Search results for "Cell function"

Cardiac Nonmyocyte Cell Functions and Crosstalks in Response to Cardiotoxic Drugs

2017

The discovery of the molecular mechanisms involved in the cardiac responses to anticancer drugs represents the current goal of cardio-oncology research. The oxidative stress has a pivotal role in cardiotoxic responses, affecting the function of all types of cardiac cells, and their functional crosstalks. Generally, cardiomyocytes are the main target of research studies on cardiotoxicity, but recently the contribution of the other nonmyocyte cardiac cells is becoming of growing interest. This review deals with the role of oxidative stress, induced by anticancer drugs, in cardiac nonmyocyte cells (fibroblasts, vascular cells, and immune cells). The alterations of functional interplays among t…

Strategic Syntheses of Vine and Wine Resveratrol Derivatives to Explore their Effects on Cell Functions and Dysfunctions

2018

Trans-resveratrol, the most well-known polyphenolic stilbenoid, is found in grapes and accordingly in wine and it is considered to be beneficial for human health, especially towards the aging-linked cell alterations by providing numerous biological activities, such as anti-oxidant, antitumoral, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and platelet anti-aggregation properties. Although trans-resveratrol is a promising molecule, it cannot be considered as a drug, due to its weak bio-availability and fast metabolism. To overcome these weaknesses, several research teams have undertaken the synthesis of innovative trans-resveratrol derivatives, with the aim to increase its solubility in wa…

Genetic and Epigenetic Modulation of Cell Functions by Physical Exercise

2019

Since ancient times, the importance of physical activity (PA) and of a wholesome diet for human health has been clearly recognized. However, only recently, it has been acknowledged that PA can reverse at least some of the unwanted effects of a sedentary lifestyle, contributing to the treatment of pathologies such as hypertension and diabetes, to the delay of aging and neurodegeneration, and even to the improvement of immunity and cognitive processes. At the same time, the cellular and molecular bases of these effects are beginning to be uncovered. The original research articles and reviews published in this Special Issue on “Genetic and Epigenetic Modulation of Cell Functions by Physical Ex…

Aequorin-expressing yeast emits light under electric control

2011

In this study, we show the use of direct external electrical stimulation of a jellyfish luminescent calcium-activated protein, aequorin, expressed in a transgenic yeast strain. Yeast cultures were electrically stimulated through two electrodes coupled to a standard power generator. Even low (1.5. V) electric pulses triggered a rapid light peak and serial light pulses were obtained after electric pulses were applied periodically, suggesting that the system is re-enacted after a short refraction time. These results open up a new scenario, in the very interphase between synthetic biology and cybernetics, in which complex cellular behavior might be subjected to electrical control.

Biochemical composition of muscle extracellular matrix: the effect of loading

2000

Collagen plays an important role in skeletal muscle both during muscle differentiation and normal muscle growth, and also serves a role as a supportive structure. It is the most abundant protein of the extracellular matrix and of the 19 distinct collagen types, types I, III, IV and V are the dominating ones in skeletal muscle. Both collagen synthesis as well as degradation is influenced by either physical loading or immobilization in skeletal muscle, and recent methods have allowed for greater understanding of the posttranslational processing of collagen.

Metabolic syndrome in the offspring of centenarians: focus on prevalence, components, and adipokines

2013

With aging, an increased prevalence of a clustering of metabolic abnormalities has been observed. These abnormalities include obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and insulin resistance and are collectively known as metabolic syndrome (MetS), a low-grade, systemic, inflammatory condition associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other adverse health outcomes. A number of studies have demonstrated that centenarians’ offspring have a significant survival advantage and a lower risk of developing the most important age-related diseases. They therefore represent one of the best models with which to study the familiar component of human longevity. The aim of this …

Liver and pancreatic fat content and metabolism in healthy monozygotic twins with discordant physical activity

2011

Background & Aims: Ectopic fat in muscle and liver is linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes. Recently, pancreatic lipid accumulation has also been associated with beta-cell dysfunction and reduced insulin production, leading to the development of type 2 diabetes. Physical exercise training has been shown to attenuate beta-cell dysfunction in patients, but little is known about its effects on pancreatic and hepatic fat accumulation. In this study, we validated in-vivo proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H MRS) in pancreatic fat measurement with biochemical measurements in a pig model. Thereafter, the effects of increased physical activity on the amounts of pancreatic and liver fat…

Single-centre, triple-blinded, randomised, 1-year, parallel-group, superiority study to compare the effects of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve ga…

2019

IntroductionBariatric surgery is increasingly recognised as an effective treatment option for subjects with type 2 diabetes and obesity; however, there is no conclusive evidence on the superiority of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy. The Oseberg study was designed to compare the effects of gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy on remission of type 2 diabetes and β-cell function.Methods and analysisSingle-centre, randomised, triple-blinded, two-armed superiority trial carried out at the Morbid Obesity Centre at Vestfold Hospital Trust in Norway. Eligible patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to either gastric bypass or sleeve gastrecto…

Potential Effects of Dietary Vitamin E in Laboratory Animal Diets on Results Obtained in Models of Disease

1998

This chapter will demonstrate the importance of vitamin E dietary supplements on cell functions, on different biomedical systems, and on diverse pathophysiological conditions, with special emphasis being placed on cardiovascular pathophysiology. These effects are presented as a rationale for the use of vitamin E supplements in diets of farm animals, pets, and also of laboratory animals. The latter point gives reason for considerable problems, which are discussed in the last chapter of this article.

2015

Regulatory T cells (Treg) control immune cell function as well as non-immunological processes. Their far-reaching regulatory activities suggest their functional manipulation as a means to sustainably and causally intervene with the course of diseases. Preclinical tools and strategies are however needed to further test and develop interventional strategies outside the human body. "Humanized" mouse models consisting of mice engrafted with human immune cells and tissues provide new tools to analyze human Treg ontogeny, immunobiology, and therapy. Here, we summarize the current state of humanized mouse models as a means to study human Treg function at the molecular level and to design strategie…