiology of T2DM and AITD. Key words Type 2 diabetes mellitus " Autoimmune thyroid disease " Adipocytokines " Metabolic dysfunction.
Stress profoundly impacts the immune system, functioning as both an enhancer and suppressor of immune responses. The ultimate outcome depends on a combination of individual characteristics, genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors, and the nature of the stressor. Stress hormones influence leukocyte trafficking, activity, cytokine production, and the overall immune function, leading to immune dysregulation. This review offers a comprehensive perspective on the physiology of the stress response and its effects on immunity, particularly stress-induced alterations in immune cell function. It explores how stress contributes to immunodeficiencies, allergies, and autoimmune diseases, thereby impacting vaccine efficacy, increasing susceptibility to infections, and promoting cancer development. Stress is implicated in the onset and exacerbation of specific autoimmune disorders and contributes to allergic conditions, intensifying allergic responses in both adults and children, particularly in the context of parenting stress and domestic violence. This review also investigates immune changes associated with specific stressors, including bereavement, intimate partner violence, childhood maltreatment, caregiving stress, and post-traumatic stress disorder. This work addresses the multifaceted dimensions of psychoneuroimmunology, shedding light on the significant health consequences of stress-induced immune dysfunction, and emphasizes the need for integrative therapeutic approaches. Key words Fight and flight " Cortisol " T cells " Antibodies " PTSD.
This proof-of-concept-study presents a novel microsensor based on specifically grafted functionalized glass for detection of low concentrated biomarkers in human fluids, gels, and for liquid biopsy. The device integrates functionalized nanofibers with grafted glass, creating an easy-to-use, rapid, and cost-effective biosensor. The approach combines fractionated nanofiber membranes with functionalized surfaces and light-scattering analysis on grafted glass which serves as a signal enhancer for data evaluation by light scattering. This method offers a novel tool for a quick evaluation of low concentrated protein samples. Experimental validation in this study confirmed its ability to identify low-abundance markers, supporting applications in precision medicine, tissue functional age assessment, and bacterial monitoring. Compared with conventional laboratory assays, optical sensors built on functionalized glass enable rapid, sensitive, and multiplexed biomarker detection directly at the point of care. We observed distinct changes in light transmittance caused by specific interactions between microsized particles and antibodies immobilized on the glass surface. This principle can also be applied to the direct detection of micrometer-scale systems such as bacteria, enabling fast urine analysis. Key words Biosensors " Nanofibers " Biomarkers " Precision medicine " Tissue aging.
This study aimed to examine early postnatal changes in pulse oxygen saturation (SpO(2)) and physical growth parameters during the first 2 hours following birth among healthy term neonates born at varying altitudes. A total of 963 healthy term neonates delivered in five regions at varying altitudes were enrolled. SpO(2) levels were measured at multiple time points within the initial 2-hour postnatal period. Physical measurements including birth weight, body length, and weight-to-length ratio, were assessed and compared across altitudinal groups. Significant differences in SpO(2) values were identified among neonates born at different altitudes (p < 0.05). SpO(2) demonstrated a time-dependent increase following birth, with a general decrease in saturation levels observed at higher altitudes. No statistically significant differences were found in birth weight or weight-to-length ratio between groups. However, body length differed significantly across regions (p < 0.001). Healthy term neonates experience progressive increases in SpO(2) during the early postnatal period, irrespective of altitude. Neonates residing at high altitudes, including those of Tibetan ethnicity, exhibit favorable physical development indicators.
Selenium deficiency is implicated in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). This study investigated the effects of sodium selenite (SSE) on PAH and its underlying mechanisms. In a monocrotaline-induced PAH rat model, SSE treatment significantly improved right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP), mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP), and vascular remodeling. It reduced collagen deposition and partially restored the expression of Collagen 1 and SM22alpha. SSE upregulated glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPX3) expression and attenuated oxidative stress, as evidenced by enhanced SOD activity and decreased MDA levels. In vitro, SSE inhibited H?O? and angiotensin II-induced proliferation, oxidative stress, and phenotypic switching in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs), while upregulating GPX3 at both mRNA and protein levels. These findings demonstrate that SSE alleviates PAH by enhancing GPX3-mediated antioxidant defense and suppressing vascular remodeling, supporting its potential as a therapeutic strategy for PAH.
Accurate profiling of the respiratory microbiome in low-biomass samples remains technically challenging due to host DNA contamination and limited microbial yield. This study aimed to optimize a methodological workflow for 16S rRNA sequencing of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) obtained from guinea pig models with differing microbial statuses-specific pathogen-free (SPF) and conventionally bred (CON) animals. Using a comparative approach, we evaluated six commercial DNA extraction kits and tested different input DNA concentrations (1 ng vs. 0.5 ng) to enhance microbial detection while minimizing host DNA interference. Among the tested kits, only the ZymoBIOMICS DNA Microprep Kit yielded sufficient microbial DNA for downstream analysis. Real-time PCR and droplet digital PCR confirmed the microbial origin of the extracted DNA. Sequencing libraries were prepared from the V1-V3 regions of 16S rRNA genes and sequenced using the Illumina iSeq 100 platform. Taxonomic assignment and diversity metrics were analyzed using the MicrobAT pipeline. Our findings revealed significant differences in microbial composition between SPF and CON animals, notably in Mycoplasma abundance, which dominated the microbiota in CON but was nearly absent in SPF animals. Alpha and beta diversity metrics showed consistent stratification by animal group and input DNA concentration. However, a high proportion of unclassified reads-particularly in SPF samples- correlated strongly with sequences mapping to the Cavia porcellus genome, indicating substantial host DNA contamination. This study demonstrates the feasibility of microbiome profiling from low-biomass BALF samples in guinea pigs while highlighting the limitations of current sequencing and bioinformatic tools in distinguishing microbial from host-derived DNA. Our optimized workflow supports future respiratory microbiome studies in animal models and provides a foundation for improving host DNA depletion and reference databases tailored to non-human species.
Experimental evidence indicates that several phytochemicals can modulate ion channels currents, probably improving disorders linked to ion channels in cardiovascular, neurological, and gastrointestinal systems. This review critically evaluates the experimental evidence regarding the effects of bioactive phytochemicals from medicinal plants on ion channels properties. This review primarily focused on the beneficial effects of plant-derived bioactive agents on ion channels implicated in cardiovascular, neurological, and gastrointestinal disorders, specifically cardiac arrhythmias, epilepsy, anxiety, pain, and visceral smooth muscle dysfunction. Relevant literatures up to 2024 were gathered through comprehensive searches across multiple electronic databases. The results indicate that near 50 medicinal plants and their derivatives can modulate the conductivity of various Ca2+, K+, Na+, and Cl- ion channels, alter the electrical properties of excitable cells, and affect the functional features of tissues and organ systems. These observations provide a foundational framework for researchers, health professionals and drug developers seeking to understand how botanical compounds impacts the functionality of ion channels
Motor skills learning is particularly relevant in rehabilitation settings, where patients often need to relearn movements that were lost due to injury or disease. The aim of the study was to assess the ability of motor learning in elder age, using balance training on a stabilometric platform (Homebalance) with visual biofeedback. Both the experimental group (senior women) and the control group (young adult women) underwent the same balance training program, after which demonstrated improvements in velocity and accuracy of movements changing position of center of gravity (COG). The groups differed in the absolute values of the times achieved, but the improvement during training showed similar dynamics. The initial improvement phase lasts approximately the same amount of time for young and old participants. The next training period (from the 6th week) shows a slower (still statistically significant) improvement dynamic in the young adult women group and a minimum improvement in the senior women group. All participants in both groups exhibited greater balance control following the intervention - both groups were able to apply their improved skills even in a non-trainable sequence with random target appearance. The results demonstrate that motor learning of balance skills using visual biofeedback is possible even in the elderly population, and that the dynamics of the process is similar in young and older people.
