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20 pages, 2357 KB  
Article
Betaine Supplementation Improves 60 km Cycling Time Trial Performance and One-Carbon Metabolism in Cyclists During Recovery
by David C. Nieman, Camila A. Sakaguchi, James C. Williams, Jackie Lawson and Kevin C. Lambirth
Nutrients 2025, 17(17), 2765; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17172765 - 26 Aug 2025
Viewed by 518
Abstract
Background/Objectives: This study examined the effects of 2 weeks of betaine versus placebo supplementation (3 g/d) on 60 km cycling performance, gut permeability, and shifts in plasma metabolites. Methods: Participants included 21 male and female non-elite cyclists. A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover design [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: This study examined the effects of 2 weeks of betaine versus placebo supplementation (3 g/d) on 60 km cycling performance, gut permeability, and shifts in plasma metabolites. Methods: Participants included 21 male and female non-elite cyclists. A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover design was used with two 2-week supplementation periods and a 2-week washout period. Supplementation periods were followed by a 60 km cycling time trial. Six blood samples were collected before and after supplementation (overnight fasted state), and at 0 h, 1.5 h, 3 h, and 24 h post-exercise. Five-hour urine samples were collected pre-supplementation and post-60 km cycling after ingesting a sugar solution containing lactulose 5 g, 13C mannitol 100 mg, and 12C mannitol 1.9 g in 450 mL water. Other outcome measures included plasma intestinal fatty acid binding protein-1 (I-FABP), muscle damage biomarkers (serum creatine kinase, myoglobin), serum cortisol, complete blood cell counts, and shifts in plasma metabolites using untargeted metabolomics. Results: The time to complete the 60 km cycling bout differed significantly between the betaine and placebo trials (mean ± SE, 112.8 ± 2.3, 114.2 ± 2.6 min, respectively, (−1.41 ± 0.7 min) (effect size = 0.475, p = 0.042). No trial differences were found for I-FABP (interaction effect, p = 0.076), L:13CM (p = 0.559), the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (p = 0.171), serum cortisol (p = 0.982), serum myoglobin (p = 0.942), or serum creatine kinase (p = 0.694). Untargeted metabolomics showed that 214 metabolites exhibited significant trial treatment effects and 130 significant trial x time interaction effects. Betaine versus placebo supplementation was linked to significant increases in plasma betaine, dimethylglycine (DMG), sarcosine, methionine, S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), alpha-ketoglutaramate, and 5′methylthioadensone (MTA), and decreases in plasma carnitine and numerous acylcarnitines. Conclusions: Betaine supplementation modestly improved 60 km cycling performance but had no effect on gut permeability. The metabolomics data supported a strong influence of 2-week intake of betaine on the one-carbon metabolism pathway during the 24 h recovery period. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sports Nutrition)
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30 pages, 5591 KB  
Article
Expanding the Knowledge of the Molecular Effects and Therapeutic Potential of Incomptine A for the Treatment of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: In Vivo and Bioinformatics Studies, Part III
by Normand García-Hernández, Fernando Calzada, Elihú Bautista, José Manuel Sánchez-López, Miguel Valdes, Claudia Velázquez and Elizabeth Barbosa
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(9), 1263; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18091263 - 25 Aug 2025
Viewed by 370
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a group of blood cancers that arise in the lymphatic nodes and other tissues after an injury to the DNA of B/T lineage and NK lymphocytes. Recently, we reported that incomptine A (IA) has in [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a group of blood cancers that arise in the lymphatic nodes and other tissues after an injury to the DNA of B/T lineage and NK lymphocytes. Recently, we reported that incomptine A (IA) has in vivo antilymphoma properties. This research aimed to evaluate the effects of IA in the treatment of NHL using antilymphoma activity, Tandem Mass Tag (TMT), and bioinformatics approaches. Methods: The antilymphoma activity of IA was tested on male Balb/c mice inoculated with U-937 cells. Also, TMT, gene ontology enrichment, Reactome pathway, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genomes pathway, molecular docking, toxicoinformatic, and pharmaceutical analyses were performed. Results: By TMT analysis of the altered levels of proteins present in the lymph nodes of Balb/c mice with NHL and treated with IA, we identified 106 significantly differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), including Il1rap, Ifi44, Timd4, Apoa4, and Fabp3 as well as Myh3, Eno 2, and H4c11. Among these, the Fhl1 result was the most important cluster altered and a potential core target of IA for the treatment of NHL. Network pharmacology studies have revealed that DEPs are associated with processes such as muscle contraction, glycolysis, hemostasis, epigenetic regulation of gene expression, transport of small molecules, neutrophil extracellular trap formation, adrenergic signaling in cardiomyocytes, systemic lupus erythematosus, alcoholism, and platelet activation, signaling, and aggregation. Computational studies revealed strong binding affinities with six proteins associated with cancer, positive pharmacokinetic properties, and no toxicity. Conclusions: Our contribution suggests that IA may be a compound with potential therapeutic effects against NHL. Full article
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14 pages, 1132 KB  
Article
Dynamics of the Novel Cardiac Biomarkers sST2, H-FABP, GDF-15 and suPAR in HFrEF Patients Undergoing Heart Failure Therapy, a Pilot Study
by Bernhard Ohnewein, Zornitsa Shomanova, Peter Jirak, Vera Paar, Albert Topf, Lidia Pylypenko, Max Schäbinger, Fabian Volg, Uta C. Hoppe, Rudin Pistulli, Naufal Zagidullin, Michael Lichtenauer and Lukas J. Motloch
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(16), 5668; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14165668 - 11 Aug 2025
Viewed by 507
Abstract
Background: Despite improvements in medical therapy, heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is a major burden on the healthcare system and remains a leading cause of death with a 5-year mortality rate of more than 60%. Novel therapeutic agents such as angiotensin-receptor-neprilysin-inhibitors [...] Read more.
Background: Despite improvements in medical therapy, heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is a major burden on the healthcare system and remains a leading cause of death with a 5-year mortality rate of more than 60%. Novel therapeutic agents such as angiotensin-receptor-neprilysin-inhibitors (ARNIs) lead to significant improvement in clinical outcomes. Optimal therapy monitoring under these novel drugs is crucial for improving the outcome. In this trial, the diagnostic potential of four novel cardiovascular biomarkers—GDF-15, sST2, H-FABP, and suPAR—was evaluated during follow-up in patients with HFrEF. Methods: In this prospective cohort pilot study, 70 patients with HFrEF with ischemic (n = 34) and non-ischemic (n = 36) origin were included. All included patients were on a stable treatment regimen and in a non-decompensated state. The clinical parameters NYHA class, LVEF, MPI/Tei index and ESC Score 2 and the laboratory parameters sST2 (remodeling, inflammation), GDF-15 (remodeling, inflammation), H-FABP (subclinical ischemia and ischemia), suPAR (remodeling, inflammation) and NT-proBNP were assessed before ARNI therapy initiation and at 3 to 6 months at follow-up. Before starting ARNI therapy with sacubitril/valsartan patients had stable and well-established heart failure therapy. Results: There was a sufficient response to therapy with significant improvement in ejection fraction from 29.9% to 38.5% (p < 0.001) and a significant decrease in NT-proBNP from 1402 pg/mL to 572.0 pg/mL (p = 0.003). Interestingly, along with that, a significant increase in sST2 levels from 9602 pg/mL to 12,001 pg/mL (p = 0.039) but no significant change in H-FABP (p = 0.397), GDF-15 (p = 0.382) or suPAR (p = 0.328) were observed. Furthermore, the baseline sST2 level correlated with the risk of cardiovascular events calculated with the ESC Score 2 and the GDF15 level at follow-up correlated with the right ventricular global function, assessed with the MPI/Tei index and this correlation persisted after correction for confounders (r = 0.323, p = 0.039; r = 0.504, p = 0.011). Conclusions: The novel biomarker sST2 but not H-FABP, GDF-15 and suPAR was significantly affected by medical therapy with ARNIs. Monitoring sST2 might offer new opportunities for therapy guidance and disease management. However, these results are hypothesis generating and should be interpreted with caution, given the pilot nature of this study. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Management of Patients with Heart Failure—2nd Edition)
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35 pages, 1902 KB  
Review
From Amyloid to Synaptic Dysfunction: Biomarker-Driven Insights into Alzheimer’s Disease
by Luisa Agnello, Caterina Maria Gambino, Anna Maria Ciaccio, Francesco Cacciabaudo, Davide Massa, Anna Masucci, Martina Tamburello, Roberta Vassallo, Mauro Midiri, Concetta Scazzone and Marcello Ciaccio
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(8), 580; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47080580 - 22 Jul 2025
Viewed by 967
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder and represents a major public health challenge. With increasing life expectancy, the incidence of AD has also increased, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and improved monitoring. Traditionally, diagnosis has relied on clinical symptoms [...] Read more.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder and represents a major public health challenge. With increasing life expectancy, the incidence of AD has also increased, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and improved monitoring. Traditionally, diagnosis has relied on clinical symptoms and neuroimaging; however, the introduction of biomarkers has revolutionized disease assessment. Traditional biomarkers, including the Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio, phosphorylated tau (p-Tau181, p-Tau217, and p-Tau231), total tau (t-tau), and neurofilament light chain (NfL), are fundamental for staging AD progression. Updated guidelines introduced the ATX(N) model, which extends biomarker classification to include additional promising biomarkers, such as SNAP-25, YKL-40, GAP-43, VILIP-1, progranulin (PGRN), TREM2, IGF-1, hFABP, MCP-1, TDP-43, and BDNF. Recent advancements have allowed for the detection of these biomarkers not only in CSF but also in plasma and neuron-derived exosomes, offering less invasive and more accessible diagnostic options. This review explores established and emerging biomarkers and emphasizes their roles in early diagnosis, patient stratification, and precision medicine. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Medicine)
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13 pages, 3548 KB  
Article
Analysis of Carcass and Meat Characteristics in Breast Muscle Between Hubbard White Broilers and Xueshan Chickens
by Fan Li, Xingyu Zhang, Jiajia Yu, Jiaxue Yuan, Yuanfeng Zhang, Huiting He, Qing Ma, Yinglin Lu, Xiaoe Xiang and Minli Yu
Animals 2025, 15(14), 2099; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15142099 - 16 Jul 2025
Viewed by 514
Abstract
The focus on selecting broilers for rapid growth rates and enhanced breast muscle yield has resulted in a decline in meat quality. The differences in carcass characteristics and meat quality between Hubbard white broilers (HWs, a commercial breed) and Xueshan chickens (XSs, an [...] Read more.
The focus on selecting broilers for rapid growth rates and enhanced breast muscle yield has resulted in a decline in meat quality. The differences in carcass characteristics and meat quality between Hubbard white broilers (HWs, a commercial breed) and Xueshan chickens (XSs, an indigenous breed) at market age were analyzed to determine the potential mechanisms responsible for these differences. The results show that HWs exhibited significantly better carcass performance than XSs, including the larger weight of the carcass, the breast muscle, and the thigh muscle (p < 0.01). In addition, based on HE staining analysis, HWs’ breast muscles had a considerably larger average myofiber area and diameter than those of XSs (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the physical characteristics of the meat revealed that XSs had higher redness and yellowness and also higher lightness. HW meat had a higher pH and thermal loss, but a lower shear force and drip loss than XS meat (p < 0.01). The content of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) was, remarkably, lower in the breast muscles of HWs than of XSs (p < 0.01). In contrast, HWs had a larger concentration of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) than XSs (p < 0.01). Finally, the breast muscles of XSs had lower levels of mRNA expression for genes linked to lipid metabolism, such as fatty acid binding protein 4 (Fabp4) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (Pparα), and had higher levels of the phosphofructokinase muscle type (Pfkm) compared to HWs (p < 0.01). These results indicate that a lower carcass yield was observed in XSs compared with HWs, but that XSs showed better performance in terms of meat quality than HW. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Genetic Analysis of Important Traits in Poultry)
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17 pages, 3721 KB  
Article
Comparative Genomic Analysis Across Multiple Species to Identify Candidate Genes Associated with Important Traits in Chickens
by Fuyang Zhang, Hengcong Chen, Cheng Chang, Jiamei Zhou and Hui Zhang
Genes 2025, 16(6), 627; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes16060627 - 24 May 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 792
Abstract
Background: As one of the most important poultry species worldwide, chickens provide substantial amounts of meat, eggs, and other products for human consumption. With continuous improvements in living standards, consumer demand for high-quality animal products is increasing, making it essential to understand the [...] Read more.
Background: As one of the most important poultry species worldwide, chickens provide substantial amounts of meat, eggs, and other products for human consumption. With continuous improvements in living standards, consumer demand for high-quality animal products is increasing, making it essential to understand the genetic basis of key traits such as egg production, meat quality, and disease resistance for targeted genetic improvement. Methods: In this study, a number of the candidate genes associated with important traits in chickens were screened by various comparative genomics analysis methods. To further clarify the relationship between these candidate genes and important traits in chickens, they were functionally annotated through the KOG, GO, and KEGG databases. Results: These candidate genes are mainly concentrated in the functional categories of transcription and signal transduction mechanisms and are involved in biological processes such as cyclic nucleotide biosynthesis and intracellular signaling, which involve signaling pathways such as ECM–receptor interactions and calcium signaling. Conclusions: Based on the annotation results from various databases, a functional search of the candidate genes and related literature reports, the following results were obtained: genes such as TBX22, LCORL, and GH were associated with chicken growth traits; genes such as A-FABP, H-FABP, and PRKAB2 were associated with chicken meat quality; genes such as IGF-1, SLC25A29, and WDR25 were associated with chicken reproductive traits; and genes such as C1QBP, VAV2 and IL12B were associated with chicken disease resistance traits. Overall, the findings of this study provide novel insights and candidate genes for genetic improvements in chickens, laying a foundation for future research and breeding strategies targeting key economic traits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal Genetics and Genomics)
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23 pages, 3535 KB  
Article
Cardio–Renal and Systemic Effects of SGLT2i Dapagliflozin on Short-Term Anthracycline and HER-2-Blocking Agent Therapy-Induced Cardiotoxicity
by Vincenzo Quagliariello, Annabella Di Mauro, Gerardo Ferrara, Francesca Bruzzese, Giuseppe Palma, Antonio Luciano, Maria Laura Canale, Irma Bisceglia, Martina Iovine, Christian Cadeddu Dessalvi, Carlo Maurea, Matteo Barbato, Alessandro Inno, Massimiliano Berretta, Andrea Paccone, Alfredo Mauriello, Celeste Fonderico, Anna Chiara Maratea and Nicola Maurea
Antioxidants 2025, 14(5), 612; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14050612 - 20 May 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 975
Abstract
Anthracyclines and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) inhibitors are cornerstone therapies for breast cancer but are associated with significant cardiotoxicity. While sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors such as dapagliflozin have demonstrated cardio–renal protective effects during anthracycline treatment, their efficacy in preventing [...] Read more.
Anthracyclines and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) inhibitors are cornerstone therapies for breast cancer but are associated with significant cardiotoxicity. While sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors such as dapagliflozin have demonstrated cardio–renal protective effects during anthracycline treatment, their efficacy in preventing cardiotoxicity from sequential anthracycline and HER-2 blockade remains poorly understood. This study investigates the cardioprotective role of dapagliflozin in a preclinical model of chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity. Female C57Bl/6 mice were divided into four groups and treated for 10 days as follows: (1) a normal control group receiving saline (sham); (2) a model control group receiving doxorubicin (2.17 mg/kg/day for 5 days) followed by HER-2-blocking monoclonal antibody (2.25 mg/kg/day for 5 days); (3) a dapagliflozin-only group (10 mg/kg/day via oral gavage); and (4) a treatment group receiving the combination of doxorubicin, HER-2 inhibitor, and dapagliflozin. Cardiac function was assessed using echocardiography (VEVO 2100). Biomarkers of myocardial injury and inflammation (NLRP3, MyD88, CXCR4, H-FABP, troponin-T, and cytokines) were quantified via ELISA and immunohistochemistry. Circulating markers such as mitofusin-2, cardiac myosin light chain, malondialdehyde (MDA), and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE) were also measured. Dapagliflozin significantly preserved the ejection fraction and reduced both radial and longitudinal strain impairment in mice treated with the doxorubicin–HER-2 inhibitor combination (p < 0.001). Levels of myocardial NLRP3, MyD88, CXCR4, H-FABP, interleukin-1β, and troponin-T were significantly lower in the dapagliflozin-treated group compared to the chemotherapy-only group. Serum markers of oxidative stress and cardiac injury, including mitofusin-2, MDA, 4-HNE, BNP, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), were also reduced by dapagliflozin treatment. Our findings demonstrate that dapagliflozin effectively mitigates early cardiac dysfunction and injury in a preclinical model of sequential doxorubicin and HER-2 inhibitor therapy. Full article
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25 pages, 5232 KB  
Article
Oral Sulforaphane Intervention Protects Against Diabetic Cardiomyopathy in db/db Mice: Focus on Cardiac Lipotoxicity and Substrate Metabolism
by Pan Wang, Ziling Wang, Xinyuan Jin, Mengdi Zhang, Mengfan Shen and Dan Li
Antioxidants 2025, 14(5), 603; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14050603 - 16 May 2025
Viewed by 1081
Abstract
The protective effect of cruciferae-derived sulforaphane (SFN) on diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) has garnered increasing attention. However, no studies have specifically explored its mechanistic involvement in cardiac substrate metabolism and mitochondrial function. To address this gap, Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) db/db mice were [...] Read more.
The protective effect of cruciferae-derived sulforaphane (SFN) on diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) has garnered increasing attention. However, no studies have specifically explored its mechanistic involvement in cardiac substrate metabolism and mitochondrial function. To address this gap, Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) db/db mice were orally gavaged with vehicle or 10 mg/kg body weight SFN every other day for 16 weeks, with vehicle-treated wild-type mice as controls. SFN intervention (SFN-I) alleviated hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, HOMA-IR, serum MDA levels, and liver inflammation. Furthermore, SFN-I improved the lipotoxicity-related phenotype of T2DM cardiomyopathy, manifested as attenuation of diastolic dysfunction, cardiac injury, fibrosis, lipid accumulation and peroxidation, ROS generation, and decreased mitochondrial complex I and II activities and ATP content, despite having no effect on ceramide abnormalities. Protein expression data revealed that the model mice exhibited upregulated cardiac CD36, H-FABP, FATP4, CPT1B, PPARα, and PDK4 but downregulated GLUT4, with unchanged MPC1 and MPC2. Notably, SFN-I significantly attenuated the increase in CD36, H-FABP, CPT1B, and PPARα. These results suggest that chronic oral SFN-I protects against DCM by mitigating overall metabolic dysregulation and inhibiting cardiolipotoxicity. The latter might involve controlling cardiac fatty acid metabolism and improving mitochondrial function, rather than promoting glucose metabolism. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Health Outcomes of Antioxidants and Oxidative Stress)
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17 pages, 2609 KB  
Article
Tranilast Reduces Intestinal Ischemia Reperfusion Injury in Rats Through the Upregulation of Heme-Oxygenase (HO)-1
by Emilio Canovai, Ricard Farré, Gert De Hertogh, Antoine Dubois, Tim Vanuytsel, Jacques Pirenne and Laurens J. Ceulemans
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(9), 3254; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14093254 - 7 May 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 713
Abstract
Background: Intestinal ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) is a harmful process that occurs during intestinal infarction and intestinal transplantation (ITx). It is characterized by severe inflammation which disrupts the mucosal barrier, causing bacterial translocation and sepsis. Tranilast (N-[3,4-dimethoxycinnamoyl]-anthranilic acid) (TL) is a synthetic compound [...] Read more.
Background: Intestinal ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) is a harmful process that occurs during intestinal infarction and intestinal transplantation (ITx). It is characterized by severe inflammation which disrupts the mucosal barrier, causing bacterial translocation and sepsis. Tranilast (N-[3,4-dimethoxycinnamoyl]-anthranilic acid) (TL) is a synthetic compound with powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Objective: To investigate the effect of pretreatment with TL in a validated rat model of intestinal IRI (60 min of ischemia). Methods: TL (650 mg/kg) was administered by oral gavage 24 and 2 h before the onset of ischemia. Experiment 1 examined 7-day survival in 3 study groups (sham, vehicle+IRI and TL+IRI, n = 10/group). In Experiment 2, the effects on the intestinal wall integrity and inflammation were studied after 60 min of reperfusion using 3 groups (sham, IRI and TL+IRI, n = 6/group). The following end-points were studied: L-lactate, intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP), histology, intestinal permeability, endotoxin translocation, pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) levels. Experiment 3 examined the role of HO-1 upregulation in TL pretreatment, by blocking its expression using Zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP) at 20 mg/kg vs. placebo (n = 6/group). Results: Intestinal IRI resulted in severe damage of the intestinal wall and a 10% 7-day survival. These alterations led to endotoxin translocation and upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. TL pretreatment improved survival up to 50%, significantly reduced inflammation and protected the intestinal barrier. The HO-1 inhibitor ZnPP, abolished the protective effect of TL. Conclusions: TL pretreatment improves survival by protecting the intestinal barrier function, decreasing inflammation and endotoxin translocation, through upregulation of HO-1.This rat study of severe intestinal ischemia reperfusion injury demonstrates a novel role for Tranilast as a potential therapy. Administration of Tranilast led to a marked reduction in mortality, inflammation and intestinal permeability and damage. The study proved that Tranilast functions through upregulation of heme oxygenase-1. Full article
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19 pages, 2696 KB  
Article
Diagnostic and Prognostic Evaluation of Novel Biomarkers Compared to ESC 0/1 h and 0/3 h Algorithms in Patients with Suspected Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction
by Mustafa Yildirim, Christian Salbach, Matthias Mueller-Hennessen, Norbert Frey and Evangelos Giannitsis
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(9), 2957; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14092957 - 24 Apr 2025
Viewed by 967
Abstract
(1) Background: Prompt acute coronary syndrome (ACS) recognition remains challenging. This study evaluated the diagnostic and prognostic performance of novel biomarkers for non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). (2) Methods: Patients with suspected ACS presenting to Heidelberg University Hospital’s Emergency Department between August 2014 and [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Prompt acute coronary syndrome (ACS) recognition remains challenging. This study evaluated the diagnostic and prognostic performance of novel biomarkers for non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). (2) Methods: Patients with suspected ACS presenting to Heidelberg University Hospital’s Emergency Department between August 2014 and February 2023 were analyzed. The biomarker panel included high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT), cardiac myosin-binding protein C (cMyBP-C), pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (proBNP), total N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (t-NtproBNP), Angiotensin II (Ang2), Bone morphogenetic protein 10 (BMP10), Endothelial cell-specific molecule 1 (ESM1), fatty acid-binding protein 3 (FABP3), Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15), and Copeptin. Negative predictive values (NPVs), sensitivities, and area under the curve (AUC) values were calculated for NSTEMI discrimination. Effectiveness and prognostic performance were assessed based on cardiovascular events at 30 days and 1 year. (3) Results: Of 1765 patients, 212 (12%) were diagnosed with NSTEMI. The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) 0/1 h and 0/3 h algorithms achieved sensitivities of 100% and 96.8%, NPVs of 100% and 99.3%, and effectiveness values of 54.8% and 66.0%. Hs-cTnT (AUC: 0.922) and cMyBP-C (AUC: 0.917) exhibited the highest diagnostic accuracy, followed by FABP3 (AUC: 0.759) and Copeptin (AUC: 0.624). Other biomarkers had lower performance (AUC: 0.516–0.617). At 1 year, event rates ranged from 0.0% to 3.4%, with the ESC algorithms demonstrating superior prognostic performance (0.8%, 2.4%). (4) Conclusions: The ESC 0/1 h and 0/3 h algorithms remain the most effective NSTEMI diagnostic strategies, balancing high sensitivity, prognostic reliability, and effectiveness. Among novel biomarkers, only cMyBP-C demonstrated comparable accuracy to hs-cTnT, supporting its potential as an adjunct to troponin assays. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cardiology)
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21 pages, 1487 KB  
Review
Beyond a Single Marker: An Update on the Comprehensive Evaluation of Right Ventricular Dysfunction in Pulmonary Thromboembolism
by Sandu Cucută, Minerva Codruta Badescu, Ștefania-Teodora Duca, Adriana Chetran, Maria-Ruxandra Cepoi, Cosmina-Georgiana Ponor, Amelian Madalin Bobu, Ionela-Lacramioara Serban and Irina-Iuliana Costache-Enache
Life 2025, 15(4), 665; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15040665 - 17 Apr 2025
Viewed by 838
Abstract
Pulmonary thromboembolism (PE) is a life-threatening condition that often leads to right ventricular (RV) dysfunction, a key determinant of prognosis and clinical management. Biomarkers play a crucial role in the early detection and risk stratification of RV dysfunction in PE, complementing imaging and [...] Read more.
Pulmonary thromboembolism (PE) is a life-threatening condition that often leads to right ventricular (RV) dysfunction, a key determinant of prognosis and clinical management. Biomarkers play a crucial role in the early detection and risk stratification of RV dysfunction in PE, complementing imaging and hemodynamic assessments. Cardiac troponins, B-type natriuretic peptides, and novel biomarkers, such as heart-type fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP) and growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15), provide valuable insights into myocardial injury, overload, and stress. This article explores the clinical possible significance of these biomarkers, their predictive value, and their potential to guide therapeutic strategies in patients with PE. Understanding the role of biomarkers in RV dysfunction assessment may improve patient outcomes focusing on early intervention and personalized treatment approaches. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Physiology and Pathology)
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18 pages, 3245 KB  
Article
Electrical Phenotyping of Aged Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Using Dielectrophoresis
by Lexi L. C. Simpkins, Tunglin Tsai, Emmanuel Egun and Tayloria N. G. Adams
Micromachines 2025, 16(4), 435; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi16040435 - 3 Apr 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 726
Abstract
Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are widely used in regenerative medicine, but large-scale in vitro expansion alters their function, impacting proliferation and differentiation potential. Currently, a predictive marker to assess these changes is lacking. Here, we used dielectrophoresis (DEP) to characterize the electrical [...] Read more.
Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are widely used in regenerative medicine, but large-scale in vitro expansion alters their function, impacting proliferation and differentiation potential. Currently, a predictive marker to assess these changes is lacking. Here, we used dielectrophoresis (DEP) to characterize the electrical phenotype of hMSCs derived from bone marrow (BM), adipose tissue (AT), and umbilical cord (UC) as they aged in vitro from passage 4 (P4) to passage 9 (P9). The electrical phenotype was defined by the DEP spectra, membrane capacitance, and cytoplasm conductivity. Cell morphology and size, growth characteristics, adipogenic differentiation potential, and osteogenic differentiation potential were assessed alongside label-free biomarker membrane capacitance and cytoplasm conductivity. Differentiation was confirmed by histological staining and RT-qPCR. All hMSCs exhibited typical morphology, though cell size varied, with UC-hMSCs displaying the largest variability across all size metrics. Growth analysis revealed that UC-hMSCs proliferated the fastest. The electrical phenotype varied with cell source and in vitro age, with high passage hMSCs showing noticeable shifts in DEP spectra, membrane capacitance, and cytoplasm conductivity. Correlation analysis revealed that population doubling level (PDL) correlated with membrane capacitance and cytoplasm conductivity, indicating PDL as a more precise marker of in vitro aging than passage number. Additionally, we demonstrate that membrane capacitance correlates with the osteogenic marker COL1A1 and that cytoplasm conductivity correlates with the adipogenic markers ADIPOQ and FABP4, suggesting that DEP-derived electrical properties serve as label-free biomarkers of differentiation potential. While DEP has previously been applied to BM-hMSCs and AT-hMSCs, and more recently to UC-hMSCs, few studies have provided a direct comparison across all three sources or tracked changes across continuous expansion. These findings underscore the utility of DEP as a label-free approach for assessing hMSC aging and function, offering practical applications for optimizing stem cell expansion and stem cell banking in clinical settings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Micro/Nanotechnology for Cell Manipulation, Detection and Analysis)
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32 pages, 2869 KB  
Review
Cardiovascular Biomarkers: Tools for Precision Diagnosis and Prognosis
by Vasudeva Reddy Netala, Tianyu Hou, Yanbo Wang, Zhijun Zhang and Sireesh Kumar Teertam
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(7), 3218; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26073218 - 30 Mar 2025
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4547
Abstract
The present study provides a detailed review of cardiovascular biomarkers critical for the diagnosis, prognosis, and pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases, the leading cause of global morbidity and mortality. These biomarkers aid in detecting disease onset, progression, and therapeutic responses, providing insights into molecular [...] Read more.
The present study provides a detailed review of cardiovascular biomarkers critical for the diagnosis, prognosis, and pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases, the leading cause of global morbidity and mortality. These biomarkers aid in detecting disease onset, progression, and therapeutic responses, providing insights into molecular mechanisms. Enzyme markers like AST, CK-MB, LDH, CA-III, and HBDH are pivotal for detecting myocardial injury during acute events. Protein markers such as CRP, H-FABP, and MPO shed light on inflammation and oxidative stress. Cardiac Troponins, the gold standard for myocardial infarction diagnosis, exhibit high specificity and sensitivity, while IMA and GPBB indicate ischemia and early myocardial damage. Peptide markers, including BNP and NT-proBNP, are crucial for heart failure diagnosis and management, reflecting ventricular stress and remodeling. Novel peptides like MR-proANP and MR-proADM aid in assessing disease severity. Lipid markers such as lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 and oxylipins provide insights into lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis. Inflammatory and stress-related biomarkers, including TNFα, IL-6, GDF-15, and Pentraxin 3, illuminate chronic inflammation in CVDs. Hormonal markers like copeptin and endothelin-1 highlight neurohormonal activation, while emerging markers such as ST2, galectin-3, PAPP-A, and TMAO elucidate fibrosis, remodeling, and metabolic dysregulation. The inclusion of microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs represents a breakthrough in biomarker research, offering sensitive tools for early detection, risk stratification, and therapeutic targeting. This review emphasizes the diagnostic and prognostic utility of these biomarkers, advancing cardiovascular care through personalized medicine. Full article
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20 pages, 4223 KB  
Article
Proteomics Reveals the Role of PLIN2 in Regulating the Secondary Hair Follicle Cycle in Cashmere Goats
by Cuiling Wu, Qingwei Lu, Shengchao Ma, Nuramina Mamat, Sen Tang, Wenna Liu, Yaqian Wang, Asma Anwar, Yingjie Lu, Qiangqiang Ma, Gulinigaer Aimaier and Xuefeng Fu
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(6), 2710; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26062710 - 18 Mar 2025
Viewed by 946
Abstract
Based on comprehensive proteomic analysis conducted across various stages of secondary hair follicles (SHFs), the growth and development regulatory mechanisms of SHFs in Jiangnan cashmere goats were studied. Proteomic analysis of skin tissue from the SHF anagen (An), catagen (Cn), and telogen (Tn) [...] Read more.
Based on comprehensive proteomic analysis conducted across various stages of secondary hair follicles (SHFs), the growth and development regulatory mechanisms of SHFs in Jiangnan cashmere goats were studied. Proteomic analysis of skin tissue from the SHF anagen (An), catagen (Cn), and telogen (Tn) revealed 145 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) between the An and Tn, 53 DEPs between the Cn and An, and 168 DEPs between the Cn and Tn. Gene Ontology (GO) annotations indicated that the DEPs were predominantly involved in keratin filament formation (KRTAP3-1, KRT1, KRT8), intermediate filament formation (KRT26, KRT35, KRT19, etc.), and lipid metabolism (FA2H, CERS6, ECH1, TECR, etc.). Furthermore, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis identified significant enrichment of DEPs in pathways related to hair follicle growth and development. Notably, these included the PPAR signaling pathway (PLIN2, PLIN4, ACSL5, etc.), the IL-17 signaling pathway (S100A7A, LOC108633164), and the estrogen signaling pathway (KRT26, KRT35, LOC102176457.). Western blotting (WB) experiments were then performed on five DEPs (KRT28, FA2H, PLIN2, FABP7, and VNN1) to validate the consistency of the WB results with the proteomic data. Overexpression and siRNA interference of PLIN2 in dermal papilla cells (DPCs) were followed by CCK8 and flow cytometry assays, revealing that PLIN2 knockdown significantly decreased DPC proliferation while inducing apoptosis, compared to controls. These findings suggest that the PLIN2 gene plays a crucial role in modulating SHF growth cycles in cashmere goats by influencing DPC proliferation. These results provide novel insights that could inform the development of breeding strategies aimed at enhancing the cashmere yield in such goats. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Biology)
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21 pages, 12742 KB  
Article
Adaptive Thermogenesis and Lipid Metabolism Modulation in Inguinal and Perirenal Adipose Tissues of Hezuo Pigs in Response to Low-Temperature Exposure
by Yao Li, Hai-Xia Shi, Jie Li, Hong Du, Rui Jia, Yu-Hao Liang, Xiao-Yu Huang, Xiao-Li Gao, Shuang-Bao Gun and Qiao-Li Yang
Cells 2025, 14(6), 392; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells14060392 - 7 Mar 2025
Viewed by 1145
Abstract
In mammals, exposure to low temperatures induces white adipose tissue (WAT) browning and alters lipid metabolism to promote thermogenesis, thereby maintaining body temperature. However, this response varies across different adipose depots. In this study, Hezuo pigs were exposed to either room temperature (23 [...] Read more.
In mammals, exposure to low temperatures induces white adipose tissue (WAT) browning and alters lipid metabolism to promote thermogenesis, thereby maintaining body temperature. However, this response varies across different adipose depots. In this study, Hezuo pigs were exposed to either room temperature (23 ± 2 °C) or low temperature (−15 ± 2 °C) for periods of 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, 5 d, 10 d, and 15 d. Inguinal fat (IF) and perirenal fat (PF) were collected and analyzed using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, transmission electron microscopy, RT-qPCR, and RNA-seq. Following cryoexposure, our results demonstrated a significant increase in adipocyte number and a corresponding decrease in cross-sectional area in both IF and PF groups from 24 h to 10 d. While adipocyte numbers were elevated at 12 h and 15 d, these changes were not statistically significant. Moreover, lipid droplets and mitochondria were more abundant, and the mRNA expression levels of thermogenic genes UCP3 and PGC-1α were significantly higher compared to the control group during the 24 h-10 d cold exposure period. No significant changes were observed in the other groups. RNA-seq data indicated that the lipid metabolism of IF and PF peaked on day 5 of low-temperature treatment. In IF tissue, lipid metabolism is mainly regulated by genes such as FABP4, WNT10B, PCK1, PLIN1, LEPR, and ADIPOQ. These genes are involved in the classical lipid metabolism pathway and provide energy for cold adaptation. In contrast, in PF tissue, genes like ATP5F1A, ATP5PO, SDHB, NDUFS8, SDHA, and COX5A play roles within the neurodegenerative disease pathway, and PF tissue has a positive impact on the process related to degenerative diseases. Further investigation is needed to clarify the functions of these candidate genes in lipid metabolism in Hezuo pigs and to explore the genetic mechanisms underlying the cold-resistance traits in local pig populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Second Edition of Advances in Adipose Tissue Biology)
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