RAGE Knockout Mitigates Diet-Induced Obesity and Metabolic Disruption.

The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGEs) has been implicated in obesity and metabolic dysfunction. However, its precise role in diet-induced obesity remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the metabolic consequences of RAGE knockout (RAGE KO) in mice subjected to a Western diet (WD).

Reversing Preeclampsia Pathology: AXL Inhibition Restores Mitochondrial Function and ECM Balance.

Preeclampsia (PE) is a leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity that affects 2-8% of pregnancies worldwide, driven by placental dysfunction and systemic inflammation. Growth arrest-specific protein 6 (Gas6) and its receptor AXL play pivotal roles in PE pathogenesis, promoting trophoblast impairment and vascular dysregulation. This study investigated the transcriptomic reversal effects of AXL Receptor Tyrosine Kinase (AXL) inhibition in a Gas6-induced rat model of PE using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq).

Impact of Secondhand Smoke and E-Cigarette Exposure on Placental Apoptotic and Growth-Regulatory Proteins in Mouse Pregnancy.

Apoptosis is critical in placental development, and its dysregulation is linked to pregnancy complications such as intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and preeclampsia (PE). Environmental exposures, particularly secondhand smoke (SHS) and e-cigarettes (eCigs), may contribute to placental dysfunction through apoptotic pathways. This study examined the effects of SHS and eCig exposure on placental apoptosis and growth-regulatory proteins in a murine model.

Differential Regulation of PKM2, AMPK, and mTOR in Response to Insulin and Dietary Management.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) affects placental metabolism, influencing both maternal and fetal outcomes. This study investigated the expression of metabolic regulators-Pyruvate Kinase M2 (PKM2), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and mTOR pathway components-in placental tissues from GDM pregnancies managed with either insulin (GDM-I) or dietary interventions (GDM-D). We hypothesize that metabolic adaptation in GDM is differentially regulated by treatment modality.

Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM)-Induced Metabolic Disruption in Mice Is Mitigated by Sodium Copper Chlorophyllin (SCC).

Background/objectives: The increasing prevalence of metabolic disorders underscores the need for effective interventions to mitigate environmental stressors such as diesel particulate matter (DPM), a major urban air pollutant. DPM is composed of fine carbonaceous particles that can induce systemic inflammation. This phenomenon results in metabolic dysfunction such as adipocyte hypertrophy, insulin resistance, and mitochondrial impairment in body tissues.

The Incretin Effect of Yerba Maté () Is Partially Dependent on Gut-Mediated Metabolism of Ferulic Acid.

Background/objectives: Yerba maté (YM), a traditional herbal beverage made from , contains bioactive compounds like polyphenols and alkaloids known for their metabolic benefits. This study investigates YM's incretin effects, focusing on glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP). : Male and female C57BL/6 mice were supplemented with YM for four weeks.

Transcriptomic Insights into Gas6-Induced Placental Dysfunction: Gene Targets for Preeclampsia Therapy.

Preeclampsia (PE) is a complex pregnancy-specific disorder characterized by hypertension, proteinuria, and systemic inflammation, posing significant risks to maternal and fetal health. This study investigates the role of growth arrest-specific protein 6 (Gas6) in PE pathogenesis using a rat model. Gas6 administration induces hallmark PE features, including hypertension, proteinuria, and significant alterations in placental gene expression.

The Role of Beta-Hydroxybutyrate in Mitigating the Inflammatory and Metabolic Consequences of Uric Acid.

Uric acid (UA), a metabolite of purine and fructose metabolism, is linked to inflammation and metabolic disorders, including gout and cardiovascular disease. Its pro-inflammatory effects are largely driven by the activation of the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, leading to increased cytokine production. Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), a ketone produced during fasting or carbohydrate restriction, has been shown to reduce inflammation.

Temporal RAGE Over-Expression Disrupts Lung Development by Modulating Apoptotic Signaling.

Receptors for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) are multiligand cell surface receptors found most abundantly in lung tissue. This study sought to evaluate the role of RAGE in lung development by using a transgenic (TG) mouse model that spatially and temporally controlled RAGE overexpression. Histological imaging revealed that RAGE upregulation from embryonic day (E) 15.

Evolving trends in neuropsychological profiles of post COVID-19 condition: A 1-year follow-up in individuals with cognitive complaints.

Cognitive difficulties are reported as lasting sequelae within post COVID-19 condition. However, the chronicity of these difficulties and related factors of fatigue, mood, and perceived health have yet to be fully determined. To address this, the current longitudinal study aimed to clarify the trends of cognitive test performance and cognitive domain impairment following COVID-19 onset, and whether hospitalization influences outcomes.

Differential Rates of Glycation Following Exposure to Unique Monosaccharides.

A complication of reducing sugars is that they can undergo Maillard chemical reactions, forming advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) that can induce oxidative stress and inflammation via engagements with the main receptor for AGEs (RAGE) in various tissues. Certain sugars, such as glucose and fructose, are well known to cause AGE formation. Recently, allulose has emerged as a rare natural sugar that is an epimer of fructose and which is of low caloric content that is minimally metabolized, leading to it being introduced as a low-calorie sugar alternative.

The Metabolic and Endocrine Effects of a 12-Week Allulose-Rich Diet.

The global rise in type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity necessitates innovative dietary interventions. This study investigates the effects of allulose, a rare sugar shown to reduce blood glucose, in a rat model of diet-induced obesity and T2D. Over 12 weeks, we hypothesized that allulose supplementation would improve body weight, insulin sensitivity, and glycemic control.

Different Lengths of Gestational Exposure to Secondhand Smoke or e-Cigarette Vapor Induce the Development of Placental Disease Symptoms.

Exposure to cigarette smoke is known to induce disease during pregnancy. Recent evidence showed that exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) negatively impacts fetal and placental weights, leading to the development of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Electronic cigarettes (eCigs) represent a phenomenon that has recently emerged, and their use is also steadily rising.

Differential Inflammatory Cytokine Elaboration in Serum from Brick Kiln Workers in Bhaktapur, Nepal.

Previous studies involving workers at brick kilns in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal have investigated chronic exposure to hazardous levels of fine particulate matter (PM) common in ambient and occupational environments. Such exposures are known to cause and/or exacerbate chronic respiratory diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. However, there is a paucity of data regarding the status of systemic inflammation observed in exposed workers at brick manufacturing facilities within the country.

Availability of Receptors for Advanced Glycation End-Products (RAGE) Influences Differential Transcriptome Expression in Lungs from Mice Exposed to Chronic Secondhand Smoke (SHS).

The receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) has a central function in orchestrating inflammatory responses in multiple disease states including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). RAGE is a transmembrane pattern recognition receptor with particular interest in lung disease due to its naturally abundant pulmonary expression. Our previous research demonstrated an inflammatory role for RAGE following acute exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS).

The Effect of Diesel Exhaust Particles on Adipose Tissue Mitochondrial Function and Inflammatory Status.

Air pollution poses a significant global health risk, with fine particulate matter (PM) such as diesel exhaust particles (DEPs) being of particular concern due to their potential to drive systemic toxicities through bloodstream infiltration. The association between PM exposure and an increased prevalence of metabolic disorders, including obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), is evident against a backdrop of rising global obesity and poor metabolic health. This paper examines the role of adipose tissue in mediating the effects of PM on metabolic health.

Respirable dust and crystalline silica concentrations among workers at a brick kiln in Bhaktapur, Nepal.

Exposure to respirable dust and crystalline silica (SiO) has been linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, silicosis, cancer, heart disease, and other respiratory diseases. Relatively few studies have measured respirable dust and SiO concentrations among workers at brick kilns in low- and middle-income countries. The purpose of this study was to measure personal breathing zone (PBZ) respirable dust and SiO concentrations among workers at one brick kiln in Bhaktapur, Nepal.

A Potential Role for the Receptor for Advanced Glycation End-Products (RAGE) in the Development of Secondhand Smoke-Induced Chronic Sinusitis.

Chronic sinusitis (CS) is characterized by sinonasal inflammation, mucus overproduction, and edematous mucosal tissue. CS impacts one in seven adults and estimates suggest up to 15% of the general U.S.

Inflammatory Cytokine Elaboration Following Secondhand Smoke (SHS) Exposure Is Mediated in Part by RAGE Signaling.

The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is a key contributor to immune and inflammatory responses in myriad diseases. RAGE is a transmembrane pattern recognition receptor with a special interest in pulmonary anomalies due to its naturally abundant pulmonary expression. Our previous studies demonstrated an inflammatory role for RAGE following acute 30-day exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS), wherein immune cell diapedesis and cytokine/chemokine secretion were accentuated in part via RAGE signaling.

Decreased Expression of Pulmonary Homeobox NKX2.1 and Surfactant Protein C in Developing Lungs That Over-Express Receptors for Advanced Glycation End-Products (RAGE).

Receptors for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) are multi-ligand cell surface receptors of the immunoglobin superfamily prominently expressed by lung epithelium. Previous experiments demonstrated that over-expression of RAGE by murine alveolar epithelium throughout embryonic development causes neonatal lethality coincident with significant lung hypoplasia. In the current study, we evaluated the expression of NKX2.

Altered Epigenetic Profiles in the Placenta of Preeclamptic and Intrauterine Growth Restriction Patients.

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and preeclampsia (PE) are placental pathologies known to complicate pregnancy and cause neonatal disorders. To date, there is a limited number of studies on the genetic similarity of these conditions. DNA methylation is a heritable epigenetic process that can regulate placental development.

Decreased CSTB, RAGE, and Axl Receptor Are Associated with Zika Infection in the Human Placenta.

Zika virus (ZIKV) compromises placental integrity, infecting the fetus. However, the mechanisms associated with ZIKV penetration into the placenta leading to fetal infection are unknown. Cystatin B (CSTB), the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), and tyrosine-protein kinase receptor UFO (AXL) have been implicated in ZIKV infection and inflammation.

Inflammation and Invasion in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells Exposed to Electronic Cigarette Vapor Extract.

Electronic cigarettes (eCig) represent a new avenue of tobacco exposure that involves heating oil-based liquids and the delivery of aerosolized flavors with or without nicotine, yet little is known about their overall health impact. The oral cavity is an anatomic gateway for exposure that can be compromised by activating myriad of signaling networks. Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSSC) is a common malignancy affecting 30,000 people in the United States each year.

Post-COVID-19 fatigue: the contribution of cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms.

Fatigue in its many forms of physical, mental, and psychosocial exhaustion is a common symptom of post-COVID-19 condition, also known as "Long COVID." Persistent fatigue in COVID-19 patients is frequently accompanied by cognitive dysfunction and neuropsychiatric symptoms; however, less is known about the relationships between these components of post-COVID-19 condition and fatigue itself. Consequently, the present study sought to (1) distinguish the types of fatigue experienced by participants, and (2) investigate whether cognitive deficits across various domains and neuropsychiatric conditions predicted these different types of fatigue.

RAGE signaling during tobacco smoke-induced lung inflammation and potential therapeutic utility of SAGEs.

Background: Smoke exposure culminates as a progressive lung complication involving airway inflammation and remodeling. While primary smoke poses the greatest risk, nearly half of the US population is also at risk due to exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS).

Methods: We used WT, RAGE-/- (KO), and Tet-inducible lung-specific RAGE overexpressing transgenic (TG) mice to study the role of RAGE during short-term responses to SHS.