Search Results (109)

This study aims to characterize tissue-specific expression patterns in Hanwoo steers by identifying co-expression modules, functional pathways, and hub genes related to fat and muscle traits using Weighted Gene Co-expression Network analysis (WGCNA). RNA-Seq data were generated from three muscle tissues (longissimus muscle, tenderloin, and rump) and two fat tissues (back fat and abdominal fat) collected from six 30-month-old Hanwoo steers. Quality control of raw sequencing reads was performed using FastQC, and trimmed reads were aligned to the bovine reference genome (ARS-UCD1.3) using HISAT2. We also identified a gene co-expression network via WGCNA using normalized gene expression values. Modules were defined based on topological overlap and correlated with tissue-specific expression patterns. Modules with a significant association (p < 0.05) were used for functional enrichment based on Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathways, as well as Protein–Protein Interaction Network analysis. A total of seven co-expression modules were identified by WGCNA and labeled in distinct colors (yellow, blue, red, brown, turquoise, green, black). Among them, the yellow and blue modules were positively associated with back fat, while the turquoise and green modules showed a negative correlation with abdominal fat. Additionally, the turquoise or green module was positively correlated with longissimus and rump tissues, indicating distinct gene expression patterns between fat and muscle. This study identified key co-expression modules and hub genes associated with muscle and fat metabolism. Notably, ARPC5 (blue module) was involved in lipid metabolism and energy storage, whereas AGPAT5 (turquoise module) was linked to maintaining muscle cell structure and function. These findings reveal biological mechanisms for tissue-specific gene regulation, providing targets for enhancing meat quality in Hanwoo. Full article

Background: The prevalence of malnutrition is high in post-intensive care unit (ICU) coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients during hospitalization and after hospital discharge. This paper presents prospective results from the NutriEcoMuscle study, a multicenter observational study. The study aimed to evaluate changes in nutritional and functional status in post-ICU COVID-19 patients following nutritional and physical rehabilitation interventions. Secondary aims included assessing adherence to and tolerance of the oral nutritional supplement (ONS) used in the nutritional intervention. Methods: The study enrolled adults who had been admitted to the ICU due to severe COVID-19. At hospital discharge, the patients underwent a nutritional intervention based on oral nutritional supplements (ONSs) with 100% serum lactoprotein enriched with leucine and vitamin D and a physical rehabilitation program. They were followed up during three months. Performed assessments included Subjective Global Assessment (SGA), Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria, Barthel index (BI), handgrip strength and Timed Up and Go test, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), nutritional ultrasound (US), and tolerance and adherence to ONS. Sample size was calculated based on handgrip strength, and parametric and non-parametric tests were used to assess differences between the baseline and three-month outcomes. Results: The study included 96 patients (71.9% male, mean age 58.8 years, mean body mass index (BMI) of 28.8 kg/m², 36.5% obese). A total of 85 patients (62 men and 23 women) completed the 90-day follow-up. The mean weight gain after the intervention was 6.8 (SD 5.2) kg (similar in men and women; p = 0.263). The proportion of patients with malnutrition according to the SGA or GLIM criteria decreased from 100% to 11.8% and 36.4%, respectively (p < 0.00001 in both cases). The proportion of patients with functional limitations by BI decreased from 66.7% to 27.0% (p < 0.0001). Handgrip strength increased more than 40% in both men and women (p < 0.00001). The time to perform the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test decreased more than 40% in both men and women (p < 0.00001). According to BIA, the mean fat mass did not increase significantly in either men or women. The mean fat-free mass index (FFMI) increased significantly in both men and women. There were also significant increases in body cell mass, skeletal muscle mass index, and appendicular skeletal muscle mass index. The phase angle (PhA) increased significantly in both men (26.5%) and women (17.4%). In a multivariate analysis, age and baseline PhA were related to the PhA increase (adjusted R² = 0.5573). The US study showed a significant increase in the mean measurements of muscle area, muscle circumference, X-axis, and Y-axis in the rectus femoris. Regarding abdominal fat, there were no significant increases in total, superficial, or preperitoneal adipose tissue by US. Participants engaged in a median interquartile range (IQR) of 70 (0–120) min/week of strength exercise and 60 (0–120) min/week of moderate physical exercise. The supplement was well tolerated, and poor adherence (less than 50%) was low (4% of the participants). Conclusions: A three-month intervention, including ONS and physical rehabilitation, is associated with a significant improvement in nutritional and functional status. Patients gained weight primarily by increasing their muscle mass. There was no significant increase in fat mass, as measured by BIA or US. The intervention was well tolerated and had good adherence. Full article

Introduction: Radiotherapy is effective for breast cancer treatment but often causes undesirable side effects that impair quality of life. Ultra-high dose rate radiotherapy (FLASH) has shown reduced normal tissue toxicity while achieving comparable tumor growth delay compared to conventional dose rate radiotherapy (CONV). This study evaluated whether FLASH could achieve similar tumor control as CONV with tumor eradication as the primary endpoint, in an orthotopic breast cancer model. Methods: Non-metastatic, orthotopic tumors were generated in the left fourth mammary fat pad using the Py117 mammary tumor cell line in syngeneic C57BL/6J mice. Two sequential irradiation studies were performed using FLASH (93–200 Gy/s) and CONV (0.08 Gy/s) electron beams. Single fractions of 20, 25, or 30 Gy were applied to tumors with varying abdominal wall treatment fields (~3.75 or 2.5 mm treatment margin to tumor). Results: Both FLASH and CONV demonstrated comparable efficacy. Small tumors treated with 30 Gy and larger abdominal wall treatment fields appeared to have complete eradication at 30 days but also exhibited the highest skin toxicity, limiting follow-up and preventing confirmation of eradication. Smaller abdominal wall treatment fields reduced skin toxicity and allowed for extended follow-up, which resulted in 75% tumor-free survival at 48 days. Larger tumors showed growth delay but no eradication. Conclusions: In this preclinical, non-metastatic orthotopic breast cancer model, FLASH and CONV demonstrated equivalent tumor control with single-fraction doses of 20, 25, or 30 Gy. Overall, 30 Gy achieved the highest eradication rate but also resulted in the most pronounced skin toxicity. Full article

Obesity, marked by excessive fat accumulation, especially abdominal, is a global health concern with significant public impact. While obesity-associated chronic unresolved inflammation contributes to metabolic dysfunctions, acute inflammation supports healthy adipose tissue remodeling and expansion. Platelet-activating factor (PAF), a “primitive” signaling molecule, is among the key mediators involved in the acute phase of inflammation and in various pathophysiological processes. This article explores the role of PAF in fat accumulation and obesity by reviewing experimental data from cell cultures, animals, and humans. It proposes an emerging biochemical mechanism in an attempt to explain its dual role in the healthy and obese adipose tissue, including also data on PAF’s potential involvement in epigenetic mechanisms that may be linked to the “obesity memory”. Finally, it highlights the potential of natural PAF modulators in promoting functional adipose tissue, thermogenesis, and obesity prevention through a healthy lifestyle, including a Mediterranean diet rich in PAF weak agonists/PAF receptor antagonists and regular exercise, which help maintain controlled PAF levels. Conversely, in cases of obesity-related systemic inflammation with excessive PAF levels, potent PAF inhibitors like ginkgolide B and rupatadine may help mitigate metabolic dysfunctions with PAFR antagonists potentially enhancing their effects synergistically. Full article

Unwanted abdominal fat is a common aesthetic concern treated through various interventions, including surgical and energy-based devices, often leading to inconsistent results. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a localized, non-invasive microwave (MW) device for preferential heating of subcutaneous adipose tissue using a controlled electromagnetic field. Five female volunteers scheduled for abdominoplasty were enrolled, each undergoing a single MW treatment session five days prior to surgery. Histological analyses of adipose tissue and skin samples were conducted using Hematoxylin and Eosin staining and immunohistochemistry for Perilipin-1 and CD68. Epidermal and dermal layers remained unaffected, as evidenced by unaltered morphology in treated samples. In contrast, the absence of Perilipin-1 expression in disrupted fat cell membranes indicated adipocyte non-viability and irreversible injury. Inflammatory responses, including CD68-positive macrophages surrounding damaged adipocytes, were observed, suggesting the activation of the monocyte/macrophage system for the clearance of adipocyte residues. Microscopic and immunohistochemical findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the MW device in reducing subcutaneous fat. This study also discussed the underlying mechanisms involved in macrophage recruitment and the removal of adipocyte residues. Full article

Background/Objectives: Fat deposition traits in pigs directly influence pork flavor, tenderness, and juiciness and are closely linked to overall pork quality. The Tibetan pig, an indigenous breed in China, not only possesses a high intramuscular fat content but also exhibits a unique fat metabolism pattern due to long-term adaptation to harsh environments. This makes it an excellent genetic and physiological model for investigating fat deposition characteristics. Adipose tissue from different body regions displays varying morphologies, cytokines, and adipokines. This study aimed to examine adipose tissue deposition characteristics in different parts of Tibetan pigs and provide additional data to explore the underlying mechanisms of differential fat deposition. Methods: Our research identified significant differences in the morphology and gene expression patterns between subcutaneous fat (abdominal fat [AF] and back fat [BF]) and intramuscular fat (IMF) in Tibetan pigs. Results: Histological observations revealed that subcutaneous fat cells were significantly larger in area and diameter compared to IMF cells. The transcriptomic analysis further identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between subcutaneous fat and IMF, with a total of 65 DEGs in BF vs. IMF and 347 DEGs in AF vs. IMF, including 25 DEGs common to both comparisons. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses indicated that these genes were significantly associated with lipid metabolism-related signaling pathways, such as the Wnt, mTOR, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways. Several DEGs, including DDAH1, ADRA1B, SLCO3A1, and THBS3, may be linked to the differences in fat deposition in different parts of Tibetan pigs, thereby affecting meat quality and nutritional value. Conclusions: These findings provide new insights into the unique fat distribution and deposition characteristics of Tibetan pigs and establish a foundation for breeding strategies aimed at improving pork quality. Full article

Sustainable food resources, including cell-cultured meat and edible insect proteins, are emerging as key solutions to meet future protein demands. This study evaluated the effects of black soldier fly larvae hydrolysate (BLH) on primary cells isolated from broiler leg and breast muscle tissues, as well as abdominal fat tissues. Primary cells isolated from each tissue were characterized for their myogenic and adipogenic (stromal vascular fraction, SVF) properties. Cells were cultured in a basal medium with five percent FBS supplemented with BLH at concentrations ranging from 25 to 300 µg/mL. Leg and breast muscle cells showed significantly enhanced proliferation, as indicated by MTS assay results and cell counts, in the BLH100 group compared to the FBS5 and control groups (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the expression of myogenic markers, including PAX7, NCAM1, MYF5, and MYOD1, was upregulated in leg muscle cells treated with BLH (p < 0.05). For SVFs, BLH50 promoted cell proliferation; however, differentiation decreased as BLH concentration increased. These findings suggest that BLH can enhance the proliferation of primary broiler cells, highlighting its potential applicability in the edible insect and cultured meat industries. Full article

Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) regulates vascular tone and is composed of adipocytes and several leukocyte subpopulations. Diet can modify PVAT function, as obesogenic diets cause morphological changes to adipocytes and skew the leukocyte phenotype, leading to PVAT dysregulation and impaired vasoregulation. Of note, platelets, the clot-forming cells, also modulate many facets of leukocyte activity, such as tissue infiltration and polarity. We aimed to determine whether platelets regulate the leukocyte populations residing within PVAT. Male C57Bl/6J mice were fed a Western diet (30% kcal sucrose, 40% kcal fat, 8.0% sodium) to develop obesogenic conditions for PVAT leukocyte remodeling. Diet was either administered acutely (2 weeks) or extended (8 weeks) to gauge the length of challenge necessary for remodeling. Additionally, platelet depletion allowed for the assessment of platelet relevance in PVAT leukocyte remodeling. Abdominal PVAT (aPVAT) and thoracic PVAT (tPVAT) were then isolated and leukocyte composition evaluated by flow cytometry. Compared to control, Western diet alone did not significantly impact PVAT leukocyte composition for either diet length. Platelet depletion, independent of diet, significantly disrupted PVAT leukocyte content with monocytes/macrophages most impacted. Furthermore, tPVAT appeared more sensitive to platelet depletion than aPVAT, providing novel evidence of platelet regulation of leukocyte composition within PVAT depots. Full article

Background: Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell conditioned medium (ASC-CM) improved the viability and wound closure of human tenocytes (HTCN) exposed to high glucose (HG) by activating the transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) pathway. Objectives: Since ASC-CM can also modulate microRNAs (miRNAs) in recipient cells, this study investigated the effects of ASC-CM on the miRNAs regulating tendon repair (miR-29a-3p, miR-210-3p and miR-21-5p) in HG-HTNC. Methods: ASC-CM was obtained by ASCs isolated from the abdominal fat tissue of seven non-diabetic patients. HTNC were cultured in HG for 20 days, then scratched and exposed for 24 h to ASC-CM. qRT-PCR and ELISAs assessed miRNA and target levels. Results: HG-HTNC exhibited a significant downregulation of miRNAs. ASC-CM restored the levels of miRNAs and their related targets involved in tendon repair. Conclusions: The epigenetic modulation observed in HG-HTNC exposed to ASC-CM could be an innovative option in the management of diabetic tendinopathy. Full article

This experiment evaluated the effects of including buriti oil (BO) in the diet of broilers on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass yield, meat quality, blood parameters, intestinal morphometry, the proliferation of collagen fibers in the skin and collagen concentration in the breast muscle. A total of 180 one-day-old Ross male chicks were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design with three treatments (0%, 1% and 2% BO) and six replications of 10 birds each. Nutrient digestibility was evaluated from 8 to 21 days, while the performance, carcass yield, meat cut yields, abdominal fat, meat quality, blood parameters, intestinal morphometry and skin histology of the birds were evaluated after 21 days. The inclusion of BO significantly affected (p ≤ 0.05) performance, digestibility, meat color, lymphocyte count, duodenal morphometry and collagen concentration. In addition, it increased the metabolizable energy of the diet and reduced the birds’ performance, indicating that the nutraceutical effect of BO improved nutrient use. However, it caused an excess of energy that had to be metabolized by the birds, consequently affecting their performance. BO increased the pigmentation of the breast meat and reduced the lymphocyte count, probably due to its antimicrobial action, consequently decreasing the recruitment of defense cells. An increase in the height of the crypt of the duodenum was observed as the inclusion of BO increased, with the opposite being observed in the jejunum. The inclusion of BO increased the histological proliferation of collagen from minimal (0%) to medium (1%) and moderate (2%), as well as the collagen concentration (CC = 35.933 + 4.677BO; R² = 0.80). Thus, due to functional/nutraceutical effects, adding BO in the diet of broilers can be a promising alternative to antibiotic growth promoters to improve poultry production. Full article

Background/Objective: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is characterized by abdominal obesity, increased blood pressure (BP), fasting blood glucose (FBG) and triglyceride levels, and reduced high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of the Wharton’s jelly mesenchymal stem cells (WJMSCs)-derived small extracellular vesicles’ (sEVs) preparations in managing MetS. Method: Twenty-four rats were fed with a high-fat and high-fructose diet to induce MetS for 16 weeks and randomized into three groups (n = 8/group): a MetS Control group treated with normal saline, MetS Low Dose (LD) group treated with a LD of sEVs preparations (3 × 10⁹ particle/rat), and MetS High Dose (HD) group treated with a HD of sEVs preparations (9 × 10⁹ particles/rat). The Control Non-Disease (ND) group was given a standard rat diet and autoclaved tap water with normal saline as treatment. Treatments were given via intravenous injection every three weeks for twelve weeks. Rats were assessed every six weeks for physical measurements, FBG, lipid profiles, CRP, leptin, adiponectin, and BP. Necropsy evaluation was performed on the lungs, liver, spleen, and kidney. Results: Significant reductions in FBG, triglycerides, BP, and increased HDL levels were observed in the treated groups compared to the control group. However, significant abdominal circumference (AC) improvement was not observed in the treated groups. Non-significant associations were found between fasting CRP, leptin, and adiponectin levels with MetS rats after treatment. In addition, sEVs preparations improved inflammation and hemorrhage in the lung and mineralisation in the renal of the treated group. Conclusions: Human fetal WJMSCs-derived sEVs preparations improve all the clusters of MetS in rats except AC and could be further explored as a treatment for MetS. Full article

Background: Endometrial cancer is strongly associated with obesity, and tumors often harbor mutations in major cancer signaling pathways. To inform the integration of body composition into targeted therapy paradigms, this hypothesis-generating study explores the association between muscle mass, body fat, and tumor proteomics. Methods: We analyzed data from 113 patients in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Cancer Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium (CPTAC) cohorts and their corresponding abdominal CT scans. Among these patients, tumor proteomics data were available for 45 patients, and 133 proteins were analyzed. Adiposity and muscle components were assessed at the L3 vertebral level on the CT scans. Patients were stratified into tertiles of muscle and fat mass and categorized into three groups: high muscle/low adiposity, high muscle/high adiposity, and low muscle/all adiposities. Linear and Cox regression models were adjusted for study cohort, stage, histology type, age, race, and ethnicity. Results: Compared with the high-muscle/low-adiposity group, both the high-muscle/high-adiposity (HR = 4.3, 95% CI = 1.0–29.0) and low-muscle (HR = 4.4, 95% CI = 1.3–14.9) groups experienced higher mortality. Low muscle was associated with higher expression of phospho-4EBP1(T37 and S65), phospho-GYS(S641) and phospho-MAPK(T202/Y204) but lower expression of ARID1A, CHK2, SYK, LCK, EEF2, CYCLIN B1, and FOXO3A. High muscle/high adiposity was associated with higher expression of phospho-4EBP1 (T37), phospho-GYS (S641), CHK1, PEA15, SMAD3, BAX, DJ1, GYS, PKM2, COMPLEX II Subunit 30, and phospho-P70S6K (T389) but with lower expression of CHK2, CRAF, MSH6, TUBERIN, PR, ERK2, beta-CATENIN, AKT, and S6. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate an association between body composition and proteins involved in key cancer signaling pathways, notably the PI3K/AKT/MTOR, MAPK/ERK, cell cycle regulation, DNA damage response, and mismatch repair pathways. These findings warrant further validation and assessment in relation to prognosis and outcomes in these patients. Full article

Background: Obesity is a risk factor for developing cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) by impairing normal vascular function. Natural products are gaining momentum in the clinical setting due to their high efficacy and low toxicity. Caralluma fimbriata extract (CFE) has been shown to control appetite and promote weight loss; however, its effect on vascular function remains poorly understood. This study aimed to determine the effect that CFE had on weight loss and vascular function in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) to induce obesity, comparing this effect to that of lorcaserin (LOR) (an anti-obesity pharmaceutical) treatment. Methods: C57BL/6J male mice (n = 80) were fed a 16-week HFD to induce obesity prior to being treated with CFE and LOR as standalone treatments or in conjunction. Body composition data, such as weight gain and fat mass content were measured, isometric tension analyses were performed on isolated abdominal aortic rings to determine relaxation responses to acetylcholine, and immunohistochemistry studies were utilized to determine the expression profiles on endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and cell stress markers (nitrotyrosine (NT) and 78 kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78)) in the endothelial, medial and adventitial layers of aortic rings. Results: The results demonstrated that CFE and CFE + LOR treatments significantly reduced weight gain (17%; 24%) and fat mass deposition (14%; 16%). A HFD markedly reduced acetylcholine-mediated relaxation (p < 0.05, p < 0.0001) and eNOS expression (p < 0.0001, p < 0.01) and significantly increased NT (p < 0.05, p < 0.0001) and GRP78 (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p < 0.001). Obese mice treated with CFE exhibited significantly improved ACh-induced relaxation responses, increased eNOS (p < 0.05, p < 0.01) and reduced NT (p < 0.01) and GRP78 (p < 0.05, p < 0.01) expression. Conclusions: Thus, CFE alone or in combination with LOR could serve as an alternative strategy for preventing obesity-related cardiovascular diseases. Full article

Summary: Anti PD1/PD-L1 agents, including pembrolizumab, have revolutionized the oncological treatment of different types of cancer, including non-small cell lung cancer. The most frequent complications associated with this type of treatment are mild and are located at the thyroid, pulmonary or hepatic level. Sarcoid like reaction and mesenteric panniculitis secondary to pembrolizumab treatment are two very rare adverse effects. We present the case of a patient with these complications. Purpose: the treatment of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer has undergone a major change in the last 10 years, largely due to the advent of immunotherapy. Anti PD1 agents such as pembrolizumab have increased the median survival of these patients from 13 to 26 months. Most frequent immunorelated side effects are hypothyroidism, pneumonitis or elevated liver enzymes. However, there are other adverse effects, including sarcoid-like reaction and mesenteric panniculitis, which should be known by the professionals involved in the diagnosis and treatment of this type of patient. We present the case of a 62-year-old man with a history of unresectable and non-irradiable stage IIIB epidermoid lung carcinoma with a PD-L1 expression of 30% in whom pembrolizumab was discontinued after 4 cycles due to immunorelated arthritis. One year later he consulted for severe abdominal pain. A PET-CT scan was performed, showing hilar lymphadenopathy and inflammation of abdominal mesenteric fat. A biopsy of lesions in both areas showed non-necrotizing granulomatous lymphadenitis in hilar adenopathy and patchy fibrosis of mesenteric fat. The picture was classified as sarcoidosis-like reaction and mesenteric panniculitis secondary to pembrolizumab. Anti-PD1 agents cause hyperactivation of the immune system through T-cell proliferation. Sarcoid-like reaction is a very rare complication that can mask progressive tumor disease. Awareness of immunorelated complications by oncologists, internists, and radiologists is important for an appropriate diagnostic approach and targeted test ordering. Full article

The objective of the present research was the examination of how varying proportions of an acorn diet affects the deposition of subcutaneous fat and the composition of fatty acids (FAs) in Yuxi black pigs. Ninety pigs (with a balanced sex ratio and a similar weight 99.60 ± 2.32 kg) were stochastically assigned to the control group (CON) and the dietary acorn experimental groups (AEG). The CON was fed basal diets and the AEG1, AEG2, AEG3, and AEG4 groups were provided with dietary regimens comprising twenty, thirty, forty, and fifty per cent acorns, respectively. Each group consisted of six pigs, with three replicates. The breeding cycle was four months. The results demonstrated that, in comparison with the CON group, the lean meat rate was significantly increased in all test groups (p < 0.05), while in backfat thickness, loin eye area, carcass weight and slaughter rate was no significant difference (p > 0.05). The serum TC/HDL (total cholesterol divided by high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol) and TG/HDL (Triglyceride divided by high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol) levels in the AEG1 and AEG2 groups were significantly lower than the CON group (p < 0.05). There was no significant effect on the composition of FAs (p > 0.05). The number of fat cells in subcutaneous back fat and subcutaneous abdominal fat was significantly increased, and the area of fat cells was decreased (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the levels of ATGL and HSL expression in the subcutaneous back fat, as well as ACC, FAS, ATGL, PPARγ, and HSL expression in the subcutaneous abdominal fat, were significantly increased in the AEG2 group compared to the CON group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the expression of ACC, FAS, FABP4, PPARγ, C/EBPα, and FAS/HSL in the subcutaneous back fat, as well as FABP4, C/EBPα, and FAS/HSL in the subcutaneous abdominal fat, were significantly lower in the AEG2 group compared to the CON group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, it has been found that a 30% acorn diet can inhibit subcutaneous fat deposition and enhance the nutritional value of pork and the health of Yuxi black pigs. Full article